A/N: More notes at the end. Boy am I glad doing this again.
Chapter Eight: Precursor
Windrise, Mondstadt
10:43
The wind was blowing rather rough today – Amber can tell from the blades of grass leaning hard to the right. But that didn't really matter much to her or the task at hand, as she pulled back the cocking lever of the R-201 SOAR she had with her.
After helping Albedo with his experiments yesterday, he was currently helping her with her own experiments as part of their agreement. The alchemist proved to be invaluable help, as they were able to make their own gunpowder using the ingredients provided by BB and a spare alchemy table that he had. Albedo apparently had plenty of flash cotton he imported from Inazuma, a form of nitrocellulose. Which thankfully made things easier for Amber – as they were able to make a good chunk of smokeless powder that should probably fill up 40 cartridges or so.
While having the powder is all well and good, they couldn't really tell if it works without testing it first. And so, Amber took an 8.19mm bullet with the homemade smokeless powder and loaded it into the rifle. Albedo stood a foot behind her, watching with clipboard in hand.
"You might want to step back a little further." The Pilot warned. "While the force is small, I don't want a stray piece to accidentally hurt you." Albedo simply nodded, not wanting to get hit by a piece of rifle and walking a few steps backwards; increasing the distance between them by about five feet.
Once she was sure he was relatively safe, she took aim at the hilichurl target that was set up about 33 yards or roughly 30 meters out. Amber took in a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. A loud bang rang out, but thankfully the R-201 did not turn into a frag grenade, as the bullet shot out of the rifle properly and hit the target square center. The Pilot smiled to herself. "Shit, it actually works."
"Fascinating." He noted, rubbing his ear to tune out the tinnitus. "So, essentially the force of the ignition pushes the projectile outward?"
Amber nodded, before loading another bullet with a bit more powder than its standard amount – an overpressure round. "Yup. The cartridge focuses the force out like a funnel instead of like, big explosion. So that's why it travels fast and far." She took aim once again and fired. There was definitely a bigger kick there than before. Must've added a bit too much on that one. "Perfect. That's the powder done with. Thanks, Al."
"No problem, Miss Amber." He nodded, before realizing the nickname and frowning. "While I say to Sucrose to not address me too formally, please don't address me as 'Al'. It's bizarre."
Amber didn't show any emotion with the helmet on, but he could feel the smirk radiating off of her. "Guess you'll have to deal with it." This earned a small groan from the alchemist.
"Anyway..." Albedo decided to switch the topic. "You mentioned something else you needed help with other than your powder problem?"
The Pilot nodded, bringing out her Pyro Vision. "I'll be honest, I have no idea how this works." Albedo raised his eyebrow for a moment before he was given the Vision. He inspected it before he spoke out his observations. "It dulled in color, yet it's not deactivated." Albedo looked back at Amber. "Have you tried using it?"
"Nope. It just feels warm in my hand." She shook her head. "Can't seem to shoot fire or something."
"Interesting. While I've seen Visions separated from their user, they're usually able to use it again whenever they are returned." He handed it back to her. "Yours is a special case, I suppose."
"Huh. Is there a way for me to activate my Vision then?" Amber asked, taking the Vision back and putting it into her jacket pocket. Unfortunately, Albedo shook his head. "I am not an expert on this subject. Visions are complicated to begin with, no one knows why they suddenly appear. All we know is that they were given to us by the gods."
"Oh. Inconsistent divine bullshit then." Amber concluded, feeling the Vision in her hand before putting it away in one of her pockets. "Guess I'll just figure this out some other time." She put the R-201 rifle that she tested back into the crate of weapons. "Really appreciate the help." Albedo gave a small smile in return. "Al." As quickly as the small smile formed on his lips, it quickly fell.
Amber laughed. "Kidding. Thanks, Albedo. I'll be off now."
"Wait!" Suddenly a Knight of Favonius ran over to them. He paused to take a breath, breathing hard from running in full armor. The Pilot tilted her head in confusion. "What's the hold up?"
The knight took in a few more breaths before he answered the Pilot. "The Acting Grand Master calls for your presence, ma'am. We've spotted activity regarding the enemy Pilot-" He stated. However, as soon as he said, 'enemy Pilot', Amber immediately started running towards the direction of the city.
This she had to personally see.
Wangshu Inn, Liyue
The Day Before
"Look at that, we're halfway to Mondstadt."
The two travelers have been walking for a while now, since Aether decided to take the long route home. He took the time to take in the view of Liyue, to slowly prepare himself to return to the nation that lost its heart. While they left early in the morning, they got enough rest to keep them up for the trip.
