The Master of Puppets, The Reunion of Friends, and The Altered Destiny.
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Sounds of heavy panting echoed through the desolate cavern, with the occupants holding on to a nearby wall for support.
"Well, that was terrifying." Phillip said in a matter-of-fact tone, as he quickly brushed himself off and adjusted his clothes. "You two okay?"
"Huff... I haven't been this exhausted in a while!" Amber then nodded. "But, apart from that, I'm fine! How about you, Eula?"
"...I swear, if we get out of this alive, I will get my vengeance." from her tone and glare alone, Phillip knew not to make a comment; the Lawrence Clan are known for their photographic memory, after all.
"Lovely; now, apart from that nice greeting we had from our resident hellspawn, I noticed quite a few things about this place while we were running.
"You know, besides it being a shithole." he added, seeing Eula's unamused gaze.
"Well, go on; I want to know who to put on ice after all this."
"Eula!"
"Well, it's clear that someone has been using these tunnels for a bit now; maybe just under a few months. Not only that, but I sense multiple Elemental lifeforms around us; one that's incredibly pure, most probably the kid; one that's incredibly dark, maybe Collei and Hank, and--"
"Wait, hold on." Amber suddenly looked incredibly interested, her eyes looking oddly distant. "Did you say Collei?"
"Hm? Oh, you know her? Around your height, green hair, purple eyes, and a lot of snark?"
"Yeah... yeah, that's her!" she suddenly looked puzzled. "But, I thought she was in Sumeru?"
Chuckling in exhaustion, he gestured. "Come; I'll fill you two in as we walk."
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"So, random question; let's say, for a moment, that I don't recall mentioning my little... problem. Would you be able to sense it, still?"
"Indeed; my eye is able to track, trace and analysis Elements. Yours is no exception."
Walking at the androids' side, Collei moved the bracelet-gauntlets, grumbling. "I admit I'm not the fashion type, but why are they so large? And--wait, how did you make these so fast?"
Hank glanced at her. "They were made that way to control larger amounts of energy, Archon Residue or Elements. As for its quick creation, I had it on my person for a while; I simply completed some last minute adjustments on it."
"How long is 'a while'?"
She shrugged. "Last I checked, one hundred and twenty-three days."
"I guessed..."
Continuing on, Collei gave herself a mental shrug. Might as well learn more about her unexpected companion, right?
"So, apart from your guns, what else do you use in combat?"
Hank pointed towards her waist, where thin capsules laid side-by-side.
"These: Micro Elemental Bombs, or MEBs for short. Once thrown, they explode upon either elemental reaction or a heat source. The latter, I don't worry about; as an android, I have no body heat."
"Hmm..." putting her arms out and... 'willing' it, dark tendrils surrounded Collei's arms. "Would this count as a heat source?"
"...No, it would not. Why do you ask?"
"Say if you need someone to give it an extra 'oomph'; if I cover myself, I'd be able to hold them, right?"
"...That is correct." Hank looked pleased, though she's not sure if that's a necessarily 'good' thing.
"Well, anyways... is there anyone else here besides us?"
Hank's eye flickered into life, and Hank then replied: "There is Phillip, Llizel's mortal vessel and an 'Amber' and 'Eula Lawrence' as well... Collei?" Hank turned to the frozen girl, who's eyes were wide.
Collei blinked, then muttered in shock, "Amber's here...?"
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Well, that explains a few things.
Holding on to your staff to support to yourself, you peered down and spotted a group that you weren't surprised to see:
The Fatui. Because where danger and/or interesting things are, they're soon to follow.
And, sitting on a Ruin Guard, her bored eyes twiddling her thumbs, was the Fatui Harbinger Marionette, or just Sandrone.
"Progress." her voice was soft, but with the underlining venom in it, you immediately knew she wouldn't be fun to face in combat.
"I'm afraid that it has been slow, Lady Sandrone," a Skirmisher said, as he moved over to a device that sunk into the ground. "However, we've managed to detect a massive Elemental energy a few hundred feet below us, maybe even less; not only that, but it's artificial as well."
