Ganyu and Keqing hammered the gavels and initiated the UHA meeting. The Yuheng cleared her throat. Staring out from the pulpit, she took in the assembly. Everyone, from Yoimiya to Hu Tao, was solemn-faced, tingling with anticipation. Today was going to be a big day.
The doors parted. In walked a woman bright as the sun, with brilliant flowing crimson hair that trailed down to her knees. Her form, clad in sleek black leather, was tall and broad-shouldered. Her stride never wavered for a moment as she followed Tubby up to the pulpit.
Without waiting for Tubby, the woman faced the assembly and spoke in a booming voice that carried across the hall.
"We met at the Christmas Party, but please allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Mavuika, and I am the Pyro Archon of Natlan." She placed a hand over her heart. "I'd like to begin by thanking the UHA for passing Amendment 62 so I could have relations with Aether before officially joining. I will never forget this gesture of kindness.
"Once, I hesitated in pursuing my feelings for Aether. Now, I will follow those affections alongside the rest of you. I look forward to developing our friendship even further."
Mavuika bowed, and the chamber filled with polite applause. Collei was awed by this Archon. The way she assumed control of the room was like how Cyno commanded the Mahamatra. Xianyun grinned, reminded of a much younger Rex Lapis, who led the troops into the Archon War. Dehya rather appreciated her down-to-earth way of speaking. Good to know the Pyro Archon wasn't some pretentious know-it-all.
As the applause subsided, Mavuika once again spoke.
"If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask. I know I'll have plenty of questions for all of you."
After that, Mavuika took her seat beside Mualani and Xilonen. The congressional session went smoothly, and then they had lunch. Immediately, a pink-haired girl with a monocle approached Mavuika.
"Hello, I'm Charlotte, a journalist for the Steambird. Would you consent to an interview, Miss Archon?"
"Sure. And feel free just to call me Mavuika."
Charlotte grinned. They set up an appointment for an interview at a later date. Mavuika sat down. When her butt touched the chair, a loud fart ripped through the Teapot and cut all conversation short. The Pyro Archon plucked out a whoopy cushion that she'd sat on. Across the table, Hu Tao let out a mischievous giggle.
To everyone's surprise, Mavuika laughed. "Nice one!" She tossed the cushion over to Hu Tao, full of good-natured mirth.
The others asked her several questions, which Mavuika calmly answered. Her smile was like a fireplace—warm and inviting. The girls warmed up to her within minutes. Even Sucrose came out of her shell and conversed with the Archon.
Mavuika enjoyed her time with the ladies. They were all unique and special, full of their own life experiences, perspectives, and ideas. She especially liked Shinobu, the young woman who was the most certified individual in Teyvat. Mavuika definitely wanted to spend some time with someone so accomplished.
Speaking of accomplished, the Raiden Ei caught her attention as well. The goddess radiated power even as she innocuously nibbled a dango stick. Mavuika hadn't sensed someone so powerful since Xblanque and the Captain. One day, Mavuika hoped they'd cross blades.
"So, Mavuika?" asked Shinobu. "What are your hobbies?"
"Getting stronger. Completing a difficult challenge, solving a complicated puzzle, defeating a powerful enemy... I don't have a singular hobby — the sense of accomplishment is what I enjoy the most."
"How interesting," said Yae Miko with a chuckle. "I'll keep that in mind."
"So, do you sing?" asked Barbara.
"Yes, actually. My style of music is probably different from yours. I'm more of a rock girl, myself."
"Sweet," said Xinyan. "We can team up next time we have a talent show."
"I'd love to."
Lunch drew to a close. Everyone welcomed Mavuika to the family, and Mavuika committed all their names and faces to memory. They all departed—all except one. Mavuika approached the gray-haired woman who sat before the fireplace.
Mavuika grinned at her. "Arlecchino, right? I'm surprised you haven't made an attempt for my Gnosis."
Arlecchino turned to face Mavuika.
"Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind. Ask Mona, and she'll confirm it."
Mavuika chuckled. "Well, you're welcome to try any time you want. I'll gladly take you on."
"Tempting, but I'll pass. Your strength rivals both Ei and the Captain. I know when I'm outmatched."
"What of the Tsaritsa?"
"This Realm is outside of Teyvat. She has no authority here."
"You're saying that you'll be peaceful?"
Arlecchino smiled mysteriously. "I'll have no conflict with you if you have none with me."
"Fine by me," said Mavuika. "I hope we can get along."
"Indeed," said Arlecchino. "As such, I have a gift prepared for you. Consider it a peace offering."
The Knave handed Mavuika a wrapped parcel. With a polite nod, the Knave departed the Serenitea Pot. The Pyro Archon studied the parcel. It was about the length of her hand. When she shook it, something plastic and papery jumped inside. Cautiously, Mavuika opened the parcel.
Inside, there were five booster packs wrapped in a silver package. Across every package, a word printed in bold letters read: Traveler TCG: Natlan Booster Packs.
Curious, Mavuika opened one. Some trading cards fell out: Tepetlisaur Aether, Breakdancer Aether, Pyro Aether, and Surfer Dude Aether. Each one displayed some variant illustration of Aether in varying poses. Tepetlisaur Aether showed an adult Tepetlisaur cosplaying as Aether, Surfer Dude Aether crested giant waves on his surfboard, and Pyro Aether shot fire from his palms. They were all cool, cute, and admittedly some were quite sexy.
Then, she saw the final card and her heart skipped a beat.
In the illustration, Aether stood side-by-side with Mavuika in the Speaker's Chamber. He wore a shirtless black vest with a popped collar and sleeves that tapered off at the elbows. His gauntlets were dark brown and studded with crimson diamonds. He wore sleek black pants and motorcyclist boots with several straps. Around his waist hung a sash emblazoned with the symbols of each Natlan tribe surrounding a Pyro symbol.
Together, he and Mavuika held a magnificent crimson great sword high. Their eyes were fiery with battle spirit. They were triumphant heroes and partners who had overcome the world.
The card had some other stuff on it—stuff about special moves and energy costs. But what really caught her attention was the name of the card. It simply read: Aether Fiery Consort of the Pyro Archon.
Mavuika got a feeling that she'd cherish this card for a very, very long time.