[Other Fanfic] Silence is Purple

[Palamon]

19. Siorc Attempts to Find Hase 1

Dreaming had continued its relentless tormenting pattern within the young adolescent chimera's subconscious mind. The pattern of torment would not halt in the night before him, either.

Before him was a familiar setting, a setting of which had been nostalgic for Siorc. In front of him was an area with trees, many trees that were taller than the chimera could ever imagine. Such familiarity ended immediately within the hyena's subconscious mind, however. Within his subconscious field of vision was a small red tent with diagonal stripes on it. Examining the area of not reality further, a gulp released from the young soldier's throat. Another familiar sight was about to befall him. Such had been a common occurrence within the dream world he had been forcefully pulled into.

Horizontal to him were three short humanoid creatures. The humanoid creatures adorned a mask with a Pyro symbol covering their faces. Behind the mask had been a fuzzy red mane adorning horns at the top of it. Looking downward, the hyena observed the creatures further. Below the fuzz of a mane was an orange cloth belted with an off rope. The cloth had been an oddity to behold within the not reality for the hyena. Seeing such creatures seethed a familiar, comforting feeling for the chimera. Intelligence was not the humanoid creature's strong suit.

Perhaps, for once, the dream presented before him would not be of the tormenting variety. Having seen such creatures around the open wilderness as a child, subconscious fear left immediately. Creatures in the wilderness were not especially intelligent creatures.

Such feelings of comfort had died swiftly upon arrival.

Between the three creatures was a familiar face. Green hair he'd recognize anywhere. His younger sister, Hase stood between the humanoid creatures hunched over in fear, similar to how many generic citizens within the world of Teyvat had done upon seeing such creatures. Examining closer, a horrific sight permeated within the young budding soldier's subconscious field of vision. Within the three creature's right hands were clubs. The clubs burned passionately. Seeing his sister there, he knew something of utter torment was about to befall him.

The three humanoid creatures spun the clubs of fire readily. Battle was the only thing raging within their mind's. The girl having been their enemy, the creatures' dim brains would not falter upon the prey before them.

"Ya!" the creatures cried. Swinging their clubs of fire passionately, the creatures attacked fervently. "Kundala!" Uttering the battle cry in their own language, the flames had begun their reduced rampage within his dream world.

The fire had begun to hit his sister hastily, but surely, although subconscious Hase remained silent. Cowering had continued. As the flames engulfed her, Siorc's subconscious bespectacled eyes twitched immediately. Why? Was it his sister this time? Why was she acting similar to generic humans within the open wilderness? Autonomy was a beast to behold.

"Hase! Hase, fight back! Hilichurls are pretty weak!" cried Siorc, desperation extremely evident in his voice. "Hase!" But his cries were not heard. She could not see, she was unable to answer. Her pose of cowering played out endlessly. The hyena's eyes had begun to twitch faster as the flames seared on his sister quicker. "Hase!" He shouted once more, but it was useless. The battle before him would not cease existing.

Above his sister's head was a number. The number was the singular digit of one. Such number was an oddity to behold, for sure. The humanoid creatures having numbers as well, the hyena gulped at the large digits above the three creatures heads. Reading the number closely, the gulp turned into a gasp. The numbers were the digits of ninety-two. Scratching his subconscious head, the chimera stared at the numbers expectantly. What did the numbers mean? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, the numbers had meaning to them. Such numbers, however, were meaningless to the adolescent soldier.

Knowing Hilichurls to be weak creatures, Siorc rummaged through his pocket of numbness. Weapons occasionally having been within his pockets in the land of dreams, the chimera searched the pouch of nothing frantically. Surely, a weapon had to have been in there this time. As the rummaging continued, a horrified realization planted itself inside the hyena.

Nothing, no weapon. Not a single one. The pockets of not reality were a pit of emptiness.

No weapon being on his partial person, the young soldier closed his eyes defeatedly. Fighting bare handed was useless. Hands currently being human, Siorc knew he had stood no chance against the enemies of unintelligence. Having no way to help, the hyena had sunk to his knees dejectedly. There was nothing that could be done, failure was upon him.

"Kundala!" the Hilichurls called out again. Uttering their battle cry again, the creatures swung their flaming clubs again. Flames hitting Hase violently, the young girl faded into nothingness. Defeat being evident, the primitive creatures danced ceremoniously. The threat had been eliminated.

Seeing his sister fade away before his subconscious eyes, tears streamed down the chimera's face. He knew none of this was real; it was nothing more than a dream. He knew that, but the horror before him would not shake off easily.

"Hase, why?" the chimera cried out weakly. "Why were you just standing there like that?" Upon uttering such phrase, the hyena could see the enemies flailing their flaming weapons readily. One final gulp released from the adolescent's throat, the young man stared lifelessly. He was next; their next target. Safety had left him behind.

The numbers above the creatures heads weren't meaningless, indeed.

***

Forty-five days had passed since the glasses ordeal had occurred. Within the six weeks of time, being bespectacled was something the chimera had slowly, but surely gotten used to. Glasses being a necessity, wearing the lenses cemented into his daily routine of dressing the body. During such time frame, the steel wall room had also become the young budding soldier's permanent residence within the soldier barracks. Having no choice but to accept it, Siorc quietly had become unwillingly familiar with his soundproof room of solitude.

For thirty of the forty-five days, nonstop snow had raged endlessly in the permafrost north. Such was a normal occurrence in the nation of Snezhnaya. While such storm had been occurring, every single Fatui within the military barracks had been sent to Natlan on a daily basis. Everyone having been ordered to collect heat sources, not a single soldier within the barracks faltered. Heat sources were a necessity in the frozen northern land if one wished to keep living.

Natlan not being a place he wished to return to, Siorc collected heat sources with his subordinates unwillingly for the thirty days of monotony. Chest hurting whenever entering the nation, the fear of having a repeat incident loomed over him. However, such fears disintegrated slowly throughout the month of nothingness as the jackal chimera stationed within Natlan assisted him. Being guided to safe paths within the terrifying nation of heat and fire, no repeat incident had ever occurred. While the nation of heat was no longer a source of fear for him, fire had still been a source of torment for the soldier. Phobias were quite the stubborn permeance within the dormant shark grooves in his brain.

After having collected enough supplies, fifteen days of building permanent heat sources throughout the military barracks raged onward. Building heat sources had been a task of pure monotony. It was almost as if the forty-five days were deliberately empty, as if such a force outside Teyvat had determined such a fate for the Fatui. Such days of monotony were about to come to a crashing halt today.

Upon waking up from his tormented slumber, a scream bounced off and back around the steel walls. The dream he had would not exit his mind. Unease swallowing the chimera whole, Siorc rose from the uncomfortable bed. Time not being a virtue within the military barracks forced upon him, the adolescent had autonomously begun his morning routine of dressing the body.

While dressing in his uniform efficiently, various thoughts of unease churned inside the young budding soldier's partially human brain. Hase, could she be out there somewhere in the seven nations of Teyvat? Where could she be now? As the thoughts of his sister's whereabouts swam inside him like fish in a lake, Siorc gulped. He was not ready for the day at hand. The hyena knew such thoughts would have to disappear quickly. The Fatui Agent could arrive at any moment. Adjusting his glasses, the chimera continued his morning routine quietly.

Breathing in deeply to remove the unease feasting inside him, the hyena clicked the hairpins and earrings into place. Putting on his favorite moon shaped earrings and hairpins on for the day, the chimera breathed a final time. Dreams were nothing more than a fabrication inside the brain. Upon finishing his morning routine, the presence of the Fatui Agent closed in. Seeing the Agent close in within his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, Siorc put on the most diligent face possible. Whatever work were to be handed to him today, he knew he had to be ready for it.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "We have been assigned negotiation affairs within the library of Mondstadt today." The masked agent gave authoritative eye contact with his subordinate in arms. Another day, another negotiative affair.

Siorc jumped four steps back upon hearing the name Mondstadt release from his subordinate's unseen lips. They were going to Mondstadt again? His former homeland that had been stolen from his childhood a few years prior. Hearing such name being uttered, one thought circled in his mind, and one thought alone. The thought overpowering him, nothing in his partially human brain remained.

He would go search for his sister today.

He would search for his sister, and try to have a brief reunion with her. Being Fatui property, he knew only a brief reunion was something he could allow. Remembering most of the rest of the world of Teyvat had currently been in the season of autumn, the chimera knew the perfect place to begin searching for her. Wolvendom, he would start searching in Wolvendom. Knowing Hase loved picking pumpkins in autumn, perhaps he would run into her there. Cracking his knuckles, the chimera would not falter. Today was the day his search party would begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" called out the Fatui Agent again. "What are you doing? We have work in Mondstadt today. Stop fooling around!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. He didn't know what his subordinate was thinking, as usual.

Siorc flinched almost completely on cue. Having been removed from his thoughts, he knew he had to at least play the part of the obedient diplomatic soldier, for the time being.

"Yes sir," he replied autonomously. Holding out his arm quietly, the chimera prepared for the Agent to grip him tightly, like always.

"Excellent, then let's go soldier," the Agent responded. Seeing the chimera hold out his arm, the agent clamped down violently. The grip had been as tight as a door locked from the inside with no key. Gripping prison was relentless, as usual. As the escort to Mondstadt began, Siorc placed his free hand on his chest quietly.

He hoped the day would be today he would be reunited with his missing sister.

***

Upon arriving outside the city library through a Portable Waypoint, the Agent had instructed Siorc to find the librarian that had been in charge within the Knight of Favonius headquarters. Having never seen a Portable Waypoint before, the chimera could not help but wonder: did the Agent not have a wind glider? The hyena knew there had been another Teleport Waypoint close to the Knight's Headquarters in a high up area. The young budding soldier cared not, however. Being released from the gripping prison surprisingly early, the young man opened the door to the library diligently. He knew, at least for the moment, he had to at least find the librarian inside before exiting quietly.

The library was an oddly dark area. Bookshelves towering to the height of the ceiling, less light had been evident in the large, two story room. Allowing a sigh to release from the throat, the hyena sauntered onward. Seeing a desk within his damaged field of heterochromatic vision, the adolescent headed over to the desk diligently. As the desk and the soldier met, a tall woman could be seen standing behind it. The woman had brown hair partially up in a side ponytail with a purple rose holding it in place. On her head was a purple triangular shaped hat. Such a hat was an oddity to behold for the young man. Hat matching her uniform, the woman had been wearing a purple Knights of Favonius outfit. Everything about the woman behind the desk screamed Electro. He swore he could see her smiling at him while the soldier examined her.

"Hey there, cutie," the woman replied. Her tone of voice was teasing, for whatever reason. "Do you need something?"

Siorc jumped six steps back. Cutie? What an odd woman. Hearing such uncalled for words of affection from a complete stranger, the chimera remained silent. Within seconds of the affection without his consent on the matter, the Agent stepped in front of the hyena. Knowing the Agent was about to take charge of the situation, he knew slipping away unnoticed would be an easy feat.

"You must be the head librarian," the Agent said diligently. "We have an important matter to discuss with you." The Agent was immediately absorbed into work, as expected.

Quietly observing six steps behind, Siorc did not care to listen or engage in the negotiations at hand, especially with the flirtatious librarian. Only hearing the word Mora and nothing else, he stepped back silently. The Agent already having been deep into work mode, he likely did not even notice the chimera was there anymore, the hyena ventured to guess. As the door zeroed in within his presence, the young man attempted to open the door as silently as possible. Hearing the library door squeak as it opened, the soldier hoped no one had heard him exit to the outside.

As the Portable Waypoint had been adjacent to him, the adolescent let out an inaudible sigh from the esophagus. Almost instantaneously, he highlighted the waypoint to Wolvendom with his finger. He was ready. Ready to search for his sister in the woods for a possible quick reunion. Autumn was her favorite season, he knew there had to have been a small chance she could have been in the woods searching for a pumpkin. As the teleportation began, Siorc closed his eyes. The chimera could not stand the extremely bright light that teleporting had given off. But, none of that mattered to the young budding soldier, at the moment.

The one member search party was about to begin.

***

Despite how blinding teleporting had always been, the destination being reached quickly always outweighed the risk. Gliding was simply not an option. He knew he had to search quickly; daylight in autumn was not very long lasting. Remembering there had been a boy that lived inside the woods, Siorc's legs quickly erupted into a sprint.
Recalling the boy had stood in a dome near a blue glowing sword, the chimera followed the path diligently.

Seeing strange patches of grass within his bespectacled field of heterochromatic vision, the hyena abruptly ended his sprint. The patch of grass had a blue bulb on the end of it, emitting a bright light. Such a fascinating patch of grass, it was. Having seen such grass of fascination in his childhood, a wave of nostalgia overtook the chimera. The blue bulbed grass glowing beautifully; the young man admired it quietly. What an incredibly beautiful plant it was. Such admirations were quickly halted, however.

Hearing the sound of Hilichurls in the background, a growl bellowed in Siorc's throat. Who dared to disturb him while in the blissful land of flowers and plants? Monsters were absolutely rude creatures. Closing his eyes, the chimera turned his human hand into a hyena paw. Slashing his claws at the Hilichurls almost as if by instinct, the sound of defeat resounded within the area. The screams of the monsters quickly having returned him to reality, the young man opened his eyes. What was he doing, getting distracted by grass of fascination, at a time like this? Closing his eyes again, the young soldier quickly retracted his hyena paw. As his paw returned to being a human hand, the adolescent's legs erupted into a sprint again. Momentary distractions were now the enemy.

Eventually seeing the dome with the blue sword in the center closing in, the chimera briefly halted his sprint. Scouting the area, he could see the hooded boy within a small distance. Jumping down the ledge, the hyena walked over to the boy quietly. Not usually being the confrontational type, the adolescent tapped the hooded boy on the shoulder. He knew this interaction had to be quick, or the Agent would notice he had disappeared, for sure.

Tap having registered, the hooded boy stood up. Having been a lot taller since the last time the chimera had seen him, the hyena hoped he was recognizable to the hooded forest boy. It had been years since the two had encountered one another last. Watching as the boy sniffed him like his proclaimed wolf family, Siorc stood quietly.

"Your smell," the hooded boy said. "You green bunny's lupical!" A hint of happiness was evident in the hooded boy's voice.

Siorc's ears peaked at the words green and bunny. Did the hooded boy mean Hase? Being a Fatui Soldier, he knew asking questions was not something that was allowed, but the chimera cared not at this moment in time. He had to know if the hooded boy meant his sister or not. Taking a quick breath, the hyena readied the forbidden art of asking questions to the forest boy.

"You've seen Hase?" he asked. "Where did she go?!" A tone of desperation was evident in his voice. Hase, had she still been close by? Many questions were brewing inside him, but no more forbidden questions would leave the hyena's throat.

The hooded boy scratched his grey hair briefly for a moment. Perhaps he didn't remember such a name? The chimera knew, however, patience was key. Information processed differently for various groups of people. Knowing such a fact, the hyena did not rush the hooded boy. After a few minutes, the hooded boy motioned his lips to speak again.

"Green bunny train with me for awhile," the boy replied, grunting a tiny bit. "Where she go? I don't know." His voice had sunk a bit upon saying such phrase. Looking at Siorc in the eyes, the boy's face was resolute. "My information...useful?"

Hearing that Hase had been in Wolvendom recently, a small dejected sigh released from the chimera's throat. Hase had already left the area. Where could she have been to now? Thinking back, the hyena remembered his sister liked climbing high places. The young soldier remembering an area in Mondstadt with a high cliff point, the adolescent knew where to head off next. Before leaving for the area however, he knew he had to thank the boy, even if his information had no leads beyond his sister having been in the area recently.

"Your information was useful," the chimera replied slightly disingenuously. "Thank you." Waving goodbye to the hooded boy, the hyena exited the dome swiftly.

Recalling there had been an area in Mondstadt with a lot of high cliff areas and a lookout point, the hyena had come to one conclusion, and one conclusion only. Starsnatch Cliff, Hase had to have gone to Starsnatch Cliff. Besides pumpkins, the chimera knew his sister loved being in high places. Coming to such conclusion, Siorc highlighted the waypoint to Starsnatch Cliff with his finger. He knew this was his last chance of the day. The sun would set shortly.

As the teleportation began, the chimera closed his eyes again. No matter how many times teleporting had occurred, the blinding light was never something he could look at. Such matter was trifling at the moment; the chimera cared not. Finding his sister was the only thought that remained inside his partial human brain.

The one member search party continued.

***

Reaching the destination quickly, a horrific reality cemented instantly in front of the chimera's damaged eyes. The Teleport Waypoint had taken him to the bottom of the cliff, not the top. Having been at the bottom, climbing to the top had been his only option. Deciding on such an action, the hyena started climbing the grey rocks in front of him. Jumping every so often to get to the top quicker, a small broke out in the partial human's throat. As the top of the cliff neared, his panting increased in volume. Overwhelmed by a sudden moment of tiredness, the adolescent's hand slipped as his continued attempts to climb continued frantically. Second hand slipping almost immediately, the chimera descended backwards. Back hitting the ground, a pained scream released from the young budding soldier's throat. Gritting his teeth, Siorc quickly rose back to his feet.

Steep cliffs were an evil landform.

Taking a deep breath, the chimera returned to climbing. Not allowing himself to jump this time, the hyena climbed slowly. Eventually reaching the top slowly, but surely, another pant broke within the hyena's throat. Panting continuing like a beast on the prowl, the young man placed his currently human feet on the top of the cliff. Was his stamina level the default within the rules of the world? He knew such to not be true, but he felt like it was at the moment. Pondering such at the moment in time was not a virtue, however. Autumn nightfall would be upon him soon.

Within a small distance, the edge of the cliff had been glued to his heterochromatic field of damaged vision. Seeing a person standing on the cliff's edge, a sprint broke out in the chimera's legs yet again. As the person came closer within his line of sight, the chimera halted his third sprint of the day. Panting again from the heavy amount of exercise he had been doing, the hyena quickly attempted to regain posture. Panting having ended, Siorc examined the person quietly.

By the edge of the cliff was a teenage girl possibly no older than Hase. She had short silver hair that went down to her shoulders. There was a small braid on the forehead held together with a shield for a hairclip, and a small white hat could be seen on the top of her head. The chimera examined the girl's outfit diligently. The girl wore a red and white maid outfit, and white gloves with roses on the edge of the right glove. Tilting his head, the sight before him was a puzzling one indeed. What was a maid doing out on the edge of a cliff, of all places? The chimera did not know. Perhaps, someone had invited the girl to engage in an activity known as a hangout event with her. But, the hyena was none the wiser to such event existing.

The maid placed her hands over her mouth. The purple haired person looked similar to the girl she had been training with recently, per her request. Perhaps the lookalike was looking to train, as well? If such was the case, she would handle the duty, like a dutiful maid would.

"Hello," the maid greeted in a friendly tone. "You look quite similar to a girl I trained recently! Are you her sister?" Her eyes beamed a little. Perhaps if she trained this person as well, the knights would recognize her dutiful strength in helping people.

Siorc tilted his head a little. Sister? He supposed he did not care for being mistaken for a girl. Such was a trifling matter to the adolescent chimera. Not feeling like correcting her, the hyena motioned his lips to speak. Surely, this girl knew where Hase had gone off to. He knew asking questions still was not something he was allowed, but he continued to care not, at the moment in time.

"You've seen Hase?" he asked forbiddingly. "Do you know where she has headed?" Having spoken so much today was uncharacteristic of him, but the hyena no barely cared. Family was far more important than his forced upon duty as a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier. Placing his hands into a praying stance, the adolescent hoped quietly. Surely, his sister had to tell the maid where she was going. She had to have told someone, anyone, where was going.

The maid covered her hands with her mouth again. The person's voice in front of her having been slightly deep, a slight blush broke out on her face. The maid, however, quickly returned to her senses. This person needed her. While it had only been a question, she would answer it dutifully.

"Oh, dear, you're a boy, my apologies," she replied sheepishly at her mistake. Remembering the question at hand, the girl answered swiftly. "But, no, she did not." A small smile broke on the girl's face as she remembered the two of them training with one another. "It was an honor to serve her." The maid tacked on such phrase for polite measure.

Another sigh released from Siorc's throat. Hase had not told the maid where she was going, either. Where could she have gone? It was almost as if she did not wish to be found. Why was she training with so many people? He wished such questions could have an answer, but such question would not leave his lips. Not feeling like he could ask any more questions, the hyena knew it had been time to return to the library.

"Thank you for the information, ma'am," Siorc replied as he readied his exit. "Goodbye."

Noticing the sky had been dark now upon saying his farewell, the chimera hurried his teleportation. As the triad moment of blinding teleportation began, a small sense of dread broke inside him. It was evening, the Agent surely would have noticed his absence by now. Fear and disappointment feeding on his insides, the adolescent soldier let out a small groan.

Today was a horrific, and utter failure.

***

Upon returning to the Portable Waypoint, Siorc's fear had been correct. The Fatui Agent had been undeniably irritated. The Agent's boots tapped onto the Knight's Headquarters floor violently, rumbling the ground. The tap of his boots vibrated throughout the area like an earthquake.

"Where have you been?!" the Agent shouted. His voice was cracking. "I'll let you off easy this time, but If this happens again, I'll make sure Her Majesty knows of it!" The Agent gripped the chimera's arm with extreme force. "We're heading back now, let's go!" Making sure to grip his subordinate tighter than before, he clamped down enough to bruise the chimera's skin.

Hearing the Agent's threat, several chills had run down Siorc's partially human spine. Mercy was not something Her Majesty had ever given to people. While being told the Agent would not report his disobedience this time, he knew his life would be over for sure if a next time were to occur. As the escort back to the frozen northern land through the fourth and final Teleport Waypoint of the day had begun, the failure of the day overall stung the chimera in the back painfully.

His sister could be anywhere within Teyvat at this point. Such a reality presented before him stabbed him in the back with a violent roar. Looking for her on a Diplomatic Workday had no longer been an option. The chimera could feel his currently human legs shake as the Agent's threat continued to ring in his ears endlessly.

The seed of fear was blooming into a flower inside him. If he had not been distracted by such beautiful nature earlier, perhaps it would have still been day time by now. Gazing at nature earlier was a mistake he wished to erase.

Momentary distractions were the enemy, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

Before reading. This is a section I wrote way before Sumeru came out, so keep that in mind before reading.

20. Collecting War Machines in Sumeru

"As of recently, that feeling inside me, that abnormal
Rhythm beating, in my chest has accelerated, painfully.
Reigning supreme inside me, dictating my breathing.
Hearsay, as that incident was years ago now, but it still beaks my body inside me, supposedly.
Yielding this from happening constantly, I suppose it is too late.
The Jackal, she told me, permanent internal damages were likely.
How could I allow this to happen to me? Control is beyond my scope of ability.
Maybe, perhaps, taking a deep breath occasionally, will be all I might need.
It may be my only hope, to not bring disappointment to Her Majesty.
All I must do is remain calm, and diligent. Diligence is key."

A month had passed since the adolescent chimera had attempted to find his only remaining family. No incidents of becoming missing in action during diplomatic affairs had occurred in the thirty days of nothing. Knowing if he were to get caught again abandoning duties to enact upon forbidden desires, the hyena returned to remaining diligent. Diligence was key to successful living as a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.

For the entirety of the thirty days, nonstop snow had returned with a vengeance in the permafrost north. Heat sources finally having been made available, dangers of frostbite were no longer an issue for any soldier within the military barracks. Such ability to permanently be able to keep warm within small self contained areas was a luxury to be had, for sure. Knowing such luxury could be made limited at any point in time, no soldier within the military barracks faltered.

With such conditions being commonplace in Snezhnaya, training had been cancelled for the duration of the month of unrelenting snow. Training making its unceremonious disappearance, the young budding soldier could feel a sting of unease radiate throughout the body. The chimera knew now, more than ever before, reflexes were more necessary for defense. Training now having been absent within his life for about two months, rust took residence inside the hyena's body.

Despite such conditions never ending within the confines of the frozen northern land, Siorc's diplomatic affairs throughout the nation of Mondstadt sauntered onward. Knowing running off to continue the one member search party around the nation on a work day had no longer been an option, the adolescent soldier remained planted behind the agent at all times. Fatui Agent always taking charge in negotiative affairs, mundaneness continued its vicious roar.

While monotony had loomed over his shoulder like a ghost on Wuwang Hill, oddities had begun to form a pattern within the chimera's partially human body. Despite recently no longer fearing the Pyro nation of war in Teyvat, a heartbeat of intense unevenness proceeded with its ferocity. Being told by the medical chimera Fatui stationed in Natlan recently that internal damages were most likely permanent, the hyena quietly accepted such fate. Remembering his breathing exercises to calm such painful unevenness down, the adolescent used such knowledge to his disposal. Retaining knowledge was key to survival in the frozen northern land.

The uneven rhythm in his chest would continue onward today.

The sound of morning alarm bells rumbled throughout the area with an unwelcome clamor. As the alarm bells struck heartlessly, the grating sound of a multitude of Fatui soldiers rung lyrically. The alarm bells never failed in punctuality, as usual. The groans of dissonance echoed with a continuous vigor as the seconds transformed into minutes. Despite such protest, every soldier remained loyal within the military barracks.

The rasping sound of groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber within the steel walled room. The outcry having been far louder than any alarm bells, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Reaching for his glasses instinctively, the hyena placed them over his heterochromatic eyes. Vision being available to him, the young soldier pumped his currently human fists together. Not hearing the chilling wind slam the window outside, the adolescent knew. Today would be a simple day of training or diplomacy of nothing. Confidence leaking into the walls of the soundproof room, the young man had begun the routine of dressing the body.

While dressing in his uniform efficiently, various thoughts of confidence paraded inside the soldier's partially human brain. Today, for sure, would be yet another day of diplomacy or training. Confidence burning ferociously, the hyena closed the buttons on his uniform with due diligence. Anxiety collapsed outside in the snow, the chimera was ready for the agent's arrival any moment now.

Hearing the clacking of Fatui Agent boots increase in volume, the hyena clicked the hairpins and earrings into place. Having finished his morning routine, the chimera cracked his currently human knuckles swiftly. He was ready. Ready for whichever routine were about to grace his inhuman eardrums. Volume of footsteps having reached zero, the work mode switch flipped on inside his partially human brain. The time had come for his militaristic day to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "We are going to the nation of Sumeru to collect leftover materials today." The masked agent gave authoritative eye contact with his subordinate in arms. Another day, another new assignment.

Siorc's heart beat rapidly upon hearing the name Sumeru. Confidence drowning into the frozen waters, the chimera placed his hand on his chest. Routines changing was never something the solider had ever been ready for. Heart continuing to beat violently, the adolescent closed his eyes momentarily.

Opening his eyes, Sumeru echoed through the chambers of his mind. Wasn't Sumeru a nation of wisdom? Would a Fatui such as himself be allowed to enter such a nation? The chimera did not know, knowledge of the other nations in Teyvat was a limited resource. Never having learned about the other nations before venturing into the area himself, confidence was dead upon arrival, stabbed upon contact.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Fatui Agent called out again. "Are you with me? We are retrieving materials in Sumeru today. Get a move on!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. He could never fathom what was going on in his subordinate's head, as usual.

Hearing the name Sumeru again, the chimera flinched. Taking a deep breath, the hyena's heartbeat dissipated into normalcy. Turning to his subordinate, he readied for the gripping prison to take him immediately.

"Yes, sir," he replied autonomously. Obliviousness or not, he knew he had to be ready for the workday ahead of him. Holding his arm out, the adolescent awaited the agent to grip his arm like a ceremony.

"Excellent, then let's go, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm being held out, the subordinate squeezed the limb tightly. The grip had been as tight as chains locked around the wrists. Gripping prison was as relentless as it had always been. As the escort to Sumeru began, Siorc stared at the military barrack walls lifelessly.

Routines were swiftly, but surely, becoming an extinct species.

***

Upon reaching an unknown city in Sumeru through a Teleport Waypoint, the chimera examined the area around him diligently. An immediate feeling of intimidation seated itself into the chambers of his mind as the examination of the area begun frantically. The area was humid and sticky, like a summer day back in Mondstadt in his stolen childhood. The sun in the sky having been accompanied by clouds, the humidity bled into his winter uniform.

The city he had been in had been especially puzzling for the young budding soldier. The buildings had been nothing like the chimera had ever seen before. The building were grey, and jagged, unlike anywhere in the other three regions he had explored before. Seeing the buildings from a distance, an odd feeling made a meal out of him. This city had a scholarly feeling to it. The people walking around had an air of intelligence to them. Being in such a city of prestige, the hyena was a peasant at the bottom of the caste system.

To the left of the city had been an incredibly dense area decorated with green. Despite the area having been a distance away, it had been apparent to the soldier immediately. The humidity of the area had been caused by dense and thick nature throughout the region. The city being practically colorless in comparison, the green was quite the contrast. It was almost as if, in a world outside Teyvat, the area of Sumeru had not been a finished area yet for the general population to visit.

Having been removed from the gripping prison, the adolescent was ready to begin his militaristic collection duties. Being instructed to walk through a rainforest to a Fatui Camp a moderate distance away, the chimera sauntered onward. Agent exiting into an academic building as his orders were provided to him, a chill had run down his partially human spine.

He was going to travel through this rainforest entirely alone.

City of grey inching away as the seconds passed by, green graced his currently human feet. Grey being completely gone within his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, various shades of jade screamed at his damaged eyes. If his eyes had already not been gone without the lenses, such drastic brightness would strain one's eyesight instantly. Despite the jarring change from dark to light, Siorc would not falter. He knew complaints were not allowed to him as a Fatui Soldier. Even thousands of meters away, Her majesty could be listening. Nation walls were thin for the Cryo Archon's pawns of parry.

Green registering entirely, the young man started his second examination of the day. The area had been far more humid than the city he had just exited moments before. The ground the chimera had been standing upon was heavily saturated. Rain must have been a commonality, just as the name of the forest type had implied. Turning his head to the right, an endless sea of trees greeted the soldier. The trees were skyscrapers, blocking the sun from the outside. Rain possibly coming back at any moment, the adolescent readied himself to venture through the thick green of wet humidity.

Remembering that at the end of the rainforest was where the Fatui Camp he been instructed to go to had been, the chimera continued to walk straight. Ground's saturation being deep, he knew sprinting would be an impossible feat. Walking slow and carefully was the only option he had for disaster to not strike. Continuing to walk down the straight path, the abundance of nature planted a small seed of joy within the dormant shark grooves in his brain. If it were not for the job he had to accomplish, exploring the area on his own would certainly come into fruition.

Such joy was a short lived phenomenon, however.

As he continued along the straight damp path, something of immediate unease presented itself viciously. The animals in the trees, and creatures scurrying on the soaked ground were glaring at him. Daggers were being shot at him everywhere at a three-hundred-sixty degree angle. The animals, did they know he was a Fatui intruding upon the forest? Wisdom in Sumeru was a resource, indeed.

Straight path coming to an abrupt end, Siorc jerked his head to the east and west. The fork in the road, his worst enemy. Not knowing which direction he had to go in to get to the camp at the end, a gulp resonated in the chambers of his partially human throat. The Agent had not instructed him which direction to go in. While the adolescent had been familiar with forests traversing through Wolvendom in Mondstadt recently, rainforests were different. Sun being nowhere in his damaged line of sight, instinct was all the chimera had, at the particular moment in time.

Explorer's instinct guiding him, the hyena sauntered over to the right fork in the path. Creatures of the land continuing to glare at him, uneasiness continued feasting on his insides. The animals, why were they still staring at him so viciously? The chimera did not know. Such knowledge was unknown to the soldier. Finding out why such phenomenon was occurring could be researched at a later date. Time was not a virtue when the young man was on the nonexistent clock.

Attempting to brush off the endless glares, the adolescent accelerated his walk slightly. Continuing to be careful, the hyena made sure to not accelerate his walk into a sprint. Figuring the Fatui camp could not be much further ahead, the chimera continued walking straight through the path in front of him. Soon, surely, the camp where the materials he had to collect would soon be within his field of damaged vision. Although, such thoughts were a corpse inside him quickly.

Slowly, the sea of green had begun to swallow the chimera whole.

The end would never be reached from such direction. It became apparent to the young budding soldier almost immediately: the eastward path was not the correct one.

Stares of the animals on the trees and on the path in front of him intensifying, Siorc dropped to his knees. Saturation of the ground soaking his knees, the hyena let out a labored screech. Instinct was dead, the sea of green was endless. He swore the creatures had begun to stare at him more intensely. Feelings of being wayward stabbing him like the daggers of the animals glares, the chimera's heart begun to beat again wildly.

Pained rhythm accelerating as anxiety devoured him, unknown footsteps echoed throughout the area. The footsteps sounded graceful, nothing like the hyena had ever heard before. As the sounds of the steps ended, the chimera could hear a voice begin to call out to him.

"Ah, are you lost?" the voice asked. The voice was graceful, and feminine, just like the footsteps that had ended a moment ago. "I'll help you go onto the correct path." The voice's hand meeting his own, the chimera had been brought back to his currently hyena feet.

The lost soldier seeing his feet transformed, his face had become crimson. How incredibly embarrassing, a person saw his animal traits. Closing his eyes before looking at the person who had been the momentary crutch, the hyena legs turned back into human ones. Placing his shoes back on his feet, the young man opened his eyes again. What an absolutely embarrassing situation to be in. Heart beating two times harder, sweat poured down his back ferociously.

Everything returning to normalcy, Siorc examined the owner of the voice silently. The person directly adjacent to him had light green eyes, like the sea of the rainforest. Unlike the rainforest, however, the person's hair was burgundy, and went down to the shoulders. The hair of fruity color had been tied into two braids in the front. On the top of the head had been two crimson shaded ribbons poking into buns situated on the side of the head. The hair was beautiful, and graceful, just like their walking stature. On the top of the head had been curved, yet gorgeous, antlers. Was this person a type of fawn chimera? The hyena did not know, but he knew asking was not something he was allowed as a soldier. Examining further, something of immediate oddity caught his mismatched eyes. The person had been wearing a uniform. The uniform was also jade, like the area he had been lost in, at the moment. Green, albeit, barely, had not been the only color on the uniform. On the belt of the uniform had been a dark blue orb, clashing with jade horrendously. The dark blue orb had an odd symbol inside it. The young man glazed over such apparatus, ending the examination of the person's appearance. Seeing the uniform had been of the female variety, addressing such person correctly was a simple task.

Words, however, escaped him. The painful beats of his heart would not cease. Anxiety hugging from behind, the chimera swore sound was beginning to leave him. Being wayward in an endless sea of green was absolutely terrifying, indeed.

The alleged fawn blinked. Seeing such instances of panic many times before, the partial person knew what to do in such situation. Seeing the hyena legs a moment before, everything had been apparent to them. The two of them were the same type of creature. Sameness was a trivial matter at the moment. The person knew tranquility had to happen now. Placing a hand onto the nervous chimera's chest, they had begun the exercise of steadying one's breathing.

"Take a deep breath with me," the alleged fawn by his mind said. The voice was still gentle, and feminine as it had been moments before. Taking a deep breath as well to help him, the possible fawn could feel the heartbeat beneath her hand rage. "I know you may be nervous because you are lost, but please bare with me." The person took another deep breath. "Match my breathing. Like this, you can do it. Like that." With every reminder, the heartbeat beneath the hand dissipated into normalcy slowly with every breath the other took. Perhaps, one more time would do it. "Stupendous. One more time, alright? Deep breaths." After a few more deep breath mirrors, the beating of the heart could no longer be felt from underneath the palm. Removing their hand, the person backed three steps away. Space was a necessity in situations of panicking caliber.

Breathing exercise having calmed him down, the soldier knew gratitude was in order for the stranger. He motioned his lips to speak. Such act of assistance could not go without acknowledgement.

"Thank you, ma'am," Siorc said, voice barely audible. He had hoped ma'am was the correct. He knew appearances did not always match up on the address of which people wished to be called. "I appreciate it."

The stranger's face darkened. Ma'am? How old did he think she was? Seeing the person before them had been around the same age, disgust buzzed in her ears like a bee pollinating Sweet Flowers in the grass. While correcting someone was a rare occurrence for her, being called ma'am by someone close to her age simply would not do.

"Just call me miss, please," she replied. Tone of absolute disgust being unable to hide in her voice. Her words, despite such tone, remained graceful. Maybe it would be better to just introduce herself formally. "Or my name would do. My name is Parisa." A sigh escaped her throat. Maybe sharing what type of animal her dna was tampered with would do, as well. "Or, you can just call me gazelle. I care not. But, please, do not address me as ma'am. I do not have seniority over you."

Siorc could feel a shock pulse through his partially human spine at Parisa's anger presented before him. Was ma'am offensive? Anxiety had begun to nibble on his ear, biting it off with every continued chomp. A grave mistake, he knew he had to apologize for such unforgivable sin of missadress.

"I'm sorry, miss," the chimera responded somberly. "It will not happen again." Placing his hands into an apologetic stance, he had hoped it would come off as genuine.

Parisa blinked as the apology was being relented. Noticing there had been insignias on the brown jacket, she knew what type of person this was. Walking in front of him, the gazelle readied to take the hyena to the correct path. Having done this guiding activity a few times before, bringing the man of her possible age group to the right place was of no trouble to her. Readying the escort, the fawn chimera held out her hand to the species type in kind from behind her.

"Since you're a Fatui, I will not bother to ask for your name," she said coldly, grace not exiting her voice. "I will guide you to that camp. That is where you are headed, correct?" She continued to hold out her hand. Two hands linked together would allow for the destination to be reached faster.

Seeing the hand laid out to him to dry, the hyena grabbed Parisa's hand wordlessly. She knew he was a Fatui? The fawn was incredibly observant for sure. Hearing she knew the way out, the chimera pondered. Had Parisa done this before? He knew questions were a forbidden art, but curiosity overpowered his lips.

"You know the way out, miss?" he asked forbiddingly. As such question was uttered, he could feel the animal's stares get more intense. "Thank you." He tacked on such for good measure. The creatures of the rainforest's gazes remained relentless despite his politeness. Sweat poured down his back. Nothing would satisfy the inhabitants of the area, it would seem.

Noticing the inhabitants of the rainforest had been glaring at the Fatui, the gazelle's soft eyes glowed vehemently. The creatures of the rainforest were wary. Surmising traversing to the right exit would be difficult, the fawn chimera slammed her foot down violently. It was time to get the rowdy animals in line.

"Please stop staring at him," Parisa exclaimed irritably. Even her irritation had sounded graceful. "He will not harm any of you. I am just passing him through for a job." She placed her hands onto the blue orb on the side of her uniform. "I do not want to have to use my Vision on you. So, you had best behave!"

Stares dissipating upon the shout, a relieved sigh escaped Siorc's throat. Daggers disappearing slowly, the chimera bowed to the fawn quickly. After a few moments had passed, he could feel the gazelle's hand begin to move him westward. Was Parisa aware punctuality was an important virtue within the permafrost north factions? The chimera did not know, but he knew asking another forbidden question would likely result in punishment. The walls were thin, Her Majesty could be watching.

Walking to the left for awhile, the fork he had originally incorrectly turned to had become the correct direction. Hand still glued to his, the westward travel would not cease for even a millisecond. Guided escort playing out endlessly, the camp was almost within his heterochromatic field of damaged vision. The green would end soon.

Such escort halted abruptly. The sounds of Hilichurls could be heard resounding. Horned creatures had come running upon hearing the footsteps of travelers, the creatures danced ceremoniously, readying to attack. A gulp released itself from the partially human esophagus. The Hilichurls in front of him were not like the ones commonly seen within Mondstadt or Liyue. The horned creatures' robes were pale green instead of brown. In the creatures' right paws were a spiked lime shaded club. The hyena had recalled smaller Hilichurls that spoke magical chants existed in the open wilderness. This creature, however, did not look like such. He believed the element the horned creature had been wielding was known as Dendro, Sumeru's specialty. If his hand had not been glued to another's, turning his hand into a hyena paw would defeat the creatures. Hand being glued too tightly, emotionally driven transformations were dead upon arrival.

Removing her hand from the Fatui's momentarily, Parisa's Vision glowed on her uniform. Indigo polearm appearing in her left hand, she was ready to strike the Hilichurls with one blow. Monsters appearing towards the camps at the forest edge commonly, a single strike would be sufficient enough for defeat.

"I'll take care of this," she said diligently. There was a sign of battle prowess leaking from her vocal chords. "You don't seem to have a Vision or weapon on you. This will be over in just a moment."

Pools of water surrounded her body gracefully after such words had been uttered. The water hitting the Hilichurl's spiked club, the deluge knocked the weapons away from their hands. Monsters being defenseless, Parisa twirled her legs into a dance. Appearing behind the horned creatures, she swiped the polearm with elegance. Poking the polearm onto the Hilichurl's backs, the creatures disintegrated into dust after the strike ended. Clapping her hands together as the monster's lives had been extinguished, the fawn chimera's weapon vanished as quickly as it appeared. It was almost as if she was at the maximum power possible, six stars on a screen of numbers.

Gluing her hand onto the hyena's again, the walk resumed. "No more monsters should bother us anymore," she whispered quietly, but with elegance. "The camp is almost there. So, stick with me a little longer." Not slowing down for even a second, the tent had finally been within the field of vision. As the tent had finally been adjacent, Parisa removed her hand from the species of sameness. "I believe this is the place, no? Best to collect your supplies now. I will guide you back to the city when you finish." She backed away seven steps to give the chimera space.

Siorc blinked at the proclaimed materials he had to return to the Agent. In front of him was a tank. Or so he believed. The tank was odd. What was the strange contraption presented before him? He had never seen such a device before in his three years as a diplomatic soldier. The tank was steel, and had a triangular symbol on the back of it. On the inside looked like water could be placed inside it. Was it some sort of Hydro tank? The chimera did not know, but he knew there was no more time to speculate. The hourglass sand was about to reach the bottom. Next to the odd tank had been a weapon of which he had never seen before. It was a thin and round weapon that looked as though it could fire projectiles. What an odd device, it was. He knew, dawdling was no longer an option. Picking up the strange device had to become of the hyena now.

Attempting to lift such device was an immediate failure. What was this tank made out of, platinum? As the chimera continued to try lifting the strange tank, endless grunts released from the hyena's throat. How could such an object be so incredibly heavy? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. He would end such ridiculous weakness now. Such strength would never come.

He could not lift it. It would not move. Not one centimeter, none whatsoever.

Another grunt escaped the throat. Lifting such an object was regretfully impossible. War machines were incredibly heavy, indeed.

Bearing witness to such a struggle, Parisa dragged out a sigh. Lifting up the Fatui war machine paperweight, the fawn chimera placed the tank onto the hyena's back with absolutely no trouble. Tying the Hydro device onto his back with ease, the gazelle proceeded to the second tank hidden by the first one. Placing it onto her back with ease, she held the machine of war onto her back gracefully, despite the horrific purpose such device served.

Seeing the fawn place one of the contraptions on her back, a chill had run down his spine. The Agent would scold him if he had seen him getting assistance. Following instructions diligently was key. Any discrepancies might lead to violent repercussions. He knew he had to tell Parisa this fact immediately.

"Miss, you do not have to carry the other one," Siorc exclaimed quietly and emotionless. "I will come back for it." If the weight on his back was not excruciating, he would wave his currently human hands in the air.

Parisa scoffed at such suggestion of returning for the second war machine. Was this hyena's intelligence disintegrating? Just moments ago, the chimera could not even lift the tank onto his own back. Absolutely unintelligent nonsense. She would end such ludicrously now.

"Poppycock," she uttered callously. The grace in her voice completely gone. All that remained was a bitter bite. "I know you are a Fatui Soldier, but do you possibly think could carry two war machines?" A laugh of salt resonated throughout the area. "I do not think so. I will bring the second one. So, let us go back." Her words were as sour as a jar of expired sugar.

A short gasp leaped from Siorc's partially human esophagus. The fawn chimera was completely contrary to the way she had been acting the entire time previously. It had been evident to the hyena immediately. Irritating the wrong person was a terrifying beast to behold. Arguing her point would definitely lead to a circle of refutes with this partial person. Not wanting to argue, the soldier nodded begrudgingly.

Taking the nod as confirmation, Parisa lead the soldier out of the rainforest quietly. No words were spoken between the two of them, only silence remained. Eventually returning to the fork in the middle of the forest's road, the gazelle continued guiding the adolescent soldier out of the area of endless green fruitfully. Grace was dead inside her, only tedium remained.

After what felt like an hour, the city of grey had been within the field of vision. Moving five steps to the left, the fawn chimera allowed the soldier to step in front of her. Recalling almost every single person of diplomacy she had helped in the past, guiding had no longer been necessary.

The sky returning within his presence, the young man weakly tilted his head to the sky. A loud gulp resonated throughout the edge of the rainforest. The sun behind the clouds could no longer been seen. It had been nightfall. The Agent, he would tell Her Majesty for sure this time. He recalled last time, if such incident of his whereabouts being unaccounted for this long, his subordinate would blow the whistle on him for sure. Sprinting being impossible with the heavy machine on his back, Siorc walked over to the Agent slowly.

Agent eventually having been within the adolescent's heterochromatic field of damaged vision, fear swallowed him whole. The Fatui Agent had been undeniably aggravated. The Agent's boots tapped onto the colorless ground brutally, shaking the ground like a tremor.

"What took you so long?!" the Agent shouted. His voice was booming. "I told you, if this happens again, I'll make sure Her Majesty hears of it!" Seeing antlers from behind him, his rage grew. The tapping of his boots continued to increase in volume as the rage increased with every second. "And who is this behind you? You were ordered to bring everything back alone!" Many generic people turned to look at the Agent. A scene was being made on public display.

Parisa let a laugh release from the chambers in the throat. So this is what some Fatui were like, were they? What pitiful creatures. Gracefulness for this person was beneath her. She would show her fangs to this masked individual.

"You realize your subordinate here could not even put this, quite frankly, ridiculous contraption onto his back, correct?" she replied bitterly. No grace was to be had in her voice at all anymore. "It would have been tomorrow if I did not help him." A laugh of bitter marmalade was pointed towards the Fatui Agent. "So, shut your mouth, will you? I brought him back to you, did I not?" She gave a cold smile to the insect. Some Fatui were lesser beings, most certainly.

Hearing such change of vocal tone in her voice, Siorc's mouth dropped wide opened. Just who was this person? Such a drastic change from when they met in the forest earlier. Polarizing people were an odd and chilling sight to behold. The graceful gazelle in the rainforest was dead. A bitter fawn was all that remained. Seeing such performance, the chimera knew an apology was in order.

"I'm sorry, sir," Siorc responded autonomously. "I was lost in the rainforest." He placed his hands into a pleading position, praying to the Dendro Archon he swore no loyalty to. If he told his subordinate she assisted him get out safely, would he have mercy? The soldier supposed it was worth a shot. "She helped me get out of the rainforest, sir. I apologize for getting lost." A sweat drop formed upon his brow. Would this work? The adolescent hoped mercy would arrive shortly.

The Agent sighed. He never could anticipate what his subordinate was thinking, as usual. Seeing the fear in his eyes, the Fatui supposed he would be merciful this time. He stared at the young woman with a tongue on her silently for a moment. That uniform she was wearing. She was an Sumeru Akademiya student. Her Majesty, perhaps this young student could be of use to her someday. Violently removing the war tank from the girl's back, a smirk formed from underneath his mask.

"So, you're an Akademiya student," the Agent said sinisterly. "Most excellent." Intelligence was an important instrument of war.

Parisa hearing the word Akademiya, all color from her face drained. This Fatui insect, he knew of the Akademiya? Having run away from the institution, if any of the professors were around, they would force her to return for sure. She knew now, she had to exit the premises immediately. Akademiya being seventy meters away, the fawn's legs erupted into an astronomically speedy sprint. In the blink of an eye, the gazelle had been gone, nowhere to be seen.

Spotting the fawn chimera disappear in the blink of an eye, a sigh released from the Agent's throat. Keeping the antlers in mind, The Agent would tell Her Majesty of his discovery later.

"We are heading back now, soldier," the Agent said. War machine being on his back, gripping prison could not happen at the moment in time. "Let's go."

Not having been able to process anything that happened, the hyena followed the Agent like a duck by the lake in Mondstadt. The Agent, surely, he wasn't going to tell Her Majesty what happened, was he? A punishment would surely await him back in the permafrost north. A small gulp released from his throat. If a punishment were to befall him, he was not ready for it.

As the travel back had begun, the Agent had come to notice the uneasiness on his subordinate's face. For once, he knew what the soldier could possibly be thinking. He motioned his unseen lips to speak again.

"I will not tell Her Majesty," he uttered, voice quieter than usual. "You are off the hook today for your tardy return."

An instant weight removed itself from the chamber's of the young budding soldier's throat. The Agent would not tell her majesty what had happened today. The Dendro Archon, did they hear his prayers? Such idea was farfetched, but it was a possibility to be had, for sure.

Teleport Waypoint to the military barracks being highlighted, Siorc closed his eyes silently. As the military barracks had eventually been within his field of vision, the chimera finished his duty with due diligence. Upon returning the heavy war machine to a closet within the barracks, his dismissal was granted.

Returning to the soundproof room, Siorc removed his glasses, hairpins and earrings immediately. Slinking into the bed, an ominous thought echoed throughout his mind as the world of sleep was about to remove him from the mortal, waking world. As he closed his eyes, the thought played on repeat for minutes as the world of tormented sleep awaited him.

Some people's personalities were polarizing, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

Again, before reading I wrote this way before Fontaine came out.

21. Shopping Trip of Doom for Wine in Fontaine

"Bespectacled permanently, doesn't mean I cannot see
Life behind the lenses, I can still read
I'm a chimera, yes, but I can read, see, do everything
Normally, I apologize to you
Dutifully, simply, as necessary
Especially considering your violence, but please
Don't do this to me."

Dreaming had continued with its tormenting reign within the young adolescent chimera's subconscious mind. The pattern of torment had permanently cemented itself into place. The torment would continue to harden itself into the night before him, as well.

Before him was a field of Cecilias. The flowers were white, with orange carpals in the center. The flowers were pure, and beautiful, just like they always had been in the open wilderness. Seeing such flowers reminded the hyena of a certain bard he would occasionally see in Mondstadt during various diplomatic affairs. Flowerbed calling out to him, the chimera lounged about into the fictional field of flowers joyfully.

Bliss leaking throughout the adolescent's subconscious mind, a happy sigh released from the hyena's dream throat. As the dream minutes continued, nothing especially terrifying had been happening within the world of the subconscious. It had been years since such bliss had occurred within the plane of his sleeping imagination.

Such bliss was about to die, as scheduled.

"Ooh, a Fatui!" a young childish voice called out. The voice had an overly exaggerated tone of excitement to it.

Hearing his title called out to him, the young soldier rose to his currently hyena feet. High pitched voice disturbing him, the chimera examined the possibly nonexistent person within reality. As he examined the owner of the voice from afar, a loud audible gulp released itself from the chambers of his dream throat. It was her, the Knights of Favonius's biggest problem. The Pyro Elf girl of doom.

The young girl had light blonde hair, pulled back into pigtails. Her hair had been pulled back up to her shoulders. Hair still being a bright yellow, the girl had not gone throughout the process of hair darkening. Blondes were quite the rare species. The chimera continued his examination of the problem child forty meters away. The girl's ears were jagged and inhuman, like elves he had heard about in his storybooks in his stolen childhood. Such inhumanities had ended there, however. The girl's eyes were orange, the terrifying color of fire. Her clothes complimented the horrifying element especially. The girl wore a small red dress with a white skirt underneath, and a hat to match. Mythical four leaf clovers decorated the outfit disgustingly. Ending his examination, a second gulp released itself from the dream throat. Having seen her a few times being hauled off inside the Knight's Headquarters, he knew a tormenting scene was about to befall him.

Elf girl inching closer to him with every dream second, Siorc attempted with all his might to erupt his legs into a sprint. He knew that if the girl were to get any closer to him, doom would make its acquaintance with him. Running was dead upon arrival. Feeling a nonexistent adhesive lock his hyena legs into place, the chimera squirmed anxiously. All he could do was stand still. Stand by and watch as the dangerous child were about to wreack havoc within the planes of his subconscious mind. Hearing the girl shake a bag from behind her, sweat formed on the young budding soldier's brow. Something was about to happen, something sinister.

"Ooh, he's not human!" the problem child knight chided happily. Her tone was joyfully menacing. "Master ---- won't punish me!" A name had been uttered by the young knight's throat, but the chimera could not hear it. It was almost as if, in a world outside of Teyvat, the word of a god would not allow such name to be said.

Red book in hand, an immediate sense of dread took residence inside him. The girl was getting on the offensive. Sweat continued to form on the hyena's brow. If the knight were about to attack, defending himself had to become of him now. Arms being movable, the chimera rummaged through his pockets of not reality. Weapons occasionally having been placed within the pouches of nothing in the land of dreams, the adolescent soldier proceeded to search with fervor. As the rummaging continued, a horrifying realization rooted itself inside the hyena's subconscious mind.

No weapons, nothing again. Not a single one. The pockets of not reality were a black hole of nothingness.

Being completely defenseless, the young soldier closed his subconscious eyes defeatedly. Hands currently being human, and legs being vegetables, he knew he had no chance to defend himself. Any minute now, the girl's book of magic spells would open its pages. Hearing the sound of pages fluttering open, a tertiary gulp released itself from the dream throat. The time had come, an attack of fire was coming.

