Disclaimer: I do not own the copyright for these two franchises.They belong to Square Enix and HoyoVerse respectively.
Kingdom Hearts III.5: A journey on Teyvat
Chapter 12: Machination Beyond the Darkness
As Sora, Aether, Paimon, and Venti continued their conversation, a completely different event was unfolding on the horizon. In Dadaupa Gorge, not far from the Sword Cemetery, a corridor of darkness suddenly opened. From this shadowy passage, a mysterious figure emerged, clad in a long black coat that completely concealed his face. It was none other than the same man who had appeared before Sora after he had repelled the Demon Tide.
(Kingdom Hearts OST - Villains of a Sort)
From his distant vantage point, several kilometers away, the silent figure gazed in the direction of Windrise. Though he couldn't make out Sora's features from such a distance, he could still sense his presence. To him, the imprint of this young hero was not merely expressed through his appearance but through the intensity of his aura, the strength with which his heart seemed to resonate.
He wished to observe him more closely, but he refrained—for at that moment, Sora was speaking with a peculiar figure dressed in green. He knew that the closer he got, the more this individual would become aware that they were being watched. After all, when he had first witnessed Sora's arrival in this world, he had realized—twice—that his presence had been detected by the very same person Sora was now conversing with. But that was to be expected. After all, this individual was a god—an Archon, as they were called in this world.
Regardless, it did not trouble him much. Even if he could not see Sora up close, he could still feel his presence. After all, Sora left behind an indelible mark, touching the hearts of those capable of perceiving his true nature... whether they be allies or foes.
? ? ?: How could you have strayed so far from your destiny, Sora?
He murmured to himself, his voice barely carrying through the air.
He crossed his arms, deep in thought. He had believed that the loss of the princess of heart would drive Sora to take any risk necessary to save her. He knew the young man well—he had observed him countless times. Sora was willing to do anything to rescue those with whom he forged bonds. His strength lay in his heart, in the emotions that connected him to others… but that strength could just as easily be a weakness, if one knew how to exploit it.
? ? ?: The bond he had with her… it was by far the strongest.
He continued aloud.
Sora should have attempted to use the power of Awakening to turn back time… to save her once more. And to accept the price that came with it.
? ? ?: After all… it was his destiny. No one can defy it.
A brief silence settled in, broken only by the wind whistling between the stones. And yet, he felt no concern. The mere fact that Sora had not yet used that power did not mean he had escaped its grasp. No, it was all a matter of circumstances. A strong enough event, a trial even more harrowing than the loss of a single person…
? ? ?: If losing his friend wasn't enough, then I must create a situation that will force him to act.
He declared with certainty.
? ? ?: Something greater… something far more intense.
His gaze shifted toward the horizon, where Mondstadt lay. A barely perceptible smile formed beneath the shadow of his hood.
? ? ?: And this world will provide me with everything I need.
He could already picture Sora befriending the people of this land, forging new connections. It was in his nature, after all. He couldn't help but reach out to others, to create bonds as strong as they were genuine.
? ? ?: Yes… let your heart grow attached to this world, Sora. That is exactly what I need.
He continued, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
? ? ?: The more bonds you create, the stronger your heart will become… and the more fragile it will be under the weight of those attachments.
He paused for a moment, as if savoring the thought he had just expressed.
? ? ?: As I've told you before… hearts are powerful when they're connected. But if you put too much of that power in one place, some of those hearts might end up breaking.
His tone was calm, devoid of any threat. He was merely stating a fact—an inevitable truth. And Sora would not be an exception to this rule.
? ? ?: Binding one's heart to too many people… always end up breaking.
He murmured.
? ? ?: The real question is: how will he react when those bonds eventually fade away?
He didn't need to answer. He already knew. He could almost see the torn expression on the boy's face, feel his hesitation, his sorrow, his despair… everything that would drive him to alter his fate.
? ? ?: Continue your journey, Sora. Continue drawing closer to that Traveler who resembles you so much. Perhaps he, too, will play his role in all of this…
A faint chuckle escaped his lips, quickly carried away by the wind. There was only one thing left for him to do.
? ? ?: But for everything to proceed as planned… I must ensure the right pieces are in place.
Slowly, he raised his hand, tracing a motion in the air. Before him, a corridor of darkness materialized, swirling with unfathomable shadows.
? ? ?: And to do that, I must meet with that person… and set my plan into motion.
Without a sound, he stepped into the vortex, vanishing into the darkness, as Dadaupa Gorge once again sank into an eerie silence.
(Genshin Impact OST - Forlorn Child of Archaic Winds (Dvalin's Nest))
Elsewhere, atop the ruins of Stormterror's Lair, beneath a stormy sky, a lone figure stood motionless, surveying the horizon. Just as enigmatic as the one who had appeared earlier, he wore a black cape adorned with mysterious patterns. Unlike the other individual, however, he made no effort to conceal his face. His youthful appearance was undeniable—blond hair framed his cold, determined features, while a mask resembling an eyepatch covered the right side of his face, leaving only his left eye visible. His iris was anything but ordinary, bearing a peculiar pattern, reminiscent of a star.
This man was none other than Dainsleif, the Bough Keeper.
At his feet, a Cryo Abyss Mage lay in agony, his body trembling from the wounds he had sustained, struggling to rise. There was no doubt—this was the very same mage who had once schemed to corrupt Dvalin, turning him against Mondstadt and its people.
The silence was broken by a hoarse, pained breath. Despite his injuries, the Abyss Mage managed to lift himself slightly, his gaze burning with hatred as he glared at Dainsleif.
Abyss Mage: Curse you… By opposing us, you defy the Abyss Order. Her Majesty will not tolerate such an affront. You will not escape her wrath.
Dainsleif did not move, his expression remaining impassive. He observed his opponent for a brief moment before raising his hand. A twilight energy swirled around his fingers, and with a smooth gesture, he made the Abyss Mage vanish in a burst of dark light. Only a few glacial particles lingered in the air before fading into nothingness.
Dainsleif: Her 'Majesty'… It seems you do not know her as well as I do.
He murmured to himself.
For a moment, he remained deep in thought, his gaze lost in the void. Memories he had long wished to bury resurfaced—fragments of a bygone past, a time before everything had been consumed by the Abyss's darkness.
He let out a quiet sigh before refocusing on the present. The Abyss Order's involvement in Mondstadt's recent events intrigued him. Manipulating a dragon to sow destruction, eliminating an Archon and his followers… A ruthless strategy, yet a blind one.
Dainsleif: Their hatred of the gods does not justify such actions…
He murmured.
