✦✧

LUMINE ✦✧ GENSHIN IMPACT SUBGIANT ✦✧ JOURNEY'S END ✦✧ ISOLA RADIALE

[descensionstar]

LUMINE / TRAVELER | GENSHIN IMPACT

✧ mom said it’s my turn to be the protagonist ✧ have you seen him? now you have. also point me in his direction ✧ unknown god said ‘jail. jail for five-hundred years!’ ✧ older than the majority of you ✧ has seen some shit. like a lot, but unfortunately not her brother ✧ certified thrower of hands with gods ✧ hurt a hair on someone she cares about and she’ll hurt your everything ✧ having a time while hoyo thrusts all these siblings in front of her ✧ can you believe this url was kind of a placeholder based on the playstation-exclusive sword and then 3.2— [honking truck horn of spoiler obfuscation] ✧ HELLO? HOYO? YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE US HANGING LIKE THAT?

and don’t forget PAIMON!

✦ the best guide (and nicknamer) in ALL of teyvat! ✦ what is she? we don’t know. nobody knows ✦ very glad the emergency food joke died ✦ expert among us player if hoyo’s ominous hints are any indication (do not) ✦ head empty, only sticky honey roast ✦ alhaitham do not interact ✦ selfish as she seems, she really does care — she’s just babie ✦ has developed separation anxiety, what the fuck sabzeruz samsara ✦ feed her!

[descensionstar]

happy canon point update to all the Sumerians, but also to this one who didn't go down with the burning world tree.

[descensionstar]

We're excited to announce that the construction of your new home, "Journey's End", is complete! All of your personal items have automatically been moved in for you. Enjoy your new home! - The Golden Ward Department of Housing

it was a dream eons old.

since that day their home world was left, their greatest desire was finding somewhere to belong and set roots. if their original home was beyond saving, they would find somewhere new. how many planets had their spaceship passed? how many stars light the way? just how long had it been? questions she'd never truly know the answer to, nor did they matter, so long as it all led to something. somewhere.

in their time there, even whilst imprisoned by the sealing of their powers, the twins had individually come to see Teyvat as home — it was not a world in which they belonged, exceptions to its rules, outlanders wrestling with fate and its grand design. would it be where their roots set? she didn't know. Aether had his motivations for staying, even when she'd urged him to leave with her. no matter where had a grip on them, be it the beauty of Teyvat as she gazed from all they'd known resting on the moon's surface or here where they could share a roof as nothing more than siblings, one thing never changed:

home is wherever we are together.

[121231212i]

Genshin Impact | Five Nations

[heretic-of-the-divine]

“Frustration?” The Doctor snickered, tilting his head to the side, his hair gently swaying with the motion. “Is that the impression I have given you?” To his knowledge he had never acted upon irrational or impulse thoughts, every move and every step and every spoken and written word calculated. Besides, he didn’t feel disappointed because his experiment failed - the process and insights were far more important - it was the fact that the common people simply could not see eye to eye with him. It seemed that the age old notion remained true: violence begets violence.

And was he not simply the result of such violence?

Her words were spoken in warning, not in compassion. That was acceptable since after all, the Doctor did not fully blame her for the animosity. Yet he couldn’t quite shake the feeling that after everything, she wanted to check if he was still here. Apparently one’s death in their homeworld did not warrant death in Spirale. To kill him truly seemed to be fruitless, either here or there.

The Harbinger shook his head and shrugged, a little too nonchalant. Getting his artificial moon marrow back had been a little more prosaic than he had hoped for. “If you are interested in my research regarding that, I must disappoint you. The moon here works differently than the one, or rather the ones, in Teyvat. I am effectively starting at square one.” There was no harm in divulging this to her, she could neither use this knowledge for nor against him, and he had no intention of threatening her meaninglessly.

“The moon marrows in Teyvat work because kuuvahki exists.” No need to spell out the rest, the Traveler was smart enough to connect the dots, surely.

