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Thunder roars but does not strike.
Lightning strikes but does not roar.
Both however are faces of the Storm.
- Memoirs of Ensign Krieg, First Royal Fleet (The Crux Fleet)
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After blessing the people and the land through the usage of her power, Artoria slowly opened her eyes allowing herself to once more bear witness the festivities that's been going on around her.
The enthusiastic atmosphere that engulfed most of the city was still present and Mayor Zhang's appears to have yet finished his long drawn speech! Not a single person amongst the citizens of Chengdo appeared to have noticed the subtle miracle that had just unfolded before their eyes.
''May the winds swiftly carry my blessings to those who needed them the most and may the light of 'Resplendence' guide this land's newly departed souls towards their newest home." She silently whispered.
"Mama? Is everything alright Mama?" Jean who was seated right next to her worriedly asked her mother who appeared to have just awoken from her brief trance.
Artoria looked down at her eldest daughter and saw the concerned look on her face as well as those of the others who were seated alongside her at the table.
She gently placed her right hand upon her eldest daughter's head and gently caressed her hair.
"No need to worry, my love, I'm fine. I just performed a little bit of 'magic' that's all." She said as she beamed a reassuring smile for those who are seated around her.
"Grand Master, are you sure that you're alright? We could take you back to your room if you want." Varka voiced his concern towards his mentor and archon.
"No need to fret over me Varka. Again, I'm fine everyone, really. It's just a little magic spell, nothing more, nothing less. Instead of worrying about little old me, why not just enjoy the rest of the celebration! I've heard that the food they'll be serving is one of the finest on this side of Liyue!"
Artoria's calm and somewhat enthusiastic response had dispelled most of the worries of the people around her, who promptly turned their attention back to the revelry that's been happening around them.
Beidou meanwhile, who's seated immediately at the left side of her mother promptly stretched out her small right hand and grabbed hold of her mother's left hand. Artoria noticed that still worried look etched upon her little star's face.
In truth, the newest member of the Pendragon-Gunnhildr family is deeply worried about anything bad that might happen to her newest family, particularly towards her beloved mother. In Beidou's young mind, she had already lost a mother once, and she doesn't want to lose another one again!
Artoria, as if knowing the distress that's been plaguing her beloved star, leaned down and kissed her little forehead.
"Worry not my precious little star, Mama's fine. Mama's not going anywhere." She smiled reassuringly at her newest daughter who appeared to have calmed down.
"Now, let us enjoy ourselves with the program. I'm sure Mayor Zhang's about to finish his 'ancient rhetoric'." Artoria's impromptu comment caused her children to giggle as she took a subtle shot at the aged mayor's long and impassionate speech.
"Ugh, mama the old grampa's speech is making me sleepy!" Whined Venti.
"Me too Mama! Why do old people have to spout a lot of words that are boring!" Bennett followed suit with his little brother's complaint. Both little boys aren't accustomed to long winding speeches.
"Patience my dearest children. Mayor Zhang means well," Artoria said, her eyes twinkling with gentle amusement.
"Though I must admit, I do find myself wondering if he's been preparing this speech since before the archon war!"
Her five children and even some of her confidants snickered a little, covering their mouths with their hands as they tried to hold back their amusement from becoming a full-blown laughter!
"Mama, that's not very nice to say!" said Jean as she tried her best to hold herself back.
"Perhaps not sweetie, but that doesn't mean it's not an effective tool to pass on time." Artoria jokingly winked at her daughter.
Barbara then noticed something and eagerly pointed towards the far end of the stage, her bright blue eyes wide with excitement. "Mama, look! They're bringing out colorful lanterns!"
Artoria followed her youngest daughter's gaze to where several men and women wearing bright red celebratory attires came out from the nearby buildings bringing with them a wide variety of Liyuen paper lanterns. They then arranged themselves in a peculiar formation around the town square, and slowly lit up their respective lanterns.
"Oh, a lantern ceremony! I never expected this to be part of the celebration. Takes me back to a similar event I've witnessed years ago." Artoria said in a nostalgic tone as she began to recall a near similar celebration she had witnessed back on Earth years ago.
'If I recall correctly, it was almost 10 years ago back when I was still an intern in that company. The boss took us on a trip to London's China town. Ah the memories.' She nostalgically recalled.
"And lastly, as a token of our gratitude, we would like to invite our honored guests to witness our carefully prepared grand lantern procession! Each lantern represents a wish for prosperity and protection not just for our beloved city of Chengdo but to all of Liyue and especially for our honored heroes. May Rex Lapis and the Adepti bless us all with peace and prosperity in the years to come!" Mayor Zhang announced, his voice carrying across the square with surprising vigor for a man of his age.
Artoria smiled warmly as she watched her children's faces light up with excitement as hundreds of colorful lanterns began to ascend into the air painting the evening sky of Chengdo in a soft vibrant display of colors! Beidou clutched her mother's hand tighter, her small fingers trembling slightly with anticipation as she continued to witness the magnificent aerial display that is happening before her eyes.
