This happens in between stuff in Shark Nail and is probably the first of many in the finale saga, but this is the only one I've written so far.
Side Story 7. Ghosts of War, Piosa of Honor.
"Natlan has been my reckoning lately,
All of these heat source collections,
They are looping on repeat.
Looks like I am resuming
Another day of collecting.
Now, only 9 months remain.
Guess my departure is not ready yet. The Doctor,
He hasn't moved to the heart yet.
Only time will tell.
So, for now, I remain obedient. But,
Time is ticking.
Soon, I will no longer be here
Time is ticking. I'll remain
Obedient until the time comes
Really, Her Majesty, she won't suspect a thing.
Yes, obedience and silence are key."
Three months and three weeks had passed since the poison had stopped worked on the early adult's body. Eventual departure inching closer every single day, the hyena continued to work with due diligence, for the time being. Diplomatic affairs of nothing marching onward for sixty of the one-hundred-eleven days, nothing had been out of the ordinary.
Training and business affairs sometimes taking place of diplomatic affairs of nothing, everything had been the same it had always been within the frozen northern land. Generic soldier taking the place of the lynx chimera, thoughts regarding its home nation would not leave his brain. Sparks flying within his fading human brain, a violent thought raged within.
Reckless thought only getting stronger as the days marched onward, the thoughts of violence would not cease. His weaponized hairpins, he wished to use them. The Hilichurl population, it had to dwindle. The hairpins and earrings, they had to end them. Reminding himself he could not enact upon such desires, the chimera put a pin in such thoughts, for the moment.
For the next thirty days, the malpracticing malicious doctor's experiments would increase to an extreme degree. No poison of any kind working anymore, the Harbinger no longer had power over the hyena. Doctor not yet moving to experiment on the heart, an early departure had not come into fruition. Experiments coming to a halt, a familiar order had been relayed to him.
For nineteen days, collecting heat sources in Natlan had returned like a ghost on Wuwang Hill. Jackal chimera helping out for the two-and-a-half weeks, everything had been going as smooth as a nature walk in Liyue. But, an interruption would soon come. Doctor striking with a vengeance, more experiments had made their roar known to the chimera. Toxins still not working, the two days marched onward. Control within the scope of his ability, the soldier would not falter.
A week of ghostly proportions would soon await the hyena.
Upon waking up that morning, the hyena was ready for the day at hand. Knowing returning to Natlan was upon him, the chimera had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Putting his glasses over his heterochromatic eyes, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.
As his uniform glued onto his partially human person, the chimera knew another simple day awaited him. Buttons in the correct holes, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching roses in his hair and ears, the chimera hooked the Dendro Vision to his uniform pants. Delusion glaring daggers at him, as well, the hyena shook his head.
Her Majesty's gift, it had not been time to use it yet. He knew, when it was finally time to leave, the time could finally come to use the sinister orb of dark Geo energy. Pushing the orb aside, the delusion had been out of sight, out of mind. Only eight months, and one week remained within his Fatui life. The time would soon come.
Hearing the louder than ever before clacking of the Fatui Agent boots, the hyena put on his heelless shoes. Everything on, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Knowing another day in the terrifying nation of Pyro awaited him, the soldier put on the most diligent face possible. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult turned his attention to the door. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom.
"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "Your mission in Natlan is resuming today." The masked Agent gave unseen eye contact to his subordinate. Another day, another week long separate affair.
Hearing the expected outcome grace his inhuman eardrums, the hyena hid the faintest of smiles. His routine was continuing as normal. Absolutely no curveballs to be had within his Diplomatic Soldier life. Nothing odd happening within Natlan, as of late, an easy job of collecting heat sources awaited him, surely.
"Yes, sir," the soldier responded autonomously. Holding his currently human arm out, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always had.
The Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, the soldier seemed ready today. "Great, let's get going, soldier," the agent responded. Arm out in front of him, the Agent gripped the limb into a firm lock. "You will be staying this time until the end of the project." Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the soldier closed his eyes as the escort to Natlan began.
Perhaps, just maybe, nothing out of the ordinary would happen.
***
"Guess I will be here for the week.
Her Majesty is planning something, surely.
Obviously, I will continue to do as
She commands of me,
Time is ticking. Soon, I can leave.
Only eight months, and one week remain,
For my departure to finally take shape.
While collecting heat sources is easy,
Another day passing is another day closer to leaving
Right, for now, I must remain diligent. Diligence is key.
Here's to another day of collecting heat sources.
After all, I am still a pawn on the chessboard.
Ultimately, the checkmate will
Never come. For it will be me.
The one who will steal all the pieces,
It won't be you, Your Majesty.
Get ready, my checkmate is but two-hundred-fifty days away."
Reaching an unknown city in Natlan through the Teleport Waypoint, the hyena broke out into a sweat. The area had been as sweltering at it usually had been. The terrifying nation of fire had been exactly the same as it had been three days prior. Wiping the sweat off his brow, the hyena walked towards the medical clinic. Door creaking open, the early adult stepped inward. White walls burning like the sweltering heat outside, the chimera took a quick deep breath.