“But I do have plans. My counterpart in Teyvat will not disappoint. After all, I am used to having multiple instances of myself existing at the same time.” Even if those instances have been a nuisance. They will not be missed.

[descensionstar]

even after absolute defeat, he boasted confidence like it were nothing but a stumble along a path he'd continue strolling along just fine. "considering you lost your cool when I refused to cooperate, it was a possibility". even if now a memory, it did send a chill down her to witness The Doctor's demeanour so sharply about, swiping savagely in retaliation. no matter what form he took or where he might be, he remained a danger — that was simply a universal fact. it wouldn't come as a surprise if he'd already begun formulating a new plot, even seeking to tap into the system of this world.

it should be a relief that the differences between this moon and those of Teyvat's rendered it unviable to exploit, though the mysteries around it were disconcerting enough. with their importance, that accelerated eclipse cycle could be sign of something similar. likewise, Dottore being backed to square one might delay any scheme through the need for research and adjusting. it offered time to prepare for whatever came to mind — she could only hope it didn't attract anyone likeminded who could bring power their own to the table and complicate the situation.

✦already scheming, huh? can't say we didn't see that coming. even when you know there'll be a lot more people whose bad books you'll get in if you disrupt this place. and the Stars are paying attention — you aren't getting anything past them.✦

and while that might be the case, the Traveler did question why they had chosen to introduce Dottore to the island in the first place. surely they wouldn't have integrated a factor that could become a threat to the world's stability down the line? that unknown god might have perceived the twins likewise that day. "you talk like it's not done. I had my suspicions you wouldn't go down so easily". even when 'easily' had taken the employ of numerous factions and powers, going to far as to test and bend the rules of the world itself.

[hyposelenias]

TAKING A FEW STEPS FORWARD, the moonlit goddess turns her head each way, listening intently to what it is paimon speaks, all while seeking any sound the animals might give away. eyebrows furrow briefly in her concentration, as if she were attempting to get used to this strange world without kuuvahki, before leaning over to peek behind a bush with no success. this was not too surprising given how what power she had kept for herself has dwindled upon her arrival here, limited by those who hail themselves as stars in the sky, and yet still something a little concerning when it comes to adjusting to everyday life once again.

pausing for a moment, she returns her attention back to the traveler and paimon both now, a shake of her head to denote none of the animals were there to find. ❝ No, I did not have much chance. Even with my past colleagues, there were only a few who I spoke with on my own. The rest were because of Sandrone's parties that I went to. Here, there are plenty of opportunities to try. But... ❞ she falls silent for a little while, head hanging to stare at bare feet upon the ground momentarily.

❝ I worry that I'm not capable of keeping up with the conversations this island has to give and might say something inappropriate. ❞ making anyone feel uncomfortable was the last thing she wishes to do, truthfully, the memory of that poor, unfortunate waitress still lingering in her mind come times and how terrified she had seemed of her merely not knowing how to pay. ❝ Would you help me practice... ? ❞

[descensionstar]

reasonable concerns, considering here she were no goddess and sought to connect with others. extensive isolation, with the exception of her colleagues and soldiers, would inevitably gnaw at her spirit. and that was without... everything else she had endured across an unfathomable time.

to see Columbina breathe free and speak without affixed title during Moon Prayer Night had been a delight to witness — and here, that could be a much more frequent occurrence, both with and without the backdrop of a festival. there were many here with esteemed positions in their worlds, but under these stars, they were much closer to the passers-by created to create a bustling environment. Columbina wished to be something other than a goddess, and this world was the perfect opportunity to grant that.

"of course — if you want to make friends, we'd be more than happy to help. you had so much fun in Nasha Town, so seeing that again, without that feeling being shattered, well, who wouldn't want that for you?"

