Wow, a lot happens in this one. Hopefully its still a decent length

Lumine looked at the door. The Chasm's heart had become the Abyss's to command, that had been the first step in the plan. Now they needed to reinforce their control with various Abyssal spells and enchantments to ensure it remained cooperative, especially with the guest they were planning to bring.

"How are the preparations?" She asked one of the mages.

"We've managed to gather a bulk of our forces and Ruin machines from the nearby nations." The mage pointed out. This was no small project they were working on. If the Princess's hunch was correct, they would be facing a Celestial. They needed to be prepared if the enemy struck and for any reinforcements that might show.

"That is excellent," Lumine noted. "What about the location of my brother and that…thing?" She questioned

"The travel's current location is Sangonimya." The mage informed. Lumine raised an eyebrow at this. That wasn't correct. Shouldn't he be in Sumeru right now? "According to our spies, he arrived there with his guide who was said to be unconscious in his arms."

"So Paimon's sick," Lumine noted. It felt convenient that the little thing had gotten sick right when they took over the chasm. Was it a coincidence or was there some connection? Perhaps Celestia was siphoning power from the world and disturbing it caused issues for them. Lumine would have to file that idea away for later.

She called for one of her heralds.

"Go and gather the Rift Hounds from the nearby islands and take them to visit Sangonimya." She ordered. If she recalled correctly those islands didn't have many resources. They were barren lands whose people still clung to their dead god. On the islands themselves, there also weren't many healers either.

If Aether was getting Paimon healed there, then a well-placed distraction should draw his and everyone's attention away. After all, everyone knew Rift Hound attacks needed immediate treatment and with an influx of monsters, there wouldn't be many guards or capable healers in the main base.

"As for you." She told the mage. "Continue the preparations and keep an eye out. If I recall according to Chasm's memories, there were some visitors here not to long ago that will be aware of the intrusion. Stay alert." She warned.

Yelan didn't like what she saw. The Abyss Order had been making moves in the Chasm, with large numbers of them, their monsters, and their machines showing up. She knew personally that this was not a good sign and had already informed Ningguang as a precaution. Under normal circumstances, she would have tried infiltrating the Chasm to uncover more information, and for the most part, she was able to do just that, however, when she got to the lower sections, that's where she began to hesitate.

It had been a while since that grand adventure of hers in the chasm, along with the Traveler and his colorful entourage. She had undergone some training to grow in power, delving more into her clan's history for the mythical stuff, and even manage to get Yan Fei's help in learning and understanding some Adeptal arts. That still didn't change the uneasiness she felt whenever she got close to Chasm's bowels.

Whatever lurked beneath the Chasm, or perhaps the Chasm itself had left an impression on her. She was normally one who got excited and thrilled at the thought of a dangerous mission, it's why she did the job that she did, she liked danger. Yet whenever she walked within the Chasm now, she could feel the chills running down her back. Her body trembled whenever she was inside and the deeper she went, the worse it got. She had only admitted this to two other people. Yan fei and ….

"Xiao." She whispered. There was a silent burst of anemo beside her as a young man appeared, armed with a polearm and a mask. Once he realized they weren't in any immediate danger he relaxed if only a little.

"What is the situation?" He asked quietly. His voice was softer than usual. Not just to avoid enemies detecting them but also to kind of reassure Yelan.

"It seems like they're gathering forces. I've seen a few unfamiliar Ruin machines arrive from Sumeru's borders along with a several monsters that aren't native to Liyue. If I had to guess, I'd say some of them were Inazuma."

"How does Liyue Qixing plan to handle this?" He questioned as he kept his eyes out. While the Adeptus may have left the mortal to live on their own, that didn't mean they had completely abandoned them. So long as Liyue stood, the Adepti would be ready to help and now was no different. Especially if the situation looked like it was going to be a repeat of 500 years ago.

"So far, the Milleth has been mobilized East of the Chasm while the area was evacuated. We've shut down access as much as we can and sent a warning to Sumeru and Mondstadt but that's about it." Yelan informed. She would have continued, but she noticed something with the Guardian Yaksha. "Is something wrong?" She questioned.