"Artificial? In what way." there wasn't even a flicker on her face, but her voice did hold curiousity.
"We are still attempting to ascertain it, but it seems to be divine in origin; additionally, another Elemental signature shows another entity, one that's ancient in age."
"I see. If you'll please, try and take another scan elsewhere; I shall deal with the affairs here."
The Fatuus nodded, and with a quick, "Yes, My Lady," he walked away. When he was gone Sandrone scanned the room.
"I assume this power I feel is the one of Our Divine Leader. Do I assume correctly?" there was no hostility in her voice, only a curiosity.
Seeing that you've already been found out, you decide to find yourself, and teleport some feet behind her. "You've got a good eye."
"...Hiding your physical form? ...I suppose that is fair; after all, God or not, one should always be careful." Sandrone reasoned, before turning to your exact location. "Still, a suggestion; perhaps you should consider hiding your Elemental energy as well?"
...Yeah, she's got you there. Revealing yourself, you gave a shrug. "I confess that my mind hasn't been the sharpest lately. I will take l your suggestion to heart, however."
The Marionette's eyebrows raised at your appearance, icy blue eyes betraying not the slightest thought behind them. "So, the God Who Formed Teyvat has returned. For what reason?"
You smiled, walking around and slowly twirling the Staff of Llizel. "Now, that's an interesting question. Honestly, I could tell you that I'm here on important business, when I'm actually just here to relax. I could tell you I have descended to save the world from an immediate crisis, when I'm actually just going to sit back and watch it happen.
"What I'm trying to say is: it's not what I think I'm here for, it's what you think I'm here for."
"...I see. Then, if I was to say you were here in order to help the world of Teyvat in ridding it of a potentially harmful being..."
"...Then, that shall be my reason." you nodded, your staff on the floor. "I never thought I'd find myself in the company of one of the Cryo Archon's Harbingers, to be frank, but it is nice not knowing all."
"Forgive my prying, but what do you mean, 'nice not knowing nothing', might I ask?"
"Personally, and don't tell this to anyone from Sumeru, but I believe that true knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing; knowing everything can be incredibly dull, all things considered, and mayhaps I simply enjoy surprises, but I quite enjoy adapting and overcoming obstacles."
"...Hm." Sandrone nodded at you, a smile gracing her lips. "In that case, it's a pleasure to work with you, Your Grace."
"Likewise, Lady Sandrone."
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"Hm~hm~hm-hm~hm-hm-hm-hm."
"Please tell me you're not enjoying this."
"Oh, heavens no; although, when the going gets tough, denial is one's best friend."
Amber let out a small laugh at her friend and the strange yet respectful traveller's small bouts of talk. It helps to break the silence that normally befalls them. After a moment more of walking, Amber tried her hand at conversation, as Phillip paused to check the Elements around them.
"Say, Phillip, I've been wondering; do you have any hobbies?"
Eula looked at her, but Phillip chose to reply. "Hobbies? Hmm... well, to be perfectly honest, no; not in this life, anyhow."
"Eh? What do you mean, 'not in this life'?"
"That, my friend, is where it gets less logical and more 'please believe me' territory. Though, since you're curious, I'll try my best to explain it simply: firstly, tell me this: what is, to you, a soul?"
"A soul?" Amber put her hand to her chin, tapping it as her eyes closed. "Well... it's what a living being is, right? What makes them 'them'?"
"That's a good description, yes; furthermore, a soul can be, basically, recycled; when a person's physical body dies, and their conscious fades entirely, their soul gets 'cleaned', and is then passed on to the next new living being. What then happens then, if you please, if a soul isn't fully cleaned?
"In short, the memories of that life is passed on to the next being, more commonly known as reincarnation: as it currently stands, I am the sixth reincarnation, with this being my last."
"...Okay, let's say for a moment I believe you," Eula challenged, her eyebrow quirked. "How is it that you still possess all your memories without suffering any mental damage?"