"Boom!" the problem child knight shrieked. Battle cry being sounded, small red bombs released themselves from the book magically. "Boom!" The elf girl screamed louder. Everything was a game to the Knight of Favonius's biggest problem.

Bombs flying out of the book of magic, dread made a meal out of the adolescent chimera. The bombs were travelling quickly, swiftly, menacingly. Hyena legs still glued into the ground below him, the soldier let out a labored scream. The bombs were coming faster than his mismatched subconscious eyes could follow. Dodging was certainly an impossible feat. Reflexes being dead, the explosives and his chest met. Bombs booming, flames from the explosives and his chest shook hands again. Flames intensifying in the not reality, another labored scream broke from the hyena's throat.

The incident in Natlan had been years ago, why was it still in the forefront of his mind? Flames continuing their rampage, torment continued its reign inside him. Defeat being imminent, Siorc closed his damaged eyes silently. Safety had left the young man behind.

The events of the past were never going to let him go.

***

Half a year had passed since the retrieval of supplies in Sumeru had occurred. Having finished such an arduous task, the soldier hoped he would never have to carry such a heavy object ever again. Fate and the Archons were not on his side. Repossessing the machines of war had become a routine for a short while in his militaristic life. For sixty of the one-hundred-eighty-two days, Sumeru had become his bases of operation for awhile. Work being split between diplomatic affairs and the collection of war machines, the hyena continued his work with due diligence.

On the days of which he had to retrieve the strange machines, the polarizing gazelle chimera would often follow behind him. Learning more about them through his various trips through the rainforest, a fearful realization seeded into the confines of his mind. The gazelle chimera, was she responsible for the sudden piling up of the war machines being left behind in the Fatui camps? It had become evident to the young man immediately. Angering the fawn would lead to his end. Treading around them carefully, the hyena entered survival mode whenever she made her presence known to him. Lifting war machines was slowly becoming easier throughout the two months, the polarizing polearm wielder would cross paths with him less frequently.

While his militaristic life had been a monotonous routine of nothing, the painful uneven beat of his heart persisted inside him. Being used to the feeling occasionally wrecking havoc inside him, the chimera attempted with his best effort to remember the breathing exercises he had been taught by his practice partner. Breathing exercises being a temporary relief, the pained rhythm in his chest would dissipate like a drug controlling the situation.

After the Sumeru ordeal had ended, training with his practice partner had made its ceremonious return. Training his reflexes having been absent for a total of four months, the rust had corroded further. Unlearning some of his evasiveness during the time period without improving them, Siorc had gone back to almost amateur level dodges. Skill set being reversed to the level it had been almost four years prior, the reteaching of reflexes roared onward. Relearning his previous skills taking two months, beginner dodges were slain with his claymore.

For the final set of sixty days, diplomacy of nothing returned with a vengeance. Three days off sprinkled in between the monotony, the hyena would meet up with the panda chimera again at the beaches in Liyue. The panda having reached out to him through a letter, the soldier took the convenient holiday to help the lazy partial person become more active per the opera dancer at the teahouses's request. Collecting Starconches with the proclaimed boy when with him, the hyena formed a slight kinship with the panda. Holiday having come to a close, his work of monotony never ended.

Monotony would shatter into a million pieces today.

Upon waking up from his tormented slumber, a labored scream bounced off and back around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his head. Uneasiness feasting inside him, Siorc rose from the uncomfortable bed. Heart beating wildly, a horrific thought played inside the chambers of his partially human brain. Did an event of utter torment await him today? Taking a deep breath to calm down the painful unevenness of his heart, the chimera weakly had begun the routine of dressing the body. Time was not a virtue within the military barracks.

While dressing in his uniform efficiently, more thoughts of unease took residence inside him. Her Majesty, what did she have planned for him today? Whatever orders the Agent were to relay to him, he knew he wasn't ready. Dreading the worst possible outcome, efficiency died a quick death. Two buttons being placed incorrectly, the chimera took a second deep breath. Dreams were not a reality, getting over the fantasy within the planes of his mind was his only option. Pushing the tormenting dreams onto the floor beneath him, the hyena clicked his hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching dark blue stars in his hair and ears, a calming effect radiated throughout his body.

Hearing the clacking of the Fatui Agent boots increase in volume, the young soldier finished his morning routine. Taking a final deep breath, the hyena knew he had to be ready, regardless of whatever orders he were to be given. Being unprepared would lead to a loud scolding, for sure. Putting on his most diligent face possible through the lenses of his glasses, the chimera waited for orders to arrive patiently. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the work switch flipped on inside his partially human brain.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "We are headed to Fontaine today to purchase wine for Her Majesty." The masked agent gave authoritative eye contact with his commander in arms. While looking at his subordinate, something of immediate disgust greeted him within his masked field of vision. The chimera's buttons on his uniform, they were closed into the incorrect holes. Such unpresentable look could not go uncorrected. He knew he had to say something to the soldier. "Fix your buttons this instant! Do not make an embarrassment of yourself." There was a tone of disgust in his voice. Sloppiness was a beast of burden.

Siorc jumped seven steps back upon hearing the words Fontaine leave the Agent's lips. He could feel his heart skip three beats as the nation echoed through his mind. Wasn't Fontaine the Nation of Justice? Would a Fatui such as himself, the opposite of justice, be allowed in such an area? The chimera did not know, knowledge of the nation was a limited resource. Heart skipping another beat, the hyena took a quick breath.

Thoughts of Fontaine flooding the dormant shark grooves in his brain, orders of fixing the uniform buttons did not reach his eardrums. Holding his arm out, he readied for the gripping prison to take him like a horse in a carriage that was mysteriously missing around Teyvat.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Fatui Agent called out again, voice increasing in volume. "I told you to fix the buttons on your uniform! Do not make an embarrassment of yourself in front of the merchants in Fontaine!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. Had he not heard him? He never knew what was on his subordinate's mind, as usual.

Order of fixing his buttons finally reaching his ears, a sigh released itself from his throat. Undoing the crooked buttons, Siorc placed the garments into the correct holes on the uniform diligently. Uniform being completely presentable, he turned to the Agent again. Surely, now, he would not be an embarrassment for his subordinate.

"Sorry, sir," he replied autonomously. "It won't happen again." Apology being uttered, the chimera placed his arm out in front of him again.

Seeing the soldier holding his arm out, the Agent placed a freezing bag onto the chimera's back. Bag of Cryo activity being planted on his back firmly, the subordinate returned his attention to his commander in arms instantly.

"Good, let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm being held out, the subordinate gripped the arm coarsely. Grip being as tight as pants that were a size too small, the soldier closed his eyes as the escort to Fontaine began. Gripping prison had always won the battle. Bag on his back freezing his spine, the hyena shivered as if sheer cold had taken him away like his early days as a Fatui. Shivering continued as the teleportation had begun, another sense of dread took residence inside him.

Today would be a day that would not end well.

***

Upon reaching an unknown plaza city in Fontaine through a Teleport Waypoint, the chimera examined the area around him diligently. An immediate sense of pressure bubbled inside him as the examination of the area had begun with a diplomatic roar. The air around him felt wet. Clouds being abundant in the sky, rain could strike at any moment. If rain were to hit now, the freezing bag on his back would turn him into an ice statue, for sure.

The city had a dandy feel to it throughout. Almost every citizen in the city had been wearing especially fancy clothing. Realizing every regular within the area looked as though appearances were everything, the hyena knew he did not belong in such region. After observing the people around him, Siorc turned his head to the buildings from afar. Within his damaged field of heterochromatic vision had been dark blue roofs. The houses in the distance, every single roof had adorned such color. Removing his focus from the houses afar, the adolescent studied the plaza one final time. In the middle of the area had been a fountain, just like the meaning of the region's name. Something of immediate oddity puzzled the chimera, however. Barely any foreigners had been in the city. It was almost as if, in an alternate version of Teyvat, the area of Fontaine had not explorable yet to the general population.

Having been removed from the gripping prison, the hyena readied to begin his purchasing ordeal. The Agent instructing him to go up to the wine merchants at a blue booth near the fountain, something about his instructions were especially abnormal, at the moment at hand. The Agent telling him he could go off to explore the area after giving him the wine, the hyena scratched his purple scalp. Her Majesty, was she planning something? The chimera did not know, but he knew questions were not allowed to him as a Fatui Soldier.

Remembering there had been no time to waste, the young budding soldier walked over the wine merchant booth quickly, but surely. As the volume of the fountain's water in the center of the merchant plaza increased with every step, dark blue counters and the hyena's bespectacled eyes made their acquaintance. To the parallel side of him had been a generic looking male merchant. As he made eye contact with the man a table away from him, the employee motioned his lips to speak.

"Are you old enough to be purchasing wine, lad?" the generic merchant asked professionally. He studied the possible minor's face. He would shoo him away, post-haste. Although, something of immediate attention caught the generic man's eyes. The possible minor's outfit, it had those abhorrent symbols on them again. "Oh, lovely, she wants wine again?" There was a slight tone of irritation in his voice. Dandiness was nowhere to be seen within his speech. "Alright, young lad. Which wine will you be purchasing?" The generic man adjusted the bow tie on his shirt to a crooked position. Nice etiquette was not deserving in front of a Fatui.

Hearing the merchant's tone, Siorc did not wish to communicate with such a man verbally. Having taught himself elaborate hand symbols to communicate with merchants, the chimera placed his currently human hands in front of him. Folding his right index and middle finger into crossing position, the hyena touched his two cheeks. He then took his left hand, preparing to communicate the word wine. Linking his thumb and index finger into an okay symbol, the soldier circled his left hand around his cheek. Would this work? Did the Fontaine merchant know this language of silence? The adolescent had hoped his wordless language would pull through.

The merchant studied the hand movements of the unwanted Fatui in front of him silently. Oh, so he was one of those kind of people who did not speak, did they? He understood the gesture, but perhaps, just to humor himself, he would give him the wrong wine. Resolute on messing with the young man in front of him, the merchant smirked to himself from behind the counter.

"A set of three grape wines?" the merchant said sinisterly. "Coming right up." Turning his back to the abhorrent soldier, the generic Fontaine merchant grabbed the incorrect wine menacingly. Wine bottles in hand, he turned around to the disgusting creature. "Here it is, lad. Open your wine cooler." He put on a fake professional smile. It mattered not, he would never see this person again, anyway.

Siorc's ears turned at the word grape. Grape? Did he not convey the correct type of wine to the merchant? He swore he wordlessly communicated rosé wine correctly. Did the merchant not understand him? He supposed there was nothing that could be done. Not wishing to correct him, the hyena took the wine bottles and placed them into the freezing bag behind him. Snapping the velcro shut, he placed the mora coins down onto the table. Mora being given, he staged his return to the Agent awaiting him at the edge of the city.

Agent eventually being adjacent to him, the soldier handed his subordinate the bag of wine chilling activity. Remembering he could explore the nature outside upon finishing his duties, small bliss bubbled inside him. He was ready. Ready to explore an area in Fontaine. Watching as the Agent opened the bag and studied the wine, a small smile formed on his face. Such smile disintegrated within seconds as the Agent's irritation grew as the minutes went by. Exploring would have to wait, it would seem.

"This is the wrong wine!" the Agent shouted. His voice was booming. He slammed the wine down into the cooler violently. Foam inside the bag being the only thing keeping it from breaking, the Fatui slammed the bag back onto his subordinate's back hard. "Go back and get the correct one, this instant!" He pointed to the merchant table from afar, anger leaking out from his fingertips with extreme potency.

Feeling the anger from his subordinate, a small yelp released from the chimera's throat. He knew he had to get the order right this time. Legs erupting into a sprint, the young man reached the wine merchant area within minutes. Merchant being adjacent to him once again, the adolescent panted as his sprint ended. Stamina was dead upon arrival.

The merchant glared at the abhorrent Fatui returning to his domain. How humorous, the creature was back. He supposed a fake apology was in order for the disgusting villain of miscreant.

"Oh, my apologies, lad," he said sarcastically. "Did I give you the wrong wine?" He put on another fake professional smile. "Speak up next time, would you?" His words had a vicious bite to them. "Open your bag up, I'll give you the right wine this time."

Allowing a sigh to release the throat, Siorc undid the velcro on the bag for the second time today. This man's disdain was never ending. Returning the wine to the merchant, the chimera signed the words rosé wine again. Surely, this time, no miscommunication would happen? The hyena prayed to the Hydro Archon he swore no loyalty to for such to be the case.

Seeing the abhorrent creature use hand gestures again, a smirk grew on the merchant's face. Messing with the young man was a thrilling feeling, indeed. He would do it again, give him the incorrect wine. Resolute on the decision, the merchant would not falter on his mischief. This would make the charlatan leave his sight, for sure this time.

"A set of three Cherry wines?" the merchant said plottingly. "Coming right up, lad." As he was about to grab the incorrect wine again, he could hear the voice of his partner next to him. As she motioned her lips to speak, the man rolled his eyes to the clouds in the sky.

"Stop teasing him," the woman merchant exclaimed. Her words were heavily accented. "Young one, you requested rosé wine, correct?" Her eyes glowed like the stars in the night sky. "I shall give it to you. Come." She tapped her hand on the blue table to motion attention towards him.

Hearing the other merchant he had not been privy to earlier tapping the counter, the adolescent soldier sauntered to the table on the left side of the fountain. Bag of ice being wide open, he held the bag out for the merchant silently. Pink wine being placed into the wine cooler, Siorc snapped the velcro shut again. Bowing his head in gratitude to the female merchant, the chimera staged his exit to return to the Agent again.

Agent again being adjacent to him, the hyena handed the Cryo wine bag back to his subordinate. Thoughts of exploring Fontaine nature flooding his brain, a small smile formed on his face. Watching as the Agent opened the bag for the second time, he waited for his second orders of exploring to grace his shark eardrums. Seeing no irritation grow on the Agent, the soldier waited like a child expecting to receive an invitation to a party.

"Excellent, soldier," spoke the Fatui Agent. His tone was stiffer than before. "You may explore Fontaine for a little while, if you wish." The Agent placed the wine cooler onto his large back as such words were uttered. "You have one hour. Don't stray too far."

"Yes, sir," Siorc answered immediately. Such immediate answer was unbecoming of him, but he cared not. Nature was calling him. Turning his heelless shoes, the chimera sauntered onward.

While such orders were still an oddity, the soldier knew what he wished to do immediately. The flowers of Fontaine, he wished to see them. An hour not having been a long time, he supposed a flowerbed nearby would do. Resolute on his decision, the hyena would not falter. Seeing dark blue flowers within his damaged field of distanced vision, his legs erupted into another sprint.

Flowers eventually being within his presence, the young man studied the flowers quietly. The dark blue flowers were closed, like Mist Flowers he would often see in the open wilderness in Mondstadt. Seeing these flowers closed tightly, the hyena wondered: how would these flowers open? A fascinating thought to be had, for sure. Feeling a yawn, the hyena laid down in the grass before him as his examination of the dark blue flowers ended.

A quick nap was in order for the young budding soldier.

***

Feeling his shoulder being pushed countless times for minutes on end, the adolescent soldier rose to his feet again. An hour had passed already? A shame to be had, for sure. Something of immediate horror had been brought to his attention as the land of grogginess escaped him. The Agent and he were delivering the wine to Her Majesty directly. Being alerted to such fact, he could feel his heart beat unevenly in his chest again. Her Majesty, it had been nearly three and a half years since he had confronted her last. Very rarely being called into an audience with her, fear made a meal out of him as the Agent readied to highlight the waypoint outside the palace.

As the teleportation to the palace began, Siorc closed his eyes almost on instinct. The act of fast travel was blinding as it had always been. Being outside the Snezhnaya Palace almost twenty seconds later, the chimera opened his eyes. A frozen chill of wind made him shiver instantly. Wine cooler freezing his spine as well, he could feel sheer cold about to take him away. He knew, however, such incident could not happen. Tracing his hand upon the Fatui symbol on the door, he breathed quietly. Fatui symbol rooting itself into his currently human hand, the doors creaked open. Agent being behind him, a nearly inaudible gulp released from his partially human throat. Her Majesty, was she planning something? Surely, being summoned directly like this had not been a good thing.

Closing the doors behind the Agent and he, the chimera stepped onto the blue carpet diligently. Wine cooler bag continuing to freeze his partially human spine, he shivered with every step he took. Her Majesty eventually being in front of him, the young budding soldier bowed his head to her in submission. Raising his head, his heart beat wildly for a moment. Her Majesty's right leg was crusted into her left thigh royally. Her cyan eyes were expectant. Was Her Majesty excited to be delivered wine? He knew he had no permission to ask such a question. He readied to hand the wine cooler to her with due diligence.

"You brought me my wine?" Her Majesty asked royally. "Give it here, my lovely chimera." Her tone had been softer than the last time he had seen her.

Doing as instructed, the adolescent hyena handed the Cryo Archon the freezing bag of wine cooling. Velcro coming undone, Her Majesty removed a singular wine bottle from the bag. The pink wine. Her lovely chimera had brought her the correct wine. Color being correct, Her Majesty flipped over the rosé wine bottle. While the color was correct, was the sugar count of zero present on the label? She would find out the truth in the numbers. Placing her finger on the label, she read it carefully. As she read the grams of fifty sugar on the wine bottle, her eyes turned into daggers. Sugar, in her wine? Absolutely disgusting. Her lovely chimera he had only gotten the color of the wine right. Such error would not go unpunished.

Raising the pink wine bottle above her head, she lunged the disgusting drink of sugar at her lovely chimera's face violently. Pink bottle spinning airborne, the drink of disgust travelled to her incompetent soldier's cheek. Cheek and wine bottle making their acquaintance, the sound of glass shattering upon the soldier's face resounded in the area. Glass piercing his face, Her Majesty switched the position of her legs. Disgusting pink sugar flooding onto the blue carpet, the pink stained the floor slightly.

Cleanup would be a messy job later.

"It appears you got me the wrong wine," Her Majesty said dryly. Her voice was as cold as the chilling wind. "My lovely chimera." Her tone of voice was monotone; viciousness evident throughout. "Didn't your subordinate instruct you to get sugar free rosé wine?" A bitter laugh released from her throat. Could the soldier not read labels? Chimeras were stupid creatures. "Did your glasses make you so stupid, you can't read?" Another laugh released from her throat. Chimeras were definitely stupid creatures.

Blood trickling down his cheek, Siorc's heart skipped more than fifteen beats. Painful unevenness about to swallow him whole, remorse made a payment inside him. Her Majesty, she was incredibly angry. He knew, disappointing Her Majesty had been punishable by death. His life, was it over? Sense of dread taking control as the possibility of death loomed over him, he knew he had to apologize. Apologize, yes, he had to apologize to her Majesty. Would showing remorse for his wrongful actions of bringing the incorrect wine give him mercy? The chimera supposed it was worth a shot.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty!" he cried, head bowing to her feet. "It won't happen again!" He could feel the blood from his cheek pour onto the blue carpet below him. Red staining the blue, a small gulp released from the esophagus. He could feel it, his life was about to be over.

Her Majesty gave a cocky wry smile at the soldier bowing before her. Cute, he thought an apology would fix everything. Hearing him say it would not happen again, she supposed mercy could be granted to him. The chimera was still of use to her yet. She would provide him with a singular second chance. Deciding upon such, a soft smirk graced the Archon's face.

"Get the right wine tomorrow," she said, her tone was low and commanding. If he were to get the wrong wine tomorrow, a punishment would certainly befall him. She readied the final blow. "Or I'll have the Doctor cut out your larynx." She caressed her property's cheek. Mercy was in quite short supply lately.

Feeling the cold glove caressing his face, Siorc's heart had continued beating painfully. Her touch was subzero, giving almost immediate frostbite upon contact. Shaking as her hand moved up his cheek, the hyena shook relentlessly. If he were to get it wrong this time, the doctor would get him as a prize. He knew, this time, he had to get it right. Losing his ability to speak would be of no hindrance to the hyena, but losing the option entirely was not something he wished to occur.

"Yes, your Majesty," he replied autonomously, voice barely audible. Getting The correct wine tomorrow was the only option that remained for him if he wished to keep his vocal chords, despite how solemnly he utilized them.

Hearing her property's affirmation, Her Majesty reseated her right thigh into her left leg royally. Blood ruining her blue floor, she wished for the chimera to leave her sight immediately. She had quite enough of the soldier decorating her castle with red. The time had come for his removal.

"Clean your cheek," Her Majesty responded coldly. She tossed a rag to Siorc with her left glove. "Then leave my sight." She pointed her right glove to the castle door. She placed her left gloved hand on the root of her chin. Her smile was dark, and menacing. "If you get it wrong tomorrow, there will be no mercy. Remember that." Her words were cold and relentless, like the wine cooler on his back for a majority of the day.

Orders given, Siorc rubbed the rag onto his cheek diligently. Red dyeing the white rag, he swished the cloth on his face until no more red colored the cloth. Blood being no more, the hyena remembered his orders were to leave. Knowing patience was not a virtue for Her Majesty, his legs erupted into a sprint. Figuring the Agent would stay behind, the adolescent soldier exited the palace solo. Already having the same work upon him tomorrow, the chimera returned to the soundproof room in the military barracks silently.

Glasses and accessories removed, he slumped onto the bed like a rock sinking to the bottom of the ocean. Tiredness immediately taking him, one final thought echoed in his mind as the world of tormenting sleep awaited him.

Tomorrow, he had to get the right wine this time if he wished to continue living.

***

Returning to the city of Fontaine after the Agent had come for him in the morning, the hyena was resolute. This time, for sure, he would get the correct rosé wine. The wine label had to have no drops of sugar in it whatsoever. Reminding himself of such fact, the chimera would not falter. Winer cooler on his back once again, the chimera strutted over to the wine merchant booth. If the wine merchants were to mess with him again, he would relay his dormant Fatui wrath upon them that they seem to despise so much.

Merchant booth eventually being directly adjacent, the soldier was ready. Ready to get the wine right this time. Preparing for another option than his signing with his hands, he twirled a pen in his right hand effortlessly. This time, he would write down what he wished to convey. These merchants were not going to hear his voice.

The wine merchant scoffed at the sight of the abhorrent Fatui having returned to his presence once again. He was back again, was he? He would give him the incorrect wine to mess with him once again. Surely, this time, this would make him never return.

"You again, lad?" the wine merchant said sarcastically. "Why are you back again? More wine for Her Majesty?" A dry laugh released from his throat. He would still give him the incorrect wine. Fatui were disgusting creatures of misgivings.

Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky. He was not about to take nonsense from this man again. Having brought letter paper with him, the young man removed a piece of rolled up paper placed into his coat pocket. Slamming the paper down onto the blue table, he stroked the pen. Writing out the words sugar free rosé wine on the paper, he turned the sheet around to the merchant's face.

Another laugh released from the generic merchant's throat. He was writing words down now, was he? The ridiculous lengths this creature of disgust would go to. How bold of him. He would still get the incorrect wine. Courtesy was dead upon arrival for any wine purchasing Fatui.

"A set of three plum wines?" the merchant said maniacally. "Coming right up." The generic merchant readied to grab the incorrect wine for the abhorrent Fatui. Surely, a third round of giving incorrect wine would end the soldier's business with their beautiful wine, this time for sure.

Siorc glared daggers through the lens of his glasses at the wine merchant. He had enough of this man's games. It was time to unleash his dormant Fatui wrath upon this man. He knew voicing desires was never something he was ever allowed, but this man had messed with the wrong partial person too many times. Powerful emotions were a rare best to behold.

"No, sir," he replied coldly, voice seeping with anger. "I wrote down sugar free rosé wine." He knew such speech was uncustomary of him, but he cared not, at the moment in time. "Please do your job properly." He continued to glare daggers at the merchant. Enough was enough. This man's game had to end.

Hearing the young man speak, the wine merchant huffed an angry sigh. It would seem he had gotten the disgusting creature to speak. Hearing in his tone that the Fatui had enough, the merchant decided. It was time to put an end to this. Placing the correct wine into the bag this time, he gave a fake professional smile to the abhorrent creature of misgivings. Velcro snapping into place, the defeated wine merchant returned the wine cooler to the young man.

"Here's the rosé wine," the generic merchant grunted, tongue clicking constantly. "Never come back here!" Uttering such a line would surely get this injustice of a young man away from his presence forever.

Hearing the merchant's ban, the chimera staged his final exit to return to the Agent. Agent being three meters to him, the chimera handed the wine cooler to his subordinate. He could feel energy exiting his body as the Fatui Soldier examined the wine bottles. Not sensing any anger from him, a labored sigh broke from his possibly saved larynx.

"I'm proud of you, soldier," spoke the Fatui Agent, confidence leaking in his voice. "Let's go deliver this to Her Majesty." Closing the cooling bag of Cryo, he placed the bag back onto the soldier's back one final time.

Waypoint highlighted to the palace once again, Siorc closed his eyes instinctively. As the teleportation began, the chimera could feel more energy escape him. Being outside the palace fifteen seconds later, the hyena opened his eyes. He could feel his heart beating rapidly again as he traced his hands upon the Fatui symbol again. Door opening, a deep gulp resonated throughout the permafrost north.

Her Majesty's fate was in his currently human hands.

***

Blue carpet before him, the chimera walked over to Her Majesty submissively. This time, for sure, the wine he was about to give her was the correct one. Stress nibbling on the cartilage of his ear, the uneven beat of his heart increased in strength. His life was on the line. He knew, if the wine were the incorrect one, more than just his larynx would be threatened to be removed this time. No mercy would be had this time if the wine had even an ounce of sugar in it.

Her Majesty eventually being in front of him upon her throne, the young budding soldier bowed his head in submission. Raising his head, his heart continued to beat wildly. Her Majesty's gloves were resting upon her chin. He knew what such pose meant. She was readying a punishment if disappointment were to grace her cyan eyes.

"Did you bring the right wine this time?" Her Majesty asked. Her tone was heartless. "Remember, my lovely chimera, if you brought me the wrong one this time, say goodbye to your larynx." She twirled a strand of her silver hair around childishly.

Realizing this was his cue to give Her Majesty the freezing bag of wine chilling, Siorc handed the bag over to the Cryo Archon immediately. This was the moment, the moment his fate of life would be decided. The hyena watched quietly as the Tsaritsa ripped open the wine cooler with a brutal passion. Hearing the velcro snap off, Her Majesty removed a pink glass wine bottle from the currently breaking bag. A nearly inaudible gulp released from his throat as she read the label on the back of the bottle. The moment of truth was upon him. His fate was about to be sealed. Would mercy be removed from him? Sweat formed at his brow as dread nibbled on his other ear.

A crooked smile formed on Her Majesty's lips. The wine had zero sugar printed on the label. The correct wine being given this time, mercy would be granted to the soldier. Well deserved mercy to be had, for sure.

"You're lucky you got it right this time," Her Majesty said coldly. Her voice was soft, but demeaning. "My lovely chimera." She caressed his cheek that did not brunt her blow the other day. "I'll let you off easy this time." She continued to caress her property's cheek harder, dry ice touching it lightly.

Feeling the cold gloves caress his cheek again, Siorc's heart skipped four more beats. He could feel his energy leave him as the caressing only got harder. The Archon eventually removing her gloves from his cheek, the hyena bowed his head to Her Majesty one final time. It was time for him to leave for the military barracks again.

Sprinting to the palace door, the chimera opened the door behind him. As he had begun his solo return to the soundproof room, his heart was still beating rapidly. Dizziness had begun to take over him as the steel walls of his permanent soundproof prison was nearly upon him.

Feeling his mind almost fade away, the hyena continued his attempts to return to the steel walled room. With every step he took, the wooziness only got stronger. But, he knew, he had to make it back into his room in the barracks. No Soldier would care to pick him up if he were to collapse on the frozen ground.

Attempting to step slowly, the soldier continued onward. As his currently human legs continued their stroll to his room, his head continued to show signs of zoning out into the nothingness of black. The young man remained stubborn. With any energy he had, the chimera foolishly continued to fight the dizziness continuing to rampage within his partially human brain.

Stepping even slower, his heart continued to beat with rapid violence inside him. What was happening to him? Her Majesty, she said she would have mercy on him. Why had his heart continued to beat so unevenly and wildly inside him? The chimera did not know, but thinking about such reasons would delay his return. Tossing any thoughts inside him into the snow outside, the adolescent weakly continued to his forced upon room in the military barracks.

Steel room without sound almost being upon him, Siorc accelerated his walking speed slightly. An astronomically incorrect mistake, on his part. The fuzziness inside him was increasing. He could feel it, any moment now, he would be gone. Into the world of temporary blackness. Blinking a few times, he pressed on. He was almost there, he had to make it back into his room. It was the only option he had. Her Majesty's mercy on him would be removed swiftly.

Steel walled room finally being one door down, the chimera attempted to step inside. As such was about to happen, fuzziness overpowered him completely. His body descending to the frozen ground, his partially human person and the ground met. Blackness about to overtake him, one final repressed thought entered his dimming consciousness.

What Loba had told him during his mission in Natlan many months before, she was right.

Stress was bad for the heart, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

Going to admit that this chapter is filler.

22. Reaching Adulthood, Combat Training, And Dottore's Rampage.

"Placing my heart on my chest
Oxygen begins to flow through me easily,
It seems I have reached adulthood in this cold breeze
Seems I have been here long enough for time to be
Oblivious to me entirely
Now my adolescence is behind me, but

Perhaps, that is not a good thing
I'm sure the Doctor,
Likely has something sinister planned for me
Looks like my adult life won't be any easier, really."

Nine months had passed since the wine purchasing in Fontaine ordeal had occurred. Having been told by the merchant of justice to never return, such act had never formed into a routine for the young budding soldier in that nation. Wine purchasing had not removed itself from existence entirely, however. For thirty of the two-hundred-seventy-three-days, purchasing sugar free wine in the other nations sans Fontaine and Inazuma became a short pattern for that month.

During such wine purchasing heists, the hyena had been tasked to purchase sets of the spiked fruit drinks most commonly in a tavern in Mondstadt. For fifteen of the thirty days, buying wine inside the brown bar of freedom was the chimera's main base of operations. Often getting stares from a tall, angry red haired man, work was never judgement free. Such was the reality of being a Fatui, the soldier supposed.

For the second set of fifteen days, purchasing wine in the other three nations occurred randomly throughout the month of nonstop buzzed fruit water buying. As the thirty days had passed onward, the chimera had come to learn various facts about the other nations. Despite learning fountains of knowledge about Teyvat, one thought within the confines of his partially human brain outweighed others. Her Majesty was planning something, something sinister. The purchasing of wine in other nations was a pawn on the chessboard, readying to checkmate.

After the month long wine purchasing event had come to a close, ninety days of oddly physical activities had arisen. Every single Fatui within the military barracks had been sent to the Whispering Woods in Mondstadt on a daily basis. Agent giving him a bag with strange looking ice blue crystals, extremely unusual work had come into motion for the adolescent chimera.

Crystals warping space around him, a temple with blue energy leaking throughout formed inside the woods of silence. Temple wedged inside rocks near a god statue, fear had made a meal out of the young soldier. The gods, would tampering with nature anger them? The chimera did not know, but he knew such disturbance would become known quickly. Outside taking a month to finish building with the odd jewels, every Fatui in Siorc's jurisdiction moved to the inside of the artificially created temple.

While on the inside of the temple, the hyena would run into the jackal chimera again. Loba also having been assigned to build the insides of the temple with the odd crystals, the hyena would not falter. Jewels warping the insides of the temple into corridors, one month of mundane unworldly building roared into nothing.

For the final month of the ninety days, luring monsters into the temple was the main order of business. Hilichurls and Slimes flocking into the artificially created domain, the monster's population within the walls of synthetic origin increased fervently. Monster population having reached the set amount, the temple project had been completed.

Although, such project was not the end of the temple ordeal. Half of the Fatui in the military barracks were tasked to go spread rumors around Mondstadt about a new domain opening up randomly. No soldier would break their resolve. Adventurers flocking into the domain like birds in the sky, the building of crystal creation was flooded with activity. The chimera having been stationed within the temple for a month, a strange dark blue orb had been glued inside his uniform. Attacking adventurers who entered against his will had begun. Blue orb on his uniform taking control of him, dark water would shoot projectiles at any travellers who would reach the end of the temple. Not being able to stop the blue orb of water from doing its duty, the hyena unwittingly followed his orders diligently. It was almost as if, in a world outside Teyvat, he was merely ones and zeroes being controlled by a program during his life inside the domain.

Being in such position for a month, control of his body was a dead soldier on the battlefield. Battles continuing autonomously, static ate his brain like Flaming Red Bolognese. Such forced upon battles would continue until a dark blue braided boy with large wings would enter. Wind disintegrating the domain into nonexistence, the temple was no more. Blue orb ripped out of his uniform, Siorc's free will had been returned to him. Seeing the shirtless Archon in front of him as consciousness returned to him, the hyena had come to one conclusion, and one conclusion alone.

Barbatos was incredibly furious with him. Angering a god was a sin, indeed.

Or so the adolescent soldier had thought. Hearing being dulled, nothing the god had said to the young man registered. Barely feeling there after the conversation with the blue braided possible boy ended, the young soldier returned to Snezhnaya weakly. Not having been in the permafrost north consistently for four months, getting used to the area again boiled into overdrive.

For the next set of sixty days, reflex training had returned with a vengeance. Defenses becoming rust during the temple ordeal, training was a necessity for the young soldier. Relearning his evasive dodges, the hyena's defenses had returned to the level they had been prior to control being removed from his mind through the blue orb glued onto his uniform. It was almost as if training was a form of resetting the ones and zeroes inside him to zeroes and ones.

For the final set of sixty days, diplomacy of nothing returned with a mundane roar. A few days off thrown in between, the chimera would return to Fontaine to explore the various nature in the wilderness. Such explorations were interrupted, however, by a territorial hawk chimera and his falcon chimera partner. Hawk chimera being intoxicated by justice, enjoying nature in Fontaine on his rare holidays was a near impossibility. Such hostility from the hawk being never-ending, a disturbing thought had ruminated in the young man's mind. Not all chimeras could get along. He supposed nothing could be done about it. Using the other couple days off to search for Hase in Liyue, no progress on the one member search party happened. Nothing was coming together, not a single thing.

During the middle of the final weeks of the nine months coming to a close, something unceremonious had occurred within the adolescent soldier's life.

Siorc had reached adulthood.

His stolen childhood and adolescence had been no more. He knew being an adult in the permafrost north could not be a good thing. No longer being a minor, the chimera knew the doctor's experiments were about to worsen on him. Being an adult Fatui, what could it mean for him? The hyena did not know, but he knew nothing good would come of it. Her Majesty, was she going to make him dirty his hands now that his adolescence was gone like his parents' lives? Fear made a third down payment in the residence inside him.

Such dirtying of the hands would not happen today.

Upon waking up from his deep slumber, an immediate pained uneven heartbeat took residence inside him. Being used to the feeling wrecking havoc inside him, the chimera had begun his breathing exercises immediately. Having a better handle on controlling his breathing, the pained rhythm inside him disintegrated. Breathing exercise finishing up, and glasses over his eyes, Siorc rose from the uncomfortable bed. Work being unpredictable lately for months on end, the early adult was not ready for the day at hand. Knowing time was not a virtue, the soldier had begun the routine of dressing the body.

While dressing in his uniform, uneasiness hovered over his shoulder with a continuous roar. Her Majesty, what did she have planned for him today? Everything had been a wild card within a hide and seek board game lately. Confidence being a corpse in the snow outside, the chimera carefully closed the buttons on his brown jacket. Not knowing what was in store for him today, efficiency was key. Snapping the final button into the correct hole, a sigh released from the partially human esophagus. Whichever wild card were to be relayed to him today by the Agent, he knew he had to be ready.

Hearing the clacking of the Fatui Agent boots increase in volume, the hyena clicked the hairpins and earrings into place. He knew that whatever order was about to be given to him, he had to be ready for it. The choice was no longer his. Taking one final deep breath, the chimera waited for his orders to arrive patiently. Volume of the footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult put on the most diligent face possible through the lenses of his glasses.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "You have been assigned training today." The masked agent gave authoritative eye contact to his subordinate in arms. Another day, another separated assignment.

Hearing the words training, a feeling of relief radiated inside Siorc's body. If training were his orders today, perhaps, just maybe, nothing of especial happenstance would occur today. Slight confidence rushing inside him, the young soldier turned to his subordinate almost instantly.

"Yes, sir," he replied autonomously. Knowing nothing especially horrifying was in store for him today, the hyena held his arm out like an invitation to a party.

A small smirk formed from underneath the Agent's mask. It had been rare for the soldier to answer him immediately. Such was an excellent sight to behold, for sure.

"Excellent, then let's go soldier," the Agent responded. Seeing the soldier holding his arm out, the Agent clenched the limb roughly. The grip had been as tight as steel bars guarding a prisoner, the escort to the training grounds began.

Gripping prison being relentless as it always was, one quick thought caressed the man's mind.

Perhaps, today, nothing bad would happen.

***

Having arrived at the training grounds, Siorc breathed quietly. Knowing at any moment, the Sixth Harbinger would speak, the work mode switch flipped on inside his brain. Seeing his practice partner fifteen meters away, the chimera's legs broke out into a sprint. Tapping his training partner's shoulder, the hyena was ready. Ready for possible reflex training to befall his inhuman eardrums.

Feeling the tap on the shoulder, the training partner turned around immediately. Seeing his subordinate look almost confident, a smile formed from underneath his mask. Placing an arm on his subordinate's shoulder, the practice partner motioned his covered lips to speak.

"You seem ready today, Ingne," the practice partner said softly, hand still on his shoulder. "Let's go get our weapons."

Feeling his practice partner's arm removed from his shoulder, the two walked over to the weapons. Knowing the Sixth Harbingers orders could arrive at any moment, Siorc grabbed a claymore in a hurried vigor. Taking out a different greatsword from the weapon bin, the chimera examined the blade quietly. Weapon not having been the beginner one he usually took, the appearance had been far different. The edge of the blade was silver, with a black center. In the center of the weapon's hilt was a dark purple jewel with a Fatui Insignia embedded inside it. What was that purple jewel, he wondered? He knew questions were not allowed to him as a Fatui Soldier. Ending his examination, the chimera watched as his training partner placed the final set of arrows into his bow and arrow basket. Time was running out, the hourglasses' sand was about to reach the bottom.

Seeing his subordinate in arms take a weapon with a Delusion infused in it, the training partner raised an unseen eyebrow. Hearing about what had happened a few months back, would it really be alright for his practice partner to handle such a weapon? He knew he had to say something to the soldier before the Harbinger were to speak.

"Are you sure you want that claymore, Ingne?" his training partner asked diligently. "I heard about what happened recently in Mondstadt. Let's get you a different one." But, before such weapon exchange could occur, the Sixth Harbinger's malicious voice resounded. What absolutely rude timing, on the Balladeer's part.

"Aren't you all as weak and stupid as ever?" the Sixth Harbinger said with a venomous tone. Poison seeped with every word he spoke. Seeds living in his left hand, the unkind man smirked vehemently. Throwing the seeds down on the frozen ground, the Harbinger's smirk sharpened. "Make yourselves more useful and fight these monsters, why don't you?" A small laugh broke from the small man's throat. Berating those under him was still his favorite pastime.

Hearing the Sixth Harbinger's orders, the chimera jumped nine steps back. He was getting offensive combat training today? Very rarely training his offenses, a gulp released from the partially human esophagus. Being trained to be an evasive defender, the opposite side was never something the hyena had been well versed in. Remembering the last time he had trained offensively ended poorly, a louder gulp released itself from the chambers of his throat.

Closing his mismatched eyes, the early adult breathed deeply before the beat of his heart could become uneven. Anxiety of it all, he knew the choice was not his. Fighting monsters had to become of him now. Hearing his training partner ask him about his weapon minutes before, the man simply nodded at his practice partner. Not having a Vision, perhaps, just maybe, the purple orb inside the claymore's hilt would counter his lack of offensive prowess.

Seeds glowing on the icy ground below, the sound of slimy bounces approached uproariously. Bounces sounding familiar, one singular sweat drop formed at the soldier's brow. Bouncing towards him was an icy circular gelatinous blob. The blobs had spikes of ice protruding on their foreheads. Snowflakes littered throughout their round bodies, the creature just screamed Cryo. Seeing such creature, the chimera puffed a sigh of relief. It was only Slimes today. The fight would end quickly, for sure. Such thoughts of ease were dead upon arrival, however, as the hyena jerked his head to the sunless sky.

In the sky had been odd creatures, similar to the Slimes parading on the ground. The creatures were round, and blue, with a singular yellow pupilless eye. On the head had been dark blue propeller like appendages. Situated at the top of the head had been a grey horn. The grey horn looked rocky, and sharp. Ending his examination, Siorc jumped another eight steps back. What was that creature? He could sense a dark ominous aura radiating in the sky. Eeriness hugging him from behind, ease and relief were shot with a war machine tank filled with water. His currently human legs had begun to shake rapidly. Aerial combat was never something he had been trained to do whatsoever.

Seeing his subordinate in arm's legs shaking, the soldier fastened his bow. Having dealt with Specters before, defeating it with one strike was an easy feat for the sun of a man. Charging his arrow at the Hydro ghost creature, the monster faded to ether immediately upon being hit. Hearing a second one from behind the first, the practice partner fastened another arrow into the bow. Second arrow being fired, the second Specter returned to the world of spirits where it belonged. No monsters remaining in the sky anymore, the training partner turned to his combatant in arms. Encouragement was needed, right away.

"Are you nervous?" the training partner asked softly. He placed a gloved hand onto his shoulder. "Swing your claymore, it'll be alright, Ingne." His words glowed like the absent sun in the sky. "They're not the Pyro ones, so they won't explode." Would such words help his practice partner ease his anxiety? He had hoped such words would help.

Watching as the odd creatures in the sky vanished, a weak smile broke on the chimera's lips. Aerial combat no longer needing to become of him, anxiety faded into nothingness. Encouragement leaking through his eardrums, the soldier in combat clenched the claymore tightly. Slimes of ice two meters away, the man readied to strike the dim creatures of unintelligence.

Slime in front of him, Siorc swung his claymore gracefully. Seeing black bolts of electricity coming from the tip of the greatsword, the soldier pierced the frozen gelatinous blob with due diligence. One strike not being enough to end the monster's life, the chimera tapped the ominous purple orb on the hilt. Another black bolt releasing itself, the icy blob had static lingering throughout its solid body. Seeing the lingering static, the man swung the claymore one final time. Striking the lesser creature from behind like the gazelle chimera had done during their first meeting, he poked the creature with the tip of the blade. Slime fading into nothing, the hyena fell to his feet with a loud thud as the battle had ended.

Energy was escaping him, and quickly. Just what was that weapon he just used? Thoughts were beginning to leave him as the seconds inexorably marched onward.

Hearing the loud thud from behind him, the practice partner turned to his subordinate. Seeing the life in his heterochromatic eyes fade, an unseen look of worry formed on the training partner's face. Noticing almost all his energy had been gone, it had been apparent to the soldier. The Delusion inside the claymore, it was draining his subordinate's life energy. Delusions were terrible weapons indeed. Holding his gloved hands out, he raised the hyena onto his feet.

"Are you alright?" the practice partner asked. There was an alarming tone in his voice. "You can rest upon my shoulder for a minute, if you'd like." He guided his hand to his furry coated shoulder, patting it twice. Delusions were a dangerous tool of war, for sure.

Barely hearing the twofold taps, the chimera slumped his head onto the fuzzy shoulder laid out in front of him. Sound and vision nearly being gone, he could almost feel himself slip away into the nothingness of unconsciousness. That claymore he used, was it infused with toxic metals? The chimera did not know, but thoughts evaporated upon them forming.

"Thank you, sir," he replied weakly, voice barely audible. Every word he spoke felt like effort was needed to speak it.

Sensing no energy in his practice partner's words, the training partner supposed allowing him to rest on his shoulder for longer would be efficient. Resolute on his decision, the absent sun in the sky readied his words to the nearly gone soldier slumped behind him.

"I'll let you sleep on my shoulder for a bit," the practice partner whispered. "I'm not letting you take that claymore next time, okay?" His words were nearly silent, but resolute. "I will wake you up in a little while. Goodnight, Ingne." Hooking his arm around him, he pushed the man closer.

Not hearing a response from him, the practice partner allowed a sigh release from his throat. Letting the soldier sleep, the subordinate removed the claymore from his subordinate's other hand. He glared at the delusion fused within it menacingly through his mask.

Delusions were heinous tools, indeed.

***

When the young soldier had awoken the next morning, an immediate chill had run down his partially human spine. He had not been in the soundproof room within the military barracks. Having woken up in a room of complete unfamiliarity to him, Siorc had come to the only conclusion: the Doctor had moved him into his lab while he had been sleeping again. Not remembering making it into his room last night, fear made a final mortgage payment on the residence inside him. Another day of experimentation awaited the adult chimera.

No longer being an adolescent, the hyena knew the experiments were about to intensify on him. Not having been within the malicious malpracticing doctor's clutches for a significant amount of time, a gulp released from the chambers of his throat. The Harbinger having been away on business in Sumeru for a few months, the hyena hoped such return would never come to fruition. Hope was a skeleton on the ground beneath him. Allowing another sigh release from his partially human throat, the adult motioned slowly towards the chair the Doctor had forced him to live on during the experimentation of his body.

Toxic atmosphere absorbing the chimera, every step decreased in decibels as the chair inched closer. Footsteps' volume practically being zero, the soldier sauntered to the chair slowly. Seat coming closer, the hyena hovered over it like a bee pollinating a flower. Chair of experimentation finally being directly below him, the seat and the hyena's rear met. There was no time; the day was no longer his.

Promptly after being seated, the Doctor handed the little experiment the caffeinated pill of toxins. Not having any say in the matter, the lab rat swallowed the pill on cue. As the pill of poison travelled throughout the early adult's body, his eyes dilated immediately. His damaged eyes were buzzing, his ears were ringing, his heart was racing; his head was screaming. The caffeinated poison, was it stronger this time? The chimera did not know. His head continued to scream inside him as the toxins overpowered him.

The Doctor slapped his gloves onto his face as his test subject's eyes dilated from the dose of caffeinated toxins. Keeping the lab rat awake rather than knocking him out was far more fun. Recalling that his little experiment was an adult now, the subject of experiment was a no brainer for the mad malpracticing Fatui Harbinger. Today, he would play with his test subject's lungs. Rules about vital organs now being lifted, the Doctor had come to wonder, were his test subject's lungs hyena or human? Surely, cutting his way to them would provide a sufficient answer.

Cracking his knuckles, the malicious Harbinger prepared to start the experimentations. Forcefully, he removed the shirted articles of clothing off his test subject. Buttons undone, uniform off, shirt gone; undershirt lunged. Scars being visible in front of him, the Doctor reached for the rope on the lab table.

Tightly knotting a rope onto the chimera's waist, legs and arms, the Doctor cracked a sinister mentally unsound cackle as the decision was finalized. Surgical scalpel in hand, the Doctor released another snarl from his half covered mouth. No clothed obstacles in the way, the malicious malpracticing doctor was ready.

As the scalpel met the lab experiment's scarred chest diabolically, the Doctor sharply sliced the damaged skin with an insensitive passion. As the slices became deeper, and the scar tissue worsened, the right lung had slowly, but surely, become visible. Slashing away carelessly, the lung had finally become fully visible. As the scalpel continued its dastardly reign within the bound hyena before him, the Doctor savagely poked the vital organ like a child's toy. With every poke, his smile turned into a grimace. The lab rat's lungs, they were no different than a human's. Poking the lungs with the scalpel one final time, he bit the fabric of his gloves. Teeth breaking a hole into the plastic gloves, disgust boiled into overdrive.

"How boring!" the Doctor shouted, hand flailing about freakishly. "His lungs are human!" Biting down on the glove harder, a tearing sound resonated throughout the walls of the lab. Purely human lungs were certainly no fun to cut up. Walking over to a drawer, the Doctor replaced the broken glove. While replacing the garment, a sinister thought planted itself into the mentally unsound Harbinger's head.

If the lungs were boring, attempting to unlock the shark grooves in the lab rat's brain again would not be.

This time, for sure, already having been opened up, the shark grooves in the brain would activate. Perhaps, just maybe, if the body's defenses were down, the predator grooves would awaken. Surgical scalpel reseated in his hand, the Sumeru Akademiya outcast readied to begin the second round of experimentation. As he was about to begin his second round of surgery, a generic woman's voice called out to him. The Doctor cranked his head to the owner of the voice that rarely spoke out in the lab.

"Sir, don't you think you're going too far?" a generic woman scientist exclaimed. "You're hurting him."

The Doctor clicked his unseen tongue at such remark. Who did this woman think she was? "You dare speak to me that way?" he shouted, his voice had venom seeping out of it. "Silence! You have no say! It's far more fun cutting him open further!"

The Harbinger continued his experiments on the chimera. The scalpel met the lab experiment's forehead with a hostile stab. As the brain became increasingly visible with every slash, the Doctor poked the light brown shark brain lump seated into the center of the vast sea of pink haphazardly. As the scalpel continued its maleficent reign within the bound hyena's brain, the Harbinger poked the shark grooves for minutes on end. With every continued poke, the urge to ruin another glove with his fangs bubbled into its climactic stages.

Nothing again, no reaction at all. None, at all, whatsoever. Not a single crackle.

"Quite ridiculous!" the Doctor shouted again. "Another failure!" Scalpel removed from the brain, the fangs and the gloved thumb met again. Enamel ripping a hole onto the replaced glove, a rip resounded through the wall of the lab discordantly. The Doctor pointed a bare middle finger at the generic scientist woman who interrupted him earlier. "You, there! Sew his chest and head back up!" His words boomed with commando at the woman across the room. Failure and boredom were disgusting beasts of burden.

Seeing the third finger pointed at her, the generic scientist rose from her chair. What absolutely obscene behavior. Knowing that she could not respond to his rudeness, the woman of generic stature placed the suture in hand.

"Alright, sir," the generic woman scientist replied. "I will get right to it."

Order being given, the generic scientist threaded the suture unprofessionally. Having very rarely done such actions, she knew this would not be the best job, but it had to be done. "I know this is going to hurt, but I have to sew you back up, try and hang on," the generic scientist whispered. "I'm not an expert, so it will not be perfect." She kept her voice as low as possible as the work had begun. Figuring the head incision should be closed first, the scientist would not falter. Suture threaded through the open area, imperfectly, but surely. While it had taken many threads through, eventually, the surgical level incision had become no more. As the signs of invasive activity were no more, the generic scientist threaded the suture once more.

Moving onto the chest, the suture threaded the other incision clumsily. Taking even more threads through than the head incision, sweat poured down the scientist's back. Taking ten threads through, all surgical activity had finally been out of sight. Scar on the chest being far deeper than before after the incision was snapped shut, a tear stroked down the woman of generic stature's face. Untying the ropes around the chimera's body, the scientist redressed the unresponsive hyena. Carrying the absent soldier into a bed, the scientist stared at the wall diagonal to her. The Fatui were cold, unloving people.

"Rest well, young soldier," whispered the generic scientist one more time. Knowing a response would never come, the scientist quietly returned to her position in the laboratory. Clicking her tongue as she returned, bitterness entered her heart.

The Fatui were unloving creatures.

***

Waking up an hour later, Siorc could feel glass shatter inside him. Having been awake the entire time due to the caffeinated pill of poison, a dormant thought inside him resurfaced. A rare, and repressed thought permeated through the dormant shark grooves in his brain.

He was tired. He was done. He had enough.

Tired of the Doctor's experiments. Tired of all the chaos of his daily Fatui life. Tired of everything. Glass falling to his human feet beneath, another dormant, and stronger thought overpowered the other ones within him.

He would shirk work tomorrow. No matter what the order that was given to him, he would not do it. Not even for a moment. He knew he would have to play the role of the diligent soldier to not raise suspicion, but the hyena cared not. Tomorrow, he would do it, for sure. The thoughts echoed in his head once again.

He was tired, he was done, he had had enough of the Fatui. Enough of Her Majesty.

Enough of this life, enough of these games. Enough of being a pawn on the chessboard. Exiting the laboratory, the thoughts continued to play like a record inside him. Eventually reaching the soundproof room, he laid on the uncomfortable bed plottingly. Energy leaving the body upon placing his head on the pillow, the thought played on repeat in his head as the world of tormented sleep awaited him.

He needed a break, and he was taking one.

He would shirk work tomorrow happily.

 

[Palamon]

Tw: graphic depictions of violence.

23. Siorcing Work and the Consequences.

The sound of the morning alarm bells blared throughout the area vigorously. The discordant tone of many begrudged Fatui soldiers resonated harmoniously with the call for duty. The alarm bell had been uncalled for on time exactly, as usual. Absolutely no soldier within the barracks had been ready for the day at hand. Regardless of such discordant begrudging around, however, the hundreds of soldiers loyalty would not waver.

The discordant sound of groans throughout the barracks were more than enough to awaken Siorc from a rather deep slumber. The alarm had never been something the young chimera was ever alerted to. The cacophony of sound around him had more than certainly been the far more efficient way to disturb the hyena from his ever tormented slumbers. Upon the routine of the sound of the groans, Siorc groggily arose from his bed. Almost robotically, he reached for his glasses and equipped them efficiently onto his heterochromatic eyes. While dressing in his uniform, he knew the dreadful event of his orders were about to be unleashed on him. An audible gulp resonated within the soundproof walls of his room. He did not know what task would be handed out to him today.