"I can't quite explain it…but the Chasm feels like its agony," Xiao informed. He had felt it before many times, the Chasm's life. "It feels like it's in pain."

"In pain," Yelan muttered. That was the last thing she expected to hear, although, given the theories she often heard, it didn't seem impossible, especially if an Adeptus was confirming it. Still, that did warrant concern considering the situation. "Do you think it's the Abyss Order?"

"Undoubtedly," Xiao answered. It wasn't the first time the Chasm had been hurt. Last time it had practically screamed earning the attention of everyone in Liyue, but by the time they were ready to act, it was too late. 500 years passed and the Chasm remained scarred as ever.

"Any suggestions." Yelan inquired.

"I was thinking I'd head into the Chasm…"

"No." Yelan cut him off. "If you're thinking about going on some suicide run, then I'll drag you back to Liyue myself." She told him. "The Chasm's still as dangerous as ever and if the Abyss is involved, we can't be reckless."

"You're right," Xiao admitted. "But we can't let them keep piling up their resources." He told her.

"I agree."

"Huh."

"Which is why I'm coming with you," Yelan informed. "It will be much better if you have someone watching your back. Although might I make a recommendation."

"That being?"

"Let's make a contract to avoid any confrontation if we can. We sabotage the Ruin mechas and maybe do as much recon as possible, but the moment things go south, we high tail out of there." She warned. "And no self-sacrificing." She told him. She knew he'd be reckless. She had seen his savior complex firsthand back during their adventure. It would be better to go and help him. Strong as he was, he was not invincible, and if the worse came, then at least he wouldn't be alone.

"Do we have a deal, Xiao?" Yelan suggested as she stretched out her hand. Xiao looked at her with some reluctance. She knew he had lost many comrades during his time and he didn't want to lose another, but that was no excuse to be reckless. Both of them knew the outcome if he disagreed.

"Deal," Xiao answered as he took her hand. The two then eyed the Chasm as they saw what a dragon-like ruin mecha walk into the Chasm. Yelan turned invisible as Xiao disappeared in a puff of anemo, the two ready to journey into the void.

"Want some apple juice?" Heizou offered as he glanced at the Traveler. The detective and General Gorou were currently engaged in a game of Genius Invocation. They had tried to get the Traveler to play to take his mind of Paimon, but it didn't work. So, they decided to play while he watched and they made small talk with him. That was the plan anyway.

"No…no…I'm good." Aether insisted as he kept pacing around the table. He was feeling restless. Normally when he was in that mood, he'd go and jump into a domain or challenge some of the big guys like the Hypostasis and Regivines. Not this time, he didn't want to leave Paimon's side.

She had never gotten sick before. Heck, he wasn't even sure if she could get sick, but then she just fell out of the sky while they were flying. He had been so panicked it didn't register that he could have warped to Baizhu or Tighnari. He just aimed for the healer closest to the waypoint, which was Kokomi, the others were still a way off.

Even then Kokomi while good with some healing, wasn't a doctor or medical specialist like the others. She was the priestess of the island, but her healing had mostly been limited to her vision's capabilities, not her own inherent knowledge. He wasn't sure Kokomi could heal Paimon, but he chose to trust in her and her people. At the very least, he'd trust them to stabilize Paimon before he went and grabbed one of the others and teleported back.

"I understand your worry Traveller, but trust in her Excellency." Gorou encouraged. "Paimon will recover in no time." He tried to assure.

"I don't doubt her…but it's just. How can I not worry?" Aether confessed. "She's all the family I have right now. If I lose her then…what do I do, then?"

"Well losing her is just one option traveler. Why don't you try wondering about what you'll do when she's alright?" Heizou suggested. "If you keep worrying about things beyond your control then you'll just run yourself ragged and that doesn't help anyone."

"Heizou's right." Gorou agreed. "If you take a deep breath and relax, I'm sure it will help. Speaking of which…why don't we go and try gathering some ingredients. I'm sure she'll be rather hungry when she wakes up." The general insisted.