Closing the door behind him, the sight of Loba had appeared within his damaged field of vision. Seeing her with pills in her right hand, the chimera shrugged his shoulders. She was taking her lifeline right now, waiting until she was done was mandatory. Loba turning around after a few minutes, the young soldier put on the most diligent face possible.
Hearing the sound of the door open a few minutes before, Loba had been ready for the call to action. Being told by Her Majesty Siorc would be continuing to work on the project over the next week, she was resolute. Knowing though, he could not work wearing his current uniform, giving him a temporary Natlan uniform had to come into fruition immediately.
"There you are, honey," Loba said. Her voice was as soft as it had always been. "We are resuming Her Majesty's project today." As she said such, she stepped into the back room, for a moment. White uniform in hand, she returned to the outside. "Before we begin, you need to change into your Natlan uniform."
White uniform handed to him, the chimera removed the brown jacket with due diligence. Natlan uniform melting onto his partially human person, the hyena turned his head to the jackal chimera. But, a loud sound of the medical ward door swinging open soon interrupted any form of thoughts within him.
Slamming the door open in a panic had been two Natlan stationed Fatui linked together by the arms. Fatui not wearing masks, their eyes had been oddly visible on private display. But, such had not been the only oddity. Second Fatui's legs burned with lava all over, the soldier let out a gulp. Fire was a terrifying element, indeed. Fatui looking ready to speak, the soldier stayed silent.
"Miss Loba, something pulled my partner into the lava!" the Fatui said frantically. "Please, treat his burns!"
Human Fatui telling their outlandish tall tales again, Loba gave the retched human soldiers a cold look. How ridiculous these stupid humans had to be to come up with such wild lies to explain their incompetence to her. Hydro Delusion soon on her uniform and silver orb in hand, the rapid fire healing session had begun.
Hydro Delusion forcing torrents of water on the ridiculous human Fatui client, the sinister projectiles surrounded the patient. Dark water hitting the wounds, the white walls glowed a dark aura. Burns soon gone after about ten minutes, the session had been completed. Burns gone, the cold look remained.
"Your partner is healed now," Loba said, words bitter. There was no softness to be had for a human. "Now, leave my sight and go back to work." Fatui leaving the premises, she then turned to Siorc. "Sorry about that, honey. We should get going."
Satchel placed on his back as they prepared to exit, Loba placed his hand into her own. Medical door swinging open, the two stepped outside. Being told he would be collecting heat sources from the hot springs over the next two days, the soldier would not falter. Knowing Loba would guide him onto safe paths, fear had temporarily left the building.
Loba removing a bottle from the satchel, the work had been divided into five. He supposed such was a given, for the day at hand. Removing a bottle from the bag, as well, the hyena took a long deep breath. Fear being a corpse in the lava outside, the hyena unscrewed the small bottle. Cap pried off, the soldier dipped the bottle into the searing hot water in front of him. First bottle filled to an adequate amount, the early adult screwed the cap on tight.
Four more times, only four more times.
Dipping the second bottle into the water with a silent roar, the hyena attempted with the best of his ability to not let the growing heat surrounding him win the battle. Second bottle dipped into the scalding water of volcanic creation, the chimera would not falter. Task being easier with five being split between Loba and he, the second bottle had been filled to the brim.
Three more times, only three more times.
Screwing the cap off of the third bottle, the hyena took a deep breath. The heat was beginning to get to him, but he knew he could not let the terrifying nation of Pyro win. Bottle filled up to full, he screwed the cap on as fast as possible. Fourth bottle in his hands, he swore he could hear the heat begin to laugh at him.
Fourth bottle soon filled to full, the hyena unscrewed the cap off the fifth and final bottle. Heat laughing at him again, the chimera had broke out into a sweat. The heat was about to win the battle, surely. Dipping the final bottle into the scalding water, the sweat had scaled a mountain. Spring water filling the small container to full, the hyena screwed the cap on with due diligence.
Loba soon finished with her side of the work, all ten bottles had soon returned to the satchel. Job being done for the day, his hand had once again been intertwined with Loba's. Escort to the medical ward happening faster than his human eyes could follow, the job for the day had been a success.
Medical door creaking open, a sight to behold awaited the two chimeras. Loba's parents within the medical ward, the soldier blinked. Had multiple clients come into the medical ward while the two of them were away? He supposed the heat of Natlan would lead to many Fatui casualties. Loba's parents turning to her, the hyena turned his head in the opposite direction. Family talks needed the utmost of privacy.
"Loba, a lot of clients came in today," her mother informed her. Her father then joined in on the conversation.
"Many of the Fatui who came in today said they were pushed into the lava," her father chimed in.
Loba dragged out a long sigh. Had the stupid human Fatui been continuing their lies? Her Majesty's human Fatui were just making up excuses for their incompetence, for sure. Hearing the same report on repeat for the past three days, the excuse would run out at some point.
Hand let go of, Siorc watched as the Kawu family stepped into Loba's office in the back room. Figuring they had a private meeting, the hyena stayed behind within the medical ward. Conversation going on for about an hour, the soldier recalled what the Fatui had said various hours before.
