Palamon
Silence is Purple
- 8,575
- Posts
- 16
- Years
- Age 28
- he/him
- Snezhnaya, Teyvat.
- Seen today
20. Jumbo Cicins, Crops Dying, and Gris Blinding
"Guess my subordinates have been busy,
I don't know what is
Going on, but it nothing good, surely.
All these modified monsters,
No way this is good for them, really.
They are suffering, surely.
I suppose no one
Cares about monster's feelings.
Could this be the beginning of the end?
I should stop thinking about it, I am not supposed to
Care, monsters are not sightly.
I am not supposed to care,
No monsters will say anything,
So I should cease these thoughts, I am
Overthinking. There is
Nothing I can do.
The experiments will never cease.
Here is to another day of battles.
Every day is unpredictable in this cold breeze.
But I suppose that it is how it is
As a Fatui, unpredictability is guaranteed.
This is my life until I leave.
This is my life until I break free.
Looks like another long fight awaits me
Every day is a new battle,
For now I must remain silent
I must remain diligent
Even now, it is not yet time to
Leave.
Diligence is key."
Four days had passed since the hyena and the lynx chimera went to Watatsumi Island to deal with the poisoning problem. Training taking yet another backseat, a certain odd job had reached its permanent climax. Temporary pattern removing itself from his routine, the cycle would reverse back to normalcy, for the time being.
Being alerted to another set of forbidden canned knowledge spotted around the desert area of Sumeru, the hyena's matra duties had been resumed one final time. Cryo Delusion regifted, and black panther twins assisting, the perpetrator had been located within the desert ruins on the fourth day.
Orchestrator of the stolen canned knowledge ordeal dealt with, and every single orb returned to the Akademiya, the hyena's Matra duties had reached its finale. Mahamatra scheduled to soon return to the Dendro Nation of Wisdom, and no further assistant needed, a nail had been placed on the coffin.
Upon waking up for the morning, the soldier slapped his cheeks. Today, for sure, no odd jobs would come his way. Preparedness hitting the roof, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent would arrive, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.
As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the soldier had come to wonder. Watatsumi Island, had it made a recovery? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed it would not be easy to recover from such devastation within a half-week's time. Thought pushed into the snow outside, the early adult removed the cover from the hairpin and earring box.
Hourglasses' sand reaching the middle, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching Windwheel Asters in his hair and ears, the chimera pumped his currently human fists together. There was no way an odd job was happening today, for sure. Confidence smashing the roof, the early adult reached for the yellow-green orb in the corner.
Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the chimera glared at the sinister Geo orb. Yellow orb of darkness glaring daggers at him, the early adult could not help but wonder. Just what was it that made Delusions so endangering to the user's life? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way he could ask such. Questions were not allowed for a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.
Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena returned his attention to the workday at hand. There was no time to think about such. The Agent could arrive at any moment. Work mode switch flipping upward, all thoughts had been removed like a circlet with numbers that were not high enough to satisfy an adventurer.
Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps, the hyena turned his attention to the door. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday of nothing to begin.
"Diplomatic Soldier, Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You have been assigned training on the Vision and Delusion Training Grounds today." The Masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate. Another day, another development in the soldier's strength.
The hyena let out a sigh. Yet another day of battles awaited him. What ridiculous story would the lynx chimera have for him today? He knew, whatever it was, he had no choice but to listen. Readiness reaching its peak, the soldier looked into the Agent's mask.
"Yes, sir," the young soldier responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, the chimera waited for the escort to begin.
Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, his subordinate had remained responsive. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. We're going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he grabbed the wrist into a tight squeeze. As the escort to the training ground began, one thought looped cycles in the hyena's fading human brain.
What monsters awaited him this time?
***
"Ah, no, it's begun.
Now, her time has run out. This is the
Day I never wished to come.
The day Gris would tell me,
Her eyes can no longer see.
Utterly, I knew this day would arrive
Someday. But not now.
But now now. Not like this.
Every day, I know it's coming
Gris's vision leaving.
I know it's coming, I know it's happening,
Now, it's happened.
She can no longer see.
This morning, she told me.
Her words, they confirmed my suspicions, immediately.
Every morning I ask her, 'Gris, can you see today?'
Doing this daily, I feel a sense of responsibility. It is
Only the two of us down here.
We are alone, in solitude.
No other chimeras lurk beneath, no humans
Will ever live down here, the world has beseeched.
All that remains are the people of shadows,
Reaped from time;
Designated dead. No one is here.
So, when she told me, 'No, I cannot, Li,"
Pain shot through me.
I asked her, 'Are you sure, Gris?' I feel like I
Ruptured my scorpion gut, in that moment.
As she turns her head in the wrong direction, I know.
Looks like she really can no longer see.
Of all the times, it had to be so quickly.
For the amount of time we have lived down here,
My arm, her eyes. Our parents, their demise.
You know, I do not care about my arm of bone. It matters
Little. It is a mere object, the damage was already
Irreversible. But, Gris her eyes.
For sure, there has to be a way to cure her. There has to be a way for her
Eyes to be able to see.
I can't leave her like this.
No, Enkanomiya, there's too much danger.
Enkanomiya, there's too many hazards.
No, I cannot let this go on. The priestess. I
Know, I'll ask the priestess. But,
Another night. It is too late.
Now is not the time, I cannot leave Gris alone. Staying by her side
On this night, that is a
Must. I cannot leave yet.
If Gris dies, I will never forgive myself.
Yes, no need to panic, surely, her eyes will see again in the next night.
After all, her eyes are fickle. Deep breaths. Deep breaths."
Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the chimera proceeded to the weapons room swiftly. Usual silver Claymore made out of white iron absent from the shelf, the hyena gazed at the other greatswords in front of him. Light green claymore rumored to be able to slash the rain, the soldier removed the greatsword from the shelf in an instant. Weapon sheathed behind him, the early adult walked over to the lynx chimera. Naofa tapping its boots on the icy cold ground, the soldier made eye contact.
"There you are, moth," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Just your luck. You're in for an easy fight today, butterfly!"
Siorc gazed upwards towards the icy sky. He was in for an easy fight today? There was no way that could have been true. Electro Delusion on its collar, and claymore beside it, the hyena knew in an instant. Dodging arrows was not happening today, for sure. Knowing such fact, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a bowl of hot borsch. An easy fight? In Snezhnaya? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. Her Majesty would never allow such.
But, such thoughts were immediately halted by the sight before him. Cicin Mage swinging her hips and lantern as she stepped forward, confusion had begun to play on repeat. Was there no Harbinger in charge today? If such were the case, perhaps, just maybe, the lynx chimera was right; an easy fight would be upon him today.
The easy glass would shatter into a thousand pieces. Green haired Fatui shaking the lantern with a fervor, the early adult let out a gulp. The mage, why was she shaking the device that contained her familiars like that? He knew, whatever was about to happen, he had to be ready for anything. Mage looking ready to speak, the soldier turned his attention towards her.
"Fight my pretties!" the Mage shouted, releasing the kraken.
Mage teleporting off the battlefield as the monsters swarmed in, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Dozens of Cicins far larger than the normal bug flapping their wings on the icy wind, the soldier jumped six steps back. Mage's bug familiars being at least quadruple their normal size, the chimera let out a gulp. There was no way an easy fight awaited him.
Seeing the abnormally large Cicins soaring on the battlefield, Naofa let out a sinister laugh. How pitiful the Cicin Mages were, feeding their pathetic measly spec of a pet elemental particles to become stronger. The fight would be over as soon as it began. Her Majesty's lower ranked Fatui were garbage that belonged in the trash. Perhaps, updating Siorc on the Watstumi Island situation would make them die faster.
"Would you look at that! These Cicins have gotten fat!" Naofa exclaimed, tone toxic. "Let's get this going, shall we? Oh, but be careful, flea, they're armed!"
The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. The Cicins were armed? What an absolutely ridiculous statement. There was no way such statement could have been true, even within a singular percentage. Insect flying around rapidly, the soldier prepared himself. There was no time to think. The battle had to begin now.
Larger than ever before purple Cicin lowering itself towards the ground, the hyena threw down a flower friend. But, such attack had been halted before it could even begin. Monster spinning in a circle and turning to its backside, a light had shone down on it. Dot eyes soon blinking, a violent lazar beam had begun to make its rounds on the battlefield.
Lazar and his chest shaking hands, a pulse of electricity circulated through the hyena's body. Letting out a scream, the early adult attempted with any might to provide silent commands to the Windwheel Aster friend. But, such attempt had been futile. Electricity coming the flower's way, as well, the plant brought to life by his Dendro Vision became dust on the wind in seconds.
Maniacal laugh coming his way, the hyena's eyebrows twitched rapidly. Why had the lynx chimera been laughing at him? Had his performance already been a disappointment to behold? Laugh only getting louder, the early adult steeled himself for the inevitable first round of being called a leech coming his way.
"I told you, flea!" They're armed!" Naofa laughed, noxious tone in voice. "Watch out for their lazars! Don't disappoint me, moth!"
Taking a deep breath, the hyena regained focus. Right, he has to dodge the elemental lazars. He had no choice in the matter, if he wished to keep on living. Insect like bat lowering itself further towards the ground, the hyena threw down another friend. But, the monster would have yet another trick up its nonexistent sleeves.
Red target locked onto his shoulders, beams of lightning had come the young soldier's way. Joint zapped to a crisp, the hyena grit his sharp teeth. Just what had these Cicins been eating? Bat creature freezing, for a moment, the early adult pointed his finger in a commanding manner.
Vines hitting the larger than normal Cicin's wings in a rhythmic beat, the monster had begun to flinch. Target soon appearing on his other shoulder, the early adult sprinted ten steps backwards. Circular bullseye away from him in seconds, the hyena sprinted back towards the direction he came.
Beams of lightning darting towards the ground, confidence flowed through the hyena. Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept his focus, the fight would bend into his favor for the rest of the training session. Monster flying backwards once more, the early adult steeled himself for the impact to come.
Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the battlefield, the early adult watched the insect in silence. Lazar beam of electricity coming for his left hip, the hyena jumped towards the right. Beam of energy dying on the cold air, silent commands had come the flower fiend's way.
Monster looking ready to fade into the ether, the early adult placed the claymore that could slash the rain in front of him. Lightning coming his way at a Samachurl's running speeding, the chimera swung the greatsword forward. Electricity beams bouncing off from whence they came, one final flower friend had come the insect's way.
Seeds blasting into an explosion, the gargantuan Cicin had soon faded into the ether. Naofa's delusional electricity causing insect bodies to pile up one after another, the hyena returned his attention to the battle before him. Did no story await him today? If such were the case, the day would be over in the blink of a mismatched eye, for sure.
Such had been an incorrect assumption, on the hyena's part. Loud sound of buzzing coming his way in a matter of thirty seconds, the soldier turned his head towards the cacophony. Teal and yellow Cicins flying circles on the frozen wind, the chimera rose an eyebrow. He was fighting Anemo and Geo Cicins? What an unusual sight to be had, for sure. Never having encountered such in the open wilderness during various diplomatic affairs, a challenge was about to be presented on private display.
Teal insect letting the wind take it for a ride, the hyena threw down another flower friend. Silk flower with stem like hands and feet waving its leaves around as though it were about to fire a nature made punch, the early adult pointed his finger towards the enemy. Vines soon out, the soldier kept pointing.