As Paimon floated around Aether in boredom, the Traveler simply let his mind run on its own as he began thinking. What happened to Mondstadt while he was gone? Were there going to be drastic changes to the nation now that the Outrider is gone? How will the people greet him? As a hero who tried his best or a failure? Do the people even know of his failure in allowing Amber to be vaporized?
"You look troubled. Perhaps it is something involving the destination of your journey?" A voice made the Traveler turn towards their third companion that was traveling with him. Mona Megistus, the Hydro astrologist with a financial problem – at least it's not as bad as Zhongli's. She suddenly showed up just as Aether and Paimon left the place they rested in and asked for his assistance regarding a personal feud between her master and her master's friend. Since then, she's been tagging along the journey to Mondstadt.
And as an astrologist, she understands people and fate. Granted, it's not a concrete method but it works. Aether simply nods in response to her.
"Yeah." He answers. "It's uh...something I'd rather not talk about."
Mona nods. "Understandable." She stays silent as the three continue walking down the road. The awkward silence is suddenly broken by someone's stomach grumbling. Paimon and Aether widen their eyes to look for the source of the sound, looking at each other first. Then, they briefly glance towards their other companion, who was bashfully hiding her face.
"Do you want to stop by and eat first?" Aether asked.
"Yes." The astrologist answers. No point in denying it.
Thankfully, they were already close to Wangshu Inn where they could stop by and eat. As soon as they arrived though, there was something peculiar about the place. What was once filled with the feeling of jovial companionship and merriment, now replaced with dread. There were no customers sitting by the tables, only Millelith guards standing vigilant. There was something wrong here.
"What's going on?" Paimon muttered, floating behind Aether's shoulder. "Why are there more guards here than usual?"
"I-I think that's why." Mona pointed at something. The two turned their heads to see where she was pointing at...
"Oh..."
By the lift leading up to the higher floors of Wangshu Inn were seven bodies wrapped in brown and gold funeral shrouds. Disturbingly, three of the bodies did not have their skulls. There was a separate jar next to the bodies, maybe where the heads are. There were a few morticians from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor standing next to it – maybe the ones who prepared the bodies. And inspecting some of the bodies was none other than Hu Tao, the funeral director of the parlor.
The director turns her head to see the three travelers and waves at Aether and Paimon. "Hey! Fancy seeing you two here." She greets with her mischievous smile. "Glad to see you in good health! Especially you, Aether...well, if you continued to run into Ruin Hunters, we might've met under different circumstances." She winked.
"We were just about on our way back to Mondstadt." Aether elaborated but sighed at the mention of his reckless charges. "That's all in the past now. I'm not doing that again."
"Ruin Hunter...?" Mona raised an eyebrow at that. Before she could get any answers, Hu Tao suddenly zipped behind her. "Hello!" She greeted.
"Gah!" The astrologist jumped, moving away from her. Hu Tao giggled, looking closely at Mona. "Hm, too young to be a client. Are you with my dear friend here?" She asked, wrapping an arm around Aether's waist and dragging him closer to her, much to his embarrassment.
"I... yes, this is my disciple." She answered. That certainly got a reaction out of the director as she gasped with mock offense, dropping Aether and feigning a dramatic pose.
"Oh, Aether! I thought we had something special! This betrayal hurts me too much!" She clutched her chest and fell into the Traveler's arms, playing dead. After a moment of confusion from all three, Hu Tao stood back up with a pout. "What, no standing ovation for my brilliant performance? I'm not much of an actor, y'know?"
"Uh, I think I'm more curious about them." Aether nods towards the bodies. "What happened?"
Hu Tao's mischievous demeanor dropped as she sighed. "We received a message from Wangshu Inn regarding seven dead. It was a bit strange at first, seeing that many clients already. We understood the moment we got here: it was a group of informants - murdered. Two decapitated and disemboweled. And two others had their arms severed. Whoever this person caused this clearly has no value for the preservation of bodies."
The three paled at the way Hu Tao described the bodies. It wasn't simply a murder – it was a massacre. Paimon quivered, slowly floating behind Aether. Mona had a hand covering her mouth in shock.
Aether, while visibly disturbed, asked. "Is that all of them?" To their relief, Hu Tao shook her head. "There's one survivor, currently resting in the inn as we speak." She answered. "She's a bit shaken...poor girl."
The Traveler nods. "Thanks, Hu Tao." He turns towards Mona and Paimon. "Is it alright if you guys stay here for a bit? I just want to ask some questions."
"Okay, but why are you asking?" Paimon questioned.
"I have a feeling something is up with the world right now...after those two meteors crashed into Mondstadt." He said before heading to the lift and going up to the upper floors.
As they waited, Paimon pondered. "Hm, he may have a point. We've never seen anything this bad before…"
Mona suddenly snapped her fingers. "I should've told you both about what was to come today." She muttered, which didn't go unnoticed by Paimon. "What was that exactly?"
