The Second Archon War: Animula Choragi 13

Animula Choragi 13: What is This Feeling? 

Sitting backstage, Furina cradled her Vision in her hands, its soft blue glow bathing her face. After all this time, after hundreds of years…she had a Vision.

Well, she had a fake one. Despite all appearances to the contrary, including the concentrated elemental energy within, this wasn’t a Vision. Furina could tell that this wasn’t giving her access to powers, though she had felt something unlock as soon as it fell into her hands. 

Correct. I made this one myself. I suppose it is a symbol of our connection my dear, but it is false. 

“It’s beautiful. I love it,” Furina whispered. 

“-well I’m her lawyer, so you ARE going to let me through. So ein Mist! I have my own Vision right here!” 

Furina blinked and looked up, to where a small commotion was taking place. It seemed that Emile was trying to block a very frustrated Yennifer from coming backstage, along with a few of the stagehands. She hastily stood up, clutching the Vision in one hand and hurried over. 

“Emile! It’s alright, that’s my roommate!” Furina said hastily. “She’s the first one to ever get a Hydro Vision!” 

Emile glanced at Furina, then back at Yennifer, who had started glowing slightly with absorbed Hydro Energy. Right behind her was Charlotte, who had her camera out and a manic grin on her face, which probably wasn’t helping things. 

“They’re not just paparazzi?” Emile asked. He was interrupted by a loud squeal and a Barbara sized blur streaking past him to tackle Charlotte in a hug. 

“You were AMAZING!” Charlotte shrieked in an equally shrill voice as the two girls danced up and down. 

“I was only OK, did you get it?! Did you get it all on camera!? Tell me you got it on camera!” Barbara begged. 

“Oh please,” Charlotte put her hand on her breast and winked. “Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“We were trying to confiscate the girl’s camera, there’s no photography or filmmaking in the audience!” Emile said in exasperation. 

“Of the play, sure, but this was for Furina getting her Vision!” Charlotte said, adjusting her glasses. “We’re allowed to get photos with the cast, right?”

“Charlotte is my friend, Emile! It’s alright!” Barbara huffed.

Yennifer groaned and rubbed the bridge of her nose, then gave a small shrug and smiled at Furina, who stepped forward. Yennifer took Furina by the hands, and asked quietly, “How do you feel?”

“Overwhelmed,” Furina admitted, tears coming to her eyes. “I wasn’t expecting…I never thought…me? A Vision?”

“I’d ask if you heard the Hydro Archon, but I am fairly certain everyone heard her this time. Seems she wanted her own share of the spotlight,” Yennifer chuckled.

Hmph. I merely wished to acknowledge how wonderful my daughter is. This is your moment, Furina, not mine. 

It was a bit much.

So you didn’t like it, then?

Oh, no, it was perfect! Excellent timing! I do wonder, is it possible to make sure all moments a mortal gets their Vision are so inspiring?

Ohoho! I do my best. Most of the others have no sense of dramatic timing. I, on the other hand, like to think I have more discerning taste. Yennifer’s was a nice trick I think, but still not my best work. My hand was rather forced. That brat is more than a tad annoying.

Be nice to Charlotte, she tries. 

Even as she was talking to Focalors, Furina was sharing an embrace with Yennifer. “There’s supposed to be a cast party. You should come!”

“It really should wait. The authorities are going to be looking for you,” Yennifer said, biting her lip.

“Well tell them d'aller se faire enculer,” Marcel growled, hurrying up to Furina. “You were magnificent! Incredible! And then, to cap it all off, Heaven itself acknowledges you!? We’ll be sold out for MONTHS!” 

“I think everyone did a spectacular job. Barbara was inspired as Cosette, and Julien was amazing as Jean Valjean,” Furina said, trying to give credit to the other cast members. 

“They were good. You were…” Marcel reached his hands up, as if trying to grasp something. “...Divine.”

“Focalors seems to agree,” Yennifer said, nodding to Furina’s vision. “I’m shocked our minds are so aligned.”

Furina colored slightly. She wanted to tell Yennifer that was because Furina herself had given Yennifer her Vision, and this was merely a bit of theater to keep the bluff going. However…she was all too familiar with playing a part alone on the stage. Only…only she didn’t wish to be alone any longer…

I am with you, Furina. Fear not. Neither of us need play this out in isolation this time. 

Yes. Thank you, mother. It’s just…I wish I could confide in Yennifer. 

To do so would draw the eyes of the False Sustainer. You know what a risk it would be to her. 

Yes, I have seen your old plan now. It really was the only way, wasn’t it?

