7th of May, 1916
11:22 CEST
Paris, France
"Wooaaah."
Aether and Paimon had just arrived at the base of the Eiffel Tower, and were taking in the magnificence of it. Aether had seen similar structures before in his travels, but that still didn't take away the awe he felt at the sight of it.
Their Chauffeur, Jules, stayed in the car, despite both Aether and Paimon urging him to follow them. Instead right behind them were their guards. The highest ranking soldier, a Lieutenant Jacob, had introduced himself earlier.
"Yes, that is how most tourists react to seeing it." Jacob said, "My father often complained about it however. Kept saying that they should have torn it down as planned."
"Your father didn't like it?" asked Aether.
Jacob shook his head, "No, he despised it. I was born after it was constructed, so I would not know what the city would look like without it."
"Paimon has been meaning to ask, but is there a story for the Arc de Triomphe?" Paimon asked.
"Oh? What brought this about?"
"Well, it's where we came through. That and there has to be some meaning behind it, right?" Paimon explained, "It would be kind of weird to just make an arch out of nowhere."
"And since the lockdown, no one has been allowed near it. Not even us." Aether added.
Lieutenant Jacob nodded, "I see. Before that, maybe you would like to know more about the Eiffel Tower? We are at its feet, after all."
"Sure, sure. We were just curious." Paimon said.
"Well," Jacob began, "the Eiffel Tower currently is the tallest structure in the world. The title had previously been held by the American Washington Monument."
"Why exactly was it built?" Aether asked, "I know it was built for the exposition here, but why?"
"To show off." Jacob answered bluntly, "It was a way to tell the world just how far France has gone since the birth of the Third Republic and our loss in the Franco-Prussian War. What better way to do that than to construct the tallest structure mankind has ever built?"
They continued walking before stopping by one of the Tower's elevators. The operators had been expecting them, so Aether and Paimon didn't have to wait for a line. The elevator would take them to the first 'floor' of the Eiffel Tower, allowing them to see quite a bit over Paris, where they could faintly make out the Arc de Triomphe.
"Would now be a good time to ask about the arch?" asked Aether.
"Ask away." said Jacob.
"Why was it built?"
Jacob thought for a moment, "As the name suggests, it is a symbol of Triumph. The First French Republic had been reformed into the First French Empire under Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, and he commissioned the Arc de Triomphe as a way to immortalise the victories of La Grande Armée across Europe."
"It's a shame that the portal forced the lockdown there," said Paimon, "Paimon would love to visit it."
"Any more questions about the Arc?"
"Who's Napoleon?" asked Aether.
"He was a great general," Jacob began, "arguably the best in history. He started out as a man with humble origins to become master of Europe, of 60 million men. He created an empire to rival the ancient Roman Empire, and played an instrumental hand to how Europe is today."
"He must have been a really important guy," Paimon said, "what happened to him?"
"He pushed his luck. He invaded Russia with over half a million men, and came back home with less than 30 thousand. His final two years as Emperor were fought trying to preserve his empire against the forces of Britain, Sweden, Austria, Prussia, and Russia." Jacob explained, "Eventually he was exiled to the island of Elba after abdicating the French throne."
"Wait, Britain and Russia were at war with France?" Aether asked, "I thought you were Allies?"
"Oh, now we are," said Jacob, "but back then, over 100 years ago, they were our enemies."
"What changed?" asked Paimon.
"Hmm, I'm not so sure. Maybe it was because of Prussia uniting Germany, or our nations working together in the Crimean War? I wouldn't know."
Aether took to simply admiring the French city. From his vantage point he could see far and wide. Nothing in Teyvat could compare to Paris, and very little from the other worlds he had travelled could rival the city. It was only a shame that the war in this world was going on.
After spending another hour exploring the Eiffel Tower, Aether and Paimon went back down to ground level and made their way over to Jules.
"We will meet you two at the Louvre." said Jacob, "Safe driving."
"Don't worry, I will make sure nothing happens to them." Jules said.
The two of them got 'seated', Paimon remained floating, and drove off. Aether turned his head back and saw that Jacob and their guard were following close behind in their own vehicle. Jules had told them that the drive to the Louvre may take a little longer, as one of the faster routes would take them through the Arc de Triomphe, which was currently in lockdown.
While caught in what Jules called a 'traffic jam', a few Parisians were able to make out Aether and Paimon in the back of their car. A few even called out to them, mostly in French, though one asked in English how they were liking Paris.
