#** caru writes stuff ** (drabble)

[multiverseofmisfits]

A New Beginning

(Post-Chaos Verse Prologue)

Not long ago, in this fantasy world known as Teyvat, its seven nations were at their own peace. However, six of them were brought in chaos by the sudden appearance of the creatures of darkness called Grimm.

These enigmatic monsters were created by the Grimm Witch, named Salem, who hailed from an already deserted world Remnant. In all the worlds she went, including her own, they become either destroyed or populated with Grimm. And Teyvat was about to have the same fate.

However, heroes across the multiverse arrived and saved the affected nations before it was too late. Not only were they able to stop the Grimm invasion, but also defeated the Grimm Witch.

Soon, peace was achieved once more. However, there are still some creatures of darkness left in this world. Even without their queen, they are scattered in many corners of the nations.

To avoid the incident like the Grimm invasion to happen, the governing entities in each nation (six of them, at least) have agreed to allow advancement provided by those hailing from other worlds. Some nations even went on enhancing their technology and weaponry.

As time pass by, this world became more open to other worlds. Thus, upon agreement of the governing bodies, it was given a new name... Neo-Teyvat.

[multiverseofmisfits]

The First Tournament of Neo-Teyvat

The Clash of Star and Sun

In the fiery nation of war that has now achieved peace, the audience from across Neo-Teyvat and from other worlds has gathered to witness the first-ever tournament of the new era.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Also, those in between and those that aren't. We're about to witness the first match of the Neo-Teyvat Fighting Tournament! Are we ready, everyone?"

And the crowd cheered, excited for this particular match.

"For our fighters in this match, I bet you have already known one of them for a long while. She has traveled across Teyvat and achieved many titles. Mondstadt's Honorary Knight of Favonius, The Hero of All Nations, Watatsumi Island's Swordfish II Captain, the one with the Ancient Name 'Tumaini'... oh boy, the list goes on!

Finally, we will see her fight on stage. Now, let's give it up for... Maya the Traveler!"

-----

At the side of the stage...

"Ooooh! Sounds like everyone is excited to see you there, Maya. Don't worry. Paimon will also cheer for you," the floating faerie reassured as she gave her partner a thumbs up.

"Thanks, Paimon. Though I gotta say it's kinda odd that they didn't tell us who I'll be fighting first. I guess I'll find that out when I step in there." Either way, Maya returned the same gesture to Paimon as she walked onto the stage, hearing the audience cheering for her and shouting her name.

-----

Back to the stage...

"Here she is! One of our heroes! This is getting heat from the crowd already.

Speaking of heat, looks like our Traveler's opponent is also an Outworlder. What are the odds? Among those who came to save us from the Grimm, many have seen him slay his foes with his burning blade. Oh, that's as hot as the sun, too!

Now, prepare for this match to be set ablaze! Here's Kamado Tanjiro!"

"Wait, what?!" It sounds like Maya knew that person, which was confirmed when her opponent showed up.

"H-Hello, Miss Maya. To be honest, I am also surprised I'll be fighting you here."

"I'm more surprised that you're here as a fighter." She was tempted to ask the reason, but she thought it'd be better to ask that later, after the match.

"Looks like our fighters are already acquainted. Are we ready now?"

"I'm ready. I hope you don't mind, Miss Maya."

"It's not like we're gonna kill each other here anyway. Whoever loses will treat the winner later."

Both of them raised their swords as they prepared themselves for the match to start.

"Ohoho! I can feel their fighting spirits already! Which of our Outwolders will win? We shall find out here.

Now, let the battle... BEGIN!"

[BGM: Game Changer · Ikoliks]

As the fight started, Maya rushed to the side and used the power of Geo as she slammed her palm on the ground, creating a wall of Geo shards that trailed their way towards her opponent.

"...!" When the Traveler made her first move, the Sun Breather took a few steps back as he took a deep breath to execute a counterattack.

"Hinokami Kagura... Enbu!" As his sword was engulfed in flames, he performed multiple vertical slashes at the Geo shards erected from the ground.

As he was about to reach Maya, she was no longer in that same spot. Tracking her scent, she was... above him!

"Hy-dropping in!" Switching her element to Hydro, the Traveler threw a couple of bombs of the same element, which would normally inflict great damage when they exploded upon contact. The follow-up attack was so fast, it didn't give Tanjiro enough time to evade them.

"Hinokami Kagura: Retsujitsu Kōkyō!" In his immediate reaction, he attempted to parry those Hydro bombs with 2 consecutive slashes. With his blade in flames, the bombs evaporated within seconds as they nearly exploded.

Landing on the ground with both feet and a hand, Maya rushes towards him. As she got close enough, she went on executing 2 sword slashes.

Before either of them could land a hit on him, Tanjiro stepped back, avoiding the first swing. The second swing was blocked by his sword.

"Holy Valberries! The Traveler is on full offense! Yet looks like our young samurai also keeps his flames up. Oh boy! He might even compete with the Pyro Archon with that kind of heat.

Will his burning blade lead him to victory? Or will he be beaten by the Traveler's multiple elements?"

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To be continued...

[multiverseofmisfits]

Mission Continued in a New World

In this new world, the red huntress had to adjust herself while investigating ways to find her way back to Remnant. Aided by an adeptus, they weren't fortunate enough to find anything that'll lead her back to her homeworld.

However, there seems to be more to look at when the invasion of Grimm across Teyvat arises.

---

At the rooftop of Wangshu Inn...

"I see. So, these Grimm you fought in that realm was from your world. They bear presence similar to the karmic debt, yet they seem different from the ones I've dealt with."

"Yeah. They've been in Remnant for a long time. Maybe centuries?" As she wasn't a studious person back in Beacon, Ruby may not be that good regarding history.

"That portal leading to that realm never opened since then, even if I use adeptus art to reopen it."

"Sorry about that, Xiao. I wish I could be more helpful."

"Don't be. What matters is that you survived and made it out alive. Also, I asked Cloud Retainer to check on the weapon you were using back there. She mentioned it being complicated, but I think she managed to fix it."