Paimon nodded, knowing that, with certain factors in mind, they were likely the best option for the goddess to lean on. ✦yeah — imagine the others being brought here and seeing you flourish. we'll help so you can show off that progress. plus Flins knows he's not the best suited, and no-one needs you and Sandrone causing a scene.✦

[hetuvidya]

the question couldn't be any more confusing. it's obvious why, or at least it should be and Paimon should know the reason. plus, it isn't as if they aren't learning new things every day just by getting through life here. "what for? we've already learned what we needed in Sumeru. you, on the other hand, still have a long way to go. you might as well make good use of your time."

as for the other half... well, none of that really matters, nor does it interest him much. his focus lies elsewhere, not why this city is the way it is. truthfully, he doubts anyone will ever find out. "chasing an explanation for something you'll never find is a waste of time. the stars are careful with how they operate. do you really think they'd simply let a stranger from another world discover the secrets of this place?"

[descensionstar]

sneaky as ever. he was comfortably open about the fact he didn't want the extra work, so she couldn't accuse him of skirting around that. ugh... was this what he was going to be like next time they visited Sumeru? and doing so was inevitable — if nothing else, there would always be Nahida's birthday bringing everyone together.

she huffed, fists balled against her hips to match the exasperation on her face. ✦oh yeah? you think people don't say the same while we look for her brother? if we didn't chase, nothing would change. the Akademiya would still be corrupt and Nahida would still be cut off from Sumeru. Zhongli's always supportive of us searching for the truth, even if it's buried deep.✦ she paused there, about to remark about the deities seeking to obscure the full truth being no different from the Stars, but... those similarities between Teyvat and this world... they made her uneasy, for reasons she couldn't quite put into words.

✦anyway, they're not helping themselves by keeping quiet. people are going to be suspicious of them or assume they're up to something shady. what's so big that they'd need to keep a bunch of people here, but not big enough to say anything about it?✦

[feranmut]

THANKFULLY THEY SEEM TO AGREE TO IT, something that settles her restless self just a smidgen despite not appearing outwardly so at all. now it was only a matter of if alhaitham accepted the gift and found use in it, something she would have to deal with in time once it was finally given to him. as such, it was not their concern to reassure her, nor would she impose them to do so, the thought alone one she would rather hermit away from for eternity than to ever bring upon herself. ❝ Good. Then it is settled, ❞ she affirms, both to herself and them, tucking away that thought in itself to work on it at a later date.

now that it was settled, she glances over at the two nigh thoughtfully, tilting her head ever so slightly as if pondering something between the two.

❝ I only know little of your own likes. ❞ one being that paimon was keen on food, though she could only imagine how tiresome that would be to get it from every single person, let alone every year. ❝ And mostly Paimon's than your own. The last we met, I painted a meal. That is the extent of it. ❞ rather than ask directly, she subtly hints, as if hoping they might willingly give something up of use.

[descensionstar]

the admission placed a spotlight on a typical disproportion — in that others would open themselves for the pair to connect and understand, while Lumine in particular took a back seat, her own preferences and desires kept largely private.

Paimon's hands clapped together with the memory of that meal fresh in mind. ✦that's still incredible how you can create food with paint instead of cooking, and it's not even dangerous to eat! the power to create anything like that must save you a lot of headaches. and plenty of people would take advantage of that power to make a lot of money.✦ coming from someone who valued Mora and what she could acquire as a result of it, but her greed had limits.

though she allowed the two to lead the conversation, it could easily be mirrored — Dusk herself had spoken little of her own wants, even if it might be as simple as she could acquire anything to her heart's content with that artistic ability. "I guess... it's not something I think of that much," she admitted. so long as their primal needs were managed, she was content — as a traveler of the stars, she'd no roots to get attached to much. Teyvat and here were the exceptions, giving her chance for such experience and to really think.

.

[thiefandlyre]

@descensionstar from here.

"Glad you're doing alright." Octavo smiles wanly at her. "We didn't work things out so much as we mutually agreed it was useless to keep fighting. Unfortunately, once I got out I had a mental breakdown, got myself killed by monsters in the forest, and then was sick for several weeks... I've had a few good meals since then, though, so. I suppose I got what I wanted in the end."

