Author's notes:
Hi guys so sorry for the late update! Life got in the way and personal stuff can be a hassle to go through. But please remember that I did tag this fic with Slow Updates. So while I do enjoy writing this story and appreciate all the support and interest in it, I can't have a weekly release or definite update scheduled.
With that all said. Here is the chapter enjoy!
Chapter 4: The Mission Adorable II
The streets of Fontaine were back to their normal bustling activity.
Now that the earthquake has passed, with miraculously no casualties, the Fontanians were able to move on and continue to their day-to-day mundane life.
Until of course, something else begins to gather attention. Spurring a new sort of event far more favorable than the last one,
Which was… Exposure to pure adorable cuteness.
"Who are those?!"
"They're so cute!"
"What are they wearing?!"
A number of Fontanians gawk and marveled at an unexpected sight—
It was the Champion Duelist and the Traveler's well known fairy companion walking together, with what appears to be a group of toddlers, all wearing unique hoodies.
To be specific, hoodies colored in a mix of blue and black, with the hood part covering their heads resembling some sort of big-eyed reptilian like animal, possessing floppy paddle like ears at either side of their face. While attached to their back are cute tiny fins and a fluke tail trailing at the bottom, though not touching the ground and that waves side to side as they toddled through the streets.
It was like watching a march of baby otters, moving with their tiny legs as they marveled the city and the sights around them. Cooing and awing, as they made tiny cries and giggles as they continue their way through the streets of Fontaine.
Some of the children show their excitement more than their siblings, as they waved their hands and gasps as the buildings they passed by.
"Ahh… so old! So blue!"
"They have no glass win…dough…"
"Ah looky! It's a castle building!"
"No it's a big house! Big old house!"
"Where's mommies m-mall? Where's uncle's si-ni-ma?"
While the residents of Fontaine continue to marvel at the adorable scene, covering their mouths and not trying to squeal from how cute these babies were behaving. As if they haven't set foot on Fontaine before and was probably their first time in the nation. Maybe they were even probably tiny tourists visiting a relative.
But the beautiful bebes weren't the only eye-catching individuals Fontanians will witness today.
As walking behind the toddlers and guarding their rear…
Was an incredibly handsome man, wearing what appears to be a leather fit body suit in white and blue tones. While sporting an otter themed domino mask.
"Oh my Archons… who is that hunk?" One lady gasped to her posse, as they all swooned as the attractive man passed them by and gave them a good look of his physique, from the man's front to his back—especially his back, and glutes.
"Awwww…."
Many Fontanians began to fan themselves for witnessing quite a heated sight and impressive specimen.
"So hot… and handsome…"
"So tight…and firm…"
"Yet so…. Cool~"
The rest of Fontaine continue to take in the scene of the adorable toddlers wearing equally cute hoodies and the really attractive man walking behind them. Which the two different sights together created quite a spectacle to observe, emanating both cuteness and hotness mixed in the same proximity.
While Clorinde and Paimon light palmed their faces, as they wondered how they got into this situation when they were supposed to be more discreet.
And not catch any attention while heading to Hotel Debord.
About one hour ago…
"Thank you Sedene. Your assistance is greatly appreciated…" Neuvillette said, facing to his secretarial Melusine. They were walking together through the halls and heading straight to Furina's old quarters.
"Especially after learning of our unique situation and circumstances. I know it's a lot to take in for you and your squad of Melusines. But all of you would be doing both myself and the traveler a good favor with your cooperation and agreement for a certain level of secrecy to our… unique guests."
Sedene simply shook her head, waving her hands. "No need to concern yourself Monsieur for our help. With everything the Traveler has done for us Melusines and by extension to all of Fontaine, this is the least we could do."
The Melusine then gives Neuvillette a knowing smile. "Not that we're complaining in the first place, because upon looking at those adorable little stars for the first time, how could we not try to join in with all that cuteness!"
Neuvillette chuckled softly in response. When he, Paimon, and Clorinde began to take steps in their plans to help the toddlers, the Iudex immediately called for the Sedenne. First so that she could be informed and help prepare the necessary arrangements, for their planned meeting with their future guests/would be mothers and friends. And second, have the Melusines gather the personnel for a brief meeting at the main halls of the building, so that Neuvillette can address the rest of the Palais Mermonia, in regard to recent events and all concerns that rose from the Traveler's impromptu celestial awakening.
