Furina sat alone on her throne, helpless as the prophecy came to pass. Dark tides surged over her nation. People screamed. Some ran but didn't get far before their bodies dissolved. Each scream tore through her chest. They begged her to save them, but the primordial sea devoured the nation she worked so hard to protect.
Fontaine lay beneath the waters. Dark tides lapped around the Opera Epiclese. From her booth, Furina sat completely powerless.
All those millennia of loneliness, putting on an act while the prophecy came ever closer, and she failed. She was all alone once more.
The grief consumed her, but then she sensed a warmth beside her. Someone lay a gentle hand upon her shoulder and brought her into an embrace. Aether spoke to her.
"You're okay," he said tenderly. "I'm here."
He felt real—more real than the gushing tidal waves and screams, more real than her failures.
He ran his fingers through her hair, tracing tiny circles across her back. So stricken with grief, she could not speak. Aether pressed a handkerchief to her damp eyes.
"It's just a dream," he said. "This isn't how it happened."
He picked her up and carried her bridal style out of the booth into a pristine hallway. Primordial water had not yet touched this place, it seemed. Small comfort.
Aether brought her into the lobby, where the once dominant cacophony of roaring waves faded. They descended the steps into the entry chamber of a dry opera house. As Aether carried her to the door, Furina lifted her gaze. They stepped into the sunlight.
Fontaine was not underwater. Theater-goers ambled about, making small talk about the latest shows or court dramas. Children chased each other while a Melusine Officer blew her whistle at them and insisted they slow down. Loving couples stood before the fountain making prayers for their future.
Aether carried her further. They entered the aquebus which brought them to the city. Furina's eyes widened.
There were no primordial waters. Her people walked around the streets enjoying the morning. People crowded around Arouet's coffee store, customers lined up at Chiori Boutique, and women bought perfumes from Emilie. Neuvillette's staff marched to the courthouse for another day of hard work. Melusines skipped about, alongside their fellow officers.
Aether placed her down. Furina stumbled to the railing, where she soaked it all in. He crossed to her side, his smile tender.
"You didn't fail. You're not alone anymore."
As he spoke, dozens of people ambling the streets stopped and waved at her. She recognized Navia and Clorinde at the coffee shop. Charlotte snapped photographs from the aquebus. Lyney and Lynette did their street performances to a crowd of onlookers.
And there were more, from beyond Fontaine. Hu Tao hollered, "Heya Furina!" from the café while Zhongli sipped his tea. Yoimiya, Ayaka, and Ayato greeted her from the square, ready for another day of filming it seemed.
A shadow fell over her. Looking up, she saw the Jade Chamber descending and Ningguang stood at the ledge alongside Jean, Ganyu, and Keqing. All four women stepped off the flying fortress and bowed before Furina.
"It took all of Liyue working together to stave off a god's wrath," said the Tianqian. "You had to do it on your own. That is something no other leader could have accomplished. From the bottom of my heart, I respect you, Lady Furina.
And there were more of them: Neuvillette came down the chamber. He offered Furina a solemn bow.
"I am sorry that you had to bear this burden on your own. But Fontaine will have a future thanks to your sacrifice."
As she struggled for words, three new figures emerged from the Jade Chamber. Raiden Ei and Nahida, and a third woman that she'd never seen before. This tall woman had blazing crimson hair and fiery eyes. Somehow, she seemed perfectly suited to stand beside Ei and Nahida.
The Archons crossed over to her side, laying their hands on her shoulder.
"You've done well, Furina," said Ei. "Be proud."
"They're all alive because of you," added Nahida.
The red-haired woman grinned. "I'd expect nothing less from Fontaine's greatest Archon. You've earned your place among us, and among the greatest heroes this world will ever know."
All three women knelt before her and bowed. One by one, everyone in Fontaine did the same until the entire nation had fallen to their knees.
Her throat quavered. Fresh new tears coursed down her cheeks. She couldn't help but cry as she took in all those people still alive and happy. This felt real—more real than the nightmares she'd suffered every day for 500 years, more real than all her loneliness and sorrow.
Fontaine's citizens returned to their daily lives. Newsies called out the Steambird's morning news while the well-to-do folks gossiped about the latest trial. The Jade Chamber's residents returned to their floating mansion which drifted into the blue sky. People walked down the streets, vanishing as they turned the corner.
Even then, Aether remained beside her.
Furina threw her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. He staggered a moment in surprise before he managed to kiss her back. His lips felt real, more real than any dream.
She smiled through her tears. "You really are here, aren't you?"
He gave her a reassuring little squeeze.
"Aether," she said through tears. "Thank you."
"I had some help," he admitted.
Furina buried her face into his chest, relishing the warmth of his strong body seeping into hers. She held him so tightly it hurt.
"I've missed you," she said.
"I miss you too," he replied. "But I'm here now. We have the night together. We can do anything you like."
"Anything?"
"Sure. This is your dream."
Her dream… Furina concentrated on her heart's desire.
The nation of Fontaine transformed; buildings sunk into the ground, and streets became hardwood floors of a stage. Furina raised her hands, commanding the stage to become a cathedral with pews full of her friends. There they all were, in perfect attendance.
Next, Furina shed her attire and changed Aether's clothes into something more formal. Grinning, he took her by the arm and escorted her up the steps. Decked in her elegant mermaid-style wedding dress, she felt divine. Flowers decorated her white hair, wafting a sweet fragrance across the cathedral.
She and Aether stopped before the altar where Neuvillette presided. Assuming a professional demeanor, he spoke.
"Dear friends, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Lady Furina de Fontaine and Aether."