"Cloud who? Oh wait, my Crescent Rose?!"

"Is that your weapon's name? Either way, here." He handed Crescent Rose in its default gun form. It didn't have a lot of changes, as it was only polished. But it has a bit of gold motifs on it and-

"She also mentioned that she made bullets for your weapon, infused with adeptal energy in them. I think she really got interested in how it was made."

"Oh my god! It looks much better! Thank you! Can I also meet her in person so I can say my thanks to her as well? Also, I... actually made this weapon."

"You made this? I believe she'd be surprised as well when she hears that. I suppose I can send you to her and-"

Xiao suddenly paused in his words as he sensed something from afar. It didn't take long before they noticed people running towards the inn, as if they were being chased.

"Help us!" "Help! Monsters!"

The said monsters emerged, and they were the same monsters Ruby fought in that dark realm.

"Grimm?! How did they get here?"

"Must be that there's another portal somewhere. Stay here while I deal with-"

"Let me help." Before the Conqueror of Demons could leave, the young huntress quickly held on his arm while staring at him. Her eyes begging him for her to join the fight.

"No. It's too dangerous. You still need to recover. It is my duty to keep Liyue safe from demons. Even to those... Grimm."

"Well, it's also my duty as a huntress to take them down." Maybe not on her own. But she couldn't stand idly and only watch the other fight those Grimm. "Please..."

As it seems like Xiao couldn't convince her otherwise, he lets out a deep sigh. "Fine. But don't restrain yourself too much."

BGM: This Will Be the Day (feat. Casey Lee Williams) - Jeff Williams

In agreement to fight together, Xiao held on Ruby's shoulder for a moment as they teleported to the bridge that was the pathway to the Wangshu Inn. As they got there, they were greeted by the incoming horde of Creeps and Beowolves.

The adeptus dashed in with his jade spear, piercing and slashing through several targets in his direction. As one of the Beowolves was about to strike with its claws, Xiao reacted quickly by executing an upward slash that knocks down the larger foe, followed by another slash aimed at the neck.

On the other hand, Ruby preps her weapon, now in its scythe form, as she began executing several slashes at the Grimm close to her in distance. She would then dash through a couple of larger targets, leaving trails of red petals while unleashing wider slashes.

And so, the battle continues in the land of contracts.

[multiverseofmisfits]

Break the Unbreakable

(Row! Row! Fight the power- wait, back to the story.)

"A knight whose code of honor is to help those in need. Yet she couldn't protect herself, nor even save her only kin." While it was an entertaining sight to her, the witch couldn't stay for long. Through a portal, she left the battlefield as the next stage of her plan will commence soon.

That leaves the siblings fighting each other.

---

"Razor, stop! I don't want to fight you!" The Wildrose Knight begged, only blocking the attacks directed at her using her spear. Not only was she in a terrible state, wounded and exhausted. She doesn't want to hurt her own brother.

"Can't fight, bitch? Just fucking die then!" The corrupted sibling kept striking with his hands turned to large black claws. Fangs shown as appear to be bigger than a wolf's, making him look more feral.

"Please, stop! I can't- AGH!" Her weapon flew off from her hands. The moment she lost her defense, she received slashes on the chest and a kick on the stomach, which pushed her away and had her rolling on the ground.

"GAH!" She coughed out blood as she tried to get up. Tears flowing on her cheeks.

"No... I failed..."

As she looked up, the wolf boy was already in front of her. His cold gaze met hers while holding her spear and was about to use it against her.

"This must be my punishment for not saving you..."

She didn't have strength nor will to fight back anymore, losing hope and in regret.

"I'm sorry..."

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Galloping steps were heard as they got closer. The moment Samantha was about to get pierced her, there was a gunshot from above that struck the tainted boy's hands, making him let go of the weapon.

"The fucking hell was that?!"

"What?"

"My apologies. But I won't let you harm any more people." Arrived in the scene was a young man, clad in black and purple and riding on a mechanical horse. He was holding what seemed to be a rifle-sword hybrid weapon.

The newcomer scanned his surroundings. Seeing the Wolf King in its weakened state and unable to move, and this feral boy who was aggressive to the wounded knight, it gave him a hint that it was the work of that witch.

"Drats! It seems that arrived here late-"

"Damn you! Die, you fucking bastard!" Razor does a high jump and was about to strike the stranger from above. On the other hand, the man aimed his weapon at his current opponent. But then...

"No! Don't kill my brother!" Samantha yelled as she witnessed what was about to happen.

"Wait. Your brother-"

That nearly caught him off-guard as the tainted Vision holder leaped on him and pinned him on the ground. Those sharp fangs bite his rifle-sword, which he holds on at both ends.

"That witch. She really had to go this far," he uttered as he pushed off the wolf boy. He even had to kick the other, as much as he hated to do so, for him to get up.

That also had the wolf boy lying on the ground this time.

"I'm gonna kill you-"

Before Razor could even get up, the blond stranger pinned him and was about to get his head stabbed by the other's weapon. But it was nearly an each that the sharp tip could reach his forehead before it stopped in that position.

"Is this what you want to happen?"

Their gazes met. Behind those glasses, this man's eyes show sorrow.

"Do you really want to kill anyone in your sight? Even your own sister?"

Those words struck the younger male. He heard whispers in his head once more. But this time...

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"Rage.... Hatred-"

"Must protect...

"Torment-

"Become stronger..."

"Kill-"

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"AAAAAAAAAGH"

The voices were overlapping that it brought confusion to him, along with unbearable headache. That had him push the man away, getting up while trying to contain the pain.

"Razor!"

"Miss, stand back!"

Those voices became louder, hardly clear to hear. What confused the wolf boy more was one of the voices... sounded like his own.

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"Destroy... Crush-"

"Never again..."

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"Must... protect lupical..." The Electro Vision attached on his coat began glowing purple, emitting small sparks of lightning with the same hue.

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"Kill--"

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"NEVER!" He suddenly yelled, releasing Electro energy along with unleashing the Wolf Within. The red markings on his skin slowly disappeared, along with those unusual claws and fangs. His eyes also reverted back to normal scarlet ones.