But the hydro sovereign did recall with amusement the first time he had introduced Sedene and a select few Melusines to Aether's cluster, with their expected reactions of surprise, awe, and pure elation at how adorable the babies were.
And was no different to the Melusines' current demeanor to the children when Neuvillette and Sedene finally arrived to Furina's old room and opened the doors to a very warm sight.
Of everyone in the room playing with the little stars.
"AIIIIIIIHH!" A joyful cry was heard.
Coming from a pair of Melusines squealing, as they hugged the miniature versions of Charlotte and Chiori. The two toddlers in their arms giggling and squeezing back with equal amount of affection.
"Why are you guys so cute!"
"Isn't it obvious they would be this bright and tiny little munchkins if they're the traveler's kids!"
The two Melusines commented while the toddlers wholly agreed.
"Yas! Yas! But Papa say we cute because of our mommies too!"
"But not as cute as cousin Melusines!"
The Toddlers spoke out with their tiny and pleasant voices, while the Melusine pair squealed again as their hearts felt warm at being called cousins.
Off the side Neuvillette and Sedenne shared an amuse look at the scene before them, until they scanned the rest of the room and watch as other Melusines were playing with the other toddler's of the traveler's cluster.
Near the old bookshelves, one Melusine was teaching the children resembling Emilie and the other looking similar to Chevreuse a few words in flash cards, with each child having an open picture book as they sat together on the reading couch.
"Now what's the word for this picture!" The Melusine asked, flashing a card.
"Ahh! Flowers!" Emilie's child spoke excitedly at the image of a Bouquet with different flora local to Fontaine.
"Yes! That is correct! And how about this one!" The Melusine then flashes another card, which this time Chevreuse's child then raises her tiny hand and shouts.
"MeaKA… GardMeka! Robot de Guards!"
The Melusine laughs at the purple haired babies close answer but still praises her recognition.
Across the studying group were another set of children, but this time they were playing chase… by running around in a simple circle. Thankfully not around the room which might have created a big mess.
"I'm going to get you! Going to get you all of you!"
One Melusine watched as her partner, another Melusine, brisk walks and 'chases' the children resembling Navia, and Lynette. Who were content running around in a circle, while their playmate tries to 'catch' them.
"Hehehe… can't catch me! Two slow, slow, slow!"
"Haiai! Cousins chase more!"
Finally at lady Furina's old bed were the last members of the future children, accompanied by Paimon and Clorinde.
As Clorinde's child was currently answering some of Paimon's questions, while Furina's baby and the Knave's harbinger twins nap silently together on top of Aether, who was relocated to the bed and continues to be in his deep coma like stasis, sleeping with a quiet breath.
"So let me get this straight, you all consider the Melusine as your cousins because Neuvillette is your uncle and since he sees them as his adopted daughters." Paimon questions to the little duelist currently sitting cross legs on the bed, who nods with great enthusiasm.
"Uhuh! Uncle Elynas and cousin Sigewinne said babies should call them cousins since they part of big family." Clorinde's child spoke with utmost glee. "And, and, Uncle Elynas said we could play in the village if daddy said yes! Or to watch babies, if daddy goes to play with mommies!"
"Wow, a whole island is your uncle. A big family indeed if not just the size of your honorary relatives. And this is going to grow even bigger in the future, Paimon bets…" The fairy mutters. "But your explanation checks, and who is Paimon to complain to Elynas and Miss Sigewinne. Oh… I bet you guys get lots of gifts from your cousins for your birthdays, don't you. You cute little adorable night lights, and especially you first, since being the oldest purple button of the Traveler's Fontaine bunch..."
Clorinde's child smiles sweetly, while misunderstand the fairy's jest. "Hehehe… Paimon, I'm not one of mommy's button! Mommy's buttons go ZOOOM and SWAASSHH from her chest like a cannon."
At the Traveler's side Clorinde flinches upon hearing her daughter's statement, feeling a blush rise from her cheeks, while her hand pauses in rubbing sleeping babies.
