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Prompt Idea #1: Genshin Impact Characters Playing 'Lethal Company'
Note: I've been watching Lethal Company VODs and Streams so I decided to cook this thing up lol
Request / Asks Open!
As the Creator, imagine your squad / fave character(s) playing the game Lethal Company.
It's perfect too since the game's squad is composed of four players. It's up to where you join in or not but there's already a mod in the game now where you can play up to 6 people!
What would be the most chaotic squad combination? And will your fave(s) just watch you play or join in the fun? Who always gets mauled by monsters? And who always survives till the end of the game?
So I just saw the post with the wrath of the creator on Azar and I had an idea.
I am very emotional and I bailed my eyes out when I did the chasm quest with xiao and he nearly died AND I got a sad cutscene of the adepti after so my traveler was just stuck in the dialog with Xiao while I was crying a whole waterfall and sniffing really loudly and the only other quest where I had that was when we were in the chasm with dain and he tells us that the hillichurls are cursed people from Khanri'ah. I stood in front of the corpses and cried heart out.
So I wanted to ask the characters reactions to that. Especially Xiao, the archons we know (because khanri'ah and its destruction is a big thing here) and dainsleif.
I'm sorry this got so long. If you want to change something or want to add someone or take a character out it's okay, this is just my 5 am thought I just had.
Alr, Anon! Coming right up! Imma just focus on the Perilous Quest lol-
Creator Having A Meltdown During Perilous Quest
(Warning: Might Be OOC & Spoilers to the Perilous Archon Quest!)
Yelan
She wasn't going to lie, she wasn't expecting you to cry your heart out so freely. Raw emotion was hard to come by when people grow. They tend to be more...seclusive, with their emotions.
You, on the other hand, were free-balling it. You did NOT care if people were gonna look at you weird, you are gonna cry because you are sad! And honestly, Yelan's glad that the Almighty Creator is expressive and sentient. It proves just how much you care for the characters.
"It seems the Almighty Creator is far more connected than anyone thought..." She wonders what she can do with this information, but at the same time, keep it under wraps. Letting this information slip into the wrong hands was always dangerous.
She wouldn't gamble your safety. Never. Safe to say Yelan's got you covered.
Itto
Woah, woah! He did not expect you, the Almighty Creator, to be crying their eyes out the moment he wakes up from passing out and all that—what he miss? What happened while he was sleeping?
Wait, they're not in the Chasm anymore? Oh Archons, someone just tell him what happened! Why the heck is the Creator balling his eyes out?
"Huh—? What's going on? We're out of the chasm?" Poor guy is so oblivious, and no one's bothering to fill him in—at least, at the moment.
He'll pester Shinobu about this later. Just, someone, stop the Creator from crying! Those are sad tunes, not something you want to hear when you should be celebrating about leaving that gloomy place!
Yanfei
She was NOT expecting you to be this emotional! Yanfei feels a little guilty not being able to do anything about it, to be honest...
She has to resist the urge to shake Xiao out of his stupor, because a) that was unprofessional, b) she's more relieved than anything, and c) Yanfei wasn't sure if you, the Creator, would think she was okay if she started acting out like that.
So, instead, she tries to ground herself, and do her best to make sure that the situation is fine, and that everything will be okay. That's the least she can do to reassure you, and everyone else, right?
"Hopefully, Their Grace will stop those tears...Hearing them sad makes me feel sad..." As a lawyer, Yanfei knows how to sympathize with her clients. This, however, felt like she could really understand what you were going through—there was a bond between you and everyone.
She doesn't want to make you sad. That's one thing for sure. Yanfei wouldn't be able to sleep out of guilt otherwise.
Shinobu
She wasn't expecting you to be crying your heart out, but she loves how sentient you are. It shows just how you truly care about Xiao, and about everyone.
She really appreciates you. She can see how you connect with every character—how you cheer with everyone, cherish the moment with everyone, rejoice, and mourn. This was visible proof of it all.
"Hm...How should we comfort Their Grace..." Shinobu wants to do something—for the sake of the gang's gratitude for their Almighty Creator. And everyone here as well.
You contributed much of yourself for them. For that, she's grateful.
She'll have to explain to Boss later...but that's besides the point right now.
Xiao
He feels guilty for making you cry. He heard you call out his name several many times. He hears how you ball your eyes out, thinking you were gonna lose him, only for Rex Lapis to save him just in time.
He doesn't know if the Lord of Geo heard your divine prayers, or if he went on his own accord, but he feels guilty. He placed a heavy burden on you. He didn't mean to.
