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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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Lumine: Mary Skelter. Huh.
Primis: Yes. This is the name of the World you are going to enter.
Lumine: But there are three of them. Does this mean I have to enter three Parallel Worlds?
Primis: No. All of them are connected with a single branch.
Lumine: Huh? Does this mean they are one after another?
Primis: Not really.
Lumine: Then?
Primis: When the plot of "Mary Skelter: Nightmares" ended, someone couldn't accept the ending and used the most potent power to wish for the world back to the beginning. Here, the plot started again with changes. This time, it was called "Mary Skelter 2" ...…However, this outcome was even worse than last time. So, they had no choice but to undo that wish and return to the ending of "Mary Skelter: Nightmares." But thanks to some miracle, that person's wish was somehow granted...And then the story of "Mary Skelter Finale" takes place.
Looking into her eyes, he spoke.
Primis: As for what was the outcome the first time. Who was the one who wished for the world's reset? What did they really want? What outcome forced them to undo that wish? How was their wish still granted? What was the result of the "Mary Skelter Finale"?...You have to find them yourself.
Lumine: ...…I understand.
'Lumine: These people connected to the main plot must be my team.'
Lumine: Still, a power that can grant any wish...It's amazing.
Ei: It's not.
The Electro Archon, who hadn't spoken until now, suddenly threw cold water over Lumine's excitement.
While the Traveler turned and showed a confused expression, the half-Adeptus looked back at her and answered.
Ganyu: Raiden Shogun is right. It might feel pleasing to the ears that there's a thing that can grant any wish, but you have no idea how big of a price you must pay.
Lumine: Price...
The purple-haired pondered about something before looking at Primis.
Ei: If I am not wrong, this wish-granting tool must be the cause of leading the world to its doom.
The blonde and the half-Qilin also turned to Primis at this to hear his confirmation. And just like Ei expected, Primis nodded and confirmed her words.
Primis: Indeed.
Though he didn't elaborate further, indicating the rest, Lumine had to find rest herself.
Primis: In any case, let us tell you about the basic gist of the world, as that is the only thing you will remember when you enter.
Lumine: Ok...Wait, What!?
Getting shocked, she asked.
Lumine: Mr. Erste, what do you mean that will be the only thing I will remember?
Primis: Exactly what We say. When you enter that World, all your memories will be sealed except for the knowledge of the World you will learn now.
Lumine: But that's...
Primis: Believe Us, it will be better for you that way. Otherwise, it will affect your decision-making.
Lumine: How?
Primis: If you know that you are only there for the Blood Maidens, you won't care for others, thinking, what's the point as they are already dead? While it's true, such actions of yours will put you in a bad spot in the eyes of those Maidens, making them think you are cold-hearted. Hence, it will make it difficult for you to gather your team. And even if they agree, they would still keep some distance from you.
Lumine: ...….
Looking directly into her eyes, he spoke.
Primis: Remember this, Lumine: The one who will complete this journey is not the current you who has seen and experienced the dark side of the world, but the one who came to Teyvat for the first time and was still naïve.
Taking some time to think about it, she nodded.
Lumine: Ok.
Leaning back on his chair, she spoke.
Primis: Don't worry. You will enjoy being in the company of those Blood Maidens. After all, you all are similar in a way.
Lumine: How so?
Primis: You will know.
Lumine: Um.
Primis: Alright, let's get back to the topic. Listen carefully.
With a serious expression, the Traveler waited for his following words, as this knowledge would help her in that world.
Primis: Due to some unknown cause, a thriving city in the country disappeared from the surface of the Earth. With only a vast crater said to be as deep and dark as the abyss as evidence of its existence, creatures known as Marchens have emerged and begun torturing the city's residents. With its name long forgotten, the city is known to its residents as the inescapable prison...…Jail.
'Lumine: Jail.'
Primis: The Jail's main ability is mimicry, or the ability to take in any material or lifeform and replicate its properties. This has allowed for Marchens of all shapes, sizes, and properties to infest the Jail and torment the prisoners.
Pausing here for a moment, he continued.
Primis: Jail mimicry can affect just about anything, with one exception. Should the Jail consume and alter a pregnant woman, it cannot directly affect the child within. The Marchen, still bearing the child, will nurture it inside its altered body until it comes to term. The child will tear apart the Marchen inside out, and.... a Blood Maiden will be born.
Lumine: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Blonde couldn't help but widen her eyes at that. From the name, she had already guessed that they had the power related to blood, but even she never expected them to be born like this.
Primis: Blood Maidens are unique individuals born in Jail and are primarily young women. As Marchens's anatomy is much different from that of humans, Blood Maidens could be born as regular infants, toddlers, or older. In terms of abilities, the Blood Maidens are the only individuals capable of fighting against the Marchens, as they possess exceptional physical prowess and unique abilities.
Lumine: What kind of Abilities?
Primis: Let's say, like you, they can use different element powers but without obtaining any Archon's blessings.
Lumine: That's….
Primis: Of course, since they didn't receive the proper blessing and guidance, their elemental power is much weaker than yours. They can barely reach the level of a vision holder.
Lumine: Ok.
Primis: Next is the Liberated District. It is a safe haven for humanity, built by people who escaped the Jail's torture. It houses Dawn's HQ and the majority of its membership. And finally...…Dawn. Dawn, also known as the "Dawn Liberation Force," is a group of humans and Blood Maidens who have banded together to break out from the Jail.
