Taking over the Abyss

12- Gonna fly now

The stark darkness of the Abyss was not unusual to those who inhabited it. Rather it was the bright colors of the world outside their homeland that disgusted and disoriented them. Even though the air inside of their underground home was stale and heavy, it bothered the scions of the Abyss little, since they did not truly breathe it.

Inside of an expanse of the Abyss coated in what looked like Obsidian with deep blue veins, a small coven of some of its vanguard had gathered. Today's matter was one of importance- but nothing drastic enough that called for reporting to the Princess. Instead, it would be carried out by the gathered members in secret.

A deep blue portal that reflected the stars sliced through the air, and of the Heralds stepped out. Behind the towering figure, the slice between the fabric of reality stitched itself back together. Not bothering to show any sign of greeting to his comrades, the Herald simply reported his findings.

"I come bearing bad news. There is a heretic in our midst," the Herald paused, allowing the others to clamor among themselves for a moment. "I discovered the truth upon finding the astray Mage accompanying a human."

"To walk among the humans for too long is heresy of the highest degree," one of the Lectors spoke up, "There is no doubt as to what happened. The price of such arrogance is death."

The Herald gave the Lector a somewhat pointed stare. "Naturally. But to kill one of our own is a waste. Should we not consider reclamation?"

"Was the heretic not a Mage with the Hydro element?" The Lector smugly retorted. "Do you dare show favoritism to one under your own element?"

"Fine then. Have it your way," the Herald looked away, "But you are the one who undertakes this mission, since it strikes such passion into your heart."

The two elite ranking monsters of the Abyss exchanged fierce looks with each, unwilling to back down before the Lector relented. Taking the new mission in stride, the beast stepped forwards. "So be it. I will return soon victorious, and you will marvel at the superior power the Abyss has granted unto me. Traitors to the Abyss shall not be tolerated, and I will rain justice upon them, whether they fall to their knees for mercy, or succumb to death."

Summoning a deep violent portal, the Lector stepped through and vanished. Had the scions of the Abyss not had such strict and 'refined' language, this is the definite part where the Herald would have whispered 'jackass'. Taking a moment to look at all of the gathered monsters, the Herald spoke, "Take this as a lesson to those who so much as think of betraying the Abyss. Those who betray our sacred fold shall be brought to justice."

-

It was shockingly easy to get Childe to train you. With just a quick promise to duel with him once you were human, he had agreed eagerly, and was more than happy to allow Zhongli to watch over the two of you. At first you were a bit surprised how willing he was, but you guessed that he was under the assumption that since you were from the Abyss, you would have a power level similar to Skirk once you were human. Either way, you were under the wing of one of the strongest people in Teyvat, so you weren't worried at all.

That didn't mean it was easy. Although you had expected his training to be intense, you didn't think he'd make you climb up a mountain. Thankfully, you had your sharp claws to help make the climbing easier. Though you did get compared to a cockroach, which... thanks a lot, Childe.

The rest of your training from that point on was combat related, although it seemed more like a thinly veiled excuse for Childe to chase you around to 'train your reflexes'. At the very least, you were getting something out of it just by running around at a semi-high altitude. Zhongli had made himself comfortable underneath a tree and was relaxing, enjoying his day as being a babysitter to a Harbinger.