"It was a rather strange vision...Two warriors fell from the sky." She responded. "A savior...and a harbinger of death."
"Unfortunately, I believe we found the harbinger first..."
[…]
Xiao is not one to meddle with mortals, as many adepti do. So, Aether was understandably surprised to see the adeptus visibly standing there at the balcony overlooking this part of Liyue. However, something was a bit off with him. He clutched his body as if he was wounded, and he was slouching.
The adeptus perked up and turned around, gripping his polearm ready to defend himself. Seeing that it is the Traveler, he relaxed slightly. "Traveler...you're here."
Aether nodded. "I'm looking for answers. What happened? You're holding your chest like you hurt yourself."
"A demon." Xiao answered, putting his hand to reveal his chest charred. Aether swallowed the bile that was rising up from his throat after seeing it. It looked horrendous. "It attacked an unfortunate group of mortals. Two were able to escape but the demon caught up." He grits his teeth, growling. "I was only able to save one of them. The demon was too quick and used magic I have never seen in my entire time in this realm and escaped from justice."
The Traveler looked at him with worry. He didn't realize how bad the situation actually was. "I think I have some medicine for you to heal your burn." He reached for his leather bag, searching for an ointment.
However, Xiao held up his hand. "I am fine, Traveler. This isn't the worst damage I sustained." He spoke. "If you are looking for the survivor, she is in one of the rooms resting." He nodded towards the direction of the rooms. "I will not meddle with your business but take care you don't add to the problem."
"Thanks, Xiao. I'll be careful." Aether responded and went on his way to search for the lone survivor. Thankfully it wasn't long until he found where she was currently residing, in one of the inn rooms. While the other rooms were either locked or empty, there was one room that was still open. There were the soft sounds of movement on fabric, like someone sitting down on a bed – maybe there was someone inside. Aether was about to peek to check when suddenly someone cleared their throat.
The Traveler turned to see the owner of the inn, Verr Goldet, standing by with crossed arms. Fortunately, she didn't look irritated or anything, instead curious. "Hello, Traveler. I assume you wish to speak to our guest?" She greeted with a smile.
"Yeah." He nodded. "Regarding the killer. Xiao didn't mention anything about what he looked like."
"Oh, you don't need to ask her. She told me." Verr shook her head. "According to what she described; he had some sort of weird armor with wolf's fur, but the helmet was orange and demonic. She mentioned that it looked eerily similar to the 11th Harbinger. You do know what I'm talking about right?"
Aether's eyes were wide as he took in this information. The Eleventh? Then that meant…
Tartaglia.
"I...I think I got everything that I need." He said, ready to run back downstairs. The thought of it was...jarring to Aether. Why would Tartaglia do the sort? While he was usually one to do a lot of the dirty work, never did he see him as a cold-blooded killer. Not as gruesome of this.
Suddenly, a guttural scream came from the room - alerting the two to turn towards the door. Aether was visibly disturbed, but Verr didn't look like she was fazed. She sighed as she went for the door. "I got this handled. She must've had another nightmare." The owner opened the door to calm down whoever was in there, assuming to be Vile.
Aether could hear sobbing from that room. Being courteous, he decided to not walk in on them and went down the lift. It wasn't long before he reached the ground floor once again, with his two companions waiting for him.
"What happened?" Paimon asked, noticing Aether's pale face as he went down. She and Mona looked at Aether with concern as he quickly walked towards them.
"We need to head to Mondstadt. And fast."
Favonius Headquarters, Mondstadt
Present Time (10:57)
Amber entered the office of the Acting Grand Master, where she saw her and Eula present. But there were new people – a floating little girl and a blonde guy in an odd outfit that showed his midriff. Looking at the blonde guy gave the Pilot a weird sense of déjà vu, similar to when she first ran into Jean and Eula.
The aforementioned knight noticed Amber entering and smiled. "Ah, the Pilot has arrived. Glad you could join us." The pair turned around to see her. Almost immediately she could tell something was up, as if the floating girl and the blonde looked like they recognized her.
"So, you're the Baroness?" The blonde boy asked, looking at her up and down.
The Pilot nodded. "That's me." She gave an open-arm shrug before looking at Jean. "Okay, who are they?"
The Acting Grand Master nodded. "Of course. This is the Honorary Knight, Aether and her floating companion, Paimon." The two gave a small wave; though Aether narrowed his eyes towards Amber. Maybe he saw something suspicious with her? The Pilot doubted he could best her in a combat situation in this environment, but she still had to be alert.
"Is it just me or does this woman look like Amber?" The floating girl, Paimon, commented. The woman froze, not expecting the comment. She had to think of an excuse fast.