Neuvillette went through the wedding speech. She only half-listened. Furina found herself lost in Aether's loving eyes. He regarded her like she was the world, the sun, moon, and stars. His adoration made her tear up all over again.
Then, Aether slipped a silver ring onto her finger. It bore a blue gemstone brimming with Hydro Energy.
"Aether," said Neuvillette. "Do you take Furina as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"Furina, do you take Aether as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her heart swelled with joy as she uttered those two words. "I do."
"Then by the power vested in me as the Iudex, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss—"
She jumped on Aether before Neuvillette could finish, locking lips with her new husband. The judge simply chuckled. Applause rang out from the pews as the newlyweds kissed.
Furina snapped her fingers and everything changed. Now, they were alone in a house overlooking a tranquil white shore. A pleasant breeze caressed their naked bodies. Aether grinned in his knowing little way. She grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him inside where a bed had been perfectly laid out for them.
"Well, husband," she said with a grin, "time to pamper your wife."
She lay on her stomach while he mounted her waist. His thumbs dug into her shoulders, soothing out all her knots. Aether worked down her back towards her tooshie. He took both cheeks and tenderly swirled them in his palms. The gesture felt more reverential than lewd; he wanted to make her happy rather than satisfy himself.
"My, my," he said. "You've certainly got a wonderful body, my dear."
"Naturally," said Furina.
His hands rubbed down her legs, stroking up along her inner thighs. Furina curled her toes, giggling in delight. Those fingers wound up towards her womanhood, she bit the blanket, trying to stifle her moan.
"Furina? Do I have your permission?"
She gave up the pretense. "Yes! Oh Gods, yes!"
At last, Aether slipped his fingers inside her. Furina moaned in approval. He rolled his fingers in a beckoning motion, gradually stimulating her into a wet mess. Then, he bent over and spread her cheeks before plunging his tongue inside.
"Ooo yes," she sang. "Oh, Aether! Worship me!"
The act was extremely lewd, and yet Furina couldn't get enough of it. She rolled onto her back so she could get a better look. Aether clasped her thighs. His mouth pressed into her vulva so his nose drew level with her crotch.
Watching him go down on her was so utterly arousing. Furina grabbed his head and beckoned him deeper. He responded in kind by redoubling his oral worship.
It didn't take long before she orgasmed. Aether continued lapping up her vulva, extending her climax to a jubilant pinnacle. For that moment, all her sorrow vanished. Joy permeated her every pore.
She rode down from the high, still savoring that buzz thrumming through her veins. Aether stroked her thigh, admiring her flawless skin. His eyes showed nothing but love—absolute and pure. He was quite hard. Noticing that only excited her even more.
"Put it in," she commanded.
"Let me get some protection first."
Aether reached into the cabinet, but she grabbed his hand.
"We're married now," she said. "I want a kid."
"I don't think you can get pregnant in a dream."
She frowned. "Then why bother with protection?"
"I just want to be considerate."
"Such a gentleman," she ran her fingers down his cheek. "But tonight, that's not necessary. I want to feel you cum inside me. Understand?"
"As you wish," he said.
Aether climbed up the bed until his body hung over hers. He lowered himself. His chest pressed against hers, squishing her pert nipples. Aether's lips found hers and they kissed tenderly. Furina dug her nails into his blonde hair as he cupped her cheeks. They kissed away all their pains, all their loneliness, and grief.
Aether maneuvered his cock to her entrance. As he slipped it inside her, Furina locked her legs around his hips so he couldn't escape. Not that he would. Once more, his lips found hers. They kissed while making love. By the time they finished, Furina had forgotten the pain of solitude. Now, she only knew love.
She woke up alone in her apartment. Yet, she wasn't alone. Aether's warmth still lingered across her body, more real than the body pillow she clutched. It remained as she got out of bed and went through her morning routines. Aether's love was everywhere. It lived inside her.
When she went to put on her gloves, she gasped. The wedding ring was still on her finger. Furina splayed her hand and marveled. As in her dream, it was silver, encrusted with a brilliant sapphire embellished with the Hydro symbol. A closer examination revealed engravings along the metal. It simply read: We'll act out our future together.
Her heart swelled with joy.
Five minutes after she collected herself, her thoughts turned to the person responsible for this wonderful night. She owed that woman her gratitude.
She went to the Serenitea Pot for the Senate Meeting. Between legislation and discussions, her eyes glanced at the shrine maiden. Yae Miko just listened to the proceedings without looking Furina's way.
Once the Senate dismissed, Furina had to wait a little while until Keqing and Navia finished their small talk. Those two prattled on and on. Furina began worrying she'd never get the chance to speak with Miko, but they soon said good day and departed.
Furina crossed the foyer and approached the elegant woman sipping tea by the fireplace.
As she rounded the couch, Yae Miko glanced up from her light novel.
"Hello," she said, "I trust you had sweet dreams?"
"I did," she replied. "Thank you."
Yae Miko feigned confusion. "Whatever for? I'm just doing what any good friend would—"
Furina sat down beside her and embraced Yae Miko. The shrine maiden started. Voice quavering, tears welling in her eyes, Furina pressed her face into Miko's shoulder.
"I needed him more than ever."
The mischief fled Yae Miko's expression. She returned Furina's embrace.
Furina hugged her even tighter. Yae Miko gave her a little head pat. Furina continued hugging her for a long time, until her eyes closed, and her chest slowly rose and fell. The shrine maiden was so warm and soft, and her cherry-Sakura fragrance worked right into her senses. She'd fallen right asleep.
Yae Miko rested Furina's head upon her lap. She observed that Furina now had a peaceful smile on her lips. Running a finger over her white curls, Miko wished her only the sweetest dreams. Upon the Sacred Sakura, she swore that Furina would never know nightmares again.