"Ah, now that is something I was hoping you'd ask; simply put, I've categorised my memories, from life, into talents, into knowledge, into experiences, like a folder of sorts. It helps save my memory some trouble, and is highly effective as well!"
"That... actually sounds pretty cool!" admitted the crimson Outrider, and then pondered, "Well, if you have so many memories, could you answer one question of mine?"
"How much?" at Eula's glare, he put his hands up. "I'm joking. Still, if you will?"
"In Sumeru, I heard that people use knowledge as a resource. Well, I was thinking: what is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?"
"Hmm..." crossing his arm over on and placing his hand on his chin, Phillip closed his eyes and stood still for half a minute in silence, his lips moving slightly in whispered words. Finally, he opened them, and shrugged.
"Now, I can't give you a straight answer: I and my Incarnations may share the same Soul, but we share multiple different opinions and lives. Although, I do think that 'we' have an answer:
"Knowledge is, to us, a basic understanding of a subject, philosophy, hobby, sport, or any other type of individual existence. For example, I have a basic understanding, or Knowledge, of sewing. While nothing too noteworthy, I am still able to stitch my own clothing and, by extension, create my own as well.
"Wisdom, meanwhile, is akin to a Master's degree in a subject. You could say that you, Amber, have Wisdom in gliding and archery, whilst in my second reincarnation, as Philip Agro Isekai Tomo, I had Wisdom in playing the violin, guitar and piano. Knowledge and Wisdom are very closely related, but I suppose it matters on the individual's understanding of such things that change it from one to the other."
He then shrugged. "I'm not sure if I helped you in the end, or completely confused you."
Amber did look like she was trying to get her head around it, but after a moment, she gave a thumbs up. "Got it! ...I think!"
"I'm glad to hear tha--"
Not finishing his sentence, Phillip suddenly whipped around and unsheathed his blade in the same motion, pointing it behind him.
Nothing was there.
'...Curious. You felt that too, yes?"
'...'
'...Hm. It seems our connection was closed. I assume Istaroth had a role in this. Rather, the only person who could have a role in this...'
"Phillip?" Amber asked, standing next to him. "Are you okay?"
"...Aye, I've been better though. Shall we continue?"
Eula nodded. "Let's."
As they stepped onwards, they suddenly heard an inhumane roar.
"...Well, shit."
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Hank blinked. "Well, that's not natural."
"What is it this time?" it wasn't that Collei was sick of Hank. No, far from it: she was just tired with her being incredibly cryptic at all times.
"It seems that Elemental Energy just tripled some couple of feet below us."
"...Isn't that near Amber?"
"Ye--"
Not even finishing her sentence, Collei dashed, panic on her face--
--Only to be stopped by Hank.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Collei screamed, but Hank paid her no mind.
"Preventing you from killing yourself."
"Preven--Hank, people might die! If we don't move, then--!"
"Which is why you'd need my help."
"...Huh?"
Hank held a MEB, tilting her head to it. "I suggest you get a running start."
Collei didn't need to be told twice, quickly moving backwards. Slowly breathing in and out, dark tendrils encased her body, before settling at her feet. She quickly took off, jumping as Hank through the bomb upwards...
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...And, at that moment, the roof suddenly caved upon the monster, being put into a rocky coffin. And, from the dust, two shales emerged.
"Hello again, Master." Hank waved mildly.
Collei, meanwhile, coughed while waving the dust away.
Getting out of it, Collei was about to speak when her eyes widened.
Amber.
The two stared at the other in silence, none saying a word...
...Until Amber gingerly took a step forward. Then, Collei took a step herself.
The two then walked quickly, and embraced the other tightly.
"Collei... a-am I...? Are you...?" Amber whispered, golden eyes watery. Collei looked at her, her own purple eyes glistering.
"Hi, Amber. It's..."
Amber hugged her friend even tighter, putting her face into Collei's shoulder. "It's you... It's you...! Collei!"
"...Yeah, it's me. Amber." hugging back, the two remained embracing the other for what felt like an eternity with the other...
...Until a loud bang brought them back to reality.
Everyone turned, and found a graceful Sandrone and their god, with you on your back.