No such attack ever came. Teal twister spinning in a funnel, the wind had begun to pick up speed. Silk Flower pulled towards the storm, the plant had been swept up like dust on a broom. Flower friend blown to smithereens in seconds, the soldier dashed forward.
Greatsword and the monster's wings meeting, the hyena held back a scream. Cyclone eating the claymore up like a bowl of Radish and Veggie Soup, the early adult bolted towards the left. Six twisters soon following, the chimera kept running. Weapon dropping to the ground after two minutes of spinning, the soldier grabbed the blade once more.
Multiple cyclones coming his way for the second time, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Sound of multiple Fatui screaming at the top of their lungs as the strong winds swept their defenses away, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. Eating well made creatures more powerful, indeed.
Geo Cicin speeding towards him, the hyena threw down another Windwheel Aster friend. But, such had been short lived. Gigantic rock twice the size of the monster's body coming the flower's way, the sound of a loud crunch echoed on the icy ground beneath. Plant of life crushed into nothing, a wave of loss flowed through the chimera.
Boulder rain going off on a rampage, the soldier stared off into space. There had to be a way to fight back easier, for sure. Rain of rocks about to come his way, the early adult placed himself into a fighting stance. But, as he had done such, Naofa's voice bounced around the icy cold wind.
"I have an update for you, flea!" Naofa exclaimed.
Siorc rose an eyebrow. Naofa had an update for him on a situation now, of all times? What a poorly timed update to be had, for sure. But, he knew he had no choice but to listen. Nodding his head, the early adult returned his attention to the battle at his constantly transforming hands. Boulder coming his way at lightning speed, the early adult swung the greatsword forward like a large fish leaping out of water.
Rock darting towards the Anemo insect, the monster and its cyclones had become intertwined. Buzzing sound radiating through the stormy air, the soldier turned towards the lynx chimera. Black bolts of electricity turning the Geo Cicin to nothing but dust, the early adult kept looking ahead. Whatever update were to come his way, he knew he had to give Naofa his undivided attention, at all costs.
Seeing Siorc nod seconds before, Naofa smirked. The hyena chimera knew what was most important, above all. The pitiful water flea had learned well. Weak monsters dying like weeds, the smirk had soon become a wide grin. The time had come to update him on the only information that mattered.
"Good! Then listen well, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "It seems that Watatsumi Island is still not doing well! How pitiful!" A laugh broke loose from its throat. "That dog General told me that their soil has been deeply poisoned and can't grow crops! Pathetic! They should have picked a better strategy!" The modern water fleas of today were weak and lazy.
Siorc could feel his heart break into a million pieces as the information had hit his inhuman eardrums. Watatsumi Island was still struggling? If such were the case, he needed to help them. But, no such words would leave his lips. Doing whatever he wished was forbidden. Enacting upon desires would make him meet his end, in an instant.
Wings flapping with gusto, the soldier creaked his head towards the sky. Hydro Cicin eight times the size of a normal monster, the hyena let out a gulp. Why had the monsters only been getting larger? A good, well balanced meal made living beings more powerful, indeed.
Torrential downpour taking the battlefield by storm, the hyena threw down a flower friend for what felt like the tenth time today. Rain and the flower meeting, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Delusional electricity and the Silk Flower shaking hands, an explosion had come the Cicin's way. Bat soon unable to move, the early adult turned towards the lynx chimera.
Seeing the pained looked on Siorc's face moments before, Naofa let out a deep snarl. The hyena chimera was completely under its spell. The modern water fleas of today were quite the easy tools to emotionally use like a chess piece. The time had come to get the checkmate it rightfully deserved.
"Heartbroken aren't we, butterfly?" Naofa asked, fake tone remaining supreme. "Then, it that case, we'll help out tomorrow. What do you say, moth?" As it said such, its Pyro Vision had been placed on its collar.
Regisvine sized Cicin engulfed in flames, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. The flames were out of sight, out of mind. Inquiry about helping Watatsumi Island out echoing in his inhuman eardrums, a realization had shot him with a sniper rifle on the battlefield. Was Naofa trying to manipulate him? But, he knew, the Watatsumi Island situation was too serious to ignore.
Monster crumbling into nothing, the hyena nodded. He supposed, even if the lynx chimera were attempting to use him like the rest of the continent, refusing was not an option. If the seashell island were to go without being able to grow food for too long, the population would dwindle to zero. Such could not be allowed to happen, for sure.
Watching as Siorc nodded, Naofa attempted with any might that remained to hold back a smirk. Manipulating him was far easier than it thought. Such a pathetic lover of nature was was easy to sway like a pendulum. Everyone within modern Teyvat were rooks on a chessboard, ready to be checkmated by the queen piece.
Turning his head towards the right and left, the chimera observed the battlefield. No more Cicins appearing for minutes on end, the soldier grabbed the lynx chimera's greatsword. Weapons returned to their respective shelves, the early adult returned to the battle ground. Looking at Naofa's flower eyepatch, the early adult waited in silence.
"You can leave now, moth," Naofa said, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Keep improving on your Elemental Reactions!" It then beamed from ear to ear, teeth visible. "Expect to see me again tomorrow, flea."
Dismissal being granted, the early adult staged his exit. Soundproof room nearing after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier stared at the steel walls, for a moment. Removing the weaponized hairpins and earrings, the hyena let out a deep yawn. Wave of fatigue eating him away, the winter jacket had been put away, as well. Glasses removed as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. Sleep about to take him away, one final question looped on repeat.
How dire was the situation in Watatsumi?
***
"I hear Gris crying. I must rush to her side. It is as I
Feared, no, she has gone completely blind.
Gris is saying some rather odd things.
Rather outlandish claims. Tears streaming down her face,
I listen as she weeps. 'I think we're cursed, Li.'
She reaches for my hand, but misses. I feel weak.
Did she just say we are cursed?
I have to reassure her, there is no such thing.
Expelling a breath, I breathe.
She is not looking at me, I again breathe.
I say, 'Gris, there is no such thing as curses.'
Well, that did not work. She begins to weep louder.
I cannot do this, I'm going to break.
Looking into her faded alligator eyes, I squeeze her hand tight.
'Li, we are cursed! When I could still read, I read mama's journal! She thinks she used to have a sister!'
No, not that journal again. I ought to have burned that book.
Even so, I keep listening,
Vicariously. 'Your arm, my eyes, we've suffered so much misfortune! There is no way this isn't a curse!'
Even so, I know. There's no such things as curses.
Really, curses aren't real. Mother must have been confused.
For now, I heave. 'Mother was just writing down a tall tale.'
Obviously, I should not have said that.
Right, I should not so easily dismiss this.
Guess I should mind my words, her tears are increasing.
I can feel my guilt increase. 'Mama would never lie about something like this, Li!'
Very true, perhaps I should not have spoken.
Erasing my words, I let silence take the lead.
Maybe Gris is right, but truly, I must not let my thoughts break me.
Yes, I need to remain strong.
Strong, emotions are for the weak.
Emotions are for those who need humanity.
Liath, you are gone. Turn yourself off.
For Gris, for me. I have to remain strong."
Waking up the next morning was a predictable sight to behold. Naofa in its Swordfish I uniform, the hyena shrugged. He supposed he could let its paper thin disguise slide this time. Lynx chimera soon looking his way, the chimera made eye contact, in an instant. He knew what was about to grace his inhuman eardrums, for certain.
"Remember, moth, we're heading to Watatsumi Island today!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Open up your map quickly! Don't keep me waiting!"
Proxy map already out in front of him, the early adult opened the orb into map form. Placing his finger on the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Inazuma section of the map. Dragging his finger towards the west, the early adult looked into the lynx chimera's singular visible eye.
"I am ready," the chimera replied, voice barely audible.
Immediate answer given, Naofa let out a barely audible laugh. The hyena chimera had already been prepared, he was getting better at not wasting its time. A favorable outcome to be had, for sure. Finger remaining still on the wretched Cryo Archon's stolen technology, it placed its index finger in front of it.
"Good, let's get going, flea! Highlight the Waypoint to Sanganomiya Shrine! Remember: don't waste my time!" Naofa exclaimed, finger pointing at the center of the map. "And, don't forget, I'm Rena today!"
Finger over the Sanganomiya Shrine immediately, the early adult pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed, the chimera dissipated the map back into orb form. Naofa within close proximity of him, the soldier closed his eyes. Teleportation was still just as blinding as it always had been.
Violet staircase in front of him as he opened his eyes, his wrist had been gripped into a tight lock. Dragged up the stairs like a doll, the soldier observed his surroundings. Generic Shrine Maidens everywhere his mismatched eyes could see, a wave of unease overtook the hyena.
Priestess nowhere to be seen as Rena dragged him across the bridge, the chimera could feel his heart skip two beats. The lead Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine, had she already been dealing with the crisis alone? Multiple sea of nobodies standing motionless near the pouring water besides the bridge, the soldier placed his free hand over his face. There was no way the Priestess should handle the dire situation at hand all by herself.
Generic short, dark blue haired woman in a shrine maiden uniform looking into Rena's eyes, Siorc turned his head towards the opposite direction. No other maiden looking busy, the soldier let out a sigh. Why were the other maidens just standing around, doing nothing? It was almost as if, ones and zeros determined such people never moved a singular centimeter, no matter what.
Rena inquiring about the situation at hand, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. Shrine Maiden folding her arms across her waist in irritation, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Was the Priestess' stand in about to shout? He supposed such could have been the case.
"Rena-san of Swordfish I, didn't the soldiers by the steps already inform you?" the Shrine Maiden asked, irritated. "Sanganomiya-sama is not here at the moment. She is dealing with a prior engagement in Suigetsu Pool." Her arms remained crossed against her waist. "Direct any questions you may have to General -----." A name had been said, but the chimera could not hear it.
"Now, Izumi-san, I suggest you don't give me that tone," Rena replied, disguise slipping a smidgeon. "Where was he last seen?"
Generic Shrine Maiden stating the General had been in the fields of Borou Village, a thank you had come the woman's way. Dragged across the bridge and down the stairs, the early adult closed his eyes. Predictable gloved hand pointing towards the wooden bridge, the hyena jumped off the ledge. Rena's hand in his, the early adult deployed the wind glider from behind him. Bridge soon reached, the drag about continued.
Village soon reached, and wrist let go of, a hill had been in front of him. Rena leading the way, the soldier followed behind in silence. Steep slope upon him, the early adult walked carefully. Waterfall raging about near the dying grass, the hyena stared at the waterfall. The water, could it still have been poisoned, as well? He knew, if such were the case, he had to figure out a solution to help get Watatsumi Island to heal.
Dirt pathway with brown grass surrounding it taken, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Garden nearing, the soldier took a deep breath. Whatever information were about to come his way, he knew he needed to be prepared for any worst case scenario.
Stepping into the rotting soil fields was an unusual sight to behold. Standing in the dying gardens had been the ram and goat chimeras. Canine General of Watatsumi Island's furry brown ears wagging on his head, the early adult squinted. Why had the general of Watatsumi Island been so excited in a time of crisis? Group of three men conversing with one another, the soldier kept silent. Waiting his turn was mandatory.
"Thank you for coming, Tegne and Rede," the General said. "The reason I called you here today is because you two possess Dendro Visions."
Hearing the General's words, wanderlust tapped on the hyena's currently human shoulders. Did Dendro Visions have the power to heal nature? But the chimera shook his head. If such were the case, surely, the grass, water, and soil fields would have recovered by now. Tegne looking ready to scream, the early adult placed his hands over his ears. Why did the ram enjoy shouting so much? Such was a mystery with no answer.
