Chapter 14: Former Enemies

"Five more minutes, leave me alone…"

But the incessant murmur of outside activity as city life gradually became bustling and active proved too much for Lumine, the blonde grumbling in thwarted annoyance as she fruitlessly tried to fall back asleep...and blinked as she realized she was ensconced in something soft, warm and pleasant smelling, a mixture of lavender, smoke and slightest hints of body odor causing her nostrils to tingle as the scent brought to mind all sorts of memories. Memories of happier and more carefree times.

"...Yeah, if only it was carefree times."

Huffing out a sigh Lumine hugged Fischl closer, letting her head rest between her two soft and delicious mounds as improvised pillows, accepting that she wasn't going to be falling asleep any time soon but might as well be comfortable in the meantime.

Except that left her mind free to wander. Free to wander onto the fact that apparently Aether was off his damn rocker and obsessed with some insane revenge plot, Alec was hiding more secrets and context from her than a convicted murdered trying to scrape together an alibi...not to mention he was evidently using her as the end all be all of some bizarre and otherworldly scheme to judge the worthiness of Teyvat or something utterly insane that felt a bit overwhelming to the Traveler.

"Not even two weeks into this whole mess and I get roped into something crazy because I can't leave well enough alone. Except this time it's not fun and exciting, it's actually kind of scary and I don't have Aether to tease and bully in order to keep my mind off of things."

Trying to do just that regardless she let her eyes wander over the room's decor, taking note of the various designs and artistic liberties that she'd spotted but not really looked at the night previously. It was about what she'd expect from Fischl, with the multitude of books, dark colors and ornate fabrics but a closer inspection revealed something unusual.

No pictures of friends or family, no real heirlooms or trinkets. Just books, a table and chair for reading and a well-maintained perch for Oz, also occupied by a sprawled out Paimon. It had the air of a place that was resided in but not lived in.

A bit lonely, to be honest.

"Mmm...Lumine?"

Fischl stirred awake as the Traveler decided to squeeze her a bit tighter, disgruntled that she had chosen now of all moments to rouse herself from slumber.

"Morning. Go back to sleep."

A sidelong glance revealed an unfairly adorable blush coating the investigator's skin as she realized how closely they were intertwined, Lumine grinning as she immediately felt her mood perk at the sight before purring, "Actually, this isn't any proper way to say good morning."

Extending her neck the amber-eyed girl placed a quick yet affectionate kiss on Fischl's lips, salaciously grinning at the squeak that left her companion's throat.

"N-no, I have morning breath! And I haven't showered since yesterday!"

"Hmm...well you're right about that, Amy."

Just to prove her point Lumine went in for another, deeper kiss as she made a point to inhale through her nose as loudly as possible, keeping her eyes open and locked with the brilliant green of the other girl's as pale skin reached a shade of red the Traveler honestly hadn't thought possible.

"SO damn cute."

Letting her rest between the investigator's nicely sized bust yet again Lumine grumbled, "You're soft and warm, I'm beat, let me sleep the day away."

While her snuggle was returned by Fischl - albeit a great deal more gently - the other woman regretfully stated, "Unfortunately I must report into the guild today, I cannot stay for long."

"How dare you come up with a perfectly reasonable and responsible excuse to not let me be lazy."

Despite the complaint Lumine released her bedmate to pad off to the bath, rolling onto the leftover warmth left by Fischl's body as she briefly entertained the notion of offering to clean her girlfriend's body for her - paying special attention to the downstairs area - she regretfully discarded that notion and instead hauled herself out of bed after lounging around for a few minutes, scrounging around the kitchen and assembling a breakfast of tea, dried fruit and nuts that would have to suffice for the moment.

It was the least she could do, after all.

"There's still hot water if you wish to bathe, Lumine. And you didn't need to go to the trouble of gathering food for me, I assumed we would visit a restaurant or bakery for our morning sustenance."

Smiling at her fellow blonde as she left the bathroom dressed in a fresh outfit and toweling off her still damp hair Lumine replied, "Hey, it's the least I can do for my bread winning girlfriend. And I think I'll take you up on that offer."

Even as she strolled towards the promise of warmth and cleanliness Lumine couldn't help but wonder if she should come out wearing only a towel, just to surprise her companion and really see how far she could push the investigator's self-control.

But common sense won out and she resigned herself to an adult, responsible and basically sexless morning.

"And what a damn shame that is."

"So I can't help but notice that you've been speaking normally for quite a while now. Safe and secure within the confines of your home?"

