Had it really been over a year? Arlecchino internally pondered as she watched the children play. A year had passed since the day she committed matricide, and she, Naruto, and Clervie were taken to Snezhnaya. A year since she took the mantle of Harbinger and was bestowed the Knave title.
How she despised it. But if it meant she could protect the Hearth, she gladly would bear the dishonor. This place may never have felt like a home, but no one deserved to suffer as they did. She would wash it all away the sin that stained this House. And one day soon, she would see them to their safety and guide the children into a new home… As their Father.
Arlecchino paused in her thoughts, repressing a snarl and keeping her stoic demeanor while she watched the children play Marelle. The youngest amongst them enjoyed the game, happily bouncing through the yard and landing within the borders of their target. The elder amongst them, however, remained cautious and weary. Terror glinted in their eyes as they tried to be perfect. Because for them, this wasn't a game.
At least, it didn't use to be. Each had hidden scars when blades cut into them if they didn't land directly in their targets—remembered the bruises and broken bones they sported when they were disciplined for having a lack of stamina to finish. The mental anguish the wounds Mother had inflicted upon the children would last for the rest of their lives.
But soon, they would understand the meaning of being at ease. It would take years, but she would undo the damage and still prepare them for the harshness of the world outside.
"It's different, isn't it, Peruere?" Clervie voiced her thoughts, silently stepping beside her. The smile that crossed her expression as she watched the children was faint. A faint but bedazzling smile.
Arlecchino's heart fluttered, disguising the blush that briefly flushed on her cheeks. She was one of the two people who could get her to break her stoic demeanor. And she was less amused when Clervie smiled knowingly. She was doing it on purpose!
"Indeed," Arlecchino affirmed, her cold demeanor standing firm while watching the children, her gaze shifting to the soil beneath their feet. "This ground is soaked in blood and tears… And they shall remain the last of their kind to stain the soil."
"Yes, they shall," Clervie's smile brightened as she held her hands behind her. Arlecchino's heart thumped loudly in her chest when she focused her entire attention on her with the same smile. Why was she so weak before her and the Fool's smile?! "And who knows. In the future, we shall be the last to shed blood for the House."
Arlecchino paused at the thought. Her lips thinned, and silence reigned as she watched the children play. With a heavy sigh, she held out her hands to motion at ease to the children. "At ease. It's time to begin our chores for the House."
The younger, less aware children groaned at having to stop their play. The elder children were wary when nothing more came, especially when Arlecchino stood next to Freminet. The boy recoiled initially but seemed puzzled when she softly patted his head. "You each did well. Once your chores are completed, you may take an extended break before we open the doors to the hotel. Dismissed."
"Hey, hey now! Slow down!" Clervie smiled and laughed as the children swarmed past her to enter the House to complete their chores before directing her attention to the elder children. "Children, report to Katarina when you finish your chores to have them expected! Katarina…"
"Soft but stern." Katarina nodded, understanding what Clervie was attempting to convey to her as the children had all had but run inside. She was only a year their junior, but she had seen the harshness of the House. "We're not the same Hearth."
"Thank you," Clervie thanked Katarina, observing her junior as she followed after the children, attempting to wrangle the chaos into an organized effort. Her gaze then shifted to Arlecchino as she walked past her, a frown on her features.
She wouldn't voice it, but she was disappointed by Arlecchino's response. She had expected her to agree with her opinion, but when she hadn't…
"The children still need to be prepared," Arlecchino simply replied, as if she knew what Clervie was thinking. "Whether the Fool can open the door to another world, the children need to be ready for the worst and be able to handle it. It will be a long time before the Hearth will be blood-free, even if I wish it to be so."
"Danger lurks everywhere, and I will ensure they are prepared for it."
"Would you like to hear of the legend?"
"No, thank you. I'm quite aware of it. This isn't my first time having come to Fontaine." Lumine responded to the Melusine, offering a tour while they road the ferry.
"Oh, you have?" The Melusine pursed her lips toward Lumine. "I haven't seen you before, and I've been the tour guide for a long time."