"How should I make it up to Their Grace..." He listens to how you scream and cry (out of joy now) that he was alive. You, the Almighty Creator, already connected yourself to someone like him. Your bond was too severe, and he tried to cut it off.
But the way the Traveler is smiling at them with a reassuring smile, Xiao wonders if he will be forgiven. Perhaps far quicker than he imagined.
Ghost Rebel Side Notes: This honestly feels too OOC—I don't really know Yelan's personality all that well, and honestly I don't think I caught the full potential of Yanfei, Itto, and Shinobu. I do hope you enjoyed this, but I'm also sorry if this came out disappointing.
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Part 1 [Venti, Zhongli, Ei and Nahida] || Part 2 [Furina] (You're Here!)
Author's Note: 4.2 Update Spoilers! You've been warned! Song used: "Curses" by The Crane Wives. No beta, we die like my heart while playing this quest.
Update: I changed the verse weeee. Also corrected a couple of mistakes.
Content Warning(s): None.
Other Notes: Default SAGAU / GN!Reader / Drabble / 800+ Words / Ao3 Link
[ Furina ]
"There's still cobwebs in the corners
And the backyard's full of bones
Won't you stay with me, my darling
When this house don't feel like home?"
You came down from the heavens weeks ago, knowing Fontaine is in danger but kept your head low and disguised yourself as a Fontainian to seek solutions to their prophecy. No one suspected you aside from the Vision wielders and a few Guardes who eventually left you alone since you seem to be harmless. You also manage to avoid any unpleasant encounters with your followers while roaming around the city.
Visiting Focalors in the opera house when no one was around was... rather an eventful one; she hopes you do not intervene with her plans to save her beloved people. You tried to reason with her: you are her god — you can forgive her and her people but she says it is her duty as Hydro Archon as prophecies cannot be changed. To pursue "justice", so to speak, is via the death of her and her throne.
You no longer attempt to pursue the topic which Focalors tacitly appreciates. Instead, you promised to look after her "human" self... Furina.
She smiles ever so graciously, knowing that such a divine being like you would keep Furina safe and sound - even after she meets her fate. You ask if you can hug Focalors, she happily accepts as this will be your first and last meeting her. You give most of your strength to hug her and you pull away, saying your tearful goodbye.
Everything went down according to her plan; watching scenes unfolding right before your eyes. Furina's trial was heart wrenching to watch, you want to jump and defend her... but this was all part of her "divine" self's plan. You shouldn't interfere, you reminded yourself, you clench your fists as the last puzzle of the prophecy reveals itself in front of you and the rest of the audience.
After the flooding in Fontaine died down and you let weeks pass by to let the country recover, you sought out Neuvillette. He is surprised to see you, easily seeing through your disguise. He bows before you and airs his concerns about Furina who had moved away from Palais Mermonia. You gently grab his hand and hold it in-between yours, telling him to stand up. You reassure that you'll be discreetly visiting Furina and the Hydro Sovereign gives you the address on where she currently lives.
During sunset, you found Furina cooped up in her new home. You knock and it took her a while before peeking through the small gap of the door. To put it lightly, her place is in disarray even when the gap of her door is small — her things are littered on the floor and she... doesn't look too good. She is far from well-presented and she looks like a ghost.
You can tell her eyes are red from crying and lack of sleep is evident on her unusually pale face. Her once kept hair's a mess and her clothes aren't well-presented like they usually do. Her hat is also nowhere to be found, it must've been included in the pile of mess scattered about her floorboards.
She weakly asks who you are and tells you that she doesn't accept visitors. You look around, making sure no one is around to see your transformation. Once you know the coast is clear, you transform into your normal self; soft glow emanating from your skin.
Once you are done dusting off your robes, Furina suddenly pulls you into her home and slams the door behind her - stuttering "Your Grace" under her breath and muttering how she's embarrassed that she's in a mess.
You turn around to speak and, instead, you are met with a tight hug from Furina. She buries her head into your shoulder and clutching onto your robes.
She doesn't understand why you hadn't come down from the heavens sooner... and you tell her Focalors wanted to do her part while you witnessed everything. She remained silent for a while before letting out a few sobs. You finally let your arms wrap around her; like a parent hugging their long-lost child.
To calm her down, you sing a song you know from the depths of your heart; the one that is ingrained to the forefronts of your mind even as a child. You alternate between singing and humming while gently running your hand up and down on Furina's back.