Dainsleif: Even if…
He trailed off. He understood, better than anyone, the aversion toward the divinities. He, too, harbored that silent resentment. But never had he sought to eradicate innocents in pursuit of vengeance. Everyone should be free to choose their own path, and if that path led them to ruin, it was their burden to bear.
His gaze hardened as a thought crossed his mind. The crisis in Mondstadt had been resolved not only by the Anemo Archon and his followers but also through the intervention of a mysterious blond traveler. That single fact stirred countless questions within him.
Dainsleif: Who is he? Where does he come from?
He clenched his fists. A feeling crept over him, an intuition that refused to fade. Would fate allow them to meet? This traveler… did he truly resemble "her"?
The Bough Keeper remained still, his piercing gaze scanning the surrounding darkness. The wind howled, yet he paid no mind to the biting gusts. What he felt at that moment surpassed any physical threat. It was a presence, a chill that crept through his very being—an omen that even his sharpest instincts could not ignore.
It was not the Abyss. No, he knew their oppressive energy too well, their insidious intentions. This sensation was different—foreign, and yet… familiar. A threat lurking in the deepest shadows, invisible to mortal eyes, yet undeniably present.
He did not move. He knew that whatever hid in the darkness was waiting for only one thing—an opening. Then, a shiver ran down his spine as the first creature emerged from his shadow. Without hesitation, he pivoted to the side, barely dodging the attack aimed at his back. His combat instincts immediately took over. With a precise motion, he unleashed a wave of dark energy from his hand, striking the creature head-on and making it vanish in a cloud of black smoke.
However, there was no time to savor this swift victory. No sooner had he eliminated his first foe than others began to appear, emerging from the surrounding darkness. They crawled out of the ground, detached from the shadows of the ruins, and took form from the very abyss itself. These creatures… they were not of the Abyss, but he recognized them.
Dainsleif: Heartless…
A memory resurfaced. A night of chaos. The fall of Khaenri'ah. Creatures like these crawling out of the shadows, swarming the survivors. They were neither human nor divine. They were something else entirely.
He had never fully understood their true nature. All he knew was that they appeared where darkness was most abundant. During the destruction of Khaenri'ah, they had every reason to emerge. They consumed everything in their path as if they were drawn to some unseen essence, something only they could perceive. And now, they had returned.
Dainsleif: Why have they reappeared…?
He had believed he would never see these creatures again. Why were they manifesting here, after all this time? A question formed in his mind, immediately followed by another. Something—or someone—had drawn them here. Was it mere coincidence? Or was it the result of a carefully orchestrated plan from the shadows?
Another memory surfaced. A meeting. With someone wielding a strange sword—an armament that was neither blade nor spear, but something more complex, more ancient… A key. That person had spoken of these creatures, claiming that they fed on light, that they hunted those who carried it.
Dainsleif: Then… does this mean…? Has this young boy arrived?
Dainsleif tightened his grip. If another traveler was here, a foreigner from another world capable of wielding that peculiar weapon, then Teyvat was about to face a crisis far greater than he had anticipated. But for now, he had to fight. Because the Heartless had no intention of giving him any more time to think.
Liyue Harbor stretched majestically before him, bathed in the soft glow of lanterns hanging from bustling market stalls. The air carried the fragrant blend of spices and freshly caught fish, while merchants called out, boasting of their exotic wares. The docks were alive with activity—sailors and dockworkers toiled tirelessly, unloading cargo from every corner of Teyvat.
The cobbled streets echoed under the footsteps of passersby, as nobles and commoners crossed paths in a delicate balance between tradition and prosperity. The silhouettes of the Millelith stood at key locations, ever-vigilant, ensuring order under the watchful eyes of Liyue's Qixing.
Away from the market's clamor, in a quieter alley, stood an unassuming building—the Yanshang Teahouse. Before its entrance, a young man halted, his azure gaze sweeping over its familiar façade. His orange hair rippled gently, and on the left side of his head rested a red mask, placed carelessly. His attire, a gray jacket and subtly patterned trousers, contrasted with the image he usually left behind—that of a brutal warrior, always eager to dive into battle.
A nearly imperceptible sigh escaped him. He found little joy in returning here after the work he had recently done with the teahouse's former owner. Yet, he had no real choice. A summons was never optional, especially when it came from his superiors.
At the entrance, two figures immediately straightened at his arrival. A man and a woman, clad in long black coats with faint violet undertones, stood rigidly. Their faces were partially concealed behind black masks, marked by a painted red scar on the left side. They inclined their heads respectfully before speaking in perfect unison:
Man & Woman: We have been expecting you, Young Master Tartaglia.
Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. His eyes narrowed slightly. The formality of their greeting felt excessive, too scripted for his liking. A sense of unease settled in his chest. If the person who had summoned him chose this place, it was unlikely to be a mere matter of protocol.
Before the agents could utter another rehearsed phrase, Tartaglia raised a hand, silencing them.
Tartaglia: Enough with the formalities. I'm already here, so let's get straight to the point… Has she arrived?
The two agents exchanged a brief glance before nodding swiftly.
Fatui Agent (Man): Yes, she is waiting inside.
Without another word, they hurried to open the door. Tartaglia gave them a curt nod before stepping through the threshold.
Inside, the one who had summoned him awaited. A tall woman with pale skin, her platinum blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her light gray eyes gleamed with an aristocratic coldness, and part of her face was obscured by an intricate accessory—half crown, half butterfly mask—concealing her right eye. Her long, elegant yet severe white dress was accompanied by a cloak, its crimson-red interior starkly contrasting the outer fabric.
The mere sight of this woman made Tartaglia grimace.
Tartaglia: Signora. I see you've made it safely to port.
(Genshin Impact OST - Perilous Path)
Signora, another member of the Fatui Harbingers, just like Tartaglia, but occupying the 8th seat this time. She was the same woman Venti had described, the one who had interfered at the end of the Mondstadt crisis and had stolen his Gnosis.
Tartaglia made no effort to hide his irritation. He stepped forward without even bothering to greet her and locked his azure gaze onto hers.
Tartaglia: I hope you didn't summon me here just to hear a report on my last mission. Honestly, if that were the case, you could have spared us both the waste of time.
A sly smirk formed on Signora's lips, her expression both amused and haughty.
Signora: Still as charming as ever, Tartaglia. It's a pleasure to see you again.
She let a silence settle, likely savoring the tension between them. Then, with a tone laced with false kindness, she added:
Signora: But don't worry, do you really think I would waste my time on something so trivial?
Tartaglia crossed his arms, his gaze hardening.