The claims about something pushing the Fatui into the lava, could it have been true? Knowing Loba did not believe them, for a second, the possibility of them lying was not out of the missing picture. But, he supposed, if there was truth to the claims, he would have to proceed with caution.
Loba's parents soon leaving after about two hours, a meal had been provided to him. Cold Noodles with Mountain Delicacies as cold as ice on his tongue, heat had been shot with a sniper rifle on the battlefield. Feeling a wave of tiredness a few hours later, the chimera crawled into one of the medical beds. Recalling he was told to stay in Natlan until the project reached its end, the early adult closed his eyes as the world of sleep took him away.
Waking up the next morning was a sight to behold. Hearing multiple Fatui complain they had been pushed into lava by a mysterious force, the hyena could feel a smidgeon of unease twist his partially human stomach into a singular knot. Seeing more than six Fatui within the medical ward, the claims had no longer seemed outrageous for the situation at hand.
Hydro Delusion soon equipped onto Loba's partially human person, dark waters had soon surrounded her. Torrents of black waves surrounding the Fatui's wounds, healing of delusional properties had shook the medical ward to its very core. Session done after about twenty minutes, the Fatui exited the medical ward. Although, another person had soon come into the room.
Aega soon entering the medical ward in her usual revealing attire, the hyena stood up from the medical bed. If Aega had been here, it had been time to get ready to collect more spring water, surely. Temporary uniform soon on him, the chimera prepared to stage his exit. Other jackal chimera looking like she had something to say to Loba, the early adult turned his face to the wall. Privacy was mandatory.
"Sorry for not helping out yesterday," Aega apologized, bowing her head. "I was on a date with my partners." Raising her head, she moved towards the medical cabinets. "But, I can help today. And mom and dad should be coming in later."
Hearing her sister apologize, a small smile had formed on Loba's lips. What did her sister have to apologize for? Her spending time with her boyfriend and girlfriend on one of their rare dates together was nothing to be sorry for. Hand on her sister's shoulder, reassurance had soon flocked her way like a bird.
"You don't need to apologize for spending time with your partners," Loba replied. Siorc looking ready to go, she placed a satchel on his back. "Thank you for helping me out. Tell mom and dad I said thank you, as well." Siorc's hand within her own, she readied to stage her exit. "I'll see you later. We have work to get done."
Hot springs soon upon him after about fifteen minutes, a strange feeling had come full circle. Something had felt incredibly off within the air. The air around the volcanic hot springs, had it been much colder than normal? Siorc shook his head. He had to have been imagining it, surely. Natlan was always hot. There was no way the air had been colder than it was yesterday. Shrugging his currently human shoulders, the soldier unscrewed the first cap off the bottle.
As the first bottle hit the scalding water of volcanic activity, the hyena swore he could feel a tap on his shoulder. Did Loba want something from him? Turning his head to the left, a realization had tapped his other shoulder. Loba looking busy with her side of the work, there was no way she could have had time to tap his shoulder in between. Concluding it had merely been his imagination, the early adult screwed off the cap on the second bottle.
Second bottle dipped into the scorching waters, the soldier could feel an even more intense tap on his shoulder. Figuring his mind had been playing tricks on him, the hyena kept working. But, the tricks would not cease, even for a moment. Taps increasing by the multitude as the minutes raged onward, the chimera kept his attention on his work. There was no time; the distractions could not win.
Third bottle dipped into the scorching water of volcanic activity, the air had only begun to get colder as the minutes unfolded. Seeing Loba's Vision placed by her side, the hyena shrugged. Perhaps, just maybe, her vision had been making the air cooler. But, the oddities soon continued.
Taps getting more violent as he finished filling the fourth bottle to full, the hyena let out a sigh. Whatever tricks his mind was playing him, he knew he had no choice but to ignore them. Fifth and final bottle in his hand after about a minute, the taps to his shoulders had reached their most aggressive state.
Final bottle's cap unscrewed, the air had been ice cold, like the permafrost north. But, he knew he had to bear it. The job had almost been done, for the day. However, an obstacle would soon come his way. Feeling the aggressive taps soon become painful pinches, the soldier let out a yelp. Shaking his head, the chimera regained focus.
Scalding water filling the bottle to an adequate amount, the hyena screwed the lid closed with a fervor. Fifth and final bottle finished, the soldier placed the his side of the work into the satchel, but as he was about to close the bag shut, a voice of anger had soon breezed through the oddly cold wind.
"You'll regret this, Fatui!" an unknown voice shouted.
Siorc tiled his head to the sky. Where had that voice come from? He had to have been hearing things, surely. The sudden change in the temperature was playing far too many tricks on him, for sure. He supposed if such were the case, ignoring the tricks was all he could do, for now. Loba placing her five bottles in the satchel, the two chimeras returned to the medical ward.
White walls soon engulfing him, the sight of a tired Aega graced his damaged line of sight. Had it been yet another busy day in the medical ward? The twins parents being nowhere to be seen, could Aega have been dealing with Fatui's burns solo? But, the early adult shook his head. Making assumptions out of nowhere was wrong of him.
