____________________
A Mother is always a Mother.
No matter how many times you break her heart, she never stops worrying about her children, and never stops praying for them.
____________________
The celebration in honor of the visiting heroes continued with its lively and joyous atmosphere, but for the very heroes themselves, their merrymaking was cut short when they received the news about the recent incident involving Beidou and Liben.
Artoria personally excused herself and the rest of her family and friends from the event, citing a personal matters that required her immediate attention. The city officials, understanding their situation, graciously allowed them to leave without any fuss. The rest of the delegation, namely the rest of the Knights and most of those who came with them from Wangshu Inn, stayed behind and continued to enjoy the festival, though some of them wondered about the sudden departure of the Grand Master and her family.
"I must say, it's quite odd for Grand Master Gunnhildr to have suddenly left the festival dedicated to her so abruptly like that." Galanopoulo, the journalist from Fontaine's Steambird quietly mused as he continued to eat his serving of grilled fish. The rest of his colleagues and those others who share the same table couldn't help but nod in agreement with him.
"Perhaps it's a family matter dear. Maybe one of her children got a tummy ache or worse!" Galanopoulo's wife, Gagnepetit worriedly speculated.
She too is a mother and knows that there are times where a mother must tend to the needs of her children above all others. She herself would drop her job at any moment if something bad happens to her precious Charlotte!
"Whatever it is I think it would be prudent if we best not interfere especially if the issue is really a private one. Such an act might be viewed as a sign of disrespect from our part." Magistrate Yanjin of the Qixing calmly stated as he drank a glass of osmantheus wine.
The senior Qixing magistrate's statement had somewhat a calming effect among the group, especially to those from the press of whom some were thinking of investigating the matter for the sake of getting a juicy scoop!
"But, what if....what if there's something else? Maybe there's a threat or...or an assassination attempt?! Heck, there might even be a covert abyssal attack for all we know!" Lu Fu, the historian from Wangshu Inn said with a nervous tone. The poor man got so traumatized by the recent abyssal invasion that he now sees threats in every corner!
"By Rex Lapis' spear, would you calm down Master Lu Fu! Just think for a second. Currently, there are several contingents of Milileth patrolling the city's streets and an entire division of them camped just a few hundred yards outside of the city walls. On top of that, there are still about 3 dozen or so of those golden armored knights present around the square. If there's some sort of threat, we could have already seen an impromptu mobilization of those forces! Not to mention, if a so-called invasion did occur, it would have already prompted the city's officials to implement an emergency evacuation protocol for the entire citizenry which I believe would be chaotic if done in the middle of this festival." A portly Qixing official who's a subordinate of Yanjin, explained in a slightly annoyed tone.
"He has a point, Master Lu Fu. You're just overthinking things, my friend. Once we arrive at Liyue Harbor you can get that much needed therapy session of yours. I know of a very good doctor from Bubu Pharmacy who specializes in dealing with patients who suffer from extreme stress. I'll even personally pay for your sessions." Yanjin said as he took another sip from his glass.
The discussion about the Grand Master's sudden departure soon died down due to the statement of the elderly magistrate and his assistance and the festival guests soon shifted their talks into other topics as they continued to celebrate into the night.
Personal matters or not, Grand Master Gunnhildr's reason for leaving the festival is of no concern for Yanjin. He has far more important matters to attend to than worry about a Foreigner's domestic issues.
____________________
(Haifeng Hotel)
Frantic footsteps echoed through the polished hallways of the Haifeng Hotel, the usual serene ambiance shattered by the urgency in the air. Crepus's face, typically a portrait of shrewd composure, was etched with genuine worry.
A few minutes earlier, a lone Eonian guard had arrived at the main delegation's table in the town square and had informed them of the situation that had transpired in an alleyway near the harbor. As expected, the knight reported that no harm had ever befallen the newest heiress of their Sovereign Lord though they were surprised to hear that the princess had unexpectedly undergone a sort of 'change' that may warrant the immediate attention of their Archon.
However, the news that came next not only shocked the Mondstadters who were present but also made Crepus and Varka's blood boil.
A boy who appeared to be in his early teens was found nearly beaten to death inside that alleyway. He had a disheveled pompadour and wore a torn up purple colored shirt and a white baggy pants that had patches and stitches all over them.
Liben. The boy was identified to be none other than Liben.
Without much as a second thought, Artoria immediately went to Mayor Zhang and respectfully informed the elderly mayor of an urgent personal matter that requires her immediate attention. Mayor Zhang, ever the gracious host, immediately understood the situation and allowed the Grand Master and her family to leave the festival grounds. The small group then hurriedly made their way towards the Haifeng Hotel post haste.
"Where is he?!" Crepus urgently asked as a stationed knight about the whereabouts of the young Liben.
"Director Ragnvindr, the young man is currently being treated inside the room adjacent to Her Grace's quarters by one of our healers." The knight politely answered.