Tartaglia: Thankfully not, for both our sakes. So if it's not about that, get to the point. I have better things to do than play guessing games. You, of all people, should know how important the mission I'm carrying out here in Liyue is.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Signora's lips as she folded her arms, eyeing Tartaglia with amusement.
Signora: Oh? Do you need a helping hand? I'd be more than happy to offer my assistance…
Tartaglia let out a cold smile, his azure eyes flashing with defiance.
Tartaglia: You? Helping me? You'd be the last person I'd ever need.
He knew full well she was only trying to belittle him. Having no intention of wasting another second on this fruitless exchange, he turned on his heel to leave the room.
Tartaglia: Well, it's clear that being in your presence will waste even more of my time than usual. If you have nothing else to say, it'd be best for you to return to the palace and inform our Empress.
But just as he took a few steps forward, Signora's voice rang out again, this time more serious.
Signora: My mission in Mondstadt is complete. Barbatos' Gnosis is in our possession.
Tartaglia stopped in his tracks but didn't bother turning around. Instead, he let out a mocking chuckle.
Tartaglia: Congratulations. Do you want a medal for your achievement?
The Fatui Harbinger ignored his provocation and continued, her tone laced with arrogance.
Signora: What interests me most is what I discovered near the end. I had the chance to meet the one who played a key role in the Mondstadt crisis.
This time, Tartaglia turned his head slightly. He already knew who she was talking about. Rumors among the Fatui spoke of a mysterious blond traveler, someone who had appeared out of nowhere and had been the main actor in resolving the Stormterror incident.
Tartaglia: Ah, yes… I've heard about him. A foreigner who managed to make a name for himself in Mondstadt. The locals treat him like a hero. He even received the title of Honorary Knight, from what I've gathered.
He fully turned around, crossing his arms. His gaze darkened slightly, showing genuine yet measured interest.
Tartaglia: So? What do you think? Is this traveler worth paying attention to?
Signora raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing on her lips.
Signora: Honestly? His reputation is greatly exaggerated. He couldn't do a thing to stop me from taking the Gnosis, nor could he even protect that dear Anemo Archon.
Tartaglia remained silent for a moment, deep in thought. He knew all too well how arrogant Signora could be. Unlike him, who took pleasure in facing his opponents head-on, she preferred deceit and manipulation.
He was willing to bet she had never actually fought this traveler, but instead took advantage of a situation in her favor—just as she always did.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he finally shrugged.
Tartaglia: Heh… I'll make up my own mind about it.
Signora's gaze was mocking, but she simply added:
Signora: If wasting your time like that amuses you, be my guest.
Tartaglia ignored the jab, only responding with a smirk before turning on his heel. Signora's opinion didn't matter. If this traveler was as special as the rumors claimed, he intended to find out for himself. The young Harbinger crossed his arms, regarding Signora with curiosity.
Tartaglia: So, is that why you called me here? You think this Traveler will show up in Liyue soon, and I should be prepared for his arrival?
Signora shook her head slightly, a smug smile on her lips.
Signora: Partly, yes. But with a little thought, you could've figured that out on your own. The only nation close to Mondstadt is Liyue. It's only natural that he'll head here next.
Tartaglia didn't acknowledge her condescending tone, merely smirking in response. That was an interesting piece of information. If this so-called traveler set foot in Liyue, it meant he might get the chance to meet him.
Tartaglia: Hm… And what are the chances he'll interfere with our plans?
Signora raised an eyebrow before replying with a casual air.
Signora: He won't be able to stop us.
She said it with such certainty that Tartaglia furrowed his brows slightly. He didn't doubt Signora's strength, but he also knew she preferred to avoid direct confrontations. Maybe she was underestimating this traveler… He'd see for himself.
He continued, his tone still light but laced with curiosity.
Tartaglia: Alright, fair enough. But if this traveler isn't the main reason for our conversation, then what is?
Signora's smirk faded slightly. Her gaze turned more serious as she pulled a document from a fold in her coat and handed it to Tartaglia.
Signora: I received a report from Mikhail and Lyudmila. Our diplomatic agents stationed in Mondstadt noticed something strange after I left.
Tartaglia narrowed his eyes at the mention of those names. Mikhail and Lyudmila weren't the type to send useless reports.
Tartaglia: What happened?
Signora: Mondstadt… was attacked again. By monsters.
Tartaglia raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
Tartaglia: Again? I thought the incident with Stormterror was settled. What kind of monsters could possibly threaten the city now that the dragon has calmed down? The Abyss?
Signora shook her head.
Signora: No. According to our agents, these creatures had nothing to do with anything we've encountered before.
Tartaglia tilted his head slightly, thinking.
Tartaglia: Black monsters… You mean like Riftwolves? Or maybe some kind of Abyssal Beasts?
But Signora cut his speculation short.
Signora: Based on their descriptions, it's definitive. It was neither. These things were… different. They described them as a writhing mass of black creatures, moving almost as one, like a single entity.
Tartaglia frowned. Monsters that neither of the two diplomats had ever seen before? A crawling, shadowy mass attacking in unison? This was… unsettling.
His gaze dropped to the report in his hands, fingers lightly tapping the paper. Something was off. This wasn't just a random attack.
Tartaglia: Hm… Interesting.
He lifted his eyes back to Signora, a glint of curiosity in them.
Tartaglia: And what about you? Do you have any idea what it could be?
He watched her closely, noticing a slight shift in her demeanor—less arrogant than usual, more measured. Signora crossed her arms and shrugged slightly.
Signora: Normally, I wouldn't waste my time on something so ridiculous. Just another far-fetched tale.
She paused, her gaze darkening slightly.
Signora: But this time… I have to admit, I was wrong.
Tartaglia raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
Tartaglia: Oh? It's not often you swallow your words. What made you change your mind?
Signora sighed softly before continuing, her tone more serious than before.
Signora: On my way to Liyue, I expected to come across the usual monsters that roam Teyvat. Nothing unusual. But… I ended up seeing those things with my own eyes.
Tartaglia narrowed his eyes.
Tartaglia: Wait… You mean you actually saw the creatures our agents described?
Signora averted her gaze slightly, clearly annoyed at having to admit it.
Signora: I won't lie to you—at first, I thought that report was utter nonsense. But I had no choice but to accept reality when those things appeared out of nowhere and attacked us.
Tartaglia remained silent for a moment. The fact that Signora herself had witnessed these creatures made the situation far more serious than he had initially thought.
Tartaglia: And what exactly did they look like?
Signora: I doubt you'd believe me if I told you.
She paused before crossing her arms.