"It's been good so far!" Paimon responded.
As the traffic jam dissipated, Aether and Paimon were both able to take in the sights of Paris. Even with the visible marks of war, it was still a nice looking city. Paimon seemed more into it however, as Aether's thoughts were drifting elsewhere.
'I wish you could see this, Lumine.'
7th of May, 1916
13:55 CEST
Paris, France
Sir Douglas Haig of the British Expeditionary Force would be arriving soon, Joffre knew this. They had been told by the hotel staff that their Guests had left to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, meaning that Haig would have to wait until he could speak with them. A runner had been sent out to inform their Guests that they needed to return as soon as possible, though Joffre was unsure how long it would take for them to actually receive the message and come back.
As of now, he was reading over the reports from Verdun. The Germans had been committing to continuous attacks on Le Mort-Homme, for the last three days now, and there was no sign they would be letting up. Pétain had wanted to launch a counterattack against Fort Douaumont, however the constant German assaults meant that his hands for the time being were tied. The series of forts and bunkers in Verdun proved invaluable in slowing the German advance, but the men stationed there were nearing their wits end with the constant shelling and fighting.
New regiments would need to be cycled into Verdun to allow the ones currently there to have some breathing room.
Hmm, cycling new regiments…
'Perhaps if we bring the Traveler on a tour of the front, it could boost morale.'
Joffre would still need permission from the heads of government however. He had been meaning to speak to them regarding their Guests since yesterday. His plan to send diplomats across the portal to secure France's position he felt could make or break France's war effort. Sure they pushed back those Hilichurls for now, but what if more return? Would their lockdown be enough to hold them off? What if even Fatui came through? France needed boots on the ground in Teyvat, Joffre was certain.
While musing in his own thoughts, a knock came from his door.
"Come in." Joffre said, putting aside Pétain's reports.
In came a young officer, the Translator from his first time meeting their guests, Lambert, snapping a salute before speaking "Sir, General Haig has arrived."
Joffre nodded, "Thank you, I will be down to greet him." He hoped his English would be sufficient.
Joffre got out of his chair and walked out of his office, making his way to the front door of the building. There, he was met with another older man wearing a British uniform.
"General Haig." Joffre said in English, offering his hand.
"General Joffre." Haig shook it, "You granted us permission to speak to your Guests from another world. I'd like to speak with them."
"Yes. Unfortunately our Guests are out in the city. From what I was told they requested to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre." Joffre explained.
"A pity. Do you know when they might return?"
"A runner has been sent to the Louvre to catch them there. You should get your chance later today."
"I see." Haig seemed disappointed.
"If you would like, I can offer you some coffee." Said Joffre.
"Yes, I'd like that." said Haig.
Joffre led Haig into his office, taking a pitcher of coffee and pouring him a cup before offering it. The two sat in opposite sides of his desk, "How do you like your coffee?"
"Black is fine." answered Haig, lifting the cup to his lips, taking a sip, "So, what are your plans with your Guests and the portal?"
"My plans?"
"Yes. Surely you won't just ignore this. We certainly will not."
"I hope to convince the Prime Minister and President to send diplomats across it. From what our Guests have told us, there are seven nations on the other side, and the portal likely leads into the territory of one of them. I hope to secure France's position in Teyvat." Joffre explained.
"Teyvat?"
"That is what the world across the portal is called."
"Hmm," Haig took a sip of his coffee, "Britain would like to send her own across the portal. You say there are sovereign nations there?" Joffre nodded, "Then they can be talked to, surely."
"Our Guests also said that every nation speaks the same language, English," said Joffre, "there shouldn't be any obstruction in communication."
"Truly? Well, that makes things easier then. Britain would still like to have her own boots on the ground." Haig said.
"If I remember correctly, this portal is in France."
"And as your allies, we wish to aid you in your endeavours across the portal. That is, unless you seek to annex an entire world."
Joffre said nothing. Outright denying the British from crossing the portal would only serve to antagonise them, something he, no, France couldn't afford. The British need to commit to their attack on the Somme to relieve pressure from Verdun. If Joffre denied their entry into Teyvat, then they could not follow through with their own attack. Joffre couldn't alienate their Allies.
He let out a sigh, "I will see what I can do."