The release of elemental energy was only for a moment before his Wolf Spirit disappeared and he fainted.

"Got you." The man managed to catch the wolf boy's body.

"What happened to him? Is he gonna be okay?" With the remaining strength left, Samantha approached them.

"As far as it looks, he'll be fine. For now, we need to go to a safer place." He stood up, carrying the boy with his arms. "I'll try to explain everything on the way."

[multiverseofmisfits]

A Star Concealed by Darkness

"Lights. Camera. ACTION!"

Looks like there's a rehearsal ongoing for the upcoming stage play soon. There were several takes, but the troupe was able to deliver the lines as intended, along with the actions they'll do.

"And CUT!"

"Let's take a break, everyone. So far, we did a good job. Some of us need a little polishing with the acting. Other than that, we're all set for the play," announced Furina, being a director, as she and the troupe did a round of applause.

As they celebrated in their short break, a loud crash was suddenly heard. One of them had to check what it was, which revealed to be-

*SCREECHING NOISES*

Large creatures resembling centipedes emerged from the shadows as they surrounded the troupe, including the director. Screams were heard as these monsters ensnared their preys. Some even spits acids, resulting to both bloodshed and dissolving flesh.

"N-No way..." being the only one unharmed, Furina was trembling that she stumbled on the blood. One of those centipedes were about to devour her, but was halted by their 'leader'.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

"Now, now. We still need her alive." Also emerged from the shadows was a woman. With how calm she seems, she could be the one that brought these monsters.

"W-Who are you?! Why are you doing this?!" She couldn't stand on her own as fear took over her. Part of her wanted to escape. Yet to leave these people who are now lifeless gives her guilt that dragged her down.

"Just doing Our Highness' commands. That includes fetching you to her humble lair, oh Hydro Archon~"

"Wait, no... Where are you taking me?!"

----------

A few hours later...

An intel about the incident reached the Maison Gardiennage as both Clorinde and Navia, along with the Gardemeks and a few men from the Spina di Rosula, hurried at the crime scene.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by dead bodies with most of them having their innards exposed. A mixture of blood and acid painted the walls and floor.

"Who... Who could do such a thing?!"

"It's unlikely a human that did this," the duelist attempted to inspect the area. The others followed with the investigation.

"Whoever did this, they'll pay for what they've done! In the name of-" Navia's words were cut short as she noticed a hat on the floor. "Wait. That's..."

"Miss Furina's. I have a feeling they took her with them."

The investigation continued, yet no leads of either Furina or the culprit's whereabouts were found.

[multiverseofmisfits]

Under the Sunlight Casts a Shadow

(Events before the Grimm Chaos)

"Brother, please stop!" A cry of a young girl echoed in his mind as he found himself in a bloody mess. There were corpses around. Many of them are those he recognized.

He was out of control. The sharp tendrils sprouted from his back would slice off everything and everyone in his sight. The girl hugged him, still begging him to stop this onslaught.

But he can't. This craving for blood and flesh made him more than a feral beast. And thus-

---

"NO!" Tanjiro got up, found himself on a bed. Oh, right. It was a room given to him. He had that nightmare again, did he?

"You seem troubled in your sleep. Are you okay?" A ginger girl was standing near the bed. How long has she been there again? "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine, Penny. Don't worry about it," he reassured, getting off the bed to prep himself.

---

Later, in the meeting room...

"Bronya apologizes for the sudden meeting. There was a sudden distortion of energy detected from the multiversal planet code T-138, also known as Teyvat."

"Isn't that where Carl is currently assigned? Does that also mean..."

"As what we guessed, the witch is there. What made it worse is that the distortions happened in many areas of the said world."

"By distortions, what do you mean?"

"This must've sound too technical for you. What Bronya is trying to say is there's a sudden rise of creatures not from that world. Penny knows what they are."

"The Grimm. The monsters emerged from Remnant, my home world."

"We need to act as soon as possible. Bronya will send you to the assigned coordinates. We can't let that witch destroy another world."

"Mission acquired, Miss Zaychik! We'll save people as many as we can and stop the Grimm invasion."

"I'll do my best as well."

"Thank you. Reinforcements will arrive soon, but we can't wait for them before it's too late. Regardless, Bronya also hopes you'll make it."

---

After the meeting...

"May Bronya talk to you for a moment?" As everyone already exited the room, he held on the Sun breather's arm.

"Huh? Sure. What is it?"

"She just wanted to ask if you're really willing to do this. Bronya only had a few hints of what you've been through."

"..." He looked down, pondered about that question. It wasn't just about what he wanted to do. It was more like what might happen to him, given that dealing with Grimm were like fighting demons and-

"All I want is for everyone to live in peace. If it's urgent, they I must fight those Grimm." He looked back with determination, not showing any hint of backing out.

"Right. Bronya expected you'd still be willing to protect people. You even reminded her of her idiot friend."

"Uhm... who?"

"Don't mind what Bronya said. Anyway, she believes you can do it."

"Thanks, Bronya. For everything." And he walked off, preparing for the mission.

After that conversation, the Valkyrie looked through the window, having a view of the sea of infinite universes.

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"I hope this plan works."

[multiverseofmisfits]

Everlasting Love Beyond Mortality

It was another normal day for her. She just finished cleaning her apartment. Perhaps reorganized her furnishings a bit. But as she glanced at the calendar on her wall, it reminds her of the long past the led to what she is now.

"Damian. Chloe." She uttered a few names as she went to her drawer and picked up an old notebook. In one of the pages, there was a sketch of what seems to be a family of three. A man, a woman and an infant in her mother's arms.

-----

How she missed her life back then before the tragedy. That old life she once believed to be a fairy tale with a happy ending. Yet such childish hopes burned to ashes as it was that day when she lost her family.

She avenged her family, got executed for her crimes. But she was brought back to the realm of the living, bringing judgment to the sinners. Her scythe was the last thing they saw before they were perished.

That was all a long time ago...

-----

In the midst of her thoughts, Lala was startled by the ringing doorbell. That had her return the notebook in the drawer.