"Uh, hello, General!" Tegne shouted, words dragging with exaggeration. "You told us that already!" Another voice had soon joined the battle.
"Now, now, my dear, be polite," Rede said to Tegne. "They're dealing with a crisis right now, Tegne."
Ram chimera raising his leg upward, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Why couldn't Tegne ever not be ready to explode? But, the soldier kept quiet. There was no way he could say such. Pointing out someone's behavior that was not bothering anyone else had to have been a rude gesture of him, for sure.
"Watch what you say! There are people around!" Tegne shouted at the top of his lungs, eyes darting around. "But, I knew that already!" He then turned towards the General, hands in an apologetic stance. "What can we do to help?"
General and the chimera duo looking ready to discuss how to help Watatsumi Island, the soldier prepared to step forward. But, claws and his wrist had soon met. Sharp pinch dug into his skin, the early adult flinched. Rena with an irritated look on her face bewilderment made a meal out of him. Hot breath hitting his inhuman eardrums, the soldier listened in silence.
"Wait your turn, flea," Rena whispered, irritated tone in voice.
Backing several steps away, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to wait his turn. Canine General placing his finger on his chin, silence had begun to loop on repeat. Short brunette looking as though he had been pondering something deep, the hyena gazed at the chimera duo's Dendro Visions, for a moment.
Ram and Goat chimera's orbs glowing ever so brightly, the hyena gazed downward. Yellow-green orb glowing slightly less bright than theirs, the soldier had come to wonder. His flower friends brought to life by his Dendro Vision, could they drop down seeds if he released them onto the dying soil? But, he supposed he would have to wait his turn. General looking ready to speak once more, the early adult kept his attention forward.
"Say, Tegne and Rede," the General said, fingers on his chin. "Are your visions capable of growing plant life capable of withstanding any kind of poison?"
Tegne gazed at Rede. How could the general ask such a question right away? What a way to put him on the spot, immediately. Vision only granting him the power of leaves, a scream had been on the tip of his tongue. Couldn't the Dog General of Watatsumi Island start with asking about what their visions could do? Dogs were eager and brave.
Seeing his boyfriend look ready to scream, Rede placed his hand on his chin. Should he go ahead and proceed to tell the General of the Watatsumi Island army that his Vision was capable of such prowess, but Tegne's was not? Turning towards the general, he prepared to break the silence. Revealing the truth was the best course of action.
"I can, but Tegne can't," Rede said to the General. "Although, this is a deep poison. I do not believe the seeds from my Vision can live long enough to produce results." Tegne's voice soon joined the party.
"I apologize General -----! I can only summon leaves!" Tegne apologized. "Regardless, I'll still try to help! But, I'd like to draw you for Rede's next sonnet!" He then turned around. "Rede, look! It's the kid! He has a Dendro Vision!"
Rede gazing at him with a perplexed look on his face, sweat poured down the hyena's back. Why did the goat chimera looked like he suspected something was amiss? But, he supposed, being a member of the Fatui, shifty eyes would always be on him. Rede looking ready to speak, the chimera gave eye contact.
"You're right, Tegne, he does indeed," Rede said to Tenge. He then turned towards the Fatui. "Kid, can your vision help with growing vegetation? Watatsumi Island's vegetation crisis has worsened since the poisoning incident last week."
Gazing at the Yellow-green orb on his uniform pants, a repeat wonder had returned itself to the forefront of his mind. His flower friends, could they drop seeds when summoned? Knowing there was no time to waste, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the dying soil, the soldier watched the plant do its bidding.
No seeds dropping from the flower's body, a rock had been tossed upon the soldier's chest. His flower friends, were they unable to help with the vegetation crisis? Nothing falling into the soil for minutes on end, the early adult could feel a knot form inside his throat. Words flooding to his lips, his body had begun to shake with a fervor.
"I am sorry," Siorc responded, words barely audible. "My Vision cannot." Voice continuing to shake, the early adult shut his mouth. Everyone was going to be disappointed in him, guaranteed.
Seven eyes gazing at him, the early adult placed his hands over his face. The peanut gallery, were they all about to tell him he was useless? He supposed, if such were the case, he deserved it. Tegne's voice picking up on the damp wind, the soldier turned his head. Was he about to tell him to leave if he was unable to help? If such were the case, he would comply in an instant.
"Woah! Hey, what are you looking so nervous for, kid?" Tegne asked, palms facing upward in front of him in a stop position. "It's alright. We're not mad, or anything!" But, a strange light had stopped his words in their tracks.
Sky flashing a deep, bright red for fifteen seconds, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Had something dangerous just entered Watatsumi Island's atmosphere? Sky not flashing again, the hyena let out a gulp. The Rifthounds, had they made their return? He knew, if such were the case, he had to find the culprits before the damage could be done.
Seeing the sky flash red for a moment, Rena twirled a strand of their red highlights in their hair around her finger. Had the priestess been struggling to deal with the problem at Suigestu Pool? How incredibly pitiful she was to not be able to contain the monsters wrecking havoc. Perhaps now, an amiable person would gather people around to help their leader. Charisma switch on, the piece had been set.
"Tegne-san, Rede-san, come with me! Something has happened in Suigetsu Pool!" Rena exclaimed, jerking her elbow. Annoying canine General trying to invite himself to the party, seed packets had been tossed the pitiful roach's way. "Not, you, General! Stay behind and plant these!"
Party of three dashing in front of him, the soldier followed the group like a duckling waddling behind the mother duck in a pond. Suigetsu Pool reached after about ten minutes of running, a terrifying sight presented itself to the group of four. Rifthound firing a noxious beam towards the sky, the early adult balled his right hand into a fist. The fiends of nature would never cease their rampage.
Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine surrounded by noxious green bubbles, the soldier jumped down the ledge in an instant. Young woman looking ready to collapse, the soldier's legs had broken out into a speedy sprint. Rena, Tegne and Rede soon near the battlefield as well, the chimera prepared himself for battle.
"An uphill battle!" the Priestess winced, voice weak.
Electro cage imprisoning the fiend to nature in a matter of seconds, the hyena prepared to throw down a flower friend. But, such attempt was interrupted within seconds. Barrage of leaves raining down on the Rifthound and large tree rooted upon the battlefield, the fiend had come crashing down onto the ground faster than the chimera could blink.
Large tree sapping the energy of the Rifthound like it was drinking water, the fiend to all nature let out a howl. Roots smacking the creature fifteen times, a portal had opened up in the sky. Wolf coming from whence it came, the tree had vanished after another five seconds had passed.
Tegne and Rede placing their arms around the Priestess, the young woman had soon been escorted off the battlefield. Rena glaring daggers at him, sweat had begun to pour down his back. Was the lynx chimera about to call him useless? He knew such was a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.
"You know what, flea? I'll let it slide today that you weren't able to pull your weight," Rena said, tone seeping with poison. "Just go for today, there is nothing you can do." Index finger pointing towards the left, a reminder had soon been on its lips. "We'll be planting seeds tomorrow. Don't disappoint me! You're on thin ice right now, leech!"
Hearing the word leech thrown his way, the chimera jumped three steps back. He supposed he deserved it, considering his performance today. Dismissal soon reaching his shark eardrums, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Military Barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes.
Soundproof room upon him, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor. Rede, he said he was able to grow vegetation with his Dendro Vision, but Tegne could not. Recalling such fact, the soldier wondered. Had all Dendro Visions been dependent on the wielder? Never seeing two Vision Bearers with the same powers, the early adult shrugged. Perhaps, seeds dropping from the power of the vision associated with nature were few and far in between.
Wave of tiredness overtaking him, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Everything removed, the soldier closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow. World of tormenting dreams about to take him away for the evening, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.
Visions were in the eyes the beholder, indeed.
***
"I cannot sit by and watch this anymore. I
Cannot watch as Gris cries.
Another night, another night she cannot see.
No, I cannot watch anymore.
No, I cannot let her suffer anymore.
Oh, Archons I used to worship, forgive me.
There is something I have to do.
Don't take Gris from me, please. There is
Only one answer. My Vison, right, my Vision.
That orb I abandoned. I need to retrieve it. Gris,
Her safety depends on it.
I have to protect her.
She cannot see, there is no way she can fight
All these monsters in this world underneath. The monsters have been far more
Noxious lately. Something is not right.
Yes, my Vision, my Vision, I have to get it.
My Vision, back at our last home, I have to grab it.
Oh, I can no longer compose myself.
Right, this is for the best.
Enkanomiya is full of danger.
I have to do this, for Gris.
Her life depends on it.
After all, if she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Veiling myself in a cloak, I prepare for my surface leap.
Enkanomiya, don't take Gris away from me in my absence.
This will be a quick trip, please. Monsters, shadow people stay away, I
Offer you my body, don't touch her, leave the Narrows in peace.
Gathering my strength, I prepare to leave.
Or, I would, I feel a tug on my sleeve.
Black, dark pupils not looking at me, I cancel my exit.
Ah, right, Gris can still hear me.
Could she know my intentions? Could she
Know where I am headed? I have
To say something. 'Gris, I will be right back, wait for me.'
Ordinarily, emotions are beneath me. But,
My voice is shaking, rapidly.
Yank on my sleeve, I gaze at Gris. She is not
Looking at me.
And her words,
She is shaking. 'Li, please, don't leave!'
The grip, it is strengthening.
Her tears, they are flowing.
Over and over, they are falling.
Maybe it is best I word this better.
Every word holds weight. Trying again, I breathe.
'I am returning to the surface to get my Vision,' I explain,
No. My voice is wavering.
Emotions, leave.
Emotions, leave.
Do not get in my way, feelings, cease.
I hear her tears fall faster.
The floor is wet.
I can't do this, composure is dead.
'No, Li, please! I don't want to be alone right now!'
Even so, I cannot stand by, my former Vision, I need it.
Even so, I cannot stand by, my venom is not enough.
Dabbing into my memory, a name comes back to me.
Maybe the Priestess can stay with Gris,
Yes, that is the answer. The Priestess, the Priestess, I will seek her out in Watatsumi.
Decision made,
I foolishly grab her hands. Bone and flesh joined, I
Say, 'I'll speak to the Priestess, she will be with you.'
Could I ask her such a request?
After all, we are from the forgotten past,
Removed from society.
Do the citizens above recall whom we
Even are?
Do not think so, but my
Vision, I must retrieve it.
I cannot let this go on, Gris,
She needs an extra pincer.
If she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Oh, world forgive for what I am about to do.
Now, it is time, to the Priestess I go."
Seed packets dropped into the hyena's hands upon Rena's arrival for the morning, the soldier gazed at her collar. Dendro Delusion sitting upon her neck, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Had Her Majesty gifted Rena a Dendro Delusion today? Seeing such, the hyena tilted his head. A Delusion, would it truly be able to help?
Reaching Borou Village through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult kept his mismatched eyes on the sinister yellow-green orb. A Dendro Delusion, wouldn't it have the opposite effect on nature? Delusions containing a dark aura, the soldier knew for certain. If such orb were released upon the soil fields, nothing good would come of it, for sure.
Reaching the soil fields for the second day in a row was a sight to behold. Tegne and Rede accompanied by the fancily dressed sheep and goat chimeras, the soldier tilted his head. The bounty hunters from Sumeru, what were they doing all the way in Inazuma? Wasn't Inazuma still a closed nation? Confusion ate the chimera up like a a plate of Katsu Sandwiches. Shorter goat chimera looking ready to speak, the hyena turned his head. Whatever conversation that was about to occur was no business of his.