"...Heya, kid." Phillip awkwardly greeted.
"Hey, Phillip!" you smiled back.
...
After a moment you then replied, "Well, that hurt."
Sandrone quirked a smile. "Whatever happened to--?"
Her smile then vanished. Eula's Claymore was incredibly close to her face, with the Lawrence glaring at her. "You..."
"...Ah. That's rather rude of you."
"Wait wait wait!" you quickly stood up, standing in-between the two. "She's working with us!"
"That's a rather strong term. I prefer temporary partnership."
"...A Fatuus?" Collei whispered.
"Unfortunately, yes; you're currently in the presence of The Marionette, Sandrone, one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers."
"And that's meant to deter me?"
"Yes, heavily so, in fact--"
"Okay, look: Collei, you don't like the Fatui, fair enough; Phillip, you can be both a real help and a royal pain in my ass, stop being the latter and try being the former; and Eula, Sandrone? Try to not kill each other as I explain what the hell is happening to everyone."
And so, you did. After a moment, Amber sighed, laughing weakly. "Wow, guess you've been having a few adventures yourself huh, Collei?"
"Putting it lightly, yeah, heh..." Collei then looked at you. "What's the situation?"
"Well, it's something like this, but first; Phillip, does the name 'Hilaqiis' ring any bells?"
"Hilaqiis is here?" Phillip immediately looked on edge, his eyes growing wide.
"You know him?"
"Yeah... long ago, he was one of the Four Shades created by the God of Peace; The One True God, Llizel. Among them was Istaroth, Satanael, and Xenophillius. The latter being a unique case, as he was not created by Llizel, and was instead simply given a vessel for his soul."
"...That soul is yours, isn't it." your flat look didn't match the raised eyebrows of Sandrone, the confused expression of Collei, or even the unexpressive gaze of Hank.
"...Ouch. And here I was, ready to make a long speech about it... still, you're right. But, I'm not important. Who is, however, is why a certain someone has detached themselves from my soul, and Hilaqiis is general."
"How powerful is he?" Sandrone's question made Phillip let out another sigh.
"Bluntly, we're in for a long one."
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The minutes that passed felt like seconds for you, and now, you find yourself in front of a large door.
"So, this Hilaqiis; what do you mean by a 'Shade'?" Eula queried, her hands on her Claymore.
"The Four Shades were the personal creations of Llizel; well, minus me, anyhow. They were the Goddess of Time, Istaroth, the Goddess of Wealth, Satanael, the God of Song, Xenophillius, and the God of Power, Hilaqiis."
"Power? In what sense?" Sandrone has stepped off of her Automaton, and had placed her hands together near her waist.
"In physical and mental sense. With that, I ask: do you really want to get involved in this?"
"...Phillip." Collei stood in front of him. "Do you doubt us?"
"No. But do you doubt yourself?"
Collei scoffed. "A little late for that. No, I don't. It's about high time I start working for myself, this... thing inside me be damned. Phillip, Hank, Amber, Eula, and even you, Harbinger. Let's, if only for this, work together."
"Whatever happened to 'Not forgiving the Fatui, might I ask?" Hank blinked.
"Hey, I'm able to grow. Besides, it's not this Marionette I hate: it's that fucking Doctor that I want to murder."
"You certainly aren't the first." Sandrone muttered. "Well, shall we?"
"Yes," you agreed, and opened the door. "Let's finish this long quest."
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On the other side, you saw Hilaqiis, and your first impression was desperation.
He was leaning on a throne made of stone, and on it, was a broken puppet that looked like you.
He didn't notice you all enter, he just continued crying.
"Hilaqiis." Phillip said, and the other god jumped, looking at him.
"Xenophillius...? But how, aren't you--?"
"My death was greatly exaggerated. I've been hanging around for a while, even after Celestia wiped Khaenri'ah of the face of Teyvat. Not only that, but some time ago, I felt Celestia use its influence to nearly kill our dear Llizel. Now, how could that happen?"
"..." Hilaqiis twisted his hand. "Forgive me."