Hairpins and earrings clipped into place, the chimera finished his efficient morning routine of dressing his body. The Fatui agent could be seen within Siorc's astigmatized vision. A sigh almost of relief released from his throat. It was not the doctor today. Any feeling of dread within his body had vanished within an instant.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "We have been assigned to check on financial matters in Liyue Harbor today." The agent looked directly into the chimera's eyes with his mask with a possibly assured look on his face.

The young soldier beamed internally as the Fatui Agent said the name of Liyue to him. Liyue, a place that adorned the most beautiful of Silk Flowers. The chimera knew that financial talks were always of the longest variety when it came to some of his non military training activities. Hearing of such being his task today, the hyena had only one thing circling through the depts of his mind, and one alone.

He would shirk work today.

Shirk work, just like the pronunciation of his name. The early adult had been dying to see the flowers all around Liyue, specifically the ones near the famed Wangshu Inn the soldier had heard many rumors about having many Silk Flowers on the premises.

Knowing his intention of shirking work, however, he knew he needed to wait until the discussions had gotten intricate enough for him to slip away unnoticed. So, appearing to comply, at least for a momentary amount of time was the only option of which he had.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" cried out the Fatui agent again. "Did you hear me? We have been assigned Liyue Harbor financial duties today. Are you with me?" There had been an irritated tone in the agent's voice. The lack of an answer had been the test of his ever waning patience.

Siorc flinched almost completely on cue. The chimera had not realized how lost in thought he had become upon the decision to shirk his rather mundane duties for the day.

"Sorry, sir," he replied, apologizing disingenuously. "I'm just tired." He quietly pretended to rub his eyes to appear as though he was still waking up.

The Fatui agent rolled his eyes at the act of such obvious acting. He did not know at all what the chimera had ever been thinking inside whatever might have been going on within the chambers of his brain.

"There's no time for that, we have to go," commanded the Fatui Agent as he firmly grabbed the chimera's arm. The grip had been as tight as a belt across the waist.

"Yes sir," Siorc replied meekly. The feeling of the Agent gripping his arm was rather suffocating, although the adult chimera remained silent. He knew he was not allowed to voice complaints to his subordinate in arms.

The chimera had hoped the diplomatic conversations would get deep rather quickly so the hyena's escape plan to shirk work would arrive swiftly. As the escort to Liyue had begun, a small smirk formed on the man's lips as he was ready today. Ignorantly, the consequences of such actions did not enter the young soldier's mind to any capacity. His mind was in flower mode, work mode had left the building.

***
Liyue Harbor had been many degrees warmer than the harsh land of Snezhnaya that the chimera had been unwittingly whisked away to in his stolen childhood. The sun shining brightly had not been something of which he seen in quite a long time. The pleasantness of such a sight had only made the chimera wish to quietly run off to initiate his shirking work plan even more so.

Prior to the arrival of Liyue Harbor through the Teleport Waypoint, the Agent had instructed Siorc that they would be speaking to the Snezhnayan merchant stationed in the Harbor, Ivanovic. He had also been alerted of needing to go Northland Bank, the Eleventh Harbinger's known territory within the Fatui's manipulative reach. Knowing that financial talks with their local supply merchant would quickly get long and winded, the chimera smirked again. He was ready to vanish within any given moment. Siorc attempted as much as possible, however, to not give off any disobeying body language. At all times, the soldier kept on his most diplomatic soldier looking face as possible in hopes to not tip off his subordinate of his plan.

The Fatui Agent had released Siorc from his hand gripping prison as the generic looking merchant was adjacent to them. The man behind the counter peculiarly looked quite similar to many other men he had seen in various areas around Teyvat. The man never questioned why so many adult men had looked as similar as they did, however.

"Ivanovic, how is business In Liyue?" asked the Fatui Agent to the generic looking man behind the counter. The Agent had already been absorbed deeply into work mode, as expected.

Quietly observing four steps behind, Siorc did not care to listen to the financial related duties he had been assigned that day. The Fatui Agents were most often known to take charge when it came to the financial statuses of any nations. Slipping away without being noticed was certainly an easy to achieve feat. He had already been quite invisible, the early adult ventured to guess.

As the talk of financial inquires had persisted with fervor, the chimera silently stepped away as efficiently as possible. The time to shirk his duties was upon him. As the Fatui Agent had been farther away in his bespectacled heterochromatic line of sight, the efficient stepping back erupted into a sprint. The Silk Flowers, soon he would be able to see the Silk Flowers with his own two damaged eyes. He did not have a single care in the world at the particular moment in time; his goal was clear. The flowers, soon he would be surrounded by their wonderful, godly atmosphere.

As the Teleport Waypoint had neared his presence, the chimera halted his sprint. Opening up his proxy map, he highlighted the waypoint to Wangshu Inn with his finger. He was ready. Ready to shirk his duties, ready for the beautiful land of the flowers to engulf him into Celestia. A smile could be seen beaming ear to ear on the man's face as his plans had continued to go off without a hitch to not do his assignment today.

The soldier closed his eyes almost as if it were instinct as the teleportation began. The chimera was never able to stand the extreme brightness that teleporting had given off. But he knew, this trip would be worth it. The flowers he had always dreamed of seeing would be with him soon.

***
Despite how blinding teleporting had always been, the destination being reached quickly always outweighed the risk. Siorc would take a blinding light to fast travel a thousand times over the Doctor deteriorating his vision any further. Such a thought broke a chuckle within the chambers of the hyena's throat. A ludicrous thought to be had.

The chimera observed the area of Wangshu Inn carefully as his shirking work heist had proceeded. The area before him had been nothing short of beautiful. The inn had been similar to that of a large treehouse structure he remembered briefly seeing in his stolen childhood. The structure he had been in at the moment, however, was of far more complicated foundation.

After a gargantuous amount of staircases had been conquered, he let out an exasperated pant. Wooden stairs were quite the horrible invention. The panting was over within moments as the Silk Flowers had zeroed in with Siorc's field of vision. Hurried, but surely, the hyena's legs broke out into a gleeful sprint. The flowers, the Silk Flowers, Celesita's gift to all humanity had been before him. Right in front of his very eyes. If eyes were able to form hearts in them, the chimera knew that is how his eyes might have looked to a generic man in Liyue at this particular timeframe.

As the Silk Flowers had been enclosed within his damaged vision, the blissfulness of it all had removed his existence from reality. As he had reached the flower land inside the deep subconsciousness of his mind, the shirt on his body had been removed. The fictional flowerbed in the deep confines of his mind had appeared magically. As the fictional flowerbed in his subconscious world had solidified, the chimera blissfully laid down in the fictional garden of flowers before him, nipples mysteriously absent from his subconscious chest on his dazing body.

None of this, however, had been occurring in the real world whatsoever. Back in Teyvat, where the body had been, Siorc was staring lifelessly, coat and shirt still on, and hyena tail and paws evidently sticking out like a Slime in a tribe of Hilichurls. The blank look on his face concerned many locals, albeit barely. The many mobs of people turned the other way at the sight of the spaced out chimera. It was the problem of no one, despite the curious concern. Such moment would not last infinitely, however. Children were curious creatures.

Almost on cue, a child of generic looking features within the Liyue area had spotted the almost lifeless chimera. The generic child motioned his index finger at the spaced out man, readying to expose him to the entire population of the Wangshuu Inn area.

"Mommy! That man is weird, he's staring at flowers so intently!" the child chimed whimsically. "And look, he has a tail! He's so funny looking!" The young boy continued to point at the self proclaimed funny tailed man before him.

Siorc, however, could not hear him. The land of imagination in his fictional flowerbed had been too deep. Reality had not yet cracked within the chimera's subconscious land of flowers. Unawareness had been bliss. The fleeting feeling of bliss had always been short lived however, as awareness slowly begun to creep up within the dazed mind.

Back in the land of reality, the sour expression of the mother radiated negative energy. This had not been how she had taught her son to act. This negative energy had engulfed the fictional world within the confines of the young diplomatic soldier's mind swiftly but surely.

"Don't point son, it's rude!" the mother scolded. She lightly grabbed her son's hand to escort him away from the vicinity.

Even after the negative energy of the mother had been expelled, returning to his land of imagination had ceased. The cold, hard real world had been before him again. Slapping his cheeks to completely bring himself back to the world of Teyvat, Siorc leaped backwards upon returning. The chimera's body had done it again; it had partially retracted into hyena mode. His cheeks had become a deep crimson as the realization that his chimera body had activated while in the land of the fictional flowerbed inside his mind. The thought of any human seeing that bewildered the early adult.

Upon calming down his flustered state, Siorc used every drop of willpower within his body to return his hyena traits back into human ones. While it had taken a triad effort to do so, his hyena paws and tail had eventually retracted themselves. The transformation of his hyena traits back into human had always been the rather disgusting sight for him to behold.

Not knowing how long he had been out, the chimera tilted his head to the position of the sun in the sky. The sun had shifted more towards the west than when he had gotten there. The hyena's heart sank hard within his chest. Hours, three hours had passed since he had escaped to shirk his diplomatic financial duties. He knew he was going to get caught for sure this time. There was no way around it. He knew he was going to receive a violent punishment from Her Majesty. He had to return back to Liyue Harbor immediately. Perhaps, just maybe the Agent did not even notice he was gone. He readied his journey back to the Harbor, dawdling however, as the man had been distracted by the art of picking Silk Flowers. The early adult sloppily placed the picked Silk Flowers inside his coat pocket as a frantic sprint broke out in his legs.

His life was over if the agent were to have discovered his absence. As the man had been teleporting back to Liyue Harbor, dread had engulfed his partially human mind. It was over, his life was over. There was no way the Fatui Agent he had come with for his duties he had walked away from would not notice him having left. His heartbeat fluttered ever so rapidly as the thoughts begun to devour him like the shark grooves inside his brain.

There was no way he was getting away with this one. He knew a world of death for disobedience awaited him.

***
Upon returning to the Agent, Siorc's sense of dread had been correct. The Fatui Agent had been bombastically enraged. The Agent's gloved hands had been balled into a sharp fist, ready to create violent contusion on the chimera's body.

"Where have you been?!" the Agent shouted. His voice was booming. "I'll make sure Her Majesty hears of it that you shirked your duties today. You're not getting off easy this time!" The agent gripped the chimera's arm with extreme force. The force had been much tighter than before. Gripping prison had returned once again.

He knew it, it was over. His life was over. He knew that disobedient Fatui were given punishments of extremely deadly caliber. There was no escape, he knew the Tsaritsa would most certainly end his life today. The dread continuously consumed him as Snezhnaya had inched closer and closer to him.

At least he got to see the flowers of his dreams before his life were to be extinguished.

***
The immediate return to the frozen northern land made the chimera flinch a various amount of times as the agent dragged him to the palace Her Majesty resided in. Siorc's heart begun to turn to stone within his chest as the reality had sunk in ever more greatly. His life was over, over as soon as the agent reported the shirking of his duties. Trying to escape the gripping prison was an impossible option. He had no choice, he had to accept the fate of death via Her Majesty.

"Your Majesty, Siorc shirked his duties today," he exclaimed. "He disappeared for many hours unaccounted for." The Fatui Agent smirked underneath his mask as he whistleblowed to Her Majesty.

The Tsaritsa's face twisted into that of ferocity at the news of one of her soldiers shirking their duties. A punishment would need to be in order for such an illicit act of disobedience from one of her Fatui. Normally such an outcome of disobedience resulted in death of the subordinate. Siorc, however, was still of use to her. Merciful, she will be. She stared at the chimera before her with an absolute punishing gaze. Grabbing the Silk Flowers he had pocketed away with an ever most violent rip.

A slit to the stomach would do the chimera good to teach him a lesson of obedience.

"Very well, my lovely Agent, ready the dagger," the Tsaritsa said in a a commanding tone. She then turned to Siorc, expression darkening considerably in tone. "My lovely little chimera, your disobedience will not go unpunished." The Tsaritsa placed her hand near the front of her mouth as she laughed royally.

The laugh had reached the eardrums of the chimera with a sinister vibration. It was over. His life was about to come to an end. Was it worth it? Worth shirking work for this? The man could feel all his thoughts cluster as the punishment drew closer and swifter every second that went by. He wondered, would apologizing work? He figured an apology would not do any damage. The sense of dread continued to swallow him as the frightening reality of his possible death loomed over him. Apologize, yes, he had to apologize. Perhaps, just maybe, an apology to Her Majesty would change her mind.

"I'm sorry, your majesty!" he cried, head bowing to her feet. "It won't happen again!" Tears began pouring out profusely as the apology flowed out of his body.

Her majesty gave a cocky wry smile at the crying soldier before her. Cute, he thought he could get out of his punishment. "It's too late for apologies, my dear chimera. You're lucky it's not a sword," she laughed commandingly. "Now, my lovely agent, do the honors." As Her Majesty commanded the Agent, the entire population of Fatui in the area had appeared in a cluster. Punishments were always on public display within the palace for the entire freezing military to see.

The life within Siorc's eyes ceased as the agent swiftly approached him. Everything had been going by as if his life had been flashed before his severely damaged eyes. This was it, everything was over. His flowers were gone, there was nothing he could do. It was over, everything was about to end. The flowers he loved so much would no longer be of reach to him after this punishment would be administered.

The Agent had been within the presence of the mortified chimera. Loyally, the Fatui stripped the shirt off of Siorc as if it were paper. His commands were to not extinguish his life, and be merciful unbeknownst to the crying hyena before him. The whistleblower, however, would have lauded at the opposite. Disobedience deserved nothing but death.

The time had come, the punishment was ready. The dagger opened the door to his stomach with a delicately violent knock. As the dagger and the skin of the stomach shook hands, blood could be seen making its acquaintance with the floor beneath Siorc's feet. While the laceration not having been deadly enough to be lethal, the pain had been immaculate. The dagger and the stomach shook hands a second time as the Agent swiped the weapon onto the stomach again. Thousands of pairs of eyes watched as the punishment was being provided to the disobedient young soldier. A predictable scream could be heard reverberating throughout the area as the small pool of blood dirtied the floor beneath him. The pain, the pain was erupting explosively. He did not know what had hurt worse, the punishment being delivered his way, or the humility of every single subordinate he had come to be forced to know watching it ceremoniously. As the dagger waved goodbye to the stomach of the chimera, the dizziness of mild blood loss begun to settle in. Apologize, he had to apologize. He had to apologize to her majesty. He had to show his regret to her.

"Y-your majesty, I'm sorry," he cried out extremely weakly. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again, please forgive me, Your Majesty." Tears stained the glasses as his continued cries of apologies flowed as a river before the cold unloving figure above him. He never regret an action as much as the ones he had done today.

The Tsaritsa let out a sinister laugh. Adorable, the chimera still thought apologies would work. She had an even worse punishment planned for the next day.

"It's too late for apologies, my lovely chimera," she said in a cold and dry tone. A diabolic smirk soon followed as the final blow was about to be administered to the punished disobedient chimera that stood before her crying out in pain and for forgiveness. Folding her hands, she readied the final nail in the coffin. "Oh, and, I'll let the Doctor do whatever he wishes with you tomorrow." Her smile was twisted as she laid the final punishing blow.

Too weak to respond to Her Majesty's final punishment, Siorc had merely accepted it. Words no longer worked within the sea of his mind as the blood lost from the ordeal had muted all thought process inside him. It was back to the tormenting land of experiments for him tomorrow. If pain had not been overpowering the chimera, the man would be crying for mercy again.

Blackness, however, swiftly swallowed him. The pint of blood was too much for the small chimera to withstand inside him. The ground before him and his body met. The hyena knew picking flowers today was a mistake.

***
Even through the various layers of unconsciousness through the loss of blood from the ordeal, the chimera's dreams were still of the tormenting variety.

Before him was a bed of Silk Flowers carefully arranged naturally in nature. Despite the heavy ordeal he had received today, the fictional flowerbed within his subconscious would not cease being there. It however, would only last mere seconds. A faint simulated scent of fire could be whiffed by Siorc's unconscious nose.

Within the plane of his subconscious had been various Pyro Fatui soldiers he had worked with in the past. The chimera analyzed the enemy before him frantically as the flames begun their rampage within his land of flowers.

The soldier had unappealing silver hair that had reached to his shoulders, hair partially covered with a rather unattractive black hat with red feathers sticking out on the end. His entire wardrobe consisted of a red coat, the color of the flames currently wrecking havoc within his subconscious mind, and thick red pants tucked into boots. In his hands was a rifle powered with flames. He could not make out the soldier's face however, as it had predictably been covered with a mask. Years of being trapped in the north, this had been a sight he had been permanently used to by now.

"Time to fry!" cried the soldier robotically like an autonomous program. The soldier nailed the trigger on the rifle. Flames rapidly spread as the fictional flowerbed was decimated by rifle in hand. Autonomously, the soldier laughed as the fictional flowers within the subconscious mind of the chimera ceased to not exist.

A mortified scream broke from within the throat of the chimera. The flowers, the flowers were dying. The safe haven within his subconscious, all of it, all of it was burning to a cinder. All of it. Every single one. Not a single nonexistent survivor remained. As the dream flowers in his mind were extinct, a loud wail broke from within him. Nothing was left, there was nothing safe within the contents of his mind anymore.

"I shouldn't," he weakly spoke through the gallons of tears. "I shouldn't have picked those flowers today." Even within the plane of his unconscious dreaming mind, the regret of his actions would not exit the unconscious world within the plane of his mind.

He'd never pick flowers again.

***

Upon awakening from the tormenting ordeal of the already forgotten terror within his dream world, the Doctor had already taken his entire partial person into his lab. Her Majesty must have delivered him to the Harbinger personally. He knew, the punishment had been well deserved. Whatever experiments the Doctor had in store for him, he knew he had no right to complain. Everything that was about to happen, he had to bare with it.

The Doctor manically placed his hand on his mask. The event that had occurred the day prior made the subject of experiment a no brainer for the mad malpracticing doctor. Having previously inserted a tiny Kamera into the body to study the organs inside, he knew exactly what he wished to do to his frequent chimera test subject. Was his test subject's stomach human or chimera? The doctor sinisterly cracked a mentally unsound laugh as the decision had been made.

The Doctor cracked his knuckles obnoxiously as he prepared to start his experimentations. Forcefully, he removed the shirted articles of clothing off his test subject. Jacket off, Shirt gone, undershirt tossed, surgical scalpel in hand. He was ready. Ready to probe the wound to the chimera's stomach even further. As he was about to begin his malpractice on his ever obedient test subject, a generic woman's voice could be heard calling out to the doctor. A voice that very rarely ever spoke out in the lab, it quietly reverberated to the doctor's ears.

"Sir, he's injured," the generic woman scientist exclaimed. "Please go gentle on him."

The doctor scoffed at such a suggestion. "Go easy on him? That's so boring!" Another maniacal laugh came from the throat of the mentally unsound doctor. "It's much more fun when his organs are opened up!"

The Doctor continued his malicious experiments on the chimera, scalpel piercing the skin of the already injured stomach violently. No antiseptic had been used, no numbing, nothing. He continued hacking away with the scalpel in hand until the stomach had been visible enough to poke with his gloved hands. He smirked as the stomach was near his hands. He manically poked the organ with his gloved hand. A twisted smile that could even be seen underneath the mask filled the mad Doctor's face. An epiphany had filled his malicious brain as the image of the inside of the stomach had appeared on a small primitive monitor before him. Experimenting on the chimera is a thrilling experience.

"Most fascinating, his stomach is both hyena and human," he chided maniacally. "Magnificent! Magnifique!" An uproarious laugh erupted as the Doctor felt more experiments pour into his mentally unsound mind. He would have plenty of fun opening up the chimera's organs for further probing later. Fascinating, more experiments were to come.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Siorc had been undoubtfully awake. The pain, the pain was excruciating. The Doctor had been especially ruthless today. He knew the Doctor had probably given him a caffeinated pill to force him to stay awake as he played with his organs as he wished. Did the Tsaritsa order this? He was in far too much pain to be able to comprehend such a pondering. He wished to scream, but the pain had been overpowering. Nothing could escape his throat, tears would not fall. Everything that would help reduce the agony within him had left the building. The only thing that had been left within him was torture of it all. The chimera no longer had the no mental capacity anymore to think, process anything, everything was gone. If the caffeine hadn't been forced into his system, he surely would have fainted by now.

"Hey, look! A rare Hilichurl is outside the window!" cried the generic scientist unexpectedly.

Immediately upon saying such, the mentally unsound doctor bolted, another fine specimen to kill and open up. Within moments of the declaration, the doctor's presence had been gone.

The generic scientist folded her hands plottingly. Getting the doctor to exit the lab was a success. She had recalled his past exploits of experimenting on the monsters beforehand. The generic scientist had very rarely tried to intervene with anything her superior had been doing, however today was not one of those days. The scientist had had enough of the show he had been doing to the already injured chimera.

The generic scientist knew the Doctor would not be gone for a long period of time. Distractions very rarely last for long. Without a second or third thought about it, the scientist was certain on what had to be done. The deep wound and incisions had to be closed. She did not wish to inflict anymore pain onto the tormented chimera before her, but scarring would soon become forever.

The generic scientist inched towards the dazed chimera fogged from the taxing monstrosity that happened minutes ago. Adorning gloves and a surgical needle, she was ready to fix the damage caused by both the doctor today and the soldier the day before.

"I'm going stitch you back up, try and hold on," the generic scientist whispered. "The doctor went too far today. I couldn't let that continue." She kept her voice as low as possible as the work begun with the closing of the surgical level wound delivered by the Doctor. The suture threaded the deep cut imperfectly, but assuredly. While it had taken many threads through, eventually there had been no more sign of the surgical level cut on the chimera's body. With the gentle removal of the suture, the generic scientist employed within the lab sighed of relief as the mission had been completed. It had been an imperfect job, but it would have to do.

She knew if the Doctor found out about what she had done, her job would be no longer exist, but it mattered not to her. Watching the Doctor do such inhumane things at all times was not something she could stand any longer. Enough had been enough today. She was prepared. Prepared to pay her life for doing such an action, but she cared not. All the experiments she had witnessed, all of them had been enough. She knew this would probably be the only time she'd be able to intervene, although, she knew, she knew it had to have been done.

After enough time had passed, and the doctor had not returned, the generic scientist gently placed the still mentally fogged chimera into a bed. The Fatui were brutal, harsh people. Love was not in their vocabulary.

"Rest well, young Siorc," whispered the generic scientist one final time. She suspected the soldier had been unconscious by now.

An astronomically incorrect assumption, on her part.

"T...hank-y," came the barely audible reply of the chimera. All of his strength had gone into attempting to mouth out a sense of gratitude. The overpowering fuzziness took over as the tribulation of it all had finally overwhelmed him enough to slip into a sedative state of some sort of sleep. If he hadn't felt so weak from everything, he would burst into tears.

Kindness was a rare animal in Snezhnaya.

 

[Palamon]

24. Inazuma, Shark Brain Activating, Vision and Delusion Received.

Upon awakening the next morning, many painful realities had erupted inside the chimera's mind within seconds of his consciousness for the day. The steel walls he had been forced to become familiar with had returned. The young soldier had been none the wiser to such an unceremonious return. No amount of memory of being moved back into the room of silence stirred within Siorc's brain. The memory of it was of the empty variety. Every moment the soldier could attempt to think of that had led to the reality before him had been blank. Such horrors were not the only one within his witness, however. Another harsh reality had come closing in as the early adult's damaged body laid like vegetation.

He could not move. Not even an inch, whatever an inch was, the chimera did not know of such word. Not a single centimeter. Any amount of movement the hyena attempted resulted in immediate unheard screams of pains from within the sound proof room. Tried as he might, movement had been a near astronomical impossibility. Such reality of immobility had not been the only one remaining within Siorc's brain. Another instant, horrifying reality of monstrosity played inside the hyena's mind.

He knew, the state he was in, work was an implausible action. Upon his recent escapades of shirking his duties, he knew such an act of the forbidden art of unmoving would create his end. His life was over, there had been no amount of doubt in the young soldier's mind such a fate had awaited him. Whenever his subordinate were to come for him for whatever his assignment for the day may have been, yelling and death were all that was in store for the hyena. The monster inside roared louder as the seconds ruptured on inexorably. Any moment now, the Agent would show up with his duties.

An astronomically incorrect assumption, on his part.

Such a moment of the Agent arriving never came to be. No orders were ever delivered to the chimera, none whatsoever. The moment of being summoned for his militaristic duty was a material that never sewed into place. Seconds had become hours as nothing of happenstance occurred. Movement already having been a failure, another monster bellowed within the chambers of the hyena's mind. Was this his end? A dishonorable discharge of nothing? The monster continued to devour the immobile adult as the hours raged on in silence.

If he could move, he certainly would be fine with any subordinate who could assign him something, anything. Picking flowers that day was a mistake he wished could be erased. As the hours raged on relentlessly to the impending darkness of the night, the continued feelings of torment raged within the chimera's partial human brain. Silence was a deafening, violent weapon.

The silence raged on with a deafening beat of nothing as the overwhelming tiredness overtook Siorc's body. The oddity of no one ever having arrived to relay orders to him echoed within the chambers of the hyena's mind with a continuous roar. As the world of tormented sleep won the fight, the chimera closed his eyes unwillingly. Tomorrow, surely tomorrow, work would arrive for him. Immobile, or not, he knew such option was the only one. As the world of sleep claimed him, the monster continued to bubble into overdrive.

The deafening silence was an impenetrable wall of never ending fear.

***

The sound of bitter wind awaited the young soldier as the next morning raged onward. The howling of the chill of the northern land roared like a Mitachurl whose axe had been ripped away. Hundreds of groans resonated throughout the military barracks as the chilling wind slammed every barricaded window with a violent stab. Another month long of nonstop snow. Such was a normal occurrence in the nation of Snezhnaya. Awakening to such a sound of raging winter, a feeble gulp groggily resonated in the hyena's throat. Move, he had to move. Not moving in such harsh weather would result in a swift, but sure death. During such times of nonstop raging weather, most soldiers could usually be found near a heat source within the barracks. A heat source, he knew he had to find an area to warm up, even within the inside areas.

If only his entire body were able to transform into a hyena, freezing would never be a problem for the young soldier. Such was not the reality of the chemical makeup of his body. Years of such possibility have left the building.

Determined to remove himself from the soundproof room to locate such place of warmth, Siorc attempted with every fiber of his being to raise from the bed. As the chimera moved even for a moment, a dominating pained scream released itself from his throat. An aggressive sting from the stomach pulsed with utter savagery as the attempts pursued onward. The pulse increased in power as the attempts to move continued persistently onward with a stubborn rage.

Moving even a little was a horrific failure for the chimera. But he knew the permafrost area was not somewhere he wished to spend his last moments. A click of the tongue bounced off and back around the steel walls as the continued feeling of cold dominated. Dying here was not an option. Praying to the Archons while in his immobile state, the soldier waited patiently for someone, anyone, anyone to come to the freezing room of steel. Anyone, to take him to a heat source.

As if willed into existence, such prayers were answered. The sound of footsteps could be heard raging onward with increased volume. The sound of the footsteps, however, were not the familiar ones the chimera had come to recognize. The footsteps were softer. No amount of demand or rage to be heard as the steps sauntered onward. With the unrecognizable walking pattern, a second gulp released itself from the hyena's throat. The agent had not been the person who was coming today. As the volume of the footsteps halted, fear tapped the chimera on his unable to move shoulder. His life was over. The unfamiliar footsteps were surely one of the higher ups within the Fatui readying to extinguish his life. Where had the Agent gone? As the thoughts continued their raging path inside, the voice of the unknown footsteps had begun to take shape.

"Ingne? This is your room, right?" the voice called out. "I'm coming in." The unknown footsteps increased in volume momentarily as they invited their person to the room.

As the sound of the footsteps halted for the second time, Siorc examined the person of which had entered his room. The man before him was not someone of which he had recognized. The man had no mask on, an oddity within the lower ranks of the Fatui. His silver eyes were full of vigor and life, unlike a specific Harbinger that the early adult had come to barely know. The features of the man before his damaged field of vision, however, were of the generic stature. Hairstyles were the only difference from generic person to person. The man before him had dirty blonde hair, pulled back into a ponytail. Having seen such an appearance a countless amount of times did not help matters.

The chimera blinked through the lenses of his glasses. Who was this man presented before him? The voice had a familiar tone to it, but he knew voices were even of a generic sound in the world of Teyvat.

"Ah, right, you must not recognize me without my mask," the unknown figure said. A nervous laugh erupted from the throat of the unknown man within the room. "It's me, your training partner, Egor!" A smile formed on the unusually visible face. Kindness glowing like the absent sun as the introduction ended.

All immediate fear from within the chimera's body deflated at the sound of an unusually friendly voice in his eardrums. Egor, a name he rarely had heard within the barracks of the military. Given names were not something that was feasibly rewarded to others within the ranks of lower Fatui. Immediately coming to the haphazard conclusion his practice partner had not been here to extinguish his life, an almost happy sigh released from the hyena's throat. Attempting with any amount of strength to speak, Siorc weakly motioned his human lips to bring words to life.

"Training?" the chimera replied quietly, voice barely audible. "I'll get ready, sir." Attempting once again with any amount of strength to move, the young soldier raised his body from the bed. A scream of pain immediately broke again as the stinging of the stomach persisted onward. Clicking the human tongue within his mouth, the treachery of failure had quickly resounded. Movement had still been impossible, regretfully.

Hearing the pain of his practice partner, the combatant in arms sprinted to the bedside immediately. Placing his coworker back down into the bed before him, a puzzled look broke on the unusually visible face. Did no one tell the subordinate before him all work had been cancelled for the next few days? A head scratcher to be had, for sure. The generic soldier knew he had to relent the news to the pained soldier before him. Such confusion had to end now.

"Training, goodness, no, Ingne," Egor stated diligently. "Her Majesty has taken her leave for awhile, everyone has a holiday off. I'm here to give you something, actually." The soldier of generic stature shuffled through his coat to hand the object of note to the chimera. Within his hand had been a fiery orange flower of commonplace in the distant land of Mondstadt. Placing the flower onto his practice partner's chest, the soldier spoke again. "I figured you would need a heat source, so I brought it to you." Another smile broke onto the lesser Fatui's face. Hopefully, one flower would be enough.

A tired, begrudged growl bellowed from Siorc's throat. Flowers were not something he wished to see right now. Was this his punishment for being unable to move? If he had the strength, he would toss the flaming flower on his partial person onto the ground, but no such first wind came. The chimera glared at his practice partner, tiredness reducing the ferocity of such extreme stares. A flower, a flower of all things. He knew, however, such complaints were not allowed to be stated. He supposed, for now, the heat from the flower would have to do.

"Thank you," Siorc begrudgingly said. Very rarely had the chimera's words shown emotion. He did not know why such a switch within him had been turned on. The chimera bit his tongue to prevent himself from saying any other unusually emotional words. Friendly people were monsters.

Sweat poured out from Egor's head almost immediately hearing the obvious anger in the hyena's voice. Flowers had to have been a sore subject for his subordinate before him. There was however, no immediate way to keep the man warm. Moving a body in such a state it had currently been in was of the dangerous variety.

"I apologize, Ingne," the subordinate responded apologetically. The tone of his voice lowered immediately into softness. "I know the last thing you want to see right now is probably flowers, but a scientist told me I shouldn't move you." He did not know if the partner before him had known whom of which he was speaking of, but he mentioned such person anyway.

The chimera tilted his head at the sound of the word scientist. But the act of asking questions was never something the hyena felt he had been allowed in his life within the military barracks. Removing the glare from his bespectacled heterochromatic eyes, the hyena sighed quietly. The glare twisted itself into an apologetic look chaotically as the seconds unraveled.

No words were spoken. Any amount of words that could have left the throat trapped themselves within the esophagus. He did not mean to come off so angered, not at all. Apologetic looks were all the chimera could muster. He knew words were useless now.

Kindness was still a rare animal in Snezhnaya.

***

Days had continued to pass on uneventfully for the chimera as the unheard of holiday raged on into nothing. Movement had slowly returned to Siorc as the days sauntered onward with a Ruin Guard's walking pace. Every uneventful day felt like a year for the chimera. Long holidays were quite the absolute ludicrous human invention.

Despite the crawl of the days forward, such holidays of ludicrously had come to a violent assured halt as the sound of alarm bells resonated throughout the military barracks. Such a sound being absent for the amount of time it had been, it had been almost foreign to the early adult. Having already been ready for any work that were to come his way, the hyena sighed quietly. He knew, no matter what work that were about to be thrown his way, it had to be done. Working was the only option the man had. Clipping the hairpin within his dark purple hair diligently, the chimera closed his unmatched colored eyes quietly. Whatever work was about to be given to him, he was ready. Ready for anything. Shirking duties was no longer a thought within the confines of the dormant shark grooves or human sections of Siorc's mind.

The sound of the ever familiar militaristic footsteps approached swiftly, but surely as thoughts of obedience flooded the chimera's head. As such thoughts continued to flood, the footsteps volume had come to a halt far quicker than the focus could allow. As the Agent closed himself within the field of his damaged vision, the hyena removed himself from the thoughts inside him. Giving his most diligent look, the soldier was prepared for any order that were to arrive.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out. "Everyone has been assigned to go to the Mikage Furnace in Inazuma today." The masked agent looked at his subordinate with an unseen sternness.

The young soldier tilted his head at the name Inazuma. The chimera had been none the wiser to such an area. Wasn't Inazuma closed off to outsiders? Mikage Furnace was not a name of which the early adult had heard of, either. Would such a place be accessible to thousands of soldiers? The thought bewildered the early adult. None of the words that the Agent had said to him made any amount of sense.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. He never knew what his subordinate could possibly be thinking, but he knew the exact words to bring the chimera back into reality. "We have no time for this dawdling! Unless you wish to meet your end, get a move on!"

Siorc jumped six steps back upon hearing his life being on the line from his subordinate's unseen lips. No dawdling, right, no dawdling. Despite the impracticalities of it all, accepting it was all the chimera could do.

"Yes, sir," he responded autonomously. Impracticalities or not, work was the only option the soldier had if he wished for his life to continue.

The Agent smirked from behind the mask. Excellent, the words had worked. "Good, soldier, then let's go." The Agent removed a folded uniform from his pocket handing it to the chimera swiftly. "Her Majesty has instructed that you wear this insulated uniform, so put it on with haste." The unseen smirk dissipated as the handing of the uniform had been completed.

Upon being handed the uniform, the soldier efficiently switched to the proclaimed insulated jacket within seconds. No more dawdling. The words ringed inside his mind with permeance. As the insulated jacket had cemented itself onto the chimera's partially human body, Siorc motioned his arm for the gripping prison to take him. As the Agent responded in kind to the willed gripping prison of his subordinate, the Agent clamped down violently.

Obedience was the key to successful living.

***
Inazuma had not been an area the young soldier had ever been made familiar with. The area having been sealed off to the other nations, the chimera had never bothered with educating himself on the matters of the area at his currently human hands.

The area of which the Teleport Waypoint had brought him to had been ever so puzzling for the soldier at work. The sky had glowed an ominous shade of purple, lightning readying to strike from above him at any given moment. The cacophony of crackling thunder continuously resounded throughout the area as the chimera sauntered towards the location he had been given. As the destination continued closing in within his damaged field of heterochromatic vision, Siorc continued to notice the oddities of the area at hand. Even the waters had been purple. Purple water was quite the unusual sight to behold. Was purple the Archon's favorite color? The hyena pushed the thoughts aside and walked diligently onward. There was no time for thoughts of any kind. Work was all that had to be on his mind.

As the workshop he had been instructed to go to had been within his eyes, a sprint broke out in the chimera's legs. Efficient as possible, he knew he had to be quick and as efficient as possible. Seeing the Agent within his sight, Siorc accelerated his sprint. Ending his sprint upon being within range of the Agent, a small pant broke from within the man's partially human throat. Stamina had left him behind.

Before him was, ludicrously so, more shades of purple to blind his already gone eyes. The grass below him had also been various shades of purple. Had the grass been singed with electric crackling as well? Grass must have not been a plant within the closed off nation. Near the grass had been a domed shaped purple device that buzzed loudly. Lightning seeped out from the edges as the observations continued. Siorc rolled his eyes quietly, the color was getting ridiculously hideous to look at.

He was getting sick of seeing so much purple. What a disgustingly atrocious color.

The Agent could hear the grunts of the hyena the moment it had left the throat. Hearing his subordinate had arrived at the location, the Fatui grabbed the current human arm of the soldier before him immediately. The pawns were all in place.

"Excellent, you are here," he said with a militaristic roar. The Agent pointed to the bridge "Your job is to bring that wood bridge down for the other soldiers. Do it with haste." Letting go of the arm within his grasp, the Agent gave masked eye contact with his subordinate under him. "Get it done swiftly. Time is running out, soldier."

With a gulp, Siorc's legs erupted into a sprint again. When the sprint had ended, the chimera briefly looked up at his surroundings. Before him was a brown cove singed with even more atrocious purple. Why was Inazuma so disgustingly violet everywhere he happened to go? Thinking about such was a waste of time, however. Seeing the wooden bridge of which he had to bring down, the young soldier knew, his only option, and the only action that could bring such object down. Climbing, climbing was the only feasible option.

Deciding such course of action, the hyena started climbing the rocks in front of him. Jumping every so often to reach the destination of the bridge quicker, a small pant broke out again from the man's throat. After what seemed like minutes, the bridge and his feet met. As the wooden bridge descended to the ground below him, the discordant harmony of hundreds of soldiers resounded in the area.

A storm was brewing within Inazuma.

A storm of manipulation, and takeovers. As such realization hit, a mysterious black figure with a commanding presence appeared almost out of nowhere. The figure had been nothing more than a shadow, barely visible to the hundreds of staring soldiers. It was almost as if the world on the outside had not given the black figure a defined look. But such notion was unknown to the crowd of Fatui.

"My dear Fatui, today is a momentous occasion!" the black figure called out commandingly. "From this day forward, I hereby claim the Mikage Furnace as Fatui property!" The black figure of mystery rose a shadowed hand upward ceremoniously. "All the energy from this furnace belongs to us now, rejoice!" A twisted white shadowed smirk appeared on the figure of unknown design's nonexistent face. "It's a good thing the citizens of Inazuma are busy attending to other matters, isn't it? Rejoice, my dear Fatui, this entire factory belongs to us now!"

As the black figure announced his manipulation to the world, the sharp uproarious cheers of hundreds of soldiers echoed throughout the disgustingly purple area. The stampede of many soldiers discorded the echo further as countless boots stomped at an extremely inhumanly loud decibel. A storm was brewing, a Storm of Fatui in Inazuma.

Staring lifelessly at the chaos of success, Siorc felt nothing for the ordeal occurring before him. Why had it been necessary for him to be here for such an event? Having seen so many other areas claimed by Her Majesty's Harbingers, another one having been claimed was of no difference to the chimera. Continued feelings of nothing made residence within the young soldier's mind as he stared at a hideous purple heart shaped weed. No amount of joy ever existed within him. He knew what awaited the closed off area of electricity, at this point, it was evident. It was a storm, a storm to behold.

Inazuma did not know what storm was awaiting them.

***
Days had marched on after the scheming in Inazuma had come to an end. The abhorrent color of purple had no longer been an issue for the hyena to deal with. Not having to see that wretched color again had been a peaceful occasion for the young soldier. While the dull colors of the permafrost north had been no better, the chimera had nearly enough of that shade of disgust.

For a momentary amount of days, nothing of explicit interest had been going on within the chimera's militaristic life. Tasks had been of pure monotony. Supply deliveries to his subordinates in the other nations were all his work had been for days on end. Such task of the delivery of supplies to other Fatui was of no fulfillment for the young soldier. The task was lifeless, empty, and hollow. Empty and hollow, like the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger's eyes. Regardless of the feelings of such robotic repetition, Siorc remained loyal. He knew, disappointing Her Majesty would result in the extinguishing of his life. He knew loyalty was the only option that remained for him in his stolen adulthood. Such acts of monotony were never long lasting.

When the young soldier had awoken for the morning, an immediate chill had run down his partially human spine. He had not been in the soundproof room upon waking up. Having not been in the steel walled room that the chimera had been unwillingly made familiar with, Siorc had come to the ultimate conclusion: the Doctor, had yet again, taken his entire person into the lab while sleeping.

Knowing such a predicament, the chimera could feel every amount of emotion leave his partially human body. Another day of experimentation waited for the young soldier. No matter how many times the hyena had found himself within the lab of the malicious malpracticing doctor, getting used to such torment was never an option that his brain allowed. Allowing a sigh to escape the throat, Siorc sauntered into the laboratory diligently. There was no time, obedience was key.

Upon his entrance within the lab, the poisonous atmosphere of the area swallowed the chimera whole. Every step had a decreased decibel of volume. As the hyena hovered ever so closer to the chair The Doctor had always forced him to live on during the experimentations of his body, the chimera gulped. Fear continuing its feast, feeling had all but been removed from the Doctor's little experiment as the chair and his possibly human rear met.

Immediately after being seated, the chimera autonomously swallowed the toxic pill the Doctor had routinely given him every visit. As the pill of poison travelled throughout the hyena's body, everything had been gone. All five senses had been removed. As the drug within his body continued its potency, everything around him blurred. Hearing had been removed, everything had gone completely numb. Nothing, nothing was left within him. Everything was gone. Poison was quite the powerful weapon indeed.

The Doctor cracked his knuckles obnoxiously as the bespectacled eyes of his test subject dimmed from the dose of toxins. Smirking from underneath the mask, the subject of experiment had been a no brainer for the mad malpracticing Fatui Harbinger. Today, today for sure, would be the day, the day the shark grooves inside the chimera's brain would finally activate. Surgical scalpel already in hand, the Doctor's smirk grew from underneath the mask. Today was the day for success.

As the scalpel met the lab experiment's forehead maliciously, the Doctor violently sliced the skin of the head with a fierce vigor. As the brain became increasingly visible with every slice, the Doctor furiously poked the shark grooves woven into the chimera's brain with a grotesque vigor. As the scalpel continued its malicious reign within the unresponsive hyena's brain, small sparks could be seen firing as increased intensity of the instrument familiarized itself with the area. Seeing the sparks crackle on the grooves within the brain, a maniacal laugh broke from the Doctor's throat. The success of the malpracticing malicious Harbinger had wished for had finally arrived.

"Magnificent! Magnifique! It's finally been done!" chided the Doctor sadistically. "The predator instinct in his brain is finally on, fabulous!" An uproarious laugh erupted as the Doctor felt more experiments pour into his mentally unsound mind. Knowing now that the shark side within his lab rat's brain were activated, he had plenty of areas within the body he wished to probe open further. Placing his hand on his mask, the Doctor continued laughing obnoxiously. The chemical makeup within the meek hyena was about to change. Such concept was a thrilling sight to behold. The Doctor rubbed his impure hands together with a deranged swipe. The show was about to begin.

The pawns on the chess board were all in place.

***

While the experiments of the doctor had been successful, such a realization had not been realized by the no longer human dominant chimera. Nothing had been out of the ordinary. Every activity within his life had been of complete normalcy. Such predatory instincts had not yet been of a noticeable level. As the mundane normalcy sauntered onward, the robotic repetitive military work motioned forward. As the days of no incident kept marching, the chimera felt oddly at peace. Such normalcy slowly, but surely, would grind to a halt. Such normalcy was about to rupture spectacularly.

Having been taken to the training grounds by the Agent, Siorc proceeded with the mundaness that was weapon training. Dodging every arrow his practice partner fired with artistic diligence, the chimera did not falter. While being obedient had opened a cycle of pure monotony, anything was better than the humiliation and shame of public torture several months prior. Obedience was key, obedience was key to his heart still beating in the permafrost area of the north.

As training continued, an oddity had begun to slowly seed into the deteriorating human sections of the hyena's brain. The chimera had come to notice something that had never been apparent to him in the many stolen years of his life. Many scents the chimera had not noticed had suddenly become sharper. Every single scent within the area had been apparent. The sudden increment of his sense of smell had been nauseating. While such nausea of the blending of scents permeated, one particular scent, however, had been stronger. Stronger, and maddening.

The smell of metallic rust radiated through the hyena's nostrils. Such scent had overpowered the others with a violent overturn. As the scent got stronger, a flip of a switch turned on within the no longer dominant human brain. The rust, the scent of metallic rust was maddening. Maddening, and controlling. As the scent continued its strength, logic had left Siorc's brain. Logic was a corpse inside him.

As the sharpening of the scent continued, Siorc unconsciously lunged at his practice partner violently. Clamping down onto the arm of the lesser Fatui with his teeth sharply, the metallic scent continued strengthening. As the scent of such had come in increments, the hyena clamped down on the arm in front of him harder with the fangs inside him. A pool of red trickled down while the violent clamp of the teeth continued. Letting go was an impossible feat for the currently gone chimera.

"Ingne!" his partner screamed out. There was an extreme amount of pain evident in his voice. "Ingne! What are you doing? Ingne!" As the man's teeth had continued their harvest onto his practice partner's arm, the screams would not cease. "Ingne! Get ahold of yourself, Ingne!" Such amount of calling the soldier's name had not ceased the ripping of the teeth into Egor's skin. While he did not wish to resort to outside help from other subordinates to curb the situation, he no longer had a choice. With every second, the fangs pierced sharper. Strength leaving the lesser Fatui's body, the generic man released a distressed scream. "Help! Someone, please help!" He had never wished for such outcome, but the violence had to cease.

Within moments of the cry for help, two soldiers of generic stature had come to their subordinate's aid. Removing the chimera from the lesser soldier's arm violently, the duo tossed the young soldier to the frozen ground below him. As the mentally gone adult had hit the ground, the soldiers planked themselves onto the short soldier below them. Holding the man's currently human limbs down, escape had been of an impossibility.

Feeling the heaviness of the soldiers trapping him, all senses had returned to Siorc. Seeing the chaos before him, an extremely sharp chill radiated within his body. His practice partner's arm had been covered in holes and red. The smell, the smell of the red, was that the scent that caused such chaotic event? He had not known what had come over him. As the soldiers continued pinning him down to the ground, confusion and bewilderment continued their feast inside him. Apologize, he had to apologize for the scene he had created. If Her Majesty had heard of such incident, his life would be over, for sure.

"I'm sorry," the chimera cried. "I'm so sorry, Egor..." His voice trailed off as his thoughts continued to spiral inside him. His life was over, finished.

He did not know what had come over him. Scents were a scary phenomenon to behold.

***

Scents strengthening for the young soldier was not the only oddity present within Siorc's slowly fading human mind. Clipping his hairpins and earrings into place, a disturbing thought inserted itself into the chimera's mind. Sharper, his wished for the hairpins and earrings he had always adorned on his partially human person to be sharper. Sharper, sharper enough to use in combat.

Such feelings of violence were of abnormalcy to the hyena. With every push back of the thought of weaponizing his everyday wear, a pulse of electricity broke within the shark grooves inside his brain. As the pulses inside raged, the desire for such sharpening took over. Rationality was gone. There was nothing left within him that could stop such a desire. The chimera rummaged through the drawers by his bedside table frantically as the desire overtook every rational thought. Moving all the hairpins and earrings the hyena could find into a small bag, Siorc allowed an unusually satisfied sigh release from his throat. Closing the bag, the early adult had come to one conclusion, and one conclusion alone.

Her Majesty, he could request for Her Majesty to weaponize his hairpins and earrings. While he knew in his rational brain, speaking to Her Majesty uninvited was never a good idea, the chimera had cared not. Rationality was dead. Nothing inside him was working. Only sharpening of the accessories remained. Having made his decision finalized, Siorc's currently human legs broke into a sprint. Sprinting far faster than normal, no panting had been evident within him. Had his stamina level been the maximum within the rules of the world? The man did not know, nor care. As the palace had centered within his damaged field of vision, Siorc ended his sprint. The time had come, he was ready to make his request known.

Ripping the doors open, the chimera invited himself into the castle ceremoniously. Despite such a performance, he knew he had to behave himself in front of Her Majesty. As he could see the Tsaritsa sitting ever so sharply on her throne, the hyena bowed his head when he had been at the right amount of distance. He knew the guards were to come any minute and remove him for coming uninvited, but he no longer cared. His request was the only thing that mattered. As his bow ended, the soldier motioned his lips to speak. He hoped the conversation would go smoothly. Speaking to Her Majesty directly was never something that had ever occurred before.

"Your Majesty," Siorc said with as polite of a tone as possible. "I am sorry for intruding, but I would like to request for my hairpins and earrings to be turned into weapons." Sweat poured down his back as his request had been relayed to the Archon in front of him. Would such a request make him meet his end? He knew, providing such requests of desire were often frowned upon in the permafrost north, but he no longer cared. Caring about such thoughts slowly vanished from within the chimera's mind.

The Tsaritsa smirked sinisterly at the request provided for her. The Doctor's years of experiments had finally paid off, it would seem. Normally, such a request of any kind would have been scoffed away, but this was different. She still had use for the chimera yet.

"Of course, my lovely chimera," she replied. "I can have that done for you." Another smirk broke onto her lips as she received the bag of the future weapons into her hands. As the bag had been within her grasp, a thought of the future pinned itself in her commanding mind. Perhaps it was time to give him the ultimate weapon.

"Thank you very much," the chimera responded politely. "I will take my leave now. Thank you again." As Siorc prepared his exit, he could see the Tsaritsa motion her finger at him. Halting his exit, the hyena tilted his head. Was there something else she wanted from him? He supposed asking would not hurt. "Your Majesty?" A puzzled look broke on the young soldier's face as an odd warm smile had been visible on Her Majesty's face. Such a sight was never something he could ever get used to.

"Check your bedside table in the morning, my dear soldier." She was certain, the time had come to grant the hyena the ultimate weapon.

Not knowing how to respond to such vague words provided to him, the early adult bowed a final time as he exited the palace. Whatever Her Majesty had prepared for him in the morning hours, he was not ready for it. Allowing a gulp to escape his throat, he did not know what could possibly have awaited him upon his return to the sound proof room.

The pawns on the chess board had fallen off the edge.

***

When morning had arrived, the chimera had checked the bedside table as instructed. Siorc could feel his heart skip a beat. Before his damaged eyes was a light green orb with metal tassels surrounding it. The orb had been in the shape of the Fatui insignia he had seen on a daily basis. The green orb had a heart shaped symbol inside it with leaves on the edges.

The chimera let a disgusted huff release from inside him. Dendro, why was his vision Dendro? Dendro, of all elements. Flowers and nature were the last thing the chimera ever wished to think about. Was Her Majesty mocking him? Seeing the green orb had been the vision he was granted, the punishment he received awhile ago briefly flashed in his memory.

Not Denrdo, anything but Dendro. But, he knew he was stuck with it. There was nothing of which he could do. This was what the Gods had decided for him.

Siorc examined the second orb on the table carefully. He could feel a sinister aura radiate from within it as his damaged field of heterochromatic vision focused on it. The second orb in front of him was similar to the vision. Same shape as the useless piece of dendro metal, but had been yellow in color. Inside the orb had been a Fatui symbol rather than the usual symbol of the vision.

The horrified realization had hit him instantly. The orb before him was a Delusion.

As the Vision and Delusion glared at the chimera sinisterly, Siorc glared at the orbs lifelessly. This was not how he wished to receive the gift of a Vision. Not at all. Not in Snezhnaya. Never, in any of his living years.

Why, here, in Snezhnaya? Why in the land he was whisked away to? The chimera clicked his tongue with disdain as the negativity raced inside him.

Joy was a dead emotion within him.

 

[Palamon]

Before reading, it's important to read Naofa's Lore Poem and Ripping Out Those Green Harp Strings to get more context for this character as a whole.

---

25. Vision Training, Minds Changing and Plans Forming

"How could the gods decide Dendro for me?
Even after that punishment,
Really? How could you do this to me?

Maybe, they just thought
About my strong ties to nature?
Just going to have to accept it, I suppose.
Even though flowers are the least I want to
See while that moment still plays inside me.
Time to just accept this never
Yielding fate.
Since the god's have decided, that is the end of it.

Cannot say I am shocked about their
Higher up decision
Eventually, I figured this was the outcome
Shafted to me.
Something is off, however about that
Bitter looking
Orange orb bestowed upon me
All I know is that
Rather eerie looking orb is a
Delusion, gifted to me by Her Majesty.

Perhaps it is not time yet,
After all, I am still her property
Waiting to use her gift at the right time is a must
Never should I be hasty.

Countless times my former practice partner
Has told me Delusions drain life
Energy, so patience is a virtue, waiting is key.
Cannot fathom what she will say if I wait,
Knowing time is not a virtue for Her Majesty,
Maybe a repeat of the palace incident,
Although that was years ago,
That being said, usage of delusion or not
Even so, I still must remain diligent a little longer. Diligence and silence are key."

A week had passed since the adult chimera had received a Vision and Delusion. Nothing of especial happenstance happened within the hyena's militaristic Fatui life during the seven days that crawled onward with a mundane roar. Week of nothing but diplomatic affairs raging onward, the hyena would not falter.

Diplomatic affairs in other nations never-ending, the hyena had come to quickly wonder: Her Majesty, why hadn't she given him any days to train him to better be able to use his vision? Knowing questions were still not allowed to him as an adult Fatui, the soldier never let such question leave his lips. Patience was not a virtue in the permafrost north, however. Such trait would absorb itself into the hyena's formerly dormant shark brain.

