Fey: Masked Blade Huntress

Chapter 5: From Nightmares to Visions

Author~chan: THE NEXT PART IS HERE!! Our female lead got backstabbed so now let's see where it goes :)

In the depths of her mind, Fey found herself ensnared in a haunting nightmare, a twisted tapestry of fragmented memories and emotions. The dream began with a sense of weightlessness as if she were drifting through a hazy void. Her body felt disconnected from reality, numbed by the surreal experience. In this ethereal realm, flashes of her past flickered like a damaged film reel. She saw her mother's warm smile, felt the gentle touch of her hand against her cheek, and heard the soothing sound of her voice. The memories brought both comfort and sorrow, a stark contrast to the darkness that loomed ahead. As the dream continued, the atmosphere shifted, morphing into a nightmarish scene. Sinister shadows clawed at Fey, dragging her deeper into the abyss. The chilling sound of malevolent laughter filled her ears, freezing her to the core. Amidst the chaos, she caught a glimpse of her mother, standing before her. Relief swelled within her, but the joy was short-lived. An ominous figure emerged from the darkness, cloaked in malevolence. Fey's mother turned to face the threat, her expression brave yet pained. A violent confrontation unfolded before Fey's eyes, but the details remained obscured, lost in the fragmented nature of the dream. Helplessly, she tried to intervene, but her body remained paralysed, held captive by an unseen force. Tears blurred her vision as she watched her mother being struck down, her loving presence slipping away like a mirage. Fey cried out, her voice filled with anguish and desperation, but the nightmare persisted, leaving her grappling with shadows and echoes. Just as the nightmare threatened to engulf her entirely, Fey awakened with a start. Her eyes snapped open, and her body jolted upright in bed. A cold sweat covered her skin, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The haunting remnants of the nightmare clung to her mind, and she felt the weight of its terror pressing down on her. Disoriented and breathing heavily, she glanced around the dimly lit room, finding herself alone in the stillness of the night. The moon's soft glow filtered through the curtains, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Fey tried to shake off the lingering fear, but the vividness of the nightmare made it difficult for her to distinguish reality from the dream. Her hands trembled, and she clutched at the sheets, seeking some semblance of comfort in the physical world. "Mother..." Fey's voice was barely a whisper as she spoke her mother's name, her voice choked with emotion. The fragments of her dream were still vivid in her mind—the loving smile, the gentle touch, and the haunting confrontation. She could almost feel her mother's presence, but it slipped away like water through her fingers. Her breathing gradually steadied as she reminded herself that it was just a nightmare. She closed her eyes, attempting to centre herself, but the images continued to haunt her. The sound of crashing waves and sinister laughter reverberated in her ears. Fey winced as a sudden pain shot through her back, a reminder of her abrupt awakening. The haunting remnants of her nightmare still clung to her mind, but as she scanned her surroundings, she realized she was no longer at Guili Plains. Confusion washed over her as she took in the unfamiliar setting—a small room adorned with traditional Liyue decor, and the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering in the air. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to make sense of how she had ended up here. The last thing she remembered was protecting Teucer, and now she found herself in this unknown place. The room was eerily quiet, and there was no one in sight. It seemed as though she was completely alone. Fey's mind raced with questions, but she knew she needed to gather her thoughts. She focused on her surroundings—the room was simple, yet comforting, with warm colours that reflected Liyue's rich cultural heritage. The dim glow of a lantern cast gentle shadows on the walls, adding to the serene atmosphere. Fey glanced out at the starlit Liyue Harbor. The city's lights twinkled in the distance, painting a beautiful tapestry against the night sky. Despite the darkness that had haunted her dreams, the beauty of Teyvat's landscapes remained unchanged, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was still hope and wonder to be found in this wondrous world. Fey's peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted as a tall figure entered her room, bearing a striking resemblance to Teucer. However, she couldn't ignore the Fatui mask and attire the person wore, which immediately filled her with anger and suspicion. Her emotions were already heightened due to the nightmare, and she quickly reached for her blade, ready to defend herself.

"Hey! Calm down," the newcomer said, raising their hands in a placating gesture.

"Fatui scum..." Fey gritted her teeth, her grip on the blade tightening.

"Easy now, I'm not your enemy. I mean no harm," the person responded, their voice sincere.

"You expect me to believe that? You're part of the Fatui!" Fey retorted, her anger persistent.

"Yes, but there's more to it. I believe you protected Teucer, right?" the person spoke softly, trying to find common ground.

"Yes, I did. But why should I trust you?" Fey was firm and remained on guard.

"Teucer is my younger brother. He was missing during his departure, and you protected him from getting injured. I'm grateful for that," the person explained, revealing a vulnerability beneath their Fatui exterior.

"Your brother?" Fey was still sceptical, her anger waning slightly.

"Yes, really," the person said, a hint of relief in their voice.

"Teucer?" Fey momentarily lowered her guard as Teucer bounded into the room with excitement.

"Sis Fey! You're awake!" Teucer exclaimed, oblivious to the tension in the room.

"Teucer?" Fey's scepticism began to waver as she saw the genuine happiness in Teucer's eyes.

"Teucer! Thank the Archons, you're here," the person said with a hint of emotion, relieved to see their younger brother safe.

"What's happening? Why are you two fighting?" Teucer asked innocently, oblivious to the tension that had filled the room.

"This is your brother?" Fey's scepticism wavered further, and she studied the person more closely.

"Yep, he's my big brother!" Teucer nodded happily, wrapping his arms around Fey in an affectionate hug.

"See, I told you the truth," the person said, a faint smirk appearing on their face.

"Fine, I suppose I'll trust you for now," Fey sighed, still cautious but willing to give the person a chance.

"No fighting! Friends are important!" Teucer pouted, always the innocent peacemaker.

The person wholeheartedly agreed with Teucer's statement, and Fey couldn't help but feel a bit conflicted after Teucer left, admitting that she now considered the person, Childe, a friend despite their Fatui affiliation.

"Ah! I forgot to introduce myself," Childe said, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

"I'm just a humble adventurer, known as Childe. The Fatui sent me on a mission to this region, but I'm always up for an exciting adventure and lending a hand to those in need. Your assistance has been invaluable, and I'm truly grateful for your support. If you ever need a daring companion for your future endeavours, count me in!" Childe introduced himself with a playful grin.

"Humble adventurer... Yeah, right!" Fey couldn't help but scoff, still harbouring some reservations.

"Now, now! Sis Fey! We must get along because we are great friends," Childe spoke in a playful tone, trying to lighten the mood.

"I do not wish to befriend someone from the Fatui," Fey said, rolling her eyes. "However, I will play along for Teucer's sake," she added, conceding to the idea.

Childe was delighted with the outcome, and Fey couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as she watched him leave. She knew she still had reservations about his Fatui affiliation, but there was something intriguing about the person behind the mask. As Fey settled back into bed, she found her thoughts consumed by the vivid dream and the enigmatic character named Childe. A whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties filled her heart, but she knew that in this vast and wondrous world of Teyvat, unexpected friendships and alliances could emerge from even the darkest of circumstances. With that realization, Fey closed her eyes once more, allowing the comforting embrace of sleep to take her. She knew that as long as she remained true to her own convictions, she would find her way through the shadows and echoes of her past, guided by the light of newfound friendships and the hope for a brighter future in the mystical land of Teyvat.

Author~chan: Ooh! Childe makes his appearance! But you gotta wonder why Fey has such deep hatred for the Fatui, no? Welp UNTIL NEXT TIME!

Date: 24/10/23