You felt like you were floating, flying past red, blue, green, and finally, purple.
Landing on your feet, you heard two other feets of feet hit the ground. Looking over, it was Eula and Sandrone.
And, in front of you, was that thing from before, its form monstrous in size, letting out a roar of fury. It through its fist out at you, and you readied a shield--
--When it howled, retrieving its arm, as Sandrone tsked, a Geo Construct piercing its hand.
"No point standing around doing nothing!" Sandrone called, her hands now at her side.
"The one time I might agree with you, wretched woman..."
"Here it comes!" you yelled, its hand slamming down on the concrete, it tumbling into a void below, and you quickly got onto it.
"Keep it pinned down! I'll try and get to it!" the two nodded, and Geo and Cryo glowed behind you.
Meanwhile, like a blade of wind, Phillip ran up the monster's arms, its many others trying to crush him but failing to. As he approached the glowing core of it, a hand attempted to crush him, just as a black and purple snake launched itself at it, biting and tearing it off, dark blood spraying from it.
"Go!" he heard Collei scream. "Me and Hank will take care of the others!"
Running, he reached it, grabbing his greatsword...
Erstwhile, Hank was shooting down the arms while Collei used her Residue to combat them. The bracers certainly did its job; it didn't hurt her at all.
"Motherfucker saw the old man and ran. What, does he and Phillip have a bad track record?" Collei asked, using the her power to create twin snakes that divided and conquered a number of smaller and thinner arms.
"I'm afraid to say Master never told me; I was created 500 years ago, long after his time as a God."
"...Llizel above." the green-haired girl cursed, glaring at the monster. "Alright you piece of shit, let's see how smug you are after I send my snakes down your throat AND PULL OUR YOUR FUCKING HEART!"
"Vengeance will be mine!"
"Let it rain!"
Despite the heat of the flames and the chill of the frost, the arms persisted, and the monster only grew in anger.
"Shit, shit, shit!" you cursed. Damnit, that monster was starting to really piss you off... you needed help, but...
'Llizel.'
Time stopped. Not even the snowflakes or the embers moved, or even Phillip, who was mid-jump backwards, his face just about to turn into an annoyed frown.
"My, Hilaqiis certainly made a mess." came a voice, your voice, as they stood at your side. "I'm honesty quite surprised you needed my help."
Llizel, The God of Peace, looked like you, stood like you, sounded like you, but wasn't you; their left eye was a crystalline blue, shinning without any hatred or negative thoughts, while their right was a molten gold, that reflected their pride, their joy, their peace.
"I'd rather not risk it." you reply, holding your left hand. On it, was nothing. On Llizel's, a small wing tattoo. (To each their own, as they say.)
"Ah, playing it safe, hm? I can respect that."
"Aren't we the same?"
"We are. And, we are not. You may be me, but I am not you." Llizel's eyes never left yours, and they put their hand out. "Well, shall we?"
You passed them their staff. "Go stop this chaos, 'Zel."
"With pleasure, 'Me'."
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A flash of gold light, a ripple of green, and a flurry of white surged all at once.
The golden light was Llizel descending, and using their staff to hold the beast in place while also allowing their mortal form to appear in the real world, and attempt to stop Hilaqiis.
The green was from Collei. She may not have faith in the gods, despite being friends with the God of Teyvat themselves, and yet her ambition was shown clear to them: 'Protect and Grow'.
At that moment, either through sheer irony or a true show of will, a glowing green or appeared in Collei's hands, and vines with the sharpest thorns sprung forth, clearing a way for the white light. In addition, the bandages had all but been destroyed, showing hardened scales on her body, and sheer determination in her indigo eyes.
The white light was formed alongside other lights; Amber, firing a barrage of arrows; Eula, unleashing a large slash to the beast; Sandrone, using her mechanical guardian to shoot missiles at it; and Hank, who joined Phillip, and the two ran up the monster's body towards the sickly green core on its head.
Hank grabbed Phillip and, using her strength, threw him upwards. "Now!"