She wasn't expecting a visit today. Could it be that beastman again? Or maybe that dog man? Or perhaps-

"Apologies for the sudden visit," this young man ought to say when the door was opened for him. "I hope you're not busy for today."

"No need to apologize, Carl. It also happened that I've finished cleaning." She was being casual while not expecting her adoptive son to pay a visit. "So what brings you here? Did something happen?"

"Nothing bad happened. At least that's far as I'm aware of."

Regardless, Lala allowed him to enter and take a seat. Much like how she usually treats her guests.

"Actually, I came here to give you this." He showed gift box, neatly-wrapped in blue with a gold bow.

"For me? I do hope you know today isn't my birthday." Yet, looking back at the calender, it gave her a hint. And as she opened the present, its content surprised her.

"This is..."

A sketch of her family, much like the one she had on her notebook but larger. It was also in a frame which can also be hung on walls.

"I had to sketch it by memory so my apologies as well if there are some inconsistencies."

"This... is surprisingly accurate. You did well," she placed a hand on his shoulder, almost tempted to give him a headpat. "Thank you. I'll be sure to take care of this-"

"Hey, Lala. Do you still have some beer left?" And then, this beastman entered, albeit without permission. "Oh. Four eyes is here. Wanna drink with us?"

"I'll... pass. I was just about to leave and- mother?"

"Shouldn't you at least knock first before barging in here?!" There was a sudden change of mood from the dullahan as she glared at the beastman.

"Well, the door isn't locked so I came in and-" He could feel the dark aura creeping him. From the looks of it, Lala isn't pleased of him being there. "Oh, shit."

"Mother, I think you really need to calm down and have him--"

"GET. OUT!!!"

The dullahan pulled her head up, easily detaching it from her body, before throwing it at Viral like a football. "Ack!" Her precision was surprisingly accurate that it struck his face, knocking him down on the floor.

Anyway, Lala adored the gift she received that she hung on her wall afterwards.

[multiverseofmisfits]

The Puppet Against the Faceless

The verdant nation of wisdom had its own archon sealed for centuries. But as the Traveler resolved its crisis, much like the other nations, the current Dendro Archon has been freed and has given the appropriate authority to govern her own nation and provide wisdom to her people.

Yet, as chaos emerged in almost all nations of Teyvat, Sumeru is bound to face another crisis. How will the Dendro Archon solve this while the Traveler is in another nation?

---

In other parts of the nation, the Grimm creatures emerged, striking anyone on their sight while also wreaking havoc. However, in the city where the Akademiya is, it was surrounded by far more unknown entities.

Unidentified constructs were floating around, shooting down lasers at the citizens who tried to flee for their lives. These entities also destroyed some infrastructures done. The soldiers couldn't even fight back and were defenseless as they became targets as well.

The surviving citizens headed to the bazaar, under the Akademiya building, hoping they won't be reached by those hostile flying entities.

Just when they thought no one will protect them...

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"Did you really think you can conquer this city that easily?"

A male voice was heard, loud and clear to the residents and perhaps to those Mugann. To the students of the Akademiya, it was a familiar voice to them.

Teleported in the scene was a gigantic robot. Its appearance implying it was from Inazuma.

Shouki no Kami, the Prodigal. The same machine that once attempted to replace Lesser Lord Kusanali as a god. As it appears once more, will it save the people of Sumeru from the invasion of those alien machines?

So who's piloting Shouki no Kami?

"Hmph. Lots of annoying insects. You don't even look like those Grimm monsters." Even so, the Wanderer assumed these things and the Grimm are working together.

"That Dendro Archon better know what she's doing right now. I might not be able to keep a hold on these pests for too long."

As those Mugann had their focus as the larger robot and aimed their lasers at their new target, an array of purple orbs materialized behind Shouki no Kami which then shoots out a barrage of Electro projectiles aimed at the foes who dared to get closer. Some projectiles even countered the lasers, creating explosions midair.

Just when most of his targets were taken down, more of those Mugann came out from a portal that shortly appeared. It didn't take long before his enemies became twice their initial number.

"Tch!" He's getting outnumbered. If this even keeps up, the city will have more casualties and might even put the surviving residents in danger. "You don't know how to stop, do you?"

From the palms of this robot, Cryo and Pyro energy were charged and unleashed as another set of projectiles fired at the enemies around him, wiping out a portion of them.

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Meanwhile, inside the Sanctuary...

"Connection has been established. It seems that she's currently in Natlan." It appears that the Dendro Archon is trying to reach out someone outside of Sumeru.

And who could it be?

"Traveler, are you with the Pyro Archon right now? I need your help."

[multiverseofmisfits]

The Witch's Trial

As the aftermath of the Grimm invasion brought a new era for what is now Neo-Teyvat, the nations made a stronger unity between. While six of those nations announced their treaty with one another, the nation of Cryo has its own ways to connect with them and provide aid if needed.

Now, for the judgement day...

Ever since the treaty, the Opera Epiclese was also used for international court trials. This has been approved by the Iudex himself.

"We have gathered once more for this trial. I suppose all of the representatives from all nations are present?"

At the front seats were the said representatives:

The Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius, Jean Gunnhildr. Accompanied by the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya Alberich.

The Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing and the Lady of the Jade Chamber, Ningguang. Accompanied by her general secretary, Ganyu.

The General of Inazuma's Tenryou Commission, Kujou Sara. Accompanied by their detective, Shikanoin Heizou.

The Scribe of the Sumeru Akademiya's Mahamata, Alhaitham. Accompanied by the General Mahamatra, Cyno.

And the chiefs of all six tribes in Natlan.

These representatives confirmed their presence to the Chief Justice. There were other attendants present as well. It was a bit more crowded than what the opera house usually have during trials. Not that it'll affect the trial itself anyway.

Soon enough, the trial was about to commence.

"I shall reiterate the purpose of this trial. It is to determine what sanction, in accordance to the International Law of Neo-Teyvat, shall be imposed to the accused if proven guilty with the charges. Now...

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The trial towards the Lady of Grimm, Salem, is now in session."