Her sobs subside as the last lyric of the song leaves your lips. She wipes her tears away with her hands and regains her composure. She pulls her head away from your shoulder, her eyes yet to look at your direction.
"My apologies for seeing me in such a state, Your Grace." She says, her voice slightly above a whisper, "And ...That's a wonderful song you've sung. I... appreciate it..."
She sniffles; it reminded you when you were a kid. You smile at the fond memory.
"The song was sung to calm me down by my caretakers." You say, "I suppose it still holds its charm."
She lets out a weak chuckle and meets your eyes, "I... Thank you, Your Grace."
"For what?" You inquired despite knowing the answer. She pulls you into another hug, you could've sworn you had seen her genuinely smiling for the first time.
"For being here with me." She says, a small spark of joy coming from her voice, "For seeing the 'real' me."
As she hums your song, you hold each other close until the sun finally sets from the horizon.
I want to slam open the window and cry thanks to Genshin's non-human characters who have such immeasurable love for humanity that they're willing to push themselves to the very limit. all for its sake, despite not being part of it. the hydro archon who sacrifices herself for them because her dream was to become human carrying tenacity for 500 years. xiao who protects liyue's people every day with no one seeing the pain he goes through and avoiding humans to not hurt them, which goes against his hidden wish to understand them. neuvillette, a dragon sovereign who could've easily taken vengeance on humans, not only not doing so but doing his utmost to protect them. it's such a touching form of love that I want to copy them and love hoyoverse the same way for the gift
Heya, fellow SAGAU enjoyers. Since I have nothing to do, I created this ask meme.
🌌 How did you get introduced to the AU? (Through fanfiction? Blogs? Fanart? Playlists?)
🏅 As a follow-up question, do you have any works you're proud of in relation to this AU?
⭐️ What aspects do you like and dislike about it?
🎨 Do you have a Creatorsona/Impostersona (or any SAGAU OC)? If you are comfortable sharing your fanart and/or written details about them, go ahead and make a post!
👑 Who are/is your favored vessel(s) (aka main)? Why did you choose them?
⚔️ Among the playable roster, who are ones you will immediately get along? And who will be the ones you would clash with? (Personality-wise, occupation-wise, etc.)
🎁 If you can spoil gifts to your fave(s) from our world, what would you give?
🏔 If you choose where your shrine/base/temple will be built, which region will it be?
🏢 What would your temple/shrine/base look like from the outside to the interior? How big is it?
🎭 If you can put an unusual trope to your version of SAGAU, what it would be? (eg. crossovers, myths like greek mythology, urban legends, liminal space/backrooms, etc.)
× info [ sagau + imposter au + focalors + neuvillette ]
× warnings [ spoilers for neuvillette + vaguely mentioned blood & injury + very minor angst ]
× word count [ 2.3k ]
What was justice?
Focalors had asked herself that question many times during the long nights she spends awake pouring over the prophecy of a dead God, words replaying in her mind like a broken record until the sun rose like a blooming flower.
She was the God of Justice, an Archon, yet she herself lacked the answer to such a simple and yet so very complex question.
How does one define what is just and what is not? How does she know that what she believes to be just is right? Is it justice if one being alone may sway the scales of justice on a whim? What justice is there to be found in the cold, watery grave that awaits her nation?
She does not know.
Perhaps she may never know.
What she does know, at least, is that this is not justice.
It is a mockery of it.
She stands before the bloodied, broken body like the judge, her sword held so tightly in her hand her fingers feel stiff, a dull ache adding to the weight of what she's seen. For a long, horrible moment she almost thinks they are dead – something she would have reveled in, only a day prior – before she sees the subtle rise and fall of their chest. Breathing, but barely.
The rain felt heavier upon her shoulders at the realization – she was not sure if it was in relief or horror.
Her nails dig into her palm, mind stuck somewhere between that abject horror and confusion so palpable she swore she could hear the gears in her head turning.
For a long, silent moment as she stares upon the body beneath the heavy rain..she wonders if this is how it all ends instead. If the world itself will simply crumple in on itself and cease – without its heart, it will wither, after all – long before the waters ever swallow her nation whole.
Because, try as she might to rationalize it, for every drop of rain that hits her like pins and needles, soaking her down to the bone..the body of the imposter is completely dry. Even the water pooling along the stones dares not to leave so much as a splotch against their ragged, torn clothes.
