BUTTERFLIES, but not the good kind || Scaramouche x f!Reader

Prologue

"The success of this mission is of the utmost importance. Do not get careless. A fatal blunder like that would mean certain death." The young lady's voice strained, which was unusual given her typically calm demeanor. This mission was undeniably crucial and all the more dangerous.

"Traveler," she addressed, now eyeing the blonde man who, with his companions, stood a little secluded from the rest of the group. "I trust you with the most important task of all. You will lead the first offensive squad. The fact that you are well-known will create enough commotion for the rest of us to move in from the opposite direction and hit them with a surprise attack. I'm confident your skilled swordsmanship will lead us to victory."

"Yes, ma'am," Aether responded firmly.

Sangonomiya Kokomi was on edge. In the previous month, the Resistance had not completed any successful operations. Hence everyone felt a subtle feeling of despair linger in the air. Ever since the Vision Hunt Decree had been repealed, the number of Resistance members had decreased rapidly. The remaining forces still shared their pursuit of justice, though. Somehow the Treasure Hoarders got their hands on Delusions, making it increasingly difficult to deal with them. Those greedy people possessing significantly more strength than usual were a nightmare come true, for they had been stealing supplies and just about anything valuable from residents. The final straw, however, was taking one letter which was especially important to a renowned Traveler. He, Paimon, and a woman by the name of (Y/N) had been roaming the land for clues regarding his sister's whereabouts when they were robbed at night. The Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko, entrusted them with the antique envelope only a day prior and claimed that its content might be of help. But they had not yet found a way to read whatever was written in it as it was a language unknown to either of them, symbols that had no meaning.

As Kokomi still felt indebted to the Traveler, she decided to help by putting her remaining troops to work for one final push. They planned to invade the camp tomorrow night, rid them of their Delusions, and put a stop to it all.

"But there is another concern," she proceeded, making every effort to conceal the worry on her face from her subordinates. "I was informed that the Fatui were sighted not far from the location. If we are to trust those rumors, there might be someone among them selling Delusions to those pesky criminals." She clenched her fist to suppress her anger.

Jinren Island? Someone selling Delusions..? A Harbinger?

Kokomi's words had struck the curiosity of (Y/N), who stood next to Aether, leaning against a tree. She held no particular resentment towards the Fatui, yet there was an individual among them whom the very thought of unsettled her greatly.

How likely was it for the Balladeer to be present on Jinren Island?

She understood how dangerous and unpredictable of a man the 6th Fatui Harbinger was, for Aether had told her about their dire encounters. The Traveler was able to beat other Harbingers, fought dragons, gods, and so on, but the Balladeer was someone that even he wouldn't dare go up against another time.

She shook her head to rid her mind of the distracting thoughts and took a deep breath before returning her attention to the conversation.

"Rest now, my comrades!" Kokomi gave the command, dismissing the soldiers, and shortly after, only Aether, (Y/N), and Paimon remained by the Divine Priestesses' side.

"Thank you, Kokomi." Aether gave her a genuine smile, which had become a rather unusual sight for his party.

"Don't worry about it, Traveler. After everything you've done for Inazuma, it's the least I can do," she spoke warmly. Then she turned her back on them and was about to leave but came to a halt because of a question.