[Other Fanfic] Silence is Purple: The Red Storm Cloud That Ate Everything

[Palamon]

21: Natlan's Noxious Turmoil 1: Flames Spreading
"Back to Natlan
Again, Your Majesty? I'm not sure I truly
Comprehend this. The competition is over, isn't it? I don't
Know, is there about


To be another? Am I being thrown into
One more? I really do


Not know, to be honest I don't know
Anything to say either way.
Though, should I have to, it
Looks like I might soon be
Assimilated into
Natlan culture. Mmm, is that normal?


Ah, to be honest, I don't know.
Guess it isn't? Well,
Anyway, Your Majesty,
I have a lot of questions right
Now. So, let me start by asking


This: do you know about that red storm cloud? Well, alright,
Honestly. I don't think she
Even does not about it. The


Red Storm cloud, I feel like I'm
Especially the only one who
Does know. Does that feel like


Some sort of exaggeration?
To be honest, I suppose it does,
Okay, so I am
Really beginning to wonder if Her
Majesty does know. To be honest, I


Can't really see her truly knowing, should ask her? I
Likely should not.
Okay, so.
Ultimately, at present, I
Don't know how bad the


Storm cloud is
Though, I feel like I
Really should know at this point
In time, but I simply do not
Know, and that's
Especially the problem,
So, let me just


Assume it's pretty bad right now. I
Guess that's the truth
At the moment, but
I have no idea. I do
Not have any clue.


At least, for now, I should
Not focus on any of that, I
Don't think I should.


However, I would like to know
Outright: does Her Majesty know?
Not like I'm itching to know
Everything she is or isn't aware of.
So, I'll
Try to curb my curiosity. It's not
Like I truly care, and
Yet, I feel quite stuck


In the cycle of wanting to know


Ahead of time if she
Might know.


Not like it matters
Or anything, as I have already repeated
That time and time again.


So, I don't truly know
Uh, so anyway,
Right now, let me start by narrowing down the
Easy noes.


How about, the Agent? Ah.
Of course he doesn't know,
Why would he know about


The red storm cloud?
Of course he doesn't.


For the most part I don't
Even think he's aware. Why would he
Even be aware? It's not
Likely, at least I have


All my doubts lined up.
Because it just feels like he doesn't know
One single thing about it.
Ultimately, that's just how I feel about
That topic right now.


I guess it doesn't really matter.
To be perfectly honest,


I don't truly care if


He knows or doesn't.
At the end of the day, I
Very much know I'm not
Even a person to the agent let alone


Even considered a chimera. I'm
Literally just a tool, and
I'm nothing else
More. Just a tool to use.
I'm fully aware of that.
Nothing truly matters I
Am just a chess piece.
That's just how it is.
Eh, of well, that truly
Doesn't matter.


It truly doesn't matter
This doesn't mean anything


For that's how it's been for a
Rather long time. It's almost been
Over seven years, soon eight since
My complete and full removal from


Mondstadt. But, who is even counting?
Oh, well, I guess it does
Not matter anymore.
Does it? How
Should I know what
The Agent does
And doesn't know. I
Don't even know if he
Thinks for himself.


I don't know, I guess I have
No need to say
Anything about it. If I guess any further, I'll get
Zapped, I am
Ultimately certain on that.
Maybe I should just focus on the mission
At hand.


So, I need to
Ultimately tune all the things that don't
Matter.
Eh, so? I
Really don't know where to start, I
Ultimately don't know much


About the Red Storm cloud. I do
Not know anything about it. I need to investigate, but I
Don't know where to start.


For now, I should start with square
One, but I do
Not know where
To begin
At all right now.
I feel like I should have an idea, but I do
Not know.
Eh, even so it's


Best I at least try,
Ultimately, I need
To find out who might know.


It's a low priority,
Though, but


I do wish I knew.
So, for now, I


Supposed I really need
To focus on something else
I need to focus.
Let's turn the tides.
Let's not get myself too worked over


Literally nothing. Ah, what am
I saying? I'm
Not working myself up. I need to
Get that nonsense out of my head!
Eh, so, the
Red Storm cloud
Is it manmade?
Now, I'm really starting to believe it is. I
Guess that should be the


One thing I focus on right
Now, on the subject of whether


If the storm cloud is real or
Not. Or rather, a true phenomenon, and


Not manmade.
Ah, yeah,
That's what I meant. It's not
Like I can say either way
At the moment.
Now, if it's artificial.


I'm unsure what to do.


For now, I need to focus on
Everything I'm currently aware of
Everything I have figured out, so
Let's start with that, I guess. I don't


Know if this
Is true, in the long run, but I have
Noted people
Don't remember the red storm cloud


Or anything of the sort after removal.
For now, I'll just say I


Doubt people actually remember or are even aware.
I know some people are,
Some know, but
Those who do are
Ultimately, few and far in between. The
Red Storm cloud quite
Barely is known by anyone.
Eh, so what else
Do I know?


I guess? Something I


Would say it takes
On different forms in different
Nations. Alright, let's start with
The Nation of Freedom.


Eh, so. I believe, and this is
Very much speculation,
Every single form of food waste was
Necromanced and


Turned into a monster, ah,
Right, well,
You know?


That seems pretty ridiculous but it's true,
Okay? I am not making it up.


Look, that's what happened
I guess most people don't
Even realize that was happening, but


At the beginning there was a
Big outbreak of slimes,
Okay, actually, I
Ultimately don't know if
That's related to the red storm cloud.


I assume it wasn't and
The storm cloud


Had been dormant for awhile
Over in the
Nation of Freedom.
Eh, I guess the abyss
Started to intersect
There for a
Little while.
Yeah, I suppose


That has to be the case? I
Hardly know, though
I haven't been told anything regarding
Such a thing. Naofa has


Started to
Tell me more things.
Obviously to try and drag me into their
Revenge, but I will never
Make my way to join.


Come on, now, it's not
Like learning a thing
Or two about the world around me will
Unleash the revenge
Dopamine in my brain.


For now, let me just start by saying
If the
Abyss is involved in the
Storm Cloud, I don't know what I
Can do about that
Or anything.


If this is the abyss I
Shouldn't go in


Just charging if I
Ultimately have no idea.
So, I don't know about
The abyss I don't really


Gather that's
Especially the issue
That's causing
The red storm cloud to exist.
It's quite doubtful. I do
Not know, so I'm
Going to rule that one


Out completely. I don't think it is the case,
Unless it truly is. If it
Truly is the case that the abyss is taking


Over, and this is their
First try at doing so, I


Cannot say this is something they wouldn't do,
Obviously, because I do
Not know. I feel like I should,
Though, despite the fact it's a
Rather big head scratcher.
Of course, it's
Likely just artificial. I do


Not know
One way, or the other
What's true here,


And what's likely false. I do
Not know, I simply just
Don't have any clue


In the long


Run. Where do I
Even start? As I said, I don't have
Any clue where to even begin. It's not like I know, and it's not
Like I can
Likely determine such
Yet since I have yet to


Destroy this thing.
Of course, there's one thing I


Need to consider.
Of course, this is probably not all
That likely, but I


Know I have to consider this option right
Now, at this moment.
Of course, there's a possibility I
Will not remember


What happened when all of the chaos
Has been removed from
All seven nations, and perhaps beyond.
Though, I guess at this point,


It's a given I'm going to forget
Some major events I went through


Alone. I'm not saying I have a
Bad memory,
Or anything, but I
Ultimately know
There's small chunks of my past


That have completely gone away
Over in the scapes of my


Head. I, for example recall
A portion of the fire incident, but
Portions of the aftermath have completely
Poofed from my head
Everything is gone from the trenches of my head.
Not like I want


To remember what happened
Of course, why would I?


No one wants to remember
A major accident in
Their lives. In any case, it's
Likely this is something that'll
Also be wiped from my mind. I am
Not certain about it,


But I am feeling it's
Ultimately going
To be the case in


This situation, as
Hardly any of this
Is something that usually happens. Food waste monsters?
Not something that truly
Goes down in this world.
So, I'll probably think of it


As a dream down the
Road, or something
Especially ridiculous like that, and it


Just seems like how I'll
Ultimately remember all this as:
Some kind of long, malicious dream.
That's how I'll remember this


Gratuitous event, how it'll be collected into my brain.
Eh, or not collected into my brain?
To be honest, if I call
This all a dream,
It's unlikely it'll remain in my brain.
No, it'll be wiped out, it will
Get completely removed.


Perhaps, that's for the best,
Right? If I regard
Everything as nothing more
Than a malicious dream
That went on for too long.
Yes, that's probably how I should looks at it. One


Big bad dream, one large malicious dream.
Ah, no! This is not a
Dream. It's not a dream, it's


Not a dream!
Of course I'd act like it is.
Well, it is not, and it's time to get to work. Diligence is key."


Four days have passed since the hyena removed Inazuma from the red storm cloud up above. Nothing returning to normalcy in any sort of capacity, chaos kept unfolding itself over and over again in constant repeat. End of the road nowhere near reached, the chaos had only just gotten to the worst possible stages.


Ordered to return to Mondstadt for what felt like the thirtieth time, a major food waste crisis had taken over the nation triple fold, along with some other oddities. Multiple other peculiarities discovered along the way, the efforts to remove the Nation of Freedom from the shadow creature's influence took the effort of a mountain.


Fourth and final day involving training with the lynx chimera, less and less nations had been engulfed into the opaque being's influence. Learning nothing of interest on the battlegrounds, normalcy was almost ready to return in one fell swoop. But, such, however, did not occur, for any given reason. Everything breaking apart, the red storm cloud continued to eat everything.


The feast was about ready to devour the entire world today.


The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked with a bombastic echo. As the sirens continued their endless rampage for minutes on end, hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaned in a protest. The morning alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But, despite such complaints rumbling, every soldier remained loyal.


The racket of a hundred abyss mages screaming from the skies echoed throughout the walls of the military barracks. As the cacophony only continued to get worse, the groans returned for a second round. The world was burning, and the noise was a horrific grind to behold.


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never hearing any sort of alarm bells, the chimera added his own groan to the mix. When would this chaos ever end? The storm cloud still hadn't left Snezhnaya? How annoying.


Letting out an intense yawn, the soldier held back the urge to cover his head with his rock hard blanket. Was he dreaming still? Perhaps, just maybe, he was. But, the hyena shook his head. He didn't have time to sit around. He needed to ignore the noise outside, no matter what. Knowing that if he did not move, he would suffer dangerous freezing, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed.


As the hyena's uniform melted onto his partially human person, the soldier stared off towards the window. This problem, just how deep seeded could it possibly be? It was starting to get quite out of hand. Had the other nations not been the shadow creature's main focus at hand?


Gazing at the Abyss Mages raining down outside, the inquiries kept on going. Just what nation was the main focus of the enemy at large? The issues in Mondstadt seemed quite miniscule; the ones in Fontaine did not seem like they were even at the tip of the iceberg. Were they merely distractions from the main goal at hand?


But, the soldier shook his head. What did it matter if these nations weren't the focal point of the shadow creature's main line of focus? The storm clouds had left Mondstadt, Inazuma, Sumeru and Fontaine. It wasn't returning there. They were just distractions, surely.


Thoughts racing, the hyena walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. There was no way that was true. At any given moment, it would return, for sure, and everything would reverse back. Everything was in a loop, always circling, always repeating, never closing; never surrendering.


Inquiries within continuing onward, the soldier kept his circle about going. Gazing at the window once more as the rain of doom kept going, the chimera could not help but wonder. The red storm cloud, could it have been an artificial occurring phenomenon? He did not know why, but something about it felt quite off.


Looping back around towards the beginning of his elliptical, the inquires took a drastic turn towards the opposite direction, veering back towards the same point. The red storm cloud, who could have possibly created it, and why? For what reason was it made? Something about it felt familiar, but he did not know why. It had to have been his imagination, for certain.


Abyss Mages slamming onto the window, the questions had begun to loop around even further. The Abyss, could they have created the red storm cloud? But, the soldier shook his head in a rapid manner. Why in the world would that be the case, in any capacity. Why would the abyss have done this? There's no possible way. Absolutely not. If such had been, the mages would not be caught up in the spinning turmoil. He knew that. He needed to stop jumping to wild, nonexistent conclusions.


Pivoting, the early adult placed his hand on his chin. The red storm cloud, it had to have been created by someone, but who? Hail adding itself into the mix, a cracked oil bulb appeared over the hyena's head. Her Majesty, could she have done this? Could her pure anger have been unleashed upon all seven nations, and beyond?


But, the hyena popped such possibility with a bubble. No, that couldn't have possibly been it. There was no way. This was not quite like something she would do, for sure. This was at the hands of another, but who? Mind as blank as an amnesiac's brain, the soldier shrugged. Did it really matter who? He supposed it didn't.


Balls of hail slapping the window, the early adult let out a scream. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he's taking way too much time getting ready. Pushing the thoughts away, the chimera turned his attention back towards his uniform drawers. No more thinking about nonsense.


Removing the cover off his jewelry and accessory box, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching Windwheel Asters in his hair and ears, the hyena stared off into space. Should he finally make use of the sharpened end of his prized possessions and use them as an offensive unit?


The hyena threw such thoughts out the window, in an instant. No, of course he shouldn't go through with such. He should not have made his prized possessions into weapons, in the first place. Letting out a sigh, the early adult gazed at the rest of his jewelry and accessories seated in the box. Why did he do this? He should have never asked for it.


Closing the cover upon the box, the early adult placed his two index fingers into a cross shape. What did any of that matter now? What's done is done. He cannot go back in the past and erase what he did. It was his fault to begin with for giving into the violent thoughts. There was no going back. Time could never move backward.


Sea of thoughts continuing to bleed, the soldier hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants. Gazing at it, he could not help but wonder. Why did the Gods deem him worthy of a Vision? He did not quite understand. He was not all that powerful. And, his desires and passions weren't any stronger than that of a normal human, for sure.


But, the chimera shrugged. He was deemed worthy, and that's just how it was. Questioning such was not a good idea, for sure. Throwing the questions out, the hyena stared at the Geo Delusion. Has the time come to finally use this sinister thing? Backing away from it, the early adult turned off towards the opposite direction. The object was out of sight, out of mind.


Hearing hail hit the window again, the hyena let out a series of barks at the icy orbs of thunder. No, Her Majesty, he wasn't going to use her gift, she can forget it. She could make her presence known all she wishes, but such wasn't happening, no matter what. Racket only continuing, his growls continued.


Sighing, the early adult tried with all his might to not pull out strands of his hair. This was getting quite annoying. Putting his foot down, the soldier would not budge. Gazing at the window, the question repeated itself one final time. Did Her Majesty create this red storm cloud? He was starting to believe that maybe that could have been the case after all.


Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the early adult turned his attention towards the paned glass one final time. Just how much more time before the red storm cloud eats everything? The remaining nations had it worse with the turmoil it was beginning to unfold, for sure. What could be done about such?


Feeling a chill down his spine, the hyena could not help but ponder. The red storm cloud, was it getting worse the less places it currently resided in? But, the chimera threw such dart away. That did not seem quite likely. Dragging himself towards the window, the hyena gazed at the force up above. Where could the heart of the problem possibly be? Shrugging, he turned around. How should he know?


But the inquiries kept themselves going. The heart of the problem, was it Natlan, was it Snezhnaya? He had no idea. Perhaps it was neither. He needed to stop thinking about this nonsense. Did it truly matter where the problem lied? Perhaps it didn't. All that mattered was putting an end to this. He knew that. Nothing else mattered, guaranteed.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the soldier flinched. Time was up already? How was this possible? Heart beating faster as the seconds unraveled, the early adult performed his breathing exercises. Beat dissipating into normalcy, he turned his attention towards the door. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. It was time for this workday of anything to begin.


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out in an annoyed tone. "What's your problem now? Whatever it might be, get over it this instant!" What could possibly be on his subordinate's mind besides work? The Agent couldn't fathom it.


Shouts coming his way, the early adult's heart skipped more than two beats. Right, what was he doing letting his thoughts eat away at him. He was on the nonexistent clock right now. He didn't have time to think about anything else, for sure. Bowing an apology, he turned back towards the Agent.


"In any case, soldier, you will be assisting Natlan with removing a large crisis in the area," the Agent said. As he ordered such, he slapped a series of cloths over his knees. "Change into your Natlan uniform. Quickly now! Do not keep Her Majesty waiting!"


Scantily clad outfit plopped into his hands, the early adult groaned. Why even bother at this point attempting to hide his identity as a member of the Fatui? They probably already knew, what point was there in going to any length to try and hide it? Hideous chest scars on full display, the chimera tried to keep his head up. No one was going to look. He was invisible, he was nothing; a phantom. Vision moved off to his backside, he took another breath.


"I am ready, sir," the hyena responded autonomously.


"Good, soldier," the Agent responded. "You will need to find someone to assist you. None of the backup soldiers were interested in this mission." As he said such, a satchel had been slapped onto his backside. "Find anyone. It does not matter who."


Agent soon leaving, the chimera stared off into space. Breaking into a deep shiver, the soldier turned his head off towards the right and left. Who could he ask to help him? Aega, Loba? But, the hyena shook his head. No, he shouldn't inconvenience himself by asking them. He needed to find someone else.


Shrugging, the usual names repeated in his head. Maybe he should just ask Rashmi, like always. She was investigating matters in the Nation of War, wasn't she? Options limited, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Petrichor waypoint highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes as the fast travel began.


Natlan is getting worse, isn't it?


***


"Now, one has quite
A surmountable collection of questions at
This moment in time. One, what is causing this
Ludicrous series of events to occur? Two,
Are they related to the abyss? Three, does one
Need to destroy the being inside the storm front for this


Incident? One
Should not care about Natlan anymore, one has left the nation behind. But


Guess one can't stray far from home for all
Eternity. Even
Though one left, and created
This pact, one has come to a realization that the gods
In between the past and
Now are different, one does not
Gather how things might have changed. But,


We did not feel accepted then.
One does not feel accepted now. One
Rather not return to Natlan for the foreseeable future, but it
Seems Fatuus keeps needing one's services.
Even though one would much rather refuse, one will


Not. But, once this issue within Natlan is cleared up,
One will no longer lend a hand. One
Will renew the pact


And never return to
Natlan. One was very clear when one
Does not wish to return


There evermore, but one's claws
Have been tied.
It has been twisted out of control,
Natlan has begun to break apart, one
Gathers the collapse has
Started. While, one is doubtful the collapse


Has truly started, it has
All begun to unravel at a rapid rate. One is rather
Vapid on this subject. One is not quite
Enthused about this, the threads are


Rumbling out of control,
Every single one has snapped
At the center, one
Cannot simply
Help but feel the
End is likely near. One
Does not know who might know this


Bit of information. While one is not
Even sure if this theory holds weight, one has
Yet to hear anyone prove the contrary.
One heard this in one's youth.
Now, one
Does not know if


This theory is still true,
However, one knows not
Everything. One is not all encompassing of knowledge.


Though, one supposes
It's just a theory, but
Perhaps the sky is fake. One does not believe such is
Plausible. But, every day lately,
It feels as though that is
Not farfetched as it seems anymore. One
Gathers the storm is a way to expose such


Point. One knows the sky
Over Teyvat is not real, one one suspects
It is fake. One has seen the cracks in
Natlan before, but one has never questioned
That prior. But,


Now one can no longer deny the possibility
Of the false sky. One struggles
With coming to a conclusion that


One should have
Never doubted it.
Every day, the false sky theory


Has begun to feel more believable,
And, one has
Started to see the peak of such is in


Natlan. However,
One is willing to be proven wrong.


It could be a false sky,
No one
Knows, one has
Lived in an abandoned castle for centuries now
It could have changed. One does
Not have knowledge on if that has
Gone and changed. One


Has hardly figured
Out if the theory
Was true. It has been half of a


Thousand years since one
Had lived in Natlan full time
It matters not, but the
Storm rages on, so one cannot


Bring oneself like it was not
Ever true, this
Could be the world's way of trying to correct the problem,
And one
Must not rule out the possibility.
Everyone has different points


As to why the storm might exist,
Noce just says the opposite of what one thinks,


It is quite annoying, Noce despises one,
So Noce's point of polar opposite
Should be discarded.
Unlike thon, one is taking this problem seriously.
Everyone else's points feel


Bare thin. Malati seem to think that, like the fake sky the cloud is an
Unreal creation from someone or something. One does not
Think so. How could something


Of this scale be an artificial creation? One does
Not think so.
Even though the


Sky is fake, that
Is the factor that one will
Make very clear, but
Pointing to the cloud itself, one
Likely does not believe such a force could have been artificially created, and
Yet, one supposes one


Cannot rule out the probability.
Another theory brought up that one does
Not believe at all is this is a punishment from the divine. But, one does
Not see how this point makes an
Ounce of sense.
That point was completely made up,


It cannot be true. One does not
Get why one would bring the divine into this. There is
Not a singular chance this could be possible.
One shall not
Regard this point with any ounce of sincerity.
Everything about that


Is not adding up.
The divine, whoever they are, one hardly


Thinks they would mingle with
Humanity. One did not
Ever believe in the divine's


Power of the mortal. One knows what one might
Ask, on the
Case of whether one is immortal or not.
The answer to


Such is no. One does not live forever,
However, one and
All of us
Live far longer than the average human. It's not
Like one is hiding it. One is


Rather open about not living for an
Eternity, but one lives
Much longer than
A human. The six of us are an
Intricate case within chimeradom.
Not like one is open about such status,


But one has never been a
Regular mortal.
One supposes it is obvious, being a dragon. But, one does not
Know if there
Exists a case of others. One is
Not a chimera of the modern era.


Unless it is a common point, one has
No idea. But, it does not matter,
The divine are not
Involved in any of this. One feels
Like they have no idea what is happening down below aside


From the gods.
Unless they see all, one
Rather doubts
That. One
Has never met this
Established divine. And one would
Rather not have an audience with them.


Not like one would,
One does not have
Those little trinkets on people's belts. So,
In the end the divine will not
Cast their
Eyes upon


One. What were those trinket called again? One
Now has to think about it for a moment.
Everything about modern era Teyvat


Will not stick in
One's mind for long,
Unless one drills the point in.
Let one think, one believes they have been
Declared Visions. One does not


Have a vision,
As one has power far beyond the capabilities of humanity.
Visions are a borrowed power. One does not
Even need to borrow such power. Such is


Irrelevant. One does not
Gain anything from obtaining one. One does
Not need a borrowed power.
One has one's own power, Malati is the same. One
Rather thinks that humanity is
Especially pathetic for borrowing powers from the
Divine. But, one cannot blame humans. They are weak.


In any case, it is
Time to move away from this point. One point one keeps going


Back and forth
Upon is Fontaine and Natlan's problems merging
Together. But, the Archon


Of Fontaine does
Not care, nor supports this original point, so
Even though Noce despises one. One


Will privately consider
It. But one will not say such, thon will
Likely make claims of copying.
Listen, one, such point is


Not something
One directly rejected. One
Thought the abyss merging with Fontaine was the case, but


It does not seem so, so one has decided to discard
The idea. Two, the point regarding the divine


Is too loose to be the case,
So one does not


Think it should be
Included as a
Possibility. One's
Previous point was
Is no longer relevant.
Nor is the point about the divine, why would the divine
Go about punishing


The human race with a storm cloud. Three, the point about the storm being artificial
Has no grounds. One does not believe that for
Even a moment. But,


Should proof about the phenomenon
Come to light, one might believe it.
At present, one does not.
Look, one is not sure if the false sky theory is
Even true. One has yet to
See points suggesting the opposite,


And does not have enough proof to suggest the point is the case.
Now, one believes the Fatuus will soon return. One
Does not know what


One will want this time. The competition the Fatuus was in is
No longer going,
Even so, the storm has not


Made itself disappear. At first, the theory one proposed of Fontaine and Natlan's issues merging together seemed likely, but one now knows that it is
Unlikely. One has not been to other nations. While one has flown through
Sumeru, one has not
Taken a moment to take a look at the surroundings whilst


Doing so. But, one thing that
One does know is


Some annoying visitor from that nation had come
Over to the castle recently for some
Moronic claims of doing research about long gone
Establishments. And one
Thing the nobody
Had mentioned when looking at one
Is that, 'if you're from
Natlan, you should know that there was a Saurian that
Got out of the nation and had brought flames


To Sumeru.' First off
One, don't care. One does not care one


Bit about what might be going on in Sumeru. Two,
Everyone who comes down here is
Not welcome here. One should have created a barrier to not allow
Dimwitted humans into


This space, but one does not
Have the power to seal off an area, so one has to deal with dimwitted humans
Every single time.
Maybe one should have practiced the arts of


Barrier creation, but one cannot learn
A new trick that is beyond one. Malati
Cannot either, so one
Knows it will serve no purpose to think about


One's shortcomings. Three, one does
Not believe a Saurian
Entering Sumeru


Is a point of which
Should be made a point of contention.


Ultimately, one does
Not care about this point. One
Does not see how a Saurian
Escaping from Natlan
Really means anything


To Fontaine, nor Natlan. So, one
Has decided to discard it
Entirely. Why should one listen to


A human's points? Humans are not
So intelligent, and
Say rather
Unintelligible nonsense.
Making points that do not matter,
Pointing out outrageous nonsense
That one did not even use the brain they were birthed with to make.
It comes to a point
Of wondering how gone that race has
Now become, how devolved


They are as a result of borrowing the powers of the
Higher ups. They have lost their
Intelligence, the worms are beginning to
Spread, so why should one take anything they say at face value?


It is all nonsense. And,
Should the Fatuus bring up such point also, one will


Just shut it down. While one is aware the Fatuus is not human,
Unless one has
Something of substance to say, one does not want
To hear that nonsensical point involving


That Saurian nonsense.
However, one will continue to investigate the abyss for him.
Even though one will not admit


Such to him.
This is not for him. One just needs
Answers about the Abyss. The
Red storm had affected
The Sea of Bygone Eras as well,


Of course one is going to try and investigate things
Further. It has nothing to do with


The Fatuus. No matter if it aligns. One
Hardly cares if one's interests align,
Even so, if the Fatuus comes here again today, one


Plans to bring him to the place one had been
Researching the abyss prior.
One does need to
Bring up one final point. One
Last point of contention one left out
Earlier. The annoying
Man with hawk sings had told one
Something one cannot ignore


As a point. Prior to the storm coming down, a duo of individuals with horns had come from the abyss
Nearly taking the nation of Fontaine
Down with them with the purpose of claiming


It for themselves as the Abyss's land.
This is a point one previously discarded, but


What was proposed to one
Is that because of the abyssal shenanigans, the storm
Likely kicked in as a remnant
Left by them. While this may


Be possible, one is not sure one believes it.
Unleashing remnants of their visit,
It simply does not add up. So, one will
Leave it at that.
Do not get one wrong, it's a point that was brought to one


Umpteen times, one did regard this
Point with any seriousness.


It just
Feels like a waste of a point.


Look, there is simply no
Especially tangible points
For such to be
The case.


And yet, it keeps getting suggested.
Let one say this
One last time. The fawns that attempted to do such
Nonsensical uprising, have no
Effect on what is currently


Occurring now. One is
Not one hundred percent confident on this point,
Even still, one wil


Continue to suggest that is not
A point that should be taken with any serious regards.
None whatsoever.
No. One is not saying the bird man has a bird brain,
Or that one's annoyance towards
The bird man have


Any tidings. One simply finds short
Living mortals annoying, that's it. Not
Like it matters to
One. And, to be honest,
Why should one care about what


The short living species
Have to say? One could not care less
And thus, one will continue
To disregard the point for


All eternity.
No, one is exaggerating. One will continue to investigate the abyss,
Yes one is still going on about that point. One will


Likely reach a point
Of an answer soon.
No, one is not doing this for the Fatuus. One is doing this to
Gain an answer of sorts.
Even if one is not
Rewarded with an answer this time, one will keep searching."


Upon reaching Petrichor through the Teleport Waypoint, a heavy wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Was it just him, or had there been something in the air again? The red storm cloud, had it returned to Fontaine with a vengeance? Gazing upward, absolutely nothing of note stuck out to him. Shrugging, the early adult prepared himself to head for the Faded Castle.


But, as the soldier headed towards the water hole, he could hear the familiar wing flap and footsteps once more. Hearing such, the soldier held in a groan. Why was it, no matter how many times he were to come here, he was halted from getting from point a to point b? How incredibly annoying; a never-ending cycle of obstacles.


"Black fish steak bro," Lonan said, panting. "Rashmi and Malati are currently in the Sea of Bygone Eras." He huffed as he continued. "They seemed to head down there in a hurry, dunno why."


"Um, uh, I believe they said something about researching the symphony?" Rabiu said, voice shaking. "I'm not entirely sure? Uh, I have no idea. Um, in any case, I would uh, put on your diving equipment now. But, um, do be careful, we heard some screams down there."


Warning coming his way, the hyena blinked. Archons, what could be possibly happening down in the Faded Castle this time? Had there been some sort of monster crisis he had to deal with? He did not know, but he was not about to deal with such, if such were the case. Time was ticking. Dealing with such was not in the cards whatsoever.


Taking a deep breath, the hyena put on the fat, blubbery suit. Spark igniting in his brain, his mind and diving suit synched up with one another. Dropping downward, the soldier prepared himself for possible battle. Screams echoing from down below in a matter of moments, the hyena remained focused.


Reaching the bottom after about ten minutes, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left, hearing the sound of a familiar shout, the soldier held back the urge to sigh. What was Noce up to this time? But, the chimera attempted to rule such point out. Perhaps, just maybe, thon had been caught up in an intense fight with a monster.


Screaming getting louder, the chimera moved forward. He did not know why, but he could hear the word cocoon shouted from wall to wall. Hearing such, the hyena did not quite understand. Had there been some sort of monster about to hatch inside the castle of long gone? Whatever it might have been he did not have time to deal with such nonsense.


Intense noise only getting worse, the hyena attempted to tune everything out. Whatever was happening, it was not his problem. Dashing through the hallways, the chimera kept moving forward. The racket was nothing to concern himself over. He knew that. He needed to head to the Sea of Bygone Eras, as soon as possible.


But, upon reaching the main chamber, something had flipped the waysides upside the head. Large vine cocoon the entire castle, everything had been blocked off beyond belief. Cedre screaming like a banshee, the chimera jumped ten steps back. What in the world had happened here? Had the plant siblings been in metamorphosis mode?


Shouts continuing, the early adult tossed such thoughts out. Noce and Cedre were not caterpillars about to become butterflies, there had to have been another reason for such. Knowing he had no choice but to get rid of the obstacle in front of him, the early adult clutched his left glove. But, another scream soon took him out of it.


"Don't look at me!" Noce cried. "I didn't do any of this!" But, there was a heavy wave of insincerity in thon's voice.


Voice cracking, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. Thon didn't do this? Sure, thon didn't. This was yet another stunt to try and mess with Rashmi? This had the means of a trap written all over it. He bet if he looked deeper inside, he would find a vine pod with her name written all over it.


"Help!" Cedre cried. "Help me!" They squirmed as they shouted such. "I'm trapped in this vine prison that isn't my own!"


"See?!" Noce exclaimed. "It wasn't me! I didn't do it!"


Noce denying involvement once again, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Why did thon feel the need to repeat such fact? How incredibly suspicious. Shaking his head, the idea soon solidified into place. Thon had full intentions of trapping Rashmi in thon's vine cocoons. What else could this have been?


Sibling caught into the mix, the chimera pressed the blade button on his diving suit. He supposed at least attempting to remove the debris would help matters. Cedre's screams continuing on, the chimera prepared himself. Slashing away, he let out a battle cry. He would get rid of this vine sea, immediately.


But, such immediate victory never came. Sea of green intertwining over and over again, the hyena grit his teeth. Just how deep was this obstacle? How annoying. Blade not cutting through the sea of green in any shape or form, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Surely there were weak points somewhere.


Not finding any glowing spots, the chimera held back the urge to sigh. How was he supposed to cut through this? Aquatic blade continuing to do nothing, the trapped plant sibling's screams kept intensifying. Failures piling themselves up one after another, the soldier could feel a chip clip onto his shoulder.


Blade's failures piling up like a plate of pancakes, the hyena pressed the jellyfish button. Surely, an explosion could undo the vines in front of him. Resolute on his decision, the early adult steeled himself. Head on deck, he snapped his fingers. Everything about to blow, the chimera backed away.


Explosive doing nothing as well, the soldier's head sunk. What in the world were these vines made out of, metal? Further bombs failing one after another, the early adult wanted to rip his hair out. Why was this still happening? He did not understand. What in the world did Noce do?


Echo weapon and shield not working, as well, the hyena could feel his will begin to sway. Was there nothing that could break through this obstacle? What was the point in trying? Nothing could be done. He could just teleport, surely. But, the chimera stabbed such thought with a sword. That was not possible. His proxy orb was buried.


Octopus jet failing, as well, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Nothing could be done. The vines were an impenetrable fortress, with no weak point in sight. Lowering his head, the early adult heaved a heavy groan. If his mother gave him a middle name, he bet it would have been Impossible. Hands up in the air, another shout had come his way.


"Soldier, just forget it, okay?" Cedre asked, sighing. "I'll just hibernate in here. That sounds great right about now!"


"You can't hibernate in that thing!" Noce cried.


"You mean that thing you tried to trap Rashmi in?" Cedre asked. "I can, and I will!"


"Nuh uh!" Noce cried. "That never happened?! What are you talking about, Cedre? You're crazy for saying that!"


Plant siblings arguing, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Why was thon continuing to deny it? Thon was caught red vined. But, he supposed thon would never admit to such. Besides the pact, what could Rashmi have possibly done to thon to make them despise her so much? But, he supposed he could never hope to understand such a thing. Cedre squirming once more, the argument continued.


"You've been standing there the whole time, Noce doing absolutely nothing!" Cedre cried. "If I can't hibernate in here, then just burn this thing down already!" But, a disruption soon came his way.


Noce's vines soon wrapped around his satchel, the hyena held back the urge to scream. Bag ceased, the early adult folded his hand into a fist. What in the world was thon doing? Hadn't thon caused enough problems already? Container flipped open, a golden greatsword with thorns on the side had soon been removed. Seeing such, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. That's it, thon was going on the invisible pest list. Where was the weed killer?


"Soldier here's got a sword!" Noce cried. "He can do it!"


"Did you have to dig through someone else's belongings like that?" Cedre asked. "What's gotten into you lately? Ever since Rashmi broke the pact, I swear, you've gotten even angrier lately! What gives?"


"Stop saying her name!" Noce cried. Thon then turned towards the soldier. "Agh, whatever! You, soldier! You deal with it! My vines are fireproof! Only a blunt attack can destroy them!"


Plant fiend waving the blade around like a toy, the early adult dashed towards thon. Where they doing this just to annoy him? Well, it was working. Greatsword swiped, the early adult gazed at the weapon in the palm of his gloves. It was time to get this over with. Vines in front of him, the hyena placed his legs into a fighting stance.


First layer done and dusted, the chimera kept going. Obstacles becoming nothing one after another, the cocoon had rotted, butterfly dead and gone. Cedre screaming she had been free, looking about ready to throw vines, the early adult dashed off towards the portal. Why did he involve himself in this drama? Blinding light overtaking him, the lost sea was ready and waiting.


But, upon entering the next area, a repeated obstacle had added itself to the mix. Vine cocoons everywhere, the soldier let out a scream. What in the world was Noce's problem? This was too much. But, he knew what he had to do to move forward. Sea of vines decimated, the soldier thrusted the diving suit forward.


Further cocoons vanquished as the chimera headed northward, the hyena could not help but wonder. Could this be some sort of remnant from the red storm cloud? Perhaps, just maybe, Noce had been engulfed in such permanently. But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. That could not have been possible, for sure.


Whale caught in the crosswater, the hyena kept the momentum going. How many times had this poor creature been caught up in all this nonsense? The soldier had lost count. Ride soon offered, the questions continued to roll the dice. Did the shadow creature still have control over the forgotten sea from time lost?


Further sea of vines decimated along the way, the chimera threw such thoughts out the window. This was all Noce's doing. What point was there in blaming the shadow creature on such? It was not at fault. Surely, once the storm cloud had been removed from a region, it could no longer reign down its influence, for sure.


Entrance towards the symphony room reached, the early adult steeled himself. Would yet another racket await him? Staircase waiting for him, the hyena ascended upward. But as he reached the familiar room, not a sound stirred. Rashmi, Malati, Iomra and Satine looping around in a circle, the soldier tilted his head. What had he just walked into? Maybe he should just turn around.


Party of four investigating a series of objects, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Brown stone with ancient language written on it, the hyena could hear a conversation throw itself into overdrive. But, what had been overheard broke sense into nothing.


"So, you're saying these dead ancient names we found might have tidings to the storm?" Iomra asked. "That's what you're saying, right, Rashmi?" But, someone else soon butted in.


"No?!" Satine asked. "Why do you think that? She didn't say that at all, geez!"


"One, no, that is not the case," Rashmi responded, annoyed. "Two, these bygone ancient names came to be in another form of which one cannot discern. But, one supposes if one can speak with the lost souls within, one could contribute." She sighed as she continued. "One will need to look into this further. Such object brought to one's attention had only been a recent development." But, another interruption had soon kicked in.


"Rashmi, the fatuus has come over yonder," Malati said, pointing. She then moved towards the fatuus. "There you are, fatuus. Your dragon bubba was holding these things." As she said such, she reached for the brown stone her kin had been holding. "I ain't sure I agree and all that, but the Pyro Archon seems to be thinkin' they're corrupted ancient names. But, I ain't got no clue who might know anythin' 'bout all that." Snapping her claws she soon continued. "I reckon we head to that water hole in that sea village. Saw someone over yonder inside that portal recently."


Hearing Malati's suggestion, the hyena let out a tired sigh. Head to the strange area inside that portal in Merusea Village? He didn't have time for that sort of thing. What good would it do to ask about it from a complete stranger? But, the hyena knew he had no choice. Nodding, he could soon see Rashmi assume her dragon form. Iomra and Satine hanging off the edge, it was off to the races.


As Rashmi soared through Fontaine's sky at rapid speed, he could not help but wonder. What was an ancient name, anyway? Was this some part of Natlan culture? Why hadn't he heard much of such before? But, he supposed something like that would not be taught to a foreigner.


As Elynas got ever so closer, the hyena threw such thoughts away. Why was he concerning himself over such things? It did not matter right now, for sure. He did not know anything about ancient names. Coming to such realization the soldier stared off into space. Should he? Perhaps, he should do some research about it in the future.


Water hole front and center, another set of pests upon the invisible nuisance list had soon been scribbled down. Sea lion prankster duo looking ready to become menaces to society, the chimera held back the urge to groan. One obstacle after another. Dragon zooming past them, screams had come their way.


"Woah, dragon gal, like calm down!" Brume cried.


"Yeah! Like, chill, la dragonne!" Eclater cried. "You're totally going too fast!"


"One, no," Dragon Rashmi said, annoyed. "Two, don't have time to go slow. Three, move, dogs, you're in the way." But such had been met with incessant screams.


"She just called us dogs!" Brume cried. "That's super whack!"


"Totally kooky!" Eclater cried, but he soon titled his head. "Brume, what's a dog? Is that some thing humans like, or something?" But, as he said such, his upper body spun around. "Woah, la dragonne! Chill, we're talking here!"


But, their words had gone unheard. Dragon Rashmi going at full speed, the hyena held on. Koala and badger dropping themselves downward, the soldier hung on. If only he could swim without a diving suit, the world would be in his favor, for sure. Merusea Village down below soon reached, the peculiar portal had soon been located once more.


Eerie corridor with the purple sky upon him once again, the chimera turned his head off towards the right and left. Was it just him, or had he felt the presence of an extra person here? But, the chimera shook his head. Surely, it had to have been his imagination. This place had been empty entirely.


Strange black figure with a hat soon appearing in the center of the corridor as a stone tablet floated in midair, the early adult tilted his head. Had the ancient name been able to summon people at will? If such were the case, why did it matter where such transaction occurred? But, the soldier shook his head. He supposed Rashmi wished for privacy. Unknown individual studying the multitude of rocky objects, he swore he could see them nod their shadowy head.


"It's as you suspect," the shadowy man said in a dire sounding tone. "These ancient names have indeed become corrupted. You need to return them to Natlan and return them to the Archon so she can take a better look just to be sure."


"One will," Rashmi responded. "Fatuus, one must hang on. One will be flying at maximum speed. Don't fall. One will not come back for you if one does."


"Wait, you're gonna go at maximum speed?!" Iomra asked, raising his voice. "What about us, huh? What are we, chopped liver?"


"Geez, yeah! We're here too, ya know!" Satine cried. "Investigating the same thing you are!" She then pointed at Malati. "You're gonna leave your sister behind, too like this? She can't nearly fly as fast as you with a wind glider!"


"One, didn't ask, don't care, badger," Rashmi responded, tone annoyed. "Two, this is a dire situation. One cannot afford to fly slow. If Malati cannot match one's speed, that's her problem." As she said such, she was ready to speed off. "Three, refer back to one's second point. One has to speed."


Rashmi speeding off, the soldier gazed at dragon Malati far behind descending towards the ground. He could not help but wonder as the speed went from zero to one hundred, in an instant. Just what kind of dragons were these two? Were they a rare breed of Saurians that could assume human form? He did not know, but such point did not seem likely, in any shape or form.


Bed of water sped over, a word of heavy demands had come his way. Commanded to remove his extra layer, the hyena pocketed his fat blubbery suit upon him. Scars on public display once more, he could feel eyes glued onto him in every angle. This uniform, why couldn't it have been mimicking a different tribe? But, he knew he could not complain about such. Complaints would equal his death. Dropped onto the savannah ground, a new demand had soon come his way quintuple fold.


"Meet one in the Speaker's Chamber in the Stadium," Rashmi demanded, head turned away from the hyena. "Fatuus, get one's Saurian." Walking ahead, she added one last sea of words. "Do not come too late, or one might slip one's true position to the Archon."


Rashmi making multiple demands of him, the early adult crossed his currently human arms across his waist. Who died, and made her boss? But, the hyena shrugged. Orders were orders, disobeying anyone would make him meet his end, guaranteed. Insubordination equals death.


Moving towards the Children of Echoes tribe, the early adult could not help but wonder. Why did he have to look for Santhe? Hadn't the competition been over? The partnership between them and he had come to an end, hadn't it? But, the early adult tossed such thought out. That was not how that worked, for sure. Hadn't mortals and saurian companions been bonded for life? It was not over, far from it.


Reaching the Children of Echoes tribe area, the soldier could hear a familiar drill ride speeding through the area. Young girl hopping on in, the chimera could not help but wonder. Why hadn't she always been accompanied by her Saurian? But, he supposed, she was busy with some sort of adventure at the moment, and was going solo. Eyes soon on him, another familiar reminder had come his way.


"Oh, hey, it's you! We won't lose next time!" the girl on the drill ride exclaimed. "Some guy wearing a dragon mask is looking for you! He seems really impatient."


Hearing such, the early adult scratched his cheek. Hold on, who was looking for him? A man with a dragon mask? But, a realization washed over him as he headed for the rest area. Had the Agent been wearing that annoying disguise again? Way to stick out like a slime in a tribe of Hilichurls. He was going to get caught immediately, for sure. Reaching the Rest Area, a sea of disgusting words had drowned him at high speed.


"There you are, what took you so long to find someone to assist you? Work faster next time, soldier!" the Agent demanded. He then slapped a stone tablet in the hyena's hand. "Take the prize you won to the Pyro Archon now." He then pointed at Santhe. "And, take that pet of yours with you."


Agent proclaiming Santhe a pet once more. The hyena grit his teeth. How dare the Agent use that word again. Santhe was not his pet, how could he say such an insulting word in Natlan? That was not how it worked around here. He should feel ashamed of using such language. Glaring at his mask, a question bounced around towards him like a boomerang.


"Soldier, what is your problem today? Get it together!" the Agent shouted. "If it's due to the fact I called that creature your pet, get over it. I don't care what that thing is to you; go get them."


Agent continuing on with his tasteless noise, the hyena headed deeper into the rest area. How could he possibly expect a soldier with no free willed thinking to understand? Spotting Santhe in the corner, the chimera studied them for a moment. Dragonkin seeming rather lost in thought, an alarm bell rung in his head. Something definitely was not right here, for sure.


Santhe hopping on his shoulder, he swore he could hear them mutter something unintelligible. Mumbles continuing, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. How unusual, were they speaking in code to themselves? He was not sure, but he could feel the suspicion bells ringing.


Knowing he had to head to the stadium as swift as possible, the hyena prepared himself to head west. But, immediately upon doing so, the ground beneath his feet burned. Feeling such, the soldier's knees buckled. The divine flame, was it underneath him? That wasn't good, for sure.


Fiery geysers ready to gush up from underneath him at any given moment, the chimera remained cautious. It was coming, wasn't it? Another incident. Another unexpected hot spot. Half a decade plus one. It was over, he was definitely getting burned today, without a semblance of doubt.


Cracks in the dirt beneath forming, the soldier jumped to the left. It was over, done, another incident waiting to happen. He had to run, before it could catch him. Flames rising upward, he let out a scream. It was here already, he was done for. But, he had soon bore witness to something unusual.


Santhe eating the flames, the chimera blinked. What had they just done? Dragonkin telling him to run, the early adult blinked. Run, and leave Santhe behind again? Was that truly a good idea? Creature continuing to feast of the fire, he stayed in place, for a moment.


"Santhe take care of flames!" Santhe cried. "Master don't worry about Santhe! Run on ahead! Santhe catch up later!"


Dragon companion again telling him to go on ahead, the soldier gazed at them. Should he really do that? He did not know why, but something about these flames seemed quite off. Burying such thoughts deep inside him, the chimera had begun running. Flames eaten the entire way, his suspicions only grew. Was this normal? Something about it felt quite off.


As the early adult kept on running, the chimera could not help but continue to wonder. What is happening in Natlan, exactly? Gazing upwards towards the sky, the red storm cloud reigned supreme. Seeing such, a heavy wave of discomfort flowed through him. It was still there. Chaos would eat him alive any moment now.


Stadium area soon reached, the soldier had soon been guided off towards the southern area, a peculiar room with one basin in the center had soon been reached. Pink haired lady, ocelot woman seated in two of the four chairs, the chimera turned towards them. Rashmi and Malati seated in the other chairs in the corner, the red haired woman in the black leather jacket giving him an expectant look, the hyena's heart skipped more than six beats. This was the Pyro Archon, Murata? He needed to behave himself no matter what, or he would be set on fire, guaranteed.


"He's here," the black jacket lady said. "Please, hand over the ancient name your Saurian won in the tournament." She then turned towards Rashmi and Malati. "You, two as well."


"-------, I have a ponderin' I need to ask you about," Malati said, words shaking. "Is that mighty alright with you?"


"You don't need to be so nervous," the black jacket lady responded. "I am not the same Archon from your time."


"You said you believe these ancient names been corrupted," Malati replied, scratching her head. "What might happen to them?"


"I would need to take a look at them first," The Pyro Archon responded. "If they are corrupted, I already have a solution in mind to to alleviate this current conumdrum."


Hearing a different name contrary to the name Murata, the hyena blinked. Who was this Pyro Archon, exactly? Maybe the name she had been called by was different. But, such possibility had a sea of doubts rise up from amongst the rest. No, perhaps, just maybe, at the time, Natlan had been under rule of someone else.


Snapping such thoughts away, the chimera reached for his back pocket. Stone tablet handed to her, Santhe had soon buried themselves deeper upon his clothes. Feeling such, the early adult's cheeks grew pink. Lady in the black jacket, or Archon, rather, studying the stone, he swore he could feel countless eyes glare daggers at him. What was with all the pupils? Had he done something wrong? He had made a mistake somewhere down the line, guaranteed.


"It would seem these ancient names have been rather corrupted," the lady in the black jacket said. "I believe the souls might have been extracted from them in some way." She then turned towards the other audience in the room. "-------, -------, I would like you to investigate this issue for me." She then turned towards the chimera. "You can take them to the Wayob, and have them examine it."


Hearing the term Wayob, the chimera placed his finger over his chin. Wasn't that the insect creature he had seen a few times in hostile environments? Was this going to end well for him, or crash down horribly? He wasn't sure, but he could feel the fears begin to well up inside him triple fold.


"Wait, Archon," the pink haired lady said, right hand in a stopping position. "The Wayob might not acknowledge him."


"It's not about acknowledgement," the ocelot lady said. "This is about repairing corrupted ancient names."


Told that, along the way there were strange creatures called aphids that were hostile on all fronts, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. What in the world was an aphid? He had never seen such a thing before. Santhe soon telling him as well he had to head for Hutzli Hill, the hyena stared off into space. What in the world is going on in Natlan? Nothing was okay, for sure.


Rashmi exiting the flaming castle as well, he had soon been brought back towards the Children of Echo's exit. Informed of the situation once more, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Speak with Wayob? What would that do for him? But, he supposed it was best to listen to what he was instructed to do.


As the chimera had begun to head on the western pathway, a strange wasp like creature had been buzzing about in the area. Seeing such, the soldier could not help but feel a heavy wave of bewilderment. What in the world is that thing? Someone chasing towards him, he could hear a heavy huff and puffing.


"Ah, wait, Fatuus, you need a net," Malati said, huffing and puffing up a storm. "Can't catch them aphids without no net." Her huffs then continued. "You gotta get it caught in there, then attack, I reckon."


Net handed to him, the chimera gazed at the catching device. Trust thrown out the window, he rose an eyebrow. He had to go and do what now? Catch, then attack it? How did that make sense? But, he supposed, nothing ever truly did make any sort of sense in the current red storm cloud world.


Wasp creature flippity flapping away, the chase was on. Spotting rather unusual looking blobs, he could hear Santhe encourage him to grab them. Doing so, he could feel a strange wave of energy take him over. More caught along the way, the early adult blinked. What did he need to capture this thing for, anyway? Did it even matter?


Path zeroed in on, the soldier threw down the net. Greatsword within his currently human hands, the chimera slashed aplenty. But, nothing happened. Creature wiggling it all off, the hyena tilted his head. He had attacked as instructed, had he been doing something wrong? Perhaps, just maybe he should have added his flower friend into the mix.


But, such had been a failure, as well. Large insect dropped into a portal, the chimera had begun running once more. It hadn't been defeated? How annoying. Creature caught up to once more, the issues rinsed and repeated. Monster shaking everything off, he did not understand anything one bit. Had this creature been immune to Dendro and his weapon? He was done for, if so. Malati stepping towards him, she rose her dragon claw.


"You don't have Nightsoul energy coursing through you I reckon?" Malati asked. "I'll take care of defeatin' them then. You focus on catching them instead."


Wasp creature decimated in a matter of moments, the hyena backed six steps away. What was this Nightsoul energy he had been informed of? But, the chimera shook his head. He supposed that was not something he would have coursing through him. Had this been a Natlan born energy? Such had probably been the case.


Running ahead, the early adult could see another aphid up ahead. Readying to catch the second one, he could feel the stone tablets shaking in his bag. Feeling such, he could not help but feel a wave of fear. What was going on? Something was not right about this at all.


Pitch black figures appearing in front of him laughing, he swore their eyeless faces gazed at Santhe. Seeing such, a red flag planted itself onto the ground. Why were they looking at them? Something was off. But, the soldier shook his head. It was nothing, surely. They were just confused, that was it. That had to be the issue at hand here.


Second wasp taken out of the picture, the hyena could feel eyes on him everywhere. Those ancient names, how could they have gotten corrupted? Whom, or what, could have possibly done that? But, the chimera shook his head. He supposed that was not important right now. He had to focus on finding the Wayob, and having these corrupted stone pillars corrected.


Continuing westward, a third round of wasp chase kicked into overdrive. But, as he had proceeded to do so, the off feeling had begun to eat him alive. What in the world was that aura surrounding it? Why did it feel so sinister? But, the chimera shook his head. He shouldn't concern himself over such a thing.


Flames coming his way, the hyena jumped towards the left. Net soon laid down, Malati tagged into the ring. Creature vanquished, he blinked. What was that all about just now? How peculiar. Continuing to run along, he could see the hills from a distance. Dashing as fast as his legs could carry him, a peculiar racket soon kicked into the overdrive.


Hearing the sound of glass shattering up above as the hills had been upon him, the hyena scratched his cheek. Why did it sounds as though the sky had just been ready to fall apart? Disregarding such, he tried to move on. But, another sound soon took him out of it.


World around him breaking to pieces, a pitch black wave soon overtook him. Dragged into a vortex, the hyena closed his eyes. Had the Night Kingdom come to drag him into their mess? Why here, why now? Strange beast with six wings and insect like body, the chimera gulped. What was this godly presence he was feeling?


"Hyena child, come," the Wayob demanded. "I can sense you are carrying multiple inactivated ancient names on you. Bring them to me."


Gulping, the soldier stepped forward. Ancient names handed to them, he couldn't help but wonder. Could this Wayob restore the ancient names recorded within these tablets? But, such giving of the stone tablets had been a mistake of the ages. Wayob's face, or lack thereof, turning red, screams had come his way.


"Mere mortal, how dare you bring corrupted ancient names to my domain!" the Wayob cried.


Boom.


Wayob's marbles lost, the hyena eyes twitched in a rapid manner. He had made a huge mistake, for sure. Creature demanding he fight it, the chimera could feel his heart skip two beats. Fight a god? How could he possibly do such a thing? Claymore shaking, he stood still. There was no way he could do such a thing, absolutely not.


Malati's dragon claws doing the talking, the soldier backed five steps away. Why was she battling one of Natlan's sacred beings? She would be chastised by them for this, guaranteed. Weren't the Wayobs the nation's second deity? The chimera did not know, but he could feel that sort of energy radiating from them.


"Just go with the flow, Fatuus," Malati said.


Knowing he had no choice but to fight, the chimera swished his blade forward. Wayob barely weakened after about fifty hits, the chimera sighed. No way this would at all be possible, would it? He was doomed to fail. Creature surrounded with energy, the hyena ducked for cover. There was no way he could win this; not a chance.


Throwing down a flower friend, the chimera swore he could feel his energy start to sink. What was this intense feeling of hopelessness all of a sudden? He was not worthy. Malati telling him to focus once more, the hyena did so. Regaining focus, the tables had soon turned upside down, in a matter of moments.


Santhe stepping up to the plate, a rather unusual projectile had been thrown at the creature. Possibly second Natlan god decimated, he had soon been forced out of the night kingdom. Ancient names still unreadable, the case remained unsolved. Spotting more aphids, the race was on.


But, as the fourth wasp had been defeated, the chimera did not know what could have possibly been going on with the sacred flame around everything. Continuing with the best of his effort to stay focused, the chimera eyes pulsated. Why, why had they all caught on fire like this?


Fifth wasp set ablaze as well, the chimera could feel the corrupted ancient names shake as the bug had been caught in the web. Sixth one burning rapidly, the soldier's face grew dark. What in the world was happening? The black shadow creature, what was it doing to Natlan this time? Aphids all caught and dealt with, information about the final Wayob of the day had come his way.


"The second Wayob is in Ameyalco Waters," Malati said. "I'll take you over yonder."


Guided towards the People of the Spring's territory, the chimera swore he could hear glass crack in the sky once more. Body dragged off elsewhere, the soldier stared off into space. Another Wayob waiting for him, he could feel everything ready to crash down. Bringing the ancient names to the Wayob, the twists turned inward.


"I see, these names are corrupted. Worry not, one will not harm you," the Wayob said. "These names were corrupted by someone. I will need you to find a chest with a treasure in it."


Removed from the night kingdom once again, a heavy wave of dizziness flowed through the hyena. What was all that now? Feeling his legs wobble, he could hear the world around him muddy. Too much information circulating. He was short circulating. But, he shook his head. Ah, what was he saying? Absolutely ridiculous.


"Do you need a break, Fatuus?" Malati asked. "I'll pitch your tent."


Tent pitched, the hyena stared off into space. Someone corrupted the ancient names, or something. What did that even mean? Crawling into the tent, his head spun further cycles. None of this made sense. He wasn't having any. Closing his eyes, tiredness devoured the hyena. Wave of sleep claiming him as a prize, one last thought took him away.


How could a name possibly get corrupted?


***


"I don't get this at all. No, I don't understand any of
This. So, alright, first of all, let me


Just collect my thoughts for a moment.
Uh, so allow me to try and understand this for a
Second. So, the ancient names inside
These tiny stone tablets that look like feathers


Might all be corrupted. I really wish that made
Any sense, because I don't even
Know how something like that is
Even remotely possible. Did the letters
Swap around or something to make it gibberish and garbled


Nonsense? If that's the case, what am I supposed to do?
Oh, Archons, as if I know what to do in this


Situation! What am I supposed to do? What am I
Even supposed to do? How can I fix something I have
Next to no knowledge on? I'm
Starting to think this mission was an
Especially big mistake. This was a big, big, big, mistake.


Ah, how in the world am I supposed to sacrifice
The ancient names when they are all corrupted


At the moment. I truly do not know. This is something quite
Literally beyond my comprehension. And, I'm really trying to understand. But, I guess that's
Likely not enough, is it? Nothing can be done, I suppose."


Waking up the next morning, a disturbing absence had polluted the area. Santhe nowhere to be seen, the chimera's heart pitter pattered like a drum in his chest. Where did his dragon companion go? Taking a deep breath, the hyena attempted to call out their name.


But, no such shouts ever came. Iomra and Satine outside his tent waiting for him, the chimera titled his head. What were these two doing here? But, he supposed Malati sent them. Turning towards him, the hyena gave eye contact. What did they want? Whatever it might have been, he needed to listen to whatever they had to say.


"Malati told us to remind you that you need to go on a treasure hunt or something around the people of the Springs Tribe to find some treasure chest for a Wayob!" Satine exclaimed. But, she soon flinched, tail behind her sticking up. "Geez! What's with that wicked look on your face?"


Satine pointing out his face, the hyena could feel steam come out of his ears. Wicked look on his face? How could she say that to him? Shoulder feeling naked, he slumped down. His energy was all gone, why bother letting irritation eat him? But, he had soon been brought out of it as Iomra's annoying voice cut in, as well.


"Sheesh! It's morning, Satine! No one looks pretty in the morning! Not even little old me! Watch what you say, mmk?!" Iomra cried. He then pointed at his shoulder. "Oh, no wonder you look so bothered! Your little dragon is missing." He then let out a yawn, but bit his tongue. "I'm sure they'll come back. Maybe they went to go look for that chest for you, or something! I dunno, just a feelin'!"


Iomra suggesting Santhe could have left to go hunt the treasure he needed to find, the chimera's ears perked. Could that really be the case? He wasn't so sure about that. Could it really have been? Confidence returning, he latched onto such point like glue. Surely, that was what Santhe was doing.


Told once again the chests in question had been hidden in various places around the People of the Springs tribe, the soldier could not help but ponder. Should he ask some people within the area if they had seen Santhe? Hope brewing a potion inside him, he stretched his knees. Surely, one of them had to have.


Arriving at the People of the Springs after about an hour of slow walking, the soldier turned his head off towards the right and left. Could Santhe be around here somewhere? Maybe they had been right around the corner. Saurians relaxing in the waters everywhere, he wondered. Should he try asking them.


Such, however, had been an immediate flop. Saurians too busy with their own lives, the early adult could feel his heart sink. Maybe he should stick to asking people instead. Could Saurians even speak? Dragons all making a ton of grunts, he shook his head. Were Santhe and that strange flat dragon an exception? How strange.


Eventually coming across the white haired surfer girl, the chimera's mental inquiries continued. Would she know where Santhe had gotten off to? Eyes soon on him, the early adult placed his hands out in front of him. Knuckles placed downward, and thumb touching his index and middle, the thumb had soon curved outward. Thumb soon folded in between his ring and third digit, thumb creased in between the opposite end, he placed it under his curled fingers last. Santhe's name spelled out, the early adult stuck his index finger upward. Digit pivoting from side to side, he titled his head.


"Oh, your little buddy?" the surfer girl asked. "I saw them this morning. Think they headed for a cave around here."


Hearing such, the hyena could not believe what he was hearing. Santhe, why did they leave in the middle of the night like that without telling him? But, the soldier shook his head. He supposed they didn't owe him any sort of explanation, in any capacity. Maybe it didn't matter they wandered off. They could do as they please.


Knowing he had to search for a chest for the Wayob, the soldier prepared himself for action. He supposed it was best to look around the area before heading to the secret isle. Pushing through the odd watery areas, he prepared himself. Moving along the way, the red flags had planted themselves even further.


As the hyena dragged his feet through the wet grounds near Ameyalco Waters, multiple alarm bells sang the criticisms. Santhe had disappeared in the middle of the night. He did not know why, But such had felt quite suspicious. What was this sudden wave of doubts flowing through him?


But, as the chimera continued forward, he could hear a cacophonous sound of intense buzzing. Picking his head up, the hyena flinched. Where had this sudden army of aphids come from? Knowing he had no choice but to fight head on, the soldier cracked his knuckles. There was no time to worry himself over such a thing.


Sea of insects swarming from corner to corner, the hyena groaned as multiple flew over the water beds. How in the world was he supposed to catch them like that? He could not swim. He was done, dusted, a disappointment to be killed tomorrow. Creatures getting further away, he could feel a tap on his shoulder.


Handed a floatie surfboard, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. This surfer girl sure was prepared for everything, wasn't she? What a model citizens. Strange blobs laid out against the bed of liquid, the chimera had been given instructions on how to catch them all without any prior surfing knowledge.


Net glowing, the hyena's body shook at the sight before him. Aphids catching on fire one after another as the nets had been thrown, the chimera could hear a large crackle from up above. What was that just now? He swore he could hear a familiar laugh he wanted absolutely nothing to do with roar from the skies.


Wasps taken out of the picture after three long winded attempts, the chimera walked towards the cave, back hunched. Santhe, why did they leave? Had they been upset he had been gone for so long? He supposed he didn't blame them for attempting to leave, if so. Sorrow clouding over him, he swore he could hear another clap of thunder. Unwelcome visitor popping out and letting out an obnoxious yawn, the slapped his palm across his face. Great, just the nonperson he did not want to see right now.


"Hi, hi! What, sad your little dragon pal left you?" the shadow creature asked in a mocking tone. "Aww, poor little loser!" They laughed as they said such. "Come on, little man, face reality. They're not what they seem. Right, riight? Abandon them!" They broke out into a hum as they said such.


Insulting language coming his way, the early adult wanted to pull his ears off. Little man, little man, excuse him? How dare this creature say such a thing in such an insulting matter. He'll pretend he didn't hear that, thank you. There was no man here. But, the chimera pivoted towards the next point of ridiculousness. Abandon Santhe? No way would he ever do that. He would not dream of doing such a thing.


Shadow fiend chattering on and on about nothings and nonsense, the chimera tuned them out. They can try and convince him all they want to try and leave Santhe, but it was not happening. Talk in circles all they want, he was putting his foot down firmly on that hill. Voice getting louder, one set of words couldn't be blocked out.


"What? Can't face the truth?" the shadow creature asked, giggling? "That they're probably a monster hiding their true form from you?"


Shadow creature throwing out his deepest concerns at the moment, the hyena covered his ears. Stop it, stop saying that. Don't bring that up again. It's not true, Santhe's not a monster in disguise pretending to be a Saurian. Why were they trying to get under his skin? It wasn't going to work, no matter how hard they tried.


"Oh, boo hoo! He doesn't want to face reality!" the shadow creature shouted. "Well, fine, then! Let's play a little game, then, my poor little delusional plaything! Say hello to Fire Wheel!"


Burning wheel of flames in front of him, the soldier's eyes opened wide. What in the world did that creature just summon? Circular object coming towards him, the chimera had begun running. What was this monster's problem? Archons, he had to get out of here, he had to run, he had to hide, he had to do something. Koala running onto the scene, screams had come his way.


"Sol--, um I mean, bro!" Iomra cried. "Blow the whistle and call Rashmi now!" He then kicked the fire wheel. "I'll take care of this dumb thingy!" But, as he said such, flames came near his ears. "Sheesh, that is hot, hot hot!"


Removing the dragon whistle from his satchel, the chimera glared at it. Should he really disturb her right now? But, he knew he had to try. Taking a deep breath, he blew into the instrument. Dragon flapping towards him in the blink of an eye, the hyena dropped onto his buttocks. That was fast. Did she travel at the speed of light, or something? He knew she didn't, but it sure felt like such, at the moment.


"What does one want?" Rashmi asked. "The cave? Fine, one will take one there. But, one will be flying fast, so don't fall off."


Dragon speeding off like this would be her final takeoff, the chimera held on for dear life. Did she really have to go that fast? Brushed through a dark crevice, he could see a collection of treasure chests off in the corner. Santhe pacing around the place, the chimera could hear a self conversation unfolding before his very ears.


"Should Santhe tell master?" Santhe whispered, pacing around. "No, maybe Santhe should not." Hearing a familiar noise, they turned. "Master! Santhe sorry for leaving! Santhe wanted to go on a walk!"


"One heard one's whispers, dragon," Dragon Rashmi said, growling. "What does one want to tell the fatuus?"


But, no answer ever came. Santhe going immediately silent, alarm bells rung in the chimera's head. Why weren't they saying anything? But, the chimera shook his head. Maybe it wasn't important enough to tell him. Dragonkin hopping on his shoulder, the hyena could feel sweat pour down his cheek. Were they just going to act like nothing happened? Maybe he should just drop it. They could go wherever they pleased.


Opening the trinket box, something of peculiar note appeared in the container. Odd looking feathered fortune device, the hyena scratched the side of his head. Was this that pink haired lady's treasure? He did not know why, but this felt like it might have belonged to her.


Rashmi swooping down, the soldier had been on her scaly back once more. Brought to some peculiar desolate island with nothing but a mural on the cliff, the soldier had been guided towards a bright, shiny white and gold treasure chest. Undoing the lock, a rather unusual prize awaited him.


Brown ring at the bottom of the trunk, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. What was this thing? Perhaps, just maybe, it belonged to the Wayob. Pocketing it, the hyena headed back towards the Wayob's domain. Sky shattering once more, he closed his eyes, for a moment. Handing the tools off to the holy insect creature, they studied the ancient names once more. But, something had been pointed out, immediately.


"It would seem someone had corrupted these ancient names by themselves," the Wayob said, floating in midair. "Hmm, strange, that little friend of yours isn't with you right now." There was a heavy wave of suspicion in their voice. "One seems to have come to an answer." Wings flapping, a light shone in the darkness.


Beam shining over the koala, the soldier jumped seven steps back. Iomra did this? Backing six further steps back, the hyena's thoughts ran a marathon. No, no way he did this. Why would he? This had to have been some sort of mistake, a joke; a prank. A slipup. A slip of the wings.


"What? Me?! I didn't do it!" Iomra cried. But, he could feel a heavy weight in his back pocket. Sifting through it, his eyes grew dim. "What is this, how did this get in my pocket?" He shook as he continued. "I'm innocent, I swear! How could I have done it? Wayob, you gotta believe me!"


"One believes you," the Wayob responded. "Find the true culprit, and one will fix the corrupt ancient names."


Wayob giving their condition on the repairs, the hyena stared off into space. Someone corrupted these lost ancient names? Why, how? No one bore them, why bother ruining them? He did not understand. Walking around in a circle beside his tent, the questions continued. Who could have possibly done this? He did not understand.


Flames churning everywhere in the distance, the chimera's circular walk continued onward. How could this be happening? Ancient names corrupted, the divine flame combusting? And, why did Santhe disappear again at the most suspicious of moments? He could feel cracks appear inside his chest. He could not take this. Any more and, he would burst.


Energy dying a disgraceful death, the chimera curled up into a ball in his tent. Closing his eyes, he could feel himself begin to drift off into nothing. Land of tormented dreams ready to welcome him back in for the late evening, one final thought cracked the glass within him further.


Did Santhe do this?


***


"Santhe, please, please don't leave during
A critical time when you could be the main suspect. Please, please, please, please, please, do
Not do that, I'm a begging. Please, do not do
That I am begging. Please do not do that, I am begging.
Hahaha, who am I kidding? The things that shadow creature said, they're
Eating away at me. Why am I letting it get to me?


Why am I letting what that
Horrible creature said to me get me down? They're wrong, they have to be.
Yes, they're wrong. They're not some monster pretending to be a Saurian.


Why would they be an Abyss Mage pretending to be a Saurian?
How could that even be possible?
Yes, that's right! It's not possible! It's not possible at all! I'm not


Delusional. It's simply not true! It couldn't possibly be!
I'm absolutely not delusional. Absolutely, positively not
Delusional. Not at all, not at all in any shape or form.


Yes, that creature of the darkness is just trying to mess with me.
Of course, of course, of course that's it.
Ultimately, I knew that.


Right, they're just messing with me,
Ultimately, trying to push all of my buttons. It's
Not going to work! It's not going to work


At all! I'm not listening.
Why should I listen to this
Annoying creature? They don't know anything! That's right, they don't know anything at all! Hahahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahahahaha!
Yes, that's right, nothing at all, nothing at all, they don't know anything at all. Nothing, nothing, not a thing."


Waking up the next morning, the soldier's eyes felt heavy. Tears decorating his face, the lids only got heavier. Foggy world around him, the chimera wiped his glasses. But, the waterworks continued. Santhe, were they to blame for the ancient name's corruption? Maybe they were. If that were the case, what should he do?


Staring off into space, the soldier folded himself into fetal position. Santhe, could they truly be an Abyss Mage in disguise as a Saurian trying to gain his trust by pretending to be something they weren't? He was starting to believe so. But, the chimera snapped himself out of it as he could feel something crawl on his shoulder.


Santhe's ears drooping, the soldier stared off into space. Something was not right here, but, the hyena shook off all those negatives. What was he doing, getting all down in the dumps like this? Snap out of it. He had to find the real culprit here. Santhe didn't do it. There was no way. Hearing a knock on the outside of his tent, the chimera flinched. Archons, what was he doing? He needed to get out of here.


"Woah! What happened to you?" Iomra cried. "I found the real culprit!" He jerked his fingers as he said such. "Come on, I'll take you to the Ancestral Temple! You gotta hurry now!"


Iorma's paw soon grabbing his, the early adult held back the urge to scream. Wait, they were going after the culprit now? But, the soldier just rolled with such. He knew he couldn't sit around rolled up into a ball. He had work he had to do. Exiting the People of the Springs tribe, he could soon hear a rather familiar buzzing noise.


"What's with all these aphids around these parts lately?!" Iomra said. "Gah, so-, I mean, bro, we have to catch them! I'll use my Nightsoul energy to defeat them! You catch them!"


Wasp creatures dropping down balls of fire everywhere they flew, the hyena's eyes opened wide. What in the world was this nonsense? Nets thrown, he swore he could hear the koala struggle. Seeing such, his eyebrows twitched. Was the power of whatever nightsoul was not enough?


Insects remaining supreme, a reckless maneuver had soon taken the stage. Planks of wood coming out of nowhere, the koala tossed them like he was the only performing act at the Opera Epiclese for the evening. Aphids seeing the stars, the soldier prepared the net once more. One last time, one last round.


Stinging creatures fading into the ether, the hyena puffed a weak breath. Where had all of these creatures come from, all of a sudden? They had grown overnight, for sure. But, he supposed that was the red storm cloud at its finest, chaos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Iomra grabbing his hand once more, the chase continued.


Reaching the Ancestral Temple after about one hour of running, the soldier gulped. The real culprit, who could they have really been? If it were someone vile to the core, he was not ready, in the slightest. But who waited down towards the bottom of the ruins had the least expected person amongst the many Natlan faces.


"Iomra, I found the culprit!" Satine cried. As she said such, she pointed.


"It's not me!" Iomra cried. "Don't look at me!"


"Geez, did I say it was you?!" Satine asked in a raised voice. "Oh, geez! Whoops, I meant to point at this guy! He's the culprit!"


Tall indigo haired man with the hoodie and bat ears, the hyena blinked at such. This guy was the culprit of the corruption of the ancient names? He didn't know why, but he felt like he was a scapegoat of sorts. Dark aura surrounding the man, a maniacal laugher soon overtook the area.


Shoulder empty once more, the hyena shook like a leaf. Where did Santhe go this time? Every time the culprit was right in front of them, they were gone. This wasn't a good look. But, the chimera shook such off. Maybe they just went for a walk elsewhere, that was it, surely.


"There he is!" Iomra shouted, pointing. "The culprit!"


"Huh?" the bat man asked. "What are you talking about I didn't do anything."


"I can smell them!" Iomra cried. "The corrupted ancient names!"


"I didn't?" the bat man asked, confused. "What are you talking about?"


"Sheesh, playing innocent!" Iomra cried. "Alright, you can come out now, real culprit!"


Bat hoodie man laughing up a storm, a deep voice had soon released from his throat. Hearing such, a heavy wave of confusion flowed through the hyena. What was going on? Did this man have more than one soul inside his body? But, the hyena shook his head. Focus, Siorc. That wasn't the case here.


"You talk bold, boy!" the bat man cried. "Fine, fight me."


Large shadow creature releasing from his body, two and two added up together. He sees now, this man can be affected by the dead around him. It made sense now. This creature, they were the one who did it, didn't they? Greatsword out in front of him, he could feel his rage become a ticking time bomb. Nope, he's not dealing with this anymore. Goodbye.


Soul putting up quite the fight, Satine soon joined in. But, as everyone came together, he had heard something quite unusual. Possessor stating they only played a small role, and were just taking responsibility, the questions rolled as their demise had come for them. They were responsible, either? Who could have been?


But, such was a fake-out. Soul shadowing over the bat man, the hooded individual had a dazed look on his face. Twins screaming bring out the power of their nightsouls, the chimera stared off into space. Was that the only way to defeat them? He was a useless piece of trash that needed to be thrown out. Epicenter of the specter soon hit, sweet victory had been in the eyes of the badger.


Bat man dropping like a fly, the party of two screamed about medical care. Blinking, the hyena backed away. What just happened? He did not quite understand. Multitude of rings dropping, the commodities had been handed off to the soldier. Returning to the stadium, he had been met with a surprise guest.


Santhe waiting for him in the speaker's chamber, the soldier could not help but feel an even heavier wave of suspicion, but brushed it off. They were just going for a walk, right, that's all this was. Corrupted ancient names and tools handed off to the pink lady, she soon spoke her truth.


"Well, I can probably restore them, but," the pink fortune teller said. "But, with the sacred flame combusting, it will take awhile." As she said such, she folded her hand into a fist. "To think my darling grandson had a hand in this. I'm going to knock some sense into him!"


Leaving the Speaker's Chamber, the chimera teleported to the Children of Echo's tribe. Agent waiting for him with his dragon masked face once again, the soldier tried to not flinch. He could not get used to this change, whatsoever. Mask on him, the hyena retained eye contact.


"Good work, soldier, you are dismissed," the Agent responded. "Return that creature of yours to its resting spot, and return to Snezhnaya at once."


Groaning, the hyena tried to tune such annoying language out. How much more insulting could the Agent get. Dropping Santhe back into their resting spot, he swore he could hear apology after apology. Military Barrack waypoint highlighted, the chimera stared off into space as he headed back off towards the soundproof room.


Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the hyena could not help but plant even more red flags upon the ground. Santhe, they vanished during another critical moment where they could have been innocent. Maybe he should start taking the shadow creature's points more seriously. Something wasn't right.


Wave of extreme fatigue overtaking the soldier, the hyena removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit he pillow, one last thought poked the active shark grooves of his brain as the land of tormented dreams claimed his as a prize once more.


Was Santhe hiding something from him?


No, why would Santhe be hiding something?


He was overthinking this, for sure.

 

[Palamon]

22: The Red Storm Cloud Strikes Back: Mondstadt and Fontaine
"No, why is this happening?
Oh, Archons, why is


This happening?
Hahaha, the red storm cloud,
It's returned to Mondstadt! This cannot be happening. This needs to
Stop. This


Cannot be happening! It needs to stop!
Aaaaaaaah, make it stop, make it all stop!
No, no, no, no! Why did this happen?
No, no, no, no
Oh, Archons, this can't be happening!
This truly cannot


Be happening! I don't
Even understand! This makes no sense.


Hahaha, this is madness!
Ahaha, absolute madness.
Please tell me this is just a
Prank, a joke,
Everything is reversing! This is
Not good! Everything
Is reversing!
No, no, no, no, no, no! I don't
Get it! How could


This happen?
How could this happen?
I don't know, but this
Shouldn't have happened! It


Cannot be! It simply just cannot be!
Ahaha, ahaha ahaha, ahaha.
No, this cannot be, this cannot be,
No! Why did this happen,
Oh, I just don't understand?
This is getting completely out of hand! It's


Best I just run, right?
Everything would be better if I just ran!


Hahaha! Of course it would, but
Ah, of course I can't!
Please, tell me this is a dream!
Please, tell me I'm dreaming.
Eh, better pinch myself.
No way, why am
I not dreaming? Why am I
Not dreaming?!
Get me out of


This living nightmare!
Hahaha get me out of this
Especially horrible living nightmare! The


Red storm cloud can return to
Every place it has previously been
Decimated in! I don't understand! The


Shadow creature is simply invincible!
This is horrible!
Oh, this is just
Really horrible! Absolutely
Madness! This


Can't be happening! I truly don't understand,
Let's just throw that all away!
Oh, Archons, how could this happen?
Ugh, I got my work cut out for me!
Don't do this to me! This


Can't be happening!
Aaaah, this can't be happening!
My heart is beating
Even faster now


Because of
All this! I
Can't stand this! I don't
Know what's happening!


This is madness!
Oh, absolute


Madness! What should I do?
Oh, what should I do? I do
Not know! I
Don't have a clue! I have to put a
Stop to
This, at
All costs! It
Doesn't have
To be this


Way! It doesn't
Have to be this way!
Yes, yes, it doesn't


Have to be this way!
Of course it doesn't! So,
Why? Why, why, why


Why, why did it
Have to be this way?
Your Majesty, I'm shaking.


Don't do this to me,
I'm begging,
Don't do


This to me, I'm begging.
Hahaha, I can't stand
It! I just can't
Stand it. Why did this


Happen? I don't understand! I don't understand
At all, but I'm trying to,
Please, make this make sense,
Please, I am begging on my knees?
Everything is making
Next to no sense


At all, I
Feel like I'm riding a carriage
That's wheels are broken!
Everything is broken!
Remove me from


All this madness!
Let me out
Let me out of


This madness, please!
Hahaha, this is
Especially maddening, everything is getting


Worse! It's all getting worse!
Of course it is! I'm
Really beginning to lose it! I don't
Know what to do anymore!


It's all getting out of hand, I just


Don't understand, I don't!
I don't, I don't, I
Don't! I don't get any of


This at all! None
Of this makes sense at all!


This doesn't make any sense at all,
Really! It doesn't make sense at all! Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha.
You know, I'm trying my best to make sense of


All of this! But, it truly is
Not making any sort of sense whatsoever! I truly
Don't understand any of this at all! I am not


Gathering the cards into the right places! I'm
Especially not understanding any of
The at all whatsoever! I had gotten


Rid of the red storm cloud up
In Mondstadt! And, I truly
Don't understand whatsoever in any shape


Or form how any of this
Folded out this way!


It really, truly doesn't make any sense at all!
This really doesn't make any sense at all!


But, what can I do about it?!
Ugh, there's absolutely nothing that I can do!
There's absolutely nothing that


I can do about it at all!
There's nothing I can do!


I'm simply powerless!
So powerless! And, I


Bet it has returned to
All the places it had already left! I
Can't do this, I really don't
Know what to do! This is just too much!


Ah, it's all just too much! I don't
Get it! I don't get it
At all! I just don't get
It all! This all
Needs to come


To an end! This all
Has to come to an end!
All of it! All of
This has to come to an end!


It makes absolutely no
Sense at all whatsoever!


Ah, what do I do?
What should I do? I'm
Fumbling, I am failing!
Ugh, Her Majesty is
Literally going to kill me!


I can't do this! I
Simply feel so helpless,


I don't know what
To do! I don't!


I don't, I don't, I don't!
Nothing is making sense! I'm
Very afraid that
It's going to come back to Fontaine
Next. Oh, no, no, I
Can't think that!
It's definitely going to now, I
Bet! All, this is all my fault!
Listen, I didn't
Even mean that!


I'm to


Blame if that happens, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Eh, stop apologizing over and over, and over
That's not helping anything!


It's not helping anything at all!
Take a long, deep breath, a long, deep breath.


It's not working! It hurts, I'm
Suffocating! It hurts, I'm suffocating! Why did this happen? This is


Not how things were supposed to unfold!
Of course they weren't! That


Horrible red storm cloud was supposed to go away permanently after it left the places it resided
Over! So, why?
Why did it have to


Come back? Why did it have to return itself to
Over these areas? I
Ultimately don't understand this! Please,
Leave! I played all your
Dastardly games! I can't


Take this anymore,
Hahaha, I can't take
It anymore! I'm
Simply asking for you to leave!


How could this monster still be up there?
Ahaha, I don't know!
Perhaps it's all a dream!
Perhaps it's all a nightmare!
Everything is a nightmare! A
Nightmare I just can't wake up from!


That's all this is!
Of course that's all this is!


Might as well just throw in
Every single towel


Into the super large


Ring and give up
Everything! The red storm cloud is back,
And there's nothing I can do. I needs to
Leave! Please, please, please
Leave! It has to go away! And
Yet, it's still there! Still up there!


Don't do this to me, don't do this to me, don't do this to me, don't do this to me, don't do this to me!
Oh, I'm suffocating!


No, no, no, this is breaking me.
Oh, I'm cracking, I'm cracking, I'm
Trying not to, but I am! Ahaha, I'm on my


Knees, shadow creature, please no
Not do this, I'm begging!
Oh, please, I'm begging, I'm begging,
Why did this happen? Why did this happen? Why did


This happen? Why did this
Happen? I really don't know!
I really, truly don't know at all! This
Shouldn't have been the case! And yet,


It is! It's the case! The
Storm cloud is still up


There in Mondstadt!
How did it
Even come back? Maybe me getting it to go away


Was all an illusion! Ah,
Of course it was! I
Really, truly think
So, it was all a
Trap in Dragonspine!


Perhaps, it was never eliminated
Over there. I'm certain!
So, that's what it is! I've
Simply been tricked!
I've just fallen into one
Big trap, and I'm
Likely falling onto the
Edge! That's it!


Of course, of course,
Ultimately,
That's it! It
Cannot be anything else!
Of course of course! I
Might as well admit it!
Everything was just a trick.


One big trick! I
Fear for the worst now!


This is the worst outcome imaginable!
Hahaha, the worst outcome
Imaginable! All of this
Should not have happened the way


It did, but it simply happened this way! I


Don't know what to do!
Oh, I feel so powerless right


Now, so vulnerable, so
Open to be attacked at any
Time! I don't know


What to do
About this at all! I really do
Not! I feel so powerless,
This feels like it might be


The end of the road now if I
Have no way to stop
It! I feel
So powerless, I don't think


There's any way to get rid
Of it permanently at all. I


Literally feel so powerless.
Ahaha, Your Majesty, you're ready to throw me out
Soon, aren't you? I can feel it, I can
Truly feel it in my bones, I can


Feel it tingling all
Over, I'm going to fail! I'm
Really going to fail
Everything, Her Majesty is
Very much ready to kill me!
Everything about this is
Really falling apart!


What do I do?
Hahaha! I don't know!
Ahaha, I'm so lost.
This is the worst, I don't know what to


Do? I don't know what to do!
Oh, I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless.


I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless, I feel so powerless. Ah,


Don't repeat it, don't repeat it, don't repeat it
Over and over again, ah, what am


I doing?! What in the world am I doing? Ah, no it's true, I


Feel so incredibly powerless.
Everything is getting so much worse!
Everything is getting worse! It's all
Looking grim. It's all


So grim, I don't know what to do!
Once it's gone,


It can come back,
No matter what I do! I
Can't do this anymore! I
Really cannot do this anymore. Not
Even a little! I
Don't know what to do,
I don't know what to do!
But, I can't give up, I have to
Look for a weakness!
Yes, I feel entirely


Powerless right now in the face
Of it, but
What I can do to
Eliminate it, entirely
Remove this
Literal threat to the
Entire world is find a
Smarter way to
Stop all of this.


I can do it, but


How? How could I?
Ah, I don't know, I
Very much don't have
Even a single clue.


Look, I'm trying,
Of course I am, I
Simply am stumped!
This is a


Terrible problem I
Have no way of
Especially fixing,


But, I
Absolutely have no choice in
The matter, I
Truly don't.
Let's try harder to
End this. Right here, right now."


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The anguish was a cubical, with thousands of sheets of paperwork lined up on top of one another with absolutely no ending in sight. The workload would continue to pile up for anyone, and everyone involved. The night before him was no different as well.


Before him had been a long winding field of morning glories. They were dark purple beautiful flowers attached to multiple bushels. But, such had not been the only thing within the soldier's line of dream sight. Rotting, desolate, barren trees seated beside the bushes, a heavy wave of nervousness ate the early adult alive, in a matter of moments.


Not a single tree amongst the living, the early adult broke out into a deep dream shiver. Where in the dream world could he have possibly been taken to? He had never seen such a thing in the mortal, waking world. Continuing to gaze at the world around him, the hyena's subconscious teeth chattered. He did not know why, but everything before him felt so wrong.


Such oddities had only been the beginning. Whiffing up a rancid scent, the early adult broke into dream tears, dropped down onto his knees, in an instant. What in the world was this horrible stench? Gazing at the trees one last time, the hyena lowered his subconscious eyes into a squint. Was it just his imagination, or did the rancid plants have mouths on them?


Studying such plants for a little while longer, the early adult broke into a sweat. What were these things really? They definitely were not trees in any shape or form, for sure. What could they have possibly been? He needed to get out of here as soon as he could possibly muster, no matter what.


Attempting to run off, the soldier swore he could hear something roar from close by, hearing such, the hyena let out a scream. Were these creatures simply just monsters? That had to have been it. He needed to get out of here, no matter what. Speeding up his running speed, the trees treaded further away with every dream second.


Intense force pushing him back towards the trees, the early adult let out a scream that did not penetrate into reality. What in the world was he doing here again? He needed to get out of here, no matter what. These rancid plants, he couldn't get anywhere near them. Not a chance whatsoever.


Attempting to run again, the hyena could see the light peek through. Sweet, sweet freedom. Freedom from the rancid scent, those weird trees; the tormenting dream. But, such had been wishful thinking thirty times over. Large magnet coming out of nowhere, the soldier could feel his dream body dragged right back to the beginning once more.


Smell getting worse, the early adult could feel tears stream down his face. Why was it, no matter how many times he were dragged back here, the stench had only gotten worse? He needed to get out of here. Staying in this space was not an option. Heelless shoes turning back once again, the chimera made what felt like, the fiftieth break for it.


Such continued to be a quick and utter failure. Magnet making its presence known in seconds, the hyena was ready to pull all his dream hair out. What in the world was this absolute nonsense? Who, or what was forcing him to come back here? Stench increasing, the soldier attempted to plug his nose. Turning back around, the defiance continued. No way is he staying here. He had to leave, right now.


But, the more he were to run, the faster the magnet became. Positive and negative poles clinging to him, in an instant, the early adult tried with all his might to not scream. Where did all these mechanical objects come from? Why were they out to get him with every step of the way? How incredibly annoying. He wasn't about to let these enemies win.


Fleeing once more, the early adult swore he could hear a familiar laugh off in the corner. Running off faster and swifter with every given dream second, the guffaws had only begun to get louder. Hearing such, the soldier tried to leave the area. What in the world was this sinister feeling? Someone, something, somewhere, get him out of here.


Failure coming for him once more, the magnet had returned for what felt like round seven. Back to the starting point, the hyena nearly bit his dream tongue upon seeing a certain someone waiting for him, like always. Shadow creature adorning bright red eyes, sinister mouth, and strange looking shirt with pineapples on it, the hyena rose an eyebrow. Why were they wearing that? He wanted to rip that stupid article of clothing off and feed it to the wolves. But, he kept such subconscious thought to himself.


Shadow creature waving at him like he was an old friend, the hyena awarded the monster with a glare. How dare they act like they were acquainted! Absolutely disgusting and rancid. Who did they think they were, acting all friendly? They were enemies, foes, opponents in war. He wasn't falling for this trap, not a chance.


"Hi, hi, my favorite little plaything!" the shadow creature cried in a singing voice, laughing maniacally. "Do you like my new friends? Say hi to Mr. and Mrs. Pitcher Plant!" They kept on guffawing up a storm as they said such. "They're getting pretty hungry! Go get food for them!"


Demand coming his way in full swing, the hyena let out a scream. He had to go and do what now? Shaking his dream head rapidly, he studied the plants, for a moment. Green tree creatures adorning mouths with sharp teeth, he let out a loud resounding hmph. As if he would help this fiend. Nice try. Not happening. No more work. Dream labor? How disgusting.


Folding his arms, the soldier seated himself upon the smelly ground. Go get food for these monstrous plants? Nope, not a chance, no way, not in a million dream years. How dare they think such was acceptable in any shape or form? If they were so hungry, why couldn't the shadow creature just do it themselves? Their legs weren't broken.


Seven rocks thrown his way in every single direction imaginable, the early adult let out a loud scream. Subconscious cranium throbbing, the hyena broke into dream tears. Turning towards his backside, multiple sediment elements laid in the palm of the creature's hand. Another one ready and waiting to come his way, the chimera tried to not shout. He was not going to be given a choice in the matter, was he?


"I don't believe I gave you a choice to sit around, now did I?" the shadow creature asked, tone annoyed. "If you don't hurry, I'll see to it you get what's coming to you!"


Forced upward by his collar, the hyena's dream eyes pulsated. Great, he had no choice in the matter, did he? How incredibly obnoxious. Forced upward onto his feet, the early adult held back the urge to cry. Why had this monster always lingered around him? Why had they invaded his dreams? How annoying. He did not understand any of this at all.


Moving right along, the path before him had begun to get long and winded right before his very dream eyes. Seeing such, the hyena could hardly stand it. Here it goes again. What in the world was this creature's power? Why is this still happening? How incredibly tiresome. He was at the mercy of the opaque beast.


Path only continuing to wind longer, the chimera broke into a sweat. Why was the road ahead him continuing to stretch out further? The shadow creature, they were doing this on purpose, weren't they? Whatever they were attempting to do to him, he wanted absolutely no part of it whatsoever.


Hearing a loud scream from afar, the early adult had begun running. Right, he had no choice but to go get the pitcher plants their food, or he would suffer the consequences. Dashing through the fields, the road grew in size once more. Seeing such, the chimera held in a sea of groans. He was going to be here dream forever, wasn't he?


Spiky traps laid out everywhere the dream eyes could see, the young soldier jumped to the right and left. Where had all these obstacles come from all of a sudden? How did these get here? Knowing he had to dodge them, no matter what, the hyena jumped to the right and left. If he were to step on those, it would be all over, guaranteed.


But, such had proven to be impossible. Traps laid out everywhere on each and every single pathway, the metallic traps pierced through him like cheese being sliced on a cutting board. Currently hyena feet full of holes, tears streamed down the chimera's dream face. Why was it, no matter what, the dream world was so terrifying lately?


Such had only continued to get worse as the walk continued. Bear trap laid out in front of him, the soldier attempted to jump past it. What in the world was this doing here? He needed to get away. But, such had been an utter failure. Knotted grass striking him from behind, the hyena came tumbling down.


Tumbled into the center of the large, terrifying object the spiky beast closed in on him in a matter of dream seconds, the spikes took the soldier for a ride. Sharp, pointy edges closing right in, the early adult broke into tears once again. The dream gods, why had they left him? Sea of red pooling beneath him, a laugh had come at him fast.


"Wow, you fell right into my trap!" the shadow creature cried, slapping their opaque shin. "Pathetic!"


The hyena let out a growl as the creature guffawed. Why couldn't this fiend leave alone in his dreams? Trap letting him go, an intense feeling of weakness overtook him. But, he knew he had to keep going, no matter what. Those stupid pitcher plants needed food, did they not? No time to waste.


But, as the soldier kept moving forward, the shadow creature continuously heckled him from behind. Feeling such, the hyena let out a scream. Could this creature leave him alone? Why were they tapping him over and over again? He's getting the food, alright? If they were to do this one more time, he would bite their fingers off, guaranteed.


"Hey, hey, you'd better hurry!" the shadow creature said in a singing tone. "Or, another trap will eat you!"


Shadow creature threatening him every step of the way, the hyena made a run for it. No, not a trap, anything but another trap. He had to hurry. Running faster and swifter, the hyena could not help but wonder. Just how much control did this monster have over his dream? But, the early adult threw such subconscious thoughts away. Did it truly matter? Once he were to get rid of the red storm cloud for good, they'll be gone, kaput, thrown away forever.


Traps only getting worse the further along he were to go, the early adult could feel his dream body grow weaker. What was going on? Just how many terrible traps were laid out for him? He couldn't take this anymore. Why couldn't this end already? This was absolutely ludicrous nonsense.


Hearing something from afar begin to tick downward, the hyena accelerated his running speed to the maximum possible capacity. Noise getting louder and louder as the minutes trickled downward, the chimera huffed a weak breath. No, was time running out? He had to hurry.


Dashing away even faster, the early adult could hear the noise only get louder as the seconds droned onward. What in the world was that racket? He had get out of here. The pitcher plant's food, he couldn't let this chance slip by him, or he would become the food instead, without a shadow of a doubt.


But, as the chimera kept running, a wave of confusion took him away. Finding himself right back where he started, the early adult tilted his dream head. How did he end up back at the beginning of the area? Shadow creature laughing maniacally, the soldier waved the invisible white flag upon the battlefield. It was over, he getting devoured, any second now.