"Why did you call us here? Proxy maps aren't cheap!" Kylling exclaimed. "We have bounties to hunt!" Lang's voice soon joined the party.
"Yeah, unlike you lazy pertookuses, we have jobs," Lang added. "So, bring us up and put us down quickly, cous! You're interrupting our real jobs!"
Watching as Tegne raised his leg, the hyena let out an exasperated sigh. More yelling was about to come everyone's way. Why couldn't the ram chimera ever respond to anything without blowing up in a huge explosion? The pest of a penguin chimera and ram had to have met one another in the past, passing off their aggravating selves to one another in the process.
"How could you! Rede and I are an artist and writer! We have jobs!" Tegne shouted, hands waving with a fervor. "Archons! That doesn't matter! Please, can you two make it rain? Watatsumi Island needs it for their plant life!" He placed his hands into a pleading position.
Gazing at the two ladies, Siorc's eyes had begun to twitch as Lang and Kylling had begun laughing. Were they not willing to help out their family? How absolutely cruel of them, if such were indeed the case. But, the soldier kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could say such. Making assumptions was incredibly rude of him.
"Uh, heyo, Tegne! I've told you so many times!" Lang responded, irritated tone evident in her voice. "I, nor my girlfriend, can make it rain with our Visions!" Kylling soon through herself into the conversation ring.
"That's why you called us here?" Kylling asked the party of two, she then turned her attention towards Rede. "Cous, you should know we use our Visions as weapons! Not as weather instruments!" She then held Lang's hand. "We're leaving, buh bye! And get real jobs!"
Blinding light engulfing the party of two, the group of six had soon become four. Tegne and Rede with dejected looks on their faces, the soldier could feel his heart sink in his chest like a rock in the ocean. Had their cousins hit a nerve? But, the hyena shook his head. It was no business of his to get involved. Rena stepping forward, the early adult backed three steps away.
"Don't worry about them," Rena said, tone fake and plastic. "I brought seeds with me that can withstand any sort of toxins. Let's plant them together, shall we?"
Round of applause coming Rena's way at the sight of her Dendro Delusion upon their collar, the early adult allowed a barely audible sigh escape the esophagus. Tegne and Rede, did they think Rena's Delusion was a Vision? He supposed such could have been the case. Seed packets thrown his way, the chimera lowered himself to his knees.
Packet entitled, Magical Radishes Seeds: Grow Anywhere! In Any Condition! the soldier closed his eyes for a moment. The seed packets, could they truly grow in any soil, no matter what condition it was in? He could not help but feel the claim was a lie created to sell more products.
Gardening shovel in hand, the soldier dropped the seeds into the hole. Seeds looking normal with absolutely no magical qualities to speak of, the early adult closed the hole up in an instant. Wherever Rena got her seeds from, she was scammed in broad daylight, for sure.
Delusion Dendro energy placed around the hole he had just closed up, a wave of unease wrapped vines around the chimera. Rena's Delusion, wouldn't it poison the soil further? Packet of carrot seeds thrown his way, the soldier had begun to dig up another hole. There was no time to be thinking. Planting had to come of him now.
Carrot seeds planted into the soil, the soldier gazed at Rede. Glowing seeds dropping down into the holes, the early adult could feel himself turn green. The goat chimera could help nature directly. What a fascinating power to be had, for sure. His flower friends, why were they unable to produce seeds of their own to help as well? But, the chimera quickly snapped himself out of it. Now was not the time to think about other chimera's Visions.
Three hours soon passing, and twenty rows of soil filled in, a disturbance had filled the air. The soldier did not know why, but an urge had suddenly filled his partially human brain. Sanganomiya Shrine entering his mind, the hyena rose to his feet. The shrine, he had to go there. Impulse only getting stronger as the seconds raged onward, the chimera prepared to stage his exit, but a sea of voices soon stopped him in his tracks.
"Is something the matter, kid?" Rede asked, concern evident in his voice.
Watching as Siorc rose to his feet unwarranted, Rena cracked her knuckles. Did he think he could leave on the job without her permission? The hyena chimera had another thing coming if he thought it would allow him to leave. It would set the record straight of who was in charge of this operation.
"Where do you think you're going, Siorc?" Rena asked, tone noxious. "You can't leave let! You still have work to do." Seed packet thrown at his face, it rolled up its sleeves. "Sit back down, and get back to planting!"
Impulse only getting stronger, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Clapping his hands twice and interlacing his fingers together for a moment, the early adult looked into Rena's singular visible eye. Shrine signed on private display, the hyena would not falter. Rede turning his way, a wave of unease shot down the soldier's partially human spine. Was everyone about to scold him? He supposed he had crossed a line too far.
"Rena, he seems to be saying he wants to go to the shrine," Rede said to Rena in a calm tone. "Could you allow him?"
Rena looking his way with major disgust, the soldier let out a gulp. Rede, was he about to face Rena's wrath? Their charismatic disguise would break in an instant, for sure. Eye soon on him, another shock shot down the partially human spine. Violence would come his way after the mission was over, for sure.
"Fine, I'll allow you," Rena replied. "But, I expect you to be back in half an hour, or else."
Knowing if he were not back in the time Rena said, she would have his neck, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back uniform pocket. Sanganomiya Shrine waypoint highlighted, the hyena dissipated back into orb form. Shrine staircase in front of him in a split second, the soldier ascended the staircase.
As the chimera traversed the bridge, a sight of immediate concern caught the hyena's heterochromatic eyes. Liath standing by the Priestess looking about ready to break, the soldier's heart skipped three beats. Why had Liath been tugging on the Priestess' sleeves? The world was wrong, reversing in the opposite direction.
"Sanganomiya, please, I need you to go down to Enkanomiya for me!" Liath begged, voice shaking, hands continuing to tug on her sleeve. "Gris has gone blind! I need someone to watch her while I go back to my former home to get my Vision!" It grabbed the sleeve even harder. "Please, I am begging you, Sanganomiya. If she dies, I'll..." But Liath cut itself off. "I need you to do this for me."
Seeing how disheveled Liath looked, the hyena could feel glass breaking inside him. Gris had gotten worse? Surely, a healer could help her. Healer sticking in his brain, the chimera wondered. Could Loba have any sort of medicines in the Natlan medical ward to cure blindness? But, the soldier shook his head. There was not enough time to teleport to Natlan.
"I will," the Priestess replied. "But, in exchange, I would like you to use your scorpion venom to neutralize the poison within the soil."
Scorpion venom mentioned for the entire shrine to hear, the soldier tilted his head. Was fighting poison with venom a sound strategy? Surely, the Priestess was still tired from the battle yesterday. There was no way using stronger venom would destroy weaker poison, but the hyena knew he could not say such. Her Majesty could be listening from anywhere in Teyvat; the walls were thin.
"If that is what it takes, then so be it," Liath replied, voice still shaking. "Please, help Gris!"
Priestess telling Liath there was a boat docked near Mouun Shrine, the scorpion chimera had bolted away at lightning speed. Priestess soon looking the hyena's way, sweat had formed upon the chimera's brow. Was he about to face her wrath? He knew listening into other people's conversations was rude. If he had disturbed the peace, an apology was to be in order, in an instant.
"Are you here for more seeds? Rena-san left some here," the Priestess said, voice soft. "Here you go. You must prepare for the hardship going forward."
Seeds packets proclaiming they were magical placed into the palm of his hands, the chimera bowed a thank you to the Priestess. Knowing that, at any moment, thirty minutes would have passed, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to Borou Village. Rena, Tegne and Rede busy with work, the soldier wedged himself in.
Final set of seeds placed into the soil after two hours, a new order had come the party of three's way. Seed packet proclaiming it was used for the treatment of dead grass, the soldier tilted his head. Were had Rena obtained such seed packets from? There was no way such claims were true, in the slightest.
Hundreds of seeds spread into the decaying grass of the Electro Nation of Eternity after four hours of planting, the soldier could only continue to wonder. Would any of the seeds planted truly help the vegetation crisis? He could not help but feel a hole had been looped through.
Rena soon looking his way, the early adult blinked. Was it just his imagination, or had Rena been smirking at him? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. Surely, he had just been seeing things. Lynx chimera looking ready to speak, the soldier kept his attention forward.
"You did a decent job today, butterfly," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "But, next time, if you try to leave while on the job to do something unrelated, I won't be so kind!" It then turned towards Tegne and Rede. "Tegne-san, Rede-san, your work, however was exceptional." It then turned back towards the hyena chimera. "You can leave now, I have other business to attend to within Watatsumi Island." Locking onto Tegne and Rede's hands, a fake smile appeared on its face. "I can help you two with that book of yours, I know a person." It then turned towards Siorc one final time, voice lowering into a whisper. "I'll see you next time, but remember, flea. Don't ask to wander off again on the job, or that neck of yours will be decorated a certain color." Exiting the area, four had soon become one.
Naofa soon gone from his field of damaged vision, the hyena opened the proxy orb into map form. The time had not yet come to return to Snezhnaya. Pressing the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Enkanomiya section of the map. Narrows soon highlighted, the early adult closed his eyes. Library upon him after a short walk, the chimera took a deep breath.
Hidden home behind the bookcase soon reached, the chimera gazed at the walls. Was this truly the right thing to do? Entering the scorpion chimera's house uninvited? But, the hyena knew. The Priestess and the young scorpion chimera had to know. The medical ward in Natlan, the information about it had to come their way, for sure.
Gris lying upon the couch, face soaked with tears, the chimera could feel his glasses begin to fog up. Had she been in pain? If such were the case, she needed medical assistance right away, guaranteed. Inhuman pupils pitch black, a rock had been tossed into the pit of his partially human stomach. Had she been unable to see completely? Sight was a gift that could be taken away at any moment.
"I don't want Li to fight alone," Gris cried, voice shaking. "Why did I have to go blind at a time like this? The monsters down here have been far more dangerous lately." Her words had begun to choke on themselves.
Hearing Gris' cries, the soldier put his foot down on the ground. There was no way he could remain silent any longer. The Priestess, and the younger scorpion chimera, they had to know there was a medical ward a teleport away, currently human feet firm, he motioned his lips to speak.
"I know a doctor in Natlan, ma'am," Siorc blurted out. Gris turning her head, the soldier waited.
"Huh? Fatui, is that you?" Gris asked, unable to look at him. "But, the Priestess told me..."
Priestess looking his way with a somber look, the chimera could feel himself begin to shatter. Alerted to a fact that Gris' eyes could not be healed with any sort of human medicine, the glass within him had been shards beneath his feet. He supposed, if there was nothing that could be done, he should leave. If he were to stay any longer, he would trespassing, for sure.
Bowing an apology the Priestess' way, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Ice cold hallways upon him, the soldier kept walking. Steel walled room upon him, the early adult stared at the barricaded window.
Walking upon a circle on the ice cold floor, a wave of thoughts crashed around in the active shark grooves in his brain. Gris' eyes, would it be impossible to heal? He supposed, being a chimera, human medical science was ineffective on reptile eyes. But, another thought wrapped vines around the chimera.
Enkanomiya, had it been getting more dangerous? He knew, if such were the case, there was nothing he could do about the issue at hand. Knowing such was the case, a ton had been dropped onto the hyena's back. Chimeras were suffering, and his eyes had to remain blind. He knew he could not deal with such situation. Wandering off would to deal with other engagements on a workday would lead to his death, in an instant.