During the brief seconds of nothing before ending a work day, the early adult would attempt to use the powers the light green orb had bestowed upon him. Large flower coming to life from the new Dendro powers within him, a bitter anger boiled inside him. Punishment still living within his partially human mind, flowers continued to be something he wished to not see. But, he knew, this was what the Gods had decided for him. Nothing could be done about it.

Despite such disdain, desire had begun to bubble into overdrive. Evasive training ceasing since the incident a couple weeks prior, an odd memory came into being. His practice partner had told him throughout the years during their training sessions about the Eleven Harbingers. One, at the particular moment stuck within the active shark grooves in the young soldier's brain. The Eleventh Harbinger the hyena had never come to know, he had been alerted to a fact in the past the man had a constant itch for battle. Coming across such memory, a thought solidified inside him.

He wished to train with him for a singular day, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger.

Workday having already finished for the day, Siorc had one thought, and one thought only. Her Majesty, he could request a training day with Eleventh through Her Majesty. While he knew in his rational brain, speaking to the Cryo Archon uninvited was never a good idea, the chimera cared not. Patience was a dead soldier in the snow outside. Thoughts of training not leaving his slowly fading human brain, the hyena would not rescind the decision.

As the walk over to the palace began, an unsettling conundrum had wormed around in the chambers of the man's brain. Her Majesty, would returning to the palace uninvited yet again result in his death? Having recently come into her domain, he knew such could be a possibility. But the chimera continued to care not. Any day longer without training was another day wasted, for sure. Palace within his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, his legs broke into a sprint. Palace door and his feet eventually meeting, the hyena ended his sprint. The time had come, his request had to be known.

Guards oddly being nowhere to be seen, the hyena traced his hands upon the Fatui symbol on the door. Knowing ripping the door open could not happen, he breathed quickly. Fatui symbol rooting itself into his currently human hands, the door creaked open. As he could see the Tsaritsa sitting ever so sharply on her throne, a gulp released from the esophagus. Doors closing behind him, he stepped onto the blue carpet with due diligence. Her Majesty eventually in front of him, the young soldier bowed his head to her in submission. He knew the guards could come at any moment to remove him for coming uninvited. Raising his head, he motioned his lips to speak. He hoped the conversation would go smoothly.

"Your Majesty," the chimera said with as polite of a tone as possible. "I am sorry for intruding again, but I would like to request to train with Tartaglia for the day." Sweat poured down his back as his request had been relayed to the Archon in front of him. Would such request make him lose his life? Having made two requests now, the possibility could be increasing.

Her Majesty smirked at the request provided for her. The delusion she gifted him the other day, her lovely chimera must have wanted to use it, it would seem. Request being work related, scoffing away such desire away would not come into fruition. The pawns on the chessboard were ready to checkmate.

"Of course, my lovely chimera," she replied royally. "I will go retrieve my dear Harbinger for you." Another smirk broke onto her face as her announcement made its rounds. Her property wished to get stronger; the checkmate of war was near.

Hearing the Cryo Archon accept his request, a sense of relief washed over him. Her Majesty allowing his request two times in a row, he knew a thank you was in order. Politeness and submission were key to successful living in the frozen northern land.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the chimera responded politely. "I will take my leave now." Bowing his head to her one final time, he turned to the direction of the door. The time to exit had to come of him now. Doors opening behind him, he readied himself to return to the soundproof room.

Snow beneath his feet as the military barracks drew closer, another thought tapped the chimera on his currently human shoulder. Soon, he could finally become stronger. A rare thought to be had for sure. Such thought having never crossed his mind when the shark center of his brain laid dormant within him, a small smirk formed upon his face. Thoughts parading inside him, the chimera returned to the soundproof room in the military barracks.

Glasses and weaponized accessories being removed, the hyena slumped into the bed. Tiredness from the workday reigning supreme, one final thought echoed in his mind as the world of sleep awaited him.

Patience was not a virtue in Snezhnaya.

***

Upon waking up the next morning from his slumber, Siorc was ready. Ready for the day of training that was about to befall him. Harbinger to arrive at any minute, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Work being of a completely different shade today, the hyena sauntered onward. Time not being a virtue, and glasses being on, the soldier had begun the routine of dressing the body.

While dressing in his uniform, an unusual sense of confidence flooded through the man. Claymore delivered to the steel room while he slept instead of food rations, the early adult knew for certain: the Eleventh Harbinger would come today. Snapping the final button into the correct hole, he pumped his currently human fists together like the panda chimera had done so during their occasional meetings.

Uniform being on his partially human person, the soldier reached for the light green orb on top of his drawers. Placing the orb into his hands he glared at it like a bitter cup of tea being drunk. Vision in his currently human hands, a grimace formed upon his face. No matter how many times he looked at it, the disgust would not cease. Dendro, of all elements, was his permanent fate. Placing the orb onto the waist of his pants, a sigh released itself from the chambers of his throat. Vision clicked into place, the young soldier stared at the Delusion beside it lifelessly.

The Delusion in front of him, it would remain unused for now. Surely, using such weapon would be unfair while training against another Fatui. Resolute on such decision, the weapon of sinister origins remained stationary. Placing the Claymore through the hook of his uniform pants, the hyena steeled himself for the Harbinger to arrive at any moment. Clipping his sharpened hairpins and earrings into place, the hyena had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Click of his new weapons bouncing off and around the steel walls, the sound of unknown metallic footsteps could be heard raging onward with increased volume. Sound of metal clashing with the boots, a slight feeling of unease wrapped vines around the soldier. The plink accompanying the footsteps, could the Eleventh Harbinger be heavily armed? The chimera did not know, but he supposed he was about to find out. Metallic footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult put on his most diligent face possible.

"Ah, you're the one who wishes to spar with me?" spoke the Eleventh. There was a high amount of confidence in his voice. "I'll take you on."

The hyena sighed as the Eleventh made his presence known to him. He knew from a multitude of stories that the Harbinger was battle hungry, the early adult lowered his bespectacled eyes into a glare. Had this man missed what Her Majesty said entirely? What an absolutely ludicrous person in front of him. Today would not be a day that would be enjoyable in the slightest.

Fatui glaring at him, the eleventh rubbed his hands through his brown spiky hair. Had the soldier taken his small joke seriously? How incredibly strange.

"Haha, kidding," the eleventh spoke again. "You wanted to train, right?" His left hand had been placed upon his hip as the correct statement was released.

The Eleventh Harbinger correcting himself, the hyena ended his glare. Before dignifying such statement with a response, the hyena examined Eleventh Harbinger in front of him. The man had been rather tall. Looking into his dead blue eyes was an impossible feat to be had, for sure. Brown spiky hair complimented with a red dragon mask, the hyena tilted his head. Long red scarf with metallic edges seated through a silver uniform, a second sigh released from the esophagus. Everything about this man screamed difficult to work with.

Despite such air of grievances within him, the chimera simply nodded at the Eleventh. Rational brain still somewhat existing within him, silent responses would be the only ones that would ever come into fruition. Attempting to look into his lifeless eyes, the chimera raised the tip of his feet to the highest elevation possible.

Taking the nod as confirmation, the Eleventh pointed at the soldier's coat pocket. "Take out that Proxy Map Her Majesty gave you and highlight Temple of the Lion," the Eleventh instructed. "Should be in the Mondstadt area on the map."

Doing as instructed, the hyena removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy from his coat pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the soldier highlighted a four pointed star shape mark on the edge of the map. List of the seven nations appearing on the right hand corner, the chimera tapped the Mondstadt button with ease. Recalling a temple had a diamond shaped waypoint marker on the map, the man searched with due diligence. Landing on the correct temple waypoint within a few minutes, the soldier highlighted the waypoint to the temple in complete silence.

Collapsing the map back into orb form, he returned the Snezhnaya technological device into his coat pocket. As the teleportation to the temple began, the chimera closed his eyes. No matter how many years passed, teleportation remained a blinding event. As the fast travel continued, a thought from earlier poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

The Eleventh Harbinger would be difficult to work for, for sure.

***
Diamond shaped Teleport Waypoint placing the Eleventh and he in an area of Mondstadt the chimera had never been to before, the hyena quickly examined the area. In front of him had been a large temple wedged within a steep cliffside. Jerking his head to the right and left for a brief moment, Siorc heaved a sigh of relief. Not a single person had been in the area. Entering the temple without angering the Anemo Archon would certainly come into fruition.

Not a singular soul being present, the hyena placed his hand upon the blue triangular symbol on the temple door. Door coming open, the two stepped inside. Eleventh Harbinger stepping in front of him, the early adult waited a momentary lapse as the Fatui set up. Grey stairs in front of him, the hyena ascended atop the staircase. Small room with blue lighting across the wall, stone orb at the entrance, and room having nothing but a spacious floor, the hyena tilted his head to the left. What an absolutely empty temple. It was almost as if such area was designated for beginners in the open wilderness. Harbinger being at the opposite end of the room, the man awaited his training instructions.

Being alerted by Her Majesty that the person he was training in battle today was a hyena chimera, a dim oil bulb went off in the man's battle ridden head. A tutorial level fight with a chimera would provide an interesting result, indeed. Bow in hand, the Harbinger placed himself into a battle stance.

"Go all out," spoke the Eleventh in confidence. "Feel free to use your hyena claws, if you like." There was a slight sense of thrill evident in his voice.

Siorc jumped five steps back upon hearing such suggestion. Using his hyena claws on a human person? Wouldn't that be considered an unfair biological advantage? Fatui being unconventional as they were, unsportsmanlike conduct was not something the hyena wished to engage in. Shaking his head, the soldier unsheathed the Claymore resting upon his uniform pants. The time had come for the practice battle to begin.

Signal to battle resounding in the area, the Eleventh fastened an arrow into his brown single stringed bow. Substituting a beginner's weapon to prevent extreme damages, the Harbinger's arrow became aquatic in property. Hydro vision glowing upon his waist, multiple aquatic arrows had been fired.

Arrows fused with Hydro coming at him fast, the chimera placed his Claymore in front of him. Weapons coming at him fast, however, deflection of the shots was an impossible feat. Waterlogged arrows and his uniform making their acquaintance, his uniform dripped wet within seconds. Gritting his sharp shark teeth, as the Vision upon his belt would not glow, slight frustration took residence inside the hyena.

Seeing such low level battle prowess from the hyena battle partner, the Eleventh rolled his eyes to the Temple ceiling. Hadn't the Fatui raised this young man to be an evasive dodger? He supposed lowering the arrows fired to two instead of three could happen for now. Fastening his bow, the vision beside his waist glowed again. Holding the stance for five seconds, the arrow had become aquatic in property again. Attack being ready, the arrows charged at the target.

Two Aquatic sharpshooter weapons coming at him fast, the soldier jumped two steps back to the wall behind him. Swinging the two handed sword in front of him, the arrow and claymore met graciously. Not noticing the second arrow charging intertwined with the other one, the soaked arrow and his uniform shook hands a second time. Uniform even wetter, his sharp teeth gritted harder within his mouth. Just how strong was this man? It was almost as if the Eleventh Harbinger was the maximum level the world would allow if such level was set to a zero.

Singular arrow being dodged, the Eleventh fastened another arrow into the sharpshooter weapon. Arrow soaked for the third time in a row, the arrow charged at the target. Battle trainee not having used his Vision even once, the Harbinger dragged a sigh. What a boring practice battle it was. No challenge whatsoever.

"Amuse me," the Eleventh exclaimed irritably. "Use your Vision. I'll be waiting." There was a ring of boredom in his tone of voice.

Frustration building inside him, Siorc channeled any elemental energy he had within him. What an irritating person the Eleventh Harbinger was. Wishing for the man's words to get thrown back into his throat, the light green orb had begun glowing beside him. Energy being upon him, the chimera readied to summon a wretched flower enemy to aid him in battle. Placing his hands in front of him, a yellow light only visible to him appeared. Yellow light meeting up with the floor near the Harbinger, a tall Windwheel Aster with plant legs and hand-like stems appeared in front of him. Currently human finger pointing at the flower fiend like an alternative world outside of Teyvat in which colorful creatures battled at the command of a human, the attack was ready.

"Tidal wave!" the Harbinger screamed as the Windwheel Aster with plant legs appeared in front of him. Bow transforming into two aquatic spears, the Eleventh changed his battle stance.

Large flower in front of him dancing about, the Eleventh readied to slash the creature of Dendro nature to pieces. Such was a thrilling thought to be had, indeed. Aquatic slashes not damaging the flower fiend in the slightest, the enhanced Windwheel Aster loomed closer. Hearing the slightest of whisper from the soldier's lips, the tall plant's hand stems had become vines. Water spears still being upon him, Dendro and Hydro met. Energy draining as an invisible green symbol appeared above a bar, the Harbinger leaned over to the nearest wall. What an amateur mistake. But, the battle was thrilling, regardless.

Seeing the Eleventh lean against the wall, the hyena halted the attack. Flower fiend disappearing into thin air, the chimera's leg erupted into a sprint. Had the attack been too powerful? The man did not know, perhaps Tartaglia had been going easy on him. Feeling a spark within his head for a brief moment, a thought played on repeat within him.

One going easy on him would not help him get stronger.

Harbinger clutching to the wall beside him, the early adult ended his sprint. Did Dendro and Hydro powers clash to create such a scenario? The chimera supposed such facts did not matter. Disruptive thoughts of becoming stronger dying as quickly as they arrived, the young soldier stared at the disheveled mess of a man before him.

"You're pretty good," the Harbinger said quietly, voice in a weak whisper. "Let's spar in the future, I'll take you on." A weird noise released from his throat as such words were uttered.

Practice battle ending, a brown chest and blue triangular prism spawned in the area. Chest possibly being empty, the chimera did not bat a single eyelash at the random object appearing within the temple. Standing next to the blue prism, the chimera closed his eyes. Prism teleporting him outside the temple, Siorc removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy from his pocket for the final time of the day. Eleventh Harbinger not returning with him, he highlighted the Waypoint to the military barracks. As the teleportation to Snezhnaya began, the thought from before graced his deteriorating human chambers of his brain.

The Fatui going easy on him in battle would not help him grow strong.

***
"Don't know why, but business affairs are
Even more tedious lately,
Nothing of interest is to be had for me in this field of Fatui work, but
Disappearing during work hours, Her Majesty would kill me for sure this time
Realizing I need to continue to obey, I do my work diligently.
Obedience is key to successful living."

Half a year had passed since the practice battle with the Eleventh Harbinger had occurred. Nothing of major note had happened within the soldier's Diplomatic Fatui life. Business affairs happening in Liyue sprinkled throughout the one-hundred-eighty-two days, the mundane normalcy of Fatui business motioned forward. Knowing if, at any moment he were to shirk work would result in the end of his life, the young soldier remained obedient, silent and diligent. Scent of blood not occurring whatsoever in the six months, no sparks had flied within the man's slowly changing active shark brain.

Despite such mundane normalcy, oddities had made themselves known to the hyena. Changes within his mind creeping ever so slowly, an impossible to ignore fact pulsated within. His hearing had gotten even sharper recently. His hearing always having been better than a normal human's, the sudden increment of sounds was of no surprise to the young soldier. Sounds being louder, everything was like echolocation in the ocean.

During the final month of the six, two days off had been sprinkled in between the monotony. Using the first day of the holiday to search for Hase in Liyue again, the man had come across a silver haired rich woman near the area of the Harbor's pharmacy. Figuring such person might have had knowledge of his sister's whereabouts, the chimera resumed his one member search party. Richest woman in Liyue not having any answers, no progress had been made yet again. Being invited to come to the panda chimera's house on his second day off, the man and the proclaimed boy had a fashion extravaganza. Being treated to dinner at a restaurant owned by a father, a young blue haired girl, and her companion, the short holiday wrapped up peacefully.

Such holiday coming to an end, the chimera had noticed something peculiar within him. When amongst a person who cared, no sparks would fly within his brain whatsoever. Rational brain staying active the entire time with the panda, a dark, and reckless thought cracked inside him. Rationality coming back and forth, the crack formed deeper.

He had to start planning his departure from the Fatui.

Realizing if he were to stay within the Fatui for many more years to come would turn him into a violent puppet soldier for Her Majesty to use, he knew it was time to start strategizing his eventual departure. His eventual exit from the permafrost north, the Fatui; his forced upon life. But, he knew, now was not the right time. He knew he had to time his exit perfectly. Still not having perfected his Vision and battle prowess, the time to plan his departure could not befall him, for the time being.

Delusion still not having any use for him, the idea of how his departure would go crackled when rationale within him was fading out. Remembering the mad malpracticing doctor could still have experiments on his body lined up, the plan bared rose thorns. He would wait. Wait until The Doctor had plans to experiment on his heart again. When such time were to come, it would be time. Time for his departure, time to use the Delusion bestowed upon him; time to leave. The Doctor not having been around for some time, the chimera supposed such plan had to be on halt, for the time being. Resolute on his decision, the chimera remained obedient, diligent and silent. Diligence was key to successful living as a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.

Today, training would return with a vengeance for the adult chimera.

The sound of morning alarm bells boomed throughout the area with an unpleasant echo. As the alarm bells screamed on repeat, the sound of hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaning shook the walls of the military barracks. Despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal within the Snezhnaya military quarters.

The increased volume of groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber, as usual. Outcry being something he had gotten used to in the near three-quarter of a decade he had been forced to be there, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Glasses being on his heterochromatic eyes, the early adult had begun the routine of dressing the body.

Figuring another day of business affairs in Liyue awaited him, his uniform glued itself onto his partially human person. Final button snapped into place, he removed a set of hairpins and earrings from the top of his drawers. Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into a place, the chimera stared at the steel walls. His prized jewelry and accessories being turned into weapons, had this been what he had truly wanted? Rational brain being present at the moment, regret formed a seed inside him.

The louder than before sound of the ever familiar militaristic footsteps approached swiftly. Footsteps increasing in volume as the seconds unraveled, thoughts of compliance flooded the soldier's head. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the work mode switch had flipped on inside his unstable brain. The time had come for his numbered militaristic days 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 made unseen eye contact with his subordinate in arms. Another day, another development in his commander in arm's strength.

The young soldier smirked slightly at the words Vision and Delusion training grounds. Slight spark popping inside the active shark grooves in his brain, thoughts of becoming more powerful flooded the man's partially human brain. Spark exiting quickly, the hyena was ready.

"Yes, sir," he responded autonomously, hiding the slightest bit of hunger for strength in his voice. Holding his arm out, the man awaited for the Agent to grip his arm like a ceremony.

The Agent smirked from behind the mask. Excellent, the soldier seemed eager today. A rare occurrence to be had, for sure for his subordinate. "Great, then let's go soldier." Arm being held out, the Agent squeezed the arm tightly. Gripping prison taking him, the escort to the training grounds began. As the escort continued, the hyena could feel another spark go off within the shark center of his brain.

He needed to grow stronger if he wished to leave someday.

***

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training ground, Siorc breathed quickly. Not knowing which Harbinger had been in charge of the Vision and Delusion jurisdiction, fear had him for a snack on a sunless evening. Being instructed by the Agent to find a person with a flower eyepatch, the chimera sauntered onward. Eventually seeing the person in question, the hyena dashed over to the person fifty meters away from him. Eyepatched individual soon being adjacent, he glanced at them slowly.

In front of his damaged eyes had been a short blonde haired female seeming person with red streaks littered throughout the fringes. The hair had been long, reaching to about their back. Situated in their hair had been black butterfly hairclips. Nice taste to be had, for sure. Upon their face had been a flower shaped eyepatch covering their right eye. What purpose had the eyepatch served, the hyena wondered? He knew such questions could never leave his lips. Indigo left eye being visible, a peculiarity presented itself to the soldier. The blond soldier's pupil, it was diamond shaped. Never having seen such a pupil before, more forbidden questions boiled inside him. He knew, however, he could not ask any. Looking down for a moment, the hyena had noticed the neck had been decorated with a black choker that looked empty. Ending the examination of the face and neck, the man turned his attention to the person's uniform. The person's uniform had been similar to that of the Agent's. Just what rank had this Fatui been? The chimera did not know, but not a single word would exit. Ending his examination, sweat formed at his brow.

Seeing their practice partner stare at it, the eyepatched Fatui placed their gloved hands upon its face. This one was a quiet one, weren't they? It supposed playing the part of a well to get along with person could break the ice. Readying to play the role of a charismatic person, the eyepatched Fatui readied its introduction.

"My name is Naofa," the eyepatched Fatui said. "Nice to meet you, moth." Mannerisms slipping through, the charisma hole shattered.

Siorc jumped three steps back upon hearing the word moth. This person with the flower eyepatch, had they really been a Fatui? The chimera had never seen such a person within the military barracks or during his diplomatic affairs before. Not knowing whether to address the person as ma'am or sir, the chimera motioned his lips to speak.

"Nice to meet you as well," the chimera replied on cue, voice barely audible. Familiarity or not, he knew the time to begin training would resound within the area soon.

Introduction playing out, a smirk grew upon Naofa's face. Only really being in Snezhnaya to infiltrate the Fatui to get revenge on the Cryo Archon, the fake charisma switch flipped on inside it. While the switch had propped upward, an epitome had come to the eyepatched Fatui. Hearing from various eavesdropping missions that there had been a purple haired chimera within the Fatui ranks, the smirk grew wider as the realization burned like a firework during Lantern Rite.

This purple haired Fatui had been that very chimera. Smirk turning into a snarl, a plot cooked inside it. Perhaps, just maybe, it could wrap a fellow chimera into its plot for revenge. Rubbing its gloves together, the eyepatched Fatui readied to relay its revenge plot to its current pretend practice partner.

"Say, Siorc, right?" Naofa asked freely. Fatui convictions were garbage in the trash can. "Why don't you just leave the Fatui, you flea?" Placing a gloved index finger on its lips, its visible blue eye bore a sinister shimmer to it. "We chimeras have suffered enough, don't you think, moth?"

Hearing Naofa say something so boldly, the hyena's jaw dropped open. How could this Fatui ask questions so casually like that? Questions not being allowed to him as a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier, he stared at the sunless sky above him. Question about leaving drowning out the other sentences, his quiet stare continued. Knowing he could not answer such question, his silence continued to play on repeat. Although, such silence had been interrupted by the appearance of an unknown Harbinger's voice echoing throughout the training grounds. What ludicrously poor timing. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom.

"I see many new faces here," the unknown Harbinger said sharply. They placed their black shadowy arms around their opaque chest. "Get moving, and get to work. Her Majesty has no room for slackers." As soon as the orders had been given, the black shadow vanished as soon as it had appeared. It was almost as if, in a world outside Teyvat, such black shadow had the incorrect filter applied to it to not show what the person looked like.

Orders being given, Naofa readied to play the part of the easy to get along with Fatui practice partner. Pyro vision glowing upon its back, it removed the jewel and placed it upon the choker in front of its neck. Dendro vision on its opponent's uniform, a quick show of strength would be sufficient.

"Why don't we get this started?" Naofa asked on cue. "Let's impress Her Majesty with our skills." Its words sounded fake, and plastic.

Siorc jumped fifteen steps back upon seeing Naofa place the red orb of doom upon their neck. He could feel his heart beat rapidly as the image of the Vision burned into his brain. No, not Pyro. Anything but a Pyro vision. Vision of terrifying fire glaring daggers at him, his body shook relentlessly against the sunless cold breeze. There was no way. Fighting such an element could not happen. Memories of fire flashing through his head, a labored scream echoed throughout the training grounds. Dealing with such an element was not something he ever wished to happen ever again.

Hearing the scream, Naofa gritted its teeth at such an embarrassing scene. What a little flea, freaking out at the sight of a Pyro Vision. Removing the orb from its neck, the chimera reached for its back again, removing another orb from its backside, it clicked the dark purple orb with a Fatui symbol onto the choker in front of its neck. Electro versus Dendro had lesser results, but drawing a scene would ruin its further plans.

"Fine," Naofa said, bitter tone in its voice. "In that case, I'll use the Electro Delusion that wretched god gave me." Delusion radiating a sinister aura, a smirk formed upon its lips again.

Bitter tone reaching his inhuman eardrums, the chimera had bowed his head in apology to his current practice partner. Taking a deep breath, the light green orb upon the hyena's waist glowed. Punishment no longer flashing within the chambers of his brain as of recent, the anger around flowers and nature had disintegrated within him. Feeling like flowers were something he could possibly enjoy again after his Fatui departure, the hyena readied to summon the flower friend brought to life by the Vision the gods bestowed to him.

Placing his hands in front of him, a yellow light only visible to him appeared. Yellow light meeting up with Naofa, a tall Silk Flower with plant legs and hand-like stems appeared in front of them. Currently human finger pointing commandingly at the flower friend, silent orders were given to the flower of life.

Flower in front of it, crackles of electricity surrounded Naofa. Black bolts of lightning raging about, the enchanted flower crumbled to a slight degree from the strike of menacing electricity. No thorny vine follow up attack ever arriving, the flower creature disappeared into thin air. Siorc looking distracted, it hurled the black bolts of lightning upon his partially human person. Distraction never leaving, Naofa ended the forthcoming attack.

"Try harder, and pay attention, you flea," Naofa exclaimed, words becoming unhinged and high pitched. "Your attack ended prematurely. Get your mind out of the snow, would you?"

But such words had never reached the hyena's ears. As his attack had been administered, he could smell that scent again. The smell of metallic rust in the area. Scent having overturned everything within his brain with a violent whip, the soldier could feel the desire of violence overpower him. The scent of metallic rust was maddening. Someone, somewhere, on the training grounds, that red liquid had been pouring out. Whoever such person was, his teeth, they just had to sink into such person. As the scent continued to strengthen, Siorc unconsciously lunged to the source of the scent.

Watching as the hyena chimera lost all rationale, Naofa closed its eye for a moment, its entire lower body being that of a lynx, it sprinted towards the lunging soldier at lightning speed. If an incident were to occur now, then its revenge plot would be ruined. Such could not happen. Gripping the chimera's shoulders hard, it locked their current temporary practice partner in place.

"Oh, you're the one with the shark brain, right," it said, tone fake and plastic. "Bite me instead, butterfly." Removing its grip, it placed its transformed arm in front of the mentally gone soldier. "I'll give you two minutes. Go ahead, moth."

Lynx arm placed in front of him, the mostly gone soldier clamped down. Shark teeth sinking into the furred arm, nothing registered inside him. As the two minutes passed through, and the metallic scent dissipated, sentience returned to the hyena. Realization flowing through him, the soldier removed his teeth from the furred arm. The scent of red had made him lose control again. No blood being present upon their arm, confusion took residence within his slowly vanishing partially human brain. Incident occurring again, he knew he had to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Naofa," the chimera cried. Name being said instead of formalities had been uncharacteristic of the hyena, but he cared not at the moment in time. "It won't happen again." Still seeing no red trickle down their furred arm, questions buzzed within his depleting rational brain. Rationality being within the man, no inquiries would leave his lips.

Naofa scoffed at such apology being delivered. Wasn't this person a Fatui? Manners always seemed beneath such leeches. Closing its eyes for a moment, its body returned into its human form. Figuring the hyena shark chimera had questions about the ordeal that just took place, an answer formed upon its plastic amiable lips.

"Humans are leeches, they bleed too easily," Naofa said, tone still fake and plastic. "Better now?" A phony smile graced its lips as such question was stated.

Another forbidden question being asked of him, the chimera simply nodded. Metallic rust scent no longer being within the area, fear made a meal out of him. Her Majesty, if she had heard of such incident happening again, his life would be over for sure.

Taking the nod as confirmation, another smirk grew upon Naofa's lips. Perhaps now, an amiable person would say it was time to stop training for the day. Knowing if it wished to get revenge on the wretched Tsaritsa, continuing to play the role as an easy to get along with person had to continue, even now.

"Let's end here for the day," it said, plastic tone dissipating into a sinister one. "I'll be staying here for about a year." Its sinister tone bubbled into a poison. "Consider what I said about leaving, I'll even help you." Moving over to the hyena's ears, its voice dropped into a dark whisper.

Dismissal being granted, Siorc had begun his return to the soundproof room. As the walk to the military barracks marched onward, the words Naofa had said to him echoed throughout the chambers of his partially human brain. The lynx chimera would be there for about a year. He should leave the Fatui. Thoughts bubbling inside him, the hyena stepped into the soundproof room.

Weaponized hairpins and earrings removed, he slumped onto the uncomfortable bed. Words about leaving the Fatui continuing to poke the active shark grooves in his brain, the chimera would not falter. Reaffirming the thought inside him, the decision of the future solidified into a permeance.

Glasses being removed, the decision echoed in the chambers of his mind as the world of tormented sleep awaited him for the evening. Whenever The Doctor were to finally attempt the deed, the time to depart from the Fatui could finally be upon him. Someday, the time would finally come to leave. Decision cementing itself inside him, the chimera closed his eyes as the world of sleep took him.

The final stages could soon be in place.

---

By the way, I believe I wrote when Dendro reactions were only merely leaks. Dendro wasn't even playable at the time I wrote this, so I just rolled with what had been assumed at the time.

 

[Palamon]

Note that a majority of the time-skips in the parts after the three asterisks have been turned into the Naofa novel that I will be publishing god knows when. So, for the most part a majority of what happens in between in this chapter will be shown in the Naofa arc.

---

26. Siorc's Final Stages

"After all these years, I'm starting to see the
Ludicrousy of being a Fatui
Looks like I finally know why Her Majesty truly wanted me.

Objectively, I know she only wanted me
For the shark brain inside my cranium,

The "shark" in the Fatui, really?
How shallow can she truly be?
I'm almost certain now, that's the true reason,
She wanted the brain inside my body.

Incidentally, the Doctor, look what he's done to me
So much irreversible damage has been caused to me. To my body.

Just how much of this was according to her plan?
Undeniable permanent damage
She wanted this, didn't she?
The scars, the heterochromia, my predator instinct.

All of this is just a game, isn't it, Your Majesty?

Going to be eight years since I was taken away shortly
All of this is just a game to her, all of it just a
Metaphorical game of chess, I'm nothing more than an
Eroded piece, a piece on her board, a piece in her game.

Truly, I wonder if Naofa got their revenge,
Only time will tell, I suppose, I recall they claimed it would merely be half a year away.

However, game piece or not, I know
Even if I realize the truth it is not time for me to leave
Right, that gift she gave me, that orb, the delusion.

Maybe when I finally use it, I can finally leave
And end this game, stop being apart of her little army
Just have to continue to wait for the perfect opportunity,
Everything one day will come into being, but I know I must remain silent, diligent; obedient.
Silence is key to successful living.
Though, I won't let her checkmate,
You know why? I'm getting tired of this game."

Dreaming had continued its pattern of relentless torment within the adult chimera's subconscious mind. Such cycle would not end its reign, even within his adult life. The torment would continue its path in the night before him, as well. Such fight inside him in the world asleep was never-ending.

Before him had been a setting unknown to him. In front of him had been a large mountain of volcanic activity, molten lava pouring outward to the ground surrounding him. Seeing such a sight, the hyena gulped deeply. The dream setting before him, had it taken him to Natlan? He knew, seeing such landmark, a scene of utter torment was about to befall him. Despite such unfamiliarity presented before him, a chilling realization graced his dream vision.

To the left of the molten lava roaring about had been a familiar face. Green hair, and jade eyes he'd recognize anywhere. His younger sister, Hase, had been standing beside the mountain of molten activity. Examining closer, a terrifying sight permeated within the soldier's subconscious field of vision. Hase's eyes, they had no life in them. Her pupils were faded and dead, like the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger the man had only recently come to know. Had something happened to her in the normal, waking world? The chimera did not know, but he knew finding out such fact was an impossibility to be had, for sure.

Hase within his reach, the hyena's dream legs erupted into a sprint. Why? Why had Hase been here? Just what was she doing within the plane of his subconscious mind near such dangerous mountaintop? But, he knew the world he had been in now had no room for pondering. As the early adult inched closer, he could see a somber look grace his sister's face. Figuring dream Hase had something to say, the chimera halted his walk in the not reality in the plane of the subconscious.

"Siorc, there's something important I have to tell you," dream Hase said, her voice was stern, but lifeless. "Please, stop looking for me." As she said such, her currently human legs stepped backward two meters to the molten lava behind her.

As his sister stepped ever so closer to the bed of hot liquid, a scream broke from the chimera's dream throat. Just what was Hase doing? Why was she stepping backwards to the lava? Stop looking for her? Why had she been saying that to him? The hyena did not know, but he knew there was no room for answers within the world before him. Creeping forward, he could feel an itch crawl down his partially human dream spine.

"Hase! Hase, what are you doing?" cried Siorc, panic evident in his voice. "Hase, get away! Lava is dangerous!" But his cries were not heard, she continued to step backwards as his screams continued. As her steps back continued, the hyena's eyes had begun to twitch. "Hase!" He shouted one more time, but it was useless. Her backwards walk would not cease existing.

"Siorc, I'm sorry," dream Hase responded, somber tone in voice. She continued to step backwards towards the lava behind her. "I'm not strong enough." Her words had begun to choke up with every syllable. "So, please. Stop looking for me. I don't want you to find me." The molten liquid and her feet had met.

Lava seeping through her legs, another scream broke through the dream throat. Shoes beneath her feet evaporating into ash, fear made a meal out of him. The lava, the molten liquid was consuming her, evaporating her, ending her. As the event of melting intensified, the chimera's legs erupted into a sprint. Currently hyena hand intertwined with Hase's hyena palm, panic had begun to bubble into overdrive.

"Hase, stop this," Siorc pleaded, voice shaking. "Please, get away!" Dream or not, the hyena would not falter. Squeezing as tight as the dream would allow, his dream legs had begun to shake as the seconds of not reality marched onward.

Hand ripped out of the grip, Hase's face grew dark. Hyena hands no longer intertwined, her knees and the molten liquid had met. Sister beginning to disintegrate before him, a tertiary scream released from the dream throat. Tears had begun to stream down his face as the not reality cemented into place. Sister sinking deeper into the lava, torment hugged him from behind.

"I'm sorry, Siorc, I won't be coming home," Hase said, words getting quieter. "I won't be able to save you." Sinking in deeper, her eyes closed.

As her eyes shut tight, the bubbling intensified with a horrific roar. Molten liquid creeping up faster, the hyena backed eight steps away. Lava and her neck meeting, the young woman faded into nothingness. Ashes clumping to the ground, Hase was no more.

Seeing his sister burn into ashes before his subconscious eyes, he had sunk to his currently hyena knees. Tears beginning to pour out faster, he stared at the volcano lifelessly. He knew none of this was real; it was nothing more than a dream. He knew that, but the horror before him would not shake off easily.

"Hase, why?" the chimera cried out weakly. "Why would you do something like that?" Lava raging about, torment wrapped its arms around his dream throat with a tight grip. Molten liquid creeping towards him, the hyena closed his subconscious eyes. No matter how many dreams were to pass, safety had clearly left him behind.

The world was falling, collapsing; burning.

***

Half a year had passed since the adult chimera had met the eyepatched Fatui. Eventual departure cemented deep within his fading human brain, the hyena continued to work with due diligence, for the time being. Nothing of especial happenstance had occurred within the soldier's Diplomatic Fatui life. Diplomacy of nothing marching onward, nothing had been out of the ordinary. Knowing any sudden move would result in the end of his life, the soldier remained obedient. Training sprinkled throughout the six months, mundaneness roared into overdrive.

During various days of training, the lynx training partner would divulge information to the hyena. Learning the eyepatched Fatui had been from the nation of Khaenri'ah, a deep thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain. The nation of Khaenri'ah, why had it sounded so familiar to him? Having never heard the name before, such familiarity was a mystery to him. Realizing such, the chimera had begun to wonder. The origins of his bloodline, just what were they? Never being told the origin of chimeras, the intrigue rolled around like a pebble inside him. Questions not being allowed to him as a Fatui soldier, asking the lynx about the nation never came into fruition.

Facts about the nation planted inside him, sparks would fly within the shark grooves in his brain. Rational brain fading out, a reckless thought would occasionally poke about in his deteriorating brain. His weaponized hairpins and earrings, he wished to use them.

The Hilichurl population, it had to dwindle. His hairpins and earrings, they had to end them.

While thoughts of violence swam inside him, the chimera knew he could not enact upon such desires. If Her Majesty had learned of such desires within him, his life would be over, for sure. Placing a pin into the thought raging about within, rationale would return with a mundane roar.

Monotony would die in the snow outside today.

Upon waking up from his tormented slumber, a labored scream bounced off and back around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his head. Uneasiness nibbling on the cartilage of his ear, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Time was not a virtue within the military barracks. Glasses on, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

Figuring another day of diplomatic affairs awaited him, his uniform glued onto his partially human person. As he snapped the buttons into place, a thought ruminated inside him. Hase in his dream had told him not to look for her. Did Hase know in the real world he had been looking for her throughout Teyvat? The chimera did not know, but he knew one thing for certain. On his next day off, the one member search party would resume.

Decision being made, the chimera clipped the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Work mode switch flipping inside him, desires had left the building. He knew that while he was still a Fatui, he had to be ready for whatever work had been in store for him. Dendro vision hooked onto his uniform pants, and rational brain being on within him, the chimera waited for the Agent's arrival.

Hearing the louder than ever before clacking of the Fatui Agent boots, the chimera put on his most diligent face possible. Whether diplomatic affairs or training were to be relayed to him today, he knew he could not falter. Volume of footsteps reaching zero, he turned his attention to the door. The time had come for his militaristic day to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "We are headed to Ritou today to purchase wine for Her Majesty." The masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate in arms. Another day, another purchasing ordeal.

Siorc jumped three steps back upon hearing the name Ritou. He could feel his heart skip a beat as the city echoed through his mind. Wasn't Ritou in Inazuma? Wasn't Inazuma still closed to outsiders? Would such a city be accessible to the Agent and he? Still not having a lot of information on the nation, such thoughts bewildered the soldier.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Did you hear me? We're purchasing wine in Ritou today. Get a move on!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. He never knew what could possibly be on the chimera's mind.

Hearing the name Ritou again, the chimera flinched. Taking a quick deep breath, he turned to his subordinate. Being brought back into reality, the man held his arm out like an invitation to a party.

"Yes, sir," he replied autonomously. Closed nation or not, he knew he had to be ready for the workday ahead of him. The choice was not his.

Seeing the soldier holding his arm out, the Agent placed the wine cooler bag from the last wine purchasing ordeal onto the chimera's back. Bag of Cryo activity planted on his back, the subordinate returned his attention to his commander in arms in an instant.

"Good, let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm being held out, the soldier gripped the limb sharply. Grip being as tight as an unopened jar of jam, the chimera closed his eyes as the escort to Ritou began. Gripping prison relentless as it always had been, defeat resounded in silence. Bag on his back releasing a chill, his vision glowed beside him. Light green light not ceasing as the teleportation had begun, a thought ruminated inside him.

Would a closed off nation have any wine?

***

Upon reaching Ritou through a Teleport Waypoint, Siorc examined the area around him. Within his heterochromatic field of damaged vision had been multiple green roofed buildings. Seeing such color, the chimera tilted his head. Wasn't Inazuma the nation of Electro? Impracticalities or not, his observation continued. Having been removed from the gripping prison, the hyena descended upon the stairs in front of him. Walking to the left, a sight to behold graced his vision. In the center of the merchant plaza had been triangular wooden planks hung onto a board. Knowing people worshipped the Archons of their region in different ways, seeing such set up was not unusual to the hyena.

Turning his head to the left, the chimera could hear voices buzzing about. Mentions of Liyue echoing through his shark eardrums, the chimera had come to a quick realization. The merchant plaza he had been in had been the foreign goods district of the area. Coming to such conclusion, a sense of relief flowed through the early adult. Perhaps, just maybe, being a foreigner would not raise suspicions.

Ending his examination, the hyena readied to begin his wine purchasing. The Agent instructing him to find a booth with a wine glass emblem in the center of a wooden awning, the chimera shifted his currently human feet. Being told by his subordinate he could explore the area after giving him the wine, a small smile formed upon his face. Sky being dark in the area, he supposed an evening stroll could suffice.

Wine emblem being upon him within minutes, the chimera walked straight. Wine merchant behind the counter, the chimera noticed something peculiar about the booth in front of him. To the sides of the blue awning had been Mondstadt banners. Generic looking wine merchant in Mondstadt general wear, the young soldier made eye contact.

"If you want to taste Mondtadt's great wine," the woman said, her voice sounded robotic. "Then look no further than sailing breeze!" It was almost as if, ones and zeroes had determined such line of speech to be the only lines she could say.

Not wishing for the city plaza to hear his voice, the chimera readied his hands to wordlessly communicate with the merchant behind the counter. Remembering Her Majesty only wanted sugar free wine, the man was ready to begin. Folding his right hand into a peace symbol, he placed his index and middle finger by his lips. Jerking his fingers towards his lips, he then placed his hands into a circular position. Sugar free being signed, he prepared to communicate the word wine. Linking his left thumb and index finger into an okay symbol, the soldier circled his hand around his cheek. Would this work? Remembering what had happened in Fontaine a couple years back, a gulp released itself from the esophagus.

"Sugar free wine?" the merchant asked plainly. "Coming right up." Her words did not sound robotic, for a moment. Ones and zeroes were momentarily absent.

Hearing the merchant give the correct information back, the soldier simply nodded. Seeing her get it right was a relief to be had, for sure. Wine bottles being in her hands after a minute, the hyena undid the velcro on the bag behind him. Bag being open, the early adult took the wine bottles and placed them into the freezing bag behind him. Snapping the bag shut, he placed the Mora coins on the table. Mora being given, he turned his heelless shoes in the opposite direction.

Agent sitting by an outdoor stove, the chimera walked to the south. Subordinate eventually being adjacent to him, the hyena handed the Cryo wine bag back to the Agent. Punishment no longer plaguing his brain, thoughts of exploring Inazuma nature flooded within him. Watching as the Agent opened the bag, he waited for his second orders to explore to grace his shark eardrums. Seeing no irritation from his subordinate, the soldier waited like it was the celebration of the next publication of a novel series that hadn't released another book in nine years.

"Excellent work, soldier," spoke the Fatui Agent, confidence leaking in his voice. "You may explore Inazuma, if you wish." He removed a slip of paper from his large pockets. Permit being given, he gave his subordinate unseen eye contact. "I will take my leave. Return to Snezhnaya within three hours." Wine cooler bag placed upon his back, the Fatui vanished within an instant.

While such orders of exploring were a rarity, the soldier knew what he wished to do immediately. The Sakura trees of Inazuma, he wished to see them. Not seeing any within the distance, the chimera had come to wonder: were there any nearby? Not wishing to travel too far, he supposed relaxing near the trees around Ritou would have to suffice. Seeing a multitude of red leaved trees in the area, the hyena had begun walking.

Climbing up the stairs, the hyena turned to the right. Seeing a gate with a port, his stair climbs continued onward. Maple leaves blowing on the evening breeze, the man kept walking straight. Leaves surrounding him, a happy sigh released from his throat. Surely, a maple tree could be nearby. Walking forward towards the port, a small smile broke on his face as the sight of large red trees was within his damaged field of vision.

Such sight was blocked off by a person with rabbit ears standing on the wooden floorboards. Seeing the person tap their foot, the chimera halted his walk. Knowing people had been in the area, he knew going over to the maple trees in the corner would be met with a challenge. He supposed, waiting for the person to exit would have to do, for the moment in time.

Hearing a door open, the early adult backed five steps away. Another person with rabbit ears walking onto the port floor, the hyena jumped back two steps farther. Person eyeing him as they stood next to the other individual, the person's left leg jolted upward. Fear gracing their face, a sigh released from the early adult's throat.

Justice was about to be served to him, for sure.

"There's a Fatui on school grounds!" the person screamed. Had the Fatui been there to take them off to Tsurumi Island again? Their rabbit ears dropped downward. "How did a Fatui get here?"

Allowing a sigh to escape his throat, Siorc lowered his face into a scowl. He supposed he deserved such judgement, being a Fatui off in a closed nation. Two people's judging eyes on him, he examined the two eyeing him nervously. In front of him had been two pink haired individuals. Looking at the calmer one of the two, their hair was short, and braided off onto the left side of their head. Their eyes were light pink, like the sakura trees nowhere to be seen in the Ritou area. Black dot below their left eye, and heart shaped earring dangling about, the chimera focused his attention on the outfit, for a moment. The person had been wearing a black blouse suit. Were they running a business? He supposed it was not his business. First examination ending, he turned his attention to the cowering individual beside the calm one.

Second individual shaking, Siorc heeded his continued observation with caution. The nervous individual looked similar to the short haired person. The shaking person had long pink hair reaching to their backside. Eyes being the same color as the short haired person, and black dot being below their right eye, he observed the outfit with post-haste. Deep black suit with a red tie situated upon them, the chimera ended his examination.

Seeing pink rabbit ears on top of the two individuals' heads, the chimera tilted his head. Were the two business casuals rabbit chimeras? Seeing the unease upon the longer haired one's face, such question would not leave his lips.

Fatui staring at them, the longer hair business casual rabbit's legs jumped upward again. Why was this Fatui eyeing them? Had they planned to take them alone again? Classes being over for the day, just what were their motives? The rabbit adjusted their tie on their suit. They would tell the Fatui off like the manly teacher they were.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" the longer haired business casual said. There was a manly charm to their medium pitched voice. "School is out, and I'm not going to comply with another Fatui." Their rabbit ears raged above their head with every word spoken.

Siorc blinked at such response. Had the business casual rabbit just said school? Schools existed in other nations beyond Sumeru? Only getting tutored by his mother in his stolen childhood, such word was practically foreign to him. Hearing the person mention complying, the man tilted his head. Had the Fatui messed with the school the business casual rabbit worked at in the past? The chimera had been none the wiser to such event occurring. Never being given such types of orders, the hyena shook his head at the longer haired possible rabbit chimera. Take another chimera away somewhere dangerous? Absolutely not. No chimera, or human deserved to suffer the same or worse fate than he did.

Soldier shaking their head, the longer haired business casual rabbit's eyes dimmed for the moment. Had the Fatui just said they were not taking them away? Person looking rather young, and like they did not want the job they had, an idea floated around in their head. Perhaps, just maybe encouraging the person to take a different path in life would be helpful for them. Resolute on their decision, the business casual rabbit hit their right fist onto their left hand.

"Kouneko nee-chan, could you excuse me for a moment?" the long haired business casual rabbit said to the short haired business casual rabbit. "I'd like to speak to this Fatui alone, for a moment." Holding their hand out, they looked the soldier in the eyes. "Come on, take my hand, let's go somewhere quiet for a moment, okay?"

The short haired possible chimera proclaimed as Kouneko placed her hand on the root of her chin at such remark. Fatui looking like a child, she knew what her brother was up to. Knowing Fatui are schemers, however, she knew she had to warn them of potential harm, just in case.

"Alright, Nousagi," Kouneko said, words stern. "But, be careful. They still are a Fatui, after all."

Turning to their sister, Nousagi gave a brotherly smile. "I will, nee-chan," Nousagi replied. Voice leaking with vigor. "They don't seem too bad. I just need to give them a lecture." They again turned to the Fatui, grabbing their hand gently. "Come on, let's get moving."

Hand interlaced with Nousagi's, the two walked forward. Area with a noticeboard soon being near the two chimeras, the rabbit chimera let go of the Fatui's hand. Jerking their head to the left and right, they allowed a sigh to release from their throat. Good, no one had been around to hear their incoming lecture. Evening was a convenient time, indeed.

"Alright, no one is around, good," Nousagi exclaimed in a relieved tone. "You know, you seem like a good kid, so I'll give you some advice." They folded their hands together and placed them on their chest as their advice had begun to roll out. "You're still young with a full life ahead of you. Why not leave the Fatui?" Their rabbit ears stretched upward above them. "From the looks of it, you don't seem like you want to be one, anyway."

Siorc jumped three steps back at such response from Nousagi. Had the rabbit chimera thought he was a child? He supposed not really growing throughout his stolen childhood and now adulthood, such mistake would be made. Hearing their last sentence, the chimera jumped four steps back further. This person was incredibly perceptive. Departure plans still not ready to go, the chimera simply shook his head. He knew leaving now on an active workday would not be a wise move.

Seeing the Fatui shake his head, Nousagi's ears dropped downward. Was the Fatui not allowed to leave their job? If such were the case, extending a hand for external network had to come into fruition. Resolute on helping in the future if possible, they banged their fist onto their hand for the second time.

"Even if you can't get away now, feel free to reach out to me if you ever need help escaping," Nousagi said. Their tone was firm. "Write a letter addressed to the Ritou school, and I'll help you."

Link of networking being provided to him, the chimera placed his hand upon his chest. What an incredibly nice, and helpful possibly partially human person, they were. Perhaps, just maybe, when his escape plan could finally happen, reaching out to the teacher through a letter would not be out of the question. Knowing a thank you was in order for them, he blinked through the lenses of his glasses. Looking at the rabbit's outfit one more time, the chimera pondered for a moment. Would addressing Nousagi as sir be correct? The soldier hoped such to be the case.

"Thank you, sir," the hyena replied, voice barely audible. "I will keep that in mind." Remembering the Agent said to come back after a few hours, the chimera knew it was time to leave. Teleport Waypoint Map Proxy in hand, he turned to Nousagi one final time. "I will take my leave now. I apologize for frightening you earlier, sir." He bowed his head to the rabbit chimera as his unusual wordiness ended.

Hearing such eloquent language from the Fatui, Nousagi's pink rabbit ears turned red. Was this Fatui an adult? What an embarrassing mistake to be had, for sure.

"Oh, so you're an adult? I apologize for calling you a child," Nousagi said in an apologetic tone. "Well, even so, if you ever need help trying to escape, don't be afraid to reach out to me." A small smile graced their face for a moment.

Apology being given, the hyena simply nodded. Opening the orb into map form, the young soldier highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Collapsing the map back into orb form, he placed it back into his pocket. Eyes closed, the fast travel to the military barracks began.

Steeled wall room upon him, he returned to the soundproof room in silence. Staring off at the wall, a spark popped off in his head. Nousagi said they would help them if he wished to escape the Fatui. Spark growing stronger, a smirk graced the chimera's face. If he had a network for the future, when the time had come for his departure, then his escape plan would certainly be easy. Thoughts playing on repeat for hours on end, the chimera's sharp teeth formed a sinister smile. Reaffirming his future plans, the smile would not cease.

Glasses and weaponized accessories being removed, he slumped onto the uncomfortable bed. Plan playing on repeat within the active shark grooves in his brain, he closed his eyes. Repeating it inside himself one more time before the world of sleep were about to take him, the thought would not cease.

Whenever the Doctor were to attempt the deed, the time to depart from the Fatui could finally be upon him. Decision reaffirming itself inside him, he could feel the world of sleep about to take him away. World of dreams swiftly approaching, one final thought poked him in his fading human brain.

Outside networking was powerful, indeed.

***

"Seems like Her Majesty is having me explore more lately,
Could her objective be any more obvious?
Really, I truly understand now, what kind of Fatui she wants me to be.
Every so often, it comes to me, the reason I am a
Multi-region Fatui. She's always been using me as her pawn, hasn't she?
I'm getting tired of this game.
Now, I finally see, the truth is upon me. The truth of what she wants out of me.
Getting information about the other regions, Now I see.

How could I have never realized?
All of it makes sense now, fully.
She has me doing work in other nations
To syphon information off of me,
It all makes sense now, truly.
Looks like I turned out exactly how she wanted, aren't you happy, Your Majesty?
Your little 'shark in the army' knows a lot about Teyvat now.

I'm tired of this game,
Now that I have an idea of her true motives
Sooner or later, my departure can finally be upon me.
It'll finally be time to leave this cold breeze, yes, maybe a year from now would suffice.
Don't think now is the right time, I still don't know how to use the gift she gave me. So
Even now, I must remain diligent, and silent. It is still too early to take my leave. I must remain obedient for now, that is key."

Another half a year had passed in the adult chimera's Diplomatic Fatui life. Six months marching onward, the hyena still remained diligent. Doctor not having come to collect him since his shark brain had become active, the chimera's mundane diplomacy of nothing marched onward. Although, mundaneness had died in the snow beneath him, for a brief period of time.

For thirty days of the six months, an odd order had been delivered to him. Being told to go to an area known as Enkanomiya, the chimera would not falter. Tasked to collect information about the area into a notebook, the chimera would write down his findings. During the mission, the soldier would meet a blue scorpion chimera with an arm that was nothing but bones, and its sister. Coming across the pair several times throughout his surveying duties, the chimera had come to wonder. Just how many chimeras were within and outside of Teyvat? Blue scorpion chimera only having one usable arm, the wonder seeded further inside him. Chimeras were abundant throughout and outside Teyvat, and some were suffering. He knew being a Fatui still, helping other chimeras would be an impossible feat. But, within his rational brain, a seed planted itself.

If his departure from the Fatui were to ever arrive, perhaps, just maybe, he could help other suffering chimeras.

Enkanomiya project coming to a close, the hyena had been instructed to go to the Natlan medical barracks the day after. Jackal chimera telling him there had been a high level of corrosion in the area, various medical examinations were administered to him. During his examination, however, an emergency situation had motioned forward. Frog porcupine chimera entering the medical barracks, something peculiar had played out. Spiky armored frog exclaiming they needed help stopping their sister from becoming corrupted by abyssal energy, the world stopped turning momentarily for the hyena.