"Yes, I am sure you have." Lumine smiled at the Melusine but shook her head. "But trust me, I have visited here long before that."
As the Melusine's eyes opened wide, Lumine couldn't help but laugh as she strolled to the front of the ferry to gaze upon the scenery. Their expressions were always so delightful. Alas, they were a race she didn't wish to punish. They had nothing to do with what happened years ago. They were only born within the last five hundred years.
Lumine exhaled, enjoying the view. This place. It had been so long since she had traveled here. This place was always special. Whether it was now or centuries ago, this place was majestic after the fall of Khaenri'ah. It always held the air of something different than the other countries ruled by Archons.
"My lady… Why are we here?" The Lector questioned with a hesitant glance, following in step with his Princess. He was quite uncomfortable hiding in the husk of their original form. A mirror of what they used to look like before the Fall.
"I trust he will complete his task, so we will wait for him where he can easily find us. At their hotel." Lumine responded softly with closed eyes, letting the breeze sweep her hair. "He treasures family beyond everything. That is something I deeply understand. So I wish to see what he desires to protect firsthand."
"And understand why he wishes to leave this world when he possesses the power to change everything."
It was a dark and droll morning. She was always awake early, patrolling the halls of the orphanage. She wanted to ensure everyone's safety. There was never a time when one of her children could come in from one of the missions assigned to them. The very least she could do was see to their safety… Or avenge them with a righteous fury if the worst happened.
Arlecchino would never forget that poor child. Crucebina sent him on a mission before she met her untimely end, only to return with a new Father instead. But in his final moments, he felt more love and care than he ever did under his Mother's tutelage.
And she enjoyed humiliating that man before she crushed him beneath her boot.
"Hm?" Arlecchino felt a draft behind her and sharply glanced through the halls. Her cross eyes locked onto an open window. Typically, this would have drawn her ire. No one snuck up on her. But the sensation she felt caused a warmth to build in her chest, even if she scoffed and scolded the presence behind her. "Our heating bill is expensive enough without leaving windows open."
"Mah, I'll close it when I leave." Naruto leaned in behind Peruere, his breath hot on her neck, his hands softly tracing down from her shoulder across all the burn scars on her arms. Arlecchino shivered at the touch, instinctively leaning into him as their hands embraced. The sensation he made her feel gave her goosebumps. However, she kept her appearance and broke from his contact.
She was the Matriarch and leader of the Hearth. While Naruto was the man of the House, she was its Father.
"What information have you learned? I had not expected you to return so soon after the last lead." Arlecchino turned and met her husband's gaze, gently readjusting the ring on her finger. Why did he have an obsession with messing with it? He was annoying like that… He didn't do this with Clervie…
"A potential way to travel through the cosmos. A way to find a new home." Naruto pocketed his hands.
Arlecchino's eyes shimmered and, for a brief moment, lost her poise. She recovered and crossed her arms, intensifying her stare toward Naruto. "And? What else? You would not have returned with simply that knowledge alone."
"Ah, you know me too well," Naruto exaggerated his exacerbation while rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, you see, I'm gonna have to do something stupid to get The Abyssal Princess' trust. While I'm confident that nothing will go wrong… I can't help but feel it still could. The Principals aren't…"
"You're going to Celestia?" Arlecchino's eyes sharpened. She was confident in his abilities, but to tempt the Heavenly Principles into awakening…
"I knew what she cared for the most. I understand that sense of despair. So I'm gonna go do it and earn her trust so she'll teach me the trick." Naruto exhaled, his confidence momentarily wavering before he met Arlecchino's gaze. "I simply came by to inform you what I'm about to do so you wouldn't worry. It will be fine, believe that."
Arlecchino thinly frowned. It was a bold strategy. And a risky one. If he awoke the Primordial One…
"Of course I do." Arlecchino scoffed and waved him off. "You made me believe in you, remember? My faith in you is unquestionable. So do what you must and return when the job is finished, understood?"