Noon
Yujing Terrace
Liyue Harbour
5 Days since the Portal
The Qixing of Liyue had called for the third meeting this week, this one in Keqing's own home. Rumours of a large portal in Mondstadt had quickly spread to Liyue, and seeing just how serious that the people of Mondstadt were taking it, many in Liyue were growing concerned as well. Shipments to and from Mondstadt by land were being escorted by its citizen militias, Dornman Port was said to be brimming with activity from the local militia supplementing the Knight's garrison there, and there was also the fact that no one knew where the portal leads.
Keqing, Yuheng and one of the more influential members of the Qixing, was the first to bring up the matter of the portal in one of their prior meetings. Everyone had heard of it, but at the time had brushed it off. Then more news came from Mondstadt. Everyone from there seemed to be buying up as many weapons as they possibly could. The Liyue Ironmongers had reported a massive influx of orders.
While usually such business would be more than welcomed, it set off alarm bells in Liyue. What was Mondstadt preparing for?
"I will be accompanying my next caravan to Mondstadt." Keqing said, "This way I can see for myself the situation there."
"Do you think you'll be able to get close to the portal while you're there?" The Tianshu, Uncle Tian, asked.
Keqing shook her head, "Dadaupa Gorge is out of the way from any roads. I will attempt to speak to the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius, but I doubt they would let anyone near the portal."
The Tianquan, Ningguang, spoke, "Perhaps I should accompany you as well. Mondstadt is one of our biggest trade partners due to our proximity. Whatever it is they are facing, I believe we must offer them aid."
The rest of the Qixing seemed to agree. 'Typical', thought Keqing. She had grown used to Ningguang's influence over them all. There was no doubt that she was the wealthiest of the seven of them, and as such was the most powerful. Only she and Uncle Tian seemed to actually be able to think for themselves.
The meeting would be adjourned after it was decided that Ningguang would be accompanying Keqing to Mondstadt. They would make it an official diplomatic visit between the two nations, hopefully pressuring Mondstadt to agree to anything they may ask of them.
While the rest of the Qixing had left, Keqing and Ningguang remained. Since the sacrifice of the Jade Chamber to defeat Osial, Keqing had offered the Tianquan a place for her to stay until she had enough funds to rebuild it. She thought it a little funny that Ningguang was indebted to her, though knew not to push it. Since allowing Ningguang and her staff to stay in her estate, it had gotten quite a bit more cramped. She knew Ningguang's staff was always busy, seeing as they oversaw the law of Liyue, but she never really saw it first hand.
And she only now has realised just how much of a work-a-holic Ganyu was. She knew that the girl often had overtime, but this was ridiculous. Nevertheless, every time she offered for one of her staff to take Ganyu's place to allow her some time to rest, Ganyu would always refuse.
She had brought the matter up with Ningguang, though she always brushed her off when it came to Ganyu. Speaking of Ningguang, she was nowhere to be found after the meeting.
Afternoon
Chihu Rock
Liyue Harbour
5 Days since the Portal
Ningguang and Yelan were both walking along the streets of Liyue. Ningguang wore a more simple dress and had a parasol with which she used to cover her face. She had arranged this meeting with Yelan a few days ago as a way to catch up on whatever reports Yelan has to share to her and to give her her new directives.
"And that's about the gist of it. The Treasure Hoarders were routed by the Millelith that arrived soon after the ruckus I caused." Yelan said.
"I'm glad that the matter has been dealt with. Unfortunately, I need you for another matter."
"Oh?" Yelan raised an eyebrow, "What's got you so worked up?"
"I'm sure you've heard of the portal in Mondstadt, the one that has everyone on their nerves." Ningguang said, to which Yelan nodded, "I need you to go to Mondstadt and find out as much as you can about it before the Yuheng and I visit ourselves."
"Hmm, I'll need a solid reason to visit Mondstadt that wouldn't raise any suspicions. I'm sure that their Knights are keeping it locked down tight."
Ningguang already had a plan set out, "I have arranged for you to accompany a ship's crew on their way to Dornman Port. From there you will be able to travel through Mondstadt."
"Is there anything you'd specifically like for me to look into?" asked Yelan.
"If possible, find out where the portal leads."
"Alright, consider it done. When am I to be expected at the docks?"
Ningguang let out a small smirk, "In five minutes," Yelan's face fell, "the ship you will be boarding is the Huo."
Using her vision, Yelan sped past her towards the docks, muttering, "Typical Ningguang."
