The Second Archon War: Animula Choragi 11

Animula Choragi 11: If Ever I Would Leave You

Yennifer awoke earlier than usual. She’d had the oddest dream the night before, standing on a stage with Furina, along with another woman who could have been Furina’s twin, or at least the twin of how Furina had looked before she’d dyed her hair and started wearing contacts. The first part of the dream, when Furina had hugged her and told Yennifer she was Furina’s best friend had felt so very, very real…

The next part of the dream had been wonderful. The two of them had danced together on the stage as the orchestra played. A wonderful waltz together, holding one another tight. Only, as the dance had gone on, an ominous presence had grown. A golden light that had sent shivers of fear down Yennifer’s spine and she and Furina clung together.

Keep dancing. We must keep dancing, until the curtain falls. We must keep the eyes of heaven off of us, until the stage is set for the grand climax…

Yennifer had looked down at herself, and started to see that she was wearing a bridal gown. When she looked at Furina, she was dressed in that same crowned outfit she’d worn when she’d first arrived on Earth Bet, her disguise vanished, her true hair color and eyes showing through. 

“I love you,” Yennifer had gasped. “I’ll dance by your side forever!” 

Then she’d woken up, and to her embarrassment repeated that same phrase to Furina. Hopefully, Furina didn’t remember it. The poor woman thought of Yennifer as a sister, and besides, she probably wasn’t even gay. Such was the story of Yennifer’s life. 

Sighing, Yennifer scooped up Diane, and set her down in the new litterbox. The kitten seemed to know what to do, finishing her business, then accepting a treat from Yennifer’s palm happily. 

“Good girl,” Yennifer said, stroking Diane, who purred and then nipped at the fingers. 

“Breakfast, I think,” Yennifer said, picking the kitten up and taking her over to the table, where she poured a bowl of milk and mixed it with some wet cat food. To her embarrassment, she found herself holding Diane in her lap and spoon feeding the kitten, who seemed to rather enjoy the attention. “Spoiled brat.”

“Mew!” Diane said, then batted at the glowing azure vision that hung from a cord around Yennifer’s neck. 

When Diane was fed, Yennifer let her scamper off to play on the cat tree while she examined her Vision in her palm. It didn’t feel real. Getting her Vision had been nothing like her Trigger Event. 

A bottle of pills by the nightstand, retching into the toilet bowl, her body wracked with pain and grief. Something within her had snapped, and she’d felt the world shift. Great lights, flashing in her mind, an incomprehensible vision, then-

Slowly, Yennifer reached up to feel at her horns. They were still there, of course. She was still a parahuman, no doubt about it. But something felt…different. She plucked at her horn, but it didn’t detach. 

“Hmm.” Standing, Yennifer went to the bedroom, where Furina was breathing softly in the bed. Gently, she plucked up her sword from its rack on the wall, then prodded the hilt with her Vision. Nothing. “How to bond you…”

Grasping the hilt, Yennifer held the sword up. She could feel energy within the blade, something that had never happened before. Holding her Vision in one hand and the sword in the other, Yennifer fed a bit of elemental energy into it and-

The blade vanished to watery mist, making Yennifer stumble slightly in surprise and let out a soft gasp. Unfortunately, that was enough to wake Furina, who was a bit of a light sleeper. 

“Hmm?” Furina yawned, stretching before sitting up. She smacked her lips, then spied the mortified Yennifer and blushed. “Oh! Um, good morning.”

“Good morning,” Yeniffer said, slowly standing. “I, um, well. I was just seeing if I could bond my blade…”

“Oh? Did you?” Furina said, looking around expectantly.

Nodding, Yennifer held out her hand, and her sword fell into it. She gave it a swish and a flick, then saluted Furina with it. “Yes, it just startled me when it disappeared into my Vision. How does that even work, anyway?”

“I’m not really sure, I never had a Vision of my own, nor a weapon,” Furina admitted. She grimaced. “Truth be told, I was a little jealous when you ran in with that Vision. I’d always wanted a Hydro Vision myself…though that would, perhaps, have given the game away.”