The crowd felt fear when the name was announced, despite already aware what the trial was for.

It didn't take long before the accused has madd her appearance. Her arms bound by chains while a contraption was attached around her neck, albeit to seal her powers.

"How quaint that you've gathered them here. Say, Chief Justice. How is your lady doing lately~?"

Her words stung the Iudex, yet he didn't let his emotions get the best of him. Despite knowing what this witch did to Furina, he couldn't just lash out against her.

As the one in charge, it was his duty to keep the trial fair.

"Only the prosecutor and the defense lawyer will be allowed to ask questions in this trial. Now, may I also call one of the witnesses who'd like to speak for this trial?"

On the other side, the witness entered...

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"I'm ready, Your Honor."

[multiverseofmisfits]

Non-human Encounter

Aided by unfamiliar entities from outside this world, the Grimm invasion in the land of freedom has been subdued for now. It left countless casualties in its city and had lost many innocent lives, if not only severely injured.

However, this is not where it ends as danger still lingers.

---

As he still has a mission to accomplish, the Sun breathing slayer had to separate paths from Zek. The least he could hope for was for that man to be fine on his own. On the other hand, he was taking his own path with a companion.

"Are you sure you want to help too, Miss Fischl?" He was mostly concerned for the other's well-being, not wanting to bring her into further danger.

"It is by the prinzessin's decree of aiding these mortals from the malevolent creatures of the dark." Of course, she goes in-character again, mostly doing it to not feel too nervous at what might come next.

"Then I guess we'll have to find other survivors before heading to the city," he suggested as his nose caught a faint scent that implies there are people nearby. That and-

"There's still one left!" The scent also tells him that there's a Grimm as well. Those people could be in trouble.

------

"Diona, leave. You can't stay here." A man with feline ears was injured on his leg and couldn't walk as he tried to protect his child from a large Grimm that resembles a gorilla.

"No, dad! I'm not leaving you here!" The young Cryo Vision holder would then aim her bow at the monster before them. An arrow aimed at the head, yet the Beringel managed to catch it with its hand.

After receiving a few more arrows which are ineffective, it used its other hand to strike at the father and daughter. But before it could even touch them-

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"Not a fucking chance, you big bastard!"

An unusual-looking giant robot came in the scene, armed with two swords. It used one of its blade to cut the Grimm's arm and the other to behead the creature. The weapons were strong enough to slice and pierce through its skin.

It was also at that moment when Tanjiro and Fischl arrived as well, supposedly helping Diona and her dad if that mech didn't show up.

But that particular Ganmen. That voice. Even the scent. Could that be...

The Beringel's body slowly turned into black dust and faded. At least that's already taken care of and the two who were in danger are saved.

"What is that thing?" The young Kätzlein wasn't sure if she should feel grateful or afraid of that giant mech as she held close to her father.

"Diona. Mister Draff." Fischl quickly approached the two, checking on them.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro had his attention at the mech as it opens its cockpit on its torso. That confirms his guess of who was piloting it.

"Hey! You could've at least say thank you for saving your asses from that damn ape."

"Viral? What are you doing here?"

"What the fuck? You're here too? I thought Lala's kid was the only one brought here."

"You know him?" Fischl reacted, somewhat cautious at the beastman as she shortly gazed at his claws and sharp teeth. He's definitely not a human at a first glance. Is he an ally though?

"Yeah. He's... a friend." Perhaps not a close friend. But maybe an acquaintance, to say the least.

"Right, friend. Just managed to meet you when Lala was around. I'm surprised you were sent here too, assuming this is your assignment." Arms crossed as he kept his gaze at the swordsman. "For a demon, I didn't expect they'll even allow you to be here."

"..."

"A demon?" Confusion struck Fischl as she looked at Tanjiro, then back to Viral. Was that supposed to be a metaphor or-

"Ah, shit. Was that supposed to be a classified information?"

"It's okay. It's my decision to accept this mission anyway. Regardless of what I am, I still believe that the lives of people here are important and should be protected."

"Damn, you're one heroic kid. Wait, you're probably older than me." The beastman muttered, mostly to himself. "So who's that girl with an eyepatch? Your girlfriend?"

"G-Girlfriend?!" That assumption instantly made Fischl's face turn red.

"No, we just met. She's Fischl, one of the people here."

"Ahem. It is I, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, has descended upon this land-"

"Okay, Fish Shell. No need for the long-ass introduction. Damn, I really need to grab a drink and--"

"Hey! Are you all finished? Can't you see my dad still bleeding here?" Diona had to interrupt, getting impatient as she is worried for her father.

"Don't worry. I can still take it..."

"But dad! You're injured!"

"We need to take him to the city," suggested Fischl, breaking her character as she sees that the injured man needs urgent treatment.

"Well, either you do that and spend more time with the travel than the treatment itself. Or..." He slowly looks down at the shorter male with arms crossed. "Have a damn healer do his miracle work."

Getting the hint, the Sun breather got anxious as he approached the injured Kätzlein, kneeling down and had his hand over the wounded area. Looks like he had no other choice but to do that.

"Must only focus on regeneration..."

A droplet of blood from his finger was applied to the wound which actually has a fracture in it. In just a moment, it began regenerating and only took a few seconds before it was completely healed.

"The pain. It's... gone." Draff tried to stand up on his own, much to his daughter's worry. Much more to his surprise, he can walk again without feeling any pain.

"Whoa! You can heal as well?!" Of course, that had Diona in awe, if not just in shock. "I could've done the healing too, but those monsters destroyed the equipment I use."

"Don't worry about that, Diona. What's important is that we survived and you're safe." The father looked back the other three. "Thank you for saving us."

"You're welcome. I... We just do what needs to be done. Although I believe we need to go to a safer place."

"Oh. You still wanna go to the city? Good fucking luck on that-"

"Since you have that giant mannequin, can you take us there?"

"Hey! You don't call Enki a mannequin, gramps. And the cockpit ain't that spacious for 5 people!"

"May we not be carried the palms of this mechanical titan, oh other traveler from the outworld?"