"Loba, mom dad and I had a lot of clients again today," Aega said, exhausted. "A lot of the Fatui stationed in Natlan had severe burns again." She could feel her fatigue begin to bottle into a rocket. "I know you scoffed at their report of someone pushing them into lava, but something amiss is going on here."
Hearing the stupid human Fatui's ridiculous claims again, Loba let out another scoff. The outrageous claims from the incompetent humans was never going to come to an end. But, she supposed if the reports were going to keep coming every single day, ignoring their possible excuses would only become harder.
"They're just stupid humans making excuses for why they failed," Loba sighed, words icy. "But, I'll look into it."
Hearing Aega make the same claims her parents had the other day, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Had something been going on within Natlan he did not know about? Knowing Murata had been a war driven ball of anger, perhaps, just maybe, she had been the one pushing the Natlan stationed Fatui into the lava. If such were the case, would Loba be able to do anything? The Pyro Archon was her nation's god. Going against her would lead to the terrifying Archon of Pyro to bring down a flame of retribution, for sure.
Loba stepping into the back to cook, for a moment, a meal had been served. Dish known as Amala served to Aega and he, the culture of food hit his taste buds. Yam dish tasting incredibly sweet, a delectable meal had been devoured. Twins discussing further what to do going forward, the hyena listened in silence.
Twin jackal returning home, and Loba exiting into the backroom, silence had soon filled the medical ward. Placing himself in one of the medical beds, the chimera closed his eyes. As the world of sleep invited him back in, one thought looped on repeat within the chambers of his fading human brain.
Maybe Murata was angry.
***
Dreaming had still been a tormenting ordeal within the adult chimera's subconscious mind. Such cycle was a never ending pattern even within his adult life. The pattern of anguish would grab ahold of him like a bully pushing a child down onto the cold hard ground. Such fight inside him would continue in the night before him, as well.
Before him had been a setting not so different from the land in the mortal, waking world. In front of him had been a large mountain of volcanic activity. Molten lava pouring outward to the ground surrounding him, the hyena gulped deeply. Had the Pyro Archon been angry with him, as well? Seeing such a landmark, a scene of utter torment awaited him.
As the dream minutes continued, an unfamiliar face had soon joined the party. Standing by the lava had been an odd looking partially human person. The person was tall, almost fifteen centimeters taller than him. But something had been odd. The person's feet were practically transparent, as though they were not supposed to be there. Short brown hair that went down to about their ears, and hair parted mostly towards the left in some sort of pixie cut, another oddity had presented itself. The person's eyes had been pitch black with small pupils. Had the person's eyes been inhuman? Lizard tail on their backside, and militaristic looking clothing almost as transparent as their feet, the chimera ended his examination.
Seeing an angry look on the person's face, a wave of unease devoured the chimera. Person not looking anything like anyone from Natlan whatsoever, the feelings of unease continued. He could not help but feel the person that was nearly transparent had been out to get him. Backing seven steps away, the person had begun to float towards him. Continuing to back away, however, was a failure. Dead end soon reached, the transparent partial person had been meters away from him. Lizard tailed individual looking ready to speak, the soldier had no choice but to listen to the possibly not real person.
"I tried to say hello to you today, but you ignored me!" the unknown person shouted, anger growing. "For that, you'll pay!"
Person's feet still transparent, the hyena turned his head in the opposite direction. Not having heard anyone saying hello to him during the day while working, the soldier shook his dream head. There was no way. He had not seen anyone within the nation that even looked like them. Not dignifying the person with a response, the chimera stayed silent, but such was a mistake.
"So, that's how it's going to be," the person said, floating towards him. Their hands were on the chimera's chest. "Here's a warning for you!"
Hands of nothing pushing him forward, his body and the lava had met. Seeing his dream body melt away, a labored scream had broke loose from his throat. His body was boiling, melting; vanishing. Perpetrator soon gone, the hyena closed his dream eyes as his subconscious body became no more.
Fire was a terrifying element, indeed.
***
Waking up in the middle of the night, a heartbeat of intense unevenness had raged within. Terrifying dream flashing in his mind for a brief moment, the painful heartbeat only continued to grow in intensity as the seconds raged onward. Pain not ceasing, even for a moment, a labored scream broke out from the chimera's throat.
Pained screams waking her up, Loba had rushed over to Siorc's bedside in an instant. Seeing him looking as though he had been having an arrhythmia episode, she knew immediate action was necessary. Placing her hand on his chest, she readied herself to steady the patient.
"I'm here now, it's going to be okay," Loba whispered gently. "Take a deep breath with me." Heart beating rapidly beneath her hand, she took a deep breath. Patient following her flow, she continued her breaths. "Keep going, honey, it's going to be alright. Deep breaths, okay?" With every reminder, the heartbeat beneath her hand had begun to dissipate into normalcy. "We're almost there. Keep up the deep breaths, okay?" Heartbeat soon returned to normal, she removed her hand from his chest.
Pained rhythm in his chest exiting, the hyena closed his eyes. Had his scream woken Loba up? He knew, in the morning, he would have to apologize for such action. World of sleep once again taking him away, another tormenting dream awaited him.