Lumine: In that case, I must definitely be affiliated with this Dawn.
Primis: Yes, you do. After all, you will find most of the Blood Maidens there.
Closing the window, she asked.
Lumine: When will I leave?
Primis: In an hour.
Lumine: Ok—Eh? In an hour!
Hearing that, her eyes almost popped out of her sockets. She clearly remembered that Primis had given the Knights 24 hours of preparation. She also thought she would have time somewhat close to it. But this.
Primis: Don't compare yourself with Jean and others. Their situation is somewhat different, so they must prepare and stabilize their mind for a day.
Letting out a deep sigh, she complied.
Lumine: Alright, I will do so.
Primis: Good. By the way, Paimon won't be going with you.
Lumine: Hmph. I can handle myself on my own.
Seeing this, the corner of his lips rose a little before he stood up and walked over to the blonde.
Crouching down to her eye level, he extended his hands, lightly combed her hair, and caressed her cheeks. He then spoke softly.
Primis: Lumine, We know that you are strong. However, the day We saw you for the first time, you were not. While you were trying your best to hide your venerability, We quickly saw through it in one glance. And there is nothing wrong with that. After all, that would be the reaction of almost everyone who is suddenly thrown into a different world, has no one to rely on, and is a stranger.
His hand slowly touched the flower on her head.
Primis: Later, when we traveled together, you relied on Us. When Paimon came, We knew that We could now focus on more of Our work as you both would be able to support each other if something happened, even if Paimon could only provide mental support. And when you were obtaining Durin powers, it was your feelings and memories that protected you from breaking as you wanted to ask why We killed you...… But now things are different.
His ripple blue eyes met with Lumine's golden ones.
Primis: There is no Us there. No Paimon. No memories and feelings to support you. You will be on your own in that World. And the only one you can rely on is yourself...…Never show your weakness to anyone. Bury it deep within your heart and keep on moving forward.
Waiting for a while to let her digest the information, he opened his mouth again.
Primis: Those Blood Maidens are even more innocent and naïve. They haven't seen how a normal world works, let alone its dark side. Hence, they can only be shaped by the ideals and wishes of others there.... Lumine, if you really want to become their leader, you need to be the one to guide them. Just like in your heart, We have become your pillar of support, this time, you have to become their pillar of support. Only then will they follow you...…. Understand?
The Traveler remained silent for quite a while and then nodded her head. Her eyes were now full of determination.
Smiling a little, he leaned and kissed her forehead.
Primis: Go then and use the remaining time to rest. Once the hour passes, you will automatically teleport to your destination.
The blonde didn't reply and kept on looking at him. She wanted to say many things but decided not to because she was pressing for time. Ultimately, she gave him a little peck on the lips and hurriedly ran.
CLICK!!
Seeing the closed door, Primis could only shake his head while remembering her action.
Primis: Little girl, giving a kiss right before departure is a red flag.
Even while he said so, the smile never left his face.
He then turned and returned to his seat.
Ei: So, it's my turn. Which world am I going to?
Primis: None.
Ei: None? Then why did you call me?
Primis: We just missed you and want you by Our side. Is there anything wrong with that?
The purple-haired woman looked surprised before her eyes turned gentle, and a beautiful smile appeared.
Ei: No. There is nothing wrong with it.
Saying, she walked over and stood behind him. Next, she placed her hands on his shoulders and started massaging them.
If someone back in Teyvat would say that the Raiden Shogun was massaging someone's shoulder on her own accord, everyone would think that this person had lost his mind.
Primis then closed his eyes in contentment while his mind got preoccupied with things.
.
.
.
A Month went by.
During this time, under Primis's orders, things started to calm down. People adapted to this new points system in their daily lives.
No one was greedy for more points, as Primis had already sent a notice that jobs would be released after one year. By doing them, people could earn more points. Hence, people decided to wait.
Primis could be found in his office in the town hall, as always. For the past month, he spent most of his time here handling the affairs.
One must say that he was more of a workaholic than anyone else. Still, he didn't mind because he knew that as the Ruler, it was his responsibility, and he wouldn't run away from all the work.
Fortunately, he was not alone. Ganyu and Ei were always by his side.
Thanks to her expertise, Ganyu took over half of his work. During this time, even if Primis had made a time management chart for her, she didn't follow it and only rested when Primis did. At first, Primis thought of ordering her to follow the chart, but then he thought that even if he forced her to take a break, her mind would still be filled with work, so he let her be. It worked well as Primis had no choice but to put his work away when it was time so that Ganyu could rest.
As for Ei, she became responsible for caring for Primis' basic needs. Like making tea, providing food, reminding him he should rest, taking him out for a walk to keep his mind away from work, and many more.
So, by now, both his Shogun and Little Cocogoat had become an important part of his life.
Sighing, he put his pen down and stood before walking before the window. His eyes were looking at the "Stairway to Heaven" in the distance.
'Primis: It will still take a lot of time before they return.'
While he was thinking about Lumine and his Knights, Ei walked over and started correcting his Emperor's attire. Only once she was sure that everything was at its place with any creases or something, she nodded and stepped back, showing a triumphant smile.
{Ais: Would you look at that. You both look like Husband and Wife, My Lord.}
The man didn't reply as he was thinking about something else.
'Primis: Now that things have settled down here, it's time to return and make Our way to Liyue Harbor.'
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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