"The fuck's with that kind of speech?" His brows furrowed at Fischl's eccentric words. Either way, he's not escaping from this, is he? "Fine. I'll take you there. But tangerine here owes me some answers since I have a fuckton of questions for him."

After the agreement, much to the beastman's dismay, four of them were carried by Enki's hands while he pilots the said mech as they headed to the City of Mondstadt. Perhaps also hoping that there won't be another wave of Grimm attacking for a while at least.

[multiverseofmisfits]

Defending the Land of Eternity

An hour ago, in Inazuma City...

"What's going on?!"

"A large group of Nobushi are heading here. Call General Kujou immediately!"

The soldiers were in a panic as they saw vagrants heading toward Inazuma City. They were even accompanied by many kairagi and-- what are those masked creatures?!

Are they... allies with those Grimm monsters?

---

Meanwhile, in a hideout...

"You managed to take most of my men down. Not bad," the woman, presumably these nobushi's boss, remarked at the two trespassers. "Let's see how long you'll last, oni."

She pulled out a couple of PK machine guns, one on each arm, and unleashed a storm of bullets toward Itto and Kuki, giving them difficulty in dodging the bullets.

"Ah, shit," the oni cussed under his breath, seeking a spot to shield himself- wait. He can't be separated from Shinobu.

"More of these men are also coming- AGH!"

"Shinobu!"

His 'second-in-command' was shot at the shoulder. That immediately caused Itto to pull her out and go behind one of the barrels. Since their main opponent had her aim at them, it may not take long before their cover gets destroyed.

"Don't worry about me, boss. It's just a scratch." She reassured, trying to cover her wound and ignore the pain.

"To hell with that! I ain't letting you or anyone in my gang get hurt-"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The barrel was shattered by a barrage of bullets, forcing the two to flee from their hiding spot. Their attempt to escape became more difficult as more nobushi blocked their path.

"Going somewhere, intruder?"

"OUT OF OUR WAY!"

Infuriated by how dire the situation was, Itto gave the one at the front a punch directly in the face. While it knocked one down, a few other nobushi pulled out their own guns aimed at the aggressive oni.

"Boss, look out!"

That was along with the rapid bullets from that woman. It's like they were trapped and nowhere else to save themselves...

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KA-BOOM!

The ceiling from above suddenly exploded. Its debris fell on the nobushi blocking the path. That halted the female boss from shooting, looking up and...

"Another intruder?!"

With the hideout now in the open, the cult were found out by what seemed to be a flying girl with odd-looking swords floating on her back. What seemed to keep her in the air were those boosters on her feet.

"Source of Grimm anomaly found." Emerald eyes began scanning the people inside, detecting Itto and Shinobu as civilians and the others being-

"Did these people got infected with Grimmification?" She uttered, noticing the red marks on those vagrants' skins. At a closer look, they also have red eyes with black sclera.

Upon short observation, the girl faced the two who were almost trapped. "Civilians not infected, please evacuate now. I'll take this from here."

---

Back in the city, at present...

While the guards tried to hold back the incoming vagrants, they were easily outnumbered. Not just by the aggressive vagrants, but also the Grimm creatures with them.

But Inazuma isn't defenseless. The soldiers under the Tenryou Commission gathered to fight both the vagrants and majority of the Grimm. Some of the said creatures also seemed to have faced 3 men who managed to take them down at ease.

(See @strykingback's "Three Samurai")

"Don't let these monsters reach Tenshukaku!" Their general commanded as she shot out Electro-charged arrows at the incoming vagrants, stunning them at least.

These vagrants would counterattack, slashing and shooting back whoever gets in their way while chanting the phrases...

"Bring Inazuma to Our Highness."

"Defy the tyrant Shogun that imprisoned our land!"

[multiverseofmisfits]

Familial Ties

[Interdimensional Comms]

"Bronya, we have an urgent situation! I have 2 injured victims here and I need to bring them to our base."

"Carl?! What happened?"

"The Grimm Witch! These two fought her but she escaped. One of them is in fatal condition. The other got infected. I'll explain to you when we get there."

"Affirmative. Bronya will prepare a quick teleportation set from your coordinates."

---

After they were teleported away from the chaos, they were sent to what seems to be a headquarters. To Samantha, who was currently in a terrible state from the injuries she had, everything around her was unfamiliar to her. On the other hand, the young man who saved her had been carrying her unconscious brother on his back.

"What... is this place?"

While she waited for the response, another person showed, approaching Carl in concern.

"Take them to the emergency rooms immediately."

At haste, they rushed to the said rooms to begin treatment at the wounded siblings.

---

A few hours later...

"The sister is now in stable condition. It was a good call that her injuries were treated at once." Bronya was reading the records provided to her.

"And her brother? Did he..."

"The Grimmification was subdued. This is the first time Bronya saw this, compared to the previous cases from the other worlds."

"So he's still infected?!"

Bronya checked the records again, reconfirming the findings.

"Unfortunately, that is the case. Lala mentioned she'll be running more tests. Hopefully, this can lead to a cure to undo the Grimmification."

"I hope so too. Also for both of them to recover."

"You seemed really worried for them. Did something else happen?"

"Well, they remind me of how me and my sister were."

He gazed through the glass window, watching the Wildrose Knight currently unconscious. His expression showing genuine concern for those siblings.

"Bronya recalls you mentioned it before. Ada, isn't it?"

"That was indeed her name. Even until now, I was hoping we'll see each other again. But of course, I won't go reckless on searching for her across the multiverse."

"Don't worry. Bronya understands. She also hopes you'll be reunited with her soon. Both alive and well, she means."

"Thanks, Bronya. My apologies if I'm passing this burden to you."

"Don't apologize. Bronya even doubts your passing burden to anyone either."

"If you say so." And he went serious again, recalling there are more things to do. "I'll have to go back to Teyvat. It may be too much to ask, but please watch them over for me."

"Of course. Bronya will be monitoring them while you're away."

Soon, teleportation has been prepared for him to resume in his mission.