Aether looked at the General and the Detective who had stopped playing their game and were now looking at them. "I suppose you guys may have a point," Aether admitted.

"Good, let's head to the village and grabs some supplies." Heizou yawned as he stood up. "Also….I win." Heizou smirked as he played his last card.

"What?" Gorou exclaimed as he looked down at the mat. Heizou merely laughed as he pointed out how, leaving a fuming Gorou, who promised he'd get better.

The banter was cut short though by a sudden darkening of the sky.

"What the…" Aether didn't even finish before noticing a familiar golden crack in the air above the island. "Guys. We got company." He told them as they saw the Golden Wolflord emerge from his domain, right near the village. Aether didn't waste time as he darted toward the monster, without a second thought. He knew how destructive those monsters could be.

"Why was it here and why now?" He thought as he hurried, with Heizou beside him. Gorou had already left to call the others.

Paimon found herself falling into the void. It was not an unfamiliar sensation to her. She had fallen many times before, but this was the first time thousands of years that she fell. Eventually, she saw something rapidly approaching beneath her. It looked like a floor, but Paimon knew better than that. As the floor started rising faster and faster, Paimon braced herself.

Splash!

She was submerged entirely underwater. Paimon quickly tried to swim to the surface. She eventually reached it, gasping for air as she tried to make her way to land. As she crawled onto the shore noticed something. Her body had changed.

Paimon was no longer the same small fairy girl everyone had known. As she glanced at her body she had grown. She didn't look like a child anymore, rather she had the appearance of a young woman. Her white hair had grown out in length covering her entire back. Now instead of the stubby limbs she had, Paimon had long slender arms and legs. Her clothes had also morphed.

Upon seeing her transformed state, Paimon screamed in horror as she hurried and turned back to the water. She ran back to the water and quickly glanced at her reflection taking notice of her eyes especially. They were blue and filled with stars not golden. Relieved by this she collapsed back on the shore. Her breathing is heavy but steady now.

Paimon looked up at the sky noticing the galaxy of stars above her. There were many stars, too many. It was not the same sky that some would see in Teyvat. Once she had rested enough Paimon looked back at her hands and then at her body. She concentrated as hard as she could trying to call on whatever power she had available.

She clenched her fist hard and then. She cracked. It wasn't in the metaphorical sense that one could say she went off mentally, but rather cracks began to form in her body. First in hands but then they began to travel down her arms. As the cracks spread, her body began to flake off…piece by piece.

Her hands which were now hollow, flaked off first then her arms, revealing the familiar childlike limbs she had. Soon her body came after with the cracks spreading all over herself, Paimon didn't mind as eventually her new body fell apart completely leaving her with her old or rather her new, childlike form.

Glancing back in the water, she noticed how she had returned to normal and smiled in relief. She didn't like that form. It didn't feel like it was hers, yet every time she came here, she would always revert to it. Turning around, Paimon flew off to greet the one who had summoned her.

All the while the broken body she had discarded remained by the ocean. A few minutes passed and then the fragments began to vibrate and move toward each other. Soon a hand had reformed with the rest of the body slowly beginning to reconstruct itself as it tried to stand up. Two golden wisps now hovered the place where Paimon's eyes had been.

"Why is the Abyss attacking now?" One of the shrine maidens questioned in a panic. Kokomi wished she had an answer for her, but unfortunately, she didn't. The Head priestess kept glancing at the nearby window as she saw the Rift Hounds spawning in the area. She had trusted the traveler and the others to handle the threat, but it seems she had underestimated the problem at large.

"Tsuyuko, please watch over Paimon," Kokomi instructed as she summoned her catalyst. She didn't need to elaborate any further on why she was leaving. Everyone knew the consequences of corrosion, if left untreated it would eat away at the individual before it killed. It was not a pleasant way to go.

"Stay safe your Excellency." The priestess reminded as Kokomi raced to help the others.