[descensionstar]

that was... not quite the direction she had expected his recollection to go. the toll showed in the shadows of the smile — she expected that period under the weather had been an extension of his mental turmoil, and that was without factoring in the ordeal he must have faced within the Abyss.

"I'm... sorry to hear that". the words squirmed to get themselves free of the astonishment clogging her throat. "you had support to work through both, right? neither is a case you should be left to handle alone".

Paimon's brow furrowed — after what had transpired, she remained wary of the man. whatever his reasons, he had still been the instigator of plenty turmoil they experienced within that place, and she couldn't really let go attacking Lumine. still... he didn't deserve to die, and well, if the Traveler bore no ill-will against him, whatever happened between them couldn't have devolved too badly.

[avginian]

LEANING BACK COMFORTABLY INTO HIS SEAT, he listens to their slight exchange of banter, figuring there was no need, nor reason, to chime in on it. whether or not the young fairy would get a stomachache was, ultimately, down to the very decision she would be making 一 whether to greedily go all in or fold before it became too late. whichever the case was, it wasn't exactly his issue so much as it is the other blonde's before him to handle once they were to part ways. ❝ I can hardly blame her. It is the finest this floor has to offer, ❞ he reassures, chuckling a little, that same, charming smile on his face all the same.

plucking a menu from the metal stand, he allows himself a chance to flip through. eyes fall on his usual go-to meals, though he finds a more suiting solution for their predicament with relative ease.

❝ How about this... ❞ turning the laminated page where the lights wouldn't cause a glare, a gloved finger points at a particular set of words, displaying what seems an appetizing picture to go alongside it. ❝ It may be called The Grand Expanse officially, but it's really just a chef's sampler for many of their dishes. You'll get an array to test all while getting to decide your preference for next time. Sounds like you'd be striking two birds with one stone, doesn't it? ❞

[descensionstar]

evidently gauging his opinion had been a wise decision — the name implied a level of decadence that she'd hesitate to indulge despite his insistence. but as a platter of samplings across the menu, it were as he said: Paimon could explore the establishment's range without overdoing it and paying later on. the Traveler dwelled on the suggestion, reflecting on the vast array of culinary characteristics of worlds prior. even if Spirale were some kind of simulated world, it was likely to have its own flavour rather than only replicating that of existing data.

"sounds like a good idea — we'll go with two then".

Paimon settled herself on Lumine's lap, legs restless with anticipation for the spread. the whole scenario felt like a dream she was terrified of waking from right before the best part — how many others could say they were treated to such a fine meal, and for free! Aventurine had laid his cards out and set the terms that he held an IOU, so it might be this was more an investment for later down the line, but she couldn't imagine him getting up to anything nefarious.

✦we're so lucky to have your backing, Aventurine. Paimon couldn't even count up how many months of allowance it would take saving to afford one of these dishes. and missing out would be like a crime! if only fancy places could price things lower, and then less people would miss out. but guess that's part of the appeal for the rich — having something special that they don't need to share with lots of others.✦

[scholarking]

FAITH AND REALITY WALKS A FINE LINE, something intermittent to how people carry themselves throughout life itself. in such cases, it was a fine mix that necessitates the will to take that next step, much as she seems to hold in her own grasp as they speak. strong-willed individuals as her were an ideal many strove for with only some achieving it, though that hardly diminishes the efforts so many have in their every day journeys and judging so on a strict basis would be futile. that was the fluctuation of humanity as a whole, something defined not by pure logic or fact, often defying the accepted known.

so, he gives a small nod, as if accepting such an answer as this, feeling her conviction within each word without a singular doubt.