"Mama, can I make a wish as well?" Barbara asked, bouncing slightly in her seat.
"Me too Mama! Can we? Can we?!" Said Bennett almost bouncing at his feet.
"Of course, my precious little ones." Artoria replied, giving each of her children an encouraging smile.
"If I may ask, what would you wish for my dears?"
Barbara's face scrunched up in concentration. "I wish for Mama to always be happy and healthy!"
Jean too straightened her small shoulders, her expression serious as she considered the question.
"I wish... I wish that I can be as strong like Mama so that some day I can protect her and my little siblings too!"
"I wish for Mama to be safe!" Venti shouted.
"I wish for more adventures with Mama!" Bennett added his piece.
Beidou looked up at her mother with unsure yet serious eyes. For a moment, she seemed unable to find the right words as her lower lip began to tremble slightly. Then, in a voice so small that it was nearly lost in the festival's noise, she whispered, "I…I wish I could live a happy life with Mama and all of my brothers and sisters."
Artoria felt her heart swell with emotions as she heard the honest wishes of her five beloved children. She couldn't help but tear up a little as she saw the genuine smiles upon their faces alongside those of her friends and apprentice who then decided to join the impromptu wish making event.
"May you live a long and happy life Auntie Ria!" Little Lisa who was sitting right next to her mother Melisa cheered as she too watched the numerous lanterns ascend to the sky.
"Like what my daughter said my Lady, may you live a long and happy life filled with blessings and joy." Melisa followed suit bowing slightly towards the direction of her Archon.
"May Mondstadt continue to experience an era of peace under your wise and benevolent rule, Your Grace." Commander Yuan stood up from his seat and saluted his liege. The Eonian Guards followed their commander's lead and gave a synchronized salute towards their goddess and her children.
"May your reign usher in an era of prosperity and growth the likes of which has not been seen in the entire history of Mondstadt, Grand Master." Crepus added in, with Varka silently nodding along.
"Everyone..." Artoria whispered, deeply moved by their words and gestures. The sheer warmth and love they'd all showered her was so overwhelming that she could not mount a proper response! In her many lives across countless realities, never once had she experienced this much profound sense of love, trust and camaraderie!
It's always been about kingship, about duty and responsibilities...
It was always about war, battlefields and sacrifices...
But now...
In this world....
A world she had initially thought as nothing more but fantasy brought forth from a simple game she used to play...
She had found something that had eluded her for the entirety of her collective existences as knight, as King, as hero, as goddess.
She had found a new purpose, greater than any gold. Greater than any glory. Greater than the path of Kingship.
She had found a family.
And by the Root itself she would defend it, even at the cost of her own existence!
Tears of genuine joy began streaming down Artoria's face. She tried to compose herself, wiping the tears away before her children could notice, but it was too late.
"Mama's crying." Venti stated the obvious as he pointed at his weeping mother.
Her children, seeing their mother crying, quickly got off their seats and crowded around her like a bunch of chicks huddling around their mother hen. Jean placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, while Barbara tried to wipe away her tears with a small silk handkerchief.
"Don't cry Mama, you'll make us cry too!" Barbara said, her own eyes starting to well up.
'I truly am blessed.' Artoria thought to herself, a profound sense of gratitude washing over her. She pulled her children into a warm embrace, holding them close as the lanterns continued their ascent.
She turned to her closest confidants, her eyes filled with emotion. "Thank you. Thank you all for being here with me."
Her knights and friends could only smile and bow in response. Their hearts warmed by the words of their sovereign who for that brief moment acted not like an all powerful and all knowing deity, but as a mother who is simply cherishing the love of her family.
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After the spectacular lantern ceremony had concluded, the festival's energy gradually shifted into a more relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Citizens began to mingle, sharing stories and laughter as the aroma of various Liyuen delicacies filled the air.
The local government of Chengdo, in anticipation of the massive influx of visitors, had prepared a large open-air banquet that can accommodate thousands of people. Dozens of long tables were laden with an impressive array of dishes: shimmering jade parcels, fragrant stir-fries, succulent seafood fresh from the harbor, and steaming pots of hearty noodle soups! Several street food vendors were also hired to cook their local specialties in order to cater to the ever hungry crowd of common folk.
However the most splendid dishes, personally prepared by the finest chefs of the town, were served at the honored guests' tables where Artoria and her delegation were seated.
The food and the presentation were on another level! Each dish looked like a piece of art! The colors, the arrangement, the aroma, and of course, the taste! Every single dish they served was a culinary masterpiece!
"By the Archons! This is divine!" Varka exclaimed as he devoured a particularly delicious piece of grilled fish.
"Not even the food that was served to us back at the Wangshu Inn can compare to this!" Crepus added, savoring a delicate Liyuen pork dumpling. He noted the perfect balance of flavors and the exquisite texture on each piece.
While everyone else was taking their time to savor the delicious and exotic taste of the Liyuen feast presented before them, Artoria and her children on the other hand were (to put it mildly) eating like there is no tomorrow!