Would that there had been another. But yes. I fear, once more, you must be a star unsung. At least until this play reaches its climax. 

“Well, both of us have a thirst for Justice, and a bit of a dramatic flair,” Furina stammered. “I-”

“JULIE!” Ling cried, and Furina turned to see Chef Mao and his daughter embracing Julie, who was crying on their shoulders. “You were incredible! I knew you could sing, but WOW! Just you wait, you’ll be getting your own show in no time!” 

“Thank you, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to perform,” Julie said, drying her eyes and accepting a bouquet of flowers from her uncle. 

“Ha! You showed these foreign devils that we Chinese can perform as well as any of them! Too bad you can’t sing in Cantonese,” Chef Mao remarked, fortunately in the same language, so that Furina was likely the only other one who could understand them. 

“Hey! Furina!” Ling ran over, dragging Julie behind her. “You were AWESOME! Amazing! That song…it made me cry all over again! Dad was having to pretend he was alright, but I could see him blubbering too!”

“I wasn’t crying, I’d just been chopping onions,” Mao grunted, then grinned to show he was kidding. “You were wonderful, Furina.”

“Thank you both, I’m so glad you could come,” Furina said, accepting another bouquet, nearly as large as Julie’s, from Chef Mao. “I…I think I might need to turn in my resignation.”

“No good. You’ll have to come in on Monday,” Chef Mao said sternly, and Furina wilted slightly at his glare. Then he grinned. “We’re having a party! Tell all your fellow actors to come! The restaurant is closed, but Ling and I will make a proper feast for you all! And of course, vegetarian options for Charlotte and Yennifer.”

The two in question were looking somewhat blankly at Mao, who had said all that in Cantonese. Furina hastily translated, and both smiled. 

“Of course we’ll be there! Don’t worry, I already posted the video of you getting your Vision, Furina. On your channel, too, of course.”

Furina blinked at that. “What? But why?” 

“Are you serious!? This is INCREDIBLE! It was like that one scene in the Bible and everything! I know that, and I haven’t even read the damn thing. Yen just makes me go on Easter and stuff. Actually, they were talking about it the morning you arrived.”

Well, I’m glad someone picked up the reference. Perhaps this one is mildly tolerable after all. 

Please tell me you didn’t. 

Oh I most certainly did. Literary references are all the rage, my dear. And if these people are going to accept you as their god, we need to lay the foundation! Plus, it’s from a baptism! If that isn’t just completely perfect for you I simply don’t know what is. 

But I don’t want to be a god…

A bit late for that, hmmm? 

Word quickly spread of the party at Wanmin restaurant. Most of the cast already knew that both of them had been working there, even during rehearsals, so most everyone was rather eager to try the food they’d both gushed over. 

“Are they still going to make you wait tables even with that thing now?” Thomas, who played Javert, teased. He was tall and darkly handsome, and unlike the character he portrayed, Thomas was ready with a laugh and didn’t take himself very seriously. 

“I’ll have to serve you all at least once! Besides, I’m not rich yet,” Furina laughed. 

“You will be,” Julien said, nodding soberly to Furina, the effect amplified by the fact that he still had on his makeup as the elderly Jean Valjean. “We can all see it. Some of us might be good, but you? You’re the one we’ll spend the rest of our careers saying, ‘I acted beside Furina de Fontaine.’”

Furina tried to laugh it off, but the words had the ring of prophecy in her ears. She glanced over to see Barbara, looking near to tears, a bouquet of roses in her hands as she hugged her mother. She couldn’t hear over the noise, but-

Oh, let me fix that. 

“You came. You really came, Mère.” 

“Of course I did. I told you I would. Nothing in the world could have kept me from seeing you perform tonight. You were a star, Barbara. I confess, I used to think these videos and songs of yours were just a bit of childish fun, but tonight, I saw a future star.”

“Are you sure you didn’t just see Furina?” Barbara hiccuped, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. 

“I had eyes only for you, Barbara. You’ll have my full support in this. I can tell that this is your dream,” Jeanne said, helping to wipe away a few of her daughter’s tears. “Now, I’ve spoken with Ms. Lustria. She will escort you to the party, and I’m certain Furina will keep an eye on you as well.”

“You’re not coming?” Barbara said, sounding very disappointed. 

“I’m sorry. I wish I could, but there is always work to be done. Helsinki has fallen, or will fall in the next few hours. It’s a time of crisis, and I need to be ready to respond.”

“You’re just the mayor! Surely that isn’t your problem.”

