Epic: The Musical x Furina! Reader
Summary: Furina, with the soul from someone who played Genshin Impact from their first life, escapes the control of Focalors. Refusing to be her puppet any longer, she runs away to the world of heroes, gods, and goddesses before her fated trail and betrayal of her people.
Notes: Reader is referred to as Furina and MC. Also not my art, but I can’t find the original artist so if anyone does please comment so I can tag properly!
Inspired by @quietplace26 and their Furina!MC
Betrayal. If you’ve been expecting it for hundreds of years, does it lessen the pain? That the people you trusted, formed bonds with, relationships with, would turn away from you in the blink of an eye.
The answer, at least to Furina’s eyes, was no.
She had woken up hundreds of years ago, in a body that wasn’t her own, with memories of another life in a modern world, only to be a puppet to the true hydro archon’s whims.
A placeholder. A “human” playing the role of a god while the real one remained hidden. But even then- all her actions and choices weren’t her own. It was Focalors, who insisted she must play the perfect role. The strings attached to her tightly while her heart longed for scissors to be set free.
Furina was still human after all. She felt empathy, she sought to be kind, to be soft- all a weakness to Focalors’ eyes- sometimes too strong of a weakness that the archon trapped Furina in her mind, stopping her from interfering with events she could have helped with- all because the archon lacked the empathy to truly connect with others.
All the archon was concerned about was the prophecy. Saving Fontaine. Not because she truly loved Fontaine and its people, but purely because of responsibility. Because it was her given life purpose.
And unlike the stories she remembered from her life (her past life?) this Focalors didn’t care about her or her freedom. Once her purpose as her puppet was done, she would be abandoned (like a certain wanderer’s story she remembered).
But hundreds of years also gave Furina hours of time. Time to train and grow- away from the constant watch of Focalors.
First, she handled matters of the mind. Ways to block out her commanding, cold demands without her realizing. Ways to subtly break through the mind barrier so that she could subtly help the best she could.
Then, the element of hydro. It was a bit of a surprise, to one day- after days of meditation- sense the oceanid part of her that was locked up. So when Furina managed to escape into the seas for breaks and separated her mind from Focalors to act without her watching, she trained the small oceanid in her to grow stronger.
All of this training, all of this growing, only to still be betrayed. Or rather- will be betrayed.
And Furina, as much as she loved the people of Fontaine, was fearful of the hate she knew would be thrown her way when her heart was so full of hidden love.
Sometimes, desperately, she wished for someone to see through her mask. To see through the act and the carefree smile forced upon her face. (She hoped that he would see through the act- see the truth- since he was a being above the archons. He never did.)
And now, with the day of judgement approaching. The day of the people she loved and served declaring her guilty. The day the “truth” would be revealed and she would be abandoned.
Was it truly a crime for her to run away instead of saving her people?
Was it a crime to run away from a responsibility she wasn’t responsible for?
Surely Focalors would just… reveal herself the next day without her. She wasn’t needed anymore anyways.
But even she knew that wasn’t really true. Her appearance at the trial was needed to reveal the “truth” to save her people. And even now, even with knowing her fate, she still wanted to save them.
Summoning her stage spirit, she willed her hydro to take her shape, to create a puppet of her own. But… this wasn’t truly a puppet. This spirit was still part of her, and once it was done, it would return to her. It would still be a part of her she’d love.
The stage spirit took on her sad smile (she never realized how sad her smile truly was if you looked deeply into her eyes) as she dressed the spirit in her clothing.
Although her spirit couldn’t speak, Furina knew there would be no point in trying to defend herself in the trial. All it had to do was attend, be accused, and force the “truth” to he revealed.
“Thank you, dear spirit. I’ll await for your return before… before we leave this world.”
Taking her backpack (she didn’t need to pack much- what was truly hers anyways?) she left her room for the final time.
Her night was peaceful as she camped far, far from the city, nearing Fontaine’s outskirts. Focalors was blocked from her mind- not that the archon cared as long as she would fulfill her role.
Furina- no… she didn’t want that name anymore (and she couldn’t remember her old one). She was ready to leave Teyvat. There was no attachments left to her in this world. Nothing belonged to her, and she didn’t want it here.
The stars plastered on the sky sparkled as night passed to day, and soon past the afternoon, she felt her stage spirit return to her.
Looking into the sky once more, she reached out to her constellation and pulled.
And took her fate into her own hands.
The seas of this world were filled with creatures more than fish.
The first day she had awoken, she let out a delighted yelp, letting her oceanid form swim freely- no more strings, no more commands. Just her.
Then, she observed the wildlife, immediately pleased to see familiar creatures of her old world. Then, she stumbled upon more.
A sea nymph, beautiful and captivating. The two were equally curious of each other. They were both oceanids, but of different kinds. And they became friends for a short time, before the sea nymph departed, and the ex-puppet was alone once more.
But she didn’t mind. Not this time. She was curious. She wanted to adventure and see more of these seas.
But first, she needed a name. A new one.
“Who are you, strange creature in my seas?” A deep rumbling voice approached her, his eyes held command and in his hand a trident.
Poseidon was oddly calm around the oceanid, despite her strange appearance. Perhaps he could tell she meant no harm, and was curious, much like a child. (In all honesty, he believed the sea had birthed a child and was trying to decide if he should adopt her or not).
And for a while, MC was taken into his family and was taught about the world and its seas with the love of her two new parents, Poseidon and Amphrite. She realized she knew of this world’s stories too (from the distant past’s memories that were starting to fade). And when she was ready, she waved with a smile as she set off to explore and experience this world on her own.