[multiverseofmisfits]

Distorted Nightmare

It was all pitch black around him. He couldn't hear nor smell anything. He could only hear his own breathing. His own words.

"Where am I?"

His words echoed, yet only for a moment as his surroundings began to distort with some hues. Mostly red. Slowly, images were formed and they even seemed real.

There were human bodies lying around. Many of them had their limbs and innards torn apart. Some of their faces were also familiar to him.

"Bennett? Klee? Cold sis?"

There were a few more. In fact, there were even those wolves from the pack he lived with that appeared to be in the same fate as these corpses. It was overall a bloody mess.

"Lupical? No, this can't be-"

As he looked down, he found himself standing in a red pond. Is that blood? What shocked him more was he was holding on someone he dearly cares for.

"Big sis?!"

In his arms was Samantha whose body was cold and had been bleeding from the chest. Her gaze, while looking up at him, was blank and lifeless. She never spoke nor even move.

"No! Don't fucking die!"

In disbelief, he was nearly in tears as he shook her body. But there was no response. Not even a hint of her still breathing. How did this happen?

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"Don't you remember how you killed your own sister?"

A voice whispered to his ear, giving him a chill in his spine, if not only giving him intense hear. That voice... Why does it sounds like him?

"No... You're lying!"

He yelled back, turning around but was stunned when he finally saw who spoke to him.

"Are you denying that she begged for you to stop? You didn't hold back. You killed her because you wanted her dead."

"NO! I DIDN'T-!"

Yet he recalled how he harmed his sister. How she never wanted to fight him. But what did he do?

"I didn't mean to-"

The words he spitted to her implied otherwise. He called her pathetic and many other hurtful words escaped from his mouth.

"You did, with your OWN hands. She's dead because of YOU."

This dark entity leaned closer, giving a cold embrace from behind. All while the boy was in tears, trembling in his knees. He was in shock. In remorse. In deep hatred to himself. This mix of emotions was too much to bear.

"I'm sorry. I should've protected you..."

His closest 'lupical'. Did he actually failed to protect her?

[multiverseofmisfits]

A Lost Rose From Another World

Mysterious portals appeared in many places across Teyvat. Each opened in certain times that are unpredictable. Among the portals discovered was in the underground cave of Sal Terrae.

As demonic presence was sensed from this portal, it was the duty of the Conqueror of Demons to investigate it.

---

Ever since she awakened in a realm filled with darkness, the girl in red hooded cape has been fighting countless Grimm. Beowolves, Creeps, a couple of Nevermores. She might've taken down one Manticore as well.

But she was running out of strength and already beaten up. It would be difficult for her to continue fighting in this state.

"I must... find everyone." She couldn't find her teammates. Her sister. Not even her other friends nor family. Anyone she's familiar with. They were nowhere to be seen in this nothingness except the Grimm monsters that kept spawning.

Her Crescent Rose already ran out of bullets, thus close-ranged combat was her only option. But she was too exhausted already. Unable to stand up as she felt her knees getting numb.

"No way..." Tears went down on her cheeks, feeling hopeless that she might not be able to get out.

Is this the end of her?

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"Evil conquering!"

As she was losing consciousness, she faintly heard a voice. As her eyes were half-lidded, there was a masked figure before her. He seems to be holding a weapon and his masked was a bit scary at a glance. Then, as she blinked, a green and black aura swiped in her blurred vision.

There were growls. Must be from those Grimm. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to witness what happened next as she fell into deep slumber.

---------

As she opened her eyes, she found herself lying on a bed in a room that gives oriental ambiance. "Where am I?" She slowly got up and looked around. How did she end up there? Wasn't she in a-

"So you're awake. How are you feeling right now?" A young man with a short frame entered the room and stood at the side with arms crossed. That voice sounded familiar to the huntress. It then reminded her of what happened back in that dark place.

"Wait. Were you that masked guy back there?" was her immediate reaction. "Oh. I'm fine by the way."

"It's a relief you survived. If you stayed longer in that realm, you could get yourself killed." He sure was blunt in that explanation. "How did you end up there?"

"I..." she tried to remember, but she didn't have any recollection of it. All she could recall was that she's in Beacon Academy, looking for her teammates while chaos ensues...

She remembered how some of her friends died.

How the Kindgom of Vale was destroyed by an army of Grimm.

"Pyrrha... Penny..." She began to cry as harsh memories flooded her mind. As she felt helpless, a hand reached her shoulder. Perhaps to comfort her.

"I assume you've been through a lot." The yaksha wasn't good at comforting people, but- "You should rest for now."

"Thank you. I'm sorry you had to see me like this. By the way, I'm Ruby." After wiping her tears off, she offered a handshake to the other.

"Adeptus Xiao. I'll give you the liberty to just call me Xiao. No need for pleasantries."

"Oh. I guess handshake isn't a practice here. So where am I again?"

"In Bubu Pharmacy. I was told you'll need at least a day to recover."

"Bubu Pharmacy? Are we in Vacuo?"

"No. You're in Liyue. I'm not sure about this Vacuo you speak of."

"Liyue? Where in Remnant is that?"

"Remnant? I don't recall any place of that name anywhere in Teyvat."

There's a lot of confusion in that particular topic. As it sounds like she's not in the world she knew, perhaps... she got herself in a different world?

[multiverseofmisfits]

From the Shadows, Defying the Eternal God

The land of eternity, once secluded from other nations. As the Traveler managed to shake the Shogun's will, Inazuma opened its borders once more, along with the Visions returned to their respective holders.

While its people had their faith to their Almighty Shogun, there were those who would oppose her. Many of them... were strayed off into the shadows.

"Did you see that, Shinobu? They're no match against Crimson Beets!" exclaimed the oni as he was quite proud with having a single victory out of 15 matches from a beetle fight.

"Sure, boss. Though your onikabuto got knocked out 5 times after that win." His second in command, though acting more like a real leader than him, wasn't enthusiastic from such a kid's game, letting out a sigh with arms crossed.

"Oh, c'mon! I just let them win so they won't feel bad about it."

"Sounds like you're the one coping here, though."