Wave of tiredness coming his way, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform put away, and glasses off, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of sleep took him away.
Chimeras were suffering, indeed.
"Guess my subordinates have been busy,
I don't know what is
Going on, but it nothing good, surely.
All these modified monsters,
No way this is good for them, really.
They are suffering, surely.
I suppose no one
Cares about monster's feelings.
Could this be the beginning of the end?
I should stop thinking about it, I am not supposed to
Care, monsters are not sightly.
I am not supposed to care,
No monsters will say anything,
So I should cease these thoughts, I am
Overthinking. There is
Nothing I can do.
The experiments will never cease.
Here is to another day of battles.
Every day is unpredictable in this cold breeze.
But I suppose that it is how it is
As a Fatui, unpredictability is guaranteed.
This is my life until I leave.
This is my life until I break free.
Looks like another long fight awaits me
Every day is a new battle,
For now I must remain silent
I must remain diligent
Even now, it is not yet time to
Leave.
Diligence is key."
Four days had passed since the hyena and the lynx chimera went to Watatsumi Island to deal with the poisoning problem. Training taking yet another backseat, a certain odd job had reached its permanent climax. Temporary pattern removing itself from his routine, the cycle would reverse back to normalcy, for the time being.
Being alerted to another set of forbidden canned knowledge spotted around the desert area of Sumeru, the hyena's matra duties had been resumed one final time. Cryo Delusion regifted, and black panther twins assisting, the perpetrator had been located within the desert ruins on the fourth day.
Orchestrator of the stolen canned knowledge ordeal dealt with, and every single orb returned to the Akademiya, the hyena's Matra duties had reached its finale. Mahamatra scheduled to soon return to the Dendro Nation of Wisdom, and no further assistant needed, a nail had been placed on the coffin.
Upon waking up for the morning, the soldier slapped his cheeks. Today, for sure, no odd jobs would come his way. Preparedness hitting the roof, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent would arrive, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.
As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the soldier had come to wonder. Watatsumi Island, had it made a recovery? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed it would not be easy to recover from such devastation within a half-week's time. Thought pushed into the snow outside, the early adult removed the cover from the hairpin and earring box.
Hourglasses' sand reaching the middle, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching Windwheel Asters in his hair and ears, the chimera pumped his currently human fists together. There was no way an odd job was happening today, for sure. Confidence smashing the roof, the early adult reached for the yellow-green orb in the corner.
Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the chimera glared at the sinister Geo orb. Yellow orb of darkness glaring daggers at him, the early adult could not help but wonder. Just what was it that made Delusions so endangering to the user's life? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way he could ask such. Questions were not allowed for a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.
Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena returned his attention to the workday at hand. There was no time to think about such. The Agent could arrive at any moment. Work mode switch flipping upward, all thoughts had been removed like a circlet with numbers that were not high enough to satisfy an adventurer.
Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps, the hyena turned his attention to the door. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday of nothing to begin.
"Diplomatic Soldier, Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You have been assigned training on the Vision and Delusion Training Grounds today." The Masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate. Another day, another development in the soldier's strength.
The hyena let out a sigh. Yet another day of battles awaited him. What ridiculous story would the lynx chimera have for him today? He knew, whatever it was, he had no choice but to listen. Readiness reaching its peak, the soldier looked into the Agent's mask.
"Yes, sir," the young soldier responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, the chimera waited for the escort to begin.
Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, his subordinate had remained responsive. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. We're going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he grabbed the wrist into a tight squeeze. As the escort to the training ground began, one thought looped cycles in the hyena's fading human brain.
What monsters awaited him this time?
***
"Ah, no, it's begun.
Now, her time has run out. This is the
Day I never wished to come.
The day Gris would tell me,
Her eyes can no longer see.
Utterly, I knew this day would arrive
Someday. But not now.
But now now. Not like this.
Every day, I know it's coming
Gris's vision leaving.
I know it's coming, I know it's happening,
Now, it's happened.
She can no longer see.
This morning, she told me.
Her words, they confirmed my suspicions, immediately.
Every morning I ask her, 'Gris, can you see today?'
Doing this daily, I feel a sense of responsibility. It is
Only the two of us down here.
We are alone, in solitude.
No other chimeras lurk beneath, no humans
Will ever live down here, the world has beseeched.
All that remains are the people of shadows,
Reaped from time;
Designated dead. No one is here.
So, when she told me, 'No, I cannot, Li,"
Pain shot through me.
I asked her, 'Are you sure, Gris?' I feel like I
Ruptured my scorpion gut, in that moment.
As she turns her head in the wrong direction, I know.
Looks like she really can no longer see.
Of all the times, it had to be so quickly.
For the amount of time we have lived down here,
My arm, her eyes. Our parents, their demise.
You know, I do not care about my arm of bone. It matters
Little. It is a mere object, the damage was already
Irreversible. But, Gris her eyes.
For sure, there has to be a way to cure her. There has to be a way for her
Eyes to be able to see.
I can't leave her like this.
No, Enkanomiya, there's too much danger.
Enkanomiya, there's too many hazards.
No, I cannot let this go on. The priestess. I
Know, I'll ask the priestess. But,
Another night. It is too late.
Now is not the time, I cannot leave Gris alone. Staying by her side
On this night, that is a
Must. I cannot leave yet.
If Gris dies, I will never forgive myself.
Yes, no need to panic, surely, her eyes will see again in the next night.
After all, her eyes are fickle. Deep breaths. Deep breaths."
Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the chimera proceeded to the weapons room swiftly. Usual silver Claymore made out of white iron absent from the shelf, the hyena gazed at the other greatswords in front of him. Light green claymore rumored to be able to slash the rain, the soldier removed the greatsword from the shelf in an instant. Weapon sheathed behind him, the early adult walked over to the lynx chimera. Naofa tapping its boots on the icy cold ground, the soldier made eye contact.
"There you are, moth," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Just your luck. You're in for an easy fight today, butterfly!"
Siorc gazed upwards towards the icy sky. He was in for an easy fight today? There was no way that could have been true. Electro Delusion on its collar, and claymore beside it, the hyena knew in an instant. Dodging arrows was not happening today, for sure. Knowing such fact, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a bowl of hot borsch. An easy fight? In Snezhnaya? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. Her Majesty would never allow such.
But, such thoughts were immediately halted by the sight before him. Cicin Mage swinging her hips and lantern as she stepped forward, confusion had begun to play on repeat. Was there no Harbinger in charge today? If such were the case, perhaps, just maybe, the lynx chimera was right; an easy fight would be upon him today.
The easy glass would shatter into a thousand pieces. Green haired Fatui shaking the lantern with a fervor, the early adult let out a gulp. The mage, why was she shaking the device that contained her familiars like that? He knew, whatever was about to happen, he had to be ready for anything. Mage looking ready to speak, the soldier turned his attention towards her.
"Fight my pretties!" the Mage shouted, releasing the kraken.
Mage teleporting off the battlefield as the monsters swarmed in, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Dozens of Cicins far larger than the normal bug flapping their wings on the icy wind, the soldier jumped six steps back. Mage's bug familiars being at least quadruple their normal size, the chimera let out a gulp. There was no way an easy fight awaited him.
Seeing the abnormally large Cicins soaring on the battlefield, Naofa let out a sinister laugh. How pitiful the Cicin Mages were, feeding their pathetic measly spec of a pet elemental particles to become stronger. The fight would be over as soon as it began. Her Majesty's lower ranked Fatui were garbage that belonged in the trash. Perhaps, updating Siorc on the Watstumi Island situation would make them die faster.
"Would you look at that! These Cicins have gotten fat!" Naofa exclaimed, tone toxic. "Let's get this going, shall we? Oh, but be careful, flea, they're armed!"
The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. The Cicins were armed? What an absolutely ridiculous statement. There was no way such statement could have been true, even within a singular percentage. Insect flying around rapidly, the soldier prepared himself. There was no time to think. The battle had to begin now.
Larger than ever before purple Cicin lowering itself towards the ground, the hyena threw down a flower friend. But, such attack had been halted before it could even begin. Monster spinning in a circle and turning to its backside, a light had shone down on it. Dot eyes soon blinking, a violent lazar beam had begun to make its rounds on the battlefield.
Lazar and his chest shaking hands, a pulse of electricity circulated through the hyena's body. Letting out a scream, the early adult attempted with any might to provide silent commands to the Windwheel Aster friend. But, such attempt had been futile. Electricity coming the flower's way, as well, the plant brought to life by his Dendro Vision became dust on the wind in seconds.
Maniacal laugh coming his way, the hyena's eyebrows twitched rapidly. Why had the lynx chimera been laughing at him? Had his performance already been a disappointment to behold? Laugh only getting louder, the early adult steeled himself for the inevitable first round of being called a leech coming his way.
"I told you, flea!" They're armed!" Naofa laughed, noxious tone in voice. "Watch out for their lazars! Don't disappoint me, moth!"
Taking a deep breath, the hyena regained focus. Right, he has to dodge the elemental lazars. He had no choice in the matter, if he wished to keep on living. Insect like bat lowering itself further towards the ground, the hyena threw down another friend. But, the monster would have yet another trick up its nonexistent sleeves.
Red target locked onto his shoulders, beams of lightning had come the young soldier's way. Joint zapped to a crisp, the hyena grit his sharp teeth. Just what had these Cicins been eating? Bat creature freezing, for a moment, the early adult pointed his finger in a commanding manner.
Vines hitting the larger than normal Cicin's wings in a rhythmic beat, the monster had begun to flinch. Target soon appearing on his other shoulder, the early adult sprinted ten steps backwards. Circular bullseye away from him in seconds, the hyena sprinted back towards the direction he came.
Beams of lightning darting towards the ground, confidence flowed through the hyena. Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept his focus, the fight would bend into his favor for the rest of the training session. Monster flying backwards once more, the early adult steeled himself for the impact to come.
Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the battlefield, the early adult watched the insect in silence. Lazar beam of electricity coming for his left hip, the hyena jumped towards the right. Beam of energy dying on the cold air, silent commands had come the flower fiend's way.
Monster looking ready to fade into the ether, the early adult placed the claymore that could slash the rain in front of him. Lightning coming his way at a Samachurl's running speeding, the chimera swung the greatsword forward. Electricity beams bouncing off from whence they came, one final flower friend had come the insect's way.
Seeds blasting into an explosion, the gargantuan Cicin had soon faded into the ether. Naofa's delusional electricity causing insect bodies to pile up one after another, the hyena returned his attention to the battle before him. Did no story await him today? If such were the case, the day would be over in the blink of a mismatched eye, for sure.
Such had been an incorrect assumption, on the hyena's part. Loud sound of buzzing coming his way in a matter of thirty seconds, the soldier turned his head towards the cacophony. Teal and yellow Cicins flying circles on the frozen wind, the chimera rose an eyebrow. He was fighting Anemo and Geo Cicins? What an unusual sight to be had, for sure. Never having encountered such in the open wilderness during various diplomatic affairs, a challenge was about to be presented on private display.
Teal insect letting the wind take it for a ride, the hyena threw down another flower friend. Silk flower with stem like hands and feet waving its leaves around as though it were about to fire a nature made punch, the early adult pointed his finger towards the enemy. Vines soon out, the soldier kept pointing.
No such attack ever came. Teal twister spinning in a funnel, the wind had begun to pick up speed. Silk Flower pulled towards the storm, the plant had been swept up like dust on a broom. Flower friend blown to smithereens in seconds, the soldier dashed forward.