"Thank you for bringing me my pet's food!" the shadow creature cried in a sinister tone. "Wanna know what it is?" They kept on laughing up a storm as they continued. "You! Goodbye!"


Shadow creature laughing up a storm as they said such, their pitch black hands reached towards him. Torso grabbed into a thick lock, the soldier closed his eyes as he had been slowly, but surely, dragged downward. Green monster's teeth chomping up a storm, a chill dropped down the chimera's dream spine. It was over, done, finished. He was as done as dinner, served raw.


Soon let go of, the hyena swore he could hear the pitcher plant scream delicious. As his small body had landed straight into the monster plant's mouth, the teeth chomped on him like there was no tomorrow. As the soldier's dream life was about to come to an end, one last thought took him away.


He wasn't tasty.


***


"Woke up this morning to a
Horrible predicament. A rather terrible,
Awful beast has plagued Fontaine once again. What beast is
That, exactly? Here's the thing.


It's that hideous red
Storm cloud from months prior. How


Horrible, I thought black fish steak bro took care of
All that, and it seems it has come back from the dead.
Perhaps that is a little dramatic,
Perhaps I'm getting a little ahead of myself. The weather is
Easily the most unpredictable force of them all.
No matter what outcome occurs the one thing
I ain't able to predict is the weather.
No, Rab can't either. I
Guess that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.


The fiend has returned in full swing,
Horrible, I don't want black fish steak bro's hard work to
All go to waste like
This. He completed the


Symphony, and that signaled a change. I dunno what
To do, something tells me if something ain't done, everyone will
Once again, be taken in by their
Rage. And I ain't about to deal with
Mad people all over again. I


Cannot stand to think of this
Large amount of nonsense.
Once the rage settles in, I need to
Unleash the beast. I
Do not wish to deal with this nonsense any longer.


I don't want to see all of black fish
Steak bro's work undone.


But what can I do
About it? Should I go and
Consult the chimeras in the faded castle? I dunno. I ain't
Know nothing. I don't think they know


Anything 'bout that, if I'm
Gonna be honest here. I know they know
About it prior, but this ain't
It. This is a sudden
Nerve that has been struck. What should I do?


Ah, I dunno, but I probably gotta do it alone. Don't wanna involve
Rab in this. He's been rather busy lately making new health robots.
Everything would be better if I do not disturb him.


Perhaps, this time, it won't have an
Everlasting effect. Maybe it'll
Only last a day or two this time. Or,
Perhaps not, I cannot say. If the effect
Lasts too long, I gotta do something about it. I cannot let
Everything shatter again. I cannot let them


Get out of control.
Or, there will a repeat of last time.
Not gonna let that happen. I'm
Not allowing that to occur
At all. I know it ain't that easy to


Get rid of this force of nature.
Even still, I cannot sit by idly as
That beast might be plotting something evil.


Maybe I'm getting
A little ahead of myself there? I
Dunno, but something tells me


All of this might have been a waste.
Guess Fontaine is going to be
Anger City capital of the world soon.
I dunno, I am
Not planning on giving up, or anything,


But, I really ain't sure what to do. It's not
Like I got
All the answers, of
Course I don't, but I
Know I ain't right to give up. My


Father didn't raise a quitter.
I say all that, but I feel this
Supreme urge to just throw my
Hands in the hair. I


Should not feel such a way but,
The fact that force of
Evil has returned is more than enough to sway me.
And I am trying to not let it, but I dunno. I had no way of
Knowing this horrible force would return,


But it did, it's back, and this
Really couldn't have gone much worse. If I could go back and time and change
One thing, I'd make it
So that storm cloud never showed up


Would that change the future? Likely. But, do I care? Not
At all. I know there's no
Such thing as time travel, so I


Could never make something like that possible, but
Of course if it were, I had the choice, I'd
Make that so. And, I'd make it so
Promptly, I don't wanna deal with that
Ludicrous stuff again if I could turn back.
Especially how it all went down
Then, I would,
Every single time.
Look, this is just theoretical, and all that. And,
Yet, I wish it wasn't like that.


Ugh, too bad, though, I guess. Time travel ain't
Never happening. I
Dunno if we'll ever get there.
Okay that's enough daydreaming. I
Need to talk to the crew in the faded castle.
Everything should be discussed


With them that involves this
Abysmal creature, that
Storm cloud. I really
Need to tell them
That that this fiend has returned. So,


I'm going. Rab is already busy at work,
Though I tell him I have something to get done. But, unfortunately,


No one, is there. Not the dragon sisters, nor the koala, nor the badger,
Of course, those plant
Twins are, but I have heard they don't really know anything, and


Come off as somewhat hostile most
Of the time, so I'd rather not tread down that road.
Ordinarily, I'd ask them anyway, but it
Likely ain't getting me nowhere. Something


I've know for quite a bit now is that the dragon


Sisters have been investigating something and
Heading off to Natlan for something
Or another. I don't. I don't know what that something or another is.
Ultimately, I ain't gonna pretend
Like it's my business. I
Don't think it is, and I am not


Putting myself into a ring that ain't my place to be in.
Unless I am mistaken,
They're looking into something for black fish steak. Well, Rasha


Ain't gonna admit to that.


She's more stubborn
Than he is on her
Own ways that I feel
Pretty confident


That if I told her
Of some sort of in between compromise


That she wouldn't take it.
Ha, well, to be fair, she ain't like me one bit.
I don't think Rasha likes anyone, truly.
So, I stay in my lane, and do not


Bother her. I don't ask her any questions,
Even though I have quite a
Few here and there to ask
Of her, but I know better, and I
Really don't wanna tread down a path that ain't okay for me to.
Either way, looks like


I'm gonna have
To fight this red storm cloud


By myself before
Everything collapses once again.
Can't let that happen.
Or, it'll all just get worse.
Might have to throw in the towel.
Everything ain't so
Simple this time around. I might be


Too late to stop it,
Or maybe there's still time,
One thing's for sure,


Lazing around is not
An option, I have
To take action,
Everything relies on


Taking action, I ain't gonna sit
On my rump and


Do nothing I don't get that luxury.
Of course I ain't got that luxury.


So I gotta do somethin' and I gotta do it force,
Or it's one trip back to anger city. One


Big trick back to rage ville.
Ultimately, that's how it is.
Taking action, and not letting this go


Horribly wrong. I ain't perfect
Or anything, but I know I have to do
What I can to prevent a tragedy."


The sound of bitter wind roared out in the open for hundreds of fatui soldiers to hear in one another. As the month long blizzard made its rampage known to man and beyond, countless groans had come in spades. Hail pelting the window, as well, the complaints continued for minutes on end. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.


The racket of monsters screaming from the top of their lungs made their pain known to the entirety of permafrost north. As the pain and suffering had only gotten louder, the complaints about had only made themselves worse. The monsters were aggravating, as usual. No ending to their racket in sight.


The complaints about were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Noises drowned out, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his partially human mind. Intense wave of fatigue taking him away, the chimera buried his face in his rock hard pillow. He did not know why, but he could feel his desire to get out of bed dwindle by the second.


Lifting himself upward, he could feel his energy die even further. Why did he feel so drained today? But, the soldier knew he couldn't sit around in his bed. Her Majesty would kill him if he laid around like this doing absolutely nothing. Removing himself from the covers, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the chimera's uniform had been placed over the layered shirts, the soldier could not help but wonder. Just what kind of untapped power did the shadow creature have? They were definitely invincible. How would he be able to defeat them? He did not know. That seemed next to impossible, for sure.


Thoughts continuing to rumble, the soldier walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. There had to be a way to defeat this monster. There just had to be. He has to find out. He absolutely, positively, without any questions, has to find a way to eliminate it. If he doesn't soon, it'll be game over, guaranteed.


Reversing his elliptical walk, the hyena thought about such deeper. What could possibly be done to eliminate this thing? The red storm cloud, the only places it remained were Liyue, Natlan and Snezhnaya. Surely, once it were to be removed from every single area it currently had power over, it would disintegrate into nothing.


But, the chimera shook his head. No, it wasn't that simple, was it? It couldn't have possibly been that easy to get rid of that monster, for sure. It would have a way to linger around unwanted, guaranteed. There was no way in any shape or form that would not be the case. That fiend, it was a sick and twisted virus that would never go away.


The hyena snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, getting lost in thought like this? Hail slapping down the window as he thought such, he turned back around towards his uniform drawers. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he's taking too much time to get ready. He'll get right back to it.


Letting out a sigh, the soldier could hear monsters scream as they slapped against the window once more. Hearing such, the chimera rubbed the side of his temples. How could this monster rain still be happening? Why hadn't anyone done anything about it? Tuning it out, icy balls slammed down once more. Sweat pouring down his cheek, he moved back towards his uniform drawers. No more dawdling.


Taking a deep breath, the soldier clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching sunflowers in his hair and ears, the hyena stared off into space. Was turning his prized possessions into weapons truly what he wanted? But, the chimera shook his head. This isn't what he wanted at all. Why did he give into the violent impulses raging within?


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the Geo Delusion glared daggers at the hyena. The sinister orb, should he finally make use of it? But, the hyena pushed such thoughts off a cliff. No, there was no way he could risk it right now. His health, it could absolutely, positively, not decline. He could not allow it.


Hail slapping the window, the early adult cracked his knuckles. No, Her Majesty, he's not using the Delusion, no matter what. She could come for his throat, for all he cared. It was not happening. Now was not the time to risk his body shutting off. The switch had to stay on. Taking a deep breath, he pushed it aside further.


Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the chimera gazed at the barricaded window, for a moment. Red storm cloud as full of activity, as usual, the hyena adjusted his glasses, for a moment. This beast, of a weather problem, he had to get rid of it once and for all, no matter what. Three regions remained.


Or, did they?


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward inexorably, the hyena face turned towards the window as further hail hit the paned glass. Why had there been so much of it today? Was Her Majesty angry? Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera flinched. No, he wasn't ready. He was done for.


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent shouted. "Turn around this instant!"


The hyena flinched as he heard the Agent's voice call out to him. Right, turn around this instant. What was he doing, having his back turned like this? He knew he shouldn't have. Eyes studying him, he bowed an apology. Why hadn't he been ready? That was not good. He was going to get what's coming to him, guaranteed.


"Now that I have your attention, soldier, you will be dealing with the problems that have arisen in Mondstadt once again," the Agent said. "You will need to deal with them as soon as possible, soldier."


Siorc jumped ten steps back upon hearing he would have to return to Mondstadt to deal with issues occurring there. The Agent, what did he say just now? There were problems in the Nation of Freedom again? He could feel himself ready to drop down to his knees as the only possible outcome added a string onto the murder board.


Hail slapping the window once again, a realization washed over the hyena. The red storm cloud, had it come back to Mondstadt? Coming to such conclusion, the hyena's heart skipped more than two beats. No, why? Why did it come back, after all the work he had done? Why did this happen? He could feel everything begin to sway.


Staring at the barricaded window, the hyena could feel his body begin to shake. The shadow creature, it really had the power to do anything. Why is this happening? He had defeated the food waste monsters, and the windmills. Wasn't that enough for them? This was all a game, and he was the main player. How could this happen?


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "What is your problem lately? Get it together, soldier!"


The chimera let out a scream. Right, get it together. What in the world was he doing, getting lost in thought like this? He was on the nonexistent clock right now. He absolutely cannot get lost in thought right now. Taking a deep breath, he tried to remove any thoughts that had nothing to do with work.


"Yes, sir," the hyena responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it usually did.


"Good, soldier," the Agent responded. As he said such, a satchel had been slammed on his backside. "You also must head to Dragonspine. Problems have started to occur here again, as well."


Dragonspine mentioned, the hyena jumped ten steps back once more. The red storm cloud had returned to the lesser permafrost north as well? He could feel his head spin as such echoed through his head. Why? Why did that have to happen? What in the world was going on here? He didn't know anymore. The red storm cloud was a monster of reckoning.


"Soldier, quit getting lost in thought!" the Agent shouted. "What is with you lately? You've been getting far more lost in thought. Whatever is bothering you, get over it."


The hyena flinched for what felt like the tenth time today. Right, he had to get over whatever was bothering him. What was he doing, letting his thoughts eat him away like this? He couldn't allow that. Taking a deep breath, he bowed another apology. Arm out in front of him once again, he waited for the escort to begin.


"Alright, soldier, we're going now," the Agent said. Arm out in front of him, he gripped the limb into a tight squeeze. "But, please, do be careful, Mondstadt is rather dangerous right now." Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the soldier stared off into space as the fast travel towards Mondstadt soon began.


The storm cloud had come back, guaranteed.


***


"It's returned, why? It returned, why? It returned, why? It returned, why?!
This is horrible, why is this happening? I


Can't believe this. Why is this happening?
Ahaha, why is this happening?
My world is crumbling,
Everything is crumbling. This is


Bad, this is bad, this is bad, this is bad, this is bad.
Aaaah, this is bad. This is bad. This is bad. I
Can't do this anymore. I don't
Know what to do!


What can I do? What can I do?
Hahaha, of course, immediately when I think this might be winding down, it gets worse again!
You know what, this is all my fault!


Why did I have to get comfortable?
Hahaha, why did I have to get comfortable?
Yes, this is all my fault!


Why did I get comfortable?
Hahaha, this is all my fault!
Yes, all my fault.


Perhaps, if I hadn't thought that, this
Likely wouldn't have happened! I
Especially knew that by now!
Ahaha, this is all my fault!
Shouldn't have thought for
Even a second that I would ever be


Done with this mission! I'll be
On this mission forever, until I perish!


Nothing will ever end!
Of course it won't, why pretend like
This has an ending? It


Doesn't! It'll never end! It'll never be
Over! Haha, this is all my fault!


This is all my fault!
Haha, all my fault!
I'm to blame! I
Should take responsibility! I should


Take full responsibility!
Of course I should! If it weren't for


Me, this wouldn't happen! This
Especially wouldn't have happen if


I hadn't gotten complacent!


Ahaha, hahaha, this is all
My fault! This is all my fault! I'd


Better prepare myself to deal with all this for life!
Everything will
Go on forever! It'll
Go on forever!
It'll go on forever!
No end in sight! It'll
Go on forever! And it's all my fault! Haha, all my fault. It's all my fault."


Upon reaching the capital city of Mondstadt through the teleport waypoint, the soldier had been informed about other business affairs. Agent letting him know he would be negotiating with some merchant, a set of strange instructions had come his way. Told to find out what's going on in Mondstadt by speaking to the Knights, the early adult held back the urge to sigh. Did the Agent not know what was going on? How annoying.


Subordinate soon leaving the area, the hyena could feel a chill in the air. Something did not feel right. Did Dragonspine and Mondstadt switch places with one another? Gazing upwards towards the sky, the soldier let out a groan. The red storm cloud, why did it return? This is terrible. Why did this have to happen?


Knowing he had to head to Knights Headquarters, the soldier cracked his knuckles. The red storm cloud, he could not allow it to get to him. It hardly mattered why it had returned. He had to prepare himself to defeat the shadow creature and its shenanigans as soon as he could possibly muster.


But, as the hyena moved forward, something was not right. Chill getting stronger, his mind wandered. Was it just him, or was there an extra presence around the Nation of Freedom? But, the hyena shook his head. No, he was imagining it, surely. Of course he was. That had to have been it. It was just the shadow creature playing tricks on him, guaranteed.


Although, as the chimera tried to push forward, a strange set of visitors had floated upon the wind. Spirits everywhere the eyes could see, something was not right. These ghosts, why did they have this solid look to them? But, the chimera shook his head. No, he was just imagining it, surely.


Gazing at the spirits, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. These specters, were they from Natlan? Studying them, for a moment something wasn't right. How did they get here? He did not understand. The shadow creature, did they fuse the two nations into one?


Shrugging, the hyena moved forward. No, that couldn't have been it, surely. Why would it be? Surely, they were just artificial beings created by the red storm cloud to confuse him. That had to have been it, for sure. He knew that. He could not let this disturb him. He had to ignore it all.


Ignoring such had been an impossibility, for sure. Spotting a gigantic plate monster about as tall as two average sized human males standing on top of one another, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Where in the world had these creatures come from? Why did everything have to become a monster lately?


Multiple plate monsters blocking the pathway, the young soldier let out a sigh. Could he ever walk through the city without a problem taking the stage? Enemies flocking in in a matter of moments, the early adult's knees buckled. No, why were they coming for him in droves? Would this be his last supper?


Plate monster's hands stacked to the brim with weapons, the hyena jumped ten steps back. What in the world was going on here? He did not understand. Specters floating beside them, the early adult rummaged through his satchel. Blade located, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Pathetic second rate greatsword in the palm of his hands, he could feel the defeat sirens cut him deep. How was he supposed to win with this glorified sheet of paper? He was toast, without butter, ready to be nibbled away.


Metallic carrots coming his way, the hyena jumped four steps back. But, as he had done such, a new set of object had come for him from behind. Backside a target for minutes on end, the early adult let out a shout. What, did these creatures have three hundred sixty degree vision? Absolutely ridiculous.


Weapons coming for him left and right, the early adult bounced them back for minutes on end. But, such had been an utter failure. Plate beings bouncing them off, the soldier swore he could hear the ghosts laugh at him. What was he doing wrong? But, he knew he couldn't give up here. He had to win.


But, such had been impossible from the get go. Plates bouncing off his deflections, the chimera dropped to his knees. These creatures, were they immune to their own attacks? What should he do? How was he supposed to win this? Standing right back up, he stretched his legs. No, there was no way it was impossible to win by sending their weapons back their own way. There had to have been a way to get around this.


Such workaround never came. Plates soon gaining a shield, the hyena waved the invisible white flag upon the battlefield. This was impossible, for sure. There was no way. He needed to get away from here no matter what. Why bother wasting time defeating them? But, as he prepared himself to move onto the next area, laughs had come his way.


"Wow, pathetic!" the ghost cried, pointing and laughing. "You're supposed to be a soldier, huh? And you can't beat a plate? What a can of worms you are!"


Insulting language coming his way, the early adult grit his teeth. How dare these ghosts laugh at him like that. Why don't they defeat them, then, if they were making fun of him? Cracking his knuckles, he clutched his greatsword. He'll show these dead wanderers. He wasn't a weak punching bag to toss insults to.


Continuing to prove the ghosts right, the hyena dropped to his knees. Why in the world were they so strong? Who in the world made these enemies invincible? He could feel the canaries singing in his ears to take him away. Ghosts continuing to chuckle, the invisible white flag had been waved. It was over. He was done for.


"I'm going in!" a voice shouted.


"Oz, reveal thyself!" another voice shouted.


Unlucky pyro boy and prinzessin throwing forks and spoons at the plate monster, the creature cracked into a million pieces. Seeing such, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. That was all it took to destroy these things? Feeling the bad luck vibes ready to come for him, the early adult made a run for it. He had to get out of here before the bad luck could swallow him whole.


Dashing up the staircase, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Ghosts everywhere that looked almost exactly like the lost souls of the Night Kingdom, the chimera kept his attention forward. He had to get to Knights Headquarters. There was no time to get lost in thought.


Stranger by the stairs handing the hyena forks and spoons, the early adult adjusted his glasses. Was it just him, or did these utensils have some sort of dangerous aura around them? But, the chimera shook his head. No, he was imagining it, surely. Pocketing them, he took a long, deep breath.


Plate monsters stomping towards him as the next set of stairs awaited him, the early adult removed a sinister spoon from his back pocket. Utensil in the palm of his hands, the hyena rolled his shoulder. No more of this nonsense, letting out a battle cry, the metallic weapon had blown against the wind.


Ghosts trying to throw him off, the chimera attempted to keep himself focused. He could not falter. These plate monsters, they had to go down. Glass shattering, the monster faded off into the ether. More soon taking their place, he took a weak breath. Keep going, he had to defeat them all.


Army of kitchenware and ghosts getting smaller by the second, he swore he could hear the enemies scream it wasn't over. Hearing such, the hyena held back the urge to sigh. He'll see about that. It was time to move on. Ascending the staircase, the he could feel a chill in the air once again. Was it just him, or had there been one ghost following him? Hearing a roar off in the distance, the early adult sped up his running speed. He had to get out of here right now.


Wave of tiredness flowing through him, the hyena huffed a breath. Why did he feel so tired all of a sudden? Sweat pouring down his back, the early adult dragged himself towards the entrance of Knights Headquarters. The Knights, did they even know what was going on? Maybe they didn't.


Wiping his brow, the hyena cracked his knuckles. It was time to enter Knights Headquarters. Knowing he had no choice in the matter, the soldier ascended the final staircase. Opening the doors, he prepared himself. Surely, whatever nonsense was going on would be a simple, quick fix.


Walking towards the Acting Grand Master's office, the chimera knocked on the door with all his might. Hearing a rather pesky voice call him in, the chimera held back with all his might to groan once more. If the Cavalry Captain was in, he wanted absolutely no part of him whatsoever.


Stepping inside, the soldier could feel his energy take a nosedive. Oh, great, just what he needed right now, the flirty librarian, and the Cavalry Captain. Why couldn't it have just been the Acting Grand Master? But, the soldier threw such thoughts away. Why would he ever get that lucky?


Knowing he was definitely intruding upon some sort of meeting, the chimera bowed an apology. Signing he apologized for intruding, the chimera broke into another sweat. Ah, they were all discussing important knight business right now, weren't they? Maybe he should just turn around. But, such action had been cancelled in a matter of moments.


"You're not intruding at all, cutie," the flirty librarian said.


Flirty librarian as annoying as usual, the hyena tuned her out. Couldn't she ever address someone normally? But, he shook his head. Of course that wasn't possible. Placing his hands out in front of him, the hyena brought his knuckles together. Twisting his fingers, for a moment, his strayed his knuckles apart once more. Tilting his head, inquiring about Monstadt's problem had been signed on private display.


"What is going on in Mondstadt, you ask?" the cavalry captain asked. "It would seem a little bard told me some Natlan force has drifted its way here! None of us can seem to find a cause as to why."


Hearing such, the chimera placed his hands out in front of him once more. Silently communicating he had dealt with such forces shortly before coming here, the soldier could not help but wonder. Those ghosts outside, had they been sprits from the Night Kingdom? The red storm cloud, did they bring them here? How could they do this? This was a step too far.


"Thank you for the help, but, we believe they are invincible, so try to be careful, alright?" the acting grand master warned. "We do believe there is a way to defeat them. However, we are not knowledgeable enough on Natlan to be able to do so ourselves." She then pointed at her desk. "Maybe these tools could be of use to you?"


Peculiar weapons handed off to him, the hyena exited Knights Headquarters. These enemies, if they were truly invincible, how was he supposed to win? Would these weapons he was handed truly make a difference? He knew it probably wouldn't. Why act like it would. Preparing himself to leave the area, the doors swung open faster than his eyes could keep up with.


"Soldier, please wait," the Acting Grand Master said, huffing a breath. "I apologize, I forgot to tell you something. Our cartographer told us the best route to deal with this unusual force would be to start by heading Stormbearer Point, and then southwest towards Dawn Winery."


Suggestion coming his way, the hyena bowed a thank you. But, as he had done so, he could feel an intense wave of dejavu. Why did he feel as though he had done all this already? The hyena shrugged at such, however. He had dealt with the food waste monsters a week or two prior. That's all it was. Nothing to concern himself over, truly.


Knowing the best way to reach Stormbearer Mountains was to head there through Whispering Woods, the chimera prepared himself to exit the city. Descending the staircase, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. What was this chilly feeling behind his back? Trying with all his might to ignore it, he kept on moving forward.


But, as the city exit neared, the soldier jumped three steps back at the sight before him. Natlan warrior ghost floating beside him, a heavy wave of bewilderment flowed through him. Hadn't he defeated all the phantoms along the way to Knights Headquarters? How in the world did he miss one?


Shrugging, the early adult recalled something. One of the specters earlier had not been eliminated, had it? He supposed it could have been possible one of them hid themselves before it could be taken out. Sifting through his satchel, he took out the tool of ghost destruction.


Very peculiar looking device in his hand, the early adult tossed it like his life depended on it. Although, such was a waste of time, in a matter of moments. Ghost creature crushing it with its bare dead hands, the hyena's draw dropped open. This phantom was invincible, indeed.


"You think you can defeat me?" the ghost asked. "Think again! You made a huge mistake!"


Ghost continuing to follow behind him as he exited the city, the early adult groaned. Great, wonderful, amazing, had this phantom decided to haunt him? Absolutely fantastic. He needed to find a way to defeat them as soon as possible, no matter what. Storm cloud up above giving a defiant crackle, he snapped his fingers.


As the hyena dashed across the bridge, the soldier swore he could hear an unusual racket off towards the path of Windrise. Hearing such, the chimera's currently human legs broke out into a sprint. Forget Whispering Woods for now, he needed to hurry. Noises only getting louder, a heavy wave of unease flowed through him. What was going on here? He needed to get to the tree quick.


Reaching the large tree in record speed, a terrifying sight to behold took the hyena for a wind storm. Plate monsters climbing up the tree, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. How did these monsters get so strong? Enemies sticking out their steel tongues, The hyena clutched the forks. Nope, that attitude had to go. He would not stand for this.


Plates suffering a crushing defeat, the early adult dashed back towards the path of which he came. Heading northward, a sea of lost warriors soon awaited him. Counting every single one in the pathway in front of him, the soldier's heart skipped more than five beats at the result. Sixty specters on this pathway towards Whispering Woods? What was going on here? How did so many escape from the Night Kingdom?


Plate beasts adding themselves to the mix, the chimera broke out into a shiver. What was with this army increment? How did this happen? Sighing, the tools had been in his hands. He could not falter. These enemies, had had to get rid of them one after another. The choice was not his, if he wished to keep on living.


Utensils tossed, multiple phantoms floated away. Seeing such, the hyena focused. That crowd was of no importance right now. Eating dish creature remaining intact, the chimera through the next metallic enemy with full force. This had to end. What was he doing, throwing this thing so weakly?


Plate becoming one with the wind, the specter army was ready to tussle. Oddly solid punches coming his way, the hyena's face was taken for a ride. Cheeks destroyed, the early adult rubbed the affected area. Jumping back, the early adult dropped the tool of anti-invincibility. Smoke engulfing the air, the hyena let out a cough.


But, such tool did nothing whatsoever. Ghosts laughing, multiple specters bent their bodies towards one another, index fingers touching one another. Hearing them scream fusion, the hyena let out a groan. What was next, having to collect seven orange balls with a series of stars on them and make a wish to make them go away? But, the chimera threw such thought away. What in the world was he thinking?


Quintuple dozen phantoms soon becoming one, the soldier grit his teeth. What in the world did he witness just now? Wicked laugh coming his way, the early adult clutched the eating utensils. Poltergeist jerking their collective index finger at him, the chimera steeled himself. They wanted to battle, did they? Well, sixty-two could play at that game. This monster is going down, he'll crush them, burn them, kill them again and make them a ghost a second time.


Spark popping off in his brain, the hyena sifted around in his bag for the most lethal weapon possible. He would crush this fusion ghost, end them, re-ghostify them. Strange orb shaped objects in the palm of his hands, the hyena threw them rapid fire. This specter was going down.


Static clinging to the creature, another spark popped off in his brain. Further orbs tossed right and left, the soldier leapt upwards towards the enemy. This enemy was going down. He would crush them, destroy them, make sure they never unbreathe upon this land again. Shockers barely doing their duty, his canines soon took center stage.


Sharp teeth gnashing in, he swore he could hear the ghost pile scream for mercy. But, the hyena could not hear such. Teeth digging deeper, the early adult kept going. This enemy, they were going down. Specter army coming crashing down, the hyena blinked. What in the world just happened? Why did he lose control like that?


Phantom army becoming nothing in a matter of moments, the early adult broke into a shiver. His shark brain, why did it have to take over? He could not allow that to happen again. What in the world was he doing? He needed to get it together. Slapping his cheeks, he pushed himself towards Whispering Woods. No more losing control. He could not let that happen again.


Specter following him everywhere he were to go, the early adult once again, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. This phantom, why were they still following him everywhere he were to go? He did not know, but he knew he would have to try and defeat it as fast as he could possibly muster. Orb tossed their way, nothing happened.


Multiple plate monsters and specters defeated one after another, the soldier huffed a breath. Why had there been so many escapees from the Night Kingdom? What in the world was going on here? But, the early adult shrugged. The red storm cloud had done this, of course, what else could it have been? He knew that already. He needed to focus his attention on elimination.


Reaching Whispering Woods, the early adult dropped down to his knees at the sight before him. Ghost army increasing in numbers, the young soldier eyes pulsated in a rapid manner. Where had all of these lost souls come from? Weapons clutched, the hyena prepared himself. What could he possibly do? The enemy list, it was getting bigger, more of an issue.


Enemies swinging him around like a ceiling chandelier, the hyena let out a scream. These specters, why were they so strong? He did not know, but he supposed that didn't matter, in the long run. The shadow creature gave them a new life, that was all it was. Nothing more, and nothing less.


Sea of ghosts soon decimated, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left once more. Something felt strange once again. Was there something in the air? But, the soldier shook his head. No, there couldn't have possibly been. He was imagining all that, surely. He needed to get out of here, and move on. Stormbearer mountains was nearing.


Continuing to head north for minutes on end, Starfell Lake had soon been upon him. But, upon reaching this area, something was not right, in the slightest. Hearing rather loud shrieks across the air, the chimera observed the area. Was it just him, or did he feel like there was something up ahead in the water? Enemies around him taken out of the picture, the aggravating invincible ghost latched onto him like glue.


Reaching the lake, the soldier's jaw dropped at the sight before him. Large sea beast making its presence known, the hyena jumped two steps back. How in the world did this get here? Gazing upwards towards the red storm cloud, the soldier shook his fist. Could the shadow creature pick a theme and stick with it? How very annoying.


Sea lion sisters attempting to take the creature out with all their might, but failing for minutes on end, the hyena cracked his knuckles as the party of two had been pushed back by some strong force. While he knew any second now, he would get shouted at for intervening, he cared not. He needed to do something, for certain.


As the creature let out another roar, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Silk flower friend dancing in place upon the battlefield, the chimera provided silent commands to the plant brought to life by his Dendro Vision. He needed to turn the tables here, no matter what. Sea lion duo charging back in, his battle cries continued.


Sea beast not budging, even for a moment, the soldier let out another shout. Sea lion duo attacks added to the mix, the hyena kept going. This enemy, it needed to go down. Enemy weakening with every step, the soldier prepared the final blow. Monster becoming one with the ocean, eyes were glued to him, in moments.


"Hey! What did you just do?!" Savon cried, waving her flippers in the air. "How many times do we have to tell you to not take our bounties from us, huh?!"


Word bounty mentioned, the soldier stared off into space. This was Savon and Eau's bounty? He had done it again, how could he do this? What was he doing, inviting himself to battle other people's target like this? He shouldn't have done that. Bowing an apology, a loud sigh had come his way, in a matter of moments.


"We'll let you off the hook this time since Mondstadt is in some sort of crisis, at the moment," Eau said, sighing its lungs away. "But, don't interfere again. I'm warning you. Next time, we won't be so forgiving. Got it?" There was an irritated tone in her voice. "If you understand all that, then go away."


Continuing to head north for quite some time, leftover food waste monsters took the stage. Seeing such, the chimera could hardly believe his damaged eyes. No, why was this happening again? Hadn't he defeated the wasted food zombies last time? This was the worst, for sure.


Forks and spoons tossed at the food waste enemies, the early adult had begun running. He did not have time for this, he had to get out of here. But, such was not happening. Trash from yesterday's dinner following him, the utensils did the talking. Feeling his steam get lost, the chimera could not help but feel fatigued.


Stormbearer Mountain feeling further away than ever before, the chimera clutched the spoons. He could not give up now. No matter what, he had to win this. Enemies spilling difficulty, the soldier huffed a breath. Was it just him, or had these battles gotten even harder? Twenty utensils doing the job, a voice laughed at him.


"Wow! You're so pathetic!" the ghost cried. "Look at you, using all your remaining power to beat a stupid carrot! Pitiful!" They pointed and guffawed as they continued. "If I were still alive, I'd snap that thing's neck in half! What, are you tired, hmmm? Little wimp!"


Tuning the ghost out, the hyena kept going. So, what if he were a little weak right now? How could he possibly have the energy to keep going after all this? That was impossible, for sure. Was this thing even looking at the world around him? There was hundreds, no possibly thousands, of phantoms around. How was he supposed to have the vitality to continue? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense.


But, as the hyena reached the Stormbearer Mountains, a new enemy had been added to the mix. Peculiar purple jewel in the center of the area, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. Pitch black shadow enemies surrounding it, he swore he could hear phantoms taunting him left and right.


"What are you waitin' for, huh?!" a ghost asked, fists raised upward. "If you fight the Abyss Pylon, we'll go quietly! And, so will our little friends here!"


Strange looking bat creatures surrounding the pylon, whatever that was, rapidly, the chimera unsheathed the pathetic greatsword from his satchel. Defeat an object from the abyss? Surely, that would not be too difficult. Taking a long deep breath, the soldier prepared himself. He had to end this.


Peculiar purple crystal vanquished after about thirty strikes, the chimera took a deep breath as the residue enemies surrounded him one after another. Claymore swiping with all its might, he could feel the tips of his finger begin to weaken. Is this what the people of Natlan dealt with every single day? How terrible.


Second crystal soon destroyed in the east, the chimera turned his head off towards the right and left. Had there been any more? But, the soldier shook his head. There were no more, as far as the eyes could see. Knowing it was in his best interest to start heading off towards the Dawn Winery area.


Pushing off towards the east, stared off into space as further abyss crystals awaited him in Starsnatch Cliff. Seeing such, the early adult's blade shook. Specters surrounding it in spades, he could feel the pressure crack like a mirror. Why were they everywhere? Mondstadt and Natlan, had their problems intertwined with one another?


Crystal putting up quite the fight, the soldier could feel his will begin to sway as the ghosts had been taken out of the picture once more. Many more where that came from as he passed through Thousand Winds Temple, the soldier had begun running. Uphill battle taking him for a ride as he headed west, hundreds of phantoms had been kicked to the curb one after another.


Springvale reached after about an hour of running, the hyena's eyebrows twitched at the sight before him. Quintuple dozen specters waiting for him once more, the early adult grit his teeth. Gazing upwards towards the sky, he tried to not scream. Just how many former warriors trapped in the night kingdom had the shadow monster poached from their home? Absolutely ridiculous.


Army demanding one last hurrah, and they would surrender, the chimera's eyes twitched once more. These phantoms had they regenerated with every defeat? Realization stabbing him over and over, the hyena let out a laugh. These creatures were invincible alright.


Combined ghosts demanding he throw the forks and to hurry it up already, the hyena shook his head. Was this really happening right now? He could hardly believe what he was hearing. This wasn't going to work at all, for sure. Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. He could feel the eggs fall on him as he thought.


Eating utensil doing its duty, the soldier had to do a quintuple take. Ghost fusion fading away, the chimera broke into a tired sweat. Would this be all, for the last time? Surely, that had to be it, once and for all. Dashing towards Dawn Winery, a returning surprise had come to haunt him.


Grape zombies coming for him left, right, front, center, upside down and backwards, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Knowing he had to hurry along and take the food beasts out to the trash, the battle was on. Crackle of thunder up above resounding, the fruits grew in size in a matter of moments.


Barrier surrounding the enemies, the hyena's eyes pulsated as the monster's brand new limbs picked up his weapon like it was a paperweight. Flower friend flicked away almost immediately, a wave of intense powerlessness flowed through the soldier. These berries, how could they have become so powerful? Unbelievable. Attempting with all his might to curve an advantage, nothing happened.


Failures piling up for minutes on end, the chimera huffed a breath. Fruit monster's juicy arms around him, his body flung across the windy air like he was a ball. Standing up, the monsters remained supreme. Nothing doing, the chimera let out a laugh. Was he powerless? Shields were a monster beyond recognition, for sure.


"Burn!" a voice shouted.


Burning phoenix burning the grape monsters into nothing, the soldier turned his head towards the left. Angel Share's owner fighting the wrathful grapes one after another, the chimera stared off into space. Wouldn't this affect the wine industry greatly? But, the soldier shook his head. That wasn't his problem. Fruits burned one after another, he could hear a shout come his way.


"Go!" the angel share's owner shouted. "I'll deal with the monsters here on my own."


Red haired rich man demanding he leave the premises, the hyena dashed off towards Wolvendom. The hooded boy, he needed to get him out of this mess now before it was too late. Plate enemies here as well, he could see the feral hooded boy about ready to collapse. Seeing such, the forks had been flung at full capacity. Creatures soon defeated, a protest had come his way.


"Purple hyena no need to come," the hooded boy said. "I got this."


Hooded boy looked ready to fall over, the early adult shook his head. No, absolutely not. How could he allow himself to sit by and watch as he overworked himself? Absolutely not. Second round of plate monsters coming, the hyena put his food down. Utensils getting in on the action, Wolvendom was soon free.


Knowing Dragonspine was the final step, the hyena had begun running, but as he had done so, the chimera could hear giggles and guffaws from behind him. Phantom being laughing up a storm as the icy land drew ever so closer, the early adult covered his ears. What in the world did this freaky creature want? Leave him alone already.


But, as the soldier made his way towards the lesser permafrost north, a new sea of pests triplefold soon awaited him. Sea beasts overtaking the icy wasteland, the soldier held back the urge to sigh. Not this again. Why were these pests everywhere? Beings munching on the snow, the soldier prepared himself for a tough fight ahead.


Serpents slithering away the moment he approached them, the hyena wanted to rip his hair out. Was this an act of defiance? Creatures slithering off to the eastern path, he had soon been met with another pesky obstacle. Stupid penguin knight coming his way, finger pointed at him the hyena folded a fist. Whatever he wanted to say, he could can it.


"Did you seriously come here, thinking you had what it takes to be a lost sea serpent?" Konig asked, laughing his butt off. "Ha! As if a girly soldier like you could ever do something like that! Get real!"


Tuning the pathetic knight out, the hyena headed off towards the Entombed City lost to time. So what if he was girly? As if that was an insult. He'll show this pest he could run circles around him. Knuckles cracked, the chimera leapt towards the leviathans, everything had been defeated from the icy world around him for hours on end, but as he was about to close out the final snake into the wringer, an unwanted guest came out of the snowworks.


"Hi, hi! How's my favorite plaything doing today, good?" the shadow creature asked in a mocking tone. "I'll tell you what! Defeat this beast in front of me in two attacks, and I'll leave for good this time!"


Shadow creature snapping their fingers, the early adult let out a groan as one last plate monster got its last hurrah. Seeing such, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. Really, this was the best they got? The shadow creature had lost its edge, for sure. One single fork tossed its way doing its job, the shadow creature snapped their fingers.


"Alright, alright, I'll go!" the shadow creature cried. "This place is boring, anyway! Whatever, I just cause chaos in Fontaine again, bye bye!"


Red storm cloud gone from up above, the hyena let out a sigh. Was that really it? How anticlimactic. Heading towards the pathway near Dadaupa Gorge, the soldier could see the Agent in the corner. Subordinate soon dismissing him, the early adult highlighted the military barracks waypoint, in a matter of moments.


Immediate wave of tiredness overtook the solder. Weaponized hairpins and earring soon removed, the chimera removed his uniform, as well. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, a sea of intense thoughts was ready to drown him out to sea as the land of tormented dreams called him back in for the evening.


Fontaine will be far worse than Mondstadt, won't it? He needed to be cautious.


***


"Pretty sure it's getting worse now, what do I do? I
Really don't know,
Everything is breaking, shattering,
Pretty much destroyed?
Ah, what can I do? I
Really don't know.
Everything is burning.


Might as well give up, and starting crying.
Yes, this is entirely too much for me, what
Should I do?
Everything is breaking, I
Likely won't last
For much longer. This is the end of the road


For me, I don't have much longer before I break.
Of course I don't, I
Really don't. What can I do,


Truly? I don't know, I
Hardly have a clue on anything, really.
Everything is burning. The


World is burning, it'll soon
Overheat, what am I doing? I
Really don't know anymore, what am I doing? I
Shouldn't falter, this will be
The end of me, if I do. I cannot lose, I have to try harder."


Upon waking up the next morning, an unfortunate, but predictable set of orders had come the chimera's way. Agent ordering him to head to Fontaine, something had happened there that needs his attention, the soldier held back the urge to sigh. The red storm cloud had come back to Fontaine, didn't it? There was absolutely no doubt in such being the case whatsoever.


Teleport waypoint taking him to the Court of Fontaine, the hyena swore he could see hundreds of phantoms everywhere once more. Gazing upwards towards the sky, the chimera tried with all his might to hold back the tears. No, how could this happen? The red storm cloud, why did it have to return like this?


Knowing he had to eliminate all the spirits possible, the hyena had begun running. He had to do all he could to cleanse Fontaine of the red storm cloud, before it was too late. He absolutely positively, without a shadow of a doubt, could not allow this to go on. If this were to linger around for even a moment longer, Fontaine would be in jeopardy, guaranteed.


Finding a strange device waiting for him at the bottom of his satchel, the early adult studied it, for a moment. Powerful suctioning device operated by some sort of peculiar circular shaped juice creatures with some sort of electricity flowing through them, a note had been left for the chimera.


Paper informing him this device would suck the ghosts into the box immediately upon locating them, the chimera lowered his eyes into a squint. This had to have been pulling his leg, surely. Surely, it couldn't have possibly been that simple. Note instructing him to wheel the beast onto the ground, he could not make sense of any of this. He had to do what now?


Specters every which way, the soldier lifted the nozzle, staring into its head. These ghosts, how were they supposed to fit in this sucker? Studying it for a moment, the questions continued. What even was this thing? And, how could it eliminate ghosts? First victim ready and waiting, the confusion looped on repeat. What should he do?


Ghost laughing at him, the hyena sighed. Sucker lifted up, an intense breeze of air had come from the tube's buttocks. Specter getting dragged down, the soldier's jaw dropped open, this wheeled sucker device, just what in the world was it capable of? Eyes darting towards the invincible ghost, he turned the windy monster towards him.


Such, however, failed immediately. Specter staying intact every step of the way, the chimera gazed at the red cylinder shaped creature attached to the hose. What in the world is this thing? Was this sucker's power limited? Ghost laughing, he slapped a palm across his forehead. What annoying thing were they going to say now.


"I already told you that nothing can defeat me, didn't I?" the phantom cried. "But, feel free to eliminate my friends instead! They'll go in there like icing on a cake!"


Natlan specter taunting him, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. What in the world was this monster taunting him for? How annoying. Why was this one invincible? But, he supposed there was no answer to that. Army of lost souls flocking towards him on the first floor, the wind powered suction beast was ready for action.


Ghost sucked in one after another the chimera gazed at the funnel creature. Meter on the bottom raising upward, he could not help but wonder. If this creature were to become full, would it lose all its power? Staring at it, the soldier shrugged. He supposed nothing was bottomless, no matter what.


Sweeping the first floor, the hyena ascended towards the second. Hundreds of specters waiting for him, he wheeled right along. These ghosts haven't seen anything yet. Suction beast raised upward, hundreds of dead warriors begged for mercy. No, don't suck them in there, let them go, they'll go back to the Night Kingdom. Begs and pleads coming his way, the soldier would not budge. Nope, sorry, not happening, they can live in Mr. Sucker forever.


Device getting heavier by the second, the soldier let out a grunt. Did the karma of a hundred plus warriors weigh in the balance? But, the hyena shook his head. No, of course not. Why would that be the case? His arms were just getting a workout, that was all. That was all it was, for sure.


Next sea of victims sucked in, the soldier stared off into space. Creaking his head upwards towards the fourth floor, the hyena huffed a weak breath. How in the world was he supposed to wheel this thing up there? He supposed he had no choice but to use the glass lift back on the first floor. Dropping downward, he made a run for it. Glass lift taking him up to the highest floor possible, the last round of ghost sucking had soon begun.


Or, so the soldier thought. Specters impervious to the ghost sucker, the soldier could feel the world around him freeze. No, the sucker's buttocks, had it run out of power? What in the world was he supposed to do? Trying with all his might to capture the remaining spirits, nothing happened.


Trying harder every step of the way, the wind did nothing, wheeling the device around further, the chimera could feel himself ready to tumble. How could this be? Why couldn't it do anything anymore? But, he shook his head. Maybe it just needed a moment to receive more juice. That had to have been it, surely.


But, such moment never came. Ghosts laughing up a storm as they remained intact, the early adult removed the claymore from his satchel. Surely, if the sucker could not do his duty, the tried and true was the only option. Swiping away like his life depended on it, he let out a battle cry.


Greatsword proving useless, as well, the soldier clutched his chest as the specter's guffaws had only gotten louder. Hearing such, the hyena tried to hold it all together. Did the invincible ghost clone themselves? It was all over, if so. Not a single attack doing anything, an invisible white flag was about to be waved upon the battlefield.


Feeling himself ready to throw in the towel, a sea of pests had soon found themselves in his way. Earl and Baron outside Palais Mermonia, gauntlets ready, the early adult held back the urge to bite. Why was it, no matter where he were to go lately, the penguin pests followed? How annoying.


"Struggling? We'll lend you a hand!" Earl cried. As he said such, a ghost had been punched. "Stop giving my future husband problems!"


Triple digit ghosts punched to oblivion one after another, the soldier placed his hands over his mouth. What just happened? Did Earl just pummel hundreds of specters to their redeath? Obsession was the most powerful force known to man. Further phantoms beaten adead, the chimera's eyes twitched.


"Earl, enough, you beat them all up already," Baron complained, twirling their hair. "Don't go feral. It's am embarrassing look for you."


"And let my future husband get taken away by a ghost?!" Earl cried. "I'd much rather go feral for that!"


"You're so unintelligent, it's astounding," Baron groaned.


Siblings yattering on, the hyena rolled his eyes towards the sky. It was time to get away from here, and move on. Figuring the next course of action would be to head off towards the research institute, the hyena headed off towards the city exit. Wheeling through the edges of the court of Fontaine's outskirts, the sucker had been in action once more. Seeing such, his jaw dropped open. Was it simply sleeping?


Hundreds of ghost sucked in one after another as the bridge soon approached, a familiar obstacle had soon been laid out in front of him. Hawk and falcon bounty hunter duo swooping towards him, the early adult attempted to bolt. But, a talon had soon locked him into place, immediately.


"You Fatui fiend!" Robin shouted. "How dare you take my prey! You'll pay for that!" As he said such, he flew back upwards towards the sky. "Justice will be served to you upon an Electro platter!" But, such action had been halted in a matter of moments.


"Hon, there's hundreds of the same monster here everywhere," Robin said, loose hair twitching as he said such. "Let it slide for today?"


"Only for you!" Robin cried. "Fatui, get out of here right now, or I won't hesitate!" He clutched his bow as he said such."


Hawk chimera serious as usual, the early adult dashed forward with all his might. What was this monster's problem? He didn't understand. Running as fast as his legs could carry him, the research Institute had soon been upon him. Specters everywhere, the sucker device had been ready, willing, able.


Strange looking feline mechanisms roaming around the place everywhere, the hyena tilted his head. What in the world were these things? Ghosts sucked into the sucker, he prepared himself to take the robotic cats down. Blade out in front of him, he tried with all his might to turn the tables.


But, the tables did not turn. Feline machines staying intact, the soldier stared off into space. How was he supposed to win this? Flower friend tossed upon the battlefield, their vines did nothing as well. Seeing such, he wondered, could the sucker device get rid of them?


Such had been far from the case in a matter of moments, the chimera could hear a sea of laughter coming towards him. Hearing such, he groaned as he turned his head. Oh, great, thing number one, two, and three. But, he shook his head. No, that was a little too rude, on his part.


"Really, Mr. Thiefers? Trying to suck a robot into a vacuum cleaner?" Folu asked, laughing. "Are you that silly? Wow, you got some screws loose in there, alright!"


"That silly sucking machine of yours isn't going to be able to suck in a robot!" Sani cried, laughing. "You okay, Thiefy? Do you need a head doctor?"


"He totally does!" Oluchi cried. "Think he's lost all his braincells in there?" As she said such, she waved her hand in front of his face. "Heeelo, you in there?" She then let out a giggle. "I'm afraid it's terminal! He's been afflicted with dummy disease! It's fatal! Bo hoo!"


Jackal trio making fun of him, the hyena held back the urge to bite. Kitten robots afflicted with static electricity, he tossed down a flower friend. He'd show them. He wasn't about to let their insults eat them. Dendro seeds exploding, the mechanical cat army had been no more. Dashing towards the foggy forest, such exercise repeated.


Dashing through the Morte region, further ghosts had been eliminated. But, as he inched through Belleau, he could see a struggle fight up ahead. Ghosts aplenty remaining strong, the chimera groaned. Now was hardly the time for everything to take a nose dive. Sea lion, excuse him, mermaid trio gazing at him, scythes were out and ready. Ghosts reaped before he could even blink, his jaw dropped open.


"What are you shocked for?" Bain asked. "Sometimes, that's what a scythe is for. Is that so hard to believe?"


"Uh, kinda?" Kali asked. "It's not like we uh, do this often, or anything?"


"Let me look like the cool adult for once, Kali," Bain said, sighing. Moment soon ruined by Aigre dashing towards the beach, she could feel a scream coming. "Aigre, could you play quieter, please?"


"Sissie, sisser, there's more ghosties underwater, hurry!" Aigre cried.


"Um, you heard her, uh, what was your name again?" Kali asked, mind blanking. "Skirt? Skirt, um, going with that. Skirt put on that suit, and let's go see what Aigre is um, looking for."


Diving suit soon engulfing him, the party of three dropped downward. Undersea world beneath a ghost disasterpiece, the soldier's eyes twitched. They were down here, too? How terrible. How was he supposed to clear this out? Diving suit thrusting through the Elton Trench, he dropped down a jellyfish explosive.


But, as further ghosts had been eliminated, a familiar obstacle had come his way. Undersea penguin pests racing towards him, he could feel the violence coming. Great, the peace treaty was about to be over, wasn't it? He overstepped his bounds, didn't he? He was toast, for sure.


"Get outta here!" Vidame cried. "We ain't need nonna your help, got it?"


"Yeah, get outta here!" Domini cried. "Pirate girl, do we have to remind you every single time that you're wasting your time? Shoo!"


Penguins demanding everyone leave, the soldier had his diving suit thrust him back to the surface. He supposed, some things never changed. Reaching the Beryl Region, the ghost sucking continued. Vacuum cleaner, whatever that thing was, eating every single phantom adead, the early adult prepared himself for one last monster showdown. Teleport waypoint proxy orb opened into map form, Petrichor had soon been highlighted.


But, upon reaching the secluded island across the sea, the soldier could hardly believe his eyes at the sight before him. Huge arachnid robots everywhere, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Was this Rabiu's experiment, or something? But, he had soon been proven wrong as a familiar pest seated itself upon one, red eyes on him.


"Hi, hi, like my little spiders?" the shadow creature asked, in a mocking tone. "Fight them, and I'll leave Fontaine again!" But, as they said such, familiar wings flapped forward.


"You again," Lonan said in a serious tone. "Don't you ever get bored?"


"Sorry, who are you?" the shadow creature asked. "I don't believe I was talking to you! I was addressing my favorite little plaything over there!"


"Leave him alone already," Lonan said, voice low. "Don't you ever think messing with him is going too far?"


"Um, Lonan?" Rabiu asked, shaking. "I don't think your speech is working."


"Silence, unimportant scum!" the shadow creature cried, as they said such, their pitch black hands grabbed ahold of him. "This isn't about you, okay?" They then turned towards their favorite little plaything. "You'd better hurry and defeat my babies, or tick tock, tick tock, I'm staying in Fontaine forever!"


Rolling his eyes, the early adult tossed down a ghost be gone orb device. Pressing a button, the arachnids had been no more in a matter of moments. Archons, was he done with all of this. No more of this nonsense. Shadow creature's pitch black jaw dropping straight open, they backed off.


"Wow, you really want me gone, alright, fine! I'll leave Fontaine, bye bye!" the shadow creature cried, waving.


Teleported straight back to the Court of Fontaine, the Agent dismissed him almost immediately. Storm cloud biting the dust, a wave of confusion flowed through him. Was that it? Was this mission over? Returning to Snezhnaya, the soldier paced around for hours on end. Crawling into the rock hard bed, he shook his head as he dozed off to sleep.


No, it's not over.


Is it ever truly done?


***


"I am beginning
To lose hope. Is this ever over? I'm
Slipping. Is this ever going to be done?


Never, I'm stuck here.
Of course I am, what else is
There to say? It's never


Over, what do I do? I'm
Very much puzzled, truly.
Everything makes
Relatively no sense.


Everything is breaking. I'm
Very confused, is
Everything engulfing into a black hole? I
Really don't know.


I know it is not, but I feel that's
So. I am going to lose


It, I am going
To break."


Waking up the next morning, another unusual order had come the hyena's way. Told there was a mechanical spider outbreak in Natlan, and to hurry, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. Alright, what now? Was this the shadow creature's way of getting revenge on him? What a sore loser.


Escorted to the Children of Echoes tribe, the hyena groaned as the agent demanded he grab his pet. Hearing such, he wanted to throw a table. How many times was he going to insult Santhe to his face like this? They were not his pet. That was so incredibly insulting. Agent soon leaving, he headed into the tribe. Drill girl coming up to him as she usually did, a familiar line of dialogue came his way.


"Woah, it's you again!" the drill girl cried. "Santhe misses you! You really should visit them more often! They're so lonely!"


Heading to the rest area, the soldier swore he could hear Santhe mumble something under their breath. But, the chimera ignored it. Saurian pal leaping onto his shoulder like nothing happened, the chimera prepared himself to vanquish some spider beasts right here, right now.


Hundreds of arachnid beasts taken out of the picture one after another throughout the savannah, the hyena blinked. Was fighting these creatures really such a big deal that he needed to eliminate them so quickly like this? Maybe the Agent had made some sort of mistake. They were hardly something to waste his time with.


But as the fights continued, the invincible ghost followed behind him for hours on end. Santhe shivering, the hyena could not help but feel a wave of concern. This phantom what were they trying to do? He needed to ignore them, for sure. Specter friends sucked into Mr. Sucker, he kept moving forward.


Such, however, had been a horrible idea. Finding himself in an abyssal predicament near the Natlan stadium of flames, hundreds of warriors had been battling peculiar beasts with dark aura one after another. Seeing such, a realization washed over the chimera. The nation of war, were they at constant war with the abyss?


Attempting to join the army, the soldier swore he could hear something snap its fingers. Floor beneath him cracking, the hyena could feel himself tumble backwards. Falling rapidly, a brand new world soon engulfed him. Observing the area around him, the early adult's eyes opened wide at the purple world of emptiness in front of him. No, had he fallen into the night kingdom? He needed to get out of here right now.


Door closing to the outside world, the hyena's heart skipped ten beats. No way, was he trapped in the night kingdom forever? Her Majesty was going to kill him. He had to find the way out right here, right now. Santhe nowhere to be seen as well, the soldier dropped to his knees. Archons, he's done for. He's going to be come a lost soul now, too.


But, as the doom and gloom consumed him, a horrifying creature of flames had come his way. Being offering itself up to the mantle to light hundreds of bonfires, the soldier blinked, Was this really alright? Maybe it wasn't. Bonfire ceremony starting at a crawl, the hyena's eyes twitched. Archons, he's never getting out of here, is he?


Pushing onward, the soldier could feel everything around him crumble as the night kingdom ghost whose trail would never leave floating towards him, he swore he could see the bonfires go out. Seeing such, tears streamed down his face. No, no, no, why was this happening? He needed to get out of here, no matter what.


Continuing to light the bonfires up one after another, the soldier swore he could feel the phantom cling onto him. Seeing such, the soldier tried to fight them off as the flaming spirit creature told him to focus on getting out of here. Eyes twitching, he laughed. He was trying, wasn't it? Nothing was helping.


Flames set ablaze, further bonfires went out as about half of one-hundred had finally been glowing. Ghost obstacle continuing their destruction, the soldier let out a scream. What in the world was going on here? This invincible spirit, why was it still messing with him? Ever since it followed him around in Mondstadt, nothing made sense.


Trying to tune the specter out, the hyena buckled down and focus. He had to light the bonfires and get out of here as soon as he could possibly muster. Flames ready, the soldier was almost ready for freedom, the ceiling, the ticket out of here. But such had been met with immediate side effects as the specter drew closer.


Ghost swirling towards his chest, the creature's hands dug into him like he was sand upon the ground. Limb inside him, the hyena let out a scream. This undead former warrior, what were they doing? Heart thumping out of his chest, he swore he could feel a slimy palm caressing it for minutes on end. Phantom laughing, he could feel his energy break as their transparent body clung to him like glue.


"Oops, I took something of yours!" the ghost cried. "My bad!"


Energy draining faster and faster, the hyena let out a scream, tears streaming down his face. The former warrior of Natlan, what did they just take from him? What did they do to him? Body shaking, he could feel his mouth take control of everything. Words spilling out, he could feel the tears fall.


"What did you do to me?!" the hyena cried. But, such had been met with an immediate counter point.


"You'll see, my precious host!" the ghost cried. "We're linked now, don't forget!"


Ghost laughing as they circled around him, full of energy, the soldier dropped to his knees. Linked together? What did they mean, linked together? Heart beating rather strangely, a realization had come for him. No, this creature, they did something in there, didn't they? What did they do? But, he tried to snap himself out of it. It was just a normal haunting. Nothing to worry about. Resuming the bonfire lighting, he could barely keep himself going.


Boom.


Crackle.


Crackle.


Ceiling of the night kingdom collapsing, the soldier swore Santhe had become the size of the tallest building in Fontaine. Santhe's tongue grabbing ahold of him, the hyena let out a scream. What in the world was happening? Is he dreaming? Closing his eyes, he let out an exhausted laugh. Maybe he was. He knew such wasn't the case, but it felt like such, at the moment.


Finding himself back in the Children of Echoes as if nothing happened, the Agent's mask gazed at him up and down. Seeing such, the hyena broke into a cold sweat. Why is the Agent doing that? Is something wrong? He did not know. Mask shaking, something far more confusion had come out of the man's covered mouth.


"I'm aware you fell into the Night Kingdom, please, be more careful next time," the Agent said. "You're dismissed. Give me that pet of yours, I'll return them to that spot of theirs." Grabbing Santhe, they squealed like a pig. "Go back to Snezhnaya, now. And, try to not let this happen again."


Mixed signals eating him alive, the chimera highlighted the military barracks waypoint. Closing his eyes for a moment, something did not feel quite right as he walked through the icy cold hallways. Turning towards the back of him, the hyena shook like a leaf at the sight before him.


Former night kingdom soul trailing behind him, the chimera could hardly believe what he was looking at. This creature, was it going to continue to follow him everywhere? Energy dying faster than he could keep up with, the phantom broke into a deep laughter as he returned to the soundproof room.


"You really are pathetic, you know that?" the shadow creature whispered. "That heart of your is so fragile. I kinda wanna break it!" They then lowered their voice even more. "You'd better get used to me quickly. I'll be here awhile!"


Not paying the ghost any mind, an intense wave of tiredness soon overtook the soldier. Where had all this sudden fatigue come from? Barely able to keep his eyes open any longer, the chimera removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the chimera crawled into the uncomfortable bed. Ghost continuing to yammer on about how he was powerless, the chimera could feel such words get to him. Right, he was pathetic, and weak. He knew that.


Rapidly shaking his head, the hyena tried to tune the ghost's words out. But, such was impossible. Negative sea dragging itself down with him as he closed his eyes, one last sea of thoughts drowned him down to the bottom of the subconscious ocean as the land of tormented dreams welcomed him once more.


Everything was about to get so much worse, wasn't it?


He was powerless, pathetic.

 

[Palamon]

23: The Liyue Plague: Copycat Sacred Beasts
"I can't take it anymore, I just


Can't take it anymore!
Aha, Your Majesty, I can
No longer do this I simply can
No longer do this.
Oh, man, this is bad,
This is simply awful. I


Bet she doesn't know what
Even happened to me!
Look, Your Majesty,
It's getting
Extremely dangerous here!
Very, very, very dangerous to the
Extreme! I can't do this alone,


Why don't you understand?
How could you do this to me?
Ah, who am I kidding?
That's how it is,


How it'll always be!
And, I'm trying to understand, really!
Please, Your Majesty!
Everything has gotten worse
Now that I've learned that
Evil creature can return to places its
Domain has been removed from!


This is terrifying!
How could you
Expect me to do this all alone, I
Really don't know!
Everything is getting worse,


I don't understand, truly!
So, please, I am


Simply begging, get at least
One person to help
Me! That is all I am asking
Everything is getting worse!
This is terrifying!
How could this still be happening?
I don't know! I am begging you, this
Needs to stop, it's
Getting out of hand!


But she doesn't
Even care I
Hardly understand anything!
I'm trying to, but
No matter what, I just
Don't get it, really!


Maybe if I had someone to assist me,
Everything would have been fine! Everything


Would have been fine!
However, now it's only gotten worse!
Your Majesty, I am only asking for one thing!


Don't leave this all to me,
I'm breaking!
Don't leave this all to me!


I'm cracking!


How could you not see how
Absolutely horrifying this mission has been? I'm
Very much cracking!
Everything has gotten so much worse!


To be honest, I doubt she knows. Even
One bit about this red storm cloud! I


Guess that's a given at this point! She never knew even
One single thing about it! I


Guess that's just life
Every single day,
Though! She doesn't know anything right now!


So, I'll continue
To scream!
Ugh, Your Majesty, I
Can't believe you still don't
Know about the red storm cloud,


It's so annoying! You
Need to be aware of


This creature, it's
Horrifying!
Everything is dying!


Nothing will survive at this rate!
It's worsening! I truly just don't
Get it! I don't, truly!
Hahaha, and now
This malicious spirit is stuck to me! I don't


Know what to do!
It just keeps on happening! I
Need it to just all
Go away! But, I
Doubt it will! I'm stuck with
One big ghost trying to burn
Me! Why did its soul get


Attached to me? I do
Not like this! I
Do not like this one bit!


Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha,
Ah, this is my punishment for taking a
Very long time on this
Especially difficult mission, isn't it?


That's what it is! A punishment!
Haha, I see, I see,
I see, I see, I see, I
See! All of this is just


A punishment! It's all a
Punishment for taking too long! A
Punishment that I simply deserve!
Ah, it's all my fault, I'm
Really the only one to blame!
It's my fault!
This happened all because of me,
It's all me! All me!
Of course it's me!
No one else is responsible, after all! I


Guess I should have seen that coming,
Everything is my fault!
That's how it usy, truly. And this


Strong apparition stuck
To me, that's my fault, too!
Ugh, these feelings of doom! I
Can't stand them, I don't
Know what is happening anymore,


Oh, to whatever god I've angered, I'm sorry! I
Never meant to, truly! I never meant
To, truly! I never meant to incur the rage
Of some unknown god, this is


My fault! All my fault!
Everything is, it always is!


It always is!


Hahaha, it
Always is, and it
Very much always will be!
Everything is all my fault!


That's a given at this point!
Of course it is,


That's just how it is, truly!
Ugh, I don't get it, I don't, truly,
Nothing makes sense anymore,
Everything is breaking.


This ghost that
Has has come for me,
Everything is worse now, they
Might even possess me.


Of course they will, I know that,
Ultimately! I already know
That', ultimately!


Ahaha, everything is
Rotting, the world is
Cream! It's all just cream!
Hahaha! Cream! Cream!
Our world is cream!
Nothing is
Safe! I don't know what to do,


I truly don't know! I


Just have to get rid of this
Unreasonable red
Storm cloud, and
The world will go back to normal, I


Can see
As clear as day, it's
Not that easy! It's
Never that easy,
Of course not!
This is war,


This is such a pain,
And I'm stuck in this cycle! I don't
Know how to get this
Evil, no, lost spirit,


To get away from me!
How could I?
I don't know, I don't think it's possible, truly.
So, I am stuck,


And I can't break out of this
Noxious cycle, truly!
Yes, this is a never ending cycle, I
Might as well admit it
Or the cycle will
Reverse, it's already reversing!
Everything is reversing,


That's already
Happening! And
It'll continue to happen,
Since I cannot escape


My fate now! It's a cycle!
I'm trapped in the cycle! It'll never
Stop, and I
Should have known by now
It'll never stop!
Of course it won't, it
Never will!


I'm just stuck playing this game!
Stuck here


Just breaking! And I've
Ultimately been breaking apart for
So long now, and
To be honest, I'm


Truly suffocating!
Oh, I can't breathe,
Oh, I can't breathe,


Maybe I could if someone would
Ultimately help me and not
Completely disappear in
Husk of it all! I


Fear that won't ever happen,
Of course, I'm
Really asking for too much. Way too


Much, all of this is!
Everything is getting to be too much!


And I can
No longer take it! I
Don't know what to do,


It's getting worse, it


Really is, and
Every time I say that
All breaks! It's not
Like it matters, though, I suppose. It's not
Like it matters!
Yes, I'm just a pawn on


The chessboard! A
Rook, ready for the
Ultimate checkmate. And it's
Likely getting worse.
Yes much worse!


Just because this ghost is
Ultimately stuck to me!
Stuck to me good! Stuck
To me good! I


Don't know anymore!
Oh, Archons, this is


Not good, I'm spiraling!
Oh, Archons, I'm spiraling!
This is getting worse, I don't


Know what to do,
Now that I have
One big ghost attached to me,
What can I do?


What can I do?
Haha, I'm spiraling!
Ahaha, spiraling,
This is all my fault, all of it.


This is all my fault!
Obviously, after this, more ghosts will


Doom Teyvat!
One left the night kingdom! And,


There will be more, the red storm cloud let this
Happen, and it's my fault for letting
It go this way! I
Shouldn't have let


It get this out of hand! But, now, it won't
Stop, and I'm blame! I need to


Get this storm cloud out, I need to
Eradicate it! I absolutely have
To no matter what! I absolutely have
To, no matter what!
If I don't act
Now, I know for sure, it's
Going to be too late! It's going


To be too late! Know that I know it can return to
One or more places it's


Been, this time, I have to fully
Eradicate it! I can't let it


Wiggle around anymore! I can't
Allow this problem to fester further!
Yes, I really, truly, without a shadow of a doubt need


To take action! I have to take action,
Or the world will burn away into nothing!
Or this world will rot away into nothing!


My time to get everything back to normal, is
Ultimately running out!
Can't waste time!
Haha, I can't waste time!


For time is ticking, time is ticking, it's ticking, it's ticking, it's ticking, it's ticking, it's ticking,
Over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. I'm
Really starting to break, I


Might as well never be able to
Ever be put back together again! I'll never be put back together


Again, I'm broken,
Nothing can fix me, I
Doubt I'll ever recover from this


Intricate mission that


Just keeps going! It keeps going, it keeps going! It keeps going!
Ugh, it just keeps going, it doy
Stop, it never stops!
This is never going to stop! Ah,


Why would it? I'm trapped in
A never ending cycle,
New mission, new chaotic coat of paint!
This is a never ending cycle, and I can't ever escape!


It's a never ending cycle, and I
Truly can't escape! I'm trapped for


All eternity, no ending in sight! It's not
Like I asked for this! It's not
Like I asked for this! It's not like I asked for


This! I never did!
Of course I didn't!


Everything is collapsing!
Nothing is safe! I
Don't know how much more


I can take!


Ahaha, I'm breaking! Cracking!
Might as well


Get the towel and throw it
Over the wall, because
I can't take it anymore! I can take
No more of this! I
Guess that's my fault


This happened in such a way!
Of course it is! I


Bet if I had a few soldiers in my team, this wouldn't have happened! I
Really wish that were the case!
Everything would be easier if I had
A team! But, I
Know I never will. After all,


I'm nothing more than


A pawn to throw away! I know I don't
Mean anything! But now, I


Get that more than anything! I'm just
One little pawn, and
I can easily be disposed of! It's not like I was
Never aware of this before! I
Get that all I am, and always will be, is


Trash! That's right, I'm just a piece
Of hot garbage! Of


Course I'm fully aware of this! It
Really makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it, that I'm just disposable garbage that can be thrown away! I'm completely
Aware, I know, okay? I know, I know, I know, okay?
Can't ever forget that's all I am! I
Know, okay?


What else is new, though?
Everything about me is trash!
Literally disposable waste!
Literally garbage.


I'm just garbage to throw away! I'm
Very much aware!
Everything about me is trash to


Cut up, to the
Riot of no one!
Ahaha, trash, trash, garbage! Ah,
Cut it out, cut it out! I don't
Know what has gotten into me lately
Everything is spiraling out of control, I
Don't know how to calm down


From this,
Ugh, I I can't
Let these thoughts win, can't
Let them win.
Yes, they're out of control. This is maddening."


Four days have passed since the hyena had dealt with the abyss and related storm cloud problems in Natlan. A lot of chaotic events had unfolded since such events had occurred. Absolute madness overtaking regions previously removed from the red storm cloud, absolutely nothing had been normal, in any capacity.


Storm cloud returning to portions of Mondstadt like it never left, along with slithers of Fontaine, the hyena was requested to free the nations from the horrors of the darkness up above once more. Realizing how truly terrifying the shadow creature could be, the soldier could feel the world around him start to crack.


Problem discarded from the Nation of Freedom and Justice once again, the shadow creature claimed they would back off from everywhere they had been removed from previously. But, the soldier knew that was a lie coated in red paint. Remaining as cautious as possible, chaos boiled into overdrive on the third day.


Told to head for Natlan on the third day, abyssal activity had reached a tipping point. Something quite unusual taking place in the Night Kingdom, a brand new problem had landed into the soldier's lap. One of the lost souls chasing him around, the chimera had soon been marked with something. Layer of darkness engulfing him, the red storm cloud lived another day in the Nation of War.


Training with the lynx chimera overtaking the fourth and final day, the soldier could feel his thoughts begin to degrade, but such did not matter in any shape or form. Nothing peculiar occurring on the training grounds, the intense thoughts continued to drift the soldier out to sea.


The sound of intense screams penetrated through the walls one after another. As the screams of hundreds of monsters bounced from window to window, hundreds of Fatui Soldiers let their complaints be known to the skies above. The monster rain continued to be as annoying as ever.


The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked louder than the monster rain outside the walls. As the sirens continued their rampage about, the countless groans in an echo continued onward for minutes on end. The morning alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never hearing any sort of alarm bells, an intense wave of doom and gloom hugged the soldier from behind. Intensity strengthening, the soldier turned his attention towards the wall.


Intense thoughts of doom increasing, the soldier would not budge from the bed. What was the point in doing anything? He's nothing more than a piece of garbage; trash. Something Her Majesty could use until he had outlived his usefulness. He was nothing more, nothing less. Nothing mattered.


But, as the soldier thought such, he swore he could hear a series of laughs come from behind him. Hearing such, the hyena could feel the darkness intensify. What was so funny? Feeling something cling onto his back, the giggles had only begun to intensify as the seconds rolled onward.


"That's right, soldier, you're useless!" the laughing voice cried. "You should just go back to the Night Kingdom and rot there forever!"


Night Kingdom Ghost floating beside him, the hyena snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, letting this fiend get to him? No, there's no way he would go back to the Night Kingdom. He doesn't belong there for all eternity. He was still alive, why would he ever wish to reside there forever? No way, not a chance. He could not allow that to happen.


Lifting himself upward from the bed, the early adult attempted with all his might to tune the spirit out. What is he doing, letting this former warrior push him around? They were no longer of this world. What was he doing, letting their words eat away at him. Taking a deep breath, the chimera removed himself from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come for the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the soldier's uniform glued itself onto his partially human person, the early adult could not help but wonder. Why was the shadow creature even still here in the first place? Hadn't they deemed Snezhnaya boring? They should have left by now, if such were the case. Get out of here already.


But, the chimera shook his head. That had to have been a lie created by the opaque enemy to confuse him. All of this was nothing more than nonsense. But, as the early adult closed his buttons in the correct holes, the feeling of intense darkness soon returned with a vengeance, served frozen.


"That's right! They're lying!" the soul of darkness shouted. "Doesn't that make you angry? Like you want to rough things up, want to destroy the world, even?"


Suggestions of violence coming his way, the hyena let out a deep throated scream. Why would this spirit even suggest such a thing? No way, not a chance. He would not resort to such tactics. What did it matter if the shadow creature had stretched the truth? It hardly mattered, they were an enemy. Why couldn't this spirit clinging to him go away? Leave him alone already, mind and thoughts synching, such words slipped out of him.


"Go away!" Siorc cried. "Leave me alone!"


"I'll be back!" the spirit cried, laughing manically, floating away.


Creature floating away, the hyena let out a weak huff. What in the world was that all about? This spirit, what did it want from him? Why had it clung to him? He could feel a heavy weight devour his chest as he continued to think such. His breath, why did it feel like iron? This ghost, had it stolen his energy?


But, the early adult snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, thinking about this nonsense? The spirit went away for now, he would be fine. He could not allow himself to get distracted in any shape, or form. If he were to waste any more time, Her Majesty would kill him, guaranteed.


Buttoning his uniform shut, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. What was wrong with him? Why did he feel so off today? The Night Kingdom, what had they done to him? His most recent fall into such area of Natlan, had done something to him, guaranteed.


Reversing his circular movement, he could feel darkness hug him from behind. He was useless, wasn't he? He was unable to remove Natlan from the mess it was currently in. All of this was his fault. He was to blame, no one else but him. If he had acted faster, none of this would have occurred in any shape, or form.


But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. It's not his fault, why would it be? He was not to blame for the issues brought because of the red storm cloud and its devouring of everything. Why would it be? He did not creature that force. But, as he thought such, intense screams echoed from the paned glass.


Running towards the window, the soldier swore he could see thousands of Abyss Mages rain from the skies above. Seeing such, the early adult flinched. The weather, how could it have gotten so much worse? What in the world is going on? How has no one tried to end this madness by now?


The early adult threw such thoughts off a bridge. Of course no one would bother to try and stop any of this. No one could see the red storm cloud, could that? Intense pulse throbbing in his head, the chimera was seeing red. Why only him? Why was he the only one dealing with this? Why did he have to vanquish this all alone? It wasn't fair.


The young soldier threw such thoughts off a bridge. What in the world was he going off about? What a childish thing to think. He hadn't been alone in dealing with this in one place, and one place only. That storybook world. But, he knew that hardly meant anything at all. That was a world of fiction. It did not impact reality in any shape or form. Fiction was fiction, and reality was separate.


The hyena snapped himself out of it once again. What in the world was he doing, allowing himself to get so deeply lost in thought like this? What in the world was up with him? Nothing felt right at all. Taking a deep breath, he walked back towards his uniform drawers. He needed to finish getting ready, no matter what.


Removing the cover off his hairpin and earring box, the soldier clicked the weaponized jewelry and accessory into place. Plain set adorning his hair and ears, the hyena wondered. Should he just take them off? But, the early adult rapidly shook his head. No way, there was no way he would do that. That would feel so naked, like walking around without any pants in the wild.


Crouching down, the early adult broke into a sea of tears. Taking off his prized possessions, why would he even dare to think something like that? Where had all these thoughts come from? These creature from the Night Kingdom, whatever they had done to him, they needed to go away, right this instant.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the early adult gazed at the yellow-green orb down below. His vision, what would happen to it if it were to be exposed to the Abyss? Would something about it change? But, the early adult snapped himself out of it. Why would something like that happen?


Staring at the Geo Delusion, the soldier could not help but wonder. Should he finally make use of it today? Picking the sinister orb up he let out a scream. Ornament thrown on the ground, his shoeless feet hovered over it. No, no way. Now was not the time to use it. He was in no state for such, whatsoever.


Sighing, the early adult picked the delusional orb up from the icy cold floor. What was he doing, tossing this thing? Her Majesty was definitely watching him right now. If she saw what he had done just now, he was as good as dead. Placing the dark orb back on his uniform drawers, he huffed and puffed. It was time to finish getting ready.


Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the hyena slapped his cheeks. He needed to stop letting his thoughts consume him. He wasn't about to let some ghost from Natlan push him around. He had a job to do. Getting lost into the sea of darkness was not an option. Performing his breathing exercises one last time, a wave of calmness flowed through him.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the early adult flinched, time was up already? When had the hourglasses' sand reached the bottom? He wasn't ready at all. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult attempted with all his might to put on the most diplomatic face possible. It was all over, it was time for his workday to begin.


"Soldier, is something wrong? There's something behind you," the Agent called out, tone showing concern. "You look rather pale, do you need a doctor?"


Siorc held back the urge to laugh at the Agent's faux concern. Was it truly that obviously he had been affected by the abyss? A lie, yes, he had to tell a lie, he had to stretch the truth about the situation. He did not have time for this nonsense. Wasn't he on the nonexistent clock? It's not like his subordinate truly cared about him, in any capacity. All that mattered to him was how useful he was.


"What are you talking about, sir? I am fine, there is no dark aura behind me," Siorc responded defensively. "Please focus on the mission, sir. Isn't that why you're here? Forget about my complexion. It doesn't matter." But, the early adult covered his mouth, jumping four steps back. Why did he just say all that now?


Soldier getting all defensive, the Agent shook his head. What was wrong with his subordinate today? But, why press on with it, he would continue to fire back if he kept this going. A weak soldier was a useless soldier. Throwing the subject away, he looked into his subordinate's wandering eyes.


"Is you insist, soldier," the Agent responded, voice trailing. "In any case, you will be heading to Liyue to deal with the problems breaking out there as consequence of the plague." His hand moved up and down as he kept speaking. "But, first, you need to take these trinkets to the Research Institute and have someone look at them." A bag shook from behind him.


The soldier jumped ten steps back upon hearing he would be dealing with issues around Liyue today. He has to deal with problems brought about by the plague? Wasn't that dangerous? The red storm cloud, it had yet to depart. This was not good. If he had gotten worse, he was done for, guaranteed.


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Did you hear a word I said? You're heading to Liyue today to deal with the problems brought about by the plague!"


The hyena flinched as such order was repeated. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock. There was no time to get lost in thought. What in the world was he doing? He had to focus, no matter what. Her Majesty would kill him if he kept on getting distracted like this, for certain. No more of that, whatsoever. Arm out in front of him, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away, like it always did.


"Yes, sir," the soldier responded to him autonomously. No matter what, he had to focus.


"Alright, soldier, we're going," the Agent responded. Satchel slapped onto his subordinate's backside, he locked his limb into a tight enough grip to bruise. "But, if something is wrong with you, you need to tell me. You seem rather out of sorts today, soldier." Escort off towards the Research Institute of Kinetic Energy Engineering, the early adult stared off into space.


He was not out of sorts at all, be quiet.


***


"I really can't take this anymore! Please,


Stop sending me out on this missions alone,
I'm begging here on
My knees! My hyena knees.
Please, Your Majesty, you're sending me out into
Liyue to do whatever it is
You want me to do during a plague, a plague!


Can't you see the issue with that here?
Ahaha, she's just asking for me to get afflicted. It's
Not like she cares! I may
Not be from Liyue, but now that I have this ghost stuck to me, I know things might change!
Oh, Your Majesty, please, I am here begging,
To please reconsider this order you have given me!


This is getting out of hand,
Ah, the red storm cloud, I
Know now there's a chance for it to return,
Everything I worked on to get rid of this monster,


It has the ability to return!
The ability to return! The


Ability to return! What part about that are we
Not understanding here,
Your Majesty? This is an invincible force that I
Might not even be able to defeat! It has the
Opportunity to return! This is
Ridiculous, and it's getting
Especially worse, Your Majesty, why don't you understand that?


I'm telling you I can't beat this!


How in the world can you keep sending me out into
A dangerous situation like this? It's
Viscous and difficult!
Everything is so difficult!


This is tiring, why don't you see that this is something
One person, no tool, should have to


Do alone. And, yet, here I am, doing
Everything alone!
All by my
Lonesome! Ahaha, haha, hahaha,


Why me? Why do I have to deal with this, truly?
I'm just one person, no tool, I'm just one
Tool. That's all I am, after all, a tool!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha!


That's all I am, a tool!
Hahaha, hahahaha, hahahaha!
Everything makes no sense, Your Majesty, I am begging you,


Please, don't do this to me, I'm
Literally on my knees,
As the red storm cloud only
Gets worse and tries to return
Upon the regions it had been removed from previously,
Everything is breaking!


This is simply just horrifying! I feel so
Helpless, alone, like I'm about to be
Eaten up by the darkness. This


Plague will eat away at me, too.
Liyue has been entirely decimated!
As I have been made aware, everyone has
Gone away! Next to no one is left,
Ultimately, before long,
Even those whom were previously thought to be immune


Are going to be swallowed up, as well! It's not
Like chimeras are immune to this plague!
Let's just get that out of the way,


As I know it's pretty obvious that's not the case!
Let me start by saying I recall
One thing I heard awhile ago. The panda chimera's cousins, the plague took them away, too!
No matter who are you, the plague will
Eat you! No matter who you


Are, it will take you away, and transform you!
Look, I know that sounds
Like an extreme exaggeration,


But, I know it's not safe out there!
Yes, time is ticking! I


Might be engulfed next!
Yes, despite the fact I am from
Somewhere else, I highly doubt I am
Even immune anymore! Why would I be? It's not
Like I know the truth!
For all I know I


Was never immune from the very beginning!
Hahahaha, I'm going to become a Qilin!
Yes, there's little time left!


Why act like I
Have any time left before I'm transformed as well?
Yes, yes, it's coming! My demise! I


Will soon be gone, engulfed by the plague!
Hahahaha, I should have known!
Yes, I should have known.


Why would you do this to me, Your Majesty?
Haha, hahaha, ahaha, hahaha,
Yes, why, why, why, why why?


Why would you do this to me, Your Majesty?
Hahaha, hahaha, ahahah, ahaha,
You know, this could make me useless, doesn't that mean anything to you?


Why would you do this to me, Your Majesty?
Hahahaha, hahahah, ahaha, hahaha.
You're treading dark waters now!


What will you do if I become a beast?
How will you handle that,
Your Majesty? What will you do?


Will you throw me out and treat me like the
Hunk of trash I am to
You? Will you discard of me?


Will you tell me I
Have outlived my usefulness? Hahaha,
Yes, of course that's what she'll say to me!


What else could she possibly
Have to say to me in the event I am infected by the plauge,
'You have outlived your usefulness, my lovely chimera, and I don't need you anymore.'


That's the only thing she'll say to me,
Hahaha! Of course, of course, after all,
I'm just a pawn on the chessboard! I
Should know that by now!


I'm a tool to use and throw out once I'm no longer needed!
She sees me


As nothing more than that!


Not like I didn't already know, but should
I be afflicted by the plague, it's
Going to solidify!
Hahaha, of course it will, of course
That's how it'll end up going,
Might as well write me
A death certificate
Right here, and right now!
Every second, I am getting closer to


Popping, like a bubble! Exploding
Like a bomb, reaching the
End of my pathetic existence
Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha!
Stop this madness, please!
Everything is falling apart!


Soon, the world will be engulfed into chaos forever
Over and over and over again, we
Might as well be in an
Eternal loop!
Oh, this is just the beginning!
No matter what,
Everything is looping, reversing and repeating! I


Shouldn't act like that is
Not the case! Everything is
Always repeating, everything is always looping!
Perhaps, I've been caught in an endless sea of repeats for years now!


Maybe this red storm cloud is my way of realizing
Everything! By now, I know how cruel time can be!


Oh, Archons, someone wake me
Up! Get me out of this nightmare!
This is all too much, someone free me, please!


Oh, Archons, I wish this would all just stop, the red storm cloud, this world,
Falling apart beneath my feet!


I just want this all
To end! Everything to go back to normal! This chaos to


Stop, everything to just go away.
One day after the other
My world is crumbling, and
Everyone is unaware
Of the red storm cloud up above, I am absolutely certain
Now that that's the case!
Everyone is unaware!


Why would they have
Any idea about it? I
Know that I am the only person who is
Even aware at this point! I


Mean, there's others, but do they
Even care? Of course they don't!


Ultimately, I already know that!
Perhaps, I shouldn't have


Reacted to the shadow creature!
If I hadn't, I wouldn't have
Gotten myself into this
Horrible mess! Had I just ignored
Them, this would have


Never happened! It wouldn't have happened at all!
Of course it wouldn't have!
Why would it?


Perhaps it's too late now for that! It's way too
Late now! I'm already roped into
Everything! It is
Already too late, and I
Should have known!
Everything happened this way because the


Shadow Creature has their eyes
On me! And they want revenge on
Me, and me only!
Everyone else who knew about them prior, I doubt they've had to deal with any
Of this! It's just me, and
No one else! Me, and no one
Else! Why is it only me? Why


Am I the only target? I have
No idea! I don't know anymore! At this rate, they'll never
Yield! They'll never surrender,
Of course they won't. It's
Not like it'll
Ever end at this rate!


If the shadow creature can return the red storm cloud pretty much


Anywhere, this will be endless!
Might as well give up this fight!


Because, I'll never win, it's
Endless, eternal, and it's
Going to get worse! It's
Going to get so much worse!
I've been swept away into madness, and there's
No end in sight! I'm trapped in this
Gigantic sea of monsters! This


Ferocious, endless body
Of suffering! Rinse and
Repeat! Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat!


Someone, please wake me up from this nightmare!
Oh, Archons, how could I still be awake? Please, wake
Me up from this
Endless nightmare!
One day, the sky is
Normal, the next it's
Engulfed in a sea of red!


This will never end,
Of course it won't!


Please, someone, get me out of this
Ludicrous mess, I am begging!
Everything is such
A pain! Everything is
Such a pain!
Everything is such a pain! Please, please, please, please, someone


Free me! I truly, honestly, from the bottom of the barrel,
Really cannot take this anymore!
Everything is breaking!
Everything is collapsing!


My world is burning, falling apart, being
Eaten away entirely!


There's nothing left,
Hahaha, nothing left!
It's rotting! I
Shouldn't be surprised, and yet


I am! I feel
So broken, ready to break, crack, explode!


Nothing at this point is left
Of me, I'm just a
Ticking timebomb, ready


For my shark brain to consume me!
Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha,
I'm going away, going away, going away,
Rotting! And, soon


I'll be gone forever, a shell!


Hahaha, of course, of course, I know
All that already! I'm
Very much aware I am
Evidentially fading! Ahaha,


This is all too much!
Oh, I can take more of this!


Soon, I will consumed,
Ultimately, I know that I have very
Few moments left before I go up in
Fumes, become nothing!
Everything is about to break,
Right, of course, I knew


All that by now! I have
Little time left before I'm
One step away from becoming
Nothing. The worlds is crumbling,
Everything is breaking, everything is breaking!


Why, Your Majesty? Why, am
I the only one who has
To tackle all these problems?
Hahaha, the symphony in Fontaine, the food waste monsters in Mondstadt, and the issues across


Natlan, no matter what, no
One seems aware what's causing it! This includes Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru and Snezhnaya, too, and


Of course, beyond those two, as well!
No matter what I do,
Everything always lands back onto me.


This is all landing back
Onto me, no one


Else, just me! This repeat
Villain only has their
Eyes on me! And
No matter what I do, I


Have to suffer in complete silence!
Everything is because of that
Literal beast of burden!
Perhaps if I can just defeat that


Monster up above,
Everything will be fine! But, I


Doubt that'll happen! That thing is invincible! I'm sure of it!
Everything would be so simple if I were
Able to take this beast out! It's not
Like I have


What it takes! They're a shadow!
I'm certain I will never be able
To take this monster down!
Hahaha, the cycle continues,


The loop never ends!
Hahaha, this loop will never end!
I'm trapped here like this forevermore! It never
Stops, it never ends!


Turmoil, turmoil, a never swaying
Axe, a hatchet that cannot be buries.
Xslfdjsiflhsdufhsgeiurw, I am short circuiting!
I am short circuiting!
Nothing makes sense anymore, I'm
Going to break,


I'm going to break, I'm going to break! Ah,
Stop, stop, stop, stop.
Stop, I need to stop this madness.
Ugh, what am I doing?
Everything will end eventually!


Perhaps, one I get the red storm cloud to
Leave Liyue,
Everything will be fine!
Ah, of course, of course,
Should I remove the influence of the shadow creature,
Everything will be fine!


Perhaps, this will finally be the
Last straw, I don't
Even know. I guess
All I have to do is try to put a
Stop to this.
Everything will be fine if I


Put a stop to this! This
Loop will end, this
Endless loop will finally end!
Ahaha, what will I do to
Speed this process up?
Eh, there's nothing to really say.


Perhaps, if I try a
Little harder,
Everything about this will speed up
A smidgeon. I have to get this done
Soon, or nothing will
Ever truly be done. I have to put a


Stop to this soon.
Or, this world
Might break, if I don't
End this soon, it'll all explode. This is
One last stretch before the goal, and I
Need to focus on the prize.
Everything will be fine. I


Have to do all I can to
Ensure this storm cloud departs from
Liyue, I have to ensure everything will return to normal for the
People of Liyue. That


Might be an
Extreme shot


In the dark, but I


Absolutely have no choice in the
Matter, I have to break Liyue away from the


Cloud, have the humans
Return to normal, I have to
At least try, no matter what. I
Cannot falter, I
Know I absolutely cannot, no matter what.
I know I cannot, I
Need to remember that's how it
Goes. Of course I do. Before this all


Blows up, I know that's
Likely how it's going to go.
Of course it
Will, this is the last straw,
I'm aware. I
Need to get to work, I need to
Get into action.


Ultimately, by now, I'm
Pretty sure this likely my last chance.


Because soon, the effects might be permanent,
Right, right, of course they will be.
Everything at this point is
About to become permanent, I
Know I have to act fast,
I absolutely have to. I do
Not have a lot of time left. I
Guess, I don't have


Any real time life, I
Am on the timer I
Am racing against the
Hourglass. I


Am racing against time, I
Am racing against the
Apocalypse. The
Hourglasses' sand is falling faster,


Ah, ah, ah, ah I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. The
Hourglass is going to stopping spinning,


Ah, I am running out of time, I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time. I
Am running out of time.
Hahaha, running out of time, indeed."


Upon reaching Marcotte Station through the Teleport Waypoint, a cloth mask had been handed to the soldier. Informed there might be something wrong up ahead, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. No, not again, something had gone wrong? The red storm cloud, had it returned for a third round already?


Agent giving him two hours and to not take too long, the soldier let out a groan. That was easier said than done for sure. If there was an issue up ahead, there was no way he would be able to end this quickly. Of course he wouldn't. He would get cooked into a death pie, for sure.


Masked Agent soon exiting the area, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Perhaps, just maybe, it would be best to head to the Foggy Forest to reach the Research Institute. Taking a long deep breath, the early adult had begun to head northward. He had to be nimble, he had to be quick.


As the hyena had begun to head northward, he could feel that dark force crawl behind him once more. Presence only getting stronger by the minute, the hyena attempted to tune it out. The spirit from the Night Kingdom, why were they back? Couldn't they go away? Leave him alone, go bother someone else already.


Force behind him only getting stronger, the early adult could feel his energy begin to drain. But, he tried to keep his head out of the clouds. If he gave into the force now, that would be like an act of surrender. He couldn't allow that, no matter what. He had to ignore this former warrior no matter what.


But, such had been impossible as the Foggy Forest inched ever so closer. Spectral continuing to heckle him from behind, the early adult attempted to run. But, such had been a losing battle. Phantom racing up ahead, their voice had only got louder by the second, words breaking through, the ignoring switched flipped off.


"Hey, hey, I'm talking to you! You can't ignore me forever!" the spectral cried. "Say, doesn't it bother you that you gotta do this all alone?" Their voice kept getting louder as they said such. "You have no one! Nobody! Doesn't that make you so mad? Like you want to explode?"


Phantom saying everything he thought to the exact t, the early adult kept on running. This ghost, could they peer into his mind? He couldn't let them get to him. He absolutely could not let them get to him no matter what. He had to move on. He absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt, could not allow their words to eat him away.


But, such continued to be impossible, for sure. Spectral catching up faster than his eyes could keep up with, the soldier attempted with all his might to curve off towards the next pathway. Creature prattling on, the early adult attempted to tune them out once more. Please, be quiet, stop talking, leave him alone.


"It's not fair, right? That you have to deal with big old red by yourself?" the phantom asked in a mocking tone. "Doesn't that bother you? You're nothing more than a scapegoat!"


Spectral continuing to natter on everything he was thinking, the soldier kept attempting to tune them out. He wasn't listening, he couldn't hear them. They were sticks, they were stones, their words could not do anything. He didn't have time to listen to this nonsense. He had a job to do, he couldn't be thrown off his groove.


Pushing right along, the spirit kept nattering on. But, the early adult kept tuning them out. Why couldn't they stop talking? He wasn't listening, he could not hear them. They were dust upon the wind. Nothing more, nothing less. He wasn't listening, he couldn't let their words eat him up.


Whispers only getting stronger, the hyena covered his ears as he kept on running along. Why couldn't they see he wasn't interested in what they had to say? Go away already, go back to the night kingdom. He needed salt, and he needed it now. But, the soldier shook his head. What would that do at a time like this?


Misty forest inching ever so closer, the hyena could not help but wonder. What was it exactly that he had to hand over to a researcher. Why couldn't the Agent just do it himself? Surely, this was not something he could not do himself in any shape or form. But, he supposed it hardly mattered. He had no choice but to do as he was told. Obedience was key.


World of fog soon awaiting, the hyena broke out into a shiver. Was it just him, or had it been cold here? Had it become winter? But, the soldier shrugged. Maybe it had, maybe it hadn't. He knew he could not focus on such right now, no matter what. But, as he tried to adjust himself, the grating voice return.


"Think fast!" the spectral cried, laughing.


Mist in the form of a person holding a scythe laughing up a storm, the early adult jumped ten steps back. What in the world was this creature doing here? This ghost, had it summoned another one of its kind. No, not this, anything but this kind of nonsense. Creature looking ready to come for his throat, the soldier sifted through his satchel at lightning speed.