Signora: But fine. I'll describe them. Whether you believe me or not is up to you. These things… didn't resemble anything we know. They weren't Riftwolves or Abyss creatures. They had humanoid forms, entirely black, as if their bodies were made of pure shadow.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, recalling the details.
Signora: Their most striking feature was their eyes… yellow, piercing… glowing in the dark. Some of them had striped heart-shaped patterns on certain parts of their bodies.
Tartaglia thought for a moment. None of these descriptions rang any bells.
Tartaglia: Hm… I see. And their way of fighting?
Signora smirked.
Signora: They were weak. My powers alone were enough to make them vanish into some kind of dark mist. But…
She trailed off for a moment, as if hesitating to give these creatures too much credit.
Signora: Some of them had… unusual abilities. The ones with humanoid shapes could literally disappear, melting into the ground like shadows. They would move along the surface before suddenly emerging behind their targets.
Tartaglia straightened slightly, looking more serious.
Tartaglia: Must've been quite a hassle.
Signora shrugged slightly.
Signora: Not enough to be a real threat. But enough to disrupt our formations. Some of our soldiers were caught off guard. The Fatui sergeants and mages had a bit of trouble adjusting at first… but nothing we couldn't handle.
Tartaglia ran a hand over his chin, processing this new information.
Tartaglia: So, the report was accurate after all.
Signora confirmed with a simple nod.
Signora: Exactly. And that's precisely why I summoned you.
Tartaglia lifted his gaze toward her, a smirk forming on his lips.
Tartaglia: So, these new monsters… that was the real topic of our discussion?
Now fully aware of the emergence of these mysterious creatures, Tartaglia returned to a point that had been bothering him.
Tartaglia: If Mondstadt was attacked by these monsters again… do we at least know who fought them?
Signora shrugged slightly, her tone betraying a deep indifference.
Signora: Who else but that Traveler? Of course, he rushed in to play the hero.
Tartaglia chuckled. That name kept coming up in the conversation, and rather than bore him, it only intrigued him further.
Tartaglia: Interesting. So, he never hesitates to throw himself into the wolf's maw.
Signora rolled her eyes.
Signora: That's exactly what I said. The moment trouble arises, he charges in headfirst, as if he were Mondstadt's self-appointed guardian.
Tartaglia crossed his arms, his smirk widening.
Tartaglia: That's something we have in common, he and I. We're people of action. We don't just sit around doing nothing.
Signora gave him a sarcastic look.
Signora: Don't tell me you're admiring him.
Tartaglia: Why not? It's rare to find opponents as… bold as me.
He paused in thought before continuing.
Tartaglia: I assume he had help?
Signora sighed before answering, still annoyed at having to recount these events.
Signora: Our agents also spotted the Acting Grand Master, Jean Gunnhildr.
Tartaglia nodded.
Tartaglia: The Grand Master, huh? That's no surprise. Anyone else?
Signora: And there was also the one who takes care of the Knights' library… but she's mostly known as the most distinguished graduate the Sumeru Akademiya has produced in two hundred years.
She paused before adding with a hint of irony:
Signora: Lisa Minci.
Tartaglia raised an intrigued eyebrow.
Tartaglia: Oh… The scholarly mage… With the Dandelion Knight and the Honorary Knight by her side, that must have been quite the battle.
Signora gave a slight smirk.
Signora: Perhaps. But that's not all.
She let a silence linger, as if searching for the right words.
Tartaglia: What now?
Signora: According to our agents, another boy joined the fight.
Tartaglia frowned.
Tartaglia: Another one? Who was he?
Signora shrugged slightly, her expression betraying a hint of indifference.
Signora: That's the problem. Our agents don't know either.
Tartaglia: Wait… You're telling me they didn't recognize him?
Signora: Exactly. And trust me, those two aren't the type to overlook familiar faces. They've been in Mondstadt long enough to know almost everyone in town.
Tartaglia stroked his chin, thoughtful.
Tartaglia: So this boy isn't a resident… A passing traveler, maybe?
Signora: That's a possibility. But I have no intention of wasting my time on some random stranger.
She paused before adding:
Signora: All our agents could report is that he seems as young as the Traveler. He has spiky chestnut hair and wears strange black and red clothing.
Tartaglia narrowed his eyes slightly. Unlike Signora, he couldn't help but take an interest in this mysterious young boy. He wasn't the type to ignore someone bold enough to throw themselves into battle. Fighters with such daring were rare.
Tartaglia: A boy reckless enough to dive headfirst into a fight against unknown creatures… Now that's something worth my attention.
Signora, still as uninterested as ever, rolled her eyes.
Signora: Don't tell me you're planning to track him down just for fun.
Tartaglia smirked.
Tartaglia: Who knows? If this guy has the same temperament as the Traveler, I'd like to see what he's capable of. Maybe even fight him…
Signora sighed, growing tired of the conversation dragging on.
Signora: Well, since everything's been said, I'm done with this discussion.
Tartaglia crossed his arms, nodding slightly. He had to admit he shared her sentiment—it was time to wrap things up. But unlike her, he found this meeting far more intriguing than he had anticipated.
Thanks to Signora, he had learned several valuable pieces of information: the emergence of unknown monsters, the success of their mission in Mondstadt, the Traveler's involvement in the attack… and now, the existence of a new arrival.
All of this only made his heartbeat quicken with excitement.
Signora: Tch. That look again…
Tartaglia glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.
Signora: I recognize that impatience. You're already thinking about your next fight, aren't you?
A small chuckle escaped him, confirming her suspicions. Signora sighed, fully aware that her younger colleague was a true battle fanatic.
Signora: I remind you that your mission in Liyue takes precedence over your little whims.
Tartaglia: Of course, of course.
He raised his hands in mock innocence.
Tartaglia: I know where my limits lie between personal motivations and the tasks entrusted to me by the Tsaritsa.
Straightening up, he looked ready to leave.
Tartaglia: So, what do you plan to do now? Will you report all of this to Her Majesty and our fellow Harbingers?
Signora didn't answer immediately. She simply averted her gaze, letting a hint of mystery linger around her intentions. Tartaglia sighed, realizing he wouldn't be getting a clear response.
Tartaglia: Fine... do as you wish. I have no reason to stay any longer.
With those words, he turned on his heels and left the room, leaving Signora alone. As he walked away, she remained lost in thought for a moment.
She could have returned to Snezhnaya immediately. After all, she had successfully retrieved the Gnosis, and her mission was a success. All that was left was to deliver her report to Her Majesty.
And yet...
Something was keeping her here.