She remembers the meeting so very clearly, and she thinks she is a fool to not have noticed sooner – the Creator upon their gilded throne, finger pointed in accusation at the visage far too similar to their own. The imposter. She remembers the lilt of their voice as they called for their death as easily as one would speak of the weather – and to no one other then herself would she admit the spark of fear it had ignited within her. Because beneath the divine charade there was a sick enjoyment in the way they looked upon the imposter – like a bug beneath their shoe.
She understands, now.
She had thought that perhaps finally – finally – she could do right by her people, by her Creator, if she rid Teyvat of this..intrusion.
Now she sees herself as what it all really is – blind lambs following the herder.
Perhaps she would be considered a heretic under the eyes of the law – beneath the weight of justice, heavy as the heart that bears its sins. Perhaps this is a mistake, one she would come to regret.
But for now, she sheathes her blade with unsteady hands, the sound making her ears ring – for what she had almost done, what she had already done – as she stumbles like a newborn lamb towards the broken body of..
..What, exactly? Human? Divine? She is not so sure what to call them. Creator? No. The name is bitter upon her tongue, now, burning like liquid flame down her throat.
Where once she had spoken it in reverence and admiration, it felt hollow and empty, now.
Her vision wavers as she kneels down against the rain soaked stones, the rain upon her back growing heavier as she reaches a shaky hand forth – and for a moment, however brief, she feels the weight of expectation, of a title she fears she may never live up to, wash away with the waters that fall from the heavens.
The bruises and blood smeared across their skin are like strokes of a paintbrush, their body the canvas from which such horrid art is created. It makes her ill.
Doubt wavers her composure briefly – her position is already unsteady. She has never been seen as an equal to many of the other Archons. Her own people do not see her as their Archon, but an actor in a grand play that they shall simply toss aside and replace like a broken doll the moment she bores them.
What does she have left to lose?
She reaches out again, her hand settling onto their shoulder and turning them onto their back. She..isn't sure what to do, actually. She's never been particularly physically capable – she tended to avoid fights, even if she oft provoked them – and she was certainly no healer.
Yet what choice does she have but to march on anyway? She is in the heart of the city, it is far more dangerous here then anywhere else..she had little time to make her move.
Fontaine was, after all, a nation founded on the principle of justice. To know an injustice has been made against the most Divine..the entire nation was in a frenzy.
Her eyes dart around nervously, hands clasped tight on their shoulders and her lips drawn into a taut line – someone would notice her absence. One of the Archons would point out her absence in the coordination of the search.
Her options were just as limited as her time – she couldn't just take them out of the city. Security was tight, and as much as she fancied herself an escape artist – Neuvillette could hardly keep her in one place for too long – she doubted she could do the same with the limp body of the imposter in tow.
..The Palais Mermonia it was, then.
Her room had a secret entrance that few knew about, and even fewer would dare to traverse. She just..had to hide them there for a bit and hope Neuvillette wouldn't notice anything different.
Probably.
Still, there was the problem of actually..transporting the body. As grim as it sounded. Her only solace was the fact she didn't have to worry about them catching a cold, at least, and their breaths were still audible, if only barely. So she had to resort to some..unexpected methods.
Seeing the limp form of, well, the imposter – she'd really have to ask for something else to call them when they woke up – stuck in a bubble of hydro wasn't exactly on her bucket list.
Then again, neither was treason.
Well, first time for everything, right?
It wasn't breaking the law if no one else knew about it.
..Neuvillette didn't have to know about it, really. It was fine.
She could, of course, technically try to talk some sense into Neuvillette – he'd listen to her, right? She thought she was pretty close with him..but he was also the one person more obsessed with justice then she was. Such a stickler for the law..so maybe she's breaking a few, it's fine.
But he was also pretty devout, as much as he tried to keep his worship private – with Focalors around, nothing was really secret. Maybe she could get him to settle down long enough to prove it.
..How was she going to prove it?
An exaggerated groan escaped her lips as she led the bubbled imposter – she really wished she didn't have to resort to that, it would be a lot a more awkward to explain then dragging the body around – through the winding streets of Fontaine. She's just glad she's already memorized the entire city like the back of her hand..and a little dramatics went a long way. People listened when the Hydro Archon spoke, and she was suddenly very, very glad for that fact, even if they treated her more like a mascot then a God.
And partially because she, maybe, just a little..stole a few documents detailing the layout and a little personal exploration of her own – but what Neuvillette didn't know couldn't hurt him!
After what felt like hours, though was really no more then half an hour at best, she'd managed to drag herself – soaked to the bone with rain – and the conveniently bubbled imposter up through the secret entrance and into her room.