Upon waking up for the morning, unease had begun to nibble on the cartilage of his ear. Even more Fatui coming into the medical ward with burns, another family affair of healing had been on private display. But such had not been the only moment of unease. Being told he was to collect molten crystals for the next two days, fear had wrapped vines around him.
Destination reached within fifteen minutes, the feeling of unease would not cease, even for a moment. Dream from the night before flashing in his mind, for a moment, his heart had skipped more than three beats. The person in his dreams, could they have been related to the incidents of the Fatui being pushed into the lava? Knowing he would be right beside a field of lava, he knew he had to be as cautious as possible.
Being told he had to fill up five bottles today with molten crystals, the chimera let out a gulp. Air feeling as cold as ice once again, the soldier kept an eye out for anything unusual that could possibly befall Loba and he. Bottle in his hand, and another in Loba's, the early adult unscrewed the cap.
Dipping the bottle into the molten lava below, the chimera could soon feel a tap on his shoulder. But, he knew he had no time to respond to whatever could have been going on around him. He had no choice; he had to focus on the work at hand. Dark red crystals soon filling the bottle, the soldier shut the bottle tight.
Four more bottles to go, only four remained.
Two more bottles removed from the satchel, the hyena unscrewed the cap. But, as he dipped the bottle into the lava, he could feel a sharp pinch on his shoulder. But, he had to keep going. The choice was not his. Second bottle filled to the brim with molten crystals, he shut the lid tight.
The lava would soon be beneath the chimera's feet.
As the hyena had begun to dip the third bottle into the lava, the soldier could feel something begin to push him. Body near the lava, his shoes had begun to melt. Heat beginning to rise as the lava burned his shoes to nothing, the hyena let out a labored scream. Feeling the heat begin to come for his legs, the scream had only begun to get louder.
Hearing the scream, Loba had turned towards Siorc in an instant. Seeing Siorc towards the lava, Loba had sprinted towards him. Attempting with all her might to bring him to safety, she would not falter. But, her attempts to get him away from the lava were futile. Unseen force pushing him in deeper, panic had grabbed her around the neck tight.
"I said you'd pay for ignoring me!" the unknown voice said on the oddly cold wind. "This is punishment!"
Knowing she had to be quick, Loba's vision glowed beside her. Lava around him freezing, the burning had soon come to a halt. Pulling Siorc out of the molten bed, she placed him in a sitting position. Quickly finishing off the rest of the bottles, the job had been completed. Legs looking as though they had suffered severe burns, immediate action had to be taken.
"We're going back to the medical ward," Loba said firmly. "I need to treat your burns right away." Taking his hand, their palms had been intertwined.
Not registering anything that had just happened, the soldier stared in silence. Escort back to the medical ward as numb as the cold air, his stare off into space continued. Unable to feel Loba treating his burns as well, the world was a bubble ready to pop.
Light meal given to him, everything had been numb. Meal devoured after about an hour, silence had once again engulfed the medical ward. Burns covered up under gauze, numbness roared into overdrive. Slipping into the numb medical bed, the soldier closed his eyes. Another tormenting dream awaited him in the land of the subconscious.
Upon waking up the next morning, Siorc knew he had to snap out of the trance. Loba's parents and Aega shortly arriving after he had awoken for the day, an oddity had made waves in the medial ward. Aega saying she would be helping out, fear had hugged the chimera from behind. Wouldn't Aega be put at risk of being attacked by the invisible person if she came along? But, no such question would leave his lips.
As the group of three headed towards the destination, the division of labor between them had been discussed. Being told Aega and he would only fill up three bottles each, the area had soon been reached. Bag soon opened, the chimera removed a bottle from the satchel. Aega and Loba taking theirs, the hyena proceeded with caution.
Air around him feeling cold, he knew, that at any moment, a sea of lava would soon await him. Dipping the first bottle into the molten lava, red crystals had soon filled the container to the brim. Three bottles between them soon done, the chimera proceeded to fill the second of three, but a strong force had soon been concentrated on his backside.
Force pushing him into the lava, his legs had sunk straight in. Letting out a labored scream, everything had begun to burn. Feeling his legs surrounded with flames, the screams continued. But the twins would soon come to his aid. Lava around him soon frozen, and wind current created, his hands had been grabbed. Current thrusting him forward, he had soon been ordered to sit.
Wind current soon dissipating, Aega turned her attention towards the sky. The force that had pushed every Fatui into the lava, why were they still continuing their rampage? Whatever the force's motives were, causing harm was not the way to go about anything. Putting her foot down, she had begun to call out to the force, whether they could hear her, or not.
"Stop what you're doing!" Aega shouted, but a voice would instantly fire back.
"I'll make you Fatui regret what you did to me during the war!" the voice barked back.
Hearing the response, everything had come to Aega in an instant. The invisible person, they had to have been one of the causalities in one of Murata's many wars. Had they become a ghost seeking revenge on the Fatui? Seeking revenge or not, such could not go on. There had to have been other ways for the spirit to direct their anger than pushing hundreds of Fatui into the depths of lava.