Maybe I need to check with Chiori for an updated measurements and dimensions for my clothes in the future. They do say pregnancy does lead to growth in the chest and hips. The Champion duelist thought, as she methodically strokes each cowlick hair of Aether, Furina's kid, and the twins laying near her side. It's a bit of an amusing fact that all of Aether's children inherited his signature lock on the top of his head.
Clorinde chuckles softly at her discovery, before spotting Neuvillette and Sedene's approaching them.
"Ah, Monsieur Neuvillette and Miss Sedene. You've both Returned."
And as if sensing her favorite Uncle was presence, Furina's child awakes, eyes widening and getting up from her papa's chest.
"Uncle Nevi!" She cheers, turning to face an equally elated Neuvillette.
"Hello little my rain drop." He greeted while watching the little one crawl on the bed to get closer to the Iudex, before standing on their two feet with arms raised up.
"Upsies! Upsies!"
Neuvillette was already halfway reaching out and picking up the little one up in his arms, who giggled and hugged the reincarnated Hydro dragon.
"How are you? Did you and your siblings rest well?" The Iudex asked.
"Yup! Sleeping on Papa is nice, but he still sleepy but he might wake soon! I can tell. I can tell" Furina's child answered enthusiastically, while Neuvillette simply chuckled at her energy.
While Clorinde, Paimon, and even Sedene watched the adorable scene. The latter Melusine even took a quick photo of the Iudex discreetly, as she wanted to immortalize one of the rare moments of their adopted father smiling genuinely.
"Uncle Nevi… are we going to meet my mama and my other mamas now?" Furina's child asked with her small voice, hopeful with a favorable answer based on her tone.
Her question being the one that was in all of Aether's cluster's heads. And as if it echoed throughout the entire room, every baby stopped at what they were doing and quickly toddled to the bed and regrouped.
Which was a unique and very eyebrow raising sight to behold, as the children moved in unison and near sync, like they possess some minor form of telepathy.
They got on the bed and crowded the Iudex, and all asked the same questions with shared intentions.
"Uncle Nevi! IS sibling right! Are we going to meet our mommies now!"
"See mommy! See mommy!"
"I wanna tell mommy the new words cousin teaches me!"
"Can we go now! Can we go NoooooOoooooWWW…"
Neuvillette once more was caught off guard by the onslaught of innocent cuteness and puppy dog eyes of the children. He feared the worst that he would be lost again and lose himself to the sea of adorableness.
But fortunately Clorinde was there to reign in their excitement.
"Children, give your Uncle Neuvillette some space and have some patience. He'll answer your questions," The Duelist said calmly. While the toddlers faced her and made a small nods with their heads and whispered apologies to Neuvillette.
"Sowwy…"
"Sorry…"
The children settled down and silently waited for Neuvillette to speak. To which the Iudex made use of a couple of seconds to straighten himself and gather his bearings.
He placed Furina's child down with the rest of her siblings, before addressing everyone in the room for their next course of action, with Paimon, Clorinde and the Melusines shifting and moving closer to hear him properly.
"I've already talked to the staff of the Palais Mermonia and settled their concerns and worries." Neuvillette said, recalling his brief meeting with everyone in the building, from all the personnel and guards that he had Sedenne gather for him to address properly in regard to recent events.
"I gave instructions to initiate level one disaster and relief procedures. While also requesting all reports to be submitted to me by today, so I can review any casualty and damage reports that may have occurred in Fontaine during the Traveler's awakening."
Neuvillette made a side glance to Aether's form and the twins still sleeping on his chest. "But I have feeling we don't need to worry about anyone getting hurt based on what we know so far."
Everyone from Paimon, Clorinde, the toddlers and the Melusines, nodded at the Iudex words. Confident too that despite the massive earthquake caused by Aether's power, no one should have gotten hurt. Since the Teyvat's future itself seemingly planned the babies arrival.
"All in all, we're actually good to go and head to Hotel Debord. Sedenne here will continue to handle all affairs on my behalf while we're gone. And she with all the rest of the Melusines I've picked, will prepare for our return and accompanied guests to accommodate later."