The rambunctious duo of Bennett and Venti, with their cheeks stuff full of food, were happily munching their way through piles of dumplings and grilled meat!
"More Char Siu please!" Both boys mumbled in unison as their little hands were already reaching out for another serving of the sweet and savory roasted pork.
Jean, trying her best to maintain her proper composure as the future heiress, ate with a graceful posture. However the speed in which she consumed her food betrayed her ravenous appetite!
The little princess had already cleared out eight plates of stir fried vegetables and meat and is now in the process of cutting a few pieces of fried fish and feeding them to her ever gluttonous pet turtle Sir Kay who was comfortably placed on her lap!
"Open wide Kay, here comes your favorite flying fishy!" Jean joyfully whispered to her pet turtle who happily munched on the delicious treat.
Barbara on the other hand was not that reserved as her older sister, she was happily nibbling away on servings upon servings of chili coated prawns with her small adorable face getting covered by the dish's spicy sauce! The little angel's appetite for everything spicy was legendary and was something that both amused and somewhat bothered her mother, who out of concern for her youngest daughter's well-being, would occasionally snatch a few pieces of spiced prawn from her daughter's plate when the little girl was not looking!
"Mama can we ask for the tasty chili recipe of these yummy shrimps, please?" Barbara asked, wiping her saucy face with a napkin.
"Maybe later sweetie, but for now why don't you try this sweet and sour mutton! It's very yummy!" Artoria warily said as she tried to distract her daughter from ordering more spicy prawns!
Beidou on the other hand was contemplating whether or not to take the plate of stir-fried lotus root located at the other side of the table or the steaming bowl of corn and crab soup located in front of her!
Even though she had already been exposed to massive feasts ever since her recent ascension, the little godling still had trouble getting used to the sheer amount of lavishly prepared food presented before her, a problem that the rest of her siblings had already gotten accustomed to. For a child who for years had survived on scraps and stale bread, this kind of abundance was still new to her.
"Maybe....I'll go with the soup. Yes, that's more appropriate." Beidou quietly said as she gently poured herself a bowl of the steaming hot soup. That would be the first among a dozen bowls of soup the little girl would consume that night!
As the feast continued and the piles of used plates began to stack up, Artoria began to initiate a few small talks with her close confidants, who were seated alongside her at the table. The goddess had already finished her 17th plate of stir-fried pork and was currently savoring a piece of grilled lamp tripe.
"Commander Yuan, I trust that our men are doing fine?" Artoria inquired, her eyes briefly scanning the crowd.
"They are, my lady. They've been placed in strategic positions throughout the festival grounds. The local Millelith are also cooperating with our arrangements. So far, the celebration has been peaceful." Commander Yuan reported with a military-like precision.
"Good. And how about that 'little assignment' I gave you earlier this afternoon?" Artoria pressed on, her tone dropping to a whisper.
Yuan's eyes narrowed a bit before he answered.
"Fear not your grace, the 'doves' had already been dispatched in several key locations around the city. As per your instructions, they've already identified a few targets and are currently monitoring their whereabouts." The commander stated with a hint of hidden understanding.
"I see, very good, commander. Keep me updated."
"As you command Grand Master." Yuan gave a respectful bow and then resumed eating.
Artoria then turned her attention to the duo who somewhat made a ruckus around the marketplace of Chengdo earlier that afternoon.
"Master Crepus, how's our little economic protege doing? I trust that his afternoon lesson was....fruitful?" A wide smirk formed on Artoria's face as she looked at her newly Knighted apprentice Varka who froze like a deer in headlights!
Varka's face went pale the moment he heard the mention of that afternoon's fiasco.
'Oh no, had Master already heard about my little mishap? Wait...why am I getting nervous, I didn't do anything wrong! Right?' The poor rookie knight thought to himself.
Crepus, on the other hand, was more than happy to relay the afternoon's events to his liege!
"Ah! It was quite the enlightening experience indeed, my Lady! Not only did Varka here learn the importance of not being easily swayed by honeyed words, he also got the chance to meet a very interesting young lad, and if I may say, a new friend!" Crepus's eyes lit up with genuine admiration as he recalled the incident at the market.
Artoria listened intently as Crepus recounted the tale of how a young boy with a distinctive pompadour hairstyle had bravely intervened to prevent Varka from being swindled by an unscrupulous merchant. Her expression shifted from amusement to intrigue as Crepus described the boy's uncanny knowledge of commerce.
"How wonderful, and if I may ask Director, what's the name of this amazing young man?" Artoria asked, her curiosity piqued.
"His name is Liben, your grace. A bright and articulate young fellow. Despite his age, he has a profound grasp of economics and merchantile arts! He is truly a rare gem!" Crepus proudly stated, never noticing the brief pause that occurred to his liege.
....
....
....
'Liben? Did he just say Liben?!' Artoria's thought almost came to a screeching halt as she heard the name of the young boy!
Liben, the proprietor of the recurring Marvelous Merchandise event?