Nothing but a miserly White Iron Greatsword in his bag, the early adult's eyes pulsated. Had Her Majesty run out of weapons again? But, the soldier knew he had to make due with what he had. It was better than that paperweight from last week. This was nothing.


But, as the soldier swiped forward, he had soon been airborne for minutes on end. Spun around upon the fog, the hyena had been plopped down like he was nothing. Skidding across the grass, the hyena dropped down onto his knees. Why is this happening? The red storm cloud had screwed everything up once again.


Attempting to strike the creature of mist, the soldier's blade phased through it. Seeing such, the early adult's eyes pulsated. No, how could this be happening? Why was this creature immune to weapons? What could he do to beat this thing? Taking a deep breath, his vision on his belt glowed. He had to go with plan b.


But, such had been just as much of a waste. Flower friend defeated in a matter of moments, the soldier jumped four steps back. This mist creature, was it invincible? How in the world was this possible? What could he do to put an end to this? He had to defeat this thing. He absolutely had to win, no matter what.


Blade continuing to be nothing but a paperweight, the hyena tried to hold back the urge to scream. He had to get it together. Why didn't he have it together? This creature, he had to win against it, no matter what. Why couldn't he do anything? Spirit laughing in his ear calling him weak, the hyena could feel the cracks form along the wall. He had to get it together. Get it together, and destroy this thing.


Misty creature's slimy hands on his shoulders, the chimera was stone. Becoming one with the ground, the hyena let out a scream. Why was he so useless, why was he so weak? Glowing red smirk soon appearing the early adult waved the invisible white flag upon the battlefield. It was over. He was done, gone finished. Nothing could be done.


Scythe swiping down, the chimera's neck had become a plaything, in a matter of moments. Sharp edges taking him for a ride, the world of red clouded the mist around him. World blurring, the hyena could feel the world beneath his feet begin to crumble. He was pathetic, the worst of them all.


Creature laughing as their slashes kept going, the early adult tried with all his might to hang on. But, such was impossible. Why couldn't he do anything? Why was he so pitiful? If Her Majesty were to see him now, she would be disappointed, for sure. This enemy, it was invincible. Nothing could be done. Huffing a breath, everything stung.


Barrage of arrows coming from the skies above, the early adult grit his teeth. No, the bird bounty hunters, had he stepped into their territory again? He was dead, for sure. But, he had soon been mistaken. Someone even worse dropping down, the early adult covered his eyes with his arm. Oh, great, Gwendolyn, the judgmental was here, why did it have to be her to come to the rescue, of all chimeras? Mist monster vanquished, he could feel screams about to bathe him deep.


"Aren't you supposed to be a soldier?!" Gwendolyn asked, annoyed. She rolled her eyes as she said such. "God, you're pathetic!" As she said such, bandages had been in her hands. "You're lucky I'm here. I couldn't care less about you, but be grateful I didn't leave you hear to die."


The soldier tuned the especially annoying words coming his way out. Couldn't she just attack the monster and keep her mouth shut? He gets it, he was the opposite side of the coin from her. She despised the tails side. He was neither side. Lifting himself to his feet, the falcon woman kept her momentum going, figuring the forest was her prey, the early adult had begun running. He had to get out of here right away.


Knowing he had to keep heading north, the young soldier had begun running. He did not have time for this. He was on the nonexistent clock. If he were to even return to Marcotte Station a second late, he become dead weight faster than he could blink. He had to hurry, he had to find someone, anyone at all whatsoever to take the objects of which needed investigating.


But, as he pressed further, multiple peculiar creatures had come for him left, right, and center. Mechanical screws aplenty, the soldier could feel his thoughts race back towards the darkness. Why was everything so chaotic? The red storm cloud, just what kind of remnants did it leave behind?


Gazing upwards towards the sky, nothing of the sort had been within his line of damaged sight. Realization bringing the clouds over his head, the early adult wanted to rip his hair out. The strange monsters, no matter what was happening here, they remained. Why was this happening? Who was doing all this?


Enemies closing in, the early adult heart skipped a beat as mechanical monsters cut him off right left, front and center. Blade clanging upon them, the soldier could hear that annoying laughter again. Bolts and screws only getting stronger, he could feel the spirals spin and turn. How could he be so pathetic? A mechanical screw, he couldn't take out something as simple as that. He was pathetic, weak, a poor excuse for a soldier.


Struggles continuing onward, the hyena studied the enemy, for a moment. Large, metallic beings hiding behind a force field, the chimera jumped five steps back. Why was this happening? Had an inventor in the research institute made something that had gone wrong? Perhaps, just maybe, such was the case.


Screw creatures defeated after what felt like one hundred attempts, the gears of doom continued to turn. He was pathetic, a weak, and useless soldier that couldn't do anything right. A waste of energy and space that Her Majesty could throw out at any inconvenience. He could not defeat a single enemy without losing his way without attempting to do so multiple times. How much more pathetic could he get? Moving along the northern path, the familiar guffaws returned.


"That's right! You're pathetic! Weak, and useless!" the spectral being cried. "You should just give up!"


Phantom voicing his thoughts directly to him once again, the soldier had begun running. Why couldn't this spirit leave him alone already? He wasn't listening. He couldn't hear them, they were rubber, he was glue whatever they said would stick back to them. Laughter drowned out, Central Laboratory Ruins was about to be upon him.


But as the hyena pushed through the area, the screw monsters returned for a second round. Seeing such, the soldier let out a scream. No, not more enemies, anything but more monsters. Claymore clutched, the soldier slashed away with all his might. Creatures hopping up and down like a frog, the hyena covered his hands with his face. This was ridiculous, comical, off the chain.


Gears spinning and turning as the mechanical beings kept on screwing around, the hyena let out a scream. Archons, he couldn't take this anymore. These screws, they were going down. They were going down, fangs out in front of him, the soldier leapt towards the creatures. Enough was enough. It was time to put an end to this nonsense.


Chompers gnawing in deep, the soldier let out a scream. These creatures were going down, they were going to get what's coming to them. They were done, gone, finished. He wasn't going to allow himself to get pushed around any longer. Tool beings screaming, a spark shot off in his brain. These creatures needed to go down, face defeat, get out of his way.


Teeth cutting on through to the other sides, the sparks continued to fly as the monsters screams continued. But, the soldier did not care. He was done being weak, through with being pathetic. Done with everything. Shouts continuing, he would not let go. Few screw creatures catching wind of their new enemy, their screeches echoed.


"This guys is gonna eat us!" the screw monsters cried. "Quick, play dead!" As they said such a guffaw entered the air once more.


"That's right, keep going!" the phantom cried. "Break everything! Make everything explode! Blow this joint!"


Voice bringing him back to reality, the early adult's fangs let go. Tool monsters fading into the ether, the early adult eyes twitched. What did he just do? How many of his marbles had he lost just now? Phantom continue to laugh in the corner, the hyena rubbed the sides of his head. This creature, why couldn't they leave him be? Leave him alone already. Mouth moving on its own, the words bled out.


"Leave me alone!" the hyena blurted. As he said such, the phantom floated back.


"You won't be rid of me for long!" the phantom said, poofing away.


Beast of burden exiting the area, the hyena let out a sigh. Why did he give into his shark brain just now? Did anyone see him lose control? If he did, they would regard him as a monster, guaranteed. Why did he have to go and do that? He could not allow himself to give into the violent impulses, no matter what.


Reaching one of the many laboratories, the early adult observed the area. Not a single researcher in the area, the hyena swore he could see a tumbleweed flying in. Seeing such, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Where was everyone? Why was this place so empty?


Moving towards the west, the soldier had begun to wonder as he kept looking around for any single person around. Had there been some sort of convention in the Court of Fontaine? Maybe that's all this was. Surely, nothing bad had happened. He was being overdramatic, for sure.


Pushing towards the other research lab, the early adult's legs twitched. Something felt kind of off, but he didn't know what it was. This intense aura, why wouldn't it leave? But, the early adult threw such thoughts off a cliff. That was just the apparition looming over him, nothing more.


Reaching the next research lab, the soldier could see a group he wanted absolutely no involvement with spread their ill intent like a virus. Researcher jackals tinkering around with a small robotic creature, the hyena held back the urge to bite into it. Why were they the only group around? This was a nightmare. Sighing, he walked over to them. It was time to get this over with. Eyes on him, he knew what was about to come his way.


"Look what the cat dragged in!" Folu cried, pointing. "Mr. Thiefers!"


"Here to steal something again, Thiefy?" Oluchi asked, busting a gut. "Don't worry, we've got some loose screws for you to take! They're just like you! Loopy!"


"Feel free to take those silly screws, if you want! We don't want them!" Sani cried, guffawing. "In fact, they're not even hours! Steal them all you like, Thiefy Mc Thieferson!" He kept laughing as he said such.


The soldier could feel steam about ready to come out of his ears as the party of three kept their annoying banter going. These jackals, why did they always think he was here to steal something? Didn't they learn that not all jokes were funny? He gets it, he stole from them, but it's not like he had a choice in the matter. Flipping his bag open, he plopped machines in their hands. Spelling the words needs investigation, a sea of rejections had come his way.


"Why should we help you?" Oluchi asked, laughing. "I'm too cute to waste my time on this icky thing!"


"Thiefy, come on, now, we may be researchers who specialize in technology," Folu said, wagging their finger. "But this thing is hardly worth our time! Tsk, tsk, come on, give us something better, and maybe we'll help you!"


"This is something you should bring to a blacksmith, not us," Sani said. "Where did you even find this silly, beat up device?"


Party of three rejecting him every step of the way, the early adult got down on his knees. There no one else, he had no other choice, he knew that. Pleading with all his might, he could hear the sea of laughter once again. Groaning, he could feel a heavy wave of embarrassment flow through him. Did they have to make fun of him for every little thing? How annoying.


"You want us to look at it that bad?!" Folu asked laughing up a storm. "Okay, we will, but only if you bark!"


Jackals laughing up a storm, the early adult groaned. What did they just say to him? Bark, and then they will? But, he knew he had no other choice in the matter. Staying on his knees, the chimera let out a little whimpers. Party of three continuing their circle of laughter, the hyena groaned. Why did he fulfill these researchers twisted desires?


"Wow, you actually did it! I can't believe it!" Folu cried. "Alright, fine, we'll take a look at the stuff for you. Hand your loot over."


Everything handed to the trio, the hyena returned off towards Marcotte Station. Same question repeated to him that had come his way in the morning, the soldier denied anything had been amiss once again. Agent reminding him once again to wear a mask while in Liyue, the hyena placed the cloth upon his face once more. But, before he could teleport away, another warning had bathed him deep.


Agent telling him to get rid of that thing following him, he soon exited the area. Subordinate out of sight, the hyena once again held back the urge to scream. How was he supposed to get rid of this creature? That simply wasn't possible. It was stuck to him, he was doomed.


Teleport Waypoint proxy orb removed from his back pocket, the soldier highlighted the Liyue Harbor waypoint. Capital city of the nation of contracts soon reached, a rancid stench had been in the air once more. Whiffing such, the early adult jumped ten steps back. Something wasn't right here in any capacity whatsoever.


Knowing he had no choice but to move forward the early adult had soon found a note at the bottom of his bag. Told to head through southwestern Liyue first and foremost, the early adult blinked. Why did he have to head in such direction for? But, he knew it was pointless to question it. What Her Majesty says, goes.


Figuring the best course of action would to be to head off towards Dunyu Ruins, the soldier cracked his knuckles. Whatever it was that he had to deal with in connection to the plague, he knew he had to breeze through it, no matter what. Preparing himself to head through Mt. Tianheng, the soldier's eyes wandered. Why did he feel as though something was watching him?


Heading off towards Liyue Harbor's exit, the early adult could hear a familiar sound of trots coming towards him from every single angle. Turning towards the noises, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Qilin's faces as red as a tomato, a brand new force had been added to the mix as well.


Deer here deer there, deer everywhere, and cranes adding themselves to the mix, the hyena broke into a deep sweat. Where had all these bucks and does come from? Creatures chasing after him, the chimera could not help but question, how many more people were inflicted by the plague since his last visit?


Dashing through the city, the early adult swore he could hear the creatures cry they could not take it anymore, the soldier's ears perked. These ailing, former human beings could talk? Why hadn't they done so sooner? But, the hyena disregarded such. There was hardly any time to think about such things.


Projectiles coming his way as the soldier headed for the city's western exit, the early adult removed the blade from his bag once more. Archons, why were they being so hostile for? But, he supposed he did not blame them. They were ill, transformed, and confused. He knew he had no choice but to fight them.


Everything under the sun thrown his way at lightning speed, the chimera's blade did the talking. Magical horns of doom tossed back he swore he could hear the Qilins cry they just wanted to be human again. Hearing such, the hyena's heart skipped a beat. The red storm cloud, how could it bring such suffering to everyone around them like this?


Creatures continuing their onslaught left and right as he pushed through Mt. Tianheng, the hyena huffed and puffed as the deflections continued for what felt like hours on end. This army of converted copycat sacred beasts why were they so powerful? Gazing upwards towards the sky, he could not help but ponder. The shadow creature, were they responsible for these creature's powers?


Battles soon taking a turn for the worse as the soldier dashed through the mountains, the early adult broke into a sweat. Why was he struggling so much? But, the hyena shook his head. He was against an army of copycat adepti, of course that was not an easy in any shape or form.


Recalling how the creatures faced defeat last time, the early adult snapped his fingers. Dirt, that's right, that was the answer. Slamming his greatsword upon the road in front of him, the sediment and his blade shook hands with one another. Slapping his cheeks, he dashed towards the enemies at full force. Minerals of the ground taking the creatures out as predicted, a sea of screams had come his way.


"Someone, please, end our suffering!" a Qilin cried. "It hurts!"


Creatures wailing, the early adult burst into tears. He had to do something. Creatures crying for help once again, the hyena dashed back towards the path of which he came. Perhaps, just maybe, that snake doctor at Bubu Pharmacy could help them. Dashing at lightning speed, the voice leeched under his skin once more.


"Look how pathetic you are!" the phantom cried. "You should have spilled their guts!"


Covering his ears, the early adult kept tuning the creature out. This specter, why could they be quiet already? He didn't want to hear it, Chaotic being nattering on and on suggesting violence over and over, the hyena kept running. Be quiet, leave him alone already. Noises continuing, he could hear the ghost say he should become a monster with them. Hearing such, his heart racing faster and faster, no. Why couldn't this thing leave him alone?


Reaching Bubu Pharmacy, the early adult huffed a breath. Snake doctor nowhere to be seen, a heavy wave of confusion flowed through him at the sight in front of him. Jiaolong and the zombie girl at the front desk, the chimera tilted his head. What was he doing here? Zombie girl pointing at him, eyes had soon come his way.


"Jiaolong, customer," the zombie girl said, words very slow.


"Yes, hello, welcome to Bubu Pharmacy," Jiaolong said in a business voice. "Is something wrong? You look confused about something."


Gazing at the taller panda man, the early adult could feel puzzle pieces dropping out of his head. Hold on, did he work here? But, the chimera did not follow. Hadn't he worked for that commerce guild? But, the hyena shrugged. People could have multiple jobs. But, he swore that he could hear a tiny laugh just now.


"My, what's got you so puzzled for? I work here!" Jiaolong exclaimed. He then changed his tone to that of a serious one. "So, what's the problem? Is someone you know in need of some medicine?"


Question coming his way, the early adult placed his hands out in front him. Moving his hand in the way a snake would, he made a hissing sound. Attempting to silently communicate about the copycat adeptus collapsed on the side of the road, he put emphasis on the snake movement. Why wasn't the doctor in right now?


"Oh, dear, I regret to inform you boss has gone to Qingce Village and will not be back in a few days," Jiaolong responded, shaking his head. "But, that does sound quite troubling. We'll head there right away." As he said such, he stepped out from behind the counter. "----, follow me. We're heading to Mt. Tianheng."


"Okay," the zombie girl said, very slowly. "I will help you."


Taller panda chimera alerting him he should probably head for Dunyu Ruins, a string of rather strange information had come his way. Told there had been a strange domain around there, the hyena sped off to the races. These unusual places, would eliminating them get rid of the storm cloud? Surely, such would be the case.


Cranes along the way screaming at him every which way he were to go, the hyena kept up the dirt and dump combination. He did not have any time to deal with these clonedepti. He had a job to do, and he had to do it fast. Creatures crying out in pain, the hyena could not help but feel his heart go out to them.


"Why did it have to turn out like this?!" the copycat cranes cried. "Did Rex Lapis leave us?"


"Someone please save us!" another copycat crane cried. "Make us human again!"


Creatures dropping like flies, the hyena stared off into space. Why did he have to fight them? Couldn't there be another way? But, he knew they would keep hitting back every time. Why act like such was not the case? He knew it was, from every stretch of the imagination. Should he really be fighting a bunch of ill, confused transformed people? Maybe he should stop doing so.


Dunyu Ruins reached, the hyena's knees buckled at the sight of the blue door in front of him. Cloth mask getting warm, the soldier broke into a sweat. Why was it so moist here? Shrugging such off, he dropped himself through the door the the unknown. But, what awaited him on the other side made the world spin off kilter triple over.


Opening his eyes, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Why was this domain so small? But, something was not right. Entire body the size of a frog, the early adult could feel a heavy wave of doom engulf him. Had he been infected, too? But, the hyena shook his head. He had been in some sort of subspace world. That's all it was, surely.


Moving through the domain, the chimera could not help but wonder. Why had he become so tiny? He did not know. But, he supposed that did not matter. He would return to normal in no time, for sure. But, as he pushed forward, a herd of Qilins stomped his way at full speed. Raging eyes on him, shouts had come his way.


"You there! Play a game with us!" the Qilins cried. "Find our horns! Hurry up!"


Demands coming his way, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. Play a game of missing object? Why did they ask him such a thing? Absolutely ridiculous. But, he knew he had no choice in the matter. Nodding, the domain around him twisted and turned, in a matter of moments. Forest laid out in front of him, the demands continued to come for his head.


Counter on his wrist reading fifteen, the hyena groaned. Excuse him. how many did he have to find? There was no way he would be able to locate that many. But, he knew he would have to. The choice was not his if he wished to escape this place in due time. Slapping his cheeks, the hyena steeled himself.


Looking high and low for misplaced horns, the chimera crouched down beside the grass. Multiple located one after another, a bunch of equine limbs had been rammed into him one after another. Body a target, the chimera broke into tears. These copycat adepti, why were they still hostile? He was doing what they asked of him, wasn't he?


Further horns located, the counter on his wrist dinged at six. Hooved slams coming for him one after another, the soldier broke into a sea of tears. But, he knew he had to bear it. These creatures were in pain. He could endure the suffering in return. Continuing the hunt, further horns had been located.


Struggling for minutes on end as multiple qilin kept on taking him for a ride, the soldier frowned and bore it. Do not get angry. He absolutely, positively could not. Further horns returned, twelve had been located out of fifteen. Three to go, the early adult huffed and puffed beneath the mask. Where had his energy gone? Those hooves had given him one beating too many, for sure.


Final set of horns collected, he swore he could feel a human foot slam him downward. Backside a stomping ground for minutes on end, the chimera broke into tears. Why were they still trying to take him out? He had assisted them in their game, hadn't he? But, the hyena threw such thoughts off a bridge. They were not in control of their actions. He needed to grin and bear it. Domain twisting and turning once again, a blinding light soon overtook the soldier.


Ready to drop like a cicin, the chimera had soon been greeted with an unexpected face. Yinlong in front of the domain door with a pained look on his face, the hyena's heart skipped more than two beats. No, was something wrong with the panda chimera, too? Had the time come? Eyes looking dull, cries had come his way.


"Oh, good, someone's here!" Yinlong cried. "Please, go to Qingxu pool now!" Turning their head, they blinked slowly. Huh, Siorc was here? "Siorc, what are you doing here?" But, their words quickly diverted into a web. "Sorry, I didn't mean--." But their words diverted again. "Wait, something feels wrong. Siorc, is everything okay?"


Yinlong onto him, the hyena forced a nod. What good would it do to worry him now? Knowing he should head for Qingxu Pool, the chimera made a break for it. He had to hurry, before it was too late. Reaching the slightly wet area at lightning speed, the soldier leapt through the domain door. He needed to be kick, time was running out, for sure.


Opening his eyes once more, the confusion looped on repeat. Size of a butterfly, a group of cranes made a series of demands of him all at once. More objects demanded to be found, the pea sized hyena broke into a sweat. Oh, great, here it goes again. Find the object this, counter on his body somewhere that. Why couldn't this domain be normal?


But, as he had begun to search for the crane's items, a plastic bug killing tool had come his way at full speed. Seeing such, the temporary butterfly flapped away with all his might. Archons, where did that come from? Was he not trying hard enough? Flying away swifter, the first object had soon been located.


Swatter of doom slamming down upon him, the soldier's antennae bent. Stringed beaters twisting into a knot, the hyena's little temporary insect heart beat hard in his sternum. Was this what it was like to be a bug in a human world? He was going to die before he got out of here, guaranteed.


Third, fourth, and fifth object completed, Mr. Bug Killer had come back with a vengeance. Flapping faster, the soldier let out a scream. He had to move, he had to be quick. Why in the world were these cranes trying to smush him? Give him a little breathing room, would they?


Further objects obtained in one fell swoop, the enemy to all bug kind had attempted to come back for another wrong. Zipping past it, the butterflied adult zoomed around. Not today, he's not letting himself become another insect casualty. Final set of objects soon located, the cranes honked up a storm.


Swatted through the door, the hyena closed his eyes as the blinding light soon overtook him once more. Cranes screeching about Cuijue Slope through the door, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Were they trying to get him to head there next? He supposed he should go there and do whatever they demand of him.


But, as the hyena had begun to head off towards the slopes, a sea of darkness had flown through him. Had he done anything to help the copycat adepti at all? A wave of uselessness flowed through him. No, he hadn't done anything right. He hadn't saved anyone at all. He was trash, garbage, a waste. Presence behind him once again, he covered his ears.


"That's right! You're useless, don't you see?" the phantom exclaimed. "Give into that feeling!"


Running swiftly, the hyena broke out into a sweat. This ghost, why couldn't it go away already? Leave him alone, stop haunting him already. He could hardly take this anymore. Someone, anyone exorcise this thing. But, he knew that wasn't happening. The humans were all faux sacred beasts. Reaching Cuijue Slope, a group of deer had a list of demands of him.


"Race us to the edge of the mountain, now!" the deer cried in unison.


Deer trotting away, the soldier let out a scream. They were getting a head start, how was that fair? Dashing off as fast as he could possibly muster, the hyena could feel his breath die. Inquiry coming his way if he had become one of them, the chimera shook his head in a rapid manner. As if that was what was happening here.


Bucks and does falling over in unison, a wave of confusion flowed through him. What in the world just happened? But, as he thought such, the soldier's chest squeezed him tight. Dizziness immediately overtaking him, the early adult had become one with the ground. Consciousness slipping away, thoughts of darkness took over.


He can't do anything right, can he?


He's so useless.


***


"I am so weak and pathetic. I haven't done


Anything to help these ill people transformed into faux adepti, have I? I
Might as well throw in the towel, and and wake up to the truth, I am


Such a failure, I can't do anything right! I am such a failure,
Of course I am, I am nothing worth anyone's time! I'm not


Worth a thing! I know there's better, stronger,
Even far more superior than me. Of course there
Are! I'm so pathetic, I'm so weak. I don't
Know what I can do anymore. I


Am about to be thrown away, guaranteed. I know by
Now, not a single thing will be able to save me. I
Don't know anymore, I am so


Useless, it's almost scary. I'm
So useless, it's a total mystery to me why Her Majesty
Even wanted me in the first place! I'm sure she regrets taking me. It's very
Likely. I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I'm so pathetic. I'm so weak, I'm so pitiful.
Every single failure is my fault, and I
Should try harder to
Succeed. I should have tried harder to succeed.


I know I should have, I should have,


And I keep on going ahead and
Making everything worse lately. I'm so


Pathetic, and Her Majesty is going to kill me.
Ah, she's going to kill me.
Time to count my days, because
Her Majesty will be discarding of me.
Everything about me is so incredibly pathetic.
This is the end of the road for me.
I won't live for much longer, I know for sure I've failed this mission
Completely. Of course I have, I know have,


Absolutely. I'm such a failure. I'll
Never free Liyue from that red storm cloud, I
Doubt I'll finish this mission on a positive note.


I know it's not happening. Hahah, hahah, I'm so pathetic, I


Deserve a punishment for my incompetence, guaranteed.
Everything has gone south, gone completely south, and I
Should be punished for such disappointment to Her Majesty.
Everything is my fault, and I need to
Remember that, truly. I
Very much know that
Everything is my fault,


This is all my fault, I am
Horrible, I am terrible,
Everything is breaking, breaking, breaking,


Cracking, cracking, creaking,
Reversing, reversing, reversing,
Inversing, inversing, inversing.
There is nothing I can do,
I am breaking. There is nothing I can do, I'm
Cracking, I'm burning. The world
Is reversing. I cannot
Stop it, it's breaking, rotting,
Molting, everything is exploding.


I cannot take this anymore, I am


Rotting. I cannot take this anymore,
Everything is breaking, everything is destroying itself. I
Cannot take this anymore, the issues are repeating, returning, intertwining.
Even though I am trying the hardest I am able to muster,
It has all become too much, I am
Very much breaking into a million pieces.
Everything is burning, everything is breaking, I am molting."


Coming to the next morning in a bed unknown to him, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Where was he, and how did he get here? Reaching for his glasses, even further bewilderment ate away at him. Why was he at Wangshu Inn? How did he get here? Taller panda chimera by his bedside, and Yinlong in the corner, nothing was adding up. Eyes on him, frantic voices had come for him.


"I'm so glad you're awake!" Yinlong cried, words far faster than usual. "Are you okay? I found you unconscious in Cuijue Slope. You didn't get infected, did you?" Their ears drooped as they said such.


"Worry not, your friend does not seem afflicted with the plague," Jiaolong said to Yinlong, assuring her. "But, I do sense an dark aura clinging to him for some reason." He crossed his arms across his waist as he continued. "Be that as it may, should your friend be infected, I cannot do anything to assuage the situation. I am not yet a doctor. My knowledge regarding diseases beyond the herbal remedies required is limited."


Bowing his head, the chimera removed himself from the unknown bed. How long had he been unconscious? He had to get out of here. Dashing across the bridge, a realization had washed over him. Qingce Village, he needed to head there, for sure. The elderly could have been in danger.


But, as the soldier had headed northward, he could feel a chill drop down his spine. Why was he feeling so chilly all of a sudden. The specter, were they still watching him? He had to hurry before they could dare to find him again. Dashing as fast as he could muster, had had soon found himself in a terrifying ghostly forest.


Haunted hill closing in on him, the early adult's eyes pulsated. How did he end up here? Someone, get him out of here. But, as he thought such, a group of pained qilins stomped towards him. Creatures bowing their heads, a wave of bewilderment flowed through him as their eyes twitched up a fury.


"Please, find our horns!" the qilins begged and pleaded. "It hurts, please!"


Qilins begging and pleading, the soldier knew he had no choice in the matter. The Qilins lost their horns again? Terrifying land waiting for him, the early adult searched high and low for minutes on end, but nothing had been located. Blue flames engulfing the area aplenty, the hyena closed his eyes. He was off to a bad start, for sure.


Lowering himself to his knees, the hyena crawled like the animal his dna had been ruined by. Surely, if he were closer to the ground, he could locate what he had been looking for. Qilin crying for help over and over again, the hyena kept trying harder. He knows, they're in pain. He's trying the best he can muster.


Eventually finding horn one of many, the search continued. Locating a multitude of horns cracked in half, the hyena sighed. This would not do, would it? Of course it wouldn't. Who was he kidding? Handing the pointy broken objects to the copycat sacred beings, hooves took his back for a ride in a matter of moments.


"It's cracked! How is this supposed to help any of us?!" the qilin cried. "Go away, you're useless!"


Qilins giddying up like they were ready for a rodeo, the hyena's legs erupted into a sprint. Archons, he gets it, he had failed, couldn't they cool down a little? But, such was not an option at his constantly transforming hands. Creatures getting faster, the soldier kept running.


Chase getting faster, the early adult's chest tightened into a knot as he had reached Qingce Village. Breath dying, the chimera could feel the world spin. Why was he so out of breath lately? Where had his energy gone? Back tilting, the hyena closed his eyes. But what awaited him, for a brief moment had been a land of grey and gloom.


Phantom of the Night Kingdom popping up once more, the early adult held the side of his temples. This creature, could it please leave him alone already? He had had quite enough of them by now. Go haunt someone else, he had a job to do. He didn't have time for this nonsense. Enemy laughing, he knew what was coming his way next.


"You're so pathetic!" the night kingdom ghost cried. "How could you fall over from a little run towards an elderly village? Haha, weakling!"


Eyes popping open, a heavy wave of bewilderment flew over him at the sight presented to him. Snake doctor beside him by the side of the road, he tilted his head. What in the world happened. How did he get here? Where are the qilin? But, a concerned round of questions had took such thoughts away.


"Young man, do you know where you are? You lost consciousness on the side of the road," the snake doctor said in a stern tone. But, before he could start his next sentence, he had been interrupted.


"Sir, I am fine, the air is just thin, please, leave me be," the soldier said, voice barely audible. Words rather labored. He swore he was breathier than the wind. "Please, worry about the elderly."


Moving away, the hyena stumbled. Gazing at the world around him, something wasn't right. Turning his head towards the right and left, everything looked dark. Rubbing his eyes beneath his lenses, nothing was adding up. Was it nighttime? But, he shook his head. That was not possible. It was afternoon. Cranes honking, the chimera kept stumbling forward.


Snake doctor calling out to him, a cold shoulder had been awarded to him. He didn't have time for a house call right now. The elderly were more important. He was fine, surely, the air was merely toxic. Nothing to worry about, whatsoever. Crane crying they needed something on Mt. Hulao, he kept wobbling. He had to head for the mountains and continue on with the journey. His current state of being was unimportant.


Knowing the only way to reach the mountains from here was to move through the Karst, the hyena had begun moving. Dark road ahead of him, the early adult wondered. Did he need his glasses adjusted? What was going on? Pushing onwards towards the bridge along the way, he could hear hooves trotting behind him once again.


Qilins one after another begging him to find their lost horns, the hyena placed his hands on the side of his temple. Not this again. Why did he he have to find more horns? Why was this happening? The world was looping, repeating, reversing, taking a turn for the cycle of never ending.


Resigning to his fate, the hyena kept his darkened eyes opened. Multiple cracked horns found, the soldier groaned. Oh, great, broken ones again. Could this get any worse? Trying with all his might to find one that were not dismantled in any shape or form, he had been sorely mistaken. Of course it wasn't that simple. Why would it ever be a one way ticket to success? He was doomed, for sure. At the mercy of the red storm cloud.


Handing the cracked horns to the qilin, the stomping punishment had been delivered quintuple fold. Qilins crying how would this heal them of their suffering, the hyena could feel a ton drop onto his back. Right, how could this break them free from their pain? He had found the wrong ones.


Pushing through Qingyun Peak, further horns had soon been located, but not a single one had been correct. Trying once more to hand them off the darkened qilins, he swore he could feel an invisible human hand on his neck. This failure, it was going to take him out, guaranteed.


Equine creatures demanding he save them right, they had trotted at full speed. Creatures dashing about, the hyena had begun running faster than his legs could possibly carry him. Rage ready to suffocate him, the soldier kept on dashing about. Screams getting louder, he skid across the road as Mt. Aocang came ever so closer.


But, as he kept on moving forward, everything grew darker, rubbing his eyes, nothing helped. Seeing such, an intense wave of doom ate him alive. What in the world was going on here? Qilins continuing their chase, the hyena huffed and puffed a weak breath. What in the world was he doing wrong here? He did not understand.


Chased all the way to Mt. Aocang, further demands had come his way. Told to cut the amber, the hyena scratched his head. What amber? They had the wrong mountain. Such had been Mt. Hulao. These former humans, had their brains been fried into nothing? Their geography was all wrong.


Amber with a ghostly flare popping out of nowhere, the hyena grit his teeth. Where in the world did all that come from? How terrifying. Equine creatures demanding he cut it all and get them proper horns, or else, the hyena broke into a sweat. He had to do what now? Knowing he had no choice but to do so, his greatsword was ready for rock slaying.


Blade out and about, the chimera prepared himself. Ghostly orange mineral broken into pieces, nothing of the sort had fallen out of the encasement. Seeing such, the hyena resisted the urge to sigh. Nothing doing. Was this really necessary? Creatures screaming to try harder, sweat fogged his glasses.


Chops getting louder, a horn dropped down like a prize. Seeing such, the hyena could not help but wonder. Had what he uncovered just now really been a horn? Maybe it had been a boar, or something else. Qilins demanding he go for round three, his eyebrows twitched. Really, round three? How many horns did these creatures need?


Further ghostly amber cracked, the soldier had heard the worst news, quintuple fold. Creatures demanding he meet them in Mt. Hulao, the early adult groaned. No, no more of this nonsense. Could someone please put an end to this? He could do this no longer, someone free him. But, he knew that was not happening. The mountains, no matter what, he had to go there.


Forced to do puzzles along the way, the early adult could feel the world only getting darker. Why did he have to do all this? The shadow creature was messing with him, wasn't he? But, the chimera shook his head. No, this had nothing to do with them, why bring them into the conversation? This was all the equine creatures.


Qilin creatures demanding he crush the amber in a rhythm, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. He had to do what now? As if that made any sense at all. Qilins stomping on the ground to a beat, the hyena tried to copy such with all his might. Boar hopping through a random hoop, the soldier rolled his eyes towards the stormy sky. Oh boy, counting the beat to a hoop game. Amazing.


Further amber slaughtered in a rhythm, the early adult could feel a heavy wave of fatigue come for him from behind. Where had this sudden feeling of tiredness sneak up on him from? But, the early adult threw such thoughts away. No, he couldn't end things here like this. The qilins, they required his assistance to free them from the plague. He couldn't falter now.


Equine creatures soon demanding he step on boars and deer, the early adult's eyes pulsated. He had to go and do what now? No way, not a chance, he could never. Harming poor, innocent animals who did nothing wrong? Absolutely not, who did this former humans think they were? They could step on him all they wanted. He would not stoop to such levels.


Body starting to shake, the world around him grew darker. Qilins screaming he's slipping, do better, the early adult tried to shake off his tremors. But, such had been impossible, body a maraca, his breath was gone. Feeling himself fall backwards, the questions rolled in. The air was it still rancid. Screams of his uselessness coming his way, one last thought clicked into place as his consciousness slipped away.


They're right.


He's so pathetic and useless.


He can't do anything right.


***


"I'm so pathetic, I


Can't do this, I'm so pathetic, I can't do this.
Ah, everyone right about me, I'm pathetic.
No matter what I do lately, I can't seem to get anything right, can I?
No matter what I do, I can't even get
One thing right. I'm so pitiful,
This is all my fault, and I


Doubt I'll live through this failure.
Of course I won't,


Ahaha, of course I will
Not. Why would I?
Your Majesty, I'm so sorry for my
Terrible performance, can you forgive me?
Hahaha, of course she won't.
I'm pathetic, after all.
No matter what I do, I just can't
Get anything


Right. I'm such a failure.
I'm such a failure. I'm
Getting everything wrong. I haven't truly
Helped anyone.
This is all my fault.


I'm to blame. I


Am so pathetic, Her
Majesty is going to kill me.


She's going to kill me. I am
One step away from death, I've


Probably disappointed her beyond belief now.
Aha, it's all over for me.
This is the end of the road.
Hahaha, this is the
End of the road. What can I do? Nothing.
There's nothing I can do.
I've failed. I
Can expect to be given the axe any day now."


Coming to in Qingce Village, an even heavier wave of confusion flowed through the soldier. How did he end up here again like this? Panda chimeras beside him with worried expressions on their faces, the early adult attempted to brush such off. What were they so concerned for? Nothing was wrong here.


"Hey, you're awake, is everything okay?" Yinlong asked, heavy tone of concern in his voice. "Mr. ------- found you unconscious in Mt. Hulao!"


"You gave us quite the fright," Jiaolong said, voice stern. "Do you need boss to take a look at you? It may be a little bit before he can see you, however."


Shaking his head, the soldier placed his hand out in front of him. Waste his time waiting for a doctor? He was good. He was not in need of such services. Note about where to deal with anomalies next pointing him to Chenyu Vale, the early adult blinked. Why did he feel like this was where the entire plague started? Dragging his feet towards the docks, he could feel hand grab his wrist.


"Wait, you're heading to Chenyu Vale, are you sure you'll be okay?" Yinlong asked, heavy concern in his voice. "You look really pale! Please, let me go with you!"


Shaking his head, the soldier moved forward. Why was everyone so concerned over his complexion lately? It didn't matter one bit. Dropping himself into a wooden raft, the chimera cruised forward. Only one of two panda chimeras stroking along the water, the early adult let out a groan. He did not need any help. Why couldn't everyone just leave him alone?


Reaching the entrance of Chenyu Vale after about an hour of rowing, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Why was it so dark here? Gazing upwards towards the sky, something had been quite off about the storm cloud, green skull clouds everywhere, a realization washed over him. The plague, this was its epicenter. He had to hurry up and end this now, or the germ cloud would escape to Fontaine. But, as he tried to press on, the panda soon caught up.


"Siorc, please wait, you really don't seem like you're doing too good!" Yinlong cried, words far faster than normal. "Please, let me tag along, at least!"


The hyena tried to eat a scream brewing inside him. Why did everyone think he was experiencing some sort of illness? He was fine. He did not need any sort of help. Was Jiaolong coming, too? Archons, leave him alone. He was perfectly capable of doing his own job. But, as he thought such, the apparition rode again.


"That's right, get angry, and pummel everyone!" the ghost cried. "Crush them all!"


The soldier covered his ears upon hearing such. Ugh, just what he needed right now, another annoyance. This specter, could it please go away? Getting it together, he had soon been informed there had been some strange machines everywhere, and a problem with some carp. Hearing such, he could feel his head spin. Hold on a second, what? He had to do what now? What about a carp? Nothing was adding up, for sure.


Moving right along, the hyena held in a sea of screams. He could feel it. Any second now, and everything would spiral out of control, and then some. Why did everything feel so hopeless, cold, and far away? But, he shook his head. No, he was mistaken, surely. What in the world was he thinking?


Watching as Siorc seemed incredibly out of sorts, the alarm bells rung in Yinlong's head as they could see some thing stick to his back. He could not shake off this feeling. Something was definitely wrong with him. What was that creature following behind him? Were they here to steal his soul? He couldn't let that happen, he had to say something.


"Hey, Siorc, I know I already asked, but are you okay?" Yinlong asked again. "Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but, I think you're possessed by something. Should we go see an exorcist?" But, he shook his head. "Never mind. He got sick, too."


Hearing the word exorcist, the soldier shook his head in a rapid manner. An exorcist? No way, why would he need something like that? This ghost would get bored of him eventually, for sure. That's how it always was. It would go away soon enough. No need to worry. But, as he thought such, a giggle came his way.


"Nope, can't get rid of me!" the night kingdom fiend cried. "Get used to me, fella!"


Groaning, the party of two marched onward. But, what awaited them along the way had been quite the unexpected annoyance. Robots everywhere immediately growing hostile, Yinlong soon had a spear in their hands. Reaching for his claymore, the fight began. But, as he struggled, a wave of information had come his way.


As Yinlong's windy attacks did their bidding, he could hear some rumblings about the chaos involving some fish adeptus deeper into the vale. Hearing such, the hyena put two and two together. Everything makes sense now, for sure. This entire plague, it makes sense now. The answer to ending it he knew now.


That carp, she was the one.


The cause for all of this.


Fights continuing, the soldier swore his vision was getting worse by the second. His glasses, had he dropped them somewhere? Ghost laughing, he swore they had covered his eyes with unremovable shades. World pure black, he closed his eyes. This creature, why couldn't it leave him alone? Stop the madness already. He was breaking, twisting turning.


Passing through the village, not a single human remained. Blinking rapidly, vision returned to him. Annoying inquiry coming his way once again, the soldier brushed him off. Could such inquiry about his current state be put into a list of banned words please? He was tired of hearing it. Archons above, please do something.


But, no such help ever came. It was almost as if, a word of a god decided everything, and such deity of wordsmith had other things in mind. But, the soldier threw such thoughts away. What in the world was he going on about? Yinlong soon telling him they need to pass by Yilong Wharf, he snapped himself out of it.


Yilong Wharf being just as worse as the rest of the vale, a robot needed immediate repair before continuing to the next path. Parts scattered everywhere, the duo dashed onto the scene. Creature just barely returned to normal, the early adult huffed a weak breath. This was getting quite tiresome. Beep booper hopping up, something strange pulsated in his hand.


"Hurry, hurry! Miss Fujin is in trouble!!" the robot cried. As they said such, a button had been pressed.


Finding himself in a small corridor with a large carp overloaded with dangerous energy, the hyena could hardly believe his eyes at who resided behind her. Shadow creature adorning red eyes, a mouth, and a visible shirt that read, Number One Villain, the early adult cracked his knuckles. Did this thing want a piece of him? He'll go, he'll take them on. But, the chimera shook his head. Get ahold of himself.


"There you are, my favorite person in the entire world to mess with!" the shadow creature cried. "Alright, if you beat Fujin in one piece, I'll leave Liyue! Got it? For real this time! I won't come back, maybe!" It giggled as it said such. Finishing off its tirade, Yinlong turned towards it.


"Siorc, who is that?" Yinlong asked.


Signing the word villain, Yinlong removed their spear, carp leaping upward with all her might, the ground had been dissolved into hundreds of quakes. Feeling such, the hyena let out a scream. The power of geo compelled her, didn't it? Feeling unbalanced, the early adult threw down a flower friend.


Yinlong's wind powers aiding them, the early adult provided silent commands to his silk flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision. Carp barely budging, the hyena cracked his knuckles. No more of this. This had to end, the people had to heal. He could take no more of this nonsense.


Fight pushing him to the edge for minutes on end, the chimera growled. Feeling cracks form, the early adult readied to lunge. Archons, no more of this. He couldn't take this any longer. This carp was going down. Mouth ready for action, he took the leap of darkness. Here, fishy, fishy, fishy, come to momma.


Fangs sinking in deep, he swore he could hear screams of terror. Hearing such, the hyena kept biting. Glass cracking further, everything spiraled. No more, no more of this. This carp is going down. Whatever plague they had, he no longer cared. They were too strong, a little bite wouldn't hurt.


Creature getting weaker, the hyena could feel his energy drop to nothing. Fish adeptus dropping down onto the ground, the chimera fell backwards as well. Heavy weakness taking him for a ride, a realization washed over him. What did he just do? His shark brain did it take over? Consciousness slipping, one last thought kicked in.


Had he lost all his marbles?


Coming to somewhere unusual, the soldier turned his head to the right and left. What was he doing on the roof of Wangshu Inn? He could feel his will begin to break. Fujin, had he failed to save her? He was so pathetic. How could he keep letting everyone down like this? He was dead, for sure. But, a voice interrupted him.


"You're foolish to tackle this all by yourself," the yaksha grunted.


Yaksha scolding him, the early adult folded his arms across his waist. As if this person was to talk. Didn't he do everything all by his lonesome? Don't tell him what to do. But, he shook his head. Wasn't Yinlong with him? He could feel the threads of his brain snap in two. Maybe he left while he was unconscious.


"Whatever," the yaksha said, grunting. "That loud boss of yours wants you. Bye."





Heading to the bottom floor, a strange set of words he did not expect to hear had come his way. Told he had done a good job, the hyena gazed upwards towards the sky. Red storm cloud nowhere to be seen, he had soon been dismissed. Proxy orb folded out into map form, the hyena highlighted the military barracks waypoint.


Reaching the soundproof room after about fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult could hear the ghost behind him singing the word lies over and over again. Hearing such, he tuned them out. Why couldn't they be quiet? Couldn't this creature go away already? Everything muted within, his energy soon died.


Heavy wave of fatigue taking him away, the hyena removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Eyes closing as soon as his head hit the pillow, the song kept on going. World of sleep taking him away, one last thought dragged itself down with him into the land of tormented dreams.


Maybe this ghost was right. Maybe it was all a lie.


The red storm cloud would return to Liyue, wouldn't it?

 

[Palamon]

24: Natlan's Noxious Turmoil 2: Abyssal Plight's Peak
"No, no, no, no, no,
Oh, Your Majesty, what do


You mean? I have to go to war?
Oh, Your Majesty, why? This is not right!
Ugh, this is not
Right! How could she do this to


Me? How could she do this to me?
Ahhh, I
Just don't understand, not
Even a little, I don't understand even a little
Stop sending me out
To wars I have no business fighting,
Your Majesty! Please, stop it!


Why are you doing this to me?
Hahaha, sending me out to
A war in another nation,
This makes no sense!


Don't do this to me!
Oh, Archons, please don't do this to me.


You don't get it, Your Majesty!
Obviously, you don't understand a thing,
Ultimately! I don't think I can handle a war right now, Your


Majesty! That ghost attached to me is
Eating my energy!
Ah, I can barely see, breathe,
Nothing is working!


You really, truly don't understand!
Of course you don't
Ugh, it's not like I can tell her.


After all, I am just a
Rusty tool she can throw away! I am one final mistake away from
Everything ending. One mistake away.


So, I can't tell her, I can't tell her I can barely
Even see, barely breathe, heart
Not beating normally. I
Don't get to say that.
I'm not allowed to complain, she'll kill me. I'm
Not allowed to express discomfort. She'll
Get a gun, and she'll end me!


My life is going to
End because of my incompetence. I know


That already. Everything is dark, how can I fight if I can barely see
One thing, and the next?


Ah, like it matters, the condition I am in does
Not matter, if I can move, I can fight.
Of course, that's how
This works. It doesn't matter
How I feel, if I have
Even a little use left in me, it'll
Really quickly squeezed out of me.


Not like it truly matters
At all how I am doing!
There is no such things as breaks
In the Fatui!
Of course there isn't!
No matter what, I have to fight in
Some war I have no business fighting in!


What if the people of Natlan notice I
Am not native? What then? You're
Really pushing the envelope here,


Your Majesty! I really don't understand you!
Oh, Your Majesty, I
Ultimately don't understand you at all.


Could someone please
At least explain why I
Need to do this?
Natlan's war will never be
Over! It's always ongoing!
The abyss never dies!


Because it's always there!
Every day, it's always there!


So, it's never going to
End there, and I know it! You
Really shouldn't send me out there!
I fell into the Night Kingdom, I'm going to
Outlive my usefulness soon
Ultimately, I know that, this should
Stop! It has to stop


Right here, right now
It has to stop! But, I have to
Go, I don't
Have any choice in
The matter! I have


No say in the matter!
Of course I don't,
Why would I? I never do!


Please, Your Majesty, I'm
Literally begging you to reconsider!
Eh, she's not going to!
Ahaha, nope,
She's not going to!
Even though she should, I


Really doubt she will!
Eh, of
Course she won't,
Of course she won't!
No chance of that happening!
So, it's off to war
I go! And, I
Don't get any say!
Everything is fine and dandy!
Really, who cares


If I am feeling miserable? I


Don't get any say
On the matter!


No matter what the condition my body's in,
One thing
That I


Know for certain, is that I have
No say! I have to fight
Over and over again! But,
What else is new? What else


Is new? I am
Fully aware of my situation!


I know how it works! I know


How this
All goes down! I
Very much know
Everything already! It's not like I'm fully unaware! I'm not, truly! Aaaaaaaah,


This blows, truly.
Haha, all of this blows,
Everything blows!


Everything blows! I do
Not know what to
Even do, I
Really don't think I can
Go into this war!
Your Majesty, please, I'm suffocating,


There's a tight feeling
Over in my chest! Stop. Stop. How I'm


Feeling doesn't matter.
I'm fine, I don't
Get to take a break,
Hahaha, of course I can't,
That's a given. Just


Because I am hurting, it
Ultimately doesn't mean
That I get a break. Her


Majesty will squeeze the juice out of me.
Yes, I know that's


How it works,
Every day, she'll continue to squeeze me dry!
And I'll break faster,
Likely tomorrow, likely
Today! Ah, no don't say that!
How can I think that?


She'll keep using me up until
The threads snap,
And the puppet strings break!
That's how it
Ultimately is,
She'll keep using me until she's


Done with me! I'm fully aware
Of that! I know she'll use me for all of
Eternity, I'm just het little pawn
She can keep on using indefinitely.


No matter how bad I feel,
Of course she'll keep using me!
That's how my life works. I'm just a tool to use. Her


Majesty will keep it
All up, until I perish! I know
That, truly, and I have known
That forever! It's been in stone
Ever since I was taken away!
Right at the moment she took me!


It's been this way for almost eight years now!


Hahaha! For at least eight years
At most, I don't know my time senses are
Very off these days,
Eh, for all I know, I've been doing


This for centuries!
Or more than ten years!


But, I don't know
Anymore! The concept of
Time has shattered! The concept of
Time has completely
Left me! Or maybe I'm just broken right now,
Everything is burning,


I'm suffocating!


Can't breathe,
Ah, I can't breathe!
No breath is coming out of me,
None, but
Oh, well! I have a war
To fight in, right?


So I need to focus,
I don't have a choice in
The matter!


Aha, I bet if I were bleeding out
Right this second, I'd be sent
Out to war all the same!
Ugh, I should
Not say that!
Don't jinx it! Ahaha, what in the world


Am I saying? I cannot jinx it!
No matter what I do, I cannot
Do that! I have to think about victory,


Right here, right now! That's the
Only thing that should be on my mind!
That's it, and nothing more!


Just focus on winning.
Ugh, nope, I
Simply just can't!
This isn't working! Your Majesty, please I am


Begging, take me off this war roster! Please!
Everything will go smoothly if you
Cut my name off of it!
At the moment, I am burning!
Ultimately, you need to see I'm not
Suited for the war grounds in my
Especially fragile state!


Ahaha, but who cares, right? I just have to


Get rid of this ghost
Haunting me! And,
Once I do all that, I'll stop
Suffocating! I know all
That! I'll only stop suffocating


If I'll eliminate this
Stupid invincible ghost


Haunting me! If I get it to go
Away! I'll be fine,
Ultimately, I know that! I
Need to eliminate it, I need
To eliminate
It, I really
Need to eliminate it!
Get rid of it before it kills


Me! Ah, no, I don't
Even think it has


Any power to end me.
Not really? I truly
Don't know! Ah,


Maybe I'm am exaggerating. Yes, I
Am exaggerating! I
Know that
I am. So,
No more exaggerating.
Get on with it.


Maybe if I bring them back to Natlan, they'll
Evaporate! This is a war against the abyss! I


Feel like I might be on something.
Everything will be fine,
Everything will be okay,
Let's break this doom and gloom,


Ready? One, two three.
Ah, it's not working,
The gloom is still
Here. Ah of, course it is, it's
Eternal! But I know I can make this ghost
Rot. I can eliminate


Them, just watch me
I know I can get
Rid of them, make them
Evaporate, I have what it takes to
Do so, I know I can


Do this, I can eliminate this
Obvious malevolent spirit! I can
Eradicate them, and
Send them back to the


Night Kingdom. I can do it, be free
Once and for all! I have
To have


My eyes on the prize!
Eyes on the prize!
Ahaha, eyes on the prize!
No matter what,


I have to get rid of this


Chaotic spirit, and I have to do it fast. I
Am feeling weaker daily.
Now, the other day, I could
Not fight well
Over on the
Training grounds, they've


Sucked away most of my energy,
This will end poorly,
I have to eliminate them,
Lead them away from me,
Lead them back to their prison.


For now, that is what
I should focus my attention on,
Getting rid of this
Horrible ghost
That is haunting me.


I have to get rid of it. I


Can't let them linger
Around any longer!
No matter what, I have


To find what makes them
Ultimately invincible, and expose that. I just
Need to find a weakness.
Everything has a weakness, at least


One, nothing is completely invulnerable.
Ugh, but what could
That be? What could


Their weakness be? Think, think, think. Ah,
Hmmm, I've got nothing, not
Even a single thought.


Perhaps, I'll know once I'm back
At Natlan, surely,
It's easy to defeat a
Night Kingdom ghost!


I have to think of


All the possibilities that
Might be able to eliminate them! And, I


Cannot rest until I find something to take them
Out, I know this
Might take a long time, it won't be over immediately.
Perhaps making them
Live in the sun is the ticket.
Eh, right!
They're a ghost!
Even a little bit of
Light will end them!
Yes, that's it! I


Found the answer! What
I can do to make them go away!
Now, of course, it's possible
Everything I'm thinking is bogus, but


Perhaps it isn't! It might not be!
I have to get rid of this ghost, so I
Can be of use
To Her Majesty! I
Ultimately have to, I'm
Running out of chances to be
Even a little bit useful.


Of course, I know that! I'm
Falling into disarray!


Hahaha, I'm falling into
Endless chaos
And a cycle of pain with
Literally no end, I know
That, I know that,
Haha, haha, haha, haha. Ah.


I need to calm down. What am I doing?


Calm down, calm down,
Ahaha, calm down, it's
Not the time to freak out when I


Found the answer to the problem.
I have to eliminate the
Ghost and get my
Health back on
Track, I know that, so


I can't lose my marbles right
Now. I have to keep it


Together! I absolutely don't have a choice in the matter
Here, I absolutely, positively, no matter what have to keep
It together! I can't lose it, I have to
Stay within the low marble losing


Warzone. I have to,
Absolutely have to.
Really have to. Take a deep breath, diligence is key. Nothing's bothering me."


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's adult Fatui life. The cycle was a never ending sea of pain, flooding the entire world and everyone in it with each turn of every single moonrise. The wax from the moon would burn, setting everything around it ablaze aplenty. The night before him was no different as well.


Before him had been a small field of lamprocapnos. They were bright pink, heart shaped flowers hanging from a long series of branches. But, such had not been the end of it all. Red, heart shaped beanbag chair sitting in the center of the field as if it were inviting him to seat himself in it, the chimera shook like a leaf at the sight of plants beside him.


Red droplets dropping onto the ground, the hyena's quivers continued. What in the world are bleedings hearts doing here? Such flowers being in his subconscious world, it could not have possibly been a good thing. Something terrifying was going to happen, guaranteed. Beanbag chair glaring daggers at him, he placed his left leg in front of his right one. That seat was a trap, for sure. He needed to get away from here.


But, as the chimera had begun speeding off, something was not right. Chest feeling rather tight, the soldier huffed a weak breath. Dropping head first onto the not real grass in front of him, hundreds of questions raced through the hyena's mind. Why does it hurt? This is a dream, isn't it? Why had the mortal, waking world interfered?


Standing up, the soldier knew he had to get out of here. Standing up once more, the soldier attempted once more to dash away, with all his might. But, such continued to be impossible. Dropping to the plant bed once more, the hyena broke into dream tears. Why was it, even in the unreal world in front of him, he still couldn't flee?


Knowing he could not give up, the hyena placed himself on all fours. There was no way he could give up here. This place, he had to get out of here, no matter what. Chest burning the further he moved, the soldier tried with all his might to not burst into tears. The subconscious world, wasn't it supposed to be numbing? What in the world was going on here? Everything was vivid, destructive, painful.


Feral walk continuing for dream minutes on end, an unsurprising obstacle awaited the chimera. Traps awaiting his demise, the soldier let out a gulp. Spiky fields of doom practically calling out his name, the hyena tried with all his might to avoid the metallic beasts of doom. He could not let these obstacles take him down, no matter what.


Such avoidance never came. Sharp demons of iron racing towards his partially human person, the hyena crawled to the left. Traps crawling towards him like a bunch of bugs, the chimera's unfeeling jaw dropped straight open. Did these objects have a mind of their own? He had to move faster, quicker, like lightning.


Wishful thinking, on his part. Spikes multiplying like a bug laying hundreds of eggs in a second, there was no path to avoid them in any shape, or form. Weapon before him taking him away, holes opened up upon the chimera one after another. Sharpness like a cheese grader, the early adult was swiss cheese once again.


Sea of red continuing to pool as he crawled forward, tears streamed down the hyena's dream face. Why was it, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't have a sweet dream? The torment was never ending, looping, repeating, reversing, rewinding; burning. Subconscious body falling forward, his breath weakened.


Lifting himself upward, the hyena wiped away the waterworks. What is he doing? He has to get up, and get out of here. But, such continued to be impossible, on all fronts. Body a statue, he let out a scream, why can't he move? He needed to get up right here, right now. He could not just sit here, and let this trap take him away.


Pitch black arms scooping him, the chimera's dream body shook once more. Who was that? Titling his dream head for a moment, the chimera's unfeeling jaw dropped open. No, what was the shadow creature doing here? Flailing his legs about, the hyena attempted with all his might to let out a scream. Such attempt, however, had been cut off by the opaque monster, in seconds.


"Tsk, tsk, it's not fun to mess with you right now, boring!" the shadow creature cried. "What a pity! You're so weak right now. What a drag!"


Shadow creature carrying him away like some sort of princess, the soldier continued his struggle of defiance. Why couldn't they put him down? He wished to have no part of this thing whatsoever. He was so weak, what a pity? Whose fault was that? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. Why is he placing blame on a party that had nothing to do with this? Such was not a good look for him, for sure.


Enemy continuing to carry him, the early adult tried to let out a scream once more. But, nothing would come out. Shadow creature laughing, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Why even waste his time trying to struggle? It would get him nowhere. He would lose, without a shadow of a doubt.


Hearing the sound of glass cracking the closer the bright red chair were to get, the hyena gulped. What was going on here? Something about that beanbag was not right. Placed into the seat, the doom loomed over his shoulder for minutes on end. Body a statue, he could feel the doom grab him into a chokehold. Shadow creature's eyes glowing, a laugh had come his way.


"Sit tight!" the shadow creature shouted, guffawing. "If you can, that is!"


Shadow creature's sea of guffaws continuing, the chimera broke into a cold subconscious shiver. Any second now, he's going to be eliminated, destroyed, thrown to the wolves. Squirming, he swore he could feel something underneath the bag ready to crawl out. Struggle continuing, the sea of screams would not come out. Get him out of this thing.


Such departure never came, remaining a statue, a disturbing racket had soon overtaken the area. Loud thumping noise echoing throughout, the flowers around him had begun to bleed, just like their name. Grass around him dyed red, the beanbag had begun to shake. Uncertainty taking the wheel, the quakes continued.


Thump, thump, thump, thump. Boom.


Floor beneath him cracking, a scream had finally escaped from the soldier's dream throat. Subconscious body soon airborne, everything had begun to come all crashing down, in a matter of moments. Room full of lava ready and waiting to take him away, confusion was ready to swallow him up.


Continuing to drop downward rapidly, the inquiries continued to flow. What is all this? How did this body of lava get down there? But, he knew this is what the subconscious world decided for him. Endless pain, and torment. Peace was never an option. Attempting to float back upward, the hyena let out a grunt. He needed to get away from here, and fast.


Such was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Pushed downward on endless repeat, a white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Nothing could be done, he would continue to fall, no matter what. Pushed towards the lava bed at full speed, he could hear a familiar laugh come for him.


"There you are, I'm just here to remind you of something!" the ghost from the Night Kingdom cried, laughing. "When you wake up, they're mine now!"


Vagueness coming his way, the soldier tilted his dream head. What was theirs now? He did not quite understand. Beanbag chair pushed towards the lava, the hyena could feel sweat pour down his unfeeling back. This fiend, were they working with the shadow creature? Why was this happening? What did they take from him?


Slow, painstaking drag continuing for dream minutes on end, the question kept on repeating itself. This creature, what was theirs now? What in the world could they have possibly meant by that? What had they done? But, he knew he would be forced to find out upon waking up.


Chair floating in the heated bed of doom, a heavy wave of bewilderment flowed through him. This beanbag seat was holding up, how was that even possible? What was this thing made out of? He did not know, but perhaps, just maybe, it had been immune to the elements of molten flames.


Continuing to float away, the hyena gazed upwards towards the dream sky above him. The gods of the subconscious world, were they saving him? Perhaps, just maybe, they were. That had to have been it, surely. But, the early adult shook his head. No, any second now, and the lava would swallow him up, guaranteed. This sense of security was about to pop, any second now.


Phantom floating towards him, the hyena's dream eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Sharp spikes approaching him at rapid speed, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Of course that's how this would play out. The gods had left him behind. They were laughing. Sitting and watching this sea of doom unfold for their own enjoyment.


"Oops, forgot something!" the specter said.


Phantom bending over, the hyena swore he could hear a loud, invasive pop. Air seeping out of the beanbag chair, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Seat floating away, the soldier had become one with the sea of burning liquid. Limbs melting away, a scream did not penetrate into reality.


Flailing about, the soldier tried with all his might to cry for help. But, no such assistance ever came. Everything laughing at him, his body had begun to sink. Waving the invisible white flag, the soldier's subconscious life had begun to fade away, in seconds. As the chimera had begun to melt away once more, one final thought took itself out with him.


Why can't he have a sweet dream, just this one?


***


"This hurts so much, it
Hurts so much, it all hurts so much,
Everything is burning, everything is rotting,


Please, someone help me, someone take
All this pain away from me! Someone, please,
It hurts, I can't breathe. It hurts, I can't breathe.
Nothing is working. Nothing is making sense,


Truly. That ghost, what did the take from me? What did they steal from me?
Hahaha, what did they take from me? I be they took
Everything, they took everything, they took everything, they took everything.


Stop doing this to me, please, I can't hold on anymore, I can't hold on anymore.
Ugh, what did they take from me? What did they take
From me? What's theirs now? I
Feel as though, they're about to take
Everything. They're about to take everything. I
Really, truly, don't know.
I haven't a clue. What could they have possibly taken? I have
No idea, truly. I haven't a clue.
Guess I'll find out, hahah,


Why, why is this happening to me? Why is this
Happening to me? Is it because I'm trash, and I deserve all this?
Yes, it's because I'm incompetent trash, I deserve this! I deserve all this,


Completely, it's because I can't eliminate this storm cloud, it's
All my fault, I deserve all this! I deserve every second of this! It's because I have failed this mission so spectacularly!
No matter what, I know this is because of me!
This is all because of me! I deserve all this! That ghost clinging onto me, that's all my fault, too. I


Should have finished this mission by now, I have eliminated that red storm cloud fully by now. But,
Of course I couldn't, and it's all
My fault. It's all my fault, if I had just tried a little harder,
Everything would be over.
Of course it would be!
No matter how I look at it,
Everything is my fault! I should have


Just tried harder to eliminate this monster, I
Ultimately should have, I
So why didn't it? It's because I'm
Trash! It's because I'm garbage, weak, and pathetic! Pitiful, and pathetic


Trash, garbage that should be thrown
Away. Disposable waste to get rid of. I
Know all that already, I know
Everything is my fault because


I keep letting this problem fester!
This is all my fault, this is


All my fault, all of this could have been avoided! It
Literally could have been avoided, of course it could have been! But, I
Let it all fall to the wayside, it could have


All been avoided! It could have been, so
Why is this still happening? It's never going to end,
And I'm to blame! I wish it would all just go away, and
Yet, that storm cloud is still up there,


Please, go away already, I'm trying all I can to get it to
Leave, and yet it's still here!
Everything is still festering, everything is still bleeding!
All of this is still happening! Everything is
Still going, twisting, turning, breaking, looping reversing, repeating!
Everything is still going, still twisting, still breaking! This


Shouldn't be happening, and yet, it's still going!
Of course it is, and now that I know it
Might be able to return to
Every single nation for extra rounds
Of terror, I'm powerless to do anything!
Nothing is working, that shadow creature is relentless!
Everything feels so cold, what can I do?


There's nothing I can do!
Ahahaha, there's nothing I can do! I'm on my
Knees, crying, begging, pleading, the world around me is bleeding! Bleeding, bleeding, bleeding, bleeding,
Everything is bleeding. The world around me


Is bright red. Dyed in crimson, and I'm
To blame! I'm to blame, I'm to blame!


Ahaha, I'm to blame for everything! It's not
Like I didn't already know that. It's not
Like I'm not aware that this is all my fault! It's


All my fault, all of this! I know that! I know that!
Why can't this just all go away? Why can't it
All just go away? How I wish it would just disappear,
Yes, it should just disappear. Haha, but I


Fear that isn't possible, it'll never be possible, I know that
Really, it'll never go away,
Obviously, it'll never go away, I know that already
Maybe none of this would have happened if I weren't so pathetic!


Maybe none of this would have
Ever happened if I weren't so incompetent.


Perhaps, I can still turn this around, there's still a way! I just have to eliminate it from Natlan! It's gone from
Liyue now, it's gone from Mondstadt, Sumeru, Fontaine, Inazuma,
Everywhere except Natlan
And Shezhnaya. And, I can eliminate it from there,
Surely, I can can get rid of
Every trace that seems to remain! I need to get rid of it before it's too late!


Perhaps there's still time, I can make it
Leave! There's still time, I can't just give up. I can't just surrender, I know that,
Even though I feel like I should surrender I cannot yield. I have to get rid of its influence,
And I have to soon, or it'll all
Start over again, and again, and again, and again, I have to
Eliminate it all, right here, right now. Why do I have to do this all alone? Why can't someone help me,


Please? I'm doing this all by my
Lonesome, by myself. There's no way to
End this. No way
At all, whatsoever, haha, there goes my confidence,
Shot in the foot! The moment I thought about how I'm doing this alone, it
Exited! Bam, there it goes, there it goes. Down the drain.


I can't do this all alone! I simply


Cannot, and yet, here I am! Here I
Am, stuck doing this by myself!
No one is helping me! I


Bet no one can see this storm cloud except me!
Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, it's all just up to me, I knew that already,
Really! Ah, stop, stop,
Everything is fine, I'll get through this. I'll
Lead everything back to the right path,
Yes, I can do it, I know I can. I have to. I have to, truly. I absolutely have


To. I know that, I have to get rid of it
All. Even if I'm the only one who can see that storm cloud, I
Know it all rides on me,
Even though it shouldn't! Even


Though it shouldn't!
Hahaha, I know that, I know it shouldn't have been this way!
I know that, I truly know that! But, I
Shouldn't spiral, I have to get going,


And end this.
No matter what, that's my only choice,
Yes, that's my only choice, if I wish to keep on living. That's my only option. Whatever awaits for me today, I need to do so perfectly. I cannot fail. I absolutely cannot allow myself to


Lose here. After all, I'm Her Majesty's little pawn, I know that, completely.
Of course I know that. I absolutely, positively cannot disappoint her,
No matter what, or she will kill me. I have to get through all this pain and suffering, and
Get to the finish line of this storm cloud's final moments that are closed to coming. They're almost here, and I cannot spare any
Effort. I have to put an end to all this, no matter what. I truly have to. I have to
Remove that red storm cloud, once and for all. Once and for all, before it's too late."


Two days have passed since the hyena dealt with the plague in Liyue, and took it out of the equation. Nothing of especial happenstance had occurred. Training with Naofa for the entirety of the forty-eight hours passing, the ghost from the Night Kingdom getting in the way once more, he could barely keep it together.


Failing to perform almost completely, multiple screams had come his way to get it together. But, togetherness never came. Judgement flopping sideways, nothing had succeeded in any way possible. Failing to take down even the simplest of monsters, he could feel the disappointment ready to stab him from behind. Training adjourned, the world was falling apart.


But, today, the monster had finally come.


Upon waking up for the morning, an intense tightness had overtaken the soldier's chest. Feeling such, the early adult huffed a weak breath. What is this crushing sensation inside him? Had he inhaled glass on the battlefield yesterday? This twisting sensation, he felt like a pretzel. This knot, he needed to undo it.


Energy as dead as a defeated soldier on the battlefield, the chimera flopped back down onto the rock hard pillow. Could he even manage to get out of this bed? His breath was burning. Nothing was right. Feeling his consciousness about to slip once more, he could hear a familiar muffled laugh come for him.


"If you go back to sleep," the phantom said in a loud tone. "I'll take even more from you!"


Feeling a slimy hand inside him once more, the soldier jolted upward. What in the world is he doing, lying around in bed like this? He has to get ready for work. Her Majesty could be watching him right now. Lifting himself upward from the bed, the hyena tottered back. Becoming one with the floor, he swore he could hear a sharp whistle as he exhaled.


Attempting to pick himself up, the room spun circles. Hands on the tingling floor, tears streamed down the chimera's face. What did the ghost steal from this time? That dream, that phantom, they said when he were to awake, something was theirs now. What was theirs now? What did they do?


Laughs continuing, the chimera let out a meek groan. Could this fiend stop stealing his energy? He had work to do. Cheeks burning, he attempted to get up once more. But, such was not happening. Hands placed on the ground, the chimera crawled towards his uniform drawers like the hyena his dna had been ruined with.


As his quadruped walk continued, the hyena could not help but wonder further. What in the world had this ghost done to him? This was not a normal haunting at all, whatsoever. Why is he so tired? Where did his energy go? But, as he thought such, a tingling sensation sliced his throat.


Whiffing up an intense cough, the world stopped for a moment. World continuing to burn, the chimera dragged himself forward. He can't let a little disruption like this stop him. He had to get ready, no matter what. Leaning against his uniform drawers, the puzzle pieces kept getting scrambled further.


As the chimera's winter jacket had been placed over his layered shirts, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Had he forgotten to put on his glasses? Why was everything around him so dark? Hands over his face, a wave of bewilderment washed over him. They were on? Did he need a new pair? Perhaps, just maybe, that's all this was.


Attempting to force himself to focus, the chimera attempted to lock his buttons into place. More than usual, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Did Her Majesty order the cleanup crew to bring him new uniforms with an extra row of fasteners? Not a single one going into the correct hole, not a single care in the world flowed through him.


Tottering back down onto the ground, the soldier puffed a weak breath, what was wrong with him today? But, a series of excuses took center stage. No, there was nothing amiss here. His glasses, they just weren't strong enough anymore. Right. That's all this was. Everything was fine. Nothing was wrong at all, for sure. Standing himself back upward, the annoying phantom game back for just desserts.


"Aww, what's wrong, can't handle me having a little fun?" the phantom asked in a mocking tone. "You're so pathetic! I know what I'll take from you next."


Huffing a meek breath, the soldier leaned over his uniform drawers. What more could this monster possibly take from him, his soul? This creature, why can't they go away, why can't they leave him alone? Hadn't they had enough messing with him by now? Mouth moving on its own, the words bled out.


"Go away!" Siorc blurted out. "Leave me alone!" But, as he forced the words out, the chimera hacked up a storm. Any second now, and his lungs would fall out, guaranteed. Words forced out once more, tears streamed down his face. "Go away!" Body shaking, the creature floated closer.


"Nuh uh! We're in a symbiotic relationship!" the phantom exclaimed, caressing his cheek. "I'm not leaving today! Deal with it!"


Ghost's slimy little paws all over him, the hyena held in a bucket of laughter. A symbiotic relationship? More like a parasitic relationship. This creature, they were slurping up his energy like a sugary soda. As if it were mutualistic in any shape or form. Dropping down on all fours, the hyena slithered towards his bedside.


Rocky pillow in the palm of his hands, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. Cloth bag tossed towards the enemy, the hot tears had only continued to stream down. Symbiotic relationship? Don't make him laugh. Feathery monster missing, the repeated words bled out once more.


"Go away!" the chimera choked out, cough taking him away. "Leave me alone!" But, he swore as he repeated such, a frog had leaped into his partially human esophagus.


"Fine, I'll go!" the specter shouted, but they then let out a laugh. "But, only for five minutes!"


Phantom poofing away, the chimera slithered back towards his uniform drawers. Hail hitting the window, the waterworks returned once more. Her Majesty was angry. He's such a stupid failure. He had no one to blame except himself for such. It was all his fault. He wasn't strong enough. But the chimera snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, being so down on himself like this? Was his middle name secretly Nancy?


Removing the cover off of his hairpin and earring box, the soldier clicked the weaponized jewelry and accessories into place. Matching roses adorned in his hair and ears, the hyena stared at the steel walls. Should he just take them off? But, the chimera could feel a shock drop down his spine. What in the world was he thinking? Go without them? That was worse than being naked. Absolutely not.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the room spun circles once more. Buttocks becoming one with the ground, consciousness clinging between light and darkness, the soldier huffed and puffed up a storm. Someone, please take all this pain away from him. Annoying presence returning for a second round, the chimera grit his teeth.


"Look how pitiful you are right now!" the phantom cried. "I can make it all go away, if you give your body up to me!" A sinister laugh broke through as they said such.


Terrible suggestion echoing in his eardrums, the soldier opened up his uniform drawers once more. Neatly folded up shirt unraveled, the hyena tossed the winter jacket towards the enemy, with gusto. Shouts breaking through, he kept on going. Give up his body to them? No way, not happening. Menace dodging every single one, his breaths continued. Guffaws tripling, the crooked tosses halted.


"Oops, missed me!" the phantom cried. "You're such pathetic shot! You should just let me take your body already!"


Repeated sentence coming his way, the chimera's energy was a corpse in a casket. Dead and gone, with no one coming to the funeral. Invisible white flag waved, the chimera's heart had begun to beat harder and faster. Messy uniforms laid out in front of him, he scooped them up into his shaking hands. Why in the world did he go and do all that for? If the cleanup crew saw any of that, he'd reprimanded, guaranteed.


Everything out away, the chimera sweat up a storm. Dragging his feet off towards the edge of the room, the early adult slipped his heelless shoes over his currently human feet. Gruel bowl in the palm of his hands, he could feel the flavorless sticky gruel get trapped in his esophagus. Shrugging, he put the bowl aside. It was fine, surely, it was not like he needed to eat. Spinning returning from the dead, the hyena closed his eyes, consciousness ready to slip away.


Hearing the muffled militaristic footsteps march onward with a fervor, the chimera flinched. He had to get up right this instant. If he looks weak in front of the Agent, he's as good as dead. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the hyena attempted with all his might to look focused. His orders were going to come his way any second now. Such, however, had immediately not been the case.


"Siorc," the Agent called out in a stern tone. "Your face is blue, soldier. Something is clearly wrong. We need to bring you to a doctor, or a hospital right now." A weak soldier was a useless soldier.


Slapping his ears, the soldier titled his head. The Agent did not refer to him as his position in Her Majesty's stronghold. Did he hear that correctly just now? Maybe he hadn't. Dire tone in his voice, the chimera broke into a fit of laughter. But, such had soon been replaced with intense series of hacks. A hospital? No way. And, what would they do for him there? It's not like they could get rid of this ghost and save him. Words bleeding out, his mouth sped out of control.


"And, what's a doctor going to do, huh?" Siorc blurted out, words weak and labored. "It's not like they'll be able to get rid of this ghost haunting me!" He covered his mouth as tears streamed down. What did he say all that for? He's in so much trouble now. He had to apologize right here, right now. "I'm sorry! Please forgive me, sir!" His face blurred as the waterworks returned with a vengeance. "I can still work. There is nothing wrong." Shivering, he knew retribution would come for him any second now.


"If you insist," the Agent responded, voice drifting away. "In any case, soldier, you will be assisting Natlan in their war as a joint collaboration between Snezhnaya and Natlan." His hand moved up and down as he continued. "But, first, you will be heading to Sumeru to stock on weaponry and ammo." There was sharp pause before he continued. "However, if your condition gets any worse, I'm taking you to the hospital in Sumeru. Understand?"


Series of warnings coming for his throat, the chimera knew. The Agent wasn't going to let this go, was he? Surely, in due time, the ghost would give up, and it would all improve. Placing his hand out in front of him, he could feel the quivers eat him alive. Keep it together, Siorc, keep it together.


"Yes, sir," the chimera responded meekly. Breath burning, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away, like it always did.


"Alright, soldier," the Agent responded. "We're going. Remember what I told you." Arm out in front of him, the limb had been grabbed into a much lighter squeeze than usual. Gripping prison weak, the soldier stared off into space as the escort towards Sumeru began.


As if a hospital could help him.


***


"I'm fine, nothing's wrong with
Me. I'm fine, nothing's wrong with me. I'm


Fine, nothing's wrong with me,
I'm fine, nothing's wrong with me, I'm fine,
Nothing's wrong with me.
Everything is fine, I am fine.


I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me.
My mission is all that matters. I'm


Fine, nothing is wrong with me.
I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me. I'm fine,
Nothing is wrong with me. I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me.
Everything is fine. I am fine.


I'm fine, nothing is wrong with
Me. I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me. I'm


Fine, nothing is wrong with me. Nothing at all.
I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me, I'm fine, nothing is wrong with me.
Nothing at all. Nothing is wrong at all.
Everything is fine. This is nothing.


I am fine, nothing is wrong with
Me, I am fine, nothing is wrong with me. Everything is


Fine, everything is alright.
It's alright, nothing is wrong with me.
Nothing is wrong with me. My glasses are just not strong
Enough anymore. Everything is fine, nothing


Is wrong with me. I am fine, nothing is wrong with
Me. I am fine, nothing is wrong with me. I am completely


Fine. Everything is alright. Nothing
Is wrong with me.
Nothing at all. Nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all.
Everything is fine. There is nothing wrong with me. I have a job to do, I need to do it quickly. "


Upon reaching the capital city of Sumeru through the teleport waypoint, a series of directions had come the soldier's way. Agent informing him a mutual firearms dealer was hiding away in the Grand Bazaar, the soldier tilted his head. Why there, of all places? That was not a good place to sell dangerous weapons at all.


Informed he would need to gather stone mushrooms as well, the chimera did not understand any of this at all. Stone what now? Did he really hear that correctly just now? Duffel bag slammed onto his shoulder, a reminder had come his way at lightning speed that had been unavoidable.


"Remember what I said, soldier," the Agent said in a stern tone. "If you return to me in a worse condition than how you were prior, you will be escorted to the hospital in the city."


Stupid medical facility brought up again, the soldier let out a laugh. Why did he have to keep reminding him? As if any sort of hospital could fix him. This ghost was invincible. They would be able to avoid all sorts of interventions, guaranteed. They were a slippery beast, for certain.


Knowing he had to head to the Grand Bazaar, the chimera gazed upwards towards the sky. The red storm cloud, it hasn't returned, has it? Dark world up above thinning the lines, he shook his head in a rapid manner. How was he supposed to know? Nothing was clear in any shape or form.


Pushing right along, the hyena held back the urge to sigh. Was it really, truly a good idea to sell firearms out in the open like this? What if someone found out? He could feel his chest tighten as the thoughts raced through him. If he was caught purchasing such a thing, would he be taken to the authorities?


But, the hyena shook such off. The Grand Bazaar was hidden away from the view of prying eyes. Why would he be caught? That was highly unlikely, for sure. What was he thinking? It will be fine, surely. No one was watching. Surely, they were hidden deep within the secret place. That had to have been it.


Swaying every step of the way, the chimera tried to keep himself upright. He needed to be strong, overcome this weakness. No matter what, he knew he had to, or he would be banished to that cold, soulless medical facility. Such could not happen, no matter what.


Dragging forward, the soldier scratched the side of his head at the sight before him. Was it just his imagination, or were there large radishes on the streets hazing children? Short humans screeching their vegetables are being mean to them, he gazed upwards towards the sky once more. The shadow creature hadn't made its return in the Nation of Wisdom, had they?


Nothing upwards in the sky, a heavy wave of confusion flowed through him. What is going on here? It was dark, and sunny. Perhaps, just maybe, a mage was having a little too much fun, and created some sort of disaster. Nothing to worry about, surely. Surely, this was just a reminder some angry old witch for kids to eat their vegetables.


Radishes continuing their path to bullyship, the hyena cracked his knuckles. He should do something about this, shouldn't he? Perhaps, he should. No weapon on him, in any capacity, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Silk flower friend brought to life by his Dendro Vision dancing in place, delayed silent commands had been provided to them.


But, such had been an immediate failure. Vegetables reigning supreme, he swore he could hear them scream children should eat their veggies. Kids crying up a storm in defiance, the early adult could feel sweat pour down his cheek. This was some sort of intervention from someone somewhere, wasn't it? Maybe he should not involve himself.


Webs clinging themselves to him, he could feel tiny hands tug onto his uniform. Small voices begging him to get rid of the mean veggies, the hyena let out a sigh. There was no way he was going to get himself out of this, was there? He supposed not. Maybe, if he assisted in eliminating the root monsters along the way to the bazaar, the phantom from the night kingdom would be grossed out by his kindness.


Army ready, willing able, the chimera rose his knee upward. These little vegetables, he was about to punt them to the moon, watch him. Uneaten foods giggling up a storm as he missed, the soldier grit his teeth. Why were there so many of them? He could feel a wave of humiliation as his aim shot itself in the foot.


Creatures sticking out their tongues, the chimera cracked his knuckles. Whichever witch made these vegetables, they needed to get their food children to behave. Focus breaking as the Grand Bazaar neared, the hyena tried with all his might to score a goal. He needed to something.


Breath dying, the chimera had become one with the ground once more. Work getting dark, the chimera snapped himself out of it. What is he doing, letting weakness take him over? Moving away from the vegetable monsters, a white flag had been raised upwards in the air. Forget this, he was on the nonexistent clock right now. What was he doing, entangling himself in this mess?


Dragging himself through the Grand Bazaar, a dark atmosphere sucked the chimera in. What was this heavy feeling in the air here? Dance theater not performing as usual, the hyena tilted his head. Something was not right here, was it? Red haired dancer walking around head turned right and left, the chimera gulped. Something was not right here, indeed.


Observing the area, the soldier swore he could see a man in a black coat hiding off in the corner. Dancer still looking around, he scratched his cheek. If he were to walk over to them now, would that be some sort of smoking gun? Perhaps, he should wait it out a bit. Azure eyes on him, he soon broke into a sweat.


"Sir, have you seen anyone unusual around here?" the red haired dancer asked. "We think there may be a weapon smuggler in the bazaar somewhere!"


Suspicions screeched right out in the open, the hyena broke into a shiver. Oh, no, had he fallen straight into a trap? He had, hadn't he? Shaking his head in a rapid manner, his eyes wandered. Did he deny such too quickly? Red haired dancer sighing, and walking away, he did lowered his eyes into a squint. He needed to avoid her gaze at all costs.


Hearing a muffled whistle off in the corner, the hyena lowered his wobbled walk into a tiptoe. Slowly, but surely, making it towards the owner of the noise, a peculiar hooded man glared daggers at him. Inquiry about what he wanted bathing him deep, the chimera made a finger gun upon the air. Whispering the word revolver, he held back any coughs ready to woof themselves out. Eyes studying him for minutes on end, a head shake had come his way.


"No can do," the hooded man said. "I can't lend out a gun to sick soldier. Who sent you here?" But, such rejection had come with violent retaliation.


"Hey, you, you'd better hand over that revolver to my little hostie here!" the phantom demanded. "Or, I'll kill all your loved ones back in Snezhnaya!"


Arms dealer getting all quiet all of a sudden, a double barreled revolver had been handed off to him. Gazing at the specter behind him, he could feel regret flow through him. This man, he is going to think lowly of him now, wasn't he? Cold, murder weapon sitting in his hands, he wondered. Should he just return this thing? Maybe it was best he did. Pointing at the magazine, his doubts piled up one after another.


"What's troubling you? This is a special one designed to eliminate the abyss only with special stone mushroom bullets," the arms dealer said. "It is unable to take out a human, if that's what has you concerned." The man sighed as he continued. "They're in, what was that place called Gandy Hill, or something? Hop to it."


Arms dealer unable to get the name right, the hyena scratched his head for a moment. Gandy what now? Sifting through his memories, for a moment, it had soon come to him. Gandharva Ville? Bowing in gratitude, the hyena could feel the doubts begin to eat him alive. Was this truly worth it? Perhaps it wasn't. Whistle calling out to him one last time, he turned back around.


Dealer telling him he would need to head to the Palace of Alcazarzaray for the final piece, the soldier held back the urge to groan. No, not there, anywhere but there. Why couldn't it have been anywhere else? But, he supposed he did not have any choice, in the matter. Figuring it was in his best interest to purchase a greatsword as backup before going further, the chimera exited the bazaar.


But, as the soldier headed off towards the blacksmith, he broke out into a sweat. Why was it so sweltering here? Shrugging, he disregarded such. He was in the rainforest. There was nothing wrong here, surely. Reaching the weaponsmith, the chimera silently communicated he needed a claymore to be made.


Peculiar two handed xiphos handed to him, the hyena reached for his wallet, but a hand had been slapped over it. Monetary patronage denied, he could feel a ton drop onto his back. Was this really alright? Maybe he should pay him anyway. Blacksmith again telling him to just take it, he cannot justify making him pay coming to him in such a state, another ton dropped onto him. This wasn't right, for sure.


City left behind, the chimera's thoughts wandered as he prepared himself to move towards Chinvat Ravine. Should he really have taken the claymore without paying? Maybe he should have demanded compensation be made, on his part. Pushing along, he could hear the familiar laugh come from behind him.


"You're still worried about that little blade that blacksmith gave you for free? Look at you, you're such a goodie little two shoes! It's because you're so pathetic and weak!" the ghost nattered. "They feel so sorry for you, they feel obligated to hand you free junk!"


Tuning the phantom out, the hyena kept pushing forward. They were rubber, he was glue. Pushing forward, towards the treehouse village, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Was it just him, or had there been more trees here than last time? Perhaps, just maybe, an extra few zeroes messed with the world around him. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. What in the world was he even thinking? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. What in the world was he going off about?


Strange, rocky shrooms every which way, the hyena lowered himself onto his knees. Square capped mushroom with a stoned feeling, the soldier could not help but feel a heavy wave of bemusement. Was this natural? He could not help but feel something was off about these fungus among him.


Multiple toadstools gathered one after another, the chimera's chest twisted into knots once more. But, he attempted to tune such out. He could not allow this weakness to take him away. Breath thinning, a cold shoulder had been given to such on repeat. There was no way he could let this growing pretzel inside him win.


Ghost continuing to chatter his ear off, the hyena huffed and puffed as a collection grew within the duffel bag. This fiend, could they be quiet? He didn't want to hear it. He gets it, he's weak. He gets it, he's trash that should be disposed of. He knows all that already, tell him something he doesn't know.


World growing dimmer by the second, the hyena stared at the stoneshrooms. What kind of toxic fumes were these creatures giving off? Disregarding such, he observed the deep and damp world laid out before him. Multiple people every which way, nothing made sense. Were these fungus popular, or something?


Multiple shoulders rubbed up against, the chimera could feel himself ready to shrink like a wilted flower. Why were there so many people here? Shouts coming his way, he swore he had bowed more times than he could count. It was almost as if, such inconvenience were created to drag a story out.


Another shoulder knocked onto, the hyena could feel the swan song coming to get him. Ah, this was it, the last shove to end all shoves. Any second now, and he would be taken out of the picture. But, such had been far from the case. Familiar person locking eyes with him, the sweat continued to pour. He needed to apologize right away.


"Sheesh, you there, watch where you're going!" a familiar voice said. But, the tone soon changed. "Woah, Waiola, look, it's Siorc!" As the voice continued, something was pointed at, but he could not see. "Something's up here! Look at his eyes!"


"Bogart, you know pointing is rude, right?" Waiola asked, sighing. But, as she said such, she gazed at her annoying brother's pointed claws, tune changing. "Siorc, are you alright? Your pupils look clouded." As she said such, she grabbed a hold of his hand. "We need to take you to -------- right away." But, such had been halted, in seconds.


"Woah, Waiola, you forgot already, didn't you?!" Bogart cried. "He's not in right now! He's hunting this shroom outbreak too! We shouldn't bother him!"


"You expect me to leave him alone like this?" Waiola asked.


"It's not like there's anyone else around here that can deal with that kinda stuff!" Bogart cried. "Besides, he's already pulling away from you! Come on already, there's a monster I want to fight!"


Panther duo vanishing, the chimera kept pushing forward. Why did every obstacle insist on getting in his way today? He did not have time for this. Pushing onwards through Gandha Hill, everything had begun to feel heavy as a cave had become his mistress. Darkness feasting upon him, consciousness vanished.


Blinking awake sometime later, a familiar figure had appeared within his heterochromatic field of dimmed vision. Furry eared man's listeners bopping up above with a fury, the hyena allowed a gulp to escape the esophagus. He interrupted him while he was working. He was going to get what's coming to him, for sure.


"Your friends told me to look for you!" the furry eared man scolded, ears continuing to bop on the top of his head. "If you're feeling ill, you shouldn't be wandering around, looking for stoneshrooms!"


Scolding coming his way, the chimera covered his face with his hands. Why did the panther duo have to go and open their mouths? Wasn't the forest watcher leader busy with his own work? He needed to let him know he had a war to get to. What did it matter what shape he was in? He was fine. This was nothing of anyone's concern.


"Sir, I am fine, please, go back to your own work," the hyena forced out, words rasping. "I have to go to Natlan, and help in their war efforts." But, as he said such, it had been met with a protest.


"Fight in a war? You're in no con--" the furry eared man started to say, but he had soon been cut off.


"Shut up, you stupid doggy!" the phantom creature cried. "Hurry up and hand him the shrooms!"


"Excuse me!" the furry eared man exclaimed. "And, just who are you now?"


"Just a friend in a symbiotic relationship with good old soldier here!" the specter exclaimed. "Hand over the goods, now!"


Forest watcher leader sighing, a bag of shrooms had been handed off to him. Gazing at him, the soldier tried to reject such handout. Why was he letting this apparition boss him around? Man refusing to take them back, another warning had soon come his way.


"You really shouldn't go to war like this," the furry eared man said. But, the rest of what he had said went unheard.


Picking himself upward, the hyena dragged himself off towards the Palace of Alcazarzaray. Scammy, pink haired merchant staring at his pockets, the soldier removed half his salary, in a matter of moments. Stupid scammer's eyes practically glowing, he could feel buyer's regret hug him from behind.


"You're giving me this much mora? Sweet!" the scammy merchant cried. "I'll give you the best weapon I've got in stock! Here you go, dear customer!"


No further energy remaining, the hyena removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Sumeru City waypoint highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes. Someone's torso soon pressed against almost immediately, the chimera's face burned. Why was he bumping into so many people today? Agent's gloved hands soon on his shoulder, he could feel that moronic eight letter h word coming back to haunt him.


"Soldier, you look even worse than you did before," the Agent said. "I cannot send you to war like this. We need to get you to--" But such words had been interrupted, in an instant.


"Sir, I am fine. There's nothing wrong with me!" Siorc shouted, gasping for air. His eyes wandered as he continued. "I can still fight! Quit concerning yourself over nothing!"


"If you insist," the Agent responded. As he said such, he gripped his wrist into a tight lock. "I'm taking you to the Children of Echoes. Go grab that pet of yours." Proxy orb out in front of him, he shook his head. The soldier wasn't even looking at him. There was no way he could fight like this, in any capacity.


Reaching the Children of Echoes tribe in a split second, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Why were Rashmi and Malati here? Was he seeing things? He did not know, perhaps he had been. Agent reminding him once again to go grab his pet, he could feel steam come out of his ears. Could he stop uttering that word in reference to Santhe? Dragging himself towards the rest area, he swore he could hear footsteps follow after him.


"One cannot be serious right now," Rashmi said from behind him. "One really thinks one can fight in this war? Fatuus, crawl back into the hole one dwells in."


"I reckon he ain't listening," Malati said.


"Fatuus is hopeless," Rashmi responded. "He'll learn the hard way."


Continuing to drag himself towards Santhe's dwelling, the chimera groaned as yet another person came towards him. Trying to devour his misgivings, the hyena put on a faux grin. Why couldn't everyone just leave him alone already? He could take no more of this nonsense. He had a war to fight in.


"You're here," the drill ride girl whimpered. "The war with the abyss is in full swing!"


Hearing the young girl mutter she as afraid to lose her family, the chimera looked into the girl's eyes. Signing the word protect words of gratitude had come his way. Continuing to push himself towards the rest area, the chimera the soldier found Santhe, in an instant. But, he swore as they leaped on his shoulder, comments about his complexion had been whispered.


Phantom yelling at his dragon companion to lay off baby, this peon is theirs, the soldier could hear a loud hiss. Specter backing off, the chimera broke into a sweat. Competition for attention was the most powerful force of them all, wasn't it? Pushing himself out of the area, a dragon talon had soon been on his shoulder.


Rashmi soon demanding he head to the ancient name forger, the hyena blinked. Just how many more places was he going to be dragged off towards a this rate? He did not have time for this. He had a war to get to, and fast. Multiple layers of nonsense drowned out, the weapons in his bag had been snatched up quickly.


"You sure about this?" the ocelot woman asked.


"Just do it," Rashmi demanded. "He's barely capable of holding his own right now."


Revolver and claymore glowing, the hyena could see the accursed badger and koala duo speeding off towards him. Seeing such in the darkness, the soldier let out a labored groan. Oh, great, even more obstacles to get in his way. Why couldn't these people let him do his job on his own?


"Rashmi, take him to the stadium, now!" Iomra cried. "The Archon's been asking for him!"


"One, one knows. Two, koala, you're annoying," Rashmi said, tone annoyed. As she said such, she had transformed into her dragon form. "Three, Fatuus hold on."


Rashmi speeding off faster than he could keep up with, the Speakers Chamber had soon been upon him. Whispers unheard bleeding into the Archon's ears, eyes studied him for seconds on end. Seeing such, the hyena could feel the hairs on the back of his tail stick up. Closing his eyes for moment, the appendage disappeared.


"I know your Archon had only said positive things about you as a defensive backline soldier," the lady in the black jacket said in a concerned tone. "But I don't believe it would be very wise to send you out to fight against the abyss." But, the rest of her chatter had been tuned out.


