"Well, well, my fair lady. Is this run-down factory and these incompetent fools all for me? Wow, you shouldn't have," Scaramouche couldn't help but make a snide remark, scrunching his nose at his surroundings.
Signora remains as fair as a white rose in the midst of the foggy factory, like an inkling of white snow in the charcoal but as prickly as ice in the winter.
"Hah. What do you have to gain from belittling your subordinates? You might not want to admit it, but you are a part of this plan," she snapped back, "Perhaps you find fighting in the Abyss to be a more meaningful use of your time? Oh, but of course, even this pales in comparison to being experimented on by The Doctor."
Scaramouche's eyes narrowed slightly. But he immediately regained his composure.
"Heh, what a sharp tongue you have. Funny how negotiating never seems to be your strong suit," he mused and turned away, "For the task ahead, I suggest you keep your true feelings to yourself."
"Hmph, save your breath. I know what I have to do," Signora harrumphed. "I'm sure you think so, but I still think you need to hear it: Don't start thinking you're invincible. And don't let your emotions get in the way," Scaramouche said seriously.
Signora's lips curled in amusement. "Surely, you're not worried about me?" she mused.
"I just can't have you getting in my way. You and Childe never fail to find ways to complicate things," Scaramouche scoffed, crossing his arms.
"I'm merely lighting a little fire in this chaotic nation, but you... Being tossed out like trash must make you want to destroy it completely," Signora snapped back and smirked.
"Do you remember the last time you were here? That was a lot of swordsmiths you killed. I'm sure the descendants of the Raiden Gokaden are still suffering the consequences now," she added.
Scaramouche turned back to her, his dark glare slowly muddled with sparks of hidden emotions. They did not escape the smirking woman.
"Look at you... Aw, don't get so sentimental. Now, give that poor little tongue of yours a rest, and stop pretending like you're above everyone else," she cooed, deciding she won that banter, "Bye, then. See you at the victory feast."
Only when she disappeared did the hostility return to the Sixth Harbinger's face.
"'Poor little tongue'? Hahaha... She's playing with fire talking to me like that. Who does she think she is?" he snarled.
Forget it. Someone might find me here any minute now. I should prepare to give them a warm welcome, he thought. He looked around again.
Huh. It seems that gods are still useful even after death. Who would've thought? You get to learn something new everyday.
Scaramouche didn't expect anything else from being designated to the Delusion Factory inside Inazuma. He was just there as La Signora's collaborator. But even the idea made his nose scrunch in disapproval.
La Signora never made an appeal to him even once. Even less with her high and mighty attitude. And she was only number eight. Eight. Lower than his own number.
Her arrogance was laughable. But that was expected. The lower the rank, the more conceited someone gets to make themselves feel good.
Humans are all the same, he thought with an insulting smile. But this one right here might just show me something a little more entertaining.
The shining beacon of hope in Teyvat, the hero of countless legends from Mondstadt all the way to Inazuma... Lo and behold, a young man of brilliant golden hair and eyes.
They've been well acquainted since Mondstadt, but the same thought pops up every time in Scaramouche's mind when he sees the Traveller.
His eyes remind me of hers, he thought and made sure they did not show on his face. Only his showed more hostility than that little girl ever did.
But the reason for his hostility was as equally ridiculous as his rage over bygone incidents.
Angry all because of Delusions? Surely, he's seen countless of Vision holders–few of them even accompanying him in groups of four. But did he ever get angry at them? The only difference a Delusion had against a Vision is that it was made by man. The side effects are just as equally destructive.
But anger was a key factor in agitating the commendable Traveller. Scaramouche admits, he has to take caution against this mysterious hero. That's why the only way to weaken him is by using the environment.
All the smog filtering in and out of the factory... One moment, it smells like sweet intoxication and power. The next, utter ridicule and bitter realization that anyone who tried so hard eventually becomes useless.
The anger felt so deeply by this sentimental, golden fool would take its toll on him. Scaramouche chuckled in amusement at the sight.
"Embrace the anger. Embrace it!"
This time, there was no one else to save the Traveller. Weakened by the disadvantageous environment, Scaramouche's smirk widened as he approached the fainted Traveller.
He's the only thing that's preventing the Fatui's operation from succeeding in Inazuma. But that won't be for long.
"Traveller, wake up!" His little silver-haired companion could only muster an inkling of strength to shake the weakened Traveller awake.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Scaramouche frowned to hear the sound of heels clicking against the wooden floors. He looked behind the fainted Traveller and found someone he didn't quite expect to show.
"My, my. Is this the new costume the Fatui has given to you for your role? Impressive. It looks quite good on you," Yae Miko mused, snapping her fingers.
Click!
In just a second, the little silver-haired creature grew drowsy and plopped right next to the Traveller. Scaramouche focused his gaze on the newcomer.
"...Yae Miko," he said, crossing his arms, "I'm surprised you decided to finally get involved. All this time, I thought you'd be having your tail buried between your legs."