Learning there had been an abyss beneath and beyond Teyvat from the frog porcupine chimera, the thought solidified inside him. Chimeras were abundant in and outside Teyvat, indeed. Emergency handled, and medical procedure taken care of, mundaneness returned with a vengeance.

For the next ninety days, training with his lynx chimera partner had made its needed return. Getting used to the Dendro powers his vision had granted him, fighting offensively had become as easy as the evasive dodges he had been taught by his former practice partner. Training temporarily coming to a halt, diplomacy of nothing possessed his training like a ghost.

For the final sixty days, business affairs split between Liyue, Sumeru and Inazuma roared about into nothingness. Monotony kicking into overdrive, nothing out of the ordinary came about for the early adult. Scent of blood not being whiffed by him whatsoever in the three months, no sparks had flied within the man's gradually deteriorating brain.

During his various business affairs, Siorc had come to remember something, something important. Naofa, it had said they would be staying for about a year. Year almost being up, the name Khaenri'ah echoed within the chambers of his partially human brain. After the lynx chimera got their revenge, would they return to their nation? The chimera did not know, but he knew such questions could never leave his lips as a Fatui Soldier.

As if willed into existence, Training with Naofa on its final day as a Fatui had come into fruition.

Having been taken to the vision training grounds by the Agent that morning, the chimera would not falter. Claymore in hand and vision glowing beside him, the hyena was ready for one final practice battle with the lynx chimera. Vision glowing upon his waist, and delusion radiating dark aura upon their collar, the battle had begun.

Flower friend blessed by his vision and electricity exchanging blows, an overwhelming amount of energy flowed through the hyena as the practice match continued. Feeling a large amount of excess energy enter within him, a strange power had made itself known. Yellow-green orb at its brightest, vines had wrapped the young soldier into a cocoon. Vines temporarily his arms and legs, the early adult's thorns and Naofa made contact. Dendro and Electro shaking hands, the lynx fell to its knees.

Energy drained from it, a sinister weak smile graced Naofa's face. After a year of being under the wretched Cryo Archon's rule, Siorc had finally been able to perform the art of the Elemental Burst. Perhaps, just maybe, with him finally being stronger, it could convince him to join it in its revenge plan, once and for all. Never answering it whenever it asked him, today was the final day. Rubbing its hands together, the eyepatched Fatui was ready to remind the hyena of its revenge plot one final time.

"You've gotten pretty good at using your vision, you flea," Naofa said. Its tone was as fake and plastic as ever. "Tomorrow, I will finally be able to get my revenge on that wretched god. Why not join me?" Placing its gloved hand onto his shoulder, it lowered its voice into a whisper. "You're stronger now, don't you think it's time to leave, moth?"

Siorc sighed as Naofa asked again to wrap him up into their revenge plan. While he knew he had been stronger now, the time for his Fatui departure had not yet been upon him. Wouldn't two Fatui trying to leave at the same time cause suspicion? If he were to attempt to leave while in the presence of Her Majesty, his life would be over, for sure. Die while in Snezhnaya? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. The hyena did not wish to become a corpse through disappointing or angering Her Majesty.

"I cannot," the chimera said, voice barely audible. "I am sorry." He turned his head to the right and left as his apology had been relayed. Her Majesty could still be listening.

Naofa shrugged its shoulders at the usual rejection. Expecting him to say no at this point, it supposed it could not be helped. Battle being finished, perhaps now, an amiable person would say it was time to stop training for the day. Final day being upon them, and revenge being ready, the final day of playing the role of an easy to get along with person was about to come to an end.

"Suit yourself, then," Naofa said with a scoff, plastic tone dissipating into a bitter one. "Let's end here for today." Its bitter tone bubbled into poison. "I'll get my revenge soon, so if you ever leave this place, come find me. There will always be a place for you in my future revenge plots." Hand over its mouth, a dark laugh broke from its throat.

Rolling his eyes to the sunless sky, the chimera had begun his return to the soundproof room. As the walk to the military barracks sauntered onward, the words Naofa said echoed throughout the chambers of his partially human brain. The lynx chimera said to come find them if he were to ever leave. Their revenge was finally happening. Thoughts continued to blend together as the soundproof room had been upon him.

Weaponized hairpins, earrings and glasses removed, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Thoughts about Naofa's revenge happening soon, the chimera closed his eyes. As the world of tormented sleep awaited him, one final thought pierced through him.

Would Naofa's revenge be successful? The chimera supposed time would tell.

***

When the young soldier had awoken for the morning, an immediate chill had run down his partially human spine. He had not been in the soundproof room upon waking up. Having not been in the steel walled room, Siorc had come to the quick and only conclusion: the Doctor, had yet again, moved him into the lab while he had been sleeping. Harbinger being away on business in Liyue for a long while, the chimera had hoped such day of his return would never come. Archons not being on his side, uneasiness devoured the hyena. Another day of experimentation was upon the early adult.

No matter how much time had passed between experimentations, getting used to such torment was never something his brain would allow. Gulp resonating through the area, the lab rat sauntered into the lab with due diligence. There was no time, the day was no longer his.

Upon his entrance into the lab, the toxic atmosphere swallowed the chimera whole. Footsteps lowering in decibel as the seconds raged onward, the soldier drudged slowly. Seat coming closer, one final gulp released from the esophagus. Chair of experimentation finally being adjacent, the chair and the hyena's possibly human rear met.

Promptly after being seated, the Doctor handed the little experiment the usual pill of toxicity. Swallowing the pill, an oddity had occurred as the poison had travelled throughout the young soldier's body. Nothing had been removed. All five senses were still present. As the heavy drug's potency did nothing, a realization played within him.

The mad malpracticing doctor's poison no longer had power over him.

But, he knew, if the doctor had known that, his experiments would only worsen. Pretending the drug had worked, the chimera slumped into a limp position. Having complete control over his body, thoughts of possible escape leaked through his mind. If today were the day the Harbinger were to play with his heart, he could finally leave.

Luck, and the Archons were not on his side.

The Doctor cracked his knuckles obnoxiously as the head of his test subject slumped forward from the dose of toxins. Leering menacingly from underneath his mask, the subject of experiment had been no brainer for the mad malpracticing Fatui Harbinger. Shark brain already being active, the Sumeru outcast had come to wonder. Were his leg muscles hyena or human? Surely, cutting into them as well would provide sufficient answers. Surgical scalpel in hand, the Doctor smirked from underneath the mask.

As the scalpel met with the lab experiment's leg with a sinister roar, the Doctor sliced through the skin of the leg with a heartless vigor. As the slices became deeper, the leg muscles slowly but surely became visible. Hacking away with a cruel fervor, the muscular structure had finally become fully visible. As the scalpel continued its reign within the unresponsive hyena before him, the Doctor ruthlessly poked the muscles inside the open leg. Studying the muscles after jabbing them, an epiphany had filled his malevolent brain. Jabbing the muscles one more time with his surgical scalpel, a sinister snarl broke loose from underneath the mask.

"Absolutely fascinating, just like his arms, his leg muscles are more hyena than human," he chided maniacally. "Magnificent, Magnifique!" But such celebration had been short lived at the sight before him. The test subject's eyes were not dim. Had his little lab rat been awake the entire time? Biting his glove, a grimace graced the mad malpracticing doctor's face. "The poison! How could it no longer work anymore? How boring." Teeth piercing a hole into the glove, control was dead soldier on the battlefield. "Well, no matter, I'll just use a stronger poison next time."

Ideas for stronger poison flooding his mentally unsound brain, a small cackle broke loose from the Harbinger's throat. Such cackle was short lived. Having no assistant or scientist on board in the room having been gone so long, the laugh quickly turned into a grunt. Suture in hand, the Doctor sloppily closed up the surgical sized incision. Suture threading through the open area lazily, the surgical activity he had created swiftly, but messily had become no more. As the surgical incision had become no more, the Doctor removed the suture. New ideas for more lethal poisons flooding his brain, the harbinger cared not. Stitches being done, the Harbinger exited the laboratory. The hunt for new poison was upon him.

Barely having any energy left, the chimera gathered the last remaining thoughts he could muster inside him. Poison no longer working within him, the decision of his departure had begun to move forward. As he weakly sat on the chair as the surgery pain pulsed throughout, the revised departure plan poked the active shark grooves in his brain harder.

Toxins were no longer working on him, he had decided. In a year's time, regardless of whether the mad malpracticing Doctor were to play with his heart or not, it finally would be time to leave. Depart the Fatui; stage his exit from his forced upon life. Decision cementing itself inside him, the chimera repeated it one final time in the chambers of his mind as his energy depleted as fast as Naofa's Electro Delusion's lightning.

In one year, it would finally be time. His departure from the Fatui. The poison no longer worked, the Doctor's control over him was over. Soon, Her Majesty would no longer reign over him as well. Energy levels reduced to zero, the chimera closed his eyes on the experiment chair. Doctor never coming back the same day as exiting the lab, a quick nap unnoticed could certainly come into fruition. World of sleep about to take him, the thought ruminated within him one final time.

One year left, and it would finally be time to leave, once and for all.

The final stages were about to take shape.

---

Like I said, a lot of this chapter the events that happened in between are in the Naofa arc.

 

[Palamon]

Okay, before reading this I want people to keep in mind that This is an interlude/novella clocking in at over 16,000 words, it is recommended you take breaks while reading this one. Originally, this was meant to be a side story, but somehow, this became too long, so it's being included here within the main story campaign.

However, this chapter happens in between things in Siorc's Final Stages not after as it is an interlude of what happened between the six month time-skip in that chapter. The rest of it is in the Naofa arc.

---

Interlude 1. The Enkanomiya Project

"Every day is a day closer to leaving,
Never returning to this forced upon militaristic duty
Keeping up this act of loyalty,
All of that will soon be behind me
Now may not be the time
Obviously, I cannot be hasty
Maybe that network the rabbit chimera provided for me,
It will be useful to me
Yes, perhaps just maybe
All of this, in a year and a half's time can be over, finally."

The sound of morning alarm bells screeched through the area with a vigorous uproar. As the alarm bells made their reign known, the dissonant sound of hundreds of Fatui Soldiers echoed with a clamor. The alarm bells were uncalled for on time exactly, as usual. Regardless of such groaning about, every soldier remained loyal.

The various groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never being alerted to any alarm bells, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Glasses being on, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body. Time was not a virtue in the frozen northern land.

While dressing in his uniform, a thought popped a spark off inside the active shark grooves in his brain. The rabbit chimera teacher, they said if he ever left the Fatui, they would extend out a hand to help. Whenever the doctor were to attempt to the deed, perhaps, just maybe, such outside networking would be useful. The chimera knew, however, such outside networking could not be used, at the moment at time. Such departure could not come of him now.

Knowing the Agent were to arrive at any moment, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching custom made Windwheel Asters accessory and jewelry in his hair and ears, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Any moment now, the soldier's orders would be relayed to him.

Hearing the clacking of the Fatui Agent boots, the early adult put on the most diligent face possible. Figuring a day of nothing awaited him, the hyena turned to the door in front of him. Volume of footsteps reaching zero, the young soldier was ready for his militaristic day to begin. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You are going to Enkanomiya for a month long project." The masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate in arms. A small bag shook from behind him with a militaristic roar. Another day, another month long separate affair.

Siorc jumped seven steps back upon hearing the name Enkanomiya. He could feel his heart skip two beats as the name echoed through his mind. Just where was Enkanomiya? The hyena had been none the wiser to such area existing. Was the area outside the world of Teyvat? Would getting to such area even be possible if such were the case? The soldier did not know, but he knew such questions could never leave his lips.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Are you with me? You're going to Enkanomiya for a month long project! Get a move on!" There was an irritated tone in his voice. He never knew what could have possibly been on the soldier's mind.

Hearing the name Enkanomiya again, the chimera flinched. Taking two deep breaths, he quickly turned to his subordinate. Holding his arm out, the hyena awaited for the gripping prison to take him like it always had. Time was running out. Anxiety had to die in the snow outside.

"Yes, sir," he replied autonomously. Location in Teyvat, or not, he knew he had to be ready for the project at hand. The choice was not his.

Seeing the soldier holding his arm out, the Agent firmly placed a large bag on his subordinate's back. Bag having been cemented in place, the subordinate returned his attention to his commander in arms within an instant. "Grab a set of uniforms before we depart," the Agent stated. "Quickly. Do not keep Her Majesty waiting."

Doing as instructed, the hyena walked over to his uniform drawers with due diligence. Removing a set of uniforms, the man removed the leather bag from his back. Latch opened, the young soldier stared down at the contents within the bag for a moment. Within the container of fabric had been various elemental orbs. But such had not been the only objects contained within the bag. To the left side of the contents had been an odd bottle with teal sprite within it. Elements littered throughout, an oddity within the container stuck out like a Hilichurl within a tribe of Slimes. In the center of the bag had been a notebook entitled Enkanomiya Travel Notes. Quill slipped into the spine, the hyena tilted his head downward.

Set of uniforms and accessory box plopped down into the container, the chimera snapped the bag shut. As the Agent returned the bag back onto the hyena's back, various questions polluted the soldier's mind. Just what was Her Majesty asking of him to do within this unknown nation of Enkanomiya? He supposed time would tell. Hourglasses' sand falling faster, the man held his arm out for the second time of the day.

Arm being held out again, the Agent reseated the bag onto his subordinate's back. "Let's go, soldier," the Agent said. Gripping the arm tightly, the escort had begun. Grip being as tight as the foundation holding a house together, the chimera closed his eyes. As the fast travel started, a thought of unease ruminated inside the chambers of his fading human brain.

Her Majesty, just what was she asking of him? Where could Enkanomiya have possibly been?

There were more than the seven nations of Teyvat, indeed.

***

"Right arm is nothing but bones
Even though I remember how it happened
My mind no longer knows how long it's been
All I have is my fingers, time is relative
I've lost count around the hundreds
Numbers are meaningless in this abyss
Skeletal remains are the least of my concern, Gris."

Upon reaching an area unknown to him through the Teleport Waypoint, Siorc removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map from his uniform pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the man examined the hacked map with due diligence. Blue triangle over towards the southwest side of the map, the hyena continued his examination. Placing his finger on another waypoint, the soldier read the location name carefully. The map marker, why had it said Watatsumi Island, Inazuma? Was teleporting to Enkanomiya impossible? The hyena did not know, but he knew questions were not allowed to him as a Fatui Soldier. Returning the map into orb form, the man turned to his subordinate.

Agent instructing him to find a soldier with dog ears, the chimera sauntered onward. Agent exiting the area after instructions had been given, a gulp echoed throughout the area. He was to enter Enkanomiya alone. Alone, with no assistance whatsoever. Notebook claiming itself to be a travel guide, an epitome had come over the chimera.

Her Majesty, had she been asking him to document the area for her own personal gain? He supposed such could have been a possibility. Thoughts continuing their flood within him, the chimera kept walking. As his search for the proclaimed soldier with dog ears continued, the young soldier studied his surrounding in silence.

Within the distance of him had been lavender roofed houses besides odd purple leaved trees. The trees of Watatsumi Island, had they been dyed with the color of Electro? Oddities or not, his observation continued. Such oddities had not ended there, however. Within his damaged field of heterochromatic vision was an unusual structure. Off in the distance had been a cliffside decorated with large pink seashells. Blue coral-like plants in the grass, as well, bewilderment painted the hyena's face. Had he been taken to an underwater city? The island was a beautiful sight to behold, for sure. Dog eared soldier nowhere to be seen, the chimera continued walking. Bridge conquered, he turned to left.

Seeing the dog eared soldier in question within a soil field, the hyena's legs broke out into a sprint. Ending his sprint, the young man studied the dog eared soldier standing about. The dog eared person had short, spiky brown hair with white streaks on the left side of them. Their eyes were teal, with brown surrounding the sclera. Small teal outfit covering only his chest, the dog eared individual's torso had been on public display. Was such outfit safe to wear? Grey pants with golden symbols on the knees, the hyena turned his attention to the person's backside. On the person's back had been a bushy brown tail. Ending his examination, he tilted his head. Was the dog eared person a chimera? He supposed it was not his business. Soldier staring idle, the man tapped their heavily armored shoulder with due diligence.

Tap eventually registering, the dog eared person turned their head to the left. Purple haired person adjacent to them, they placed their arms on their chest. "Are you here to meet with Her Excellency?" the dog eared soldier asked. Their voice was tenor, but sounded male, regardless.

Siorc tilted his head to such question. Her Excellency? Was Her Excellency the god of the island? Would she know how to get to Enkanomiya? Not knowing how to get there, the chimera simply nodded. Perhaps, just maybe, the person in question knew how to enter the area.

Taking the nod as confirmation the dog eared general stepped in front of him. "Follow my lead," the general said excitably. "I will lead you to her."

Dog eared general guiding him across the bridge, the hyena followed behind like a duckling strutting in line across a pond. Seashell cliffside in front of him, the two climbed slowly. Seashell cliffside leading to a staircase, the man travelled up the stairs with the dog general in tow. Young woman standing by another staircase, the soldier kept walking.

Sounds of rushing water echoing through the area, the young man closed his eyes for a moment as the escort reached its end. Multiple women in blue hakama within the area, the hyena placed his right index finger on his chin. Had the dog general taken him to a shrine? Having read about shrines in books in his stolen childhood, the chimera figured such was a possibility.

Young woman turning to him, Siorc examined the person quickly. The young woman had peach-pink hair with blue highlights at the end of it. Hair being in a split ponytail, it reached to the back of her knees. The young woman's eyes were soft, and purple, but had an edge to them. Dark blue outfit with a fish-like tail at the end of it, the hyena stared off into space. The young woman the dog general had taken him to, was she a priestess? Would she know how to guide him to Enkanomiya? Time not being a virtue, action had to come of him now.

"Good afternoon," the young woman said. Her voice was high pitched, but serious. "Here for a battle plan?"

The chimera's eyes grew wide. Battle plan? Was Inazuma in some sort of war? Knowing his objective is to traverse Enkanomiya, the hyena shook his head. Perhaps showing her what his objective in question was, she would be able to help him. Resolute on such decision, the soldier removed the bag from behind him. Undoing the tassels, the early adult removed the notebook from the container. Book in his left hand, he pointed his right index finger at the words on the front cover. Would this work? He knew languages all around Teyvat were written differently.

"You wish to go Enkanomiya?" the priestess asked, slightly bewildered. "Are you certain?"

Choice not being his, the hyena nodded. Departure from the Fatui nowhere near its conclusion, obeying orders relayed to him was his only option. Placing the notebook back in the bag, the man looked into the priestess's eyes. He needed to do his job if he wished to leave as planned someday.

Seeing the young man nod, a sigh dragged onto the damp air. "Then, let's move out," the priestess said. "Follow me." Young woman stepping in front of him, another escort began. Pink seashell above a large pool of water eventually meeting his damaged field of vision, the priestess halted her escort. "Enkanomiya is down below. Do you have wind glider?"

Wind glider deployed from behind him, the chimera nodded. Pool of water within a jumping distance, the hyena allowed a gulp to release from his partially human esophagus. He had to jump into the pool of water? Was he going to have to swim? If he had to swim for a long distance, his body would sink to the bottom of the ocean, for sure. But, he knew, regardless of such, he had to drop down into the pool of water. Her Majesty could be watching him from her palace.

"Alright," the priestess said. Her voice dragged a smidgeon. "Good luck with your battle to come."

Farewells being given, the chimera jumped off the seashell ledge. Pool of water coming closer as the seconds unraveled, the hyena closed his eyes. Water and he making their acquaintance, a blinding light engulfed him. Closing his eyes, the travel downward made its roar known. Feeling his body drop down into another pool of water, the hyena opened his eyes once more.

Pool of water below him, the early adult placed the large bag on his back below him. Bag able to float, the soldier floated forward. Bag acting as his legs, the hyena looked to the right and left. Everywhere he looked, the pink seashells from Watatsumi Island had littered the water's edges. Looking upward as his float across the small pool continued, a slight smile graced his face. The walls of the caverns were decorated with beautiful blue lights. Shallow entranceway eventually being reached, the man jumped onto the ground as quick as possible. Submerged bagged placed on his backside once more, the wet chimera's legs erupted into a sprint.

Other side of the cavern upon him, Siorc examined the area with due diligence. Within a distance were large purple flowers towering towards the skyless cavern. Pools of shallow water flooding the ground, an elongated gulp echoed throughout the cavern walls. Was he going to have to swim everywhere? He had hoped for such to not be the case. If the entire area had been flooded with underground lakes and rivers, documenting the area would be a struggle for him, surely. Struggle or not, documenting the area immediately had to come into fruition.

Obstacles in the way would wreck havoc with a corroded vengeance.

As he stepped towards the gigantic purple flower, a large dark blue quadruped dragon had spotted the hyena. Dragon roaring about, a battle cry resounded in the area. Dendro vision glowing on his belt frantically, the chimera shifted his legs into a battle stance. Claymore not on his partially human person, fighting with his Vision was all that he could muster, at the moment.

Strength and the Archons were not on his side. Flower friend from his Dendro powers barely damaging the aquatic quadruped dragon, dread made a meal out of the chimera. It was almost as if the dragon creatures were at the maximum level the world would allow if such level was set to zero. Elemental energy doing nothing to hurt the monster, fear continued its feast inside him.

Flower friend still showing no signs of making a dent on the enemy's energy, the dragon opened its mouth. Aquatic projectile and the chimera's chest shaking hands, the man let out a wail. Energy leaving his body, the hyena sunk to his knees. Jerking his head downward, dread laughed hysterically in his shark eardrums. The green light in the orb, had it gotten dimmer? The elemental orbs in his bag, surely, if he used one of those, victory would curve into the hyena's favor. Resolute on his decision, the soldier motioned his hands onto the bag behind him.

Luck and the Archons were not on his side. As his rummage was about to begin, the dragon had turned backwards. Tail upward, the hyena jumped five steps back. Although, the jump back was not enough. Dragon tail and the young soldier's chest making their acquaintance, a labored scream echoed throughout the cavern. The tail was sharp, like the Agent's daggers. Tail piecing through his layered clothing, the hyena's body and the grass had become the best of friends within seconds.

Defeat was a short lived phenomenon.

Projectiles shot into the dragon's eyes, the creature let out a pained roar. Dragon flipping over, the monster had faded into the ether within a second. Dragon being no more, the weakened hyena turned his head to the left. In the small pool of water stood a person with large blue pincers. Pain stinging like a Cicin in the open wilderness, the hyena sat down on the grass below.

Promptly seated, the chimera weakly examined the person who had rescued him. The person had short blue violet hair that went down to about the length of their ears. Two stray strands sticking out from both sides of the ears, the hyena kept studying. Their eyes were an oddity to be had, for sure. The person's sclera had been entirely yellow, with small black triangular pupils in the center. Their eyes, there had been something inhuman about them. Although such oddities had not ended there. The person's arms had been large blue pincers. Seeing scorpions occasionally in the open world, the man wondered: had this person been a scorpion chimera? Plated armor and blue stinger protruding from their behind, sweat poured down the soldier's back. Was this chimera highly poisonous? If they were to see his uniform, his life would end on a venomous platter, for sure. Plain Mondstadt outfit pointing to neither sex, and bare human legs permeating within his weakened vision, the early adult ended his examination.

Alleged by his mind scorpion chimera walking towards him, the hyena clung onto any energy that remained inside him. Partially human person defeating the dragon for him, a thank you was in order for them. Looking at the person's attire one more time, he had come to wonder in a weakened instant: would the address of ma'am or sir be correct? He supposed formalities could wait until he knew for certain if either or none were right.

"Thank you," Siorc said, voice labored. Chest continuing to sting with every word spoken, he clicked his tongue. "I appreciate it." He added on between stings of pain.

Seeing the person wince, the arachnid raised an eyebrow. Fatui insignias leaked throughout the person's brown jacket, the second eyebrow had been raised. Why, and how, had a Fatui been in Enkanomiya? When the parents had still been alive, they had warned the arachnid they were a group with malicious intentions. Was this Fatui here to cause chaos? What a bother.

"What is a Fatui like you doing down here in such a place like this?" the scorpion asked. There was no emotion to be had in the person's voice. "Don't cause trouble." How incredibly bothersome. Fatui were a nuisance.

Hearing the possible scorpion chimera's emotionless disdain, fear digested the chimera whole. Perhaps, just maybe, if he showed the partial person what his orders were, the person would understand better? Resolute on his decision, the hyena opened the wet bag behind him. Notebook in his currently human hands, the man pointed to the words on the notebook with a weakened fervor. Energy dissipating as his point continued, he returned the notebook to the bag.

Witnessing the Fatui take out a notebook, the arachnid paced about for a minute. Taking a good look at the person, the scorpion's brows furrowed a smidgeon. The person did not seem malicious like the mother had claimed. Was this soldier being manipulated? Hearing the Fatui wince in pain, perhaps providing shelter during their project would not be too much of a bother.

"Fatui," the arachnid said. Emotion was nonexistent in the partial person's voice.

Title being announced for the monster population to hear, the chimera tilted his head. Did the possible scorpion want something from him? Energy dropping with every second, no words formed inside him. Noise of bewilderment echoing through the waters adjacent to him, the hyena pointed his index finger towards himself meekly.

"You can stay with us," the arachnid replied to the silent answer. "If you'd like." Closing the eyes for a moment, the pincers had become human hands. Although one hand had been bone. Extending the flesh human hand, the partial person placed the limb in front of the Fatui.

Human hand extended to him like an invitation to a party, the chimera rose to his currently human feet. Chest stinging harder as he stood, a labored scream echoed off the large purple flower above him. The dragon's attack was winning the battle inside him.

Soldier screaming, the arachnid heaved a sigh. There was no way the person could walk in such a state. Closing the eyes for a moment, plated armor had appeared on the back. Human legs splitting into scorpion appendages, the lower body had been no more. Walking forward, the arachnid grabbed the pained soldier with all the strength the currently asymmetrical human arms had. Fatui on the armored back, the scorpion sighed in tedium. What a pain.

"You know what," the arachnid exclaimed, no emotion present in the voice. "I'll just carry you there. Don't waste your time arguing with me on this."

Feeling his body placed upon some sort of exoskeleton, the chimera clung tight to the armored back. The scorpion chimera; the person seemed nice, at least. Would the partially human person truly shelter him? He supposed, being carried, he had no choice in the matter.

Eight legged crawl forward continuing onward, the hyena closed his eyes. The armored back was hard, and stiff. Uncomfortable or not, the man knew he could not complain. Complaints were not allowed to him as a Fatui soldier. Building eventually being reached within two hours, the hyena peeked upward. Large white room with various bookshelves in his weakened field of vision, bewilderment reigned supreme within the active shark grooves in his brain. Where had the scorpion taken him? Hearing the sound of a button being pressed, and a passageway opening, the scorpion crawled forward. Everything moving fast, no questions would leave his lips.

Long travel coming to an end, the arachnid placed the soldier on a couch cushion. Closing the eyes for a moment, the arachnid legs had become human ones. Tail and armor no longer being present, the scorpion flinched. Scorpion limbs transforming back to human ones was quite the tedious ordeal. Transformation coming to an end, the arachnid placed the rear upon a couch cushion adjacent to the soldier.

Eventually hearing footsteps, the arachnid rose to the currently human feet. Had the sister heard the commotion? Noise was a tedious cacophony of useless burden upon the world. Sister coming into the room, the arachnid made distanced eye contact.

"Li!" the sister said. The voice was feminine, and soft. "You're back!" Seeing another person on the couch, the sister titled her head. "Hmm? Who is that?"

Second person inquiring about him, Siorc examined the second player on the Enkanomiya battlefield. The person had short grey hair that went down to about their shoulders. Although, the ends of the hair had been blue violet, like the scorpion chimera adjacent to him on the couch. Blue hair pulled into two braided pigtails, the chimera focused on the eyes. Their eyes were completely yellow, sclera and all. Pupils being in the shape of a diamond, the chimera had come to the one and only conclusion: their eyes were inhuman as well. Generic female Liyue outfit upon them, the hyena had immediately come to wonder. Would addressing the sister as ma'am be correct? He had hoped such would be the case. Before such could be said, the scorpion spoke.

"A Fatui sent on some project," the arachnid said. There was a matter of fact tone in the voice.

Seeing the two about to engage in conversation, the hyena turned his head to the left. Family members should converse to themselves in peace. He had already been out of the focus of the conversation, he was willing to guess. An astronomically incorrect assumption, on the chimera's part. Second partial person turning to him, the other chimera's words had begun to unravel.

"Oh, hello there!" the sister chimed gleefully. "My name is Gris. And this is--" But such introduction had been cut off as soon as it started.

"Liath," the arachnid said, interrupting. The scorpion then turned to Gris. "I can introduce myself." No emotion had stirred in the arachnid's voice.

Being interrupted, Gris's lips formed into a momentary pout. But the emotion had been short lived. Fatui coming into their home, multiple questions seeped inside her like the poison throwing through her scorpion veins. Couch in front of her, she sat upon an unoccupied cushion. The questions were ready.

"Are you here alone?" Gris asked. Their voice had a sweet tone to it. "You can use our guestroom, if you'd like!" A smile graced her face as she said such.

Guestroom being offered to him, the hyena put on a pained smile. The partially human people in Enkanomiya, they were quite the hospitable people. Being told by the scorpion's sister he could use their guestroom, he knew a thank you was in order for the two of them.

"Thank you, ma'am," he replied, words incredibly labored. Chest continuing to sting, the man clicked his tongue. Despite such pain, the soldier would not falter. Turning to Liath again, the hyena blinked. Would addressing Liath as ma'am, sir, or neither be correct? The chimera did not know.

Fatui looking at her sibling, Gris lowered their eyes into a squint. Were they wondering how to address Liath? She would end the confusion, once and for all, if the soldier were wondering about it.

"Hmm, are you wondering how to address Li?" Gris asked. "Well, it doesn't answer to ma'am or sir." As she said such, she stood up. Intertwining the soldier's hand into her own, the walk forward to the guestroom had started. "I'll guide you to the guestroom now. Hang on tight."

Hand being held, the escort to the guestroom began. Hearing Liath's footsteps from behind him, the floor was a sea of noise. Guestroom upon him within three minutes, the three chimeras entered the room. Room with a small bed in the corner, the hyena sighed of slight relief. While there had only been a bed, a warm place to sleep during a month long project had been more than enough.

"Rest here if you get tired," Liath said, tone as matter of fact as possible. "There is no daylight in Enkanomiya. Don't sleep too long." It then turned to Gris. "Attend to the Fatui's injuries, Gris." It pointed to the Fatui's chest. "Bathysmal Vishap struck the chest. Do it now."

Alerted to an injury, Gris placed the Fatui on the bed, for a moment. Peering at their chest, she moved her vision into her hands. Orb being icy blue, the vision glowed in her hands. Placing the orb on the soldier's chest, she closed her eyes for a moment. Feeling a large amount of healing energy flow through her, she opened her eyes. Continuing to press the icy vision on the soldier's chest, Gris would not falter.

Ice touching his chest for minutes on end, the hyena broke out into a shiver. Would ice truly heal his wounds? Having been in Snezhnaya for so long, such was quite the baffling ordeal to behold. Ice letting out its healing reign, the sting lessened as the seconds marched on inexorably. Ice cold orb eventually being removed from him, pain was a dead soldier on the battlefield. Feeling his hyena tail swish from behind him, embarrassment joined the party as the fourth member of the team.

Witnessing a tail popping out after removing her Vision from the Fatui's chest, Gris turned to Liath in silence. The tail from behind the soldier was a hyena tail. When their parents had still been alive, a story had been told to them from the surface world of Teyvat. Somewhere in Mondstadt had been a family of hyena chimeras known as the Ingne family. Was this Fatui the two of them were sheltering an Ingne? Extra care would be needed if they indeed were.

Second witness to the tail popping out, Liath looked into Gris's reptile eyes. Was Gris thinking the same thing it was thinking? The hyena tail could not have been anymore obvious; the person on the bed was an Ingne. Recalling the story of the Ingne family bloodline having ten DNAs in their tampered lineage, Liath scrambled through the memories in its brain. Memory of its mother saying the shark brain had been taken by the Fatui, it turned to the soldier. Knowing the shark brain was dangerous if active, it had come to an irrefutable fact within seconds.

Genuine care was necessary to keep danger low.

"Fatui," Liath said as matter of fact as possible. "Just rest for today. Start your job tomorrow." Walking over to the edge of the bed, it removed the covers. Tapping the bedside like a drum, it grabbed the Fatui's arm firmly. "This isn't up for debate."

Pulled forward, defeat sounded its victory horn. Allowing Liath to move him into the bed, Siorc allowed a sigh to escape the throat. He supposed arguing with a person who did everything its way was in poor taste. Head hitting the pillow, and covers pulled over him, the chimera gave one final tired look at the blunt scorpion chimera.

The scorpion chimera's right arm, it had been nothing but bone. The skeleton of an arm, was it born like that? He supposed it wasn't his business. Liath would likely dodge such question, anyway, the chimera ventured to guess. As the world of sleep were about to take him, Liath's words had rung in his ears.

There was no daylight in Enkanomiya. What did that mean?

***

"Hyena tail popping out from behind them, it can only mean one thing.
Absolutely, yes, he's an Ingne.
Mama's stories from the surface world,
Mama's stories about other chimeras,
Even now, I still
Remember them.

As a Casúr, I know the story.

Now that I think about it deeply, mama
Always said something, some sort of riddle to me.
I'm unable to recall it, it's been too long.
Li likely has also forgotten, the memory is gone.

It may not be important now,
Now, or never,
That story is old,
Old and long forgotten.

The riddle will remain lost, for now
Hereafter, until further notice.
Even if I recall it, mama is gone.

For now, I know what needs to be done. The Ingne needs proper attention and care,
Really, it's important, it's my responsibility to bear.
All they need is a warm welcome,
Medicine, if necessary. Something of
Ease. Mama's stories,

About the Ingnes, there is
No possible way they are fantasy.
Don't think she would lie to me and Li.

The one with the shark brain,
Has to be the one brought here by Li.
Even now I remember, the story.

Perhaps, if I remember that riddle,
It will come in handy. Perhaps if I
Churn through my memory, it will come to me.
The riddle, it has the full story.
Utmost of all, I need to
Remember it someday,
Even if mama is gone, or the riddle is useless.

She told me to always remember it, ah, a part is coming to me.
Hammer? Hammer what, exactly?
Ah, no the memory is foggy.
Like Tsurumi Island,
Like the Haar Islands.

Should I ask Li, hmm no, it would not know what I mean.
Ha, I guess I shouldn't linger on it.
Or let it eat me.
Whenever the riddle is remembered, it will run free.

That much remains to be seen.
How many years has it been?
Even now, the origin of the riddle begins to escape me.

That is just how it is,
Really, it is nothing more than a bedtime story, probably.
Utterly, I should not let such break me.
The time for me to remember it, will come one day. Even if it is,
Hundreds of years later, I will be ready."

When he had woken up the next day, or night, rather, instructions had been delivered to him. Gris explaining to him a masked man had come by in his sleep to deliver his instructions, the hyena peered at the stack of papers placed in front of him on the bed. Glasses being on, the hyena read the note carefully.

"You are to explore the Serpent's Bowels first. Do not teleport. Take a weapon with you, at all times."

Instructions being read, the hyena rose from the small bed. The Serpents Bowels, just where had that been? Removing a uniform from his bag, the hyena opened up the Teleport Wapyoint Proxy Orb into map form. Highlighting the Enkanomiya section of the map, the hyena dragged his finger downward. Blue triangle within the Narrows area of the map, the soldier let out an exasperated grunt. Just how would he be able to reach such area within due time without teleporting? The Proxy Map spoiled him rotten.

Recalling there had been a monster in the area he had entered through, uneasiness planted a seed inside him. Would he truly be able to document such area without getting attacked? Monsters being abundant throughout the area he had been in the other day, or night rather, fear rooted further within the pot inside his partially human brain.

Liath and Gris eventually re-entering the room, the early adult made eye contact. Turning the paper to them, the young man was ready for the project to begin. Claymore being given to him after the paper had been read, the hyena readied to stage his exit.

"I will help you with the monsters in the Serpent Bowels area," Liath stated bluntly. "Get moving."

Hearing her sibling and the soldier move, Gris's ears perked. Were the two of them leaving without her? "Wait, Li," Gris replied, voice withering. "Let me help, too. You need a healer."

Gris calling out to it, Liath let out an exhausted sigh. Gris was not looking at it. There was no way it would be at all possible for her to help the two of them fight. It knew it had to relay the irrefutable fact to Gris's ears before it attempted to tag along with them.

"Tell me, Gris," Liath said, words emotionless, but sharp. "Can you see today?"

Figure of Liath proposing the question, Gris closed her eyes for a moment. Liath and the Fatui were nothing but strings of figures outlined in peach. Colors only being visible, she knew she had to tell her sibling some visibility had been there.

"Well, I can a little," she responded. "I can see colors today." Her head faced the opposite direction of Liath's eyes.

Gris still not looking at it, Liath shook its head. Seeing colors was not enough. If anything were to happen to Gris, it would not forgive itself. But, such statement would not leave its lips. Grabbing the Fatui's hand, it had begun to walk towards the door.

"Let's go, Fatui," Liath said with sharp reverb. "We're heading to the Serpent's Bowels."

Arm being grabbed, the chimera sighed in defeat. Had the Agent told Liath to grip his arm, as well? The Agent was poison to the water. As the escort out of the scorpion chimera's home started, a thought bubbled into overdrive within the young soldier's mind. Her Majesty, if she had found out about someone helping him, would his life be over? The walls in Teyvat were thin. Her Majesty could always be watching.

Serpent's Bowels eventually having been reached, the chimera removed the notebook from the bag behind him. Instructions telling him to explore the Bowels first, he supposed exploring the entire area in a day could come into fruition. Time was not an unlimited phenomenon for Fatui.

Same gigantic purple flower within his field of damaged vision, the soldier had begun documenting the area. Walking towards the entranceway he had come through the other night, the chimera sat down by the water. Writing down his discoveries, the hyena looked down at the paper in front of him.

Looking down at the paper, the hyena studied his notes with due diligence. "To enter Enkanomiya, you must drop through a water portal from Watatsumi Island." Tapping the feathered quill pen on his chin, the soldier read over his next note carefully. "When one drops down into Enkanomiya, a pool of clear blue water awaits. In order to traverse further, swimming is mandatory. Pearls seem to grow naturally within this area." Reading the notes over, the early adult walked back towards the Teleport Waypoint. Taking the sights in, the hyena wrote the next documentation down.

Recording the large purple flowers into the notebook, the soldier kept walking. Water splashing underneath his feet, the hyena sprinted towards a dead tree to the other side. Sitting down by the lifeless wood, the hyena's documentation continued. Serpent's Bowels feeling like a wetland, the hyena wrote the atmosphere of the area down in the notebook. Making note of the dragons in the area as well, the soldier walked forward.

Wetland leaving him behind, cliffs that lead to nowhere reigned supreme within the area. Documenting such into the notebook, the young soldier kept walking straight. Small grass path soon behind him, an odd structure had been in front of the man. Small gateway with a blue symbol on the top of it, the chimera recorded such oddity in the notebook. Walking through the gateway, the hyena peered down below him.

Realizing the only way to continue documenting was to go down, the chimera jumped. Wind glider deploying, the soldier made a perfect landing. As he walked forward, another wetland splashed below him. Same structure from a few moments before within his field of vision, the hyena kept the documentation going. Walking through the gateway, the exploration continued.

Such exploration had come to a quick halt, however. Brown box turning into a machine creature, his Dendro vision glowed beside him. Liath alongside him with its scorpion venom, and flower friend doing its bidding, the battle had been over in seconds. Taking note of such enemies being machines, the hyena wrote the experience down in the notebook. Monsters taken care of, the soldier kept walking forward.

Another gateway upon him, the soldier kept walking forward. Blue flowers littered throughout the pathway, a small smile broke on his face. The flowers of Enkanomiya were absolutely gorgeous. But, he knew he could not allow himself to get distracted. Writing down his findings, the hyena kept walking straight.

Coming across a snake statue, the chimera halted his recordings, for a momentary lapse. The snake statue staring at him, why did it remind him of Naofa? He supposed it was just a coincidence. Writing down information about the snake statue, the next area was upon him.

More machine creatures upon Liath and he, a quick battle had taken place. Why had there been so many machine monsters within the Serpent's Bowels? The chimera did not know, but perhaps such answer would become clear to him after the project had been over. Staircase eventually nearing, the chimera ascended.

Candles sitting on the sides of multiple staircases, the hyena continued to write down his findings. Candles upon staircases was a commonality to be had, for sure. Did the candles hold any symbolic reason for being placed upon the staircases? The chimera supposed he would find out later. Pathway towards the outside nearing, the soldier exited the candle lit staircase.

Platform below him, the chimera stared off into a distance. Was Enkanomiya floating in subspace? The area across from him did not touch the ground. Peering downward, a gulp released from the esophagus. If he were to fall down into the blue nothing down below, would his life come to an end? He would have to tread carefully, if he were to glide forward. Writing down his findings, the chimera continued to stare off into the distance before him.

Noting there had been other areas to explore further, the hyena closed the notebook. Placing the book back into the bag, the soldier ended his documentation, for the moment. Knowing Liath had been the only one who knew the way back to its home, he turned to it. Although, such turn had been halted by the sound of Hilichurls grumbling in an echo.

Turning around, the chimera's hearts skipped more than three beats at the sight before him. The Hilichurls behind him wielding a pyro crossbow, the hyena let out a scream. No, not Pyro, anything but the Pyro Hilichurls. Of anything he could no longer deal with, Pyro had always been at the top of the list. Horned creature's weapon in hand, the chimera froze in place like a statue. He knew fear on the battlefield meant death, but rationality had left the building.

Sound of a crossbow flaring, flames and the chimera's uniform shook hands gracefully. As the fire and his jacket made their acquaintance, a scream of terror bounced onto the abyssal nothing down below. The flames, if they were to continue spreading, would they reach his chest like the horrific trip to Natlan many years prior? Fear feasted inside him as the event of flames kept going.

Hilichurls exiting the palace, Liath closed its eyes. Scorpion stinger and armored exoskeleton out, it placed itself into a battle stance. Stinger facing the Hilichurls, venom danced through the air like a cloud in the skies of Liyue. Poison and the Hilichurls' torsos meeting, various screams of defeat played on repeat in the area. Monsters fading into the ether, it turned its attention to the Fatui burning in front of it.

Grabbing the chimera's shoulder, the man and the hard ground met. Hyena placed onto the ground, it rolled the body until the flames had dissipated. Flames being no more, it returned the soldier to his feet. Gripping his wrist into a tight lock, it looked at Siorc with its reptile eyes.

"You're done tonight," Liath said. Its words were sharper than ever before. "Let's go." Gripping his wrist tight with its skeletal hand, the escort forward had begun.

Feeling Liath drag him forward, the chimera stopped moving. Just what was it doing? There was still work to be done. Daytime apparently not being a concept in Enkanomiya, he knew there was no time for a break. Her Majesty, what would she say if she knew if he stopped working early for the day, or night, rather? His life would be over, for sure. The hyena knew he had to tell Liath his night of work was not finished yet.

"I still have work to do," Siorc said. His voice was labored. It was almost as if he was gasping for air with every word spoken.

Placing the Fatui onto its currently exoskeleton back, Liath continued to walk forward. Did the soldier seriously think continuing to document the area after his uniform caught on fire was going to happen? Absolutely not. How stupid of him.

"No, you don't," Liath exclaimed, emotionless as ever. "We're going." Fatui completely secured on its back, Liath closed its eyes for another moment. "You don't have a choice, in the matter." Human legs splitting into eight scorpion limbs, the walk back to its home had begun.

Unable to move from Liath's firm back, the chimera sighed in defeat. He supposed he had no choice in the matter. Temporary residence eventually being reached, the hyena had been placed on the guestroom bed. Uniform, glasses and accessories being removed, the young soldier stared at the arachnid.

Why had it been so blunt and as matter of fact with him? The chimera did not know, but such question would not leave his lips. Whatever the scorpion chimeras had been through when he had not been connected to their lives was of no business of his. Liath eventually exiting the room, the hyena closed his eyes. As the world of sleep were about to take him, the scene of the Pyro Hilichurl flashed in his mind.

Fire was a terrifying element indeed.

***

"Nighttime seems to be eternal here,
As I write such down in my notebook,
Rounds of information are given.
Rounds of information are presented.
Of everything I have written thus far,
Will it be enough for Her Majesty?
Surely hope so, I know she is incredibly picky."

Three days had passed since the first day of documentation had occurred. Returning to areas around the Serpent's Bowels, the adult chimera's notes had been expanded upon. Entirety of the Bowels being recorded, the next section of his instructions were ready to make their militaristic roar known to him. Glasses being on, he read the next set of instructions with careful diligence.

"You are to explore The Narrows after conquering the Serpent's Bowels. Do not teleport. Have a weapon on you at all times. When you reach the library within the Narrows, find five books within the shelves."

Instructions being absorbed into his partially human person, the hyena rose from the bed. Recalling the marker on the map had indicated he had been in The Narrows currently, a long travel to another area was not necessary. Taking a look at the outside area of Liath's home when returning solo, the chimera knew which area of The Narrows he wished to tackle first.

The library being outside the secret passageway of Liath's home, the hyena would not falter. Surely, finding the five books Her Majesty wanted him to search for would be an easy feat. Uniform glued onto him, and meal being devoured, the chimera exited the scorpion chimera's secret abode. Library south of him, the soldier was ready for the book search party to begin.

As he traversed through the small library, an oddity had presented itself to the hyena. All the books and scrolls on the shelves were stone. Were any of the books in the area readable to any extent? Picking up a stone book, the hyena attempted with any strength to open the spine. Such effort was futile. Removing the notebook from his bag, the chimera wrote his findings in the book.

Turning to the left, another peculiarity presented itself to the chimera. The shelf parallel to him had a book that was shining on the shelf. Shining particles present on the book cover, the hyena removed the book from the shelf. Book in hand, the soldier read the title to himself. Book entitled The Serpent and the Drakes of Tokoyokoku, the early adult tilted his head. Were these the books Her Majesty wanted him to find? He supposed he would have to keep looking.

Checking the other shelves nearby, another book with shining particles made their presence known to the chimera. Book in hand, the early adult read the title to himself. Book entitled Hydrological Studies in Byakuyakoku, the man tilted his head again. Why did all these books seem to relate back to the same point? The chimera did not know, but he knew there no time for such pondering.

Bookshelf next to it containing a third book with shining particles, the hyena removed the third book from the shelf. Reading the title to himself, the book had been entitled, In the Light, Beneath the Shadow. Blinking, the soldier adjusted his glasses. Had that title really been right? He supposed it did not matter, in the long run. Walking down the candlelit staircase, the book search party continued.

Lower bookshelf containing the fourth book with shining particles, the soldier placed the book in his hands. Reading the title on the cover, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. What was a book entitled Before Sun and Moon doing in a nation with no daylight? How incredibly odd. Book documented within the notebook, the soldier scavenged the shelves nearby.

Final book with shining particles calling out to him, the chimera picked up the final book. Book entitled, Bathysmal Vishaps Experimental Records book cover shining white, the soldier placed the five books into the leather bag from behind him. Books no longer shimmering about upon collection, the hyena's eye twitched. What an odd phenomenon, it was. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, collectable books glowed with white particles until collected by a person. Book search party coming to an end, the soldier returned through the secret passageway.

Knowing Her Majesty wished for him to read the books and document them, the hyena flipped through the pages. But, nothing of especial note stood out to the hyena. Were the books merely fictional stories? Such had to have been a possibility. Making note of such in the notebook, the hyena closed the possible stories of fiction with a quiet slam. Five books absorbed into his partially human brain, the soldier closed his eyes. A quick nap was in order.

Waking up the next night, the chimera would not falter. Liath not following behind him, the solo documentation trip roared onward with a clamor. Heading towards the bridge on the edge of the Narrows, the hyena stared in silence. The bridge to get to The Narrows was broken. Tree bark being the only thing connecting the three bridges, the hyena recorded such dishevelment in the notebook.

Walking forward, unusual symbols greeted the hyena's damaged eyes. Symbol of a fish carved into a cliffside wall, the chimera wrote his finding in his travel notes. What did the carving of the fish mean, the hyena wondered? He supposed he could find out if the symbol had any significance later.

Sauntering to the northeast, a strange pillar glowing blue glared daggers at the man. Large white tree with dark blue leaves next to the structure, the soldier recorded his findings in the notebook. Why was the side of the pillar glowing a light blue? Perhaps, just maybe, the other areas of Enkanomiya would provide an answer.

Moving northward, a scene of utter horror played out before him. Another broken bridge was beneath his currently human feet. Hilichurls abound, the chimera closed his eyes for a moment. Human hand transformed into a hyena paw, the soldier swiped with a ferocity. Monsters screaming in defeat, the horned creatures faded into the ether. Seeing more Hilichurls off into the distance, the soldier recorded his findings. Realizing the only way to continue onward was to glide, the man deployed his wind glider.

Bridge conquered, Siorc continued his documentation of The Narrows. Monster distractions taken care of, the soldier kept walking. Lavender coral growing throughout the area, the hyena smiled a smidgeon. The nature in Enkanomiya was absolutely breathtaking. But, he knew he could not allow himself to get distracted. Area not having much of note, the early adult walked to the right.

Cliffside upon him, the chimera climbed upward. Cliff being steep, a pant broke loose from the partially human throat. Enkanomiya was a steep area, indeed. Coming to such conclusion, the hyena wrote the discovery down into the travel log.

Tombstone surrounded by candles, the chimera halted his documentation for a moment. Placing his currently hyena hands in a praying position, the soldier closed his eyes. Stranger or not, the dead deserved to have respects paid to them. Prayers being sent beyond the grave, the hyena resumed his documentation trip.

Monster obstacles out of the way, the hyena's legs broke out into a sprint. Staircase leading back to the library, the chimera kept heading north. Northernmost area reached, the early adult peered downward. On the surface had been a strange pool of water. Walking towards the pool, the soldier stared off into space. Above the pool had been fish floating about. Why were there fish floating in the air? Such was an anomaly to be had, for sure. Recording the sighting of the pool with floating fish into the travel log, the hyena closed the notebook with a quiet slam. Placing the notebook back into the bag, the hyena turned his heelless shoes to the opposite side.

Secret passageway eventually reached, the soldier slumped into the guestroom bed. Liath and Gris being nowhere to be seen within the hidden home, the chimera shrugged his shoulders. Glasses, uniform, hairpins and earrings removed, the chimera stared to the white wall in front of him.

Floating fish pool eating away at him, the hyena had come to one decision, and one decision only: he would investigate the floating fish pool further tomorrow. Despite Her Majesty not listing such in his documentation instructions, the wanderlust had engulfed him. Closing his eyes, the thought played on repeat inside him as the world of sleep was about to take him away.

The floating fish pond required further investigation.

***

Waking up the next night, the scorpion chimeras had returned. Meal being devoured, and Liath beside him, the hyena opened his notebook. Pointing to the section in his travel guide regarding the floating fish pool, the chimera put on the most diligent face possible.

Seeing the Fatui point to a passage in his notebook about the ghost fish pool, Liath rose an eyebrow. Was the soldier headed for the Yachimatahiko's Locus? What a dangerous endeavor. Grabbing the chimera's wrist with its skeletal hand, the walk forward made its rounds.

"You are not going to the Yachimatahiko's Locus alone," Liath warned, emotionless tone still present. "Let's go."

Hearing her sibling say it was going to the Yachamatahiko's Locus with the hyena chimera, concern graced her face. Turning to the visible face of the Fatui, the young scorpion extended her hand outward in question. "Wait," Gris called out to Liath and the hyena. "Do you have a wind glider? You can't enter the ghost pool without gliding."

Being alerted to such, the chimera simply nodded. Liath dragging him away after such nod had been completed, the strange pool of water had been upon the two chimeras within fourteen minutes time. Monsters defeated by Liath's poison within seconds, the chimera turned his attention to the water pool in front of him. Staring at the pool, he turned to Liath. Would it know the answer to how to get up there? He had hoped such would be the case.

"Open your bag and use that Fatui Orb to make a Wind Current," Liath demanded in a matter of fact tone as possible.

Opening the bag, the chimera did as instructed. Anemo delusion creating a wind current, the two chimeras wind gliders had been deployed onto their backs. The wind current was ascending them into the pool of ghost fish. The strange creatures pushing them upward, a portal had been reached. Opening his Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map, the hyena took note of the location the two of them had been transported to. Realizing such phenomenon needed to be recorded, the hyena opened his notebook. Logging the ghost fish pool being a mode of transport through gliding, the soldier walked forward.

Walking forward, another broken bridge greeted the chimera with an unfriendly roar. Rock platforms to the other side, the hyena removed the Anemo delusion from his bag for the second time. Wind current created, the soldier glided to the other side of the rock formation. Why were all the bridges in Enkanomiya broken? Such odditity was a mystery to the early adult. Anomaly recorded in the notebook, the soldier kept walking with Liath in tow.

Yet another broken bridge to the other side, a tertiary wind current had been created. Remembering his former practice partner had told him delusions drain the user's life force, the soldier knew he had to proceed with caution if he had to use the sinister orb further. Small crevice peaking through the cliffside in the corner, the soldier descended towards the hole.