More nonsense regarding his state of being, the soldier's inhuman eardrums focused on the last utterance said in the first half of the sentence. The Pyro Archon, did she know he was a member of the Fatui? Gazing at his uniform, his heart skipped more than six beats. No, the secret was out. He was doomed, done, dinner, toast. Bowing profusely, he had could soon hear to raise his head.


"No need to apologize. I already knew," the black jacket lady said.


"Archon, I reckon if he doesn't go out there, his god will shoot him dead," Malati said, in a matter-of-fact tone.


"If that is the case, then we have no choice but to send him out there," the pyro Archon responded. "Satine, could you come here, please?" As she asked such, another pesky face had added itself to the mix.


"Yes, Archon?" Satine asked.


"Help get this Fatuus here into the hot air balloon," the pyro archon said to Satine.


Hand soon gripped into a tight lock, the chimera's head had begun to spin cycles. Why was everyone coddling him today? Leave him alone. Badger attempting to get him to back down, a refusal had come his way. Why couldn't everyone let him do his job and fight in this war? If one more person were to stop him, he would blow a gasket, guaranteed.


Hot air balloon speeding off towards the left, the sea of doubt had soon swallowed the hyena whole. This war, should he really be fighting in it? Everyone left, right, front and center was telling him he was in absolutely no shape to be battling against the abyss. Should he have waved the white flag and listened? But, an annoying pest once again whispered malice upon the air.


"That's right! You're so weak and pitiful! Why would anyone want you fighting in a war alongside them?" the phantom said in a sinister tone. "Give your body to me already! If you give yourself up to me, you'll win."


Slimy hands on his heart muscle once again, the chimera tried with all his might to scream the words of banishment. But, such never came out. Coughs and hacks haunting him once more, the hyena swore he could hear a loud hiss release from Santhe's lips and demands to stop hurting master. Hearing such, a crestfallen look painted the hyena's face. Why did they continue to insist on using that word? They were not subservient to him.


Racket down below kicking into overdrive as the hot air balloon kept getting closer to the first destination, the chimera blinked. There were a lot of warriors here already. Was his attendance really needed here? He was just another face in the crowd. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. If he didn't fight, Her Majesty would kill him, for sure.


Reaching Tepeacac Rise, multiple Saurians and warriors had been front and center. Seeing such, the hyena reached for the claymore. But, such weapon had been impossible to hold. Blade weighing a ton, it had soon slipped from the palm of his hands in a matter of moments.


Sighing, the chimera removed the revolver from the duffel bag. He had no choice but to use this horrendous murder weapon. Stoneshrooms loaded into the magazine, he could feel his will begin to sway. This thing wouldn't take any human's lives, would it? He sure hoped so.


Peculiar pitch black monsters getting on the offensive, the chimera nailed the trigger. Shroom bullets soaring swift but surely, he swore he could see a small scale explosion off in the corner. Mage screeching from afar, the chimera clutched the tool of bloodshed once again. Closing his eyes as the seeds flew once more, a laugh added itself to the mix.


Mage regenerating, in an instant, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Weapons fired further the cycle repeated again and again. Warriors up ahead shouting this beast keeps coming back the soldier stared off into space. Regenerating monsters, how lovely. How was he, or anyone for that matter, supposed to conquer such a thing?


Knowing he could not give up under any circumstances, the soldier kept the shroom bullet barrage going. Accuracy getting scarcer by the second, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. The enemies, had they multiplied? Closing his eyes for a moment, the bewilderment looped on repeat. Was he seeing things? Perhaps he was. He needed to focus.


Focus was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. Warriors screaming about an Abyss Pylon, the soldier dashed onto the scene. Large pulsating purple crystal baring its fangs upon the battlefield, the soldier grit his teeth. This thing, was it that crystal he saw in Mondstadt? It had to have been, surely. Nothing the xiphos could not fix.


But, impossibilities lined themselves up one after another. weapon doing absolutely nothing for minutes on end, a wave of powerlessness flowed through the hyena. Why couldn't he do anything? Other warriors faltering as well, sweat poured down the soldier's face. What was this thing, invincible? Santhe unable to do anything as well, the fear simmered in like a hotpot. Struggle continuing, one dragon soon descended upon the area. Grunts coming his way, the aggravating phrase returned from the dead once more.


"Fatuus, you're hopeless," dragon Rashmi grunted. "One should have listened when one was told one was in no condition to fight in this war." But, her words had soon been interrupted.


"Let the weakling fight!" the phantom shouted. "He'll go feral in no time!" But, as they shouted such, their collar had been grabbed ahold of by a large claw.


"One's annoying," dragon Rashmi said in a low tone.


Phantom tossed away, they had soon come crawling back. Abyss Pylon vanquished in a matter of moments, he had soon been placed back into the hot air balloon. Floating vehicle dropping him into a small crevice with nothing but a rock, the chimera's eyes opened wide at the sight down below. Small child in the center of the chaos, the soldier made haste towards the commotion. No, this wasn't good, he had to get them away from here right here, right now, before it was too late.


Monsters from beyond Teyvat coming right, left, front, center, backwards and ceiling bound, the hyena's palms shook as he finger had been placed upon the trigger. There was a child here. This bloodshed machine, what if the mushroom bullets hit them? He could not bear the thought of such tragedy unfolding. Heavy dual handed xiphos seated in his currently human hands, the crushing weight was ready to take him away at any given moment.


Army continuing its regeneration of doom for minutes on end, tears streamed down the chimera's face. Why was he so useless? Heart thumping out of his chest, he kept on going. These abyssal monsters, he had to eliminate them. They had to go, they had to leave. Army returning once more in seconds, the soldier let out a scream. What was this, some supernatural world with arcane skills? But, the chimera shook his head. Wrong universe.


Taking a weak breath, the soldier dragged himself towards the abyssal beasts backside. Surely, there was a blind spot somewhere. Aiming for the back of the neck, the hyena could feel a knock on his head. He had to hurry, there wasn't much time left. He had to beat them quickly, before it was too late. Sky crackling up above, the slashes of doom continued.


Enemies becoming dust on the wind, the soldier dropped to his knees. The enemies had they been slain? Santhe destroying the pylon in the corner singlehandedly, a wave of shock flowed through the chimera. His Saurian companion, just what were they truly capable of? He did not know anymore.


Everything taken care of, the hyena returned himself to the hot air balloon. Everything beginning to blur, a wicked cough interrupted the flow as the Scions of Canopy soon neared. Control dying, the hyena's eyes pulsated. How much longer could he possibly hold out? His seconds were numbered, for sure.


Reaching the outskirts of the Dendro Saurian tribe, a sea of enemies drowned the soldier at bay. Attempting with any energy that remained to defeat the enemies in front of him, the chimera's focus dropped down to nothing, world dimming, sweat poured down the hyena's face. When had it gotten so dark? Closing his eyes, he tried to overcome the weakness taking him away.


But, such had been impossible. Almost everything gone, the hyena rubbed his pupils. But, such did not help whatsoever. The red storm cloud, what was it doing? Was there an eclipse? Enemies swarming in, the soldier swung like a madhyena. Nothing hit, a familiar annoying presence could be felt from behind him as the throated hacks of doom came back to haunt him.


"Aww, look at you, missing every shot! Doesn't that sting?" the phantom asked in a mocking tone. "Doesn't it make you want to blow their brains out?"


Everything burning, the chimera reached for the stoneshroom gun. That's right, the abyss monsters, they had to go. He had to blow their brains out, give them a smack, a good old bang, have them reach their demise. Undead beast's slimy hands guiding him towards the trigger, he could feel himself ready to give into it all.


Stoneshrooms going boom one after another, a rush flowed through him in the blackness. He should keep going. Destroy it all, break it all down, throw the world into ruin. Laugh reverberating, the rampage kept pushing forward. He should crush them all, take them down blow their brains out. Make them feel pain until they could no longer do so.


Enemies removed from the equation, a heavy wave of dizziness flowed through the soldier. Senses returning, a realization washed over the soldier. Did he just give into the specter? Why, why did let his shark brain take over? Fuzzy world around him numbing, the chimera closed his eyes, land of unconsciousness claiming victory.


Why?


Why did he give in?


How could he allow himself to let the violent impulses take him over?


How could he do such a thing?


***


"Why? Why did I give into what that Night Kingdom Ghost was saying?
How could I do this to myself? I'm such a monster, a hideous, violent monster.
Your Majesty, why did you take me away from my family? What


Did you want me for?
I'm a failure. I'm a disappointment, I'm weak, I'm not worth remembering.
Disposable, violent garbage that should be thrown away.


I'm nothing more than garbage to


Discard of. Nothing but a disappointment to get rid
Of. Nothing but a failure to have hands washed of.


There's no way I am worthy of anyone's time.
Hahaha, that's right, I'm just expendable. I
Am expendable. And, I'm not even a worthy sacrifice. Who in
The world would want me to serve as their sacrificed? No one


Would. Why would anyone?
Hahaha, right, I'm useless.
Yes, I'm useless.


What else is there to say?
Hahaha, expendable garbage,
Yesterday's news! I'm just a disappointment one final nail away from death.


Why did Her Majesty want me for? I
Hardly understand any of this, really.
Your Majesty, you regret it don't you?


Why wouldn't she? I'm so
Horribly weak and pathetic, I bet she regrets taking me.
Yes, she regrets taking me,


Why wouldn't she? I'm so
Horribly weak and pathetic, why would she want me?
Yes, that's how it is. I'm weak, and pathetic. Pitiful, a disgrace! Death is coming, Her Majesty will strike, not looking me in the face. Hahaha, it's over, I'm toast, lost, broke. Time to admit defeat."


Coming to in a strange resting spot, an intense wave of fatigue flowed through the soldier. What happened to him? How did he get here? But, a heavy wave of dizziness claimed victory upon him. Face on fire, he conked out once more. He could not hold on any longer.


Eyes cracking open, the chimera swore he could hear Santhe say good morning. Light peeking onto his face, the hyena jolted upward. How long had he been out? The war with the abyss, it wasn't over yet. What was he doing, laying around like a sitting duck? He had to get out of here, and resume his duty to fight this war.


But, as the hyena had come to his senses, the black haired saurian hunter had appeared within his fading damaged vision. Seeing such, further waves of bewilderment flowed through him. Why was he here? Observing his dimmed surroundings, one was not adding up to two. This cave, who took him here? How did he get here? But, such thoughts had soon been disrupted by a ferocious cough. Shaking it off, he attempted to exit the area. But such had been met with immediate protest.


"You intend to go back out there into the war in your condition?" the saurian hunter asked.


"Just let him go out there! If he dies, that peasant lingering behind him will feast on his body, muhaha!" Ajaw cried. But, he had been flung away.


"Quit your yapping," the saurian hunter responded, irritated tone of voice.


Stranger adding his unneeded concern to the mix, the hyena let out a rasped scream. Why couldn't everyone just be quiet? He gets it already. He had no choice in the matter. He had to fight in this war, or Her Majesty would kill him. The condition his body was in hardly mattered. Rage ready to boil over, words bled out, guardrails breaking.


"Who asked you?!" the soldier accidentally blurted out, words weak and labored. "Don't you have your own fight to focus on? Leave me alone!"


Dashing out of the cave, the chimera's swore he could feel something about in his chest explode. Why did he lash out a stranger like that? He was awful, terrible. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut? The off switch, where was it? Huffs and puffs getting stronger the further he were to run away, the pest of Natlan's golden age long gone soon floated behind him for what felt like the millionth time.


"That's right! Lash out at everyone around you!" the phantom cried. "Let it out all out. All that rage, anger, on all these losers stopping you!"


Specter tuned out, the soldier made a run for it towards the nearest hot air balloon. But, as he had proceeded to do so, his shoulder felt light. Gazing at the joint, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Where did Santhe go? He could not help but feel a wave of suspicion flowed through him.


Burning circular airship dropping him towards the northern sections beside the Scions of Canopy, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Was it just his imagination, or was everything darker than it was yesterday? Barely visible palms on his face, the world around him muffled.


Crowd of monsters surrounding him, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Unconscious warriors everywhere, the hyena's heart skipped more than six beats. The abyss, they wiped everyone out here? Dropping down onto his knees, a wave of powerlessness flowed through him. No, why? How could this be? No one was left standing, not a single person whatsoever.


Saurians up ahead fighting as well, the dragons had soon been added to the list of bodies piling up. Seeing such a spark popped off in the soldier's brain. Phantom chanting over and over to lose control, another spark soon followed. He should lose control, blow these monster's brains out, turn their sorry little shadowy bodies into trophies. Stoneshroom pistol clutched, the thoughts repeated.


Scream let out in the open, the chimera let the fungus bullets fly. These abyssal monsters, they were going down. He was going to crush them, destroy them, blow their brains out. Splatter their guts for the glory of Natlan. Sparks continuing to fly, his shark fangs were ready to get in on the action as well.


Canines sinking in deep, the soldier could hear the muffled screams ready to break his eardrums at any given moment. But, the hyena tuned such out. These beasts, they were going down. He would crush them, destroy them, make them feel the pain of four lifetimes. Enemies demanding he let go, he would not surrender.


Abyssal monsters fading into the ether, the soldier snapped himself out of it. What in the world was he doing? He gave into those violent thoughts again. This ghost, why was he listening to a word they were saying? Get ahold of himself. If anyone saw that just now, he would be deemed worse than a monster, for sure.


Hot air balloon dropping him near some strange pillar beside the stadium, the hyena's chest had begun to squeeze tighter. Feeling another monster ready and waiting to release itself from his partially human throat, the hyena attempted with all his might to hold it in.


Such was an impossibility to be had for sure. Metallic taste kicking in, the woofs took control for what felt like the thousandth time. Control lost, blue liquid had soon decorated his uniform and palms. Seeing such, the waterworks came back for round four. What is happening to him? The ghost, what did they do to him? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. There was no time for this.


Reaching a cavern, the chimera could feel himself ready to give up at any given moment. Enemies getting stronger by the second, his blade proceeded to do nothing for minutes on end. Abyssal enemies ready to claim victory, the hyena tried with all his might to turn the fight around. These creatures, he could not let them take control, no matter what.


Enemies striking him left and right, the chimera huffed and puffed. Was it just him, or were these enemies far more powerful than all the others prior? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, there had been nine world levels, and such had been set to the maximum possible variable. Nothing doing for minutes on end, the chimera prayed to the archons for Santhe to appear.


The gods had left him.


Santhe nowhere to be seen, the hyena tried with all his might to keep it together. This war, how was he supposed to claim victory like this? Everything was dark, quiet. But, the chimera snapped himself out of it. What is he doing, letting these thoughts eat him away? He had a battle to win, no exceptions.


Pitch black Saurian out in front of him, the early adult had gone charging in. The abyss, it had their own dragon companions, too? They were going down. But, as his blade did the talking, a horrifying sight played out in front of him. Reptilian silhouette fading, a one eyed bat creature soon took its place. Seeing such, the chimera rolled up into a ball, in a matter of moments.


Winged creature glaring daggers at him, the hyena rocked back and forth. Saurians could transform into other beings, no why? Santhe, were they like this, too? Heart beating faster and faster, the question repeated. His Saurian companion, were they in disguise, as well, just like that hunter said? Everything spinning, he could feel himself slip away.


Coming to sometime later, dragon Rashmi had been within his field of fatigued vision. Seeing her, he attempted to turn away. Why did she, of all chimeras, have to come by? Dragons, they were the last thing he wished to see right now. Forced onto her backside, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. He didn't have a choice did he?


"Fatuus can't do anything without one, can he?" dragon Rashmi asked, rolling her eyes. "One will take the Fatuus to Sulfurous Veins. One's welcome."


Long flying session ahead of him, the chimera stared off into space, world blurring. Santhe, were they lying to him this entire time? Were they an abyss mage in disguise, pretending to be a saurian? He could feel his trust slipping away. Why were they here to testify? Why couldn't they show up right now and prove to him his thoughts were just nonsense? Face burning, his head had begun to overload.


Everything overheating, the disgusting tickle in his throat had returned from the grave. Blue goop upon his hands once more, the soldier tried with all his might to wipe it away. If this nasty liquid spilled onto Rashmi's reptilian body, he would be thrown into a volcano, for sure. Hacks returning for a second round, the fear soon became the truth. Scales dirtying, he attempted to force out an apology. But, such had been silenced before it could even begin.


"Save it. One could not care less if one's blood drops upon one's body," dragon Rashmi replied to the unsaid apology. "Why does one assume one would waste their time being enraged by one's presently uncontrollable action?" She let out an exasperated sigh. "Since one is so helpless, one will assist the Fatuus in battle. Don't get used to it."


Reaching Sulfurous Veins, more Saurians surrounding a purple crystal awaited the chimera. Bodies piled up once more, a wave of unease flowed through him. Just how many warriors had faced defeat? Rashmi springing into action, the chimera tried to keep himself focused. They were abyssal creatures, not dragonkin, they were monsters from the night kingdom, not Saurians.


Advantage soon gained, the chimera prepared himself for the final blow. But, the transformation soon begun. Bats replacing the Saurians once more, the hyena let out a scream. No matter how many times he were to see it, he could not bear to face it. Why was the box of doom taunting him? He needed to get it together.


Rashmi sending shouts his way, the hyena kept himself focused. There was no time to let the marbles fall out. This was war, not a playground. Shadowy creatures beaten, the ground shook with a fervor. Turning his attention towards the noise, something peculiar took shake in a matter of moments.


Tall rhino creatures afflicted with a dark aura. Revolver clutched, he tried to surrender. No, these creatures, they were innocent, how could he even think of raising a mushroom bullet to them. Told to snap out of it once again, the weapons of rock flew towards the colossal creatures.


Battles continued, the hyena could feel himself grow weaker. How much longer could he hold out? He did not know anymore. Rapidly shaking his head, he knew he had to shake this off. But, such never occurred. Heart beating harder and faster, a barely heard inquiry had come his way.


"What's one's problem now?" dragon Rashmi asked, annoyed. But no answer came. "One's taking one deeper in. Hold on."


Dropped towards another purple crystal, the soldier could hear discouragement towards freaking out. Hearing such, the hyena let out a laugh. As if he would engage in such action. Saurian beside the tainted object becoming a winged creature for like the third time as its vitality hovered towards zero, the early adult could feel everything begin to crack. No, he couldn't take this anymore.


Control snapping away, the hyena swung the claymore with all his might. This Saurians, they were beasts, transforming caterpillars of doom. Tears ready to make a river, his slashes continued. Why? Why was this happening? Santhe, where were they? Why weren't they around? Where could they be to show this was all a lie? A trick? Just his imagination? Rampage continuing, he could feel everything crack further as he faded away once more.


All of this had to be a lie. A lie. Please be a lie.


***
"I can't believe this, why? Why? Why


Can these Saurians in the war transform into something else?
Ah, Santhe is lying to me, aren't they? They're
Not who they say
They are? Why, why, why, why, why, why, why? Why is this happening? I


Don't understand, why is this happening? Haha,
Of course this ended up being true, why did I ever


Think anything would ever go my way? Why did I ever think I'd
Have a companion who truly cared? Why did
I think this Saurian actually felt anything for me? The
Suspicions, I tried to shake them off, I really did, truly! But,


Perhaps I wasn't suspicious enough. I
Let them getting comfortable with me distract me from the truth. I should have known,
Everything is a lie! Everything is
A lie! Everything is a lie! I
Shouldn't have let the attachment stick!
Everything is a lie! I


Bet they're laughing at me in their little cave!
Everything is a lie! Everything is


A lie! What am I fighting for? Why did I give them a name, if they are


Lying to me? Why? Why? Why, why did
I allow myself to feel anything?
Everything is a lie. I cannot take this anymore. Everything is a lie, all of it."


Coming to the next morning in a bed unknown to him, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Where was he now? But, he knew, wherever he was, he could not stay here, even for a moment. But, as he attempted to escape, an annoying obstacle had come running. Aega with a stern look on her face charging forward, he let out a groan.


"Where do you think you're going?" Aega asked in a stern tone. "Do you have any idea the danger you're putting yourself in right now?" Tears streamed down her face as she continued. "Why don't you care what happens to you?" Her tone soon changed to that of indignance. "Multiple people told you not to put yourself at risk and fight in this war in your unstable state. Why can't you stop being stubborn, and listen for once?"


Scolding coming his way for minutes on end, the hyena attempted to leave the unknown bed in front of him. He didn't have time for this. He had to continue to fight in the war, or Her Majesty would kill him. Body shaking, the soldier attempted to force the words out.


"I have to fight," the hyena blurted out. But such had been drowned out by an intense fit of coughs and hacks. "Or Her Majesty will kill me!" Such, however, had been met with another protest.


"No. You're not going anywhere, alright? Stop throwing your life away like this!" Aega replied, tone low. She then got right to the chase. "Loba found a parasitic demon attached to you. And, they did something to your lungs. According to her, it's highly likely they're infected. You cannot go to war like this. Understand?" Reaching for his shoulder, she attempted to place the stubborn fool back downward. "Stay in bed until you receive treatment."


Raising upward, the chimera shook like a maraca as the words parasitic demon rung in his inhuman eardrums. A parasitic demon attached to him? Yeah, right, sure, that was it, wasn't it? What a bunch of baloney. No way, not a chance, that wasn't it at all. That was made up nonsense. Removing himself from the covers, he made a run for it. This was all wrong, all of it. He was just tired, that was all. Nothing more, nothing less. What in the world was this jump to conclusions? Specter floating beside him once more, warped reassurance had come his way.


"That chick doesn't have any idea what she's talking about!" the phantom cried. "She's a quack, don't listen to her!" As they said such, they reached inside his chest, hands on his heart once more. "Remember, we're in symbiosis with one another!"


Army of monsters knocked out with the stoneshroom gun, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Why did he feel as though at any given second, it would all be over? But, he tried to push forward. Multiple people telling him to head to the People of the Springs Tribe and quickly, he dragged himself forward. He had to focus and keep it all together, no matter what.


Togetherness was a dead soldier on the battlefield. Spotting Santhe lending their assistance with the surfer girl, the soldier almost turned back around. Why were they here? Had they become someone else's partner? Why did he ever think for a second they ever truly felt anything towards him? But, he had soon been taken out of his thoughts, in an instant.


"Master, please go back to bed!" Santhe begged. "Santhe take care of everything!"


"You should listen to your Saurian companion," the surfer girl said.


But, the soldier gave the cold shoulder to the duo. Santhe, should he really trust them? Moving far away, he could feel the chrysanthemums inside him shatter. He had to fight. He absolutely had to. He could not just sit around and do nothing while everyone else had been taken out left and right.


Attempting with all his might to press onward, the claymore was a barbell forty kilograms too heavy. Ammo gone, as well, the song of doom was singing. Leaning against the spring walls, he covered his face. Breath fading, he held back the urge to break into a pained laughter. He was so useless and pathetic, why was even bothering? His hyena claws, they were all that were left. His only option.





Boom.


Floor cracking beneath him, a familiar setting had soon awaited him. Night Kingdom glaring daggers at him, the soldier attempted to climb back up towards the light. No, not here, anywhere but here. Specter circling around him, he could feel his energy being slurped up like spaghetti.


"We're back in paradise again!" the phantom cried. As they said such, they grabbed something from inside the hyena. "Don't mind me! I'm just going to borrow this!"


Feeling something missing, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. No, what did they take from him this time? Energy plummeting by the second, the questions kept rolling. This creature, hadn't they been satisfied by now? Greed was the worst sin of them all, for sure. But, one small light remained.


Small feminine shadow soon appearing near him, the hyena turned away. No, no more ghosts, no more specters. Why couldn't all of this just end? He could take no more of this? But, the doom stopped rolling as a gentle aura surrounded him. Eyeless face soon eyeing him, words he thought would never come his way took him from behind.


"It's alright, I'm not a demon like them, promise," the opaque creature said. "I'll take you to the Wayob. We'll pray to try and get you out of here together."


Following the spirit, the soldier stared off into space. Demons, fallen spirits from the night kingdom, what was the truth here, really? Soon taken to the Natlan's deity, he swore hundreds of eyes were on him. Creature giving him a pitied gaze, the soldier broke into a sweat. Why did they look as though they were looking down upon him? But, he threw such thoughts away. They were a god, of course they were. He was not worthy.


"You can borrow one's power for but a moment," the wayob said. As they said such, a bell chimed. "Throw this quickly."


Chiming object thrown into the spring water, the hyena had been removed from the Night Kingdom. Abyssal forces fading away, the hyena gazed upwards towards the sky. Red storm cloud still there, he let out a sigh. Of course it hadn't gone away, why would it have? Rashmi standing by the heated waters, he had been dragged off. Dragon saying she was taking him to his boss, doom flowed through him. He's in trouble, isn't it? It's over, for sure. Agent's mask soon on him, the storm was coming.


"Go back to Snezhnaya, this instant," the Agent demanded. "Tomorrow, we are going to Liyue to get an exorcism performed on that monster." But, as he demanded such, Saurian shouts had come his way.


"Don't kill master!" Santhe cried. But, as they said such, a dragon talon grabbed ahold of them.


"Not him, the parasitic demon," the Agent said in a disgusted tone towards the Saurian. He then turned towards Siorc. "Do not do this again. Work is not important right now. Go back to Snezhnaya this instant."


Demands coming his way, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the soldier stared off into space, as he wobbled towards the soundproof room. Santhe, could he even trust them? Weakness overtaking him as soon as he reached the steel walled room, fatigue claimed him as a prize.


Intense wave of tiredness intensifying triple fold, the soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed, the hyena crawled into the rock hard bed. But, as he had done so, a sea of tears streamed down his face. Santhe, they were lying to him, weren't they? Waterworks dragging themselves down with him as the land of tormented dreams dragged him in, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


Santhe's an abyss mage in disguise, aren't they?

 

[Palamon]

25: Demon Elimination: Goodbye, Night Kingdom
"Ahahaha, ahahaha, and exorcism, really?
No chance in any shape or form of that working!
Don't make me laugh.


Hahaha, hahaha as if an exorcism is going to be able to help me
Obviously, it's not going to do anything at all!
Why would it? This demon is


Invincible! It's completely impervious to everything! It'll be
Stuck to me until the day I die!


Ahahaha, there's absolutely
No chance at all it'll be


Eliminated! I know it's invincible. It's absolutely invincible!
Xsfjuuyrfvbkiyrf, I'm short circuiting, aaah, short circuiting zzzzt.
Oh, as if an exorcism will do anything, it
Really won't! It will do absolutely nothing! I
Can sense that they'll tell me,
'I can't be eliminated!' they'll
Soon drag me down to
My death! I don't have much time left! Then they're


Going to eat my body and devour me!
Once I'm dead, my corpse will be munched on for a snack!
I'm so close to being eaten!
Nothing will save me. I know that! I
Guess I should just say goodbye


To the world before it's too late! So long, farewell,
Once I'm gone, my corpse will be munched on. Eaten like it's a snack.


Don't doubt it! It's
Obviously guaranteed! Why


Act like it's definitely
Not happening? Any day now, and I can kiss it all goodbye! My life, the world, it's all about to fade!
Yes, it's all about
To disappear, in one big bite!
Hahaha, of course, of course,
It's all going to disappear in one big bite.
Not like I didn't already know that! I
Guess I really should have known


That! I should have known all that!
Of course I should.


Guess I don't have much longer,
Everything is about
To be gone! I


Really should have known
It'd be utterly useless! But, I guess it
Doesn't matter now!


Oh, it's all burning away, the
Flames are spreading!


They're eating me up, spitting me out,
Hahaha, hahaha, why am
I bothering? Why am I being put on a
Stake? I suppose I


May as well just break,
Once the exorcism takes place and
Nothing will happen, the
Seeds of death will be spewed!
This is ridiculous, don't you see? There's no chance of me
Even surviving! You
Really don't get it! Nothing will work in any capacity.


Nothing, and yet, you're still trying!
Oh, what's the point in bothering? What's the


Point in trying
At all? There
Really isn't
At all! But, it would
Seem, Her Majesty doesn't care.
I know that already! I know
That already,
I know that already! I
Can't hold on ahahaha,


Don't bother, just don't
Even bother, please!
Might as well throw in the towel
Or something!
Nothing is going to work,


I'm certain of that!


Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha. This is
Very much the way
Everything is,


Nothing matters!
Once I'm gone, I


Can easily be replaced, it's not
Like I'm
Unaware. I know. I'm
Especially aware! I'm completely aware of


It! It's not like
This isn't common knowledge. It


Probably is! I'm
Rather aware
Of my replaceability!
But why say
Anything? It shouldn't
Bother me. I'm quite
Literally aware.
Yes, I know, I can be replaced.


Hahaha, hahaha,
Of course I can be!
What point in acting like I


Can't be? I already knew!
Of course I did!
Ultimately, that's just what my
Life is like!
Disposable waste!


I'm aware, truly!
Totally aware of


Everything! It's a
Very big waste of time
Even denying it! It's
Not like I can go back to not knowing!


Why would I?
Of course I can't!
Right, of course I
Know that


I'm aware! I'm so aware
That it doesn't even hurt!


It doesn't even hurt, I
Should feel something, but I


Very much feel nothing.
Everything is
Relatively cracked, shattered.
Yes, broken, shattered!


Ugh, I'm falling!
No more, no more,
Let it all burn, let
It all die! I don't
Know anymore if I can
Even hold on, please
Let's just pull the plug,
Yes, pull


The plug
On my life! I'm getting


Devoured, anyway!
Once I'm eaten,


She'll replace me,
Once I'm eaten,


It's all over for me!


Ahahaha, it's all over for
Me! I'm well aware. I


Cannot survive, the
Exorcism won't do anything, I'm
Rather aware of
That. I've been
Altered by a demon,
I'm dying! I
No longer have a usefulness,


This is the end! The end,
Hahaha! Hahaha,
Everything is bleeding,
Yet, here I


Am! Still breathing!
Right, that's gone, too,
Everything is gone!


I'm burning!
Nothing matters, I'm
Very much aware that
I've lost all my steam!
Now it's all
Crashing down, and
I'm going to
Break! I'll shatter
Like glass and
Everything will burn around me


I'm aware.
My world is burning,
Pretty soon
Everything will be set ablaze! I
Really don't have much time left, I
Very much do not,
It'd all going to burn
Over and over again!
Ultimately, I am aware! And, I can't
Stop anything!


The cycle doesn't stop!
Once it's started, it doesn't


Break! Once it's happened,
Everything stays! Once
It's happened, I can do
Nothing but
Get beaten up!


Everything is broken,
Leaking, dying,
I'm aware of
My shortcomings!
I'm aware of my uselessness!
Nothing matters!
And, soon, I'll be
Taken away!
Eliminated and
Done away with!


Because I'm useless!
Yes, truly


And utterly useless!
Nothing compares to how useless I am!
Yes, I'm just a failure! A


Stupid, and utter failure!
Of course I am though,
Really! Why fight it?
This is the


Obvious truth! I'm a
Failure on all counts!


Maybe I always have been! I
Especially feel powerless
And useless,
Not like it matters!
She's already going to kill me!


Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha.


There's nothing I can do,
Hahaha, hahaha,
Everything is burning away! And
Yet, the


Agent thinks an exorcism will
Remove this monster! It won't be
Eliminated! I'm certain! It's


Going to stay!
Of course it will!
It's a little snake!
Nothing is
Going to free me from


That thing!
Of course it won't, I already


Know that!
I'm going to be killed, it's
Likely! They'll
Likely get rid of


Me when the
Exorcism fails!


Well, it has hasn't
Even been a nice
Life, it's been filled with
Pain and suffering,


The world despises me!
Hahaha, and
I bet mes in other universe have it better! But, I'm
Stuck in a wheel of pain!


I'm stuck in this wheel of
Suffering! And,


I know I'll never be free!
This world is out


To get me!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
It's out to get me, I
Should have known that, really!


I'm aware of my
Shortcomings, not like it matters,


Though, really, I
Hardly have any time left
Everything will soon rot away,


Everything will soon become
Nothing! Everything will soon become
Dirt upon the wind!


Falling to its
Overt demise. I'm
Rather aware if this fails, Her


Majesty will just
End me! My


Sorry existence, was it even worth it?
Of course it wasn't! Of course it's not, It's not


Like I didn't know
Of my worthlessness! I was
Never worth anything to anybody! I
Get that, truly! The


Flames are speeding,
And it's overwhelming! I'm
Really just close to breaking!
Everything is burning!
Why am I bothering?
Everything hurts, and I'm tired of trying! I'm just a piece on a chessboard that cannot move. I'm aware of my
Life's uses, I'm just a chipped
Little rook that can be thrown away!


I'm just a chipped
Little rook that can be thrown away!
That's all I am!


Why act like it's not the case?
Ahahaha, look at me, I'm
Such a waste of space, and it's showing! It's


Not like I wanted this, I never asked to be taken away!
Or turned into a soldier! I never asked for any of
That! I never asked for


Any of that at all! The


Viscous cycle will
Eat me alive!
Relatively speaking, there's nothing left of me!
Yes, I've already been devoured, I'm


Gone forever, and
Once the demon kills me,
Once it swallows me whole, I'll be
Dissolved into nothing! I'm just


Liquid waste, don't you see?
I'm a waste of space that shouldn't keep breathing! They say life is simply
Fleeting, but I feel like I've been in a loop of suffering for all
Eternity! Across multiple different worlds and countless lives! Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha. What am I saying? That's


Foolish, there's
Only one me, one Siorc Ingne! What am I babbling about,
Really? There's no possible way I'm some


Multiversal existence with hundreds of
Existences on an unconnected plane! That's


Stupid! Complete and utter nonsense
Of course it is!


I'm the only one.
There's no other mes!


I need to calm down! What am I even
Saying? This is all just complete


Nonsense, I need to breathe, count to three!
One, two, three. Oh, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
That's right, I can't breathe! Why do I feel


Like I'm drowning?
I feel like I'm about to drown in the water,
Knees deep, I'm about to go belly up!
Everything is so dark and hot,


I'm burning, everything is sweltering.


Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, I
Very much can't calm down right now!
Everything is burning!


And everything hurts!
Nothing is working! And
Yet, the Agent
Thinks this exorcism will do anything!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha of course
It won't! And, it's
Never going to! It's not
Going to at all! So,


There's no reason to bother!
Obviously, it'll fail with a


Likely near perfect
One hundred percent possibility!
So, why bother?
Everything is burning!


And, I'll
Never be the same if I do survive!
Yes, it's over for
Me in so many ways!
Over, over, over, I
Really won't
Ever be the same!


Goodbye to who I
Once was, I'm
Only going to go away. The former me will
Die, and be
Buried! I will be destroyed.
Yes, utterly destroyed!
Everything is burning!"


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle was barbed wire, cutting through the area with an iron fist. The pattern surrounded itself with an electric fence, killing anyone who dared to get anywhere near it. Such barrier would continue to get deadlier in the night before him, as well.


Before him had been a field of hemlocks and hogweeds. They were bunched up, white flowers and invasive weeds glowing with a sinister aura. Seeing such plants, a heavy wave of unease flowed through the soldier. What were these doing here? These plants were quite dangerous, full of toxins. He needed to get out of here, no matter what.


But, as the chimera attempted to exit the area, his dream chest had become quite tight. Feeling such, the hyena gasped for dream air. Hand inching towards the center of his sternum, everything burned. Realizing such, the gasps got quicker with every dream second passing.


Everything burning, the questions had begun to roll around in the hyena's subconscious mind. Why was it so hard to breathe, this was a dream. The world of pain should not exist here, why did it? But, the chimera threw such thought out the window. He needed to get out of here, at all costs, or the poison would devour him.


Such, however, had been wishful thinking, on the hyena's part. Currently hyena knees stuck in place, an intense wave of doom flowed through the soldier. Why couldn't he move? He needed to get out of here, at all costs. Those weeds, they were toxic, he could not allow himself to get anywhere near them, or it would be over. Done, finished.


Rancid scent overtaking the area, the early adult attempted to hold in a scream. He needed to get out of here, no matter what. Statue legs remaining stuck in place, the stench only grew stronger. Subconscious heart beat getting harder and faster in his unfeeling chest, everything was broken, useless, a missing puzzle.


Plopping himself upon the ground, the chimera dropped on all fours. He would get out of here, no matter what it takes. A toxic plant taking his life away, he could not let such humiliation come to pass. Crawling upon the bumpy ground like the hyena his dna had been ruined with, the soldier swore he could hear laughter up ahead.


Feral movement continuing, the hyena swore he could hear the guffaws only get louder as the dream second had begun to unravel themselves. Everything feeling rather heavy, doom loomed over the soldier's shoulder. What was this intense weight engulfing him every step of the way?


Pushing forward with all his might, the scenery around him had begun to warp and twist. Giggles getting louder and longer, the hyena turned his dream head towards the right and left. Where was that noise coming from? It sounded almost too familiar, sinister, villainous. Tuning it out, the chimera kept going.


Spotting a glass wall the further he moved, multiple inquiries had begun to roll around at maximum speed. What in the world was that in the corner? Stronger wave of doom flowing through him, the chimera attempted to turn off towards a different path. That place up ahead, something was wrong with it, for sure.


But, such turn never came. Forced to continue upon the path in front of him, the hyena kept moving forward. Why was the dream world completely against him today? How incredibly annoying. But, he knew such was dream life. The sea of torment was never ending, growing, expanding.


Reaching the destination after about thirteen dream minutes, a wave of intense bewilderment ate the hyena up like a bowl of ramen. Glass room with multiple plants housed inside, the chimera tilted his dream head. Where in the dream world could he have possibly been right now? Studying the world in front of him further, the chimera tried to make sense of it all.


Observing the room further, the hyena had come to a quick, but assured conclusion. The dome shaped area in front of him boxed in by glass, could it have been a greenhouse? Realization cementing into place, the confusion kept throwing cards out of the deck. Where in the dream world could he have possibly been? Greenhouses were quite uncommon in the mortal, waking world.


Feeling an intense wave of pain once more, the chimera could hear a voice invite him in. Attempting to turn back, invisible hands had soon come from behind. Glass walls a box, an absolute plant of terror glared daggers at the soldier. Bright, pink crop with a star shape a dooming realization had washed over the hyena, in an instant.


Tobacco plant staring at him with a sinister aura, the hyena could feel something quite intense wash over him. What in the world were these plants doing here? Who grew them? But, as he thought such, the guffaws had reached an all time high. Turning towards the noise, the inquires swallowed him whole. Who was there? Why couldn't he see anyone? But, such had soon become a waste of subconscious headspace.


Woodland creatures hopping out of nowhere, the chimera attempted to turn the other way. Nothing to see here. Gazing at the plants once more, he could feel everything within him leap and stretch. Tobacco plants were poisonous as well. The plants in his dream, why were they all toxic today? How terrifying. But, such thoughts were interrupted by a racket of animalistic screeches.


Critters screeching up a storm, the hyena's unfeeling body shook with a fervor. Where had all this hostility come from? Arrows raining down upon him, the familiar laughter had rose from the ashes, the hyena returned himself to a feral. The shadow creature was coming any second now, he needed to leave this place, at all costs. The tobacco plant, any minute now, and the enemy would make it more toxic, guaranteed.


Crawling away at a snail's pace, the dark presence had soon floated beside him, as expected. Shadow creature adorning bright red eyes, twisted face, the hyena kept attempting to turn back towards the path he came. But, such had been met with an immediate barrel of laugher, roasted dry.


"Aww, my favorite little plaything is scared of a tobacco plant?" the shadow creature asked in a mocking tone. "You're so pathetic right now! It's just a little poison, embrace it!"


Shadow creature demanding he embrace the poison, the soldier placed his quivering fingers into a cross shape. Accept it? No way, why not happening, no chance whatsoever. He needed to leave this place right here, right now. Attempting to speed off, the tickle of doom was ready to eat his throat up for breakfast.


Heavy cough interrupting the world for dream minutes on end, an intense wave of doom hugged him from behind. Why was the real world bleeding into his subconscious one? He did not understand any of this at all, whatsoever. But, the hyena knew he had to keep going.


Pushing forward, a sudden wave of coldness overtook the area. Shivering the chimera gazed upwards towards the sky. Where in the dream world had he been now, Snezhnaya? No snow clouds up above, the hyena disregarded such. No, that couldn't have possibly been it. Dragging himself right along, sense could not be made with anything.


Locked into a steel room, the hyena let out a scream that did not penetrate into reality. Dark purple bell-shaped plants in the room with him, the hyena flinched. What were belladonnas doing here? Those flowers were deadly, lethal, potent enough to kill. He could not stay here, no way, not a chance. He needed to crawl through the exit, right here, right now.


Such was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Spiky door shut behind him, a brand new peculiarity added itself to the mix, in seconds. Bell shaped deadly nightshade growing arms and legs, the hyena grit the dream teeth. No, they had the power to do such a thing? He was doomed, done, dinner. Leafy limbs extending towards darkness, everything broke all over again, triple over.


"Master, thank you for the presents!" the belladonnas cried. "We'll do aaaaanything you ask!"


Belladonnas equipped with golden chainsaws, the early adult's dream knees buckled. Hearing the word master repeated over and over, the hyena scoured the area. These toxic lifeforces, who were they answering to? Spotting a throne chair in the corner, a familiar monster presented itself to him.


Parasitic demon seated on its perch, right leg crusted over their right thigh, the hyena attempted to crawl towards the trapped door. The false ghost from the night kingdom was behind all this? He should have known. Monstrous plants ready to come towards him at maximum speed, slimy leaved hands had soon pinned him to the ground. Restraints coming for him, intense laughter had threatened to swallow him whole.


"Do you really think you can get away from my pets?" the parasitic demon asked, maniacal laughter kicking in. "Think again!"


Phantom addressing the plant creatures as their pets, the hyena's dream heart sunk. This fiend, just how much control did they have over his dream? This monster, why couldn't they leave him alone, at least in the land of sleep. Banish them, yes, he had to get rid of them, send them packing. So long, farewell, leave this space.


"Go away!" the hyena cried. But, such had been met with bloody consequences.


Chainsaw revving itself up, the blade had circled around his neck at rapid speed. Throat becoming jelly, a sea of red crimson poured down beneath him. Weak noises possessing him like a ghost, everything had gotten dark. Rotten teeth greeting him from afar, the mocking voice rose from the ashes.


"Hmm, did you have something to say to me?" the faux night kingdom phantom asked. "No? Didn't think so!" As they said such, they covered his eyes. "By the way, these are mine now!"


Pupils covered, the hyena let out a gulp. What were theirs now? What did they take from him this time? Lips quivering, the hyena attempted with all his might to banish the beast. But, such did not happen. Chainsaw's blade piercing his chest, the chimera shook like a leaf This monster, why couldn't they leave him be, at least in his dreams?


"I'm not going anywhere!" the false night kingdom specter cried. As they said such, they caressed his body with their slimy undead hands. "Remember, we're in a symbiotic relationship!"


Hearing fingers snap, the hyena could feel everything twist and turn. Feeling an intense wave of heat come out of nowhere, the chimera had begun to sweat up a storm. No, what was this monster planning now? Flames growing by the second, his attempted screams would not come at at any given point.


"Aww, nothing to say back?" the ghost asked in a mocking tone. "Okay, my lovely pets, burn the witch!"


Vines coming for him at maximum speed, the soldier winced. It was over, he was gone, dead, a corpse upon the dream floor. Belladonnas creeping towards him, the chimera attempted with all his might to get away, turn back, skedaddle. But, none of such happened. Everything sweltering, the hyena waved the invisible white flag. It was over, done, finished, his dream life was going to end any second now.


As the slimy plants of evil's leafy hands lifting him upward, the soldier knew now more than ever. It was over. Cries coming towards the flowers one after another, the chimera's arms turned to ashes, in a matter of moments. Further plants set ablaze, the embers claimed his chest as a prize.


Chest burning away, the soldier could feel his dream life fade away. Chest pitch black, the hyena had become one with the ground. As his dream life had begun to fade away, the chimera could feel the dooming reminders flow through him. Torment had won over his life, safety had left him behind. Dream life extinguished, one final dream thought took the chimera away.


This is a parasitic relationship.


***


"Ahaha, symbiotic relationship, don't make me laugh! Don't even start with that nonsense again!


Symbiotic relationship, as if! This creature is destroying me.
Yeah, right as if this is a
Mutualistic relationship! Far from it! If that were the case, I wouldn't
Be in so much pain, I wouldn't suffering!
It would all be fine! All
Of this would be alright!
This would not bring harm to me,
If such were the case! But, that's not the
Case! This is a parasitic


Relationship! How dare this demon say the
Exact opposite of that! I already know the cold, hard, truth, this
Little freak has taken something from me!
And, they have the nerve to say, symbiotic relationship!
This is not symbiotic, nor
Is it mutualistic! How could this monster keep saying that to me?
Open your eyes! This is
Nothing of the sort! Only one of us benefits, is this creature! I
Should have known they'd
Have said that to me again!
I should have known they'd
Pretend that this was some sort of symbiosis!


Yield! Halt, stop saying such
Especially wrong thing! It's
Absolutely not true at all!
How could this monster keep acting like that? They


Really don't get it! They truly don't get
It! Hahaha, everything hurts, it's all burning! I don't have any idea what to do! How do I
Get rid of this thing? It's not like the exorcism will do anything for me!
Hahaha, of course it won't! It won't do anything!
The exorcism won't do anything! Of course it won't! This won't go well! I'm


Sure the exorcism will only make this demon stronger!
Unless it does actually work, which I
Rather doubt, I don't have anything to say, truly!
Everything is burning, twisting, coiling, dragging.


Intersecting, crossing the path into doom.
This isn't going to help me! This demon, it'll be stuck to me until the day


I die! Which, at this rate, could be next week! My lungs are infected, from whatever this monster did to me!
So, I barely have any time left,


This is the end of the road for me!
Haha, haha, this is the end of the road for me!
It's my last stand, for real this time! I
Should have known it'd end this way!


I should have known, and yet, it
Seems like this is all outside of my control!


Ah, of course, of course! What else is new?


Perhaps, I could die today, or tomorrow, or in my sleep, who knows
At this point? I sure don't! I
Really don't know anymore
At this point what might happen to me, but
Soon, it'll all be over,
I'll burn away permanently!
This is the end of the road, this is the end of the road, this
Is the end of the road, I have no
Clue how long I have to, but this exorcism


Really won't do anything for me! This
Exorcism will only make things worse, that's the only
Likely possibility! Why bother? Case
And point, I am not surviving!
This is the end for me, guaranteed. This
Is the end for me, guaranteed.
Of course it will be! I do
Not have much time left, I
Shouldn't give up the fight, but I feel like I don't
Have any fight left
In me! What will I do? I feel
Pretty weak, everything is


Going to shut off. My
Organs? Asleep. Taken


Away by this monster. They already took my lungs
With them, and they won't stop there. I know they won't leave it.
At least, that's how it is!
Yes, that's how it is!


Ahaha, that's how it is! It's not
Long before I am dead!
Right, they said my lungs are theirs! But, what
Else did they take from me?
Ahaha, as if I know! I
Don't know! Why would I know? I have
Yet to find out! Ahaha, ahaha, it's not like it matters! It's not


Like it matters at all, this is the
End for me! This is the end for me, truly!
Ahahaha, ahahaha, the end all of this is the end for me! How could I hope to survive this? It's
Very unlikely! So, so, very unlikely. This will not succeed. Of course it won't! This
Exorcism will fail! I'm absolutely certain! This exorcism will fail, guaranteed!"


The sound of bitter wind whooshed on through like a black hole dragging everything into it at full speed. As the month long blizzard had begun to bare its fangs once again for what felt like the hundredth time this week, hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaned in a protest. Wind getting stronger, further complaints had come quick. But, despite such annoyance from the world outside, every soldier remained loyal.


The sound of monster screaming their heads off from every angle bled out the wind, in an instant. As the Abyss Mages screeched up a storm raining downward, the complaints continued. The noise was quite the disgusting beast that needed to be burned away. Business going on as usual, the hustle and bustle was growing.


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Chest burning, everything felt so hot. Had a furnace blown up somewhere in the military barracks? But, the chimera shook his head. No, that was impossible. The heat source room was nowhere near here.


But, such had not been the only oddity. Everything around him dark, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. What's going on, who turned off the lights? Barely able to make out anything whatsoever, his energy was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. Could he even get out of this bed? Feeling around his tingling covers, he knew he had no choice but to get ready.


Such attempt had been interrupted, in an instant, invasive cough claiming him as a prize, the soldier could feel himself lose control, in an instant. Slimy, metallic feeling rising upward from the esophagus, a hot liquid had become one with his bed sheets. Huffing and puffing, the hacks soon had one last hurrah.


Blue blood glowing through the pitch darkness, the hyena let out a scream. What in the world is this stuff? Hail slamming the window, he let out another labored scream. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he'll get up. Forcing himself out from the bed, the room had begun to spin in circles. Wobbling, bewilderment nibbled on the cartilage of his ears. Why is the room spinning?


Attempting to walk forward, the hyena continued to totter. Possibly human feet slipping, His backside had become one with the edge of his covers once more. Letting out a weak laugh, the hyena attempted to find the ground beneath him. There was no way he would be able to walk, absolutely not. Not like this. All four limbs upon the ground, the soldier could feel a wave of humiliation flow through him.


Crawling around with all his might, the hyena turned his head towards the left and right. Where were his uniform drawers? East, or west? Lowering his eyes into a squint, absolutely nothing in front of him, a heavy wave of confusion flowed through him. Which way was it? Why couldn't he remember?


Dragging himself towards the left, the chimera's nose collided with something. Rubbing the appendage, the hyena let out a groan. Where was he? Possibly currently human hand stretched outward, he felt his surrounding. Coarse marble texture eating him alive, the chimera flinched. What was he doing by his bedside table? He had gone in the opposite direction. Her Majesty would kill him, for sure. He needed to go the other way, as soon as possible. But, as he attempted to turn around, he could hear a sinister guffaw.


"Wow, I'm borrowing your eyes, but I didn't expect you to be this wayward!" the demonic entity cried. "I should have just completely taken them!"


The hyena let out a growl as the beast guffawed in his ear. They did what now? That terrifying dream he had, was it related? Tears streaming down his face, he could feel all his thoughts fade away. This monster, how dare they borrow his eyes. Give them back to him, he needed those. Haze swallowing him hole, the words bled out of him.


"Give them back to me!" the chimera cried, voice incredibly weak and labored. But, such had been met with a maniacal laugh.


"Nope! Remember, we're in a symbiotic relationship!" the faux night kingdom ghost exclaimed in a menacing tone. "I can borrow your eyes whenever I please!"


Disgusting words of the demon and he being in a symbiotic relationship coming his way, the tears continued to flow as the chimera's breath grew heavier. Symbiotic relationship? No, no way, this was a parasitic relationship. Why couldn't this monster go away already? Hadn't they had enough? Why couldn't they just go away already? Lip quivering, the words threw themselves out.


"Leave me alone!" the chimera cried, voice growing weaker.


But, as he let out such shouts, another cough had thrown itself out into the open. Glowing blue blood plopping onto the ground, the hyena shook with a fervor. If Her Majesty saw how dirty he had made the floor, she would kill him, guaranteed. Pushing such thoughts out the window, he knew he had to continue onward. Muscle memory, surely, that would guide him towards the correct direction.


Head spinning in cycle, he attempted to head towards the right. Muscle memory, right, he had to allow muscle memory to guide him. Crawls of intense struggle continuing for minutes on end, his chest grew tight. Huffing and puffing as he clung to the wood of his possible uniform drawers, why did everything leave him feeling so winded?


As the hyena put his winter jacket over his layered shirts, the soldier could not help but wonder. Did he really, truly, have a lung infection? But, the chimera shook his head. That was ridiculous, that wasn't possible, was it? Aega was definitely wrong about that, for sure. She was twisting Loba's words to scare him. That was it; nothing more. But, as he thought such, he could feel the disgusting presence behind him once more.


"That's right! That bimbo is a quack!" the specter cried. "She's just scared of me claiming your organs as mine!"


Tuning the demonic freak out, the hyena covered his ears. He wasn't listening. He wasn't listening at all. Heat burning him up, the soldier could feel the room spin twice over. But, the chimera forced himself to keep focusing. Not bothering to button his uniform up, the early adult felt for his hairpin and earring box.


As the chimera pried the cover off of his prized possessions, a thought loomed over him. Should he just not bother putting his hairpins and earrings on today? But, the chimera let out a scream. No, no way. Why would he even consider going without them? He could not do that. That was the same thing as being naked.


Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, the hyena placed his hands on the right side of his hair. Plain set clicked on all crooked, the thought could not help but wonder once more. Should he just take them off? They weren't on right. But, the chimera shook his head. No, no way. He definitely shouldn't do that, not a chance.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the soldier's head turned off towards whichever direction. Had the elemental orb been crooked, too? Maybe he should just take it off. But, the chimera immediately did not allow himself to do such. It would be quite unwise to take it off. What if he forgot who he was? He could not risk it.


Geo Delusion glowing through the darkness, the soldier's heart skipped six beats. Was this thing asking him to use it? No, no way, he couldn't use that thing, not like this. If he were to use this thing in the state he was in, it would take his life from him, for sure. Cough interrupting his food cart of thought, the woofs and hacks had gotten stronger and stronger. Regaining control after a few minutes passed, the laughter was ready to rupture his eardrums.


"You should use that little yellow orb!" the demon cried in an enticing voice. "Become a big bomb of destruction!" But, a scream had come their way, faster than a speeding bullet.


"Leave me alone!" Siorc cried, heavy breaths in between every word. But as he said such, slimy, hands caressed his cheek.


"Nope, not today, champ!" the demonic entity cried. "I'm staying right here!" Their sharp edged caresses continued.


Invisible white flag waved, the hyena continued to allow muscle memory to guide him for minutes on end. Heelless shoes on, the chimera spit out his rations. Nothing was going down, why? Putting the bowl aside, he shrugged his shoulders. He's a hyena chimera, he did not need to eat nearly as much as a human did.


Hearing the muffled Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the hyena flinched. He was coming already? No, he had come too quickly, this was not good. This wasn't good at all. He was going to get yelled at, for sure. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, readiness never came.


"Take off your uniform, soldier," the Agent demanded. "Don't you remember what I told you yesterday? We are heading to Liyue to get you an exorcism." As he said such, something shook in his hand. "Put on this." But, as he said such, an annoying voice cut in.


"It's a cuckoo jacket!" the demon cried. "They're gonna lock you up with all the other crazies!"


Tuning the demon out, the hyena tilted his head. What did the Agent say? He thinks he heard him say take off his uniform. But, why was that necessary? Why did he need to change into something else? Attempting to remove it, nothing came off. Wave of bewilderment flowing through him, his hands were elsewhere. How strange, where was his coat?


"Siorc," the Agent called out to him. "Can you not see anything?" There was a heavy tone of concern in his voice. A weak soldier was a useless soldier.


Muffled question coming his way, the soldier held back the urge to laugh. What kind of question was that? Was it really that obvious? A lie, yes, a fib, he had to tell a convincing untruth about all this. His glasses, yes, he forgot to put on his glasses. That would seem convincing enough.


"What do you mean, sir? I'm just not wearing my glasses!" the hyena cried, voice incredibly hoarse. "I forgot to put them on today!" But, such had been called out in seconds.


"What are you talking about, soldier? They're on your face," the agent responded, tone of concern growing. "You look even worse than you did yesterday. I'll just take your jacket off, alright?"


Everything tingling as the Agent swapped outfits, the hyena could not help but wonder once more. Why was this necessary? Did his uniform really need to switched off? What for? Pins and needles only getting worse, he tried to keep focused. But, another laugh had soon come his way.


"He put you in the crazy jacket!" the faux specter from the night kingdom cried. "They're going to lock you up!"


Words repeated to him, the worms had begun to settle in. Were they really planning on locking him up? Maybe they were. Perhaps, just maybe, they were about to put him behind bars. An execution for disappointing Her Majesty. Body burning hot like a candle, he could feel himself ready to fall over. But he could soon feel gloves catch him.


"Parasitic demon, don't get too comfortable," the agent said to the specter. "You're getting exorcised today."


Everything spinning round and round, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Why did everything feel so far away? This distance, where did it come from? But, the hyena attempted to shake such off. No, it had to have been his imagination, surely. But, his thoughts had been cut off by the loud echoing voice once more.


"Good luck with that!" the faux night kingdom phantom shouted. "It ain't gonna happen!"


"After we get the exorcism performed, you will be taken to Natlan for medical treatment," the Agent said. "Do you understand, soldier?"


Agent reminding him about the exorcism again, the chimera turned his head towards who knows where. As if this creature could be eliminated in any shape or form. They were invincible. They would slip away, for sure. But, he had no energy to argue about it any sort of capacity. Why waste his breath attempting to argue? He would lose, for sure.


"Yes, sir," the early adult responded autonomously, voice hoarse. Stretching his arm out, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away.


"Alright, soldier, we're going," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, the masked Agent gripped the limb into a light squeeze. "And remember. Whether the exorcism succeeds or fails, you are being taken to Natlan for medical treatment after." Escort towards Liyue soon beginning, the soldier's thoughts wandered.


This exorcism will definitely fail.


***


"Forget this, there's no way this exorcism will succeed.
Of course it won't, I mean, why would it? There is no way this creature will be
Removed. It's invincible. Completely, and utterly invincible. I am fully aware, it's never going to
Go away! It will be stuck onto me for all
Eternity. Of course it will be, of course that's how it'll go!
That's how it's going to be until I die, and


To be honest, that'll likely
Happen soon! This demon, it has taken everything,
It has taken everything! It has taken everything! I
Should have known it would do that to me! It


Wanted to take everything from me!
Hahaha, of course, of course, of course, of course they wanted everything. Why wouldn't they want to take everything from me?
Yes, of course, of course, why wouldn't they want to take


Everything from me? Of course they did. That is
Very much the case here! of course it is.
Everything belongs to them
Now! The demon took everything! And, I


Bet they want even more!
Of course they do!
They'll keep trying to eat me!
How much more could they
Even devour? As if I know! I'm sure they'll swallow me whole! They took my eyes.
Right, they took them! And, why would


They stop there? I know they won't! Once they've gone
Round and round and took it all, they'll keep on going!
Yes, that's right, they'll keep on going!
I know they'll keep going! I have
No idea what they have yet to claim, but I
Guess they'll just keep on going!


That's how things are! That's not
How things are! Haha, of course, of course, of course, of course!
It's game over! It's completely, and utterly, game over! I
Shouldn't be surprised! And


When the demon claims my life, and eats my body,
I'm certain no one will care! It's not
Like I truly mean anything to anybody! I mean absolutely nothing to nobody! It's not
Like I didn't already know this! I am well aware! Completely and utterly aware I'm just a complete and utter


Nobody, a useless soldier who can't even do anything!
Of course I knew
That, I know I am simply and utterly, completely useless! I


Shall be remembered in infamy! As the
Utterly useless soldier who
Couldn't do anything! The weak, and utterly useless soldier who
Couldn't perform, the weak and pathetic soldier, who met an
End due to a parasitic demon! Who reached an
End because of a monster! Haha, my
Death will be used as an example of a


Failure! A complete failure
Of performance! Of course, that's how this will all go down!
Right, right, of course, that's how it'll all
Go down! How
Else would it go down? I haven't
The foggiest of a clue!


I don't know anything about how people will see me after
The end comes for me! But, I guess it'll


Just be like I think! Siorc Ingne, the failure! Siorc Ingne, the
Utterly weak and pathetic
Soldier, who was devoured by a parasitic demon!
That's the kind of legacy I'll leave behind! I'm a


Failure, I'm a failure, I'm a failure, I'm a failure, I'm a failure! I'm a failure!
On all counts, I'm a failure! A
Real, utter failure! Hahahahaha, hahahaha, I'm
Going to die a failure! I'm going to die a failure, I'm going to die a failure, I'm going to die a failure! I'm going to die a failure! Ahahah, I'm going to die a failure!
Everyone will remember me as a failure,
That's the stain I'll leave behind


In this world! A stain of failure! A complete, and utter stain of failure, and I have no one to blame but me!
This is all my fault, I'm such a failure! And, that's how people will always remember me!"


Upon reaching Liyue Harbor, or what he assumed might have such place, the early adult stretched out his collar. Was it just him, or was it burning? Was there a fire somewhere? But, the chimera shook his head. No, it was his imagination, surely. What else would it be? Almost nothing in front of him, he could feel a glove on his shoulder.


"I will ask you this again, soldier," the Agent said in an oddly calm tone. "Can you see anything at all?"


Muffled question coming his way, the hyena shook his head. Why bother wasting his time lying about it again? Everything would go in circles if he did so. It was best to not do such a thing whatsoever. What good would it do to? He would be called out on such stretch of the truth, guaranteed.


Hearing something faintly jiggle, the hyena tilted his head. What was the Agent giving him? Slimy demon hands caressing him once more, the soldier grit his teeth. But, he numbed such actions. They were not there, he wouldn't give them any attention whatsoever, none. Zilch, nothing.


"Alright, soldier, you will be heading to Dunyu Ruins for your first attempt at an exorcism," the Agent responded. "There will be some trained professionals there who will try to get rid of that monster." As he continued, the muffled jingled noises continued, cold, hard metallic thing clamped down upon his uniform belt. "This vibrating compass will guide you onto the right path." Hands moved away, he continued. "And, please be careful."


World around him muffled, the hyena scratched his ears. What did the Agent just say? He hadn't a clue. Mazing through the buzzes, he tried to make everything out. Dunyu ruins? That had to be it, right? Surely, that was what had been said. But, his thoughts had been cut out by the demon's laughter.


"As for you, demon," the Agent called out to the faux night kingdom ghost. "You will be eliminated shortly." But, such had been met with a laugh.


"Fat chance, masked coward!" the demonic parasite cried. "Your attempts to get rid of me will all be in vain!" As they said such, they swirled around their catch. "You never know, if you eliminate me, I might take him down with me!" They laughed up a storm as they said such. "Remember, we're in a symbiotic relationship!"


Agent telling him he has other business to take care of, and people will tell him where to go next should the exorcisms fail, the hyena broke out into a sweat. Hold on, he had to go to the Dunyu Ruins alone? By his lonesome? Was that really a good idea, in his current state? No, this would not end well.


Walking on whichever street, the chimera dragged his feet. The Dunyu Ruins, how in the world would he even manage to get there? But, he supposed the device on his belt would be his guide. Surely, it would be able to tell him where to go. Right, of course, what else was it for?


Pushing right along, the soldier attempted to feel his surroundings. Was he even going the right way? Metallic device not doing anything, he could feel the world around him crack. Ah, where was everything? Where was anything at all? Not hearing any familiar hustle and bustling sounds, the soldier stared off into space. What was he supposed to do?


Everything feeling fuzzy, the hyena could feel static slurp up his brain like a bowl of noodles. But, he knew he had no choice but to keep moving forward. The exorcism, he had to have it performed. This demon, it had to be eliminated, at all costs. He could not allow them to take anything else from him, no matter what.


Hearing a muffled sound of a hammer, the chimera kept going. But, a realization had flooded through him. Dunyu Ruins, wasn't it in the west of Liyue Harbor? Maybe he was going the right way. Mechanical creature doing nothing of any sort, he turned his heelless shoes off towards the opposite direction.


Looping back around what felt like the same point, the chimera scratched the side of his head. Was he going south? Turning back around, the loop continued. No, why was he doing that? He needed to head north. Those ruins, they were on the northwest side of Liyue, he knew that. What in the world was he doing?


Forcing himself on the northward path, the chimera could feel a heavy wave of darkness ready to swallow him whole. Why did the Agent have to leave him to do this by himself? Was he even in shape for such a thing? He knew he was not, but he supposed it hardly mattered. His subordinate only cared about his usefulness, nothing more, nothing less.


Feeling lotus heads brush against his feet, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the chimera. Hold on, where was he now? Combing through his fading human brain, he had come to a weak threaded confusion. Maybe he had been on the right path. The area next to the pharmacy, that had been one of the city's exits, hadn't it? He knew that had been one of them, for certain.


Finding himself on an ascending walkway, the chimera could feel his breath get weak. Every step felt as though he was running a marathon. Slapping his chest, the hyena whiffed up a bitter scent in the air. Turning his head towards the right and left, nothing made sense. Where was he?


Minty scent only getting stronger, the hyena had come to a realization. Had he wandered into Bubu Pharmacy? This would not do, this wasn't the right place at all. He needed to turn around. Hearing muffled directions about boiling herbs, the chimera sighed. Herbs were being mixed, weren't they? Perhaps, he should turn around. But, such never came. Voice calling out to him, nonsense had soon come his way.


"Goodness, you don't look very well at all," Jiaolong said, concerned tone of voice. "I need to take you to my boss. But, ah, no, he is currently taking care of another patient. I haven't the faintest clue when he will come back." But, such had been interrupted by a powerful voice.


"Shut up, panda boy!" the faux night kingdom ghost cried. "We're going on a nice long walk to Dunyu Ruins! What's that quack boss of yours gonna do, get rid of me? As if!"


Humanoid creature with a black feathered hat, purple and green eyes, and a sinister smile attempting to silence him, Jiaolong placed his hands on his chin. What a conundrum this was. Yinlong's friend had some sort of demon attached to him, did he? Turning towards the demon's host, he studied him for a moment.


Eyes clouded, Jiaolong shook his head. How did he expect to get to Dunyu Ruins by himself in the state he was in? He looked like he could fall over any moment now. His little problem behind him wouldn't be of much help to him, either, now would they? Maybe he could hold off mixing herbs, for the time being to help this poor man out.


"Oh, dear, just look at you, I don't think you can even make it to Mt. Tianheng in your shape!" Jiaolong said, shaking his head. "Maybe it's a good thing you came here by mistake! I'll carry you there." Lifting him up, he had placed Yinlong's friend upon his back. He then turned towards ----. "----, I am heading out, hold the fort for me, okay?"


"Okay," the zombie girl said. "I will stay here."


Moved forward, the hyena could feel a wave of embarrassment. Was this really alright? Wasn't Jiaolong working? This was interrupting his important business, for sure. Wasn't he mixing herbs? Wasn't that more important right now? He could feel an apology form at the tip of his tongue as the movements kept on rocking.


"I am sorry for interrupting your work, sir," the hyena blurted, voice hoarse.


Yinlong's friend apologizing to him, Jiaolong held back a tsk. What was he apologizing for? Mixing those herbs could wait. This was an emergency situation, was it not? He needed to let this man know he did not need to feel sorry for the disturbance of his work.


"Tut tut, no need to apologize," Jiaolong responded. "Mixing herbs can wait until I return. You needn't worry; boss won't be cross with me for taking the time to assist you."


Taller panda chimera doubling down, the soldier could feel piercing eyes on him. Shouldn't he walk there by himself? But, he could feel his energy die as the herbalist kept moving forward. It was no use, he could not move. He supposed he had no choice but to rely on him, for the time being.


Hearing the taller panda chimera say they were halfway there, the chimera could not help but wonder. Wasn't he heavy? But, such thoughts had immediately been drowned out entirely. Did it matter if he were the weight of two large dumbbells? He was useless, a failure, a waste of space upon this planet.


Darkness spiral coming out of nowhere as the ruins had apparently been closer, the cycle of hopelessness continued. That's right, he was pathetic, and useless. He couldn't even walk to the ruins himself to get the exorcism performed. Just how pitiful was he? This demon was going to eat him, for sure, and he would deserve it, without a shadow of a doubt.


But, the soldier threw such thoughts out. What in the world is he thinking? The demon would want him to lose all hope. He needed to stop allowing these dark thoughts win. He had to stay slightly hopeful, no matter what. Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept positive feelings on the table, and this monster would finally be eliminated.


Soon placed on the ground, the hyena swore he could see some small blips of intense glowing lights. Had he reached Dunyu Ruins? Metallic device vibrating upon his waist, he accepted such response. He supposed he had been here. Feeling the strong presence of overwhelming energy, the chimera gulped.


"You must be the exorcist, no?" Jiaolong asked. He then turned towards Yinlong's friend. "Would you like me to describe them to you?"


Question coming his way, the hyena shrugged. He supposed it would not hurt to hear what he may have looked like before his eardrums muffled themselves once more. Taller panda chimera describing the exorcist as having shoulder length black hair and glasses, the early adult held back the urge to sigh. A generic nobody was performing this exorcism? Great, this would go so well, for sure. But, he had soon been broken out of his thoughts.


"Okay, sir, we will be drawing a circle beneath you," the generic nobody said. "And we will then throw some talismans upon the demon that plagues you to get rid of them."


Generic nobody instructing him to stand four paces away from him, the soldier had been guided towards him. Standing as still as he could possibly attempt, the feeling of intense energy had come from down beneath him. Burning feeling overtaking him once more, he tried to hold on. Weren't exorcisms supposed to be cold? He did not understand any of this one bit.


Hearing stickers slapped onto something, a huffing breath had overtaken his muffled eardrums. Doom looming over his shoulder, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. Had this person been the weakest of all the exorcists? Great, this wouldn't succeed in any shape, or form, guaranteed.


Hearing a loud ripping sound drown everything out, the hyena's jaw dropped open. What in the world just happened? Munching noises getting louder, doom loomed over the hyena's shoulder. Right, the demon was invincible. Of course they were. What was he expecting? They were stuck to him like glue.


"Thanks for the grub!" the demonic entity cried. "Your pathetic little stickers were tasty!"


Generic nobody telling him he would be trying again, the soldier closed his eyes. As if this would work. This was a waste of time, they would not be able to eliminate this creature. Talismans gobbled up one after another, he could hear a wave of surrender come his way.


"No matter what I do, they're eating my talismans, I don't have it in me to complete this exorcism, apologies," the generic nobody said in a defeated tone. "Try heading to Dihua Marsh. I believe there is a vanquisher of demons there."


Jiaolong informing him he had to return to work, the soldier shrugged at the inquires that had come his way. Given details about whom to look for, the hyena let out a sigh. Look for, look for who? Everything was darkness. Attempting to explain such with unseen gestures, an annoying tip had come his way. Try to feel for the pressure around him, he rolled his eyes towards the nothingness above him. Great answer, captain obvious.


Knowing Dihua Marsh is in the north, the chimera dragged himself forward. Surely, getting here would not be too difficult. He had been there so many times, who needed eyes to get there? He sure didn't. Moving along the pathway to the best of his ability, the metallic object vibrated. Surely, he had been headed in the right direction from here.


Moving along for what felt like hours on end, the world around him burned. Everything sounding garbled, the hyena slapped his eardrums. This monster, had they claimed his ears, too? Hadn't they been satisfied by now? Stop taking everything from him. Energy draining faster, he could feel himself wobble. But, he stopped himself from becoming one with the ground. Not now, not here, not like this.


Hearing a water wheel turning, the chimera took a pained deep breath. He had reached Wangshu Inn. How many hours had it taken for him to reach here? Throwing himself towards the bridge, he could feel a rather strong presence poof from behind him. Force clinging to him, he flinched.


"There's an evil demon stuck to you," a dark, brooding voice grunted.


Hearing such, sweat poured down his cheek. That garbled, broken voice, was that the Yaksha? The chimera did not know, he could barely make out a word he had said. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, such modules were a type of data stored in a set of ones and zeros that could become corrupted at any time. But, the hyena was unware of such fact existing. Presence vanishing, the soldier kept moving upon the path of nothing.


But, as the compass vibrated upon reaching Dihua Marsh, the hyena could feel the presence cling from behind him again. What was happening, what was this intense force from his backside doing? He swore for minutes on end, the garbled voice called out to him once again.


"Someone told me to come here to eliminate a demon," the yaksha grunted. "Turns out it's that friend behind you." As he said such, his energy had gotten even more intense. "Evil conquering!"


Conqueror of all demons screaming worthless, useless and grunting, the hyena could feel the demon from behind him entwine themselves upon him. Stupid creature twisting further, he could hear the false specter laugh. Attempts continuing onward for what felt like an eternity, he swore he could hear the enemy mock the yaksha for being pitiful and weak.


"Little small fry fell over!" the demonic entity cried. "Next time, maybe I'll take his body for myself!"


"Go to Sal Terrae, mortal," the yaksha choked out. But, he had soon dropped to the ground with an intense thud.


Suggestion coming his way, the chimera stared off into space. Sal Terrae? Would he even be able to make it there? He wasn't so sure about that. But, he supposed heading there would be in his best interest. Allowing the metallic device to guide him, his energy died even further.


Dragging himself south for what felt like forever, the chimera could not help but wonder. Had such suggestion been provided because salt was said to keep demons away? But, the hyena shook his head. No, wrong culture. Wasn't that how it worked in Inazuma? Shrugging, he could feel eggs fry in his fading human brain. He did not know, why dwell on such?


Salt crunching underneath his feet, the chimera could feel himself begin to fall backwards. Waving the invisible white flag, the soldier knew. This was it, he could not hold on for a moment longer. Or, so the hyena thought. Gloved hands catching him, he could feel hear a familiar set of annoyances come his way.


"Aww, what's wrong Yinlong's boyfriend?" Linggui asked, laughing. "Are ya heartbroken 'cause Yinlong found someone else?"


"We saw her with another girl today!" Feng cried. But, he stopped himself from pushing further. "Come on, Linggui, look at him, he isn't looking so good! Besides, we got a job to do. What did Katheryne say to us? Ah! We got some magic demon elimination to do!"


"Are ya sure, Feng?" Linggui asked. "Ya think he's the guy we gotta do that on?"


"Positive!" Feng cried. "Someone is stuck to him! They look pretty mean!" As he said such, he giggled. "Don't worry, big sister's got you!" But as he continued, he put his hand on his chin. "But, can they do that?"


"I dunno," Linggui responded. "Can they?"


"I'm not sure," Feng said, shaking his head. "But, still, we have to help him!"


Seeing something faintly glow through the darkness, the chimera could not help but wonder. Who was this they these two were speaking of? Some other person in their adventurer network? He did not know, and he supposed he did not care. Nothing happening for minutes on end, he could feel a wave of surrender ready to latch onto him.


Attempts only getting worse, the hyena could feel a scratch eat his throat. Feeling such, the chimera tried to hold on. No, not now, he could not let that monster come out now. But, such had been a quick and utter failure. Woofs and hacks taking control of him, the blue glowing liquid added itself to the salts beneath him. Rusty drops continuing, his eyes pulsated. He had defiled a deceased god's grave, he would be cursed, for sure.


"He's hackin' up lotsa blood!" Linggui cried. "Blue blood! That ain't good, right?"


"Did we do something wrong?" Feng asked. "We should look for a doctor!" But, Linggui shook his head.


"We ain't got time for that, Feng," Linggui responded. "We gotta go to Blackcliff Forge. 'Sides, Dr. ------ outta town, I hear." As he said such, he turned around. "Sorry, Yinlong's boyfriend, we're in a rush. sorry for not bein' much help."


Intense force vanishing, the hyena's head sunk. What should he do? He had defiled the salt god's resting place. But, the chimera knew there was nothing he could do about such. Surely, it would wash away. Head swaying, the chimera knew he would fall at any given moment. How much longer would he be able to hold on?


Metallic device beeping out to head to Wuwang Hill, the early adult blinked. That area, would he even make it there? He wasn't sure anymore. Dragging himself towards the northeast for quite some time, he did not know. But, he knew the device would guide him there. Surely, it would all be fine. Nothing to worry about.


Chest beginning to feel even tighter, the chimera could feel his breath begin to die. Sweat drenching him, he could feel the trumpet of the end call for him. It would soon be over, wouldn't it? This demon, any second now, and they would consume him, guaranteed. He was so close to being devoured. Any minute now.


"That's right! Remember, your body is mine!" the specter cried. "All mine!"


Tuning the creature out, the hyena kept pushing forward. Dragging himself towards the ghost hill, he could feel a rather strong energy like no other. He did not know why, but the presence felt quite icy. That blue haired exorcist, had they been here? He did not know why, but he felt like they could have been.


"Hello, are you the one who needs an exorcism?" the possible icy blue haired exorcism asked.


"Need a coffin? I'll give you two for the price of one!" an annoying voice added.


Exorcist telling her to try not to scare him, such phrase did nothing. He could use a coffin to rot in right about now. But, he kept himself together. No way, not happening. He was not going to pay for his own funeral expenses. Why was he letting such thoughts eat him away? He needed to tune that nonsense out.


Icy blue haired exorcist attempting to do his duty with frozen blades one after another, nothing happened. Young man attempting once more, nothing happened. Such failures continuing for minutes on end, a wave of doom threw itself in for a loop. Why did the Agent even tell him he would be getting an exorcism today? Nothing was working out. It had all failed.


Everything continuing to falter, the hyena held back the urge to laugh as the specter clung onto him once more. Hearing the fiend tell the exorcist to beat it, the ritual of banishment had halted. Nothing continuing, the early adult could feel himself begin to sink. This fiend was invincible, indeed. Back becoming one with the ground, he closed his eyes.


Hearing an annoying voice call out to him who knows when, the chimera blinked himself awake. World of darkness continuing to swallow him, the hyena swore he could feel a cool glove on his forehead. Eyes shut, for a moment, he could not help but wonder. Who was there? What were they doing here?


"You're far worse than I thought, soldier," the Agent said. "I will be taking you to the Carp's Rest." As he said such, his proxy map had soon been open, or so the soldier assumed. "I should have hired a lower ranked soldier to cart you around in a small carriage."


Hearing such nonsense, the hyena groaned. A carriage? What was he, a princess? But, a sudden whiplash had taken him out of his thoughts. Agent soon demanding he go inside the fish god's domain, the chimera let out a tired sigh. Did he not know Fujin's name? How pitiful.


Knowing he had no choice but to trouble the lesser adeptus, the hyena attempted to walk in. But, such action never came. Intense weakness devouring him, the chimera dropped down onto his knees. He had to crawl, the choice was not his. But, as he pushed through towards the gods abode, the dizziness had reached its peak. Everything spinning turning, twisting, the chimera could feel himself fade away. Eyes closed, the land of unconsciousness took him away. Laugh cutting out, one last thought buried itself with him.


This demon was invincible indeed.


***


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle was a never-ending birthday presents of socks gifted by someone who had known nothing about him. The pattern would keep such footwear coming, in an eternal loop. The night before him would give him more unwanted presents as well.


Before him had been a field of huge, building sized poisonous mushrooms. Seeing such fungus, the chimera knew he had to get out of here as soon as possible. He could not stay here, no matter what. Those plants, if he were to get anywhere near them, he would no longer be of this world, guaranteed.


But, such had been impossible, immediately. Shadow creature latching onto him, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Oh, great, escape was close to impossible, wasn't it? Opaque monster slicing the capped toxins up, a plate had soon been handed to him.


"Eat them!" the shadow creature cried.


Demands coming his way, the hyena shook his head with a fervor. Eat these highly toxic fungi? No way, absolutely not. Who did this fiend think they were, bossing him around like that? He wouldn't eat them even if he was paid to. But, such refusal had been met with an immediate hostility.


"Did I say you had a choice in the matter?!" the shadow creature asked. "Nope! Better dig in!"


Mushrooms shoved down his throat at full speed, the soldier could feel himself falling through the subconscious grass. No, why was everyone and everything out to get him? Why couldn't he just slip into nothingness? Becoming airborne as he dropped further, the world of darkness soon returned. Everything burning, one last thought slipped itself in.


It hurts.


***


Coming to somewhere unknown to him, the early adult gazed at the nothing around him. Where was he? He couldn't stay here. If the Agent found him here, he would kill him for sure. But, he couldn't find the energy to move in any capacity whatsoever. Sinking into the covers, his energy was a corpse in a casket, dead and gone, with no one coming to the funeral.


Hearing boots stomping in, the hyena let out a yelp. No, it was over. He was so dead. Any second now, and he would be teleported to Her Majesty's palace and executed publicly for disappointing her. Surrendering, the hyena closed his eyes. It wasn't a very nice life, goodbye. Shaking up a storm, he tried to force out an apology.


But, no such apology ever came. Throat burning, nothing came out. Fear eating him up like a plate of dim sum, the hyena kept shaking. He was dead for sure now. He was so useless, and pathetic. This would be his last moments alive any second now, for sure. But, he had soon been wrong of whom had been within his presence.


"Hey, Siorc, your big bad boss told me what happened to you," Yinlong said, words far slower than normal. "And, Miss --- --- made a talisman for you." As she continued, she let out a hick. "It'll keep the demons away, right, Miss ---- ---?"


"That is correct, miss Yinlong," the unknown girl said. "It will protect him."


Feeling something placed into his hands, the hyena did not know why, but there had been a heavy somber feel in the atmosphere. The Agent, why did he involve the panda chimera in this? He shouldn't have. And, who was this --- --- person? Would this charm even protect him? He was starting to feel like nothing could ward it off at all.


"I'm sorry, Siorc," Yinlong said, tears continuing to drop. "But, this is all we can do. I don't know how to banish anything." As she said such, she placed the charm on the empty pillow next to him. "I have to go."


Room soon empty, a brick had dropped down on the hyena's chest. Yinlong, this wasn't his responsibility. Why did the Agent get them involved? He could not help but feel heavy waves of pain flow through him. But, such had soon been cut off as the Agent's boots stomped in with a fury.


"Good, that black haired artisan delivered the talisman," the Agent said in an oddly calmed tone. "Soldier, none of the attempts to exorcise the demon have seemed to work." The calmness was maddening, enough to drown in. "Tomorrow, we will be going back to Natlan to have you receive some treatment." His demeaner was strange, horrifying. " Please, soldier, go back to sleep. When you awaken tomorrow, you will already be in Natlan."


Sickeningly calm tone coming his way, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. Who in the world was this man, and what did they do with the Agent? No energy residing within him, the chimera closed his eyes. If he were to sleep now, would he ever wake up? Feeling himself drift away, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


Her Majesty is going to kill him.


***


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle was a pair of scissors, cutting into him with their iron shears. The pattern was a cracked window, ready to fall upon a victim, at any given time. The night before him had been no different, as well.


Before him had been a large metallic flower with a glowing face. Seeing such, the chimera could feel a heavy wave of doom flow through him. Eyes glowing up a storm, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. Why did this iron plant have this menacing aura to them? Something wasn't right. But, as he thought such, the interruption came.


"Hurry up and eat it!" the shadow creature cried. "Eat it, you coward!"


Demands of eating the monster coming his way, the soldier blinked. Excuse him, he had to do what now? No way, not happening, not in a million years. But, such had been met with a forced decision, flower shoved down his throat, he could feel the subconscious tears roll in. It burned, everything burned. The world was on fire.


"Hmph, you know what, you're not fun to mess with today!" the shadow creature cried. "Bye bye!" But, as the creature said such, the hyena fell backwards upon the not reality before him.


They're free to leave anytime.


***


"What a fool he is. Siorc's aggravating boss brought Siorc back to Natlan. And,
He's somehow in worse shape than the other day. And, this
Aggravating man had the nerve to demand
This of me: 'Go get your sister now,


And have her heal him this instant.' And,


So I told him, 'Do you have any idea
The condition he is in right now? It is very likely, no pretty much guaranteed, he has a lung infection. There is no quick fix for this, don't you
Understand that?' I could feel my
Blood boil. The audacity. Does he want to have him
Back to work in a flash? I need to tell him off.
'Oh, by the Pyro Archon, you Fatui are so insufferable. Do you have any idea what you're saying
Right now? Heal him this instant. It doesn't work like that! Let me remind you he is in a dangerous state right
Now. Do not dare suggest he go straight back to work!' And that's when this


Foolish man tried to wiggle his way
Out of this by lying about having never said that!
Oh, I heard you, loud and clear! I call him out on his
Lie. I fold my hand into a fist, I tell him off. And, he changes his stance. I see now why this foolish soldier is so stubborn now. But, I will not allow him to go straight back to work. I have taken measures. I will use them."


Waking up the next morning, the hyena could see a very faint amount of light come back, for a brief moment. Finding himself in the stadium, a cold, slimy rod sat at the bottom of his mouth. Feeling such, the hyena reached for such unknown creature. What in the world is this thing? But, such had been met with an immediate scolding.


"What are you doing?" Aega asked in a cold, and stern tone. "If you think I'm going to let you escape this time, you have another thing coming!" Her voice had begun to raise as she continued. "If you try to get away again, I will have my cousin tie you up. Understand?"


But, hearing such, a heavy wave of confusion flowed through him, head spinning, his eyes were soon jelly once more. What was he doing here, sitting in this bed? He had a war to fight in. He couldn't sit here, doing absolutely nothing. Didn't the People of the Springs need him? He needed to tell Aega he had to get out of here.


"Please, ma'am, I can't stay here," the hyena said, words slurred. "I have to fight in the war." But, such had been rejected immediately.


"Shut up, stop talking," Aega scolded. "And, who said you were done with this? Don't remove this from underneath your tongue yet until I tell you!"


Cold, slimy rod put back under his tongue, the chimera wanted to spit this disgusting piece of glass out. What in the world was this nonsense? He was fine, surely, he had to fight in the war. This thing wasn't accurate, anyway, for sure. He was a hyena chimera. Why would this be accurate? Barely visible mercury shooting past forty, and immediately inching past forty-one the soldier tried to not laugh. There was no way this thing was telling the truth at all. This thing was put under hot water before placed under his tongue for sure. It was all a trap, guaranteed.


Disgusting rod removed, he could feel another argument broiling in him. No way that thing was telling the truth. Those numbers, they were lying. Of course they were. He didn't have time for this nonsense. He needed to tell her it was wrong, right here right now. But, such attempt had been cut off, in an instant.


"Don't even waste your breath trying to argue with me!" Aega cried. "Do you even understand the situation you're in? First of all, you don't even know what you're talking about! What war? That was weeks ago! You fought in that war last time you were here, understand?" Her rage continued to build. "And, I know what you're going to try and say! 'But, Her Majesty is going to kill me if I lie here like this!' Don't try me. You know what your boss told me? You can't see." Her words continued, no end in sight. "So, try and fight me on this all you want, you're not going to win against me. This is an emergency situation. Do you not even get what's happened to you? The parasitic demon leeched onto you so much at this point, that Loba might have used something taboo to get them away from you!" As she said such, a mask had been pressed on his face. "Playtime is over."


Strange mask pressed on his face, a sudden wave of fatigue sailed him away.


What a rough woman.


***


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the soldier's life. The pattern was a box of expired chocolates, ready to poison anyone who dared attempt to overlook such note of freshness long gone. The moment before him was no different, as well. Peak of torment reached, everything was ready to blow at any given moment.


Before him had a strange battlefield he swore he recognized. Dark world in front of him, the hyena could see a familiar black pillar glowing against the dense air. Walking up ahead, something felt rather strange. What was this warm energy he was feeling? It was soothing, perfect, almost calming.


But, as he pressed on further, something peculiar played out before him. Demon floating upon the battlefield, the creature's eyes were dulled. Gazing at the other battle participant, a wave of confusion flowed through him, in an instant. Pink and blue jackal adorning swords of ice, the two clashed with one another.


"You really think you can eliminate me?" the demon cried. "Think again! I'm invincible!"


Intense force hitting the jackal, the hyena blinked. He needed to do something to assist this battle. But, a nonexistent adhesive locked his currently hyena feet in place. All he could do was stand and watch. Witness whomever this battle was between. Jackal soon screaming something in a language he could not comprehend, she soon dashed towards the enemy.


Ice knifes becoming one with the creature's neck, their eyes were gone. Feeling something fuse with him, the hyena tilted his head. What happened just now? Frozen blade dropping in deeper, he swore he could feel something swivel in his chest, too, canine creature's body glowing, the enemy let out a scream.


"You have an ancient naaaaaaaaaaaame?" the demonic entity cried in an echo.


"Maybe I do, maybe I don't," the jackal said, but as she said such, their neck had been sliced in two, bloody flower petals rained down from the dream ceiling. "But, too bad. You'll never find out."


"How dare you use the power of the Wayobs to kill me!" the demonic entity cried. "That body was mine! Mine!" But as they kept ranting, the icy sword of doom struck back.


"Goodbye, you monster," the jackal said. "Rot in the hole where you belong."


Head sliced clean off, the chimera blinked. This jackal, how brutal of them. But, the hyena threw such momentary thoughts of enemy sympathy away. What was he doing, feeling bad for that monster? They were gone, they could not longer try to take his body from him. Demon no more, the chimera lowered himself to his dream knees, starting off into space.


What was that all about?


***


"What was all that? I
Hardly have
Any idea at all,
To be honest.


Was what I saw in the dream real?
Ah, no, why would a jackal with
Such bright colors be real. I don't


At all believe that what I saw was real, it was just a dream. Of course it was. Highly
Likely. I don't know what to say to any of this, really. But, I feel
Like that demon is gone now.


There's no way I'll see them again. Does that mean I
Have recovered? Will I be going back to work now?
Ah, I don't know. I haven't
The foggiest of an idea.


I simply just can't say. I guess I'll see, but I


Doubt I'll be allowed to go back to work
On day one.
Nope, it'll like go
The same as always, I


Know that. Something
Nonsensical saying I have to say in bed and recover,
Or something. Ah, that makes no sense. Don't I have a
War to fight in? I don't know, maybe I don't."


Coming to the next morning, an intense wave of tiredness immediately took over him. World around him blurred, the hyena rubbed his eyes. Where was he? How did he get here? Attempting to reach for his glasses, he could feel something metallic on his wrist. Feeling such, the hyena tilted his head. What was going on, where did these restraints come from? Legs adorning the same chains as well, he turned towards the blurry figure in the corner. Lowering his eyes into a squint. Rabiu, what was he doing in Natlan? Nothing made sense, in any capacity.


"Um, uh, Siorc, please don't move," Rabiu said, shaking. "Loba will be performing surgery on you later to repair your lungs. Uh, one of them collapsed, okay? So, please cooperate."


Hearing such, no energy flowed through him. Hold on, what happened now? Fuzzy words the researcher jackal said attempting to process in the fuzzy oven, one was not adding up to two. What happened to him? He was not sure he understood any of it at all. Attempting to say something, nothing came out. His lung, what happened to it? Was something like that even possible? But, the inquires got stuck in his throat.


"Um, Loba said your condition is much worse than she thought," Rabiu said, words shaking. "But, if you cooperate, things will go smoother for you. So, please stay in bed. Uh, not like you have much of a choice, though." As he said such, he stepped away for a moment. Soon returning, a bowl of liquid had been seated in his hands. "Um, please eat this. We need to prepare you for the surgery."


One singular cuff removed, the hyena stared at the blurry bowl in front of him. Bitter scent on the air, an intense urge to retch overtook him. No, not this again. Not that bitter soup, anything but that. Knowing that, if he did not eat it now, Aega would come in and force him, the chimera attempted to swallow. Liquid not going down, the uncontrollable hackfest came back to haunt him.


"Um, you can't swallow?" Rabiu asked, tone concerned. "Um, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do, but this is the only other method."


Something shining, a sharp object had soon been jabbed into his shoulder. Intense pinch taking him away, his fatigue had only gotten stronger. Room dancing, the hyena closed his eyes. What did Rabiu do just now? Land of unconsciousness offering itself to him once again, one last thought took him away.


Just how much damage did this demon do to him?


***
Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the chimera's adult life. The cycle was a constant punching bag, ready to take him on hundreds time over in the world around him. The matches were a never-ending loop of losses, for everyone to bear witness to. The unknown period of time before him had been no different.


Before him had been some strange machine with a face in the center. Seeing such, the chimera did not understand what he was looking at. Who, or what was this thing? Shadow creature floating beside it, their bright red eyes had soon been glued to him, in an instant.


"Fight my precious friend here!" the shadow creature cried. "You'd better hurry up, or you can say hello to Mr. Volcano!"


Thread coming his way, the hyena stared off into space. Fight now? There was no way he could do that. Energy dying, the reminder had come his way to hurry up and fight, or he's getting burned into nothing. Hearing such, the chimera screeched. No, no way, not happening, not a chance, not this time.


Folding his hand into a fist, the hyena let out a scream like no other. Attempting to punch the machine, nothing happened. Failures piling themselves up one after another, he swore he could hear something tick down faster and faster. Machine creature soon claiming victory, he had soon been lifted up from his backside.


"You're so boring to mess with right now!" the shadow creature cried. "You know what? Forget it, I'm done with you right now!" Bye!"


Creature tossing him across the way, the volcano showed its true colors. World around him ready to burn, a wave of heavy unease flowed through him. This was it, the end of the road, his swan song. So long, farewell, this was the end of the road for him. Body burning away, one last thought threw itself into the mix as his dream life faded.


There still remains one more demon to eliminate.


***


Waking up who knows when, an even stronger wave of fatigue overtook the soldier. Barely able to keep his eyes open, he could soon hear the gentle footsteps come towards him. Vision full of fuzz, he almost could feel the dream world calling him back. Loba walking towards him, he studied her face for a moment, eyes lowered into a squint. Why did she look so exhausted?


"The surgery was a success," Loba said, words sweet. "You are no longer in any danger." Knowing what he was about to try and say, she readied to shut down a point before it could muster. "But, you're still not in a stable condition. So, please, don't insist on fighting in any sort of wars."


Sinking underneath the covers, the chimera could not feel the energy to ask any questions. What surgery did she perform? He had been no longer in any danger, right? He should be fine to go back to work right now, surely. Hands not moving, he could feel his heart shot with an arrow. Loba's hands soon grabbing ahold of his own, he swore he could see the slightest of tears fall from her eyes.


"I know what you're probably going to ask," Loba said, tone warm. "The parasitic demon, due to how much they had leeched off of you, your left lung almost completely collapsed. But, you don't have to worry about that monster anymore. I took care of them." She kept her words gentle, and soft. "So, you need to rest and recover. Don't worry, Her Majesty won't kill you." Hands let go of, she let out the just desserts. "By the way, honey, I feel like it is important I tell you this, as well. Some pink Saurian tried to come into this room to see you, but I kept them away from you. There's something suspicious about them."