The perceived safety, as flimsy as it was, was..comforting. Until she heard the rustle of fabric, the clearing of a throat and the pop of a bubble as she, in her surprise, popped it – and then the thud of the imposter hitting the floor.
She felt a bit of regret about that part, at least, wincing.
"Lady Furina." His voice was as sharp and cool as she remembered it always being – like fresh spring water, she'd heard it described. Soothing. It did not feeling very soothing right about now.
She turned sharply on her heel, a forced smile tugging at her lips on reflex, every muscle in her body tensed – she probably looked like a wet cat right about now, soaked with rain, but that was the last thing on her mind.
"Do you mind explaining what, exactly, you did?" Not what you're doing, she notes – what she did. He was mad. Oh, she was really in for a scolding now. She twiddled her thumbs, laughing weakly, though it quickly dies out at the awkward, tense silence.
"Well, you see – it's rather complicated! I can– I can explain." Her attempts to diffuse are met with a raised brow and the sharp tap of his cane. Every single thought is plagued with the urge to run, but the unsteady breathes of the 'imposter' keep her rooted in place. "Well?"
She was sweating bullets, her nails digging into her palm as she scrambled for any excuse that could warrant her not getting hauled off and scolded thoroughly at best – she was coming up empty. How was she supposed to prove that the 'imposter' was very much not what the 'Creator' said they were? Their unconscious body was doing no one any favors, certainly.
"The Creator is lying," She blurts out, immediately regretting her impulsiveness when she feels the sudden weight of his stare – the piercing hues of his eyes that remind her just who is the strongest between them. It is not her, she knows. It never has been. "You can see for yourself! Don't you trust me, Neuvillette–?"
Her voice is cut off by the sharp click of his cane as he strides across the room in only a few steps, his height making her feel like a child about to scolded. She hated it, but she grit her teeth through the exchange. She reminded herself that this was for the sake of the 'imposter' and any affront to her ego was..tolerable.
To her credit, too, she didn't immediately lash out when she saw him poke at their body with his cane, turning them onto their back – she wanted too, though. She considered it, but the thought was quickly shot down when his stare turned back upon her, and she felt frozen in place again, her tongue a heavy weight in her mouth.
Yet she couldn't shake the sudden tenseness to his shoulders, his brows furrowed and a distant look to his eyes. It was..haunting, in a way.
She knows it well, she realizes. The realization and acceptance, the crumbling of every solid foundation you've ever known – leaving you to flounder in the waves, alone and afraid.
The gentleness in which he picks up the limp body surprises her though, his cane set aside. The rain howls like a horrid storm outside, but she cannot focus on anything but the furrow of their brows, the soft noise that escapes their lips.
"I trust that you know that this must stay between us," His voice is soft, like the gentle lap of waves against the shore, as he sets their body down against the bed, his hand lingering against their cheek with something almost like reverence – and if her eyes do not deceive her, affection. "Lady Furina."
She does not hesitate to agree.
"Well– well of course!" She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest and frowning at the feeling of her wet clothes clinging to her skin, a heavy weight that feels like it's dragging her down. "Just what do you take me for?"
He doesn't deign to respond.
It only makes her fume more.
Not that he seems to notice, unbuttoning his heavy outerwear and tossing it on the bed, rolling up his sleeves and focusing on the injured– er..yeah, she really needed a new name for them. Calling them imposter felt wrong.
"So long as you understand, then we will have no problems." She huffs again, pouting and puffing up her cheeks, sitting down on the other end of the bed with only an occasional glance towards him as he worked at peeling away the ragged clothes and examining the injuries marring their skin.
She suddenly felt out of place.
..What was she supposed to be doing?
As if noticing her sudden quietness, Neuvillette sighed, his back turned to her though his attention very much falling upon her. She really hated the feeling like she was being dissected whenever he looked at her. It was unnerving. She doesn't know how anyone else handles it..
"If you are so eager to do something, Lady Furina, then please have something brought up for when our..guest awakens. They will need to recover their strength."
Finally! Something she can do. She perks up, her heels clicking on the floorboards as she darts out like a bullet, unable to stay still for so much as a moment.
Neuvillette, for his part..
Feels an odd sense of serenity as he stares upon the troubled features of the..guest. A peace that lessens the burdens upon his shoulders, the weight of a nation upon his back.
Note; I'm just down bad for Lynette right now. This isn't any sort of character study whatsoever, just a little self-indulgent piece that I wanted to share.
Disc; The opening is a little too long and I can't seem to stop writing long-ass stuff so bear with me.