Fischl blinked, processing Lumine's words as they prepared to leave for the day...and the investigator was quick to put on her customary eyepatch, replying, "A-apologies, I wasn't aware that-"

"Relax, Amy. I like both sides of you and can follow what you're saying regardless of how you talk. Don't feel pressured on my account."

"I...I see. And what of yourself, Lumine? Are you doing alright?"

Knowing precisely what the other girl was referring to as she pulled on her boots Lumine heaved out a titanic sigh, explaining, "Sort of, just feeling a bit wigged out, I guess."

Oz flapped over from his perch, Paimon also groaning herself awake as the Night Raven commented, "It must be quite the shock, to have such a momentous and titanic quest piled upon one with no such warning or preparation."

"Yeah, that's one way of putting it."

Fingers dug into the side of her head, a tired sigh escaping the Traveler as she further explained, "But it's not just that, it's more like...despite everything he told me, everything he kept hidden and subsequently dumped onto my lap without even an apology...I still find myself far more sympathetic and inclined to believe that prick over my own brother. A brother Alec openly admitted has good reason to despise his very existence. How messed up is that?"

Fischl hesitated for a moment, obviously trying to think of something comforting to say as the Traveler glumly observed, "Course, he's barely even acting like himself right now. He used to be such a baby, always winging and whining about the latest tragedy or heartbreak to cross his path and being the more romantic of us both. Now he seems angry. Angry and tired."

"Your brother was the more romantic of you? That is strange, seeing as how you appear very...outgoing."

Blinking herself out of her stupor Lumine met Fischl's gaze, momentarily thrown by what sounded like a joke of all things from the girl.

It also caused her to grin, leap to her feet and begin pinching the investigator's cheeks with friendly enthusiasm, cooing, "You'd be singing a very different tune if you'd met Aether before all of this happened. TOTAL drama queen."

Releasing her girlfriend's cheeks Fischl nonetheless smiled at how her companion bounced back from her momentary lapse in confidence, asking, "How do you wish to proceed with the quest Alec imparted upon you? It is a rather momentous one."

"I'm not sure if I have the right to turn it down. Like it or not this is serious stuff and Aether is apparently neck deep into it. If I want to help him then doing as that jerk suggested is the best way to go about it, never mind maybe doing a lot of good for the world."

She paused, pinching the bridge of her nose before quietly mumbling, "Although I don't know why he thinks I'm some sort of perfect observer for everything."

"While his demeanor is not what one would expect of a god many millennia old...neither was Lord Barbatos. And yet titles and powers such that they wield are not handed out as mere party favors. I would be inclined to believe Damon had a good reason to believe as he does."

"Indeed, Oz raises a most valid point."

Lumine slowly nodded, thinking back to the moment when he had spoken with the authority of someone who knew exactly what they were talking about and had who knows how many years of experience to back such certainty up.

"Hmm...well, if nothing else then we won't find out any interesting details or stories by sitting around, now will we?"

Fischl proudly nodded, offering, "Would you like to accompany me to the Adventurer's Guild, Lumine? It still remains a center of information and tales that spread across all of Teyvat and will undoubtedly aid in this grand assignment of yours."

Finding that idea to be the best option she had right now Lumine shrugged, eagerly stating, "You mean I get to see where my girlfriend works? That sounds like a fun time to me~! C'mon, Paimon!"

Picking up the groggy sprite by the back of her dress as she slowly dragged herself to wakefulness the group departed with a spring in their steps, feeling far more confident that a worthwhile path laid before them that could conceivably lead to a job well done.

"Now this is a sight I never expected to see. Or at least not without someone's blade held at another's neck."

Meeting each other's eyes with a variety of expressions present - Barbatos a sort of confused wariness while Dainsleif looked as if he was visibly fighting the urge to scowl - Alec let his gaze drift towards the main doors of the Church of Favonius, Barbara Pegg and a few other sisters of the establishment glaring venomously at the bard's back as they took the broken and beaten 'Holy Lyre' into the depths of the building, no doubt to enshrine and desperately attempt at repairing it.

"I honestly can't decide what's funnier. That they're mad at you for breaking the artifact and don't know who you are or are mad at you for breaking the artifact and know exactly who you are."

The Archon's expression soured, dryly retorting, "Why don't you go over there and ask them? I'm sure they're in a great mood right now."

"Nah, I appreciate my eardrums remaining intact. I heard the poor girl's scream when she saw what you did from all the way out here."