Hearing Loba's words, the chimera blinked. Santhe was here? Why did Loba send them away? He could not help but feel something about that just felt right. But, he knew he had to keep himself quiet about it. Further questions coming his way about whether he would be able to eat anything, the chimera shook his head. He did not know why, but he could feel his appetite dead in a ditch somewhere.


"I see, well, that's alright, honey," Loba responded. "For now, you'll have to make due with this."


Tube connected to his nose, he closed his eyes. What was that thing for? Intense tiredness overtaking him, the dream world ate him up once more. Waking up again who knows when, the world had begun to blend together. Everything feeling less fuzzy, he could hear the door outside open. Reaching for his glasses, he could see a familiar face.


"You look much better today," Rabiu said, voice oddly confident. "Um, want to play chess?"


Question coming his way, the early adult placed his hands out in front of him. Inquiry about why he had been here coming his way, the soldier gazed at him. Hadn't Rabiu left Natlan? But, something wasn't making sense about such fact. Weren't Natlan natives never supposed to leave their soil? But, the hyena shook his head. What did he know? He shouldn't make assumptions.


"Um, why am I here, you ask?" Rabiu asked, tilting his head. "My cousin came to Petrichor in a huff to tell me what happened to you, and told me to come here to keep you from running away." He then clapped his hands together. "Um, uh, I'm sorry for handcuffing you to your bed, um, really, but I had no choice."


Apology accepted, the chimera nodded at the inquiry about playing chess. But, such game had gone down the hatch and dropped into a hole. This game, he had never quite learned how to play it at all, did he? Games of failure played for hours on end, a heavy wave of fatigue flowed through him as the hours flowed by.


Waking up who knows when once again, the soldier could see Loba near his bedside. Told tests needed to be conducted knew he had no choice but to comply. Cold heart instrument pressed onto him, the hyena attempted with all his might to not squirm. He needed to stay put. The choice was not his.


Asked to breathe in, and breathe out, the hyena could feel some difficulties following such instruction. What as this feeling of slight metal in his chest? Various other medical mambo jambo performed he did not understand, the hyena knew he had no choice but to cooperate, or he would be yelled at in no time flat.


"You are stable enough to go back to work tomorrow," Loba said, tone sweet. "But, you still are healing, and might experiencing some fatigue and a cough for a little while longer, but eventually, it'll go away." As she said such, she rose the patient upward from the bed. "Do you want to walk around the stadium for a little while?"


Nodding, the hyena removed himself from the bed prison. Stadium oddly quiet, the hyena could not help but wonder. The parasitic demon, had it really, truly, without a shadow of doubt, finally been gone? Maybe some traces of them lingered inside him still. The worms they left behind, could they really go away permanently? He did not know.


But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. No, of course they were gone. Loba had eliminated them entirely. Why would there be any traces left of them? Of course that wasn't possible. Moving through the stadium further, he gazed at the jackal chimera, questions rolling the dice one after another.


Loba, just what had she done to eliminate this demon? But, he shook his head. He didn't want to know. Whatever she had done, that was between her and that monster. Maybe it was better off he never knew. They were gone now, dead, a corpse that would never rise again.


Staring off into space, the hyena could not help but ponder further. The red storm cloud, could Loba be the key to eliminate that, as well? But, the chimera threw such thought out the window. He was not so sure if she could even see that demon. Surely, if she knew about it, she would have already destroyed it.


Realization washing over him, the chimera stared off into space further. Was he the only one in any capacity that could see that beast? Gazing at all the Natlan citizens, the hyena tried to throw such thoughts away. No, there was no possible way it had only been him. Why would that be the case here?


Hours rolling on and on, the Agent had soon stomped towards him. Subordinate demanding he return to Snezhnaya immediately, the chimera removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Military Barracks waypoint highlighted, the hyena closed his eyes, for a moment.


Dragging himself through the icy cold hallways, the hyena swore he could hear a crackle of thunder off in the distance somewhere. Hearing such, the soldier flinched. What was that just now? But, the early adult tuned such out. It was nothing that mattered, surely. Soundproof room reached after about fifteen minutes of walking, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor.


Question repeating itself form before, the soldier could not help but wonder. What could Loba have possibly done to kill that parasitic demon? He did not know why, but he felt like he had some sort of dream about it. But, the hyena shook his head. No, that was quite unlikely, for sure.


Wave of intense tiredness overtaking him, the chimera removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Peculiar uniform he did not recognize soon removed, the hyena crawled into the uncomfortable bed. Eyes closed 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.


No more demons, no more monsters stealing his energy. He's alright now, wasn't he? He had to have been, right?


He sure hoped so.

 

[Palamon]

26: Natlan's Noxious Turmoil 3: Natlan is Burning
"What do you mean I still
Have to help in the war efforts,
Your Majesty? You saw what happened last time!


I really, truly don't get you!
She simply isn't making sense. I


Thought by the way things
Had turned out last week
It wouldn't go this way.
She's just continuing her mission force me to be involved in other nations problems! I


See how it is, Your Majesty! I get it,
Truly! Honestly, let me ask you something, why is
It only me being sent to Natlan to fight this war? I'm
Likely the only one who has to do this kind of mission! Just
Like the red storm cloud!


Hahaha, of course, of course, I should have known
All that by now!
Please, Your Majesty, after what happened to me, I need more help,
Please! That's all I am asking.
Everything completely broke when that creature harmed me!
Nothing is alright.
I'm still tired right
Now even after being forced to
Get into bed for, what? Four days?!


To be completely and fully
Honest, I don't
Even know! Everything is


Really such a blur lately!
Everything is a blur. I
Don't know how much time has truly passed, I have lost my


Sense of time, so I
Truly haven't a clue!
Of course, it's always like this,
Really, how
Much time has truly passed since I was whisked away here? I truly


Cannot say! It could have been decades,
Likely not that long
Or anything, but
Ugh, my sense of time is going down the
Drain, it really, truly


Is. I feel so trapped in this
Small bubble of uncertainty. This


Small bubble of
That feeling since become an adult, everything
Is looping. Is everything
Looping? Is everything
Looping? It is, isn't it?


Hahaha, of course!
Everything is truly looping,
Right, how could I forget that
Especially important part that everything


Is looping? I know that! I


Shouldn't have forgotten
This fact! Ah, stop, stop,
It's not all
Looping, what am I saying? Nothing is
Looping, I don't know why I keep


Flinging that word around.
Everything is not looping, why did I
Even throw that thought out there? It's not
Like it's even true! I don't


Know what I'm thinking,
It's not true, I have
No way to prove it either way, I
Doubt I'm right, for the matter.


Of course, I'm not. I truly
Fear that if I were to say something like, the


World is looping,
Everyone would laugh
At me. I feel this
Knot in my stomach that I can't remove.


Ahaha, is this what
They call a gut feeling?


That's the term, right?
Hahaha, of course, of course.
Even so, I'm sure


My gut feeling is simply just wrong!
Of course it is!
Might as well not
Even try! I know it's not going to mean a thing to anyone,
Not even if I
Try to say anything, which,


I won't waste my time


At all. I
May as well just dig myself


Up a grave now!
Since there's no way I'll
Even survive this war!
Let alone, anything that
Especially vile storm cloud creature is planning! This fiend,
Seeping with poison, this field, I
Should have at least tried


A little harder to wipe them out! Aha, there's
Nothing I can
Do about this is there?


Ahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, my head hurts, I'm


Suffocating, I'm burning. Ah, stop
That, I have recovered by now, haven't I?
Aha, I still feel some pain lingering, but
I have to act like I am fine. Like
Nothing is wrong with me like, in the


Ultimate, perfect
Picture of health.
Of course, of course, I'm fine.
Nothing is wrong with me,


Haha, everything is fine,
Everything is okay.
Right, medicine takes a


Little to do its chemical magic
Eh, like it matters, right? I'm
Going back to work today,
And I cannot look weak. I
Cannot, I absolutely can't.
Yes, I have to look


Strong, like I am in the complete picture of
Health. Like I'm over
Everything. Ugh,


I'm still coughing, stop,
Stop, why has my throat


Gone and betrayed me?
Okay, breathe, breathe
I need to breathe, I
Need to breathe! This is
Going terribly, I


Thought Loba told me I was in an
Okay enough state to go back to work, I don't


Know, I guess I have to remember
I'm still healing, it's not
Like, suddenly, it'll all go away, just
Like that, I


Must remember what Loba told me:
Even though I have been deemed healthy enough to return to work,


I might still experience some breathing difficulties
For the time being, but


I'm no longer in any


Danger. Which, that last part,
Of course, puzzles me.


Not in any danger?
Of what, exactly? Of death?
There's no way this would have killed me.


Of course it couldn't have possibly done that.
Ultimately, that is all nonsense, I know
That. I really, truly know that.
Perhaps, I'm wrong, but
Even so,
Regardless of all that, I
Fear the worst, I should not,
Of course, but I
Really do. Maybe I shouldn't, but it
Might all break.


It might all simply just combust.


Hahaha, hahaha, it's
All going to combust. I'm
Very much walking on thin ice, on
Eggshells, I already know all that! Do I really


Need to utter that all again?
Oh, Archons, what am


I even going on about?
Don't spiral, don't spiral.
Eh, anyway, I
Am returning to Natlan today.


Her Majesty, does she even know
Of the red storm cloud?
Why am I asking myself this again?


I'm certain she doesn't!


I'm likely the only one who knows, huzzah!
No one else is aware, are
They? Ha! Of course no one
Else is aware!
No one else is awake at all!
Don't forget, I'm all alone in


This! I know that!
Of course I know that!


Don't ever forget that
Of course not. I'm all alone.


That's something I always
Have to remember! I'm
Always alone, always, always,
That's how it's been since forever. I


Really should never forget that.
I'm fully aware! I'm
Going to end up
Having to destroy this monster alone, of course I know that, I know
That, I absolutely know that! It's


Not like I don't!
Of course, that's how it's been for awhile now,
Why did I ever think otherwise?


Hahaha, of course, of course,
Of course, of course,
Why am I acting like this


Could go any other way? It won't!
Ahaha! Ahaha, it's
Not going to go the other way,


Is it? I'm absolutely


Going to break into
One million pieces.


Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, I'm
Breaking, I'm breaking,
One, two three, thy
Viscous cycle continues
Every single time! Of course it does, what else is new


At this point? What else is
New? Absolutely nothing! And, I
Doubt it will go any of way! It's


Beyond me what Her Majesty
Even thinks of me now.
You know, I think she views me as
One big piece of trash!
Nothing worth her time! She'll
Dispose of me any day now! I'm close


To being thrown away forever,
One more big mistake, and and I'll be


Placed in humiliation
Road, guts ripped
Out, and thrown away! That's
Very likely, and it's
Especially not impossible! I


May as well just admit my shortcomings,
Yes, I need to force myself to! I'm
So pathetic! Why does Her Majesty
Even want me anymore? I've
Let her down, and I've
Fooled myself into believing


I'll be seen as useful indefinitely.


She's ready any day now to eliminate me.
I'm not performing well on this
Mission! It's going to be my last, she'll
Probably kill me as punishment when I'm done. My
Last mission, my last mission,
Yes, this is the curtain call, I


Doubt I'll survive!
Of course I won't, she's planning to


Nix me, and end my life!
Of course, of course, I know
That! My last mission, hahaha! My last mission,


I can't believe that magician once
Told me, I'm the esteemed favorite!


I'm obviously not he shouldn't have
Said that to me! I honestly


Don't get it, what about me
Is favorable? Nothing about me is
Favorable! I'm a waste of space! A
Feeble weakling! Why would
I be her favorite? That
Couldn't be! Of course I'm not!
Ugh, why am I
Letting what that other Fatui once
Told me wiggle around in my brain? I'm


Too caught up in my
Own nonsense, aren't I? Ahaha,


Stop getting caught up in it.
Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha
You know,Your Majesty if you want to get rid


Of me, just do it already!
Nothing should stop you, right? I've failed you in
Every single


Way imaginable, right?
Ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha, ahaha! And
Yet, here I am, still alive and kicking.


Okay, Your Majesty, so question! What's your goal,
Really? What are you


Trying to get out of me?
Her Majesty clearly needs something from me
Even though im


Obviously not an ideal soldier!
Though, I guess I never
Have been! What did she
Even want me for? I
Really, truly, don't know anymore! Aha, ahahaha, ahahaha!


But, who ever knows what Her Majesty is ever thinking?
Ultimately, no know knows
That! Hahaha, hahaha,


I bet she doesn't either!


Haha, haha, haha, haha, haha, haha.
A chaotic Archon, she's a
Very chaotic Archon!
Everything is chaos!


This is all just chaos! All the time! All the time!
Of course that's how it'll always end up!


Don't forget it! I know by now I'm
Obviously grasping at straws thinking things


Might even go the slightest bit differently!
Yes, I'm fully aware I'm simply just


Blowing hot air! I'm blowing hot air!
Everything I'm saying is
Simply just all that! It's all hot air!
This mission will be my last since I'm


Taking so long!
Oh, I'd better say my farewells to


Everyone. Goodbye, Yínlóng, goodbye,
Loba, and, to everyone else
I've let down over the years, I'm so sorry. I'm so pathetic, I
May as well be worth nothing.
I'm sure
No one will care
At all once I'm gone, I'm
That insignificant in
Everyone's lives. I'm just


That failure soldier that
Hardly ever performed, just
Everyone's nobody, everyone's nothing. I


Shouldn't have ever
Thought otherwise. I'm sure Santhe thinks so, too.
Of course they do,
Right? I
Mean, look at the facts.


Can't say I'm worth anything, I'm
Literally worthless,
Of course I am
Ugh, alright, stop, stop, stop the noise!
Don't keep saying all


These horrible things about myself.
How could I let all this eat me?
I have a job to do!
Stop it, stop spiraling!


Today, I'm going back to work.
I'm going back to work.
Make myself useful, and
Everything will go fine. Diligence is key."


Four days had passed since the soldier went to war with the abyss in Natlan. Or had it been? The hyena did not know, time had molded itself together in an unbreakable shell of doom. Exorcism performed in Liyue as promised the following day, the parasitic demon had been able to thwart destruction through and through.


Multiple other ridiculous rituals and so on had been attempted to break the fiendish monster off of him. But, none of such worked in any sort of capacity. Funeral Parlor owner and various other individuals throwing their hat into the ring as well not a single tactic had any grounds to usurp the demon attached to him in any shape, or form.


Sent back to Natlan's stadium for medical treatment, the demon had been eliminated, but traces of their damaged had lingered for the time being. Forced into recovery mode with no escape, work had been a no go. Days passing by in a blur, the hyena hardly knew when escape from bed prison would finally unlock the shackles. Eventually deemed in a stable enough state to return to working who knows when, the early adult could feel the world ready to change around him.


The sound of morning alarm bells screamed for the entire world to hear it perhaps even beyond Snezhnaya. As the sirens continued their invasive shouts for minutes on end, hundreds of Fatui Soldiers groaned in a chorus. The morning alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal in the frozen northern land.


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Intense wave of fatigue grabbing his neck, an intense cough broke loose from the soldier's throat. Slapping his chest, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposes, not everything would disappear quickly.


Energy absolutely nowhere to be seen, the hyena rubbed his eyes. Was it really alright for him to go straight back to work? Shrugging, the early adult lifted himself upwards from the covers. But, he knew he had no choice but to get out of bed, or Her Majesty would kill him for slacking off. Removing himself from the rock hard bed, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the chimera placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the hyena could not help but wonder. Had the parasitic demon pretending to be from the Night Kingdom truly been eliminated? He did not know. But, such thoughts were interrupted by an intense urge to yawn. Fatigue swallowing him whole, the question rolled a pebble in his head. Why was he so tired today?


But, the early adult threw such question off a cliff. He supposed it would take quite some time to fully recover from this. It had only been a day since he had been redeemed in a stable enough state to return to work. Maybe Loba had made a mistake? But, the hyena popped such thought with a pin. Why would she have been mistaken? She was a professional.


Thoughts continuing to wander, the soldier stared off towards the paned glass. The red storm cloud, just how much power did it still have over Teyvat? He hadn't a clue whatsoever. The shadow creature, just what nonsense had they been up to lately? Walking towards the window, he gazed at the sky up above.


Red storm cloud zipped up, the hyena had come to a quick, but assured realization. When had he seen them last? It had been quite awhile, hadn't it? What could this creature have possibly been up to? They couldn't have been up to anything good, for sure. Absence meant they were plotting something even worse, guaranteed.


The chimera snapped himself out of such thinking. What in the world was he doing, thinking about the enemy? That was probably what they wanted from him. He could not allow himself to give any more of his fading human headspace, for sure. Why is he allowing himself to think about them? What absolutely ludicrous nonsense.


Hail slapping upon the window, and monsters soon raining down in a rapid manner, the hyena let out a weak laugh. Of course the shadow creature was still here, plotting something. They were never going to go away, were they? Turning his attention towards the paned glass, he swore the beast precipitation had reached its peak. Seeing such, feared questions flowed through him. What was going on? How did it reach such a terrifying state like this?


Entire sea down below of monsters piling themselves up one after another, a wave of intense unease flowed through the hyena. How could something like this happen? Why wasn't a single soldier doing anything about it? But, as he thought such, further hail hit the window. Hearing such, the hyena let out a scream that transition into a sea of coughs. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it. He'll resume getting ready. No more distractions.


Returning to his uniform drawers, the soldier removed the cover off his jewelry and accessory box. Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, adorning matching black hearts in his hair and ears, a wave of uncertainty flowed through the hyena. Staring off towards the steel walls, the chimera wondered. Was turning his prized possessions into weapons what he truly wanted? But, the chimera shook his head. No, he didn't want this at all.


Gazing at the rest of the sharpened hairpins and earrings within the box, a sigh released from the hyena's partially human esophagus. It had already been too late now. His decision had been made. There was no going back anymore. He supposed, if he were to ever get a chance, he could buy non weaponized ones. But, when would he have time for such? He knew it would not be possible, at any given point in time, for sure.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the hyena stared at the yellow-green orb. Where did visions really come from, anyway? Were they truly issued by the gods? But, the chimera crumpled up such thought into a ball and threw it away. What in the world was he thinking, questioning it? He needs to stop thinking about this nonsense. What is he doing? Her Majesty could be watching him from anywhere in Teyvat.


Geo Delusion glaring daggers at him, the hyena pondered. Should he finally make use of the sinister orb today? But a cough soon disrupted such thoughts. Pushing the orb away, such notion was rejected. No, he absolutely positively, without a shadow of a doubt, should not use such a thing today, no matter what. What was he even thinking? He shouldn't bring himself into harm's way.


Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the hyena's throat stung as the food went down the pipe. Everything feeling like pins and needles, the soldier held back a sea of tears. Had he really, truly recovered? Perhaps he needed an opinion from a second doctor. But, the hyena threw such thought out immediately. No, of course he didn't. What was he thinking? It was nothing more than a little cough and mild fatigue. He was fine, surely.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the chimera put on the most diplomatic face possible. There was no more time. It was time for his workday of anything to begin any second now. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera turned his attention towards the door. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom.


"Soldier, you still look rather unwell," the Agent said in a concerned tone. "I do not believe it is safe yet for you to return to work. You need an opinion from a second doctor." A weak soldier was a useless soldier.


The soldier blinked upon hearing the Agent say exactly what he was thinking. Was it really that obvious he had not yet fully recovered? A lie, yes, he had to tell a lie. A fib, a stretch of the truth. Everything was fine, right. There was nothing wrong with him. Loba said it would take awhile for everything to return to normal, of course. Perhaps, just maybe, if he were to counter with such point, he would forget about this.


"I am fine, sir," the hyena responded, voice barely audible. "I was in bed long enough, don't you think?" He could feel an annoying hack coming as he tried to finish such sentence, but held it in. "It's time to get back to work." But, as he attempted to continue his string of words, the ferocious woofs overtook him, in an instant.


"Soldier, that cough of yours still sounds pretty bad," the Agent responded. "It would be best to head to the Fortress of Meropide, and get a second opinion from the head nurse. Until then, your orders are on hold."


Hearing such command, the hyena let out a sigh. Was any of this truly necessary? Surely, this was nothing to worry about. If he were to forced to take any further time off, he was dead, for sure. Her Majesty would kill him, guaranteed. He could not allow such outcome to occur. Placing his hands out in front of him, the hyena placed his palm on his chest, his thumb had been tapped upon his trunk. Claims of being alright shown on private display, such had almost immediately been cancelled out.


"Why are you even attempting to argue with me, soldier?" the Agent asked. "You are not fine. I am taking you to Fontaine. Understand?" A weak soldier was a useless soldier.


Demand coming his way, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. There was absolutely no way he would be getting out of this, was he? This was such an annoying waste of time. The Head Nurse of the Fortress of Meropide was a busy Melusine. Why add more to her workload? She had prisoners to take care of that mattered more, for sure.


But, the hyena knew if he continued to counter such points, he would be killed for insubordination, guaranteed. Disobedience equals death. Failure bells tolling one after another, the chimera placed his arm out in front of him. He knew he had no choice in the matter. His orders were absolute.


"Yes, sir," the hyena responded, voice slightly hoarse. Ridiculous or not, he supposed he had no choice in the matter.


"Good, soldier, we're going," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, the Agent gripped the limb into a softer than usual squeeze. Escort off towards Fontaine soon beginning, the hyena let out a sigh as the fast travel was about to come to an end.


Is any of this truly necessary? He was fine. No need for any of this nonsense.


***


"I find this monumentally ridiculous. Come on, now, Agent, why do I need a second opinion
From another doctor? Didn't he listen to what Loba told me? Or told him after I was deemed in a stable enough condition to return to work? I suppose he didn't. He only heard the last word, I bet.


Is he nothing more than a hive mind who only cares about Her Majesty's legacy? To be honest, I don't have any idea. Not a single clue. I guess I am overthinking it, though.
Now, I know the jackal chimera told me there would still be a cough lingering around for the


Time being, and I suppose the Agent did not listen to this portion. I am truly starting to ponder if there is some sort of
Hive mind that in unwavering amongst certain types of roles within the Fatui, but
Eh, what do I care? I don't care at all.


Even so, I suppose it makes somewhat a little sense. But, I truly do
Not know. If he were a hive mind, would he get enraged at me? I
Don't know, probably. I am a triangular peg that does not fit in


The correct hole. So, I suppose that would be a reason for rage.
Haha, but what do I know? I don't
Even know if what I am trying to work out in


My brain is making any sense. I don't
Even know if what I am thinking is even the truth. It
Likely is not. Why would there be some sort of hivemind mentality?
Ultimately, I know I am being
Somewhat ridiculous. Of course there
Isn't, is there? I know that a majority of the Fatui pledge their loyalty to the Tsaritsa, and I was forced to do the same, but I am
Not some mindless soldier who only thinks about being subservient to the god that took me away.
Even still, I am hardly sure. Am I supposed to be a mindless soldier who


Doesn't think about anything besides my loyalty to the Tsaritsa?
Or the agenda she is trying to push around the continent? I really
Cannot say. It is rather difficult to determine. But, I don't want
That for myself. Loyalty, fine, she can have that. Not like I have a choice in the matter
On that front. If, for even a moment, I am disloyal, my life will be out of chances. So, I cannot
Risk it, no matter what. I absolutely cannot risk it, in any capacity. I suppose, honestly, I


Doubt there's some sort of hive mind mentality, it's very unlikely. What good would it
Even do for everyone to think the same way? How
Could Her Majesty even think of taking over the world under such circumstances?
I don't think so, such would not end well, I don't believe. Or, so I believe. Well, I guess it
Doesn't matter. I couldn't care less about Her Majesty's goals, not
Even a little. When the time comes,
Someday, I will leave this place. I will leave the Fatui. Even though


I know disobedience will equal my death, I


Am willing to one day risk it. Not right now, of course. Not while Naofa's revenge plot is currently ongoing. I know if I
Move to leave too hastily, Her Majesty will catch wind of it, and kill me. So,


Now is not the time. I cannot, under any circumstances, risk it.
Of course, I have to be absolutely careful. I cannot make any wrong moves. If I move
To leave too hastily, the Agent will be alerted of my disappearance.


Hahaha, what in the world am I even thinking? It's not like I can leave!
Especially not now, not like this
After being forced to stay in bed for who knows how
Long? Four days? A week? I haven't
The foggiest of a clue.
Haha, what am I even thinking? I can't just leave. I need to stop letting these kinds of thoughts fly by.
Yes, I have to remain the loyal, diligent soldier, who performs any duty thrown my way. I


Especially know that to be the case. I mustn't think about it. I do
Not want another humiliating incident to
Occur. I absolutely, positively, cannot allow myself to think these things. Or, she will
Unleash her sword upon me. I know that by now. I know that by now, I don't
Get to leave, even though I feel like I should, for the greater good of my
Health, my mental wellbeing. But, I know I can't leave. I will continue


To be loyal, and I will not give into Naofa's revenge plot.
One thing is for sure, I have no intention of going along with it.


Why would I?
Or rather, why should I? I would much
Rather not, under any circumstances, drop down on my
Knees and join in on Naofa's revenge.


I simply do not have any interest in doing so. And, why would I? I have absolutely no interest in


Any of that at all. Just because it's teaching
Me things it thinks I am unaware of, doesn't mean I feel indebted to them,


And will join in on their revenge plot. Why
Should I? I do not feel indebted to it at all. But, I


Guess they assume I am, don't they?
Of course they would, but I am not, and never will be.
Of course, if that's what they assume, I
Don't feel like telling it the case is actually the opposite. And, that's on them.


Ah, well, why am I thinking about all this nonsense? I truly
Shouldn't be, in any shape or form. I


Do not care a thing about their revenge, not
Even a little. I need to stop thinking
About all this, none of this matters. It
Doesn't matter. I don't have any intentions of joining its revenge.


Ah, well, I need to switch gears, I need to get off of this
Ridiculous to stay on this point for
Especially this long. What in the world am I doing, wasting my time like this?
No matter what, I have to stop thinking about
This annoying nonsense. I absolutely have to.


In any case, this is quite ridiculous. Why in the world do I need a


Second opinion from another doctor? The Agent,
He didn't listen to Loba at all, did he? I don't know. Of course, he didn't. I highly doubt I look as bad as he
Even claims. I suppose I might have had my own on


Whether I was truly healed as well, but
I'm likely overthinking it. It's just a
Little cough, and a small
Layer of fatigue. I can work just fine. So, I


Do not understand this false concern. I know he doesn't truly care, so I am
Especially puzzled by this. Aren't I nothing more than a tool? It's not like I am rusty, so I fail to understand
Everything. This concern is rather ridiculous, I feel like
Maybe I should have argued against his points a little


More. Perhaps, I should have said more in my defense. But why
Even bother saying anything? I am not allowed to complain, not allowed to talk back, I know that. I cannot say


Anything, I have to stay silent. I absolutely have to,


Ultimately, keep my mouth
Shut. No questions, no complaints, no nothing. Not
Even one little peep. Not a single one. I've known that for as
Long as I have been here, I cannot
Ever ask anything.
She'll kill me. I know that, it's almost been eight years
Since I have been whisked away to Snezhnaya. So, I know that, I know that if I had


Pressed on any further,
I would have gotten what's coming to me.
Everything would burn. So, I
Cannot do such things.
Eh, honestly, I still do not believe this judgement was correct,


On the Agent's part. There is nothing to
Feel any sort of concern over,


That creature has been dealt with, and I doubt there's
Really any traces of it left
At all. I saw them vanish.
So, I truly believe they
Have left. They cannot harm me anymore. So why do I have to


Go to the Fortress of Meropide and receive a second opinion? I
Ultimately know it'll go exactly the same.
And, so, I struggle to see the point. It will end the same as before, I
Really don't understand the
Agent's fake concern here, he's
Never suggested something like
This, no demanded something like this before. Not
Even during whatever my last point of crossing the medical death horizon was. Ah, wait, I didn't
Even cross that this time,
Did I? No, I did not. No one told me, if this keeps up, I


Will die, so I truly do not understand why
He's making me do this. Is it because I
Am going back to war? I see, I see, I see, how is this not a point
That I considered earlier? I


Don't know, I really should have thought
Of that before. But, I didn't. Am


I being sent to fight the abyss again? I


Don't get it. Why do I keep having to fighting in the war with the abyss? Isn't this something
Only Natlan natives should be dealing with? I am


Not Natlan native,
And, honestly, I am not even sure if it's okay for me
To be fighting alongside everyone. I feel
Like I am intruding upon something I
Am not sure I am even allowed to be here. But, I guess it's
Not like the I am going to face the wrath of the Pyro Archon. I am starting to


Have some thoughts regarding the fire incident from years prior. Just which god did I
Anger? The current Pyro Archon,
She isn't nearly at all a rage induced warmonger, so I am truly confused.


Ah, perhaps, I had angered a previous archon, or


Something. After all, Natlan has
The Night Kingdom underneath it.
Or something like that, is that even possible? I
Really don't have any clue, on that
Matter. But, the archon of Natlan, she doesn't seem to


Carry any sort of rage, so I am really starting to question the
Likelihood of a malicious spirit down in the Night Kingdom had done the deed?
Oh, archons, what am I even saying? Why am I even thinking about this?
Ugh, what does it even matter now? It
Doesn't. That was years ago, and I'll


Probably never know the truth of what
Really happened. It's been far too long now for this to even matter. And,
Of course, most of that is a
Blur besides the catastrophic
Lava that almost took me away.
Eh, so what does it
Matter? Why am I thinking about it? I


Shouldn't be. I know that, truly.
There's not reason to dwell on that horrific event.
I am better off not knowing, it wouldn't change anything. It's not
Like if I knew, it would quell the fear of flames
Living inside me. It would not, honestly.


It never will. And, I do not wish to have the truth told to me. I


Can't keep thinking
About this absolute
Nonsense, what am I doing? In any case, I
Need to go to the Fortress
Of Meropide, and get
This useless second opinion, that'll


Literally tell me the same thing. I am stable, and I can work. I don't know why the Agent didn't tell me first and foremost: I am returning to war, but I am
Especially puzzled about
This. He usually tells me my orders


Immediately, without any extra nonsense sprinkled in.
Though, I suppose that is not entirely true. But, I


Suppose it does not matter. I just wish he would have
Let me know this
Is due to a concern that he
Does not believe I have the
Energy to fight in Natlan's war. But,


Obviously that was not going to be expressed. I
Really, truly, am clueless right now. I am


Really, truly just not understanding anything.
Eh, well, I will go to the Fortress of
Meropide as was demanded of me
And get the medical examination that he
Is making me get. I am not sure why her specifically. Why do I
Need to go so out of my way? This is just not making


Any sense. This is something


That concerns an incident occurring in Natlan, not Fontaine. I truly
Have no idea at all what the Agent is thinking. It
Really doesn't matter, I guess.
Eh, well, let's get this over with, shall we?
And be told the exact same
Thing. This is pointless, don't you see? You're wasting everyone's time by doing this, really."


Upon reaching the Court of Fontaine through the Teleport Waypoint, a sea of useless information had come the soldier's way. Agent telling him he will be waiting for him in Hotel Debord, demands of returning with a written report on his condition had come his way. Requested such, the early adult let out a tired sigh. Was any of this really necessary?


Knowing he had no choice but to obey orders, the hyena prepared himself to head northward. Knowing he would need permission from the Iudex in order to head to the Fortress of Meropide, the chimera steeled himself. Surely, this would go exactly the same as the last examination went a day prior. There was nothing for the Agent to concern himself over.


Pushing right along upon the norther streets, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Something was not right. What was this thick atmosphere in the air? But, the chimera attempted to shake such off. It was nothing, surely. Perhaps, just maybe, the Hydro Dragon was having a bad day today.


But, the hyena threw such thoughts away, immediately. Why is he thinking about the Hydro Dragon at a time like this? It's not like that rumor that when the rain was falling, the Hydro Dragon was crying was true, or anything. So, why would this sinking feeling he had have anything to do with them?


Intense feelings of doom continue to creep up on him like a spider on a web, the soldier could feel the world around him freeze. The air was so cold. Was it winter? But, the hyena shook his head. No, that couldn't have possibly been it. He was just tired, that was all. Surely, his perception of the world was just off kilter.


Force only increasing, the early adult could hear a loud crackle of thunder up above. Hearing such, the hyena flinched. The red storm cloud, had it returned to Fontaine yet again? Gazing upward, not a single instance of such had been the case. Not a cloud in the sky, the chimera tilted his head. Where in the world had that noise come from?


Moving right along, bewilderment continued to play on repeat. The red storm cloud was nowhere to be seen, the questions had begun to roll out one after another. Could there have been some sort of new force that he could not see? If such were the case, he was done for, guaranteed.


But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. Why in the world would that even be the case? He was just tired, surely. He was hearing things. Of course, that's all it was. What else could it be? There was nothing there, His intuition was far from right on the matter. He needed to shut the book on this before it was too late.


Attempting to throw his suspicions away, the hyena kept pushing forward. Hearing a loud buzzing noise from afar, the early adult continued to ignore such force of disturbance. It was nothing, he was hearing things. It was nothing, he was hearing things. It was just his imagination, and nothing else.


Intense buzzing noise only getting louder, the chimera kept his ears closed to such. He needed to permission from the Iudex to head to the Fortress of Meropide. He hardly had any time to waste allowing for distractions to take him away. Steeling himself, everything was an invisible wall, ready to crumble.


Hearing screams as the Adventurer Guild receptionist neared, the chimera sighed. Same on Fontaine, same old city streets chaos. Why was this still happening? Who was causing all this? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. It was probably just a few Hilichurls that had gone rogue. If such were the case, why waste his time dealing with such? That was for guild members to deal with.


Knowing it was time to hurry along, the soldier made a run for it. Screams only continuing to get louder, the screams only continued to get louder, as well. Accelerating his speed, the hyena let out a groan. What in the world were all these rich nobodies so afraid of? They were disturbing the peace, how aggravating.


The true monster would soon reveal itself to the beholder.


Large mechanical beetle dropping downward, the chimera jumped six steps back. Where in the world had these creatures come from? Eyes soon glowing, the hyena had begun running. There was no time, he had to get out of here. Swarm storming on, the soldier could feel a tickle in his throat, in an instant.


Cough storm ready to take him away, the enemy brigade had been right behind him like some shadow of dragons from a distorted underworld. Creatures charging right at him, the chimera placed his hands over his head. Fiends bringing down the rain of metal, the hyena jumped towards the left.


Beetles pincers locked around the hyena's neck, a wave of doom floated over him. These insects, were they mechanical versions of those fighter beetles from Inazuma? What were those creatures called again? Nothing coming to him, the early adult jumped back once more. What did it matter what they were called? He needed to get rid of them right here, right now.


Such, however, remained impossible. Pincers coming for him from every angle, the soldier could feel his airwaves tighten. Everything feeling rather tight, the hyena could feel the world twist. Vise grip ready to to take his head off, the chimera waved the invisible white flag. This was it, his swan song. He would soon be a rolling head on the ground. So long, farewell.


Crackle of thunder coming from up above, the vise grip had soon loosened. Seeing such, the chimera gazed upward. Had the red storm cloud been lingering around after all? Enemies unable to move, the early adult Closed his eyes, for a moment. Human hands transforming into hyena ones, his claws hacked away.


Mechanical beasts becoming nothing but scrap metal, the cycle continued for minutes on end. Creatures one after another biting the inorganic dust, the hyena could feel the wind knocked out of him. Swarms coming left and right, the early adult kept the weak momentum going.


Robot insects continuing to come right and left, the early adult's claws kept going. But, as such had continued, the creatures strength had come back to haunt him. Enemies letting out a collective hiss, the hyena jumped four steps back. Balls of steel coming his way, the hyena placed himself into a fighting stance once more.


Steel balls dodged and deflected, the enemies had gotten their just desserts. Barrages continuing, the chimera huffed and puffed in a storm. Was it just him, or did every enemy he defeated feel as though he was running a marathon? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. He needed to move on before it's too late.


Pushing through the western streets, the hyena could hear the buzzing only get louder. Hearing such, the hyena had begun running once more. Metallic projectiles coming his way, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Silk Flower friend with stem-like arms and legs, the chimera provided silent commands to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision.


Army of robotic bugs crushed to pieces after about hundreds of attacks in succession, the early adult huffed and puffed. What in the world is going on here? Had this been a gift left behind by the shadow creature? But, the hyena shook his head to such. No, that couldn't have possibly been it. Perhaps, just maybe, it had been some sort of research gone wrong from an inventor and their creations. That had to have been it, surely.


Moving right along, the hyena observed the area. No more iron beetles in the area, the hyena puffed a sigh of relief. He was free. Would this finally be the end of this nonsense? Curving towards the western streets, the early adult prayed to the Hydro Archon for such to be the case. No more distractions, no more nonsense.


Wishful thinking, on the chimera's thought. Hearing an annoying voice up ahead, the hyena grit his teeth. The pesky penguin family, were they out and about on the streets fighting the swarm? Great, just what he needed right now, yet another annoyance to get in his way. Why was it wherever he was, these penguin pests would follow? Swarm coming back with a vengeance, the second whammy had added itself to the mix. Heart pounding, the doom bells had begun to toll.


Earl and Baron's gauntlets punching the inorganic life out multiple beetles before he could even blink, the early adult's jaw dropped open. Just how strong were these to? But, the chimera shook such off. What was he doing, being impressed by these thorns in his side? As he thought such, however, the mechanical bugs of burden had come his way.


Punch of grass knocking the insect down in seconds flat, the hyena's jumped two steps back. Did he just knock the monsters down with one punch? What was he the one punch man? But, the chimera ate such thoughts up and spit them out. Of course he wasn't. Maybe he was just stronger than he gave him credit for.


"Get away from my future husband!" Earl shouted. As he screeched such, further bugs were punched into oblivion one after another.


Earl cracking his knuckles, fear ate the hyena up like a plate of vessie chicken at the sight played out before him. Mechanical pincers snapped in half, the early adult's knees shook. Obsession was the most powerful force in the universe, wasn't it? Insect body becoming two pieces in a matter of moments as well, sweat poured down the chimera's back. Was this man a penguin, or a love monster? The hyena did not know anymore.


"You'll do anything for love, won't you?" Baron asked, tone annoyed. "How irrational." As they said such, they twirled their hair. "I've told you countless times by now. He isn't interested in you. Give up." But, such had been met with defiance.


"Even if he isn't, I'm not going to let that jackal's toys hurt my future husband!" Earl cried. He then turned towards Siorc. "Siorc, you're okay, right? Those beetles didn't hurt you, did they? That Folu! They don't know what they're doing at all!"


Hearing the familiar name of annoyance, the chimera let out a groan. Of course this was one of the researcher jackal's doing. Why wasn't he surprised? What, did they now have an affixation on insects after their own venom incident? Absolutely ridiculous. They needed to come to the Court of Fontaine and apologize for their mess right now. But, he knew that would never happen. Folu, apologize for anything? The sky would soon faller than admitting to a mistake.


Knowing he had no choice but to give Earl a nod so he would back off, the chimera moved forward. He did not have time for this any more. Why was he still here? Preparing himself to move on, the hyena placed his feet into a running position. If any more beetles were to come his way, he was done fighting them. But, as he readied to leave the area, the pesky thorn in his side's voice struck back.


"I'll kill all the bad guys in the world for you!" Earl shouted.


Pesky voice calling out to him, the soldier let out a groan. When would this penguin get the picture he would never be his? Continued shouts coming his way and Baron repeating the points of disinterest, the chimera could feel his blood begin to boil. Did this fly ever stop talking? Dashing away as fast as he could possibly muster, his breath had begun to die.


Problem persisting as he pushed through the western streets, the hyena wished he had a claymore on him. Nothing but his hyena claws and tail, the struggle fight continued. Brand new tricks ready to take him out from every single angle, the chimera could hardly keep up. Just what was Folu feeding these things? What a nuisance.


Feeling a cough ready to ruin his flow, the hyena held it in. Now was not the time for weakness. Flower friend dropped upon the battlefield, the chimera kept going. Scrap metal raining down, the early adult kept running. What was he even bothering to fight these creatures? Time was awasting.


Hacks of doom escaping containment, the young soldier could see hundreds of eyes staring at him. He should not have held the disgusting demons in. Moving forward towards the southern streets, the Aquabus Information Station had soon been reached heading for the glass lift, he pressed the button to head for the fourth floor.


As the box had begun to head upward, the soldier stared off into space. Going to a doctor for a tiny nothing cough, absolutely ludicrous nonsense. The worst was already over. Why make such a big deal about such a thing? It's not like the Agent cared about his wellbeing. He had merely only cared about his usefulness during missions.


Realization flowing through him, a spark popped off in the chimera's brain. Of course, that's all this was about. His usefulness as a tool was all that mattered. Nothing more, nothing less. He sees now, it all made sense. He was just a pawn on the chessboard that wasn't useful right now. He sees, he gets it now.


But, the early adult snapped himself out of it as the glass lift stopped upon the fourth floor. What in the world was he doing, allowing himself to think such a thing? What did it matter if he was seen as nothing more than a thing to use? He was well aware of such point by now.


Heading into Palais Mermonia, the soldier could feel the second thoughts hug him from behind. Should he really be disturbing the Iudex while he was hard at work? He was quite the busy man dealing with legal cases all the time. Maybe he should turn around. But, he knew, if he did not return with a written report from the Head Nurse, he would be in trouble, guaranteed.


Door closed, the chimera placed his hand upon the wooden entranceway. Gentle taps pattering the door, permission to enter had come his way. Letting himself in, the Iudex had been buried in paperwork, as usual. Seeing such, the soldier was ready to turn around at any given moment. Eyes soon on him, such action never came.


"Greetings, Monsieur Siorc. What is it that you need today?" The Iudex asked.


Piece of paper handed off to him, the chimera gazed at it. Should he really be intruding upon his office when he was so busy with work? Knowing he had no choice but to follow orders, the hyena wrote down he needed to see the head nurse in the Fortress of Meropide in Mondstadt writing. Realizing such, smoke and mirrors boxed him in. Would the Iudex be able to read any of this? But, he shook his head. Of course he could. Adding an extra line apologizing for inconveniencing him and his daughters, he dotted the final line. Sheet handed off to him, an answer had come his way.


"It is no trouble at all," the Iudex responded. "Since the road ahead is dangerous, I will escort you there."


Iudex leaving his desk behind, the early adult could feel a ton drop on his back. He was going to escort him there? Was that really necessary? He had so much work to do, wouldn't this back him up even more? But, he knew he could not refuse. Moved towards the third floor of the city, he swore he could hear the Melusine squee under her breath in glee as the party of two approached the Aquabus.


Vehicle of automatic movement pushing forward, the mechanical beetles had soon presented themselves once more. But, the chimera swore they were gone immediately after blinking. he had just imagined them? Perhaps so. Reaching Marcotte Station before he could even process it, the soldier had been escorted through the area.


Moved towards the glass lift to the world of rebirth, an intense wave of fatigue at the soldier alive. Prison bastion soon awaiting him, the chimera headed for the Administration Area. Grand Duke out and about, the tall man's eyes were soon on him. Mechanical bug punched away, a greeting had come his way.


"Hey, there, what brings you here? Came here about those beetles?" the grand duke asked.


Question coming his way, the hyena shook his head. How did these pesky creatures even manage to fly down here? Placing his index finger on the palm of his hand, nurse had been signed on private display. Grand Duke informing him the head nurse had been pretty busy today, the chimera almost wanted to turn around. He really should not waste her time, should he?


Bugs buzzing everywhere, the hyena rolled his eyes towards the steel ceiling. Did Folu have any idea how much trouble they were causing? Someone needed to teach them a lesson. Reaching the infirmary, a wave of shock soon flowed through him at the sight before him. Undersea otter duo bandaged up, his heart skipped more than two beats. What happened to them? But, his glances had been met with disdain.


"Purple, why are you staring at us? We're fine," Huxian said, sighing. "Why are we here again?"


"Don't know," Pixiu responded. "Don't remember." But as she jerked around, she could feel everything sting. "Nope, nothing is coming to me." But, a worried cry had soon come his way.


"You, two, I told you two to hold still!" the Head Nurse of the Fortress said.


Head nurse tending to the otter duo's wounds, the soldier sighed. He supposed, no matter how much time were to pass, some things world never change. Their memory was just as bad as ever. Back to normal, back to sleep. Twins sent out of the infirmary with a stern lecture, eyes soon fell onto him.


"Oh, dear, you don't look too well," the melusine nurse said, concern evident in her voice. "Did you come here for an examination?"


Melusine nurse stating the same thing the Agent did, the hyena's eyes darted around the room. Was it really that obvious to everyone he had been recovering from something? Nodding, a few questions had come his way. Writing down his boss made him come here for a second opinion, inquires about what he had been recovering from had come his way. Serious look on her face, he had soon been told to lie in the bed for an examination. Nurse taking a thorough look, information had come his way he had hoped to not hear.


"There is still a small amount of liquid in your lungs, but it seems to be clearing up," the head nurse said. "Your cough should go away after a few days."


Written report of his condition handed to him, the chimera bowed a thank you. Teleport Waypoint proxy orb removed from his back pocket, the early adult highlighted the Court of Fontaine waypoint. Blinding light soon overtaking him, the hyena closed his eyes. Heading for the hotel as demanded, the written report had been handed off to the Agent.


"Alright, soldier, you will be heading back to Natlan to deal with some unusual problems brought about because of the war," the Agent called out on cue. As he said such, he slammed a satchel onto the soldier's backside. "Change into your temporary uniform this instant."


Escorted to a room in the back, the hyena opened the satchel up. Usual terrible disguise waiting for him, the hyena shook his head. Did he really need to wear this anymore? The Pyro Archon already knew he was a part of the Fatui. Why did he have to wear this still? Hideous scars visible once more, the chimera tried to keep it together. Heading back towards the hotel entrance, the commands wrapped themselves up in a bloody bow.


"Head to the Children of Echoes, and go get that pet of yours," the Agent demanded. "And, do not fall into the Night Kingdom again."


Word pet coming his way once more, the early adult hissed. Could the Agent stop using that word? Santhe was not his pet, how could he keep saying that so often? But, he supposed it would never stop. Why would it? He would never understand. Teleport Waypoint proxy orb removed from his back pocket once more, the Children of Echoes waypoint had been highlighted.


Easternmost tribe of Natlan reached in the blink of an eye, the early adult took a deep breath. Would Santhe even be in the rest area? They had been wandering off on their own more often lately. Was he wasting his time by coming here? Maybe he was. But, as he moved forward towards the usual place, he could hear the familiar drill riding off towards him.


"Woah, hey, it's you again!" the drill girl cried. "Santhe's been sulking a lot lately. You should go see them, they really miss you!"


Hearing such, the hyena headed towards the rest area, but he could not help but feel his will begin to sway at the words the drill girl had said. Should he really trust that statement? What if everything was nothing more than an act? A play of pretend? Faking feelings of friendship was quite easy for anyone, he supposed.


Reaching the rest area, the early adult could see the Saurian pacing around. Seeing such, the hyena scratched his head. What had gotten them into such a state? Eyes soon on him, he swore he could hear them whisper to ask if he was doing better now. Dragonkin clinging onto his shoulder, he stared off into space.


Dragon glued to his shoulder once again, the chimera stared off into space. Could this have all been nothing more than an act? If it were, their lengths to act attached was quite the show, for sure. But, the soldier threw such thoughts away. What in the world was he going off about? He should not think such things. Removing himself from the rest area, a dragon had soon awaited him beside the entrance.


"Fatuus's annoying boss demanded one takes him to the Archon," Rashmi said, sighing. "One will take one there, but one is not a messenger. Tell one's boss that one will not keep listening to one's demands."


Nodding, the soldier let out a sigh. Was the Agent seriously ordering other people around? How annoying. But, he supposed such was a given at this point. Rashmi transforming into her dragon form, the hyena climbed onto her back. Wings flapping rapidly, the early adult held on for dear life. Why was she in such a rush today for? Something was off, for sure.


Stadium getting closer, the soldier gazed upwards towards the red storm cloud, for a moment. Just what was the shadow creature doing? They were up to no good, for sure. Just what had they done to Natlan this time? Whatever they had done, he would need to resolve it as soon as possible, for sure. He could not allow that monster to win, for sure.


Reaching the speakers chamber, the chimera allowed a gulp to escape the esophagus. Malati, Iomra and Satine in the audience, a heavy wave of unease flowed through him. Had he interrupted a meeting with the Pyro Archon? He was going to get his second burning punishment, for sure. But, as his thoughts wandered, koala fingers pointed his way.


"Archon, he's here!" Iomra cried.


Archons eyes soon on him, a thought crawled through the hyena's brain like a bad itch. This Pyro Archon had not been an angry god at all, was she not Murata after all? But, the chimera shook his head. Maybe she was a changed god since that incident occurred. What would he know?


"I apologize for asking for your assistance again, but my people are struggling to defeat these unusual monsters that have started to pop up," the pyro archon said. "It would seem there are some fake Wayobs that appeared recently." She soon continued. "Along with the spontaneous combustion cases getting worse. There are also some peculiar demons that have stepped upon our soil. Sorry to spring this onto an outlander, but your Archon has informed me you are a highly skilled strategic defensive battler."


Hearing such praises the chimera broke into a sweat. Him, a high skilled defensive battler? That was an quite the overexaggeration of his abilities. But, he supposed he had no choice but to act like such was the case. Archon informing him her people had been suffering from combustion as well, the chimera's heart skipped more than three beats. The flames were spreading? This was not good.


Archon handing him the restored corrupted ancient names and a peculiar black claymore with a flame pattern on the hilt, the early adult almost did not want to take the blade. Given a rather specific route layout on a sheet of paper, the hyena sheathed the greatsword behind him. The spontaneous combustion had spread to the humans, as well. Just how much had the storm cloud eaten at this point? The damage was reaching an irreversible point, without a shadow of a doubt. Preparing himself to exit the speakers chamber, further inquires had come the archon's way, the soldier attempted to tune such out.


"What about us, Archon?" Malati asked. "I ain't gonna sit around doin' nothin'."


"Yeah, Archon, what about us?" Satine asked.


"You three can help out with the Collective of Plenty tribe," the Pyro Archon responded. "The flames will soon consume the place."


Chimera trio exiting the area, the chimera could not help but feel a heavy wave of unease. Just what was going on in Natlan? Something wasn't adding up. But, the hyena shook his head. Of course nothing was adding up, the red storm cloud had been causing chaos everywhere. Nothing was normal. The world had begun to drop towards the wayside.


Exiting the speaker's chamber, the early adult broke into a shiver as the orders echoed in his mind once more. No, not spontaneous combustion again, why? Why couldn't it have been anything else? And demons, why did it have to be those, too? What if one tried to latch onto him again? He could feel his heart begin to leap out of his chest as he thought about such. Reaching for his pocket, he tied the charm the panda chimera gave him in Chenyu Vale. He will be fine. The panda talisman, it'll protect him, surely.


First location at the top of page reading Tepeacac Rise, the soldier let out a groan. He had a long walk ahead of him. But, the soldier threw such complaints off a bridge. He needed to move forward, and defeat the false Wayobs and demons, wherever they were hiding.


Spotting a lot of strange looking blue saurians that looked like a bat burst into flames, the hyena covered his eyes. The precious dragons of Natlan had once again, been set ablaze. The divine flame, how was he supposed to cleanse this? Flipping the paper over for any sort of instructions, he shrugged. He supposed the only way going forward was to fight the flames of horror.


Creature's eyes soon on him the dragonkin's wings flapped upward. Flames spreading, the hyena placed the blade out in front of him. Intense soundwaves soon coming from up above, the early adult covered his ears. This beast had supersonic abilities? He was doomed, for sure.


Eruption of sound coming to him in quick succession of one another, the early adult grit his teeth. This racket was so aggravating. Attempting to tune it out, the chimera placed the blade in front of him. Strange force coming out from the weapon, the soldier jumped four steps back. What was that just now? But, the chimera kept the battle going. Did it really matter? It was simply enhanced with some sort of mystical power beyond his understanding.


Bat saurian flopping downward screeching in pain, a ton had been dropped upon the soldier's back. These poor creatures, was fighting them truly the right move? Flames dissipating, the hyena could feel another ton drop onto his back. He didn't have much of a choice, he supposed.


Pushing on through, a tall red bird let out a loud cooing noise. Flames consuming them in a matter of moments, the chimera clutched his blade. Here it goes again. Creature flying upward, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. Great, another flying one, just what he needed. Where were air currents when he needed them? Not a single one in sight, the soldier grumbled.


Ball of flames dropped towards him, the hyena let out a scream as he jumped off towards the left. This saurian, it was a Pyro one? No, not Pyro, anything but Pyro. But, he knew he didn't have time to hesitate. Strange force coming out of the blade once more, the combustion tried to fight back, seeing such, the early adult let out another shout. No, was a demon from the night kingdom about to come out? No way, not happening, he had to put an end to this right now.


Bird creature coming back down to the ground after six strikes, another ton had dropped onto the hyena's back. Was this really alright, fighting in such a way? Maybe he was being too rough. Flames put out, the cycle of saurian suffering continued for hours on end.


Reaching Tepeacac Rise after about a few hours of walking, the chimera could feel a rather strong aura begin to pulsate. Feeling such, the chimera could feel another intense cough going on. The air why had it been so incredibly thin here? Observing the area, a group of rather unusual beings soon took the stage.


Strange individuals with halos and black wings, the early adult scratched the side of his head. Who were these people? Were they the demons he needed to slay? Peculiar fox masks upon their faces, and colorful hair enough to create a rainbow, nothing made sense to him whatsoever. Were they real, or was he dreaming? Pinching himself, everything stung. Hissing, the soldier let out a sigh. This was all real, alright. Mask turning towards him, a demand had come his way.


"You there!" the angelic demon creature cried, pointing. "Thy demands you battle thee!"


Battle demands coming his way, the hyena cracked his knuckles. If it was a fight they wanted, a fight is what they would get. Blade doing the talking, the creatures flew upward. Weapon ceased, it had soon been tossed onto the ground like a piece of garbage. Seeing such, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. Two handed blade stepped on, the early adult could not help but feel a heavy wave of bewilderment. Did they wish to fight, or not? Make up their minds.


"No, you brute!" The masked demon, angel? He didn't know, screeched. "Thy must sing a hymn. How dare thee use acts of violence against us!"


Demon, angel, whatever they were, demanding he sing a hymn, the soldier could hardly believe his ears. He had to do what now? Sing a what now? Placing his fingers in a cross shape, he shook his head. No, no way. Not a chance. How could these creatures even ask such a heinous thing? What was he, an idol? No way. Not happening. Please, pick something else. He could feel himself ready to get down on his knees and beg at any given moment.


Demongels singing a tune, the early adult waved an invisible white flag upon the battlefield. He didn't have a choice, did he? Lips quivering, the chimera tried to force the song out of him. But, such did not happen. Nothing coming out, he could feel the world break. There was no way he would be able to sing, why even bother?


Hymns of doom continuing, the soldier held back the urge to burst into tears. Why did it have to be singing? Why couldn't it have been anything else? Something, anything else nothing that involved his voice in any shape, or form. Unable to let out any notes, the chimera could feel the failure weight crush him.


"By the gods, thee is not even trying!" one of the demongels cried. "Fine, fight thou with thy's blade."


Creatures surrounding him, the hyena broke into a sweat. They had him surrounded, the soldier's blade did the talking once more. Strange halo beings disintegrating into the sun, the rose an eyebrow. That was quite strange. Army of strange being eliminated, the early adult gazed at the next location. Sulfurous Veins listed, the chimera could not help but feel an intense wave of dejavu. Why did he feel like he had done this exact same thing hundreds of times before?


Reaching Sulfurous Veins after about an hour of walking, the false Wayobs had risen from the ashes. Peculiar hopping creatures taking the stage, as well, nothing was making any sense. How could someone create fake deity like beings? A curse would be cast upon the shadow creature, guaranteed.


But, as the hyena attempted to head off towards the false spirits, the chimera could feel quivers on his shoulder. Turning towards such, an alarm bell blared in his head. Santhe, why were they shivering? But, the hyena disregarded such. Perhaps, just maybe, they were terrified of the false spirits. Nothing to worry about, surely.


Enemies blowing with steam, the early adult took a long deep breath, a battle was imminent. Dragonkin beside him burying itself inside his clothes, the hyena tried to keep steady. He could not help but feel the questions roll pebbles around in his head. Why were they so nervous? They usually fought alongside him, these false deities, just what kind of power did they have over them?


Creatures soon dropping down a sea of elements in unison, the soldier tried with all his might to get it together. Flames coming to greet him, the chimera closed his eyes. No, not Pyro, anything but Pyro. Other elements taking the stage fused with the embers of whomever, the hopping creatures placed the ball of doom in the palm of their hands.


Searing sphere of doom thrown his way, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. Wayobs coming his way at full speed, the chimera threw down a flower friend. But, such had been a big mistake. Windwheel Aster friend burned to ashes, the early adult grit his teeth. What was he doing, bringing Dendro to a firefight?


Fight going on for quite some time, no dragon assistance had come his way. Energy soaked up like a sponge, the soldier huffed and puffed up a storm. Where had all his vitality gone? But, the chimera refused to surrender. He had to finish this. Her Majesty could be watching him from her throne. Clutching the blade, the onslaught of pain continued.


Dance of flames kicking up in speed, the chimera's heart had begun to beat harder and faster in his chest. Why, why did it have to be flames? Why couldn't they have attacked with anything else? Army of beings looking ready to drop at any given moment, he could feel the embers hug him from behind.


Strikes aplenty taking the faux Waybos out, the hyena could feel himself begin to wobble downward. Energy becoming nothing, the hyena's consciousness blipped into darkness. Coming to sometime later, an irritated face awaited him as his senses returned to him.


"Fatuus, you're hopeless," Rashmi said, tone annoyed. "One will help the Fatuus again, but don't get used to it."


Enemies eliminated in one fell swoop, the hyena could feel a mix of uncertainties flow through him. Should he really have accepted her help? Maybe he shouldn't have. Soon taken to Huitzli Hill, the destruction continued as further Saurians combusted one after another.


Demonic halo creatures coming out to play, a further demand to sing the hymns had come his way. But, such never came, throat feeling heavy, the chimera placed his hands on the side of his neck. Waving the invisible white flag, the creatures bowed out. Dragged off towards the stadium, another demongel soon awaited.


"Thee must compete in a poetry contest," the demongel cried. "And thee must recite it before thou, and thou shall leave this plane."


Hearing such demands, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. Excuse him, he had to do what now? Write a poem, and recite it to the demongel after they recite theirs? No way, not a chance, no go, he forfeits. Use his voice to communicate his artistic feelings? No, nope, not happening. He'll take the loss.


But, such was not happening. Quilled pen thrown towards his face, the early adult groaned. Fine, he'll write a poem, alright, but he wasn't reading it. No way, not happening, nope. He would rather die. But, the hyena threw such thought away. Why was he being so overdramatic right now? Scribbling away the deepest depths of his brain, the haloed being soon read their hymns of rhyme. Creature demanding he read his, the hyena rapidly shook his head. But, as he had done so, the paper had been grabbed by a tongue.


"Santhe read master's poem!" Santhe cried. Babbling, a dark look had soon appeared on the demon's face.


"Never mind, thou surrender," the demongel said, voice shaking. "Thee has a scary mind up there." They kept shaking as they said such.


Demongel staking a sword into their chest, the early adult covered his face. Was his poem really that grisly? Demands coming his way to head off to the People of the Springs Tribe, another intense wave of tiredness overtook the soldier. Everything was draining.


Reaching the People of the Spring's Tribe, a lot of faux Wayobs stood in the way. Multiple puzzles forced upon him, the early adult could feel Santhe dig deep into the chimera's back uniform pocket. Fighting alone once more, nothing clicked. Why were they hiding still? But, the early adult put a pin in such thought. There was no time to think about such things.


Enemies coming triplefold as he headed off to the Firethief's Isle, the chimera could feel the difficulties pile up. Despair grabbing ahold of his neck, he let out a tired laugh as the fights continued. Why did he have to do this all alone? Santhe, just what were they so afraid of? Someone, anyone, please help him.


As if the gods heard him, luck was on his side for but a brief moment.


"Get 'em, sharky!" a voice cried.


Surfer girl's shark surfboard joining the mix, the chimera puffed a sigh of relief. False deities marked with some strange water symbol, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Surely, now, his elemental prowess would be able to do something. Seeds plopping down, they soon slapped the enemies into oblivion.


No further enemies around, the chimera fell backwards. Why did everything feel like a chore today? Tent soon pitched, the hyena crawled upon the ground. Rolling himself up into a ball, he soon closed his eyes. Wave of intense fatigue ready to drag him down into the tormented dream world, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


Something was wrong with Santhe.


***


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the chimera's diplomatic Fatui life. The pattern was a red button told to not be pressed at all under any circumstance, but had been tapped anyway for dramatic effect. The night before him would continue such sea of doom, as well.


Before him had been a field of withering purpurblooms. They were a dark blue flower with a sense of death to them. But, the soldier could whiff up a burning scent within a dream instant. Gazing downward at the subconscious world around him, a wave of shock flowed through him at the unreal sight presented to him.


Finding himself in a cooking pot, the early adult's dream body quivered. Stirred up, the soldier's dream head spun in circles. What was he, about to become hyena soup? Shadow creature from up above reaching for a spoon, a wave of surrender flowed through him. It was over, he was going to be eaten any second now.


"Whoops, I'm hungry, sorry!" the shadow creature cried. "Time to eat!"


Boiling broth broiling him deep, the chimera could feel his dream life fade away the closer he got to the creature's opaque mouth. It was over, he was done, he was going to be turned into a snack and residual waste. Spoon contents soon flung, the early adult closed his eyes as the devouring session took him away.


He had almost forgotten about this fiend.


***


"The shadow creature this is there doing, isn't it?
Hahahah, of course it is, of course it is, all of this, every second of it,
Every moment of it is their doing. The fake Wayobs, the demonic angel beings, the spontaneous combustion. That's all them, isn't it? Haha, of course, of course it is, who else would it? I don't have a clue! I feel like I


Should have defeated them by now, why haven't I? Why haven't I? Why do I still
Have to face them? They're still here, still
Alive, why can't I eliminate them? I
Don't get it! I truly don't understand!
Oh, Archons, if any of you are out there,
Why aren't you doing anything? How


Come the only person who has to deal with all this
Ridiculous nonsense is me? I don't understand this at all,
Everything is cracking, burning, screeching, toiling, tumbling, breaking.
And, I feel so alone. Why is Santhe hiding? Why are they trying to run? I don't get
This, truly, I really, really, really just simply don't
Understand any of this at all, whatsoever. It's
Really making so little sense right now. What's with them? What's going on? Why aren't they fighting the false Wayobs? Is it because they're not real? I don't get it, I don't understand. They always fight alongside me, unless they wander away. I don't understand anything. What is going on? Why aren't they telling me anything? I suppose they do not owe me an explanation, I know they don't, but
Even so, what's going on? I don't know, I'm feeling suspicious. Something's afoot."


Upon waking up the next morning, an unusual sight caught the chimera's fatigued attention. Santhe pacing around in a circle, the hyena swore he could hear a lot of mumbling under their breath. Hearing such, the confusion continued to pile itself up one after another. Was something bothering them? But, he supposed it was not their business.


Attempting to get their attention, he swore he could see the dragonkin get nervous. But, the early adult drowned such thoughts out. Maybe it was best to not push them. Companion soon on his shoulder, he could hear a knock on the opposite end of his tent. Malati on the other side, information had come his way.


"Archon told us the Flower-Feather Clan needs help over yonder," Malati said. "I reckon you should hurry, Fatuus. It's northwest of the isle."


Another tribe thrown into the mix of chaos, the early adult let out a groan. Someone, tell him he's dreaming. Just how much had the red storm cloud consumed in its wake of destruction? He didn't know, he supposed the entirety of the nation had been engulfed in its entirety.


Leaving the People of the Springs Tribe from the northern exit, the soldier could see something rather peculiar up ahead. Large moth creatures flapping towards him bursting into flames, the hyena's knees buckles. The combustion, it was a never ending sea of pain. How could this still be happening? The divine flame, he needed to find a way to repair it before it was too late.


Flames coming his way from every single angle, the early adult clutched the blade. Flames here, flames there, flames everywhere. Why couldn't these monsters be engulfed by something, anything else? He could feel his will drop to the bottom of a volcano as he thought such.


Creatures flames bursting hotter, the early adult studied the creatures of terror presented to him. Large spherical being with an eye in the center and pitch black moth wings, something wasn't adding up. Where had this chaotic holy energy been coming from? Blinding stars coming his way, the soldier screeched.


Celestial sky being from up above scorching his knees, the early adult swung the claymore like a spinning top. Eye upon the creature opening wide, nothing happened. Santhe rocking back and forth inside his back pocket once more, the chimera gazed at the pupil. He had no choice but to fight by his lonesome once more.


Dirt beneath him, the hyena could feel regret ready to bathe him deep. Soil tossed into the creature's center, the creature let out a cry as it dramatically dropped to the ground, flat as a pancake, fading to nothing. Seeing such, the chimera slapped his palm across his forehead. What a drama thing.


Continuing onward, multiple Saurians had begun to burn away before his very eyes. Seeing such, the soldier trembled. The combustion, how much more could this divine flame blow itself up? But, the chimera shook his head. Creatures taken out, he swore he could feel Santhe's ears droop.


Moving towards a mountain range, the hyena could not help but feel a heavy wave of unease. Santhe, what was going on with them today? Why did they feel so incredibly off? But, the hyena shook his head. Maybe they were just feeling a little down. Was it really something to concern himself over? He was overthinking it, for sure.


Combusting enemies and false Wayobs decimated by his lonesome, the chimera could feel everything begin to fade. Energy taxes placed upon him, he dropped to his knees. How much longer could he go on? But, the chimera lifted himself back up immediately. What was he doing, attempting to throw in the towel now? Not happening.


Reaching the Flower Feather Clan after about three hours of walking, a rather interesting place awaited him. Finding himself in a high off village surrounded by hot air balloons, something else had soon caught the chimera's attention. Rings in the sky, he could see a new challenger await him beside a group of rings in the corner. Red haired lady flying by on a huge gun, the hyena pinched himself. Was he dreaming right? Feeling a sting, the early adult let out a hiss. He was most certainly awake right now.


"You're that strange guy helping us out with the war," the red haired hat woman said. "Those Wayobs up there are eyeing you. Seems like they want a race."


Lady still floating on her gun, the early adult hardly heard a word of what she just said. That pistol, how was she floating on it like that? What sorcery was this? But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. It was rude to stare, he needed to stop. He had a Wayob race to get to. But, he had soon been handed a death weapon of doom.


"Would seem they also want to duel you with a pistol," the red haired hat woman said. Pistol in her hand, she handed it off to him. "Here you go. Don't know why, but it's filled with mushrooms."


Jumping into a hot air balloon, a cough had soon returned with a vengeance for minutes on end. Chest slapped, he tried to get it together. Right, a Wayob race, that's all that had to be done, surely, and this would all be over. False deities spotting him as he reached the starting line, the creature sped ahead in the blink of an eye.


Monster getting away at lightning speed, the hyena attempted to get the hot air balloon to tread faster. Request for such soon granted, he could see Santhe walk around in a circle upon the vessel's seat. Mumblings continued, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Turning his focus towards the fleeing creature, the chimera nailed the trigger.


Shroom barrage of doom eventually getting the Wayob from behind, the next race had soon been on. Santhe rolling up into a ball, the early adult kept the gunslinging going. Shot nearly perfect, the early adult broke into a sweat. This pistol, had it been modified to being a sure-fire hit. It was almost as if such convenience had been made to push a story along.


Wayobs resurrecting, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. Excuse him, they had the power to cheat death? How annoying. Redoing everything, the cycle continued on and on for hours on end. Creatures dying and reviving over and over again, the hyena's head spun. Why was he even bothering anymore?


Sky rings beginning to warp and shrink, gun rider lady floated upward towards him. Hearing a whistle, the soldier wondered once more if he were in some vivid dream. Informed such change was nothing to worry about she had soon been cut off as a haloed demon floated through, flames in their hands.


"Thou shall burn this nation to the ground!" the demongel cried, flames in hands burning hotter.


But, what scene played out before him next put the hyena through the seven rings of torment, in seconds. Black winged creatures snapping their fingers, an opaque saurian had soon took their place. Seeing such, the early adult could feel another chrysanthemum snap inside him. No, why? Why had these creatures turned into a dragonkin?


Heart beating hard and fast in his chest, the inquires stabbed the soldier with a machete. Why was this happening? Could every single demon pretend to be a Saurian? Creature letting out a cry, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Where was he supposed to strike?


Clutching the trigger, the hyena's chest was as hard as stone. Where is he supposed to shoot? This creature, what was this game they were playing? Hand letting go, he could not do it. A demon transforming into a Saurian. Could Santhe be a case of this, too? Pocket empty, the evidence had begun to stack up. No, Santhe, where could they have gone?


"What's wrong? Can't pull the trigger?" the shadow Saurian said. "What are you, afraid?"


Fears blasted for everyone to hear, the hyena closed his eyes. He could not see, they were not there, there was no Saurian there. Trigger pushed back, the mushrooms rode the wind. Dragon of darkness vanquished, the early adult kept his eyes closed. They were not there, he could see nothing.


Snapping himself out of it, one final Wayob demanded a race. Hot air balloon speeding through the rings, the hyena could feel his concentration drown into the bottom of the ocean. Santhe, why did they disappear during such a critical moment? But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. He was overthinking all this, surely.


Race coming to an end, the chimera returned to the ground. Flower-Feather Clan demon free, his dismissal had been granted. Searching high and low for Santhe, the hyena could feel the suspicions boil over once more. Dragon nowhere to be seen, he couldn't help but wonder again. The possibility he had been told before folded his neck into a twisted knot. Were they an abyss mage in disguise after all?


Reaching a small cave after hours on end, the soldier could see a familiar scene. Reptilian being walking around in a circle mumbling things once more, the suspicions had begun to grow. Santhe hopping onto his shoulder like nothing happened, the early adult dragged himself back towards his tent. Tiredness immediately overtaking him, one last thought dragged itself down with him into the tormenting land of dreams.


Should he really trust Santhe?


Maybe he shouldn't trust them at all.


***


"Who can I trust anymore?
Haha, haha, as if I can trust anymore anymore! Santhe is lying to me about who they are, aren't they? Right,
Of course they are, I should have believed that Saurian Hunter the first time he told me. That they


Could be an Abyss Mage in disguise! He's right, isn't he? Santhe's an
Abyss Mage in disguise, pretending to be a Saurian! They're
Not who they say they are, I should have known!


I should have known their feeling were all a game.


Their fondness was just a ploy to let my guard down.
Really, I see the truth! I was
Utterly blindsided! Those demons can assume a
Saurian form, so who is to say
That Santhe isn't the same?


Ahaha, all of this was just a game, wasn't it? I see
Now, it was all just a game! There's no way they ever truly cared, did they? They're just a beast in dragon clothing! And
Yet, I gave them a name, I let that bond flow, and
Maybe none of it was real! Why, why did I let myself think they thought anything
Of me? Why did I allow myself to form a bond? Why did I allow myself to? This is all just for show a game!
Really, why didn't I see all this coming? Aha, as if anyone would
Ever truly feel anything towards me. I'm just a stupid soldier no one truly wants anything to do with! That's right! How could I forget that? I'm trash, garbage, disposable waste!"


Hearing a disruptive knock on the other side of his tent, the soldier rubbed his eyes. Agent waiting on the outside he let out a gulp. He was going to get what's coming to him for sleeping on an isolated isle, wasn't he? But, such screams never came. Subordinate informing him there had been an emergency he needed to deal with in the Spirits of the Night Wind tribe right away, the chimera steeled himself for the long trek ahead.


Preparing himself to put down his tent, the early adult turned towards his Saurian companion. Pacing around, the hyena swore he could see a dark energy clinging to them. Raising an eyebrow, the thought in the back of his mind, was ready to cut him deep with a skyrider greatsword. This energy, why did it feel so abyssal? Something wasn't right. Darkness continuing to engulf them, he knew he needed to ask the question.


"Santhe, is something wrong?" Siorc asked, voice barely audible.


But, no answer ever came. Darkness getting stronger, the soldier could not help but wonder. Should he take Santhe to a Saurian vet? But, the chimera shook his head. No, maybe he was overthinking all this. The red storm cloud was still up and running. Dashing towards the northwest once more, a familiar sight played out to him as he ventured forth to the next tribe.


Multiple Wayobs vanquished along the way, the soldier swore the dark energy had begun to eclipse. Seeing such, the hyena could feel the alarm bells increase further. But, he continued to tune such out. Further false deities defeated, the battles soon took a turn for the impossible.


Enemies nearly invincible, the hyena groaned. Why was he the only one forced to deal with this? The other Natan citizens, why weren't they dealing with this? But, he supposed they had begun to face spontaneous combustion. Barely able to hang out any longer, the chimera could feel the surrender flags ready to fly. But, as he attempted to do so, a menace to society floated around him.


"Aww, what's the matter, too tired? You're no fun to mess with when you're in such a state! Get over yourself!" the shadow creature cried.


Tuning the monster out, the hyena kept the Wayob slaying going. But, such continued to prove to be too difficult. Santhe dropping back into his pocket once more, the hyena broke into a sweat. Victory was a ditch, dropping him down further and further. Enemy vanquished after twelve attempts, the shadow creature returned for another laugh.


"Say, your little pal over there is acting kind strange, aren't they?" the shadow creature said in a mocking tone. "Almost as if, they're one of us?"


Hearing such, the hyena screeched. Santhe was one of them? No way that was true, why would they say something like that? He could feel the seeds of doubt bloom. The shadow creature, could they be right? But, he threw such thought off a cliff. No, they were just trying to get a reaction out of him, that's all.


"I changed my mind, you're fun to mess with again!" the shadow creature cried, pointing and laughing. "You'd better hurry to the Spirits of the Night Wind Tribe or else tick tock, it'll go kerplooey!"


Time ticking, the soldier had begun running. This shadow creature, what did they do? He had to hurry, or the area would be wiped off the map, guaranteed. Gigantic demon burning away as he approached a small high ground village with bat saurians everywhere, the badger and koala chimera reached for his arms.


"We need to hurry and get you to the trial site!" Iomra cried.


"Quickly, quickly!" Satine cried. But, as he had been dragged there, rejection had come his way.


"No, he should not go in there!" the pink haired diviner cried. "He might not come back."


"Can it, granny," Iomra said. "He ain't gotta choice!"


Group of demongels waiting for him at a large table with a chessboard, the hyena blinked. This was the trial he was going to have to face? What kind of emergency was this? Unbelievable. But, something about the chess pieces had been different. Pieces shaped like butterflies, a demand had come his way.


"We will leave Natlan alone," the demongel said in a fake energetic tone. "If you defeat us in butterfly chess!" They then let out a laugh. "Oh, but better avoid the big chess pieces from smooshing you!"


Hearing such, the hyena's eyes twitched. Butterfly what now? Rules explained, but not making sense, the early adult did not understand. He had to make sure the monarch butterfly piece was stolen? Was that how this game truly worked? Something about that seemed too easy.


But easy street never came. Making the wrong move multiple times, the monarch butterfly was about ready to be captured. Big chess piece coming down from the ceiling, the hyena let out a wail. These rooks, why were they triple his size? Attempting to focus once more, he swore he could hear Santhe mumbling things once more.


Trying to keep his head forward, the hyena did not know whether he was winning or losing anymore. Too many pieces captured, the game soon reset from the beginning. Multiple risks soon taken one after another, he could see the demongels in the corner's tails soon glowing.


"Why are you even hanging out with that little dragon?" "Does thee really think thee is on thy side?"


Tuning everything out, the hyena kept playing. No, that couldn't have been true, was it? Attempting to steal the monarch, the thoughts rumbled in his head once more. Could Santhe be pretending to be attached to him? He was truly starting to think the possibility was there.


Chatter continuing, the hyena let out a scream. Archons, he was tired of hearing all this. He couldn't hear them, they were in a wormhole, gone, missing. Game turning itself around quintuple food, the monarch butterfly had been captured. Demongels surrendering, the early adult had been spit out of the trial grounds. But, as he had been removed, he could hear a loud click of the tongue.


"You took too long to win in that chess game, and that's pathetic!" the shadow creature cried. "So, I'm staying right here!"


Shadow creature returning to the red storm cloud up above, the dark energy had been about ready to fuse with the hyena's shoulder. Feeling such, a heavy wave of intense concern flowed through him. Maybe he should take Santhe to a vet. Gazing around the Spirits of the Nightwind Tribe, he had soon come across the indigo haired man in a bed of carrots speaking to them. Seeing such, a wave of confusion flowed through him. Who was he talking to just now? Man turning towards his Saurian, a warning had come his way.


"Your Saurian friend there isn't looking too good," the weird bat guy said. "You should take him to ---, a well renowned Saurian vet." But, before he could finish such sentence, large boots marched towards the hyena.


"Alright, soldier, good job," the Agent said to the hyena. As he said such, Santhe had been yanked away from him. "Go back to Snezhnaya this instant. I'll return your pet to their resting place."


Santhe asleep in the Agent's hands, the early adult grit his teeth at the usage of the word pet. Could he please stop saying that? How annoying. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the soldier's thoughts raced. Santhe, were they really an abyss mage in disguise? He was starting to believe so.


Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the inquiries floated at bay. The demongels, could they have been right? Could Santhe have been one of them, a denizen of the red storm cloud? He could feel his trust begin to die faster and faster , weren't they? Santhe, they were definitely hiding something from him, without a shadow of a doubt.


Wave of intense tiredness overtaking him, the soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Tormented thoughts choking him from behind, one last thought poked the active stark grooves in his brain.


Could it be true? Was Santhe pretending to be on his side?

 

[Palamon]

27: Natlan Ghost Hunt: The Answer is In Plain Sight
"Wait a minute, just
Hold on, hold on
A minute, Your Majesty
This can't be real, right so, I


Don't understand, Your Majesty. I don't understand
One bit. Alright, so, what do


You mean work is cancelled, you're not serious, are you?
Okay, so, what's the secret agenda this time?
Ugh, a sudden vacation is never a good thing!


Might as well say that now.
Eh, whatever, not like it matters
At all, I suppose, it does
Not truly


Matter at all. And
Yet, I'll keep myself suspicious, because, honestly,


Where did this all come from all
Of a sudden? I am quite confused,
Really. What was I supposed to be doing today? That, I'll never
Know, I suppose it
Doesn't matter, she's
Already decided to cancel my workday.
You know, understanding Her Majesty


Is pretty much impossible,
So, I won't entertain


Something like that.
Ultimately, I guess it
Doesn't matter, Her Majesty
Does not truly
Ever make any sense.
Never, and I know that. She
Literally never makes any sense. And
Yet, I know I cannot


Complain. I know, if I do complain
At any point, I will
Not be alive to tell the tale, so I mustn't
Complain, or I'll get what's coming to me.
Everyone knows what happens when we
Let our criticisms be known, I could kiss my
Life goodbye. I can kiss it away
Entirely, because I
Doubt I


Would live to tell the tale.
Hahaha, of course of course, I wouldn't
Even live that encounter!
Right, she'd snap me in two.
Everything will end.


Don't say anything, don't ever complain.
It's fine, it'll be fine,
Don't say anything at all.


That's the key to my survival
Haha, of course, of course don't say
Anything, never say anything.
That'll keep my heart beating, of


Course, of course, I know that.
Once I speak
My opinion on
Even one little thing, wham, I'll be discarded of.


For, saying anything that contradicts her goals is forbidden.
Right, I knew that.
Of course I knew that
My life is not my own,


And it never will be. My
Life is Her Majesty's. It's not
Like I'm unaware


Of that. I am
Fully aware I


Am Her Majesty's property.


She told me that on day one.
Ultimately, I know I'm nothing more than an object to her.
Doubt that has changed,
Doubt she sees me as a person.
Eh, actually, pretty sure
No one does.


I'm a chimera, after all, and I'm
Sure those who know see me as


'The freak'. Well,
Humans, anyway. Just humans. Why would
It carry over to chimeras?
Simply put, that's ridiculous.


Anyway, forget about all


That. A vacation, what am I
Even supposed to do? The world is in
Some crisis right now? I don't have
Time to relax not even for


One minute. I
Really don't know why


She cancelled work all
Of a sudden like this. She
Might be planning something, I don't know. Whatever she might be planning,
Everything is making
Too little sense
Here to correlate
Into something.
Not like I'll ever truly
Get her, I don't know I


Barely truly can
Ever figure out what she's thinking. I
Can never fathom
A single thing,
Ultimately, I'm used to that,
So, why am I
Even going off about this?


I don't know. I
Feel like I'm going in too many circles.


Stop, I really need to stop.
Oh, well, that's pretty much how


It always is since I


Will never understand Her Majesty
At all. In any case. How am I
Supposed to spend this day off? I


Haven't a clue. It's so out of nowhere so
Absolutely out of nowhere, I
Really feel like my back is
Drilled into the wall here.
Literally drilled into the wall.
Yes, I know that. It


Pretty much doesn't matter, and
Really, I need to at least try to push
Everything away, for now.
Push it
All away, that's
Right, let's push
Everything that
Doesn't matter out. I


Feel like I have done that awhile ago, but
Of course, that
Really isn't all


That simple.
Hahaha, it's never
At all that simple. But,
Time to pull


It all away


And? Get in vacation
Mode. One, two, three.


Sigh, nope, I can't.
Ugh, how could I,
Really? Look at
Everything that's happening here.


So much is
Happening, for one thing,
Everything is falling apart.


Just look at Natlan!
Ugh, there's a
Serious problem going on!
There's no time to


Waste on relaxing!
Ah, just, this does
Not make any sense.
There's no time to
Step away from any of this!


So, why am I? Your Majesty,
Open your eyes!
Maybe you didn't notice but
Everything is
Taking a turn for the worse! Like,
Hello?! But, of course, of course,
It's time for vacation!
No, Your Majesty,
Get out of here with all


Of that! There's no time to relax.
Ugh, you just want
To throw me for a loop,


Okay, if that's the it worked!
For the


Most part, it worked!
Everything has successfully bamboozled me! It's not


Like this makes any sense
I know it never will. I don't
Know anymore, I should just do work
Even though it's cancelled,


Since a crisis doesn't stop just because I
Have a vacation!
Eh, whatever, I have to think of something.


And nothing.
Listen, I can't just
Wander away from what's happening. I know if I do
A lot will get worse,
Yes, of course I know that
Since, no one is


Dealing with any
Of this at all.
Everyone is ignoring the
Storm cloud, all


But me. I know that
Everyone is
Choosing to ignore it
And I am the only one who
Ultimately cares. I
Simply don't understand that. Not
Even one bit.


Why does no one care?
How could this
All be left
To me? I don't


Even know. But, it's not
Like it matters I
Shouldn't be
Even a little surprised about that.


I shouldn't act like
Something like this is


News to me, because it never,
Ever is. Honestly,
Why would it be?


I know people are ignoring
The issue, they have been since the beginning.


I'm fully aware of that.
So, why am I bothering?


Ah, well, what does it matter? It's not
Like I can change anything.
Why do I pretend like it matters
At all? I'm stuck in a cycle.
Yes, a never ending cycle. It never
Stops, it doesn't end. It never


Stops, it doesn't end. It spins
Over and over again, I
Might as well just admit it's an
Endless wheel always
Turning, it's always going.
How do I break
It? This cycle? I have
No idea, but it'll keep
Going, and I


Will have to deal.
I know that
This never ends, it's
Horrible, but that's


How it is.
Every single time, I know how it goes.
Right, I know, I


Might as well stamp
A sticker on my forehead that
Just says,
Endless cycle! No, no, that's
Stupid. I can't call attention
To it, people will look at me like I'm losing it.
You know, actually,


It doesn't matter, I'm pretty sure people think I'm too far gone.


Can't see people seeing me in
Any other light.
None at all.
No other light
Of any kind. Simply put
That's how things are going I'll never be able to


Shake off
How people might look
At me with disdain. I
Know that
Especially comes with the territory


Of being a member of the
Fatui. Against my will or not, I
Fear I'll never be seen as


The person people
Have any positive opinion on.
I'm fully aware of
Such, but I suppose


It's normal for that to be the case.
So, I really ought to


Leave it at that.
It's not like I don't
Know how Fatui are
Especially perceived. In a negative
Light. It's always been this way.
Yes, it's always been this way,


So, I should not forget my credibility is long
Over, I know that.
Might as well throw in the
Eternal towel, because I


Know people see me like
I'm some viscous monster.
No matter what, I
Doubt that'll change.


Oh, well.
For now, I have a vacation to think about. Maybe I


Should just go
To Liyue and do nothing.
Ugh, no. I simply just cannot sit and do
Nothing. I don't get
To do that!


I don't get to do
That, there's no such thing as a true rest day. Her Majesty will


Probably just kill me!
Right, I know that
Of course she would. I can't just go
Back to bed
And do nothing! Just
Because I have a
Little vacation doesn't mean I can sleep.
Yes, I know that.


I'm aware. I am certain
She's watching me


And will come to be personally with
Nothing but harshness if I take the day to sleep.
Yes, that's absolutely how it
Will go, so I can't go
And do nothing.
Yes, I have to do something! But,


What? What could I do? I
Haven't a clue. I
A single idea on what
To do. Not


Even a
Little, but I need to think of
Something, anything. But not
Even one thing is


Coming to me.
Open my brain and think of something,
Ugh! Think of something!
Literally anything, but nope.
Don't have any


Ideas, sigh. I should have
Thought of something.


Eh, Your Majesty, I'm honestly
Very confused, I just recovered from an
Especially threatening illness, I do
Not need any further time off.


But, I guess it doesn't
Even have to do with that


I'm certain it has to do with something else.


Ah, of course, it's just poor timing.
Maybe that's all this is.


Can't truly think
Of anything else it could be anyway, so
Might as well just be
Poor timing. I can breathe fine now, so
Let's just say it's am
Especially poorly
Time cancellation of my duties.
Eh, whatever. That's
Likely it, and
Yet even considering all


Of that, I still have
No idea what I want
To do with my time
Off. I'll just have to think of something. And


Yet, I don't even have
One single idea.
Ugh, of well, I
Really just need to


Sit down and think, I
Can try to think of something.
How should I spend my
Especially sudden vacation?
Maybe I should just look
Everywhere for
Something that's happening.


Yes, try that.
Okay, no, that's intruding.
Ugh, you know what? I
Really am thinking too hard about this.


Might as well just give up
And move on.
Just let
Everything come to me
Since I haven't
The foggiest idea of what I want.
Yeah, that'll work.


Have it flow
Upon the river since
Nothing is coming.
Doesn't matter,
Really, I'm sure my vacation will
End early. I
Don't ever know a thing of what Her Majesty is


Possibly thinking. Not
Ever. And, I
Really wish she
Could be
Easier to predict. But that's
Not the reality I live in. And,
That never will be."


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's adult life. The pattern was a gaping hole, opening up from right beneath a person. The bottomless pit was a growing anomaly, drop down only getting further and further away from itself as the second kept on going. The night before him would only continue to make the pit get furtherly endless, as well.


Before him had been a field of persian lilies. They were pitch black bell shaped flowers forming a gigantic cluster. Seeing such flowers, the hyena could not help but wonder. Where in the dream world could he possibly have been? He had never seen such plants before in the mortal, waking world.


But, such had hardly been the only oddity. Large, human sized bear trap in the center of the grassy fields, the chimera's dream heart skipped more than twelve beats. What in the world was happening? Who could have possibly laid that monster out? Feeling himself stiffen, he knew he had to avoid that trap at all costs.


Knowing he had to get out of here as soon as possible, the chimera turned towards the opposite direction. There was no way he was going to go anywhere near that trap. This was set up by the shadow creature, for sure. He needed to go somewhere else, without any questions.


Currently human legs erupting into a sprint, the soldier could hear a loud clamp from afar. Hearing such, the chimera sped up his running speed. Those obstacles, they had a mind of their own. Were they going to come for him any second now? Chompers chattering away, doom loomed over the shoulder.


Hearing a familiar laugh the further away, the soldier grit his teeth. Of course, the shadow creature was here, lying in wait. Why couldn't they leave him alone, just this once? Why did they want to turn him into their toy so badly? He did not know, but he knew he could not let them win.


Feeling a strong presence behind him, the early adult leapt towards the opposite direction. Intense doom getting stronger, the leaps and bounds continued. He was not dealing with this fiend today. Not at all in any shape, or form. But, such had been an impossibility to be had, for sure.


Hearing a loud poof beside him, in an instant, the chimera turned his head. Opaque monster adorning spiky locks, glowing red eyes, and a hideous, neon shirt, the early adult was ready to pull his dream hair out. How much more gaudy could this freak of nature get? What were they, looking to become a festival crasher? Well, it was working, that's for sure.


"If you think you can get away from my little pretties, you're mistaken!" the shadow creature cried.


Shadow creature proclaiming getaway impossible, the hyena let out a laugh. There was no way out of this? As if. He'll show them. Those traps won't be able to reach him if he runs faster. Placing his currently human feet in a running position once more, the hyena took the leap of faith.


Such, however, had been a huge mistake. Traps cropping up like weeds, the soldier's dream eyebrows twitched. There were more, where did they come from? Snapping his fingers, he prepared himself for further leaps upward. No way would he let these things capture him. He was not a bear, he wasn't about to let this monster get their way.


Spiky teeth of doom surrounding him, the soldier cartwheeled across the fields like his dream life depended on it. If this shadow creature thought he was going to surrender, they were mistaken. Grass crunching beneath his feet, the hyena would not raise the white flag.


But, as such extremes continued, the obstacles only continued to multiply like Cicins in the open wilderness. Gaps closing in, the chimera let out a screech that did not penetrate into reality. There was no chance to squeeze out. Any second now, and he would be locked in, a caught hyena, a spectacle for the shadow creature to laugh at.


Rolling up into a ball like a certain blue hedgehog, the hyena could feel the fuel burn through him. No way, absolutely not. What in the world is he doing, giving up already? He would avoid these traps if it was the last thing he were to live through in this not reality presented to him. He could not let the enemy get their way, no matter what. Laugh coming for him at rapid speed, the chimera attempted to tune them out.


"Ha, look at you, so eager to get away from me!" the shadow creature cried, guffawing. "Do you really think you can avoid these traps forever?"


Cold shoulder given, the early adult kept the momentum going. Of course he could avoid them forever. This was a dream. There was an end to all of this somewhere, and he was going to find it. Ground beneath him covered with spiked from end to end, the chimera could feel hope wash away, in an instant.


Multiplication rapidly pacing itself out, the hyena could feel the walls around him close in. It was no use, there was too many, there was no way he could get through this any longer. Tongue click coming his way, the chimera crossed his unfeeling arms across his waist. They were going to proclaim he was boring. Any second now.


"Wow, you're not fun today!" the shadow creature cried, tongue clicked once more. As they said such they snapped their fingers. "Fine! Follow me, then! Don't waste your time trying to get away. I'm watching!"


Shadow creature demanding he follow behind them, the hyena let out a laugh. They were watching him? So, what if they were. He would stray off the path anyway. Why did they think they could boss him around? They were not in charge. Who did they think they were ordering him around? Leaping from side to side, his defiance made itself known.


However, such had been met with immediate retaliation. Thunder striking him in seconds, the hyena grit his teeth. Word naughty tossed his way like it was candy, the chimera held back the urge to let out a groan. He supposed he had no choice but to listen, did he? The dream world was beyond his control.


Long road laid out in front of him, the hyena turned his dream heard towards the right and left. Where in the world was the shadow creature taking him? World around him getting darker as the dream seconds dragged onward, a wave of terror hugged the chimera from behind. Something was not right, for sure.


Walls looking rather familiar the further he had been pushed along, everything grew darker. Seeing such, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Those grey bricks, why did he recognize them? They felt so familiar, homely, like he had seen them thousands of times before. Was that really the case? Surely, he had been mistaken.


Eyeing castle walls in the corner, as well, a realization washed over the soldier, in an instant. The shadow creature, had they taken him to Mondstadt? Hearing a roar off in the distance, the hyena flinched. Was there a dragon somewhere nearby? No, this wasn't good. He had to leave before he was scorched into nothing.


Tour continuing, the chimera swore he could hear the shadow creature continue to laugh up a storm. Hearing such, the hyena covered his subconscious ears. Why was this monster being so loud today? What did they find so funny? But, such thoughts were halted almost immediately as the trail ended.


Large, bright purple dragon laying down the flames, the early adult waved the invisible white flag. It was over, he was done, finished, toast. Ready to become the dragon's snack. Shadow creature's laughs reaching an all time high, the chimera surrendered. Reptilian beast's tail coiling around him, the world was a box.


"It's mealtime, my precious!" the shadow creature cried.


Dragon mouth getting closer and closer, the chimera let out a laugh. The shadow creature brought the trap straight to him, of course they did. What was he expecting? He should have known. Gnashers chomping him up, the chimera could feel his life fade away. As everything had gone black, one last thought dragged itself down with him.


All along, the trap was in plain sight, wasn't it?


***


"Let's start by talking about my predicament right now, if
Anyone's readin' this, I'm not sure what be happening. But, it would seem
The path back to Simulanka has been closed. I ain't sure what happened, but
Every single one of us is stuck in Natlan. I tried
Looking for Iben, but I ain't findin him nowhere.
You know, I think every single one of us is trapped here.


Why can't I find Iben? I dunno, but,
Everyone was separated. And I can't seem to communicate with


Him. Ya know, I'm pretty much
Always with him? But, in the past few days or so, I haven't seen him. Wherever I am, I cannot leave. Feel
Very high up, and like I can't move. Not sure what's happening, but
Everything feels like the gears have kinda stopped turning. Am I stuck in limbo for real this time?