“Sorry,” Yennifer said, dismissing the sword with a flick of her hand. That was remarkably intuitive and simple. She sat down on the bed, holding out the Vision to Furina. “You want to hold it?”

Furina hesitated, then shook her head. “No, it’s your Vision. Um, when you received it, did you…?”

“I heard a voice. Honestly, I half expected it to be yours,” Yennifer admitted. “It did sound a bit like you, but it was someone else. You heard the recording of the poem. I’ll never forget those words.”

Closing her eyes, Furina recited,

The court is now in session 

Let the defendant rise! 

You will stand for Justice 

No matter your foe's size. 

Though you wear a mask of Duty, 

Your spirit shall not fade

Shout forth your loud objection! 

Daughter of Law’s shade

When she finished, they both sat in silence for several moments. Yennifer marveling at her Vision. At last, she said, “I confess, when I realized you weren’t the Hydro Archon, I was worried. What if the Archon was like the Tsaritsa? But, she has to be a good person, right? She’s…well, she feels like Justice is very important to her. That, and duty. Something I’ve always felt pressing on me.”

“I…yes.” Furina looked away, and Yennifer saw a tear trickle down her cheek. “You…you must continue to believe I am not the Hydro Archon, Yennifer. I spoke the truth to you when I arrived: I was not the Hydro Archon of Teyvat. And even here, it’s Focalors. I don’t properly know where she is, but…Focalors, not Furina, is the Archon.”

Yennifer nodded slowly, but her lawyer brain clicked on. Furina was usually rather precise with her wording and phrasing. Probably to do with her background as a lawyer cum actress. Which meant what she just said was…odd. Still, Yennifer resolved to trust Furina. Her Ambition, odd as it was, was to protect Furina and see that she got Justice. No matter what, Yennifer was going to be Furina’s Advocate and Defender. For now, that meant protecting Furina from nosy little sisters who damn well ought to know better. But also…

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to go to Mousquetaires headquarters today, and register myself. I’m already on file there of course, but now I’m a dual Vision Holder and Parahuman. I’m not completely up to date, but I do believe I’ve just joined a club the members of which you can count on a single hand. Myself, Captain von Dresch, and President Alexandria are the only examples I know of. Though I’m by far the most pathetic member of the club.”

“Don’t say that!” Furina said, a sudden fire entering her expression. “You’re a brave and heroic knight! I don’t know who this Alexandria is, but how many Harbingers has she stood up to?”

“More than me. She was on television last night after having fought and defeated the Prince outside Helsinki. Though how much longer that city can hold out…” Yennifer shrugged helplessly. 

“She fought and defeated a Harbinger? But, then, isn’t the war won?” Furina asked. 

“Alexandria has killed the Prince at least twice now. He doesn’t stay dead,” Yennifer said with a shudder. “He’s more of a living storm contained in a flesh puppet than a man. Killing the puppet slows him down until he can reconstitute himself, but that takes at most a few days.” 

“Oh. He’s like Il Dottore then,” Furina said, looking rather green. “I met him, once. The man was deeply unnerving. I’ve heard he’s been killed more than once, including in that incident in Sumeru when the Fatui attacked Lord Buer…”

“What?! Who would dare attack Nahida!?” Yennifer gasped. “She’s, well, she’s the Hopebringer! Half the world would starve without her, not to mention the Simurgh would start murdering entire cities again!” 

“If it would bring her power, do you really think the Tsaritsa would stop her servants from attacking even the God of Wisdom?” Furina asked quietly. “That’s why I so feared assassination by the Knave. She even tried, once. I never did learn why she stopped before taking my life.”

“In a world of gods and monsters, it’s hard being a mere mortal,” Yennifer said. On impulse, she leaned over and hugged Furina. “But we’ll stick together, no matter what.”

To her immense relief, Furina didn’t recoil. Instead, she buried her face in Yennifer’s chest and clung to her tightly. 

“Promise me…promise me you won’t abandon me, like everyone else always has,” Furina whispered. “No matter…no matter what you learn about me.”

“Nothing you ever do or say could ever convince me to abandon you, Furina,” Yennifer said, her Vision glowing brightly. She tried to stop herself from continuing, but found she couldn’t. “I love you, Furina. With all my heart.”