"Now, now, is that how you greet your elders? You've always been a little more demure when you were still inside that little pavilion Ei made especially for you. As I thought, letting you wander around lets you get involved with the wrong people. Tsk, tsk," Miko tutted in disapproval.
"Heh. Come now. That was a few hundred years ago. Learn how to move on," Scaramouche snorted and fixed his hat, "So, what brings you out of your den? Surely, it's not because you care for the humans? I'm sure you just got interested in something."
"Is it because of that Traveller over there?" Scaramouche smirked as he tilted his head to look at the the fainted man behind Miko, "Look at you, standing oh-so protectively over his body."
"Watch your tone, little one. Do you need to be subjected to some much-needed discipline?" Miko mused with a hint of warning in her tone.
"So it is," Scaramouche smirked and chuckled, "Haha! Unfortunately for you, he'll be his own demise. No matter how impressive he is, the Tatarigami doesn't choose its victims. Not even you are an exception."
Miko's brown furrowed lightly, making the Harbinger's smirk wider.
"It's getting to you, too, isn't it? Pure, divine energy, when in contact with the tainted powers of Abyss mixed with corrupted Tatarigami, always end in interesting scenarios," he said, "And you came here despite that. All just for him. Wow. Such a heartwarming gesture from you. Too bad he's fainted to appreciate it."
"...Hehe. Drop the little facade, little one. You know I've known you far longer than those Fatui fools. I know you more than you even do yourself," Miko smiled amusingly, "Now pull back your claws, little kitty. I came here to make a deal with you."
"How are you so sure I'll be interested in listening?" Scaramouche frowned. "Like I said, I know you better than you do," Miko said, "If I really wanted you gone, I wouldn't have entertained your little dramatic monologues."
"Hmph," Scaramouche glared. Yae Miko is the strongest youkai in all of Inazuma. Provoking her at the moment would be detrimental to the plan.
"Now, that's much more better," Miko smiled pleasingly, "I've heard plenty from across the seas. You tried an assassination attempt on the Traveller way back in Mondstadt when he managed to thwart the Fatui's plans to put a leash on their Favonius Knights. How scary."
"He remains a thorn to our side. It's only natural to be rid of the one thing that's been bothering you," Scaramouche said.
"Yes, well, you can cease your attempts this time. I'm here to ensure that the Traveller comes out the way he entered this factory," Miko said, "I still have many plans for the boy. It would be a shame if he were to be gone so soon."
"Hm... All the more reason I should be rid of him, then. At least I'll be sparing him of your schemes," Scaramouche smirked, "Saves me a lot of work here and in the future."
"Not so fast. I'm well aware that he's currently your hostage," Miko's amethyst eyes twinkled, "But what if I told you I came here to...make a switch?"
"Yeah... Not interested. The Fatui has no plans for you," Scaramouche deadpanned.
"I'm not talking about myself. I'm talking about a certain someone we both know a few years ago," Miko smiled, "Someone special. In fairness, she means a lot more to you than me."
Scaramouche frowned. "You can't mean..." he trailed off. "Yes. Her," Miko said, "I was made aware of the whole incident. It must have been gruelling for you. Watching a fragile little girl die because of divine intervention when she has decided to befriend you genuinely. Maybe if you behaved, you would get to keep good things a little longer. Tsk tsk."
"Soleil is safe and sound. Just as she is supposed to be. I don't see how using her against me is going to work when she's enjoying herself in Mondstadt," Scaramouche crossed his arms.
"Keeping tabs of her whereabouts, I see. I'm sure she would have found it endearing...had she known who you are to her, exactly," Miko said ominously.
Scaramouche frowned. "What are you implying?" he asked. His indigo eyes widened in the slightest as Miko dangled a glass vial in front of her, full of crystalline liquid that glimmered beautifully.
"Beautiful, isn't it? Just like the memories stored in the little bottle," Miko smiled. Scaramouche's eyes turned bloodshot furious.
"You... What have you done?" he hissed. "There was one thing you didn't consider when you brought her back to life: The possible traces of their monitoring on the girl after being revived when supposedly, she's supposed to be dead," Miko pointed out.
"Even if you revived her, they would still be keeping an eye on her and would have directly controlled her through her soul. Her soul had literally ascended to Celestia before being pulled back, after all. It would naturally have their influence upon it," Miko mused.
"I grew rather fond of the girl during her apprenticeship. So I did a little favor for her, and separated the contaminated memories of her death to prevent her from psychological collapse. But as result, her memories of you were also taken away. You are one of the things closest to the time of her death, after all," Miko stated, "She's alive and well, but at a cost."
"She doesn't remember who you are. To the current Soleil, you are just a psychopath working with the same people who brought her trauma in her childhood."
Scaramouche gritted his teeth. Miko watched him closely, seeing every spark of emotion that bloomed when it came to the girl.
"Fate plays cruel tricks on those who work against it," Miko said, "But hey, at least she's alive, right? You can just restart all over again."
Scaramouche scoffed. "That's not how it works," he said. Miko smirked, "I know."