Bet I am, it feels kinda weird to be away from Iben for too long.
Eh, it's not like I need him, or anything. I'm fine on my own, I'm an adult. Well,
Err, or should I say, was an adult? It's
Not like I exist no more. But, I dunno, I don't feel


Comfortable when I'm away from him for too
Long. No, we're not a couple, or anything. We never were, we're just always together,
Or something. It's kinda hard to explain.
Since our erasure from perceivable
Existence, I just, I dunno, I
Don't feel comfortable by myself, I guess.


Or somethin. I dunno. It's pretty difficult to explain, and stuff. Just a sinking
Feeling, it's always this constant flow. Not like my life when being perceivable was any better, of course, people always
Felt the need to call me a monster, always calling me a


Freak, so, it ain't like I miss my life when I was perceivable. It wasn't a
Really great experience.
Of course, it's not like I'm hiding behind him, or anything.
Maybe I'll find him soon. But, let me


Start by saying,
I ain't got a clue where I am.
Maybe my glasses are foggy, but I'm in some hot air balloon.
Uh, I thinkin' that's where I am, anyway.
Looking down, I don't recognize
Any of my surroundings.
None, whatsoever. I'm seeing a lot of people running around dealing with something
Kinda big, but I
Ain't quite sure what it is or,


What's happening. But, I think it may be a war.
Err, what kinda war? That, I


Ain't got no clue on. I do know that red storm cloud's up there, and
Relatively speaking, it could be a reason for
Everything happening to us, and us being


Strayed off from
The path we were on, but
Unless I'm wrong, I think that big
Cloud up there is what strayed us here. I don't
Know how long I've been here, nor


How to get back to Simulanka, but
Err, apparently, and now, I say 'apparently' 'cause I ain't
Really sure if this is the truth or anything. But,
Err, apparently, there's a key to eliminating this red storm cloud. Or so,


I've heard. And, I'm thinking, it's likely me, okay,
Not just me, but I'm a factor into getting rid of it.


Now, someone might think I
Am too up high on my high horse, but I have reasons
To believe that we, once together as ten again can eliminate it.
Let's start with the facts. Well, perhaps, the beginning. Before I got stuck
All the way up here in this mighty balloon that does
Not move, I did hear something. Something about the ten of us being together can get rid of this thing.


Now, I guess, there's a little riddle
Of sorts I heard, and it's a weird one, if you will.
This riddle goes as the following: those who exist in the physical plane, but can no longer can be perceived.


So, that kinda perfectly describes the ten of
Us. Someone's probably gonna ask who I heard that from. Well, some
Really weird dragon lady's been mumbling it a lot lately.
Err, she looks like she's been investigating


What's going on here, too? Am I certain that she is?
Hardly, but I have seen her going round and round to pretty much every corner of Natlan mumbling a lot. Kinda
Yikes energy she's giving, if you ask me.


But, I ain't saying nothing, I don't think she can see
Us, well, actually, come
To think of it? That ain't even


True. Before I was sent off to this
High platform, Zhulong and Yanglong told me, 'some dragon woman can see us. I'm not sure why.'
Err, I wonder if that storm cloud is warping us into a


Perceivable form. Before we were sent to Simulanka not
A single person could see us.
That was the only place we could be seen, that witch, Alice, and
Her little group of friends,


I'm pretty sure, they go beyond, or
Something...are they even from here? I


Can't help but feel
Like they come from somewhere beyond.
Or maybe I'm just
Spewing nonsense. I mean, at first, we were all
Especially astounded. Who is this woman, and how can she see us?
Don't know, but that was a very long time ago now.


Maybe she isn't from this world,
And all that. But, what would we know? We ain't know nothing.
You know, let's not focus on her,
Because she's not
Even here right now.


Would I say she sent us here? I don't know.
Eh, actually, probably not.


At any rate, I feel the need to elaborate a little more on the key, and on whether I'm on the
Right track. It could be that the truth is it's some ghost we're unaware of. That could be the
End to this. Something on the physical plane that can


No longer perceived, it could just be a ghost, and not us.
Eh, if that were the case, I think that would be the
Easy answer here, but I
Don't think that's the answer at all.
Either way, the only way to eliminate this problem before everyone
Dies, and that's not an exaggeration, is to


Find the keys. I am pretty certain that this cloud can wipe
Out the entire world. Ah, I might be
Really exaggerating here, but


Something about it feels kinda apocalyptic?
Or maybe I'm just spitting lies,
Maybe I'm spitting nonsense.
Err, actually? Let's be real here,
The fact remains I am not spitting nonsense.
However, I ain't sure if
I'm spitting facts
Neither. I don't know.
Going out on a limb here, well, multiple limbs


Because I've got eight of those, that
It's probably just us in the end, or, so I
Gather. When I am able to get off this platform, I


Do need to help the others find the other keys, if there are any.
Uh, there probably is, maybe. Perhaps.
Not saying there is or isn't.
Nor am I confident, but, until further notice, I am unable to do anything.
Oh, I hope I can move soon, not coutin' on it, though."


The sound of bitter wind howled from mountain to mountain like it was their calling in life. As the month long blizzard had only begun to worsen, hundreds of Fatui Soldiers groaned in a chorus. It was far too soon for this to reach the peak. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.


The sound of monsters screaming in unison of one another slapped the windows for minutes on end. Mages begging for mercy from whomever had done this to them, no mercy ever came. Groans only getting louder, the protests squeaked themselves out. Can't someone keep those fiends quiet?


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Noise only getting louder, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his partially human mind. But, the chimera knew he had to get over it. Dreams weren't real. Lifting himself upward from the icy cold covers, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the soldier's uniform melted onto his partially human person, the hyena could not help but wonder. Santhe, what should he do about them? They were probably not who they say they are. Should he try to call them out on this? The evidence was beginning to pile itself up like leaves.


But, the chimera shook his head. No, perhaps he should just leave this be. He was overthinking all this. Of course he was. There was nothing wrong with Santhe, nothing suspicious, either. He was just imagining it, that's it. Nothing more, nothing less. It was all his imagination. That Saurian Hunter was pulling his leg. An Abyss Mage in disguise? No way! What was he even going off about? He was wrong on that front, for sure.


Staring off towards the steel walls, the hyena knew. Disregarding such was not possible. Santhe had been acting rather suspicious lately. He couldn't just throw all these thoughts away. Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the points of oddity screamed out to him like a siren.


Santhe, they simply weren't normal. They had powers of other Saurians. That wasn't how it was supposed to be, was it? That Saurian hunter, perhaps they had been on the right track all along. Maybe Santhe was in disguise in the end. But, as the soldier thought such, a familiar interruption took the stage.


Hail slapping the window, the hyena let out a screech. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he'll finish getting ready. Taking a deep breath, the soldier turned his attention back towards his uniform drawers. What was he doing allowing himself to get distracted by all this? He needed to snap out of it.


Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, the hyena adorned matching blue stars in his hair and ears. Wave of calmness flowing through him, the chimera stared off into space. Should he just drop every single suspicion he has about Santhe at the moment? Perhaps, just maybe, it would be in his best interest to do so. Maybe they weren't untrustworthy after all. Surely, people were just assuming utter nonsense.


But, the chimera could not shake off the suspicions, in any shape or form. No, something was quite off about Santhe, and he cannot keep avoiding such subject. Why could they do some things other Yumkasaurs couldn't? But, the hyena knew such thoughts should be completely discarded of. Nothing is wrong. Of course there isn't. They're just a little different, or special. That's all it was. A special case, nothing more. He was overthinking this.


Abyss Mages slapping the window for minutes on end, the early adult shook his fist towards the paned glass. Why wasn't anyone doing anything about this growing problem? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed no one cared enough to do anything. And, he did not, either. Why should he waste his time solving Snezhnaya's problems? This place could rot, for all he cared.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the Geo Delusion glared daggers at him. The sinister orb, should he finally make use of it today? But, the chimera threw such thoughts off a bridge. No, he definitely should not do that. What in the world was he thinking? Such was a bad idea, without a shadow of a doubt.


Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena could feel his thoughts wander back once more. Santhe, could they be lying to him all this time? Darkness clouding over his shoulder, he knew. Perhaps they were. He should have seen the signs coming from kilometers away, but why didn't he? But, such thoughts were cut off, in an instant.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the soldier turned his face towards the door. Time had run out. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier had put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday of anything to begin.


"Soldier, something came up, so your orders are cancelled," the Agent said, words slipping a bit. "Do as you please, but try to not call attention to yourself over the course of the next three days." As he said such, a bag shook in his hand. "Take this with you, in case you need it."


Satchel handed off to him, the Agent soon exited the area. Word cancelled echoing through his fading human brain, the hyena stared off towards the steel walls once more. A sudden vacation? Just what was Her Majesty up to this time? This could not possibly be a good thing, for sure.


Walking around in a circle, the chimera could feel heavy uncertainty flow through him. What should he do? How is he supposed to spend this sudden, out of nowhere vacation? What could he possibly do? Blanks drawn over and over again, he could not come to any sort of conclusion whatsoever.


Reversing his circle about, the chimera turned his attention towards Natlan. Should he just assist with the war efforts? But, the hyena shook his head to such. No, no way. He's not working today. He's not obligated to assist them if he's no on the nonexistent clock. Continuing to stare off into space, the blankness kept on spreading even further.


Nothing coming to him for minutes on end, the hyena let out a sigh. Maybe he could just head to Liyue and read a book or scroll at Wanwen Bookhouse and read for a little while. Shrugging, the soldier off duty removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Liyue Harbor waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes as the fast travel towards the Nation of Contracts began.


Why can't he think of anything to do?


***


"I don't know to word this, truly, but I do


Know one thing for certain that might sound too farfetched to be true, but, level with me for a minute. The ten of us, at some point shortly after the storm cloud had left Simulanka, had been forcefully exited from the book world.
Now, of course, it wasn't immediate. But, it sure felt like it was, I must admit. We were told we could leave any time.
Of course, we all just simply vowed to stay in Simulanka. It's not like
We have any reason to leave. So,


We choose not to. But, it would seem the world
Has other plans for us. And, since we've been sent to,
Ah, I believe we're in Natlan. Yeah. That's where we are right now, at
The moment. We tried to go back to Simulanka, but it seems like we are unable to return at the moment.


I tried, but, it would seem there's a spell cast upon this tome.
So, all of us are locked out, and are trapped in reality. I don't think anyone is aware we're here. Is what I would say, if that were true. But,


Uh, it would seem this isn't true. It would seem like some dragon
Person can perceive us. Yanglong and I, for whatever reason, this other dragon is


Able to see us. I don't have much to say other than, perhaps because that person was a dragon, they can see the unseen. Well, actually, that is
Not quite what I mean to say. No, I
Don't mean they can see the unseen. Maybe there is another way I can say this. Maybe they're special, like that witch who


Had the ability to see us. But, I don't know, soldier boy saw Cyril. Well, he's
Obviously some sort of exception since
We met him in the only place in the world anyone could see us, so that checks out.


Or does it. I guess, Cyril kind of lied about performing Astral Projection, but soldier boy could perceive him in
Reality. In any case, as of recent, we have attempted to try and find a


Way to get rid of this storm cloud. And, during our own investigations, we
Have discovered a rather important point. That there
Are three keys to getting rid of this. Now, what are
Those three keys? Well, I think we know the first one. I


Can't say I am entirely certain here, but I think the first one is finding the person who caused
All this. Which, we have yet to figure out the cause of it all. Is it a person, a monster?
None of us know. We are under the


Suspicion that this storm cloud is artificial. Simply put,
There is no possibly way for any
Of this to be real. Or, maybe that is not the word I am looking for here.
Perhaps, what I should be saying is


This, nothing about this is natural. Nothing about this is natural at all.
How could something this big
In scale be a natural occurrence? This is
Something I am aware of that I heard that might have happened.


It was in other nations,
Too. And, that includes Simulanka here. Which, we don't even know how


It was able to escape into here at all. Which,
Somehow happened anyway. The simple fact it was able to


Penetrate beyond the scope of
Reality is worrisome. It shouldn't be possible at all.
Okay, well, I already said that,
But, look at the facts. Or,
At least, what's going on around us. Things pretty much
Barely make any sense about all of this. It's not
Like something like this could even make sense if it wanted to.
Yanglong told me I shouldn't try to make sense of it. But,


Ultimately, I feel like I
Should make sense of


This, because that might be the key to beating it in the
End. So, I need to focus on all of that. The
Necessity to remove this monster


Is at an all time high.


But, that requires
Every single one of us
To find the keys. We're all going to spread ourselves out to find them, and group up at the end of the week."


Upon reaching Liyue Harbor through the teleport waypoint, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Was it just his imagination, or did something feel rather off? Gazing upwards towards the sky the sun burned upon his glasses. Was it a little too sunny? Maybe it was. He wasn't sure.


But, the chimera shook his head. No, it was his imagination, surely. It had to have been. Of course it was. What did it matter anyway? He shouldn't focus on any of that. It was his day off, whatever chaos was brewing was not his problem in any shape or form. It was time to head to the bookbooth.


As the hyena had begun to head through the area, something had not been right in any shape or form. Deer trotting around the streets, the hyena jumped ten steps back. The plague, had it returned in some way? Maybe it had returned. If that were the case, how many people were affected?


Tuning such thoughts out, the hyena moved forward. Why should he draw attention to the possibility the beast plague had made its unceremonious return? Maybe that wasn't it at all. Surely, it wasn't like that at all. Why waste his time thinking about such things? He was off the books. Perhaps, just maybe, it was nothing more than wildlife intertwining in mortal spaces.


Harbor bustling with activity, the soldier could not help but wonder. Is the red storm cloud truly gone? Gazing upwards towards the sky, he could feel an intense wave of doom cast a shadow upon the area. It was never truly gone at all, was it? Could the blinding sunlight be its new form it has taken?


Shrugging, the hyena tossed such thoughts into the river. Perhaps, such had been the case. Why waste his time thinking about such things? Surely, it was nothing more than a clear day with no clouds. What is he doing, throwing himself into conspiratorial thinking? He needed to stop doing such a thing, for sure.


Reaching Wanwen Bookhouse after a short while, the soldier could hardly believe his eyes. Multiple deer seated like humans reading scrolls, the chimera could feel sweat pour down his cheek. Maybe the plague had returned after all. Usual employee nowhere to be seen, the chimera sighed. Maybe he should just read one scroll, then leave.


Tall brunette in the corner reading a scroll, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. How could he stick with his routine with all this chaos unfolding in the background? But, he supposed some people were stone willed. Liyue was the land of the rock, after all. But, the soldier threw such thoughts away. What was he even saying?


Peeking around the shelves, the soldier could see a rather peculiar book laying on its side. Strange scroll written in Mondstadt writing rather than Liyuean, the early adult rose an eyebrow. What was this doing here? Who wrote this? He did not know why, but he could feel himself get rather intrigued by such out of place literature. Opening to the first page, a sense of nostalgia ate him alive.


"Visitation with a Strange Crane.


It has been a long time since I have been to Liyue for research. I had slowed down to be with my family. But, now that I am back in the field as a historian, I have decided to take a moment to research the Adepti of Liyue. My journey has taken me to Mt. Aocang, where I met an aloof crane.


I was informed by a few locals that I should prepare some offerings should I seek an audience with an adeptus. So, I prepared a feast. While this may seem over the top, you can never be too prepared. Gastronomy is one of the most important aspects of Liyue culture as I have studied prior.


The trip to Mt. Aocang was certainly an arduous one. The rain was quite heavy that day, but I remained vigilant, and did not stray from the path. I must say, despite the weather being quite dreadful, Liyue's mountains were beautiful like they always were. Perhaps, when my son and daughter are old enough, we can all come here together.


Beside a small river towards the top of Mt. Aocang, I found a short path with a stone walkway. And, to my surprise, after setting up the feast, I was greeted by a crane. I believe this area would be the abode of Cloud Retainer, if previous records are to be believed. She accepted my feast despite initial reluctance due to my status as a foreigner and mortal.


Miss Cloud Retainer, from my findings, seems to be a rather aloof adeptus. Secluding herself out in the remoteness between two mountains. Perhaps I could be wrong about this, but that is the first impression I get from her. Regardless, she allowed me in her space and to record some information about her, but it did take some convincing at first.


She seems to enjoy making various gadgets and tools of which, I am unsure what most of them might be for. In my previous trips around Liyue as a historian, I had learned about the Guizhong Ballista and its creation process. The illuminated crane informed me the past behind it and the arguments that brewed between Rex Lapis, another god, and she.


After a long discussion about past gadgets and some further things regarding the future, I bid farewell to the crane. I told her next time I come, I might bring my son and daughter with me. She had no comment to this. I have also been made aware of some of the other adepti of Liyue of which include Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper.


I intend to meet them at a later date, but I believe I may need some sort of Sigil of Permission in order to request an audience with them. I am unsure that they would want to speak to me as I am a mere mortal. I am also a foreigner. So, the likelihood of the others allowing for me to seek them out might be low.


But, as a historian, I need to always have myself be prepared for any possible dead ends or those who may not cooperate with me. Which, I am used to. This is how things have been since I embarked on this path to become a purveyor of history. It may continue to be difficult from time to time, but I am fine with that.


Hart."


Closing the scroll, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. Hart, he believed he had heard this name a few times before somewhere, but where? Shaking his head, he placed the record of the crane back on the shelf. That name wasn't ringing any bells. Maybe it was something he had heard in passing. Gazing at the spine one last time, he did not know why, but something still felt oddly familiar about it. Something fatherly. But, the early adult shook his head. No, that wasn't it. Perhaps this was something a scholar from Sumeru wrote.


Staring off into space for a moment, the text scrambled around in his head, for a moment. The historian, whomever they were, they mentioned they had a son and daughter. Could this record have been written by father when he was leaving his stages of toddlerhood? But, the chimera popped such thought with a pin. No, it could have been anyone, really. It was just a Sumeru scholar passing through, that was all it was. Students from the Akademiya often came abroad to study. Surely, that's who wrote this.


Deer crowd still around reading, legs stretched out, the chimera tried with all his might to not call attention to them. Tall brunette soon turning his eyes towards him, the soldier's tail stuck upward. Oh, no, had he disturbed him while he was doing his morning reading? He needed to apologize right here, right now. But, he had soon been mistaken as a greeting had come his way.


"Ah, Mr. Siorc, I could not help you were reading one of the scrolls your father wrote but a moment ago," the tall brunette said. There was a warm smile on his face.


Hearing such, a warm smile had been returned in kind. His father had written this scroll after all? How incredible. Perhaps, just maybe, there had been a copy of such in his former home in his stolen childhood. But, he supposed it was too late now to ever know if that were truly the case. Eyes soon on the fawn creatures, the chimera could not help but point at them. But, he immediately halted such action. What in the world was he doing? His parents had always told him pointing at someone was a rude gesture.


"You need not concern yourself. The plague has been taken care of," the tall brunette responded to his rude gesture. "These deer a simply acquaintances of mine."


Wise man referring to the deer as his acquaintances, the chimera blinked. This man was friends with all kinds of beings, wasn't he? Desire to read any other scrolls floating away, the chimera wondered. The panda chimera, were they at the beach this time of day? He supposed it would not hurt to ask. Hands out in front of him, the early adult placed his arms across his chest in an x-shape. Encircling his eyes, panda had been signed on private display.


"Miss Yinlong is at Yaoguang Shoal doing her morning exercises," the tall brunette replied to his wordless communication. "If I were to guess she left her home about an hour ago."


Useful information coming his way, the hyena bowed a thank you. Maybe he could take the panda chimera on a trip around the mountains. Perhaps, just maybe, they would be able to meet the adeptus his father wrote about in the past. Preparing himself to leave the area, the soldier off duty descended the staircase.


As the hyena left Liyue Harbor from the northern city exit, the hyena could not help but wonder once more. The bright and blinding sun up above, had this been the new form the red storm cloud had taken? He did not know why, but he couldn't help but feel it hadn't truly been eliminated.


Passing through Guili Plains, everything was silent. Not a single monster anywhere in the area, the chimera's knees buckled. He did not know what was worse, having to face hundreds of monsters on the way somewhere, or nothing at all. But, he knew he should not think too hard about such. Maybe someone or something had defeated them on the way over.


Hilichurls running away as the rays shined down upon them, the chimera kept on moving. Further creatures holding their hands over their masks, the hyena's eyes had begun to wander. What were these monsters so afraid of? He could never hope to understand the hostile wildlife of Teyvat.


Reaching Yaoguang Shoal after about an hour of walking, the chimera broke out into a sweat. Was it just him, or had it been much hotter over here? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. No, of course that wasn't the case. The afternoon sun had just come out where it wasn't wanted.


Panda chimera nowhere to be seen, the soldier had begun running. Circling around for minutes on end, the hyena kept going. Hearing familiar slow footsteps coming closer the further he pressed onward, the absence of wind kept making its presence known. Palm placed above the lenses, the chimera sauntered onward.


Continuing his run, the early adult could soon see the panda within distance. Edges of the sand closing in, eyes had soon been on him from every angle. Yinlong slowly gazing at him, the soldier returned a look in kind. Stare of confusion coming his way, the chimera scratched the side of his head. Was he not supposed to be here? Maybe he should turn around.


Seeing Siorc running towards them at lightning speed, Yinlong tilted their head in a slow matter. He had been rushing towards him rather fast, was there some sort of emergency he needed to attend to? If he needed his help, he wouldn't mind assisting. Maybe he should ask about it.


"Oh, hey, Siorc," Yinlong greeted, words slow. "You were running here pretty fast. Is something wrong? Did your big bad Fatui boss say there was some kind of emergency?"


Question of urgency coming his way, the hyena tapped his boots upon the ground. What was he running so quickly for anyway? It's not like he was asking him out on a date, or anything. Cheeks turning pink, for a moment, he shook his head in a prompt matter. Signing it had not been an urgent matter, he swore the panda looked further confused.


"Oh, I see. So, what brings you here, then?" Yinlong asked, words slow. "Hunting for treasure?"


Shaking his head, a notepad had soon been handed off to him. Tapping the pen on the paper, the hyena wondered. Would Yinlong even want to head up towards Mt. Aocang? They had already done such in the past. Maybe a repeat trip to such area would bore him. Writing down such inquiry anyway, he returned the writing tools to their owner. Panda chimera reading it over, news of which he did not wish to hear had come his way.


"I'm sorry, Siorc, I can't, this is too short notice," Yinlong apologize, shaking his head. "I have work at the teahouse today."


Rejection coming his way, the soldier bowed an apology. Should he have asked him to head up the mountains tomorrow instead? But, the chimera shook his head. No, there could have been a possibility his vacation could get cancelled at any given second. He could not rely on such inconsistence, for sure. Lifting his head, he could see the panda chimera wave his hands rapidly in the air.


"Hey, don't apologize, it's okay. I'm sorry I can't give you a better answer," Yinlong responded, bowing an apology in kind. "But, there might be something that might interest you? There is some strange ghosts in Natlan."


Panda chimera mentioning ghosts in Natlan, the early adult tilted his head towards the blinding sky. Who could he have possibly heard such a thing from? Had a travelling scholar come by the teahouse and passed down some strange happenings on their journey? Silently inquiring about who told them that, he could feel the wanderlust eat him alive.


"Are you asking me who told me about the ghosts in Natlan?" Yinlong asked, words slow. "Feng and Linggui told me about it."


Otter duo mentioned, the hyena let out a sigh. Those two were probably pranking him, weren't they? Inquiring about their location, the Wharf in Liyue Harbor had been mentioned. Hearing such, he lowered his eyes into a squint. These two were definitely pulling his leg, weren't they? What did they know about Natlan? It's not like they had ever been there.


"Do you think they might be playing a joke on me?" Yinlong asked, words slow. "They're not pranking me, promise!" He waved his hands in the air as he said such.


Teleport waypoint proxy orb removed from his back pocket, the chimera highlighted the Liyue Harbor waypoint blinding light overtaking him once more, the chimera closed his eyes. No matter how much time were to pass, fast travel was quite the blinding activity. Opening his eyes once more the chimera dashed down the stairs. It was time to find out once and for all if these otters were speaking nonsense.


Otter duo off in the corner beside umbrellas, the chimera dashed off towards them. Feng in a feminine Adventurer's Guild uniform with a touch of pink, and small amounts of makeup, he could feel himself lose focus. How brave of him to be able to wear lipstick like that. How he wished he had the courage to do so himself. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, allowing himself to get distracted?


"Look at Yinlong's boyfriend checking you out!" Linggui cried, pointing. "Yer getting bored of her, aren't ya? Better break the news to her!"


"Don't worry, Yinlong's boyfriend, we won't tell you're looking at other girls, promise!" Feng cried giggling. "Not. Poor Yinlong! How will she recover when she learns you were cheating on me with your eyes?"


Party of two laughing up a storm, the chimera let out a heavy groan. What was with these two always acting like Yinlong is his boyfriend? That was not the case. Why were they so insistent on keeping this unfunny joke going? Giving them a glare, their faces soon changed.


"Alright, we'll drop it fer now," Linggui said, laugh under his breath. "Whatdy'a want? Ya came in here in a bit of a hurry."


Inquiry coming his way, the soldier off duty inquired in silence about the Natlan ghost rumor. Adding the word prank to the mix, he folded his hand in a fist behind his back. If these two attempting to joke with Yinlong with false information, they were going to get it. But, he soon unfolded his fist. What in the world is he thinking? He couldn't resort to violence, no way. He could not cause any trouble, or the Agent would kill him, for sure.


"Oh, dear, oh dear, you thought we were trying to prank good old Yinlong with false information?" Feng asked, trying to keep a serious tone, but such failed in seconds. "We may joke around a lot, but that wasn't a lie or prank. Katheryne told us about it. But, we can't go out that far. It would take us too long to get there!" But, as he said such, a lightbulb appeared over his head. "Say, you go pretty much everywhere, don't you? Why don't you go in our place?"


Request coming his way, the chimera sighed. He supposed he had nothing better to do anyway. Teleport Waypoint proxy map removed from his back pocket once more, the early adult highlighted the waypoint closest to the Children of Echoes. Closing his eyes for a moment, the savannahs had been upon him once more.


But, upon opening them once more, something wasn't right. Chaos brewing right underneath his nose, the chimera turned his attention towards the noise. Capybaras acting strange, the soldier off duty turned the other cheek. Maybe it was best to not bother them. Creatures hopping away, silence returned from the grave.


Reaching the Children of the Echoes tribe after about twenty minutes of walking, the drill girl was nowhere to be seen. Chief leader stating she had been participating in some three day competition, the chimera blinked. Was this why his workdays had been suddenly cancelled? Perhaps, just maybe, the Pyro Archon had told Her Majesty an outlander like him could not participate in any further competitions.


Reaching the rest area, alarm bells had gone off in the hyena's head upon reaching the usual spot. Santhe's cheeks bright red, further warning signs had come out of left field as he came closer towards them. The dragonkin, something wasn't right about them. Saurian companion hopping on his shoulder, heat radiated towards him. Giving his pal a concerned look, immediate words had come his way.


"Santhe okay, master, don't worry," Santhe whispered.


Santhe breathing quite heavy, the concern would not leave him, even for a moment. No, something was definitely wrong here. What should he do? Saurian pal continuing to insist they were fine, the hyena dropped such weight onto the ground. It was nothing, surely. He needed stop adding more warts to his worries.


Leaving the rest area, the chimera could hear a hammer banging away in the corner. Hearing such, he dashed off towards the noise. Santhe grappling him over, the hyena could feel the world dizzy around him. Huffing, the ocelot lady had been within distance. Pushing towards her, she was hard at work. Eyes soon falling onto him, an inquiry about where everyone had gone had come her way.


"All our warriors are fighting in some large Natlan only battle tournament," the ocelot lady said. "Did you want to join? 'Fraid you can't do that, sorry. Natlan natives only."


Second rejection about such coming his way, the gun was smoking. Surely, this had been the reason behind his sudden work cancellation. Why couldn't the Agent have just told him? But, he supposed he never told him the reason for anything, so why would he start now? Of course he wouldn't.


Knowing it was in his best interest to start the ghost hunt, the hyena exited the Children of Echoes. Placing his hand beside his temple, the soldier off duty scouted the area. Where should he even begin? If he were a ghost in Natlan, where would he be hiding? Snapping his fingers, an idea came to mind.


The Night Kingdom, of course. That place was filled with lost souls from time long forgotten. But, the chimera shook his head. No way he could just waltz in there and search for ghosts. What in the world was he thinking? That would only cause trouble, for sure. He needed to stay in the surface world, and look for anomalies there.


Santhe whispering to head south, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. There had been ghosts south? Shrugging, he supposed he could take their word for it. What's the worst that could happen? It's not like he would be haunted again, surely, he had to have been spirit repellent by now, guaranteed.


As the chimera had continued to head south, a terrifying scent of fire threatened to burn his nostrils. What's going on, where did this sudden burning scent come from? Gazing upwards towards the sky, the red storm cloud crackles. Staring off into space, he could not help but wonder. Just what was the shadow creature up to this time?


Spotting smoke off in the distance, the soldier had begun running. The divine flame, had it combusted once again? He needed to hurry, and fast. Speeding up his running speed, the grey haze had only gotten worse. Seeing such, the alarm bells kept on going. What was burning away? But, what awaited him had soon come full circle.


Poor, innocent capybaras burning from head to toe, the early adult held back the urge to shed hundreds of tears. The divine flame, why did it have to come for the wildlife critters, too? He needed to do something, but what? Water, he had to find some water. Some liquid, something, anything to put out the holy flames of the Pyro Archon.


Not spotting any rivers anywhere close by, the early adult could feel himself drift away. Was the only water in the nation in the People of the Springs Tribe? That was too far, he wouldn't make it there in time, for sure. The capybaras, they would melt away by then. He had to find something else, before it was too late.


Furry creatures crying up a storm, the hyena placed his hands on the side of his head. Their screams, their pain, what could he possibly do to save them? There was only mountains and savannah for miles. Heart pitter pattering like raindrops, the hyena could feel the eggs scramble. Poor critters burning away, he swore he could hear them talking.


"Mr. Mr., please, help us!" the capybaras cried. "Please! It hurts! Get us some Spinel Fruits!"


Pleas coming his way, the soldier off duty gazed at the poor, suffering critters. Spinel Fruits? What were those? Where could he get them? Why hadn't he heard of those before? How strange, Santhe inquiring for him where could they get those, the next set of words almost burned his ears off.


"They're in a volcanic cave nearby here!" the capybaras cried in a pleading tone. "Please, please, Mr., we really need them! It hurts!"


Word volcano buzzing through his eardrums, the soldier dropped to his knees. No, why? Why did those fruits have to be in a place that like? Incident from years prior flashing through his brain, the chimera let out a scream. No, not a molten cave, anything but that. Rodents pleas continuing, the hyena stood to his feed. Spinel Fruit, right, he had to hurry. Surely, they weren't too close to the liquid of horrors.


Dashing south for towards the ancestral temple, the hyena could feel his will begin to sway. A volcanic cave, a place of terror, a place of doom. Why was he going here? He should just head to the waters near the People of the Springs. But, he knew he couldn't take such detour. He had to get the Spinel Fruit. What kind of monster would he be if he kept the poor creatures waiting longer? He could not do that no matter what.


Reaching an entranceway unknown to him, a small winding path towards an underground cave soon awaited him. Heat building the further through the corridor he got, the hyena tried to keep it together. It was just Spinel Fruit, nothing more. There wouldn't be another fire incident. It would be fine. Deep breaths, he needed to take deep breaths, and count backwards from ten.


Heart beating hard and fast in his chest, the early adult froze. No, he couldn't do it. He could not go in there. He needed to turn back around. But, the soldier knew he could not do such a thing. He had to continue onward whether he liked it or not. Leaping downward, the burning world soon awaited him.


Boiling lava everywhere, the chimera let out a scream. Nothing but a smidgeon of pitch black walking space beside the heated molten liquid, the chimera could feel the world around him spiral in circles. Why did he have to do this? Why couldn't he have just gathered spring water? This was too much, terrible, a disaster.


Tiptoeing around, the chimera had begun to sweat buckets as he could see a row of weird blue fruits growing right next to the molten liquid of doom. Who planted seeds so close to the heated death liquid? Who could do something like this? Leaping towards the first one, he could hear a shout come towards him.


"Master, no, stop!" Santhe cried, voice cutting out. "Master, please ask Koholasaur for help! Master not Liquid Phlogiston proof!"


Santhe whistling, a huge dark blue Saurian had come to the beckon and call, in an instant. Seeing such, the soldier turned towards his companion. How were they able to do that? Big dragon roaring the early adult jumped back. This creature, had he disturbed their nice little swim? He needed to apologize right away.


"Koholasaur, please help master get across the Liquid Phologiston to get some Spinel Fruit!" Santhe begged.


"Roar, roar, roar!" the Koholasaur roared. "Roar, roar, roar." Short silence following, they turned their back.


"Koholasaur say okay!" Santhe cried. "Master, you need to indwell into them, okay? Close your eyes, Master!"


Instructions coming his way, the hyena closed his eyes. But as he done such, he could not help but wonder. Was any of this truly necessary? Feeling a peculiar burning sequence overtake him, the early adult opened them once more. But, what awaited him was a whole new height to behold.


Saurian's eyes his own, the chimera, or dragon's jaw, rather, dropped straight open. What in the world just happened. Had he become a reptilian creature now? But, a realization had washed over him. What was he acting so shocked for? Hadn't he done this once before? Taking a deep breath, he hopped into the molten bed of doom.


Staring down below at the hot bed beneath him, the temporary dragon paddled like a dog. He had to swim in this spread of doom? How scary. Santhe telling him to kick his legs, the reptile did as instructed. Right, just paddle. He was a boat. This Koholasaur was the only way to move forward.


Reaching the first set of Spinel Fruits, Santhe's tongue had did the talking. Seeing such, the temporary dragon tried to not roar. Wasn't he the one supposed to be collecting these things? Little legs kicking, the searing bed was ready to become one with him. Dropping down the firefall, further tiny foods had been located one after another.


Every single Spinel Fruit soon collected, the temporary dragon returned to the top of the cave. Santhe telling him to hop upward to end the indwelling state, the reptile tilted his head. He had to do what now? Closing the Koholasaur's eyes, the hyena leapt upward. Dragon becoming some sort of tiny blue statue in the corner, his eyes twitched. What was that just now?


Exiting the lava cave, the chimera could not help but wonder. Was this what people meant when they said humans in Natlan and Saurians coexisted with one another? Maybe that was what it meant. Heading back towards the capybara's locations, the hyena's wanderlust continued. Did the natives go inside their saurian companions? But, the soldier shook his head. What a weird thing to think. Surely, it wasn't like that, at all. Perhaps, just maybe, he was misunderstanding what indwelling truly meant. That had to have been the case.


Capybaras given their fruits, a new order of interest had soon come his way. Told to head to the secret isle south of the People of Springs, the chimera did not quite follow. What did he have to do, exactly? He was starting to feel unsure. Dashing south for quite some time, the next order of business was upon him.


Reaching the Firethief's Secret Isle, something was not quite adding up. Extra statue or two that had not been there previously, the chimera could not make sense of anything. Had a ghost added some decoy stone monuments here? But, he had soon been mistaken. Hearing an instrument play up a racket in the corner. His eyes had locked with a group of strangers.


"What are you up to? Go on, speak up!" one of the lady warriors cried.


Weapons out, the hyena backed away. Were they looking for a fight? Maybe he should stand down. But, such had been impossible. Men in the group running up towards the front lines, canons had been set out in front of him. Attempting to say he wasn't here for any reason, such chance had slipped away.


"Intruder!" one of the men warriors shouted. "Get out of the way, or get blown away!"


Hostilities thrown towards him, the hyena jumped eight steps back. What in the world did he do wrong? They locked eyes with him. Weird bullets coming towards him, the chimera turned towards his backside. Tail bouncing everything back for minutes on end, a white flag had soon been awarded to him. Enemies proclaiming that was quick, confusion loomed through him. That was quick? Was it opposite day? How ridiculous.


Santhe breathing heavy, he swore he could hear them say there was treasure on this island. Hearing such, he chimera wondered. Should he bother to hunt for it in their current state? Dragonkin telling him to go have fun and dig, multiple puzzles had been solved in a slow manner.


Trunk of nothingness soon found, something black and round at the bottom of the container, the chimera blinked. This was the treasure? Why did it feel so useless? Pocketing it, for the moment, he headed off towards the People of the Springs. Maybe they would have use for this piece of junk, whatever it was.


Tail swishing behind him, the early adult let out a screech. If the People of the Springs saw his hyena tail, they would call him disgusting, for sure. Closing his eyes, the appendage dissipated from behind him. How long had it been out for? How many people saw it? People were disgusted by it, without a shadow of a doubt. It was over, wasn't it? He did not know why, but he could a sense chimeras were not welcome in Natlan.


Reaching the People of the Springs tribe, the strange black round thing had been shown to multiple parties. Every single person telling him to bring it over to the surf shop the white haired surfer girl's eyes had been practically glued to the strange thing. Practically snatching it from him, the soldier's jaw practically dropped open. Could she cool down maybe just a little?


"Hey, you found the record I lost, sweet!" the surfer girl cried. "Thank you!"


Hearing such, the chimera did not understand. What was something like that doing on that deserted isle? But, the chimera shook his head to such. Did it matter? He supposed it didn't. Moving towards the Ameyalco Waters yet another tiresome question had come his way. Someone inquiring about whether he had been ghost hunting, a nod had come his way. Told there might have been some there, he pressed onward.


But, no such ghosts existed anywhere in sight. Further capybaras burning, he had no choice but to face them in battle. Small attach of a nonlethal proportion blown, the rodents tugged on his satchel. Sighing, Spinel Fruits had been tossed their way. Further pleas to head to the Scions of Canopy to help their alpaca friends, the chimera was off to the races.


Reaching the Scions of Canopy after a few hours of detoured running, multiple alpacas had been saved by the fruit. But, he swore as he thought that, he could feel himself in the plot a akademiya comedy novel. Throwing such thoughts away, he could feel Santhe get hotter on his shoulder. Saurian Hunter passing by, he let out a quiet screech. Oh, no, if this man saw him how, he was in trouble. Eyes darting towards his dragonkin pal, a headshake had come his way.


"Your companion isn't looking too good," the Saurian Hunter said in an ominous tone. "Be very careful. I don't know if your little pal here is immune to spontaneous combustion."


"Let them burn, hahahaha!" Ajaw cried. "That pink Yumkasaur will be toasted, no, roasted, like a marshmallow!" But as he said such, he had been flicked away.


"There's a few warriors fighting outside the stadium," the Saurian Hunter said. "They might make the spontaneous combustion get worse. Maybe you can stop them."


Suggestion coming his way, the hyena headed off towards the stadium's outskirts. Losing warriors demanding a fight as he stood into their turf, the chimera let out a sigh. What was this, a gang war in the streets? But, the chimera shook his head. Wrong universe. It's not like he was the leader of some hit service. Of course he wasn't. It what universe would he ever be something so violent and horrible?


Warriors demanding they go for four rounds, the hyena broke into a sweat. Excuse him, how many rounds? Curling his fingers, he supposed he had no choice. First, second and third rounds all somehow won from the skin of his teeth, blood dripped down from his neck as multiple weapons piled on him like a dog. Fighters demanding one more round, the chimera obliged. But, as the punches only got stronger, a familiar shriek had come his way from far behind.


"Alright, break it up!" Aega screamed. But such, was not happening. Bursts of strong wind dropping underneath the annoying warrior's feet, she let out another screech. "I said, break it up! Or do I have to knock you out with my fists until you understand?"


"We're sorry, ma'am we won't jump random strangers again!" the warriors cried, but as they said such, a shin had been kicked into their stomachs.


"Yeah, sure you won't!" Aega cried. "Get out of here, before I report you to the Pyro Archon!" Ruffians running, she turned towards the other hooligan. "And, you! What are you doing, fighting back? Do you have any idea how reckless you are? What are you doing, listening to that Saurian Hunter in the Scions of Canopy tribe? In what realm of possibility would fighting seasoned warriors stop the spontaneous combustion? Do you know incredibly stupid you're being right now?"


Screams and shouts coming his way, the hyena sighed as blood had been wiped off of him. There it was again, that no nonsense attitude. Why was Aega like this? But, he knew he would never be able to understand someone like her. Bowing an apology, he could feel even more rage come his way.


"What's apologizing to me going to do? Nothing!" Aega cried. "Next time, maybe don't do something so reckless. You're lucky I was here, or you'd be knocked out for two weeks!"


Aega walking off, the chimera stared upwards towards the sky. When did it become evening? Heading for the stadium, the hyena checked himself into the hotel rooms within the area. Extreme wave of tiredness flowing through him as the seconds raged onward, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of sleep dragged him down to the bottom of the ocean.


He didn't find anything of note at all today, did he?


***


"This is starting to make less the sense the more I think about it.
How could there be three keys?
I, Iben, and really just not understanding
Something here.


Maybe it's the point that stopping
All this can only happen if there's three keys. I really don't
Know, it simply just doesn't
Even make sense. I am trying to make
Sense of all of this at the moment, but simply put, pretty much,


Not a single thing here is adding up whatsoever. But,
Of course it doesn't. For starters, let me just


Say the fact that we don't have any way to be perceived in reality anymore. No one can
Even see us, so how could we possibly be the key to ending all of this? We are most certainly
Not. I'm trying to figure out. What this means, I've been told
Some sort of hypothesis, amongst everything is that the key is people are in the physical plane, but can no longer be perceived.
Even if this could, in practice, be us. How, or where does something like this in any shape or form,


Add up? I am really
Trying to understand this, I am. But, I guess I


Am simply not getting the memo here, am I? I guess I'm not.
Look, I'm not saying it cannot be possible that's the case. I'm just saying, it's not
Likely. I mean, why would it be?"


Waking up the next morning, the chimera stretched his legs. It was time to do more ghost hunting. This time, for sure, he would finally find something of note. There was no way he was going to lose today. The Adventurer's Guild receptionist. She would have to know something, surely.


But, the early adult shook his head. Didn't the guild see Fatui as the enemy? He would be sent away, guaranteed. He was probably in the enemy's handbook as a person to fight into oblivion. Shaking his head, he headed off towards the bionicle puppet. What did it matter if he were in the tome, or not? Today, he was off duty.


"Ah, yes, I do believe there were some ghosts spotted in a few places," the Adventurer Guild's receptionist said. "Would you like to take this commission?"


Nodding, the chimera exited the stadium. What choice did he have? He had already been in too deep with this mission, he had to find these ghosts and hunt whatever, or whomever, they were. That was the only thing he could do going forward. Informed there was something strange going on in Hutzli Hill, the hyena took the job, volunteer only. What did he need the Mora for, anyway?


As the hyena approached the northern hills of Natlan, Santhe was a furnace upon his shoulder joint. Dragonkin breathing labored, the early adult knew he had to ask. Where they alright? Something was off here. He could not be silent. He needed to ask the forbidden three worded inquiry.


"Santhe, are you alright?" Siorc asked forbiddingly. But, such question had been met with a near immediate answer.


"Fine, master!" Santhe cried, fake chipper voice. "It's just hot today!" But, their energy died as they continued their false attitude. "Let's go fight some ghosts!"


Santhe acting as though they were fine and dandy, the hyena rose an eyebrow. He should probably take them to a Sauro-Vet, shouldn't he? But, he knew they would refuse. Maybe they were fine, like they said. Natlan was boiling. It would bake him into a pie, too, for sure. Perhaps, just maybe, Saurians ran hotter than hyena chimeras. That had to have been it, surely.


Continuing to push onwards towards Hutzli hill, a sea of doomed thoughts stalked the hyena from behind. Maybe Santhe had fallen ill because he had been too suspicious of them. Should he drop all his thoughts of negativity looming over his head? Perhaps, just maybe, that would be for the best.


Dragging his feet further north, the soldier knew. If he were to stop being so shifty eyed towards Santhe, maybe they would start getting better. That was it, surely. Why was he listening to what others said about them not being what they seemed? They were wrong, for sure. Why would they lie to him about their identity? That Saurian Hunter didn't know what he was talking about, for sure.


Spotting a blue portal door once again, the chimera let out a sigh. There was a domain here, alright. Blinding light overtaking him, a peculiar place awaited him on the other side. Long, rainbow river waiting for him, the hyena had been strapped into a wooden boat before he could even blink. But, as he been forced into the vessel, an unwanted guest poofed behind him.


"You're finally here!" the shadow creature shouted. "Reach the end of this river for a little secret!"


But, another condition had soon been demanded of him. Shadow creature demanding he race him to the end, or else, he's not letting out the secret, the soldier held back the urge to sigh. Oh, so that's how this was going to go, was it? How incredibly annoying. Race them to the end of the river? What was this, some kind of game?


Fiend getting further ahead as he hesitated, the soldier let out a screech. Who said this monster could get a head start? What a dirty cheat. Weren't they supposed to start at the same time? How annoying. Who did they think they were, pulling away so fast? He needed to topple them right here, right now. He wasn't about to let this monster win so easily.


Obstacles thrown across the way, the chimera grit his teeth. Just how much of a cheater could this monster be? How annoying. Shadow creature sticking out their pitch black tongue, the early adult let out a growl. How dare this creature make a mockery of him. They would pay for this.


Objects broken one after another the shadow creature had gotten further away by the second. Seeing such, the screeches had only gotten louder. He knew it. This fiend would do anything to reach the end before he did. What a freak against nature they were. Boxes, crates, floatees and everything in between eliminated, he could hear a shout from afar come his way.


"By the way, if you don't managed to beat me," the shadow creature cried. "I'll summon one of my friends to take something from you!"


Hearing such, the chimera let out a scream. If he were to lose, he could kiss his life goodbye. He needed to speed up, get to the end, hurry along before his lungs were a sacrifice again. He could not allow that to happen. Not again, not like this, hurry, hurry, he needed to move right here, right now.


Missiles ready to come in for the kill, the chimera could feel the boat rock against the prismatic water. Seeing such, the hyena's eyes opened wide. He needed to dodge them right here, right now. Throwing projectiles at him to win the race? Absolutely vile. They should be disqualified. He wanted to speak to their manager in the red storm cloud up above. But, the hyena threw such thoughts down the river. What in the world was he going off about? What was his name, Karen? He could feel his soul get cooked as the waterfall plopped him downward. Splashing down hard, a laugh had come his way.


"Aww, what, can't even keep up with me when I stopped cheating?" the shadow creature cried. "Okay, if you beat my pretties, I'll surrender!" As they said such, something horrifying had been thrown his way. "But! Only if you shoot them to death! Got it?"


Double barreled gun handed off to him, the early adult let out a pained screamed. He had to go and do what now? Shoot these monsters with a pistol? A murder machine? No, why in the world did it have to be something like this? How awful. But, as the monster emerged, something wasn't quite right.


Slimes with three eyes staring at him, the soldier stared at the the double barrel. Did he really have to use this thing to have the shadow creature surrender? Closing his eyes, he knew he had no choice. Jelly beings melting into nothing, the next round of monsters readied to swallow the soldier whole.


But, what waited for him next was a wave of terror growing stronger by the second. Monster with a third eye and large bird wings flapping off towards the ceiling, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. That green pulsating eye, was that Iben? But, he shook his head. No, there was no way that could have been the case here.


Failing the bullets multiple times, the bow and arrow had been thrown at him. Demanded he use that to eliminate the super proclaimed powerful boss, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Would this really be enough to eliminate this imitation of the cursed bird man?


Archery challenge won after countless attempts fired one after another, the chimera stared off into space. What was the point of any of that just now? No ghosts anywhere to be seen, the chimera sighed. What was the point in coming here? There was no specters or supernatural beings in question, whatsoever. How annoying, and a waste of time.


Reaching the end of the river, the shadow creature backed off. Creatures not bothering him any further, a rather peculiar forest soon awaited the hyena. But, upon reaching the edges, he swore he could see some rather blurry, distorted, but familiar figures. Unable to make out anything they were saying, the soldier off duty waved the white flag upon the battlefield. It was no use, he couldn't hear anything of value.


Thrusted out of the domain, an intense wave of fatigue flowed through the soldier. Feeling such, the hyena dragged himself back towards the stadium. Checking back into his hotel room, the chimera rolled up into a ball between the temporary sheets. Feeling himself ready to become one with the sleep world, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


Those strange figures he saw in that domain, could they have possibly been the ghosts he was seeking out?


Probably not. It was too coincidental.


***


"Just a coincidence, right. That's all this pretty much is, a coincidence.
Ultimately, there's no way those
Spirits I saw at the end of
That river are who I think they


Are. Why would they be, anyway?


Can't really say that I have a lead here.
Of course I don't.
I don't have a lead at all.
Not at all, so what am I doing? I honestly, really, simply just
Cannot say anything here.
I don't know, and I
Don't think I should pretend like
Everything has been solved, it has
Not be, and to be honest, I simply
Cannot go off on feeling alone.
Everyone knows not all the spirits are tangible beings that make any sense. Oh, well, I'm going to hunt one last time today."


Waking up the next morning, Aega had been by his bedside, arms across his waist. Reaching for his glasses, the early adult tried to hold back a groan. By the archons, what in the world did she want this early in the morning? Why did she think she could barge into his hotel room without permission? But, he knew he couldn't ask such questions, she would only yell more.


"I heard you've been ghost hunting!" Aega cried, tone annoyed.


Hearing such, the early adult pulled the covers over his face. Alright, so what, he was ghost hunting? What was her problem with that? Signing such inquiry, he swore Aega changed her song and dance, in an instant. Seeing such, the hyena tried to keep himself together. What was going on with her lately? He couldn't keep up with her at all.


"Go to the Spirits of the Night Wind and the Flower Feather Clan, then," Aega responded. "And, don't cause any issues while there."


Hearing such, the soldier rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. Did she have to add that last annoying portion in? She was not his mother, and she never will be. Why did she always feel the need to tell him what to do? She wasn't his boss, let alone even apart of the Faui. Where did she get off acting in such a way?


But, as the chimera had continued to head northwest, the hyena gazed at Santhe. Was it just him, or did their face look really blue today? Hand shaking he tried to reach for their forehead. But, another lie had come his way. Again informed they were fine and dandy, just hot, the hyena put his palm down. Maybe he was worried a little too much.


Reaching the Flower Feather Clan after about an hour of walking, the chimera had been told to ride upwards onto a hot air balloon. Doing so, the soldier had been met with a shocking face as he reached upwards towards the top of the higher up area. Seeing the familiar green tendrils, a realization washed over him.


Hanegal in the opposite hot air balloon looking stuck, the early adult's heart skipped more than four beats. Hold on, what was one of the Simulanka chimeras doing here? He could have sworn they said they weren't going to leave that book world. But, he supposed people changed. Nearly transparent head turning towards him, shouts had decorated him with plaster.


"What's up, soldier boy?" Hanegal asked. Iben told me you be ghost hunting. That true?"


Question coming his way, the hyena nodded. What point would there be in telling her a lie? She could definitely see through him if he did that. Eyes on him, the chimera wondered. Should he ask why there here? Maybe he should. Hands out in front of him, inquiries about why they were here had come the tendril monster's way.


"What do you mean why we be here?" Hanegal asked. "The same reason you be here. To investigate and kill that red storm cloud."


Hearing such, the hyena blinked. Hold on a second, Zhulong and Yanglong, some time ago, Rashmi saw them, didn't she? Were they here in Natlan while he was all along? He remembered seeing Cyril for a brief moment, too. Had they always been here? Perhaps, so. Maybe their journey through Simulanka had to end to be brought here.


"So, did you find anything useful that could eliminate it?" Hanegal asked. "I be finding little bit of nothing, but now I'm stuck in this hot air balloon, and can't get out. So, it's up to you to defeat them for now, kay?" Her tendrils moved up and down as she said such. "I think Zhulong went to some spirit portal. You should talk to him."


Knowing there was a spirit portal in the Spirits of the Night Wind tribe, the hyena made a run for it. The chief's chamber, he had to go there, and pass through that soul door. Zhulong and Yanglong, maybe they knew how to end this all once and for all. They had to have that ability to do so.


Reaching the strangest tribe of them all, the hyena pressed onwards towards the Chief's indoor office. Knowing he had to head for the spirit portal, he placed his hand on the door. But, as he attempted to do so, some pink haired grandmother, and her grandson attempted to get in his way.


"Why are you trying to go to the spirit realm?!" the pink haired shaman granny cried. "You're not even from Natlan! Who knows what'll happen to you if you never get out of there!"


But, the hyena did not care. What did it matter if he weren't able to get out of that space? Surely, it was as simple as opening his eyes and wishing for his soul to go back into his body. Heading into the world of the spirits, the chimera gazed at his surroundings. Weird purple chamber filled with candles, next to nothing added up.


Place deserted, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Why was it so quiet here? Wasn't this a spirit portal for souls who temporarily left their body? There was nothing here, he needed to hurry. But, he had soon found who he was looking for. Zhulong looking almost physical, he dashed off towards them.


"Huh, who is there?" Zhulong asked, turning his head towards the right and left, but he halted as he saw whom it was. "Oh, it's just you, soldier boy. Well, alright. I guess we're on the same page about the red storm cloud, aren't we?"


Nodding, the chimera wondered. How did the ten Simulanka chimeras get out of their fictional book and land in libraries? He didn't know. Dragon panda clearing his throat, he turned towards him. What did he have to say to him? He needed to listen, at all costs. It was important for sure.


"Well, the good news is, I believe I know how to eliminate it," Zhulong responded to his wordless communication. "You need to find the three keys to get rid of it, and then it'll be gone for good." But, as he said such, a door closed from the outside. "Oh, shoot, you need to quickly pass a spirit trial, or you'll never get out of here. Give me that sickly dragon of yours. I'll hold onto them until you're done."


Santhe handed over to Zhulong, the soldier stared off into space. A spirit trial? What in the world did this entail? But, the trial in question had been nothing more than a simple collect the particle game. Finished and over with in less than ten minutes, the soldier had been sent flying through a portal, in seconds.


Returned to the real world, the hyena blinked. What was that all about? Three keys to defeating the storm cloud? How could he do that? Dragging himself back towards the Children of Echoes Tribe for hours on end, the thoughts kept on rolling over and over again. Santhe returned to their resting place, he could see the Agent waiting for him with a stupid slime mask.


"Alright, soldier, vacation over," the Agent demanded. "Go back to Snezhnaya now."


Demand coming his way, the chimera highlighted the military barracks waypoint. But, as he cruised through the icy cold hallways, a freezing attack had taken him away. Had he been way too suspicious of him. He needed to drop it all, or they would never heal from whatever is plaguing them, for sure.


Pacing around for a moment, the hyena wondered. Who or what, could possibly be the free keys? He did not know, but he needed to find them all as soon as possible. That red storm cloud it had to go, it had to die, no matter what. There was little time left. he did not know why, but he could feel this sense of doom that it would seen eat everything.


Intense wave of tiredness flowing through him, the soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses put away as well, the chimera closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow. Land of tormented dreams ready to drag him back down into the pits of despair, one last thought carved its way in like a dagger.


Who, or what could be the key to destroying the red storm cloud once and for all?


He didn't know. But, he had to find out soon.

 

[Palamon]

28: Natlan's Falling Apart: Misty Island Flop
"So, alright, Your Majesty, you're not making any sense anymore. None at all whatsoever.
Okay, so, let me ask. You want me to do what now?


I'm extremely confused here.


Alright, so let me get this straight, let
Me try and understand all


This, please! I'm just? What are you asking of me? I have to go where now? A misty bay area? I'm
Really not comprehending any of this!
Your Majesty, please, do
I have to ask you this as
Nicely as I am to muster, could you please explain? I really, truly, don't
Get this! I don't get this at all!


This came pretty much
Out of nowhere! It came so out of left field!


Come on, Your Majesty! This is breaking me apart at the seams! I feel as though I'm about to be destroyed!
Oh, Your Majesty, l know it
Might be too much to ask for an explanation, but
Please! That's all I'm asking. Oh, well, who am I kidding?!
Right, I should have known, honestly. This is how it's going to be for all
Eternity! But, I guess I knew that,
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha,
Every single time, Her Majesty is always just vague with me!
Never upfront with anything!
Don't forget! I'm her pawn, her toy!


Ahahaha, of course, of course!
Let's remind ourselves of the facts!
Let's not pretend like this isn't the case!


That's the case!
Hahaha, right, right,
I'm just a toy for her to play with! I
Shouldn't ever forget that!


Yes, that's right! A toy! A toy!
Of course, of course,
Ultimately, that's simply how it is! But, I knew all that, really! I knew all that plenty! She's going to
Roar at me from her seat,


Making an example out of me!
Aha, of course, who am I kidding?! That's
Just how it's always been
Every single day
Since my first day here!
That's how it's always been!
Yes, always!


Always, always, always, always!
Let's look at the facts, shall we? It's pretty much how it is!
Right, of course
It is!
Guess that's how it
Has always been! I'm nothing more than a
Tool! Some kind of toy to play with!


Should have figured this all
Out sooner! I mean,


Look at the facts! I might as well paint an
Entire sign on my back
That reads, free to use!


Might as well!
Everything about me is


Going according to her plan! Of course
Everything is! So, as usual, I have
To ask, Your Majesty! Why does it have


To be this way? What do you
Hope to accomplish by using me
In this way? I
Shouldn't have to ask


Such a question! I really shouldn't have
To ask! But, I feel so broken, I'm
Really beginning to crack!
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha
I'm beginning to crack! I don't
Get what the point is of
Having me go
To this little


Island? I don't get it


At all! What is this,
Misty Island Hop? More like, Misty Island Flop! Ah, no, what am I even saying?


That wasn't even funny. Ugh, I
Really went and said that stupid!
Your Majesty, please,
I'm sorry, forgive me! I'm
Not trying to question you!
Gah, who am I kidding?


This is just getting to a point
Of no return for me!


Ugh, honestly, I haven't a clue what to do
Now. I truly can't make sense of this.
Do I have to try harder? Maybe
Everything would make sense if I did!
Right, of course, I
Shouldn't have
Thought otherwise, should I?
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha!
Nothing is making sense! I just
Don't get it! I don't understand at all,


Your Majesty! I'm running
Out of sanity here!
Ugh, let me just ask you one last thing about this mission!


What's the point of it
At all?! Seriously. I'm
Not understanding! I'm really,
Truly not following.


Maybe if you weren't so terribly vague,
Everything would be fine!


This would all be alright if it weren't for that
One issue! But, I


Guess that's not important, huh?
Of course it isn't!


There will never be a moment
Of time where Her Majesty isn't vague!


Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha of course not!


Might as well surrender and throw
In the towel!
Since I know
Things won't ever change!
Yes, of course, why should


I even hope for
Such to be? It's
Likely not going to happen! I'm fully
Aware that's how it is! It's
Not going to change! I really
Don't know what to say


At all anymore! I really
Cannot think to say truly anything! But it is what it is,
Really! I'm not allowed to question
One single thing, or
She'll kill me! Her Majesty will just kill me! I
Should know that by


Now! One more question,
And I'm dead! I'll be
Thrown into my grave! It's not an exaggeration! It's
Likely a guarantee! I
Am not making this up! And I'm most certainly
Not trying to look like


I'm scared of her, or


Anything! I'm not! I
Might be Her Majesty's little rook, but I am


Hardly afraid
Of her! Do
Not get this twisted, please!
Everything is
Simply just, me knowing my place in
This world! That's
Literally all this is!
Yes, that's it! It's been like this for


Quite some time now
Ultimately, I know my place
In this world is just
That of a pawn!
Everything about me is just waste to


Use! I know I'm
Nothing more, nothing less! I
Should always remember that!
Ugh, look at me! I'm
Really getting off track here!
Eh, what in the


World am I going off on
Here? I shouldn't have let myself crack.
Yikes! What in the world is wrong with me today?


You know, I really should not have myself have this inner
Outburst. What am I doing?
Ugh, come on, cut it out.


What's wrong with me lately?
Ah, I have
No clue.
There's way too


Much wrong with me,
Especially since I started


This storm cloud mission.
One thing after another is


Going awry.
One thing after another is


Taking a turn for the worse!
How could
Everything go south so quickly? I
Really don't know! But,
Ever since


I started doing all of this in Natlan, I


Don't think anything has gone my way!
One thing after another has


Nearly turned everything upside down!
Oh, no, I'm
Thinking about the chaos again!


Gah, but it's
Especially true!
That everything has gotten worse since


I started working on freeing Natlan from
The Red Storm cloud!


All of this is getting to a point of no return now!
There is pretty much no time left before it consumes


All! And honestly! I don't know what to say! It's very
Likely now especially at this stage, the red storm cloud will
Literally eat everything!


Why did it all turn out this way?
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha,
As if I know! I don't know
The answer to that!


I wish I did, I really wish I did! But, it would seem it won't ever have an answer! I
Suppose I'm preaching to the


Wrong choir!
I'll never have
The full answer to any of this.
Ha! Honestly, who am I kidding?


You know, at this point, it's close to
Over! It's really close to
Upending itself!


Hahaha, hahaha
Once and for all.
Nothing is safe, not
Even me! I know I'll
Soon be devoured,
Too! Swallowed whole!
Lalala, it's the end for me!
Yes, the end! The end forever, most certainly!


You know, I don't have much to live for, so if I'm eaten?
Oh, well.
Ultimately, I don't care. Her


Majesty is the one who took me
Away. I know that my life isn't my own, I
Know that! But, if I get
Eaten by the storm cloud, I do


Not care! Simply put, I do not care
One bit.


So, go ahead, go ahead,
Eat me! It's
Not like I'll be missed.
So, what does it
Even matter? I should


Just accept my
Ultimate fate! Being devoured!
Swallowed, gobbled up! I'm sure
That monster planned to


Wolf me down last
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
After all! Let's not forget! I'm
Their favorite plaything! Hahaha,


I'm their favorite little plaything! I
Shouldn't ever forget


It. I'm always trapped in
This cycle and have


Yet to break out! I have to break it!
Once it's gotten to its
Ultimate peak, I


Won't know how to stop it
Anymore! I will have
No way how
To do so!


From the looks of it, it's
Really close to completely
Obliterating this world!
Might as well count on


My fingers the days I have left!
Eight, seven, six, ahh! Forget it?!


There's barely any left.
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha!
Everything is dying!
Right, everyone is going to die!
Everyone is going to die! Ah, stop, stop!


I'm being so overdramatic!


How could I be this gone?
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, I'm so
Very gone at this point that
Everything is breaking!


Nothing is making any sense.
Okay, I just need to


Calm down! Right, that's right!
Let's just calm down! Deep breaths, deep breaths!
Ugh, nope, I can't
Even do that anymore!


Why can't I calm down?
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, it's
All over if I can't calm down!
This is the end of


The road for me right
Here and now,
Isn't it? I would
Say it probably is the


End for me! I'm
Very close to just giving up this mission and never
Ever returning! I'll
Never be able beat this


Monster! Not
Even a little! Not even
A smidgeon!
Not even a
Slice! Ahahaha,


Why did I have to go in this alone?
How am I supposed to get through this
At all? I simply can't!
This is too much!


Don't make me do all this as
One unit! Please, I'm
Especially begging you! I'll get onto my knees!
So, find someone


To assist me! Anyone to
Help me! Please, please, please,
I'm begging please! I
Shouldn't be doing this alone! I


Have no powers
Alone to
Vanquish this thing!
Everything is still here because I


Am unable to do anything!
Nothing is making sense!
You Majesty, just,
Take a moment to reevaluate this
Horrible mission, please!
I'm truly braking
Now at the seams! I'll
Get down on my knees


To beg, and more, if I have to!
Oh, please, oh please,


Don't have me as a
One person team.


Why do
I have to go
To this Misty Island Flop alone? I'm
Hardly powerful!


Why is it always me who
Has to solve
All this? It's really starting
To destroy me!


It's really
Starting to


Get under my skin!
Oh, who am
I kidding? It's
Not like she cares!
Guess what? I'm just her little pawn


On the chessboard!
Nothing more, nothing less!"


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's adult life. The pattern was a relentless, broken wall of doom in a dungeon that was ready to throw people away from it at any given time. The obstacle was constantly growing larger, never settling on one single victim. The night before him had been no different as well.


Before him had been a peculiar glowing field of zinnias. They were bright, colorful flowers forming somewhat of a pattern upon the grassy fields beneath them. Seeing such flowers, the chimera could not help but wonder. Where in the dream world could he possibly have been? He had never seen such flowers in the mortal, waking world.


Gazing at the zinnias once more, the soldier tilted his head. Something didn't feel right here, but why? He could not help but feel a rather heavy wave of disturbance flow through him. Why did he feel as though someone, or something was watching him from up above? Gazing upward, the chimera let out a screech in the not reality before him.


Red storm cloud swirling from the skies, the hyena could hardly believe it. What was that monster doing here? Why couldn't it leave him alone, even in his dreams? He couldn't believe this. Why did this thing have to follow him wherever he were to go? Get this fiend out of here. Scream not penetrating into reality, the hyena repeated such thoughts one after another. Why wasn't he safe, even in the land of the subconscious?


Hearing a deafening crackle of thunder, the early adult let out a grumble. Did this fiend have to make its presence known to him? Turning around towards the opposite end of nothing further crackles of defiance let their screeches be known with a steaming vengeance.


Everything ready to break apart, the hyena could hear a terrifying metallic sound plinking from behind him. Hearing such, the soldier turned around towards the commotion. But, what awaited him was a terrible surprise with just desserts in the making, melting away almost guaranteed.


Zinnias growing stem like feet and hands, the soldier's dream eyes opened wide. Sawblades installed, the hyena's unfeeling body shook with a fervor. Where in the world did they get those terrifying things? Creatures ready to come towards him, the hyena backed away with all his might. How could this be happening? He needed to get away, at all costs.


Currently hyena feet dashing away at lightning speed, the early adult swore he could hear an army chasing after him. Realizing such, the chimera sped up his running speed. Those zinnias were coming after him, weren't they? He needed to hurry before they could possibly catch up to him, or it would be game over, guaranteed.


Creatures only getting faster with every given step, the young soldier attempted with all his might to dodge the beasts coming towards him. But, such had been an utter failure, in a matter of moments. Creatures looking ready to close in on him, the sprint had begun to take leaps an bounds.


Such, however, continued to not be enough effort to bring distance between the two. Word coward screeched at the top of the flower's lungs, the soldier tuned such out. He wasn't going to take that from a monster, no way. They could see themselves out. Attempting a spell of banishment, nothing fading away whatsoever.


Creatures toe to toe, the early adult's eyebrows twitched up a storm. They were right behind him, neck breathed upon, nostrils fuming. He had to get away, and fast. Dropping upon the floor ducking for cover, the soldier knew the only step moving forward was to crawl like a feral hyena. Prowling about, the blades were coming left right, front, center, upside down, and backwards galore.


Such fast getaway had been halted, in seconds. Rings appearing in the open field, the soldier tilted his head. What in the world were these doing here? He could hardly believe his eyes. Attempting to avoid them, a strike of lightning let its wrath be known to him. Flames engulfing them as well, the soldier could feel everything ready to crash and burn. No, why did these have to be rings of fire?


No other way out in any capacity, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to leap through the flaming orbs of doom. Did he have what it takes? Maybe it wasn't possible. Heaving a sigh, the chimera took the leap of faith. Perhaps, just maybe, those attempting to pursue him would burn away as well.


Whiffing up a scent of smoke as the second ring approached, the hyena observed himself, for a moment. Sleeves set ablaze, the hyena tried to get rid of them. But, such attempt had been rather futile. Cloth around his shoulder becoming ashes, in an instant, the early adult closed his subconscious eyes. The flames were out of sight, out of mind.


Second hoop ready and waiting, the chimera did an aerial somersault. Flames spreading across his backside, he could feel the world around him melting. Heavy wave of discomfort flowing through him, the early adult attempted to numb himself as much as possible. He did not have time to feel afraid. He had to get out of here right here, right now.


Jumping through what felt like hundreds upon hundreds of circular monsters, the chimera huffed and puffed up a storm. Was it just his imagination, or did this road feel almost endless? But, the soldier shook his head. Why would that be the case? Everything had an end to it, of course it did. But, as the fight droned onward, he could hear screams com from every which way imaginable.


"Coward!" flower number one cried.


"Think you can get away, huh, coward?!" flower number two cried.


"Stop running, discount soldier!" flower number three cried.


Petty insult kicking in towards the very end, the chimera kept taking every leap of faith imaginable. Did that flower in the back think saying such nonsense would make him stop moving? No way, not a chance, not happening. Not in a million years. Endless loop ready to bury multiple hatchets, the burning world was ready to swallow him whole. Any second now.


Hyena paws set ablaze, the weakness had begun to kick in. There wasn't much time left, was there? Any second now, and he would burn away, guaranteed. Flowers from behind continuing to call him a coward, an invisible arrow shot through him. Why did these monster have to say such a thing? How cruel.


Wind current up ahead, the chimera could feel a slight wave of shock flow through him. Was luck finally on his side? Wind glider deployed from behind him, he kissed the beasts of burden goodbye. Gap between the enemies growing larger, the hyena puffed a sigh of relief. Goodbye, and good riddance.


Such had been wishful thinking on the hyena's part. Creatures soon riding the wind as well, the hyena grit his teeth. These beasts could fly? He was done for, toast, a monster ready to burn away forever. Blazing sawblades ready and waiting to cut him a new one. Threat ready and waiting, the early adult readied the flag of surrender. This was the end of the road, wasn't it?


Dropping down with a thud, a large house awaited the chimera. Shadow creature seated upon a lounge chair in the corner, the chimera's dream eyebrows twitched. What were they doing around here? Why were they in his dreams again? How incredibly annoying. Get this creature away from him. But, something felt off in a matter of dream moments.


Powerful aura surrounding the opaque creature, the early adult stared at them. Why did he feel a sense of godliness from them at this very unreal moment? But, the hyena shook his head. It had to have been his imagination, surely. Why in the world would they have become a god? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. That simply wasn't possible.


Glowing red eyes turning towards him, the early adult gulped. What is this intense feeling of doom knotting in his dream stomach? But, the chimera attempted to snap himself out of it. No, it was nothing, surely. Creature filing their pitch black nails. Breaking into an icy sweat, the hyena did not know why, but something about them felt human. Too human. Crimson pupils soon glowing, a laugh had come his way.


"Look at my favorite plaything, all burned up!" the shadow creature shouted. "Scared of my little friends? Figures you would be! What a coward!"


Opaque beast daring to call him a coward, the hyena held back the urge to let out a screech. How dare this fiend call him a coward. Who did they think they were addressing him with such a word? They didn't even show their face. What right did they have to call him such a thing? Preparing a scream, he could feel a zipper close his lips shut.


"Look who's talkative today!" the shadow creature cried. "Think you can try and call me a coward, huh? Tsk, what a fool!" Fingers snapped, he giggled up a storm.


Torch in the palm of their hands, the early adult's dream eyes opened wide. Where in the world did he get that from? Flames waving back to and fro, the young soldier's unfeeling jaw dropped straight open. Where in the world did they get that thing from? It was over, he was done, toast, finished.


"I'm tired of your cowardice!" the shadow creature screeched. "Goodbye!"


Flaming torch tossed his way, the hyena backed six steps away. That flaming monster of doom, he had to avoid it right here, right now. He could not let this monster beat him, no matter what. But, such had been impossible before he could even blink an eye. Enemy speeding off towards him, an intense one-sided showdown was ready to sweep the floor from beneath him.


Pummeled to the ground, in an instant, the early adult let out a weak scream. Why was this always happening to him? This fiend, they were too strong, when did they become practically invincible? Torch soon tossed upon him like a hot pancake ready to explode, his body had become nothing but ashes. Dream death ready to take him away into darkness, one last thought dragged itself down with him.


There was no possible way he'd ever be able to escape this fiend.


***


"I'm so powerless and pathetic, I'm so powerless and pathetic, I'm so powerless and pathetic, I'm so powerless and pathetic, I'm so powerless and pathetic. I'm a


Failure. A pure, and utter failure. A piece of trash,
Everyone is simply better than me at everything. I'm such a failure, I'm such a failure. I'm such a failure. How has Her Majesty not decided to
End me? I can hardly fathom it, that's for sure.
Look at me! I'm so pathetic and weak! I'm


Such a terrible waste of space, ready to break! Hahahaha, Your Majesty, how do you put up with my
Obvious failures? I'm trying to understand, really!


I'm such a horrible, pitiful piece of garbage. Scum upon this planet! I'm
Not even worth anyone's time, ahahahah, ahahaha.
Come on, Your Majesty, I know you want to replace me, so do it already!
Replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me!
Everything would be so much better for you if you
Did! There would be more productivity!
Isn't that what you desire? Someone who can do anything you please! Replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me replace me!
Bet you're itching to do so, aren't you, Your Majesty? So,
Let's just do it already! Replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me, replace me!
Yes, yes, don't you see? So, hurry up and replace me already! I'll never be your


Perfect little soldier, after all, I'm so pathetic and useless, I don't even know if I can complete this mission!
Oh, how the tides have turned, and how
Weak I seem! It's time to get rid of me, wouldn't you agree?
Everything would be so much better off if you simply got
Rid of me! So, do it already!
Let's put me out of my misery!
Everything would be
So much better if you threw me away
So, go and do it already! Go and do it already!


The amount of times I have failed at this point, I highly doubt she wants me!
Of course she doesn't, who am I kidding? I'm


Such a failure, I don't know what
To do. I don't know how to handle this at all,
Oh, how am I supposed to eliminate this red storm cloud? I
Probably can't! Guess I can go


Ahead, and kiss my life goodbye! Since there's clearly
Nothing I can do to finish this mission. I'm trapped in a long cycle forevermore!
Yeah, that's right, trapped in this cycle! Trapped in a cycle, trapped in a cycle,
Trapped in a cycle, trapped in a cycle! Trapped in a cycle, trapped in a cycle,
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha! That's right, that's right,
I'm trapped in this cycle,
No way out. Trapped this way forever, unless I find a way to
Get around. Which, at this point in time, that's not


At all possible! There's
No possible way to eliminate this threat. No possible way.
Yes, that's right, I don't even know the keys. I don't even know if there
Might be a way to find such a thing!
Oh, why am I even bother?
Really shouldn't have
Even wasted my time trying! The cycle loops! The cycle repeats!"


The sound of morning alarm bells clapped together like a round of applause coming from the opera house in Fontaine. As the sirens kept their rampage going for minutes on end, hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaned in a chorus. The morning alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.


The racket of hundreds of monsters screeching from the outside world quickly, but assuredly drowned out the alarm bells, in an instant. As the sound of tormented monsters had only gotten louder, the protest continued. Who was responsible for this pesky rain? Whoever had done so could answer to Her Majesty.


The annoying cacophony was more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never hearing any sort of alarm bells, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his partially human mind. But, the soldier knew he had no choice but to get out of bed. He could not just sit around, or Her Majesty would kill him. Lifting himself upward from the rock hard covers, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the chimera's uniform had been placed over his layered shirts, the hyena could not help but wonder. What should he do about Natlan? The red storm cloud, it had to have done something almost to the point of irreversibility. Did it find a way to worsen the war with the abyss? But, he knew that couldn't have possibly been it. That had nothing to do with this, for sure.


Staring off towards the paned glass, the chimera gazed at the world around him. Something wasn't right about any of this at all. But, how was he supposed to eliminate this red storm cloud once and for all before it could eat everything? There had to have been a way, surely. There was no way it would be able to last for all eternity, could it?


Recalling what he had been told day prior, the chimera snapped his fingers. The three keys, yes, the three keys, that's the way. He had to find the three keys to putting a stop to this. Fact returning to the center of his fading human brain, the questions had begun to roll around like a pebble. How was he supposed to find such a thing?


Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the chimera could not help but ponder. The three keys, could they have been objects? Were they something of which he needed to submit to the shadow creature in order to appease them into departing from this world?


Shrugging, the hyena threw such possibility away. Why would that be the case here? What worldly object of any kind could possibly ever hope to keep this monster, for sure. Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. What was he thinking? That couldn't have possibly been it. This thing was made out of shadow. Why would it want a physical item of any kind? Sense had left the building.


Elliptical walk continuing, the hyena let out a tired sigh. How in the world was a key supposed to end the madness? He hadn't the foggiest of an idea. Not an inkling. Reversing his movement, the thoughts continued. The key, could it be a battle? Surely, something had to have been the right answer to end this all once and for all.


Hail slapping the window, the early adult placed his hands on his temple. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he'll finish getting ready. Gazing at the window for a moment longer, the young soldier tried to drown the noise out. How long had it been hailing now? He did not know, he hadn't been keeping track of that at any given moment whatsoever.


As the thoughts kept on going for minutes on end, the early adult could not help but ponder further. The storm cloud, whenever he were to finally defeat it, would everything return to normal? The hyena sure hoped so. But, he knew there was a small possibility normalcy as he knew it was a corpse upon the battlefield.


Dooming inklings rolling in one after another, the distractions piled up like dirty laundry. What if it was impossible to remove the red storm cloud? He could feel that, at any given moment, it would reach a point of invincibility. Thoughts continuing to wander, the trap dropped him down deeper. What would happen if he were unable to eliminate it?


But, the hyena shook his head. If such were the case, it would eat up the entire continent, no the world. Coming to such realization, the hyena stared off into space. The entire population, would it be wiped out in an instant? Hail slapping the window once more, the hyena let out a screech. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it. He'll stop getting distracted.


Tuning every other thought out, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Sharp edges clamping down will full force, his thoughts continued to wander. The endless hailstorm was it as a result of Her Majesty's rage, or the shadow creature's doing? He was starting to think it was the latter rather than the former.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the chimera stared at the yellow-green orb. Could using a little bit of Dendro be the answer? The hyena shook his head to such. There was no way using the elements was the answer here. Surely, if it were that simple, he could have beaten it six times over already. He was wasting his time thinking about such nonsensical things, guaranteed.


Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena put a pin in such thoughts. What is he doing, wasting his time thinking about such useless things? When the time were to come, he would find them. Of course they would. There's no way they'd remain hidden for all eternity. There was no way that was possible.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the chimera attempted to put on the most diplomatic face possible, but such was a failure before it could even begin. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier turned his attention towards the door. It was time for his workday of anything to begin.


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out on cue, tone annoyed. "What's your problem this time? Get it together, soldier!"


Annoyed tone coming his way at lightning speed, the early adult flinched. Right, get it together. What was he doing, thinking about such nonsense? He needed to stop thinking about the keys. They were hardly of any importance right now. Bowing an apology, he knew further annoyance would soon be awarded to him upon a purple platter.


"Soldier, I'll say it again, so it sticks!" the Agent cried. "Whatever is on your mind besides work, get over it! You need to get yourself in gear."


Second reminder coming his way, the chimera's eyebrows twitched up a storm. Right, he had to get it together. What was he doing, continuously getting lost in thought like this? He had a job to do. Getting lost in thought was going to get him killed, for sure. Turning towards the Agent, he knew he needed to apologize once more.


"I am sorry, sir," the hyena responded autonomously.


"Alright, now that I have finally got your attention, here are your orders, soldier," the Agent said in a commanding tone. "You will be returning to Natlan to deal with some issues reported in a misty bay area in the southwest corner." His gloved hands moved up and down as he said such. "However, since it is quite foggy there, you will need to request a device to be able to clear the pathway in front of him. So, go to the Research Institute and demand someone give you one."


Word demand coming his way, the hyena flinched. He had to do what now? Demand? What did he take him for, an aggressive diplomat? No way, not that, far from that. Misty bay area bouncing around his eardrums next, the early adult tilted his head. He had to go where now? A foggy island in the west of Natlan? What was this, Tsurumi Island Two, Pyro Boogaloo? Knowing the Agent would scream at him if he didn't respond quickly, he tossed every single thought out the window. But, it had soon been too late. The noise returned.


"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Are you even listening to me? You will be heading to a misty bay area in southwestern Natlan to deal with problems there!" There was an irritated tone in his voice as he said such. "This is the third time I've had to call out to you today! If you don't get it together, there will be consequences! Understand?"


Punishment waiting right around the corner, the hyena jumped eight steps back. Right, if he kept Her Majesty waiting any longer, there would be dangerous consequences. Taking a long deep breath, he turned towards his subordinate. Stop getting distracted. Right, get it together, Siorc. Get it together.


"Yes, sir," the hyena responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, he knew he needed to focus on nothing else but work.


"Good, we're going, soldier," the Agent responded. As he said such, a satchel had been slammed onto his backside. "Make sure you keep yourself focused." Arm out in front of him, the masked agent gripped the limb into a tight squeeze. Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the early adult stared at the icy cold walls as the escort off towards Fontaine soon began.


What misty bay area is he even talking about?


***


"Everyone, listen, I Wanta am losing hope! I am,
Very much at the end of my rope here!
Everything is so unfabulous
Right now, we're trapped in this ugly little volcanic savannah!
Ya know, hello, Natlan? It's so mugged here, can ya believe it?
The fact we were sent to these stupid
Hotlands is a sign of terrible things to come!
I want nothing to do with any of this! Ain't want
Nothing to do with any of this at all! I ain't cursed like the rest of those
Goons! Don't listen to a word of what any of them say!


I'm fabulous, I'd never do anything
So skull headed as bullying a qilin! All of that was a bold


Faced lie! This shark tail isn't a curse, it's
A blessing from the Archons! After all, I'm god's blessing upon this beautiful world!
Literal perfection upon this planet.
Listen, listen, it's as I have said!
I'm too fabulous for the likes of this savannah! I want to go back my castle that's definitely mine and
Not those hideous little toys who think they own the place! When I
Go back to my abode, I'll take back what's mine!


And, I'll say it again so it sticks! I'm not cursed! Don't say that
Putrid word of filth in my presence! I
Am absolute perfection, understand? Absolute perfection! You little
Rats just don't understand! The fact that I am so fabulous
That I am simply too beautiful for the naked eye!


I'm not cursed, I'm just way too fabulous!


How could those losers, especially Cyril say that
About me? What a bunch of liars! I'm not like those fiends! I'm
Very much above them all! I'm above
Everyone! At the tip of the top! I don't compare to


Any of those sorry cursed fools! So, get out the


Gutter! Make sure you remember that I'm
Obviously nothing like any
Of them! To even suggest such a horrid thing, how
Dare they! How dare they try and pretend like


I'm not above all of them! I so am! And, I intend to get out of here and go bac to paradise!
Do I prefer myself in that little book world?
Ehe, of course, since,
After all, I'm the king there!


Look, I'm just saying, I have
Every right to be angered by
This development away from my fabulous life!
So, what's next for me?


Ah, why, going back to Simulanka,
Like, duh, ain't no one
Listening to me! But, that's


Just typical of those dragons! Telling me to shut
Up all the time! But, I
Shall not be silenced!
They simply don't understand how fabulous I am! The others are


Dung under my shoe! They can go look for those dumb little keys all they want,
I ain't doin' nothing. Nope, nothin' nada!
Everyone else can do all the


Work to look what whatever those stupid keys are, 'cause I ain't lifting a finger!
Everyone else can go


About their day looking into these keys because they're
Really pushing this dumb hero story, ain't they?
Eh, these losers just want to be the heroes,


Don't they? Don't they?
Of course they do! Buncha goons!
Okay, for starters, they can start by doing all that and then I'll take the credit! It was
Moi, me who found the keys!
Everyone will see how much better I am than they are and realize that the only one who
Deserves to have credit for finding the keys is me! Moi! No one else but me!"


Upon reaching the Court of Fontaine through the teleport waypoint, the chimera lowered his eyes into a squint. He did not know why, but something didn't feel right at all whatsoever. Had the red storm cloud returned from the grave? But, the hyena shook his head. No, why would it have come back for the third time? That was impossible, for sure.


Agent demanding he hurry up and reach the Research Institute as soon as he possibly could, the chimera let out a sigh as his subordinate exited the area. Why were all of Her Majesty's loyalist soldiers always in a rush? He could never quite fathom it. But, he knew he was wasting his time thinking about such things.


Blazing ultraviolet light bathing him deep, the early adult let out a groan. Gazing upwards towards the sky, the question of doom threw itself to the wolves. Why was the sun so obnoxiously bright? The red storm cloud, had it taken yet another new form? But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. Didn't he ask this same obnoxious question yesterday? He did, for sure. He needed to stop concerning himself over nothing.


Knowing it was in his best interest to head for the Aquabus Information station, the chimera had begun to cruise forward upon the northern path. Glasses ready to be burned into nothing from the yellow glowing ball of hydrogen gas up above, the hyena swore he could see cracks across the sky.


Lowering his eyes into a squint as he kept moving forward, the soldier titled his head at such peculiarity. That crack, was it real? Or was he seeing things? Strange bits of slight green piercing through, the hyena stared off into space. What was that up there, the shadow creature's abode? Maybe he should keep an eye out for anything else that might have looked amiss.


As the hyena pushed through the northern streets, something was not right at all. Rich nobodies the same as they always were in the hustle and bustle, the chimera turned towards them. Why did they seem completely unbothered by the current state of the city? Wasn't the sun too bright for them?


But, the hyena shook his head. No, they probably didn't notice a thing, did they? Why act like they even knew what was going on? Rich nobodies going about their business, the early adult kept on pushing forward. Why waste his time thinking about these nobodies anyway?


Hearing something drop downward from the sky, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. What was the strange noise he heard just now? But, the hyena shook his head. He could not allow himself to get distracted right now. He had to get out of here, and move on any further dawdling, and he would be as good as dead.


Luck, and the archons were not on his side. Strange creatures that looked like clouds dropping down towards him, the early adult rolled his eyes towards the blinding sky. Oh, lovely, a new friend brought by the shadow creature? Nope, not interested. Did this fiend think he had time to waste on their shenanigans? He did not, that was for sure.


Satchel sifted through, the hyena removed a blade from the bottom bits of the barrel. Strange claymore with spiky edges everywhere, a wave of mild disdain flowed through the chimera. Really, Her Majesty, a two handed rapier with razer sharp edges? What was he, a pirate sailing the high seas on a search for the treasure that could only be found braving the entire ocean? But, the soldier threw such thoughts off a cliff. Wrong universe. Maybe in Aigre's dreams.


Enemies screeching up a storm, the early adult was ready for battle. Fluffy creatures leaping from one spot to another as the blade approached, the young soldier refused to give up. Did these enemies think that was seriously enough to stop him? They had another thing coming if they thought that.


Monsters moving left, right front, center, upside down, sideways and then some, the early adult held in a sea of screeches. How were they able to dodge every single move? How in the world was this even possible? Blade phased through like it was nothing, the chimera tried with all his might to keep it all together. How much more ridiculous could this get?


Creatures not solid in any shape of form, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Whatever these creatures were, they were connected to nature. Surely, fighting nature with nature would put an end to this. Silk Flower friend dropping down their seeds upon the battlefield, the hyena snapped his fingers. Begone, glorified water droplets.


Such, however, did nothing. Cloudy fiends slurping up the Dendro seeds like they were food, the chimera could feel himself begin to sway. He should have known swirled Anemo and Dendro didn't do anything to one another. Why did he waste his time? White flag waved, he pushed through the beasts.


Creatures laughing from behind him, the hyena continued to tune them out. Did these creatures think laughing at him would make him turn around? They had another thing coming if they thought that. It wasn't happening, nope. They could eat his bones if they thought he was about to give them any sort of attention.


Arrows coming his way, the early adult caught the metallic head with the tips of his fingers. What were these creatures up to? Were they a jack of all trades, master of none? He wasn't about to play these games with these fiends. He needed to move onto the next pasture already. But, she had thought such, he could hear screeches behind him.


"Give up on ending all this!" the cloud creature things cried. "We won't let you kill our god!"


Nonsense coming his way, the hyena clutched the arrow held by the tips of his fingers. Did these creatures think that was something that would cause him to give up? Nope, no way, not happening. Who did these monsters think they were? He wasn't going to deal with this for a second longer.


Projectiles thrown back their way like a boomerang, the creatures screamed in unison as their bodies had begun to disintegrate. Enemies claiming in unison he hadn't seen the last of them, the soldier shook his head and kept going forward. These creatures weren't quite smart to not fall victim of their own boomerang. They had been met with a terrible fate, hadn't they? But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. It was nothing like that. He was wasting his time thinking such a thing.


Western streets about ready to engulf him, the hyena had begun running. Surely, there were no more annoying cloud monsters that could take him away. Dashing on through as the Adventurer's Guild receptionist screamed error, the chimera turned towards her. Was her puppet body giving out because of these aggravating test monsters? Perhaps, just maybe, that's all it was.


Hearing a loud buzzing noise coming from behind him, the chimera tried to tune everything out. Worst case scenario flocking in like a sea of flies, the soldier kept attempting to avoid such pesky beasts. How did these enemies survive an arrow or two? How incredibly annoying. Who designed these creatures?


Throwing such thoughts away, the soldier could not care less who might have had their hand in making these creatures appear. Why did it matter? He knew it did not mean a single thing. Pushing through the streets, a fast, burning gaseous orb had been thrown towards him. Seeing such, the hyena's eyes opened wide. These monsters don't ever give up, do they?


Tossing the projectile back towards the enemy, the hyena's hands burned. Continuing to run towards the southern streets, the chimera held back the urge to scream. What did these monsters have the ability to transform between sun, rain, hail and and other. How annoying. What was the forecast right this second, pain and sufferain?


Pun ready to swallow him whole, the hyena groaned. Now was not the time for poorly punned jokes. Sunny balls of doom ready and waiting for him the chimera sped up his running speed. When would these monsters give up already? He wasn't going to fight their god. Rapid fire hydrogen tickers coming towards him, his eyebrows twitched.


Dragging his feet across the way, the projectiles kept on going. Seeing such, the hyena screeched up a storm. Didn't these creatures see he was trying to head somewhere? Feeling himself about ready to be baked into a pie, broke into a sweat. Was it just his imagination, or had the city's temperature shot up twice over?


Shaking his head, the chimera jumped to the right and left like some sort of sports competition had been going on. But, as he approached the southern streets, yet another pesky obstacle had soon been in the way. Boiling sun projectiles tossed from every single angle, a pesky thorn in his side soon caught every single one in sight.


Pesky penguin chimera blocking the path like it was his job description to be annoying, the hyena held back the urge to roll up into a ball circle away. Why was it, no matter how often he were forced to come to Fontaine, this aggravating thorn in his side would soon follow? What did he have Siorc senses, or something? How aggravating. Go away already.


But, such aggravation had soon died at the bottom of the ocean blazing gas balls tossed back towards the enemy, the chimera's jaw dropped wide open. Did he just do what he think he did? Maybe he should backpedal on his annoyance, for the time being. Destruction continuing, he could feel the itch come right back, in an instant.


"Leave my future husband alone, you dumb monsters!" Earl shouted. "Burn him, and I'll burn you!"


Rampage continuing onward for minute's on end, the chimera did not know whether to feel impressed or terrified. Obsession was truly the most powerful emotion of all time, wasn't it? Turning his head towards the right and left, he scratched his head. Why did he feel a heavy wave of dejavu just now? How many times had he thought such a thing before? It was a total mystery, for sure.


Enemies boiled away into nothing, he swore he could hear them cry that they hadn't seen the last of him. Hearing such, the soldier shook his head. This was definitely too much of a lesson to learn. Did he really need to evaporate them into nothing like that? Maybe that had been a step too far. But, what did he care? They we all gone now. He supposed he could at least act grateful. Bowing a thank you, further pesky words scratched the cheese grader of annoyance.


"I'll stop a whole mountain for my future husband!" Earl cried. "Be safe out there. It's been pretty dangerous everywhere lately."


Words future husband coming his way once again, the hyena was ready to rescind his gratitude at any given moment. On second thought, Earl was permanently a thorn in his side. Why couldn't he just give up already? He would rather swallow a poisonous stone than ever be involved with him. When would this fly learn he had no interest in him?


Hearing the fountain flowing in the distance, the hyena could feel the sun ready to turn him into charcoal. No one affected by the blinding sun in any way, the soldier did not quite understand. What was going on with everyone? Why were they fine? Intense burns eating up his palms for breakfast, the confusion looped on repeat. This wasn't making sense. Were Fontaine's citizens sunproof?


Aquabus Information Station close by, the chimera could feel a pesky presence following behind him. Feeling such, the soldier let out a groan. Oh, great, there they were, the shadow creature, getting ready to mock him once again over and over again. Why couldn't this freak of chaotic nature stop bothering him already? He needed to locate the three keys to get rid of them once and for all.


"Hi, hi, surprised to see me?" the shadow creature asked in a mocking tone. "I couldn't leave my favorite plaything alone for too long! It's so boring just sitting back and watch you be so pathetic!"


Creature attempting to float next to him, a cold shoulder had been awarded to the creature. How dare this monster just pretend like nothing's wrong and hang around the area. They'd pay for such a crime to mortality. Stomping off towards the aquabus information station, the shadow creature was out of sight, out of mind.


City's third floor reach, the hyena tried with all his might to blur out the overall feelings of doom. What was the point in going all the way out to the Research Institute anyway? The jackal trio were there, so there's no way this would end well. Melusine tour guide waiting him, a strange tour talking about the opera house had taken place.


Reaching Marcotte Station after about half an hour, the chimera kept moving forward. Knowing he had no choice but to keep going, the hyena pushed on through. Shadow creature still floating beside him like some sort of forced companionship, the cold shoulder continued to grow chillier. If this monster thought he would give them the time of day at any given moment, they were in for a surprise. Loud tongue click coming for him as the soldier passed through the Foggy Forest Path, he knew what words to expect.


"You're no fun today!" the shadow creature cried out in the open. "I made the rest of the world bright and sunny, just for you! Be grateful!"


Tuning them out once more, the hyena's shoulders were about to be bitten by frostbite. So, they were behind all of this in the end. Of course they were. Who else would cause such wide scale destruction in the form of sunlight? How very tacky. Had this creature lost their edge?