At Neuvillette's words, Sedenne step forward with a salute. "No worries! We Melusines will watch over the traveler and prepare proper seating, tables, and foods plus refreshments for when you return with our cousins' mommies!"
"YAAHHH!" All the toddlers cheered, while Paimon, Clorinde, and Neuvillette smiled at the Melusines enthusiasm.
It did warm their heart at the fact on how quickly they adapted to the toddler's presence and being acknowledge that they were their future honorary familial cousins in the future.
It was probable because they liked the traveler so much, and some of them like Aeval, were excited to the possible idea of bringing the toddlers to Melusine village and Elynas to introduced the rest of the kids to their future cousins.
"I'm so glad I asked for a change shift today from my Aqua bus duties to work here!" Aeval said, before a worrying expression took over on her place. "Ahhh—But I think my colleagues would be really jealous of me now, if they knew."
"They'll find out eventually." Sedenne assured her co-worker, before turning her attention back to the main group. "Also, Monsieur Neuvillette, Lady Clorinde, and Paimon, may I ask if you'll be exiting to the back doors? Possibly, to avoid causing some unwanted commotion outside at the main area, if my guess is correct?"
Clorinde was the one who answered her. "Yes we are. We would like not to draw attention to ourselves since this is a personal matter. Regardless of how the public would see this as special occasion of learning the traveler has kids."
"Yeah! Especially if some nosy reporters for the tabloids find out that Aether had kids with numerous superstars and well-known individuals of Fontaine!" Paimon could only shudder and imagine the paparazzi that would hound them for details. "We would be having reporters knocking on our doors or camera meanies asking for invasive interviews or trying to take their picture without our consent!"
"Yes, truly dreadful…" Clorinde had sharp glint in her eyes, as wave of motherly instinct overcame her, mentally promising to smash any camera that would snap a photo of the children without her or the traveler's permission.
"We may need to disguise the children if we are to move out soon." Neuvillette spoke, gaining the groups attention. "No doubt, these children have inherited their father's supernatural charisma and overall eye-catching appearance."
"Doubled over since they're all babies…" Sedenne adds.
Indeed, just looking at the beautiful toddlers would cause anyone to lock eyes at their appearance and attempt to immortalize their cuteness in their memories.
"Disguise?" Clorinde's child suddenly spoked, a pondering expression on her face, before shifting to more joyful one before jumping down the bed, catching everyone's eyes, and then standing in front of them.
"Baby, what are you doing?" Clorinde asked as she watch with the others, while her child rocked on the balls of her tiny feet.
"DISGUISE!" The little girl suddenly shouted, twirling in place, as a wave of blue magic envelopes her and—
She then stood wearing a cute Koholasaur hoodie.
"Rawr, rawr, disguise!" The little duelist cried. With an additional cute roar. "Gawr! Gawr!"
The little one couldn't help but twirl in place and showing off the well-crafted article of clothing covering her from the head to the midsection of her tiny body. The beady eyes of her hoodie's top added to the overall adorableness of the child's attire.
While Clorinde had her mouth gape. Paimon cupped her hands to her cheeks. Neuvillette eyes widen to a near comical size. And the Melusines all squealed loudly, from how incredibly CUTE and CHARMING Clorinde's child was before them.
And the sight became even more appealing and lovable when the rest of the toddlers followed suit and joined their sibling.
Chanting with equally small and endearing voices.
"Disguise! Disguise!"
"Kohola-hoodies!"
"In Dwell On!"
All 7 remaining toddlers, minus the twins sleeping on Aether's chest, jumped and twirled midair as blue light enveloped all of their tiny bodies, before landing in place to stand beside their oldest Fontaine sibling.
With all of them now wearing Koholasaur hoodies. Crying joyfully at their stunned audience.
"GRAWR, GRAWR, DISGUISES!"
The children posed, hands raised, while their audience remain lost at their adorableness.
Until Paimon was the first gush. "OH. MY. ARCHONS! How are you babies getting cuter by the second! I want to fly close to you guys and give you all a big hug!"
"What manner of creatures are their hoodies based?" Clorinde asked, eyes not leaving the toddlers. "I have never encountered any Fontaine aberrant lifeforms that resembles them. Though they looked water based."