"Yeah," Naruto winced at the memory of making Peruere believe in him before smiling at her response. "I'll be on my…"
"But before you head out," Arlecchino's sharp gaze was deadly. Naruto gulped. What did she want of him? Oh… Oh, not that again. He barely survived last time…
"Clervie has missed you," Arlecchino swept past Naruto as the morning sun began to dawn on the day. "She needs to see you. Reassure her before you leave once again. I will handle the children this morning by myself."
Naruto shivered as he watched Arlecchino stroll past him, closing the window. If he hadn't known better, she was exaggerating the sway of her hips…
"On my way," Naruto muttered, slipping out of the hall as if he were one with the shadows.
Arlecchino simply nodded, the ghost of a satisfied smirk gracing her features. She would have her time later. Clervie needed the attention. Now, if only she could have a surprise morning encounter one of these days. Alas, there was never a time she didn't need to be aware.
It was the curse she was willing to bear to be Father.
The morning had been unbearably long. She had to keep the children for far longer than she had anticipated. And she could hear them.
Oh, she would enjoy her alone time with them later… But for now, this was fine. The children, even the older children, were enjoying the show. Sure, they could see through some of the man's tricks, but that meant they taught well. It also meant they were learning.
"Now, if I could have my apprentices assist me," The Great Cesar called out. A faint smile shimmered briefly on Arlecchino's lips as Lyney and Lynette joined the magician on the makeshift stage. They were enjoying themselves while learning tricks that would help them survive.
Those skills were desperately needed when she first encountered Lyney and learned of Lynette's situation. It was easy for her to solve—not clean, but simple. It never was when she had to solve a problem.
At least the world was scrubbed of one less scum. Even if that man had survived, his legacy was tainted after she discreetly exposed what he had done.
Her eyes sharpened. Arlecchino scanned the crowd, enjoying the magic show. She knew this feeling—it was of the Abyss. Why was a being of the Abyss here?
Her eyes shifted and locked onto two figures who stepped beside her. One much taller than the other. But there was no mistake in who was in charge as she smiled at her. "Ah, it has been some time since I spoke with another from Khaenri'ah."
Arlecchino's eyes narrowed. They knew her birthright? However, her guard lessened as the young lady stood beside her, thinly smiling as the children enjoyed it. It was clear she wasn't here to start trouble. Arlecchino crossed her arms, turning her attention to the show so as not to draw unwanted attention to this meeting. "Only a few are aware that I am a descendant of that place. I only learned of it recently."
"I would be a fool not to be able to recognize a child of Khaenri'ah." Lumine calmly responded. "You are quite special, in fact. Your curse is more a blessing than I'm sure that fool told you. You change the world with it. Instead, you wish to leave?"
Arlecchino internally glowered. She knew who Lumine was. After Pierro had given Naruto the hint of another Descender's existence, she gathered all the information she could to learn more about her and the Abyss.
"Precisely why have you come here?" Arlecchino remained stoic, her fingers drumming against the length of her arm. "My husband has already informed you of our intent. He will depart shortly after finishing with his business to uphold his end of the bargain. Are you here to hold your end when he returns?"
"You can say that," Lumine closed her eyes, gazing up and into Arlecchino's unique eyes. "I trust that he will complete his task. He could challenge the Heavenly Principles even if they were awake. What intrigues me, however, is that he has the power to change the world. Why is it imperative to leave when any other world you may escape to will seek that power to change everything."
"So why not embrace it and stay?"
Keeping the Hotel Bouffes D'ete running was a difficult task. One they all had underestimated.
Running this place as a business was beyond any of them! They would have been lost if it wasn't for the older agents that stuck around to help work! Add in that the hotel was a front for the Fatui's operations within Fontaine, at least for the House of the Hearth. Northland Bank was another front for Snezhnaya to gather information, one they had to rely on for now. They were the deployed troops meant to handle intricate tasks.
Clervie mouthed a curse bitterly, rubbing the scars beneath her blouse softly. How easily they were all thrown away for the throne of King. To be the best operative for the Fatui. She still felt the pain of Peruere's blade to this day. She had freed her… Or she had once thought that.