Tsuyuko took a deep breath as she tried to reassure herself. They had the Traveller, the General, Heizou, and now her Excellency fighting to repel the wolves. Surely that would be enough. "They'll be fine." She told herself.

Truth be told she was frankly glad she was in here as opposed to outside where all the fighting was. Maybe it sounded a bit like cowardice, but not everyone was a fighter. For Shrine Maidens like herself, the best thing they could do when it was a direct fight was to take cover and let the professionals handle it. Exorcisms were their specialty and the soldiers had their own. Unfortunately for Tsuyuko, someone did bring the fight inside.

Lumine wasted no time in swinging her sword. It barely took much effort and Tsuyuko was already on the floor. She hadn't struck with the intent to kill, just enough to knock her out. Now that she was alone, she could finally claim her prize.

She turned to the little fairy to find Paimon just as the reports said, out like a light. She lifted Paimon up by her leg, dangling her like an old, ragged doll before summoning a portal.

As Paimon flew, she soon found herself in the presence of a large otherworldly tree. It was unlike any other seen on the surface. Its bark looked like the most refined silver and its leave were as delicate as glass. As Paimon floated closer to the tree she could see the white aura that surrounded the tree, releasing pure radiant energy that was transformed into seven different types. Upon reaching the tree's base, Paimon raised her hand and knocked on the trunk.

There was a brief silence in the area before the entire around Paimon started to vibrate. Several of the tree's roots and branches began to shift as they grew outwards. Paimon felt the air around her begin to stir, feeling heavy one second before it lightened.

"Greetings Sustainer." A voice called out, it sounded young yet ancient, like a child and an elder speaking at once. "How have you been?" It questioned. "Are you doing well?"

"I am alright, Teyvat, but can you please not use that title? I'm just a simple guide." Paimon responded.

"Very well,"

"Right so now that we have that out of the way. Why did you summon me?" Paimon inquired. "Is everything alright?"

"With every day an old problem is solved, and with every day new one is born. Such is the nature of change, such is chaos. There will never be a time when 'everything is alright' Paimon."

"Teyvat, be serious with Paimon." The fairy scolded. "If something's wrong I need to know."

"Hehe, my apologies," Teyvat told her. "We have not spoken in so long, I forgot to account for our difference in communication."

"No need, we're friends, though Paimon will appreciate if you keep things simple for Paimon."

"Very well then," Teyvat answered. "The Abyss is on the move. I can sense them in Chasm, doing something to it. The Chasm tried to fend them off but it failed."

"Huh, but it seemed capable of protecting itself the last time Paimon was there."

"The Chasm is strong, that much is true, but it was poisoned long ago by Khaenri'ah's mistake. Even if it has recovered some of its strength, it is still weakened, and it will still be vulnerable to Abyss. Celestia tried to heal it but their attempts were not without consequences. The Chasm is now angry, it will not listen to me, not anymore, but it needs to be healed."

Paimon sighed as she put two and two together. "And you want me to see about healing it." She realized. She then glanced up at the tree. "Why do you still trust me, and to an extent why do you still trust Celestia?"

"I do not like the false gods that hide in the sky," Teyvat responded. "They have hurt me and my children, but their reasonings were just. I ignored Khaenri'ah's behavior and look what happened. They hurt their brethren in the worst ways imaginable. I don't approve of Celestia's methods, but my own ignorance leads to pain as well."

"As for you, you are not of the sky, but among the land, and though the stars shape you, you do not act as they do. You enjoy the company of my children and even help them without hurting them as Celestia did. That alone is the reason for me to trust you." Teyvat explained.

"What about my other half?" Paimon questioned. "Do you trust her as well? She's as violent as Celestia, maybe even more so."

"She is aggressive, I can attest, I have watched her before, but she will always do what she feels is right, her only issue is that she needs guidance. The guidance that you can give."

"Me?" Paimon said surprise. "Forget about it. I've tried talking to her before and she shut me down. Paimon can't give her any guidance, she won't listen to Paimon."

"You fear her."

"What?"