"You know, causing harm to others just because you feel angry isn't the answer," Aega chided. She paused for a moment. "Just because you're dead, doesn't mean we can't talk this out." But, her words were futile. Ghost soon laughing on the wind, rejection had flown in like a bird.
"You can't stop me!" the ghost responded. "I'll make everyone pay!"
Filling up the bottles as the conversation had been going, the work had been done for the day. Siorc's legs having even more burns than the day before, she knew immediate action had to be taken. Looking towards her sister, the two guided Siorc towards the medical ward.
Burns numbing the outside world once again, the world had soon been nothing. Feeling had gone; nothing remained. Legs practically covered with gauze, everything had been gone. Meal tasting like nothing as well, the hours passed by in silence. Aega returning home, and Loba soon exiting into the back room, the soldier climbed into the numb bed of unfeeling. Closing his eyes, a thought played on repeat within the chambers of his fading human brain.
Fire and lava were terrifying, indeed.
***
Waking up the next morning the soldier would not falter. Perhaps, if he did not ignore the unknown force, they would finally leave him be. Would mouthing a simple greeting to them satisfy their growing anger? The chimera supposed it was worth a shot. Although, a terrifying order had come his way after getting ready for the workday at hand.
He would be collecting lava today.
But, the chimera knew he had no choice but to do what was ordered of him. Departure still a long ways away, doing anything to anger Her Majesty before the time had come was absolutely out of the question. Aega, and the twin's parents soon entering the medical ward, the escort to the location had begun.
Volcanic lava soon beside him, the hyena had gulped at the sight playing out as he stepped forward. Multiple Fatui pushed into the bed of lava, a chorus of screams had echoed throughout the area. Being told by Aega the unknown force was a vengeful spirit, extra caution had to be exercised if he wished to live to see the next day.
Seeing an army of Fatui screaming for their lives, Loba's vision had begun to glow. While she had no interest in saving any humans, she knew she would be a failure as a medic if she had not responded to the call of action. Bed of molten activity soon frozen, the army had soon been pulled out. Telling them to teleport to the medical ward right away, the army had been gone within an instant.
Vengeful spirit ready and on the prowl, the soldier prepared himself to wordlessly respond when the time had come. First bottle filled with molten lava within minutes, the soldier could feel the predictable tap on the shoulder. First bottle filled to the brim, the soldier turned his head towards the sky. Mouthing a hello, the hyena prayed to the Anemo Archon he was no longer supposed to worship. He had hoped ghosts could read lips.
Not being pushed towards the lava, the hyena could feel relief begin to hug him tight. Had the ghost actually been able to read his lips? Not being able to see them unless in the dream world, assumptions were all that he could muster. No danger present, the hyena screwed the cap off the second bottle. Lava filling the container within seconds, sweat had mounted on his brow.
Air feeling warmer all of the sudden as he dipped the third bottle in the lava, the hyena had come to wonder. Had the ghost left the area, for the moment? Unable to see spirits whatsoever, knowing for certain was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Air soon sweltering as normal, the sweat had formed a mountain.
Fourth bottle dipped into the lava, the heat had soon been at its peak. But, the soldier would not falter. Only two bottles between Loba and he remained. Trying with all his might to bear with it, the chimera would not falter. Twisting the cap on the fourth container, the early adult reached for the final bottle.
Final bottle soon filled to the brim, the hyena slammed the lid shut with a firm grasp. Loba finishing her side as well, the ten bottles had soon nestled into the bag like a bird's nest, the two returned to the medical ward. Entire family still within the medical ward upon entering, a conversation had occurred between the three of them. Knowing nothing they were discussing between them was his business, the soldier turned his head towards the opposite direction.
Family heading back home, a light meal had been provided for the chimera. Given a dish known as a Pita Pocket, the soldier devoured the new food. Item looking like some sort of sandwich wrap, the hyena devoured the wrap rather fast. The vegetables had a slight spice to them, but they had been delectable, nonetheless.
Night soon reaching the midnight hour, the soldier placed himself in the uncomfortable medical bed. Two days of Her Majesty's project remaining, he knew he would still have to heed with caution if the ghost had not been satisfied with the results of today. Fatigue soon coming his way, the chimera closed his eyes.
Waking up the next morning was a sight to behold. Standing in the medical ward had been an unknown person. Standing up from the bed, the soldier examined the person with due diligence. Standing by Loba had been a person slightly shorter than everyone else in the room. Person looking to be about five centimeters shorter than him, he continued his observation. The young person looked to be no older than sixteen, he supposed they had to have been younger than him, but he knew looks did not mean someone was a certain age. The person had short red hair that went down to about the chin. Some bangs messier than others and two small pigtails on the top of the head, the hyena stepped closer. Red ribbon that looked like a butterfly poking on the top of the head, the early adult kept the observation going. Dark skin typical of those who lived in Natlan, and pitch black eyes with extremely tiny pupils, the man ended his examination.
Seeing the person, the hyena could not help but wonder. Could they have been related to the Frog porcupine chimera he had seen at the last time he had been in the medical ward? But, he knew such question could not leave his lips. Questions were not allowed to him as a Fatui Soldier. Young person looking ready to speak, the chimera backed four steps away. Space was mandatory.