MC had many delightful adventures. Once, she stumbled across a boy who was learning to become a fisherman. He was very clumsy, often fell into the sea from his small boat, and could never catch fish.
She was intrigued and amused. And the oceanid and little boy became friends. Ajax was his name (what a coincidence). A hyper kid, excited to help his father catch fish one day. He nearly drowned many times too when he fell into the sea, but MC always saved him. He told her stories that happened on land, though she would never follow him there (she was still afraid).
Soon, her journey had to continue, and said goodbye to the boy, leaving him with a gift that had remained with her from the previous world. A starconch.
She came across other nymphs, re-met the first one she had befriended, and travelled with a pack of dolphins who took her in as a new playmate.
And then she swam across sirens. They were friendly enough with her (they wouldn’t risk Poseidon’s fury). She somewhat pitied the sirens, cursed to sing songs that demanded an audience or else they would die from the curse. It was unfortunate that humans were the only ones who could respond to their songs.
But then they found that she could too. And she was immune to the lure. She could listen to their songs and not be lured by their voices. She applauded each performance. She taught them songs from the old world she remembered. Sometimes she indulged in dances, fins playfully flipping as they sang.
The group of sirens she taught changed their songs over the years, singing of happiness and encouragement. And sometimes, sailors passed and listened to their songs without being lured, instead strengthened to continue their voyage.
But some sirens didn’t care about this new change. They too were lured by their own song. It was irresistible, to sing and lure in sailors to their deaths.
MC tried to help them. Warned them of the fate she knew would one day arrive. Of a king who would kill them if they tried to lure his ship with their song. And for a while they believed her. Told her that they would change their songs. For a while they sang new songs and danced and played with her.
Sometimes old songs came back, and she pleaded with them again and again. She had come to see these sirens like sisters (performers trapped in a fate they never asked for) and wanted to help them take their fate into their own hands.
But when the day came, the temptation was too great. They chose fate over mercy.
And the oceanid was too used and tired of betrayals.
“Spare us! Oh, spare us, please!” She heard their screams as her other siren sisters (the ones who had long changed and remained loyal to their new song) hid in the safety of their underwater cavern.
She watched with tired and sad eyes as nets caught the sirens who betrayed her, dragging them aboard the ship of warriors.
“Why? So you can kill the next group of sailors in this part of the sea? Nah, you wouldn’t have spared me.”
Her breath hitched as he heard the cold voice of Odysseus, mocking, unmerciful.
“Cut off their tails! We’re ending this now. Throw their bodies back in the water. Let them drown.”
“Sister! Help us! Help us!” She heard them cry out.
Why call her sister? Was she their sister? The sirens who betrayed and lied to her?
A great body of water swirled around the ship, alarm rising amongst the men aboard. She called upon her hydro powers as a cylinder of swirling water pulsed around them.
“I begged you.” Her voice rang quietly, silencing everyone. Everything froze.
“I begged you, and you lied and betrayed me… I warned you… this… is no longer a fate I can interfere with.”
Finally she appeared, her oceanid body floating gracefully from within the swirl, eyes sad and tired, focused on the sirens and not the tensing warriors, trying to see if she were a threat.
“This… is my goodbye.” Before she could leave a voice rang out.
She turned, the call of her name surprising her so much that the swirl calmed, leaving the sea to be peaceful once more. She floated in the air, looking towards the call.
It was silent for a moment- the boy grown man quickly turned to his captain, begging him to put down his bow.
“Captain! Please don’t harm her! She’s my friend!”
It was tense. The King of Ithaca stared upon the powerful creature in front of him, taking in consideration the words of his crew member- his brother.
“If you wanted us dead, we would be.” He states rather than asks.
MC stares for a moment before silently nodding, the screams of the sirens who betrayed her now silent, death long claiming their songs.
Ajax, ever so eager and hopeful speaks up, “Maybe she could help us, Captain! MC, do you remember Ithaca? We’re trying to get home.”
With the presence of Ajax’s enthusiasm, she can’t help but relax, a soft smile upon her face. “Yes, I remember your home and the stories you’ve told me. But surely the journey home is not too difficult…?”
He paused, unsure if he should bring up Poseidon. He turned to his Captain, silently asking. The king nodded, his mind made up. This creature was no monster. Not a god. He didn’t trust her completely, but she trusted Ajax’s judgement.
“Let’s say… Poseidon has blocked the way home with giant waves and storms. How am I to evade? How am I to get home? Which route should I take? Where am I supposed to go?”
Dad? She tilted her head. “Why is he angry with you…?”
With no clear response, she just continued to think, “The sirens told you about the lair of Scylla, correct? That route would have its own costs as well…”
She hummed, thinking for a bit longer, her tail slowly swaying as she thought. “…then, how about this? Why don’t I protect you as you sail back to Ithaca?”
She nodded, “It’s not something I openly disclose, but… Poseidon is… rather fond of me…? But also…”
MC hesitated before revealing what she had discovered accidentally, “If… in the case… he insists on fighting… I’d have a very good chance at… well… taking him on. At least, long enough to be a distraction for your ship to sail far away and escape.”
“You… would do that? What are the costs?”
“Costs?” Both Ajax and MC said at the same time.
Ajax grinned and laughed. “MC won’t ever say it out loud, but I know she hates betrayals with a burning passion. So long as we never lie or betray her, there are no costs, right?”