“Thank you,” Furina whispered, and let Yennifer hold her a while longer. 

Mentally, Yennifer kicked herself. Perhaps she owed Charlotte an apology. She could feel this drive to declare her Ambition, her feelings, to the world, and especially to Furina. Really, this was much too fast. She knew all the jokes about lesbians bringing a moving van to the second date, but really, she’d known Furina for barely more than a month. Now was not the time to declare undying and eternal love. 

A sudden image filled Yennifer’s mind. Standing on a hilltop, holding hands before a weathered grave. She knelt, and wiped away some moss.

Charlotte Lustria

April 10th, 1990 - November 8th, 2102

The Truth Will Set You Free

She blinked and the vision was gone. What on earth? How morbid was that? Seeing her little sister’s grave? What was that supposed to be? She was eleven years older than Charlotte, and almost certainly wouldn’t outlive her sister. 

“Well, I’ve got a shift to work. I should hear back from the theater soon about if I will get a role and what the rehearsal schedule will be,” Furina said. 

Yennifer gave Furina a flat look. “I heard what the owner said. You’re already cast in the role of Fantine. Don’t fret about it.” 

“I…well, I just…I don’t want to make assumptions,” Furina said with a blush. “Besides, Julie and Barbara are waiting to hear back as well. I do hope they’ll get roles too…”

“I heard Barbara’s audition, she was good. But, I think perhaps she’ll get a role regardless of her skill level,” Yennifer said with a sigh. 

Furina winced. “Because her mother is the mayor?”

“Because she’s Barbara d’Orleans. You…you don’t know what that means, do you?” Yennifer said, cocking her head to one side. 

“Um, that her family is wealthy and powerful?” Furina guessed. 

“That her mother is the Rightful Queen of France, and that Barbara is, for all intents and purposes, a Princess. Even if her mother did renounce her titles years ago.” 

Furina’s mouth dropped open, and Yennifer sighed. “It’s a very long, very complicated history. But to be brief, Jeanne and her daughter are direct descendants of Hughes Capet, as well as Philippe I, Duke of Orleans, younger brother of Louis the XIV, the Sun King. Her husband was her cousin Louis Bourbon-d’Orleans, Count of Paris. They were second cousins, but the marriage was still rather scandalous. Now she is technically Countess of Paris of according to the monarchists, Properly Queen Jeanne I of France.”

“But, wait, if she’s the rightful queen-”

“Louis and Jeanne both renounced their titles. It was a great scandal and a heavy blow to the Monarchists. It was her husband’s death at the hands of the Blasphemies that led to the Fall of the Fifth Republic and the August Civil War. Jeanne was instrumental in bringing about a peace that the Monarchists and the Republicans could accept, at least in part because despite being the Orleanist Pretender, Jeanne herself is a Republican. Don’t try to understand it, the entire thing is a great bloody mess.”

“And Barbara?” Furina asked, sounding rather faint. 

“There are those in the Monarchist faction that would see Barbara on the Throne of France. Barbara, however, is a minor. And, well, if her collaborations with my sister are any indication, just as much of an anti-Monarchist as her mother. For heaven’s sake, she attends a public school! Albeit with a bodyguard. You would not believe the background checks and interviews I had to go through before they would let her spend the night here. I had to chase away the paparazzi the first few times. Unbelievable.” 

“Then…who rules France? You said it was a Republic?” Furina asked. “Sorry, this is really something I should have looked up earlier…”

“Currently, the president is Bruno Mégret. He’s a complete Arschloch, but he was the compromise candidate between the insane communist who wanted to do purges of everyone who had ever taken communion as well as anyone who had ever owned more than the clothes on their back, or the ultra-Monarchist who would have installed Jeanne against her will as Queen, then rounded up all the parahumans and executed them.”

“French politics sound…intense,” Furina admitted. “Fontainian court politics could be labyrinthian, but at least everyone agreed the Iudex and the Archon were in charge, even if the Archon was more of a figurehead.” 

“By which you mean yourself?” Yennifer asked with a small smile. 