No, death was never freedom. Clervie gently tugged at the blue fabric on her neck, rubbing the metal bar across it to feel the leaf symbol. She winced before gazing longingly out the window. It didn't matter the city was cramped, and she could only see so far. He was out there somewhere…
"There is nothing that can endanger him, Clervie." Arlecchino's voice caused Clervie to let out a shrill shriek.
"Stop doing that!" Clervie snapped as she turned on a rare sight. An amused Arlecchino.
"No," Arlecchino shook her head, her smile fading as if it had never been there. Still, some tenderness remained on her expression as she joined Clervie's side, acting intrigued by the meal she was cooking. "Do not doubt him. He will find a way home or to a world away from all these worries. It's as he would say, believe in him, no?"
"If you had worded it like he would have, I would have lost it." Clervie squinted, seeing the slight sparkle of amusement in Arlecchino's eyes as the Harbinger watched her cook. Exhaling, she turned her attention to the stove and gently shook her head. "It's not that… It's just he's been gone so long… I fear something may have happened…"
"Do not fear for his safety. He will come home." Arlecchino's eyes shifted and made direct contact with Clervie's."The Jester may think he is sending away a threat he cannot handle, but I have seen some of what lurks in the Abyss. I have felt what lies in Celestia. The Fool will be fine if he stays in line and acts accordingly."
Arlecchino's unnerving lack of concern somehow calmed Clervie as she held Peruere's gaze. However, her last statement caused Clervie to glower and cross her arms. "Peruere, remember it is Naruto we are talking about. Not your ideal image of him. Have you forgotten how he likes to press buttons? To agitate others for the fun of it."
"And he can act seriously and do what is necessary when the time calls for it." Arlecchino casually responded, placing her hand on her hip and keeping a level gaze with Clervie. "Do not forget who came up with the plan to oust Mother. Who kept you hidden and safe when all assumed you were dead? Who helped assist my training until I was ready to end Mother?"
Clervie shriveled as she finished. How callously Peruere mentioned the plot to kill Mother left a pit in her stomach. She was her mother despite her hatred for her and everything she did to those who lived in the Hearth. There was love for her in spite of the horrors she inflicted. She couldn't purge those feelings or put them aside.
"But it is natural to feel conflicted and lost when danger is ever present," Peruere continued, attempting to alleviate her worry. At the same time, her gaze faded to the window as Clervie had been before her arrival. "It is strange for him not to be present for such extended periods. I hardly remember the times before Mother coerced him to join the orphanage. It feels odd without him."
A soft smile spread across Clervie's lips. She shook her head and sighed. Peruere wasn't always the best when it came to reassurance. At least she was trying… "That's because despite how depressed everyone was and the sorrow that drowned this place… He brought hope and joy when he came. He made it bearable."
"He also makes the children's day when he is here." Arlecchino quipped, amused. "He's more a child at heart than we are."
"Isn't that the truth," Clervie muttered when her gaze shifted to the door. She flashed a bright smile hearing the clanking, and as the door opened, Lyney and Lynette entered the room, carefully balancing a load of dishes amongst the two of them on a tray. "Oh my! Don't overburden yourselves. If you carry too much, you may break the dishware. And we wouldn't want that, now would we, Father?"
"Indeed. We set a standard, and the worst could happen if we do not meet those expectations." Arlecchino sent a discrete but shaded glare at Clervie, who laughed to herself. Turning to the children, she quickly lifted the tray they were struggling to balance, overloaded with dishes. She efficiently carried it with precise balance and set the load by the sink to be washed. "This is one of the many lessons of the Hearth. Knowing and coming to an understanding of your limitations is critical. In time, you will grow and become stronger. But until then, be aware of what you are capable of and ask for assistance when needed."
"We apologize, Father," Lyney and Lynette winced at her stern tone but watched in awe at how easily Arlecchino handled and set aside the dishes.
"Don't apologize. It's a lesson many in the Hearth had to learn before." Arlecchino patted the young twins on the shoulder, breezing past them. "We are here to teach. Learn what we have to offer and become better. Now finish your tasks. I just returned with Freminet. I'm sure he would enjoy your company while entertaining a special guest for the evening."