Crepus didn't say anything and simply rushed towards the direction of the room. His Archon and the rest of her children had already gone ahead of them to check on her daughter's condition leaving the rest of them to their own devices. Melisa took little Lisa back to their room while Yuan took Varka and the other available Knights to secure the perimeter and to discreetly ask around.
When Crepus finally arrived at the designated room, he was greeted by a few of the medical staff from the Order that had joined them for the journey. One doctor immediately came to him and gave him a report.
"Lord Ragnvindr, the boy had sustained multiple injuries. Several fractured ribs, a broken arm, a dislocated jaw, a severe case of concussion and multiple cuts and bruises all over his body." The more the doctor listed the injuries, the more Crepus felt his rage rising.
Noticing the change in the Director's demeanor, the doctor immediately reassured him. "But do not worry my Lord. The patient's condition is now stable and is expected to make a full recovery. Such injuries would have been life threatening if not for these." The doctor then took something from his coat and showed it to the distraught Ragnvindr patriarch.
In the doctor's hands was a small pouch containing a few vials of glistening yellow liquid that had a slight faint glow in it.
"Her Holiness is such an amazing goddess. I could have never thought that the very Grand Master that I and my colleagues had been serving for more than 4 years...the very woman who had not only saved our Order but had also reformed its medical bureau would turn out to be the very same Archon...the very same god all of Mondstadt had been praying to all these years." The Doctor said as he held one of the glowing vials with a deep sense of reverence.
"I've treated the sick and wounded for many years Director and not once have I encountered a potion or medicine of this caliber! Our Archon had given us one small box filled with these divinely-crafted elixirs before we started our journey and had instructed us to use them only in case of emergencies. Our initial analysis on this miraculous substance confirmed exponential regenerative properties that were far beyond any mortal medicine. A single drop of this elixir diluted in a glass of water can stimulate a human body's natural healing abilities to the point that it can mend broken bones and mend deep lacerations in a matter of hours!" The doctor explained with a tone full of awe.
Crepus took the vial and briefly studied it.
"What are they called?" He asked.
"Her Holiness called her creation Panacea, and we had administered 2 drops worth of it to the boy about 20 minutes ago by her direct orders. He's still unconscious as of this moment but the injuries he had sustained are already healing at a rapid pace. Our best estimate is that he'll be up and running in about 2 to 3 days." The Doctor proudly reported.
Crepus was silent for a few moments, still observing....and contemplating the marvelous elixir on his hand, before letting out a sigh of relief.
'As expected of Her Grace. Always thinking ahead of everything.' He thought.
"I thank you doctor for your efforts in saving the boy." He said as he patted the doctor's shoulder. But before he handed back the vial of Panacea, Crepus gave out a strict warning as his entire demeanor suddenly shifted into something serious.
"But be warned doctor, based on what you just stated, this elixir, as miraculous as it is, has the potential to inadvertently cause a catastrophic paradigm shift should it ever fall into the wrong hands. Jobs might be lost, peoples lives brought to ruin, and entire economies destabilized all for the sake of a so-called 'miracle cure." Crepus warned.
"I understand my Lord. Her Holiness had already warned us about the possible disastrous consequences should the wider public ever learn about the existence of Panacea. She herself had even called her creation both a blessing and a curse that no mortal hands should ever attempt to replicate lest they bring ruin unto themselves. Hence, I and the rest of my colleagues had sworn a sacred binding oath in the presence of Her Holiness to never reveal the true nature of Panacea under the pain of divine punishment, and to only use it under her most explicit orders." The Doctor swore.
"Good. Now if you would excuse me, I must check up on the boy." Crepus said as he walked past the doctor and went inside the room where Liben is currently recovering.
The entire hotel room appeared to have been hastily converted into a sort of makeshift medical facility and Liben himself was currently sleeping soundly on a large bed at the center with several bandages wrapped around his head, arms and torso. The boy's iconic pompadour, though still present, was now a bit disheveled, a far cry from the proud coiffure he sported earlier that day.
Crepus took a simple chair and sat beside the sleeping form of Liben. The Ragnvindr patriarch looked at the poor boy and couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt and pity.
'Dear gods. All of this...just because he tried to help poor Varka and because he was in debt.' Crepus somberly thought as he gently placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Initial on-site investigation conducted by the Eonians on some of the still conscious criminals revealed that Liben inherited a large amount of debt after his father, a failed merchant originally from Millhaven, died. The boy was forced at a young age to work in order to pay off his late father's loan which had already grown exponentially due to the predatory interest rate implemented by that syndicate organization.
Yes, syndicate.
It turns out Tong's group is part of a much larger underground criminal network that operates all across Liyue with ties to several private and even government institutions, both local and foreign.
"Turns out we had accidentally stumbled upon a hornet's nest." Crepus let out a weary sigh as he continued to watch over the young boy.