“Ugh, yes,” Furina said with a grimace. Then she flushed and raised her hands. “I-I was only pretending, remember? Anyway, while I had a great deal of influence and soft power, I, um, well, I tried very hard not to rule. I was somewhat preoccupied with trying to find a way to avert the prophecy, and anyway, I don’t think I’ve much of a talent for leadership.”

“Don’t feel bad, the only thing I’d put Venti in charge of is a concert, and even then I’d make sure that Naomi and Capri were supervising him to make sure he didn’t cause too much of a disaster,” Yennifer said, standing. “I’m going to wake Barbara and get going. I’ve already fed Diane, but do play with her for a bit before you leave, the poor dear needs stimulation and companionship.”

“And here you said you didn’t want a pet,” Furina said, laughing and standing herself. 

“I never said that,” Yennifer sniffed. “I said my mother always told me I’d turn into a crazy cat lady. That and that God would strike me down. Either for being a parahuman or gay, depending on the day.”

“What a lovely woman. I can’t wait to meet her,” Furina said with a sigh. 

Yennifer started. Furina, meeting her mother? Why did that send her pulse racing? It’s not like she ever intended to introduce her girlfriends to her mother. The old Miststück was likely to just throw something at her. 

And Furina was not her girlfriend. Just her friend. Who slept in her bed. And had adopted a cat with her. 

Stop it. Furina needs a friend and a protector, not someone pining for her. 

After ensuring Charlotte was up, Yennifer headed out. The École Militaire had once been a military academy, but the current government was obsessed with reclaiming the supposed glorious heritage of French Militarism, and the Mousquetaires were headquartered there along with the various heads of the military.

 Yennifer thought everything but the Mousquetaires were a bit of a shame and pointless posturing: if the current war hadn’t proved that conventional military forces were worth about as much as a wet fart in the wind when it came to modern combat, she didn’t know what would. Mayhaps a military like the Japanese Bakufu’s forces would be more practical, but Yennifer didn’t think France had enough high-quality Tinkers to pull that off. 

Although…if they could figure out how to harness Elemental Energy into military technology…

She shook her head. No need to start giving these reactionary idiots ideas. 

The interior of the École Militaire was in grand classical style: marble columns, exquisite wood paneling, and grand paintings of kings and emperors past. That had always bothered Yennifer: she’d never liked how much France was trending towards authoritarianism and militarism, not to mention the increased nationalism. She herself would have preferred that her nation emphasize that they were where the Revolution had truly begun on behalf of the working class, of the downtrodden and destitute…but alas. Such was not how things worked in Earth Bet.

She approached the desk, where behind the secretary, a foreboding picture of Iron Mask stood. He was posed in front of the Flag of the Republic, which was a Tricolor with a gold fleur-de-lis in the center. Iron Mask was probably the most powerful cape in France and the head of the Mousquetaires. A Stranger/Changer, Iron Mask was able to take on the appearance and powers of anyone he saw, including Vision Holders after a fairly recent second trigger. His copies were always flawed, both in appearance and in their powers, though that flaw could mean that his copy didn’t possess Manton limits the original did, making him even more powerful. Other times, the flaw impeded him, and it was near impossible to know ahead of time what it would be. 

“Ah, Mademoiselle Lustria, we were just looking for you,” the secretary said as she approached. “Your Vision, it is online already, yes?”

Sighing, Yennifer nodded. Charlotte had, of course, caught her Vision event live, and then promptly posted it. It had racked up over 100,000 views overnight, and might be reaching to become the first video to ever hit one million views. Fame wasn’t something Yennifer had ever sought, but she was the very first confirmed Hydro Vision holder, at least for now. And a parahuman to boot. 

“Yes, that’s why I came to report first thing in the morning. It seems we’ll need to update my paperwork,” Yennifer said. 

“Right this way, please, they’re waiting for you.”

Bracing herself, Yennifer followed the secretary, her heels clicking on the marble floors as she was led to a grand conference room. There, Iron Mask was meeting with various other members of the Mousquetaires, a few bureaucrats, and even the President. Yennifer did her best to put on her Lawyer Face, but even she was a bit intimidated to face this crowd. 