“Protecting France is my problem, Barbara. Ensuring that the light of Freedom does not die is my duty. It’s one I cannot put down. Remember why they killed your father: I cannot forget his memory…”

A green swirl of power seemed to wrap about Jeanne, and Focalors let out a frustrated huff. 

Oh, he would steal that one. Very well, but the daughter is yours. Don’t you dare let that lush of a bard steal her!

In times of Tyranny, the Wind does not fade, and you will not pause in your duty. 

Against the storm of oppression and the woes of war, you stand proud, a guardian of the people.

Though your heritage is that of kings, you make yourself a Servant; your ambition is for equality. 

Let your Vision Guide you, Daughter of the Republic. 

Jeanne lifted up a hand, and from above, a glowing green gem called from the wind, falling into her palm. A hush had fallen over the cast, and all eyes turned to regard Jeanne, who instead of looking shocked, merely appeared solemn as she studied her Vision. 

“Interesting. I had not thought…but I am merely a servant of the people,” Jeanne said, almost to herself. 

Funny, how often we see the same mortals, eh? I see you’ve picked up one you recognize as well! Interesting! Well, take good care of Jeanne. And try to make sure she has a little fun now and then. She’s always pushing herself too hard!

Furina nearly jumped out of her skin as a glowing green wind sprite manifested next to her left shoulder. “L-Lord Barbatos!? But, you- You can’t be here!” 

Hrmph. Well, I suppose I couldn’t expect to fool you for long. Focalors grumbled, appearing as a small oceanid over Furina’s right shoulder. 

You had me for a bit there! But even I know the name of Furina de Fontaine! Wasn’t too hard to piece things together. I have to say, that trick with giving yourself a Vision? Inspired! I’ve used the same disguise, but doing it on stage like that? An excellent performance! 

“You, you two can’t be here! People will see!” Furina hissed, her eyes darting about. Then, she paused. Everyone else appeared frozen in time, even Jeanne, who continued to gaze into her Vision solemnly. “Or, wait. Did you do something?”

Ehe! Just a little bit of Chronomancy. I’m still weakened, but I figured this was as good an excuse as any to pop in and say hi! 

More like you wanted to steal away my Mayor before Furina could give her a Vision. 

Hey, she earned it! That kind of self sacrifice in the name of freedom combined with deep loss? How could I stay away!?

Furina sighed. “I’m never going to get used to this…”

It takes a bit. Took me a millenia or two before I really grew into my powers. Even then, it’s a tad uncomfortable most of the time. That’s why I spend most of my time as a simple bard! Much more fun that way. 

“I’m sure,” Furina said, then looked around. “Please tell me the Raiden Shogun isn’t going to show up at the bar for the party, or the Tsaritsa will be hiding under my bed.”

Hardly. Beelzebul was always blind and deaf to anything that didn’t involve a military campaign, and that impudent brat of Cocolia’s…well. She’s still taking a nap last I checked, which is for the best I suppose.

Don’t be too hard on Bronya. She was thrust into power at a time of great tragedy. Was she the same Tsaritsa you knew?

“I…think so? We talked to Nahida, it’s all a bit confusing. Even the year was a different length on our version of Teyvat,” Furina said, rubbing her head. 

Huh, no kidding? Fascinating! Well, as much as I’d love to stay and chat, I really do still need a few more years of resting. Good seeing you! Oh, just one thing, I take it you’re all aboard the ‘Kill the Sustainer’ plan?

“He plans a great Injustice. How could I stand by and let such happen?” Furina said, shaking her head. “I…I know I’m not very experienced at fighting, but, whatever I can do to help…”

I think you’re doing it already. Fate’s a tricky thing, but if we’re going to have a chance, I know  you’ll be a part of it. Alright, my time is up, toodles! See you at Eurovision!

“Eurovision?” Furina asked, even as the flow of time resumed. 

Oh, yes. I just know you’ll put that overstuffed breeze in his place. Mwahahaha! Oh yes, we’ll show him! 

“Mère?!” Barbara gasped, her eyes wide with shock. 

“It is nothing,” Jeanne said, and actually tucked the Vision away in a pocket of her jacket. “Tonight is about you.” She kissed Barbara on her forehead. “Have fun at the party. We’ll discuss arrangements for your schooling another time.”

“I…yes, Mère,” Barbara managed, clearly stupefied. 

With a nod to Furina and Yennifer, Jeanne departed, a couple of now somewhat superfluous bodyguards trailing behind her. 

“Two in one night?!” Marcel gasped. “What is it, did God himself attend the play?”