MC smiled bashfully, before giving a short nod. “I… wouldn’t disagree with you.”
“Captain… can we really trust this… creature?” Eurylochus spoke, his eyes never leaving the oceanid.
“…For now. But if you ever harm us, I will show no mercy.” Odysseus stated coldly.
Ajax cheered, “Come on board, MC!”
Floating down to the ship, as her tail brushed the surface, hydro shifted her appearance. Legs stood on the deck as her oceanid tail remained with her- her human oceanid hybrid mix elegant as she wore a white dress, its theme reminiscent of Fontaine’s style (not the styled up suit dress she had to wear, this was her own choice that she was comfortable wearing).
The men gaped, mouthes dropped open. Ajax blinked, “T-that’s not fair MC! I could have shown you around Ithaca!”
MC only gave a small laugh at her friend.
The waters were oddly calm on the rest of their journey back to Ithaca.
Odysseus didn’t really know how to feel. Trust… was something that was hard to gain, especially with the trials, dangers, and losses he faced.
MC was… a peaceful figure on his battle-worn ship. It was as if the second she stepped aboard, the fate that seemed destined for him had collapsed.
Food wasn’t an issue. Not really when you had a creature of the sea dive deep with a net and bring it back with a large catch of fish. Odysseus swore he saw her thank a couple of dolphins who came delivering her a basket of fruits.
There was no sight of Poseidon. Although a month into the journey, MC was a bit huffy and refused to talk to anyone one morning, saying she had a horrible conversation during the night, even though she had won the arguement. Despite investigating, Odysseus couldn’t find out who on his crew had upset her.
And so, peace found the tired warriors in the oceanid.
Sometimes she amused them with stories and tales of her adventures. Dragons who lived with humans… Odysseus couldn’t believe it.
The first time she sang, he had tensed, believing that she had changed her mind and was about to use the siren’s song to drag them all to their deaths. But he forced himself to relax as she laughed, dragging Ajax to dance with her, as well as some of the other crew. He even caught Eurylochus tapping his foot rhythmically.
So… perhaps she was a miracle.
Admittedly he was very grateful. He hadn’t felt this kind of peace since… Polites.
Rumours had started appearing too, though he was quick to quiet them with her insistence. Rumours that she was a goddess in disguise, or perhaps sent from one of the gods she adamantly denied.
It was another quiet night on the ship. A few of the crew remained on the night shift, but most were below deck resting.
Oddly enough, MC was still awake, staring into the distance of the deep dark sea. Quietly, Odysseus joined her side. She had been a helpful figure on the ship, fixing damaged sails, healing the injuries his men still had, and he knew deep down that she had something to do with how the waves seemed to be helping them forward.
That let him to one question out of the many he wanted to ask. Why did she help them?
“You seemed tired. And you wanted to go home.”
He couldn’t help but laugh.
Startled, she turned to him, a curious and alarmed expression on her face. The expression only made him laugh harder. Yet… seeing him laugh, it also brought a smile to her face, and soon the two of them were laughing for no real reason and remained in each other’s company.
Perhaps… it was okay for him to… relax and… greet the world with open arms.
“So you know how clumsy I am, right? So one day this giant wave just crashes into me and my boat and I’m dragged deep underwater. The last thing I see is this beautiful blue creature swimming towards me before waking up on the beach with my boat beside me full of fish! Obviously, I get curious, so the next time- on purpose- I get toppled into the sea again.”
“I’m pretty sure it was an accident again-“
“It was on purpose!” Ajax insisted towards the crew member who laughed at him. “Anyways, MC saved me over and over again until finally I managed to wake up before she swam away, and we became friends! She’s my hero.”
At the end of his story he gave MC a bear hug, flustering her. “I-I’m not a hero-“
“Course you are! You’re my hero at least.”
“And ours!” The crew agreed, nodding aggressively. It only served to fluster her further, and seeing their reactions, MC came to the conclusion they were teasing her too now.
“M-meanies…” she mumbled, fighting off Ajax’s arms and hiding away to where Odysseus was, knowing they wouldn’t disturb her when she hid behind him. Odysseus could only give a hearty laugh, laughing more at her playful glare.
“So what did you do to Poseidon?”
“We’ve been months on his seas, and there hasn’t been a single sighting of him. Not that I mind, but… you must have done something, right?”
MC hummed, staring at the stars. “…he came over one night, but couldn’t attack when he saw me aboard. We had a… discussion… and came to an agreement.”
“Yes… he um… obviously he needed to do something after you killed my brother-“
“Oh, I’ve never mentioned Poseidon adopted me…? H-Hey, don’t look at me like that, I wasn’t particularly close to any of my siblings or meet any of them. I only stayed with him and his wife for a while, and they took care of me while I was finding my bearings.”
“I see… so, what was the agreement?”
“I had heard there were… unwanted people on Ithaca causing problems,” she said carefully, not wanting him to worry too much. “The dolphins like to talk. I told him he could take them instead. An… eye for an eye…? I think that’s the phrase, right?”
Odysseus was quiet for a long moment.
“You could have left us to him,” he said at last. “You could have let us face his wrath.”
“I could have.” She agreed. “But… I know what it’s like… when one mistake becomes a life sentence.”
Odysseus stiffened slightly.
“The best thing about people,” she continued softly, “is that they can change. You are just a man. A king. A warrior. But you’re also a friend. A father. A husband.”
She took a breath, a knowing look in her eye. “Sometimes people only see the worst thing you’ve ever done, and decide that’s all you are. Poseidon knows better. He wanted payment because his pride was wounded, not because he truly loved his son.”
