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Note/Warning: The following events are set in the far distant future, with the appearance of many characters not yet introduced in the current timeline of the main series. So Spoilers ahead. You had been are warned.
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[37:09:00:00]
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'Since the very beginning, there are people who have tried to create a better world only for their plans to end in disaster. Even after all this time... even as you continue to sleep, you still want to force your ideals of a perfect world to anyone without giving them as much as a single choice.' Artoria pondered deeply as she gazed out from one of the tall palladian windows of the throne room.
'So peaceful, yet the rest of the world is now in a state of crisis never before seen since the time of the Funerary years.'
"What's the status of the situation?" She asked, never once turning her attention away from the calm peaceful landscape of the outside.
Her posture and overall tone appeared calm but one could sense a subtle hint of urgency laced within her voice.
The atmosphere within the throne room is tense. Many had been urgently summoned a day prior, people of great status, representatives of the realms and its respective people, and ambassadors from nearby nations all had answered the summons yet amidst this hasty gathering the Starlight Sovereign herself opted not to sit upon her throne and instead placed herself within the nearest window observing the calm peaceful landscape outside.
"My Queen, reports are pouring in by the hour, and unfortunately it painted a grim picture of what is happening outside of our border." Canon answered as she began to read the compiled list of reports she had received during the past hour.
"All reports described the appearance of multiple strange pillars of light high in the sky in various regions across Teyvat. Similarly, their abrupt appearance had coincided with the emergence of monsters that began rampaging across numerous settlements."
Canon briefly paused, her eyes narrowing upon the next entry of her report.
"But more peculiar, and dare I say, disturbing are the appearance of 'strange zones' around the vicinity of the mysterious light pillars. According to reports, all who are caught within those zones whether they be alive or dead... instantly evaporates."
Silence spread across the entirety of the room as the magnitude of the crisis began to slowly unfold.
"Go on Canon. Please continue with your report." The Divine Sovereign calmly urged one of her handmaidens to continue.
"Forgive me your Majesty for the brief interruption that I've caused. Now moving one. As per your earlier decree, the borders of the realm had been opened and evacuees had already started streaming into the designated havens, particularly those of Dorman Port and Caravan Ribat. More than enough supplies and personnel had been assigned to each of the designated havens in order to accommodate the refugees."
Artoria gave a side glance towards one of her trusted handmaidens and nodded.
"And what of the situation inside our very own borders? Were there any reports of breech or hallowing?" She asked.
"None my Queen. No pillars had been spotted across the realm. The realm as a whole continues to hold strong even as we speak and our Leylines haven't yet been invaded by any malignant forces, either of those of Celestia or of the Abyss. Our forces from across all of the constituent nations had already been mobilized in order to safeguard the people and deal with any sudden intrusions." Canon flipped a page from her report and continued to read.
"Each of the six Eonian Tagmatas in every region within the entirety of the realm had already been marshalled and are currently battle ready."
"The 3rd - the Phengárion Tagmata stationed at Nod-Krai had mostly relegated most of their forces in the northern island of Pohjola at the border of Snezhnaya. They are supported by the Light Keepers and the Voynich guild is currently acting as support overseeing the logistics and the evacuation of refugees pouring in from the southern regions of Snezhnaya."
"The 5th - the Erimos Tagmata and the 6th - the Helios Tagmata had formed a joint coalition and are currently guarding our westernmost border. They are joined by the Pyro Archon and the head of the Paladins, the Sentinel Knight."
Artoria couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of frustration upon hearing about the situation currently transpiring in the far west.
'Celestia had always used Natlan as a sort of shield against the forces of the Abyss for thousands of years. Considering how they have treated the nation and its people, it's no surprise to see that they are still sore over the fact of its annexation. Not only that, but due to the presence of Phlogiston, the entire region could become a powder keg should the hallowing ever appear within its border.'
"How about in the East? What's the situation over there?" Artoria inquired.
"The situation over there is the same as that of Mondstadt and Liyue my Sovereign, although the Shogun had just reported earlier that she had sent her Kagemusha along with a few members of the 3rd Tagmata [Keraunos] to investigate an anomaly happening over Mt. Kanna in Tsurumi island."
Artoria simply nodded and while Canon continued on with her report, her mind began to wonder once more. Back into the very moment this whole crisis had started.
Ronova.
The Arbiter of the Heavenly Principles.
.....
Even after her initial defeat and subsequent humiliation in the hands of her stalwart Enforcer...
Even after she had imposed 'the curse' within her battered form as punishment for her transgressions...
And even after her ultimate downfall in the hands of Lumine and her companions back in Snezhnaya, Ronova still chose to spite the world one last time.
'How tragic. She's always been indifferent especially towards the plight of mortals, yet she continued to insist upon following the rules set forth by her creator. Such complexity might have eventually driven her into listlessness and when her authority over death was finally taken away... I can only assume that her weariness might have gradually turned into a deep resentment and nihilistic despair.'