"Yes, Father," Lyney and Lynette responded, feeling reassured and rapidly diving into their task. Lynette seemed to have even engaged her Active Mode to put more effort into the task.
"Fulfilling the promise you made the other day, hm?" Clervie chuckled. She loved how she caused a hitch in Arlecchino's step and the dark glare she received. She was more personable than she preferred to share, and it annoyed her that she and Naruto attempted to push that button. But she shook that thought, and her face soured at what Peruere had insinuated. "A special guest? Have we had an unexpected visit by the Iudex once again? Or maybe our wonderful Archon?"
"No," Arlecchino shook her head, turning and meeting Clervie with a serious glint in her eye. Clervie frowned. She had a feeling she wouldn't like who this was, was she? "Our guest is someone Naruto has brought to us. Someone who may be the key to moving the House safely."
"And I want to keep an eye on her. I don't necessarily trust her."
This was almost too easy. He had expected a challenge to get to this point, yet he was allowed to land here without contention.
"It's almost like they wanted someone to break in and release the brat," Naruto muttered, his orange eyes scanning the celestial palace.
It was serene here. Despite levitating miles above the ground below, plant life bloomed wondrously. Yet it was pruned and trimmed, so it was apparent someone was taking care of this foliage. Given the many temple structures, he couldn't say he was surprised. He knew there was life here. He felt it long before he arrived.
This place makes my stomach ill. The air here is foul. Let's be done with this, brat. Kurama snarled.
"This place does have a negative connotation to it, doesn't it." Naruto nodded, glowering as his eyes shifted to a sensation rapidly moving toward them. A stream of otherworldly golden energy boxes materialized and swarmed around him.
A wicked smirk cocked on Naruto's lips. With the utmost confidence, he strolled through the swarm, his gaze intent on the woman before him. Naruto flicked his arms wide as a golden aura erupted from his body, dispersing the divine energy while nine black orbs morphed into a formation behind Naruto. "About damn time the welcoming party got here! Where's the red carpet? I thought I would be a guest of honor!"
"Trespasser," The woman sternly floated above Naruto, undeterred by the display of raw power. "This is Celestia. Only those who have ascended are allowed to step foot here. As the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, it falls upon me to cast judgment on all those who do not obey the laws of Teyvat. Consider this a warning and leave."
"Sustainer, huh?" Naruto slyly retorted under his breath, his confidence only increasing. Cocking his head to the side, he glanced past her before frowning. "What is this? Am I not good enough for the First Descender to grant me an audience? This is an outrage! Nay, a travesty!"
Much to Naruto's chagrin, the woman remained unfazed. She didn't even budge at his overreaction! What was she? An Automatron?!
Still, she did not react or make any move. He would have thought his defiance of the Will of the Heavenly Principle would be enough to goad her into acting. But she floated passively, standing before his progress.
"Or could it be that they still rest?" Naruto mocked a thought posture before having a eureka moment. "Ah, yes! That has to be it! They are still too weak to deal with me directly, eh? Otherwise, why would you attempt to impede my progress?"
"What is it you desire, mortal?" The unknown god flatly retorted.
Naruto couldn't be any more satisfied with that response. There was no change to her facial features or verbal wavering in her voice, but he could feel her ire. The disdain she had for him… Ah, he could bathe in it!
"I have a proposal for ya!" Naruto enthusiastically responded before mock waving his hands, feeling the air intensify around him. "Mah, no need to be so grumpy! Trust me, you're gonna love this one!"
"Just release the kid, and you'll never hear from me again."
Sorry this update took some time. Then I caught COVID and, despite the misery, had the time to sit down and write for a while.
Still pretty miserable, to be honest...
It's going to be a few chapters to build in the Genshin Impact world before RWBY will be introduced.
A lot of the early story will be more Naruto, Arlecchino, Clervie centric while later on, the story will shift perspectives and Lyney, Lynette and Freminet will take a more prominent role while in Remnant.
I hope you enjoyed. If you have a moment, comments always make my day. Not only that, it encourages me that you like what you see and I'm doing something right!
So until next time my friends, Peace.