"STOP HIDING, COWARD!" the immortal roared, and as his blade cleaved the core in two, a light engulfed all of them...
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Golden chains rapped around Hilaqiis, just as a light appeared and your friends stepped out.
"Just remember," Llizel whispered, standing by you, "It's our staff."
"Alright, let's start off simple," Phillip slowly made his way over to Hilaqiis, as his violet-turning-indigo meeting the God of Power's crimson. "Why do you insist on trying to kill not only us, but a Shade of Llizel and their mortal self?"
"...We have gone a long, long time without seeing our God, Xenophillius. Don't you think it's high time we--?"
BANG!
Everyone, especially Collei, jumped as Hank fired a bullet straight into his head, crimson blood exploding outwards.
"A fake." Hank simply stated.
"Yeah, I gathered; Hilaqiis wasn't the brightest, even next to Satanael, but even still... I guess that means our friends upstairs did all this."
"So that Elemental signature was a fake?" Sandrone was, once again, sat upon the hand of a Ruin Guard. Where it came from, you don't know.
"Yes and no; no, because it was a genuine one, but yes, as it was simply a copy of Hilaqiis', made by the ones up there."
"...Sorry, up where?" Eula had placed her Claymore back into the... place the characters put their weapons.
It was Collei who answered, oddly enough. "He means Celestia. Speaking of them," she put out her palm, which in it held a Dendro Vision, glowing brightly. "Thanks a lot, dickheads!"
"Wait, you have a Vision?" Amber smiled, putting her thumbs up. "Isn't that good? You have the power to protect yourself!"
"I had enough with this, thanks." at 'this', she had put her arms up, showing the bracers and the scales surrounding them.
"Ah, that..." Llizel muttered, then looked at you. "That staff may be from here, but don't forget the spells and powers you yourself gained."
You looked at them confused, before it suddenly clicked. "Wait, Collei, keep your arms up."
"Why? Want to admire them or something?" she dryly remarked, but then looked more confused as you placed the Staff of Llizel in front of them.
Slowly, a light began to accumulate near its tip, which then flowed down onto Collei's arms, which glowed a radiant silver before fading.
"There," you said, smiling at her. "That should hopefully prevent it from spreading."
"...You cured me?" Collei whispered, eyes wide in wonderment at how easy it was, and denial, as was it really that easy?
"No, they simply paused it; you may still experience symptoms similar to arthritis, but it is better than permanent paralysis, yes?"
"A~nd there goes the happy moment." Phillip groaned, making a noise between a sigh and a laugh. "Remind me to teach you how to read emotions better, ay?"
Hank just smiled, ignoring her master.
Amber also smiled, but more in exasperation. "Even still... what now?"
"Well, I can warp you two back to Mondstadt easily. Sandrone probably has their own way back, although I ask of her one favour before she does so, and it's to give this letter to someone only they can reach," he paused, giving a sealed letter to Sandrone, who nodded, before the Ruin Guard made its way out of the door.
"Next, I might go and figure some stuff out, like the whole thing with Chiyo--yes, Makoto is able to speak again, I assume it was because of interference she could not communicate with me--, the kid will probably want to explore Teyvat, the curious little shite they are, and..."
"If I may, Master," Hank gestured to Collei. "Perhaps we should allow Collei to travel with the God of Peace's mortal form? That way, she might be able to return to Sumeru while also being able to visit Amber."
"...Hm. What says you two?"
"Can I get rid of this?" Collei asked, about the Vision.
"Nope, but take it from me; any power is better than none at all; besides, being able to use it against the people who gave you it? I say that's a good thing."
"...Fine, I'll think about it."
"No complaints here!" you smiled.
"Well, no arguments?" hearing none, Phillip smiled a genuine smile. "Then, let us be off."
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"Well, who knows?" Phillip said, smiling at you. "More tales might arise. There's still Loux's to finish, so for now: thank you for reading this little adventure, no matter how tedious or odd it might have been. Until next time, let the earth whisper its secrets, and for you to grow. Hm? Grow into what? Well... that's up to you. It's your life, after all!"
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