Imagine Dragon - Natural
It was a special day for Lyney and Lynette. Of course, how couldn't it be when this would be the first time that they were chosen to be a vessel for the Guide? Since the famous rumor of a 'guide' appeared some time ago, Lyney had been excited to see what kind of person they were.
He had been hearing words that those who were chosen had become increasingly strong or their day had been growing better since then.
And some had even met Archons in their natural form. Like, how crazy was that?! This supposed divine 'guide' could somehow elicit even the involvement of Archons themselves.
Apparently, some had been theorizing that this 'guide' might even be some sort of higher being. Something higher than that of Archons, gods, or even Celestia. It was such a horrendous thought but some were inclined to believe that.
Well, Lyney wasn't going to judge them on their views. To each of their own, he would say. All that aside, Lyney was excited to know what kind of person the Guide was.
Lynette, on the other hand, could not share the same feeling as her twin brother. As much as she wanted to see the benefit behind this supposed 'chosen' status, Lynette would only sigh every time she thought of it.
Contrary to popular belief, Lynette could not care whether she was chosen or something. She just wanted to go on with her life, undisturbed, thankfully. But with this… 'guide', Lynette found herself going out of her comfort zone, meeting other 'chosen' ones, exploring as well as fighting creatures she never even knew existed.
There was certainly a lot of traveling. Going to nations she never thought of visiting, like Monstadt or Inazuma. Lynette doesn't dwell too much on that mechanic as she certainly enjoyed all the traveling. Although she absolutely felt annoyed when she was taken to fight another 'boss.'
Meeting other 'chosen' people wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Certainly, she knew that there were a lot more of them but she was quite satisfied with those she teamed up with.
There was the tall man with bright red hair who wielded a claymore and a pyro vision. He was a Monstadt citizen. He was exceptionally strong and wielded his flames with expertise. He was not one for little talks so the quiet atmosphere was something she was grateful for.
Another one was a shorter man with darker blue hair, who was a fennec fox. His expertise in nature and botany was quite interesting. Lynette enjoyed his presence, it was soothing in a way. His origin was that of Sumeru, evident during their venture in that region.
There was also an Inazuman woman who wore a mask. She was the 'healer' of their team and Lynette found herself more grateful than she could count because there were definitely so many close calls. She was also not a talker, only speaking out of concern whenever their fights got too hard.
Lynette found her time with these three quite endearing, going as much as she would even say that she looked forward to more hangouts with them. It was out of character for her to say such a thing but Lynette figured that the new experiences were beneficial in their own way.
And Lyney had been chastising her to go outside more, especially when he started going on other adventures with other 'chosen' ones, whom all he spoke of in high regard.
Even if it took away her tea time, for Archon's sake.
And today was no different, but this time she was teamed with an entirely different roster of new people. Lynette could feel her introverted self dying little by little on the inside, despite the blank look she wore. All of them were talkative.
The Liyuen woman wearing an eyepatch with a boisterous laugh introduced her as 'Beidou.' Lynette's first impression of her was that she was strong. She wielded her claymore like nothing, something Lynette would never dream of doing so.
The second person was a blonde-haired girl (younger than her) who was accompanied by her talking raven. Lynette finally caught her name in her long paragraphs of words.
And Archons, does Fischl talk.
The last one was the 11th Fatui Harbinger. Lynette almost lost control of her expression if she hadn't looked away from the man's weird smile. It was an unforeseen event, one that she wanted to end right there and then. Despite her knowledge of the man's status, Lord Tarta– Childe was a tolerable person.
They called themselves the Tazer-tag-Team or TtT, for short. Lynette still doesn't see the point of that but she went on with it.
Despite her thoughts, the four of them worked quite well together.
And it was during one of their breaks by Windrise that all of them noticed the sudden quiet ambiance settling in. Since the day Lynette had become a 'chosen' one, she had a lot more awareness than the average person does not.
For example, the soothing music that lingered in the background. It changes whenever they fight, turning more intense and upbeat. Or when they were in a different region, the music catered to fit the aesthetic of certain regions.
It was fascinating.
But there was also a time when that music disappeared, replaced by other music. Music that Lynette didn't even know existed.
And this one, Lynette did not want to know existed.
Will you hold the line
When every one of them has given up and given in? Tell me
In this house of mine
At first, Lynette didn't react. She didn't need to when it was just another type of music she had never heard of. The other 'chosen' ones also didn't give much of a reaction, only a surprised hum by Fischl.
Nothing ever comes without a consequence or cost, tell me
Will the stars align?
Will heaven step in? Will it save us from our sins, will it?