"Me? Coping? This oni here ain't one who co- WHOA!"

As they were walking while having a bit of an argument, Itto seemed to stepped on a soft footing of stones that cracked due to his weight. The cracks widened that it later had him and Shinobu fall in what appears to be a large hole underneath.

"AH!" "OH SHI- OW! My butt!"

They soon found themselves in a dark place. Perhaps a cave? There seemed to be some supplies there, but they were hard to determine due to how dim the place was with the hole from about as their only source of light.

"Who the hell set up that trap?! If I find out who they are, they'll get a piece of-"

"Shhh. I hear something over there."

Voices were heard from the other side. Watching their steps, the two slowly approached the source, hiding behind the crates as they witnessed... a cult?

"The time is near for Our Highness to rule all lands. Soon, that tyrant Shogun will be no more, and we'll no longer need to hide from the shadows!"

"All hail to our goddess! The queen beyond the gods who has forsaken us!"

"May Our Highness rule all lands of Teyvat!"

Back in the hiding spot...

"Their what now? What's with these guys cheering for some nameless queen?"

"I'm not sure. But we need to get out of here first before they-"

"What do we have here?" The two were greeted by a Kairagi from behind. The moment they were found out, the other worshippers approached them.

"That vile Shogun sent spies! Don't let them get away!"

"Spies? You're talking to The One and Oni, Itto here!"

"Boss, this ain't the best time to brag about it! We're surrounded!"

"As if that'll stop me from beating their asses! Bring it on! I bet your queen is no match for me!"

"How dare you speak ill to Our Highness-"

"No, no. Don't kill them just yet. We'll need both of them, especially that oni." A woman's voice was heard as she walked in, revealing herself from the shadows.

"Seeing how strong he looks, he can be a great use to Our Highness."

"What did you say?! Hey! I ain't serving for anyone! I'm the boss of my own here!"

"Looks like we don't have other choice." Having no options for escape, the two of them prepared themselves as they're about to fight a horde of vagrants.

--------

Meanwhile, in the Plane of Euthymia...

"This feeling of uneasiness..." uttered the Electro Archon as she was trying to meditate, only to be distracted by an unexpected visitor.

"You must be the God of Eternity. Beelzebul, isn't it?"

"?!"

Ei quickly turned around as an unfamiliar face greeted her. As far as she knows, only a few were able to enter her realm of consciousness using certain mediums.

"Who are you? How were you able to get here?"

"I'm sorry for the intrusion. I don't have much time to stay longer in this state. But I must let you know that Inazuma...

No, the whole of Teyvat needs your help."

[multiverseofmisfits]

A Knight's Despair

But there's still hope?

The feeling of being engulfed by darkness overwhelmed him. It was cold, somewhat painful. The cries of agony echoed in his mind. Soon enough, the voices began whispering to him. Inaudible at first, but they became clearer...

"Rage... Hatred... Torment... Kill..."

As the Wildrose Knight regained her senses, it shocked her to witness her brother screaming in pain while being tormented by that witch.

"LET GO OF MY BROTHER!"

Despite her weakened state, she used her Vision once more to imbue her spear with Dendro that soon took a form of a long lance. Anger took over as she rushed to the witch's direction. However, she was blocked by one of those Grimm creatures. Specifically, a Beringel.

GROOOOOOWL

"Yes. Be yourself fueled with rage. Soon, both you and your dear little brother will be together."

The Grimm Witch taunted once more while still had the wolf boy in her grip. The orb on her other hand had its tendril pierced on the boy's neck. It was injecting something in him.

"Destroy... Crush them..."

"No... Stop it..."

In Razor's mind, the voices became louder, uttering the words they were urging him to do. He tried to resist. He can't let them win.

"Rage... Hatred..."

"Big sis..." He felt weak and reached for his sister. But she was too far, dealing with a monster that was holding her back. He wanted to help her, but-

"Torment..."

He began seeing disturbing images in view akin to a glitched monitor. At one moment, he saw his wolf family dead. At another, the dismembered bodies of civilians.

"Lupical... no... I must..."

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"Kill..."

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Back to the fight, Samantha had difficulty fending off the Grimm on her own. In her attempt to pierce her opponent, the creature grabbed the other end of her weapon and slammed her on the ground.

"AGH!" The impact gave her intense pain. She tried to bear it. Yet in her attempt to get up, the Beringel slammed both its fists on her, keeping her lying on the ground.

"No. Not again..." Tears began to flow down as she felt helpless. "I need to save him this time."

"You poor girl. Being weak and hopeless. Not what your people expect to see from one of the Knights of Favonius, is it?" The Grimm Witch mocked once more as she approaches. With a wave of her hand, the Beringel turned into a black goo that was then sapped by the orb she still possessed.

"Do you really want that pitiful face of yours to be seen by your beloved brother?"

"What?"

The Wildrose was shocked to see who was standing next to Salem. While no longer writhing in pain, the wolf boy looked down at her with a cold gaze. Certainly, there was something wrong with him.

"Now, dear child. Anything you'd like to say to your dear sister~?"

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"Pathetic bitch. You're better off dead."

--------------

In an unknown realm...

"Hm? So this variant of the Grimm Witch really made it to this world of Teyvat." This mysterious woman gazed at a few portals, seeing what was currently happening in the said world.

"My, my. Taking as far as hostaging people connected to divine beings and used Grimmification to a Vision holder. As for the Traveler, she must be heading to the Pyro Archon's with a fellow outworlder." She then gazed at another portal. "Oh? More outworlders have arrived too. What twists of events we have in a short period of time~"

"Would you be able to make sure our dear Traveler wouldn't stray off this time? You are her closest companion from the beginning after all."

"I'll see what I can do. Now I need to get back and meet her at Natlan. Otherwise, she might think I've been swallowed by a Grimm."

"Ah, of course! Can't have our 'mascot' be separated from her partner for too long~" And she opened a portal, allowing the floating pixie to enter.

"Now where were we again?" She then turned around to face another guest in her realm. "Ah, yes. I believe this is where you want to enact your 'redemption'?"

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"Yes, I'll take this chance."