Herself. And yes I did. 

Mother…

What? You’re going to need to train these mortals at some point. Some of them already worship you, you just need to channel it in the right direction. 

Well, at least Furina was somewhat used to that kind of attention. She’d rather enjoyed her anonymity while it lasted…even if the first thing she’d done when offered the stage again was sprint for it. 

And the applause of the audience really was like milk and honey to her…

It actually is now. You get a nice little power boost from the faith. Something we’ll need if we’re going to challenge the False Sustainer. So enjoy it! It matters not if worship is offered at the temple, or the opera house. So long as you have their devotion, it’s all the same. 

I’m aware of basic theology, thank you. 

The party was wonderful, especially with Yennifer, Charlotte, Ling, and Chef Mao all there. They had it at a bar not far from the theater, and many a glass was raised in toast. No small number of them for Furina. They laughed, and ate, and drank, save for Barbara and Charlotte, who were limited to two glasses of watered wine since they were only 14. 

The wine, despite Furina’s best intentions, went straight to her head. The more she drank, the more she laughed, and the more she laughed, the more she wanted to drink. Previously, she’d avoided alcohol, but it didn’t seem so pressing now for some reason. After all, wasn’t it part of the act to imbibe? It would be rather suspicious if Furina didn’t.

“What do you mean, you’re out of Bordeaux?!” Marcel shouted, red faced at the bartender. “And the Burgundy!?” 

“We still have some wines, but the ones you requested are out, you’ve drank us nearly dry sir,” the waiter said by way of apology. 

“Wait, hic, wait,” Furina slurred, her vision a little blurry. She had an idea; read it in a book somewhere. “Fill…fill these up with water.”

She took the two wine bottles, which the waiter stared at.

“I have it,” Yennifer said, and holding her vision, caused a stream of water to go into both bottles. Perfect. That water would already be imbued with elemental energy!

“Great! Now…watch! I gots…I gots a magic trick!” Furina said, then waved her hands over the bottles. Drawing on a bit of the divine power she now had, Furina easily changed the liquid to that of wine.

In the back of her head, Focalors started laughing. Had she done it wrong? Furina took the bottle and poured herself a glass, then tasted it. It seemed fine to her. 

The party, previously raucous, had gone silent. Everyone was gaping at her, save Charlotte, who had gotten out her camera and was snapping away. 

“See?” Furina said, holding it up, and feeling suddenly sober. “A perfect Burgundy! Help yourself!”

“Nom de Dieu, she can turn water into wine too?!” Emile gasped, his face pale. 

“Um…” Furina paused, racking her brain. That…that was something Hydro Vision holders could do…couldn’t they?

Oh no it most certainly is not. 

“Don’t tell me your parents' names are Marie and José ,” Marcel said, taking a bottle and pouring a glass for himself.

“Er…that is what it says on my birth certificate,” Furina admitted. 

Marcel choked, spilling wine over himself as he looked up at Furina in shock. 

“And was your mother a virgin too?” Marcel sputtered, trying to wipe himself off. 

H-he has no right to inquire about that! Do not answer! 

Furina blushed heavily, and Yennifer interjected, putting her hands on Furina’s shoulders. “Don’t be crass, sir. Furina’s parents passed away. She’s just showing off her new Vision.”

“Well, I suppose Christ didn’t have a girlfriend,” Marcel muttered. 

Furina’s eyes went wide, and her face jerked towards Yennifer’s at the same time she turned to face Furina, a look of startlement mirrored there. For a moment, Furina’s eyes locked on Yennifer’s lips. Why…why did she feel the urge to lean in and kiss her? And why did she suddenly feel…

“I-I need to go to the bathroom,” Furina stammered. Something was wrong in her pants, she’d not felt like this before! It must be the wine. Or another period, but it wasn’t supposed to happen again for a week!

She broke apart from Yennifer and hurried to the bathroom, but she didn’t think she’d wet herself, even if the sensation was…odd. It was also rather pleasant. Still, she cleaned herself up and stuck her head back out to check on the party. Thankfully, most people seem to have decided Furina was just performing a party trick instead of a miracle. 

“So. Water into wine? Dove giving you a vision at your baptism? If you’re trying to hide, you’re going to need to do a better job.”

Furina jumped again, turning to find Charlotte and Barbara standing there. “I, er, beg your pardon?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll cover for you! I told everyone you swapped the bottles with an illusion when they weren’t looking,” Barbara confided. “Yen backed us up.”

“I, um, of course! Yes, that’s definitely what I did,” Furina said, sweat breaking out on her brow. 