"Well, you can say that." Amber responded. "I actually met Captain Amber before, a brave soldier and a fearless leader. So much so that my armor was inspired by her, down to the colors." She had hoped it would get their suspicions cleared for a little while, if this becomes another tearjerker reunion - she was going to vomit. Eula gave her a raised eyebrow towards her, as if they were going to buy the bullshit.
It worked...to some degree. "You met Amber? She's still alive?!" Paimon exclaimed incredulously. Aether's face was a whole flurry of emotions, with anger being the most prominent, but he reigned it in - lest he made a bad impression on this stranger.
While this woman was a stark resemblance of Amber, she said she was nowhere related to her. However, something about her statement made him suspicious of this newcomer.
"So, she's alive...where is she now?" He asked. The Baroness gave a shrug, deciding to give a vague answer. "Hell if I know, the Captain was long gone off to another sortie last I saw her." She shook her head, switching the topic. "Alright, enough of the mingling - I came here for the news…what happened?"
"Allow me, ma'am." Eula requested, which Jean granted. "Just an hour ago, we received news that one of our informants had gone missing. We were about to start a searching party when just fifteen minutes later, the Honorary Knight came into our headquarters. He filled in the blanks of our case, turning out to be far worse than we thought. A group of informants were supposed to deliver confidential documents to Liyue and discuss with the authorities there, but an assailant slaughtered them all and took the documents there."
"Okay…what kind of paperwork is important enough to grab the attention of the enemy Pilot? Bank funds? Schematics?" Amber interrupted, crossing her arms.
The Recon Captain pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment. "I was getting to that. According to the Intelligence company, it was a list of high-level members of an organization network. One of which is a former associate of ours." Eula tapped her fingers against the desk as she continued.
It definitely piqued the interest of the Pilot, as she raised her head. "So, you're saying you just lost a list of contacts and that is now in the hands of the enemy, an enemy that is a trained assassin that OUTCLASSES YOU ALL, mind you." Amber shook her head. "Obviously, blaming each other will do nothing to help. Is there anything else I need to know about our enemy Pilot here?"
"This so-called 'enemy Pilot' is a Fatui Harbinger." Aether finally spoke, getting the attention of the others. "I know him. Goes by the name Childe, but his title is Tartaglia. I only knew this after the Osial incident."
"Fatui…the same fuckers that tried to take my Titan." Amber muttered, gritting her teeth. It turns out the Fatui was more involved than she initially realized. "Well, this doesn't make things easier."
'It doesn't help that this Childe fellow is like me. Somehow ended up mixed in with the Frontier's war.' She thought. 'Childe…what a stupid name.'
"So, now we know this Tartaglia folk is the culprit behind this ambush and is responsible for massacring Albedo's research team back in Dragonspine. No doubt, he's still up there in the mountain somewhere." That statement made the traveling duo widen their eyes in shock. "And if I know Apex Predators, they don't stop hunting until their prey is killed."
"Albedo's team has been WHAT?! And Tartaglia's a what now?!" Paimon exclaimed, turning to the Traveler. "How much did we miss?!"
"A lot. Though to call it a lot would undersell it." Jean answered. Not exactly wrong since they haven't been given the bombshell that this unknown woman is Amber. "If you have any other questions, you may stay behind, and I will fill you in on other details."
"As for you..." She turned towards the Baroness. "I expect you will do some investigations of your own, so while you are doing that could you bring our informant home? She would be in much better condition with us."
"Wait, didn't this Aether kid come from the informant? Why don't you send him?" Amber asked. The Traveler gave her an odd slightly offended look, but thankfully Jean gave her reason.
"It wouldn't be as efficient if the Traveler went back and forth. And besides, where the informant is right now is a good place to start your investigation." She said. "I believe she is in Wangshu Inn, according to
"Fiiine~" She groaned, her antennae drooping as she headed for the door. "I'll be back in a bit. Later, nerds." Amber gave a two fingered salute, before she opened the door of the office and went out - leaving everyone else back in the office. Eula shook her head. "I will go after her, the less trouble she makes the better." She commented before taking her leave as well.
Once everyone has left, Jean faces the Traveler and Paimon. "Now...are there any questions you want to ask?"
"Yeah..." Aether started. "That woman was Amber, wasn't it?"
[...]
The Pilot yawned as she went out of the Headquarters and into the town, thankfully done with that meeting. Not that it was an issue to be with Jean and Eula again, but that blonde kid Aether did put her on edge. It was subtle, but they both knew Aether knew she was the dead Outrider. Compared to the other Knights, his reaction is more angry than somber. Maybe her death did something to him that made him this way – which might be trouble when she has to spill the beans that she has amnesia.
"Lastimosa." A familiar voice cut through her thoughts, making the Pilot turn behind her to see the Recon Captain catch up to her. "I will join you in your investigation. And to keep an eye on you."