Or she would have been. 

These are the ones who would deny Justice to the people. Stand strong, Child of Law, and do not falter. 

The pulsing Vision at her neck affirmed to Yennifer that what she was doing was Just. That she was meant to be here, meant to defy presidents and cape leaders, and demand Justice, even if just for herself. This really was a hell of a drug. No wonder Charlotte was so damn stubborn. It was like she could hear God himself whispering in her ear and telling her that she had to keep fighting, as well as giving her the strength and courage of will to do so. 

“Captain Yennifer Lustria, of the Knights of Favonius,” she said, and on a whim, drew her sword from her Vision, and saluted with it, the flat of the blade facing towards Iron Mask, who was staring at her from behind his metal visage. “Reporting as requested.”

She left out the bit where she was retired, and very much never wished to see the battlefield ever again.

Unless it was to protect Furina. Or her sister, though that was a shocking afterthought. 

“Ah, Mademoiselle, we were just discussing your…unique situation,” Iron Mask said, and gestured to a seat at the table, which faced the assembled dignitaries. “Please, have a seat.”

Dismissing her sword, a gesture that felt shockingly natural, Yennifer seated herself with a ramrod straight back, placing her hands on the table before herself, fingers interlaced. She was the picture of professional poise and calm, which belied how hard her heart was pounding. What, exactly, did they want from her? 

“So, it is true then. That is a new kind of Vision,” President Mégret said, leaning forward across the table. “What can you tell us of this new Archon?”

“Focalors is the Angel of Justice,” Yennifer answered instantly. “She seeks to defend the innocent, punish the guilty, and establish Law in equality for all.”

There were mutters, some of them less than thrilled, which surprised Yennifer. Shouldn’t they be excited? She decided to add, “She is nothing like the Tsaritsa. Lord Barbados told me a little of her, and we can learn a little more from the lore in Genius Invocation. She was the Regina of All Waters, known for seeking to save her people from a cruel fate, and her love of the arts. She did not rule her homeland, but was more of a…mascot.”

“Mascot?” Iron Mask said, frowning. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” Yennifer admitted. “Only that she did not rule Fontantane. She left that to the Iudex, or Head Judge. Who that is…we don’t know. Where she is, we also do not know. Perhaps she will shortly reveal herself. Perhaps not.”

Perhaps she was currently living in Yennifer’s apartment, though she was increasingly certain that Furina really was telling the truth about her not being the Hydro Archon. It certainly hadn’t been Furina’s voice she had heard. 

“It was a year before we knew the location of Buer,” Iron Mask said with a nod. He sighed and leaned back in the chair. “But I think we are safe, gentlemen. I have also heard her called ‘Regina of All Waters’ in that silly children’s card game. France is not a nation known for its dominance over the waves. Perhaps Great Britain or Venice would be more appropriate. Or further afield in Oceania. An island nation, surely.”

“If she does turn up, we won’t make the mistake Saddam did,” President Mégret said, dabbing at his forehead with a handkerchief. “Merde. Trying to control an Archon…it is madness. The best we could do is placate her. And hope she doesn’t topple the government like all the others have done.”

“Barbados didn’t,” Yennifer pointed out, but that earned her sour looks.

“He destroyed the LSA and the Gesellschaft so completely, not to mention his interference in German courts and his takedowns of politicians he doesn’t like. He might not have seized direct control, but make no mistake: Barbados controls Central Europe now, and we’ve had to work hard to combat his influence here,” Iron Mask said with a sneer at Yennifer. 

“I hardly think taking out fascists and homophobes is a problem,” Yennifer said stiffly. 

“That’s right, she’s a dyke,” someone muttered. Yennifer froze and felt rage boil up inside of her. Of course. 

“Pierre, shut the fuck up,” Iron Mask growled, glaring at the man who had spoken. “I’ve tolerated your particular brand of trash long enough. Pack your bags. You’re fired.”

“What!? But I-”

“I don’t care what you’ve done for us in the past, I’ve told you all before those views are as rank as five day old shit and staler too. Now get out,” Iron Mask said, his tone low and menacing.