"Geez, why are they so upset anyway? It's not like anyone but me could make use of the thing regardless, they could stand to take it easy."

"Do I need to repeat the bit about how you - the actual you, not that great and regal statue placed around Teyvat - are basically unknown to everybody? Maybe get used to popping in as Barbatos more than once every crisis?"

Rolling his eyes Venti turned towards a still simmering Dainsleif, warily asking, "Well enough about me, why does this stranger look like he's got a grudge years in the making to settle? Friend of yours?"

"Kind of. This is Dainsleif, one of the Royal Guards of Khaneri'ah's Black Sun and the last Twilight Sword to still wander Teyvat."

Barbatos winced, old guilt and similar emotions instantly appearing on his features as the Archon warily stated, "Is that right?"

Taking a deep breath the blonde-haired man reassured, "Rest easy, I carry no malevolence or grudge to this gathering at this time."

"Yeah, and I can give up drinking for a year."

A pointed look from Alec had the Anemo Archon losing some of his snark, Dainsleif continuing with, "As hard as that may be for you to believe it is the simple truth. We are here to discuss the future, not the past-"

"Well that's kind of what we're chatting about…"

"-and I would prefer to not let old grudges and feuds drag down what may turn out to be a brand new path for Teyvat, unbound by past tragedies and trials."

Barbatos eventually nodded, acquiescing the point as Alec asked, "While we're on the subject of past actions and the future what happened with Dvalin?"

Gaze turning contemplative the Archon distantly stated, "I set him free. A true freedom, not the implied and all too real shackles I'd saddled Dvalin with before. If he wishes to remain as a guardian and warden of Mondstadt...it will be of his own free will, not the unwitting bargain that it was before."

Alec grinned, ruffling the tiny male's head as he teased, "Careful, Barbatos. Keep that up and no one is going to remember who you even are."

"Is that really such a bad thing?"

"You tell me."

Losing some of his cheer Alec looked towards the pair, commenting, "All that said it's time we set aside our differences or neutrality and actually start working together in order to safeguard Teyvat. I'm just a few years away - if that - from finally kicking the proverbial bucket and I'll feel a whole lot better about that if I'm confidant the world will be in good hands and able to redirect or stop chaos like the Archon wars or Khaneri'ah's fall."

His eyes took on a sharp slant.

"Celestia and the Abyss need a check, something that can put them down for good if need be. It's our responsibility to come up with such a plan."

While Barbatos was clearly sullen with the reminder that he didn't have long to live in this world the Archon nodded nonetheless, Dainsleif slowly responding, "I hold no great love for the Gods of Teyvat-"

"We know that, Dainsleif. And you - more than anyone else - deserve to hold onto that grudge. But things are starting to come to a head, pieces moving and shifting about the board. The Abyss corrupting Dvalin. Tsaritsa planning to rebel against Celestia. And now Aether and Lumine, wedging themselves into the middle of everything as wildcards."

Alec crossed his arms, concluding, "I've seen these patterns before. And everytime they appear strife follows like carrion birds after an army. The fall of the Silkies, the inauguration of the Archon War, Khaenri'ah...here we are again and I doubt it'll be any different. Unless we band together and put a stop to it, bringing this self-perpetuating cycle to an end."

Both were quiet until Dainsleif sighed, wryly commenting, "Ignoring the wisdom of one as ancient as you would admittedly be the height of folly...I am in agreement, and offer my strength to the cause. If it helps correct the wrongs of the past and atone for old failures then this new alliance will have my sword."

Barbatos puffed out his chest, commenting, "Heh, you can count on me, Alec! Although are you intending to get the rest of the Archons to join as well? I mean Morax is probably under about a hundred of his silly contracts with Celestia - they were always scared of him - and Tsaritsa might not agree that a common cause is enough to work with us instead of against us."

Running a hand down his face the older God replied, "Yeah, I know. And I barely even met - let alone became friends - with most of the newer Archons. How are they, do any of them seem like they'll be trouble?"

Dainsleif frowned, visible eye narrowing in thought as he mentioned, "The Archon of Electro, Baal, has recently initiated a Vision hunt within Inuzuma and no new Visions related to the Electro element have been issued for some time now. She may be...reticent. I imagine there exists a reason for her actions but I have yet been able to discern them."

Alec resisted the urge to grumble, stating, "Wonderful. Any hints or announcements as to why she's being stubborn and willful about this?"