Charlotte gave her a knowing look. “Come on, Furina. We’re going to try to help you out, but you really have to put in the effort. Just don’t go restoring sight to the blind or raising the dead. That would be really hard to explain away.”

“I, er, think I can probably manage that?” Furina stammered. Raise the dead? Who did they think she was?

Still, they departed the party not long after that, as it was only a few hours until dawn. Charlotte and Barbara started singing show tunes on the way back, and Yennifer was drunk enough that she joined in. Furina did as well, soon forgetting about the incident with the wine and whatever that was she felt when she looked into Yennifer’s eyes. 

They all stumbled into the apartment, and Furina and Yennifer headed back to the bedroom, closing the door. 

“It’s hot,” Furina complained, pulling off her shirt. “Ugh, I’m all sweaty, but I’m too tired to shower.”

“It’s fine, here, let me help,” Yennifer said, and came over to undo Furina’s bra, which caused her to sigh in relief. “Help me?”

“Sure,” Furina agreed, her clumsy fingers struggling for a moment before she managed to unlatch Yennifer’s bra. Yennifer turned to face her, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, standing there, naked. 

“I, um…thank you. For, ah, helping me,” Furina said, feeling dizzy. 

“I…yes. I…I’ll always be there for you, Furina,” Yennifer said. She reached out for Furina, who took her hand. For a moment…she thought something more was going to happen. She imagined herself falling into Yennifer’s arms, and that odd sensation came back, even stronger than before…

“Good night,” Yennifer whispered, and there were tears in her eyes. Why was she crying? It must be the wine.

Without bothering to put on nightclothes, it really was quite warm for only may, they both stumbled into bed. 

The dreams Furina had were…interesting. Embracing Yennifer, holding her close, and…oh. Oh she hoped that Focalors couldn’t see this…

But it was wonderful. Even if it was just a dream. 

The next morning, Furina had a pounding headache, and groaned as Yennifer sat up in bed. 

“Ugh. I should have known better than to drink that much,” Yennifer moaned, scrubbing at her face. She smiled at Furina. “Hey, sleepy.”

“H-hey,” Furina said, sitting up and clutching her head. It felt like she had an entire orchestra pounding away at the drums in there. “I…I feel like I’m dying…”

“Hangover. We both had too much last night,” Yennifer said, staggering out of bed. “At least I don’t have to go into the office today, it’s Saturday. Ugh, it’s already nearly noon. 

Furina’s eyes were fixed on Yennifer’s bare behind, which was…fascinating. She stared as Yennifer rooted around for some clothes. “I’m going to shower. You can have it next.”

“A-alright,” Furina agreed, and lay back down. What was this? She must be sick.

No more than you deserve. That was quite the quantity of wine you drank. 

Oh shut up. I bet you never had to deal with a hangover. 

Of course not. Oceanids don’t get drunk, and then I lacked any body at all.

Well, get yourself one and see how YOU like it.

Sounds dreadful. I’m happy as I am, thank you. You passed out quite a few Visions last night, by the by. 

Yes, I recall. It was odd, Furina could remember sitting on her Throne and distributing Visions, but also her, ah, dreams with Yennifer. Those had been…somewhat more exciting. 

Good, good. You’ll want to experiment with your powers. I’m limiting you to more or less what a Hydro Vision Wielder can manage. Miracles aside. Try not to pull that again. I can’t really keep your limiters in place when you’re inhibited in that manner.

You mean…when I’m drunk, I have the full Hydro Authority!?

Not the full Authority. You’re splitting it with a dragon. Not that you’re any less powerful, if anything, it’s amplifying your own Authority. Odd, that. Anyway, drink plenty of water, you’ve got another show in a few hours. 

Yennifer was out after only about ten minutes, and Furina staggered into the bathroom herself, somewhat disappointed Yennifer was dressed now. Her thoughts really were wild this morning. Instead of a shower, she drew a bath, then stood and watched as it filled.

After a minute or so, Furina held up her Vision, which she’d brought with her. She wondered, was it possible to make it fill a little faster? She reached out, and could feel the water in the pipes, in the air all around her…yes, just a teensy little tug, and…

And that's how Yennifer’s apartment completely flooded. Furina would have died of embarrassment if she hadn’t had a play at 8pm. 

Author’s Note:

All hail our blessed lady of Girlfailures. 

PHILO: All I’m hearing is that she’s the Goddess of Streamers now. It even fits the pun. Stream? Water? Streamer? She’s going to rule the Interwebs.