“I don’t excuse your choice,” she concluded. “But I refuse to believe it should follow you forever.”
She let the silence take over before Odysseus sighed, letting the tension go.
“You could do with a better father,” he said quietly.
“T-that isn’t exactly my choice…”
“How would you feel if I adopted you instead? Penelope has always wanted a girl.”
MC stood near the bow as an island grew closer, the scent of earth and olive trees carried on the breeze. Land has always been… difficult. Solid. Permanent.
The sea had never asked her to stay. She always travelled following its currents. But the land- the land always did.
She curled her fingers, hydro shimmering faintly as she kept the waters calm. Now because she had to, but because she wanted this moment to be perfect for them.
“Full speed ahead!” He roared, a giant smile on his face. Yes… not all his men came back to their island, but he carried them with him in his memories. And now… he is finally home.
He could see people lining the shores as the ship came closer. In fact, it was going faster than it ever was before (he knew MC had something to do with it because her fingertips were glowing blue).
And soon… they reached land.
MC remained a step behind Odysseus as the ship slowed, suddenly unsure of where she belonged. This reunion was not hers. She had no one waiting with her name on their lips.
And yet, despite her oceanid-human hybrid appearance, no one looked at her with fear. Some smiled. Some bowed their heads in quiet thanks, having a feeling that the remaining men were back home because of her.
The couple embraced, kissing each other, not minding the crowd since everyone was focused on reuniting with their loved ones as well.
With pride the man hugged his boy as he rambled on about how he had longed to meet him.
“I have someone I want to introduce to you two.”
He gestured to MC to come forward, who had been standing silently, watching him and his crew reunite with their families. She shyly approached them, being slightly shorter than Telemachus.
“It’s nice to meet you two… Odysseus has told me lots of stories…”
Penelope’s gaze lingered on her, not curious or wary, but soft. As though she saw something fragile trying very hard to stand straight.
“You must be exhausted,” she said gently, instead of asking who or what MC was.
“Not- not too much… they took care of me well.” MC answered.
With a shared look at her husband, Penelope broke out in a warm smile. “I’ve always wanted a daughter!”
“P-pardon?/Mom-!” MC and Telemachus said in surprised as Odysseus laughed.
Telemachus gave a shy smile, looking down at her. “Well… I wouldn’t mind a sister to protect.”
MC laughed weakly, unsure if it was truly a joke. The word daughter echoed strangely in her chest, warm and frightening all at once.
“I promise you, you are welcome to stay at the palace for as long as you like. It’s your choice. If you don’t like it here, I can always find you a place on Ithaca, or build you a place to live.”
“I-It’s my choice?” MC repeated Odysseus’s words with slightly wide eyes.
“It’s your choice.” Odysseus confirmed.
No contracts. No expectations. No performances.
“Then…” she hesitated. When was the last time she was given options she could answer on her own? “I’d… I’d like to stay… if that’s okay.”
She waited for the conditions… yet they never came. Instead, Penelope took her hands in her own.
“It’s more than okay, my dear.”
No one woke her at dawn with harsh knocks at the door with responsibilities to be filled. No one watched her every move or commented on the things she did. Sometimes she sat in the courtyard and did nothing at all- a terrifying thing to do- and the world did not collapse.
Perhaps… this was the chance… to live.
“Hey MC, where are you going? Dining room is this way!” Telemachus smiled, catching up to the girl in the hallways. He had just cleaned up after training with Athena.
“Oh, I was going to eat in my room-“
“That’s no good!” Telemachus shook his head playfully, holding out his arm for her to take. “Family eats together at the table. That’s the rule!”
“T-together?” She reached out to take his arm, and took it when he nodded encouragingly.
The table was long. Too long. For a moment her breath caught- memories of feasts where every movement was watched, judged.
But as Telemachus pulled her to sit by his side and someone asked her if she preferred figs or apples, MC knew… there was no wrong answer. Not this time. Not anymore.
“You know, when you’re tired you don’t have to smile.” Odysseus patted her head, having caught her trying to help the maids and stopping her immediately. “You don’t have to do things like this either. It’s not your job to help out. You’re our guest (for now until you accept being adopted by us).”
“All you have to do is be yourself.”
She wasn’t entirely sure who that was yet.
But for the first time in centuries, no one needed her to be anything more.
Mortals lives were very interesting, which is why he liked watching them so much, including his great grandson Odysseus, and recently, the girl he had picked up after encountering the sirens.
He could sense the signs and feelings of a young goddess within her, sprouting but hasn’t bloomed yet. But that and her appearance wasn’t what interested him in the first place.
She had stopped the sirens’ fates. Or rather, the fates of the sirens that didn’t betray her. She spared and protected the ones who remained loyal, but wasn’t naive to grant mercy to the ones who made their choices.
Then she just stops Poseidon and helps Odysseus. She had all this power, she could have claimed things- asked for more. But she didn’t. She was modest. Didn’t ask for much other than respect in return, which- in his opinion- was the bare minimum a decent being should act.
Her words made him pay attention more than he should have.
“I don’t excuse your choice. But I refuse to believe it should follow you forever.”
Gods, such words should be written and framed, he thought.
And how adorable his darling was. Blushing and growing flustered at the slightest amount of praise and affection. Denied her existence as a goddess and refused worship.
So when she was finally finding her peace in Ithaca, he realized— too late— that he wanted to be part of it.