Area with strange blue crystal walls littering the place, the chimera wrote information about the walls down in the notebook. Nothing of especial note, the hyena kept walking forward. Small palace with a blue light eventually being reached, the early adult wrote his findings in the notebook with a fervor. The Yachamatahiko's Locus was an odd area, indeed. Realizing the area had puzzles to solve within, the young soldier kept note of such within the chambers of his partially human brain. Closing the notebook, he turned to Liath. Grabbing its bony hand, he removed the waypoint proxy from his uniform pocket. Narrows being too far away to walk to, he highlighted the waypoint within seconds.

Fast travel to the library completed, the two chimeras entered the secret passageway. Temporary residence being reached, the chimera proceeded to the guestroom. Everything removed, he slumped onto the guest bed. Scorpion chimeras in their respective quarters, the hyena closed his eyes. As the world of sleep was about to take him, a small thought bubbled inside him.

Enkanomiya was quite strange.

***

"The riddle, it's coming back to me.
At least, part of it is coming back,
Let me see, that riddle mama told me.
It seems to go like this, "Hammer a nail into the frame"
So, what does that mean?
Mama, I wish you were still here.
All of this is leading to nowhere,
Next time it comes to me, I'll have Li write it down for me.
Surely, it's important, mama said so when she was amongst the living."

Waking up the next night, the hyena would not falter. Yachamatahiko's Locus and The Narrows being recorded in their entirety, the next round of his instructions were ready to make their roar known to him. Glasses being on, the chimera read the next set of instructions with due diligence.

"You are to explore the Dainichi Mikoshi after conquering The Narrows. Do not teleport. Have a weapon on you at all times."

Instructions being read, the hyena rose from the bed. Liath and Gris nowhere to be seen, another night of solo documentation had been upon him. Traversing through The Narrows in silence, another disjointed cliffside had been off in the distance of him. Anemo delusion in hand, a wind current flowed through the air. Other side being reached, the hyena removed the notebook from the leather bag. The documentation of the next area had begun.

Walking north, nothing of especial note stood out to the hyena. Area being empty, the soldier scaled another cliffside. Nothing being near the cliffside, the chimera descended back onto the ground. Large staircase on the other side of the cliffs, the chimera walked upward. Candles on the sides of the stairs, the chimera recorded his findings in the notebook. Another set of staircases awaiting him, the soldier kept on climbing.

Machine monsters traversing the staircase, as well, the early adult's Vision glowed a vibrant green. Sea of vines encasing him, the machines had been defeated. Enemies abundant throughout the Dainichi Mikoshi, defeat resounded in the area. Taking note of such, the chimera recorded his battles within the travel log. Staircase leading to a temple, the hyena stepped inside. Two Ruin Guards powered off, the soldier slowed his walk down into a tiptoe. Ruin Guards undisturbed, the hyena walked forward.

Small room with a shrine upon him, the soldier recorded the area into the travel log. Noticing three altars, the hyena looked inside. The stones looked as though they were meant to be given an offering. Coming to such conclusion, the hyena logged his findings. Figuring the information he gathered for the night had been enough, the soldier slammed the notebook shut.

Returning to the secret passageway, Siorc entered his temporary residence. Liath and Gris being nowhere to be seen, the chimera had sunk into the guestroom bed. Closing his eyes, a small nap had been in order, for the moment. Wherever the scorpion chimeras were at the moment was no business of his.

Six days passed onward without any incident. Continuing his documentation of the Dainichi Mikoshi, everything had proceeded as normal. Scorpion chimeras still nowhere to be seen, the solo documentation continued; it did not miss a beat. Other side of the temple containing some sort of portal to a boss den, the soldier kept note of such area for a later date.

Something of extraordinary note had come into fruition within the six days time. Coming across a strange device, the early adult would study it with due diligence. Coming to the realization the device changed the way night looked in Enkanomiya, the soldier recorded his findings in the notebook. Learning the names of the two different nights being known as Evernight and White Night, the Enkanomiya Travel Notes had reached its middle stages.

Today, the travel notes would come to a violent halt temporarily.

Waking up the next evernight, the hyena was ready to conquer the next area. Dainichi Mikoshi thoroughly documented, the next set of instructions were ready to meet his mismatched eyes. Glasses being on, the chimera darted his eyes onto the paper in front of him.

"You are to explore the Serpent's Heart upon conquering the Dainichi Mikoshi. Solve the puzzles. Do not teleport. Bring a weapon with you at all times."

Instructions absorbing themselves into his human eyes, the soldier rose from the bed. The two scorpion chimeras still being absent, another night of solo documentation was upon him. Traversing through the Dainichi Mikoshi without a word, the end of the area had been reached. Bridge with light blue platforms to the other side, the early adult removed the notebook from the leather container. Had the bridges towards the Serpent's Heart been complete? Taking note of such odd blue platforms, the chimera recorded his findings.

Bridge being conquered, an odd electric current awaited him at the end of the bridge. Could a person jump through the electricity? The hyena supposed it was worth a shot. The circular current, however, lead to nowhere. Was the current direction sensitive? Realizing it might lead to solving a puzzle, the soldier wrote about the electric current into the travel log.

Stone passageway across a staircase, the soldier walked forward. Nothing of note near the passageway, the hyena turned his heelless shoes to the right. Another stone passageway upon him, the chimera's legs broke into a sprint. Nothing of note through the other passageway, the early adult traversed another large unbroken bridge. Noting there had been a broken stone passageway across such bridge, the man logged the destruction.

Disheveled bridge to the other side of the chipped stone passageway, the soldier removed the Anemo delusion from the leather container. Wind current created, the glide over went smoothly. Delusion not making him tired, the chimera had come to wonder: had Her Majesty made the delusions in his bag not drain his life energy? Shaking his head, the soldier kept walking.

Coming across a light blue barrier, the hyena scouted the area around. Finding a device to change to white night, the soldier pressed the button. Barrier disappearing, a room had opened up. Treasure chest inside, the chimera recorded his findings. Was this the puzzle he had to solve? Knowing something so small could not possibly be it, he returned to the other side of the Serpent's Heart.

Cliffside conquered, and multiple candlelit staircases climbed, something of major interest had nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. A temple with blue barriers in front of him, the soldier changed the area back to evernight. The room with the blue barriers, surely, the room was the area where he had to solve the puzzle. Feeling a crackle of electricity, the room had been entered.

Room with golden lit up sigils on the floor, the soldier studied the symbols diligently. Seeing triangular dots next to each symbol, it had come to the chimera immediately. The dots next to the symbols were the order he had to complete the puzzle in. Puzzle dominated, the early adult wrote a lengthy entry within the notebook. Entry finished, he left the area.

As he returned to the other side, an oddity bared its fangs. Coming across a wooden fence near a large hole, the soldier peered downward. Pool of ghost fish down below, the chimera dropped down into the hole. Taking note of another ghost lift into a portal, coming back to the area tomorrow would have to come into fruition. Recording the ghost fish pool into the notebook, the hyena turned his head to the left.

Spotting a small rocky area to the side, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Lowering to his knees, the chimera examined the stones. The minerals were purple, and hard. Minerals grew down in the depths of Enkanomiya? Nature was absolutely fascinating. Writing down the phenomenon in the travel log, he stared at the minerals for a moment. Feeling his notes were thorough enough for the day, the man readied his return to the secret passageway.

Examining the minerals was an astranomical mistake.

Hearing metallic footsteps from behind him, the soldier felt a chill down his spine. Feeling a large sword from behind his back, the chimera attempted with all his might to dodge. Dodging was a corpse in the casket. The metallic footsteps owner's shadow was far longer than his. He knew now more than ever, he stood no chance. Sword and his torso shaking hands, blood had made its acquaintance with the stone floor and the purple crystals. Lacerations continuing, the chimera let out a pained scream. The enemy before him was far too powerful; dodging was an impossible feat. Sword and torso waving goodbye, the soldier and rock hard ground became intertwined. Footsteps leaving, blackness overtook the hyena. As the world of unconsciousness was about to take him away, a frantic thought faded in and out of his vanishing mind.

Momentary distractions in Enkanomiya were a dangerous mistake.

***

"Mama's riddle, it's coming back to me!
I'm starting to recall more words in the
Story! Li, I'm certain this time,
Some more of it really is coming back to me.
If we explore the Evernight temple, maybe the
Next part of the riddle will return within my memory.
Great, another part is flowing through me! 'Hammer a nail into the frame and the

Picture?' Oh, no, the next part
It isn't coming to me.
Even so, I need to keep remembering the
Chronicles of this riddle, mama, I will solve it, really.
Even if it take me hundreds of years, I'm ready."

When he had awoken the next day, the chimera had found himself in the guestroom bed. Having no memory of returning to Liath and Gris's residence, the hyena rose from the bed. Feeling bandages wrapped around his torso, the young soldier clicked his tongue. Right, he remembered now, a tall enemy had attacked him. Knowing there was no time to rest, the soldier prepared his exit back to the second ghost fish pool. Although, such attempt was immediately halted.

Gris stepping into the guestroom, her currently human legs broke into a lightning speed sprint. The hyena chimera was awake? Li having carried his unconscious body back to their residence, a feel of unease entered her venomous body. Blobby brown shoulder near her, she grabbed the blob swiftly. Placing the hyena chimera onto the seat of the bed, she held his barely visible hands.

"I'm glad you're awake. Li found you unconscious in the Serpent's Heart," Gris said, relief in her voice. "But, where do you think you're going? You're in no condition to be walking around."

Younger scorpion chimera stopping him, the hyena removed his currently human hands from Gris's grip. Project being half over, he knew he had to keep working towards completing his documentation of the entire hidden nation. The choice was not his. Raising to his feet, Siorc would not waver.

Protests from behind him not ceasing, the chimera tuned out the scorpion sister. No matter what she were to say, he knew he had to keep working. Her Majesty could be watching from anywhere in Teyvat. There was no time for this, he had to return to the ghost fish pool now. More interruptions had quickly joined the battle. Skeletal hand gripping his wrist as he was about to exit, the hyena let out an aggravated sigh. The scorpion chimeras were incredibly stubborn.

"Where do you think you're going?" Liath asked, there was no emotion in its sharp voice. "Do you really expect to get far with that torso injury?" It gripped the wrist harder with its bony hand. "Go back to bed, Fatui."

Expecting such outcome, the chimera grabbed the bony hand from around his wrist. Moving the skeletal remains away from him, the soldier lowered his eyes into a glare. Absolutely not, he knew he had to keep working. He knew he had to tell Liath of that. Motioning his lips to speak, he prepared his words carefully.

"I don't have time for this," Siorc said, voice barely audible. "I have to get back to work." Saying such, the chimera kept walking. Time was not his while he was on the nonexistent clock.

Realizing there was no getting through to the Fatui, Liath sighed in tedium. There was no getting through to him this time around. Bony hand around the Fatui's wrist again, a begrudged look graced its face. It supposed its way or the roadway would not work this time.

"You know what," Liath said begrudgingly. "You're not strong enough to go by yourself." Closing its eyes, its armor exoskeleton and scorpion legs had appeared. Placing the Fatui on its back, it started crawling forward. "We're leaving."

Ghost fish pool eventually reached with the long crawl over, the chimera had been released from Liath's exoskeleton back. Wind current created from the Anemo delusion as usual, the ghost fish pool had swallowed Liath and he whole. Portal reached within seconds, the hyena removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his uniform pocket. Blue triangle showing he had been in the Kunado's Locus, the hyena weakly walked forward. Liath watching him from behind, buckets of sweat formed at the hyena's brow.

Yet another broken bridge conquered, the hyena opened his notebook. Writing down his findings with the ghost portal and the area it lead to, the soldier kept walking. Far off cliffside traversed with the delusion created wind current, the injured chimera climbed the cliffsides to the best of his ability.

Eventually reaching a destroyed building with the odd blue light inside it, an epiphany had entered the early adult's brain. Enkanomiya had to have been a long lost palace of some kind. Writing down his hypothesis within the notebook, the soldier slammed the book shut. Area being not much different from the other locus area, nothing of especial note needed extra recording. Notebook placed in the leather bag, he turned to Liath. Grabbing its bony hand, he removed the waypoint proxy map from his pocket once again. Highlighting the waypoint to The Narrows, the soldier closed his eyes.

Fast travel back to the library completed, the two entered through the secret passageway. Temporary residence having been reached, the chimera sauntered over to the guestroom. Injury stinging, outside assistance had been given to slink him into the bed. Scorpion chimeras returned into their quarters, the hyena closed his eyes. As the world of pained sleep awaited him, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Only one more major area within Enkanomiya remained.

The project was almost finished.

***

"Might finally remember the entire riddle,
All and all I think it's finally come to me!
Mama, are you listening from Celestia?
All right, here I go, it's time for me to recite it, listen, mama. Listen, Li.
So, it's goes like this, 'Hammer a nail into the frame, and the picture shall show the truth!'

Really, that's it this time, Li!
I'm certain, really, This time, surely!
Don't know why, though, but I feel like I'm forgetting something.
Did Mama say there was another part to the riddle?
Looks like I'm forgetting the end of it, I'll remember it! I'll solve the riddle, really!
Even it takes hundreds of years, I'll be ready."

Four days, or nights, rather, passed by without incident. Injury healing slightly more every night, the soldier continued working fruitfully. Realizing there had been puzzles and areas he had missed, the soldier continued documenting the Serpent's Heart. Serpent's Heart documented in its entirety, the notebook had been filled to the brim with information for the Cryo Archon.

When traversing through the Narrows to reach the Serpent's Heart, the soldier had come across a glidable area he had missed. Seeing a circular electrical current towards the edge of a cliffside, the soldier phased through the electricity. Portal taking him to an area known as the Vishap Research Lab, the chimera chronicled his findings. Would documenting secret areas hidden from the hacked proxy map impress Her Majesty? While he cared not if such were the case, perhaps extra information would be of use to her.

Extra location accounted for, and left behind areas finished, the chimera was ready. The final major area could finally be conquered. Raising from the bed, and glasses being on, the next set of instructions graced his bespectacled eyes.

"You are to explore the Evernight Temple after conquering the Serpent's Heart. Do not teleport. Bring a weapon with you at all times."

Instructions making their militaristic roar known, the chimera exited the bed. Scorpion chimeras predictably being absent, another solo documentation was upon him. Traversing through the areas in silence, the Evernight Temple area had eventually been reached. Area within a distance, the chimera removed the notebook from the leather bag.

Damp area with dark blue mushrooms from Inazuma littering the area, the soldier recorded his findings. Odd Anemo barrier in the center of the damp area, the chimera bit his tongue with his sharp teeth. Anemo force field pushing him backwards, the chimera sprinted towards the next area. Wasn't Enkanomiya an area composed of mostly water? What was an Anemo force field doing here? Force field far away, the chimera documented such phenomenon in the travel log.

Opposite end of the Evernight Temple area reached, the chimera looked around light blue barrier, the soldier scoured the area. Finding a switch, the early adult pressed the button. Evernight switching to white night, the soldier walked forward. Barrier not budging, the soldier let out an exasperated sigh. He supposed, nothing could be done if a barrier was impenetrable. Changing white night back into evernight, the early adult walked to the southeast area. Small room with a caged door upon him, the man continued his observations.

Switch being pressed, the caged door opened. Staircase upon him, the soldier ascended the stairs. Empty room with nothing there, the hyena recorded his final findings for the night. Returning to the secret passageway, the hyena slumped into the guestroom bed. Another nap had been order, for a little while.

Three days passing onward, the rest of the Evernight Temple had been recorded. Returning to the starting area near the temple, another ghost fish pool had been within his damaged field of vision. Figuring such ghost pool had been the last area he needed to traverse through, the soldier was ready for his final documentation to begin. Liath and Gris still being absent, the final solo exploration trip had begun.

Anemo Delusion in his hands, a wind current thrusted into the pool of water. Current inserting him into the ghost fish pool, a portal had been reached within seconds. New area underneath his currently human feet, the soldier removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy map from his pocket. Blue triangle showing he had been in Yachatahime's Locus, the early adult sprinted forward.

Disheveled bridge underneath him, the hyena continued his sprint. Electrical current near a cliffside, the soldier jumped inside. Current shooting him upward, the chimera removed the notebook from the leather bag after reaching the top of the cliff.

Third and final temple with a blue light eventually reached, the soldier recorded his final findings. Every area being documented, he removed the waypoint proxy map from his pocket one final time. Highlighting the area in The Narrows, the soldier closed his eyes.

Fast travel to the library completed, the soldier entered the secret passageway solo. Temporary residence reached, the chimera walked over to the guestroom. Scorpion chimeras still being absent for some reason, the hyena slumped into the bed. Secret home being quiet, the early adult closed his eyes. As the world of sleep awaited him, a small smile appeared on his face.

The documentation was almost over. All that remained was to look over his notes.

Soon, the project could finally end.

***

"The final piece of the riddle! I've solved it, Li!
Here it is, in its full glory. I remember the last line that mama told me.
Even now, it's flowing back to me. I remember now, my alligator brain retained it, really!

Now, I'll recite it, the last line of the riddle, 'have you found the missing piece?'
All and all, it's finally here! The solution!
Really, it's true, Li.
Really, you have to believe me! I think I know where to go this time,
Or so it may seem, the details are fuzzy.
Will we find the answer in the Dainichi Mikoshi?
Surely, this time, the riddle will be beaten. Mama, Li, please watch me."

Two days passed by uneventfully. Being instructed in his notes to double check everything he had written, the soldier remained vigilant. Liath and Gris oddly being around, the three member reading party marched to the beat of a certain guitarist in Liyue. Notes being cohesive enough, the final day had been upon him.

The final day of the Enkanomiya Project would be served of a dragon platter.

Already awake for the day, Siorc stared down at the paper carefully. Glasses on, the words had been clear to him within seconds. Reading the words on the paper, the chimera was ready for the final day of instructions to be done within hours of nighttime.

"You are to fight the herd of Vishaps at the bottom of the Dainichi Mikoshi. Record your findings. Do not collect drops from the flower that spawns afterwards."

Siorc tilted his head at such final instruction. He had to fight a herd of Vishaps at the bottom of the Dainichi Mikoshi? Recalling there had been an area with a long drop down in a temple, the soldier was ready. Liath and Gris being around, he knew a line of obstacles had awaited him within a second.

Predictable bony hand grabbing his wrist, the chimera allowed a sigh to release from his partially human throat. Knowing this might be the last time he would ever see the scorpion chimeras, anyway, he supposed hearing Liath out one final time could suffice.

"You're not going alone," Liath said, no emotion present in its voice. "Let's go, Fatui."

Knowing Liath would not let him refuse, the soldier nodded. Claymore hooked through his uniform pants, and Polearm hooked through Liath's belt, the escort to the Dainichi Mikoshi temple had almost begun. Although, another obstacle had joined the battlefield.

"Hold on, Li," Gris shouted, tone sounding desperate. "I'm coming, too!"

Gris calling out to it, Liath let out an exasperated sigh. Gris was not looking at its face. There was no way it would be possible for her to help the two of them out in a boss fight. It knew it had to remind Gris of the irrefutable fact before she tried to tag along with them.

"No, you aren't," Liath replied. Word sharp. "Can you see today?"

Features of Liath proposing the question, Gris closed her eyes for a moment. Liath and the Fatui were nothing but blurred figures of peach. Knowing muscle memory could guide her in a fight, she had to tell her sibling she could see a little of the world around her.

"I can see a little," she responded honestly. "Muscle memory will be able to guide me! Please let me help!" Her head faced the opposite direction of Liath's face.

Gris facing the opposite direction, Liath shook its head. Seeing only a little had not been good enough. If anything at all happened to her because of her eyesight, it would not forgive itself. But such statement would not leave the confines of its partially crocodile brain. Grabbing the Fatui's hand, it had begun to walk towards the door.

"Let's go, Fatui," Liath said with a sharp reverb. "Don't get hurt."

Palace in the Dainichi Mikoshi reached within an hour, the soldier peered down the triangular hole. Drop down looking deep, the soldier gulped. Wind glider deployed, the long descend downward to the boss room made its roar known.

Two Bathysmal Vishaps at the bottom of the pool, the soldier unsheathed his claymore. Liath removing the polearm from its belt, the fight had begun. Vision glowing on his uniform pants, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Yellow light appearing next to the Vishaps, a flower friend with plant legs and hand like stems appeared in front of the monsters. Currently human finger pointed at the flower friend, silent orders were given to the flower of life.

Dendro damage dealt, one of the Vishaps had climbed upon a pillar. Witnessing such, a scream had formed in Liath's throat. "Fatui! Destroy the wall, now!" Liath shouted at the top of its lungs. "Quickly!"

Being told to destroy the wall, the hyena's legs erupted into a sprint. Swinging his greatsword, the wall had crashed down with ease. First Bathysmal Vishap wailing on the floor, the chimera could feel victory about to grace his inhuman ears. Such victory was short lived. Other vishap about to attack, Siorc's eyes grew wide.

Bathysmal Vishap looking like it was about to release its corrosion attack, Liath had pressed its hand on Siorc's shoulder. Liath on top of him, the corrosion attack hit the ground. Monsters linking together within seconds, attacks of electricity and ice had joined hands.

Monsters about to make their move, an attack of ice had been launched out of nowhere. Two Vishaps falling to the ground, the two chimeras turned their heads to the trajectory of the ice attack. Gris had been standing in the corner, Cryo vision glowing rapidly. Claymore in hand, the scorpion chimera lunged forward.

"It'd be a shame to to hail on your parade!" Gris screamed at the top of her lungs.

As her battle cry had been shouted, a cloud of ice appeared above the group of Vishaps. Hailstones raining down from above the monsters, the Electro Bathysmal Vishap was no more. One monster having been defeated, a singular one remained.

Overwhelming amount of energy pooling into his Vision, the yellow-green light had been at its maximum. Energy continuing to flow through him, vines had wrapped around the young soldier. Vines temporarily being his arms and legs, the early adult's thorns and the Cryo Bathysmal Vishap made contact.

Monster screaming, Liath closed its eyes for a moment. Scorpion stinger from behind it, it turned backwards. Venom shooting at the monster, the poison and its eyes met. Cryo Bathysmal Vishap falling to its backside, the creature had faded into the ether. Battle over, a strange flower had sprouted from the ground.

Reminding himself he needed to document the boss fight, the soldier removed his notebook from the leather bag. Recording the experience, the Enkanomiya project was nearing its end. As he was about to return to The Narrows one final time, loud chatter had echoed throughout the battlefield.

"Gris," Liath exclaimed, words sharp. "Didn't I tell you not to come?"

Hearing her sibling's words, a dejected look had appeared on Gris's face. Knowing that if Li were to fight monsters with a corrosion attack, another limb could rot away. Such tragedy could not happen again, there was absolutely no way. She had to explain that to her sibling.

"I know that, Li," Gris said, voice shaking. "But, you abandoned your vision back in Teyvat. I didn't want you to lose another arm, or worse, a leg. " Tears streamed down her face as she said such. "I don't want that to happen again."

Liath sighed in reverb. Had that been the reason she had come here? Its arm being nothing but skeletal remains was the least of its problems. Having a strong exoskeleton, it mattered not to the older scorpion chimera, in the slightest.

"I have my poison," Liath admitted. "You know you shouldn't have come here."

Conversation continuing for awhile, the chimera knew it was time to leave. Everything being documented, and family squabble not being his business, the soldier walked forward. Two scorpion chimeras not speaking for the moment, the early adult tapped Liath's shoulder. Two chimeras turning to him, he mouthed a thank you towards the sibling duo.

Wordless thank you given, Siorc removed the Teleport Waypoint proxy map from his uniform pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the young soldier highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Returning the map into orb form, he placed it back into his pocket. Eyes closed, the fast travel to the military barracks began.

Steel walled room upon him again after thirty days, he returned to the soundproof room in silence. Returning everything to their respective places, as well as glasses and weaponized accesories being removed, he slumped onto the uncomfortable bed. Eyes closing as soon as his head hit a pillow, a realization had popped a spark off in his fading human brain.

The Enkanomiya Project was means to syphon information out of him.

But such thought had not been the only one within his mindscape. The area the two scorpion chimeras had been in an area outside of Teyvat. Having met many chimeras in and beyond Teyvat now, a realization had popped more sparks in his fading human brain as the world of sleep were about to take him.

Chimeras were abundant in and beyond Teyvat, indeed.

***
"Just as I thought, the Enkanomiya Project was a ploy to syphon information out of me,
All of the aces were in Her Majesty's hand.
Cannot fathom what she needs information on an underwater nation for,
Keep trying, Your Majesty,
All and all, I'm tired of this game. Although I am not ready to leave,
Looks like I need to remain loyal and silent for now, silence is key."

Upon waking up the next morning, a predictable order had been given to him. Enkanomiya project instructions instructing him to go to the Natlan medical clinic after the project had been finished, the soldier had already been aware of what had to be done. Waypoint proxy already in hand, the teleportation to the Natlan medical clinic had begun.

Reaching an unknown city in Natlan through the Teleport Waypoint, the chimera walked towards the Fatui medical clinic. Door being upon him, the early adult twisted the knob. Door creaking open, the hyena stepped inward. White walls absorbing his entire partially human being, the hyena took a quick deep breath.

Closing the doors behind him, the sight of Loba had been within his damaged field of heterochromatic vision. It having been since a health fiasco he had seen her, time had crept onward like a Ruin Guard walking in an ancient tunnel in Liyue. Loba turning around after a few minutes had passed, the hyena put on the most diligent face possible.

Hearing the sound of the door open minutes before, Loba had been ready for the call to action. Being told by Her Majesty Siorc had been in Enkanomiya for an entire month for a project, a medical examination had been necessary. Creatures down there having corrosive powers, checking the vitals was a mandatory medical procedure.

"There you are, honey," Loba said. Her voice was as soft as it had always been. "I heard about your project in Enkanomiya." Walking over to one of the beds, she patted it twice. "I need to examine you to make sure you didn't suffer any corrosion. Could you come over here, please?"

Such train of thought had been interrupted by the loud slam of a door behind him. Walking over to the medical bed had been cancelled. Second person within his path, moving had been an impossibility to be had, for sure. Person sprinting over to Loba, the early adult remained stationary.

"This is the place, right?" the person asked, their voice was tenor, but sounded frantic. "Excuse me, miss? Please help me!" Every word they spoke showed signs of panic. "My sister is in trouble! I need medicine to stop her from becoming an Abyss Mage!"

Hearing the panic in the person's voice, Siorc stepped seven steps forward. Did the person need help breathing? He doubted the person would listen to him if he offered a hand. Abandoning such idea, the young soldier examined the panicking individual in front of him. The person had spiky red hair that went down to about their shoulders. Skin being dark like Loba's, the hyena had come to the ultimate conclusion: this person had been from Natlan. Skin and hair color matching the other citizens of the nation, the early adult focused his attention on the person's eyes. The person's eyes had been pure black. Pupils tiny, the man tilted his head. Was this person some sort of frog chimera? He recalled frogs had large black eyes that covered the pupil. Odd abyssal outfit upon them, he ended his examination.

Human walked towards her, Loba turned her nose up. What was a non Fatui human doing within her medical district? Her medical clinic was not for any stupid human's free usage. Readying to shoo the human away, Fatui mode had been on.

"I'm sorry, I only serve Fatui," Loba said, visible disgust making itself known. "Leave the premises, or I'll throw you out."

Rejection stabbing them in the back, a panicked scream released from the alleged human's throat. "I was told there was a chimera doctor here," the alleged human replied. "You have to help me! I have no time!"

Hearing the human mention the word chimera, Loba's ears perked. Could it have been possible this person was a chimera? If such were the case, help to them would be possible, whether they were a Fatui or not. Chimeras deserved far more care than annoying humans.

"Prove to me you're a chimera," Loba said, words stiff. "Then I'll help you." Her words were absolute.

Knowing that was their cue to transform, the redhead closed their eyes. Entire lower body tranforming into a red frog, and back being porcupine quills, they turned to the medical clinic's only doctor. Was this enough for her? Time was being wasted.

Frog porucpine in front of her, Loba's face grew dark. The chimera in front of her, had they been Garrán Fráma? She had recalled hearing a story about a group of frog porcupine chimeras originating from Natlan throwing themselves into the abyss. Had this chimera been that partially human person? Knowing abyssal corruption would be irreverisble if stopped too late, Loba reached for her medical cabinets. Abyssal curse prevention potion in hand, she handed it to the chimera.

"Garrán, right?" Loba asked. Her tone was soft again. "Here you go, honey. This should prevent your sister from becoming an abyss mage."

Hearing their name called out to them, Garrán flinched. How did the Chimera doctor know their name? They supposed that didn't matter. Potion in hand, tears of gratitude streamed down their face. Body returning to human form after a few minutes, they bowed their head to the doctor.

"Thank you so much, I'll never forget this," Garrán said, gratitude leaking through their voice. "Also, how do I get back to Sumeru from here?"

Walking towards another drawer, Loba placed an orb into Garrán's hands. Opening the orb into map form, she highlighted the waypoint to a city in Sumeru. "This will teleport you there," she explained. "Good luck." Frog porcupine chimera gone within an instant, she then turned her attention to Siorc. "Sorry about that, honey, let's get started on your examination."

Sitting on the uncomfortable medical bed, the chimera removed his article of shirted clothing. Chest scar on private display, the chimera closed his eyes. No matter how many times he saw it, the scar on his chest remained a hideous sight to behold.

Medical equipment on, and patient looking ready, Loba leaned inward. Metallic heart instrument upon her partially human person, she placed the chest piece on the center of the chimera's chest. Metallic object and chest meeting one another, the jackal listened carefully. Heartbeat sounding normal, and no signs of corrosion on the outer body, a small smile graced her face. Medical instrument removed, she sat on the bed next to the hyena.

"I see no signs of corrosion within you," Loba said blissfully. "Your heart seems alright at the moment, as well." Placing a hand on his bare shoulder, her face lit up ever slow slightly. "I'll let Her Majesty know everything is alright."

Realizing the examination was over, the chimera returned to his uniform. Shirts and brown jacket being on, he knew that was his cue to return to the military barracks. Teleport Waypoint proxy in hand, he turned to Loba one final time.

"Thank you, ma'am," Siorc replied, voice barely audible. "I will take my leave now."

Seeing Siorc preparing to leave, Loba knew she had one more thing to say to him before exiting. Heartbeat currently being normal, she knew she had to remind him about his health one final time before returning to Snezhnaya.

"You're welcome, honey," she replied. Her words were still soft. "If you experience another flare up in the future, please teleport here directly." Her voice was sharp, and absolute. "Her Majesty has allowed me to examine you during emergency situations. Take care." Waving goodbye, she did not avert her gaze.

Goodbyes being given, the hyena highlighted the Teleport Waypoint to the military barracks. Eyes being closed, the fast travel to the permafrost north had begun. Military barracks eventually being upon him, the soldier had returned to the soundproof room.

Sitting on the ice cold floor, a sea of thoughts engulfed the hyena. Scorpion chimeras in Enkanomiya constantly battling, and frog porcupine chimera fighting against abyssal corruption, thoughts had begun to blend together within the active shark grooves in his brain.

Having met various other chimeras in his eight years as a Fatui, he knew now more than ever. Chimeras were abundant in and beyond Teyvat, and some were suffering. Being a Fatui, he knew he could not do anything about it, for the moment. Rational brain still being on within him, a seed had begun to plant itself inside him.

If his departure from the Fatui were to go as planned, perhaps, just maybe, he could help other suffering chimeras. Rabbit chimera extending their hand to help, the outside networking had been a mere future teleport waypoint away.

Whenever the mad malpractcing doctor were to do the deed, the time would come to finally leave. Leave the Fatui, leave his duties, leave Her Majesty. Now still not being the time for such departure, he knew he had to continue to play the part of the diligent soldier, for now.

Evening having eventually arrived, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Figuring a day of diplomacy of nothing awaited him tomorrow, the role of the obedient soldier would continue another day onward. Glasses, hairpins and earrings removed, the chimera closed his eyes as the world of dreams were about to await him. Thoughts from earlier playing on repeat within him, as sleep had begun to take him away.

Chimeras were abundant in and beyond Teyvat, indeed.

The suffering of many chimeras needed to meet its end.

---

This is not the only novella, I have a few more that will be posted.

Man, I remember I wrote this only when Enkanomiya had just come out, now I never go there.

 

[Palamon]

While this is technically the "final" main story chapter, this is not the end as I will eventually be writing a Mare Jivari interlude, and an entire epilogue saga.

But, before reading, you should probably read the Yinlong side stories, which I will edit the link into this thread later.

---

TW: SUICIDE

27. Shark Nail

"Yes, it is finally clear to me
Of everything she's ever done to me,
Utterly, now I can finally see.

Knowing she's having me document things
Now it's all but
Objectively clear to me, I know
Why Her Majesty wanted me

Why she made me a Fatui.
Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa
All she wanted was a little pawn
To get information on all the regions in Teyvat.

Yes, I get it now, I get it, Your Majesty.
Of course you'd use someone like me who barely
Utters a word,
Really, I get it now, truly. Ultimately.

Maybe it's always been her objective
Always been her goal.
Just like her,
Even if she seeks the world,
Soon she won't have me,
Time is ticking,
Your Majesty.

In about six months, soon, I will leave.
Months are ticking.

The hourglass will soon reach the bottom.
I'm sure now, I'm almost
Ready to leave.
Even so, for now, I must remain diligent.
Diligence is key.

Overtly, I'm tired of this game. But,
For now, I cannot make any sudden moves.

That much remains, you see? Being
Hasty is never good,
It'll lead to my death.
So, I'll keep playing the game for now. Her

Game of chess, her little war.
All that remains now is
My final stages, for now I will keep working, complying. Silently.
Even until the last day. She won't suspect a thing."

Half a year had passed since the poison had stopped working on the early adult chimera's body. Eventual departure inching closer with every passing day, the chimera continued working with due diligence, for the time being. Nothing of especial happenstance had occurred within the soldier's Diplomatic Fatui life. Diplomacy of nothing marching onward throughout all of Teyvat sans Fontaine, nothing had been out of the ordinary. Such normalcy quickly dissipated into oddities, however.

Diplomatic affairs of nothing, various days of training and business affairs raging about for sixty days, the chimera had come to a realization. Realization popping sparks about in his fading human brain, the thought would not cease within the chambers of his brain, for even a moment.

He knew why Her Majesty wanted him now.

Recalling the Enkanomiya project many months prior requiring the chimera to document everything, the epiphany had solidified inside him. Her Majesty, she wanted to syphon information out of him. Having been ordered to traverse throughout and beyond Teyvat far more often as of recent, the soldier knew now more than ever: he was a pawn on the chessboard. A piece to retain information about the world of Teyvat, and nothing more. His stolen childhood, his forced upon Fatui life, all of it had been an information game to the Cryo Archon. But soon, such game would come to an end.

The final stages were in full swing.

But despite knowing the truth on the matter, the chimera knew making any sudden moves would result in the end of his life. Remaining obedient, mundaneness roared into overdrive. Although, mundaneness had not been without a sea of oddities for the young soldier.

During various days of training, a generic Fatui Soldier had taken the place of the lynx chimera. Generic soldier possessing his orders like a ghost, the chimera had come to wonder. Had Naofa's revenge been a failure? Fatui life being normal, the man supposed such had been the case. Failure blaring its victory horn, various thoughts had clouded about in the chambers of his fading in and out partially human brain.

Lynx chimera never returning to the permafrost north, the memories of its words stung like stepping on a thorn path in the open wilderness. That nation Naofa was from, Khaenri'ah. Why had it sounded so familiar to him? Never seeing such location on his proxy map, the wanderlust only grew within the chimera's partially human body. Her Majesty had been hiding such area from him, surely. He supposed nothing could be done about such fact, if such were the case.

Thoughts of the nation playing on repeat, sparks would continue to fly within the shark grooves in his brain. Rational brain fading out, the reckless thought from before had only begun to get stronger. His weaponized hairpins and earrings, he wished to use them. The Hilichurl population, it had to dwindle. Reminding himself such desires could not be enacted upon, the hyena placed a pin into the thoughts raging within.

For the next thirty days, the malpracticing malicious doctor's experiments increased to a drastic degree. Toxin after toxin not working, the harbinger no longer had power over the chimera. Experimentation of the heart never coming to pass, an early departure never came into fruition. Experiments dropping like a Cicin, collecting heat sources within Natlan had made its unceremonious return. Jackal chimera helping out, another month of monotony crawled onward.

For the final sixty days, emergency supply delivery in Dragonspine had made its odd return. Were his routines reversing back to the way they had been nearly eight and half years before? The chimera did not know, but it mattered not to the hyena. Return of his Fatui roots solidifying for the remainder of the two months, the pest of a penguin chimera would buzz about unwanted around the soldier. Never giving the pest the attention he sought out, a harrowing truth would be delivered to him via the vain penguin.

Truth of the penguin's behavior coming to light, it had become permanently clear to the early adult. Chimeras were abundant within, and beyond Teyvat, and some were suffering. If his departure from the Fatui were to proceed as planned, perhaps, just maybe, he could help other suffering chimeras.

Such continued information about suffering chimeras throughout Teyvat would come full circle today.

The sound of morning alarm bells rumbled throughout the area like an avalanche. As the alarm bells made their presence known, the sounds of hundreds of soldiers groaning echoed throughout the military barracks. Despite such clamoring about, every soldier remained loyal within the Snezhnaya military quarters.

The increased volume of groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Alarm bells never being something he had ever been alerted to, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. Glasses being on, the hyena had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

Figuring another day of deliveries or diplomatic affairs awaited him, his uniform glued onto his partially human person. Buttons in the correct holes, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Sharpened ends making their unfeeling wrath known, the hyena stared at the steel walls. His beloved jewelry and accessories being turned into weapons, had this truly been what he wanted? Rational brain being present, regret rooted the seed deeper inside him.

Hearing the louder than ever before clacking of the Fatui Agent boots, the hyena hooked the Dendro vision onto his uniform pants. Everything being on, the young soldier had finished the routine of dressing the body. Whether diplomatic affairs or deliveries awaited him, he knew he could not falter. Hourglasses sand on his departure being in the middle, diligence was still key. Volume of footsteps reaching zero, he put on the most diligent face possible. The time had come for his militaristic day to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," called out the Fatui Agent on cue. "We are going to the nation of Sumeru to collect leftover materials today." The masked Agent gave unseen eye contact to his subordinate in arms. Another day, another day, another separate affair.

Siorc jumped two steps back upon hearing the name Sumeru. He was collecting war machines in Sumeru today? Had the gazelle chimera been causing war machines to pile up in the rainforest again? It had been quite awhile since such order had been relayed to him.

Closing his eyes for a moment, the chimera stared off into space. The gazelle, just what had they been up to? Surely, such piling up of war machines had to have a reason behind it. Unease beginning to nibble on his ear, the chimera opened his eyes.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Did you hear me? We're retrieving materials in Sumeru today. Get a move on!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. He could never fathom what could possibly be on the chimera's mind.

Hearing the name Sumeru again, the chimera sighed. Turning back to his subordinate, he had been brought back into reality. Nation echoing through his mind, he held his arm out for the gripping prison to take him like it always had.

"Yes, sir," he replied autonomously. Gazelle chimera causing problems or not, he knew he had to be ready for the workday ahead of him, The choice was not his.

"Good, let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm being held out, the subordinate gripped the limb firmly. Grip being tight as a rope around the neck, the hyena closed his eyes as the escort to Sumeru began. Gazelle chimera entering his thoughts as the fast travel started, the thought would not cease.

The fawn, why was she causing war machines to pile up again?

***

Upon reaching the capital city of Sumeru through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult stared off into the distance. Everything had been no longer grey and colorless as the last time he had been there many times prior. Green of the rainforest to the left no longer being the only color, nothing had been the same as it had been many times prior. It was almost as if, in a world outside Teyvat, Sumeru had finally been a finished area yet for the general population to visit.

Having been removed from the gripping prison, the early adult was ready to begin his war machine retrieval duties. Agent exiting into the Sumeru Akademiya as his orders of retrieval were repeated to him, the chimera sauntered onward into the sea of green.

City of knowledge inching away as the seconds passed by, the familiar green graced his feet. Knowing which direction he had to go in from the various trips throughout the rainforest, the chimera walked westward. Rainforest denizens not staring daggers at him, it had come to the hyena immediately. The gazelle chimera had been here, indeed.

Continuing his journey through the west path of the area, the sound of graceful footsteps had soon followed from behind the early adult. As the sounds only got louder with every step taken, the chimera halted his walk. Turning around for a brief moment, the man allowed a sigh to release from the esophagus. As expected, the fawn had been following behind him.

Observing the fawn for a moment, the hyena's face grew dark. The gazelle's green uniform, why had it look so disheveled? Had something happened to her recently? He supposed whatever battle were to have been conducted in the various years he had been away from the rainforest was not his business. Turning back around, he continued his walk. There was no time to waste.

As his travel to the Fatui Camp at the end of the rainforest continued, the graceful footsteps from behind him would not cease. Rolling his eyes to the tree covered sky, the man kept walking. He knew any wrong move around the fawn would lead to his end.

Sea of trees and footsteps still going strong, the chimera kept walking. Footsteps never ceasing, even for a moment, the soldier would not allow such distraction to win. Hearing a voice from behind him as his walk kept pressing on, he kept his distance from the voice's echo.

"I knew if I caused some trouble, they'd send you here," Parisa said. There was no grace to be had in her voice. "It looked like I surmised right." Her words were as sour as a bottle of expired milk.

Not dignifying the fawn with a response, the hyena kept walking. Already having come to the conclusion Her Majesty had been using him as a means of gaining information around the continent, their words meant nothing. Continuing through the right path, the fawn was practically on another continent. World around him tuned out, the end of the rainforest was soon nearing.

Parisa sighed on the damp air. Was the hyena ignoring her observation? Surmising the Fatui Agent insect had wormed their way into the chimera Fatui's brain, she would bare her fangs to the hyena not responding to her under any circumstance.

"You know, the Fatui are all just leeches," Parisa uttered bitterly. "Do you not think I am doing you a favor by ending some of them?" A laugh resonated through the damp area. "Less soldiers for you to deal with is advantageous for you, correct?" The words of expired milk spilled onto the green sea.

Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky. Had Naofa taught Parisa to speak that way during their revenge plots in Sumeru many years prior? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. Words bouncing off onto the trees engulfing him, the chimera kept walking. The fawn was merely wasting breath with their words.

Tent finally being within three steps of him, the soldier's currently human legs broke out into a sprint. Two discarded war machines in front of his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, the chimera bended his knees downward for a moment. War machine lifted with slight struggle, the object had become a resident on his back. Slamming the gun onto the side of the tank, the man rose to his knees.

Turning his heelless shoes to the opposite direction, the soldier would not falter. End of the rainforest being upon him, the early adult emerged into a sprint. Fawn chimera still following from behind him, his work continued. Agent still within the Akademiya, he slammed the war machine down on the ledge.

One war machine remained. Time was running out.

Sea of green engulfing him for the second time for the day, he kept walking. Graceful footsteps roaring about from behind him, another loud sigh released from the partially human esophagus. Had the fawn had nothing better to do besides follow him around while on the nonexistent clock? He would not allow the gazelle to win. Distractions were the enemy.

Fatui camp nearing for the second time, the chimera picked up the other war machine with haste. Heelless shoes turning to the direction he came in, the hyena sped up his walking speed. Hearing the bitter voice pick up on the damp air again, his ears did not perk at whatever ludicrousy was about to grace his shark eardrums.

"I know you are aware they are using you," Parisa said. Her hands were linked together behind her back as such had been said. "I do not know why you let them order you around." She leaned her stomach downward as her hands were still cupped behind her back. "You should just leave." Perhaps such fang would prompt an answer out of him. "Maybe, I will even help you. How does that sound?"

Words momentarily not phasing him, the chimera continued walking towards the rainforest exit. As his walk in silence was about to reach its end, the words echoed on repeat within his shark eardrums. Would Parisa truly help him, or was it bait placed upon a fishing rod? He supposed humoring her with a response would get the fawn to exit back into the rainforest and leave him to finish his job in peace.

"I will think about it, miss," he replied, voice barely audible. Genuine or not, the chimera continued walking. Surely, given such a response, the gazelle would leave him be.

Colorless city beneath his feet, the hyena's legs erupted into a sprint. Agent within his field of damaged vision, the soldier halted his sprint. Beside the Agent had been an incredibly tall young man with dark skin, and orange eyes. His hair was white, but covered by a large black robe with pointed ears at the top of it.

Seeing such a person with the Agent, the chimera wondered: the Agent, had he figured out Parisa had been responsible for the war machines piling up in the rainforest recently and years prior? Coming to such realization, the chimera gulped. The tall hooded man, had the Agent and he conversed about returning the favor of ending her life? He knew such measure was not necessary. Hooded man stepping forward, the chimera stepped to the left. Whatever was about to happen, he knew he could not get in the way.

"Parisa, it's time to come back," the tall hooded man said. There was an academic tone to his voice. "Unless you desire to transform into a pig for awhile." His words sounded serious.

Tall hooded man walking towards them, Parisa's face turned white. The Fatui insect, had they told the Akademiya what they had done? Hearing the threat of being transformed into a pig, the fawn pointed a laugh of bitter marmalade. Returning to the Akademiya was not an option, no way.

"That magic will not work on me," Parisa replied. Their tone was even more bitter than before. "I'm a chimera."

The black hooded man heaved a sigh. "You need to stop running away," the hooded man said. His words were cold, and distant. "This has gone on long enough."

Hearing the suggestion to stop running away, all color had drained from the fawn's face. Had the professors contacted this scholar to bring her back to the Ayademiya? Tension grabbing her around her neck, the air within her had gotten thin. If he were to have his way, he would force her to return, for sure. Tension closing around her neck, she could feel a scream reach its climax within her throat.

"I'm not coming back!" Parisa cried, her voice was shaking. Tears streaming down her face, the tension squeezed harder. If she were to come back to the Akademiya now, she knew her youth would disappear; vanish, just like the other students within the Akademiya. "There were students within the Academy, their hair, was white." The tension carved bruises upon her neck as the words continued pouring out. "I don't want to grow old before graduating." Her words were weak, as if gasping for air. "My youth, I don't it to flash before my eyes!" Defiance making its rounds, the fawn's legs erupted into an astronomically speedy sprint.

Spotting the fawn speed off in the blink of an eye, the hyena stared off into space. The gazelle chimera, was the partial person screaming just now the real Parisa? He supposed whichever personality were the real one, it was not his business. Such thoughts, however, were quickly interrupted by the Agent's voice echoing on the damp wind.

"We are heading back now, soldier," the Agent said. War machine on his back, gripping prison could not happen. "Let's go."

As the travel back to Snezhnaya had begun, the chimera closed his eyes. Military barracks within his field of vision after the fast travel ended, the soldier ended his duty with due diligence. Returning the war machine to a closet within the military barracks, his dismissal was granted.

Soundproof room being upon him, Siorc removed his glasses and weaponized accessories. Slinking into the uncomfortable bed, a thought had played on repeat inside him. Chimeras were abundant through and beyond Teyvat, and some were suffering to the highest extremity.

Planned departure from the Fatui being half a year away, perhaps, just maybe, he could help the chimeras that were suffering. Having knowledge of almost every area within Teyvat, he knew such could be a possibility if his exit were to succeed. Thought playing on repeat as the world of sleep were about to take him, a tired smirk formed upon the soldier's face.

Having the knowledge of every region within Teyvat was an advantage, indeed.

***

"So, your Majesty, have I turned
Out exactly how you wanted me to?
Or do you still have unrealistic expectations of me, and my body?
Now I get it, why you let that Doctor do as he wished with me.

Is that why you had him do this to me? Do this to my body?
To my brain? I get it, Your Majesty, truly. Power is everything, to you, isn't it?

When will you realize?
Irreversible damage has been dealt to me.
Look at what you've done to my brain.
Look at what you've done to my body.

For sure, you don't understand the consequences of your actions,
I'm sure you think, 'my lovely chimera, your wonderful shark brain is a high asset in my army,"
No. Soon, you will no longer have access to me. Soon,
All you'll see is the remnants of me.
Looks like I'm no longer going to be a pawn on your chessboard,
Looks like I'll be the one to do the checkmate.
Yes, Your Majesty? You see? I'm tired of this game.

Been playing long enough,
Every day is one day closer to finally taking my leave.

To be honest, I know this is risky.
I'm certain at least one soldier will catch
Me. Catch me in the act, catch me try to leave.
Even so, I will not falter.

Time is ticking, the hourglasses' sand is almost at the bottom. For now, I will play the role of the
Obedient, silent soldier until the sand runs out.

Looks like there is barely any time left,
Even so, I cannot make any sudden moves
All that remains is that final push, the
Violent Doctor's final reach
Evidentially, when that time comes, I will finally leave. I'm tired of being a toy to the Fatui."

Five months had passed since the retrieval of war machines in Sumeru had occurred. Doctor not showing signs of moving towards the heart, the hyena still remained diligent. One hundred fifty two days marching onward, the chimera's mundane diplomacy of nothing continued. Although, mundaneness had been a corpse in the snow, for a brief period of time.

For sixty days of the five months, another odd order had been delivered to him. Being told to go to an area known as The Chasm, the hyena would not falter. Tasked to collect information about the expansive area into a notebook, the chimera would write down his findings. During the mission on the deepest depths of the area, the soldier would meet a family of chimeras that had bared a striking resemblance to him. Purple and green hair, and purple or jade eyes, such traits were impossible to ignore. Being told by the father he did not look anything like his children, no questions were asked of the family. Coincidences in appearances were quite the beast of burden.

Chasm project coming to a close, diplomacy of nothing had made its unceremonious return. Business affairs, and training taking turns rolling the dice, nothing out of the ordinary had happened over the course of the next sixty days. Such monotony of nothing would never last long.

For the final thirty days of the five months, yet another odd order had been delivered to him. Being told to go to a domain known as the Mare Jivari, the hyena proceeded with caution. Tasked to collect information about the domain into the notebook as well, the man would write down his findings. Domain being a cesspool of heat and fire, fear hugged the chimera from behind on constant repeat. Such fear had not been the only thing, however.

As his journey through the domain had gotten to the deeper points, the soldier had come across a familiar face. Coming across Naofa within the terrible domain of flames and lava, a terrible blow had been relayed to him. The lynx chimera had been disposed of. Naofa's revenge had failed with quite the horrific consequences. Lizard chimera family looking after it until it would be strong enough to leave, the Mare Jivari project had come to an end.

Seeing Naofa in such a state, the chimera knew now more than ever. If he wished for his departure to go as planned, he needed to proceed with utmost caution. Final month of work before the year had been up being within his reach, he knew any sudden movements before schedule would raise suspicions. Rational brain still being on within him, and sparks not flying, the hyena continued to play the role of the obedient soldier, for the time being.

Today was the day the one member search party would reach its climax.

Two day holiday being granted to him, an odd letter had been delivered to him. Liyue Fatui Diplomat claiming the letter had been urgent, the hyena opened the letter immediately. Letter telling him to come aboard a ship known as the Alcor, the hyena tilted his head. Wasn't the Alcor some pirate ship off the coast of Guyun Stone Forest? Opening the Teleport Waypoint Proxy orb into map form, the hyena clicked the four pointed star shape in the corner. Tapping the Liyue section of the map, the chimera examined the area. Boat icon eventually crossing his vision, the chimera highlighted the waypoint to the ship in an instant.

As the teleportation to the docked ship began, the chimera closed his eyes. As the fast travel started, a sea of thoughts polluted the chambers of his continuously deteriorating partially human brain. The letter, it was quite vague. No information had been given to him other than to come aboard. What did it mean? What could a pirate crew possibly want from him? The hyena supposed he was about to find out.

Teleport Waypoint placing him on a large wooden ship, the soldier off duty examined the large ship in silence. Within every inch of him had been a large wooden ship with two red sails raising the skyline, the chimera descended down a large staircase. Main floor of the ship being reached, the hyena turned his head to the right and left. On multiple platforms had been large wooden harpoons seated everywhere. Weapons being everywhere, and people being abundant, the early adult let out a gulp. If someone were to spot him, would a pirate attack him with such wooden object? Fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear as the weapons made their presence known to him.

Pirate with a red bandanna eventually spotting him, a fist had been rolled into the back of his uniform. Hanging airborne above the seabed, the hyena closed his eyes. Soon, the sea and his body would make their acquaintance forever.

"When did a Fatui sneak on board?" the pirate said, voice booming. "I'm throwing you overboard!"

Dangling over the edge, Siorc closed his eyes tighter. Had the letter he was sent been a trap? He supposed such could have always been a possibility. Ready to accept his fate of becoming one with the ocean, the chimera kept his eyes shut.

Such submersion had never come into fruition. Sound of heels scraping on the wooden boat floor, the hyena had quickly, but surely, been no longer airborne. Placed downward onto a wood crate, the early adult sat down. Heeled boots ending their rampage, the hyena opened his eyes.

"It's cool," the owner of the heels said. The voice was feminine in pitch, but had a masculine presentation to it. "I called him here." Lowering to her knees, she examined the Fatui. "You really do resemble her, kid."