❝ Indeed. To claim that any one thing has no flaws is, frankly put, illogical. That does not make it any less perfected in the eyes of who creates or observes it, however, ❞ he speaks, knowing well that the definition is blurred, where one person may believe their work that of a masterpiece while others look down upon it. nuance was key, even seen explicitly in nous' very own calculations on who it is that catches their distant, mechanical gaze. ❝ Were that day to come, it would be a wonder to see how one transcends that predicament. Though it would seem that things are in capable hands. ❞

[descensionstar]

his expertise seemed expansive with more than sufficient experience to formulate his thesis, based on his assured delivery — a man who seemed like he could answer any question posed, undeterred by any counterargument made or proposition offered. he'd be the bane of anyone at the Akademiya — perhaps their envy of him would give that towards Alhaitham a run for their Mora.

eyes upon the palm in which her sword would oft materialise, her thoughts reflected on the trials humanity had faced — just how much they'd overcome, with or without divine assistance. but tales such as Fontaine and Natlan were ultimately salvaged because of gods pushing their people over the finish line. not even a Descender could completely overturn their fate. that unrest would linger, knowing Snezhnaya might be more of a challenge than its friendlier counterparts. for all she knew, the Traveler could step into the Nation perceived as an enemy not unlike against Inazuma's frozen order.

but she were not always the deciding factor — countless catastrophes and conflicts preceded the Fourth Descender's awakening, and worlds beyond Teyvat never felt the influence of the twins interjecting yet turned all the same. Teyvat was a world constantly on the brink, turning without yet dislodging from its axis. "yeah... I want it to work out for them. spirit is a tremendous power, but it can't translate entirely. and pulling through one threat might be seen as an invitation by another, stronger. then there's dangers without a tangible form". the dreaded which destroyed her home-world, and chased them through the sea of stars, the Abyss that threatened life by its twisted existence, the destruction rained down by the Heavenly Principles to expel that very corruption. who knew if they could be entirely repelled?

[hollowfaith]

「✧」 "Not from the room itself," he replies Paimon.

Aurelius tries prying the crystal on his hand off. When that doesn't work, he crushes it instead, and watches silently as a chunk of it falls to the ground, leaving a thin veneer still stuck to his skin. And it was spreading.

"Something worth hiding, or a façade to deceive us inside?" he muttered back.

"Whatever the case, it's not a place to linger long. Let's pick up the pace."

He takes a step forward and freezes, caught in place. Looking down, he sees more crystals climbing rapidly up his ankle.

"What is this...."

[descensionstar]

were his company the original Traveler, her judgment would have been retreat — to get out and rethink the infiltration, perhaps even abandon it. but as a man with remarkable power, it made no difference to this one what might befall him — being removed might be more to her benefit, and that fuelled her stoicism. if the same risk applies to her, she'd just have to figure out a way to deal with it. sometimes a hero went down with the villain. and she might be viewed as the antagonist in this scenario when the full script be seen, but plenty were fallen stars.

Paimon, however, let her horror be known when Aurelius' step triggered only worse. ✦aaah! your leg!✦

so that was it... "what do you think the odds are you can break out of it? its clear what's going to happen if we don't move, but I imagine even you'll suffer from tearing a leg off".

[descensionstar]

"This may be rather late in coming, but are you faring well after everything that happened at the Inn?"

it was a complicated set of feelings that collected at the event of communication with the man who had attacked her, the cause of separation which had her and Paimon unwittingly picking up the other's doppelganger. but the fact he was in a sorry state was undeniable, and though his strength had come out in a burst like cornered prey, Lumine had her doubts he'd go so far as to stage such a mess as a lure.

and at the end of it, if he wanted her dead, there were a few opportunities he could have taken to finish the job, however never did so.

the other Traveler had caused plenty problems her own, and others had inflicted much worse, so there were no reason to hold a grudge. though she did have questions still.

"yeah, all healed up. did you settle things with your other self? that good meal you were after — what did you have when we got free?"

[frosthera]

❛ i always seem to just miss you and the traveler. when you first arrived to mondstadt , i was situated in dragonspine and when i had returned , you were already on your way to liyue. ❜ and the other times they returned , during the windblume festivals , she was elsewhere with her brother , in other regions to expand her map. quite literally , only just missing them.