"Not even we have encountered any creatures that resemble the design." Sedenne adds, while joining her Melusine sisters in gushing regardless of the design. "But big beady eyes, a tail, and fins! They must be some sort of swimming lifeform in Teyvat. Probably outside of Fontaine."
"You would be correct in that assumption." Neuvillette finally answers them all. The Hydro sovereign ever knowledgeable, but also aware of the type of creature the babies attire were based.
"They're Koholasaurs, hence the children's terms of their clothing as Kohola-hoodies. As Koholasaurs are saurians native to Natlan, specifically native mainly to the area where the tribe of the People of the Spring reside, or so I've heard with my current knowledge. They are one of the many descendants of Natlan's dragons, who evolved to lived beside humans, and are known for their outstanding ability to swim, surf, and dive on water or even molten lava. The Spring tribe Natlanese would partner up and ride on their backs to travel the many waterways and Phlogiston flowing streams found in Natlan."
The toddlers could only clapped in excitement from Neuvillette's lengthy explanation, while also happy that didn't have to be the ones to tell Paimon, Clorinde, and the Melusines of what creature their disguises are based on.
"Yup, yup, yup! Uncle Nevi is right!" Furina's child cheers, nodding her head in reply. While Navia's kid adds.
"Uhuh! Since babies are hydro nation, so hoodies are cute hydro saurians!"
With Chiori's child finally giving the last tid bit for the reason of their attire. "And my mommy and other future mommies made them so they can be disguises until we find daddy and past mommies! Since daddy and big sis magic help hide babies until people are ready!"
Once more Paimon was flabbergasted at the information she was receiving from Aether's future kids.
"Woah… okay, future traveler and family really were prepared for you guys to come here… and oh—Monsieur Neuvillette, were Kohola-whatsit-saurs part of the things you were going to explain to the traveler and I, during our meeting before the babies arrived?"
"Indeed, Paimon." The Iudex responds. "I would have informed the both of you of the different type of saurians and other life forms that made the land of war, the nation of dragons. If our meeting went on as planned. But anyway… these matter of disguises—"
Neuvillette paused, suddenly scrutinizing the attire the toddlers wore, as he could sense and see the faint magic infused within the cloth.
"Children, how do these hoodies help you remain in disguise?" He asked.
The toddlers made to respond, but they were beat to the punch by their youngest siblings.
"S-see.."
"But no-oo, touch"
Everyone's attention turned to the twins who awoke from sleeping on their father's chest. Their tiny hands rubbing their eyes before shuffling to get closer to the group.
Clorinde was quick to pull both of the twins in her arms, carrying them as she and others wait for them to elaborate. As best to their vocal ability as toddlers.
"Can you tell, um—ah… dueling mommy, what you mean by 'See and no touch'?" Clorinde asked. With the twins responding flashing a cute smile and their golden eyes, though still looking a bit sleepy.
"Big sis magic stops people from going to babies, even if we're still cute!"
"And daddy's magic makes it stronger so even if they try, and only family can get close!"
The twins answered truthfully, with no hint of lies or uncertainty. Their siblings back them up as well.
"Yes, yes. We can walk around, and people can watch us, but they can't get close or else BAM! They get blown away!" Chevreuse's child gesticulated the last part with throwing her arms out.
Leaving it to the imagination of what sort of blow or effect would have happened if the strangers got close while the babies were wearing their hoodies.
"If Paimon is right, the big sis the babies are talking about is Nahida, the Dendro Archon, then yeah she could make some illusion or mind affecting power on their clothes to keep people away. But… if Aether also had a hand in their protective spell then…"
Sedenne uttered with a hint of fear "—then the traveler would most probably place a powerful shockwave or elemental attack if anyone was strong or daring enough to bypass the initial magical deterrence."
Paimon and the Melusine could only shudder in horror for what possible consequences Nahida and Aether's future self-had in mind. The babies weren't helping when they simply nodded, as if confirming their fears.
While Neuvillette and Clorinde, simply nodded their heads, having pre-inferred ideas of what the traveler and the Dendro Archon were capable of.
Lynette's child adds "But we can't test them now, since we're with family! And daddy wouldn't like it if a big mess occurs."