They came to Liyue by the invitation of the Qixing in order to strengthen bilateral ties between their two nations and hopefully discuss about possible trade agreements, yet so far they ended up fighting off the Abyss Order, a sort of dark god and now they just accidentally stumbled upon a organized crime syndicate operating in the shadows! At this rate he won't be surprised to know if the Fatui themselves were also involved with this mess!
'Dear Avalon, I hope I didn't just jinxed myself.'
Crepus' line of thought was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. It was Varka.
"Master Crepus, is it a bad time?" Varka sheepishly asked as he peeked inside the room.
"No Varka, it is not. Come inside. I thought you were with Commander Yuan and the rest of the Eonians?" Crepus gestured at the young apprentice to enter.
"Yes I was but...but the commander gave me some leave to check up on the boy." The newly minted knight and former squire of the Grand Master replied as he walked inside the room and stood beside Crepus. His eyes couldn't help but look at the sleeping Liben with a sense of guilt. If only he had helped Crepus in convincing Liben to join them for the festival in the first place, then this might not have happened.
"Do not be harsh on yourself Varka. It's not your fault." Crepus, as if knowing what's currently going on inside the young man's mind, calmly said as he patted Varka's shoulder.
Varka let out a sigh and straightened his back.
"How is he Master Crepus? Will Liben be alright?" He asked, subtle guilt present in the tone of his voice.
Crepus gave him a reassuring smile. "He'll be alright. He had sustained a lot of injuries that could have killed any regular person but by the grace of Her Majesty, he will pull through." Crepus
"Ughhh..."
A weak groan was heard as both men turned their heads and saw Liben slowly opening his eyes.
"Wh...where?..." The boy weakly asked as he tried to move his injured frame, only to stop after feeling a sharp pain coming from his ribcage.
"Easy now young lad. You need to rest. You've been through quite an ordeal." Crepus said as he gently grabbed hold of Liben's right hand and tried to calm the boy down.
Liben looked at the man before him, squinting slightly trying to recall who he was.
"Mr...Ragnvindr sir?" The boy weakly mumbled.
"Yes it's me my boy. Rest now." Crepus reassured him.
Varka stepped forward, a concerned and weary expression plastered on his face.
"Hey buddy, remember me?" The wild blonde knight asked.
Liben looked at Varka for a few seconds, before faintly smiling. "The blonde guy who couldn't count and almost got swindled. Var...ka right?"
Varka couldn't help but feel slightly insulted by the blatant statement coming from the injured boy.
"Hey! I'll have you know that I'm actually quite good at counting thank you very much! I just... I just don't like it! That's all!" The young knight crossed his arms and pouted making both Liben and Crepus chuckle in response. Unfortunately, the sudden act of amusement caused the injured boy to start coughing in pain.
"Easy there, take it easy." Crepus said as he offered a glass of water to the boy.
After taking a few sips, Liben sank back into the bed, took a few deep breaths and stared into the ceiling for a few brief moments before speaking again.
"Thank you... thank you for... saving me." He weakly said as he looked at the two Mondstadters. Crepus in turn tightened his grip around the boy's hand as a faint smile formed in his lips.
"It's the least we could do my boy. There's no need to thank us. We just couldn't let someone as bright as you be harmed by those... scums." The Ragnvindr patriarch warmly replied.
"I... I... shouldn't...have dragged you all into my mess. I....I, a son of a failed merchant, carrying the sins of my father. I'm... I'm sorry." Liben's eyes began to water.
At that moment, inside that hastily converted hotel room, only the sounds of a young boy's quiet sobs could be heard. The only witnesses to this sorrowful display were two strangers: a young knight who has yet to fully understand the ways of the world, and a shrewd businessman whose heart was deeply moved by a lost child's sorrowful plight.
___________________
(Executive Suite, Haifeng Hotel)
While Crepus and Varka were keeping watch over a recovering Liben, a different kind of heartwarming scene was unfolding inside the hotel's most luxurious and spacious suite where Mondstadt's most celebrated family had been residing ever since their arrival in Chengdo earlier that day.
Inside and nestled upon the biggest bed at the center of the room a small gathering of six souls took place: a loving mother who's gently caressing the head of her newest daughter, surrounded by her four other children.
It's been a long day for all of them, what with the entire festival happening earlier, followed by the rather peculiar incident involving their most recent member. An incident that has not only saved the life of a poor innocent soul but also brought forth the budding manifestation of a divine heritage, carefully hidden by a prime goddess.
"Thank you for your assistance Elspeth, you and the rest may now take your leave." Artoria politely said as she turned her attention towards her personal stewardess and her cadre of maids.
"It's our pleasure your Grace. Just call us if you need anything. We'll be outside the hall if you need us." Elspeth and the rest of the staff dutifully replied with a bow and promptly left the room, gently closing the heavy wooden door behind them.