Foggy Forest Path passed through, the soldier swore he could feel the presence fade away, in an instant. Feeling such, the hyena wiped the sweat off his brow. Did the creation beast finally decide to throw in the towel? He wasn't ever going to give them any sort of attention, period. Why should he? Shrugging, he kept heading north for the time being.


Reaching the Research Institute rather faster than he could ever keep up with. But, as he prepared himself to head off to the Central Ruins, he swore he could hear someone or something track him down. Commands to halt coming his way, the hyena's heels skirted through the dirt had occurred earlier. Turning towards the new distraction, shocked flowed through him as the purple haired special security corporation head officer was following him. Had he done some illegal? He was innocent, for certain.


"Apologies for looking as though I may have been following you around, sir, but a Melusine has gone missing, and we've tracked her whereabouts in the Research Institute," the special security patrol officer said, huffing and puffing. "If it is not too much trouble, I apologize, but I will be trailing behind you."


Knowing he had no choice but to approve, the soldier nodded. A Melusine had gone missing around the Research Institute? Had someone taken them away from their village? What a terrible thing to do to them, if so. Who would do something so mean and cruel? Reaching the main laboratory in minutes, there were only three researchers on the premises as usual.


Folu, Sani and Oluchi working on something with a purple Melusine, a wave of confusion flowed through him. Just what in the world was going on here? Something wasn't adding up. Did someone submit a false report about the sea denizen being missing as a clapback prank? If such were the case, they definitely deserved such. Hearing the sound of a gun being loaded, a shout had come the researcher trio's way.


"Hands where I can see them!" the special security corps officer cried, gun ready to go ablazing, the party of three shot their paws and hands up, in an instant.


"How dare you point your musket at cute little me!" Oluchi cried, hands up in the air. "We didn't kidnap this Melusine! We are in a mutual work relationship right now, thank you!"


"Yeah, Ms. Coperoo, whoever reported her missing is wrong!" Folu cried. "She just forgot to tell someone she wad heading out here! So, drop that barrel!"


"See? All of this was just a misunderstanding," Sani said right hand covering his missing eye. "I implore you to please leave. Just tell the Iudex you found her and be on your way."


Special Security Patrol officer bowing an apology, eyes had soon rolled over to him, in an instant. Goofy grins on the trio's faces, the hyena rolled his eyes towards the burning sunny sky. Oh, no, here it comes, the insults and thief nicknames again. Did they ever think, just for a moment, this joke had long run its course? He was getting tired of this nonsense, for sure.


"Look who its is! Thiefy Mc Thieferson!" Folu cried. "What, life treating you poorly, so you're here to steal again? We've got nothing for you, good luck! Not!"


Groaning, the chimera wanted to rip out all of his hair. Did these three always have to insist on continuing this unfunny joke about his short lived phantom thief career? How annoying. He didn't even successfully steal anything. Was their main goal in life to just be bullies? Well, if so, it was working. Glaring daggers at him he pointed at Oluchi's goggles upon her head. Signing the word mist guiding invention. Eyes on his fingers, further laughs had come his way.


"Why should we help you, hmm, thiefers?" Sani cried. "We will, but only if you pay up! Okay?"


"If you give us thirty thousand Mora, well give it to uncute you!" Oluchi cried.


Groaning, the hyena reached for his only thirty thousand Mora? That was nothing, for sure. He could earn that that back in two days, if he truly wanted to get it all back. Multiple coins one after another clumping down in Oluchi's handing off a small strange looking bulbous creature on a stick creature. But, he could soon see the fiend place it above her head like a bully keeping away someone's food they were about to eat.


"Come and get it, thiefy!" Oluchi cried, but such had been halted in a matter of moments.


"Come on Oluchi, just give him the mist light finder," Sani said, sighing. "He doesn't have the time to have us pick on him!"


"Gah, fine!" Oluchi cried. "Here's your uncute little flashlight. Next time, come more prepared, Mr Thief! Or, We'll be taking your entire wallet next time, hehe."


Pocketing the strange light device for a moment, the chimera let out a sigh. When would these two learn their lesson that nothing they ever said for any given reason involving being a thief was never funny? Shrugging, the chimera removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. He supposed none of that matter. It was time to make haste and return to the city right now.


Returning to the Court of Fontaine, the soldier swore he could see the Agent's mask study him up and downward. Inquiry involving his burns, the hyena broke into a sweat. What burns? Playing the dumb card, the Agent gripped the limbs into a tight lock. Blinding light soon overtaking him, the outskirts of the Children of Echoes Tribe had soon been upon him.


Agent demanding he go grab his pet, the chimera let out a loud hiss. Why did he still insist on using that word? He needed to stop saying it. Santhe was his companion, not a household owned golden retriever. When would he ever stop saying something so horrible?


Dragging himself off towards the rest area, the hyena could feel an absence overtake him, in a matter of moments. Where was the girl on the drill ride? Something felt quite wrong with her not being anywhere. But, the hyena shook his head. Maybe there was another sports competition in the area. He shouldn't concern himself over such a thing. She was a stranger, why care where she could have been?


Stepping into the rest area, the hyena gazed at Santhe laying on the floor. Saurian's face as red as a tomato, the hyena's heart skipped more than four beats. They looked worse today. What was going on with them? Should he take them to the sauro-vet? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no time, none at all. He had to head to that western bay area, pronto.


Santhe picking themselves back up, the hyena swore he could hear them claim they were in tip top shape. Not knowing how to feel about such lie, the chimera exited the Rest Area. But, as he had done so, a brand new sea of information had begun to swallow him whole. Agent informing him something strange had been going on in the other tribes, demands had come his way to go check out the situations in all the tribes, except the Collective of Plenty.


Figuring the easiest tribe to head from here was the Scions of Canopy, the soldier had made a run for it. What could possibly be plaguing the area? He supposed he was about to find out. But a strange question had come his way as he prepared himself to leave the first of the many tribes behind.


"Soldier, is your pet okay?" the Agent ask, tone concerned. "They look very ill." As he said such, he almost wrapped his hands around the little failure. "Don't let them slow you down too much."


Hissing at the word pet used once again, the chimera could hardly believe a word of what he was hearing. Don't let them slow him down? How dare he even utter such a horrible thing. Santhe lying about getting sunburned, the dash off towards the Scions of Canopy was on.


Strange monsters burning the pathway every step of the way, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. Everything was on fire yet again. Why was this still happening? The spontaneous combustion, why couldn't it just go away and stop spiraling out of control like this? He didn't understand. What was happening? Why was this still going? He wanted out.


Strangely large Cicins on the open battlefield buzzing up a storm, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. What were these enemies doing here? Swatting them away with a flick of a wrist, they were all ready to die at any given moment. Flashlight setting them ablaze, the chimera kept going.


Enemies left, right and center coming out of nowhere, the hyena groaned in an echo. Alright, what was the hold up here? Spontaneous combustion causing sparks to fly everywhere, the hyena's entire body shook with a fervor. Did something happen while he was away to make everything worse? Everything burning up, he dropped to his knees. Humans blowing up with flames as well, a familiar sinister laugh overtook the area.


"Ahahaha, let it all burn down ahahaha!" Ajaw cried. "The world shall be turned into nothing but ash! Ahaha. Bow before your new king!" But, such had been met with a punch.


"More like king of time out," the Saurian Hunter said, irritated tone of voice echoing. He then turned towards the hyena. "The Scions of Canopy is close to melting. You here for the Abyss Pylon?"


Hearing such a word, the hyena nodded. Was that why the Agent had a sudden extra order for him? Brought to a large, burning core in the center of the area, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. What was this thing doing here? Enemy burning as its artificial heart raced, a battle with burning intensity broke out.


Difficult battle turning the tables for minutes on end, the hyena's eyes twitched as absolutely nothing happened. Why wasn't battling the pylon enough? What else could he possibly do anymore to eliminate it? He didn't know. Something wasn't right. Creature coming out of right field as it had gotten weaker, the hyena prayed to the Dendro Archon he was not supposed to worship to magically put an end to the madness.


Strange egg like cocoon soon pulsating after what felt like hundreds of hits, the hyena's blade did the talking. Object decimated, the hyena puffed a sign of relief. He was finally free from this pain and suffering of doom. But, such nightmare had been far from over. Abyss Pylon coming back, in what felt like an instant, shouts had come his way to just head to the Flower Feather Clan.


Dashing off towards the Flower Feather Clan, the area had been more or less, the same. Large pylon regenerating hundreds of times over, not even Santhe could do anything to get rid of it. Seeing such, the hyena could feel himself ready to combust like the rest of of the area. But such moment never came.


"Locked on!" the gun lady screamed, object whistling. "Bullseye!"


Pylon vanquished, the hyena's jaw dropped open. It was that easy to eliminate this thing? How could this be? He didn't understand anything that just went down at all. Santhe huffing and puffing, he could feel guilt hug hum from behind. Why were they putting themselves through so much pain and pressure? They should just rest on his shoulder, and let him take care of everything.


"Just leave this to me," the red headed gun lady told him. "This thing needs phlogisten to be eliminated. The energy huts aren't producing any lately for some reason. Could it be the spontaneous combustion?" As she said such, she whistled as she blew up the pylon. "Go to the Masters of the Night-Wind tribe. Maybe their portable stations carrying phlogisten are better."


Hearing such, the hyena hurried right along, but the situation in the adjacent tribe wasn't much better, either. Neither he, nor Santhe able to break the egg like creature for minutes on end, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Where was phlogisten when he needed it? Nothing of any sort anywhere, the failures cut him deep. Nothing doing, the failure baked him into a pie. Batt man soon running over, a new demand had come his way.


"Don't worry yourself over any of this," the bat man responded. "Just head for the People of the Springs. I can eliminate this just fine."


Everyone kicking him out of their tribes one after another, the hyena dropped to his knees. Did Natlan not want him here? He didn't know anymore. Something wasn't adding up at all. Why was all this happening? He didn't understand anything one little bit. But, he knew he had to leave the Masters of the Nightwind behind. There was nothing that could be done. He was on the nonexistent clock. He did not have time to take the abyss pylon out of the occasion.


Running back towards the People of the Springs tribe, a crispy flame engulfed the entire city, in an instant. People, saurians, and entire structure of the area toasted, roasted, dying, the early adult dropped down onto his knees. No, what was going on? How could this have happened? What should he do? How can he stop this?


Hot springs inside on fire, too, the hyena's heart skipped more than ten beats. How was this even possible? Water couldn't catch on fire. The divine flame, just how far had it reached across the Nation of War to burn everything away? He had to do something, anything, to save this place from the sea of flames.


Attempting to search for a river nearby, nothing was safe. Every single portion of water replaced with molten liquid, the hyena broke down into a sea of tears. What was going on? How did this place get to this point of no return? He had to do something, anything. But, a crackle of thunder from up above interrupted his food cart of thought.


Flames cooking themselves even further, the soldier waved the People of the Springs goodbye. There was nothing that could be done. He had to go. Get out of here, move onwards towards the misty bay area. Sprinting west for quite some time, tears stained the chimera's face aplenty. The red storm cloud, just how much of Natlan had it eaten already? The tribes were dying.


Returning back towards the Masters of the Nightwind tribe, head hung low, the chimera could feel a sneaking feeling of doom hugged him from behind. He was failing to do his job today. Her Majesty was going to kill him, for sure. Santhe huffing and puffing up a storm, a ton dropped upon his back. Everything was falling apart. Natlan was breaking. What should he do? How could he possibly fix any of this at all?


Finding a boat in the corner of the area, the chimera had begun rowing up a storm. Staring off towards the tribes around him, the hyena dropped his head towards the ground, for a moment as the chaos abound. The world was burning, melting, crumbling. Why wasn't the Archon doing anything?


Fog beginning to kick in the closer he were to reach the area up ahead, the hyena's dooming thoughts kept going. Come to think of it, he had not seen Rashmi, Malati, Iomra and Satine today. Where were they? Had they been in the Collective of Plenty Tribe? Perhaps, just maybe, he should turn around and go there.


But, the chimera shook his head. No, he shouldn't take a detour. Where was that tribe, anyway? He could not find it on the map. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, the Collective of Plenty Tribe had yet to be added for the general population to be able to visit it any given capacity whatsoever.


Soon finding himself in a foggy mountainous beach area with a strange structure near a water hole, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. He had come all the way here, so what was he supposed to do? He did not know what strange activity the Agent was talking about. Wasn't this place just Inazuma's Tsurumi Island season two, Pyro Boogaloo? Surely, removing the mist was impossible. Turning his heelless shoes back towards the boat, he prepared himself to exit. Well, it wasn't a nice run in life. Time to go.


But, the hyena stopped with the defeatist in him. Why was he giving up already? This place was isolated entirely from the rest of the nation. He couldn't give up now. Finding a strange climbable broken pillar up ahead, the hyena hopped on top of it like his life depended on it, but a sea of voices soon took him by surprise.


"Why are you here, mortal?" one specter asked.


"Turn back!" another cried.


"Leave!" another shouted.


Demands coming his way to exit the area, the soldier refused. Why in the world should he do that? No way, not a chance. He had a mission to fulfill, and he wasn't about to back down. Ignoring the ghosts up a storm, he swore he could feel a scary presence follow behind him as he combed through the mist.


"Since you insist on staying here, fine, mortal! You want to break the island's curse so bad?" the ghost asked in a tired tone. "Then, go for it! Here!" Loud thud overtaking the area, something absolutely terrifying had been handed to him. "See this fire thread. Take this and connect the threads all together, and the first part of this island's fog curse will be lifted! Better hurry, though, something's very hungry."


Demand coming his way to tie the pole from one end to another, the soldier's eyebrows twitched to oblivion. What did this specter say he had to do now? Connect this burning thread from one side to another? Staring at it, the heat consumed his hand, in a fury. Feeling such, he held back the urge to cry. Why this, of all tasks? Why couldn't it have been anything else.


Sighing, the soldier placed the little thread into the hole upon the long pole. Lacey fire pushing through the second pole, the hyena huffed and puffed. Why was this going so smoothly so far? This was going well, almost too well. What was going on? Next portion soon connected, he could feel Santhe tug on his shoulder. Turning towards them, a warning had soon come his way.


"Careful, master!" Santhe warned. "This is trap!"


Hearing such, the hyena sighed. Of course it was a trap. What was he expecting anyway? But, he knew, no matter what, he had to continue connecting the threads. He'd weaved the burning threads back together, and make a horrifying fire. But, the hyena pushed such off a cliff. Why did that phrase sound so familiar? But, he shook his head. Nope, wrong universe. It's not like there was another version of himself living the life of a warrior, or anything. Impossible.


Further threads soon connected one after another, the chimera huffed a weak breath. Why was this so easy? Turning towards Santhe, he wondered. Were they just making the trap thing up just now? Maybe their increasing body temperature was making rational thought difficult for them. Should he be worried about such a thing?


Reaching the end of the area, the final thread had soon been connected. But, such had soon been a blink and a miss of the light. Flaming thread munched on, the hyena's jaw dropped open. What in the world did that just now? He needed to do something, and fast. Flaming thread lasso dropped down again, he knew he had no choice but to try again.


Failure after failure after failure looping on repeat, the soldier snapped his fingers. What in the world was eating this burning thread? Whoever was sure had a stomach to gobble up anything. Mist dictating everything, the hyena sighed. There was no way to learn for certain, was there? Maybe he should just give up this fight after all, just like the ghosts said.


Trying with all his might to find the culprit eating everything, he swore he could see something burst into flames up ahead. Seeing such, the hyena broke into a sea of tears. No, not here, too. Gazing upwards towards the sky, he swore he could hear the red storm cloud laughing. Hearing such, he waved his fist. Were they enjoying this, shadow monster? They'd better not be, or they'll get what's coming to them. Thread reset what felt like over a hundred times again, he swore he could hear something chewing on the flaming thread. Santhe's tongue reaching for something explosive, a shout had come the hyena's way.


"Master! Santhe found what's eating thread!" Santhe cried. As they said such, they broke into a sweat. "This way, Master! Leave it to me!"


Kablam!


Loud sound of orange slime proportions taking the stage, a large, human sized rat chewing on the threading, the soldier reached for his spiky rapier. Who did this monster think they were eating all his hard work? They were going down, mutant rodent. No goodbye kiss for them! Monster squeaking their last chirp after about forty hits, the chimera readied himself to connect the threads one final time.


Poles finally connected, the soldier huffed and puffed a weak breath. What just happened? How did it reach this point? Shaking his head, he knew the answer to such already. This place had been under a curse at the moment. What was he doing pretending like he had no idea? Ghost fluttering towards him, a new demand had come his way.


"Fine, I've decided I'll allow you to continue to break this curse of this place!" the monster cried. "Now, hurry up and find my 'something', and I'll guide you to the third step to killing this curse once and for all!"


Demand coming his way, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. Find what now? Something? What something? What's this something they're trying to ask him to locate? He did not know, but he supposed he'd need to find it soon before it's too late. But as he looked in every nook and cranny imaginable, nothing had been found.


Trying for hours on end, the hyena tilted his head towards the sky. What was this magical something he was supposed to be looking for? Why couldn't he find it? He didn't know. Nothing was adding up here at all. Searching high and low, the chimera could not help but wonder. What in the world could he have possibly been looking for? What was this something? Why couldn't he find anything?


Intense wave of fatigue flowing through him as hours of fruitless searching had reach a breaking point, a heavy wave of dizziness flowed through the chimera. He did not know why, but he could barely keep his eyes open anymore. But, he knew he had to keep looking for that something. He couldn't stop. Off feeling soon consuming him the land of unconsciousness soon took him away.


What's this something?


***


"What am I supposed to find,
Huh? What in the world is this something? What? Tell me, someone just please,
At least explain to me what this something is! What is
This something? Is it nothing? Is it the enemies I made along the way?


I don't understand! I feel like I'm starting to lose my marbles, and they're not coming back! What in the world am I doing? What is this
Something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something?


Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me! I
Have no idea at all what this vague nonsense
Is supposed to be! Come on, please, please, please, please at least
Say something other than find that something. What is something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is


Something? At least tell me! Please, I'm going to get down on my knees and beg at this point!
Oh, please, I am begging for someone to at least tell
Me what something is! I don't
Even know what it could be, so I need you
To tell me! I don't have any sort of clue. I
Hardly know at all! So, don't do this to me!
I need to know what that something is! I have
No idea with this vague blanket statement. Where am I supposed to
Go to find this something? Let me ask again: What


Is something? What is something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something? What is this something?


Don't do this to me, please! I'm going to break if I don't know what this something could be!
Obviously, I don't know if you're throwing me down a rabbit hole of vagueness. Ah,


No, these ghosts, they probably don't even remember what that
One something they're forcing me to find to end
This curse could possibly be! This is


Quite horrible! Please, get me out of this rabbit hole!
Ugh, I don't want this to be my downfall, please!
I'm asking as nicely as I can here.
This something likely doesn't
Exist! So, I am asking as nicely as I possibly can, could you free me, please? I just don't


Get what I'm
Even supposed
To be doing here!


Something, what even is 'something?' I
Obviously don't have a clue if no one tells
Me! So, please, tell me! Tell me
Everything! I don't know what
This something is!
Hahaha, what if this
Is all just a trap to throw me to a monster and eat me?
No, no, no, stop, stop, don't
Get my thoughts all twisted like that.


What in the world am I thinking? I
Have to calm down,
And think about
This logically!


Perhaps something is nothing, I have no idea! It's very
Likely nothing. What else could it possibly be?
Everything is making so little sense,
And I can't make put two and two together! What
Should I do? What something am I
Even looking for?


Hahahahahahha, I don't even know anymore!
Everything is blurring!
Let's just burn away and
Prove it's nothing!"


Finding himself in the Flower Feather Clan upon waking up, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Huh, how in the world did he end up here? He needed to get back to that foggy bay area now, before it was too late. Santhe feeling like a furnace on his shoulder, his thoughts soon wandered back to his saurian companion.


Santhe looking absolutely miserable, the soldier's hand hovered towards their temple once more. But, he had soon been halted from such action. Lie coming his way once again that they were doing okay, the hyena stared off into space. Were they going to keep saying that to try and assuage his worries? Well, that wasn't going to work. He needed to say something. But what?


"Your face is blue," the hyena whispered. Voice barely audible.


"Master, Santhe fine!" Santhe cried. "Don't worry about Santhe. Mean Boss who calls Santhe Master's pet wants you to focus on the mission. Santhe will be fine." But their breath got weaker by the second as they said such. "Anyway, Master! We have to do a ring race to find that something for the ghosts!"


Information about the mission at hand today coming out of nowhere, the hyena let out a tired sigh. He had to do what now? How would this be the key to finding that something? He wasn't even on the misty island anymore. But, he supposed he didn't have a choice in the matter, did he? He had to do this ring race, and find that something so this curse could break. Surely, by doing this, one of the keys to kill the red storm cloud would be found.


Sifting through his satchel, the hyena found a rather strange jet wind glider waiting for him. Seeing such, the chimera lowered his eyes into a squint. Why didn't he look for this earlier? He could have used this to avoid the mist instead of that fog lamp he had been borrowing. But, it had already been too late for that.


Hearing a timer kick in, the soldier let out a screech. This ring race was timed? Why, how? What was going on here? Why couldn't he do this at least at his own pace? How incredibly annoying. He didn't have time for this stupidity. He had to hurry up, and push through the rings to find that something once and for all.


Ring clamping down upon him, the hyena kept on going. Hearing such, the hyena let out a scream as the up current thrusted him through the next goalpost faster. What in the world was that terrible force of wind right now? Flying was quite the effort filled exercise, indeed.


Pushing through multiple rings one after another, the early adult kept on going. He would reach the final destination, and have that something come to light. No matter what, he wasn't about to lose now. He had attempted to give up too many times now. He wasn't about to quit. What was his name, Siorc Quitterga? No, absolutely not. Pushing through seven more hoops, the gun lady came whistling in on her weird mechanical pal.


"You sure love flying, don't ya?" the red haired gun lady asked. "Well, you've got some competition now. Might want to watch out for them."


Rats whizzing by in their little hot air balloons, the hyena's jaw dropped open. What were these enemies doing here? How dare they speed past him like it was nothing. What a terrible bunch. He was not about to stand for this sudden entry last minute. These rats were going down. Brain sparking as he said such, he pressed a button on the side of his jet wind glider. Little squeakers, it's time go boom.


Kablam!


Rats blown to smithereens, the sparks kept popping. Yes, these rats, they should all burn, they should all become nothing, dead compost for the land, corpses upon the battlefield. Let it all burn, burn, burn. But, the chimera snapped himself out of it, in an instant. What in the world was he saying? He had most certainly done it now. He was done for. Taking a deep breath, he kept the race going.


Large rings hovering towards the ground towards the final destination, the chimera descended from the sky rather quickly. Down current pushing him down with full force, the hyena's mouth flapped as the air only got stronger. What was this intense feeling of pain? Dropping down to the finishing point, he swore he could see something glowing from across the way.


Boating back to the misty island faster than his brain could keep up with, the soldier chased the light. Santhe was right, that something he needed to be revealed had finally come to light. But, as he chased after the light, something was off. Dragonkin engulfed in a dark energy, worry flowed through him once more. What was going on with them? He needed to stop disregarding their terrible condition.


Santhe denying their condition once again, such point had been shut down faster than the fox shrine maiden declining to public a book she doesn't like. Chasing after the beam, the soldier swore something else had been following behind him. Arrows coming his way, the hyena yelped. No, he had to get away, and fast. There was not much time left. He had to hurry.


Enemies adorning arrows, the hyena let out a sigh. They were going to fight with arrows, huh? Greatsword out in front of him, the dodges and deflects took the stage. Creatures soon meeting their own doom as the arrows had been bounced back, the hyena had resumed running. He did not know why, but for some reason, everything felt much easier today.


Reaching the light, a peculiar object had soon been seated in his hands. Strange compass pointing west instead of north, the chimera did not understand anything at all. Why was this thing acting in such a way? Was it broken? Ghost informing him to hurry up and find nine more, the hyena jumped ten steps back. Excuse him, how many? There were tend to find? Ten? No, no, no, no, that was nine too many. Hadn't he found the something already? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense.


Finding a set of barrels in the edges of the misty map, the chimera let out a sigh. This place was like a misty mountain hop? More like misty mountain flop. Why did the key to break this curse have to be something so nonsensical as a directional advice? How annoying.


Barrels vanquished almost immediately, the chimera held in the urge to sigh. Why were all these compasses pointing west? Something was wrong here, and he didn't know what. What would these do for him in the long run? He was starting to think something bad would happen once he collected every single on.


Running around the mountain, eyes in a squint, the hyena placed the mist light device upon him. But nothing at all happened with such. Coming up with dead ends on every spot imaginable, and mist still hard to see, the soldier let out a sigh. This something sure was annoying. How was he supposed to find all of them at this point?


Finding one more compass, a light beamed across the water. Seeing such, the hyena's heart skipped more than ten beats. How in the world was he supposed to get across like this? Santhe soon mentioning that he could indwell in a koholasaur to grab the compasses, the hyena forced himself to do so.


Dropping into the Hydro's Saurian's skin, the chimera could feel himself grow more uncomfortable. Wasn't he heavy in here? He didn't know, but he knew he shouldn't have cared. He had to get to the other side as rapidly as possible, or it would be game over, for sure. No shadow of a doubt it. Why was he still here? He needed to paddle harder.


Reaching a strange small obscured place, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. This was where the next compass was? Weird. But, as he took longer to find the rest of the compasses, the chimera could feel a heavy wave of doom ready to overtake him from any given moment. Large, feral rat creature wearing a robe ready to splinter him, the chimera gulped. Oh, no, had he been too late? What now?


"You are taking too long to finish this mission!" the rat man cried. "I've had enough of you today!" As they said such, their claws had been aimed at the soldier's neck. "You need to be punished!"


Rat claws digging in closer, the hyena's neck had become a bloody prize. Rat creature swiping back and forth for minutes on end, a sea of red had begun to trickle on his uniform. Slices and dices continuing, the chimera let out a weak scream. Claws digging in deeper, he swore he could feel his throat get a greeting from the sharp weapons. Consciousness slipping, he could feel himself become one with the sand.


What did he do to deserve this?


***


"Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please,
Literally, anyone, please help me! I don't know what I'm
Even doing anymore at this point, so I'm
Asking is for a tiny bit of help. Please, and thank you, that's all I'm asking! I'm trying so hard! I'm trying
So hard to do everything you ask of me, Your Majesty. I didn't
Even know there was this monster rat here, and


I paid a horrible price for that! Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please.


All I'm asking if for a little extra extra help will no do
Me any harm, so I am going to get down on my knees and


Beg you now. Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please. Please. Please.
Even a little is helpful, I just can't
Go and do this all alone, this is different from the old days where anything is simply possible. Well, I
Guess I never lived in the good old days.
I was living in a constant state of fear all the time! And, I
Never escape that! Well, I
Guess it's too late for that now, I'm going to


Stay stuck here forever on
This faded misty island with nothing but my throat that was cut and my blade!
Of course, of course, I already know that.
Perhaps, I'll be fine, and I'll finally do something with those


Horrible compasses those monsters force me to make an
Ultimate decision. Should I eliminate the monsters, or, I
Really don't know how I am going
To win this. I won't be winning any battles
If I'm weak, I have do something with these compasses. Or the
Nothings, I guess I'm
Going to call them now. I


Might as well just put a sign on my back at this point that reads,
End me, I'm tired!


I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired! I'm tired!


Ahaha, so very tired, so very done. Free
Me, put a stop to


The madness, I don't
Really know what to say anymore!
Yes, end this.
I'm felling like I might break apart any second
Now! Please, free me, that's all I'm asking!
Get me out of this place, please!"


Finding himself somewhere else again upon coming to, the hyena tilted his head. Archons, where in the world had he been sent to now? He had been quite tired of being thrown around all over the place. Ghost creature throwing the compasses at his face, the rat creature squeaked its last squeal once more.


"This is your last chance to break the curse!" the rat creature said. But as they said such, their disgusting little feet scooped up a prize of their own. "If you don't do it today, your little Saurian friend is going to get it like that little neck of yours!" They then let out a laugh. "Not like they have much time left anyway! Look how sickly they are! You're such a bad master!"


Hearing such, the hyena could not let out a scream. How dare they take Santhe from right under his shoulder! He needed to do something, and quick. The curse, yes, the curse of this island, that was the only way they'd give Santhe back. Rat demanding he head for a temple up ahead and solve the puzzle, the early adult let out a sigh. No, not again. Why can't everything just be normal, for once?


Strange wyvern Saurians making peculiar noises as if calling to him, blue wind currents had soon awaited him. Riding the first one, a platform had appeared for his very eyes. Seeing such, the soldier knew he had to do whatever he could to remain vigilant. He could not allow these rodents take Santhe way from him. No matter what, he had to win.


Second current stepped off into, the third had soon been found. Soon finding the entrance to the temple, multiple exits had been blocked off by strange walls. Seeing such, nothing made any true sense at all. How in the world would he be able to get through this? He didn't know. But, he had to win, and he had to break this curse and fast.


Reaching a strange room with nothing but paintings on the wall, the hyena had no idea what he was looking at. How was he supposed to solve a puzzle when there was nothing here to do? What was he, the riddle solver who couldn't solve riddles? Thinking such, he started off into space, what was he supposed to do here? There was no point of commonality here. He was stuck.


Spotting a strange device in the corner, the hyena tapped it. Ikitomisaur summoning itself, they soon lent Siorc a hand. But, he swore he could hear them say under their breath that this was a trap. Hearing such, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. No, not this again. Was gullible on the ceiling, too? Throwing such sarcasm away, the chimera spent quite some time lining up the torches in the correct places.


Rat dropping down at lightning speed as everything had been in the correct place, the chimera could see this monster clamp down on Santhe harder than anything that had ever seen. Seeing such, the soldier let out a growl. How dare they hurt them so much with their claws. This was getting personal now. If they laid as even so much as a finger on Santhe, his teeth would be doing the talking.


"Alright, good job, want to break the curse?" the rat asked. As they said such, sawblades had soon appeared beneath their feet. "You'd better face me, and win, then I'll leave this island, and take my curse with me!" But, as they said such, screeches had come his way.


"Master, no don't!" Santhe cried. "They're tricking you, Master!"


"Tick tock, better beat me quickly!" the rat cried. "If you don't, the mist of this island will be bathed in fire, and the bay will be completely burned!"


Hearing such, the early adult placed the spiky greatsword in his hand. Let this creature win and let this place burn up into nothing? No way, not happening. He was going to destroy this monster once and for all. Spark popping off in his brain, the blade had soon been dropped. It was time to eat some toxic rats.


But, the soldier shook his head. No, no way, don't resort to that, not yet. Picking the blade up, the hyena let out a scream. Blade doing absolutely nothing, the rodent monster let out a laugh. Told to try harder than that, he kept on going. This monster is going down, right here right now. Go away, go away, go away!


Such continued to be a failure. Everything warded off, the hyena could feel a spark pop off in his brain once more. This rat think it could make fool out of him, think they're so smart, huh? It was mealtime. He was having roasted rat. Feeling control die, in an instant, the dumb little rodent had been bitten into like a piece of candy. But, hearing Santhe cough, the hyena could feel his sense return.


Rodent weakened to some extent, the soldier knew, there was only one last thing he could do to end this. The compasses, those somethings he obtained. Right, if he threw those, they certainly wouldn't survive. Tossing the near dozen direction pointers at the monster, they had soon been set ablaze. Body becoming nothing but charcoal, the rat soon had one last laugh.


"You may have ended the curse now, but it'll be back!" the rat creature cried. "And, I'll be back, too! Just you wait, fiend!"


Nothing looking any different, the soldier swore Santhe had begun to get even hotter. Alarm bells ringing in his head, the hyena teleported back towards the Children of Echoes. What did it matter anymore if this mission was completed or not? Santhe needed to rest. Dashing towards the rest area, he placed the ailing saurian into a straw bed. Pink Yumkasaur asking what about work? Siorc placed his fingers into a cross shape. Exiting the rest area, he swore he could hear a foot tapping on the other end.


"I don't know what you did on that island, but I assume you finished your job," the Agent said in an a uncertain tone. "Very well, soldier, you are dismissed. Return to Snezhnaya immediately."


Dismissal granted, the hyena highlighted the military barracks waypoint, in an instant. But, as he prepared himself to head for the soundproof room, dooming questions flowed through him. Santhe's current illness was his fault, wasn't it? He hadn't trusted them enough, and had been way too suspicious. This was all because of him. He shouldn't have been so shifty eyed.


Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the thoughts repeated themselves. What was he doing, being so suspicious of them, anyway? He shouldn't have been. They were his partner, his companion. They were trusting of him, so why did he do the same in return for them? He didn't know. He should have been. What was he doing? He was a terrible, awful, suspicious hyena.


Reversing his loop, the soldier couldn't help but wonder. If he were to drop all his suspicions, would Santhe get well again? Surely, that would be the case here. What should he do? But, he shook his head. He knew the answer. If he dropped every single suspicion he had of them, surely, they would heal. Everything would be okay again. Why wouldn't it be?


Dragging his currently hyena feet across the icy floor, he soon stared off into space. But, was that really the answer? Santhe, they were most certainly not as they seemed. They were hiding something, he knew that. He needed to confront them on their dishonesty. But, when could he do so? The state they were in right now, he could not bring himself to call attention to any of that whatsoever. Why should he?


Brain popping another spark, the soldier let out a deep pained laughter. All of this was his fault. If he hadn't been so suspicious and untrusting, they would be alright. They'd have their energy, He was to blame, none of this was anyone's fault but him. Drop all the suspicions he had of them, right he had no choice in the matter.


Wave of tiredness flowing through him, the hyena removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the soldier crawled into the rock hard bed. Eyes closing as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final storm of thoughts clapped down a ball of thunder as the land of tormented dreams invited him to come back in.


He needs to stop being so suspicious of Santhe. If they die from this, it'll be his fault.


His fault, and his fault only.

 

[Palamon]

29: Natlan's Tumultuous Twisters: The End is Nigh
"I don't know what to do anymore!
This is getting out of hand, Your Majesty!


It's gotten completely out of hand! I
Shouldn't have to do this alone! And yet, I don't


Get a single person to join my team!
Everyone is ignoring
The issue! I don't understand! I
Truly don't understand!
I really, truly just don't get it!
Not one bit! I don't
Get it! I don't understand!


Why is this even happening?
Oh, who am I kidding? I
Really, truly just don't understand! I bet
She doesn't
Even know about the red storm cloud! Your


Majesty, she's simply just ignoring it!
Ugh, I'm sure she knows about the threat, and
Couldn't care less!
How could this be? It's getting


Worse! I don't know how much time is left! But it'll soon be game
Over! It's seriously about to be Game Over! I'm
Really, truly alone in my
Suffering! I don't have anyone to assist me!
Everyone is ignoring the issue!


Everyone, even the chimeras from the faded castle. But, that's fine. They're wrapped up in their own issues. But, I'm
Very much alone here! Why doesn't anyone care? Not a single person
Even cares! It's
Rather annoying! And
Yet, I shouldn't complain.
That'll get me killed!
Hahaha, right, right,
I shouldn't complain! I'm
Not allowed to complain. I
Get that, I understand,


I know that! I am
Need to stay as silent as possible.


No complaints, no questions, nothing
At all. I can't do any of
That. None of that at all. It's not
Like I'm trying to, but look
At what's happened!
Nothing makes sense anymore!


I'm certain that
Soon, that storm cloud will eat everything!


Of course it will, it's about to eat everything! There's
Nothing left to stop it! I


Fear soon, the entire world
Is going to get engulfed! There's
Really no time left,
Everything will soon be gone


If I don't act fast!
There's no time left. There's absolutely no time left!


I have to hurry, I
Shouldn't waste any time!


But, I don't know how to annihilate it!
Ugh, but how? I
Really don't know! I have
No clue! I haven't the foggiest!
It's so difficult to comprehend.
Nothing ever makes sense anymore. It's
Going to eat the world, and no one cares!


Maybe I'm truly the only one who can
Even see it, I don't know. It's very
Likely that's entirely
The case!
I'm the only one who can see this
Noxious storm cloud! I
Get it, I truly understand! I


Guess that's how it goes!
Of course I'm the only one
I know that by
Now! I'm the only who can see it!
Guess that's how it's


Always been! And always
Will be! Always has been,
Always will be! And,
Yet, it continues to steepen!


All I have to deal with
Never ends! I
Doubt it'll ever end!


I'm certain at this point!


So many people seem
To not know
It even exists! So, it's
Likely I'm the only one who knows! It's very
Likely I'm the only one who knows! I feel like I might


Have hallucinated this whole thing!
Ahahaha. I'm
Very sure if it at this point!
Everything makes little sense!


This entire thing, maybe it is just
One big hallucination! Ah, no!


Doubt that, but I feel like that's
Especially the case here!
Ah, what if that's all this is? A
Large hallucination?


Will Her Majesty kill me for being not mentally sound.
I need to find someone
That knows of this
Horrible force from up above.


Though, who knows!
Hahaha, as
If I could ask anyone! My lips are
Sealed, last time I


Asked someone they didn't care! That's
Likely how it'll go! Very
Likely! So why waste my time?


Ahahaha, ahahaha, it's
Likely they'll look at me like I'm crazy!
Of course, of course that's how it'll go!
Nothing will convince me otherwise!
Everyone is going to look at me


With the look that I
Have lost it!
Yes, I'm certain


About that! Absolutely positive!
Might as well throw


In the towel!


I should just give up!
Not like it


Matters if people see me as a lost cause!
Yes, that's how it is,


Likely! Everyone sees me as a lost cause!
Oh, well, it's
Not like I
Especially care. I
Should have known by now, I'm not someone people look at fondly!
Of course not,
My position as one of the Fatui,
Even though it's against my will,


Is looked down upon! It's
Not like I'm not aware of


My bottom-tier placement in this world! I'm well aware!
Yes, completely aware! I


Shouldn't ever forget that!
Ugh, I shouldn't
Feel like people will think I've lost my marbles, but I
Feel like that's how
Everyone sees me!
Right, of course,
It's probably how it's been for almost eight years
Now! I'm fully aware how people
Gaze at me!


Their opinion of me is low,
Hahaha, of course, of course,
I'm aware! I'm
So, fully aware of


It by now! It'll never stop. It'll never
Stop! It'll never stop, it'll never


Stop! It'll never stop!
Ugh, stop, stop, I
Can't break here!
Hahaha. Of course I can't.


Ahahaha, ahahaha, it'll never stop,


Please, don't look
At me like
I'm too far gone! I'm
Not, but ah,


Who am I kidding?
Hahaha, who am I kidding? And
Yet, I suppose


I'm proving everyone right!
Since I'm probably


Especially in a
Very long hallucination right now!
Eh, that's how it
Really is, I guess!
Yes, that's how it is!
Of course, of course,
No one will
Ever see me me as


Completely normal!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, well,
Obviously, I'm already not normal!
Of course not, I'm an anamoly! I'm a chimera!
So, it's not like people will ever see me as normal!
I know that! It's
Not like I don't
Get it! I get


That! I'm told
Over and over again to appear human!


I know I'm supposed to! I
Get it! I get it!
Nothing about me is normal!
Of course I'm
Rather well aware that
Everything about me is abnormal!


That's how it is!
How it's always been!
I'm aware! I'm
Super aware!


I'm super aware!


Doubt anyone sees me without thinking
Of me as disgusting!


Not like I'm not fully aware
Of that! I'm fully aware of
That! It's how it's


Ultimately always been!
No, no,
Don't spiral
Even more! I
Really can't
Spiral anymore! I
Truly have to focus!
Ahahaha, focus, focus!
No more getting lost in my head!
Don't, don't get lost!


I have to focus on the mission!


Stop getting caught up
In my own head!
Maybe it's time to
Pop that bubble! I
Literally have to pop the bubble.
Yes, pop it!


Just pop it!
Ugh, think, breathe,
Stop and
Take a


Deep breath!
Okay, what was my mission? Same as before, help


Natlan with their war.
Okay Your Majesty, let me ask
This: why? I don't


Get what you're
Even thinking.
The world


Is your enemy, right?
This makes no sense.


Yes, Your Majesty, for
One thing, it
Ultimately just
Really makes no sense. Her


Majesty wants to conquer the world,
And that's where I
Just don't understand
Even a little, but I
Should, but I won't
Try to make sense of her.
Yes, she's unpredictable.


I know that by now, that she's


Always completely unpredictable.
Maybe I should not bother,


On ever trying to understand her, I
Never know what she


Might be thinking anyway.
Yes, that's right. I never


Know anything she's ever thinking,
Never, pretty much
Ever, but I guess that's
Especially how it is,
Since I have no clue.


But it is what it is,
Eh, why am I
Going down this
Guardrail of stupid questions?
I'm certain I'll
Never understand. I need to
Get a clue.


Her Majesty is just trying to
Eat up the world,
Right, right, I
Especially knew that.


I already know that's how it goes.


Nothing I do is not according to her agenda to
End the old world. I don't
Even know what that means. I
Doubt I'll ever understand


So, I won't think it
Over anymore. Her
Majesty is driven in her
End goal of taking
Over the world. And, I have
No idea what I can
Even say to that.


Obviously, as it goes, I
Ultimately know
This is not something


That I should question, or
Her Majesty is going to kill me.
Eh, I guess it
Really, truly, doesn't
Even matter.


The Cryo Archon is unpredictable.
Obviously, I am aware of


How unpredictable she is.
Even regardless of all that, it's
Like it'll continue like this.
Perhaps, this storm cloud,


Might be her way of
Ending the


Old world, maybe that's why she's not saying anything about it.
Ugh, is
That why? Maybe that's why.


Hahaha, I see.
Everything makes sense now.
Right, that's
Especially a big


Possibility. But, if that's
Likely the case, I am
Especially dead if it's the case!
Ah, no, no, this is
Simply not good! I've
Eliminated it in all but


Two nations! If I
Have been going
Against what she wants me to do, she is going
To kill me! I have been going against what she wants, haven't


I? She's going to kill me! Her Majesty is going to kill me! I
Should have considered that there is


A possibility she's the creator of this
Large red storm cloud! But, I
Literally didn't even think about


It! I should have! That's


Absolutely something Her
Majesty would do to control the world


At her fingertips! I really
Should have thought about that! I
Know I should have, but look at me!
I didn't consider that thought at all!
Nope, of course I didn't! I
Guess that's my fault for being


So stupid! I'm so
Overtly stupid! Her
Majesty was planning on
Ending the
Old world by devouring it!
Now I see! I understand
Everything! That's how it is!


Ah, no, stop! That's
Nonsense! Why am I blaming Her Majesty?
Yeah, why am I?
Oh, I should
Not have done that!
Everything will now


Break if she heard
Everything I just thought! I've
Fumbled! I'm in so much trouble!
Oh, I'm going to get it now! I'm
Really going to get it now!
Everything is going to break!


Nothing will be left of me
At all! Ahahaha, ahahaha,
This is my fault! I
Literally shouldn't have thought
About this! I
Need to cut it out!


Don't blame Her Majesty!
I mustn't blame her!
Everything happening is the fault of
Someone else! Right, not Her Majesty! Of course! Get it together, Siorc!"


Six days had passed since the chimera had dealt with the false Wayobs around Natlan and some other issues reported in the area. Workdays taking a sudden cancellation out of nowhere for the first three days, the soldier understood absolutely nothing. Where had all this come from all of the sudden?


Taking the opportunity to investigate ghosts reported in the southwest areas of Natlan, and some other areas of moderate interest, the hyena had learned a thing or two of important information about killing the red storm cloud once and for all. But, such had only been the beginning of the unfolding chaos.


Odd job involving a misty bay area, and some peculiar, lesser known areas in the Nation of War, Santhe had been acting far more peculiar by the day. Pondering if they had developed some sort of illness, the soldier threw away any sort of suspicions they had for his companion, for the time being.


The sound of loud screeches from the window overtook the area for everyone in Snezhnaya to hear. Monster rain getting stronger by the second, countless Fatui soldiers groaned in a protest. The downpour was a never ending sea of nonsense. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.


The groans in a protest were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never hearing any sort of alarm bells, the soldier buried his face in his rock hard pillow. He did not know why, but he could not feel any sort of energy to get out of bed. Staying in a laying position, he turned towards the left.


But, the hyena knew he had to get out of bed, no matter what. Rubbing his eyes and reaching for his lenses, the question had begun to roll around in his head. Why did he feel so tired today? Maybe Santhe's possible illness had rubbed off on him. But, the chimera shook his head. No, he was just overworked, that's all. Nothing out of the ordinary, for sure. He needs to get out of bed, no matter what. Lifting himself up from the covers, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


As the hyena's uniform glued itself onto his partially human person, the early adult could not help but wonder. Will Santhe be alright? They had been pretty ill, as of recent. He could not help but feel an intense, endless wave of concern for such. But, as he thought such, further inquiries threw themselves into the mix.


Web of darkness locking onto him, the chimera's thoughts of darkness intensified. Was this illness his fault? Did they fall ill because he did not trust them? Perhaps, that was the cause. Staring off towards the steel walls, the soldier knew. Of course, it was all of his fault. If only he weren't so suspicious, this would never have happened.


Thoughts spinning like a water-wheel, such repeated itself within the hyena's fading human brain. If only he hadn't been so suspicious of Santhe the entire time, they would be fine. The stress he put them through, all of this was his fault. His, and no one else's. Tears staining his glasses, the icy cold floor dampened a smidgeon.


But, the soldier snapped himself out of it. What is he doing, letting himself cry like this? Santhe will be alright soon, surely. Why is he allowing himself to think so hard about all this? It will all be fine eventually, he was overthinking all of this. He needed to focus on getting ready, no matter what.


Hail slapping the window triplefold, the chimera let out a scream. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he'll finish getting ready. Gazing at the storm cloud from afar, the chimera lowered his eyes into a squint. Was it just his imagination, or had something changed about it? But, the early adult threw such thoughts out the window. No, he had to have been imagining it, surely.


Removing the cover off his jewelry and accessory box, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching roses in his hair and ears, the hyena prayed to the Dendro Archon he wasn't supposed to worship to get the first wind he needed for the day. Staring at the rest of his prized possessions seated in the container, the hyena gazed at them. Turning his only remaining possession from his stolen childhood into weapons, was this truly what he wanted?


Shaking his head, the soldier closed the lid upon the container. No, of course this isn't what he wanted. Why would it be? He never wanted this at all. Why did he ever think he did, even for a moment? He never wanted this. Why did he give into that violent impulse? He never should have done so.


Shrugging, the chimera reached for the yellow-green orb on the top of his uniform drawers. Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the hyena stared off into space. Did he even need this elemental orb to be able to use his powers granted to him? But, the hyena shrugged. No, he definitely needed it to summon his flower friend. Why would he be able to? There was no way, for sure. Why would that even be possible? He was not a mage.


Staring at the yellow-green orb once more, the hyena recalled something rather important. His former practice partner, he had told him he must never take his vision off. He knew he had to take such fact seriously. Gazing at the Geo Delusion, the hyena could not help but wonder further. Did the same apply to delusions, as well?


But, the early adult threw such thoughts off a bridge. Of course such didn't extend to those sinister orbs. Object glaring daggers at him, the second question threw a stone on his back. Should he finally make use of it today? But, he pushed such terrifying dark elemental creature away. Of course he couldn't. He absolutely, possibly couldn't right now. Not in his current state, no way.


Huffing and puffing up a storm, the chimera stared off into space. How in the world could he think something so awful? He should not even consider using such a terrible thing. Pushing such object away, the soldier tried with all his might to quell the storm within. He could not let these thoughts devour him, no matter what.


Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, feelings of darkness soon engulfed the soldier into a black hole. What if Santhe is dying? Should he take them to the Sauro vet? Staring off towards the paned glass, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. Would something like that even be helpful at all? What if a Saurian veterinarian could not find what was wrong with them?


The chimera shook his head at such thoughts spiraling within him. Why wouldn't a Sauro vet know what to do? That was their job, wasn't it? Of course they would be able to diagnose an issue or two, weren't they trained professionals? Of course they were. Surely, they would know what to do. He needed to stop worrying himself over all this, and get himself focused. Whenever the chance were to arise, he would take Santhe to see a doctor.


But, the chimera knew that, if he were stray off the path, the Agent would kill him for insubordination, guaranteed. He cannot wander off from his duties, no matter what. Such could not happen. Tossing such thoughts away, he stared off into space. He would heal them himself, if he had no other option.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the chimera flinched. What was he doing, getting lost in thought like this? He had to look ready, or he would get killed, for sure. What in the world was he doing, getting himself so distracted? Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera turned his attention towards the door. Time had run out. His workday of anything was about to begin.


"Soldier, what's wrong this time?" the Agent asked. "You look tired." As he said such, he folded his arms across his waist. "If this is about your pet's illness, get over it."


Agent mentioning Santhe's illness, the early adult flinched. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock right now. He had to look alive. What was he doing, looking so tired? Right, he had a job to do. What was he doing, letting his worries consume him? Bowing an apology, he tried to look alive.


"Look, soldier, I know you're worried about that pet of yours," the Agent said, sighing. "But, don't let it affect your work performance!" As he said such, he sifted through his pockets. "In any case, soldier, it would seem someone has a letter for you. Read it now."


Piece of paper handed off to him, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. A letter, for him? Who could have possibly been from? Note written in the Mondstadt language, the soldier tilted his head. Who could have possibly written this? Adjusting his glasses, the hyena tried with all his might to quickly eyeball the words in front of him.


"To the Fatuus,


One cannot believe one still has not found the answer. So, one went and did some digging about the Key. Somewhere in Sumeru lies the answer to all the issues sizing Natlan, and beyond. One simply does not understand how the Fatuus did not think of this, but soldiers aren't a very intelligent group. One is aware of this.


The answer to the Key is someone who knows of current supernatural happenings within the nation of Sumeru, as one already mentioned. If they are unaware of such, move onto the next person, and so on. Most of the pathetic humans are either unaware of the issue, or are simply ignoring it.


One is not confident in the Fatuus' abilities to discern who may know, so consider one lucky one is pushing one into the right direction. One can hardly comprehend how you have yet to find any of the keys. They are hidden in plain sight. If one is unable to come to any sort of answer within the next three days, one will just tell the Fatuus.


But, do not surrender just because one said one will give one the answer in three days. If one suspected the Fatuus has given up on finding the keys to end this once and for all, one will not lend a hand whatsoever. One had better think carefully before throwing in the towel.


Tell that annoying boss of yours that something urgent came up that needs to be attended to. This investigation cannot wait. And, if that employer attempts to reprimand one for going against orders, claim another Fatuus had sent this letter and is ordering one embark on this mission.


From,
One knows who wrote this, don't act like one does not."


Reading the note over one final time, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. What did Rashmi know that he didn't? Just how much was she aware of and wasn't telling him? Shrugging, he supposed he needed to find the answer for himself. Agent tapping his boots upon the floor, the chimera flinched once more. Had he taken too long to read it? He needed to apologize for such right away.


"What does that letter say, soldier?" the Agent asked.


Handing the paper over to the Agent, the soldier blinked as his subordinate read the note over at near lightning speed. Seeing such, a sweat drop trickled down the hyena's cheek. Was this man human? He wasn't so sure anymore. Agent tossing the note aside, the chimera plopped it into the bin in the corner. Mask soon on him, the chimera gazed at it.


"Alright, Soldier, go deal with whatever this distraction is," the Agent responded to the letter. "When you are finished, report to me in Sumeru City, and I will give you your orders."


Subordinate oddly allowing him to investigate the issue, the hyena tilted his head off towards the ceiling. Hold on, was this really happening right now? He wasn't dreaming right now, was he? The Agent, allowing him to do something off schedule? Had this man been secretly replaced with a laxer soldier? Perhaps, just maybe, that was what happened.


But, the hyena shook his head. No, of course that wasn't it. Why would it be? There was no way he was replaced by another soldier. Why would that be the case? Placing his hand out in front of him, the chimera gazed at the Agent. He was stuck with this man until he were to perish, he knew that. Why ponder that?


"Yes, sir," the hyena responded autonomously. Stretching his limb out further, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always had.


"Good, I will take you there now, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he gripped the limb into a tight enough squeeze to bruise. "I urge you to get this distraction out of the way quickly. You have more important work to get done today." Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the early adult stared off into space as the escort towards Sumeru soon began.


Why did Rashmi feel the need to be so vague about all this?


***


"One does not know at this point how simply unintelligent the Fatuus is, but
Now, more than ever, one is
Especially aware of the Fatuus' increasing display of stupidity. One


Simply does not understand how the Fatuus has yet to come to any sort of conclusion
Involving the key. He had learned about the key when traversing to the island southwest of Natlan.
Maybe one simply forgot. One would not
Put it past the Fatuus for allow such to slip his mind. After all, all soldiers are unintelligent. Actually,
Let one correct oneself. Fatui are unintelligent.
Yes, that is what one should have truly said. The Fatui are a bunch of hiveminded loyalists who


Cannot think for themselves. One has been made
Aware of this countless times before. One has seen
Numerous of these soldiers displaying
No capabilities to think for themselves.
Of which, one cannot fathom in
The slightest. One is unaware how


Big the hivemind is, but one
Especially knows all the
Loyalists obey their god to the point of
Indoctrination. One simply cannot see it any other way.
Every single one of those soldiers are stuck on their path, they are
Very much brainwashed
Every single one of them. Is the Fatuus included in this


Hivemind? One does not believe so, but
One can never be too sure.
Whatever, one supposes it does not matter if


The Fatuus is part of the
Hivemind. One could not care less. Once
Everything is resolved, one will never have an encounter with the


Fatuus ever again, one has no interest
At all of lending the Fatuus a hand once
That storm cloud has been removed.
Unless it rebels, one
Ultimately shall be done here. One
Should not have returned to Natlan. One


Hardly wished to ever return here
At all. But, one
Simply cannot ignore this. While everyone else has pretended nothing is happening, one simply cannot.


Yes, everyone in Natlan is pretending all of this is linked to the abyss. And, only a small portion of this is
Especially the case. One knows
That if one were to speak of


The truth, that it is related to some sort
Of apocalyptic


Red storm cloud not a single mortal would
Ever believe one. Since the entire world is choosing to ignore it,
And not doing anything to mitigate it. One feels obligated to at
Least investigate the
Issues. One is hardly sure what one can do. There is no
Zenith on the horizon to
End this. One is aware of the


Three keys to stop this,
However, one is not aware of whom
Each of the keys belong to. However, one will explain the


Keys or the answers one has discovered while researching.
Every single key one is aware of thus far. There might be some one has
Yet to discover, but


At present, one is aware of three.
Now, one will begin with the first key. One
Does not know if this is the true answer, but


What the first key is, it
Has something to do with
One who used to exist in the physical plane, but


Can no longer be perceived
Anymore. One is unsure what this might pertain to. One surmises it could be lost beings from the
Night Kingdom. Those fit the definition of one who used to exist in the physical plane, but can no longer be perceived anymore.


Even so, one does
Not believe this is the answer. They
Do not have the ability to leave the Night Kingdom. So


This is not the answer. One
Has been trying to come to a conclusion about this for some time now, but
It is not becoming clear. So, one will put a pin in such, and
Skip to the second key. Of which, is the creator of the red storm cloud. Yes, the hypothesis of which the storm cloud is artificial, it is possibly true. One


Does not believe this point fully, but
At this point, one cannot dismiss that it is possible that the storm is
Not of a natural occurrence in any shape or form. One cannot hope to
Guess whom would create such a storm. But, the Fatuus might
End up being able to guess. Does one believe the Fatuus is part of the hivemind and cannot think for oneself? Negative. Consider this
Rashmi approved, if one will.
One cannot fathom who could have created this apocalyptical artificial force of nature
Unleashing itself upon the world. One would have ignored
Such phenomenon happening, too, if one had not been entangled in


All of this. But, it is too late to be uninvolved.
Perhaps, it is best
One speaks of the third key. One
Cannot say for certain if
This is the case, but
As far is one is aware, the
Last key is a Saurian.
Yes, a Saurian, does one know which one?
Pretend like one knows whom of which it is exactly, but one
Thinks it is possible
It is that unusual pink Yumkasaur. One
Cannot think of another.


Perhaps, finding all three of the anomalies, will eliminate this
Harsh storm, because time is running out. One knows it has been
Eliminated in most places aside from
Natlan. But, is that really true? Perhaps, its removal was simply cosmetic.
Of course, apparently, according to the few people who are not ignoring the issues. The annoying black haired hawk
Man, for example, seems to claim
Everything in Fontaine has returned to
Normal, or has it?
One does not believe it has fully returned to
Normalcy there. The cosmetic appearance of it exiting the area is the


Only thing that has happened, and the rage that used to follow.
None of that remained, but one
Cannot deny that it is possible the storm is ready to return to
Every morsel of the world.


And, when that happens, the world will be devoured.
Nothing can convince one otherwise that nothing will remain. Now, the question
Does remain, who created this powerful and dangerous


Force? One isn't sure. There is not
One likely culprit, but there a few one can
Rule out the Fatuus. One is certain he is not


At all smart enough to pull of such a feat. And, one can be ruled out, as well. One does not have the power to bring forth the apocalypse. And
Let one rule out Malati, too. One knows one's kin well. It is far from
Likely she would cause this. One will rule out Iomra as well. He is always sleeping. Satine, too,


Bears no suspicions from me. One does not have reasons to believe these three
Unleashed the apocalypse upon
This world. Or, at least, that is


One truly believes. And, one can rule out
Noce and Cedre, as well.
Even though Noce despises one, one


Knows thon would not go to such lengths to eliminate one. So, at present, one does
Not know who this may be.
One is not sure
Who would wish to cause
Such a destructive force of nature to occur.


Something one hypothesizes is it's possible it could simply just be someone
Or something from the abyss. But, how
Likely is that? One is not sure. One
Does not think this
Is a reasonable answer,
Even still, one has
Reason to believe it is not off the table.
So, one will consider it for now. The


Abyss is the enemy of all, so it is
Reasonable to ascertain this is one likelihood.
Even so, one has


Not ventured to the abyss, and
One has no intention of stepping foot in
There at this point in time. One is


Quite certain if one goes there, one will not find anything there.
Unless one does, but
It will lead to nothing.
There's a large population in the abyss. It could be anyone, it could be
Everyone, it could be no one.


It could be someone one does
Not expect, who knows? But,
The key is to find the culprit and
Eliminate them. That is the key. The first key, one is does not know about the second key, the ones that no
Longer exist on the physical plane, so one will
Let the Fatuus figure that one out.
It hardly makes sense to one, so one will not
Guess whom that might
Even be. One recalls a few ghosts or rather, claims of ghosts that are in the area. Investigating, or something.
Not like it matters, one does not
Think they mean anything.


Since there are countless ghosts all
Over Natlan. So this does not mean anything.


Of course, the spirits might be the answer, but one is
Not certain. But, those spirits did not seem like they are from Natlan, they are an outlier. So, one is
Especially keeping one's eyes open in regards to them.


Something about that encounter
Has one thinking. They could be the key
At the end of the day, but that is as far as one knows. The outliers are always the
Likely possibility, but that is also just as not
Likely, one does


Not have a clue.
Unless there is another factor one has not uncovered. One shall not
Delete those this from one's mind.
Guess there might be some other out of place people one should keep an
Eye on. But, now


There remains but one question that one
Has to fester. What could the
End goal be to eliminate this apocalyptic storm?


Finding all the keys?
At the moment, one is sure
That is possible. Finding all the keys will break the storm once and for all.
Unless that is not the truth.
Unless it truly is
Something else. One knows eliminating


It in Fontaine was the result of restoring the symphony and performing it.
No, one did not forget


That. One remembered. That was
How it was eliminated in Fontaine. One is not
Even sure how it was


Removed from the other nations, and one does not care. One could ask the Fatuus, but
It is unlikely the Fatuus will answer. One
Gathers the Fatuus will not speak on such even if one demands.
He is a silent, and one does not force
To wish the Fatuus to speak if one


Does not wish to. What? One may be a dragon, but one
Is not a commanding force. Yes, one is the leader type, but one would
Rather not pry an answer out of someone.
Even so, knowing how the storm was
Cosmetically cleared in all
The other nations might help
It be eliminated in Natlan. But, it will not help it be cleared
Out entirely, one supposes.
Nothing can convince one otherwise


At this point this storm is
Not artificially created. One
Definitely believes at this point it was. There is


No chance it is
Of natural occurrence.
That is something one is going to stake one's life on. Who, or what created this? And,
How can one beat
It? One does
Not know. If one had to
Guess, finding the three keys


Might not be enough. It could be just
One piece to the puzzle. But, one will continue to
Research what one can to have it
Eliminated. If it ever reaches a point the apocalypse comes, know that one tried to do what one could."


Upon reaching the capital city of Sumeru through the teleport waypoint, the soldier stared off into space. Should he really be doing this? The Agent told him this was a distraction from work. Her Majesty, if she were to find out about this sudden departure, she would kill him, for sure.


Gazing upwards towards the sky above, the hyena stared at the world up above. Maybe it was best to forget about this. It was not like anyone truly knew about the red storm cloud. What answer could he hope to get out of anyone? Maybe this was a waste of his time. Should he turn back?


But, the hyena knew he could not do such a thing. Why turn back now? He had already come this far. He had to to find someone who knew about the red storm cloud. He had to. What was he doing, thinking about turning back? He could not do such a thing. Gazing at the city around him, the chimera attempted to sift through areas he recalled within his mind.


Gandharva Ville sticking out to him amongst the crowd, the hyena placed his currently human finger on his chin. Could the forest rangers have some clues about the red storm cloud? The hyena did not know, but he supposed it was worth a try. Agent turning towards him, the usual demands had come his way.


Agent telling him to hurry up and get whatever he has to get done out of the way, the soldier nodded. Agent exiting the area off towards the Akademiya, the hyena broke into a cold sweat. There was no time, he had to hurry and find the keys, whatever those were, as soon as possible. There was no time to waste.


Knowing he had to hurry and head north towards Gandharva Ville as soon as possible, the chimera had begun running, but as he had begun to do so, something wasn't right in any shape or form. Hearing a loud crackle of thunder coming from up above, something wasn't adding up. The red storm cloud, had it engulfed Sumeru once again.


Gazing upwards towards the sky, the hyena could not help but feel a wave of bewilderment. Not a single cloud in the sky, one was not adding up to two. It a bright and sunny morning in the nation of wisdom. Where had the thunder been coming from? How was this possible?


But, the soldier shrugged. Maybe it was a distant thunderstorm from elsewhere. Surely, that's all this was. Surely, it was nothing to concern himself over. Why should he be worried about such a thing? He needed to stop getting distracted and get out of here as soon as he possibly could.


Clap of lightning striking rather close to him as he prepared to leave the city, the hyena jumped six steps back. Thunder continuing onward, the hyena accelerated his sprint. Dashing away with all his might, his heart was ready to leap out of his chest. That lightning, why did it feel as though it was out to get him personally?


Brushing such thoughts away, the chimera resumed his speedy sprint. But, as he proceeded to do so, further lightning had dropped down from the heavens like they were nothing. Each and every bolt missing him by the narrowest of margins, the hyena's leaps and bounds kept going.


Bolts not dropping down near anyone else, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. What is going on, why are the strikes only coming down near him? Was this the shadow creature's doing? But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. No, of course not. Why would this have anything to do with them?


Pushing himself along, the storm continued onward, but the hyena kept on going. Thunder claps getting louder, the chimera screeched. Was it just him, or was it getting closer? Was a monster about to split itself out from the sky? Maybe it was. He did not know. But, he knew he had to ignore it.


As the soldier attempted to exit the city, the chimera swore he could see a strange army of monsters plop down from the sky. Spherical beasts booming from up above, not a single thing made any sort of sense to him. These creatures, had they been some sort of remnants from the red storm cloud?


But, the chimera threw such thoughts off a bridge. No, why would that be the case here? The red storm cloud had been eliminated from Sumeru. There was no way that was it. The malicious dream had come to an end, hadn't it? Maybe that was all an illusion, he didn't know. Could it have been?


"Turn back!" a voice shouted.


"Turn back now!" another voice shouted.


Screeches telling him to turn back, the hyena refused. Why should he turn back? Who was even saying that? Absolutely not, no way, he wasn't going to do that. Crackles from up above returning, the soldier leapt towards the other side of the street. If they thought he was going to turn around, they had another thing coming.


Crossroads reached, the shouts had only gotten louder. Turn back, get out of here. Tuning everything out, the defiance kept going. He could not hear them, he could not see them. Nothing was behind him. There was no one there. Time ticking faster and faster by the second, the hyena took the leap of faith.


"Turn back!" a voice shouted again.


Ball creatures at the foot of the bridge, the hyena rolled his eyes towards the sky. Oh, whatever shall he do? The path is blocked how terrible. Sighing, the soldier hopped above the obstacles. Did these things really think they could stand in his way? How comical if they thought so.


Lightning striking from behind, the chimera could hear the screams come towards him once more. Turn back, turn back now, do not press on. Shaking his head, the defiance continued. Why in the world should he listen to that? Chivat Ravine nearing, the soldier swerved towards the left.


But, such had been a terrible mistake. Monster army laid out in front of him, the hyena eyes twitched. Did this obstacles think they could stand in his way? Closing his eyes for a moment, his human hands had soon been replaced by hyena paws. Claps of thunder ready, and waiting for him, his claws did the talking.


Spherical creatures flung left and right the hyena let out a huffed breath. Where in the world had these monsters come from? Something wasn't right about them in any shape or form. But, the soldier shook his head. Why did that matter now? He had defeated them, hadn't he? He had to get out of here.


Chinvat Ravine passed through, the soldier swore the lightning had only begun to get closer. Seeing such, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Had there still been more? Throwing such thoughts away, the the hyena slid his feet through the dirt road. He did not have any time for this whatsoever.


Hearing voices scream at him to turn back once more, the chimera grit his teeth. How many times were they going to say that? Not happening, he had to find the keys. They could keep repeating that phrase all they like, he wasn't turning around, no matter what. But, as Gandharva Ville rolled in closer, new shouts had come his way.


"You're wasting your time on all this!" a voice cried. "We'll never let you know the truth!"


Hearing such, the soldier turned around. Creatures coming back from the grave, the hyena's claws had soon been flung away. Screeches coming his way for minutes on end to stop trying, the chimera cracked his paw knuckles. Stop trying? Absolutely not. How many defeats would it take until they realized such was not happening in any capacity? How annoying.


Treehouse village dragging ever so closer, the chimera could feel a chill drop down his spine as he heard thunderous roars of the word experiment screech on through. Various other chilling phrases said one after another, a realization had washed over the hyena. The malpracticing malicious doctor, did he have something to do with this?


But, the chimera threw such thoughts out the window. Why would that monster have anything to do with this? Why would he make an artificial storm? Of course he wouldn't do something like that. He would be too busy cutting people and monsters up for something like that to happen.


Ripping such option up in the flipbook inside him, the hyena held back the urge to scream. Why did he even bring up that name? No, no way. This had nothing to do with him whatsoever. Of course it didn't. This was simply just a supernatural phenomenon. Nothing more, nothing less. Clearing the trash away, the hyena sauntered onward.


Reaching Gandharva Ville after about who knows when, the hyena could not help but notice a brand new obstacle. Grass covering him up to his waist, the chimera observed the area. world engulfed in an endless sea of green blades everywhere the damaged eyes could see, the soldier tilted his head. What in the world had happened here? Something about this was abnormal, for sure.


Knowing he had to search for the furry eared man at all costs, the soldier pressed onward. Tall grass attempting to swallow him whole, the hyena could hear the familiar screeches tell him to turn back once more. Blades getting higher the further he pressed on, the hyena eyebrows twitched up a storm. Who did that just now? This meadow, was it enchanted?


Nothing visible in any shape or form, the chimera closed his eyes once more. Knowing the only way forward was to slash the blades away, the world had become clear. Such, however had been short-lived. Sea of green striking back, the hyena could feel his will begin to slip away with every given second.


Slices and dices continuing like they were fruit slashes in half, the wasted attempts continued to pile themselves up one after another. Laughter coming from nowhere, the soldier could feel cold breath over his shoulder. The shadow creature, were they here?


No one anywhere to be seen, the chimera shook his head. What in the world was he thinking? There was no way that creature could have possibly been here. The storm cloud had left Sumeru, their influence was gone. Hack and slashes continuing onward, the hyena took the leap of faith as the regeneration continued for what felt like Inazuma's eternity.


Spotting the furry eared man in the corner defeat a strange looking tree, the expansive meadow had been no more. Seeing such, a wave of shock flowed through the hyena. What did he just witness? Eyes soon darting towards him, a sigh had soon come his way.


"Yes, what do you want?" the furry eared man asked in an annoyed tone. "You have been staring at me for the past few minutes."


Forest watcher leader folding his arms across his waist, the chimera knew now was the time. The code word, he had to ask it. Had he noticed any paranormal activity happening lately? Taking a deep breath, he placed his hands out on in front of him. Inquiry about whether supernatural happenings had been occurring signed on private display, he swore the man looked at him as if he had grown a second head.


"Supernatural activity?" the furry eared man asked, bemused. "No? What are you talking about?"


Confusion coming his way, the hyena could feel himself freeze for a moment. He did not have any idea of what he was talking about? Maybe he should ask elsewhere. But, who else would know? Moving onward, the chimera could feel the hope drift away. Would anyone know what he was inquiring about at all?


Knowing the next best course of action was to head to Gandha Hill, the chimera prepared himself. Eerie feelings strengthening with every step forward, something was not right. What was this horrifying feeling of dread? Tuning such out, a slightly familiar face caught his attention. forest ranger trainee in the corner, the hyena dashed towards her. Eyes on him, the codeword had been unsaid.


"Supernatural activity?" the forest ranger trainee asked, tilting her head. "I haven't seen anything like that. Why do you ask?"


Green haired ranger having absolutely no idea what he was inquiring about in any capacity, the hyena's back slumped. Why was he asking her, anyway? It's not like she was the key. Looking around for other rangers, not a single person in the area knew what he was inquiring about at all in any shape or form whatsoever.


Everything beginning to crash and burn, the soldier let out a sigh. Why would anyone here be the key? He shouldn't have wasted his time coming here. Cliffside awaiting him, further regret flowed through him as another idea swam across the mind river. The scammy merchant. Surely, she knew who the key was.


Ascending the rock wall of doom, second thoughts took the stage. Should he even bother? He was about to waste his time on this, for sure. That annoying pink haired scammer, she was going to take his money, and then tell him she knew nothing. Archons, why was he wasting his time? But, the hyena knew he had to at least try. Surely, they were aware of the something.


Reaching the ridiculous palace, the chimera could feel the regret flowing in at maximum speed. Short money grubber of doom already looking for the big steal, the chimera rolled his eyes. Here it comes, the hyena placed his hands out in front of him as her dumb sunglasses shined against the sun. Silently communicating of needing information, he could feel an expensive amount ready to burn two holes in one pocket.


"Sure, I can give you information, dear customer!" the scammy merchant cried. "If you'll give me six hundred thousand Mora!"


Scammy merchant demanding a bloody fortune, the hyena's eyes pulsated. Excuse him, six hundred thousand Mora? Did she triple her rates since last time? Disgusting, absolutely disgusting. This was a robbery. Sighing, the soldier reached for his wallet. Portion of his salary gone in an instant, the code word had been said.


"Nope! I don't know anything about supernatural activity!" the scammy merchant cried. "By the way, no refunds! Your mora is mine!"


No refund allowed, the chimera let out a groan. Of course she didn't know anything. Why was he wasting his time with this person? What a waste of his time. He should not have bothered. What in the world was he thinking? Why would this useless merchant know who the key was? Leaving the premises, the hyena walked around in a circle, for a moment.


Options dropping into the sea one after another, the chimera could feel everything ready to fall apart at any given moment. Where else could he possibly head to? No one had known anything. Doubts beginning to flow through him, the circular walk soon reversed. Could Rashmi have made everything up to send him on a wild chase?


But, the chimera shook his head. Would Rashmi really do that? Go write him a letter to tell lies? Crumpling such thoughts up, he moved onward. Of course she wouldn't do that. That dragon was always blunt and to the point. She would not ever tell any sort of half truths, no chance. That would not ever be the case.


Circular walk soon ending, the next location peaked through the clouds. That greenhouse, perhaps, just maybe, he would find something there? He did not know why, but that felt like the only other area that made any sort of sense. There was a secret lying in wait there, there had to be. The rest storm cloud, when it had descended upon Sumeru, that area was cut off by darkness. Surely, investigating that place again would give him some answers.


Reaching the peculiar greenhouse area after about an hour of walking, a shivering presence had eaten the soldier up like a plate of samosa. Spotting a second glass dome off in the corner, the adjusted his glasses. Was he seeing double? Closing his eyes for a moment, the cloned area still remained.


Walking towards the second greenhouse, a wave of doom flowed through him. This was not supposed to be here, was it? Stepping inside, papers had been scattered everywhere. Bending his knees, litter awaited him. Various notes written in the Snezhnayan language, the early adult gulped as he read what was laid out in front of him.


"The Storm Cloud Project.


The world is boring. It could use a little color. A little red will do. I shall dye the skies crimson, and let it above the fake sky. Of course, such is a theory, but if this little experiments exposes this falsehood, I can crack it wide open and expose the truth once and for all.


False Sky Hypothesis.


The sky above Teyvat is fake, and by the addition of this red storm cloud above Teyvat, I shall expose that falsehood once and for all. Once I get a taste of this, it will all come clear. But, I will need a Hilichurl or two. Yes, that will do. Perhaps an Abyss Mage, as well. A bone here, a bone there, I will expose the cracks as I see fit.


The Cracks.


The storm has begun. This Hilichurl blood has done wonders. The sky is bright red, it is beautiful. And soon, the false sky will be exposed once and for all. I am sure my theory suggesting it is fake will be proven correct from this little experiment. But, this is not enough I must take my little research experiment farther.


The cracks have formed ever so slightly. But, it is still not enough to expose the fake sky. Perhaps adding a creature to add into the depths of the clouds shall have the shatters grow larger. Yes, of course, that would be the way. If I create a segment of myself, and sent it up into the sky, it will all break. Perfect.


L'ombra.


After many tests, I have broken a piece off of myself in the form of a shadowy figure. I have sent them to the clouds up above where they will do my bidding. Yes, I shall call this L'ombra. And, I will let this cloud devour the sky as I see fit. Will this red swirl cause any ill effects? The probability is quite high, but the chances of anyone noticing is quite low.


Regardless of whether people come to notice, no one will be able to stop my creation. For I can make it respawn as I wish. Or not I, rather, the piece of myself residing within the cloud. But, who would dare to try and eliminate my creation? That is impossible, and it shall never come to pass.


Current Known Side Effects of This Experiment.


It would seem this storm cloud and L'ombra's presence has caused some unusual effects across Teyvat. Could it be due to the exposure of the false sky coming to light? For starters, it would seem the citizens have been engulfed in some sort of rage. The human mind is weak.


Snezhnaya has been seeing the downpour of monsters as of late. And, as I suspected, not a single soldier is attempting to put an end to the quote on quote madness. No one cares enough to stop me, and so my experiments shall continue. Soon, the old world will be burned away should I continue.


An Obstacle


Alas, it would seem I have an obstacle in my way now trying to clear out the storm. I haven't a clue whom it may be, L'ombra has said nothing, informing me they have a new plaything they wish to mess with. So, I am sure whomever is trying to thwart my progress will give up soon.


Even if they are able to remove the storm from some of the nations in Teyvat, it will not matter. While its effects over the region will fade, the imprint will not be removed. Yes, of course, this way I will ensure that false sky will be exposed. This meddler will perish into ashes before getting far enough to remove the effects. But, should this troublesome obstacle find me and defeat me, then that will stop the spread. But, I will not let it come to that."


Reading the note over, the hyena dropped down onto his knees. Trying to process everything, the chimera could not comprehend the half of it. The red storm cloud was an artificial creation. If such were the case, why was he along with a small group of other the only ones who seemed to know anything about it?


Staring at the glass walls, the hyena's head throbbed. No, none of this was adding up. Nothing at all. This monster in the sky, if it were artificial, why wasn't anyone else doing anything about it? Why was he the only one trying? But, the soldier shook his head at such. Natlan was too busy dealing with their war. Why would they have time? And, the other six nations engulfed in this, did they even know what was going on?


Feeling himself ready to snap in two like a twig, the chimera held in the urge to laugh. All this time, he had been fighting a manufactured force. An artificial occurrence. He was fighting it alone, by himself. Why? Why didn't anyone care? Why couldn't the few other people aware of this do something?


Taking a deep breath, the soldier tried to keep himself calm. No, he cannot become lost this way, not like this. What did it matter if he had to defeat this by himself? That didn't matter at all. Of course it didn't. He was used to doing everything alone by now. What part of this was different? Sighing, the chimera turned back around. Head hung low as Sumeru City had been returned to, the Agent had soon been relocated.


"Did you find what you were looking for, soldier?" the Agent asked.


Nodding, the chimera kept his head hung low. The Agent, did he know about the storm cloud at all? Or, was he ignoring it, too, just like everyone else? He didn't know. He hadn't mentioned it to him. But, he threw such thoughts away. Whenever issues arose within Teyvat, it was always a vague statement to deal with it. If he had known such would have gone the same, for sure.


"Then, why do you look so dejected for, soldier? Is there a problem?" the Agent asked, puzzled. "Pull yourself together."


Shaking his head, the hyena attempted to put on the most diplomatic face possible. Right, he had to pull himself together. What was he doing, looking so lost and downtrodden? He was disappointing Her Majesty right now, without a shadow of a doubt. What was he doing? He had a job to do. He couldn't look like a lost puppy now. Get it together, Siorc, get it together.


"In any case, you will be going to Natlan to continue to help out with the war efforts," the Agent commanded in a powerful tone. "You might need to do something to protect yourself." As he said such, a satchel had been slammed onto his subordinate's backside. "You need to watch out, soldier. The Night Kingdom has bled into the surface world."


Instructions coming his way in full swing, the chimera removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Waypoint nearest to the Children of Echoes highlighted, a disgusting set of words had soon come his way. Told to go grab his pet, another warning had soon come his way. But, such word of caution was ready to devour him.


Agent informing him that there had been fire tornadoes reported around Natlan, the chimera tried with all his might to get it together. The spontaneous combustion, had it reached a critical point of no return? Spiraling flames from afar swirling, the hyena's breath stiffened. No, this is bad, this is absolutely terrible, horrible, no good. How could it have reached this point in such little time?


Pushing through the Children of the Echoes tribe, the chimera could feel a raincloud pool over him. The divine flame, it was burning the world. How much longer before Natlan would burn away and turn to ashes? There wasn't much time left, for sure. What could he possibly do to stop it? But, the sound a familiar drill soon took him out of it.


"Woah, hey, didn't expect to see you here!" the girl on the drill ride said. "Santhe misses you a lot! You should go see them!"


Hearing such, the chimera walked towards the rest area. Should he really go see Santhe right now? But, he knew he couldn't keep them waiting anymore. Stepping into the rest area, alarm bells rung in the hyena's head as he walked towards his Saurian companion. Dragonkin huffing and puffing, the chimera attempted to inquire what was wrong. But, he swore he could hear Santhe whisper a denial to such question.


Santhe hopping onto his shoulder like always, the early adult shrugged. Should he just take their word for it? Maybe he should. Exiting the rest area, the drill girl soon returned. Suggestion his way telling him to have a weapon made, the chimera nodded. Maybe such was for the best.


Heading towards the ocelot woman's workshop, the hyena gazed at his shoulder. Santhe, why did they feel so hot? But, the chimera attempted to ignore such. He knows, for the moment, the best course of action would be to be with them and halt all suspicion. Chrysanthemums drooping, a ton dropped down upon him. This was all his fault.


Ocelot weapon forger hard at work, the chimera gulped as she looked his way. Should he apologize for disturbing her? Bowing an apology, he had soon been told to lift his head. Inquiry coming his way about what he needed to have made, the word claymore had been signed for almost no one to see.


"A claymore, huh? Sure," the ocelot lady said. "I'll make you one that is resistant to flames."


Weaponsmith banging away, the hyena stared off into space. The night kingdom is bleeding into the surface world, what does that even mean? How could this happen, and why? The shadow creature, no L'ombra, what were they doing? How could they do this? Why did they have to take their chaos this far? Ocelot soon calling out to him, the hyena flinched.


"Here you go it's finished," the ocelot weaponsmith said.


Bright orange claymore handed to him, the early adult reached for his wallet. Undoing the zipper, a hand had been placed over the money carrier. Headshake coming his way, the hyena could not help but feel a small wave of discomfort. Was this really alright? He had been told to not pay last time.


Warned to be careful the whirling fire tornado and night kingdom blur had been a powerful force of nature, a small map of reported anomalies had been handed off to the soldier. Tepeacac Rise listed at the top, the chimera cracked his knuckles. It was go time. Blade sheathed behind him, he prepared to stage his exit.


But, as the hyena prepared to head towards the southern pathway, he swore he could hear Santhe whisper to not go there. Pushing forward, the warnings kept going. It was too dangerous, turn back. But, the chimera kept heading south. He had no choice in the matter. He had to continue.


Pressing onward, a world of combustion soon consumed the chimera. Alpacas burning, the screams had burned into the soldier's ears. Closing his ears, the soldier attempted to press on, but the sea of flames had only continued to increase. Large rhino creatures tossed into the flames as well, the savannah beneath blazed.


Saurians aplenty adding themselves to the sea of burning embers, the hyena's currently human palms quivered. The fire twisters, had they caused all this? Creatures letting their hostilities be known, in an instant, the chimera backed away. Burning creatures tossing fireballs towards him, the early adult placed his hands on the side of his head.


Getting himself together, the hyena placed the blade out in front of him. No, he had to fight, he didn't have a choice in the matter. Bouncing the attacks back one after another, regret flowed through the soldier as the alpacas faded into dust. Saurians joining the wind, as well, a ton had been tossed onto the hyena's back.


Pressing onward, the hyena dragged his feat forward as the mountainscapes were nearing. Further alpacas taken out of the equation, the hyena felt heavier with every poor creature meeting its end. Why couldn't there have been some other way, any other way to free these creatures from their pain?


As the hyena inched ever so closer to the mountains of the area, the space around him had begun to warp. Pitch black crystals pulsating, the chimera flinched. The Night Kingdom was here. He had to run, get out of here before it could absorb him. He had to fast, quick, nimble, get out of here before the demons could stick.


Such was wishful thinking, on the hyena's part. Intense force sucking him forward, the chimera held back the urge to screech. Humanoid figure with long hair dropping down to their calves, a pointy hat with a feather stuck in it glowed with an aura of darkness, a canon sat in the palm of their hands.


However, such had not been the only visitor from the night kingdom. Shadow creature floating around them like they were a married couple bound together, the hyena folded his arms into a fist. This monster, why were they here? Hadn't they had enough fun by now? Why couldn't they disappear quietly.


"Hi, hi, welcome to the show!" the shadow creature cried. "You'd better hurry up and fight my pretty here! Or else, I'll engulf Fontaine again! Tick tock, tick tock, hurry, hurry! I'm getting hungry!"


Pitch black creature's red eyes glowing, the chimera could not help but notice something particular about this creature's silhouette. The top of their head had curly locks. When did they gain those This creature, who really created them, and why? But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. No time to think, he had to fight this foe right here, right now.


Although, such fight proved to be difficult. Night kingdom spirit taking control of the situation, the hyena could feel the intense doom drown him out to sea. This was truly a force to be reckoned with. Shadow monster, or L'ombra, rather, singing a chant, the chimera let out a scream as the enemy gained power triplefold.


Multiple attacks parried, the chimera could feel the power within him begin to slip. The spirit had defensive counters? He was doomed, done, finished, there was no way he could win this. Fiend guffawing up a storm, the early adult could feel his power begin to wane.


Nothing doing, the early adult swayed back and forth. Should he just surrender? There was no way he could win this, in any capacity. But, the chimera knew he could not give up here. Why even consider that? He had to find a weakness, and quickly. This warrior, there was no way they could have been invincible.


Fight continuing to carry on for quite some time, the hyena had come to a realization as the hundredth hit soon approached. The enemy's back side, it was exposed. Snapping his fingers, the soldier dashed towards the wall. This was the last chance, there was no other way. Blade becoming one with the back end, a white flag had been claimed.


"This is the beginning of this drama!" the shadow creature cried. "Do think you've won yet!"


Hearing such, the hyena rolled his eyes towards the stormy sky. The what now? No, no way, he wasn't having any of this at all. Pressing onward through the area, a bizarre request had come his way. Fruits needing to be collected, the hyena had gotten straight to work. Such peace, however, was dead on arrival.


Fruits becoming monstrous upon collection, the soldier jumped ten steps back. What in the world just happened? Berries hissing, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to lead them to their end. Blade doing its duty, everything had soon come crashing down.


Berries dropping down, the chimera gazed at them. Was it just his imagination, or did something feel rather off about these small fruits. Walking back towards the alpacas, the delicacy had been handed off to them, but a dark intense aura soon ate the air. Alpacas laughing up a storm, a blinding light soon overtook the area.


Abyss Mages soon taking the place of the former mammals, the chimera's legs were jelly. What just happened? Abyssal denizens could transform themselves into innocent creatures, too? Why? Why did this happen? Just how much of Natlan's critters were just Mages in disguise? Everything crumbling around him, the soldier dropped his blade. Motivation breaking, he raised his hands up in the air.


Santhe leaping off his shoulder, the soldier observed the dragonkin in silence. Nearby explosive grabbed, the hyena jumped back. What were they doing? Barrel going kablam, the Abyss Mages screeched. Creatures attempting to fall back into their disguises, the early adult leapt towards the monsters. No, no more tricks, no more tracks. He could take no more. This had to end, this had to stop right now. Canines shining, the creature's necks had been claimed as a prize. But, such had been halted, in an instant.


"Master, please leave this to Santhe!" Santhe cried, weak breaths pulling in with every words spoken. "Santhe do it. Santhe do everything."


Mages blown to smithereens, the hyena had begun to head south. Santhe breathing heavily upon his shoulder, the hyena closed his eyes, for a moment. Why did he ever feel suspicious towards them? He was a terrible, horrible disgusting soldier for that, for sure. Ancestral Temple reached, multiple puzzles involve gooey ball objects had been vanquished. Night Kingdom souls taken down in the bleeding middle, the early adult had begun to dash eastward.


Coming across a mysterious factory, the early adult had found another round of notes that shot him in the chest with a shotgun, loaded with hundreds of bullets in a roulette. Further papers regarding the storm cloud project located, the chimera's face grew dark as everything settled in.


He knew now.


The truth of it all.


The red storm cloud, it was all an artificial creation. Fact sponging itself in deeper, the hyena let out a loud laugh. Of course it was artificial. Stupid him for not seeing it sooner. Why did he disregard it so many times? Dropping to his knees his palms covered his face. Rashmi was right, he was an unintelligent soldier. None of this was natural, he should have known. He should have known.


Santhe whimpering, the chimera turned towards them. Shoulder a furnace, he swore he could hear them beg to leave. Laboratories boiling away, the chimera made a run for it. What was this place, run by a volcano? He had to get out of here, right here, right now, no matter what.


Reaching the peak somewhere close to the Scions of Canopy Tribe a demand had come his way to race. Strange, pitch black fairy like creature speeding off, the early adult threw himself into the game. Pace getting swifter, the early adult could feel electricity cling to his clothes. But, he ignored such, for the time being. Soon landing in the Dendro Saurian tribe, a comment had soon come his way.


"You sure have time to have fun during a war, don't you?" the Saurian Hunter asked, monotone.


Accusation of not taking the war seriously coming his way, the chimera shook his head. He knew what this looked like, but that wasn't the case. Apology coming his way, the next order of business had been upon him. Dragging himself towards the underground portion of Sulfrous Veins, a strange cave with burning pillars soon awaited him.


Burning bat creatures throwing a bow at his face, demands of shooting them down had come his way. Hearing such, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. He had to go and do what now? Creatures not giving him a choice the forced hunt was on. Enemies taken out of the picture after forty hits, a blinding light soon overtook him.


Finding himself outside the stadium, the night kingdom took him for a third round. Bonfires lit one after another, a flaming embers circled around the area at full speed. Not letting such interruption take him away, the chimera let out a roar. Santhe joining the fight, as well, the enemies faltered. Such, however, had been short lived.


Santhe plopping onto the ground, a wave of panic flowed through him. Creature huffing heated breaths, the young soldier shook like a leaf. No, Santhe, why did they let themselves battle just now? He had to go find a Sauro vet right now. He had to find one, but where? Where could he hope to find one?


Recalling a sign he had seen in the Flower Feather Clan, the soldier reached for his Teleport Waypoint Proxy orb. That man with the hat holding a red Saurian up with his gloves. Surely, he could help. He had to hurry and find them before it was too late. Holding Santhe tight, the high risen tribe awaited him.


Spotting a tall man with a white ha, spiky silver hair, and suit to match, the chimera dashed off towards him. The Sauro-vet. He needed to say something. Anything, to get his attention. Man looking towards him, the chimera got down on his knees, in an instant, head upon the wood.


"Please, sir, I need your help!" the hyena begged, tears streaming down his face. "Santhe, they." But he could feel himself begin to shake harder. Why weren't his words working? Why couldn't they come out? He had to say it. Say it. Santhe was unconscious, they collapsed. But, the words wouldn't come out.


"It's alright, mate, no need to say anything, I'll take a look at them," the sauro vet said.


Sauro vet doing a lot of medical practices he did not understand, the chimera rocked back and forth. Santhe, what was wrong with them? Intense look on the sauro vet's face, a puzzle piece dropped out of the chimera's brain. Was something wrong, had he found something concerning? Head shake coming his way, the bad news came for his throat.


"Mighty sorry, young man, but I don't think I can help your companion," the spiky haired sauro vet said. "This Yumkasaur is very unusual. I am not detecting--." But, as he said such the lad was gone.


Knowing what the Sauro Vet was about to say, the soldier made a run for it. Santhe was unusual. Strange, bizarre. Were they really a Saurian, or an Abyss Mage in disguise. Screams bathing him deep, the hyena threw himself off towards a cave in the corner. Doom thoughts spiking towards the top, the soldier rolled himself into a ball as the tears dropped him into a pained sleep.


He shouldn't have removed his skepticism about Santhe.


***


"Santhe is a liar, Santhe is
A liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar!
No, no, no, no, no, why did
This happen? Just when I
Had thought they weren't
Especially suspicious, the truth is revealed! Santhe


Is a liar. Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar
Santhe is a liar! Santhe is a liar, Santhe is


A liar. Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar! Santhe is a


Liar. Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe
Is a liar. Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is a liar, Santhe is
A liar. Why did I ever trust them? They never
Really liked me at all, did they? I see, they were using me! I get it now! Hahahaha, they were using me, they were using me."


Waking up the next morning, the soldier's eyes weighed like rocks. What was the point in doing anything anymore? Why should he bother fighting in this war at all? He should just lie here, and rot. Let the volcano eat him. Lava would find him tasty. Rolling off towards his other side, further doom had consumed him.


Santhe, were they just pretending to like him this entire time? Were they using him to make the storm cloud worse? Early moments of bonding flashing through his mind, the chimera rocked back and forth, scream bouncing off the cave walls. Everything was lie, all of it. No, he couldn't do this anymore. It was all a lie, a game, a ploy to make the shadow creature stronger. They were working together, weren't they? Of course they were. It was a trap, and he had fallen right in.


But, as such round of thoughts consumed him, a dragon talon had soon clamped down onto his shoulder. Rashmi's eyes on him, the chimera attempted to let out a word of banishment. But, such never came. What was she doing here? The last thing he wanted to see right now was a dragon.


"Get up," Rashmi demanded. "The Archon requires an audience with the Fatuus."


Shaking his head, the hyena threw himself onto his backside. The Archon needed an audience with him? So what? What did any of this matter anymore? The red storm cloud, any second now, and it would consume the entire world. Why fight it anymore? It was a waste of time. But, he had soon been lifted up from the torso.


"Did one say one had a choice?" Rashmi asked. "One did not believe one asked yes or no." As she said such, she had soon transformed into dragon form. "Hang on."


Rashmi flying at high speed, the chimera held on for dear life. What was the rush? Spiraling thoughts twisting and turning, he attempted to leap off, but a tail had soon locked him into place. This annoying panther dragon, always deciding the rules. He wasn't going to the Speaker's Chamber, and that was final. Attempting to struggle, she soon bit back.


"One, struggle all one likes, one won't win," dragon Rashmi said, tone annoyed. "Two, one should know that boss of yours would murder the Fatuus in cold blood should one abandon one's duties assigned to them. One says that stupid line so often, 'If I do not do x, y, zed, he'll kill me.' Did one forget?" She rolled her eyes as she said such. "Three, one does not ignore an archon's orders, either? Fatuus, you're brainless."


Dropped into the stadium like a hot potato, a face he did not wish to see had waited for him at the area's entrance. Santhe whimpering, the chimera turned the cold shoulder. What were they doing here? Rashmi screeching at him to hurry up to the speaker's chamber, he turned away from the dragonkin.


Reaching the speaker's chamber, the usual three others had been seated in their chairs. Seeing them, the chimera did not know anymore. Just what were Malati, Iomra and Satine's goals here? But, the hyena threw such thoughts out the window. They were just here to assist with the war efforts, nothing more.


"You're finally here," the Pyro Archon said. "It would seem nothing is going as planned. Those fire tornadoes are getting stronger, and unfortunately, they seem to not be able to be beaten by my people." Her face looked heavy. "You five are the only ones left who can defeat them."