( her tail would curl around her waist , tip tapping against her side in a moment of annoyance before unfurling with a sigh )

❛ ah. before i was brought here , i was in mondstatd myself so maybe?? if there's a way to return home. ❜ from recollection , and a quick flip through her notebook , she wasn't in any rush to leave home ... so she could , hypothetically wait for them to arrive?? but they were meeting now so ... did they have to wait when they made their way home??

❛ ... right. you were looking at the pastry on display. did you ... want that?? i can buy it for you. treat it as an ... offering of a kind?? after all , when meeting someone new , you should always have a gift prepared. ❜

[descensionstar]

always? was there more than after their original departure to Liyue? they'd returned to Mondstadt plentiful times. then all the more imperative that they find Artemista when they next visited. even if their memories of Spirale might not carry over, something would lead them to meet — finding one another here must have been a sign they were meant to, that Artemista was a friend waiting to be made.

perhaps when the expedition returned in full and their homecoming was in full swing, they might have the opportunity. adventurers were bound to gather to hear tales of their campaign far away in Nod-Krai.

the wonder crossed Paimon's mind about if she and Albedo might be acquainted as occupants of Dragonspine's bitter climate. he'd never mentioned her though — not that they were aware of his every acquaintance, the alchemist had his fair share of secrets even now she imagined.

all thought was doomed to be short-lived when the Vision bearer drew attention to the banquet on the other side of the glass. Paimon's eyes sparkled with elation, her petite frame tilting forward in anticipation.

✦ooohhh! well, Paimon can't refuse a gift now, huh?✦ thought disregarding that the logic suggested both parties should receive something would just come across as selfish. ✦and if there's anything you like the look of, you should let us know. —uh, when the Traveler comes back with her phone. it's kind of got out Dust on it.✦

[khaenriahn]

NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THE OTHER WOULD LEAVE, he'd always be there to tend to the estate, so long as he remained on the island himself. that, in itself, was a known fact to those who kept in his company, especially as close as the traveler and paimon both. that hardly means he would admit to it, and yet actions would speak louder than words, something to be noted by those with a keener sense of observation by far. perhaps he'd already been made by that logic, though he wouldn't point it out so blatantly as to bring it up in conversation.

were lumine to call him out on it, he'd simply do what he did best 一 lie.

❝ Trouble? Why, not at all! Besides, there's nothing wrong with stirring up a little entertainment now and then, is there? ❞ he would know on account of his playful lies to the children and even antics amongst his colleagues. so long as one didn't get caught too badly, if at all, it was never an issue. ❝ It seems you're far more interested in what the library here has to offer, according to that book you just had. Has it been finding you well? I've thought of adding in some more books myself, but then I'd never hear the end of Diluc's nagging if it wasn't something to his liking. ❞

[descensionstar]

how jovial Kaeya seemed on the surface was a strength Lumine knew herself lacking. the circumstances might be different, but the heart of the issue were shared — they were both without their older brother. for Kaeya, Diluc was back in Mondstadt, waiting in the Angel's Share with expectation the captain would come seeking a drink, while Aether waited what felt like a world away. here, however, that had been flipped on its head, and Kaeya became the one alone.

it felt... wrong. she could never wish for anyone to feel that loss, even if impermanent. somehow still, he carried on. as if nothing were different, at least on the surface.

fingertips ran the book's cover, tracing the gold pattern lining its edges. "yeah. it made me think about how Lisa would never leave the Library deeper in the Ward".

the corners of her lips twisted, fighting back a storm of thoughts clamouring to spill out, as if that flower's effect had awoken simply by being here with one of the brothers.

"if you need to talk, I'm here. you know I get it".

[descensionstar]

when you, and only you, remember Rukkhadevata existed and was there in Irminsul for centuries so if it burns there's that extra layer of fucked that almost no-one else will be aware of (unless—)

[animepopheart]

★ 【Sakon04】 「 3.2 “Let the World Forget Me” 」 ☆ ✔ republished w/permission ⊳ ⊳ follow me on twitter