Her ears twitched and Lynette doesn't know why. The song sounded intense, starting with a firm storytelling voice of a man.
Cause this house of mine stands strong,
Something inside Lynette's chest burnt. It didn't seem like only she was affected because the 11th Fatui Harbinger flinched slightly, trying to keep the smile on his face steady.
That's the price you pay,
Leave behind your heart and cast away,
The waves of thoughts came crashing into Lynette within seconds. She's reminded of her days with her family, happy and blissful in ignorance.
Until everything burnt down, leaving only her and Lyney beneath the ashes of the aftermath. Everything was vivid and blurry after that, in those days when they had to learn what the world truly meant.
The cost of prices that they never wanted to pay for. That they never asked for.
Just another product of today,
Rather be the hunter than the prey,
Another person, another child in this world that forsaken them. A byproduct of what reality can give to living beings. All those hopes and dreams were trampled by desires.
And you're standing on the edge face up,
'Cause you're a natural,
A beating heart of stone,
You gotta be so cold,
To make it in this world,
Yeah, you're a natural,
Living your life cutthroat,
You gotta be so cold,
Yeah, you're a natural
Unfair. An unfair world pressed down by unfair individuals where standards and society kept stirring a pot of tea with too much salt in it.
Through her days of living with her brother, Lynette had learned to not show. To not show a single thing. Not a thought, not a word, not an expression, nothing. Not a weakness. Because weakness makes you weak.
And you won't survive if you're weak.
Will somebody,
Let me see the light within the dark trees shadowing?
What's happening?
A question she asked back then when everything fell apart. A small child, ignorant and unaware of the world, not knowing the consequences behind her words.
Looking through the glass find the wrong within the past knowing
Oh, we are the youth
Cut until it bleeds inside a world without the peace, face it
A bit of the truth, the truth
A dazzling curtain that was ripped off, revealing a place in the harsh world that she faced, little by little, showing what humanity was truly capable of through a window that is life.
Lynette couldn't think of anything else as the song drummed on.
That's the price you pay,
Leave behind your heart and cast away
Just another product of today,
Rather be the hunter than the prey,
Is this what this song was trying to tell her? To let her reminisce of the time when even hope felt so far, like it was drowned by the abyss? Lynette didn't want to acknowledge it, she refused to say such a thing.
( But a small part of her cried. Cried to live. )
And you're standing on the edge face up,
'Cause you're a natural,
A beating heart of stone,
You gotta be so cold,
To make it in this world,
Yeah, you're a natural,
Living your life cutthroat,
You gotta be so cold,
Yeah, you're a natural
All those days, all of those days– Where Lynette genuinely wondered if they were ever going to be fine. Despite Lyney's courageous words, she heard more than enough of the cry for help behind his facade. Until they stopped altogether, barricaded behind an immovable box.
Lyney tried not to but she understood. She understood more than anyone.
Deep inside me, I'm fading to black, I'm fading
Took an oath by the blood on my hand, won't break it,
I can taste it, the end is upon us, I swear,
Lynette hid away the strangled sound bubbling up in her throat. The man's voice was deeply haunting, speaking near her ears, as if revealing and stripping everything she had carefully built. Everything that she had built for her and Lyney.
Everything so they could live for another day. So they could make it for another day.
Why?
Gonna make it
I'm gonna make it
It was agonizing. The high note was agonizing. Everything was. The man's voice, the lyrics, the music, the crack in her box, the scar on her heart, the days she remembered, the truth she faced, the days she survived.
Why are you telling me this?
Natural,
A beating heart of stone,
You gotta be so cold,
To make it in this world,
Lynette had never wondered if she ever asked herself whether the days got any better now. Maybe it did, maybe it did not. All she knew was that she was still alive, her heart with a wall as thick as the sea and as thin as her will.
Yeah, you're a natural,
Living your life cutthroat,
You gotta be so cold,
Yeah, you're a natural,
To be a part of this world, to live within it, you need to know how. No matter how unorthodox, how good or wrong you were, if you survived, what was there to say?
Sometimes, you have to throw away everything– anything to make it.
Natural,
Yeah, you're a natural.
Lynette wondered if that's what happened to them. Succumbing to the nature of the world, the reality that stepped on them mercilessly without a second thought.
Lynette wondered if becoming– natural –had ever given them something else.
She didn't even realize how much she had spiraled until a gentle hand on her shoulder snapped her out of it. Her ears straightened and eyes widened, ready to face the assailant– until she discovered it was just Fischl.