Liben, the NPC who gives out those sweet, sweet Box o' Marvels in exchange for some random useless shit?!
Liben, the guy who usually announced some lucrative ventures concerning the next region only for him to end up in some sort of unfortunate event?!
Liben who got scammed by Ningguang and ended up without a single mora to his name?! (Though to be fair, he was only doped by her in the first place in order to expose his supposed greed which somewhat helped him turn a new leaf in life....)
'But still, Liben?! No matter how much of a Chad the community portrays him to be, I still couldn't help but think of him as just a mere unfortunate merchant who somehow ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time. But a genius? That's new!' Artoria's mind kept racing as she processed the information!
"Is something the matter master you looked like you've seen a ghost?" Varka asked noticing the sudden blank expression of his mentor's face.
Artoria immediately snapped out of her stupor and looked at her apprentice, plastering a gentle reassuring smile.
"No no, I'm fine Varka! Just fine! I was just... reminiscing about uhh... something from the past that's all! Speaking of which, where's the young 'genius' now anyway? Knowing you Crepus, I would have thought that you would have invited him to our little feast here." Artoria quickly changed the subject, hoping that Varka wouldn't notice the slight hesitation in her words.
Crepus' demeanor shifted slightly as he let out a small sigh.
"Yes, your grace. I did extend an invitation to young Liben, but unfortunately he declined. He mentioned an urgent matter that needed his immediate attention."
Varka, sensing an opportunity to redeem himself, chimed in. "If I may, Master, I noticed he seemed rather nervous when we passed by a certain alleyway near the Hotel earlier. He... he looked like he'd seen a ghost!"
Artoria's expression turned serious at Varka's observation. She placed her chopsticks down, her appetite momentarily forgotten.
"Nervous, you say?" She inquired, her gaze sharpening. "Did you happen to notice anything unusual about him?"
Varka scratched his head.
"Not really, Master. He just... left in a hurry after that. Mr. Crepus here thought he was just being shy, but..."
"There's a bit of hesitation and sadness in his eyes." Crepus interjected, remembering the brief gloomy expression the young lad had when he mentioned his late parents. Crepus let out a sigh as he crossed his arms.
"My Lady, we're both parents and as such we tend to notice things that other people might not. I have a strong feeling that that young Liben is hiding something, something that clearly distresses him. And as much as I would like to help him, I sensed that he wanted the matter to be left alone. The very fact that he turned down my invitation as well as the bag of mora that I offered as a reward for helping my dim-witted student here, speaks volumes." The Ragnvindr patriarch said with a hint of sympathy.
"Such a pity to be honest. Such a young man has a mind for commerce that neither of my two sons possessed and yet he was forced to live a hard life in the streets. He has so much potential in him but it seems like he's been weighed down by some sort of personal baggage." Crepus lamented.
As the Artoria, Crepus and Varka continued their conversation, Beidou who was currently savoring her twelfth bowl of chicken soup, began to hear something. Something so out of the ordinary.
('YOU UNGRATEFUL WORM!')
'Huh? Did someone just shouted?' She thought to herself as she turned her head towards the sides trying to locate the source of the noise.
"Big Sis Bel, is something wrong?" Bennett asked, mouth still stuffed with a large piece of black pepper steak.
Beidou turned her attention to her little brother and asked.
"Benny, do you hear something? Like someone angrily shouting."
Benny paused for a moment and listened for a few moments.
"Nope! Sorry Big sis, all I could hear are the people talking and my tummy still rumbling." He said before he continued with his steak.
'Huh? Maybe just the wind.' Beidou shrugged and turned to her attention back to her bowl of delicious and savory crab and corn soup. The little girl just chalked it up to the bustling noise that's been coming from the crowd around them.
('YOU DAMN BRAT! ANSWER WHEN THE BOSS IS ASKING YOU!')
Beidou's eyes widened as she once again heard the shouting.
This time it was clearer!
She turned around once again trying to locate the source of the noise...
('Oh Liben~ No need to be so hard on yourself, it's just a simple question~ Now tell me, why is it that your monthly contribution seems to have dwindled for the past few months? Are you perhaps planning to betray us and hold onto the profits for yourself?')
Beidou shivered as she heard that sweet and grotesquely sickening voice.
Unlike the shouting she heard earlier, this one sounded clearer! As if it was being whispered right next to her ears!
('YOU DAMN WORTHLESS STREET URCHIN! ANSWER BIG SIS TONG WHEN HE'S TALKING TO YOU!')
The next sounds she heard were the sounds of sobbing, followed by a loud thud, then another one, and another one.
It was the sound of someone being beaten.
Beidou's small hands began to tremble as memories of her previous life slowly began to resurface once again, yet at the same time something deep within her, something new... something 'otherworldly'...began to stir as if urging her to act!
She's scared but the growing warm feeling within her chest was overwhelming! Like a surging STORM waiting to be unleashed!
'Someone is being harmed!...I...I...I have to do something!'
But what could she do?
She's only a child! Just a small fragile girl!