Those memories contain vital information about certain things kept hidden between the lines. He can't just introduce himself to the girl and begin all over again. The idea of it is just ridiculous.
"...So this is how you want it. Clever," Scaramouche said warily, "You want the Traveller back safe and sound in exchange of Soleil's memories."
"And that's not all," Miko smiled, "Since you've been a little behaved in the past few minutes, I'll throw in a little extra gift to you."
Scaramouche watched as an item was tossed towards him. He swiftly caught it and looked at it, his eyes widening in surprise.
"The....Gnosis," he muttered. The Electro and golden piece glimmered in a reflection in his eyes.
"It's what you've always wanted, if I'm right. A heart. I've always wondered at how muddled your definition of a 'heart' is. But that should suffice," Miko mused thoughtfully.
Scaramouche remained still. But he eventually regained composure and clutched the piece in his hand. He turned back to Miko.
"Just because he's safe inside Inazuma doesn't guarantee he won't be chased after in other nations," he said. "That's alright. I merely needed to buy time," Miko placed a hand on her hips, "So it's a deal?"
Scaramouche thinned his lips and turned away with a huff. "Just do me this one thing," he said.
"That depends. What is it?" Miko asked. "You'll be the one to return the memories to Soleil. I can't guarantee when...but she'll return to Inazuma," Scaramouche muttered, "There were many things left unfinished. Once she's ready, give them back to her."
"Oh? Too shy to go back for your own reunion?" Miko cooed. "There are other pressing matters requiring my attention. Besides, she's not a little girl anymore," Scaramouche said, looking at the Gnosis in hand.
"She's a quick one. She'll be able to connect the pieces behind each and every farce put so far," he said. Miko crossed her arms, "What makes you think I'll ever give them back?"
"You love a good show. Why don't you use it as a prize?" Scaramouche chuckled, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first. Make yourself at home while you're here."
At least he managed to get something out of the trip. Scaramouche chuckled darkly as he clutched the Gnosis closer.
But who says he'll be turning it over to the Fatui?
He stepped out of the factory and tilted his hat to look at the skies. Nostalgia swam in his dazed eyes.
It's been years since he last saw her. She's supposed to be in Mondstadt at the time... If he was right, Sandrone must've built another factory in Dragonspine in an attempt to replicate one of Soleil's own experiments.
He shielded himself with his hat. "I suppose it shouldn't hurt to check on her on the way back," he muttered. And warn her all the same.
He paused. But she doesn't remember him... Will that girl listen?
He contemplated. Then, he chuckled. There's a simple solution to that. He's currently playing as the bad guy, right? He'll do just that.
"Soleil was still a young girl the last time she was here. But now, she's all grown and thinks she's ready to play chess with entities far greater than her," Miko giggled, "Cheeky, little minx. Now, look at the mess you've made."
"I must confess. It was bold of her to create a large-scale ruckus...just for the sake of her research," Kokomi said as she sipped a cup of tea, "Scholars behave so strangely."
"Don't they? Humans believe that if they knew better, their lives would change in the slightest when really, it only paints the world in a different color in their perspective," Miko said.
The two priestesses sat calmly amidst the sakura trees in Mt. Yougou. It would have been disrespectful to even have the High Priestess of Watatsumi visit the shrine, but circumstances made it nothing worth mentioning. Something else was far more concerning.
"But I still can't comprehend what connects the Fatui to Soleil so intricately. We're missing something vital," Kokomi held her chin contemplatingly, "It's as if we just completed a jigsaw puzzle that's completely blank."
"Do you seek the picture it tries to portray?" Miko mused, "That's the only reason you would seek an audience with me, no? You wish to understand what sparked those incidents many years ago."
Kokomi sighed. "You guess correctly, Lady Guuji. Soleil has always been...fond of delving into the world's mysteries. No matter how dark the depths get. It's admirable yet frightening at the same time. As if she does not fear the consequences it brings," she said grimly.
"Understandable. But you should know that everything comes at a price," Miko warned, "Soleil is not a simple book to read. To comprehend her history may mean subjecting yourself to a series of conflicts you may not be able to face."
"I'm aware of that, and I can play whatever role is given to me," Kokomi said firmly, "But correct me if I'm wrong: It seems you already have an idea of what Soleil's true intentions in Inazuma truly are."
"Hm... Just a hunch," Miko smiled mysteriously. And it involves a god's eye to some extent...
"Well, that's no longer a part of my concern. I will do my part, and you shall do yours. Am I correct?" Kokomi asked.
"Yes, yes, of course. All you have to do is buy time," Miko smiled and sipped her sake, "Everything else will fall into place."
Games are all fun and games until one of them turns into a psychopath, Miko thought. That's when we start walking on eggshells.
The stage is set and the pieces are in place. Miko turned her gaze south, where an island shrouded in lightning continues to be the prize.
"They're big girls. They can take care of themselves from here on out. Well, then," Miko smiled amusingly.
"Let the show begin."
♦Inazuma Chapter I♦
Certitude of Hypermnesia
(Completed)