Fischl looked at her with an oddly comforting expression, a small smile on her face and a tilt of her head. Lynette then noticed Beidou and Childe behind her, standing with a similar look on their faces.
That of understanding.
Fischl carefully took off her hand, “ Come on, we got the Spiral Abyss to take care of. ” she said, tugging on Lynette's sleeve. The other girl let her.
“ You haven't tried the Spiral Abyss yet, right? ” Beidou asked with a big smile. Then she laughed, “ It's a real mess in there! ”
Childe grinned, a terrifying one on his face. His Hydro blades had already materialized in his hand and Lynette couldn't help the look she gave him. He either ignored it or he didn't notice it. Probably the former.
“ You will absolutely love the Spiral Abyss, comrade! ” he cheered with his Hydro blade raised. Beidou cackled at his comment.
Lynette blinked before she settled down, exhaling quietly. As she followed the three's stories of the Spiral Abyss, Lynette promptly made to not notice of Fischl's hand in hers (and her speech manner), or the subtle glint of the tender glimpse in Beidou's eyes, or the compassionate gaze of Childe's.
And neither of them makes of anything about the tear that trailed down previously.
( She tried to ignore the lingering eyes of the Guide, where she felt the underlying unfamiliarity of sympathy and warmth. )
Stronk Creator Who Gives the Biggest Hugs (and Carry) Their Fave(s)
Note: I'm back! ...Sort of.
Just imagine a Creator so excited when they found out they are in Teyvat and greeted by their followers left and right. A few of their followers noticed that they excuse themselves from almost any interactions and say that they are looking for someone.
The moment they see their favorite(s), they will come charging right at them and gives them the biggest hug they receive their entire life before they can even process it.
Their favored acolyte(s) will just have the most "???!??!" expression on their face and they realized it is their Creator after they put them down as gently as possible with a grin that it's almost blinding... in a good way.
If a Creator favors only one acolyte, the other followers would be jealous as the Creator carries and parading them on their shoulder. Some wouldn't even try to hide their jealousy as they throw daggers whoever accompanies their beloved Creator. Meanwhile, some just doesn't want to be touched or even paraded like that but still watches them like a hawk.
BUT if a Creator favors multiple acolytes, they can expect a hug coming from anywhere but their front and being lifted into the air in any given time just at least once or twice in a week. Some of those hugs are easy to dodge (especially acolytes who have sharp senses) because they knew once they are within their Creator's bone-crushing hug, there's no escape.
Creator can also carry about four people (yes, like the party setup) effortlessly regardless of their height and weight.
For the 100+ followers event, I'd like to ask a question to Waldrom.
Tell me... How did it feel to finally defeat the imposter? I imagine that you had to team up with some people that tried to slay you in order accomplish that feat, so there must have been complicated feelings.
(btw congrats on 100+ followers!)
Information Unlocked: Waldrom's "Spawn" Point is on Inazuma.
Waldrom: Frankly, the Imposter's nothing special. They just laze around, doing whatever that pleases them. When they found out that arrived, some of my acolytes they saw fear in their eyes while issuing an order to kill me on sight.
I'm not exactly a pushover so I had to find a way to fight back or else I'm f*cked. So when I discovered I can summon their Visions...
I can already feel I'm going to win.
First to help me were Itto and his gang hid me for days when they bumped to me and I planned to get out of Inazuma considering Raiden is hardest one to convince and I doubt she'll listen to me since there were rumors that she's pretty close to the Imposter. The gang managed to prepare a small boat and supplies to help me getting out of Inazuma. Some members even distracted the ones who tried to capture me while Kuki helped me push the boat off the shore and... technically threw me on it when I told them I can't just leave them. She insisted they will be fine and fend off the soldiers on our tails.
Storms seem to avoid me while I drifted over the ocean.
The second to help were those brothers from Mondstadt but I have to beat the hell out of them first. They found me when I reached the shores and attacked me just as I landed. They found out quickly they aren't no match for me and tried to flee. I was able to stop them before they can call reinforcements.
When we got to Sumeru, Hikaru (Wanderer) and backed off when the Dendro Archon told him to retreat and showed up herself. She didn't hesitate to lend me a hand with a few people at her disposal.
The rest was history and I didn't bother punishing those who tried to hunt me. They were led by a fake afterall. Though, they are still making amends to me no matter how I try to tell them that time is already past. Oh, well.
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Note: I apologize that this took a while! I just graduated and being bombarded by ideas for the other series I'm interested in the moment. Thanks for asking!