"You fear her. You fear what she represents." Teyvat noted. "You fear the power she wields and why she wields it. You fear what she can do with it."

"You do not need to fear her, Paimon. She is not your enemy."

"Are you even listening to yourself Teyvat? Of course, I'm afraid, I've seen how ruthless she can be."

"The electro archon was an equally ruthless individual when you first met her, but your relationship and the traveler have both improved significantly with her."

"That's not the same." Paimon protested. "Ei was traumatized and needed to let go of her false idea of eternity. SHE isn't the same. I've tried reasoning with her like we did Ei, but she wants nothing to do with me."

Paimon could have sworn she heard Teyvat sigh.

"Very well, I shall not press this matter anymore. Just know that I trust you both regardless of the circumstances." It told Paimon. "I know we haven't talked in a while but lately I've been worried. I sense great change everywhere and it worries me. The Fatui, the Abyss, and Celestia are all preparing themselves, for what I do not know, but see dark roads ahead."

"Should trouble come, can I assume a Sustainer that I trust will be there to help me?"

"Oh, why do you always have to put pressure on Paimon? You never needed a Sustainer before, why do you keep insisting to Paimon that one is needed now."

"I have changed Paimon, I am not what I once was. Just like a machine will need a repairman, and a living being needs a doctor, so too do I need someone to take care of me when I no longer can take of myself or my children."

"Fine, fine, Paimon will help, but you better give Paimon and her friends more mora from the Leylines." She noted.

"But of course," Teyvat smiled. "I am well aware of how much you and your traveling companion do for me already. I shall reward him generously as well."

Paimon was ready to leave when she heard a Teyvat figuratively clearing its throat.

"One more thing Paimon." Teyvat interrupted. "You should be more honest with Aether. A friendship built on lies will not last."

"Hey, Paimon doesn't lie. Paimon just omits some details from him." She defended. If Aether learned about her past and her other side, he might never forgive her.

"You can not hide your nature as a Celestial, nor can you hide your role as Sustainer forever. He will learn eventually and depending on how he learns, your friendship may not survive."

Paimon didn't say anything more. She merely left in silence, leaving the being known as Teyvat behind.

"That child." Teyvat sighed once more. It then turned its focus to the presence that was hiding in the room. "Your other half is just as troublesome as you are, Paimon."

One would have assumed it was the small fairy Teyvat was speaking. One would be wrong. Instead of the small fairy, a young woman walked forward with her snowy white hair swaying behind her. She looked up at Teyvat with her golden eyes.

"Seeing as you have overheard me, can I assume you will try working her," Teyvat questioned. The young woman frowned at the world's words. The guide was not someone she respected as equal, nor was she respected by the guide either. "I guess not." Teyvat sighed once more. It really wished they would get along. Hopefully what comes next isn't too bad.

Paimon tried not to panic. Her face had gone pale when she regained consciousness. When Paimon opened her eyes, she expected to see Aether, she expected maybe he would be worried about her fainting, and that she would be by a doctor at least or in her room. She did not expect to be back in the Chasm once. Nor did she expect to be bound in chains that were dripping with Abyssal energy.

"So, you're finally awake." A voice called. "Sustainer of the Heavenly Principles." Paimon turned her head to the source finding none other than the Abyss Princess herself.

"Lumine," Paimon shouted. "What did you do to Paimon? Where's the Traveller?" She questioned. The only response she was given was a slap from the Abyss Twin.

"His name is Aether," Lumine growled at Paimon. Lumine could feel it, the Abyssal energy in her own body was reacting already to the Guide. She was a Celestial that much was certain. "I know you've been lying to him." Lumine scowled. "I know you've been brainwashing him to become a servant for Celestia."

"What are you talking about?" Paimon asked in confusion. She wasn't brainwashing Aether.

"Don't play dumb," Lumine told her. "You may have others fooled by your act but not me. I know what you are Paimon."

"That seemed to get her attention." Lumine thought as she watched Paimon's eyes widen. She saw the fairy start to struggle in her bindings. Working quickly Lumine went to grab her by the chains before turning the door behind them. "Now let's see what you're hiding." She thought as she sent the command to open the door.