"That's not helping Paimon's nerves!—Oh, whatever. I guess we can trust your words on it."
The fairy sighs, before turning to the Clorinde and the twins. "Okay since everyone is awake and I guess we're ready to go, assuming Paimon expects those two to have the same disguises?"
In the twins nod in Clorinde's arms, before looking up to the duelist asking to be set down. Once Clorinde lowered them to the floor, the same blue light engulfs them before they like their siblings were also wearing smaller versions of their Koholasaur hoodies.
"Okay! Everyone knows the plan and the Melusines—"
"WAIT!" The toddlers suddenly shout in unison, cutting off Paimon, and catching everyone off guard.
"What's wrong?"
"Are we missing something?"
Both Clorinde and the Melusines asked, but the toddlers shake their heads, before pointing at Neuvillette.
"Uncle Nevi, has a disguise too!" Furina's child cries out, while causing the Iudex to raise an eye brown in surprise.
"I do?" Neuvillette asked skeptically.
"Uhuh!" Chiori's child responds, before a flash of white light glows between her hands, then fading to a set of folded clothes.
The child toddles to Neuvillette before shoving her tiny arms and presenting the clothes to the Iudex, explaining.
"Uncle needs a disguise too! And daddy said that uncle would like to have other clothes besides his work clothes! So babies brought Uncle Nevi his favorite suit, so that he can have fun with disguises with babies!"
The hydro sovereign of Fontaine was a bit apprehensive with the offer the children had for him.
Trying new clothes.
And he was aware he did confide with the traveler about his opinions regarding his court attire. Even remembering that Aether once suggested they could plan an outing with Navia and Furina to look for more casual clothes for him when he's on off hours.
They never got around setting a date yet, and Neuvillette could add to reason that he felt unusually shy in asking this sort of favor with the girls, despite Aether's confidence with them not being judgmental.
The Iudex was about to decline as suddenly trying new clothes felt like he skipped a step in this new endeavor. But the babies hopeful and expectant eyes, instantaneously change his mind, and decided to trust them regarding this. Besides, the children did say this was his future self's favorite suit, so what harm can be done?
Neuvillette crouched low, receiving the folded attire, and instantly felt the leather material of the suit... Curious.
"Now say the magic words!" Navia's child cries out.
"I'm sorry.. magic words?" Neuvillette questions.
"Yup! Transformez-Moi!"
"T-Transformez-Moi?"
A deep blue light envelops the Iudex of Fontaine, while everyone in the room stands back, as another unexpected sight happens before them.
Neuvillette entire body was coated in light, but as they recede his arms, legs, and torso, parts of a dark blue leather suit takes their place. Changing his usual Court attire, to a more heroic looking appearance. Even his hair altered and shifted his bangs and locks to more noble, yet wild mane of white.
Finally, as the light finally reaches its end, leaving Neuvillette's face with an Otter themed Domino mask.
Paimon and Clorinde could only gawk, speechless, at his overall attire.
While the Melusines cried out in cheer and jubilation.
"THAT'S SO COOL!"
"MONSIEUR GOT HOT!"
Sedenne was equally tongue tied, while all the toddlers cried out and chanted in joyful excitement.
"MIRACULOUS OTTER-LLETTE!"
"MIRACULOUS OTTER-LLETTE!"
"MIRACULOUS OTTER-LLETTE!"
Amidst the different reactions from the room, Neuvillette only had one thought going through his head.
I need a mirror.
Author's notes:
And that's the wrap! This chapter maybe feel a bit short, but I needed to set up the babies disguises for their upcoming meeting with their past mommies.
Also, you were expecting more fluff and adorableness, but you got a magical Iudex instead
No worries, the hijinks the kids caused would not stop from asking their different uncles to wear silly clothes. Or if anything, making them learn some stuff in the future as well.
Anyway, see you guys in the next chapter!
FONTAINE – 10 (9 ladies)
Clorinde – Nickname pending
Navia – Nickname pending
Furina – Nickname pending
Charlotte - Nickname pending
Lynette - Nickname pending
Chiori - Nickname pending
Chevreuse - Nickname pending
Emilie - Nickname pending
Arlecchino – (Twins) Nicknames pending