'No! I'm not! That was before! Now I'm different! I... I'm the daughter of a Queen!A princess! And I... I have to help them!'
Artoria sensed something and knowingly turned towards her Little Star who seemed to be out of focus.
"Beidou? Are you alright sweetie? Is something wrong?" She gently asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Beidou flinched, not expecting to be addressed so suddenly. She swallowed for a moment before looking up towards her mother.
"Nothing Mama, nothing really! But...but could I....go to the bathroom? I..I need to pee."
Artoria smiled warmly at her daughter.
"Of course my dear. Would you like me to accompany you there?"
'No! I can do this myself! I'm not a helpless child anymore!'
Beidou shook her head and answered.
"No thank you Mama. I'm a big girl now, I can go by myself!"
Artoria nodded and gently patted her daughter's head.
"Alright sweetie, but take two of the knights with you." The Grand Master said, her eyes gesturing towards two Eonian Guards standing near their table.
"But-" Beidou tried to protest but was cut off.
"No buts, my little star. Your my daughter and someone of your status must be protected. The guards will be there to ensure your safety, nothing more. Now, off you go." Artoria's firm tone left no room for arguments.
Beidou sighed in defeat and reluctantly agreed to her mother's orders.
'Fine, but they need not know about my little plan. I'll just lead them to the bathroom and then I'll slip away!' She thought as she stood up from her seat and made her way towards the direction of the nearest restrooms.
As the little godling and her two guards made their way through the crowd, Melisa, out of concern, turned to her Archon. For reasons that she can't yet fully explain, she felt that something was amiss.
"Your Grace, with all due respect, is it wise to send only two guards to escort the princess?"
Artoria smiled cryptically towards her secretary and friend.
She too had caught the sound...
She too had heard the cry...
Yet before she could act, she noticed something unusual, something extraordinary happening within her newest daughter. She could feel it and that something resonated with her being!
Artoria for the lack of a better term, was intrigued, hence why she allowed her precious Little Star to go and investigate on her own under the pretense of a bathroom break, though not without precautions.
"I thank you for your concern my dear Melisa, but do not think for a second that I would carelessly allow any of my children to go out of their own without proper protection." Artoria answered as she gazed directly towards Commander Yuan and subtly gave him a nod.
The commander of the Eonian Guards nodded back and gave out a silent command to a few of the standing Eonian Guards who in turn quietly slipped away from the festival grounds and disappeared into the labyrinthine streets of Chengdo.
Artoria then turned her sights towards the rooftop of the Haifeng Hotel where she momentarily saw the appearance of a teal and dark blue-green colored streak of light that quickly vanished into the night.
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"So..umm your name is Antonia and yours is Claude right?" Beidou innocently asked the two golden clad warriors who were escorting her.
"Yes princess." Both knights answered in a synchronized stoic manner.
"Do you really have to talk like that?" She said, somewhat annoyed by their robotic-like manner of speaking.
"It is standard protocol for us to speak in such a manner towards members of the Royal family, your highness." Claude the taller of the two answered back.
Beidou sighed in defeat as they finally neared the restroom found just at the back of the city hall.
'Ugghh....How am I gonna slip away from them?!' She thought as she looked around for any possible distractions.
"We've arrived, your highness." Antonia said as she gestured towards the door of the restroom.
"I know...I know. So..ummm...would you two kindly..umm you know, shoo away? I don't like the idea of big tall knights being near me while I do my 'business'." The little godling stated.
"As per protocol your highness, at least one of us must guard the entrance at all times." Claude replied.
Beidou tried to hold back her frustration but she couldn't.
"Fine! I'll allow one of you to stand guard, but the other one...umm...the one with the weird twerpy look...you must stand somewhere else! I command it as your Princess!" Beidou tried to sound authoritative, but her small stature coupled with the annoyed yet cute pout on her adorable face had somewhat diminished the effect!
Both Antonia and Claude looked towards each other and smiled.
'Awww how adorable! Our young princess has a bit of a feisty attitude in her!' Both of them gushingly thought.
"As you command your highness." Claude bowed down and walked away from the entrance, pretending to stand guard near a nearby intersection yet still in clear view of both Beidou and Antonia.
'Okay one down! Now I just have to wait for the right moment and get Antonia off my-' Beidou's thoughts were interrupted when she once again heard the sounds of screaming.
But this one was different.
They were pained cries...they were somewhat getting weaker!
('Not so tough are you huh? Trying to fight back against the eight of us?! You really signed for a death wish huh you brat?!')
('Ohohoho dear me~ Look what happened to that crude little pompadour of yours! Shame it's now smeared with a few trickles of blood! No matter~ I'm sure the fishes wouldn't mind a bit of blood for their dinner later tonight~')
The voices she heard were clearer than ever before which means to say that the source was close!
Without even realizing it, Beidou sprinted towards the direction of the noise, ignoring the surprised call from both Antonia and Claude from behind! She ran as fast as her small little legs could take her, her mind racing with adrenaline and fear!