Barbatos tapped his chin, replying, "I heard it had something to do with her 'ascension' or whatever crazy talk like that. Rumor has it she's collecting all those Visions and offering them to this weird statue with lots of arms and eyes...really creepy cult stuff, right?"

The Archon quickly lost his irreverence upon seeing Alec's cold expression, eyes boring into the smaller male's.

"That's bad, huh?"

"How many arms and eyes specifically? Thousand arms, hundred eyes?"

"Sounds about right. Why, what's the bad news?"

An openly disgusted expression appeared on the fallen God's face, tone a low growl as he responded, "And here I dared to hope that thing was well and truly gone…"

Dainsleif frowned, replying, "You make it sound as if you have personal experience with this particular deity."

"Particular experience? I helped kill the accursed thing before you'd even freed Mondstadt, Barbatos. Most Gods had their own desires or wants that can be generally described as magnanimous or for a greater purpose during the wars but that thing? It's better off dead."

Alec turned to the wary pair, stating, "We need to tell Baal to leave that remnant alone or Morax is going to drop a damn mountain on her head."

"Huh? Why would old and scaly do that?"

A humorless smile pulled at Alec's lips.

"Because it took myself, Maeili, Morax, Guizhong and the Adepti to finally take it down. It's what led Guizhong to create her famed ballisate...and it's what killed her before the battle was done."

Barbatos' eyes widened.

"Oh."

"Precisely. I'm going to have to bring that up with him when I travel to Liyue, hopefully avert a tragedy that doesn't need to happen in the first place."

"Well how are you going to get him to agree to anything if he's signed all those contracts with Celestia?"

Alec smirked, replying, "If I know Morax then he made sure to leave wriggle room to speak freely with those who already know the truth of the world, as well as Celestia's hand in it. As stubborn as he may be about the whole vow-making thing the old lizard does know a thing or two on how to circumnavigate them."

Running a hand through his hair the male frowned, adding, "And then I need to meet with Tsaritsa, figure out what her take is on events and whether she's amenable to changing plans with the latest shifting of the winds."

Barbatos perked, making to offer his help-

"Alone. You're free to patch things up with her after the fact, I'm already going to be climbing uphill in getting her to listen after we hid the truth for so long, your presence will only make things worse."

Venti seemed fully ready to argue the point until Dainsleif abruptly stated, "If we wish for a more complete and accurate view of what the leader of the Fatui may decide in the future perhaps we can request answers from the one just around the corner?"

Alec and Venti blinked, the taller man furrowing his brow before taking a sniff of the air-

"Ah. As pleasant an aroma it is your perfume doesn't match the local trends, miss Fatui. Care to join us? No reason to have this end like the last encounter did."

A smooth, controlled gait of heels clicking against stone approached them, a figure gracefully strolling around the corner of the church as if she owned the very air around her. Quite the specimen too, Alec noted.

An ornate headdress that covered her right eye, immaculate pale-blonde hair, revealing dress of white, black and flowing red that highlighted the dangerous air following in the woman's wake made for quite the introduction, easygoing and utterly confident atmosphere the finishing blow of lethal sensuality.

"I was privy to some of your conversation and I must say it was quite the interesting tale...especially the part where our Archon rather firmly despises the rodent king himself."

"Hey, I resent the implication that-"

Alec cut Venti off with, "Then you also heard the bit about the Electro Archon. The Fatui seem to be pretty enthusiastic about getting involved with the various lands of Teyvat, maybe drop a few hints to Baal on how bad of an idea it is to wake the sleeping dragon."

A lazy smile graced the woman's features, replying, "That sounds like an excellent idea, one we may even stop to consider at some point. Although…"

The Fatui's seductive and knife's edge tone turned glacial as she met Alec's eyes.

"If an old killer such as yourself suggests such a course of action then it may indeed perhaps be the wisest course of action, with or without deliberation."

"My reputation does indeed seem to be preceding me quite a bit these days."

Gracefully seating herself on a nearby bench in a manner that screamed enticement Barbatos dreamily sighed, remarking, "If you're here to kill me then I think I might just die happy...make it an intimate assassination, please-"

SMACK!

"Manners, you little gremlin."

Offering Alec a reproachful look Venti was ignored by the Fatui woman, words lackadaisical as she stated, "Ah, on the subject where are my own? La Signora, 8th Harbinger of the Fatui."

Nodding in acceptance of the introduction Alec asked, "And would Tsaritsa be willing to meet with me? I imagine there's much she wishes to get off her chest, to put it rather lightly."