Greatsword and the monster's wings meeting, the hyena held back a scream. Cyclone eating the claymore up like a bowl of Radish and Veggie Soup, the early adult bolted towards the left. Six twisters soon following, the chimera kept running. Weapon dropping to the ground after two minutes of spinning, the soldier grabbed the blade once more.
Multiple cyclones coming his way for the second time, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Sound of multiple Fatui screaming at the top of their lungs as the strong winds swept their defenses away, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. Eating well made creatures more powerful, indeed.
Geo Cicin speeding towards him, the hyena threw down another Windwheel Aster friend. But, such had been short lived. Gigantic rock twice the size of the monster's body coming the flower's way, the sound of a loud crunch echoed on the icy ground beneath. Plant of life crushed into nothing, a wave of loss flowed through the chimera.
Boulder rain going off on a rampage, the soldier stared off into space. There had to be a way to fight back easier, for sure. Rain of rocks about to come his way, the early adult placed himself into a fighting stance. But, as he had done such, Naofa's voice bounced around the icy cold wind.
"I have an update for you, flea!" Naofa exclaimed.
Siorc rose an eyebrow. Naofa had an update for him on a situation now, of all times? What a poorly timed update to be had, for sure. But, he knew he had no choice but to listen. Nodding his head, the early adult returned his attention to the battle at his constantly transforming hands. Boulder coming his way at lightning speed, the early adult swung the greatsword forward like a large fish leaping out of water.
Rock darting towards the Anemo insect, the monster and its cyclones had become intertwined. Buzzing sound radiating through the stormy air, the soldier turned towards the lynx chimera. Black bolts of electricity turning the Geo Cicin to nothing but dust, the early adult kept looking ahead. Whatever update were to come his way, he knew he had to give Naofa his undivided attention, at all costs.
Seeing Siorc nod seconds before, Naofa smirked. The hyena chimera knew what was most important, above all. The pitiful water flea had learned well. Weak monsters dying like weeds, the smirk had soon become a wide grin. The time had come to update him on the only information that mattered.
"Good! Then listen well, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "It seems that Watatsumi Island is still not doing well! How pitiful!" A laugh broke loose from its throat. "That dog General told me that their soil has been deeply poisoned and can't grow crops! Pathetic! They should have picked a better strategy!" The modern water fleas of today were weak and lazy.
Siorc could feel his heart break into a million pieces as the information had hit his inhuman eardrums. Watatsumi Island was still struggling? If such were the case, he needed to help them. But, no such words would leave his lips. Doing whatever he wished was forbidden. Enacting upon desires would make him meet his end, in an instant.
Wings flapping with gusto, the soldier creaked his head towards the sky. Hydro Cicin eight times the size of a normal monster, the hyena let out a gulp. Why had the monsters only been getting larger? A good, well balanced meal made living beings more powerful, indeed.
Torrential downpour taking the battlefield by storm, the hyena threw down a flower friend for what felt like the tenth time today. Rain and the flower meeting, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Delusional electricity and the Silk Flower shaking hands, an explosion had come the Cicin's way. Bat soon unable to move, the early adult turned towards the lynx chimera.
Seeing the pained looked on Siorc's face moments before, Naofa let out a deep snarl. The hyena chimera was completely under its spell. The modern water fleas of today were quite the easy tools to emotionally use like a chess piece. The time had come to get the checkmate it rightfully deserved.
"Heartbroken aren't we, butterfly?" Naofa asked, fake tone remaining supreme. "Then, it that case, we'll help out tomorrow. What do you say, moth?" As it said such, its Pyro Vision had been placed on its collar.
Regisvine sized Cicin engulfed in flames, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. The flames were out of sight, out of mind. Inquiry about helping Watatsumi Island out echoing in his inhuman eardrums, a realization had shot him with a sniper rifle on the battlefield. Was Naofa trying to manipulate him? But, he knew, the Watatsumi Island situation was too serious to ignore.
Monster crumbling into nothing, the hyena nodded. He supposed, even if the lynx chimera were attempting to use him like the rest of the continent, refusing was not an option. If the seashell island were to go without being able to grow food for too long, the population would dwindle to zero. Such could not be allowed to happen, for sure.
Watching as Siorc nodded, Naofa attempted with any might that remained to hold back a smirk. Manipulating him was far easier than it thought. Such a pathetic lover of nature was was easy to sway like a pendulum. Everyone within modern Teyvat were rooks on a chessboard, ready to be checkmated by the queen piece.
Turning his head towards the right and left, the chimera observed the battlefield. No more Cicins appearing for minutes on end, the soldier grabbed the lynx chimera's greatsword. Weapons returned to their respective shelves, the early adult returned to the battle ground. Looking at Naofa's flower eyepatch, the early adult waited in silence.
"You can leave now, moth," Naofa said, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Keep improving on your Elemental Reactions!" It then beamed from ear to ear, teeth visible. "Expect to see me again tomorrow, flea."
Dismissal being granted, the early adult staged his exit. Soundproof room nearing after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier stared at the steel walls, for a moment. Removing the weaponized hairpins and earrings, the hyena let out a deep yawn. Wave of fatigue eating him away, the winter jacket had been put away, as well. Glasses removed as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. Sleep about to take him away, one final question looped on repeat.
How dire was the situation in Watatsumi?
***
"I hear Gris crying. I must rush to her side. It is as I
Feared, no, she has gone completely blind.
Gris is saying some rather odd things.
Rather outlandish claims. Tears streaming down her face,
I listen as she weeps. 'I think we're cursed, Li.'
She reaches for my hand, but misses. I feel weak.
Did she just say we are cursed?
I have to reassure her, there is no such thing.
Expelling a breath, I breathe.
She is not looking at me, I again breathe.
I say, 'Gris, there is no such thing as curses.'
Well, that did not work. She begins to weep louder.
I cannot do this, I'm going to break.
Looking into her faded alligator eyes, I squeeze her hand tight.
'Li, we are cursed! When I could still read, I read mama's journal! She thinks she used to have a sister!'
No, not that journal again. I ought to have burned that book.
Even so, I keep listening,
Vicariously. 'Your arm, my eyes, we've suffered so much misfortune! There is no way this isn't a curse!'
Even so, I know. There's no such things as curses.
Really, curses aren't real. Mother must have been confused.
For now, I heave. 'Mother was just writing down a tall tale.'
Obviously, I should not have said that.
Right, I should not so easily dismiss this.
Guess I should mind my words, her tears are increasing.
I can feel my guilt increase. 'Mama would never lie about something like this, Li!'
Very true, perhaps I should not have spoken.
Erasing my words, I let silence take the lead.
Maybe Gris is right, but truly, I must not let my thoughts break me.
Yes, I need to remain strong.
Strong, emotions are for the weak.
Emotions are for those who need humanity.
Liath, you are gone. Turn yourself off.
For Gris, for me. I have to remain strong."
Waking up the next morning was a predictable sight to behold. Naofa in its Swordfish I uniform, the hyena shrugged. He supposed he could let its paper thin disguise slide this time. Lynx chimera soon looking his way, the chimera made eye contact, in an instant. He knew what was about to grace his inhuman eardrums, for certain.
"Remember, moth, we're heading to Watatsumi Island today!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Open up your map quickly! Don't keep me waiting!"
Proxy map already out in front of him, the early adult opened the orb into map form. Placing his finger on the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Inazuma section of the map. Dragging his finger towards the west, the early adult looked into the lynx chimera's singular visible eye.
"I am ready," the chimera replied, voice barely audible.
Immediate answer given, Naofa let out a barely audible laugh. The hyena chimera had already been prepared, he was getting better at not wasting its time. A favorable outcome to be had, for sure. Finger remaining still on the wretched Cryo Archon's stolen technology, it placed its index finger in front of it.
"Good, let's get going, flea! Highlight the Waypoint to Sanganomiya Shrine! Remember: don't waste my time!" Naofa exclaimed, finger pointing at the center of the map. "And, don't forget, I'm Rena today!"
Finger over the Sanganomiya Shrine immediately, the early adult pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed, the chimera dissipated the map back into orb form. Naofa within close proximity of him, the soldier closed his eyes. Teleportation was still just as blinding as it always had been.
Violet staircase in front of him as he opened his eyes, his wrist had been gripped into a tight lock. Dragged up the stairs like a doll, the soldier observed his surroundings. Generic Shrine Maidens everywhere his mismatched eyes could see, a wave of unease overtook the hyena.
Priestess nowhere to be seen as Rena dragged him across the bridge, the chimera could feel his heart skip two beats. The lead Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine, had she already been dealing with the crisis alone? Multiple sea of nobodies standing motionless near the pouring water besides the bridge, the soldier placed his free hand over his face. There was no way the Priestess should handle the dire situation at hand all by herself.
Generic short, dark blue haired woman in a shrine maiden uniform looking into Rena's eyes, Siorc turned his head towards the opposite direction. No other maiden looking busy, the soldier let out a sigh. Why were the other maidens just standing around, doing nothing? It was almost as if, ones and zeros determined such people never moved a singular centimeter, no matter what.
Rena inquiring about the situation at hand, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. Shrine Maiden folding her arms across her waist in irritation, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Was the Priestess' stand in about to shout? He supposed such could have been the case.
"Rena-san of Swordfish I, didn't the soldiers by the steps already inform you?" the Shrine Maiden asked, irritated. "Sanganomiya-sama is not here at the moment. She is dealing with a prior engagement in Suigetsu Pool." Her arms remained crossed against her waist. "Direct any questions you may have to General -----." A name had been said, but the chimera could not hear it.
"Now, Izumi-san, I suggest you don't give me that tone," Rena replied, disguise slipping a smidgeon. "Where was he last seen?"
Generic Shrine Maiden stating the General had been in the fields of Borou Village, a thank you had come the woman's way. Dragged across the bridge and down the stairs, the early adult closed his eyes. Predictable gloved hand pointing towards the wooden bridge, the hyena jumped off the ledge. Rena's hand in his, the early adult deployed the wind glider from behind him. Bridge soon reached, the drag about continued.
Village soon reached, and wrist let go of, a hill had been in front of him. Rena leading the way, the soldier followed behind in silence. Steep slope upon him, the early adult walked carefully. Waterfall raging about near the dying grass, the hyena stared at the waterfall. The water, could it still have been poisoned, as well? He knew, if such were the case, he had to figure out a solution to help get Watatsumi Island to heal.
Dirt pathway with brown grass surrounding it taken, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Garden nearing, the soldier took a deep breath. Whatever information were about to come his way, he knew he needed to be prepared for any worst case scenario.
Stepping into the rotting soil fields was an unusual sight to behold. Standing in the dying gardens had been the ram and goat chimeras. Canine General of Watatsumi Island's furry brown ears wagging on his head, the early adult squinted. Why had the general of Watatsumi Island been so excited in a time of crisis? Group of three men conversing with one another, the soldier kept silent. Waiting his turn was mandatory.
"Thank you for coming, Tegne and Rede," the General said. "The reason I called you here today is because you two possess Dendro Visions."
Hearing the General's words, wanderlust tapped on the hyena's currently human shoulders. Did Dendro Visions have the power to heal nature? But the chimera shook his head. If such were the case, surely, the grass, water, and soil fields would have recovered by now. Tegne looking ready to scream, the early adult placed his hands over his ears. Why did the ram enjoy shouting so much? Such was a mystery with no answer.
"Uh, hello, General!" Tegne shouted, words dragging with exaggeration. "You told us that already!" Another voice had soon joined the battle.
