Freedom (Jean x oc) A Genshin Impact Fanfic *Completed*

Chapter 9

"Hm... Paimon doesn't totally get the full picture..." The fairy tried rationalizing the gyre of events that had transpired. 

Amell gawked at bountiful glowing orange rocks occupying Mt. Hulao and clashed against monsters twice or thrice his size but encountering a strange duo emitted an otherworldly odor to him. He wasn't familiar with the exposure. 

Jean drilled their heroic deeds into him, fixated by a desire to get him to trust in Lumine and Paimon. The mannerisms in how they conversed, the way Noelle cordially reciprocated Lumine's entrance. It was apprehensible this was an avenue he'd need to uncover. If Jean talked highly about them, Amell would respond accordingly. 

Paimon looked tired.

"I can't blame you if your mind isn't in the right place. We've been busy in Liyue helping everyone," Lumine cajoled her flying buddy. Amell believed in her exhaustion. Her tone was dry and she looked like she needed a drink from the Cat's Tail in Mondstadt. Paimon was an aerial being but she was feeling tied up. "The adventurers there are too boisterous for their own good. I'd much prefer Liyue's commerce and trading requests."

Paimon wanted to hit her Vision-less yet important comrade. "Surrounded by business jargon fooey? No thanks! Paimon is content observing and following you around!" 

Lumine narrowed her eyes. "What are teammates for?" She turned her sights to Jean. "I think the current situation makes sense to me now. Why don't you rest for a minute, Paimon?" The fairy gave a thumbs-up, poofing out of existence. Amell was startled, initially believing the petite winged creature used a smoke bomb. 

"Please do, Lumine. Any information will greatly assist the Knights." Jean pointed out.

"I do agree Abyss Mages reveal information easily than the other members of the Order." Lumine lifted her arms in the air, stretching. "This is between the three of us but I'd accompanied Diluc when we challenged one of the Abyss Order's underlings in its ruins. With just enough coercion, they will spill."

The three of them examined the Abyss Mage in their direction. 

"This Abyss Mage is under a spell according to what Amell theorizes. I am in firm agreement. That's the only thing we can assume," Lumine knocked her forehead gently. "Either that or these mages were experimented on to not say anything." 

Amell decided to butt in. "Speaking of Diluc, he said something about the Abyss Order's stratagems to build an instrument of potential war. My question is, how he's able to get a hold of that information when these..." Amell glared at the Abyss Mage. Noelle clutched the handle of her claymore, intent on trapping it. "... things don't fess up."

Lumine sheepishly laughed. "About that. I kinda told him." 

Blonde-haired person... Diluc did tell me he got info from a person with that description. Ah. That explains it. Amell rested easy now.

"I'd hate to lower your mood further, Lumine but would you care to share more with us when your mind's refreshed?" Jean asked. Lumine nodded, used to being called for help. "Noelle, chain up the mage and get it to come with us. Confiscate its staff so it won't teleport."

"Understood!" Noelle's uttered a dedicated response.

Amell had just realized something. If Lumine gave Diluc information about the Abyss Order building a vessel then what more could she know?

It was worth the reflection. He'd know more about the Order and the reasoning as to why they captured his master when he was younger. Perhaps, Lumine's mysterious aura was something to look out for too.

Lumine, with the last of her energy to communicate expended out her words. "Just know that we have time. Time to prepare for them. As for when they'll strike..."