Hermes wanted to be by MC’s side.
He could imagine it. Sitting next to her. Finally resting. Sitting on the deck at night and looking at the stars. Enjoying the quiet and presence of each other, the peace that flowed from her like a gentle stream.
And so, when he noticed his little darling going out to town on her own for the first time, he couldn’t help but take the opportunity handed to him.
It was harder to grab her attention than he first thought it would be.
“My dear, would you be interested in my wares?” He called out, disguised as a young merchant.
“No, thank you. I’m not interested in buying anything.”
And she walked off, clearly looking for something else.
Attempt number one: failed.
“Miss, could you help me? You see I’m a runaway noble, hiding away from all these forced duties thrust upon me. Could you spare me a moment?”
“Ah- um…” MC hesitated, remembering Odysseus’s words. It wasn’t her job to help out, and she didn’t exactly want to help a noble- even if his story sounded somewhat similar to hers, he sounded kind of snotty.
Spotting someone nearby, she perked up, “Eurylochus!” Odysseus’ second in command turned to the call and approached. “He’ll be able to help you. I need to get going now. Good bye!”
Hermes smiled nervously as Eurylochus questioned him.
Attempt number two: failed.
He huffed to himself as he managed to escaped Eurylochus, flying above and turning invisible as he searched for her. He found her approaching the city square, where a fountain decorated its center.
After all, third try’s the charm.
Strumming his lyre, he collected a small crowd as he disguised himself as a bard. As he noticed her entering the square out of the corner of his eye, he began his song.
“Moon river, wider than a mile. I’m crossing you in style someday.
Oh dream maker, you heartbreaker…”
“Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way…” he caught her glancing towards him, his heart thumped in his chest as she drew nearer at the words, listening to his song.
“Two drifters, off to see the world. There’s such a lot of world to see.
We’re after the same… rainbow’s end. Waiting round the bend.
My huckleberry friend. Moon river… and me.”
The small crowd clapped, and he gave a short bow, smiling gratefully. “Thank you, thank you.” But really, he kept an eye on her reaction.
She was softly clapping, looking at him with a slight reminiscent look, but also seemed touched by his song.
As the crowd began to disperse, his heart leapt for joy as he realized she stayed around, seeming as if she were contemplating to herself if she should start a conversation with him.
He let her decide, watching as she chose to take one hesitant step forward, then another. Yet, he couldn’t keep his excitement in and closed the gap slowly, careful not to seem too eager.
“Did you enjoy my short performance, miss?” Hermes asked.
“Oh!” Startled, she calmed herself before smiling, “I did, yes. Your song was beautiful.”
“Thank you… but I must say, I’ve never met a muse as beautiful as you before.”
He smiled as he watched her blush grow and her words began to stammer. “N-no! No, I’m nothing of the sort.”
“May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?”
She calmed herself before giving a small smile, “My name is MC. Nice to meet you. What is your name?”
Ah- gods- he forgot- he didn’t plan this far. “L-Lyron!” He clutched his lyre tighter- why would he say that- such an obvious name- “My name is Lyron, my lady.”
She only giggled and gave no indication of noticing the odd name. And just like that, attempt number three was a success.
“You should urge her to make her decision soon.” Athena advised her friend, having reconciled with Odysseus a few months after he had returned to Ithaca.
“I’m not going to force her to make a decision, Athena.” The king shook his head. “It’s obvious she hasn’t been given much choice before. Penelope subtly helps her practice by letting her pick out different outfits to wear.”
A bigger decision like this, however.” He paused, “Takes time, and thought. Of course, I want her welcomed in this family, and she still will be if she declines, but when she is ready, I want her to make that choice. Not because she was forced to make it.”
“You have grown wiser, my friend.”
“Yeah? Well, I’ve had a great mentor.” He grinned.
Athena sighed, smiling. “You and Telemachus have the same grin. Sometimes it is unsettling.”
“Nah, he’s much cuter!” Odysseus gushed, “His cheeks are so pinchable!”
Athena facepalmed, “I wonder how you’re not the wife and Penelope the husband.”
“Lyron, what are you doing here?” MC smiled, drawn to the familar sound of the lyre near the palace.
“I was hoping to catch my muse to be inspired into writing another song.” He winked.
She laughed, “And have you been inspired?”
“Oh, most certainly.” He nodded, strumming his strings.
“When I see your face. There’s not a thing that I would change.
Cause you’re amazing. Just the way you are.”
Hermes’ smile couldn’t fade as his darling clapped for him, a slight blush to her cheeks. Oh, how easy it was to make her blush.
“May I accompany you for the day, darling?”
“D-darling?” She stammered.
“Sorry… too soon?” He backtracked, not wanting to scare her.
“No, it’s okay.” She shook her head to try and make the blush fade. “I’m only gardening today…“
“Do you enjoy flowers, my muse?” Hermes wondered.
“I do. Surely you’ll be bored watching me, and gardening certainly isn’t a clean job…”
“Nonsense. In your company, there’s nothing more I could ask for.” he grinned.
“Alright… I guess you can join me. But you’ve got to help out, alright?”
“As you wish, my darling.”
“So… a bard has been hanging around for a two months.” Telemachus brought up at the dinner table, swallowing his soup. “He seems nice.” He glanced at MC’s reaction, only to find her hiding her face in the cup of water she was drinking.
“A bard, you say?” Odysseus raised an eyebrow, feeling his protectiveness raise up within him.