Once they are all alone, the Progenitor goddess of Avalon and current Matriarch of the Gunnhildr Clan turned her attention back to her little star whose head is currently resting in her lap. Her daughter had remained unusually quiet ever since she and the rest of her siblings had arrived, yet at the same time she sensed no hint of distress nor fear emanating from her. In fact, what she felt was quite the opposite, for Artoria sensed a strange sense of clarity, peace and...and purpose from her little daughter.
Since her daughter had been silent, she assumed that her little star was not yet ready to tell her story. So, Artoria decided to let her be and just let the little girl enjoy the comfort of her lap.
"Mama, Big Sister's arm is glowing again." Little Barbara suddenly said as she pointed towards the arm of her older sister.
"Look there's even weird sparky things dancing around her hand!" Bennett added as he sat beside Barbara and Venti. All three munchkins were looking at their big sister's arm with a mixture of awe and fascination.
"Shhhh. Hush now my babies, hush now. It's impolite to stare at your sister like that. Let her rest for a while, she's had a very long day." Artoria calmly said as she continued to stroke her daughter's head.
Jean, on the other hand, just sat by her mother's side, carefully observing the state of her slightly younger sister. Though she didn't voice it out, she could sense that there was something...something odd happening with her sister. She couldn't explain it but she could definitely feel something within her stirring, like...like that uneasy or tingling sensation one feels just before...the storm.
Everyone who's present in that room was in a state of quiet reverie for almost half an hour until the one they were all waiting for, finally broke her silence.
".....Mama?"
"Yes my dear? I'm here, Mama's here. Are you alright? Are you hurt somewhere?" Artoria gently asked, never once stopping caressing her little star's hair.
"No Mama, I'm not hurt. It's just...." Beidou momentarily stopped as she tried to find the exact words to say.
"Actually, I... I don't really know what's going on Mama, but whatever it is, I'm not scared of it. In fact, I feel... I feel...happy, like I just found a missing piece of myself." The little godling said as she finally looked at her mother with her big amber-colored eyes.
Beidou then sat up, took a deep breath, and looked at her own right arm. Slowly the said arm once again started to emit a faint golden glow similar to that of a setting sun, with sparks of electricity that looked like miniature bolts of lightning harmlessly dancing around it.
"Back when we were having dinner, I actually lied about something to you Mama. I don't actually need to go to the restroom, rather I heard some shouting, yet no one seems to have heard them except for me."
Beidou looks at her mother and then to the rest of her siblings.
"Back then I was scared. Scared of the horrible screaming and shouting, but despite it all, something within my gut told me that someone was in trouble and I had to help." Beidou explained.
"It urged me to not be afraid and to follow the voices, and so I did Mama. The more I listen to it, the more I feel safe...the more I feel strong."
"When I finally arrived at that narrow alleyway and saw what those thugs were doing to that boy....something in me...snapped."
Beidou then raised her already glowing arm and clenched her fist. With that simple action, the golden aura intensified as more arcs of lightning began to crackle around her arm!
Yet oddly enough, none of her siblings who've been watching her action had shown any sign of fear. Instead, each of them felt an odd sense of... familiarity, as if they too can perceive a strange sense of connection towards the mysterious power in front of them.
A sense of kinship.
A sense of belonging.
"I felt angry. So angry that my entire body was shaking. I wanted to hurt them... to make them pay for all the bad things they have done. And at the last moment...I saw a hazy image of you Mama." Beidou looked at her mother with wonder.
Artoria's eyes slightly widen upon hearing that last statement. She knew exactly what her daughter had just seen.
"And what do I look like my dear?"
"You...you look a bit paler Mama...still very pretty though! But, you look paler. Even your hair appeared slightly whiter. And your eyes Mama... your eyes were the color of gold!"
'FATE WHISPERED TO THE WARRIOR.'
'YOU CANNOT WITHSTAND THE STORM.'
'THE WARRIOR WHISPERED BACK.'
'I AM THE STORM.'
All five children turned to their mother, their bright innocent eyes filled with a sense of thirst...of wanting to know more. And Artoria knew at that very moment, that she could no longer keep the truth from them forever.
They are her children. Her five precious children.
And they have a right to know the truth.
The truth that each one of them now carry within their souls.
It's now or never.
Artoria took a deep breath, as if preparing to lift a great weight from her shoulders. She then opened her arms and unexpectedly engulfed all five of her children into a single, collective hug surprising them. Her touch was warm and in her embrace they all felt the safest, the most secured they've ever been.
"My most precious children," she began, her voice a soft murmur against their hair.
"The guiding stars of my life. Always remember that no matter what happens, I will always be here for you. I will always love each and everyone of you with all my heart."
She then began to plant a gentle kiss on each of their foreheads, starting from Jean all the way down to little Venti.
"My little sunshines, I would like to ask, what do you all think of me?" She asked, her face full of a mother's love, but her eyes carried the weight of several lifetimes.
Without hesitation, her children answered.
"OUR MAMA!" All five of them answered in unison.
