Volume 5 – Chapter 133(Mary Skelter: Nightmares(Part 5))

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Author Note:

[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.

{ } = When talking through Telepathy.

' ' = When thinking in your mind.

<<  >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.

--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.

** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV

/// /// = In Call

" " = System and when talking to it.

「 」 = Thoughts being heard

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Looking at the pale and horrified face of Electro Archon, Echidna took a sip of her and continued.

Echidna: Everything I speak of is a cold, hard fact. Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter one bit.

Ei: ...

Gritting her teeth, the purple-haired woman clenched her fists tightly. She still had a hard time believing what would be the fate of her world in this "Planar War."

Seeing her conflicted emotions, the white-haired woman didn't speak and gave her some time to gather herself.

'Echidna: While Prime forbade me from disclosing the secrets and truth of her world, he didn't say anything about revealing the outcome her war will face in this war. So, I am sure it should be fine.'

But then she sighed inwardly.

'Echidna: Though knowing that man, I am sure he would have already expected that I would do so.'

Echidna: I also know the adventure and journey of the children you gave birth to after being captured. Those sons and daughters of yours did make a name for themselves. Well, you can't expect anything less from the children of Electro Archon, Raiden Shogun…. Want to hear about their lif---

Ei: QUIET!!!!

RUMBLE!!

Thunder started coming out of Ei as she glared daggers at the "Witch of Greed," who was pouring salt on her wounds again and again.

Still, Echidna can tell that she was using rage to hide her fear, anxiety, horror, uneasiness, and worry.

Shrugging her shoulders, "Witch of Greed" decided not to press Ei's buttons anymore.

Noticing that the white-haired woman was no longer continuing with the topic, the Electro Archon tried to stabilize her breathing.

'Echidna: Too bad the fate of your world can't be changed even if you return in time…. If a tree is the base of the world, its branches are its parallel world, and the sub-branches are its infinite outcome, your very branch came into being when your World was chosen to take part in this war......… Though that's what I want to say but…'

Echidna: Did you forget that the fate of your World has already changed?

Ei: …

Realization struck Ei as she opened her eyes wide.

Because of all the revelations of the hopeless future, she completely forgot that everything had shifted from its pre-destined path. All… because of one… man.

Echidna: To be honest, even I was surprised by this. Prime had decided that he would no longer interfere with the lives of Mortals.... In the beginning, he had no intentions of helping your World either. But later, he had a change of heart…For the two people. One was that girl Lumine, and the Second was….

Her words trailed off, but she didn't speak. She did not need to say as the Electro Archon immediately understood who she was talking about.

With her trembling voice, she asked.

Ei: M-Me…

Echidna: Yup, you.

Ei: …

Echidna: You both already hold a special space in his heart. That's why he gets on his way to lend a hand. While he didn't change the ending of your world in this War, he still brought all of you here in his world so that the people of Teyvat can live their lives in peace.

'Echidna: Though I somewhat envy you. And I am sure his other subordinates also think the same. We can understand Lumine's case since she spent years with him. During that time, they both were together 24/7… But you are different.'

At this time, she was looking attentively at Ei.

'Echidna: You spent much less time with him, yet your position is the same as Lumine's… When I asked him about it, he said he could see his past self in you. Just what part of you reminds him of his old self…Tch. Too bad, no matter how much I asked, he remained quiet. So, I guess I can do nothing but check you to find the common thing between you two.'

Soon, the purple-haired nerves calmed down, and she sighed in relief.

Echidna: Good to see that you have collected yourself. So, tell me what else you want to know.

Ei: Nothing. I want to leave.

Echidna: Oh…

This made the "Witch of Greed" raise one of her brows.

Echidna: Why the hurry?

Ei: …

Echidna: Let me guess. You are in a rush to see him right now.

Ei: …

Echidna: I will take your silence as yes.

While she had a calm expression, Echidna was still feeling jealous.

Shaking her head, she put those thoughts away and saw Ei's restless face. Seeing that, she couldn't help but chuckle.

Echidna: In any case, Prime told me to tell you about some things. With 0that, I can't let you go. So, why don't you sit so I can continue? That way, it will be completed quickly, and you can leave soon.

Ei: …Ok.

The Electro Archon then picked up her chair and sat while waiting for the "Witch of Greed" to finish whatever she wanted to convey to her.

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-- Liyue Harbor --

Primis was currently floating in the sky while looking at Liyue below.

The city was no longer the same. Of course, people, merchants, business people, and soldiers could still be seen walking down the streets. However, the excitement, thrill, and passion that was once present on people's faces were no longer there.

Instead, gloominess, fear, suspicion, and distrust were the only emotions visible in their eyes.

It was not that surprising, as they were afraid that the person they were walking with right now would turn out to be another Man-Eater in disguise.

They had witnessed it many times in the past few days when they showed up in the crowd all of a sudden and started slaughtering. While the soldiers and Adepti killed them, the fear had still taken root in the hearts of people by now. They even started suspecting whether their family member was a man-eater.

Primis can, of course, see all of it. Telling him how delicate the situation of the Liyue was right now.

Next, he shifted his gaze from the city to the Jade Chamber flying near him.

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-- Jade Chamber --

A group of soldiers could be seen standing outside the chamber.

In the past, one can see the pride, courage, bravery, and alertness in their eyes, like they were prepared to fight with their life on the line to protect the people inside.