Penelope patted his hand gently, “He’s a rather handsome fellow, don’t you think, MC?” She smiled knowingly, “Rather helpful too. Sometimes, I ask him to deliver messages to MC.”
“Messages?” Odysseus immediately locked into his wife’s particular wording, locking with her eyes.
As they stared and had a silent conversation, Telemachus groaned, “Come on, MC. Mom and Dad are flirting again.”
MC giggled, taking his hand as they stood from the table to leave.
“Excuse me, young man! You’re mistaken. Your mother and I are always flirting. It never stops.”
Telemachus groaned louder, “And you’ve made it worse. Let’s go, MC. I want you to meet Athena!”
“Alright,” she laughed, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting her too.
“You aren’t planning on harming her, are you, Lyron? Or should I say, Hermes?” Odysseus crossed his arms as he found the bard near the palace.
The bard only smiled knowingly. “You know I never would, dear great grandson of mine. Now, how did you find me out?”
“My wife did.” Odysseus admits.
Hermes let out a laugh Odysseus was much too familiar with. “Clever Penelope.”
The god approached Odysseus with a honest look. “I will leave our fate in her hands. It is her choice. I won’t force her.”
Odysseus raised an eyebrow. “And I thought the gods like imposing their will upon others?”
Hermes shook his head immediately. “Not to her. Never to her.”
Odysseus observed the god for any lies or tricks, but found none. “Then,” he breathed out. “Good luck.”
“You remind me of someone.”
“Oh?” Hermes turned to face her from where he was lying, turning his attention from the stars to her.
“Yes… someone I never met, but heard about. He was a bard too. He was a very free bard, always travelling with the wind and drinking himself silly.”
“Drinking?” He raised a brow. She laughed.
“Not that you drink as much as he, Lyron.” She shook her head, reminiscing. “But he was a fan of alcohol and wine.”
“Sounds like a very interesting person, darling.”
MC nodded, attention still on the stars. “He’s… he was actually a god, hiding himself as a mortal bard.”
At her words, he flinched. Had she found him out? “…he was?” Hermes hesitantly asked.
“Yeah. He disguised himself in the name of freedom. Freedom was his thing, really. As a god, he didn’t have the freedom to roam around other people and freely make friends. So he took the form of a nameless bard, one of his friends who had passed on, and lived among people.”
Thank gods, she hadn’t figured him out. “Do I know this god?”
“…no… this was from a fairytale.” She answered. A lie he could easily recognize, but he didn’t press. Obviously the story was linked to her past, and he wanted to learn all about her in her own time.
“…it sounds like a wonderful fairytale, darling.”
Today was a day to be celebrated. He should make it a holiday. Or perhaps a feast! No- a week long festival! After all, it wasn’t like these kinds of things happened every day.
It was just a normal day in Ithaca. He woke up beside his lovely wife, had quality time with her, before heading off to perform his duties as a king. Then, he took some time to join Telemachus in his training, before deciding to visit MC’s garden.
It was a beautiful place. Odysseus could tell each plant was well loved.
There was a bundle of calla lilies, their white petals soaking up the sun.
A couple of dandelions had their own box, to prevent them from spreading as weeds, but allowed them to exist as beautiful flowers.
There were some white lilies, the wood box holding them had the name Cecilia. Perhaps the name of a friend of hers that she dedicated the flowers to.
Across were a couple red asters, their many petals captivating.
He smiled as he approached the girl patting down the dirt around some newly planted roses. “What kind of roses are these?” He asked, observing the light yellow centre and the pale pink petals framing it.
“These are called Peace roses.” she answered, wiping her hands on a slightly dirty towel as she stood up. “What are you doing here?”
“Can’t I come and check up on you?” He teased, smiling.
“Of course you can,” MC returned the smile. “I just didn’t expect it. Do you have any flowers you’d like me to plant next?”
“This garden is yours, MC-“
“I know, but I’ve planted all the flowers I’ve found that I liked. I wanted to start planting everyone else’s flowers too.”
He hummed, “Well… I don’t particularly favour any flower, but you can decide one that you feel represents me best.”
He noticed something else. “Are those flowers also yours?”
MC followed his gaze to the lily of the valleys. “N-no… they’re for Lyron.”
“…I see.” He put his protectiveness aside. He had already approved, but damn it- he was still protective. “They’re nice.”
She hummed, contemplating for a moment.
“Do you want to take a walk with me along the shore… father?”
She had called him father! He was struck frozen. This meant- this meant she had chosen! Had chosen him, his family. She was his daughter now. She accepted his proposal of adoption.
In his state of euphoria, MC worriedly stood in front of him, calling his name.
Suddenly, he hugged her, spinning her around, startling her for a moment before she laughed. “Father, what is wrong with you?”
“A feast!” He proclaimed. “We must have a feast! And a festival!”
MC laughed, shaking her head as she patted him to be let down. “There isn’t any need!”
“No need? This is a moment that should be celebrated!”
From the distance, they could hear the call of Telemachus approaching, with Penelope following. “Father! Let MC down! She isn’t a child!”
But Odysseus only laughed, “But she is my child! Greet your sister properly, Telemachus!”
The boy gasped, before stealing her away from Odysseus into his arms. “Really? My sister? You’ve accepted?”
Penelope hid her laughter behind her hand, consoling her husband. “You two are so alike.”
The two parents shared a smile as their family of three became four, as MC became the beloved princess of Ithaca. Not by fate, but by choice.
It was the end of the week long festivities. MC didn’t really do much to stop it when she saw how excited her family was, and although she didn’t enjoy the idea of celebrating herself, she did enjoy the idea of celebrating her family.