Her gaze hardened as she recalled those creatures. The black monsters she had fought... They were unlike anything from Teyvat. Not even the Abyss bore any resemblance to them. A form of life unknown to her, and yet... they had left a lasting impression.
Signora (thinking): These things... they are neither from Teyvat nor the Abyss.
She was no stranger to monsters. Her long life had led her to encounter all manner of horrors—whether those haunting the frozen lands of Snezhnaya or the abominations lurking in the depths of this world. But these... These were different.
Unsettling.
And at the same time... fascinating.
Signora: What exactly are they?
Her mind began weaving possibilities. If the Abyss was capable of controlling the creatures of this world, then why couldn't she do the same with these unknown beings?
These things... held immense potential. If she could tame them… bend them to her will… then the Fatui would gain a new weapon—one that would appear uncontrollable to the nations of Teyvat but remain entirely within her grasp. Perhaps it could even advance the Tsaritsa's grand design.
A smirk crept onto her lips.
Signora: Yes… this could be a valuable asset.
But before she pursued this idea further, she needed more information. For now, she had other matters to attend to.
Tartaglia was convinced he could handle his mission alone. Fine. But Signora was not one to rely on a single pawn. She always had a backup plan.
Her smirk widened slightly as she turned on her heels and walked away, looking satisfied. She knew exactly who she needed to meet.
Everything was already set in motion.
Somewhere in Liyue, in an underground location yet to be explored by mankind, darkness reigned as the absolute mistress over these forgotten ruins. The air, thick with oppressive humidity, was frozen in a morbid silence. Everything here spoke of decay and abandonment.
But what stood out the most was the complete absence of natural light. Not a single ray of sunlight filtered through the cracks of this stone prison. There was nothing but the suffocating gloom… and that sickly glow pulsing at the heart of the darkness.
Perched high above, suspended by thick chains of black steel, stood a Statue of the Seven—but in an unnatural posture. Inverted, hanging upside down, it no longer evoked the benevolence of a god but rather a perverse desecration. The statue depicted Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, yet there was no honor or devotion to be found here. The once carefully sculpted stone, meant to inspire trust and protection, had now become a twisted relic, a symbol of corruption.
In its outstretched hands, a strange violet energy gathered, faintly crackling. Its eerie glow cast shifting, almost living shadows upon the walls. Even the ground seemed to suffer under the presence of this malevolent force. Long fractures ran through the stone beneath the statue, oozing with an enigmatic dark fluid, as if the corruption had seeped into its very core. There was no sound, no movement, yet everything in this scene gave the unsettling impression that an unseen force was at work—patient, waiting.
From the ground below, a lone figure stood motionless, gazing at the inverted statue with silent intensity. A young girl, dressed in a sleeveless white dress, stood faintly illuminated amidst the oppressive darkness. Her blonde hair was framed by two white flowers adorning the right side of her head.
While the lower half of her face was visible, the rest of her features remained hidden in shadow. Her eyes, her expression—concealed, as if the darkness itself had claimed them.
Behind her, a sudden disturbance rippled through the stagnant air. Slowly, a portal began to form, distorting space in a swirling maelstrom of abyssal energy. The violet light corrupting the statue seemed to respond to this intrusion, intensifying in uneven pulses—like a heartbeat synchronized with an unknown force.
From this supernatural rift, a humanoid figure emerged with deliberate slowness. Its steps produced no sound. At first glance, it could have been mistaken for an ordinary man—but it was anything but human. Its body, adorned with dark, intricate embellishments, radiated an unnatural aura—one that felt almost tangible. Its face was concealed beneath a mask of ominous design, allowing only a sinister glow to peek from the shadows of its features. There was no warmth, no humanity in its posture—only an overwhelming presence, exuding an implicit authority.
An Abyss Herald.
This being was no mere creature spawned from the Abyss. It was a ruler among them—a master capable of commanding the lesser monstrosities of the Abyss.
The Herald slowly bowed before the young girl. His gesture, one of absolute reverence, starkly contrasted with the menacing aura he exuded.
Abyss Herald: Princess...
His voice echoed through the dark expanse, deep and devoid of any emotion.
Abyss Herald: Is something troubling you?
No response.
The young girl's stillness was almost unnatural, as if she were merely a shadow frozen in time. Her gaze, still concealed by the darkness, remained fixed upon the desecrated statue of Barbatos, showing no trace of hesitation.
The Herald, realizing he would not receive an immediate answer, continued in a neutral tone:
Abyss Herald: Is it the failure of our last mission that weighs on your mind? The fact that we were unable to corrupt the will of Barbatos' loyal servant… the Dragon of the East.
At these words, an almost imperceptible tremor passed through the girl's figure. It was not a reaction of anger, nor of frustration—rather, something more subtle. A shadow of emotion flickered across her mind, fleeting, almost involuntary.
She remained silent for a moment longer. Then, at last, her voice rose—flat, devoid of warmth:
Princess: No. That's not it...
She cared little for that failure. It was merely a setback, an insignificant detail in the grand design she was shaping. And yet… if she had reacted, it was not at the mention of the dragon.
But rather, the one responsible for their failure.
A blond traveler.
A lost brother, separated from her for far too long.
For a brief moment, her thoughts drifted to memories of a bygone era. A time when darkness had yet to claim her. When her path and that of her brother had not yet diverged.
But such thoughts had no place here.
She closed her eyes briefly, banishing that nostalgia. When she opened them again, her gaze—still shrouded in shadow—had regained its icy resolve.
Princess: This plan was never a top priority. It's failure does not hinder our designs.
The Abyss Herald inclined his head slightly, accepting her words without the slightest protest.
Abyss Herald: As you say, Princess.
The young girl did not avert her gaze from the desecrated monument as she finally spoke:
Princess: How is the progress on the other plan?
The Abyss Herald raised his head slightly.
Abyss Herald: Our research continues, Your Highness. However...
A faint hint of disappointment seeped into his otherwise monotonous tone.
Abyss Herald: … According to the reports from our mages, we have yet to locate the eye of the Field Tiller.
There was no visible reaction from the girl, as if she had expected this outcome. The Herald paused, observing her silence before continuing:
Abyss Herald: However, that is not all.
This time, he hesitated slightly, as if he feared how she might react.
Abyss Herald: One of our mages, who had been searching the depths of Stormterror's Lair… has been eliminated.
There was a slight reaction this time. Subtle, almost imperceptible. Without taking her eyes off the statue, she posed a simple question:
Princess: By whom?
The Herald straightened slowly, and this time, a trace of disdain crept into his voice.
Abyss Herald: Dainsleif.
A name that finally sparked a flicker of interest in the young girl's mind.
Dainsleif.