"Now, now, my dear, be polite," Rede said to Tegne. "They're dealing with a crisis right now, Tegne."
Ram chimera raising his leg upward, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Why couldn't Tegne ever not be ready to explode? But, the soldier kept quiet. There was no way he could say such. Pointing out someone's behavior that was not bothering anyone else had to have been a rude gesture of him, for sure.
"Watch what you say! There are people around!" Tegne shouted at the top of his lungs, eyes darting around. "But, I knew that already!" He then turned towards the General, hands in an apologetic stance. "What can we do to help?"
General and the chimera duo looking ready to discuss how to help Watatsumi Island, the soldier prepared to step forward. But, claws and his wrist had soon met. Sharp pinch dug into his skin, the early adult flinched. Rena with an irritated look on her face bewilderment made a meal out of him. Hot breath hitting his inhuman eardrums, the soldier listened in silence.
"Wait your turn, flea," Rena whispered, irritated tone in voice.
Backing several steps away, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to wait his turn. Canine General placing his finger on his chin, silence had begun to loop on repeat. Short brunette looking as though he had been pondering something deep, the hyena gazed at the chimera duo's Dendro Visions, for a moment.
Ram and Goat chimera's orbs glowing ever so brightly, the hyena gazed downward. Yellow-green orb glowing slightly less bright than theirs, the soldier had come to wonder. His flower friends brought to life by his Dendro Vision, could they drop down seeds if he released them onto the dying soil? But, he supposed he would have to wait his turn. General looking ready to speak once more, the early adult kept his attention forward.
"Say, Tegne and Rede," the General said, fingers on his chin. "Are your visions capable of growing plant life capable of withstanding any kind of poison?"
Tegne gazed at Rede. How could the general ask such a question right away? What a way to put him on the spot, immediately. Vision only granting him the power of leaves, a scream had been on the tip of his tongue. Couldn't the Dog General of Watatsumi Island start with asking about what their visions could do? Dogs were eager and brave.
Seeing his boyfriend look ready to scream, Rede placed his hand on his chin. Should he go ahead and proceed to tell the General of the Watatsumi Island army that his Vision was capable of such prowess, but Tegne's was not? Turning towards the general, he prepared to break the silence. Revealing the truth was the best course of action.
"I can, but Tegne can't," Rede said to the General. "Although, this is a deep poison. I do not believe the seeds from my Vision can live long enough to produce results." Tegne's voice soon joined the party.
"I apologize General -----! I can only summon leaves!" Tegne apologized. "Regardless, I'll still try to help! But, I'd like to draw you for Rede's next sonnet!" He then turned around. "Rede, look! It's the kid! He has a Dendro Vision!"
Rede gazing at him with a perplexed look on his face, sweat poured down the hyena's back. Why did the goat chimera looked like he suspected something was amiss? But, he supposed, being a member of the Fatui, shifty eyes would always be on him. Rede looking ready to speak, the chimera gave eye contact.
"You're right, Tegne, he does indeed," Rede said to Tenge. He then turned towards the Fatui. "Kid, can your vision help with growing vegetation? Watatsumi Island's vegetation crisis has worsened since the poisoning incident last week."
Gazing at the Yellow-green orb on his uniform pants, a repeat wonder had returned itself to the forefront of his mind. His flower friends, could they drop seeds when summoned? Knowing there was no time to waste, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the dying soil, the soldier watched the plant do its bidding.
No seeds dropping from the flower's body, a rock had been tossed upon the soldier's chest. His flower friends, were they unable to help with the vegetation crisis? Nothing falling into the soil for minutes on end, the early adult could feel a knot form inside his throat. Words flooding to his lips, his body had begun to shake with a fervor.
"I am sorry," Siorc responded, words barely audible. "My Vision cannot." Voice continuing to shake, the early adult shut his mouth. Everyone was going to be disappointed in him, guaranteed.
Seven eyes gazing at him, the early adult placed his hands over his face. The peanut gallery, were they all about to tell him he was useless? He supposed, if such were the case, he deserved it. Tegne's voice picking up on the damp wind, the soldier turned his head. Was he about to tell him to leave if he was unable to help? If such were the case, he would comply in an instant.
"Woah! Hey, what are you looking so nervous for, kid?" Tegne asked, palms facing upward in front of him in a stop position. "It's alright. We're not mad, or anything!" But, a strange light had stopped his words in their tracks.
Sky flashing a deep, bright red for fifteen seconds, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Had something dangerous just entered Watatsumi Island's atmosphere? Sky not flashing again, the hyena let out a gulp. The Rifthounds, had they made their return? He knew, if such were the case, he had to find the culprits before the damage could be done.
Seeing the sky flash red for a moment, Rena twirled a strand of their red highlights in their hair around her finger. Had the priestess been struggling to deal with the problem at Suigestu Pool? How incredibly pitiful she was to not be able to contain the monsters wrecking havoc. Perhaps now, an amiable person would gather people around to help their leader. Charisma switch on, the piece had been set.
"Tegne-san, Rede-san, come with me! Something has happened in Suigetsu Pool!" Rena exclaimed, jerking her elbow. Annoying canine General trying to invite himself to the party, seed packets had been tossed the pitiful roach's way. "Not, you, General! Stay behind and plant these!"
Party of three dashing in front of him, the soldier followed the group like a duckling waddling behind the mother duck in a pond. Suigetsu Pool reached after about ten minutes of running, a terrifying sight presented itself to the group of four. Rifthound firing a noxious beam towards the sky, the early adult balled his right hand into a fist. The fiends of nature would never cease their rampage.
Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine surrounded by noxious green bubbles, the soldier jumped down the ledge in an instant. Young woman looking ready to collapse, the soldier's legs had broken out into a speedy sprint. Rena, Tegne and Rede soon near the battlefield as well, the chimera prepared himself for battle.
"An uphill battle!" the Priestess winced, voice weak.
Electro cage imprisoning the fiend to nature in a matter of seconds, the hyena prepared to throw down a flower friend. But, such attempt was interrupted within seconds. Barrage of leaves raining down on the Rifthound and large tree rooted upon the battlefield, the fiend had come crashing down onto the ground faster than the chimera could blink.
Large tree sapping the energy of the Rifthound like it was drinking water, the fiend to all nature let out a howl. Roots smacking the creature fifteen times, a portal had opened up in the sky. Wolf coming from whence it came, the tree had vanished after another five seconds had passed.
Tegne and Rede placing their arms around the Priestess, the young woman had soon been escorted off the battlefield. Rena glaring daggers at him, sweat had begun to pour down his back. Was the lynx chimera about to call him useless? He knew such was a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.
"You know what, flea? I'll let it slide today that you weren't able to pull your weight," Rena said, tone seeping with poison. "Just go for today, there is nothing you can do." Index finger pointing towards the left, a reminder had soon been on its lips. "We'll be planting seeds tomorrow. Don't disappoint me! You're on thin ice right now, leech!"
Hearing the word leech thrown his way, the chimera jumped three steps back. He supposed he deserved it, considering his performance today. Dismissal soon reaching his shark eardrums, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Military Barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes.
Soundproof room upon him, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor. Rede, he said he was able to grow vegetation with his Dendro Vision, but Tegne could not. Recalling such fact, the soldier wondered. Had all Dendro Visions been dependent on the wielder? Never seeing two Vision Bearers with the same powers, the early adult shrugged. Perhaps, seeds dropping from the power of the vision associated with nature were few and far in between.
Wave of tiredness overtaking him, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Everything removed, the soldier closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow. World of tormenting dreams about to take him away for the evening, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.
Visions were in the eyes the beholder, indeed.
***
"I cannot sit by and watch this anymore. I
Cannot watch as Gris cries.
Another night, another night she cannot see.
No, I cannot watch anymore.
No, I cannot let her suffer anymore.
Oh, Archons I used to worship, forgive me.
There is something I have to do.
Don't take Gris from me, please. There is
Only one answer. My Vison, right, my Vision.
That orb I abandoned. I need to retrieve it. Gris,
Her safety depends on it.
I have to protect her.
She cannot see, there is no way she can fight
All these monsters in this world underneath. The monsters have been far more
Noxious lately. Something is not right.
Yes, my Vision, my Vision, I have to get it.
My Vision, back at our last home, I have to grab it.
Oh, I can no longer compose myself.
Right, this is for the best.
Enkanomiya is full of danger.
I have to do this, for Gris.
Her life depends on it.
After all, if she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Veiling myself in a cloak, I prepare for my surface leap.
Enkanomiya, don't take Gris away from me in my absence.
This will be a quick trip, please. Monsters, shadow people stay away, I
Offer you my body, don't touch her, leave the Narrows in peace.
Gathering my strength, I prepare to leave.
Or, I would, I feel a tug on my sleeve.
Black, dark pupils not looking at me, I cancel my exit.
Ah, right, Gris can still hear me.
Could she know my intentions? Could she
Know where I am headed? I have
To say something. 'Gris, I will be right back, wait for me.'
Ordinarily, emotions are beneath me. But,
My voice is shaking, rapidly.
Yank on my sleeve, I gaze at Gris. She is not
Looking at me.
And her words,
She is shaking. 'Li, please, don't leave!'
The grip, it is strengthening.
Her tears, they are flowing.
Over and over, they are falling.
Maybe it is best I word this better.
Every word holds weight. Trying again, I breathe.
'I am returning to the surface to get my Vision,' I explain,
No. My voice is wavering.
Emotions, leave.
Emotions, leave.
Do not get in my way, feelings, cease.
I hear her tears fall faster.
The floor is wet.
I can't do this, composure is dead.
'No, Li, please! I don't want to be alone right now!'
Even so, I cannot stand by, my former Vision, I need it.
Even so, I cannot stand by, my venom is not enough.
Dabbing into my memory, a name comes back to me.
Maybe the Priestess can stay with Gris,
Yes, that is the answer. The Priestess, the Priestess, I will seek her out in Watatsumi.
Decision made,
I foolishly grab her hands. Bone and flesh joined, I
Say, 'I'll speak to the Priestess, she will be with you.'
Could I ask her such a request?
After all, we are from the forgotten past,
Removed from society.
Do the citizens above recall whom we
Even are?
Do not think so, but my
Vision, I must retrieve it.
I cannot let this go on, Gris,
She needs an extra pincer.
If she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Oh, world forgive for what I am about to do.
Now, it is time, to the Priestess I go."
Seed packets dropped into the hyena's hands upon Rena's arrival for the morning, the soldier gazed at her collar. Dendro Delusion sitting upon her neck, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Had Her Majesty gifted Rena a Dendro Delusion today? Seeing such, the hyena tilted his head. A Delusion, would it truly be able to help?
Reaching Borou Village through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult kept his mismatched eyes on the sinister yellow-green orb. A Dendro Delusion, wouldn't it have the opposite effect on nature? Delusions containing a dark aura, the soldier knew for certain. If such orb were released upon the soil fields, nothing good would come of it, for sure.
Reaching the soil fields for the second day in a row was a sight to behold. Tegne and Rede accompanied by the fancily dressed sheep and goat chimeras, the soldier tilted his head. The bounty hunters from Sumeru, what were they doing all the way in Inazuma? Wasn't Inazuma still a closed nation? Confusion ate the chimera up like a a plate of Katsu Sandwiches. Shorter goat chimera looking ready to speak, the hyena turned his head. Whatever conversation that was about to occur was no business of his.