Signora didn't immediately reply, merely meeting his gaze while distantly responding, "That is hard to say without directly conversing with her. After all, for the longest time it was assumed you were dead. Although…"

Pale gray eyes swept over their little meeting with the attentiveness of a hawk.

"To gather the Twilight Sword, Rodent King and yourself under the same banner of alliances? I'm quite surprised, I never would have expected a survivor of Khaenri'ah to so willingly work with a god...especially not the Anemo one."

Alec noted the strong distaste this particular Fatui had for Barbatos, electing not to comment on it as Dainsleif amicably explained, "This partnership is for the benefit of the future and the safety of Teyvat. My personal likes and dislikes cannot afford to take center stage when it may lead to yet another scenario that is all too similar to what brought low Khaenri'ah."

The man's visible eye closed in contemplation.

"The mistakes of the past must be learned from, not turned away from. I'm willing to look beyond my own biases and grudges for the sake of that ideal."

"How noble of you."

Signora's tone carried with a slight hint of mocking, attention once more landing on Venti.

"And how curious that you should speak of hard decisions, when some could have been unnecessary from the start had the truth been revealed…"

A slight wince escaped the bard as a huff of irritation escaped the Harbinger.

"My initial mission was to retrieve the Anemo Archon's Gnosis yet with both the Reaper and Twilight Sword at hand I do not fancy my chances. This is rather vexing, I shall admit."

"Eh, take it from the little perv, see what I care. He won't die."

"While I have agreed to aid them in their grand design I certainly don't feel any strong compulsion to assist the Archons should mild harm be inflicted upon them."

"H-huh?! Where did this come from?!"

Venti's cry of protest caused Alex and Dainsleif to smirk, Signora idly commenting, "I don't quite believe you."

Letting his cheer and irreverence fade Alec stated, "And you'd be right not to. Relay this message to her and let Tsaritsa know that if we find her plan and ambition to be worth carrying out she'll have the Gnosis and more."

His features softened somewhat.

"And tell her that Alec Daman would like to know the entire story of what turned Eligos - a sweet, dorky and mildly naive girl - into the efficient and powerful tyrant she is now."

Signora's lip curled but she nodded nonetheless, rising to her feet and departing without further comment as Barbatos made to ask one more thing-

-and stopped as Alec set a hand on his shoulder, warning, "You'll get your chance to talk to her, don't worry about it...just not now."

Sighing in resignation the Archon nodded in understanding, Dainsleif asking, "So what shall be our current course of action in this new alliance of ours, small as it may be?"

"I'm going to head to Liyue and talk to Morax, get him onto our side and hopefully include the Adepti as well. After that it's off to Inuzuma and figure out what idiocy Baal has gotten herself into. And if Tsaritsa wants to speak inbetween any of that so much the better."

Inclining his head in agreement Dainsleif replied, "Then I shall continue as I have, pursuing the Abyss and discerning what plots they have in the works. Nothing that bodes well for us, I'm certain."

"Why would life ever be easy? Good luck and stay safe then, let us know if you need assistance at any time, I'll leave notes at the local Adventurer's Guilds as I go."

Barbatos sighed, responding, "Guess I should go ahead and start traveling again, keep in touch with all of my bard friends. We travel pretty extensively and if there's rumors or tales to be heard then they aren't a bad place to start."

Both the Archon and Khaenri'ah denizen turned to face Alec, the older male raising an eyebrow at their inquisitive stares as Dainsleif asked, "Are you not going to speak to Lumine before you depart? You did part on rather uncertain terms with her you know."

The Fallen God had to hold back a sigh at that, explaining, "It's for the best we go our separate ways at this point, I gave quite the shock to the poor lady and her view of this world is better served without my influence to taint it."

For some reason Dainsleif and Barbatos gave him looks that suggested he really had no idea just what he was talking about, Alec resigning himself to the fact that age was no indicator of intelligence.

So fun fact, I wrote this chapter before it was revealed that what I had assumed to be a horrifying and monstrous statue (The Inazuma version of Osial) was actually just a really big statue of the seven and I kinda sighed in defeat (Yes, I sit on these for awhile).

As much as I would like to continue adding to this story with each new update that's kind of untenable so for the sake of my sanity this story is only going to be following events up to the Dainsleif story quest where you finally meet Aether/Lumine (forget which patch that was) and go from there. Sorry, no Inazuma beyond vague allusions or references.