Their answer, simple and direct as it is, surprised Artoria. She had expected a more complex answer, perhaps one filled with awe and childish curiosity, but this... this is different.
It was direct.
It was honest.
And it was filled with the unquestionable love a child has towards his or her parents.
Tears began to escape from the goddess's vibrant emerald eyes as her heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of love and pride!
"Mama is Mama! The Mama who always knits me new scarfs and always kisses me before I sleep!" Venti chirped, nuzzling her mother's warm chest.
"Mama is my greatest adventuring buddy! I always find something exciting and fun whenever I'm with Mama!" Bennett, little Benny, cheerfully said as he hugged Artoria's torso tightly.
"Whenever I'm scared or lonely, I always think of Mama, and instantly I feel safe and happy again. Mama is my best friend!" Barbara softly said as she looked at her mother with a gentle smile.
"I'm happiest whenever I'm with Mama." Beidou said, the golden aura around her arm slowly receding as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Mama....Mama is my hero, the one I've been waiting for so long when I was younger. She's my hope, my light, my everything." Jean said as she looked at her mother with tears welling in her sapphire blue eyes.
"There's no other person in this person that I recognize as my mother aside from you, Mama. There's no one else and nothing will ever change that."
Then without warning, the very world around them was engulfed by an illuminating burst of light, which disappeared as fast as it came.
When they opened their eyes, the five children found themselves in an endless field of vibrant flowers, still being held in a tight loving embrace by their mother who's now openly crying from their heartfelt declarations.
'This place...this place looked familiar.' Jean thought before her eyes widened in recognition.
This was the place that first appeared in her dream all those years ago, when she first received her precious blue book from that quirky red lady who introduced herself as a mage.
This was the endless meadow of bright and colorful flowers that would greet her every night after she falls asleep.
This.....was the place where she and Barbara first met their mother all those years ago.
'Now that I think about it, Mama looked quite 'younger' back then compared to now.' Jean reminisced as she vividly remembered the first time she met her mother.
Then out of the corner of her eye, Jean saw what appeared to be two persons standing from the distance.
The first one was a girl with short brown hair wearing a simple burgundy dress that appeared to be around the same age as Barbara, Bennett and Venti. Her head was playfully tilted to the side and she sports a simple yet genuine smile on her face.
The second person was the one that surprised her the most.
The person was also a girl but she appeared older, probably in her teens. She has a bright and messy blond hairstyle that sports slightly jagged bangs and a short ponytail. Interestingly, she wore what Jean could only assume as a bright red leather jacket over a white tube top and some rather revealing short shorts!
But what caught her the most was the uncanny resemblance she had with her mother! A slightly younger version of her mother! The girl looked so much like her mother that she could have passed as her long lost twin! But..there was something about her. The way she stood, her mannerisms...she felt...different. There was a sense of aloofness in her that's completely unlike her Mama.
Jean blinked when the strange doppelganger suddenly turned around and began walking away, completely vanishing moments later as if she was never there.
Then Jean's focus went back to the other girl who continued to smile at her. The little girl then joyfully straightened herself up, began dusting off her dress, and waved at her before she too turned around and began walking away. But before she fully disappears, something strange unexpectedly happened....
'Wait...did...did her hair just suddenly turn blond and her dress changed into white? Why did she appear to have suddenly grown taller in an instant...and what's that small white thing floating beside her?!' Jean's eyes widen in confusion.
But before she could even process the bizarre turn of events, Jean heard the sobs of her mother who was still holding her and her siblings tightly.
Her mother's loving embrace and cry brought her back to reality, and what she had just witnessed can wait for now.
Right now, what matters most was her mother.
____________________
Artoria could vaguely remember the last time she had wept like this.
It felt like a long time since she last whole heartedly poured out her entire heart over someone....
The fall of her kingdom and 'Her' rebellion...
'Her' untimely demise amidst the burning fire...
Those...She wept for those out of sheer grief...guilt...regret...
But this... this time it's different.
Still clinging to the warmth of her five precious children, the five souls who brought meaning to her existence in this world, Artoria's tears flowed not out of grief nor regret, but out of love...and acceptance.
So many failures and so many regrets.
Almost none of her so many lives across time and space had ended in a happy note.
(YOU CANNOT DO THIS! THEIR LIVES, THEIR HOPES, THEIR DREAMS ARE NOT YOURS TO CONTROL!)
An empty throne....
(YOU'RE NOT PROTECTING THEM! YOU'RE JUST IMPRISONING THEM IN A FATE NOT OF THEIR OWN!)
An unchosen fate...
(....THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THOSE WHO WILL DREAM OF DREAMING..)
A tragic end...
(WHEN THE DAY OF MY RETURN COMES AT LAST...I WILL DEFY YOUR WORLD WITH A POWER FROM BEYOND!)
Yet 'one'...one whose life differed from the rest...
'One' who's more egocentric than the rest...