The red-faced bureaucrat rose and stiffly walked away, leaving out a side door. That surprised Yennifer. Was this performance for her? 

“We’ve been pruning certain…reactionary elements in the government,” Iron Mask said, and he actually sounded apologetic. “I confess, my own views have not always been so…progressive. But we can see the way the winds are blowing, if nothing else.”

Ah. Political expediency. Well, it wasn’t full acceptance, but it was a start. The use of the turn of phrase regarding the wind was well put, as Barbados had made it abundantly clear that those who failed to respect gay rights would face his hurricane. 

Though Yennifer had to admit, they had a point about Barbados. While he wasn’t the direct head of state like Beezelbul or Dantalion, or even in a prominent advisory role like Buer, he was still pulling a lot of strings behind the scenes. Or, well, he had been, until he and the Tsaritsa both fought each other into a coma. 

“Thank you, Monsieur Mask. I confess, that is a pleasant surprise from this government.”

Iron Mask grunted. “The Archons change things. Focalors will change things. Let us simply hope she does not decide to change France.”

“Anything else you will require of me?” Yennifer asked. 

“We would like a better understanding of your abilities,” President Mégret said, leaning forward. “Just what can Hydro Vision Holders do?”

“A good question. I would be grateful to use your training facilities in order to find that out. Other Vision Holders would be helpful, so we could determine what sort of Elemental Reactions are available to us,” Yennifer said. She hadn’t really looked into Elemental Reactions before, but she knew that Dendro reacted with Electro, but not Cryo or Anemo, while the other three all reacted with each other. So far, Electro was considered the most advantageous element to possess in combat, as it reacted with all the others. 

Out of combat, it was up in the air between Electro and Dendro. There was just so much that could be done with magical electricity, and the healing abilities of Dendro users, along with their ability to fertilize vast acres of crops was incredible. 

It would be some time before Yennifer and the world realized that Hydro was by far the most powerful and reactive element out of all seven, able to adapt and react with every other element, and the driver behind the most powerful elemental reactions. Hyperbloom alone would revolutionize multiple industries, and that did not even begin to get into the more mystical precognitive properties that Hydro possessed that surpassed even the Dreams of Dendro. 

“Excellent, we will schedule you for training sessions.”

“Of course, though I won’t let it interfere with my work as a Defense Attorney. As you are probably well aware, I have several pending cases for clients who are facing charges from the state, some of them quite serious,” Yennifer said.

Iron Mask’s eyes flashed, but he nodded. “Of course. Though I do hope you will see things our way.”

“That is irrelevant. Everyone needs an advocate in the court, and my job is to defend Parahumans and Vision Holders alike, so that they may receive true Justice.”

“Hmph. Very well. As long as you cooperate. Thank you, Mademoiselle Lustria.”

“Captain.” 

Iron Mask paused, and Yennifer emphasized, “It’s Captain Lustria. I’m no girl.”

The cape leader tilted his head to one side and nodded. “I see. Thank you, Captain. We will speak again.”

Yennifer left with her head held high, and back straight. It would be good to get some experience with her new Vision. Somehow, she had a feeling that Furina would need protecting in the future. And, well, Yennifer got the sense that Furina wasn’t exactly a fighter. Not that she lacked courage or determination, and in a courtroom she would likely be formidable, but Furina didn’t seem to know the first thing about fighting. Yennifer had learned the lessons she had at a brutal school, but she was determined to become an even better defender. Both with the law, and with the sword. 

Somewhere, just beyond sight, Focalors smiled. Yes, this was going extremely well. All according to plan. 

Unfortunately for Focalors, she had forgotten two things. No one, not even her, could read their own fate. 

And five hundred years of isolation had made her extremely bad at interpersonal relationships. Or interpreting them. 

PHILO: I would just like to note that Focalors is a genius. Sure, she can’t have Furina be the first Hydro Vision user, but aggressively NOT!Dating the first Hydro Vision user allows her to have the drama and tension. How romantic that the first Hydro Vision sleeps with and guards the Archon of Hydro. Fulfills that neat intersection of secrecy and dramatic irony. It’s such…. such…

Sasuga, Focalor-ssama. Sasuga