A name she had not heard in a long time. And yet, it was all too familiar. An echo of the past, a shadow that always stood in their way. She had long known that this man had dedicated his existence to opposing the Abyss. And yet, she did not dwell on it longer than necessary.
What mattered was the Primordial Eye.
She closed her eyes briefly before finally turning away from the statue. The violet energy cast her shadow across the ground, stretching into the darkness like a living entity.
Princess: This is hardly a surprise. No matter. Find it before Dainsleif realizes we are searching for it.
The Herald immediately bowed his head, relieved not to sense any irritation in her tone.
Abyss Herald: It shall be done according to your will, Your Highness.
The Herald lowered his head before his Princess, ready to carry out her orders. But just as their exchange seemed to conclude, an invisible shiver rippled through the air.
Behind the Herald, a portal suddenly opened.
It was not an Abyss portal. Nothing about it bore the imprint of their power. It was far darker, unfathomable, devoid of the violet energy that typically marked their dimensional passages. A Corridor of Darkness had just formed.
The Herald immediately turned, his body tensing in surprise. Even the young girl, who had remained impassive until now, was momentarily taken aback, observing the phenomenon with genuine intrigue.
(Kingdom Hearts OST - Organization XIII)
From the portal emerged a hooded figure—the same one who had been present not long ago in the Dadaupa Valley. The intruder scanned the room before letting out a soft chuckle.
? ? ?: Well, what a luck… Looks like I found the place on my first try.
His voice carried a provocative nonchalance. Then, lifting his gaze toward the young girl, he continued in an amused tone:
? ? ?: And on top of that, I run into exactly the person I was looking for. I really hit the jackpot.
The Abyss Herald wasted no time. His body tensed, and he immediately took a combat stance.
Abyss Herald: Who are you?! How did you find this place?!
He barked, his voice cold and menacing.
The mysterious individual didn't even seem to acknowledge the threat. He crossed his arms, shaking his head slightly, as if he found the reaction excessive.
? ? ?: Whoa… jumping straight to the tough talk. Seriously, relax a little, you're way too tense.
The Herald clenched his fists, clearly irritated by the intruder's arrogance. Without hesitation, he conjured his weapons. Water condensed around his arms, forming two translucent, razor-sharp blades. Then, with a swift movement, he lunged forward and brought his blades down on the intruder.
But the Herald immediately sensed something was wrong.
His attack had hit nothing.
He followed through on his strike without meeting any resistance, passing straight through the mysterious figure's body. Thrown off balance by his own momentum, he landed behind his opponent, his eyes wide with shock.
Abyss Herald: What…?!
He exclaimed, quickly turning around.
How was this possible? He had felt no impact, no solid matter to cut through. It was as if he had struck nothing but air, an untouchable illusion. The hooded figure turned as well, slowly, with deliberate nonchalance.
? ? ?: Tsk, tsk, tsk…
He wagged a finger in disapproval.
? ? ?: You'll have to do better than that.
He then tilted his head slightly toward the young girl, who hadn't moved an inch. She observed the scene with absolute calm, yet her gaze betrayed a deep contemplation.
Who was this man...?
Where did he come from?
She was certain of one thing: he did not belong to this world.
The mysterious figure turned his full attention to her.
? ? ? : Come on, relax. I didn't come here to fight.
His tone remained mocking, though with a hint of seriousness.
? ? ? : I just came to have a little chat with your dear princess here.
The Abyss Herald clenched his fists. His irritation grew with each word from this insolent stranger.
Abyss Herald: Watch your tongue, you wretch! You're addressing Her Highness! Show some respect!
His voice echoed through the underground ruins, filled with fury. He was ready to strike again, ready to defend the princess's honor.
But just as he took a step forward, a hand rose into the air. A simple, fluid gesture, yet enough to halt him instantly. The young girl had ordered silence.
Though frustrated, the Herald obeyed immediately. He lowered his head in submission, honoring Her Highness's will. The man in the black coat, witnessing such unwavering loyalty, let out a soft chuckle.
? ? ? : Well, aren't you well-guarded, little lady? Your followers are like loyal watchdogs… obedient and ready to bite at the slightest command.
The young girl slightly furrowed her brows. This individual had done nothing but play with words, provoking them with his careless tone ever since he appeared. Her patience, though steady, began to wear thin.
Princess: Who are you? And more importantly, what do you want from me?
Her gaze locked onto the stranger, analyzing his every move.
The man did not answer immediately. Under his hood, shadows concealed his expression, but one could almost sense a satisfied smirk.
He had caught her attention.
? ? ?: Me? I mean you no harm, really. There's no need to be so tense.
He shrugged before adding with a hint of audacity:
? ? ?: As for who I am… Well, think of me as an ally.
A silence followed his declaration. The young girl raised an eyebrow.
Princess: An ally?
She was skeptical. A stranger appearing from an unknown portal, with no affiliation to the Abyss, suddenly offering them his help? The story was hard to believe. The Herald, on the other hand, couldn't suppress a mocking laugh.
Abyss Herald: Ridiculous. Do you really think we'll take the words of some stranger who just appeared out of nowhere seriously?
The hooded man showed no offense at the remark. On the contrary, he chuckled lightly, an amused sound.
? ? ?: You're free to doubt me. But if you dare ignore what I have to say… You may come to regret it.
A flash of suspicion immediately crossed the Herald's eyes.
Abyss Herald: Is that a threat?!
He growled.
But the man in the black coat simply shook his head.
? ? ?: A threat? Oh no, I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. The problem is… the threat won't come from me… but from someone else. And when that person makes their move, you might wonder if you should have listened to me after all.
A heavy silence settled in the underground ruins. The already dark atmosphere seemed to grow even heavier under the weight of the hooded man's words.
The young girl narrowed her eyes slightly. He was toying with them, letting vague hints linger in the air without ever getting to the point.
Princess: …A threat, you say?
The man didn't answer right away. He let the silence stretch, as if savoring the moment. Then, in a tone that was almost lighthearted, he asked a cryptic question:
? ? ?: Tell me, Princess… Have you noticed that this world… has changed?
The young girl raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.
Princess: A change?
She crossed her arms, thinking for a moment.
Princess: Teyvat has undergone many changes over the centuries. Wars, fallen gods, vanished civilizations… If you're referring to some past event, you're being rather vague.
Her voice remained cold and detached, but deep down, she disliked the direction this conversation was taking. The man, however, chuckled softly.
? ? ?: Hm… Interesting. It seems you haven't realized it yet.
He shook his head before raising his arm with a fluid motion. And then… the unthinkable happened.