The day was peaceful, but she could still hear the remnants of the festival from outside the palace, despite the week being over, some of the people were still celebrating.
But… despite the day being peaceful… she felt… watched.
“Are you alright, darling? You seem tense.” Hermes asked, gently rubbing her shoulders comfortingly.
“I’m alright, Lyron.” She hummed. “I… don’t particularly know what’s making me feel this way, but in your company I’m feeling much better.”
At her rare bold words, Hermes couldn’t help but fluster. “Thank you, darling.”
“Maybe I’ll feel better later today… I just… get the feeling that something will happen.”
“Then,” he grinned, “I’ll be nearby in case anything does.”
Oh how he wished he could hear his real name from her lips.
The flowers seemed as healthy as ever, MC observed, her eyes focused upon the rosemary she planted for her father. It was a relatively new addition to the garden, so she had to make sure it was adjusting well.
She froze less at the name, more from the voice that called it.
“You don’t belong here.” She didn’t turn around to face him. Her voice was barely audible.
“Neither do you.” He replied gently.
At those words, it felt like a sword to her heart. But she did belong here, her heart cried. There was a festival for you. You have a family now.
“You look different.” He observed the oceanid tail that joined her human form, as well as the small blue horns resting in her grown out, let down hair. “It’s nice. Beautiful.”
“Why are you here?” She still faced away from him, even as she heard his footsteps approaching.
“Because you are here… and to apologize.” He gripped her arm, turning her to face him. “I am sorry. I can only imagine the pain you went through because of that… disgusting criminal.”
Neuvillette looked the same, yet instead of the cold, detached eyes she was used to, they seem desperate, longing, and guilty.
“Forgive me, Furina. Let me take you home. The people of Fontaine and I… we will fix everything.”
“That is no longer my name.” She shook herself out of his grip. “My name is MC.”
“Of course. Furina must have been given to you by that criminal, correct? MC is a wonderful name.” He agreed.
Silence. Neuvillette cleared his throat.
“I… we… wanted to apologize to you. When we had discovered the truth about that criminal, we destroyed all of her statues immediately. We didn’t want an archon who caused suffering to our true archon-“
“I’m not an archon. I’m not your archon.” MC interrupted.
“But you are. You secretly cared for us, didn’t you? Intervened when you could, protected us, secretly guided us.”
“But you are a much realer archon than that criminal could ever be.” He concluded.
MC looked up at the familiar eyes, “Why do you call Focalors a criminal? Just call her by name.”
“She doesn’t deserve it, MC. Not after what she did to you for 500 years.”
“Then shouldn’t I say the same to you? For not noticing at all, even after 400 years of working together?”
Neuvillette went silent, his face pained. “…forgive me. Please… allow me to prove it to you. Let me take you home.”
“Fontaine is not my home.” She stepped away. “It was never my home. It was a stage I was never allowed to leave.”
Neuvillette’s throat worked as if he wanted to speak, to argue, to fix.
“But here,” she said, gesturing faintly toward the garden, the palace, to Ithaca. “All I have to do is be myself.” MC’s eyes glimmered confidently, repeating the same words Odysseus told her all those months ago.
Neuvillette stepped back, his eyes sad. “I will return. I will fix things.”
“I don’t need you to fix things, hydro dragon.”
But Neuvillette never heard her words, since he had long since turned around to go to the sea.
Minutes later, it started to rain.
It rained for three days after that. It wasn’t a storm, just a small, light shower that refused to leave.
In those three days, MC had been holed up in her room, refusing to come out. Both Odysseus and Penelope came knocking at her door, concerned, but she turned them away with a tired smile. Telemachus came every meal time, delivering her food, a silent way of letting his sister know that he was there.
But Hermes couldn’t take the silence for much longer.
“Darling!” He called up to her balcony. He knew she heard him through the open windows. “May I come up, darling?”
At his words, she rushed to the balcony, a concerned look to her eyes. “Don’t! It’s too slippery! You could get hurt!”
“As if a little water could harm me,” he said, already climbing. She didn’t stop him, only warning him to be careful and to climb slowly.
Even as he did stumble, he secretly used his flight to help him.
“Now why is my muse so upset? It must be because she hasn’t seen my face in three days?”
She laughed slightly, “That’s not it…”
“No? I was quite certain…”
She sighed, falling into his embrace as he comforted her.
“A fr… someone I knew from my past came and visited… he came to apologize… and he wants me to go back…”
She went quiet, pausing her story. She wanted to tell him her entire story. Everything. With him, she felt safe. Seen. Heard. Even though she knew his name might not be Lyron (sometimes even he forgot that was his name), she could care less of who his identity was because she could see and feel his sincerity and honesty.
“MC…?” He whispered, concerned at her silence. He guided her back into her room and out of the rain.
“I… am a traveller from a different world.”
At her words, Hermes fell silent again. This was it. She was finally telling him her story. And he listened to all the hardships she faced, the betrayal, her escape, taking her fate from the stars, her journey on this world all the way to settling in Ithaca… he couldn’t help but fall in love with her all over again.
“Lyron…?” She hesitantly searched for his reaction.
“My darling… can I kiss you?” He couldn’t help but ask.
“W-what!? Lyron…!” She flustered but he shook his head.
“Call me Hermes, darling.”
She went quiet, and he feared her reaction, but she only smiled.