Sought to sacrifice herself in order to gather the 'rest' and bring about the fulfillment of a selfish dream..
An ancient promise.
'This is one of my last gifts I've prepared for you, my future self. I truly believe that when the time comes, you will make this meadow even more beautiful than the one I've envisioned, filled with the memories of our collective triumph.'
Artoria's cries slowly subsided as she finally took control of her composure. She slowly opened her eyes to see all five of her children pressing themselves as close to her as possible, all trying to provide comfort in their own little ways.
She looked around the surreal meadow around them filled with an endless sea of colorful and vibrant flowers and smiled.
'What a wonderful gift you have given me, whoever you are.' She thought.
An aspect? Another self? Yet for reasons still unclear, she couldn't properly discern the identity of this mysterious benefactor from her past. The Sea of soul within her along with all the rest of her aspects were oddly silent as if they too were unaware of the presence of this mysterious other self.
But that mystery will have to wait. Right now her children needed answers.
She had already made a promise.
Sensing the distress her crying had brought to her children, Artoria began to do the one thing that never fails to cheer them up whenever they were feeling down.
She began to sing, and the mystical land before her accompanied her tune.
.....
"Blue as the wings of a heron in the night."
"Like the rising of the tides on the shores of Isle Skye."
"They gleam evergreen, winds 'a whistling in the pines."
"Like a castle-crawling vine, like the grassy Gleann of Lìomhann."
"And rich as the mud after rain upon the ground."
"They're a whisky hue of brown, braided river running wild"
.....
"I fell astray, but in you, I have found."
"That I am ever bound to your hazel eyes."
.....
"Deep as the sea wherе the ocean meets the shorе."
"Where I met them once before, on the emerald Cliffs of Moher."
"Bright as the light setting fire to the north."
"Rising high beyond the morn, laying shadows on the floor."
"Long is the day when the moon obscures the sun."
"Tis the darkness they become, till the dawn upon the fjord."
.....
"I fell astray, but I am bone & blood."
"And I am bound by love to your hazel eyes."
.....
"I fell astray, but in you, I have found."
"That I am ever bound to your hazel eyes."
.....
Artoria's soothing, melodic voice echoed throughout the entire meadow. A song from Earth, a song not of this world, yet its very melody had a calming effect to her precious ones. The very flowers around them seem to dance in unison with her tune as the sky above begins to shimmer with unfamiliar constellations of stars.
By the time the final note of her song was sung, the hearts of the five little children were at ease, replaced by a sense of tranquility and joy. They then opened their eyes to look at their loving mother only to be surprised by something that they've never seen before.
"Mama! You have wings! Wings!" Little Barbara exclaimed as she pointed towards her mother's back in awe.
And indeed, behind the former King of Camelot, two large wings made of pure light manifested from her back. Each wing radiated the same glow as the setting sun, the very same one as that of Beidou's glowing arms.
"My dearest children, I am Artoria Pendragon, Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Matriarch of the Gunnhildr Clan, Ruler...and Divine Sovereign of the Realm of Avalon."
Artoria's solemn declaration reverberated across the entire meadow as the very dome of the sky itself began to transition from morning into night in a matter of seconds.
"But most important of all, I'm the proud mother of five wonderful children whom I love most of all."
As she smiled, the evening skies above them began to illuminate as five constellations, the physical manifestation of their shared fate and lineage, projected themselves into existence. Sparkling brightly like gems upon the cosmic thread.
The five children, Jean, Barbara, Bennett, Venti and Beidou could only look at their mother with child-like wonder as they gazed upon the divine spectacle before them.
They had always known that their mother, the most important person in their lives, was special. In their eyes, she's always been this magnificent pillar of love and support, always strong and never backing down.
But never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined this. They were already surprised when they learned that she was a queen of some far off magical land more than a week ago.
But this... this is something else entirely.
Divine…a term reserved for the gods. Beings who in their young innocent minds only existed in stories and legends. Beings who they heard have powers that far exceed those wielded by vision holders. Being who could control nations and reshape mountains and fields!
And now, in front of them, stood their beloved mother, declaring herself as one of them.
Their Mama, a god....
Other than Jean and Beidou who were already old enough to at least comprehend some of the aspects of the revelation, the rest, namely younger ones, Barbara, Bennett and Venti, seemed to be having a hard time grasping the full implications of the grand revelation. All they saw was their beloved Mama with wings, pretty stars and a magical looking place. Their innocence is still shielding them from the sheer magnitude of truth.
In their young eyes, she's already strong but she didn't look like any of the gods depicted in the storybooks they've read.
She... she's still the same Mama they knew and loved.
"Then...that means, the power I showed earlier…." Beidou was the first one to break the ice. The revelation was still somewhat fresh in her mind as she looked at her hands then at her mother.
"Yes my dear, it is a gift from me, or rather It is the power that originated from your very soul, which in turn had originated from my being." Artoria explained.