From the shadows at his feet, creatures emerged. Silent, crawling, their yellow eyes glowing. The dim purple light of Barbatos's desecrated statue briefly illuminated them, revealing their twisted forms: Heartless…
The Herald immediately leaped back, summoning his power once more. The young girl, on the other hand, widened her eyes slightly. Her expression remained impassive, but her mind was on high alert. These were neither Abyss creatures nor any monsters known in Teyvat.
This was something else.
Something foreign.
Something… that should have never been here.
The man in the black coat watched their reaction with amusement.
? ? ?: Well now… I see you're starting to understand what I meant by 'change.'
The Abyss Herald furrowed his brows as he observed the writhing creatures at the intruder's feet. A detail resurfaced in his mind—one he had yet to report to Her Highness.
Abyss Herald: …Your Highness,
he finally said, tearing his gaze away from the monsters.
Abyss Herald: I neglected to mention something to you. These creatures… our Abyss Mages encountered them recently.
The young girl slowly turned her gaze toward him as he continued:
Abyss Herald: Our subordinates attempted to bend them to our will, as we do with the monsters of Teyvat. But… they failed. These creatures do not heed our call. Worse still… they turned against us.
A heavy silence settled before a chuckle echoed through the ruins. The mysterious figure, arms crossed, shook his head slightly.
? ? ?: Heh… No surprise there.
Frustrated, the Herald clenched his fists.
Abyss Herald: What do you mean by that?
The man in the black coat shrugged, his tone mockingly casual.
? ? ?: It takes more than your usual authority to control these creatures. They obey a force far different from anything you're familiar with…
As he spoke, the young girl kept her gaze locked on the crawling shadows before her. Her fingers tensed slightly.
She had seen them before.
Not recently.
A long time ago.
These shadowy monsters… They reminded her of something she would have rather forgotten.
The burning ruins. The agonized screams.
The catastrophe five hundred years ago.
The fall of Khaenri'ah.
The moment her fate was sealed, setting her on the path she now walked.
A whisper escaped her lips, barely audible.
Princess: …The Heartless.
The man in the black coat turned his head toward her, his smirk widening slightly.
? ? ?: Oh? Seems like you already know of them.
The young girl didn't answer immediately. Her thoughts drifted far into the past… to a memory nearly forgotten by all.
A stranger, long ago. A traveler, much like herself. She too had come from an outside world. She too had wandered, lost, searching for answers. And one day, they had exchanged a few words. She remembered her tales—stories of a distant war, a battle against darkness. Of these creatures that brought chaos wherever they went.
Now, everything made sense. Her gaze hardened as she looked up at the man standing before her. With a more resolute voice, she declared:
Princess: Now, I know who you are.
The hooded man smirked, though it remained hidden beneath his hood.
? ? ?: Oh? Do you?
His tone remained mocking, but his eyes gleamed with intrigue.
? ? ?: How fascinating… After all, this is our first meeting, right?
The girl's eyes narrowed slightly, her wariness growing with every word the hooded man spoke. She now knew who she was dealing with. Or at the very least… what kind of person he claimed to be.
A part of her wanted this to be nothing more than a coincidence. But the Heartless were no mere anomaly—certainly not a relic of the past.
The man noticed her unease immediately. He simply chuckled, an amused, knowing laugh.
? ? ?: Now that you know who I am… then you also know the threat that's about to rise against you.
His words struck the young girl like a truth she had yet to fully grasp.
This mysterious figure seemed to have a precise understanding of how she recognized him. He knew that she had already heard of the Heartless…
An old memory resurfaced in her mind. When she had met that girl from another world, she had also spoken of another individual. A young boy who wielded a strange, key-shaped blade. She had described him with a certain admiration—somewhat simple-minded at times, but incredibly kind. Honest, loyal… willing to do anything to protect those he cared about.
The young girl had never forgotten those words. And now… a strange sensation tightened in her chest. She finally understood who the hooded man was referring to. This "threat" he spoke of…
Her gaze darkened slightly. She knew who he was. And now, she also knew who he feared. In a measured but slightly unsettled voice, she responded:
Princess: …I don't see how this person would be hostile toward us.
The hooded man smiled beneath his cloak.
? ? ?: Oh?
The young girl lowered her eyes for a brief moment before lifting them again, her expression unreadable.
Princess: Besides… I have no reason to go against him.
Her voice was sincere. She had never held any resentment toward this person. On the contrary… something deep within her whispered that this boy was not so different from her own brother. And if that were the case… she had no intention of fighting him.
The man in the black coat, however, did not seem surprised by her answer. Seeing the slight unease in her expression, he decided to push further.
? ? ?: Hm?
He hummed, feigning intrigue.
? ? ?: So, if I understand correctly, it won't bother you in the slightest if this boy starts tearing apart your plans, one by one?
His words, though spoken in a mocking tone, hit their mark. The young girl clenched her fists slightly.
Seeing that he had her full attention now, the man continued.
? ? ?: I won't pretend to know exactly what you're scheming… but there's one thing I can already guess.
He lifted a hand, his fingers idly tracing shapes in the air as if outlining an invisible idea.
? ? ?: If you truly intend to carry out your plans, then at some point, you'll inevitably end up harming innocents… won't you?
He let a theatrical pause hang in the air before adding in a graver tone:
? ? ?: If I understand correctly, the people of this world are under the influence of these Archons. Their war is yours. And if there's one thing that boy cannot stand… it's seeing innocents dragged into a conflict beyond their control.
His smile widened, though his face remained hidden beneath his hood.
? ? ?: And trust me…
He continued.
? ? ?: He will do everything in his power to protect them.
The weight of his words was immediate. The young girl did not respond right away. Because, even if she wanted to deny it… this man was right. If this boy truly was the one she had heard about… then he wouldn't just stand by. He would become an obstacle. An enemy.
Their plan, which had taken them so long to devise… was at risk of being swept away in an instant. Her thoughts clashed in her mind, creating a whirlwind of doubts she had never felt before.
The Abyss Herald, who had remained silent until now, watched the scene in astonishment. Never before had he seen the Princess hesitate like this. She, who embodied their ideal… She, who had never let her emotions affect her… Was she really beginning to doubt? He hesitated. Then, despite himself, he spoke in a measured voice:
Abyss Herald: …Your Highness… Perhaps… you should listen to what he has to say.
Another silence settled in. The young girl's gaze fell upon her loyal Herald. Never had he suggested such a thing to her. Her heart tightened slightly. The man in the black coat crossed his arms, observing the Herald with amusement.
? ? ?: Oh? So, in the end, you're willing to listen to me?
He asked mockingly.