Gently pulling her closer, he pressed a loving kiss upon her lips, showing her all the devotion and love he held for her. And he felt her lips push back against his, choosing to return it.
Telemachus had never meant to overhear their conversation, but when he had heard an unfamiliar voice near his sister and her cold tone, he couldn’t help but approach, hiding himself.
He knew his sister was different. Gods, she had a tail and had powers over water and could talk to dolphins!
But to hear that she was alive for 500 years, apparently in pain, was heartbreaking.
He didn’t know what to do with this information. He didn’t want to betray his sister’s trust. But he also wanted to help her.
Knocking on her door with her dinner in hand, he waited for her to open the door. It took a bit longer than usual, but she let him in, and he placed the tray on her desk.
“Was… there someone here?” He eyed the curtain by the balcony he saw slightly fluttering when he first entered.
He chuckled slightly, “You’re a horrible liar, MC.”
She smiled a bit, not mentioning that she had carried a lie for over 500 years.
“Is there…” he started, approaching the girl, “anything I could do to help? Anything at all? You’ve just been seeming upset recently, and I just want you to know that I’m here. We’re here.”
MC gently grabbed his hands, squeezing as her face softened. “That’s all I need, really. Thank you.”
He grinned, before hesitating. “I… uh… I’m sorry, by the way. I didn’t mean to overhear- but there was a voice I didn’t recognize with you in the gardens and I got worried.” He paused as he felt her squeeze his hands again.
“It’s okay… honestly, I feel lighter with you knowing, even with the little context you have.”
“…can I still be the older brother though?”
She laughed, “Yes, Telemachus. You can still be my older brother.”
Neuvillette, after he had gotten a hold of his emotions, had started to visit MC every day during the hour she cared for her garden. He helped her with the planting and watering. He tried to make conversation. He always apologized. And every time as the day ended, he offered to take her back to Fontaine.
It frustrated the dragon within him. It wanted to protect and bring back home Fontaine’s precious archon, its treasure, and potential mate. But he couldn’t do anything because she kept refusing him.
It wasn’t very long before the humans she now surrounded herself with- the ones she called her family- discovered him and his existence. The first meeting was not the greatest.
He had gotten upset again with MC’s refusal, grabbing firmly but not tightly on her arm to try and further convince her, when suddenly he found himself at the end of a sword, a man glaring at him as he protectively pushed her behind him.
Odysseus was the mortal who adopted her and took on the role of her father. Neuvillette said nothing as the king shouted at him, “What right do you have to be here with my daughter?”
MC quickly pulled the sword down and away from him, pulling and urging her father to calm down, to return to the palace and leave Neuvillette alone, and she would explain everything.
Neuvillette stayed in the ocean, knowing he wouldn’t be welcome on land, and he didn’t care. He didn’t care for these mortals anyways. Only MC.
The next day, MC never came alone to the garden anymore. Not with Neuvillette around.
Her entire adoptive family seemed to dislike him. The younger mortal had the same glare as his father. The female mortal had an even more intimidating gaze.
Other than the family that watched over her, there were a couple soldiers, one Eurylochus and Ajax (the latter’s name being quite amusing, considering his personality was very different from the Ajax he knew).
He was an annoying god from this world, always bothering MC and making her cheeks turn a delightful pink.
The god always went out of his way to play tricks and pranks on him, making him trip every so often, or somehow squirt his face with water instead of the flowers.
The worst part was that everything Hermes did made her smile in a way he’d never seen before. In a way he’d never be able to do.
“What are you still doing here, Neuvillette?” MC asked gently. A month had passed, and in her heart, she had made peace with her past. It hurt. It would always hurt. But like she told Odysseus a long time ago, she wouldn’t let one moment define her.
It was clear, however, that someone else hadn’t made peace. And… although betrayed… this was someone she once loved.
“…you are happy here.” He stated more than asked. He had seen her. Truly seen her. For the entire month of his stay, he had seen her.
And as much as he wanted to hold on, wanted to bring her back to Fontaine, he knew she never would. She would be like water in his fingers, impossible to grasp.
“I am… isn’t that enough?” Her voice was soft. Somehow it hurt. How could she still be so soft towards someone like him?
“Yes… I suppose… I just hoped to be part of that happiness.” He gazed into the unfamiliar horizon. “To be the one to truly make you happy.”
“Those 500 years weren’t all pain and suffering… not because of the role, but because of the moments between.” She offered him a glance, “There were times I enjoyed myself and was happy in your company.”
Neuvillette turned to look at her a final time. “Will you come…” he paused, before changing his words, “…visit Fontaine- or even Teyvat, one day?”
She returned his gaze, before offering him a gentle smile. Forgiveness. “One day. I’ve always wanted to witness Lantern Rite and light a Xiao lantern.”
“Then, I will wait patiently.”
He held out his hand, and she took it. Bowing deeply, he planted a soft kiss on her hand before letting go. The sky began to lightly rain and then, after a few minutes, it stopped.
“Would you ever wish to become a goddess, my darling?” Hermes cuddled into MC as they rested on a cloud he had carried her to.
“No… I’ve had enough of godhood. I think I’ll be human for a couple centuries.”
He let out a chuckle the girl had grown fond of, “Normal humans don’t live for centuries like you, darling. Besides, I can sense the potential within you, you could easily just claim it.”
“Perhaps when I’m ready. For now, I’m happy.” She smiled.
Hermes hugged her closer, laughing. His laughter drowned out the annoyed and angry shouts of her father and brother, even as a spear pierced the cloud to drag the two of them back down.
