Meraki

Part 4 Chapter 9: I See a Silhouette of a Man

When the trio arrived in Pardis Dyhai again, Tighnari was talking with a group of Luna's subordinates.

"Pardis Dyhai is not a place where you Fatui can just show up and do as you please." Tighnari told them, crossing his arms.

"I believe we've already made ourselves quite clear. Our superior gave us permission to search and collect medicinal herbs in Pardis Dyhai for research purposes." The sergeant said.

"I haven't given you permission to do anything!" Luna yelled, marching over to them.

"L-Little Lady Hailstorm, what a surprise. We didn't expect to see you here." The sergeant spoke, giving her a Snezhnayan salute.

"Listen, you only take orders from me and Her Majesty, not Dottore. Understand?" Luna stated with a glare. Aether hadn't seen her this mad before, and wondered how worried she was about Scaramouche. It was a little scary how close they were.

"Y-Yes, Little Lady!" Her subordinates yelled.

"Good. Now, you'll listen to what Tighnari tells you, so we can protect Haypasia from Dottore's group." Luna commanded. The Fatui members nodded as Tighnari spread them out across Pardis Dyhai.

"Aether, take Luna with you and protect Haypasia. Tighnari and I will take care of things out here." Sying ordered.

"Okay. Let's go Luna." Aether told his sister and the two of them ran to where the female scholar was resting. Aether checked on her breathing as Luna checked the place to make sure no one broke in.

"How is she?" Luna wondered.

"She's alright. She's just sleeping." Aether told her.

"That's good." The Harbinger sighed. Aether was about to speak before he felt a familiar presence from behind him.

"So, you think this is over." Scaramouche's voice said. The Traveler turned around, and pulled out his sword.

"Scaramouche?" Aether called out.

"Kuni's here!? Where? I wanna see him!" Luna shouted, looking around for her older brother-figure.

"I've missed that look of abject horror. You've given me that look every time we meet." Scaramouche spoke. Aether noticed that he looked the same as always, but he had a sad look in his eye whenever he gazed at Luna.

"He's talking to me in my mind. I'm going to talk to him, so I need you to stay quiet." Aether informed her, and she gave him a nod. "What did you do to Haypasia, Scaramouche?"

"I didn't do anything. It is her honor to be able to connect her consciousness with me. I know you must be curious. I might as well tell you that I decided to enter Haypasia's consciousness the moment I sense your touch."

"But why me and not Luna? Don't you miss her?"

"Of course I miss Luna, but it's best if we don't see each other. And besides, I wanted to observe you. See, my deification is almost complete. All that's left now are some final details. Do you understand? Even if you manage to rescue Lesser Lord Kusanali, it will be impossible to defeat a god like me. Is it wise to force that childlike god into a divine battle against me? And if you drag my little sister into this, I'll show no mercy to the both of you."

"The scholars acted faster than we thought."

"Scholars consider the God of Wisdom to be the sum total of their faith. It's how they can justify reverence for a god as they construct it. But this also shows that humanity's worship of gods is a combination of blasphemy and exaltation. It's truly laughable."

"I want to ask you a question." Scaramouche tilted his head at the Traveler, curious. "You're acting more friendly than usual. Is it because Luna's around?"

"Sort of. I'm in a good mood, which is why I'm talking to you like this."

"Are you okay with this? I mean, the plan to infuse your consciousness with Divine Knowledge Capsules is incredibly risky. And you could really hurt Luna. She still wants to be by your side. She keeps talking about how she's going to save you, and if you go through with this, you could lose her forever. So, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Those words almost make you sound like a friend that actually cares. Luna's an idiot. She's holding on to childish promises and clinging to someone that doesn't care for her. See, I was born to be a god. My entire life up until this point has just been a meaningless routine. All I had before were some painful memories and boring human feelings attached to a pathetic little girl. Such senseless drivel should have been erased a long time ago. Indeed, to me, the sight of you fools and your struggles is far more amusing. Tell me, what has this world done for you to protect it with such conviction?"

"You wouldn't understand." Scaramouche paused before speaking again.

"See, this is a good conversation we're having, so here's a word of advice. Let go of your misguided guardian complex. You know nothing about the truth. It'll be for your own good, as well as everyone else's. Humans are a species that can only find bliss in ignorance."

"If that's truly what you believe, why did you keep your connection with Haypasia? Surely, with the power you've come to possess, you can cut her off with just a thought."

"Ah, you've seen my affection for her. If you were in my position, I think you'd feel the same way. She peered into my consciousness and saw my past. Someone like that is qualified to become my first follower. All gods need followers, so Haypasia has been chosen. Her appearance heralds my imminent arrival at the throne of divinity, while her worship shall become my glory."

"Is that so?" Aether questioned. "Well, what about Luna? She'd follow you anywhere, that's why she's here! She's here for you!" Scaramouche glared at the traveler in front of him and Electro landed near his feet.

"Shut up! Don't say her name to me again! This is your only warning!" The Balladeer roared. Aether nodded his head quickly and the Harbinger resumed his calm manner. "So, you're doubting me, again? No matter. Soon, you'll know what kind of authority you're challenging."

"If you truly cherish your follower, you should protect her from harm. Same goes with..." Aether gestured to Luna, who was watching the entrance.

"Who wants to hurt them?" Scaramouche asked, keeping his gaze on the Eighth Harbinger.

"It seems The Doctor does not wish for her to stay in Sumeru and continue receiving treatment here. And he wants Hailstorm to stay here. Isn't that a little too suspicious?"

"The Doctor wants to hurt them?"

"Doesn't that make you mad?"

"How very amusing. Has anyone ever told you that you're not good at sowing discord." Scaramouche laughed, not believing him. "The Doctor has never known his place. Even now, the puny human thinks himself capable of interfering in the business of the new god. You're still too naive if you think a few words will be enough to convince me to destroy The Doctor, but I'm willing to give you a gift, just like my expression of affection toward Haypasia. It is an honor to be able to stand here and speak with me. As my listener, you will be rewarded."

"What are you planning? You've got this look on your face..."

"Both good things and bad things can be called gifts. After all, gods have never needed to be reasonable." And in a flash of Electro, The Balladeer vanished from sight.