"What did you do?" Paimon gasped as she looked in horror at what was going on and where they were. "Lumine stop, this not what you think." Paimon tried to argue. This was not going to end well. She could sense the abundance of Abyssal Energy within the Chasm's core. That's what Teyvat had been warning her about.

"Oh, so you recognize it." Lumine told her as the room started to 'inhale' them. Lumine twisted her foot into the ground, and a dark aura lace with Geo crawled up and anchored her to the ground. Paimon wasn't so lucky as she started to get sucked in. "Good." Lumine let go of the chain.

"NO. LUMINE DON'T." Paimon pleaded as she was pulled inside. The door quickly shut as she tried to fly back out leaving her inside. She could feel it.

The Abyss.

"LUMINE LET PAIMON OUT." Paimon cried as tears formed in her eyes. It hurt. It hurt so much. She can feel her blood practically beginning to boil as the Abyss and Chasm start to attack her mind. It was suffocating.

"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!" Paimon repeated as she banged on the door.

She could already feel it inside herself. She could feel the desire. Their want to escape mixing with her own. She had not too long ago been faced with the face of her other half. It had been illusion but now. Paimon wasn't sure. If she didn't get out right now, then there was no telling what was going to happen next.

"Need a little help." A voice whispered. Paimon's eyes widened….and glowed gold. Her face relaxed as a smile formed on her lips. The voice had come from Paimon.

Lumine looked on at the door as she waited. She was currently using a piece of Khaenrian tech to view the cameras left inside the room. The little guide had been screaming to be let out for a few hours, but now it seemed like they had finally gotten to her. Paimon had gone silent. Had she finally broken?

"Commence data extraction," Lumine ordered as the mages, heralds, and lectors began the extraction process, using the technology they had from Sumeru. If the research was to be believed they would get the answers they needed on Celestia and the evidence, she needed for her brother.

The process had started smoothly. The various memories of Paimon's adventures with Aether had started to be recounted. She watched the exploration of the various nations. The meeting with the various Vision Holders and the different Adventures they went on.

She saw him fight the Electro Archon. She witnessed his fight with Osial, Andrius, Dvalin, and Azdaha. She saw his meeting with that Amber girl and finally the first meeting between Paimon and Aether….and then.

It froze.

"Uh." Lumine looked up. "Is something wrong?" She questioned. She looked at the monitor showing the inside of Paimon's room. Paimon was still sitting there in silence. Nothing was happening but Lumine felt…anxious now.

"Paimon," Lumine called.

The screen went blank.

"She's made her move." Lumine told her underlings. "Prepare for battle." She told them as she turned to face the door. Her sword was drawn and ready. This time was going to be different. She wasn't going to lose to Sustainer this time. She would beat Paimon, for herself, for Khaenriah, for the Abyss and for her brother.

The ground started to shake violently, no, the entire chasm was now shaking as whatever was behind the door started to make its presence known. Lumine had thought it was an earthquake. She didn't expect for the Ley lines to suddenly start sprouting. Countless vines from the Ley lines erupted from the ground of the Chasm.

Lumine braced herself but was surprised when the vines parted and moved around her. Instead of targeting the Abyss Order, the vines instead went after the Door. The vines climbed the wall, weaving and wrapping themselves along every bump and penetrating every crevice on the wall. Once they had finished Lumine was left with quite a sight to behold.

The wall of the Chasm had been completely covered with Ley line vines and flowers all yet to bloom. The Door was left untouched as the only part bare from the Ley lines' touch.

A crack formed on the door, as fragments of it fell off. It wasn't much, just enough for an eye to peek through, a Golden Eye. One that haunted Lumine's nightmares.

Lumine stared at the eye as it stared back. She couldn't see any other part of the owner's face, but something told her…they were smiling. The Ley line flowers all suddenly bloomed as their power was released into the air and into the one behind the door.

"My turn."

Insert Befall