Artoria then spread her wings and allowed them to engulf her precious little ones into a warm and protective embrace.
"You see, I may not have given birth to you my love, but the moment I chose you, the moment I shared my soul with you, you had become my child, not just in name but in nature as well." She said.
"But in nature as well...then Mama, that means...that means!" Beidou's eyes widened as she began to realize the implication behind her mother's words.
"Yes my Little Star, that means you have become a god, not simply through conversion but by the assumption of one's own humanity into the divine. Though to be honest, your more appropriate nature would be that of a godling rather than a god. The same thing can be said with your brothers and sisters."
Now it's time for the other four's eyes to widen. They too couldn't help but feel awed at the sudden revelation.
"A god...ling? Us too Mama?" Bennett chirped as he tilted his little head in confusion and wonder.
Artoria giggled and affectionately ruffled her little adventurer's messy white hair.
"Godlings, or young gods so to speak. Think of it this way my son, while you're all indeed divine in nature, you're still young and your powers are still dormant. You and your siblings had yet to fully realize yourselves." She lovingly explained.
"But, Mama, I don't feel any different?" Venti innocently asked as he tried to pinch himself, trying to make himself glow too like his big sister Bel.
"Are you sure about that my dear? Think carefully, all of you. Hasn't it ever occurred to you that some of your quirks and talents seemed to be a bit... unnatural? Too good perhaps to be considered normal compared to the others?" Artoria asked.
"There's Jean's excellent endurance to keep up in training with the likes of Varka and the other knights. No other children of the age of 10 have that kind of stamina. Not to mention her impressive trait to actually be able to analyze and memorize entire chapters of combat manuals and complex battle formations in a matter of hours. Books and treatises mind you that most of my Knights find difficult to comprehend!"
"There's Barbara's aptitude for magic. She was able to understand and perform some of the basic thaumaturgic spells in an afternoon! A feat that would take regular mages days or even weeks to accomplish!"
"Bennett... well Benny's uncanny luck should be very self explanatory by now. Not to mention his natural inclination towards finding treasures and troubles alike, or rather should I say, adventure!"
"One day, I'll become the best adventurer in all of Teyvat! BENNY'S ADVENTURE TEAM ASSEMBLE!" The little divine helion pumped his little fist high up to the air, earning the smiles of his family.
"Then there's Venti's inclination towards swords and anything mechanically related-"
"I have the best collection of Fontaine Mecha toys in all of Mondstadt! And one day I'll be able to beat all the sabers out there!" Venti enthusiastically interjects while proudly puffing up his chest, making Artoria let out a small laugh.
"Of course you have my breezy little baby. You've been asking Mama about the latest series of Clockwork Meka figurines from Fontaine since day one. And I also know about that little green book you have where you scribble every sword move you observed from your big sister and Varka. What have you named it again?" Artoria teased.
"THE CODEX OF POWER AND AWESOMENESS!" Venti proudly declared before his adorable face immediately reddened in embarrassment as he tried to hide himself behind his Mama's back earning him a round of giggles from the rest.
"Can I borrow it?" Bennett asked with a mischievous grin.
"NO!"
"And of course we have Beidou's. Well to be honest my dear, you were the most surprising of all. You had just been with us for about a week or two had yet shown any subtle traits comparable to your siblings. But.." Artoria paused and gently tapped her daughter's nose.
"Tonight, you basically achieved something that not even your other siblings had yet reached.
Beidou's eyes widen.
"You've ignited what I would like to call a Divine Spark." Artoria proudly declared.
"A Divine Spark?" The little godling inquired.
"Yes, my daughter, Divine Spark. It is the sudden ignition or awakening of one's own latent divine powers that lay dormant within you. Naturally, it would take years, if not a decade for a godling to naturally reach this stage of development, but you, you've done it in such a short period of time! Mama is so proud of you!" Artoria happily chirped as she pulled her daughter a big tight hug.
"But Mama, what about those special traits you mentioned concerning my siblings? Aren't they also Divine Sparks?" Beidou, still rilling from the surprise shock and her mother's praise, couldn't help but ask.
Artoria shook her head and looked at the rest of her children.
"No, my dear, those are not. Those were just subtle manifestations of their own budding divine nature. A Divine Spark on the other hand is when you, the godling, discovers and activates your own unique godly authority or power, which in your case is your affinity towards strength and the concept of storm." She explained.
"I am the storm." Beidou whispered, finally realizing the full implication of the strange thought that had come across her mind earlier.
"Then what about us Mama? Why did Bel suddenly achieve such a powerful feat while we still haven't? She's only been with us for more than a week, so why is it Mama?" Jean asked, genuinely curious as to why her younger sister
Artoria was silent for a moment and gave out a sigh.
"I think...I think it's due to her past Jean. I think Bel's past experiences before she became your sister had unintentionally forced her to undergo the change." Artoria somberly explained as she tightened her embrace around Beidou.