Amber smiled underneath her helmet. "You don't have to, you know? I'm a trained soldier – I know what I'm doing. I just like to live free every once in a while." She pats her gloved hands on the woman's shoulders. "Is this an excuse to hang out with me more?"
The blue-haired woman blushes, clearing her throat. "It is utmost importance that I must learn to work with a colleague, especially one not with the Knights of Favonius." She explained, before giving a smile. "Of course, this is a way for me to see you in action."
"I'll take that as a yes, Popsicle." Amber chuckled. "Come on. Let's use whatever daylight we still have – you know where Wangshu Inn is, right?"
Wangshu Inn, Liyue
11:04 AM
As it turns out, neither of them knew where the Inn was. Thankfully, after asking questions from the locals and convincing them Amber was not an enemy (nor was she the Demon of Dragonspine as Tartaglia is apparently called now), they made their way towards the inn.
Before they entered however, Amber suddenly stopped. Eula turned around, wondering why she stopped. "Amber, are you alright?"
She gave no response, however she did something unexpected – taking off her helmet in the middle of the road in broad daylight. The Pilot fluffed her hair, feeling the sunlight hit her fair skin.
"I'm only special to Mondstadt." She started. "Here? I'm a nobody like everybody else. I can walk around without a care of hiding my face." She clipped the helmet to her belt, letting it hang on her hip.
"Why do you hide your face back in Mondstadt?" Eula asked, as they continued walking down the road towards the Inn, which turns out to be the giant tree in all of the marsh.
"I just..." Amber sighed. "I'm not one for fame. Seeing these people who look up to me when I've never seen or knew them before gives off the impression that I'll have to live with the high expectations they expect. Not to mention, Mondstadt sees me as one of their heart and soul figures." She would recall the amount of times she would be greeted by random riflemen from different battalions as if she was a hero. It felt wrong to her, when only she knew what really happened during those daring missions.
It was only the 26th Platoon, her "Red Devils", that she was most comfortable when they greeted her as a superior. They were with her during those battles, as such they knew what the Pilot went through – even if their knowledge was limited. Kay and Jack were the closest to her after all: they were Pilots and they themselves went through hell like she did. She could only wonder how they're dealing with her disappearance right now.
"I have not experienced what it's like to be liked by the masses. Back while you were still here, you were doing all of that while I was the outcast, ostracized by Mondstadt for being a member of the old aristocracy that ruined the nation." Eula answered, though she herself seemed to be unsure. "But it did not stop me in solidifying my identity, that I was not my ancestors. Eventually, I was welcomed. There is much to be improved, but I was accepted."
She turned to the Pilot with a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let the people stop you from being yourself. The reason you were the heart of Mondstadt because everyone loved the real you – you didn't act on a false persona." There was a moment of pause as Eula pondered. "I'm not sure what Mondstadt will think of you, but I know they will welcome you with open arms."
All of a sudden, Amber put her hand on Eula's that was still on her shoulder. "Thanks, Popsicle – I guess I needed to hear that." A genuine smile graces the Pilots lips.
The physical contact made the Knight flustered, but the nickname dragged her out of her embarrassment. "Lastimosa, what did I say about the teasing?" She frowned, one that Amber took advantage of.
"Hey, you only said teasing, not nicknames." She gave her mischievous smirk. "I mean what else am I supposed to call you? Honey?" That statement made Eula redder that she already was, much to her embarrassment.
"No! That's ad-! Worse! So much worse..." She caught herself from saying something that she would regret later on. Eula was frustrated, why must she toy with her heart like that? "You'll pay for that when we get back. We should proceed with the investigation, we're already here."
Thankfully Amber did catch on with her promise and dropped the mischief. "Copy that." She responded. "Doesn't look to be a big place, but let's see what we can find about our dear Harbinger friend here."
From the looks of the place, it felt less like an inn and more of a 4-star hotel for Amber. It reminded her a lot like the hotels in Harmony. How that specific city in Harmony managed to get through the class divide was beyond her. There was a restaurant at the bottom of the tree, with Chinese style elevators and furniture. It should come off as no surprise that Liyue looked a lot like Old Word China back on Earth.
What was not part of the hotel was the sudden increase of security, as there were multiple guards dressed in black and gold garbs and carried polearms. Some were on patrol, following a route. Others simply stood guard and checked every guest entering of their belongings.
Those same guards now stand in the way between Amber and the answers towards the Apex Predator.
"Halt. This establishment is under watch of the Liyue Qixing – we request that you state your business here in the Wangshu Inn. Otherwise, do not enter until the investigation is over." The guard said. Thank God, they all spoke English – even if was accented.