.....
'Is this your revenge, you misguided fool? A grudge so deep that you are willing to destroy the world?!.. Is this the price you paid just so you could get back at us?'
.....
Either way, what's done is done. The dead could offer no solace at this hour.
What matters now is to see whether or not the 'Accord' that was agreed upon in exchange for Ruler of Death's life still stands or if Celestia will be willing to breach it and risk an all out war?
'I say let them come my Liege! We have already shown them once what would happen if they try to harm what is ours! So let them come! I've been itching for another fight for some time now!'
'Oh for the love of - can you at least show some restraint for once you warmongering Tyrant?! We are currently facing an unprecedented situation right now! But still, it's not like any of us are backing down from any sort of challenge, right?'
'Oh shut your mouth you book-loving nerd!'
'Basement dwelling geek!'
'Great plains!'
'Holstein Cow!'
'FOUR EYES!'
'DISCORD MOD!'
'There they go at it again.' Artoria dryly thought as two of her shades began arguing once again.
'Please be quiet.' A regal yet commanding voice echoed across the shared telepathic conversation.
'In times such as this, it is distasteful to see the two of you bicker like children, especially in front of our Sovereign. Please remember your status and titles. We are the chosen reflections of our great Sovereign's existence. We are her shades. Please act like one.'
'Hell yeah! Took the words right out of my mouth!' An overly energetic and enthusiastic voice responded.
'QUIET DOWN! NO ONE ASKED YOU, YOU SABER HATING RUNT!' The first two shades responded before immediately quieting down.
'My Sovereign, ignoring the distasteful display our 'sisters' had just performed, I would like to once again reiterate that no matter what happens, the four of us will always be at your side ready to answer to your beck and call. Each one of us had sworn an unbreakable oath towards you, forged by our shared existence. If the Celestia ultimately decides to break the agreed upon terms of the 'Accord' then all of us and the entire realm of Avalon will be ready with swords and spears in hand. We will not stand by if they threaten our home once more.'
'Yes other me, we will be with you all the way! And I'll make sure to show those posers the full might of my 'space fleet' this time! Though ~ it would be more epic if you just give me the permission to terra-form just one of your three moons and turn it into a real-life death star -.'
'NO.' All three other shades immediately answered in unison, bringing down their most peppy sister's eccentric proposal.
Artoria couldn't help but smile at her shades' interaction. For all their quirks and shenanigans, the four of them share a deep genuine bond towards one another as well as towards the Avalon and the rest of the realm.
Logres and Avalon are safe as long as the four of them stands.
'Thank you everyone.'
Artoria then severed the telepathic connection towards her loyal shades and after a brief period of contemplation, she finally turned around and faced Canon as well as the rest of those who were present within the throne room.
"My friends, just as you've all heard from beyond our borders the entirety of Teyvat faces a disaster in a scale never before seen since the time of the great war. The Leylines are weakening and monsters from parts unknown had begun to run rampant across the very lands that millions of innocent people call home."
"I fear that as of this moment many have already been lost and many more are teetering between life and death. Countless cry out for help and we will not stand idle!
"[THE UNIFIED REALM] LOGRES AND ITS PEOPLE STANDS WITH THE REST OF TEYVAT! THE WORLD CALLS FOR OUR AID AND WE SHALL ANSWER!"
A deafening cheer reverberated across the massive throne room in response to the Sovereign's proclamation. It was like a roar of defiance aimed towards the very heavens itself!
The Heavens had passed their judgement, now its Logres' turn to answer and show the world the might of a people freed from the shackles imposed by Heimarmene [Fate] itself!
The whole of Logres, once again prepares for war.
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More than half an hour had already passed since Artoria delivered her proclamation, and now most of the people had been dismissed from the throne room leaving only her, Canon and a few members of the ever vigilant Companions [The original 65 Eonians - her most trusted veteran guards].
Canon approached her Queen bearing and presented to her a single bluish white envelope covered with what appears to be nordic motifs.
"My Queen, I would like to inform you that the honored guests had just arrived. Also, we just received this urgent letter from Zapolyarny Palace."
"Excellent Canon, please inform them that I'll be with them shortly." Artoria nodded.
She then took the letter, carefully opened it and began to silently read its content.
'As expected, she finally made her move against this crisis.'
It was from Anastasya.
Artoria then carefully read through each word and sentence, mulling over the meaning behind the message her dear colleague had pinned.
After some time, she gently handed the letter back to Cannon and once again went towards the window to ponder over the very state of the world.
'I need your help.'
That was the utterly frank first sentence written at the letter.
Artoria crossed her arms and let out a sigh.
Everyday, she's being pushed towards a pedestal that she had no intention to occupy.
She returned to this world 18 years ago due to the machinations that were set forth by her previous incarnation thousands of years prior. She had no recollection of what had happened 6000 years back then but through sheer act of providence she was able to build a new life for herself and a new family that she deeply cherished above all else.