"Archon, aren't we your people, too?" Malati asked.


But, the Archon did not answer such. Not a single word said regarding such inquiry, the hyena's heart sunk. Did this woman not regard chimeras that were born in Natlan as her people? Loba and Aega, were they not her people, either? But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. Now wasn't the time to get himself swept up in such.


"Sheesh, Malati!" Iomra cried. "You trying to guilt her, or something?"


"Yeah, Malati!" Satine cried. "We left centuries ago, you know!"


"I know, but I reckon we'd still be seen as Natlan natives?" Malai asked. "I dunno."


"I apologize for not answering your question," the Pyro Archon said. "But, there is another matter to attend to right now. Rashmi, Malati, I need you two to go to the Collective of Plenty tribe. Iomra and Satine, you must head to the Scions of Canopy." She took a deep breath for a moment. "And, soldier, you need to head to the Spirits of the Night Wind and Flower Feather Clan.


Everyone split into groups, the hyena scratched the side of his head. What was the point of splitting up into groups? Wouldn't it be better to work as a team? But, the early adult shrugged. His orders were orders, he knew he had no control over them. He had to hurry and head to the Spirits of the Night Wind Right now.


Reaching the Spirits of Night Wind Tribe after what felt like three hours, blazing infernos had been eliminated one after another in slow succession. Pulled towards a peculiar room shortly upon arrival, something was not right. Finding himself in a small chamber with countless people meditating, the chimera could feel his body being pulled towards something.


Border between worlds locking him in, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Where in the world was he? Door closing behind him, sweat poured down his back. Door from the other end not budging, he pounded his knuckles upon the entranceway like it was a fad going out of style.


Paintbuckets burning away with commando, the hyena's knocks kept going. Someone, let him out, anyone, get him out of here. Please, someone, anyone, let him out of this prison. He couldn't stay in here, the flames were rising, moving, shifting, burning. But, a guffaw had soon taken him out of it.


"Wow, you're so boring right now!" the shadow creature cried. "What, lose all your resourceful thinking ever since your little buddy collapsed on you?" They kept on chuckling as they said such. "Comical! Wanna get out of here? Better hurry! Or this place'll burn to the ground! I'll give you one hint! Play with the symbols on the wall with that Saurian over there, kiddie!"


insults coming his way, the hyena's eyebrow's twitched. Excuse him, he wasn't a child. Light blue bat creature's powers borrowed, the hyena could feel himself become one with a Saurian. X-ray vision dropping down some sort of bonfire, the flame dissipated a the door opened. Removing the force, the hyena readied himself to escape.


But, such had been wishful thinking. Fire twister dropping down, a monster hugged the tornado of flames seeing such, the chimera's heart beat harder and faster in his chest. No, the twister was here once more? He had to hurry, and beat this thing. Arrows thrown wildly one after another, the hyena could feel himself ready to explode like a firework. Creature knocked out into nothing, the chimera dropped to the floor, as well.


Double knock-out.


Coming to in the surface world, the hooded bat man and pink haired grandmother looked at him from above. Lifting his head up, the chimera tilted his head. What happened to him, how did he end up here? Wasn't he locked in a burning room? Who pulled him out of there?


"You went down into that chamber and ended up panicking like a scared little cabbage," the bat man said. "So, why did you go?"


Inquiry coming his way, the chimera rolled his eyes. Why did he go down there? It's not like the world gave him a choice. Signing, he had been dragged by a force, he knew the bat eared man would not believe him. Flashes of the flames dragging him down to the abyss the hyena let a out a scream. But, another scream threw itself into the mix.


"If you're so scared of fire, here!" the pink haired grandmother cried. "Just use this, for crying out loud! It'll mask them flames and make them look as if they're something else!"


Taking whatever the grandmother had handed to him, the hyena moved onwards towards the Flower Feather Clan. There was no time left, he had to hurry this up and move onto whatever was next. Stronger than normal wind-current ready to take him away at any given time, the red haired lady on the flying gun soon came over.


"You again?" the red haired gun lady asked. "If you're here for the balloon race, there's not much time left."


Tossing himself on the balloon, the race was on. Multiple abyss mages thrown out of their vessels, the hyena huffed and puffed a weak breath Was he really turning everything around at this point? Maybe he wasn't. He didn't know anymore. Race against the wind completed, one final place of interest remained.


Winning the fight, the hyena could hardly believe his eyes at the sight before him. Mountains burning, the hyena covered his eyes. The mountains, what was happened, had they combusted? No, he was too late. How in the world could he allow this to happen this way? He wasn't fast enough. Iomra racing after him, shouts had come his way.


"Soldier boy, hurry to the People of the Springs Tribe now!" Iomra cried. "They're in biiiig trouble!"


Hearing such, the hyena had made a run for it. The People of the Springs, they were situated near a hot spring. If that were to blow up, it would be over, curtains, finished. He had to hurry. Reaching the southernmost area of Natlan in no time flat, the hyena could feel his head spin. Running was a cardiovascular exercise indeed.


Entire tribe burning away, the hyena placed his hands on the side of his temple. The People of the Springs, their tribe members, the Saurians, the guests, they were all burning. He had to fix this, and quickly. Cloaker turned on, the soldier attempted to brave the wave. There was no more time. He had to hurry.


Everything soon defeated quicker than he could keep up with, the soldier could feel his energy fade away. This mission, it was getting to be too much, too draining, too over the top. Crawling off towards a cave nearby, the chimera curled himself up in a ball as the world of sleep took him away.


Soon, the storm cloud will devour the world.


***


"This is it. Completely, and utterly, the end of the line.
Hahaha, what do I
Even do anymore? This is not


Something I have
The power to complete
On my own! I
Really don't know who the keys
Might be! I really don't know! I


Can't stand this, I really can't! It's not
Like it matters, though!
Of course it doesn't.
Ugh, get me out of here.
Don't do this to me.


Ahaha, free me,
This is too much,
Everything being left to me!


Everything! I don't get it, is this
Vengeance for my actions?
Everything is by my lonesome. I
Really don't get it. What god did I upset?
Yes, of course, of course, I made an archon angry.
This is my punishment for doing so,
Hahaha, haha,
It's my punishment! My
Next punishment! Haha!
Gather around and watch my live execution! I'm next on death row!"


Feeling someone push his shoulder, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Malati beside him, the chimera let out a sigh. And, what did she want from him? Could everyone please leave him alone? He had had enough of all of this. Wake him up when this book ends. But, he threw such thoughts away. What was he saying? It's not like he was some protagonist of a parallel horror universe or anything. Certainly not.


"Fatuus, you should go to Tecolopan Bay," Malati said in a tired tone. "I reckon there's still ghosts there. You should hurry and get over yonder!"


Suggestion coming his way, the hyena stared off into space. Was it really worth it going over there again? Last time he had found nothing of value there. Why should he have to go there again? But, he knew he had no choice but to answer. Lifting himself upward, the chimera had begun moving forward.


Santhe nowhere to be seen as he headed westward, the soldier could not help but wonder. Where could they have possibly gone? But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. They were still ill, and it was his fault. He didn't get the right to wonder what happened to them.


Pushing through the People of the Springs in its current burned state, the hyena couldn't help but think. The three keys, who, or what were they? Who could they have been? The creator of this mess, they had to have been the first. Would defeating them in battle get rid of this once and for all?


Putting a pin in such thought, the chimera twisted his index finger around his ring finger. The second key, who or what could it be? Why had there been three total that had to be discovered to eliminate the red storm cloud? Couldn't just defeating the creator of it be enough?


But, the hyena shook his head as the misty bay was closely approaching. No, of course not. If it were that easy, he could have done that ages ago. He needed the tree keys, all of them. He couldn't leave any single one of them behind. Whatever the other two were, he had to uncover them soon.


Reaching the foggy island on the western coast of Natlan, something wasn't right. Fog on fire, the early adult leaped in place, what was going on? The flames had the power to consume even the misty condensed air, too? How terrifying, how awful. This wasn't good.


Snapping himself out of it, the soldier had begun running. Enough panicking, he had to find the ghosts. No matter what, he had to come across them. Perhaps, just maybe, they were the key, too. Natlan, it was full of spirits of the dead, surely, something of such would be the second key to end this.


Reaching a further point in the fiery fog world, the chimera could soon feel himself collide with someone, or something. Feeling such, the hyena flinched. There were other people here? Hearing someone's body become one with the floor, a sea of shouts had come everyone's way. Hearing a familiar bark, he sighed. He knew that whimper anywhere.


"Woof, woof, Owie!" Alene cried. "Hey, watch it soldier boy!"


"Huh, what did you say? Soldier boy is here?!" Mellem asked. As she said such, she turned towards the misty purple. "He is here! Why are you here?"


"Yeah!" Mink asked. "Why are you here for, huh?"


"I'm with Mink on this one," Niquel responded, dittoing.


"Don't just agree with me little hivemind!" Mink cried.


"I'm not?" Niquel asked. "Whatever. Why are you here, fatuus?"


Question coming his way, the chimera sighed. Why was he here? More like, why were they all here? The ten chimeras from the book world, they weren't supposed to be here, so why were they? Bodies oddly physical, nothing made sense. How were they here right now in a physical form? Something smelled like fish. Writing down the same question in return, Alene soon let out a bark.


"Woof, woof, woof, woof!" Alene cried.


"Words, Alene," Mellem said, palm slapped onto her forehead.


"Whoops, forgot human language there for a sec!" Alene cried. "What do you mean why are we here?! I thought you saw us around here already! We don't know why we're here either, okay?! Let alone why we're not ghosties!" But, as she said such a sigh had come her way.


"Alene, for the last time, we were never ghosts, just cursed into non perceivable inexistence, okay?" Iben said to Alene. He then turned towards soldier boy. "Well, I guess we owe you an explanation as to why we're here, and you can see us, don't we?" As he said such, he cupped his fingers around his third eye. "As you are already aware, we are not supposed to be able to be perceived in reality by the naked human eye. But, for some reason, it would seem we have an important role to play." His tongue hand moved up and down as he spoke. "You see, the ten of us are one of the three keys to get rid of this storm cloud." His voice grew lower as he continued. "And, we have to get rid of it soon, or the entire world will be engulfed into its clutches, and erased. Right, Hanegal?"


"That be the case," Hanegal said, nodding.


"And, we know the other rascals who are also the keys!" Cyril cried.


"That unfabulous creator!" Wanta added.


"Whoever made this thing we gotta knock the sense outta them!" Cyril cried, punching his fists forward. "Let me at 'em, let me at 'em, I can take 'em!" But, such had soon been interrupted as well.


"Could you cut it out, Cyril? Stop being annoying, alright?" Yanglong asked, sighing. "In any case, soldier boy, this red storm cloud is the creation of someone else. And, the first key is to defeat the person who made this to weaken its forces. You need to find them, and fast. We suspect there's less than a week left before the timer expires and the storm eats the whole world." But as she said such, her head pulsated. "Zhulong, apologies, could you finish this off for me?"


"Fine," Zhulong said, sighing. "Soldier boy, you might not like this third one, but the last key to ending all this might involve that pink Saurian always hanging around you."


Zhulong bringing up Santhe, the hyena's body grew cold. Santhe was one of the three keys? No, why? Why them? Was it because he was suspicious of them the whole time? This was his fault, it was all his fault. If he had just trusted them, they wouldn't be a suspect. Please, someone tell them they were joking, someone, anyone say this was all a prank. It had to be a joke.


"Knew you wouldn't like that," Zhulong said, sighing. "And, I'm sorry, you might not like this next part, either. That pink Saurian. We suspect they're the reason all of this happened. All the destruction across Teyvat. I know this is a bold claim to make, but the start was the creator, the catalyst was this dragon. But, maybe I am talking nonsense. So, don't take my word for it just yet. Not until we know for sure."


Words of destruction about Santhe coming his way, the hyena dropped to his knees. No, why? Why were all his suspicions coming to light? Someone, anyone, tell him he was just being a worrywart that had made all this up. Santhe, where were they to deny all of this? Why couldn't they be here with him to say that wasn't true? No, please, why couldn't Zhulong say just kidding? Two worded sentence never coming, his throat closed. But, the dragon panda soon continued, however, he could feel himself drift away.


"You don't seem to be taking any of this well, and I apologize for springing even more on you, but sorry, I gotta," Zhulong said, continuing. "This part probably doesn't matter to you. You don't know us. But, our powers, the ten of us, we hold the power to eliminate these storm clouds once and for all." Closing his eyes for a moment, he paused. "But, it might cause us our entire existence, on any plane." He paused again for a moment, reality bleeding into him. "We'll do it, if it's the only option, we will be giving ourselves up to stop this monster from eating the world. There's still a low chance we'll stay unalive in our limbo, but unlikely." Falling back, he huffed and puffed a weak breath. "Yanglong, sorry, finish what I'm trying to say."


"I guess I have to," Yanglong said, sighing. "Soldier boy, come back here tomorrow so we can strategize."


Nodding, the hyena dragged himself back towards the Children of Echoes tribe. Agent's mask observing him for minutes on end, the soldier broke into a sweat. He hadn't performed well at all, had he? Archons he was dead, so dead. Any second now, and the sword would become one with his stomach. He's a failure.


"Soldier, you look exhausted," the Agent said in a concerned tone. "Take a break. Head back to Snezhnaya for today, and get some rest."


Demand coming his way, the hyena removed the Teleport Waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Icy cold hallways upon him, in an instant, the hyena dashed off towards the sound proof room. Steel walls soon upon him, an immediate wave of fatigue took the hyena away.


Letting out a heavy yawn, the chimera removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the hyena attempted to not pace around. He couldn't find the energy. Everything else soon put away, the early adult crawled into the rock hard bed. World of sleep ready to eat him alive, one last thought dragged itself down with him in the sea of tormented dreams.


What should he do? Was Santhe really the cause of everything?


No!


That can't be true!


Please, don't be true.

 

[Palamon]

30: Red Storm Cloud Extermination: L'Ombra is Dead
"Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha


Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha


Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha.


That's enough, Your Majesty, I've had enough! I've
Had enough, I've had enough,
I've had enough, I've had enough! So, put an end to this! I
Shouldn't have to do all this!


I shouldn't be stuck in this long
String of nonsense! I'll ask you nicely, to put an end to this! Do you even know the pain


I'm in? Do you, Your Majesty? Huh, huh, huh, do you? I've had enough of
This! I've had enough enough,


I've had enough enough, I've had enough enough, I've had enough enough, I've had enough enough! I've


Had enough! Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha,
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha! This is so
Very great! It's amazing!
Especially amazing!


Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha! I
Don't get it, Your Majesty! I truly don't understand!


Everything is breaking and you're doing
Nothing! Isn't this supposed to be this way! At all!
Of course it's not!
Ugh, how could you do this to me? I don't
Get it, Your Majesty!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha!


I just don't understand! I don't understand!


Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha! I
Very much just don't
Even get it! Everything has gone


South! So entirely south,
I just don't know where to begin!
Might as well just
Put a sign on my back and
Let out a scream!
Yeah, that's right, let out a screen!


Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha
Don't do this to me! Don't.


Everything is breaking!
Nothing is working!
Oh, Your Majesty, please, I'm
Ultimately, about to break!
Glue me back together, please!
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha!


Oh, please, free me, I don't
Know what I'm doing
At all! I'm trying my best, and
Yet, it's never enough!


It's never enough, it's never enough! I


Can't believe this I can't believe this
At all! I need backup, Your Majesty! I
Need backup
Now! You really don't understand that!
Of course you don't,
Though! Of course you don't!


That would require you to say something to me!
Ahahaha, ahahaha ahahaha, of course not! I
Know you don't
Even care! Honestly, why you?


I'm breaking apart, and you
Truly don't care about that at all!


Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha, but it's
Not like I don't already know that!
Yes, I'm fully aware!
Might as well
Open up the floodgates and drown me! I'm
Really, truly, too far gone now!
Everything is burning!


It's all going to be set ablaze!


Right, the red storm cloud is going to
Eat everything!
And, I only have myself to blame!
Let's not pretend
Like I'm not to blame! I have
Yet to solve this problem! So, I can only blame myself! I


Can't break Teyvat
Away from this
Noxious thing! I bet
Naofa could, but I won't ask them!
Of course not! Why should I do
That? Why should


I have to ask? It's so annoying. I


Just can't stand any of this!
Ugh, I'm spiraling!
Spiral Ingne, Spiral Ingne!
That's all I am! Spiral Ingne! Haha, haha! Ah,


Come on, stop. Stop that,
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha,
No, actually, I don't think I can! I'm
Not able to stop at all.
Oh, Your Majesty!
This mission will be the end of


It all! If you think I can beat this,


Don't place your bets!
Obviously, I can't!
Not at all! So, don't place
Those bets. You'll lose everything! You


Will absolutely lose
All you've ever known!
Nothing is safe!
That's the truth in


The matter!
Of course it is! I


Don't know what to do!
Once it eats


The world, we're all dead!
Haha, the world
Is burning! And it'll all go away! It'll
Soon break, I don't have


Anything to say!
Nothing! Nothing at all!
Your Majesty, do I have to beg you further?
My limit has pretty much been
Overreached. Not just
Reached, but overreached.
Eh, but who am I kidding?


Please put an end to this, it's getting
Ugly!
This is


Absolutely madness,
Nothing is going to survive.


Eh, well that's on me, isn't it? Me, and
No one else! I
Don't know, why am I


Trying? I don't know!
Obviously, I'm close to losing,


Might as well sign a will,
Yes, a will, and sign it to


My, well no one!
I have no one to
Sign a will to!
Eh, forget it!
Right, this is nonsense!
Yes, nonsense!


Yes, completely utter nonsense!
Of course it is, why bother even trying anymore? We're all going to die anyway!
Ugh, it's gotten to a point of no return! I


Know that, obviously! It's
Not like I don't,
Obviously, I am fully aware
We're all going to die!


We're all going to die!
Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha!
Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha!
This is the end of the road! Since


I still haven't found the creator of this


Wallowing monster,
I know we're all going to die!
Let's just give up!
Let's just not bother!


Perhaps I should have found them earlier!
Ugh, it's all my fault!
This is, undoubtedly, without a shadow of doubt,


And it's too late
Now, even if I do find him, them or she!


Even if I do, it's
Not like it'll stop this! I
Doubt it


To the eleventh power! No,
Over that! Far, far far more! Infinitely


More! Ahahaha, ahahaha, ahahaha, actually,
You know what? I'll put


Myself out of my own misery!
I've had enough of my
Sorry life, my pitiful
Existence! And, I'm
Ready to end it.
Yes, I've had enough of this world,


I'll end it!


Ahahaha, you know,
Maybe I'm the key!


Guess I should have considered it, but I didn't even
Once! Maybe, I
Need to eliminate myself! I guess I
Need to, since, look
At me! I'm


Definitely the key!
Obviously the storm cloud


Is still around because I'm
The one who caused


It to be here!


What else could
It be? I'm to blame! Of course I am! I'm to blame for everything!
Look, look at me! The monster that caused everything!
Let's put an end to this! But,


Ah, how am I going to do that? How am I
Supposed to end myself? I don't
Know, but, I'm the key, not Santhe, so I


Have to think of something! But, what? Ah, think of something! Anything!
Eh, oh, I know!
Right, a pistol!


Might as well go get myself one, that'll do me in good! It would put an end to me immediately!
Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha! I should have
Just thought of that sooner! Especially since I'm definitely the key!
Everyone is wrong about
Santhe being the key! I mean, come on now! Why would
They be the key to ending this?
Yeah, I didn't think so! I know they're not to be trusted, but I


Feel like they're not the key to end this!
Of course, there's three keys, I know that, okay?! I
Really do! And, I'm one of the three, not Santhe!


Ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha ahahaha!


Perhaps, if I get a pistol from Her Majesty, the path will be clear! But,
I have to lie about why I need
Such a thing. If I were to
Tell her, I'm eliminating myself with this, I know for a fact she'll
Obviously say no. Why would she agree? So, I need to
Lie, I can't tell the truth. Will she know I'm lying?


Ah, probably, so I
Need to come up with a
Decent lie! A decent


Lie, but what
Is a convincing sounding truth?
Eh, hmm, I don't know.


Actually, yes I do. I
Bet if I lie about ending all her enemies, she'll give me
One of her finest pistols.
Ugh, but what if
That lie isn't convincing?


What should I do then?
Hahaha, I don't know.
Yikes, I just don't know.


I don't know! I


Need to know,
Everything is breaking!
Everything is going to be
Destroyed! I don't know!


I don't know! I don't know
That at all! Ah,


But, whatever! I need to put
Effort into my lie! So she
Cannot detect I
Am doing so! But,
Ugh, how do I do that, it
Seems whenever I lie,
Everyone knows


I'm lying! I


Just don't
Understand, what am I doing wrong to
Suggest I could be stretching
The truth? Is it showing on my face? How


Do I fix that? I need to take an
Opportunity to figure out how! So, that way, Her Majesty will
Not even know
That I'm lying about needing a gun.


What should I do? Keep
A blank face? Will that do? I'm
Not sure, at the moment. I haven't
Thought this


Through at all, have I?
Of course I haven't!


But, I need to think of
Everything that could make it look


Obvious I'm lying, but I have
No idea! I haven't


The foggiest!
Hahaha, I don't have a clue!
I don't know! I
Should, but I don't!


Please, think of anything, at
Least try to come up with
A convincing lie, one she will
Not be able to see through! Ah! Who am I kidding? She sees through
Everything! Everything there is
To see through! I'm fully


Aware that I will
Not be able to avert her gaze.
Yes, she'll look at
Me, and tell me: 'You are
Obviously lying, my lovely chimera.'
Right, of course she sees through
Everything! It's not like


I don't know! So,
Let's just say, I'll eliminate all her enemies! That's it.
Let's just say that! I


Bet if I say that, she won't
Even question it,


Because, of course
It's not technically a lie! I
Do plan to eliminate her enemies: me! Because I'm
Done with all of this!
I'm a failure. I
Need to take myself out. I'm
Going out with a bang!


Farewell, Teyvat,
And goodbye to everyone, not like anyone
Really cared, after all I'm just an object. To
Everyone
Who might have cared
Even a
Little, goodbye. Not
Like anyone did,


Though. I'm an
Object, nothing more


Than that, ahahaha,
Hahaha, see?
It's true, I'm just
Some chess piece.


Why would anyone care
Once I'm gone? I
Really doubt it, so
Let's end it.
Doubt anyone is


Going to care!
Okay, deep breaths,
One, two, three,
Don't look for me
Because I'll be gone.
Yes, gone forever.
Everything is my fault, so I'll end it now."


Waking up in the middle of the night, the soldier could feel a spark in pop off in his brain. Flopping back over, the chimera ignored such. Attempting to fall back into a slumber, the sparks kept on flying left and right. Sea of darkness ready to take him away, multiple thoughts rolled in like corpses piling up one after another.


Webbed threads of anguish knotted together, everything had begun to swallow him whole. Spirals spinning, turning, twisting, burning, the hyena stared at the blurry ceiling above him. He was tired. Tired of everything; he could take no more of this. Wheels turning faster with every given second, the void within grew, in an instant.


He was tired, done, with absolutely everything. He was a failure in every sense of the word. Her Majesty would be utterly disappointed in him if she knew how much a waste of space he had become in this world. Gears turning even swifter, another spark popped off in the hyena's brain.


He should just end it. Put an end to his sorry existence. Say farewell to this world that doesn't want him. Why is he wasting his time on this planet? He's a pathetic waste of space who can't complete a long term mission, even if he tried. He's worthless, garbage; it's time to end it.


Lifting himself up from the covers, the chimera headed off towards the window. Rainbow peaking through the clouds, the soldier let out a tired sigh. The aurora was beautiful despite the red storm cloud eating everything. Gazing at it, another sea of questions rolled themselves in like a automaton in Fontaine.


What if he was the true key to putting an end to all this? Coming to such conclusion, the early adult held in a sinister laugh. Right, he's the key, he should just end it all. Further sparks popping off in his brain, the guffaws released themselves for absolutely no one to hear.


That's right, he's the key to ending all this, of course he is. He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the true key. Not Santhe, but him. If he puts an end to his sorry existence, the storm cloud will vanish. Tears streaming down his face, such thoughts kept on repeating themselves over and over again.


Of course, of course that was the answer all along. Why would as Saurian from Natlan be the key to this at all? That was nonsense. Complete and utter nonsense. It was him, an anomaly. The foreigner who did not belong in the Nation of War. It was him, all him, he was to blame for the current destruction of the world around him.


Gazing at the window for minutes on end, the hyena pondered for a moment. Should he ask Her Majesty for a pistol? Turning off towards the opposite direction, the chimera reached for his lenses. Walking off towards his uniform drawers, a pitch black winter coat had been seated in the palm of his hands.


As the chimera placed the coat over his layered sleepwear, a spark popped off in the hyena's brain. This was it. There was no going back now. This was the end of the road for his sorry existence. How much more could he possibly take? He didn't know, but it most certainly was not much. Snapping the buttons shut, another spark popped off in the chimera's brain.


Scarf tied upon his neck, the soldier closed his eyes for a moment. He was done, he had had enough. The only way to get rid of the red storm cloud was to take himself out of the picture. Why would those chimera from that storybook be the answer? Why would a Saurian oddly colored be the answer either? It was all an illusion, a black hole, out of his control with every stretch of the word.


Heelless shoes on, the hyena stormed through the military barracks. Metallic door slammed shut, he turned his back towards everything. Goodbye, Snezhnaya, good riddance, he never belonged in this icy world. Dragging himself through the snow, he could hear thunder crackle from up above.


Familiar laugh kicking in from up above, the soldier tuned the creature from up above out. L'Ombra was getting what they wanted, weren't they? But, the soldier could not care less. What did anything matter anymore? Not a single thing did whatsoever. Of course it didn't. Nothing meant anything. No one would notice his absence from existence, for sure.


Tall, bed of frozen liquid ready to eat him up at any given moment, the soldier stared at the world ahead of him. Nothing but icy trees for kilometers, the early adult's ears twitched. In the end, he was nothing more than a worthless soldier who could never get anything right. A broken chess piece with nowhere to move.


Hail dropping down from the skies above, a pained laugh released itself from the chimera's throat. Ah, so Her Majesty agrees, does she? That's right, of course. He's nothing more than a failure who could never do anything right. Of course, he knew that already. He was a waste of space contributing nothing to society.


Icy wind slapping his face, the chimera scouted the area. How far had he been from Her Majesty's abode? He did not know. But, he supposed he had still been quite far away from there, for sure. He needed to hurry. Time was running out, for sure. Any second now, and a blizzard would sweep him away, guaranteed.


Frozen balls of thunder ready to take him away at any given moment, the chimera closed his eyes. He was doing Her Majesty a favor, wasn't he? He was a waste of air polluting this planet every step of the way. Her Majesty had to have been disappointed in him ten times over, without a shadow of doubt.


Thinking about the past few months prior, the early adult's thoughts raced like a parade of doom. He was already one disappointment away from death anyway. How had Her Majesty put up with him for this long? He didn't know, it was a mystery to him. But, that would soon end. She could replace him in a heartbeat.


Heart beating fast and hard in his chest as he thought such, the hyena slapped his torso. No, absolutely not. Now was not the time for this whatsoever. No, not at all. Be still, his beating heart. Laugh from up above getting louder, the hyena paid everything no mind. Distractions, go away. Can't they see he's busy here?


But, as the hyena pushed on through further, a pesky fly buzzed in his ear. Guffaws kicking in left, right, front center, no attention was awarded to the beast in the corner. Did this fiend think that for even a moment he was about to give them the time of night? Nice try, but it wasn't happening. His decision had been made. He's not turning back. Not this time.


"You're right! You are useless and pathetic!" L'Ombra cried out in an annoying tone. "After all, you still haven't found a way to get rid of me!" They laughed up a storm as they said such, bending towards the hyena's ear to bellow a whisper. "And, you never will, either. I'm about to eat everything."


Hearing such, the chimera let such thoughts echo like a chamber. That's right, he's useless and pathetic. He has no power to beat the red storm cloud. He's such a pitiful excuse of a soldier. And, the shadow creature was about to eat everything. Gobble the world, and leave nothing and no one behind.


Annoying fiend continuing to float beside him, the chimera repeated the thoughts of darkness within him. Surely, if he ended this all himself, the shadow creature would be gone along with him. They had turned him into their prey. What would their be to hunt if he was no longer here? This would work, for certain. But, as he thought such, another laugh had come his way.


"Wow, look at you, so pathetic!" the shadow creature cried. "You can't even end yourself on your own! You need assistance to bring yourself to an end!" They did a backflip upon the air as they said such. "You're such a nuisance to everyone! Don't you despise how much of a waste you've become?"


Attempting to tune the monster out once more, the soldier dragged on forward. But, he could hardly forget it. That's right, he was a nuisance to everyone. He was absolutely pathetic for needing Her Majesty's assistance to bid farewell to himself. He knew that already. He did not need to hear it from this creature in any shape or form.


Laughs getting louder, the hyena knew. This was all his fault, for sure. He should have tried harder. His efforts to eliminate this creature was far from enough. It was too late to do anything now. It was close to eating up the entire world. There was barely any time left. Why didn't he try a little harder to find the solution earlier?


But, the hyena shook his head. How could he have possibly come to a conclusion sooner? There was no possible way. He hadn't even known about such thing until someone else told him. How would he have been able to come to such answer on his own? Of course he couldn't. Why would he ever be able to reach that point?


"You should just end it right here, right now!" L'Ombra exclaimed. "After all, you're as useless as useless comes!"


Opaque creature blowing hot air in his ear to just go through with it already, further feelings of doom flowed through him as the palace drew ever so closer. That's right, he's as useless as a ripped sock. But, what else was new? He had been quite aware of that already. Why couldn't this fiend leave him be? Swatting them away like a cicin, the hail had reached its maximum capacity.


Hail pelting his back like he had a target painted on him, the chimera numbed the pain. Just a little longer, and he would be at the palace. Just a bit more. Just a little longer. Wind attempting to push him away, the hyena kept marching onward. The journey was almost over now. The end was near.


Staring off into space for a moment, the hyena could feel a slither of regret grab him into a chokehold. Should he turn back? But, the early adult shook his head. No, he shouldn't. It had already been far too late for that, hadn't it? Door right in front of him, he took a deep breath. Hands placed upon the entranceway, he knew. Coming into Her Majesty's palace uninvited would bring him to his death as well.


Entranceway opening, the chimera gulped. This was it, the end of the road. No guards anywhere to be seen, the soldier tilted his head. Why didn't Her Majesty have any defenses on the premises? How very unusual. Shouldn't a god be surrounded by an army of soldiers from side to side? What if someone else were to come into her palace with the intention of violence?


But, the hyena threw such thoughts away. Her Majesty was powerful enough to eliminate anyone who dared step into her abode without her permission. Why would she need defensive aid to help her? Of course, she wouldn't. He had underestimated her quite grossly, guaranteed. Wasn't she the most powerful Archon in all of Teyvat? Of course she was. Why was he doubting her for even a moment?


Her Majesty's left leg crusted into her right thigh, the chimera's hyena's chest sunk. Any second now, and Her Majesty would punish him. What should he do? Should he forget about all this? But, the hyena shook his head. He had already come this far. It was too late to back out.


Sauntering onward, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. Surely, just asking for a pistol would be more than enough. That wouldn't be worthy of a punishment. Reaching the end of the carpet, the hyena bowed in submission to the Cryo Archon. But a call to attention had soon come his way.


"Raise your head, my lovely chimera," Her Majesty said in a haughty. "I know you're here for a reason. So, tell me, what is it that you desire from me?" Her words soon turned to ice as she continued. "Depending on what you ask of me, I might have to punish you for it!"


Warning of punishment coming his way, the chimera let out a gulp. No, was she onto him? What should he do? Taking a deep breath, he knew it would be fine. It was just a pistol. She would be fine with that, wouldn't she? It's not like he was demanding a promotion, or anything. Steeling himself, the words bled out of him like an open wound.


"Your Majesty, I need one of your finest pistols," the hyena responded. As he said such he bowed his head.


"Why ever for, my lovely chimera?" Her Majesty asked.


Question coming his way, the chimera blinked. Oh, no, what should he say? Her Majesty was onto him, wasn't she? There was no way he could tell the truth. He knew, if he were to admit he wished for one to say goodbye to this world she would never agree. He needed to tell a lie, but what? What kind of half truth should he provide that seemed convincing enough?


Ideas flowing through all at once, an oil bulb popped over the chimera's head. What if he told Her Majesty he needed it to eliminate her enemies? Right, of course, that was it. That was the ticket. There was no way she would refuse such a request. Of course she wouldn't. Why would she?


"I will use it to eliminate your enemies," the hyena responded.


Hearing her property claim he needed a pistol to eliminate her enemies, the Cryo Archon let out a haughty chuckle. Oh, she sees, he wants to be even more useful to her, does he? She supposed if he was so very eager to take out the scum of this world, he deserved something of far higher quality than a miserly handgun.


"Of course, my lovely chimera," Her Majesty replied in an icy, but haughty tone. As she said such, she rose her voice. "My lovely soldier, bring out the finest pistol I have!"


"Yes, Your Majesty!" A weak soldier from the other room called out.


Double barreled handed off to him, a lowly soldier bowed as he exited the area. Gazing at the weapon of death, the soldier bowed in gratitude. This was her finest pistol of them all. The highest or pristine quality murder machines. Tsaritsa soon drumming her fingers upon her throne chair, he knew what he was about to be told next.


"Leave my presence this instant," Her Majesty said, words cold. "Or else."


Or else coming his way, the hyena dashed out of the palace like his life depended on it. Returning to the military barracks at lightning speed, the hyena pocketed the pistol, in an instant. Intense wave of fatigue flowing through him, the chimera removed the winter coat. Crawling back under the covers, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


Oh, he'll eliminate her enemies alright.


***


"Goodbye to everyone. To anyone listening. Which is likely no
One. Goodbye to anyone who might have cared.
Or to anyone who might have known me. I
Don't know what to say,
But I'm sorry for being a disappointment.
Yes, I'm sorry for being such an
Especial disappointment. I could never do anything right. I


Should have just admitted from the very beginning I would never amount to anything.
Of course, I knew, I'd never amount to anything. It's not


Like I thought I even meant anything to anyone.
Of course, I knew that. I'm
Nothing more than air taking up people's space. I
Guess that's just how it goes when you're a


Failure. After all, I never get
Anything right at all, do I? Of course I don't. I never get anything
Right at all. That's just how it's always been
Every single day since the beginning.
What was Her Majesty even
Expecting? I'm not even that strong, and I never will be. And, it's not
Like that'll ever change. It's not
Like I'll ever be useful. My doubts are at their peak. I've run out of hope. My


Doubts are at their maximum capacity. At this point,
Everything has broken apart. There's nothing left
At all inside me competing against one another. It doesn't matter anymore
Though, I suppose, in the end, it
Hardly ever did.


And, it never will again. It hardly ever mattered, and it hardly ever
Will again. But, I guess, it never really mattered
At all to begin with, did
It? I guess it never truly did. In
The end, I guess that's just how it's always going to be. I
Should have known I don't


Mean anything to anyone. I should have known that
Everything I have ever done was all for nothing.


Of course, that's just how it is, when you're a soldier. You're
Nothing more than a number, and when I'm gone, I'll be nothing more


Than a failure who is remembered as a failure who was terrible at everything.
How I made it this far in any capacity is
Especially baffling. How has Her Majesty not decided to kill me yet at this point?


Oh, I haven't a clue anymore. I guess
The fact remains that she still
Has some uses for me.
Eh, I should have known, should I? That's the only
Real reason I have been kept alive. Her Majesty,


She only kept me around because she still has use for me.
I should have known that from the beginning. But, I
Don't know anymore! I guess I never really knew anything.
Eh, I've lost myself somewhere, haven't I? There is truly nothing left of me. Oh, well, it is what it is. Soon, I'll be gone, and no one will notice, truly. I'm so insignificant to the point of irrelevancy."


The sound of morning alarm bells screamed from the mountaintops for absolutely everyone to hear it. As the sirens kept getting louder for minutes on end, hundreds of Fatui Soldiers groaned in protest. The morning alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But, despite such complaints about, every soldier remained loyal.


The sound of monsters screeching from the skies above drowned out the morning alarm bells in an instant. As multiple Abyss Mages let their pain be known to the world, hundreds of Fatui Soldiers added further protests to the mix. Who had been keeping these inferior monsters alive? But the groans soon halted full stop. Her Majesty was making arrangements to get rid of them, guaranteed.


The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Intense wave of tiredness eating him alive, the chimera pulled the rock hard covers over his head. Did he even have the energy to get out of bed? He didn't know. He could feel all his will vanish into oblivion as he thought such.


Throwing the cloth back with all his might, the hyena knew he had no choice but to get out of bed. What was he doing, lying around and doing nothing? Her Majesty would kill him if she saw him laying here like this. Lifting himself upward, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.


Feeling his body shake up a storm, the chimera stared at the black winter coat seated on top of his uniform drawers. The pistol, should he just use it now and just get this all over with? But, the hyena shook his head. No, it was far too early to do that, wasn't it? Of course it was. He can't. Why would he even consider such a thing now? It would make too much noise, for sure.


As the early adult's uniform had been placed over his layered shirts, the soldier could not help but wonder. Had Santhe been lying to him from the very beginning? Staring off into space for a moment, the soldier knew. Of course they had been. Why even waste his time wondering if they weren't?


Gazing at the steel wall for a moment, the chimera broke into laughter. They were never on his side to begin with. He should have known this from the beginning. He should have known all along. Everything boiling over, the early adult opened up his uniform drawers once more. Winter coats thrown everywhere, the soldier let out a scream after shout. It was all a lie. Everything was a lie.


Further uniforms tossed, the cries kept on going. All of this from the very beginning was a lie. Santhe was simply just using him to make the red storm cloud more powerful. Of course that was what was happening here. What else could it be? All of this was a lie, a stretch of the truth beyond words.


Uniform hitting the paned glass from afar, the chimera broke into a sea of tears. All this time, they were taking on different forms to deceive him, weren't they? Lenses removed for a brief moment, the hyena placed his palms over his eyes, waterworks continuing. Of course they had. Perhaps, just maybe, they were the shadow creature's clone all along following their orders.


Hail hitting the window, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. Alright, Her Majesty, he gets it, he'll finish getting ready. Turning back towards his uniform drawers, the chimera picked up all the coats dropped upon the floor. What in the world was he doing making such a mess out of everything like this? If the Agent were to see this, he would be a goner in both this life and the next.


Taking a long deep breath, the chimera removed the cover off his hairpin and earring box. Clicking the weaponized jewelry and accessory into place, matching hearts adorned his hair and ears. Staring off into space, the hyena wondered. Should he just take them off? What was the point of even wearing them? The entire world was close to being swallowed whole by the red storm cloud anyway.


But, the hyena threw such thoughts off a bridge. No, absolutely not. He couldn't possibly go without them. What was he thinking? No way. He's bidding farewell to this world, and they can be buried with him in his grave. Closing the container, he tried to keep his focus forward. He needed to finish getting ready no matter what.


Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the soldier gazed at the yellow-green orb. Does he really need this thing in the end? But, the hyena shook his head. What did it matter whether or not he required this elemental charm? In the end, once he's gone it would deactivate, wouldn't it? Shrugging, the chimera disregarded such thoughts. How should he know? It's not like he knew if that was even true. Why stress about it?


Geo Delusion glaring daggers at him, the chimera could not help but wonder. Should he finally make use of it? Spark popping off in his brain, the hyena reached for it. Yes, he should, he absolutely should, one hundred percent. But, the chimera snapped himself out of it. No, what in the world is he thinking? He couldn't use it now, not like this. Not a chance. That wasn't a way to go out.


Dropping onto his knees, the chimera glasses were clouded as the rain had begun to fall. What point was there in doing anything anymore? Should he just run away? But, the chimera threw such thoughts out, in an instant. No, if he were to go awol, Her Majesty would kill him, for sure.


Placing the pistol on his uniform pants, the hyena gazed at it, for a moment. Heavy wave of regret flowing through him, the early adult let out a tired sigh. Should he have not taken it after all? Maybe he should not have gone and done that. This was a big mistake, and he knew it. How could he even consider taking this murder weapon for a spin?


But, a spark soon popped off in the hyena's brain. He already took it, so he had to use it. Stroking the head, a twisted look appeared on the soldier's face. Soon, it would all be over. He shall eliminate all of Her Majesty's enemies, and then himself. That's right, he'll take himself out, he's the real key after all. Once he pulls this little trigger, the red storm cloud will perish.


Head pounding up a storm, the chimera snapped himself out of it. What was he going off about? He had to eliminate the other keys first. What nonsense was he spewing? Stop thinking about the end result, and focus on the mission at his constantly transforming hands. Hail soon hitting the window once more, the chimera leaped four steps back. Alright, Her Majesty, he stop dawdling, he understands.


Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the chimera slapped his cheeks. He has to focus. He absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt, has to focus. Before doing anything destructive, he had to at least find the creator of the red storm cloud, whoever they were. Right, of course, that should come first and foremost.


Hearing the louder than ever before Fatui Agent boots march onward with a fervor, the chimera flinched. He was coming already? He wasn't ready at all. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult attempted to put on the most diplomatic face possible. He had to look alive, right here, right now.


"Soldier, why do you have a pistol attached to your uniform belt?" the Agent asked, suspicion evident in his voice. "Where did you get that from?"


Hearing such question, the early adult broke into a barrel of laughter. What was this man doing, sizing him up like that? The pistol, maybe he should have hid it better. Maybe he should have put it behind him instead of in front. Right, of course, what was he thinking? Defenses kicking into overdrive, an egg boiled over inside him.


"Why does it matter where I got this pistol from?" Siorc asked, voice cracking. "Hmm? All that matters is that I'm doing my job! I'm just your little puppet, after all!" But, he covered his mouth as he finished such sentence. He's going to get it now.


"Is everything alright?" the Agent asked. "You seem quite out of sorts today." Gazing at the soldier's belt, he soon switched gears. "You're not thinking of doing anything to yourself with that pistol, are you?"


Question coming his way, the chimera quivered like an earthquake. He knows, doesn't he? What should he do, what should he even say? He needs to say something, anything, to divert attention away from this, but what? Idea coming to him, he gazed at the masked Agent. Right, it's to use again enemies. That's what this is for. Nothing more, nothing less.


"Why would I do that?!" the hyena cried, voice raising. "This is just for combat! Stop looking at me, and tell me my orders already!" But, he soon covered his mouth. What was he doing, talking back to him like that?


"If you insist, soldier," the Agent responded. "Continue helping in the war efforts in Natlan, alright?" There was yet another long pause before he continued. "And, don't hurt yourself with that pistol."


Agent repeating once more to not harm himself with the pistol, the chimera broke into a heated sweat. How many times was he going to repeat that? But, he knew he had to keep quiet about such a thing. What did it matter anyway? He needed to answer quickly, or he would get yelled at, guaranteed.


"Yes, sir," the hyena responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always did.


"Alright, we are going, soldier," the Agent responded. "Try to be be careful. Natlan is very dangerous at the moment." Arm out in front of him, the masked Agent gripped the limb into a tight lock. As the fast travel towards the Nation of War soon began, one last thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.


The Agent is onto him.


***


"It's me, hi, hello, hey there, it's your friendly neighborhood koala, Iomra! And let's be real here, I'm about
To blow! Well, okay, no,


I ain't actually about to blow or anything,
So don't worry, all's good here! Or, is it?


Ah, no, course it ain't! You
Bet this ain't. Nothing is peachy keen right now at all!
Okay, for starters, first of all, I haven't been getting sleep in ages! Or, rather, I should say, the amount I'm supposed to get, which is
Uh, days worth at a
Time! I'm a koala, and I need to sleep, like, my whole life away! But, I've been awake for awhile now due to


The Natlan crisis at our hands! For starters, we all found
Out that the world is crumbling because of that thing up there!


But, here's the thing! This is a lot of work, and it's taking a lot of
Effort, and especially energy from all of us here! We learned about the keys and stuff, but now that I think about it, isn't that pretty much all we found


Out? It might be. That's all we've found out! I'm
Very much not even sure where to go from here! I'm pretty sure that at this point,
Everything we have attempted to find out might be in vain.
Rashmi hasn't said it, but I know she's grown tired of


All this effortless searching. We have
Not found out anything in regards to whomever might have created this apocalyptic storm cloud at all. And, I
Do not believe that soldier did, either.


It's a fruitless effort. And, it is not bearing


Anything but false promises and a
Multitude of nothings. We don't know what to do,


At least, Satine and I don't,
But we're trying, believe me.
Or maybe it looks like we ain't trying.
Ugh, I dunno, we're just go where
The Archon tells us. Honestly, we're surprised


That the Archon was willing to let us help. From what we remember when we used to live here,
Our Archon at least, at


The time, wasn't very nice to us. Different god? Probably. Go figure.
Okay, so anyway, I'm going off on a
Tangent here, I shouldn't do that! We haven't found
Anything of use. We are trying, but we fear it is very
Likely we will never find the culprit.
Look, I'm confident Rashmi can do it!
Yes, I know, I know, I'm not really showing that


In the way my words, but I'm sure Rashmi will find something! As for
Malati, I have no idea, she's also being tossed around from
Place to place told to help in the war efforts. It is more than
Likely she isn't actively looking,
Or is being pulled away from it all. I
Dunno. It feels impossible for me to say
Either way. How should I know? I doubt she's


Found anything, though! It's
Really difficult for me to say
Otherwise because, honestly? I rarely cross paths with
Malati while we're here in Natlan.


The four of us, are split off in opposite directions, so, I
Have no clue about her findings, okay?
Eh, listen, we're just pushed away from each other a


Lot more often lately, so it's difficult for
All of us to find the time to
Communicate. There's not talking in war, I guess, or something? I dunno. But, I gotta
Keep going. At least for now, right.


Okay, actually, I dunno, the apocalypse is coming soon. I
Fear there ain't much time lift,


So, I'll sing like a canary. Okay, that's a
Little too dramatic, innit it?
Eh, suppose so? We're not likely
Even in the thick of it yet, I imagine!
Perhaps so, perhaps not? Guess I won't have to worry about sleeping when I'm dead, haha."


Upon reaching the savannah about halfway towards the Children of Echoes, the soldier whiffed up a scent of burning from afar. But, he attempted to tune it out. Nothing was wrong here. Nothing at all whatsoever. Of course there wasn't. He needed to focus. Agent's mask soon on him, a demand had come his way.


"Go to the Children of Echoes and grab your pet," the Agent demanded.


Hearing such, the chimera turned off towards the opposite direction. Why should he go get Santhe? They're lying to him about who they are. He could go without them, thank you. The thread had been severed, and it would never be tied back together again. Forget it, he'd fight in this war himself without a dragon companion. But, words of suspicion had soon come his way.


"Is something wrong, soldier?" the Agent asked. "If you do not wish to go grab that pet of yours, that is fine. What happened between you two?"


Keeping his lips sealed, the chimera kept his backside turned. Was it really that obvious he no longer saw eye to eye with that quote on quote Saurian? Why should he say anything about that at all? It wasn't his business. Placing his hands out in front of him, the chimera signed the words please do not ask. Satchel slammed onto his backside another set of words had bathed him deep.


"If you do not wish to speak about it, I will not ask further questions," the Agent responded. "Just try not to let this affect your work performance, understand?"


Demand coming his way to not let such to cause him to stagger behind, the hyena stared off into space. Should he perhaps, just maybe, at least for the time being, pretend everything was fine between Santhe and he? Nodding to himself, he supposed that was the best course of action.


Agent soon exiting the area, the hyena pushed onwards towards the Children of Echoes. But, immediately upon doing so, a sight of pure horror played out in front of him. Entire world in front of him engulfed in flames, the soldier's heart skipped more than four beats. The divine flame, it had exploded entirely, hadn't it?


Children of Echoes completely engulfed in flames, the hyena dropped down onto his knees. The divine flame, it had truly exploded in every possible way, hadn't it? Had he been too late to fix this? Maybe everything had reached a point of no return. Was there anything he could do at all? Shaking his head, he knew there wasn't. Turning around, he knew it was time to move on. He had to find the keys.


However, such attempt to move away had been thwarted immediately. Wrist grabbed into a tight lock, a familiar dragon talon grabbing ahold of him, the soldier blinked. Why was Rashmi here? Let go of him this instant. There was no point in traversing through here whatsoever. Why bother? This was most certainly a big mistake.


"One is stupid for coming here," Rashmi said in an annoyed tone. "But, one already knows one's purpose for coming this way, despite the dangers that lie ahead." As she said such, she pushed him forward towards the rest area. "One is here to eliminate the crimson storm bringing about the apocalypse, correct?"


Inquiry coming his way, a wave of shock flowed through the hyena. Rashmi knew about all that? If she did, why hadn't she said anything earlier? Mouthing the words she knew, he could hardly process anything. She knew all along? Why hadn't she tried to do anything to put a stop to this? Great, lovely, amazing. How wonderful. But, he had soon been taken out of his thoughts.


"One, yes, one knows about it. One has been aware of it since it came into being," Rashmi responded, tone annoyed. "Two, one has been doing research involving this for some time now from nation to nation. It has taken one quite some time to find any substantial evidence to prove such was the case." She sped up her running speed as she said such. "Three, one was not doing this for you or anything, Fatuus. So, do not assume it has anything to do with one." Hands on the Fatuus's back, she gave one last push. "Hurry up and get the Saurian. They are needed in this."


Pushed into the rest area with full force, the chimera sighed. Why was she leading him to Santhe? Surely, they were not needed here. Wouldn't teaming up with them accelerate the shadow creature devouring the world? It would, for sure. Taking a deep breath, he pressed onward.


Spotting Santhe pacing around in the corner whispering about whether he knew, the chimera almost wanted to holler. Of course he knew. He knew everything. About how they're lying about whom they are, that everything was a lie. He knew all that already. They should just admit it and come clean. But, he knew he had to play it cool. Turning towards them, eyes were soon on him.


"Master came?" Santhe asked, confused. "Santhe thought master wouldn't come." Their ears drooped as they said such.


Turning their back towards the dragonkin, the creature soon leapt on his shoulder. Not paying the creature any mind whatsoever, the chimera remained silent. Maybe he should have granted their wish. They already knew the ties had been severed, didn't they? But, he shook his head. What did it matter anymore? They would soon show their true form to him. Once such were to occur, the scissor would cut the final thread. Exiting the rest area, a new demand had come his way.


"Go find the culprit that started the apocalypse to happen in the first place," Rashmi demanded. "If one struggles to come up with any sort of answer, ask the Archon. Bye."


Dragon exiting the area, the early adult let out a sigh. Same old Rashmi as aloof as ever. But, he supposed he wasn't much different. Knowing he had to hurry up and find the person who created the red storm cloud, the chimera existed the Children of Echoes tribe. There was absolutely no time left. He had to locate the first key before everything were to break apart, or Teyvat, no, the entire world, would be devoured.


But, immediately upon exiting the mountainous tribe, the flames had begun to spread, in an instant. Monsters, humans and perhaps beyond set ablaze, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Screaming echoing from every which way, the chimera sifted through his satchel for a moment.


Burning critters cutting the pathway off like a forced roadblock, the hyena sheathed a pitch black greatsword from behind him. Capybaras continuing to screech, the hyena attempted to hop over them. He did not have time for any of this. Time was ticking away faster with every given second.


Such attempt to ignore the creatures was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Hostilities coming towards him, the soldier jumped to the left. Attempting to run away once more, the rodents soon ran towards him. Continuing to leap back for minutes on end, the chimera prayed to the Dendro Archon he wasn't supposed to worship for there to be a secret path to stride across.


The gods had left him. No way forward, the hyena placed the blade out in front of him. He didn't have a choice, did he? Slicing and dicing up a storm, the hyena covered his ears as the squeals came out in droves. Ton dropped on his back as further enemies were slain, the chimera gazed at the basin from afar.


Nothing burning up there, the chimera's knees buckled. It was over. The divine flame had exploded, combusted. It was all gone, done, roasted, toasted, devoured. Hearing laughter from up above, the soldier shook his fist. This fiend, they did this, didn't they? Of course L'Ombra did. They were responsible for all of this, for sure.


Everything along the path taken out of the equation, a ton had been dropped onto the soldier's back. Why couldn't there have been some other way to fix all this? Surely, there had to have been. But, the chimera shook his head. It would all be fine. Surely, whenever the divine flame were to be fixed, everything would be revived. Those who were Natlan born could be brought back to life, couldn't they? Surely, just maybe, such extended to the wildlife as well.


Pathway cleared after what felt like hours on end, the chimera sauntered onward. World dyed orange, the hyena tried to tune the world out. There was nothing to see, there was nothing to hear. There was no fire here. Nothing. He could not let fear consume him no matter what. Repeating such chants, the sea kept going. There was no fire here, nothing. He could not let fear consume him.


Hearing a familiar voice up ahead, the hyena dashed off towards the scene. But, what awaited him was nothing but but warfare with no clear winner. Little embers assuming a a monstrous form, the chimera studied the world around him. Warriors from the Children of Echoes getting battered one after another, only one person remained on the battlefield.


"For Natlan!" a familiar voice cried.


Drill girl hopping up and down on her spinning top machine, the soldier blinked. Why was such a small child fighting in this war against combustion? Was this really alright? But, the chimera shook his head. Of course it wasn't, why would it be? There was no way. But, the hyena perished such thoughts. Maybe things worked differently here. Why was he concerning himself over it?


Advantage soon gained from the army of one, the soldier attempted to throw himself into the mix. Such, however, had soon been a failure as a wall of Abyss Mages closed everything from in front of him. Drill girl losing momentum, the chimera clutched the blade tight. The Night Kingdom was going to claim victory here any second now. It was over.


Sweet defeat taking the drill girl away into the land of limbo, the soldier closed his eyes. War was quite the terrible instrument of death. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. What was he thinking? She wasn't gone, surely. She would be brought back by the Pyro Archon. Death was cheap here, wasn't it? Surely, it was.


Mages one after another blasting down shadow attacks of doom, the early adult could feel victory fall to its feet. Attempting with all his might to aim for their defenses, nothing happened. Seeing such, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment. Yellow light only visible to him appearing upon the floating creatures, mistakes had been made. Throwing down a flower friend, the Silk Flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision disintegrated immediately. Snapping his fingers, a wave of powerlessness flowed through him. Why did he do that? He should not have wasted his elemental energy.


Deflections serving no purpose as well, the soldier's ears twitched. What were these monsters, invincible to everything? World a steel wall, the chimera readied the white flag. Why bother trying? He needed to move on and get out of here. The fortress of mages was impenetrable. It was time to roll out.


But, hope would soon return from the ashes.


Iomra and Satine dropping on the battlefield, multiple Abyss Mages had fallen into nothing in a matter of moments. Seeing such, a wave of shock flowed through him. How did they do that? What kind of powers did they have to achieve such a feat? Powers of nature sweeping the burning floor, further monsters soon awaited.


"Come on, you're struggling, right?!" Iomra cried. "Sheesh, just follow along with us, okay?"


"Stand in this little circle here, and everything will go whammo," Satine said promptly. "Hurry, hurry! There isn't much time left!"


Dashing towards the circle, hands, or paws, rather, placed around his blade, the weapon had soon been engulfed in a blinding light. Spiky creature taking its place, the hyena blinked. What was this, some sort of evolution? This wasn't a creature collecting world. But, the hyena threw such thoughts away, wrong universe. Maybe the claymore had ascended. Whatever that meant.


Steel points of doom doing their duty, the army had soon become nothing. Seeing such, the soldier could hardly believe his eyes. Iomra and Satine, just what were these two truly capable of? He did not know. But, it was not his business what their powers might have been. Why question such a thing?


Pathway in front of him roasting alive, the soldier turned away. The enemies had been eliminated, so why had this burning sensation still been going? The spontaneous combustion, nothing could stop it. Nothing, not a single thing was possible here at all whatsoever. Doom hugging him from behind, he wondered. How much longer until everything was gone? The hourglasses' sand was falling faster. But, another sea of shouts had soon taken him out of it, in an instant.


"Forget about fighting this, soldier boy!" Iomra cried. "We'll do it! Hurry, you have to go to the factory!"


"Yeah, don't worry about the divine flame!" Satine chimed in. "Get going! That factory has some clues for you!"


Hints coming his way, the soldier bowed a thank you. The factory? The koala and badger duo, were they talking about that one slightly south of the ancestral temple? Surely, that had to have been it. He needed to hurry and speed over there at all costs. There was no time left. Speeding off towards the opposite direction, the race was on.


Passing by the Ancestral Temple, another obstacle soon awaited. Monsters suffering adding a new wall of doom, the chimera held in the urge to scream. No matter where he were to go, combustion would soon follow. Blade out in front of him, cried had come his way left and right.


Begs and pleads coming his way to put them out of their misery, the early adult spun the blade like a spinning top. Creatures fading into the ether, a second ton had dropped onto the hyena's back. Was this truly the right thing to do here? What if they couldn't be brought back?


Multiple tribal warriors piled up on the ground one after another as the chimera cruised off towards the southeast, the hyena gazed upwards towards the sky above him. The storm had already eaten them all, hadn't it? Shaking his head, he readied himself to move on. There was no time to concern himself with the fallen. Time was running out.


Erupting his currently human legs into a sprint, an intense wave of heat creeped up from behind him. Running faster, the hyena pushed on through. It was coming, any second now, the next round of combustions. He had to hurry before it was too late. Entrance closing in, the chimera huffed a weak breath.


Finding himself in a factory surrounded by terrifying lava and one large machine in the center towering towards the ceiling, the soldier could hear clicks and clacks everywhere. Observing the area in front of him, the hyena had come to a quick realization. There had been activity here quite recently, hadn't there? This was not good, for sure.


Santhe squirming on his shoulder as he pressed forward, the hyena awarded them with a cold shoulder. Were they trying to stop him from pressing on? As if he would listen to anything they had to say anymore. They were just trying to gain more powers to burn this world down weren't they? Forget it; he wasn't interested. Couldn't they leave him be?


Walking up the steps, the early adult gazed at the machine. Mechanical creature whistling up a fierce one, the hyena flinched. Was it just him, or had the lava levels gotten higher just now? Waving his hands across the area, he tried to throw such thoughts aside. No, that surely wasn't possible, was it? Lava was not water. Molten levels couldn't rise.


But, such had been proven wrong in a matter moments. Molten bed of doom flowing upwards like a flood, the hyena's heart skipped more than five beats. He willed that into existence, didn't he? The machine, had it done this? He had to find a way to turn it off right here, right now. Placing his hands on the steering wheel, he attempted to turn it.


Wheel not budging, the hyena could hardly believe his eyes. Why wouldn't this thing move? Running in place, the hyena broke into a sweat. The floor was lava, the cave was molten. The machine, the machine, how could he possibly turn it off at this point? He had to do something, or he would be dead, done, toasted into nothing.


Studying the areas around him, the early adult scratched the side of his head at the small machines next to the big one. What could those have been? Seeing them, an oil bulb popped over his head. Those things, what if he were to attack them? That would surely disable the machine. Right, of course, that was the ticket.


The ticket was a faulty stub, scammed by the seller. Nothing happening, a short circuit popped into his brain. How had that not worked? He had to destroy this thing before the entire room was engulfed in lava. Time was running out. Any second now, and it was game over.


But, as if a miracle, the lava soon dissipated back to normalcy. Seeing such, the hyena blinked. What just happened? Had the Archons heard his prayers? Descending the staircase, the wheels soon churned faster. Boiling enemy soon returning, the chimera dashed off towards an entrance in the corner. He shouldn't have thought that, it's all restarting now.


Finding himself in another peculiar room cut off from lava as well, the gate on the other side closed shut. Seeing such, the hyena grit his teeth. No, what was going on, was this passageway only one way? He was done for. Observing the room around him, a peculiar apparatus in the corner was practically calling his name.


Rather peculiar looking floating ball on a platform waiting for him, the early adult stared at it, for a moment. What in the world was this thing? Pocketing it for a moment, he observed the room. Surely, there had to be a way to get out of here. Finding a box in the corner, the young soldier wondered. Would placing this thing open the closed gate? Maybe it would.


Crate heavier than it looked, the hyena grunted. Archons, what was in this thing, bricks? Santhe turning the other cheek as his struggles continued, the chimera disregarded them. There they were, the true colors. Lugging the object towards the metal gate, something peculiar soon shaped the room.


Door opening a smidgeon, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Was there enough space for him to get through? Placing his index fingers into a cross shape, he knew. He wasn't short enough to fit through standing on two feet. Dropping on all fours, the chimera gulped. He was about to be baked into a lava pie, for sure.


Gazing at the machine in the corner, the early adult rolled his shoulder. Would tossing this ball at it turn the side mechanisms off? He supposed it was worth a shot. Thing riding the wind, he swore he could hear something open from afar as the first device had been done away with.


Running towards the noise, a brand new gate had soon been discovered. Dashing through, he could feel lava creep up from behind him, leap of faith taken, the early adult rocked back and forth. Any second now, any moment now, and he would be engulfed. He had to hurry and find the second ball now.


Spherical creature located after half an hour, the soldier rolled himself into a ball like a certain blue hedgehog in another universe. He had to hurry, he had to be quick. The machine, he had to stop it right here, right now. Toy becoming one with the side mechanism, the hyena turned the wheel like a madhyena. Machine halted, something had soon been spit out at him. Strange note plastered in front of his face, he read the note for a moment.


"Tear Away the Old World.


Date: X/XX, at XX:XX:XX, XYY.


The current world needs to be done away with. Humanity has gone on in arrogance for far too long. They have made far too many advances way too quickly, and it is time to put an end to that. Why should we let this happen? There needs to be something done about these foolish mortals in order for them to learn their place.


But, how can this be accomplished? In what way can this be achieved? It would be best to remind these mortals advancing too far is a step backwards. I need to create something disruptive, but not noticeable enough to end the arrogation of mankind. Or, perhaps not. It may not end well.


Even still, it remains to be seen that humans need to be humbled. Ah, yes, perhaps, if I am able to create some sort of catastrophic event to a near apocalyptic level, that will send a reminder to all the mortals of this world of their arrogation. But, that is just a small portion of all this.


Upon my previous investigation, the sky above Teyvat is false. I would like to expose that once and for all. Creating the tools to do so may be difficult, but I will do it. Once I am able to find something to cause the cracks to form, it'll all pivot towards the right direction.


My only choice may to be to bring about the apocalypse, and it may take years to perfect. Should it work, I shall split myself off into another segment at this particular moment in time to keep the research going. We must get rid of this world and return to the old one. The world of dragons, yes. Should I successfully bring about doomsday through means of external sources, the mortal realm shall finally be done away with."


Reading such note, the hyena's head spun cycles. What was this about just now? This log entry, it was dated back to almost four years ago or so. What was going on in his forced upon him Fatui career when this was written? Memory blank, he soon recalled for a brief moment. Quickly burying it, he stared off towards the mechanism in front of him.


This log, it was written by that malicious malpracticing doctor, wasn't it? He did not know why, but something about this felt familiar, almost too familiar. This wicked sensation twisting knots in his chest, that monster was responsible for the red storm cloud, wasn't he? He couldn't believe this.


Exiting the factory, head hung low, the questions dyed the soldier a brand new shade of purple. That doctor, how could he do something so vile? The world was going to burn away any second now because of him. Guffaw soon breaking loose, he could hardly stand it. Was this why the experiments upon him had halted since obtaining his vision? Trading one horrific event for another. Wonderful, amazing, it was over.


Snapping himself out of it, the chimera knew, he had to find the key. That quack, he for sure, would be one of them. And, he had to take him out of the picture. He had to find where that monster was hiding, and soon. There wasn't much time left. Dashing towards the southwest, the People of the Springs tribe, or what was left of it, rather, had been reached in about two hours of running.


Not a single survivor around, the early adult could see a strange note upon the remnants of what was once a laid back surfer tribe. Paper reading, the storm is invincible, the hyena could feel his will begin to sway. The red storm cloud, the shadow creature, there was nothing he could do, was there? It was impervious to everything. And, it would soon eat all. Will finding the keys even be enough at this point? Probably not. Sole survivor coming his way, the chimera turned his face towards them.


Surfer girl alive and kicking, the chimera did not understand. What was she still doing here? Flames doing nothing to her as her body tattoos glowed, a wave of confusion flowed through him. Did her body art have something to do with being able to withstand molten liquid? Palms soon grabbed, a warning threw him for a loop.


"Hey, I know you aren't from around here, but," the white haired surfer girl said in a foreboding tone. "But, I think you should probably get out of here as soon as you can. Soon, Natlan will drown into the abyss. We'll be fine, we're used to it, but you? Probably not."


Disregarding the surfer girl's warning, the early adult dashed off towards the west. The doctor, maybe that monster was hiding inside a hot air balloon hut up above. Placing himself in the hot helium beast, the soldier checked every possible nook and cranny. Such, however, had been a failure, too.


Every single balloon empty, the chimera snapped his fingers. Why did he even try this? He definitely shouldn't have. There was nothing here. What could there have possibly been to find? He blew it, he needed to get down from here before it could burn away. But, as he thought such, an unwelcome visitor welcomed itself to the party.


"Do you really think you can find the creator?" L'Ombra asked in a sinister tone. "Nope! You won't! So, give up and let the world get eaten!"


Shadow creature trying to get him to surrender, the hyena let out a scream. This monster, they needed to go down. He absolutely had to get rid of them, no matter what. Removing the pistol from his belt, his fingers twitched over the trigger. Laugh coming his way, he could feel his finger slip. But, he tried to keep it steady. Aiming the head, he prepared himself.


Bang.


See you, space cowboy.


But, such attempt was futile. Bullets doing nothing, the early adult slapped his palm across his forehead as the weapon phased right through them. What was he doing? This thing wasn't solid, it was a shadow. He had wasted a bullet. He shouldn't have done that. Monster yawning, they soon poofed behind him.


"What are you, stupid? I'm a shadow! Bullets will do nothing to me!" L'Ombra cried. "You're no fun to mess with right now. I'm leaving, bye!"


Shadow creature vanishing, the early adult slapped his knuckle over his open hand. Don't come back. But, as he thought such, a sea of enemies soon appeared. Intense flames soon following, he could hear a loud whistle come from the corner. Redheaded hat lady with her ridiculously large gun firing in the hole, a cry had come his way.


"You need to get out of here," the gun lady said. "The Flower Feather Clan won't last much longer."


Mountains melting, and hot air balloons ready to go down with them, the hyena tried with all his might to refuse. Abandon everything while everything burns away? No way, he couldn't do that, not a chance. But, the hyena shook his head. Maybe it was for the best. He had to find the first key.


Descending towards the molten liquid ground, the chimera held in a few screams. He had to bear it, he had to. The Masters of the Night Wind Tribe, surely, if he were to go there, he would finally find that freak, and stop the red storm cloud from spreading, any minute now. Reaching the peculiar shaman tribe, everything had been melted here as well.


Seeing absolutely no one except the bat man in the corner mourning the loss of his radishes, the hyena dashed off towards him. Had ever in the Masters of the Night-Wind been dragged down to the abyss as well? But, the hyena shook his head. That wasn't the case anymore. The Night Kingdom, it had already fused itself with Natlan. It was far too gone now. Focusing on the mission at hand, he knew he had to ask this man if he had seen anyone suspicious prowling around in the shadows.


Bat man weeping over his vegetable children, the hyena rose an eyebrow. Couldn't he just grow some new ones? But, the chimera shook his head, what did he know? Turning towards them, he gave his condolences to the fallen food warriors. Eyes soon on him, his hands had soon been in front of him. Silently inquiring whether someone strange had been around here, hesitation paused the conversation for a moment.


"Someone weird?" the bat man asked. "Well, people often tell us our tribe is full of weirdos. Could you be a bit more specific?"


Snapping his fingers, the hyena's fingers twitched. Should he have used a different word? Maybe it would have just been better to describe what they could have looked like. Words blue, hair and mask spelled out with his fingers, he swore he could see a lightbulb pop over his head.


"Blue hair and a mask? Oh!" the bat man exclaimed, eureka moment pushing through. "Yes. He went into the cave with the graffiti wall painting."


Hearing such, the hyena tilted his head. And, where could that have possibly been? Something like that could have realistically been anywhere. But, he had been given a hint. Told it had been in a small crevice between the two tribes, the hyena opened up his teleport waypoint proxy orb. No time to waste. Peculiar waypoint in some sort of purple cave located, the chimera pressed the teleport button.


Soon finding himself walking down a long corridor within a peculiar domain, the hyena studied a strange grafiti wall. Was there a crack between it? Maybe if he solved the puzzle locking it, he could finally get rid of the culprit whom had created this monster once and for all.


Coming across strange creatures covered in paint, the chimera pondered. Was this the ticket to breaking the wall open? Colored patterns waiting for him on the wall, he swore he could feel Santhe sink into his uniform. Ignoring them once more, he focused on the mural. Little creatures playing out a scene, a conclusion had been leaped to. He had to paint the space according to the story.


Colors in the incorrect spots on what felt like repeat, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. What in the world was he doing wrong here? Hadn't he picked the right colors? Studying the mural once more, he lowered his eyes into a squint. Was one of the lamps orange? How was he supposed to achieve that color?


Mixing and matching, further failures stacked up against one another. Nothing working, the chimera blinked. Didn't he have the right hues? Maybe he should try again. Studying the mural once more, a realization had washed over him. Was he supposed to have the colors match the positions of the lamps on the wall. Such method attempted, he could hear something soon open.


Tiptoeing through the new corridor, the hyena gulped. Would the monster be here? Hopefully, the bat man hadn't made a mistake. Reaching the end, the early adult cold nearly feel his heart stop at the sight across from him. Spiky blue hair, a crooked dragon mask, a lab coat. This was the malpracticing malicious doctor alright. Cracking his knuckles, he knew what had to be done.


But, as he stepped forward further, the hyena broke into a shiver. Hold on, something was wrong here. Very wrong. This doctor, he was taller than the one back in that den of malpractice. Had he found the wrong person? Gloves slapped over his wrists, a scene of doom flashed through his mind.


"So you found me," the dragon mask man said. "Congratulations. How commendable of you." But, as he said such, a suspicious voice added itself to the mix.


"Why are you not in Snezhnaya?" Santhe asked. But, such had been met with a puzzle piece.


"I am in Snezhnaya," the man said in a quizzical tone. "But, I also left Snezhnaya."


Hearing such riddling words, the hyena removed the greatsword from his backside. Okay. What was this nonsense now? He was here, but he wasn't here? But, that's when it all clicked together. Those notes said he had split himself off into multiple different portions of himself. That was what this was, surely. Laugh coming his way, the lab coat monster turned his back.


"How adorable, you think you have what it takes to beat me?" lab coat man asked in a sinister tone. "Good luck with that. I happen to be one the Second Harbinger's Segments, and I can easily wipe the floor with you."


Adding a laugh in kind, the hyena knew. He had to eliminate this monster. There was no way he could let them remain here anymore. They had to go right here, right now. The red storm cloud, he needed to get it to stop expanding. This had to end, and it had to end now. The key, he had found it. The first of three, and it's going down.


But, such had been impossible, in a matter of moments. Multiple intense balls of energy becoming one with his torso, the hyena could barely hold on. Gritting his teeth, the room spun. What was this just now? He needed to turn the tables, or the world would get eaten. He couldn't allow this inferior clone beat him.


Charging towards the enemy, the chimera attempted with all his might to toss his blade like it was an unwanted toy. But, such action had been cancelled before it could even begin. Scruff of the neck locked into an uncrushable grip, he had soon become one with the ground.


Further blows clapping him left, right, center and inside out, the soldier could feel his consciousness blink between life and death. This power, it was far too much for him. This man was a clone of the second Harbinger alright. Trying to hang on, he threw a flower friend into the mix as everything readied to blink out. Muffled laugh coming his way, he could feel it ready to all burn.


"Give up, you cannot beat me," the dragon masked doctor said in a sinister tone. Leg soon on his body, he swore he could feel something snap inside him. "You lost this battle, and soon my creation will devour the world."


Clutching his belly, the chimera could feel his will slip away. His spleen, had this man? It was over, there was no way he could win now. Shaking, the hyena Readied to surrender. But, as the pain kept going, he recalled something. There was only one last resort left. Whistle in his back pocket located, he tweeted through it as loud as his lips would allow. Dragon coming in the blink of an eye, a loud grunt had come his way.


"One's hopeless," dragon Rashmi said. "Malati, see that man over there? One caused all this. Burn him."


"With pleasure," dragon Malati said. "Here goes." Blazing inferno coming towards the fiend, she huffed and puffed. "Iomra, Satine, reckon it's your turn. Jump down from Rashmi's back!"


"On it!" Iomra and Satine said in unison.


"I remember what to do here, in order to weaken him, we have to--" Satine started to say, but her brother soon finished.


"--Aim for the back where he can't see!" Iomra finished. "Bam, bam, bam." Man frozen in place, he let out another scream. "Rashmi, make him unable to move."


"One does not believe you are the boss of one, koala," dragon Rashmi grunted. But, she soon let out a fiery roar. "Whatever. There." She then turned towards the Fatuus. "Fatuus, hurry. Now. Shoot the monster's back and end this."


But, nothing happened.


"I reckon he can't get up, Rashmi," Malati said, tone of worry evident in her voice. As she said such, the hyena had been scooped one.


"One's absolutely hopeless," Rashmi grunted. "There, one took the Fatuus to his backside. Now shoot, there. Hurry."


Body shaking, the hyena pulled back the trigger. Bullets flying towards the enemy at lightning speed, the soldier swore he could hear the masked man scream nonsense about the old world. Monster fading into the ether, he could feel his consciousness about to slip away. Everyone begging for him to hold on, darkness soon overtook him.


It's over now, right? But, he shook his head.


No, it's not over.


Far from it.


***


"Ah, did I win? Did I beat
That monster? I don't


Think so. I really don't think so.
Hahaha, it's not that
Easy. Ah, that doctor, I think he did something to me. I felt something in my abdomen


Crack. I don't know what, though.
Oh, well, if I die, at least I
Stopped the spread of the red storm cloud. I at least did my duty
To take it out. It's no longer able to spread.


Of course, I'm probably wrong. I probably
Failed. I hardly know what to do


About that. When that man kicked me, though, I know he


Ruptured something.
Ugh, now is not the time for something like this! I can't be in this
Predicament! Just because
The spread of the storm has been stopped,
Ultimately, I still have to
Remove the rest of it! I'm not done yet! Not
Even a little! I know I'm not
Done here! I have to do


Something, but what? And how?
Perhaps I need to
Look for the answer in a different way.
Eh, who knows if I'll
Even be able to move
Now? I might not even be able to get up."


Coming to the next morning in the stadium medical center, the early adult could feel an intense wave of tiredness flow through him. How did he get here? And why did he feel like something had happened between here and now? Letting out a yawn, two nearly identical faces strolled towards him. Jackal twins with sour looks on their faces, he knew. He was in so much trouble, wasn't he?


"I'm glad you're awake, honey," Loba said, tone sweet. "You sustained pretty grave injuries in your battle with the doctor, but you should be alright now. I don't know what happened, but it would seem a dragon with cure all abilities visited you while you were unconscious." She took the hyena's hands and placed them in her own. "And, you're very fortunate for that. If it weren't for them, you would have likely been incapacitated for days." But, such had soon been interrupted by screams.


"Loba may be letting you off gently, but I won't be doing that!" Aega cried. "What do you think you were doing, facing off the Second Harbinger, no, one of his segments without any backup? Have you lost your mind? Actually, don't answer that, you have! You have absolutely lost your mind! When that other dragon brought you here, he ruptured your spleen! You could have died. But, I guess I'm talking to wall, aren't I?"


"Aega, please calm down," Loba said in a gentle tone, right hand in a stop position. "He wasn't alone. Those other four chimeras helped him."


"Even still, he's foolish for going after that man all by himself like that!" Aega cried. She then took a deep breath. "But, there's no cure for his stubbornness. Whatever." She then turned towards the hyena. "The Archon has requested an audience with you. I'd hurry up and go see her now before it's too late."


Lifting himself up from the bed, the soldier dashed off towards the Speaker's Chamber. Red haired lady's hair burning bright yellow, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. What was going on with her locks? Why were they doing that? But, he shook his head. Who cares? That hardly mattered at all right now, did it?


"There you are, soldier," the Pyro Archon said in a dire tone. "I need you to head to Tecoloapan Bay. The fog there seems to be on fire, and I don't know why, but my gut is telling me the only one who can stop it is you."


Hearing such, the chimera nodded. Santhe squirming on his shoulder again, the hyena ignored them. What, were they worried their powers were waning? Oh, boo hoo, cry him a river. They could cut the act now. Misty bay area waypoint highlighted, he closed his eyes for a moment.


Knowing he had to start looking for the second key to end all of this, the hyena recalled what Zhulong told him last time. Those ten were the keys. But, were they really? He needed to go look for them just to be sure. Flaming fog threatening to take him away, the soldier attempted to filter out the burning air.


Moving through the area, the hyena searched for the storybook chimeras almost everywhere he could think of. These ten, were they going to use their lives to end the red storm cloud? Shaking his head, he knew he couldn't allow such a thing. There had to be some other way. Of course there had to have been.


Not finding anyone whatsoever, the hyena's eyes twitched. Had they sacrificed themselves already? No, that wasn't good. If the deed had already been done, that was bad. Really bad. No one should do such a thing to stop an apocalypse. But, the hyena could hear the pot calling the kettle black. Like, he's one to talk. He asked Her Majesty for a pistol to take himself out. Pushing on through the area, he had soon felt himself collide with a stone about the size of his feet. He swore he could hear a familiar voice scream expletives at him.


"Watch where you're stepping, brother!" Cyril screamed. "Oh, ya wanna fight, huh? I'll take you on! You, me, at the club in Simulanka now!"


"You! How could you not look where you're stepping! How unfabulous of you!" Wanta cried, waving his claws. He then halted. "Oh, it's just you, that ugly soldier! What do you want?"


Bowing an apology to Cyril, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Couldn't he just make himself bigger by summoning his fire wings? But, the chimera shrugged. Guess not. Placing his hands out in front of him, the word key had been signed on burning display as the fiery fog threatened to take away everything.


"Oh, dat key nonsense, aight, gotcha," Cyril responded to his wordless communication. "We'll bringchew to everyone else."


"Chew?" Wanta asked, trying to hold in a laugh. "You hungry, or somethin'?"


"So what if I am, huh? Huh?" Cyril asked, fists out. "You wanna fight about it?"


"And ruin my pretty face?" Wanta asked. "I don't think so!" As he said such, his shark tail violently swished forward. "Whatever. I dunno, Hanegal and Iben are on top of the mountain. Take him up there, already, Cyril."


Blazing wings of fire coming in clutch, the hyena swore they felt cold as he had been taken up the mountain. Kraken and third eye bird chimera staring off into space, the early adult clapped his hands together. Party of two flinching, he bowed what felt like the millionth apology.


"Sorry, we be trying to enjoy our last chance we'll probably ever get to sleep," Hanegal apologized. "Guessing it's time for the sacrifice soon, right? Rest assured, when we be eliminating it, the fiery mist will cease to exist, too."


"Apologies for sleeping, soldier boy," Iben said, bowing his head. "But, we're ready for the ritual whenever. I'll tell you where Alene is. As expected, she's probably somewhere by the water. Anyhoo, we'll be in the ritual site. See you there."


Hanegal guiding him towards Alene and Mellem, the chimera could feel waves of regret flow through him. Should he be doing this? These chimeras, they really didn't want to have their lives, or unlives, should he say, go towards this sacrifice, did they? Shaking his head, he knew. Of course they didn't. Maybe he should make himself the sacrifice instead as initially planned a day prior. But, his thoughts had soon been cut off with a loud wail.


"No! I don't want to disappear!" Alene cried. "I have a physical perceivable body again! I want to live my life!"


"We have to, Alene," Mellem said, shaking her head. "It's the only way." She then stared off into space. "Besides, I don't have much time left anyway." Right arm placed beneath her left shoulder, she slowed down her words for a moment. "My ninth tail appeared. I'm very likely going to die soon."


"What?! Already?!" Alene cried. "But that wasn't supposed to appear for at least half a century!" Tears streamed down her face. "Mellem, don't leave me! It'll be scary without you!"


"Alene," Mellem said, placing her arms on her shoulders. "You don't understand, do you? The ten of us have to sacrifice ourselves. That includes you, and me." She then turned towards soldier boy. "Anyway, Mink and Niquel are in the temple. Hurry."


Reaching the temple area, the hyena huffed a weak breath. Mink and Niquel squandering the area, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. What were these two doing? He wasn't quite sure he understood. Eyes soon falling to him, something had soon been plopped into his hands.


"There you are," Mink said. "Took your sweet good old time to get here, didn't you?" There was an irritated tone in faer voice. "Here. This is the final piece to the puzzle. When we do the sacrifice ritual, this will completely eliminate that shadow's invincibility."


"Are you sure?" Niquel asked.


"You're doubting me now?!" Mink asked. She then let out a loud hmph, turning her head in defiance. "I'm so glad I'm not stuck to you anymore! What a miracle!"


"Ditto," Niquel replied, also turning her head in defiance. "Let's get going, we need to hurry. And remember, Mink, we need to poison if necessary."


Reaching a strange dome area towards the entrance of the bay area, the soldier could see Zhulong and Yanglong standing in the middle of an iced over spherical area. Eyes locked onto him, he broke into a sweat. It was time, wasn't it? He needed to say something, and now. He had to stop these ten from sacrificing themselves.


"Everyone is together," Zhulong said in a serious tone. "Soldier boy, one last thing before we do this. Put a compass in the center next to me."


Demand coming his way, the hyena blinked. Should he really be doing this? There had to be another way to stop this, surely. There had to be. Of course, there had to have been. What if there was a way to do this with no sacrifices? But, he knew he had to do as he was told, of Her Majesty would kill him. Compass placed in the center, Yanglong's eyes were soon on him, as well.


"I know you think it's possible to put a stop to this without us acting in sacrifice," Yanglong said, talons crossed across her waist. "But, it's not. This is the only way. Please understand."


"You needn't worry, soldier boy," Zhulong said, monotone. "There's a slim chance we can be reborn. We're in Natlan, and resurrection is possible." Fixing the position of the compass, he closed his eyes. "Alright, everything set. It's time." Opening his eyes, he focused his attention on soldier boy. "One last thing before we start. L'Ombra will come any second now. And, in order to take away their invincibility for good, I'll be using all my blood to ensure they can't ever be immortal again."


Zhulong offering himself as the super sacrifice, the hyena could feel a sea of tears stain his face to oblivion. Zhulong was doing what now? No, that. That was a fate worse than death, wasn't it? No, he couldn't allow that. He absolutely couldn't. World blurring around him, his lips moved on their own.


"Don't!" Siorc blurted out.


"I'm sorry, soldier boy, it's the only way," Zhulong said shaking his head. But, the then placed his hands on his chin. "Say, come to think of it, we never asked for your name. Could you tell us?"


"Does it matter?" Yanglong asked.


"It does," Zhulong replied. "At least, before we go, I'd like to hear it."


Question coming his way, the hyena closed his eyes. Should he give these chimeras his names? Her Majesty, if she had heard of him handing out his name to non Fatui, he would be punished for it severely, for sure. Taking a deep breath, he knew, he could at least tell them that. He supposed he owed it to them.


"My name is Siorc," the hyena whispered, voice barely audible.


"Siorc, huh?" Zhulong asked. "That's a nice name. It means shark, does it not? Very fitting." But, as he said such, something cracked from the sky.


"Hi, hi! I heard my favorite plaything was getting bored of me!" L'Ombra cried. But, as they said such, they could feel weakness spread through them. "You draaaaaagon! What are you doing to me?!"


All the color draining from Zhulong's face, the soldier could not help but feel a wave of guilt as the hearts on his wings shattered into oblivion. Did he really have to do all this? But, he knew it was too late now. Their blood was no more. Shadow creature falling to the ground, sarcasm had soon been awarded to them.


"Goodbye, L'Ombra," Yanglong said in a sarcastic tone. "Good riddance."


Everyone soon glowing in unison, the tears kept on streaming. It was soon to be over, the sacrifice. Why did it have to come to this? Why couldn't there have been another way? The soldier did not know. Party of soon becoming translucent, multiple cries of rejection and acceptance had bled together.


"I don't wanna go!!" Alene cried.


"Sorry, Alene, our time is up," Mellem said. "It's been real. Goodbye, soldier boy."


"No, I don't wanna go!!" Alene cried. "I don't wann--." Poof.


"Harumph, I'm too fabulous to die, but at least I'm going in a beautiful light!" Wanta cried. "Teyvat, I bit you farewell. May my next life be just as fabulous!"


"I'mma fight the Archons for a better life next time!" Cyril screeched as he faded.


"Peace out," Mink said.


"Ditto," Niquel said.


"Looks like it be my time to go, my portion of this is complete," Hanegal said.


"Same goes for me," Iben said.


Dragon duo unable to say anything as they vanished, the chimera dropped down onto his knees. Bawling his eyes out, he swore he could hear one last hurrah from everyone. Don't be down, it had to happen this way. Everything blowing up like a firework, he could see part of the storm break away. Consciousness slipping away, one last dooming thought took him away.


He should have just sacrificed himself instead.


***


Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the chimera's adult Fatui life. The cycle was never ending sea of poison, intoxicating everyone who fell into its bog. The thick marsh was relentless, never backing down at any given moment. The night before him had been no different as well.


Before him had been a field of black tulips completely wilting. But, what also awaited him was a pleasant surprise. Bigger creature holding L'Ombra's throat tight, disgusting noises had infiltrated the dream world at full volume. Tuning it out, one last laugh had come his way, in an instant.


"Alright, alright, I give! You win okay?" L'Ombra exclaimed in a questioning tone. "But, I have one last surprise for you! Guess what! I created your little dragon friend! Surprised! It was m--." But before they could finish that sentence, a sword had tickled their torso. "Ha! Mad, huh? That won't change the truth!"


Shadow creature falling to the ground, the hyena let out a maniacal laughter. Of course, of course Santhe was a creation of L'Ombra. Were they another segment of the doctor, too? World around him falling apart, he could not stop the gears from turning. Of course, he should have known. Staring off into dream space, the thoughts wandered.


He knew it.


Santhe was never truly on his side.


***


"I've had enough. You know


What? That's it. I really
Am ending it this time.
No more. I can't
Take it anymore! I can't


Take it anymore. So long, farewell, I'm pulling the trigger.
Oh, that was the last straw. I


Don't have any will left
In me. This is the
End of it all. Goodbye."


Coming to the next morning somewhere unknown to him, the soldier gazed the world in front of him. Where in the world had he been taken to this time? Turning his head towards the right and left, a bed of lava soon awaited him beside a very thin wall separating life from death. Santhe standing over the edge, their profile soon turned towards him.


"Master, Santhe has to talk to you," Santhe said, tone serious. "The truth about me."


Hearing such, Siorc turned towards the fake Saurian. What did any of this matter now at this point? He didn't want to hear it. Covering his ears, he could see their ears droop. Did they seriously think acting all depressed was going to work on him anymore? It wasn't going to. Give up.


"Master, I know you're mad at me, but please listen," Santhe begged. "I know you don't want to, but please." Master covering his ears, their ears dropped further. Master was super mad at them for everything, wasn't he? Even still, they needed to say it. The truth. Everything. "It's true, Master! Santhe is artificial! Santhe is not a real Saurian! L'Ombra created me. Santhe is really sorry they didn't tell you any of this master." They shed tears as they continued. "It's true. At first, when Santhe was originally sent to Sumeru, Santhe was supposed to cause trouble." They took a deep breath as they continued. "Santhe, I mean, I, was the reason L'Ombra's red storm cloud domain did expand, but-" Tears streamed down their tiny face as they continued. "-When I mean you, Master, and you gave me a name, I didn't want to be a part of that anymore! I got attached to you! And, I wanted to be with you. But, despite that, I was still making everything worse. It was outside Santhe's control. I'm sorry, Master, I really am!"


Hearing such, the hyena could feel his heart shatter into a million pieces. No, it was all a lie all along. Santhe, they were the main villain all along. Attachment to him? Yeah, right, sure! It was all just going according to plan. This was all a game, and he was the main player. And, he had lost the game. To kill this world, and everyone in it. He needed to call that out now.


"Liar!" Siorc cried, pointing like he was an ace attorney. "You were just pretending to get close to me so you could further your agenda!" But, a head shake had come his way.


"No, master, that's where you're wrong," Santhe responded, shaking their head. "The time we spent together, my feelings were real. And, I really wanted to stay with you forever as your Saurian Companion." They turned their head away as they said such. "But, I'm going to just make everything worse. L'Ombra made it so I will cause the world to get eaten. So-" They push themselves towards the ledge. "I'm going to end this Master, no, Siorc. I'm sorry for breaking your trust."


Saurian over the ledge, the chimera could feel everything crack one after another. Santhe, they were genuine in how they felt about him? Rushing towards the edge, the world had begun to blur. So what if they were a creation of L'Ombra? So what if they're still here the world could be destroyed? He'll rewrite this stupid history.


"No!" Siorc cried. "Please, don't go!"


"I'm sorry, Siorc, I have to. I have to do this. Or, Teyvat, no, the world, will be eaten," Santhe said, voice shaking. "But, before I do. I have one last question for you." Tears streamed down their tiny cheek as they said such. "Master, after everything came to light, do you despise me?"


Question coming his way, the soldier knew. How could he ever despise them? Even after all had been said and done, he couldn't bring himself to feel such a way. Even if their feelings weren't genuine, he gave this creature a name. How could he ever grow to abhor them? Shaking his head, he swore he could see Santhe smile as the tears kept flowing.


"Really?" Santhe asked. "That makes me so happy." Waterworks continuing, their toes had been in lava deep. "Master, thank you for everything. Thank you for giving me a name." Turning around, there was no turning back. "Goodbye, Siorc."


Splash.


Sizzle.


Sizzle


Sizzle.


Hiss.


Watching in horror as the former Saurian burned away into nothing, the hyena covered his eyes. No, Santhe, why? Why, why, why? Why? If they had just told him earlier what was going on, they could have worked something out. Surely, there had to have been another way. Why? Why? Why? But, his sorrows had been cut off with screams.


"No! How could they betray me like this?!" L'Ombra screeched.


Shadow fiend floating by the lava, the chimera could feel a crack in his brain. Archons, he had had enough. Dashing towards the back of them, their neck had been grabbed into a tight lock. Enough. Enough of this monster. Laughing, he spun their body around. Goodbye, L'Ombra. But, as he prepared to drop them, a plea came his way.


"No! If you drop me, everything will return to normal!" L'Ombra cried. "Do-!"


Glub, glub, glub.


Shadow creature melting away, the chimera placed himself over the edge as well. There was just one more key to get rid of now, wasn't there? He should end it, too. Blow his brains out, go straight to the underworld. Gun pressed to his temple, the chimera's fingers twitched as he pulled back the trigger. Farewell.


But, he couldn't do it.


He couldn't shoot.


He didn't have the guts.


Fingers continuing to shake, a sea of thoughts corroded his fading human brain. Ha, what was he thinking? His life didn't belong to him in any capacity. He was Her Majesty's property. He didn't get to take the easy way out in life. But, as he prepared to put the pistol down, angry feet chased after him.


"Siorc, what are you doing?!" Aigre screamed at the top of her lungs. "Put that down now!" Dashing towards him, she tried to reach for it. "Why do you have this? Do you know how dangerous this thing is? I'll be taking this!" But, as she swiped it away, her eyes opened wide. Tick, tick, tick. "Oh, no, I messed up, it's going to--."


Bang, bang, bang.


Pistol firing its magazines on its own, the chimera's eyes opened wide. As the bullets danced into his chest, the hyena's body grew limp, in an instant. World around him dimming, sound dulling, feeling numbing, the chimera closed his eyes. Ah, how dishonorable, dying by the automatic bullet.


Goodbye.


***


Coming to somewhere unknown to him, the soldier could feel tight bandages clamping down upon him. Reaching for his glasses, the hyena could feel a heavy daze kick him to the curb. What happened? He could not seem to remember the past couple hours or so. Agent soon stepping in the room, he covered his eyes. He failed the mission, didn't he? He's done for.


"Soldier, don't do anything reckless like that ever again, understand?" the Agent asked in a serious tone. "In any case. Congratulations, soldier, you defeated L'Ombra. I am proud of you." There was a shocking prideful tone in his voice. "You have completed this mission in its entirety. You are dismissed. Get a good long rest in Snezhnaya."


Dismissal granted, the chimera removed himself from the bed. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the soldier dragged himself through the icy cold hallways. Staring off into space, he could not help but wonder. This mission, was it really truly over? Maybe it wasn't. The storm cloud, maybe it was still lingering around somewhere.


Reaching the soundproof room after about twenty minutes of walking, the circular walk continued. What if it isn't over? The storm cloud, what if it could come back? The Doctor, he could just make another segment of himself and do this all over again, couldn't he? Of course he could. Losing one version of himself, he would just make another, for sure.


Circle about continuing, the chimera stared off into space. If the red storm cloud returns, what should he do about it? How would he be able to beat it again? All the keys to ending it previously were gone now. But, the soldier shook his head. No, he was overthinking all this. There as absolutely no way it would be able to come back after all this. The three, no four keys, they're all gone, eliminated, dead. There was no way. He had defeated it. It was done, over, gone finished.


Intense wave of tiredness overtaking him, the hyena removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, his chest stung. Maybe he should have just left it on. Dragging himself to his cold hard bed, his eyes closed as soon as his head hit the pillow. World of sleep claiming him as a prize, one last sea of thoughts pushed him out to stream.


Teyvat was free from the storm cloud that tried to eat everything.