Eula stepped forward. "Ahem. I am Eula Lawrence of the Knights of the Favonius, we wish to retrieve our informant currently in the establishment. Allow us to enter and we will leave you to your business." To her annoyance, the Millelith guard stood stalwart.
"We are sorry, but we are not allowing foreign figures from entering. This is Liyue business." He responded. The Knight frowned and was tempted to draw her sword to challenge him. Thankfully, Amber held out her hand to stop her.
"Don't. The less we appear hostile, the better." She told her in an uncharacteristically stern tone. Eula was shocked, she had almost forgotten this wasn't the cheerful, extroverted Outrider. Amber is a veteran soldier of a war far deadlier than any of Teyvat's conflicts could manage. And this was evidence.
"Excuse me, sir. Pardon my companion here." She saluted in the way that she knew: sturdy body, with right hand pointed at her right eyebrow. "My name is Amber Lastimosa, Captain of the Special Recon Squadron of Mondstadt. I was given the green light by your superior to allow me to pursue an investigatory operation in Wangshu Inn."
This was obviously a flat out lie, almost everyone knew it. The guards themselves narrowed their eyes at this. "Really? Then why haven't we heard of an operation beforehand?"
"Classified." Amber lied smoothly, like she has said this so many times before. "This is a collaborative effort, at the very least allow me and my fellow Knight here to retrieve our informant – we mean no harm." The two stared at each other, a tense silence in the air. Will they buy it or will they figure out that a Mondstadt SRS does not exist.
"Hm. We'll have to call our 'superior' then to verify your identification." The guard answered, before gesturing to one of the guards on standby. He nodded and went up the Inn using the elevator. As they waited, the guard looked at Amber. "That's not standard Knight armor...and what even is this so-called Special Recon Squadron?"
"The Special Recon Squadron is a highly trained group of Knights who are tasked with high-risk and covert operations. I can't say anything beyond that because that's classified information." Amber responded smoothly. "This is just my special armor as Captain of the SRS."
Eula stopped herself before her jaw could drop – it was an obvious lie, yet she spoke with such confidence it sounds real.
As for the Pilot, she wasn't technically wrong. The SRS of the Militia did operate under such circumstances – after all she was an SRS pilot herself. Explaining a similar organization to someone who doesn't have a full grasp of how Mondstadt operates was easy. She only hoped that they would buy it.
One of the guards seemed to be convinced. "Wow...did Mondstadt really change so drastically? I've only heard that they got serious after their Outrider died...I didn't expect it to be that serious."
This time, Eula decided to join in the alibi. "Yes...after our Outrider died, there was a great reform in our organization – the Special Squadron was formed under the Reconnaissance Company, with my authority. Needless to say, they were quite the help." She gave Amber a doubtful look, but the Pilot merely gave a smile. The alibi seemed to work.
"I see." The guard that was questioning them earlier seemed to be convinced as well. "Well, that is interesting development from what's supposed the Nation of Freedom. But we still need to verify you – the news hasn't reached us, so we never knew."
It wasn't long before the guard that was called earlier returned. "Miss Lastimosa, the owner of the Inn wishes to speak to you." He spoke. The two Mondstadtians brightened at the news.
"Fucking finally." Amber murmured. "Let's go-"
"Lastimosa only. I'm afraid you'll have to take a seat, Miss Lawrence." The guard corrected himself, clearing his throat. While that definitely wasn't what they expected, at the very least they were getting some answers in regard to the incident. The front guard allowed them in to have a seat on one of the empty tables. While Eula got settled, Amber followed after the guard to the elevator – giving Eula a reassuring thumbs up.
"Hope this goes well..." She mutters.
The ride up to the upper floor was rather silent, with the guard giving glances towards the Pilot. Looking at his young face, he must be a newer recruit. Amber simply kept to herself, hoping that they bought the lie. If they didn't, she hoped they were understanding once she did break to them.
Leaving the elevator, she was led to the balcony where two women was waiting for them, drinking tea and seemingly there to enjoy the view. One of them was wearing the typical Liyue fashion, except it's a darker red with gold accents. The other was wearing Mondstadtian clothing, most likely the informant that Jean and Eula were here for. The women turned to see them, only to widen their eyes in shock. While the Millelith guard that escorted Amber was confused, he merely left with a bow – leaving Amber with the two.
"Oh, my Morax. This is the Red Devil Baroness? It was the missing Outrider all this time?" The Liyue woman exclaimed. The informant can only nod, as she was struck speechless.
Amber gave a sigh. "Great. Before we point fingers, who are you exactly? I'm not exactly healthy in the head apparently."
"O-Oh, pardon me." The Liyue woman cleared her throat. "I am Verr Goldet, the owner of Wangshu Inn." Pointing to the informant, she stated. "This is Vile, the informant I assume you're here for?" Vile was staring at the helmet that laid on her hip, a stare all too familiar to Amber. She sighed; it was good she took off her helmet beforehand.