She loves this world. This is now her home, and there are people who look up to her. But -
"Even now I still dream of that one simple life that I had always yearned for."
But now, things beyond her control have weave a grand orchestra that is slowly bringing her into conflict with that one being she had faced thousands of years ago.
"He and his cursed system. Even as he sleeps, he had set in motion a system that would hold this world ransom..."
"The seven paradigms of Freedom, Contract, Eternity, Wisdom, Justice, War and Love. Values that were carved into seven divine thrones in order to manage the world... In order to further control it."
Do they truly represent the fundamental ideals of each of those values?
No.
They do not.
"What does freedom really mean when demanded of you by a god?" Artoria let out a question as she continued to reflect over the grand hypocrisy mandated by the rules of the heavens.
"Certainly not the type of freedom you have already idealized, Ria."
Artoria woke up from her brief stupor to see Zhongli walking towards her with a smile.
Behind him were three other people whom she had specifically invited for the occasion.
"Blockhead." She called out, looking somewhat relieve to see the face of the man she had cherished for the longest time.
"That face you've been making does not really suit you at all Ria, but I understand your concerns. We haven't seen a crisis of this magnitude since the time Nibelung returned from the stars." Zhongli stated. He then gently placed a hand over his partner's left shoulder, squeezing it mildly in order to convey to her that she's not alone in this fight.
Not anymore.
"Indeed my old friend, though I fear that another ordeal is upon Teyvat. One of the possible many that 'He' had put into place in order to guarantee the overall compliance of the world."
A Trial of Usurpation.
A judgement unheard of for more than 6000 years.
"Pardon my intrusion, but while I continue to detest the non-courteous act that the Geo Archon continues to openly show towards her Majesty, the Aurulent Sovereign, this usurper does make a good point with regards to the matter at hand. I, as well as many others had also received a letter from the Tsaritsa earlier detailing the need for a conference of all the leaders of the world in order to tackle this crisis head on." The Iudex of Fontaine, Neuvillette, stated, while all the while throwing a subtle glare towards Zhongli.
"With the help of her most gracious Majesty, I have absolved the Fontainians from their sin. The Heavenly Principles have no right to cast down the death sentence upon them, or to any other people for that matter."
Death sentence.
'Had 'He' truly confused the notion of loving the people with controlling them?'
'Are the actions that we took back then, both right and wrong, truly leading the world towards destruction?'
As she pondered, Artoria felt a pair of small soft hands gently grabbing her left hand. She looked down and saw the bright hopeful eyes of the small green Archon she had lovingly raised.
"Delineating choices along the lines of right or wrong isn't important right now. Instead, exploring the divergence is what has led us to this point."
Aroria could help but smile as she crouched down and lovingly caressed the hair of her ward.
"Aww, look at you Nahida. Already advising me instead of the other way around. You truly have grown in these past few years, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you."
"Hehe." The Dendro Archon let out a small childish laugh as she basked on the warm love of her guardian.
"But you are right little one. What truly matters right now is the action that we will about to undertook." Artoria said.
She then turned her gaze towards the last person in the room who came all the way from the East.
Standing all prim and proper and wearing a pink kimono with a few purple highlights, the said person nodded her head towards the goddess who had given her a literal second lease in life.
"And what say you Shogun? What does your conscious says on the hour that is at hand?" Artoria asked.
"Your Majesty. I come to answer for eternity." She responded with. resolute voice.
Good.
"My friends, I have originally called you all here to discuss about the ongoing crisis, but it seems that our northern colleague had a similar thoughts in mind. I take it that all of you had received her message earlier, no?"
The gathering of gods nodded in response.
"Good, then I believe it would be more prudent at this hour if we all go together and discuss the matter over in Snezhnaya. There the whole world will be represented, and we will make sure that it will not fall once again!"
Everyone in the room straightened their backs.
The Queen of Mondstadt.
The Divine Empress of all Liyue.
The High Archon of Logres.
The Aurulent Sovereign.
The Prime of all the Faekind.
The Lioness herself had sounded the call, and all who had heard it followed!
The fate of the world, and everything that they knew and love is at stake. And now, all people whether they be humans, fae, dragons or gods must band together as one to prevent the preordained reset, and to show to the heavens what it truly means to forge ones own destiny - unbound from the shackles of Fate itself!
As they walked off from the throne room, Zhongli extended his hand towards Artoria and smiled.
"Ria, this time I will make sure to hold your hand and never let you go. Unlike before, we will face this trial together. Come now my dearest partner for the final contract must now be fulfilled. "
And Artoria with a genuine smile, took his hand in response.
"Then let us go as we did so many years ago Blockhead."
They say that Teyvat now faces its Hour of Ruin...
But for the two ancient noble souls who had once travelled this word, it's the exact opposite...
For the world and its people now stood as one.
This is not Teyvat's Hour of Ruin.
This is its Hour of Glory.
Its Dýrðarstund.
(The End)
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