7th of May, 1916
15:42 CEST
Paris, France
While looking through the Louvre, Aether and Paimon were both told that General Joffre wished to speak with them. The two and their guards immediately returned back to their cars and sped off back to their hotel, where Joffre and one other important person was waiting for them.
"Awwww, Paimon wanted to see the Mona Lisa!" Paimon said.
"Maybe another time, Paimon?"
"Yeah yeah, it's just that I wanted to see it today, you know?"
Arriving at their hotel, Aether and Paimon were greeted not by the hotel staff, but immediately with Joffre and another man in a brown uniform. The two looks their way, the man in brown introducing himself.
"You must be Aether and Paimon," the man said in English, surprising the two, "my name is Sir Douglas Haig, Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force."
He offered his hand, with Aether taking it with his own and shaking it, "A pleasure to meet you, sir."
"I'm sure you're aware, but I'd like to speak with you. Somewhere private if possible." said Haig.
"We could lead you to our room," offered Paimon, "it's where our last meetings were."
Haig nodded, "Lead the way then."
Getting into the elevator with the Commander in Chiefs of two militaries was awkward, to say the least. Paimon was as quiet as can be, surprising Aether as she was always a bit of a chatterbox. No one spoke a peep on the elevator. The two men, Joffre and Haig, were dead silent, while Aether just didn't know what to say.
Thankfully that elevator ride came to an end once they reached their floor. Aether led the two Chiefs into his room, offering them a cup of coffee. They both declined.
"So…" Paimon trailed off, "what is it that you want to talk to us about?"
"I would like to know what you were doing before you went through the portal." Haig said.
Aether tensed up, something both Joffre and Haig noticed. With both their eyes on him, he knew he had to speak, "I-I uh, was talking to my sister."
"Your sister? You never mentioned her." Joffre said.
"I, uh, didn't want to, sir." Aether answered, "Personal reasons."
"Well I apologise if you feel as if I am being too impersonal, however I believe it is imperative to know what you were doing before you came to this world."
There was no squirming out of this one, and so Aether told them how he had traveled other worlds before with his sister, how they were separated while trying to leave Teyvat the first time, he told them of the Abyss Order, and how he met her as an enemy right before arriving on Earth. It honestly felt good for Aether to let it all off his chest, being able to explain everything to someone else. He had told Paimon before, and that was when she offered to help guide him though Teyvat. Before then he felt alone.
The two men across from him looked to one another, when Joffre spoke up, this time in English, "I wish to send an expeditionary force to Teyvat."
"W-Why?" asked Paimon.
"It's that blasted portal," Haig answered, "that portal alone is just as much of a threat as the entire German army. At least with the Germans we can hold them at bay."
"This is a matter of national security. As Commander in Chief, I must look after our country's security. We must secure the other side of the portal." Joffre said, "I plan on meeting with the Prime Minister and the President to convince them to approve of this."
Aether didn't know what to say. The amount of Hilichurls that came from the portal on the first day suggested that the other side of the portal was Dadaupa Gorge. He didn't know if the French would be able to take the Gorge on their own. That and there was also the problem of how the Seven Nations and their Archons would take the French.
"You look as if you do not approve." Joffre stated.
"I think it's dangerous. Having a military force suddenly try to force its way into Teyvat would be noticed by everyone there. The Seven Nations, their Archons, the Abyss, and Celestia. Everyone in Teyvat would take notice."
Joffre nodded, "Which is why I plan to send diplomats to each nation once we have secured the area surrounding the portal. France cannot afford another war."
"And as her Allies, Britain will stand by France in their foray into this new world." Haig added.
"And we could assist you in finding your sister." Joffre said, "In return, you aid us in our endeavours in Teyvat. You may act as a mediator between our diplomats and theirs. Or we may call for your services against any threat to us."
"Paimon?" Aether looked to her, unsure of what to do.
Paimon looked unsure as well, "Well, it makes sense. They don't want more Hilichurls coming through, and there's a war going on in this world. What if the Fatui finds the portal and comes through? And they're offering to help you find your sister."
Aether nodded, "That and I don't think anything I say will change their minds." He looked back towards the two Chiefs, "What do you need me to do?"
9th of May, 1916
19:03 CEST
Le Mort-Homme, Verdun
"ARTILLERY!"
The Germans had kept throwing attack after attack after attack. Captain Dubois of 3e Company had watched as their incessant artillery fire and infantry waves were repeatedly pushed back by the French. Every attack, he hoped, prayed to God that the Germans wouldn't attack again, lest he go mad.