"Oh, no I'm not here for Vile. That's Eula's job and she's waiting for me downstairs." She pointed a thumb to a vague direction. "What I'm here for...is the Demon."
There was a moment of silence between the three of them. Verr took a sip of her tea before answering. "Then I'm afraid you're farther from wherever he is right now. When he attacked two nights ago, he vanished in this bright light." Another sip from her tea. "So, if you do not have anything else to say, then you may take Vile home."
"...I actually have do have something to say." Amber started before looking Verr dead in the eye. "Don't go after him. He and I come from a place far beyond your comprehension. I don't want any more people involved with this war...not again."
She walked past Verr to look at Vile, who had tuned out of the conversation in a thousand-yard stare. Amber gently pulled her out of a trance by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Can you move?" She asked gently. Vile gave a nod, still unable to speak from the series of events that befell her. Tartaglia and Amber disappeared from Teyvat, seemingly dead, and now they return as these...super soldiers far better than anything the seven nations could create – even farther ahead than Fontaine, arguably the most advanced nation in terms of technology.
Once she got the confirmation, Amber simply let Vile cling on to her as they walked away from the balcony – leaving Verr baffled with more questions than answers. Where did Tartaglia and Amber end up after being killed? Who sent them there? How did they end like this?
Most importantly...why are they back here?
"I need to report this back to the Tianquan...you were right, Xiao. This is something worse." Verr rubbed the temples of her head before heading back to her desk.
Residential District, Mondstadt
14:04
The walk back home was rather uneventful for all three of them, since Vile didn't really want to talk about the horrors she witnessed. Not to mention, Amber was...unusually silent until they reached Mondstadt where the Intelligence Company took care of her. After they had reported to Jean of their success in the operation, only then did the Pilot speak: turning towards Eula with a smile.
"Want a drink? I need a fucking break." For once, Eula did not protest.
Still using the Red Devil Baroness moniker, they took one of the balcony tables to unwind. Both were drinking wine from wooden mugs instead of the glasses that they used the last time they were here. While they were high enough for them to not be seen, Amber still kept her helmet on.
"Are you alright? You've barely touched your wine." Eula asked, concerned.
The Pilot gave a sigh, before finally taking off her helmet and placing it on the table. She took a swig of her drink before answering. "It's...fine. Vile reminded me too much of me, I guess."
Eula fixed a stray strand of her hair as she took a sip of her drink. "What...exactly happened to you?"
"Long story." Amber answered. "Basically, first time I apparently showed up on some backyard planet I nearly died. Saw a whole family executed on wrong accusations by the IMC, then was tortured for questioning." That segment alone made Eula put her mug down on the table in shock, but she wasn't done. "And then..."
Grandpa! SAVE ME!
Amber shuddered; the memory still fresh off her mind. "I can...I can trust you...right?" She stuttered. "I-It's sounds so dumb, we've already gotten closer as friends, and it sounds like I'm still doubtful of everyone here-"
"Amber..." Eula interrupted her. "You can trust me. I would never forgive myself if I betrayed you."
The words calmed the Pilot a bit before nodding. "Thank you." She said before continuing. "Where was I...right. The orbital bombardment."
"Orbital bombardment?" The Recon Captain quirked her eyebrow upwards.
"Okay...so imagine a really big explosion." Amber tried to explain. Eula closed her eyes, following what she was saying. A certain child of an adventurer comes to mind – with her comically large bombs. "Alright?" She asked.
"Now, think of that but there are at least ten of them going off in a wide area, very close to each other." Amber continued. The Knight paled. "Oh Barbatos..."
"That should give you some context..." She took a deep breath. "I...was caught in an orbital bombardment...stuck in a cage where the IMC held me hostage. It was...fucking terrifying." Amber decided to down the whole mug as she continued. "The building I was in was small, and crumbly. So, every impact felt like my last, with the ground rumbling and the building shaking horribly. Every impact felt like what was supposed to be the killing blow – I could imagine...the rubble caving in and crushing me...I have never been so scared in my life."
There was a moment of silence between them, with Eula worried over the Pilot who had tears threatening to leave her eyes. They were technically alone, right? Eula did the one thing that felt appropriate to her.
She scooted over to Amber and pulled her into a hug. The Pilot widened her eyes, not expecting that move. However, she did not do anything to ruin the moment – instead to just let it happen. After a few minutes, Eula pulled away and spoke.
"But you did survive that bombardment, and the fact you're here after all that hell you described makes you the strongest person I've ever known. Maybe more than Grand Master Jean." She said. "I...admit I am not the best at this, but I am here if you need someone to talk to."