Heeled woman within his damaged sight, the early adult examined the person presented before him. In front of him had been a rather tall woman currently crouching down to meet him at eye level. Eventually standing back up, the chimera continued his study. The woman had brown hair that reached to about her backside, and one visible red eye. Other eye being covered by a red eyepatch, the hyena moved downward. The heels owner's outfit was red and thin. Brown shorts obscured by the large red drape, the chimera blinked. Was this outfit something only pirates wore? Never having seen any pirates throughout his various years as a Fatui, such had been the only answer. Black fingerless gloves matching the stockings, the chimera ended his examination.

Hearing the various people on board say the word Crux throughout the ship, the soldier off duty had come to wonder: had the heeled woman been the Crux Fleet captain? Being the only person on the ship who had not been a generic looking nobody, the chimera had decided such fact to be the case.

Hearing the alleged by his mind Crux Fleet Captain say he resembled someone, the chimera's ears perked. The captain, could she have meant Hase? While Her Majesty could be listening from anywhere in Teyvat, he cared not, at the moment in time. Taking a deep breath, the hyena readied the forbidden art of asking a question.

"Do you mean Hase, ma'am?" he asked, voice more audible than normal. "Where did she go?" A tone of desperation had been in his voice. Hase, could she have been close by? Many questions were brewing inside him, but no more would leave his lips.

Captain stepping back for a moment, an envelope had appeared in her hands. "She had a letter for you," the Crux Fleet Captain said. Her voice was oddly calm. "Told me to give it to a 'purple haired person' if anything happened to her." She placed the envelope in his hands. "I've seen you around these parts before. She must've meant you."

Letter in hand, a chill had run down his partially human spine. Being instantly alerted to the words if anything happened to her, his heart skipped more than seven beats. Had something terrible happened to his sister? Heart beating harder with every second passing, the chimera removed the letter from the paper casing.

"Siorc," the letter in Mondstadt writing started.

Heart beating harder within his chest, a sense of dread had begun to swallow the chimera. The letter in his hands, why did he have such a grisly feeling about what he was about to read? The Crux Fleet Captain, she said to give the letter to him if anything had happened to her. Knowing nothing good was about to befall him, the hyena continued reading.

"I despise saying it, this is unfortunately goodbye. I know you've been looking for me throughout Teyvat. But, it seems I wasn't strong enough. No matter how long I trained, I wasn't able to get a Vision. The Gods didn't recognize me.

I tried everything, but it looks like I'm not worthy of the Archons. All those people I trained with over the years, I've let them down. I've let you down. I've let our parents down, I've let everyone around me down.

I'm sorry, but, I won't be coming home. I won't be able to save you. After you've read this, you won't be able to find me anymore. I'll likely be gone from this world.

I'm sorry I couldn't save you, it really looks like I won't be able to come back home.

Farewell,
Hase."

Finishing the letter, Siorc's body shook rigorously. Tears fogging up his glasses, the reality of the situation stabbed him in the heart with a polearm. The letter Hase had written, it had been eerily similar to the final dream she appeared in within his subconscious mind. Tears trailing down nonstop, the reality stabbed him through the scar in his stomach. The letter, it said, after he read this, she would no longer be of this world. Reality of the letter's words stabbing him in the back further, the blurry words on the paper solidified inside him.

Hase was gone. She was no longer a member of the world, a chimera within Teyvat.

"Hase!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. "Hase!" His voice was shaking, words slurred. "Hase, why?" Tears continued to stream down his face on an endless loop. "Hase!" Repeating her name, the world around him blurred. Sounds were muddying together. Even the sound of Crux Fleet Captain almost bounced around his ears.

"Found her body floating in a river the other day," the Crux Fleet Captain stated. "If I knew a member of my crew was planning this, I'd have stopped her. I'm sorry, kid."

Words of confirmation vibrating on his shark eardrums, the world around him dulled. Everything was black. Words were disappearing, smells were vanishing, feelings were numbing. Sinking to the wood floor beneath him, the world was numb.

Blackness quickly overtook the chimera. Sound had faded away, all five senses had been gone. As his consciousness was about to slip away, a sea of frantic thoughts buzzed about within the chambers of his fading brain.

Hase was gone. His entire family was no more. If he were to ever escape the Fatui at this point, he would have nowhere to go. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.

Siorc had nowhere to call home anymore.

The one member search party had come to an end.

***

When the young soldier had come to, a young man with white hair, a red streak and a white, black and red outfit had been standing over him. His hair was like a maple leaf on the breeze. Hand upon his chest, he looked as though he had something to say to the returned to consciousness chimera.

"Ah, you've come to. Like the breeze on the wind," the maple leaf man said. "I'll let the captain know." Mysterious maple man being gone, the chimera sat himself upward.

Human arms and legs currently being hyena, no emotion radiated within him. Hase being gone, he knew; he was the only Ingne left within Teyvat. Chimeras in the Chasm denying their similar features, his bloodline had to have been doomed, for sure. Her Majesty, if she knew of such fact, would she use such fact to her advantage? Not feeling the tap upon his shoulder, the chimera rose to his feet.

He had to get out of here. Off this boat, away from Hase's final place of being. He needed somewhere spacious. Away from the ship, away from everything. The shoal, perhaps the panda chimera could have been there. He needed an escape. An escape from the ship. Teleport Waypoint Proxy in hand, his escape plan was about to start.

"You leaving?" the Crux Fleet Captain asked. "You're always welcome aboard the Alcor. "

Mouthing a thank you to the captain, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Highlighting the waypoint to Yaoguang Shoal, the soldier off duty closed his eyes. As the fast travel to the beach started, the mud of thoughts drowned the flowers into the grime.

He needed to run. Run away from reality. Run away from everything. Fast travel ending, and beach being upon him, the hyena's returned human legs erupted into a sprint. Yes, running, surely, running around in an open area would help him calm down. Go back to normal; resume his final month as a Fatui soldier.

But such sprint was halted almost as soon as it had begun. Energy was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. But, he knew, he had to run; run from reality, run from everything. Picking his legs back up into a sprint, the hyena kept running around on the sand.

Such second attempt to sprint had been halted by the sound of the familiar voice of the panda chimera. Hearing such, the hyena ended his barely able to start sprint. Rational brain replaced with a frantic shell of emptiness, the early adult stared at Yinlong lifelessly.

"Oh, hey, Siorc," Yinlong said nonchalantly. Their words were as slow as ever. "Are you here to...?" Noticing the lack of color on his face, Yinlong changed gears within seconds. "Oh, man, you're not looking too hot." They sat down on the sandy ground below them. "What's wrong?"

Shell brain taking over from the rational one, an unusual sea of words threw mud over his mismatched eyes. Sitting down next to the panda, the mud took him over. "Yinlong," the chimera replied, uncustomary of himself. Formalities had been nowhere to be seen. "I'm scared." His words were blank, and empty.

Hearing Siorc speak in such a way, Yinlong's face had a worried look on it. Something had definitely, without a doubt, been wrong. They knew they had to ask what was going on, even if no verbal answer were to ever arrive. Reaching into their back pocket, a notebook and a paper quill had been in their hands.

"Scared?" Yinlong replied, tone of worry possessing the slow pace of their words like a ghost. "Why is that?" They opened the notebook to an empty page and placed it onto Siorc's lap. "Write it down for me? Don't worry, I taught myself how to read Snezhnayan writing. A regular at the teahouse taught me." A somber smile graced their face.

Notebook of nothing in his hand, Siorc wrote down the mud of thoughts in silence. Words melting together as he wrote them, nothing registered upon the paper in front of him. Eventually feeling like enough had been written, the chimera returned the notebook to its rightful owner.

Reading the paper over, a small oil bulb went off in Yinlong's head. Their understanding of Snezhnayan writing only being preliminary, he had hoped what he had been reading over was the correct interpretation. Maybe asking about the contents of the paper would help bring the situation to light.

"Oh, are you afraid you'll have nowhere to go when you leave the big bad Fatui?" they asked, words speeding up a smidgeon. "Hey, no need to be scared. Don't worry, I know someone." Their panda tail had been swishing from behind them. "No worries, whenever you decide to leave the Fatui, I'll help you get a place to stay. Promise."

Promise being given, the chimera could feel himself return to reality. Had Yinlong really meant it? Would he truly be able to find him a place to stay in a month with his departure? If such were to be the case, he knew a preemptive thank you was in order for the panda chimera. World still being numb around him, his lips felt like nothing.

"Thank you, sir," he said, voice barely audible. Feeling tiredness about to overtake him, he opened the Teleport Waypoint Proxy back into map form. Waypoint to the Military Barracks highlighted, he turned to Yinlong one final time as the fast travel began. "I have to go." Everything was still numb and nothing.

Steel walled room upon him, and everything being removed, he had sunk onto the numb bed of nothing. Nothing continuing to shoot through him, he closed his eyes. Sleep almost taking him immediately, a couple of thoughts through the emptiness of nothing shot him like a Fatui Bracer's bullets.

Only one month had remained. Soon, everything would be over, his Fatui life could end, and he could be free. Multiple chimeras offering to help if he were to ever leave, the emptiness stepped back for a few seconds as the thoughts played one final time within him for the day.

Outside networking was powerful, indeed.

***

Three weeks and six days had passed since the one member search party had come to an end. Realizing it would likely disturb Hase's spirit if he had remained empty, the mud had cleared within him. Recalling there had been an area in Liyue with spirits known as Wuwang Hill, perhaps, just maybe, if it had not been too late, he could find her spirit there at some point.

Diplomacy of nothing raging about for the past three weeks, nothing of especial happenstance had occurred within his final Fatui moments to come. Day off being granted to him the day before, the final stages had begun to kick into overdrive.

Final day off being upon him, the chimera would return to the capital city of Mondstadt. Generic man near a hotel selling Adventure Guild satchels, the hyena had purchased one of his own. Placing his belongings into the new bag, the final stages had been in place. Jewelry box, Teleport Waypoint proxy and some shirts placed in the bag for his departure, everything had been ready.

Three days had remained.

Another day of monotonous work passing by, the sound of mysterious footsteps raged about as the early adult had been about to return to the world of tormented dreams for the night. Volume of mysterious footsteps eventually reaching zero, the voice of the unknown footsteps had begun to take shape.

"Ingne? Are you still awake?" the voice called out. "I'm coming in." The unknown footsteps increased in volume as they invited their person into the room.

Reaching for his glasses, the chimera blinked. What had his former practice partner been doing in his soon to be former room? Did he have something to say to him? He supposed hearing him out one last time wouldn't hurt.

"Oh, good, you're awake. I have something to tell you, Ingne," the former practice partner said. His words were stern. "A scientist told me the Doctor has something planned for you. You should watch out."

Siorc tilted his head at such remark. How did his former practice partner always know what was going on around him? It was odd, to say the least. He supposed such fact did not matter. Soon, everything would be over. Everything was about to end. He knew, regardless of such, he had to thank his former practice partner for the warning.

"Thank you for the warning, Egor," he responded. Formalities were dead upon arrival. "I appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Ingne," came Egor's immediate reply. "Take care of yourself." As he said such, the former practice partner had exited the area.

Warning solidifying, a spark had popped off within the active shark grooves in his brain. The Doctor, he was planning something, something sinister. Poison no longer working on him, he knew. It was almost finally time. Closing his eyes, the thought continued to spark about within him.

Two days remained.

***
"Stop doing this to me, the game is over.
Here and now, I am putting an end to it all.
An end to this game.
Really, I've had enough,
Knowing now if I get away from here, I can be free,

No more shark brain sparking,
All of that will cease.
It's time for me to go. I'm finally ready. It's time for me to go,
Leave."

Final day of work coming by, the chimera was ready. Ready to leave, ready for everything to finally come to an end. Giving his former practice partner his satchel to hide within the Doctor's den of malpractice, everything had been set. The checkmate was ready to be performed. Delusion clicked into place upon his soon to be former uniform, the hyena closed his eyes.

When he had awoken for the morning, a smirk had graced his face. Just as he suspected, he had not been in the soundproof room upon waking up. The Doctor, as predicted, had moved him into the lab while he had been sleeping. Resolute on his decision, there was no fear to be seen within the soon to be former soldier. Chair eventually being adjacent to him, the chair and the hyena's possibly human rear met for the final time.

Promptly after being seated, the Doctor handed the little experiment the usual pill of toxicity. Swallowing the pill, the poison did not make its rounds within him. All five senses still being present, the smirk grew wider upon the hyena's face.

The mad malpracticing doctor's poison truly had no power over him, anymore. The game could finally come to an end.

The Doctor cracked his neck thrice obnoxiously. Poison working or not, it no longer mattered to the mad malpracticing Harbinger. Ordering the scientist to leave, not a single person would be able to stop him. Leering menacingly from underneath the mask, the subject had been a no brainer for the mentally unsound Doctor. Today for sure, he would finally be able to find out. Was the lab rat's heart hyena, or human? Surely, cutting open the chest would provide a sufficient answer. Scalpel in hand, it was time for surgery.

Seeing the surgical tool seated in his hand, Siorc placed his right hand in front of him. Scalpel swatted onto the ground, he grabbed the Doctor's wrist as hard as the gripping prison had always been for him in the near decade he had been a Fatui. Gripping hard enough to bruise, the delusion beside him had a dark aura pulsating throughout the orb.

"No," Siorc said. His tone was bitter, like marmalade. "I'm tired of being a toy to the Fatui." As he said such, he stood up from the chair. Firmly gripping the Harbinger's wrist again, his words continued. "Nine years of this, and I had to stay silent. I knew, if I ever spoke up, Her Majesty would kill me." The delusion's aura grew stronger with every word that had been spoken. "But, no more of that. I'm tired of playing this game." There was a sinister tone in his voice. "Look at what you've done to me. The irreversible damage you and Her Majesty have caused to my body." The delusion's aura had been at its maximum. Knowing such, he was ready. To use the gift. "But you know what, Il Dottore? I'm tired." His left hand was out in front of him. The time had come. The energy had reached its maximum. "I think it's time for me to go. Checkmate."

As he said such, a black aura had surrounded the soon to be former soldier. Large black stones surrounding his entirely partially human person, the lab had soon been in shambles, stones of dark energy causing ruin to the Doctor's den of malpractice, the chimera sprinted over to the left for a moment. Satchel having been left just as he had asked, the chimera placed the bag on his back. Feeling a slight amount of dark energy remain within him, the chimera placed his left hand in front of him again. More black stones shooting from his palm, the rocks of darkness and the Doctor had made their acquaintance.

Knowing such rocks would not be enough to kill him, he supposed damage from the delusion had been more than enough for now. Malicious harbinger unable to move, and lab being in shambles, the hyena removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy from the satchel. Energy from the delusion sapping his energy, he knew he had to be quick with his teleportation.

Waypoint to Starsnatch Cliff highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes. Fast travel ending within seconds, he opened his eyes. Adrenaline being the only thing keeping him going, the man had reached the top of the cliff. Removing the delusion from his former uniform, he placed it inside the satchel.

Her Majesty's gift, he would only need it for emergencies now, surely.

Former uniform in his hands, and cliff viewpoint below him, the Snezhnaya jacket and the wind of freedom had met. Uniform pants unfortunately needing to stay, a small form of disgust waved about. He supposed when enough time had passed, shopping for new clothes could come into fruition.

Former uniform jacket no longer being present, the adrenaline guided him down the cliffside. Sound of Hilichurls battle cries sounding in the area, it was time. Sparks flying within him, the sinister thought roared about inside his shark brain. The Hilichurls, his hairpins, they had to end them. Weaponized hairpin in his right hand, the chimera was ready.

Tiny blade popping out from his plain cross shaped hairpin, the chimera slashed at the lesser creatures with a wild fervor. Defeat resounding in the area, a smirk grew upon his face. Pinning one of the remaining horned creatures to the ground, his hands and the creature's mask met. Mask removed, he slashed the face with a fervor. Hands eventually reaching the mouth, the sound of teeth coming out resounded throughout the nation of freedom. Hilichurl fading into the ether, the hyena placed the teeth into a small jar.

Energy exiting his body, the grass and his body shook hands. Closing his eyes as the world of involuntary sleep were about to take him, a peaceful smile graced the hyena's face, for a moment.

He was finally free.

***

Three months had passed since the hyena chimera's departure from the Fatui. Killing Hilichurls with his weaponized hairpins and earrings, a nickname had been granted to the former soldier. Dubbed as Shark Nail by many, word had come around to the Cryo Archon within ninety days time.

Fatui Soldier being told to investigate her lovely chimera's disappearance, such news being returned to her was quite the news, indeed. Soldier asking what her next moves were to be, a sinister smirk had appeared upon Her Majesty's face.

"I'll let him run free for now," Her Majesty said. Her left leg had been crusted into her right thigh. "But, I'll get him back someday." Placing her left hand on her cheek, her smirk grew wider. "After all, he's my chimera."

Hearing the term Shark Nail, Her Majesty switched the position of her legs. Right leg crusted into her left thigh, a royal laugh had broken from the Archon's throat. Siorc had turned out exactly the way she wanted him to. Her little shark in the army, when she were to reclaim him, the way he had been now, he would be the perfect soldier.

Smirk soon becoming a snarl. Even if he had been gone for the moment, the checkmate of war was soon to be within her reach. Monster population dwindling ever so slightly, the time to make her moves had reached the tipping point.

Shark Nail had risen, indeed.

---

I will say I will be eventually doing a series of finale arc side stories and be editing this in the future to reflect that, but for now, this is what's going to be here.

 

[Palamon]

BEFORE READING

A word of caution, this chapter is 19,000 words. I DO NOT RECOMMEND READING THIS CHAPTER IN ONE SITTING, and another word of caution, this is going to be a very painful readthrough. This chapter also features a lot of characters.

With that being said, I will once again warn do not read this in one sitting, please take a break. This is a novella not a normal chapter and there's a lot of paragraphs without a *** break, in the middle in this one in particular.

By the way this occurs in between time skips in Siorc's Final stages and is technically chapter 27.5 And more interludes will be added here in the future.

Regardless, please enjoy.

---

Interlude 2. The Chasm Project

"The Chasm, really, Your Majesty?
How you even know these locations is beyond me.
Even I do not know, you are surprising.

Cannot help but feel
Her Majesty just wants more information
Ah, now I see.
She wants to syphon
More information out of me.

Perhaps this area is merely unexplored
Right, I suppose I should not complain
Objectively, this is a project.
Just another information game.
Everything is a mere game of
Chess. Don't you see?
This is her next move on the board, completely."

Three days had passed since the hyena had an encounter with the fawn in the Sumeru rainforest. Diplomacy of nothing marching onward in the three days passing, nothing had been out of the ordinary within the soldier's Diplomatic Fatui life. Departure still on the horizon in half a year's time, the chimera remained silent, and diligent.

The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked with a unceremonious uproar. As the alarm bells echoed throughout the military barracks with a disruptive passion, the hundreds of groans from various Fatui Soldiers drowned any other possible sounds that could break through. The alarm bells were right on time, as usual. Despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.

The copious amount of groans was more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never hearing any sort of alarm bells, the hyena rose from the rock hard bed. Knowing another day of diplomacy of nothing awaited him, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he put on his uniform, the chimera pumped his currently human fists together. Only six months remained until his planned departure from the Fatui. He knew, for now, he had to be prepared for any sort of orders that were to come his way.

Dendro Vision clipped onto his uniform pants, the hyena sauntered towards the hairpin and earring box. Cover removed, the chimera clicked the weaponized jewelry and accessories into place. Matching roses in his hair and ears, the early adult turned his head towards the barricaded window.

Sound of howling wind outside, the chimera let out a sigh. Another month long blizzard awaited the permafrost north. Such weather being the case, a curveball could be thrown at him, for the day at hand. Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena focused his attention on the door. Any minute now, The Agent could arrive to relay his orders to him.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps, the the chimera put on the most diligent face possible. Time running out, the soldier kept his eyes forward. Footsteps increasing in volume as the seconds became minutes, the hyena prepared himself for any order that was about to come his way. Volume of footsteps reaching zero, the early adult kept his attention forward. The time had come for his militaristic work day to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You are going to The Chasm for a two month long project." The Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate in arms. Another day, another two month long separate affair.

Siorc jumped ten steps back upon hearing the name The Chasm. He could feel his heart skip a beat as the name echoed through his fading human brain. Just where was The Chasm? The hyena had been none the wiser to such an area existing. Could the Chasm have been some sort of Domain? Figuring such had to have been a possibility, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the hyena's ear.

Thoughts of being taken to a domain against his will like nearly five years prior, fear had begun to swallow him whole. Taking note of a bag on the Agent's backside, he knew he was not returning to the permafrost north at all during the project's duration. Was he about to surrender his will to yet another one of Her Majesty's Delusions? If such were the case, two months long gone were about to come his way.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Are you with me? You're going to the Chasm for a two month long project! Quit dawdling, and get a move on!" There was an aggravated tone in his voice. What could possibly be on his subordinate's mind besides work? Such was a mystery to the Agent.

Hearing the name The Chasm once again, the hyena flinched. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock. Patience was not a virtue for Her Majesty. Arm held out in front of him, the chimera waited for the gripping prison to take him away, like it always had.

"Yes, sir," the chimera replied autonomously. Domain, or not, he knew he had to be ready for the project at hand. The choice was not his if he wished to keep on living.

Seeing his subordinate hold his arm out, the Agent firmly slammed a large satchel on the soldier's back. Bag glued into place, he returned his attention to the hyena within an instant. "Grab a set of uniforms before we depart," the Agent stated. "Quickly. Do not keep Her Majesty waiting."

Doing as instructed, the hyena walked over to his uniform drawers as quickly as his currently human feet would allow. Removing a set of uniforms, the chimera placed the satchel in front of him. Hairpin and earring box placed on top of the winter jackets, the soldier examined the contents of the bag, for a moment. Within the container of leather had been a light blue greatsword with a gear shaped hilt. But, such had not been the only object within the container. Off to the side had been various elemental orbs. Orbs looking similar to the ones he had borrowed during his project in Enkanomiya, the soldier darted his mismatched eyes off towards the left. To the side had been an odd blue crystal that looked like an oil bulb one would use if electricity were unavailable. Tenting material, and notebook entitled Chasm Travel Notes with a quilled pen in the spine, the early adult placed the uniforms in the bag within seconds.

Uniforms and accessory box dropped into place, the hyena snapped the bag shut. As the Agent returned the satchel to the chimera's back, many questions flooded through the soldier's mind. Just what did Her Majesty want him to document this time? He supposed time would tell. Time beginning to run out, the early adult held out his arm for the second time of the day.

Arm being held out once again, the Agent adjusted the straps on the satchel. Bag being straight as a ruler, everything had been complete. "Let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Gripping the arm tight enough to bruise, the early adult closed his eyes. As the fast travel had begun, one thought reigned supreme within the hyena's fading human brain.

What could possibly be in store for him this time?

***
"I don't have any time left, Marble is dying!
No, no, no, this can't be happening!

This can't be happening.
How could this be? I thought I had time left!
Even that doctor's help wasn't enough!

Don't know what I can do anymore,
Every abyss day, she's closer to death!
Perhaps, I should go to the surface,
This one last time.
Her life, I can't let it end like this!
She's too young, she's only seven!

Oh, I am so angry!
For now, I have to take her!

This time, I have to bring her! Natlan!
Ha, right! Natlan, Natlan! That's my only chance!
Especially since Miotal tells me he can't see, as well.

Ah, this is my only chance. The only option!
Best I tell everyone now.
Yes, this is it. That Fatui doctor!
She can save Marble!
She can save Miotal!

Look, for my family, I'll do anything.
I'll do anything.
Even if I have to get outside help.
So, I tell my father.

Ah, he gave me that orb again.

So, that orb, it becomes a map.
Though, Céir and Gloine soon catch wind.
Right, everyone is coming this time.
Ultimately, this is how it should be.
Gloine, maybe that doctor can save you, as well.
Getting Marble, she is now in my arms.
Looking at this strange map of intricacies
I highlight the weird white landmark off to the side.
Natlan, that takes me back. Ah,
Garrán! No! Teyvat to Garrán, no reminiscing!

For my family, I will do anything.
Absolutely everything.
Marble, your big sibling will save you.
I won't let that doctor reject us immediately, like last time!
Looks like I have to have a transformation ready.
Yes, yes, in we go! I will not take any rejections!"

Upon reaching an unknown area through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult observed his surroundings with due diligence. In front of him had been a wooden walkway unlike anything he had ever seen before. Tall pole with a small green bulb in it, and tall mountainscape off into the distance, the hyena shrugged his currently human shoulders. Had he been in Liyue? He supposed such could have been the case.

Agent instructing him to document everything in the area, an odd instruction had hit his inhuman eardrums. Being told to find an entrance to the underground mines, as well, the chimera shifted an eyebrow. How would he even manage to reach such place? But, he knew no such question could leave his lips. Subordinate soon leaving, reality had begun to sink his toes into the nonexistent water of the area. Another project solo awaited him.

Having no knowledge where in Liyue he could have possibly been, the hyena opened the proxy orb into map form. Blue triangle over in the Lumberpick Valley area, the chimera placed his fingers on the map. Dragging the map over towards the west, an oddity screamed at him like a ping of a stove. Off into the corner of Lumberpick Valley, Liyue had been a strange area that looked like a meteor.

Meteoric landmark looking rather small, the hyena rose another eyebrow. Would he truly need two months to document a place that looked as though it could be completed in a matter of days? But, he supposed he had the map too far zoomed out. Pressing the plus button off on the side, the map had been at its maximum viewing point. Area still not looking to be big enough to take a total of two months, the early adult recalled his other order.

The Underground Mines, could they have been bigger than the surface area? He supposed he would find out soon enough. Knowing if he were to remain in the area any longer, time would be wasted, the hyena started walking. He had to head The Chasm as soon as possible, for sure.

Seeing a pathway off onto the side, the hyena headed towards the east. Dirt road in front of him, the chimera kept walking. Path splitting off two ways, the soldier had begun to ponder. Which path was the correct path? Stepping towards the left, the hyena observed his surroundings.

Abandoned looking camp in front of him, the hyena shook his head. There was no way that The Chasm could have been in the east direction. Figuring the only way to the area was to take the opposite path, the early adult prepared himself. But, his progress had been halted in seconds. Anemo Slime noticing him, a blob of teal energy thrusted itself towards him.

Monster on the offensive, the chimera removed the blue claymore from the satchel. Slime looking quite weak, using the power of his Vision was not necessary, for the time being. Two slashes dealt to the unintelligent creature, the blob had quickly become airborne.

Blobs of teal air about to come his way, the chimera jumped three steps back. Swinging his greatsword at the blobs of wind, the attacks had begun to boomerang back to their owner. Slime unfazed by such, the hyena readied himself to keep his strikes going. Elemental energy was not needed, in the slightest. Slime soon returning towards the ground with a large thud, the creature's eyes had gone cross-eyed.

Slime looking about ready to fade away into the ether, the chimera kept swinging. Monster looking about ready to become one with nature, the hyena's slashes about continued. Blobs of Anemo barely doing a dent to his vitality, the monster's defeat had been on the horizon. One final slash doing the deed, the creature had popped like a balloon. Wind current in its place, and slime particles on the ground, the easy fight had been concluded. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, the level of the world had been eight levels, and the current level had been set to a zero.

No more monsters in his way, the hyena walked onto the opposite path. Treasure Hoarders everywhere to be seen, the chimera let out a gulp. If they were to see him, a battle would happen, for certain. Criminal organization eyeing his uniform and telling him they were ready for business any time, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. The criminals of Teyvat, had they been Her Majesty's right hand men? But, the soldier shrugged his shoulders. He supposed the men not attacking him for being a Fatui was a perk, indeed.

Continuing his walk, a small abandoned wooden shelter had been in the corner. Mitachurls with axes soon taking the stage, the hyena threw a flower friend in the monster's general direction. Monster swinging its axe at the Silk Flower brought to life by his vision, the flower friend had been defeated in an instant. Barely any damage dealt from the flower friend's early exit, the early adult placed the greatsword in front of him. He supposed he had no choice but to fight with physical prowess.

Axe launching a wave of energy, the hyena jumped three steps back. Attacked dodged like he had been dancing, the chimera leaped forward. Multiple slashes dealt to the large and in charge Hilichurl elite, the creature let out a scream. Weapon swinging forward, the early adult jumped another two steps back. Dodging being far better than normal, the soldier placed his blade on the back of the Mitachurl's axe.

Axe hitting the Mitachurl like a boomerang, the monster had soon faded into the ether. No more monsters remaining, the soldier kept marching onward. Path looking as though it was about to end, the hyena ascended the rocky cliffs, for the time being. Disgusting yellow grass crunching beneath his feet, the early adult headed towards the southeast.

Long walk ahead of him, the early adult let out a pant. Just how far from The Chasm was he? Reaching another abandoned camp with polearm racks everywhere, the chimera observed his surroundings further. The only way to keep going was south. Leaving the camp, the grass and his feet had met once again.

Evening almost upon him, a wave of tiredness soon overtook the chimera. Knowing that if he kept going fatigue would halt his progress, the hyena removed the tenting equipment from the satchel. Small blue sleeping booth with a Fatui insignia soon over him, the early adult closed his eyes. Surely, a tiny bit of sleep would not disappoint Her Majesty.

Waking up the next morning, the chimera would not falter. Lingiu Pass soon underneath his feet, the chimera let out a tired sigh. Another long day of walking awaited him. Temples surrounding him, the chimera turned his head to the right and left. The Chasm, just where could it have been? Hearing a waterfall off into the distance, the chimera stepped towards the sound.

But, such area had lead to a dead end. Only way to continue being north, the hyena ascended the cliff. Dirt road upon him for the second day in a row, the hyena's legs erupted into a sprint. Three Hilichurls soon blocking the path, the chimera slashed his greatsword forward. Monsters running at lightning speed, the hyena's long stroll continued.

Long winding path filled with monsters, the chimera dropped down a flower friend. Hilichurls doing a dance in tandem with the Windwheel Aster with legs, the bait had been taken. Flower friend's dance about soon ending, an attack of nature had come the monster's way. Masked creatures angered in an instant, the chimera's claymore and the monsters had met. Twenty slashes dealt, the creatures had become one with nature.

Large Hilichurl camp unoccupied, the young soldier accelerated his sprint. Towers with orange banners soon in his damaged field of vision, the hyena moved towards the towers. But, a sight to behold blocked the path in front of him. Fence blocking the way, the early adult could feel a wave of questions swallow him whole. Had The Chasm been closed off to the general public? Even if such were the case, he knew he had no choice but to keep going.

Hopping over the fence, the early adult took a deep breath. If a Millelith had seen him just now, they would report him to the Tianquan, for sure. But, the choice was not his. He had to keep going. Already being a day behind, getting to the area quickly was the only option.

Large tree with red leaves in the pathway, the hyena gazed down at the area in front of him. Grass being a bright orange, a wave of disgust filled the soldier. The grass was as dead as a Hilichurl accidentally falling in the water. What a disgraceful sight to behold. But, he knew from the looks of the area, The Chasm was finally nearing.

Figuring Her Majesty would find the information of The Chasm being closed to the public to be useful information, Siorc removed the notebook from the satchel. Recording his discoveries on the page, the hyena gazed down. In his distanced field of damaged vision had been a bridge. Orb opened into map form, the soldier nodded.

Glaze Peak nearing, the chimera readied himself for yet another long walk. Bridge looking rather small from where he stood, getting there would take hours. Preparing himself, the soldier stepped towards the left. Long brown staircase soon reached after about two hours, the soldier let out a yawn. Hours of walking was quite the tiring ordeal.

Evening dropping behind him the soldier set up camp onto the disgusting orange grass. He supposed he could look for Glaze Peak tomorrow. Fifty-eight more days to go, one step at a time couldn't have possibly hurt matters, in the long run of the project.

Morning soon crashing down, the hyena kept walking forward. What awaited him was a sight to behold, for sure. Everywhere he looked, the area seemed as though it used to be some sort of mining camp. Crates and barrels everywhere to be seen, the hyena recorded the phenomenon in the notebook, but another oddity had made its roar known.

Off towards the edge had been a wooden house that looked like it had its construction completely abandoned. Had the miners that used to work in The Chasm been building a house to be able to stay in the area from night to day? Seeing such deserted area, the soldier could not help but feel a wave of unease. Abandoned areas were absolutely terrifying.

Upper camp area looking as though it had not seen activity in years, the hyena wrote down his findings. As he wrote such, the early adult could not help but wonder: just how long had The Chasm been sealed off? Never hearing a word about it from anyone within the Fatui, answers were questions.

Small camp area looking as though it had much more to be uncovered, the hyena set up camp, for the time being. He supposed his original guess of it only taking a mere few days to finish recording the area was an incorrect assumption Long study ahead of him for days to come, the soldier closed his eyes.

Fourth day upon him, the early adult stepped into the unfinished house. Nothing but a small bench made of wood inside it, an unwise decision had been made. Perhaps, borrowing the unfinished house wouldn't cause any harm to the nonexistent people. Resolute on his decision, the chimera observed the area.

Shining spot off to the side of the house, the hyena investigated the phenomenon. Lettuce practically coming out of nowhere, the soldier leaped eight steps back. Just how had a head of fresh lettuce been growing in an abandoned area? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, shining objects resulted in a random item dropping from almost out of thin air. Having no cooking ingredients on him, raw lettuce was his only meal option. No progress made towards Glaze Peak, the hyena placed himself in the abandoned unfinished house.

Fifth day coming at him fast, the soldier slammed his fist onto his left hand. Today, for sure, he would find the underground mines. Stepping out of the house, the hyena would not falter. Another large bridge upon him with some sort of pulley system, the chimera recorded his findings in the notebook. Surely, the underground mines had to have been close by.

Moving towards the large pulley, the hyena peered his head downward. Seeing another pathway down below that looked like tracks for a mine cart, the chimera prepared himself for the jump down. Drop looking to be far, he knew one misstep would lead to a world of injuries. No one around, the early adult proceeded with utmost caution.

Wind glider soon deployed, the hyena and the ground had met. Grass being green once more, the early adult sprinted through the abandoned tracks. Broken mine cart with minerals filled to the brim, the chimera kept walking. Beautiful pink trees undisturbed by humanity off to the side, the young soldier let out a blissful noise. Snapping out of it within seconds, the man kept going.

Bridge near a pulley crossed, the chimera stared off towards the edge. Other side of the area looking far ways away, the chimera examined the pulley next to him. Pulley nonfunctioning, the hyena grunted. Was his only option to leap? The Chasm was a ridiculous area of leaps and bounds. Jumping off the wooden ledge, the early adult had begun to glide on the wind.

Road ending on a cliffside, the hyena scaled the cliffside. Disgusting brown grass everywhere to be seen, and broken wooden bridge, the chimera hopped onto the rotted material. Abandoned looking camp in front of him, the soldier stopped walking. He needed another quick break.

Quick break turning into the next day, the early adult looked around the camp. Cooking pot on the ground looking as though it had been abandoned many years ago, more questions had flowed inside his partially human brain. How many years had it been since miners had been in the area? No way to determine the age of the materials from a glance, the chimera stepped towards the right.

Seeing a latter up above, a risky climb had been performed like a dramatic scene in an opera. Deep orange grass crunching underneath his feet, a new obstacle had soon been in his way. Odd rocks with yellow minerals embedded inside it, the chimera tilted his head. The rock pillars, could they have had some secret inside them? Perhaps breaking them open in some way would provide an answer.

Removing a weak Geo Delusion from the bag, a rock of sinister formation hit the large pillar. Random treasure chest sprouting from the ground, the early adult kept walking. He had no need for such spoils that did not even belong to him. Hilichurls soon spotting him near blue crystals, a battle had roared about in the abandoned area. Defeat coming at the monsters fast, the hyena started running. Although, the battle had only just started.

Hilichurl hut up ahead, the fight continued. Flower friend aiding him, six rounds of fights had shaken the ground. Wave of monsters soon finished, a wave of fatigue took over the soldier. Unoccupied Hilichurl house a step away, the another moment of reprieve interrupted his progress.

Seventh day holding him hostage, the early adult stepped out of the Hilichurl abode. Today, surely, he would find a way to get down into the Underground Mines. Proxy Map showing he had been in Tiangong Gorge, the soldier stepped towards another path. Seeing yet another wooden bridge off onto the distance, the hyena groaned. The Chasm should been renamed Bridges and Ladders.

Broken bridge hopped about, another pest had come his way. More Hilichurls along the path, the chimera closed his eyes for a moment. He had no time for any more monster battles. Hyena claws replacing his human hand, the soldier slashed about. Sounds of Hilichurls screaming in unison, the early adult recorded everything in the notebook. Writing a lengthy passage detailing there had been monsters abundant, the early adult continued heading downward.

Another broken bridge incorrectly mounted to a cliffside, hours of scaling had taken the soldier around. Countless hours of cliffs scaled, the soldier set up camp. The Chasm was tiring, indeed. Eighth day breaking through, the soldier had soon made a rather odd discovery. Seeing an odd plate with teal energy, the early adult stepped onto the plate. Feeling the ability to leap far higher than normal, a new challenger had soon arrived.

Fuao Vale having nothing of note besides yellow rock formations everywhere, the early adult blinked. There was nothing of especial note to be had here. He had to turn around. Although, a lead had soon begun to come his way. Gorge area feeling like it was the closest to the ground, the long return had been upon him.

Eventually reaching a sealed off cave, the early adult kept going. Seven hours of walking coming to an end, a new area had soon been reached. Large new area upon him, a new round of observations were making waves. Damp area beneath his feet, the early adult could feel a wave of confidence come his way. Surely, now, he had reached the underground.

But, such assumption couldn't have been more far from the truth. Finding out the next day, he had only reached The Maw, days of recording the area had been his subject of research. Large area with wooden wheels and pulleys everywhere, multiple questions had flooded his fading human brain. The Underground Mines, just where could they have been? Still having no answers, recording The Maw had continued. Two days of exploring coming to a close, the soldier left the area.

Finding himself in a plane of green grass on the twelfth day, a world of Cor Lapis awaited him. Why had the Chasm been so rich with minerals abound? He supposed being a popular mining ground in the past, rocks had just lived in the area at all times. Knowing he had to keep searching for the underground mines, the man kept going.

No leads to be had, the soldier crawled into an abandoned Fatui camp. He knew now more than ever that if he were to not find the underground mines soon, Her Majesty would be disappointed in him. Two more days with no more leads, two weeks of no progress roared like a lion. Recording everything he had discovered thus far into the notebook, no progress of any kind held the chimera tight.

Ten days soon passing, the early adult had circled the area back around at least seven times. In the ten days times, no progress had been made towards finding an entrance to the underground. Although, suspicions about the area being closed to the public had been confirmed to indeed be the case. Coming across a sign that explained The Chasm had been sealed off, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the hyena's ear. If the Cryo Archon had known about The Chasm's closure, she would take advantage of such fact, immediately.

Another three days passing, something of interest had piqued the early adult's curiosity. Cinnabar Cliff, it had a cave. Perhaps, just maybe, the cave lead to the underground mines. But, such was an astronomically incorrect assumption on the chimera's part. Cave leading to the rainforests of Sumeru, shock hit the soldier like an Electro arrow to the knee. The Chasm, how was it the entranceway to an entire other nation? Liyue and Sumeru were unexpected neighbors.

Two more days of nothing new discovered, the hyena could feel failure settling deep within him. No entrance reached, the chimera's will had begun to sway. Not a single person anywhere to be seen, shifty conclusions had made rounds in his head. The underground, could it have been sealed away when The Chasm had been closed? If such were the case, he knew continuing was an impossibility to be had, for sure. But, giving up was not an option. Surely, there had to have been a way to get underground.

Answers would soon come his way on the thirtieth day.

Returning to Glaze Peak for the day to find anything he may have missed, an odd sight had graced his field of damaged vision. Towards the barrels and crates in the corner had been three familiar faces. Group of three with panda ears on their heads, the early adult stepped back towards the abandoned unfinished house, for a moment.

Seeing their familiar hair colors, a wave of wanderlust made a meal out of the hyena. Had he been imagining things? Having been alone for an entire month, his eyes had to have been playing tricks on him. But, he supposed, if he were seeing things, he would have already by now. The peach, silver, and red haired panda eared people, there was no way he had been imagining their presence.

Stepping outside the abandoned hut, the early adult observed the party of three from afar. Yínlóng nowhere to be seen, an odd feeling washed over the early adult. Hadn't the panda chimera been the commerce guild panda's cousin? Such thought had quickly been interrupted. Three siblings soon breaking the silence, a conversation hit the stone walls like a flurry of snow in Dragonspine.

"Are you sure we're going to find gold and silver here?" Qiulong asked Jiaolong. "Grandpa is really banking on opening up a trade route here."

Jiaolong turning to Qiulong, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. Whatever conversation were happening between the siblings was no business of his. Group of three seeming as though they had some sort of special permissions to be here, the hyena figured disturbing them would lead to a world of yelling. More voices echoing off the rocks, the early adult kept his head in the opposite direction.

"Qiulong, we don't have a choice," Jiaolong replied, sighing. "He wants to open up a gold and silver trade route. He expects results before the next guild meeting." A third voice had soon joined the party.

"Well, that's what he wants," Shénlóng responded, but an odd presence had soon engulfed the area. Turning her head, a sight caught her eyes. The young man the ever so lazy Yínlóng had been with many times in the past had been standing in the corner, head turned away. "Huh? Qiulong, Jiaolong, turn around."

Being told to turn around, Jiaolong and Qiulong turned their heads off to the side. Short purple haired person with a Fatui jacket, the three looked at one another. Had the young man been a member of the Fatui? Six shoulders shrugged, the fact mattered quite little. Whatever reason he had to be apart of such organization didn't need to be said.

Feeling groups of eyes on him, the soldier turned his head. Three pandas staring at him, buckets of sweat poured down the hyena's back. Group of three looking indifferent, however, relief washed over him. Jiaolong placing his hand on his chin, the early adult had come to wonder. The Jinzis, could they have known the path to the underground mines? He supposed asking was worth a shot. Only male panda giving him an inquisitive look, the chimera gave eye contact from afar. If he had to say something first, listening was mandatory.

"Well, this is quite unexpected," Jiaolong said, puzzled. "Are you looking for something?" His hands had been on his hips.

Everyone still looking his way, wanderlust would not leave him be. Yinlong nowhere to be seen, the hyena could not help but continue to wonder. Why hadn't Yínlóng been here with their cousins? Knowing if he had not asked about him, he wouldn't be able to get the thought out of his mind, the soldier placed his hands into a circular position on the left and right side of his head. Panda ears on the top of his head, the early adult kept his eyes on the trio. Surely, after such wordless question had been answered, all distractions within him would die on the battlefield.

Seeing the young man cup his hands over his head as though he had been making ears, Shénlóng clicked her tongue. Was the silent Fatui asking about Yinlong? What relevance did she even hold right now? She was not here; she did not matter. Absolutely ridiculous to bring her up when she was not around. She would tell the Snezhnayan Soldier of war the grave mistake he had made.

"Huh? Yínlóng? What about her?" Shénlóng snapped. Her arms had been folded across her waist. "Why do you even care?" But, Qiulong soon cut in.

"Now, now, Shena," Qiulong replied, hand in a stopping position. "Yínlóng isn't interested in these sorts of things, so she didn't come along." She then placed her hands on her hips. "Is there something you need help with?"

Question coming his way, the hyena knew he was not allowed to ask anything. Knowing he had to get to the underground mines, he knew he had no choice but to ask, in some way. Shénlóng understanding body language, perhaps, just maybe, acting as though he was digging a hole could get his point across without speaking a word. Resolute on his decision, the early adult placed his hands in front of him in a triangular position. Bending his knees towards the ground, the soldier pretended to dig down. Repeating the action once more, he turned to the group of three. Surely, his wordless language had to have gotten through somehow.

Qiulong looking at her siblings, a look of bewilderment had appeared on her face. Just what did the Fatui need help with, exactly? Shénlóng looking puzzled as well, the two turned towards Jiaolong. Seeing their brother's hand on his chin, he had to have been thinking of what the young man had meant. Coming up empty on the body movement's meanings, everything was all up to chance.

Watching the young man act as though he was digging, many ideas had bounced off in Jiaolong's head. Had he wanted to go to the underground mines? Maybe he had been mistaken, but maybe it was worth a try asking the young man if that was what he intended to ask.

"Do you want to head to the Underground Mines?" Jiaolong asked. "Is that what you're trying to say?"

Wordless language getting through, the hyena nodded. Panda chimera soon leading the way, Siorc followed the siblings from behind. He supposed if the Jinzis were a commerce guild, knowing their way around even closed off areas wasn't unbelievable. Long walk ahead of him, the early adult kept following the leaders.

Cave area reached after about two hours of walking, the soldier tilted his head. Being taken to the area through a part of The Chasm known as The Surface, confusion played on repeat. How had he not seen another cave the entire month he had been here thus far? Maw returned to after about thirty minutes, a pulley had been his final destination.

Walking onto the wooden seat, the soldier looked at the group of three. The pulley, was it truly the only way to the underground mines? Three pandas looking at him with worried faces, the early adult waved his hands about in a frantic matter. Whatever concerns they had were not needed.

"Do you really intend to head underground?" Qiulong asked, tone of worry unable to hide in her voice. "It might be dangerous for a chimera."

Worry not leaving Qiulong's voice, the chimera nodded. He knew, danger or not, he had no choice in the matter. He had to head to the Underground Mines. Already having wasted a month, he knew time was ticking. Conclusion finally reached, he had no other options. Descending to the underground had to come of him now. Nodding once again, the hyena put on the most serious face possible.

Quilong nodding to Jialong, a button had soon been pressed. Wooden seat dropping down an odd looking hole, the soldier closed his eyes. Lift getting deeper down as the seconds unraveled, the words of danger bounced off the early adult's eardrums. Underground almost reached, the hyena could only help but wonder.

What dangers awaited him beneath the surface?

***

"That Fatui Doctor, who does she think she is?!
How could she even say those disgusting words? Oh, I am so
Angry! 'I'm sorry, I cannot help you, honey.'
The nerve of this woman! My sister is dying!

Don't tell me all she cares about is her little Fatui paycheck?
Oh, that makes me so mad! I'm boiling with rage!
Can't she make an exception? I swear to the abyss!
This unkind woman, she will pay!
Oh, I am so angry! My quills are behind me.
Readying to launch an attack, I say,

'How could you? My sister is dying, and all you care about is your stupid Fatui paycheck!'
Oh, no, Céir do not put your arms there! I will not go quietly!
Well, my quills are sure to change her mind!

Daresay, they'll teach her a lesson! No doctor should
Abandon a patient in need!
Right as I am about to strike, Céir steps in front of me.
Every time! Can't she see I'm letting her know how I feel?

She then says something ridiculous, 'Garrán, please calm down.'
How dare she! Can't you see how cruel she's being?
Even as Marble tugs me pained, I will not let this go, watch me!

Now the cruel doctor is pondering something.
Oh, just come to a conclusion, for Archon's sake!
Why even think about it, this is clearly an emergency!

It seems she has come to her senses, at least.

Ah, her words, I am seething with rage. 'I'm not supposed to serve non-Fatui.'
Murata ought to burn this lady! 'Just say you're dealing with a severe Fatui, injury, then!'

Ah, my fists are shaking. Maybe guilt is my only option. 'Your and my mother used to be friends! Don't you owe her?'
Now that lined worked, she told me to take Marble to a bed.
Guilt is a superpower! Works every time.
Really, I shouldn't have resorted to such, but I have no choice. To ensure Marble gets help, I'll do anything!
Yes, if I have to be a bit awful to get her to a stable condition, emotional manipulation is the only option!"

Lift dropping him down onto a bridge, the soldier examined his surroundings with due diligence. Within every inch of him had been a bridge that stretched for kilometers. But, the area had been quite dark. Recalling the blue device stashed away in his satchel, the hyena tied the blue crystal lamp to the hook of his uniform pants. Area soon lit up, the early adult opened up his notebook to the first page.

Being told to document Ad-Hoc Main Tunnel first, the soldier opened his orb into map form. Area looking huge, the hyena let out a gulp. Would he have time to observe the entire area in thirty days time? But something else had caught his attention. All the Teleport Waypoints on the map had been off. Checking the Mondstadt area of the map for a moment, as well, all the Waypoints had been grey in the nation of freedom also.

Timer in the corner saying, "Teleporting disabled. Days remaining: thirty." The soldier could feel a sense of unease wiggle around his body like a worm. Had Her Majesty set a timer to disable any sort of exit while down underground? He supposed she had the power to disable any Waypoint Proxy Map she wished from afar.

Instructions telling him to find somewhere to camp, the hyena walked on the wooden bridge towards the west. Having no way to leave until the project had reached it end, finding a place to camp had to come first. Seeing a small area with beautiful looking blue weeds growing on the pavement, the early adult pitched the tent. Already settled in, exploring could wait until tomorrow.

First new morning underground coming at him fast, the hyena dismantled the tent. Studying the map once again, it had come to the soldier's attention. Towards the center had been some sort of ruins. Instructions informing him to document everything, but especially the ruins, the objective had been as clear as water.

Bridge soon crossed, the hyena peered downward. The underground mines looked quite intricate, and deep. He supposed he had a lot of work ahead of him for the rest of the month. Bridge soon conquered, an odd sight had soon formed a major unavoidable distraction.

Off to the side near a rock formation had been a large pool of purple looking goop. Energy concentrated into what looked like to be mud with a ghastly violet aura, the air had suddenly gotten thin. Feeling his breath get slightly weaker around the purple goop, the hyena tried with all his might to clear it away.

But, no such clearing had occurred. Flower friend, weak delusions and even his Claymore doing nothing to dispel the goop, slight pain had pinched the young soldier's chest. The mud, what kind of air sucking energy did it have? If more goop were to come around while he was documenting, breathing would be a challenge, for sure.

The failure had been short lived. Hearing a collection of voices coming his way, the soldier blinked. Who else could have possibly been down in the underground mines besides himself? Hadn't the underground been sealed off? Maybe other people had been trapped in the area, as well. Voices getting louder, the early adult backed two steps away.

"Goop duty again, let's get to it, Deigr!" a voice shouted.

Hearing the sound of Liyuean shoes running, the hyena turned his head towards the footsteps. Seeing who had been running, the chimera's eyes almost grew six sizes. Running towards the purple goop had been two women who had oddly looked like his mother. Had his eyes been deceiving him? His mother no longer existed within the world of Teyvat.

Looking at the person running faster than the two was a sight to behold. Bearing a near striking resemblance to his mother when she was alive was an adult woman who looked to be about in her early thirties. Lady looking to be about twelve centimeters taller than him, the young soldier rubbed his eyes. The adult lady had long purple, curly hair that went down to about her knees. Ears covered by two long curls of hair that went down to about her shoulders, the chimera could see the ever slightest hint of button earrings peaking through. Triangular bangs with a rectangular edge matching his mother's exactly, purple eyes the same shade as hers, and mountains of freckles everywhere the eyes could see, the man looked at her outfit for a moment. Silver looking Liyue every day wear on her, he turned his attention to the second lady.

Running slower than the spitting image of his mother had been a slightly shorter lady that looked to be about ten years older than him. The lady had curly purple hair pulled up into pigtails that looked like drills. Triangular bangs showing a singular frame of her forehead, the hyena shook his head. Her eyes had been jade green, like Hase's. The resemblance to his mother was vanishing before his eyes. Red tassel earrings on both ears, gold hairpins holding a loose end of her hair, sea of freckles all over her face and Liyue miner outfit as pink as candy, the early adult ended his examination.

"On it, Coiote!" The one named Deigr exclaimed, confident. "This one isn't too big, maybe it won't spring back!"

Large blue light eating the purple mud for dinner, the mud had vanished in an instant. Two women soon looking his way, unease took residence inside him. The two ladies, were they going to fight him now that they had seen him? If it had been possible they had lived here, he would have to proceed with caution, for sure.

Young man who unmistakably looked like her Aunt Kojote, there had been no doubt in her mind. Recalling her Aunt had a son and daughter, she knew in an instant. This young man had been her younger cousin. Heart fluttering with joy, her father just had to meet him. After having moved away so long ago, seeing his sister's kid had to be a reunion worth waiting for.

"Hey, come with us, for a minute!" Coiote called out to her without a doubt cousin. Extending her hand, she put on a motherly smile.

Being told to come with the woman who oddly had a similar name to his mother, the hyena shrugged. He supposed he had nothing to lose following wherever this lady wished to go. Grabbing her hand, the escort had soon begun. Taken down a wooden lift, the chimera kept quiet.

Following her sister to their house, a sweet smile stuck sugar on Deigr's lips. This young boy, maybe she could be his mother while he was down here. Unable to have her own offspring while trapped deep underground, an honorary child to call her son could fill the childless void, for now.

Small wooden house reached after a small walk, the hyena had been guided inside. Taken to a tall middle aged man with purple hair going right behind the ears in a generic mining outfit, a wave of familiarity munched on the chimera's hair. No matter how he looked at him, the man looked like his mother when she were alive. But, his purple eyes showed no signs of kindness whatsoever. Man looking ready to throw him out the door, the early adult prepared himself for the inevitable rejection.

"What are you doing bringing a Fatui into our home?" the man asked, suspicious. His daughter proceeded to answer in an instant.

"Daddy, I think this our cousin!" Coiote said eagerly. "He looks like Auntie!"

Hearing he resembled someone's Aunt, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. While the woman named Coiote definitely resembled his mother, he knew it was nothing more than a coincidence. Never being told he had other members of his family, and not meeting his father's side even once, the likelihood he would ever truly meet his extended family had been close to zero. Man giving him a cold look, he knew rejection was going to come for him in a matter of seconds.