But now, those emotions were replaced with weariness, desperation, sorrow, and anxiety. They were also somewhat wary of the other soldiers around them. No longer did they have any confidence in entrusting their backs to others.

At this time, they saw someone landing on the terrace of this floating palace. They all tensed up and pointed their weapons towards that person.

Millelith 1: Who goes there!? Don't you Jade Chamber is off limi---

But then, it was as if something struck in his throat, and his voice disappeared. He was not the only one. Other soldiers also came to a standstill and widened their eyes, seeing who it was.

That divine face that made others forget how even to breathe. Those eyes looked at everything and everyone from heaven and hell, judging them. That dignified, regal, majestic, and imperial aura that demands respect, reverence, and submission.

They all trembled as a name appeared in their mind: Eternal Netherworld Emperor.

CLING!!

CLANG!!

CLANG!!

...

…

The weapons they pointed at the person fell from their hands, and they all went on their knees.

THUD!!

All Millelith: We apologize for our rude behavior, Your Majesty!

THUD!!

They slammed their heads hard on the ground at the end of their sentence. From their trembling bodies, anyone can tell how terrified they were.

Never in their dreams did they imagine that they would one day offend someone that everyone in this world now feared and looked up to.

Primis glanced at these soldiers and started walking towards the door leading inside.

When he walked past the kneeling soldiers, an irresistible power engulfed them and made them rise. It also healed the light wounds that had appeared on their foreheads when they smashed them on the floor.

At first, they were surprised, but then they realized who was responsible for it and looked back. Only to see Primis opening the door and entering.

Even when he was no longer in front of them, the soldiers still bowed in his direction.

All Millelith: Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty.

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---- Jail ----

Lumine stopped at the path leading to the Liberated District right before her.

She had a feeling that her life here wouldn't be as simple as she thought.

Red Riding Hood: Hey, Lumine. Is something wrong?

Jack: I-If you have been tired of carrying Alice for a long time, give her to me.

Snapping out of her thoughts, the blonde shook her head and responded.

Lumine: It's nothing. I was just lost in my thoughts, that's all.

Jack: Ok. But please let me know if you need a hand.

Lumine: I will. Thanks.

They then continued walking and reached the entrance of the district.

Red Riding Hood: Ahem. I know you all want to rest, but I still want to say it.

Stepping forward, she turned and looked at them.

Red Riding Hood: Welcome to the "Liberated District".

Jack: Liberated District?

Red Riding Hood: Yup. We regained control of it from the Marchens so that people could live the way they should.

While Jack was surprised to hear that, Lumine narrowed her eyes.

'Lumine: I don't think it's that simple. If this whole place is part of Jail and that very Jail can control and order Marchens and Nightmares however it desires, doesn't this mean that people can live here because Jail lets them?'

Red Riding Hood: This place is for those who escape prison cells so they can live a normal life again.

With a bright smile on her face, she continued.

Red Riding Hood: We Blood Maidens and the Dawn protect the District in hopes of escaping the Jail one day.

Jack: Dawn?

Red Riding Hood: You will learn more about it later.

Jack: Ok.

Red Riding Hood: You're free to roam this district however you like.

Jack: Thank you.

Red Riding Hood: Take a look over there. That's the entrance to the Liberated District.

???: Darling, you are back?

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice attracted their attention. Moving their head, they saw a tall, muscular man standing on the other side of the entrance.

Lumine turned her gaze to his side and saw a pole with debris and spikes attached to one end.

'Lumine: A weapon.'

Red Riding Hood: Yup, just done with things I have gone to do.

After saying that, the smile disappeared from her face, and she spoke in a tired voice as if what she was about to say was something she had said many times before.

Red Riding Hood: Also, quit calling me "Darling!" Stop giving people weird names to everyone, Towa.

???: Hahaha! Same to you. I'd appreciate it if you would call me by my last name.

Red Riding Hood: Towa is Towa. Why do you have to be ashamed of being called by your first name?

Jack: You both sound like brother and sister.

Red Riding Hood: He's not my brother!

???: She's not my sister!

Jack: Oh, uh… Sorry…

???: Hahaha! That was a bit embarrassing. The name's Kadowaki. I'm the gatekeeper here.

Jack: Mr. Kadowaki?

Red Riding Hood: C'mon, you have to say his whole name. He's embarrassed for having a cute-sounding first name.

Towa: Stop it already.

Red Riding Hood: Heh, heh! You're getting all red.

'Jack: They really seem to get along well together.'

Towa: Um, and you are?

Jack: My name is Jack. Nice to meet you.

Towa: You must be very special since Darling escorted you here herself.

Jack: Huh? No, it's not like that. We were just left behind, that's all.

Towa: We?

Jack: Yeah. Me, Alice, and Lumine.

Towa: …I am sorry, but who are you talking about?

Red Riding Hood: Oh, C'mon, Towa. Jack is talking about the other two girls.

Towa: Uh…which girls?

Red Riding Hood: Of course, those two....

In the end, her words trailed off, and a dumbfounded expression appeared on her face when she saw Jack standing on his spot, all alone. There was no sign of Lumine and Alice around,

Even the boy had the same expression.

Well, it can't be helped. Lumine was getting bored of their bickering. Hence, she let them be and entered the district with Alice on her back.

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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.

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