"Are you Aega's sister?" the person asked. "My brother told me to come here."
Siorc tilted his head towards the ceiling. Had something else happened while he was sleeping? But, there had been no time to ponder. Loba looking ready to respond, the soldier turned his head towards her direction. Had something urgent come up? He supposed he was about to find out, if such were the case.
"Yes, that's me, honey," Loba responded. Her words had been soft. "Are you my sister's boyfriend's sister?"
Seeing the possible frog porcupine chimera place their hands behind their back, the hyena kept watching from afar. Young chimera looking to be in some sort of rush, an answer was about to come at the medical ward fast, for sure. Hands soon beside them, a response had bounced off the white walls.
"Yes, I am his sister," she responded, words rushed out the door. "But, there's no time for that." They then turned to the stranger on the other side of the room. "I need you two to follow me." But an interruption had soon come.
Medical ward door opening, Aega had soon joined the battle. Asked to come along, as well, she had soon walked over towards the group of three. Seeing her boyfriend's sister in pure white clothing, she readied herself to greet the young woman. Waving to the other two quickly, she crouched to looked at everyone's eyes one after another.
"Cloch, there you are," Aega said to Cloch. "Is everyone ready to go?"
Loba and Cloch nodding, the chimera nodded in tandem. Cloch soon leading the way, a long path had been traversed. Eventually stopping towards what looked like had been a former warzone, the hyena tilted his head. Seeing an odd looking set of branches across the warzone, wanderlust had continued to eat away at the chimera. Whatever was about to happen, he knew he had no choice but to observe.
Cloch soon stepping back, the branch had soon been touched. Spirit soon appearing in front of everyone, the hyena could feel a sense of familiarity. The person materialized from the branch, they had been the same person within his dream the other night. Had they been the ghost pushing himself and other Fatui in the lava? If they had something important to say, he supposed it was only fair to hear them out. Ghost looking ready to speak, the soldier gave eye contact.
"Hello, I suppose this isn't the first time you have all encountered me," the ghost said, almost too formal for a member of the undead. "I am, or was, rather, Zephyr Piosa."
Hearing the name Zephyr Piosa, no bells had been rung. Just who had this Zephyr Piosa person been? He had never come across such a person before during any of his trips within Natlan. Had they been someone who had died hundreds of years ago? But, the chimera shook his head. If such had been the case, he would have learned about it back in his stolen childhood.
Hearing the name Zephyr, a memory had wedged within Loba's hormonally corrected brain. She had recalled hearing about the legendary warrior Zephyr Piosa in the past. Having died a decade ago in one of Murata's wars, perhaps their spirit had been wandering around Teyvat ever since.
Having heard from her boyfriend and Cloch in the past their adopted siblings had been taken in after their neighbor Zephyr had died in a war, Aega had known exactly who the ghost had been. Despite all that, they had taken everything too far, as of recent. Having only become friends with her boyfriend a year or so after their passing, she had only heard tales, up until now.
"I miss you, Zephyr," Cloch lamented. "Papa adopted your siblings. They're happy and safe from war, I promise!"
The chimera tilted his head at such revelation. If children had been adopted, there was no way the person had died hundreds of years ago. He supposed, if their death had been recently, it would not be something he would have ever become aware of. Aega looking ready to say something as well, the hyena observed in silence.
"My boyfriend misses you, too," Aega responded, but her next words had almost sounded scornful. "But, you need to tell us why you've been causing problems. Many people were severely injured because of your actions!"
Ghost looking ready to tell their story, the chimera focused his attention on them. He knew, no matter what, he had to listen to them. If he were to ignore them once again, another world of pain would come his way, for sure. Spirit looking rather pained, a pity cherry had soon formed in his stomach as the story was about to unfold.
"I died because a Fatui shot me down in the war," Zephyr explained, words dragging on the wind. "And ever since, I've been a wandering spirit. I just wanted to get a little bit of revenge before it was my time to go." They paused for a breath moment, looking as though they wanted to breathe through their gone lungs. "I never wanted this." Ghostly tears had begun to fall on their transparent face. "I never wanted to be a part of the war. I wanted to become a shadow boxer, and provide for my family after mom and dad died." The ghostly tears had begun to hit the ground like rain. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused over the past week."
The chimera could feel a sharp pain in his heart from Zephyr's story. Hearing everything, he knew. He had to apologize. Apologize for ignoring them when they had been attempting to engage with him the first time he had encountered them. Despite all the trouble they had caused, an apology was owed in full. The other Fatui that had gotten hurt, maybe if he had not ignored them, their injuries could have been prevented.
"I am sorry for ignoring you," Siorc said, voice barely audible.
Zephyr explaining themselves, regret had begun to hold Loba hostage. Maybe if she had listened to the annoying human Fatui earlier, more injuries could have been prevented. Ghost apologizing, however, the burning incidents would likely come to a crashing halt, soon. Recalling they had said something about their time to go, perhaps, the apology was their last stretch before finally passing on.