The sounds of armored footsteps came quickly after, the two knights assigned to her by her Mama, but she ignored them. Her focus was solely on reaching the source of the screams. Her heart and soul felt like a storm, screaming at her to do something! Anything!
After a few minutes of running, she arrived at the entrance of a long dark alleyway, and amidst the shadows, she saw a horrifying scene.
Laid just a few yards away from her was a boy, probably in his early teens, bloody, bruised and laying on the dirt, surrounded by a group of eight burly men who were laughing and mocking at him!
And to her horror, she recognized a few of those men!
'Well, well, well, what do we have here?'
'A little street rat. All alone with no one to call for help.'
'She'll fetch a pretty price in the slave market.'
'Don't worry, little rat. We'll break you. We'll break you until you're nothing but an obedient, little pet.'
Awful memories from that unfortunate event she had experienced about a year ago began flashing inside her mind once more as she began to recognize the identity of the scoundrels before her!
These were the same bandits disguised as merchants who almost assaulted her in this very city about a year ago! The same group of people who threatened to sell her into slavery!
Worst of all, there are now more of them!
"Oh~ Is wittle Liben having trouble breathing? Hahahaha! Too bad, if only you're a few years younger then maybe Big Sister Tong might consider you a potential merchandise! But unfortunately you're too old! Big Sis only has eyes for pure unripe fruits not some scrawny teenage twerp!~"
Beidou nearly threw up her dinner after seeing the monster responsible for the boy's predicament!
A tall bald and overly muscular man with numerous scars on his face wearing a purple lipstick and a purple colored Cheongsam, gently caressing the bloodied face of the boy as if the poor lad was some sort of property!
Beidou was frozen in place. Scared beyond belief yet at the same time she could feel her very blood boil with unbridled rage!
This...this could have been her!
This poor soul who was mercilessly beaten at the inch of his life could have been her!
She's scared....
She should run and....and get help! She should find her Mama or ask any of those golden knights!
But the more she stared upon the beaten form of the boy and at the laughing forms of those monsters, the more she felt something stir inside of her...
Something POWERFUL.
Something MYSTICAL is beginning to awaken!
'STAND TALL FOR YOU'RE NO LONGER ALONE!'
She clenched her small fists, her body trembling as sparks of golden lightning began to dance around her entire form!
'HARDSHIPS WILL COME AND GO YET YOUR WILL REMAINS UNBROKEN!'
Sparks were soon joined by the appearance of a gust of wind swirling around her little form causing the eight thugs to turn their attention towards her! The two Eonian Guards who stood just a few feet away from her back froze in their place as they began to realize what was happening.
'Dear Archon!' Antonia thought as she began to see a familiar golden glow enveloping the heiress.
"Huh? What the hell is going-." The bald crossdresser and his goons were surprised to see a small child with a glowing golden aura at the entrance of the alleyway.
Yet their shock turned into surprise as a few of them began to recognize the girl.
"Wait... aren't you that little street rat from a year ago! The one that got away?!" One of the thugs pointed out.
"Yes that's clearly her but look at her now boys! All wearing a fancy white dress looking like a pampered little princess! Hahaha! Who's the unfortunate idiot you scammed this time girlie? Did you manage to swindle some rich nobleman into taking you in?!"
"Probably one of those uptight rich folks from either Snezhnaya or Fontaine. I heard some of them are impotent due to generations of inbreeding that they couldn't satisfy their own wives, so they end up adopting brats like this one just to keep them company!"
Laughter rang out from the group of thugs, their words dripping with malice and insult, all the while Beidou clenched her fists even tighter after hearing the indirect insult towards her mother! The sparks of lightning around her intensified, as if echoing her growing rage!
"Ohohoho~ Well enough about that my lovelies. So, you're the brat that gave a few of my boys here quite a scare last year. They almost got caught by those mean and nasty Milileth guards because of your uncooperative shenanigans~." The ringleader, Tong, purred in an unnerving sweet tone, her hands still caressing the bruised and battered face of Liben.
"But still, looking at you now my dear...you look quite fetching. Your body is even giving off a faint golden glow! Hmmm... probably the work of some of those fancy alchemical tech that some tailors from Fontaine are using nowadays." The large crossdresser mused as he let go of the battered form of Liben and made a few steps towards the little godling.
"I must say you're quite the catch.Perhaps Big Sister Tong might re-evaluate his preferences! Yes, perhaps he could try something new tonight. Something glowing and fresh~." Tong licked his lips as he snapped his fingers.
"My dear Epsty, if I recall you're the one who got bitten by this little brat about a year ago, right? Why don't you be the one to grab her for me, hmm? I'm sure you're more than eager to pay her back for the wound she gave you?" Tong said as one of his thugs, the same burly man with a scar on his left eye who pinned Beidou down back then, stepped forward with a lecherous grin.
"With pleasure Big Sis." The brute named Epsty cracked his knuckles, his shadow loomed over the small child.