God wasn't here.
German artillery continued pounding their positions, signalling another German attack. French soldiers, tired and weary from having repulsed multiple attacks earlier today hurriedly threw themselves onto the firestep, Lebel rifles leveled to shoot down any Kraut that dared stand from their trench.
As the Kraut artillery died down, Dubois heard the German officers sound off their whistles. German battle cries and the yelling of their troops seemed to drown out everything, but the French wouldn't be outdone.
"Comrades!" Dubois shouted, "To arms! Ils ne passeront pas!"
"ILS NE PASSERONT PAS!"
As one, the entire French line roared in defiance and began firing into the Hun horde coming upon them. He watched as hundreds of men were cut down by French rifle and machine gun fire, as many Germans were funneled into kill zones by their barbed wire and gunned down.
This once beautiful countryside was now reduced to a lunar wasteland, the dead and dying sharing No Man's Land as both sides kept sending more men into the meat grinder. Despite the destruction of their country, of their home, the French stood firm. Continuing their staunt defence, their battle cry echoing down the line even as more Germans threw themselves at the French.
They shall not pass.
Dubois was careful not to poke his head out of the trench for too long, paranoid that a German sniper would be the end of him. He had seen months before soldiers thinking that their new Adrian helmets could block rifle rounds and had put it to the test, only to be met with grim results. Dubois did not want to try his luck on this day. For the next few minutes the French fired thousands of rounds into No Man's Land, and eventually the Germans had had enough and routed back to their trench. Dubois prayed to God that they would not return, that they would turn back and allow him and his men some rest.
His men remained at Stand-To in case of yet another German assault. They kept their rifles at the ready, using the parapet as a support to keep them standing. Often times, Stand-To was the most boring part of the day for the average French soldier.
They were not the average French soldiers, they were 3e Company, and they had faced hell throughout the day. Men whispered their prayers, barely above earshot. Some quietly pleaded with the Germans not to launch another attack, to not waste any more lives. There was almost nothing Dubois and his men wouldn't give for the same old boring Stand-To they had done months prior.
The German attack never came. After holding Stand-To for two hours, Dubois called the order to stand down. No German artillery fire signalled an impending attack,
No sudden whistles blowing from the enemy trench, only the sounds of No Man's Land.
The wounded from the previous attacks on the French trenches were left behind in No Man's Land. Their cries of pain and sorrow, their pleading the French or their own comrades to end their misery, it could all be heard.
Dubois hated it. Dubois hated all of this. He hated the Germans for continuing this war. He hated High Command for not better preparing them for this war. He hated having to command so many men, their lives his responsibility. Most of all, he hated himself for the acts he had committed or had ordered. And despite it all, Dubois could only move forward.
Later that night, he would be called in by his superior, Colonel Macdonald. Dubois made his way through the maze of trenches, a maze he grew to know well, and found the Colonel's dugout. Two armed guards stood on either side of it.
"Halt," one guard said, "who are you?"
"I am Captain Dubois of 3e Company. The Colonel wishes to speak with me."
The other guard spoke, "The Colonel has been expecting you. Head inside."
Dubois ducked down into the dugout, a small fit that was hurriedly dug out and only recently had been reinforced by wooden beams more as an afterthought. Colonel Macdonald, a weathered old man, looked up towards him.
Dubois stood and attention and offered a salute, only releasing it once the Colonel acknowledged him and gestured him to come further inside.
"Captain Dubois," the Colonel spoke, "3e Company has been recalled back to Paris. Inform your men that they must pack their belongings and return to the rear lines before travelling by train."
Dubois blinked. They were being sent back to Paris?
"You look as if you have questions, Captain. Speak." said Colonel Macdonald.
"Why, sir? Why are my men being recalled?"
The Colonel handed Dubois a rolled up newspaper, "Read it."
Doing as he was told, Dubois unrolled it and read the top headline. 'Portal appears in Paris: Monsters repelled'. There was a photo of the Arc de Triomphe, and within the Arc was a swirling portal. Dubois continued reading it, of how a horde of barbaric monsters had appeared through the portal and attacked Paris, and of how the first one through the portal, a young blond boy, had helped in defending against the monsters.
"High Command wants to send men across the portal to secure it for France." Colonel Macdonald explained, "Your men were chosen to be part of the task force."
Captain Jean Dubois stared at the paper, one thought going through his head.
'What?'