"No, I'm sorry for causing you so much harm," Zephyr responded, regretful. "I shouldn't have tried to get revenge. But I could no longer control myself after all this time." There was pain in their voice. "I promise I will stop, but could you light an incense by my grave? I don't have much time left."
Dead deserving respect, the chimera nodded. Zephyr guiding everyone towards their grave, an incense had already been left aside as though it was supposed to be there. Incense soon lit up, the hyena placed his hands into a praying position. Burns caused to him by the spirit or not, disrespecting the afterlife was an unforgivable sin.
"Be well in Celestia," Aega said to Zephyr. Cloch's voice had soon joined the party.
"I'll let everyone at home know you said goodbye," Cloch said, praying. "Be well in the gate beyond the mortal realm!"
Seeing Zephyr cry, the hyena signed take care on private display. Did the ghost understand sign language? The soldier did not know, but he had no energy to speak, at the moment in time. Loba soon saying goodbye, as well, a light had soon engulfed the spirit. Had time run out?
"I don't know if I'll be taken to Celestia, but," Zephyr responded to everyone. "I'll try to be well, in the world beyond." Light about to engulf them, one final set of words had been within their soon to be former ghost throat. "Tell my siblings I'll always be watching over them." Light soon swallowing them whole, the ghost had been no more.
Conversation coming to an end, the hyena and Loba had begun their return to the medical ward. Aega saying she would be heading to her boyfriend's house with Cloch, the group had soon separated. Medical ward returned to after about half an hour of walking, everything had been over within a flash of a light.
Not doing work for the day, everything had been quiet. As the hours went on in silence, the hyena had come to wonder. Zephyr's story returning a thought within the active shark grooves in his brain, the chimera thought back, for a moment. Recalling seeing a lizard tail upon Zephyr in his dreams, the early adult had come to wonder. Just how many chimeras were truly suffering in and beyond Teyvat? Thoughts looping on repeat for hours on end, sleep had eventually taken him, for the evening.
Final day of the project soon upon him, the hyena would not falter. Needing to collect lava one final time, five bottles had been divided between the two of them. Knowing by now where the safe spots were, the soldier quickly dipped the first bottle into the molten bed. One bottle soon becoming two filled containers, the early adult moved onward to the third bottle.
Third and fourth bottles soon filled to the brim, the hyena unscrewed the cap of the fifth and final bottle with due diligence. Loba soon finished with her side of the work, as well, the two placed the ten bottles into the increasingly heavy bag. Job finally done, the two soon returned to the medical ward. But, as soon as they returned, a predictable set of words had bounced on his inhuman eardrums.
"Before you return to Snezhnaya, I would like to examine you," Loba said sternly.
Knowing he could not refuse, the chimera had sat on the uncomfortable medical bed. Every single article of shirted clothing removed, his chest scar had been on private display. The scar on his chest was a hideous sight to behold, but he knew he had to bear it, for a moment. Loba soon returning with medical equipment, the hyena waited for the medical examination to begin.
Medical equipment on, and patient looking ready, Loba leaned inward. Metallic heart instrument upon her partially human person, she placed the chest piece in the center of Siorc's sternum. Metallic object and heart soon linked together through sound, she listened carefully. Heartbeat sounding normal, a small smile graced her face. Medical instrument removed, she sat next to the hyena.
"Your heart rate seems normal," Loba said blissfully. "Everything seems to be alright. But, keep your legs wrapped in gauze for at least a week, alright?" Stepping out for a moment, his Snezhnayan uniform had soon been returned.
Uniform soon returned to him, the hyena put every article of clothing back on. Examination being over, he knew that was his cue to return to the military barracks. Teleport Waypoint proxy map in hand, he turned to Loba one final time before it was time to return for the evening.
"Thank you for the help, ma'am," Siorc replied, voice barely audible. "I will take my leave now."
Seeing Siorc preparing to leave, Loba knew she had to remind him of one more thing before leaving for Snezhnaya. While his heartbeat had been normal for the moment, flare ups were still a possibility in the future. Knowing the burns could also cause some pain as well, she knew she had to remind him about his health one final time.
"You're welcome, honey," she replied, words still soft. "If you experience another flare up at any point, or you're experiencing any pain, please teleport here directly." Her voice was sharp, like a tack. "Take care." Waving goodbye, she did not avert her gaze.
Goodbyes being given, the hyena highlighted the Teleport Waypoint to the military barracks. Fast travel over within a split second, the soldier headed towards the supply closet. Leaving the collected heat sources in the closet as he had been instructed to various times prior, the early adult closed the door behind him. Job finally done, he returned to the soundproof room.
Everything removed and nightfall soon reached, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, a sea of thoughts had soon come his way. Just how many chimeras had been suffering in and beyond Teyvat? The scorpion chimeras in Enkanomiya, and the frog porcupine chimeras, they had not been the only chimeras suffering, surely.
Wave of fatigue soon taking him for the evening, one final thought had begun to play on repeat as the world of sleep were about to take him away. If he were to ever leave the Fatui like he planned, perhaps, just maybe, he could help the chimeras suffering. World of dreams calling him back in, one final thought played on repeat in his fading human brain.
Eight months remained.