The Herald shot him a glare.
Abyss Herald: Do not be mistaken. I do not trust you.
He declared coldly.
Abyss Herald: My loyalty belongs only to the Princess. If this threat is enough to shake her, then I will do everything in my power to eliminate it… him, and anyone else who dares to stand in the way of our plans.
The hooded man shrugged slightly.
? ? ?: That's the response I expected.
He replied nonchalantly.
? ? ?: Well, as long as you do what needs to be done, I don't care about your motives.
He then turned to the young girl, who, though still outwardly impassive, showed an unusual hesitation. Finally, she spoke in a measured tone:
Princess: And you… what do you gain from all this?
She asked, fixing him with a piercing gaze.
Princess: I highly doubt you have any real interest in the downfall of the divine order…
The man tilted his head slightly as if pondering the best way to answer. Then, he raised a finger.
? ? ?: My own plans… will ultimately, in one way or another, preserve yours.
He declared in an enigmatic tone.
? ? ?: In truth, I only wish… to guide him toward his destiny.
The young girl frowned slightly.
Princess: His destiny?
She repeated, growing more perplexed.
Princess: And how does that benefit us?
The man let a brief silence settle before continuing.
? ? ?: This boy is destined for great things.
He took a step forward, and though his voice remained calm, it resonated with a certain intensity.
? ? ?: But his presence in this world… could very well disrupt that destiny.
His tone grew graver.
? ? ?: He could even alter the fate and the very laws of this world far more than you can imagine.
He turned his head slightly, as if observing something only he could see.
? ? ?: The only question that remains…
He murmured.
? ? ?: …is whether that change will be for the better… or if it will bring a disaster even worse than the one from 500 years ago.
An imperceptible shiver ran through the young girl at those words. As much as she remained on guard, she couldn't shake a deep unease. Something about this man's words rang true. Too true.
The Herald clenched his fists.
Abyss Herald: No matter what you're trying to imply…
He growled.
Abyss Herald: If that boy becomes an obstacle, then we will eliminate him. No matter what future he is meant to have.
The man in the black coat didn't answer immediately. Then, a quiet chuckle escaped his throat.
? ? ?: Ah… is that so?
He said in an amused tone.
? ? ?: We'll see about that… when the time comes.
A heavy silence fell upon the scene. The young girl, her gaze lowered, momentarily lost herself in thought. So much had just been revealed. So many questions remained unanswered… more than she had already been asking herself. She slowly raised her head toward the hooded man. A forced sigh escaped her lips.
Princess: …Very well.
She finally said, her voice betraying a hint of bitterness.
Princess: I'm ready to hear what you have to say.
The man smiled beneath his hood, clearly satisfied with her response.
? ? ?: I knew you were all reasonable.
He boasted with an amused tone.
He took a step forward and slightly spread his arms.
? ? ?: To prove my goodwill, I'm even willing to offer you valuable knowledge…
With a fluid motion of his hand, he gestured toward the shadowy creatures that still stood motionless around them.
? ? ?: The Heartless.
The Herald and the Princess shifted their attention to the dark beings, their luminous eyes observing the scene without the slightest reaction.
? ? ?: I can teach you everything there is to know about them…
He continued confidently.
? ? ?: …And more importantly, how to control them.
The Herald raised an intrigued eyebrow. Such a mysterious power… an unstoppable, obedient army… This could significantly strengthen their war against the Gods.
Abyss Herald: Really? Now that's an interesting proposition…
He murmured, already contemplating the strategic possibilities it could offer.
The Princess, however, remained silent. She had never hesitated to exploit new means to overthrow the divine order. But… these creatures were different. They didn't just fight… They consumed. They devoured hearts and left behind an irreversible void. Was she truly willing to align herself with such power, one capable of destroying entire worlds?
But before she could voice her thoughts, the man raised his hand.
? ? ?: Well then…
He declared in a relaxed tone.
? ? ?: I believe I've said all I needed to say for today.
He turned on his heel, as if this conversation had been nothing more than a casual exchange.
? ? ?: I look forward to working with you in the coming days…
He added with a slight nod.
Then, he extended his hand toward the empty space before him. A swirling dark vortex materialized instantly—a Corridor of Darkness. Without another word, he stepped into the passage. The Heartless, too, vanished one by one into the void, disappearing in their master's wake.
Within seconds, only the Princess and the Herald remained, alone in the darkness. A heavy silence settled between them.
The Herald was the one to break the silence.
Abyss Herald: What do you intend to do, Your Highness?
The young girl didn't answer immediately. Her gaze remained fixed on the spot where the man had vanished. Then, after a brief moment of hesitation…
Princess: …We shall see.
She murmured simply.
But she quickly regained her composure, pushing away any trace of doubt from her mind. Her tone grew firmer as she gave her order:
Princess: Let us not allow what just happened to distract us any further. We will proceed with our plan. Find the eye of the very first Field Tiller.
Sensing the resolute confidence return to his sovereign's voice, the Herald bowed deeply, his loyalty unwavering. Without another word, he opened a portal infused with the Abyss and stepped into it, vanishing into the void.
Now alone, she remained still for a few moments, her expression unreadable. Outwardly, she appeared composed, but within, a silent storm raged. Deep down, she knew it—this mysterious individual had shaken the very foundation of her convictions. And the worst part of it all… was that he had succeeded.
The Abyss Princess stood motionless, lost in an unending stream of thoughts. The man's words still echoed in her mind. If what he had said was true, then the situation was far more dire than she had anticipated.
She had prepared herself to see her brother again. Ever since they had been separated, she had always hoped that he continued his journey through this world, just as she had. And when they finally reunited, he would give her his answer. Would he share her vision of the world, or would he stand against her? She had mentally prepared for that possibility.
But this outsider… This young boy with a pure heart… He changed everything.
Unlike her brother, he wasn't merely searching for answers. He traveled between worlds with a single, unwavering goal—to protect those in need. He stood against the darkness, never faltering.
And that was precisely the problem.
They were destined to oppose each other. Sooner or later, she knew, she would have to fight him. The thought unsettled her. Had he come here under different circumstances, perhaps she would have liked to know him. Perhaps they could have talked, shared their ideals…
But fate had decided otherwise. Clenching her fists slightly, she closed her eyes for a brief moment. Yes… it was ironic. Because, deep down, she understood why he was here. And she knew that they shared the same goal. But their methods… were irreconcilable.
A long silence followed before she finally murmured into the darkness, sealing the fate that awaited them:
Princess: …Sora.
That name was now etched into her mind. One day, their paths would cross. And on that day, they would have no choice but to fight.