"Like ordinary people, we of divinity also grow, both in person and in wisdom. The reason why it takes years for a godling to normally achieve the state wherein they unlock their truest nature is because like any child, they needed to experience life, and to experience life, they needed to live it. They need to grow, to learn, to be hurt, to love, to laugh, to cry and eventually, all of those experiences will serve as the catalyst for their change. That is how it's normally done. But for your sister... her life before her arrival had been filled with hardship, suffering, and tragedy. She had seen the very worst of humanity and had nearly experienced the end of it at a very young age. Her path was different to yours Jean, and it had forced her to grow and mature far beyond her age, hence leading to this unexpected outcome." Artoria explained as she gently kissed her little star's forehead.
Jean immediately lowered her head as she felt a pang of guilt for digging up her little sister's past.
Beidou, upon seeing her sister's reaction, immediately freed herself from her mother's embrace and proceeded to hug the older girl.
"It's alright Big Sis. It's alright. I know that you didn't mean it. Besides, I'm glad it happened. What happened to me in the past...most of it was horrible, but if those things never happened then I wouldn't have met you all! I wouldn't have met you, Barbara, Benny, Venti and Mama! I wouldn't have found a new family!" Beidou reassuringly said as she tightened her hug around Jean.
Seeing this display of sibling love, the younger trio of Venti, Bennett and Barbara also got up and joined in the group hug, forming a small pile of adorable children tightly hugging one another.
Artoria couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness as she watched the five of them embrace. A truly heartwarming sight to behold.
After a few moments, the children broke apart and Barbara went up to her mother. The little girl took Artoria's hand into her own and looked up with eyes filled with innocent curiosity and trust.
"Mama? Mama is still Mama right?"
Her simple question captured the essence of what all five of them were feeling at that moment.
They could see the wings...
They could feel the power...
They have heard her words...
But in their hearts, they only saw one person, not a god nor a knight.
They only saw their mother.
And they wanted to know, if that person, that very person who had loved them all unconditionally, was still the very same person in front of them.
Artoria teared up once again, as she scooped her little baby princess into her arms. Snuggling her close to her heart.
"What kind of question is that my little baby? Of course I am still your Mama! And I will always be your Mama!" Artoria replied as she planted kiss after kiss on Barbara's face much to the little girl's delighted giggles and the relief of her siblings.
"Oh, by the way Mama, since you're a god and all, what awesome powers do you have?" Benny curiously asked.
"Well, my little Benny I have many abilities. For instance, I can control the wind itself!"
While still holding Barbara in her arms, Artoria opened her palm and in an instant, a small gentle vortex of wind began to form, which she then shaped into that of a small bird much to her children's delight.
"Ohhhh. Ahhhh!"
Jean, however had a far another reaction.
Hearing the statement made by her mother and the subsequent demonstration she had just performed, the little heiress' eyes began to widen as her mind began to piece together a long held puzzle.
The amazing magical powers...
The utter respect and reverence shown by the knights, her household staff and some members of the church of Favonius...
The prosperity of Mondstadt…
The magical realm of Avalon…
'I can control the wind itself.'
!!!!!
'Could...it be, that after all this time, Mama is actually the-' Jean's line of thought was cut short by a sudden delighted squeal that came from Barbara.
The little girl was now happily waving her little arms around while being carried by her mother, as an exciting thought suddenly came into her mind.
"Mama! Since you're a god and also have powers related to the wind, could it be that you're really friends with Lord Barbatos?! Could you ask him to play with us? Please Mama, pretty please! I want to tell Lord Barbatos that we love him so much for all the nice things he has done for Mondstadt!" Stars can already be seen in the little girl's eyes at the thought of meeting her country's Archon.
"Barbara...I believe that you're mistaking something. I...I think Lord Barbatos is actually-" Jean was once again cut off, this time by her own mother, who simply winked at her.
"Awww, I'll see what I can do sweetie, but always know this, Lord Barbatos loves each and everyone of you so very very much!"
The Anemo Archon in disguise, once again spread her wings and engulfed her five precious cubs, gathering them in her arms and letting them once again know the boundless love and affection she had for them.
That night, in that mysterious subliminal space, the foreign goddess who arrived in Teyvat more than 5 years ago finally unburdened herself of the greatest secret she had carefully hidden deep within her heart.
A secret that has now brought joy and wonder to the five souls she held most dear.
Finally, the Lioness can now proudly roar in the presence of her cubs.
(End of Chapter)
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[The Bluebells]
- The Bluebells is an ancient subspatial domain created thousands of years ago, and was formed from a piece of fragmented dream brought into existence by the final wishes of a 'dying'Fae.
- This otherworldly space was kept hidden away for thousands of years within the land which was once part of the ancient realm of Arcadia, and can only be accessed by it's creator or anyone that she deemed worthy.
- The Bluebells is a domain crafted to represent a vast near endless fields of flowers, and is a place where the dreams from the past, present and future converge into one.
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