Beidou stood her ground, her small body trembling not from fear but from the immense power surging through her veins. Her mind was strangely calm, a clear lake amidst the chaos.
'FATE WHISPERED TO THE WARRIOR,'
"Don't worry little girl, this won't hurt much... well, maybe just a bit." Eptsy drew closer, ready to pounce.
'YOU CANNOT WITHSTAND THE STORM.'
The thug began to lick his lips as he extended his arms in anticipation.
'THE WARRIOR WHISPERED BACK.'
"Any last words you little street rat?" Eptsy asked, as he prepared to grab Beidou only for him and others to witness a sudden burst of golden light erupting from the little girl's entire body!
"I AM THE STORM!" Beidou roared with a voice that thundered like a thunderclap!
In a blink of an eye, as if a blur of motion, the little godling rushed towards the thug! Her little right fist glowed with surreal divine light with small arcs of golden lightning crackling around it as she delivered a punch that was far beyond what her small frame would normally be capable of!
The unfortunate thug wasn't even able to process what's going on for at the moment Beidou's fist made contact with his gut, a powerful shockwave erupted, rupturing most of his organs and bones!
Before he could even scream, the poor man was sent flying towards the dead-end brick wall of the alley with a force that shattered the wall upon impact! His body crumpled into a heap of broken bones and ruptured flesh, leaving behind a large crater on the wall as well as a few blood stains!
Silence.
Utter silence.
Tong and the remainder of his crew could only stare in disbelief at the broken body of their comrade before slowly turning their heads towards the small girl who still had her fist extended.
Beidou felt the otherworldly surge of energy within her began to recede leaving only a few sparks of lightning dancing around her now extended fist. She slowly retracted her arm and began to look at her newfound power with curiousity and awe.
'This...this feels like the same strange power I felt back then. Back when Mama arrived at that marshy field and poured out that warm magic into my wound.' Beidou thought to herself as she instinctively reached out to her tummy at around the same spot where that abyssal monster had once stabbed her.
'You were heavily injured my dear. That monster, he took an important part of you. In order to save you, I gave a part of myself, a part of my very own soul to you, so that you could live.'
Memories from that time when she first woke up curled upon the embrace of her mother began to resurface, as she tried to piece together the nature of her current situation.
"Mama." She whispered to herself.
While Beidou was preoccupied with her little self-discovery, pure and unadulterated terror began to grip the hearts of the remaining thugs as they finally processed the scene before them!
"Ho-ho-how?! A little brat like her?! How did she-?!" One of them stammered, pointing at their fallen comrade and the crater on the wall.
"She's a monster! A monster!" Another one screamed as he began to back away!
Tong was stunned but the shock eventually gave way into rage as the crossdressing brute glared daggers at the little godling.
"DAMN YOU! HOW DARE YOU HARM ONE OF MY LOVELIES! TO THINK THAT A PIPSQUEAK LIKE YOU COULD DO THAT!" He roared.
Tong then unsheathed a dagger he had hidden in his sleeves and pointed at the still confused Beidou.
"ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE! GET HER!"
"Bu..but Big Sis! She's..!" One of them tried to protest.
"DID I STAMMER?! GET HER! ALL OF YOU! THERE'S SEVEN OF US AND ONLY ONE OF HER! I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE TO BREAK ALL OF HER BONES, JUST GET THAT LITTLE BITCH!" Tong shrieked like a banshee, spittle flying from his purple painted lips.
The thugs, out of fear and desperation, reluctantly complied but before they could even take a single step towards their target, two golden blurs shot past the still confused little godling and instantly appeared right in front of them!
It was Antonia and Claude. Two Eonian Guards.
Like Epsty before them, the thugs didn't even get a chance to react! In a flash of golden steel and swift movements, the two knights made short work of the remaining criminals! Claude casually broke the arms and legs of four of them with his enhanced strength, while Antonia swiftly grabbed the face of the two remaining criminals and slammed their heads into the ground with such tremendous force that the very earth cracked upon impact!
The entire confrontation, if it can even be called as one, only lasted for a total of six seconds.
The entire alleyway was filled with nothing but the screams and groans of the fallen thugs.
Tong, the ringleader, was the only one left standing. Musky urine began to stain his fancy purple Cheongsam as the large brute began to tremble like a leaf from the sheer display of power and the suffocating killing intent radiating from the two golden armored warriors!
"Wai-wait! You're.... You're with her! The...the knights who...who!!!" He stammered, recognizing the identity of the two golden armor warriors before him. The legendary warriors who were said to have held the tide of the abyss without even losing a single one of their own!
Tong knew full well that he was no match for them. Driven by fear, the notorious molester and human trafficker tried to run away but before he could even take a few steps, a sudden streak of Teal landed before him carrying the weight of centuries.
The Lone Yaksha Xiao had arrived and with him came a few more Eonian Guards dispatched by Yuan.
"Wh..wha-" Tong didn't even get to finish his words as the Adeptus grabbed him by the throat, lifted him up from the ground and slammed his body into the nearby wall causing a few cracks to appear on the bricks!