"Why did you call us here? Proxy maps aren't cheap!" Kylling exclaimed. "We have bounties to hunt!" Lang's voice soon joined the party.
"Yeah, unlike you lazy pertookuses, we have jobs," Lang added. "So, bring us up and put us down quickly, cous! You're interrupting our real jobs!"
Watching as Tegne raised his leg, the hyena let out an exasperated sigh. More yelling was about to come everyone's way. Why couldn't the ram chimera ever respond to anything without blowing up in a huge explosion? The pest of a penguin chimera and ram had to have met one another in the past, passing off their aggravating selves to one another in the process.
"How could you! Rede and I are an artist and writer! We have jobs!" Tegne shouted, hands waving with a fervor. "Archons! That doesn't matter! Please, can you two make it rain? Watatsumi Island needs it for their plant life!" He placed his hands into a pleading position.
Gazing at the two ladies, Siorc's eyes had begun to twitch as Lang and Kylling had begun laughing. Were they not willing to help out their family? How absolutely cruel of them, if such were indeed the case. But, the soldier kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could say such. Making assumptions was incredibly rude of him.
"Uh, heyo, Tegne! I've told you so many times!" Lang responded, irritated tone evident in her voice. "I, nor my girlfriend, can make it rain with our Visions!" Kylling soon through herself into the conversation ring.
"That's why you called us here?" Kylling asked the party of two, she then turned her attention towards Rede. "Cous, you should know we use our Visions as weapons! Not as weather instruments!" She then held Lang's hand. "We're leaving, buh bye! And get real jobs!"
Blinding light engulfing the party of two, the group of six had soon become four. Tegne and Rede with dejected looks on their faces, the soldier could feel his heart sink in his chest like a rock in the ocean. Had their cousins hit a nerve? But, the hyena shook his head. It was no business of his to get involved. Rena stepping forward, the early adult backed three steps away.
"Don't worry about them," Rena said, tone fake and plastic. "I brought seeds with me that can withstand any sort of toxins. Let's plant them together, shall we?"
Round of applause coming Rena's way at the sight of her Dendro Delusion upon their collar, the early adult allowed a barely audible sigh escape the esophagus. Tegne and Rede, did they think Rena's Delusion was a Vision? He supposed such could have been the case. Seed packets thrown his way, the chimera lowered himself to his knees.
Packet entitled, Magical Radishes Seeds: Grow Anywhere! In Any Condition! the soldier closed his eyes for a moment. The seed packets, could they truly grow in any soil, no matter what condition it was in? He could not help but feel the claim was a lie created to sell more products.
Gardening shovel in hand, the soldier dropped the seeds into the hole. Seeds looking normal with absolutely no magical qualities to speak of, the early adult closed the hole up in an instant. Wherever Rena got her seeds from, she was scammed in broad daylight, for sure.
Delusion Dendro energy placed around the hole he had just closed up, a wave of unease wrapped vines around the chimera. Rena's Delusion, wouldn't it poison the soil further? Packet of carrot seeds thrown his way, the soldier had begun to dig up another hole. There was no time to be thinking. Planting had to come of him now.
Carrot seeds planted into the soil, the soldier gazed at Rede. Glowing seeds dropping down into the holes, the early adult could feel himself turn green. The goat chimera could help nature directly. What a fascinating power to be had, for sure. His flower friends, why were they unable to produce seeds of their own to help as well? But, the chimera quickly snapped himself out of it. Now was not the time to think about other chimera's Visions.
Three hours soon passing, and twenty rows of soil filled in, a disturbance had filled the air. The soldier did not know why, but an urge had suddenly filled his partially human brain. Sanganomiya Shrine entering his mind, the hyena rose to his feet. The shrine, he had to go there. Impulse only getting stronger as the seconds raged onward, the chimera prepared to stage his exit, but a sea of voices soon stopped him in his tracks.
"Is something the matter, kid?" Rede asked, concern evident in his voice.
Watching as Siorc rose to his feet unwarranted, Rena cracked her knuckles. Did he think he could leave on the job without her permission? The hyena chimera had another thing coming if he thought it would allow him to leave. It would set the record straight of who was in charge of this operation.
"Where do you think you're going, Siorc?" Rena asked, tone noxious. "You can't leave let! You still have work to do." Seed packet thrown at his face, it rolled up its sleeves. "Sit back down, and get back to planting!"
Impulse only getting stronger, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Clapping his hands twice and interlacing his fingers together for a moment, the early adult looked into Rena's singular visible eye. Shrine signed on private display, the hyena would not falter. Rede turning his way, a wave of unease shot down the soldier's partially human spine. Was everyone about to scold him? He supposed he had crossed a line too far.
"Rena, he seems to be saying he wants to go to the shrine," Rede said to Rena in a calm tone. "Could you allow him?"
Rena looking his way with major disgust, the soldier let out a gulp. Rede, was he about to face Rena's wrath? Their charismatic disguise would break in an instant, for sure. Eye soon on him, another shock shot down the partially human spine. Violence would come his way after the mission was over, for sure.
"Fine, I'll allow you," Rena replied. "But, I expect you to be back in half an hour, or else."
Knowing if he were not back in the time Rena said, she would have his neck, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back uniform pocket. Sanganomiya Shrine waypoint highlighted, the hyena dissipated back into orb form. Shrine staircase in front of him in a split second, the soldier ascended the staircase.
As the chimera traversed the bridge, a sight of immediate concern caught the hyena's heterochromatic eyes. Liath standing by the Priestess looking about ready to break, the soldier's heart skipped three beats. Why had Liath been tugging on the Priestess' sleeves? The world was wrong, reversing in the opposite direction.
"Sanganomiya, please, I need you to go down to Enkanomiya for me!" Liath begged, voice shaking, hands continuing to tug on her sleeve. "Gris has gone blind! I need someone to watch her while I go back to my former home to get my Vision!" It grabbed the sleeve even harder. "Please, I am begging you, Sanganomiya. If she dies, I'll..." But Liath cut itself off. "I need you to do this for me."
Seeing how disheveled Liath looked, the hyena could feel glass breaking inside him. Gris had gotten worse? Surely, a healer could help her. Healer sticking in his brain, the chimera wondered. Could Loba have any sort of medicines in the Natlan medical ward to cure blindness? But, the soldier shook his head. There was not enough time to teleport to Natlan.
"I will," the Priestess replied. "But, in exchange, I would like you to use your scorpion venom to neutralize the poison within the soil."
Scorpion venom mentioned for the entire shrine to hear, the soldier tilted his head. Was fighting poison with venom a sound strategy? Surely, the Priestess was still tired from the battle yesterday. There was no way using stronger venom would destroy weaker poison, but the hyena knew he could not say such. Her Majesty could be listening from anywhere in Teyvat; the walls were thin.
"If that is what it takes, then so be it," Liath replied, voice still shaking. "Please, help Gris!"
Priestess telling Liath there was a boat docked near Mouun Shrine, the scorpion chimera had bolted away at lightning speed. Priestess soon looking the hyena's way, sweat had formed upon the chimera's brow. Was he about to face her wrath? He knew listening into other people's conversations was rude. If he had disturbed the peace, an apology was to be in order, in an instant.
"Are you here for more seeds? Rena-san left some here," the Priestess said, voice soft. "Here you go. You must prepare for the hardship going forward."
Seeds packets proclaiming they were magical placed into the palm of his hands, the chimera bowed a thank you to the Priestess. Knowing that, at any moment, thirty minutes would have passed, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to Borou Village. Rena, Tegne and Rede busy with work, the soldier wedged himself in.
Final set of seeds placed into the soil after two hours, a new order had come the party of three's way. Seed packet proclaiming it was used for the treatment of dead grass, the soldier tilted his head. Were had Rena obtained such seed packets from? There was no way such claims were true, in the slightest.
Hundreds of seeds spread into the decaying grass of the Electro Nation of Eternity after four hours of planting, the soldier could only continue to wonder. Would any of the seeds planted truly help the vegetation crisis? He could not help but feel a hole had been looped through.
Rena soon looking his way, the early adult blinked. Was it just his imagination, or had Rena been smirking at him? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. Surely, he had just been seeing things. Lynx chimera looking ready to speak, the soldier kept his attention forward.
"You did a decent job today, butterfly," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "But, next time, if you try to leave while on the job to do something unrelated, I won't be so kind!" It then turned towards Tegne and Rede. "Tegne-san, Rede-san, your work, however was exceptional." It then turned back towards the hyena chimera. "You can leave now, I have other business to attend to within Watatsumi Island." Locking onto Tegne and Rede's hands, a fake smile appeared on its face. "I can help you two with that book of yours, I know a person." It then turned towards Siorc one final time, voice lowering into a whisper. "I'll see you next time, but remember, flea. Don't ask to wander off again on the job, or that neck of yours will be decorated a certain color." Exiting the area, four had soon become one.
Naofa soon gone from his field of damaged vision, the hyena opened the proxy orb into map form. The time had not yet come to return to Snezhnaya. Pressing the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Enkanomiya section of the map. Narrows soon highlighted, the early adult closed his eyes. Library upon him after a short walk, the chimera took a deep breath.
Hidden home behind the bookcase soon reached, the chimera gazed at the walls. Was this truly the right thing to do? Entering the scorpion chimera's house uninvited? But, the hyena knew. The Priestess and the young scorpion chimera had to know. The medical ward in Natlan, the information about it had to come their way, for sure.
Gris lying upon the couch, face soaked with tears, the chimera could feel his glasses begin to fog up. Had she been in pain? If such were the case, she needed medical assistance right away, guaranteed. Inhuman pupils pitch black, a rock had been tossed into the pit of his partially human stomach. Had she been unable to see completely? Sight was a gift that could be taken away at any moment.
"I don't want Li to fight alone," Gris cried, voice shaking. "Why did I have to go blind at a time like this? The monsters down here have been far more dangerous lately." Her words had begun to choke on themselves.
Hearing Gris' cries, the soldier put his foot down on the ground. There was no way he could remain silent any longer. The Priestess, and the younger scorpion chimera, they had to know there was a medical ward a teleport away, currently human feet firm, he motioned his lips to speak.
"I know a doctor in Natlan, ma'am," Siorc blurted out. Gris turning her head, the soldier waited.
"Huh? Fatui, is that you?" Gris asked, unable to look at him. "But, the Priestess told me..."
Priestess looking his way with a somber look, the chimera could feel himself begin to shatter. Alerted to a fact that Gris' eyes could not be healed with any sort of human medicine, the glass within him had been shards beneath his feet. He supposed, if there was nothing that could be done, he should leave. If he were to stay any longer, he would trespassing, for sure.
Bowing an apology the Priestess' way, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Ice cold hallways upon him, the soldier kept walking. Steel walled room upon him, the early adult stared at the barricaded window.
Walking upon a circle on the ice cold floor, a wave of thoughts crashed around in the active shark grooves in his brain. Gris' eyes, would it be impossible to heal? He supposed, being a chimera, human medical science was ineffective on reptile eyes. But, another thought wrapped vines around the chimera.
Enkanomiya, had it been getting more dangerous? He knew, if such were the case, there was nothing he could do about the issue at hand. Knowing such was the case, a ton had been dropped onto the hyena's back. Chimeras were suffering, and his eyes had to remain blind. He knew he could not deal with such situation. Wandering off would to deal with other engagements on a workday would lead to his death, in an instant.
Wave of tiredness coming his way, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform put away, and glasses off, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of sleep took him away.
Chimeras were suffering, indeed.