Amber wiped her tears away and gave a smile. "Why do you do this to me? You're so sweet."
Eula coughed, blushing. "But that doesn't mean I'll pamper you or anything! I'll have my vengeance of you making me feel...embarrassed today." She finished her wine as she gulped it down.
The Pilot gave a laugh. "Goddamn. You're such a tsun, it's adorable."
Before they could share the afternoon together, a distant boom echoed across the sky – startling the once peaceful afternoon. Amber and Eula's faces dropped as they began to see smoke in the sky.
"What the hell...?" The Pilot muttered, before she suddenly put her helmet on – letting the airlocks close in. "BB?"
"Welcome back, Pilot. I heard the explosion, if that's what you're asking." The Titan's AI answered. Amber sighed in relief, it was good to hear her Titan again. "Can you give an analysis on that smoke?"
"Scanning." The Titan used her helmet's systems to scan the smoke formation. There was a beep to indicate the end of the scanning. "It appears to come from 500 meters from the southwest. Whatever it is, I suggest we investigate."
"Eula! What's down southwest?!" Amber asked the stunned Knight with urgency.
"The Dawn Winery. But why-AMBER WAIT!" She cried out just as the Pilot suddenly shot out her grappling hook from her body, attaching it to one of the nearby houses before suddenly launching herself from the tavern, across the town in one fell swoop before practically flying all the way out of the walls and out of Mondstadt. And just like that the Pilot disappeared.
"Dammit." Eula cursed, as she went down the tavern to leave – not realizing the cursing was starting to rub off from Amber. "Guess it's time to pay the Winery a visit." With a coin toss, she paid Charlie before running off to go after the Pilot.
The Dawn Winery, Mondstadt
14:10
"Fuck me..." Amber cursed as she arrived by the vineyard to see the damage.
The main house of the Winery was currently set ablaze, with the smoke rising as high as the surrounding cliffs – making it impossible to be ignored. There was a large hole on the side of the building, which looked to be the source of all that fire. The grape farmers and women that looked to be maids of the house were all gathered outside, arms up in surrender.
The Pilot watched all of this from the nearby cliff with her enhanced vision. "Who the hell..." Then, she saw something that made her heart stop.
Out from the fire, a man with red hair, strong build and his clothes tattered was thrown out into the ground – scaring the poor farmers and the maids. Miraculously, he was still alive: though bleeding from a gaping wound in his abs and his face filled with bruises to the point where he almost looked like a plum.
And then, he came out.
The whole thing looked straight out of a horror film, as he stepped out from the fire – carrying an electric shashka saber. The enemy himself seemed to embrace the monster persona, as his helmet was unlike anything Amber had seen - with red horns and a fierce purple orb as its eye, glaring maliciously at the helpless. The emblem of the animal skull with the red background was more than enough to tell her what she was dealing with.
The Apex Predator Tartaglia.
The enemy Pilot did not say anything as he continued to walk towards the red-headed man who was struggling to stay up. He looked to be finishing off the wounded man when someone bravely stood in his way.
"No! Please!" An old man, seemingly one of the farmers, pleaded. "Spare the others and our Master, take me instead!"
"Very well." Tartaglia finally spoke, in this garbled voice changer that made him sound demonic. Amber was able to hear him thanks to her 'bunny ears'. He suddenly drew a Wingman Magnum Revolver and pointed the gun at his head. "You first."
The trigger was pulled, and the old man's head was scattered across the ground. Everyone except the wounded man screamed in terror at the sight of such a brutal death. This Demon, Apex Predator...whatever the fucker calls himself...needs to stop.
He needs to die now.
Amber readied her newly restocked Longbow DMR and looked down the sights, aiming for Tartaglia.
"Say good night to your head, you sick fuck."
Then she fired.
To be continued...
A/N: MAN.
I am so glad I got the motivation to write this again after so long. Again, I'm so sorry for leaving you hanging there for more than 4 months now. Life hasn't been the best for the past few months, and writer's block is still a btch as usual. I'll admit, I'm not as interested as I once was when writing Genshin stuff after getting tired of it. As it turns out, the 8k word goal that I've set myself is a bit too much for me - so I am more comfortable writing at least 5k and above.
So, this is it. The chapter where Amber and Tartaglia officially meet as enemy Pilots of two warring factions, and the third to the last chapter of this story arc. Hurray, I'm doing story arcs now. The next chapter should be the continuation of Tartaglia's mission and the ensuing battle in his perspective.
So yeah, I'm happy to see y'all again. Expect the next one to come in soon, I promise not to leave you guys hanging like last time.
Constructive criticism is welcome, but don't spread hate. This is just a funny fanfic that I'm now attached to. Thank you for your time for reading.
- LNC3L0T