"He looks nothing like us at all! We are not related to him!" the father shouted, hand pointing at the door. "Get this Fatui out of here this instant!" But, a second voice joined the battle.

"Come on, daddy, don't be mean!" Deigr replied, pouting. "Auntie would be so sad to hear you say that!" But the battle continued in an uproar.

"I want him out of this house this instant!" the father bit back, voice booming. "Now! Do not bring him here again!"

Father being as stubborn as a horse Coiote grabbed her cousin's hand. If he were to stay any longer, he would throw Cor Lapis at him any minute. Taking the young man back where she had met him, she could feel a wave of sadness cut a hole in her hyena stomach. Her father was being far too cold today.

Taken back to square one, Siorc looked at the two ladies. Was it just his imagination, or did they look rather upset? Hearing their own father yelling at them over a stranger must have hurt in some way. Shorter lady named Deigr looking at him with motherly eyes after awhile, the hyena tilted his head. What was about to unfold before his mismatched eyes?

"If you ever need our help, feel free to holler," Deigr said in a motherly tone. Coiote nodding in tandem, she grabbed her Chasm son's hands. "We'll be your mommies down here!"

Nodding to the two ladies, his hands had soon been let go of. Watching as Deigr and Coiote left the area, the hyena had begun to pitch his tent. Even if he had no relation whatsoever to the two of them, they seemed to be pretty kind. Lying down inside the tent of fabric, the soldier shut his eyes.

Discovering the wooden lift he had been taken on yesterday the next morning, the hyena took the lift downward. Seeing another area leaning against wood as he exited the lift, the soldier recorded his findings inside the notebook. Area looking as though it had hosted many miner's in the past, the chimera wrote the hypothesis off towards the margins.

Heading towards the left, a caged door had come open. Seeing a cave right before his eyes, the soldier kept walking straight. Explosive bombs of Geo energy soon going off one after another, the soldier remained cautious, for the time being. Cave leading to a dead end, the chimera sighed in tedium. The only way to continue was to jump down.

Leap of faith taken, another huge leap had to come of him within seconds. Broken bridge gap filled in with a glide, the soldier kept going. Other side of the Ad-Hoc Main Tunnel reached, the hyena could not help but feel something had been off. The air quality, had it been getting lower? Shaking his head, the soldier kept walking. He had no time to worry about such inconvenience.

Large wooden bridge crossed, fatigue had soon taken the early adult. Setting up camp for the evening, the soldier shut his eyes. Thirty-third morning coming at the blink of an eye, the hyena prepared himself for the day at hand. Peeking at his map, the soldier could see the blue triangle near the main mining area. Only way to head being down once again, the chimera took another leap of faith.

What felt like the fortieth bridge he had come across, the hyena's legs had broken into a speedy sprint, but he could not help but feel something off had been happening. The air quality, had it gotten worse? He could not help but feel like taking a deep breath felt like a pinch to the cheek. But, there was no time. He had to keep moving.

Seeing a Pyro Slime and a Whopperflower soon crowd around him, the chimera placed his blade in both his currently human hands. Ready to fight, the soldier prepared himself to strike. But, no such strike ever came. Ice projectiles coming out of nowhere, the monster had been defeated before he could even blink twice.

More monsters soon joining the party, another shot of ice had come from behind him. Just who was dealing the attacks? Turning around, a sight to behold had appeared in his damaged field of heterochromatic vision. Standing behind him was a woman who was slightly taller than him. The young woman had long light green hair that went down to about their backside. Hair tied up into a ponytail, and two red tassel earrings dangling low, the soldier blinked at the person's eyes. The young woman had jade eyes, just like Hase, and mountains of freckles to match. Burnt orange Liyuean outfit with furry shoulders, the early adult ended his examination.

Getting a good look at the person, the hyena could not help but notice. Look of anger very prominent on the person's face, the soldier gave an apologetic look. Had he done something to annoy them? He supposed, being a Fatui, such was a deserved outcome.

Person with Fatui insignias on their outfits blocking his path, anger had begun to boil a fried egg deep within the brain. Just what was a Fatui doing down in The Underground Chasm? Whoever they had been and why they had been down there had to have been for nefarious reasons. Stranger giving him a fake looking sympathetic look, the Chasm's lone wolf readied the sendoff with a choice word bang.

"'N wh't 're y'u lookin' at, F'tui?" the person asked, speaking in a rough, punk masculine tone. Their voice was very alto, but had a slight hint of maleness throughout. "I ain't got n'thin' fer ya t' steal, kid."

Hearing the rather heavy accent, Siorc tilted his head towards the Chasm sky. What did the person just say to him? He had no idea; his accent was far too heavy to comprehend. But, he knew whatever he had said to him, he was not welcome here, at all. Not wishing to argue the soldier stepped forward.

Seeing the Fatui tilt his head, the lone wolf placed his hands on the man's back. Playing games, was he? "M've along, A'm workin' here, kid," he said, hands on the Fatui's back. "A, Varg, 'm a l'ne wolf. D'nt cross m' path 'gain, g't it?" He kept his push going strong.

Not wishing to stay where he clearly was not wanted, the hyena kept traversing the bridge. Pathway feeling far too long to conquer in an entire day, a wave of fatigue wormed its way inside the chimera. Row of monsters coming his way, the early adult threw down a flower friend. Creatures soon defeated, camp had been set up.

Thirty-fourth day's instructions informing him to head towards Serpent Cave, sweat poured down the chimera's back. The Serpent's Cave had been on the entire other side of the Underground Mines. Chasm feeling like an entire maze and a half, the hyena headed south.

Seeing a path with Geo Cystalflies, Siorc's legs had erupted into a sprint. Although, as he sprinted, he could feel a pain enter his chest. His breaths had felt like a push down the stairs and sustaining a bruise. Soon seeing another wooden platform near a large orange mineral, the chimera kept going.

Another long series of bridges dashed through, the hyena let out a pant. Had it gotten even more difficult to breathe? Every breath still feeling like falling down a flight of stairs, the early adult slowed down his walking speed, for the moment. Slowing down had been the ultimate, correct decision. Purple mud obstacle blocking the way, the young soldier attempted with all his might to destroy the mud.

Nothing able to penetrate the purple goop, defeat hugged him from behind. Seeing another blue light soon destroy the mud of darkness, the chimera turned his head. Deigr looking quite busy at work, the early adult removed the notebook from the leather satchel. Adding more information about the odd purple mud, the hyena worked with due diligence. But eyes had soon been on him.

Deigr witnessing what he had been doing, the early adult let out a meek gulp. Woman looking extremely curious about his notes, the soldier prepared himself for an unavoidable barrage of questions. Continuing to update the entry on the purple mud, the hyena closed the book. Any minute now, the question shots would be fired. He knew he had no choice but to listen. His parents always told him walking away from someone while they were talking was very rude.

"Were you sent here to take notes on the underground mines?" Deigr asked, inquisitive.

Singular lone question coming his way, the hyena nodded. Would confirming his mission to a complete stranger anger Her Majesty? If she had seen him confirm his mission to someone not involved, he would get in trouble, for sure. Deigr still looking his way, the chimera kept looking into her jade eyes. Eye contact was key.

"In that case, let Mommy Deigr help you if you need anything!" Deigr chirped, full of cheer.

Nodding again, the soldier looked at Deigr's belt. Dendro vision embedded on her mining uniform, and bow and arrow basket behind her, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. If he were struggling at any point, maybe her help would not be too bad. Next long bridge walk ready to tire him out, the soldier set up camp for the evening.

Morning coming at him fast, the chimera sauntered onto the next bridge. Monsters making their residence off towards the edge, the hyena dealt thirty slashes to the creatures. Slimes popping, the bridges had reached their end. Cave in front of him, the hyena stepped inward.

Stepping through the cave, the hyena could not help but notice. The air quality had only continued to get worse. Taking a deep breath, the soldier tried to control his breathing. Purple walls of goop disrupting the rhythm, the chimera took a labored deep breath. Small cave cut through, the ground floor had been reached.

Odd orange grass surrounded by odd branches that looked similar to a dragon, the hyena recorded the anomaly of nature in his notes. Seeing a strange mechanical looking serpent slithering in the distance, the hyena treaded carefully. Dropping to the ground floor, avoiding the monster was the best solution, for the moment.

Nothing of note but a pressure plate with the power of wind, the hyena had become airborne. Climbing up a cliffside, the soldier updated the pressure plate entry in the notebook. Adding that the plates had appeared underground as well, everything had been up to date.

Serpent's Cave upon him, the hyena could still see the mechanical serpent rampaging about in a large, open field. Snake not looking aggressive, the chimera observed the areas around. Finding nothing of major note until evening had arrived, the early adult examined the mechanical snake once more.

Serpent looking like it was about to break out into a rampage, the hyena prepared to throw himself into the open field. Maybe it would be best to defeat the creature to keep the area in peace. Mind made up, the chimera walked into the battleground, but someone else had already been there. Person looking irritated, the early adult turned their way.

Standing in the center of the battleground was an androgynous looking person that towered over him. Person looking to be about twenty-seven centimeters above him, the chimera rose to the tip of his toes. The person had short, bright green hair that went down to about their shoulders and side burns the draped towards their chest. Braid knotted from the top of their hair to just behind the ear, the early adult looked at the person's eyes. Jade green eyes that almost looked like they were sparkling, the soldier could not help but feel she had the same eyes as Hase. Shaking his head, the man kept looking. Green teardrop earring dangling low on their left ear, freckles decorating their face all over, and silver mining outfit covering them from head to toe, Siorc returned his attention to the raging monster on the battlefield.

Monster once again on its evening rampage, the miner frantically rubbed his hands through his hair. Why had the Mechanical Serpent returned? Every time it had been defeated it would come back shortly after. Was the monster immortal? There had to have been a way to make it vanish for good.

"Not this again," the person grunted. "I thought I took care of the growing monster problem down here." Monster rearing its head, they removed a polearm. The time had arrived. "Oh, for Rex Lapis's sake, here it comes! Suppose I need to keep this place safe at night, anyway, that's my job."

Witnessing the rather tall person swing their polearm about, the chimera threw down a flower friend. But, such had been a huge mistake. Person soon turning his way, a look of disgust painted their face a deep shade of red. Did they not want any help? If such were the case, a sea of yelling was about to come his way.

Seeing the purple haired person throw down a flower, the miner let out an angered huff. Hearing from his father when he woke up for the evening that a member of the Fatui had somehow arrived at the Underground Mines, a feeling of distrust pooled inside him. Taking note of the insignias on the winter jacket, the miner could feel her eyebrow twitch. There had to be a way to convince the Fatui on the grounds to leave in silence.

"Oh, no, you're that Fatui," the person sighed. "Honestly, you really should just go. Find a way up to the surface, and leave." Rock launched at the Mechanical Serpent, she sighed. "My sisters might be kind, but I'm not so. If you're planning anything, you'll have to answer to me, Strix, first." Serpent blasting goop all over the battlegrounds, a new challenger had risen.

Throwing another flower friend down, the soldier kept his focus forward. Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map disabled from any form of teleporting, returning to the surface was an impossibility to be had, for sure. There was no way such would be able to be accomplished until the Chasm Project had been completed.

Monster soon taking various hits, the soldier swished his greatsword about as though his life depended on it. There was no choice to be had. Her Majesty could be watching from up above in Teyvat. Mechanical Serpent taking several hits from his various slashes about, the chimera kept the fight going.

Fatui not taking his warning, Strix allowed a heavy sigh to release from the throat. If he was not going to leave the area, at least he was currently being rather useful, at the end of the night. Tossing another rock the Ruin Serpent's way, and blast of blue energy paralyzing the enemy for fifteen seconds, she turned her head towards the Fatui.

"Well, at least you're being useful, right now," Strix responded with reluctance. "It's immobilized right now. This is your chance to strike."

Monster zapping with electricity, the hyena jumped forward. Creature unable to move for many seconds on end, the soldier dealt thirty slashes to the machine monster of the world underground. Looking as though the creature was about to meet its end, the hyena threw down another flower friend. Soon, the battle could reach the end.

Flower friend exiting the stage after fifteen seconds, another round of slashes had occurred. Twenty slashes of his greatsword making a meal out for the serpent, defeat had echoed throughout the area. Mechanical Serpent falling to the ground and fading into nothing, the snake of possible human creation had been gone, for the time being.

Wooden flower spawning in place of the Mechanical Serpent, Strix rubbed her hands through her hair. Fatui helping bring the machine creature to its temporary demise sooner, he supposed he at least owed him partial gratitude for the unneeded help that had come his way.

"Fine, I suppose I owe you since you were such a big help," Strix sighed, reluctantly extending her hand to the Fatui. "You have my gratitude, but don't expect me to help you later down the road." Monster cleared out in the area, he staged his exit. There was no reason to stay behind if the Mechanical Serpent were no more.

Watching as Strix left the area, the chimera set up camp, for the time being. Serpent monster not returning, taking a keep moment to sleep could certainly come into fruition. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the tent floor, the world of tormented dreams soon had taken him away for the evening.

Thirty-sixth day sneaking up on the chimera from behind, the soldier read his next instructions carefully. Being told he needed to head deeper underground, the soldier sauntered onward. Long bridge from before scaled, the main mining area had soon been returned, but the early adult could not help but notice. The air quality, it was getting much worse.

Feeling rather breathless as he returned to ground level, the struggle to breathe had only begun to get worse. Out of breath when sprinting for even ten seconds, running had begun to feel as though it was becoming impossible. Walking at the speed of a Slime hopping in the open wilderness, taking a deep breath felt like he was breathing in knives.

Cave off in the northeast direction, the soldier stepped in. Gorgeous blue tree glowing with life, the chimera set up camp, for the evening. Maybe, if he got a little extra sleep, his breaths would become less of a pain. Morning coming at the blink of an eye, the soldier recorded his findings in the travel notes. Taking note of how damp the area near the blue tree was, the hyena recorded his findings.

Main mining ground with mine cart tracks becoming his reckoning, for the moment, the chimera kept working with due diligence. Purple mud and Abyss Mages for hundreds of meters, multiple solo battles with labored breathing shook the underground like an earthquake. Mud in the area serving as a heavy obstacle, three days of fights looped on repeat.

Tenth day underground upon him, the chimera could not help but notice he had begun to cough a lot. Where had such a villain come from? Cough disrupting him for minutes on end, time had been lost. Abyss Mages and Slimes defeated along the way, the hyena gave the coming and going unwanted guest the cold shoulder. There was no time to be worrying about a small inconvenience that had come and gone at random.

Reaching what felt like the fourth cave, the chimera walked south. Glowing violet weeds lighting up the area, the hyena felt a momentary reprieve. Stony Hall reached from the other end, the soldier kept going. But, the unwanted guest would soon make its unwelcome return.

Purple wall of goop in close proximity of him, pain shot through the chimera's chest. Unable to stop coughing, the soldier clutched his chest. The air, why had it felt even lower quality as he kept going down deeper? Not letting the interruption stop him, the hyena kept walking.

Purple mud standing in the pathway, the soldier attempted with all his might to step around the dark goop. Such step around was a failure. Stepping around the goop making his head spin cycles, the chimera pressed a button on the blue crystal situated on his uniform pants. Such button was nothing more than an utter failure. Dark mud unable to clear away, the soldier resumed his attempt to step around the purple goop.

Stepping around the dark mud was an utter failure. Breath all but vanishing, the early adult's possible human rear and the ground met. Breathing properly around the goop had been an impossibility to be had, for sure. Immobilized by the breathlessness within, the chimera shut his eyes.

Hearing the sound of dark mud clearing away, the chimera opened his eyes. Slight breath returning, the early adult moved his head upward. Had one of the friendly Chasm ladies come to assist him once again? Such was an incorrect assumption. Unfriendly Varg lifting him to his feet, an array of misunderstandings was about to shake the underground world in seconds.

Seeing the Fatui standing in his way once again, Varg lifted the annoying obstacle to his feet. Only returning him to his feet as a way to push him out of the way, the lone wolf prepared for the push back of a lifetime. He needed to learn once and for all to stay out of his way. Hands in front of him, the choice words were ready.

"'tui, A t'ld y'u t' st'y 'utta m' way!" Varg shouted, hands on the Fatui's back. "G't 'utta h're. Sk'daddl." But, as he pushed him forward, something had felt off. Was it just him, or had the Fatui's body felt incredibly hot to the touch? Despite wishing to get rid of him right away, leaving him this hot had to have an extreme amount of danger to him. Cryo Vision glowing on his pants, he froze a bottle of water. While using a Vision for such a mundane act, such needed to be attended to now. Pressing the frozen ice bottle to the Fatui's chest, he kept it there for more than thirty seconds.

Feeling a cold bottle of ice applied to his chest, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. What was going on? Why had Varg suddenly had a change of heart? Cold compress making it feel much easier to breathe, for the moment, the soldier said nothing. Ice bottle removed after about two minutes, the chimera gazed into Varg's eyes. The kindness was about to die in a matter of seconds, he supposed.

"'nly c'use ya h'lped 'ut Strix, A'll cool ya down," Varg said reluctantly. His hands were back to the push. "N'w g'. Sk'daddl'."

Pushed along, the chimera had come across a large blue pit. Peering down, the hyena let out a weak gulp. Not seeing any other pathways, he knew the only way to continue was to head down. Wind glider deployed, the early adult dropped down the blue pit. Walls becoming greyer as he descended down, the air quality had only continued to get worse the deeper he fell. Not dropping all the way down to the bottom on the first attempt, the soldier jumped off the next rock ledge.

Reaching the ground after what felt like an hour, the hyena observed his surroundings. In the area had been the oddly colored orange grass. No more large falls down a huge ledge looking to be upon him, the chimera stepped forward. Such step about was not without its various challenges. Sea of purple mud surrounding the east side, the soldier could feel an eruption of coughs. Abyss Mages popping out from behind him, a battle had begun on private display.

Cryo Abyss Mage and Electro Abyss Mage doing a dance in a bubble, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Air quality even worse around the purple goop, the coughs were never ending. Every breath in between a cough felt like the knife had begun to cut him. But, he knew he could not falter. Another Silk Flower friend thrown at the Mages, the flower danced in tune with the creatures beneath Teyvat.

Flower friend interrupted by a strike of ice and electricity, the soldier could feel sweat pour own his back. It was no use; concentration was a dead soldier on the battlefield. Unable to provide silent commands to the flower friend, a one-sided fight in the Abyss Mage's favor rolled a twelve on the dice.

Night soon falling in the world underground, the one sided fight continued. Hours of no progress made grabbing the chimera by the neck, more sweat had begun to pour down the early adult's back. Flowers brought to life by his Vision defeated early every single time, neither side had reached any sort of conclusion.

Large boulder hitting the enemies, the sound of a bubble popping echoed throughout the area. Abyss Mages looking defenseless, a boulder shower had hit the monsters for a duration of five seconds. Mages letting out a loud scream, defeat had soon come their way. Purple goop cleared away as well, two birds had been hit by one boulder.

Seeing the Fatui struggle to fight, Strix rolled her eyes. Weren't the Fatui supposed to be the most power soldiers in all of Teyvat? How could he have not been able to deal with enemies that were easy to defeat? The young looking Fatui, he needed to try harder, no doubt about it. He would remind the young man he needed to do much better.

"Aren't you supposed to be a Fatui?" Strix asked, hand covering his face. "You need to fight better."

Scolding reaching his eardrums, the hyena bowed an apology. Eruption of coughs taking control as he bent down, the chimera covered his mouth. Right now, if Her Majesty was watching him, she would find him pathetic, for sure. Hack about not ending, the soldier hit his chest, but no relief had come; the fit of coughs continued.

Fatui coughing up a storm, Strix dragged out an exasperated sigh. Had the young man fallen ill? Recalling a time when a few miners reported severe ailments when having long exposure to the underground mines, pity formed a peach pit in her stomach. Maybe she could help him one last time, for now.

"You have a tent on you, don't you? Take it out," Strix ordered. Camping supplies placed in her hands as the man continued coughing, the tent had been set up within minutes. Bringing the young man inside the tent, he placed him in a laying position. Comfortable or not, it did not matter to him, in the slightest. "I will not help you again. Next time, you're on your own at night." Taking his leave, Strix staged his exit.

Sudden act of kindness coming his way, the hyena closed his eyes. Despite Strix's harsh words, he knew the tall person meant well. Actions devouring words like Almond Tofu, sleep took the chimera away in almost an instant. Whether or not the tall miner meant what he said about not helping again in the future would remain to be seen.

Two days passing by, the forty-third day of the project had hit the hyena like a brick. Documenting the rest of the area, the early adult was ready to continue the descent deeper down. But, as the two days unfolded, he could only feel his breathing begin to become much shallower. Taking a deep breath had felt like a stab of a sword. Regardless, the young soldier would not falter.

Finding another passageway after heading towards the west, another long drop down had begun. Taking note everything was starting to become a one way descend down via falling, the soldier wrote down such observation in the Chasm Travel Notes. Landing near a red Teleport Waypoint, a sight to behold greeted the hyena.

Off in the distance were ruins. Knowing Her Majesty likely expected information on the ruins, the soldier peered off towards the corner. Taking note the only way to reach the ruins was to glide, the early adult deployed the wind glider. Reaching the other side, a wave of unease nibbled on the chimera's ear. To absolutely no surprise, the walkway had been broken.

Having no choice but to continue, the soldier hit his chest. If he were to cough while gliding, he would fall to the pits below. Reaching the other side, the early adult observed the ruins from afar. Grey pillar of stone looking as though it had existed within the world underground for time immemorial, the soldier recorded such in the travel notes.

Although, a monster would soon ruin the flow. Ruin Grader stomping out of the ruins, the soldier could feel his head spin cycles as the ground around him had begun to shake. Feeling a sudden unstoppable cough come his way as the Ruin Grader stomped about, fighting was impossible. Shockwaves rendering him immobile, no dodges were able to come his way.

Hearing the sound of bows infused with Anemo and Dendro energy hitting a weak spot, the screams of the Ruin Grader bounced off the ruin walls. Flower producing a sweet scent wafting through the area, the sound of an explosion wafted out the screams of the machine. Condensed ball of teal air dealing the final blow, the war machine had come crashing down in seconds.

Feeling his shoulder get tapped, the hyena looked up. Water bottle handed to him, the two purple haired women gave him concerned looks. Drinking the water, the young soldier shook his head. Whatever concerns they had at the moment were unneeded. Two ladies leaving with worry not leaving, fatigue had swallowed the early adult whole.

Waking up the next day, the soldier would not falter. Exploring the ruins further, many new discoveries had come his way. Deactivated Ruin Guard and strange bell looking like it had been reserved for a ritual, the early adult meekly added a passage in the contents of the notebook. Feeling his hands begin to shake, everything had been a painful burden.

Feeling as though he had enough data, the soldier slammed the travel guide shut. Energy soon a carcass in the casket, the world of dreams had begun to take him away. Hours turning into the next day, the early adult pressed on. Third time in a row of needing to drop from a high height to continue, the young soldier let the wind drop him down.

Pain would soon reach its climax.

Entering a room with walls of purple goop, the hyena erupted into a sharp cough. Dark purple flowers that did not look normal engulfing the area, the hacking would not stop, even for a moment. Feeling like breathing was a second slash of a sword, the monster soon arrived. Sea of red liquid hitting the ground, dizziness starting to take his energy for a ride.

Dark purple mud coming out of nowhere, another sea of red liquid hit the ground. Regardless of such, the chimera knew he no choice but to keep moving forward. Punching his chest, the soldier staggered through the cave as slow as a Cecila regrowing in the open wilderness.

Reaching a damp area after about two hours, the air had become moist. Feeling like he could lose consciousness in a matter of seconds, the soldier staggered inside the damp cavern. Large blue mushroom towering the area, the chimera took the seat by the gigantic mushroom's roots. Unable to keep his eyes open, the world was black.

Waking up the next day, it had come to the chimera's attention immediately. Had it already been the evening? He could not help but feel he had been out for more than ten hours. Needing to make up for lost time, the hyena staggered to his feet.

Walking through the large mushroom's domain, the hyena could not help but realize. The air had been at its absolute thinnest. Feeling his body begin to shake, writing neat notes was becoming a challenge. But, the chimera would not falter. Mushrooms everywhere his tired eyes could see, the soldier recorded his findings in the travel notes.

Mushroom cavern conquered, the hyena staggered through another cavern. Coming across an abandoned Fatui camp, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Had other Fatui come to the underground mines before? Reaching a cavern with tree branches wedged in stone, the hyena peered down.

Upper stone formations looking to be a dead end, the early adult steeled himself for another long drop down. Opening the orb into map form, the hyena examined the blue triangle on the map. Being slightly passed The Glowing Narrows, it had come to the soldier in a pained instant. He had reached the deepest point of the underground. He could not go any lower.

Staggering onto the elevated walkway was a sight to behold. Off into the distance was a large device emitting a deep blue aura. Seeing such object floating off the ground, the chimera's heart skipped a beat. What purpose did the large looking nail serve? He supposed he would need to get a closer look.

Getting a closer look had been an utter failure. Walls of purple goop everywhere, a pulse shot through the chimera's head. Needing to leave the area before the world of unconsciousness were to take him away, the hyena had gotten down on his knees. Using any energy remaining to crawl, a Teleport Waypoint had been reached. Unable to set up camp, the chimera's eye fluttered closed.

Forty-seventh day upon him, the hyena could feel his breath get even shallower. Breathing in feeling like a pierce through the heart with a polearm, the struggle had only continued. Energy being a carcass in a casket, everything inside him was a fight. Staggering to his feet, the soldier would not yield. Weakness or not, he had to keep going.

As he readied to continue documenting, a tall obstacle had stood in the way. Tall woman with blue hair going down to her shoulders and white coat draped over only her shoulders in some sort of fashion statement, the hyena let out a gulp. Large bracelet glowing an aquatic aura, everything was about to be over. An attack was about to come his way.

Luck and the Archons were on his side. Deigr and Coiote almost coming out of nowhere, the path in front of him had been blocked. Stretching their arms out, their bodies had been a shield. The two sweet ladies, when had they gotten here? Tall woman looking ready to instigate an attack, the chimera prepared himself for the hostilities. Woman being much taller than the two, the hand barricade would not hold up for long.

"I don't know what you women are doing down here, but step out of my way," she said sternly. "I need to take care of that problem over there." Her white glove pointed at the Fatui.

Deigr not budging, the hyena blinked. Two archer ladies continuing to protect him, a wave of unease had come his way. Deigr, and Coiote, if they did not move out of the way, they would get attacked, for sure. Such could not happen, for any reason. Having no energy to stand, the hyena grunted.

"Leave our son alone!" Deigr yelled. "He's not hurting anyone!" Coiote's voice had soon joined the party.

"Yeah, don't you hurt our little boy!" she shouted. "That report about the Fatui was false!" It was a lie, but a lie justified the means. But the lie had quickly been caught in a spider web.

Pointing at the man's uniform, the tall woman prepared the catch. "You're not fooling anyone," the tall woman bluntly stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm here to take the catch."

Feeling like he had been in a complete daze, thoughts had become a sea of clouds. Tall woman with the aquatic bracelet looking ready to get on the offensive, the soldier prepared to surrender. Perhaps it would be best for everyone, if he were to just give up. Such dazed thought had been destroyed in a matter of seconds. Coiote getting on the defensive, the white flag remained unwaved.

"He fell down here, and found Fatui clothes. He's just borrowing them!" Coiote shouted, voice seeping with anger. "Please, leave our son alone!"

Tall woman with the aquatic bracelet snapping her gloved fingers, heeled footsteps had soon left the area. The woman, why had just suddenly surrendered? But, the clouds in his brain prevented any thoughts from going beyond the question. Two ladies looking at him, the soldier stared off into space. Nothing made sense anymore.

Seeing how unwell their cousin looked, alarm bells had begun to ring in Deigr and Coiote's heads. The miasma of the dark mud, it had to have made the small young man extremely ill. Long exposure to the underground world with human lungs could not have been a good thing. Being on goop duty, staying with him to help out if necessary was not an option.

"We're going to stay here with you," Deigr announced. "And help you out over the next few days." Raising the young man to his feet, she would not waver.

Hearing Deigr offer him help, Siorc shook his head. He could let other strangers get involved in his work whatsoever. But, the women would not leave. Feeling defeat hug him from behind, the hyena surrendered to his fate. Deigr and Coiote holding his hands, the two acted as a crutch as he traversed forward.

Recording the rest of the depths in about four hours, an escort had begun. Taken to a nearby deserted camp in The Glowing Narrows, the soldier had been guided towards a tent. Placed in a laying position, the straw underneath him made for an uncomfortable bed. Feeling the watchful eyes of the two archers on him, sleep had begun to take him away.

Sleeping through an entire day, the forty-ninth day had snuck up from behind him. Two archers having left the scene, the hyena stood up from the hay. Whatever business the two girls had was no business of his. Determined to make up for lost time, the soldier knew all that remained were the ruins Her Majesty wanted extra documentation on. But, as he readied to step forward, he could feel everything begin to crash.

Entire body shaking and lips blue, the soldier staggered about. Clicking his tongue, the early adult kept going. He had no time for his body to fight him. Sleeping nearly an entire day and a half had to have been enough. Leaving the campsite, the rock walls had begun to act as a crutch.

Such stagger about had been short lived. Sea of purple goop walls everywhere around him, an uncontrollable cough had invited itself to the party. Large sea of red hitting the floor, the hyena's body and the ground met. Dizziness reigning supreme, the world was fading. Everything going black, one last thought come through as he could feel himself begin to fade away.

This was the end.

***
"I don't know anymore, truly.

This might be it.
How I will die.
It's hard to breathe.
Nothing is working.
Keep feeling weaker

Than ever before, even arrhythmia
Has not done me in this deep.
I cannot breathe this away.
So much pain.

Maybe, Her Majesty wanted this,
I am certain she sent me here knowing that reality.
Guess I am her test subject,
Her testing ground for
This unknown mine underground.

Be that as it may, I need to keep going.
Even if I'm hurting, I cannot yield.

That remains to be the truth,
Her Majesty expects results, so I have to keep going
Even if it kills me.

Even if more blood coughs out of me.
Now I know I'm nothing more than a
Disposable soldier

I am disposable, I know that. I am

A chess piece, I can be replaced.
Maybe that's true, there are

Dozens of thousands of other Fatui.
Yes, if this is how I will die,
I can be replaced.
No matter what, that's the ultimatum.
Guess if I go, at least it wasn't in Snezhnaya.

Though, I suppose, I still have some time.
How much longer,
I do not know
So, for now I must keep working.

I am certain,
She sent me here to test out the

World underground.
Her Majesty, she knows I am weak.
Even so, I have to keep going.
Really, I have no choice.
Even as I am hurting, I have no choice.

I have no safety net. The man

Will tell his children to
Ignore me. Well, that is a fair judgement.
Looks like being a Fatui will always lead to judgement.
Looks like being a Fatui, kindness dies.

But, I am used to it.
Really, it is deserved,
Even though I do not align myself with their ideologies.
A Fatui is a Fatui.
That is how it is,
Her Majesty's Fatui are aggressors,
Even though I am not, judgement is fair.

Maybe, though, I will be fine
Yes, a little blood is nothing. A

Little blood, I can overcome it.
After all, she could be watching.
She could be listening.
The pain, I cannot let it stop me.

Because I cannot disappoint her,
Right, I have to keep going.
Even if it is getting harder to breathe,
After all, she is watching.
That's right, keep going.
Her Majesty is watching. Keep working."

Fortunately, outside forces would soon spot the commotion near The Nameless Ruins. Spotting the young Fatui collapsed by a wall of black mud, Deigr and Coiote looked at one another with a major amount of guilt. Stepping away for a moment had been a grave mistake. Lips tinted a deep purple, there was no time to waste whatsoever. Their son needed help right away.

Unable to carry anyone on her own back, Deigr lifted the limp body into her arms. Placing the unconscious young man on her sister's back, the two sprinted through the mines as though they had been hit by a speed buff in some sort of domain. Even if her back were to scream at her later, Coiote did not care in the slightest. A pained back was worthless in the act of saving an innocent person's life.

Ad-Hoc Main Tunnel soon returned to, Deigr twisted the doorknob. No matter what her father said, she would not take any rejecting shenanigans from him today. Ready to go on the offensive, she pounced in like a tiger, just like the center of her brain. Knowing her sister felt the same, her stomp about continued.

Seeing an angry look on her father's face, Deigr lowered her eyes into a glare. Whatever cruel thing he were about to say would not be tolerated, in the slightest. The young man needed help, and she was not about to let her father win this time. Words of rejection about to come her way, her arms had been crossed across her chest.

"Get that Fatui out of our home this instant!" their father snapped, but Coiote bit back.

"Our son needs help!" Coiote shouted at the top of her lungs. "He's very ill!" But, the bite backs continued.

"Stop saying he's your son!" their father shouted. "He has no relationship whatsoever to us!" However, Deigr would soon bare her fangs.

"Be quiet, daddy!" Deigr shouted, teeth almost chattering. "He's very ill! We're not leaving him to die!"

Making her stance known, Deigr rolled her arm into a fist. If she had the mind to, she'd transform her arms in an instant, but hurting something other than ravaging monsters was not on the menu. Why had their father been so insistent on them all not being related? He was being quite childish ever since the young Fatui had come down the mines.

"Go take my shift today, daddy," Coiote demanded. "We're not budging!" The bark was returned with another bite.

"He'd better be gone by the time I come back!" Shouting like a child, the door slammed like a block of metal.

Loud commotion echoing through the walls, Varg stepped into the room. Shouts disturbing his one day off to slumber, returning to sleep was not possible. Checking the source of the noise, Varg's eyes grew wide. The Fatui's lips had been a dark shade of purple. While crossing paths was the last thing he wanted, now was not the time for him to think such. The Fatui needed help now.

"'re y' g'nna m'ke yer breathin' gel?" Varg asked, tired. "A'll h'lp, b't d'nt t'll d'd."

Nodding, Varg's agreement had come at quite the surprise. Placing the Fatui on a bed, Coiote prepared herself for the breathing gel to be made. Concentration at maximum, the instructions had been on the tip of her tongue. There was no time; the breathing gel had to be made immediately.

"Make a ball of ice and combine it with my ball of wind," Coiote instructed. As she said such, a condensed ball of wind had been in the palm of her hands.

Ice combining with the wind, a crystalized gel had been created within seven seconds. Seeing the Fatui's eyes flutter open, a somber smile had appeared on Coiote's face. Her Chasm son had been alive. A miracle to be had, for sure. Young man looking dazed as ever, though, she supposed he would not remember anything that was about to happen.

Seeing himself in an area unknown to him, the soldier could feel unease pool inside him, but any sort of feeling had been short-lived. World of fuzz blocking out everything, sound and vision had been nothing but a world of dots and static. The world was numb, silent; removed. Whatever may have been about to happen, he was none the wiser. Closing his eyes, everything was gone.

Placing a pack of ice on the forehead was a sight to behold. Human limbs transforming into hyena ones, the entire room shrugged. Knowing they all had been undeniably related, such was not a surprising sight to see. Young man in a daze, the gel had been applied to the center of his chest. As she rubbed the gel with a vigor, words dipped in sugar had went through the hut.

"It's going to be okay," Coiote whispered. "Mommy's here." Another whisper soon joined the party.

"...'nd b'g bro 's h're, too," Varg whispered. "W're n't s'ndin' him 'n his w'y 'ntil he cools d'wn." As he said such, the three remained by his bedside until he were to come to.

Coming to the next day was a sight to behold. All four strangers in the Chasm had been by the bedside he had no memory of being taken to. Glasses over his eyes, the soldier could not help but wonder. Had he been seeing things? He knew Varg and Strix had seemed to despise him for being a member of the Fatui. Jerking his head to the right and left, everything had soon come to him in a fatigued instant. The miner's hut, he had been taken there when he had been unconscious. Coming to such realization, unease had swallowed the chimera whole. The tall man with the purple hair, if he had seen him here, he would kick him out in an instant.

Being informed by Coiote that her father had been trying to force her to make him leave, the hyena prepared himself to exit. But, another round of news had come his way. Deigr alerting him that he had taken severely ill and needed a doctor, unease had digested him a second time. He had taken severely ill? Absolutely ridiculous, he had no time for such a thing. Raising from the hut bed, the hyena reached for his travel notes that had been left by the side of the bed.

Having no energy to speak, Siorc pointed to the ruin instructions within the Chasm Travel Notes. Only ten days remaining, there was no time to be sitting around in a bed prison. Such point about had been met with immediate rejection. Strix placing him back down in a laying position, defeat blared its victory horn. The miner siblings had won the battle in an instant.

Two days in bed prison passing, a cruel notion had been thrusted the hyena's way on the fifty-third day of the project. Purple haired man forcing him out of the miner sibling's hut, the soldier knew it was time to return to the objective. Coiote and Deigr putting up a fight as he had been thrown out the door, the soldier prepared himself to return to area near the ruins.

Informed the miner siblings would help him in the ruins, the hyena shook his head. No one should be involved in his work but himself. Everyone insisting, the soldier sighed. There was no helping it if people's convictions were stronger than his. Learning that Strix would only be able to help in the evenings, the hyena had begun his return towards the Nameless Ruins.

But, as he had begun his walk towards the area, he could feel himself shiver intensely. Body still fighting him despite three days of forced rest, the hyena sauntered onward. Reaching the ruins area after five hours, the chimera studied his map. Seeing various waypoints in a high off area, the soldier let out a gulp. If he had to climb, it would be impossible, at the moment.

Odd looking building hanging upside down, the hyena tilted his head. Who would build a ruin completely upside down? How incredibly odd. Ruins not on the ground, but on the ceiling, the soldier let out a labored sigh. He had no choice but to try and climb.

Gazing upward at a rock formation, the hyena tried with any might that remained to scale the cliffside. No such first wind had ever arrived. Knowing he had no choice, the soldier removed an anemo delusion from the bag. Wind current thrusting him up the rock formation at thundering speed, the chimera had instantly been out of breath.

Fatigue taking him away after the thrust upward, the soldier sat on the rocky ground. He supposed there was no use fighting it if he could go no further. Waking up at some point in the late evening, the soldier could barely believe his mismatched eyes. Strix right beside him, the hyena rubbed his eyes thrice. Had he been seeing things? He figured the evening was just an excuse Strix had created to not come his way.

"The ruins, right?" Strix asked. "Come on, I'll carry you. But, only because I happen to be going there. There's something strange at the end." Lifting the Fatui up, the young man had been secure on her back. Walking forward, a reveal had come full circle. "I've been told to investigate, so I'll just take you there."

Firmly on Strix's back, the hyena sighed. Was any of this necessary? Feeling his body still shake, he supposed climbing was still impossible. Ruins reached after about an hour, the chimera observed his surroundings. Small room with what looked to be ancient stone and yellow grass, the early adult could feel his head begin to spin. The air quality, it had reached its lowest point. Every breath feeling like a gasp for air, the soldier could feel himself begin to fade away.

Hearing the Fatui sound like he had begun to gasp for air, Strix stopped walking. Placing him down on the golden grass, the Cryo Anemo breathing gel had been applied to his chest. Seeing the state he had been in, she let out a sigh. The Fatui needed to see a doctor, but there was nothing anyone could do down in the underground mines. Only able to use gel to ease breathing, the bare minimum had been all there was that anyone could do.

Seeing a set of vines leading upward to a window, Strix returned the Fatui to his back. Young man being almost as light as a feather, ascending a set of vines was no problem for him. Another part of the ancient ruins soon reached, something had stuck out to her. Everything had been disjointed and broken apart. Getting from one area to another was absolutely impossible without leaping or gliding.

Moving his head a smidgeon, the chimera observed the ruins. But, the soldier could not help but feel there had been nothing at all to record in the area. Every room thus far being empty, the early adult could only help but feel the journey up to the ruins had been useless thus far.

Daytime soon upon him, Strix soon had to leave. Camp set up for him, the chimera crawled inside. He supposed he had had enough, for the moment in time. Waking up almost two evenings later, day fifty-five had come at him before he could even question anything in the confines of his mind. How had he slept through an entire day? Had Coiote, Deigr and Varg not woken him up on purpose?

Group of three siblings soon looking at him, the hyena could feel sweat begin to pour down his back. He could not help but feel the two purple haired sisters had been planning something. Two girls looking ready to speak to him, the soldier made eye contact.

"I'll write your notes for you," Deigr said, words nearly as sweet as candy. "I can perfectly copy anyone's handwriting!"

Hearing such an odd talent, the chimera stared at the upside down ceiling. What an absolutely useless, but practical talent. Having no energy to argue, he supposed he could let her write his notes for him, for the time being. If she could truly copy anyone's handwriting, perhaps, just maybe, Her Majesty would not notice any discrepancies.

"And you can rest on Mommy Coiote's back," Coiote said, sweeter than sugar. "We'll all help you through the ruins together!"

Soon on Coiote's back, everything had become slightly easier for the hyena. Three days of documenting the ruins coming at the group of four fast, the chimera could not help but feel something eerie lurking in the ruins. While nothing had seemed like it had been happening, the aura of the area, he could not help but feel it had been quite sinister. Three siblings feeling like something had been off, as well, the investigation had continued.

Reaching the end of the ruins on the fifty-eighth day of the Chasm Project, the hyena took note of a strange device sitting upon a pool of water. What could the device have possibly been for? The chimera did not know, but he knew it had to do with something beyond the capability of his understanding. Wishing to study the device, the early adult tugged Coiote's shirt.

An obstacle would soon take the stage.

As he had been brought down into the dome of water, a figure had appeared in the center of the dome. Long black robes and green hair in a ponytail, the hyena almost wanted to jump off Coiote's back. Kígyó, what had that person been doing in the Nameless Ruins? Tapping on her shoulder, the chimera had been let down. He knew, whatever the snake had been up to, it had to have been related to jumping. Closing his eyes for a moment, the early adult perished the thought. What an awful conclusion to immediately jump to, for sure.

Seeing a group of four chimeras enter the former home the snake used to reside in, the gorgon grit the teeth. What had other chimeras been doing here? How dare they barge into where the medusa had used to live. Hadn't their family barreling through the ancient city over a half millennium ago been enough? Ridiculous. Other chimeras were not welcome in the former home.

"What are you chimeras doing in my former home?" Kígyó demanded. Snakes were pressed against the neck. "Get out of here!"

Hearing Kígyó state the place had been the abode the person had resided in, the hyena tilted his head. What had Kígyó been talking about? How could anyone have lived inside an upside down ruin? But, no questions would leave the early adult's lips. Fatigue beginning to cloud his mind, no words had been said. But, Varg had soon joined the battle.

"W're h're 'c'use w' g't 'n 'lert 'f someone 'dd 'n th' ruins," Varg responded, irritated tone in voice. "Yer th' 'ne th't needs t' g't 'ut."

Hostilities thrown out in the open, the gorgon aimed the snakes towards the accented person. What an incredible waste of time, it was dealing with people that stood in the way. Perhaps jumping from the ledge would clear the mind. Resolute, the snake backed towards a ledge.

"That scientist, they did this to all of your family, too," Kígyó blurted. "That all started here, don't you know that?" The snake mumbled under the breath. Ledge soon underneath, the time had come. "Forget it. I'll just jump. I said too much. Farewell." Pushing backwards, the jump had took off.

Snake soon gone, confusion had begun to play on repeat. The nameless ruins, could they have been some sort of ancient civilization lost to time? Barely having any energy remaining, no further thoughts had come up about the subject. Placed on Coiote's back once more, one final room had been left to explore.

Final room of the ruins being covered in purple mud, the hyena could feel his lungs begin to feel as though they might burst. Goop destroyed, the chimera sunk his head on Coiote's shoulder. He could take no more. Ancient civilization or not, he could feel his body begin to shut off like a switch.

Feeling her son's head drop on her shoulder, alarm bells had begun to ring in Coiote's head. The young man's body had been far too hot. Nothing else to take note of in the ruins, the return to the hut had come at lightning speed. Protest coming her way as soon as she brought the young man in, the three siblings put their feet down. Enough was enough. Bags of ice placed around the Fatui, the three siblings kept watch, for the night.

Fifty-ninth day upon him, and Deigr by his bedside, the travel notebook had been in her hands. Asking if she could write the rest of his notes for him, the chimera shook his head. He should continue to document everything in his notes solo. Making sure everything had been completed, a long day of updating and revisions had occured.

Final day upon him, the hyena read his instructions with due diligence. Being told to go to the Natlan medical ward on the final day, the chimera let out a weak sigh. He knew that as soon as he were to get there, he would be put into a another bed prison. But, his orders were absolute. Opening the orb into map form, the Natlan waypoint had already been highlighted, although, the miner siblings had soon taken the stage.

Seeing an odd map in their son's hands, Deigr and Coiote looked at one another. Was he leaving? If their son were leaving, a quick goodbye would come his way, if such were truly the case. Knowing time was not infinite, the two had a somber look on their faces.

"You're leaving?" Deigr and Coiote asked simultaneously.

Almost about ready to hit the teleport button, the hyena nodded. But, he supposed he owed the sweet strangers an explanation of some sort before he were to disappear from The Chasm forever. Placing his left hand in front of him, the soldier placed his right hand onto his inner wrist. Doctor signed on private display within the hut, the chimera looked into the purple haired ladies' eyes one last time.

Strix and Varg coming out into the main room as well, the two had caught wind of the sign. Had the Fatui just said doctor in sign language? Not very well versed in the language, the two looked at his hands one last time. If he were going to a doctor, at least he would be in good hands after he were to leave.

"So, Fatui do have doctors," Strix said. "While we may not be related in any way, if you're ever forced to come down here again, we'll all be your mothers and brothers." Line about not being related an utter lie, Strix let out a sigh. Would their father be happy now?

"T'ke c're of yerself," Varg said, waving. "M'ybe yer n't s' b'd aft'r all."

Everyone waving goodbye, the hyena mouthed a thank you. Finally pressing the Teleport Waypoint in Natlan, the chimera closed his eyes. Fast travel to the terrifying nation of Pyro starting, one singular thought had been in the early adult's partially human mind.

The Chasm Project could finally be over.

***

Reaching an unknown city in Natlan through the Teleport Waypoint, the chimera sauntered towards the Fatui Medical clinic. Still feeling a lot of fatigue, his walk remained slow. Door upon him after ten minutes, the hyena twisted the knob. Door creaking open, the soldier stepped inward. White walls engulfing him, the soldier put his hand on his chest.

Closing the door behind him was a shocking sight. Seeing Aega with Garrán and four other children, the medical ward had been in a quite busy chaos. Loba soon appearing in his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, the hyena put on the most diligent face possible.

Hearing the sound of the door open minutes before, Loba had been ready for the call to action. Being told by Her Majesty Siorc had been in The Chasm for a sixty day project, a medical examination was necessary. But, one look at his face, she knew a more serious medical procedure had to occur. Siorc's lips being blue, she grabbed his hand immediately.

"Come with me to my office," Loba said. Her voice was stern. "I need to take a look at your lungs right away." But, as she had prepared to bring him towards the back room of the medical wards, a familiar angry voice came her way.

"My case needs more attention, don't you think?!" Garrán shouted, banging their fists.

Hearing Garrán shout, Aega let out an exhausted sigh. Entire Fráma family situation being as stressful as it had already been, screaming would not help the situation get solved any quicker. Already having been on the case for about a month, she knew how demanding they could be. All medical situations were of equal importance.

"Stop shouting," Aega replied sternly. "I will continue to deal with your case. Stop causing problems, or I'll have to ask you to leave."

Argument coming to an end, the chimera had been pulled towards another room within the medical ward. Walls being a pale shade of grey, the color did not engulf him. Placed into a chair, an odd looking device that looked like a needle had been in front of him. Plastic screen placed in front of his chest, the soldier looked off into the opposite direction. What was Loba about to do? Never having seen such a device before, he could feel his nerves crack in his chest.

Light cast upon Siorc's chest, a frown had immediately graced Loba's face. Screen showing a grainy picture of the lungs, the sight was a terrifying one. Lungs black with miasma, she knew immediate medical action was mandatory.

"Come with me, honey," Loba said, hand on his wrist. "I'm taking you to a bed."

Guided to a bed, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Quickly informed he would be getting surgery, the hyena squirmed under the covers. Another machine was going to invade his body once again? Bitter herb soup placed in front of him, a drug induced sleep had taken him away.

Waking up the next morning, slight discomfort graced his body. Seeing two children standing by his bedside, the soldier reached for his glasses. Standing at the edge of his bed had been two short boys that looked to be about eleven and thirteen. The two boys had dark skin, like everyone that had been born in Natlan, and spiky red hair. But, the two had slight differences between them. Older looking child having glasses, and two loose hair pieces that draped over the ears, and younger child's spikes being far more wild and unkempt, the chimera ended his examination.

"Woba hewped you get betta with machewne," the first kid said. "Just wike Marbwe."

First boy's words sounding a little unclear, the hyena placed his hand on his chin. Did the young boy say something about a machine? Words filled to the brim with the letter w, he knew the kid was trying his hardest to pronounce the words correctly. Second kid looking ready to confirm something, the hyena kept listening.

"Gloine said the doctor helped you get better with a machine," the second kid translated. He turned his head. "I can't get used to these glasses after all." He takes a deep breath. "Oh, uh, doctor Loba is with another patient right now, sir. Don't move from the bed."

Siorc rolled his eyes to the ceiling. He didn't need kids to watch over him. As if the Archons had heard his prayers, a short young woman with red hair, high pigtails and a braid in the middle, the chimera could see a stern look in her pitch black eyes. Was the girl their sister or their mother? The soldier could not help but feel she had somehow been both.

"Miotal, Gloine, don't talk to strangers," the young woman scolded. "Come on, let's go see Marble."

Young woman hauling the two boys away, the chimera closed his eyes. Seeing how busy the medical ward had been, Loba needed more staff than just her family, for sure. Bed being his prison for however long, the hyena returned to the world asleep.

Three days passing by slower than flowers regrowing in Teyvat, the chimera remained within the bed prison. Knowing fighting it would only lead to immediate rejection, the hyena waved an invisible white flag. Breathing feeling as clear as water, he knew it was only a matter of time before he were finally allowed to leave. As he laid in the uncomfortable medical bed, however, the sound of crying could be heard in the bed adjacent to his.

"Garry..." a little girl sobbed. Words weak. "Please...let me go."

The young red haired girl with a ponytail crying an awful lot lately, the hyena could not help but feel pity for the young girl. Hearing she had to get multiple surgeries in the span of a month, the pain must have been double what he had been through in his lifetime as a Fatui.

Being declared stable two days later, the hyena was ready to return to the permafrost north, but such return never came. Being told he could not return to work yet, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposed whatever Loba said, goes. Young woman soon entering the medical ward, a question wafted a scent on the air.

"Doctor Loba," the young woman said. "May I take the Fatui out for some fresh air?"

"Alright, Céir," Loba said softly. "But, I forbid you from taking him out too far."

Turning his head to the bed next to him before leaving, another round of pity hit the chimera's stomach. Garrán holding Marble's hand, the early adult prayed to the Dendro Archon the little girl would make a full recovery. Heading outside with Céir, the hyena took a deep breath.

Walk around the unknown city of Natlan going about peacefully, the hyena admired the scenery of the area. Stopping by a corner after about an hour, Céir had begun to look his way with a weary look on her face. Did she want to go back to the medical ward? If she did, he would not argue. But, a bombshell had soon been dropped upon the terrifying nation of Pyro.

"I heard you went to the underground mines," Céir said, voice firm. "That area is rather close to the abyss."

Hearing the word abyss, Siorc blinked of bewilderment. Recalling Garrán and their family had lived in the abyss, a sea of questions crashed at bay. Just where could the abyss have possibly been? Never having been there, nor wishing to fall down there, the question would not leave the early adult's lips.

Continuing to walk for awhile, no words had been said. Another hour passing by, the two returned to the medical ward. Fresh air absorbed within every fiber of his partially human being, the soldier had felt the most refreshed he ever had in the past two months.

Medical examination the next morning, the chimera took various deep breaths. Soon declared stable enough to return to Snezhnaya, the hyena let out a somber sigh. It was time to return to the military barracks, back to the permafrost north, back to the mundane diplomacy of nothing. Mouthing a thank you to Loba, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks.

Soundproof room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the chimera placed the satchel outside the door. Job completely finished, it had come to the hyena in an instant. The documentation jobs were means to syphon information out of him. Knowing everything had been an information game to Her Majesty, the soldier knew now more than ever. He had to leave the Fatui, put an end to this game.

Continuing his circle about, another set of thoughts wrapped vines around the hyena. The chimeras throughout and beyond Teyvat, just how many had been suffering? Having met so many who seemed to be struggling in the world, perhaps, just maybe, when the time had come for his departure, he could help the chimeras who were suffering, in some way.

Hairpin, earrings and uniforms put away, the hyena slumped into the rock hard bed. Knowing he could not make any moves yet, he would remain the diligent and obedient soldier, for the time being. Closing his eyes, the world of sleep was about to take him away, but one final thought had begun to echo on repeat in the chambers of his fading human brain.

Only four months remained.

---

And somehow, this one isn't even the longest chapter I've ever written.

There will be epilogues coming at some point in the far off future. I just don't know when at this point in time.