"Filth." Xiao coldly said as he tightened his grip at the now unconscious form of the notorious trafficker.
"Secure the area! Make sure each one of these animals are tied in chains! My Lady and her (Xiao momentarily gulped in fear at the mere thought of Alter) ...and her 'sister' are eager to have a very 'enthusiastic' talk with them later!" Xiao commanded the newly arrived Eonian Guards who immediately proceeded to restrain the incapacitated criminals.
The Adeptus then turned his attention towards the still slightly dazed Beidou, who had been observing the entire confrontation with slightly confused eyes. He walked towards his divine benefactor's daughter and knelt in front of her.
"My young Lady, you're safe now. Are you hurt somewhere?" He asked, his usual stoic and cold demeanor replaced with a warm tone of concern.
"Hurt?..Umm no but... the boy! The boy he's still hurt! We must-" Beidou frantically said before she got cut off by one of the newly arrived Eonian guard who was seen carefully carrying the beaten Liben in his arms.
"Worry not, my princess. We'll make sure he receives the best of care." The guard politely said before he and a few others carried the unconscious form of Liben towards the Haifeng Hotel.
Xiao then turned his attention back to the calmed down godling, and gently patted her head.
"Your grace, we must get you somewhere safe and secured."
"But Mama and the others-" Beidou tried to argue but was once again cut off.
"They will be informed about the situation that had just transpired your grace but right now your safety is our top priority. That sudden burst of divine energy you released earlier might attract some unwanted attention." Xiao explained.
"Wa...wait, did you just say Divine? Are you sug-" Beidou once again tried to ask only for Xiao to place a finger on her lips.
'Maybe I have said too much!' The Adeptus worriedly thought.
"Forgive me your grace. I meant... powerful! Yes, powerful energy! A very potent display of strength! It's a..."
Xiao immediately stopped as he saw the little godling giving him a deadpan stare that reminded him so much of her mother! With a defeated sigh, the Conqueror of Demons decided to just drop the act and instead carefully chose his next words.
"My dear princess, forgive me for my forwardness but... what you just displayed was something truly special. However, I believe that it is not my place to explain such matters to you nor is this alleyway the right place for such delicate discussions." He said, gesturing at the groaning criminals who were currently being hogtied by the other Eonian Guards.
"All will be revealed in due time my princess however your safety right now is paramount. Do you understand your grace." The Adeptus answered with a serious but gentle tone.
Beidou, after a moment of silence, looked at the Adeptus and nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Alright."
Xiao smiled then gestured towards the two original knights who accompanied her, Antonia and Claude.
"Knights, escort the princess back to her family quarters back inside the Haifeng Hotel. Make sure that she gets there swiftly and securely. Understood?"
"As you command." Both knights answered in unison.
"Alright your highness I believe it's time for us to part ways." Xiao said as he made a respectful bow towards Beidou.
"But where are you going?" The little godling asked.
"I still have some orders from your mother that need to be attended, my lady, mostly involving the likes of them." Xiao said as he pointed his right thumb towards the now chained up gangsters.
"Don't worry, you'll see me later. Just...please, make sure your little brothers don't end up using me as some sort of throwing ball again." The Adeptus nervously said as he remembered being used as an impromptu volleyball by both Venti and Bennett earlier that day while he was in his (adorable and round) Avian (Birb) form.
As both Antonia and Claude began to escort their young mistress back to the safety of the hotel, Xiao turned his attention back to the mostly incapacitated criminals securely guarded by six Eonian knights. His vibrant golden eyes narrowed at them as he gave them a cold yet menacing stare.
"Let us head back to Avalon and see if the souls of these wretches can survive a meeting with her Ladyship's wrath." The Adeptus coldly mused as he began to imagine the horrors that will await these unfortunate scoundrels.
"Now let's see how deep the rot actually goes."
(End of Chapter)
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(Excerpts on Avalonian Terminologies taken from the book 'The Fundamentals of Avalon' written by Histoboo)
- Resplendence: The golden world Tree of Avalon born from the dreams and wishes of a goddess and her prior life as a wondering Fae.
- Apotheosis: The literal transformation of a mortal into a being of higher existence brought about by the sharing/blessing of divinity or fragmentation of a divine soul.
- Godling: Minor or not fully realized deities being born or created from a god. They are the product of divine lineage, but has yet to fully unlock their divine nature.
- Divine Spark: The sudden ignition or awakening of latent divine powers that laid dormant within the form of a godling. When this event occurs, the godling's unique Divine Core and the authority born within it began to form.
- Divine Core: The foundation of a god's body and spirit, representing the 'Supernatural Heart' or the 'True self' of a god. It serves as the primary source of energy and authority for gods, allowing them to maintain their existence. (Note: Divine Cores are exceptionally uniqueto Avalonian born deities. The 'gods' of Teyvat apparently had a similar albeit lesser divine foci that some called as god's heart)
- Divine Ascension: The process were in a godling becomes a fully realized deity and their Divine Cores become fully matured.
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