Genshin Impact: Frostburn

"Do you know of the history of Teyvat?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

"Then, what do you think of the peace that we currently have?"

"I think it's good. There are no wars and the world seemed more ordered."

"..." She was silent. Why did she ask me this?

"Your Majesty, may I ask a different question?"

"Hmm? Speak."

"Why do you want to gather all the Gnosis?"

The Fatui gathered the Gnosis, a gift from Celestia to the winners of the archon war. Each of the seven archons has one of them and soon, they will start to gather them resulting in a cold war against the rest of the nations. 

It is still a mystery to me why they want the Gnosis. From what I know they're the remnants of a descender soul and have the authority of the dragon sovereigns. 

The Tsaritsa's gaze fell on me. Her ice-cold figure seemed to melt, determination and will fill her eyes.

"... To burn the old world."

"What do you mean by that Your Majesty?"

"I cannot tell you the details, but it is why I shall wage war against the world."

A sorrowful smile ran across her face. She stood up and looked far into the horizon. The earlier sight of grandeur was replaced with a mourning scar that reached the depths of my heart. How much pain did she endure to come to such conclusions?

"500 years ago the abyss invaded, and the seven were called to assist the people of the godless nation. I was there, on the side of my predecessor, and we fought together as the unending wave of monsters invaded."

"Screams and cries echoed across the land as the abyss invaded the surface."

"The monsters continued to attack everything in sight as many more spawned at different fronts. Not a single nation was spared from their relentless attack."

Silent tears fell from her eyes as I listened,

"Finally, we managed to repel the abyss yet it was not without sacrifice."

"Amongst the seven, five fell in battle, even the heavens did not come out unscathed. Monsters that escaped roamed the land and reached the settlements of humans and killed them."

"The once glorious nation of Khaenriah was left in rubble, their people turned into monsters."

"It was a tragedy like no other."

"At the end of it all I was left alone, wondering."

"What could I have done to save more people? What could I do to prevent it from happening again?"

She stood beside me with her back turned as she looked at the stars above.

"Many more wars in the same magnitude happened throughout the history of Teyvat, recorded in Irminsul but forgotten by the world."

Her face distorted in pain as she remembered.

"The peace that we enjoy is forged by blood and sacrifice."

"Yet this peace will not last long."

She turned around and looked at me, her face full of determination.

"And so, I came up with this plan. With the help of Pierro and the Harbingers, I intend to end all of this."

"The heavens proved to be unreliable. I must take it into my own hands to bring peace to the world. To prevent another tragedy from happening and to put an end to this endless cycle once and for all."

"But, why are you taking this path? The things you'll lose are plenty!"

A self-deprecating smile appeared on her face as she replied.

"I won't lose much, just myself. There are always some things that are more important than oneself."

I find myself captured by her depressing figure. The strings of my heart were pulled. Tears that I didn't know I was shedding fell on the cold floor.

She got close and hugged me. Her embrace was full of warmth.

"I am the god of love. I have loved this world for far too long, yet my love is already spent."

"I only wish to take this burden and go out in magnificence."

"This final rebellion against the heavens will be my last gift."

"For that is the greatest form of love I could give."

She released me from her embrace. Tears surged from my eyes. Her will and cause were nothing but good. At this moment nothing mattered in my head. All the worries, the doubts, it all vanished.

Even if I survive this time, what's the point if they'll go after me anyway? And looking at her figure she seems so lonely.

At that that moment I was left in a crossroads where my decision would create a significant change.

Finally, I made my decision. I want to be on her side when the day of her rebellion comes.

I kneeled on the ground, my eyes never leaving her figure.

"Your Majesty, I wish to be of use to you. I wish to carry some of your burden."

Sadness filled her pale face. She caressed my cheeks with her hand and looked at me in the eye.

"Sorry... to also have you shoulder the grievances of the world."

"Since you could endure my bitter cold, you must have the desire to burn?"

Without a hint of hesitation, I answered.

"If it means I can be by your side. I am willing to do anything.."

She placed her hand on top of my head. Her once warm hand was now full of cold. The atmosphere around us was filled with ice and shivering air.

"Then, burn away the old world for me."

****************

We descended from the pavilion and made our way back to the throne room. Inside a pale girl with wings on the back of her head was waiting.

"Columbina, I will leave him in your care."

She gave a formal bow like the nobles do to the king.

"She will take you back to your room."

Why is she going with me? isn't the maids enough to do this? Doubt filled my head but I decided to trust the Tsaritsa and follow her.

I followed behind her as we walked across the corridors. I don't recognize this place, is she taking me somewhere else?

"How was the talk with the Tsaritsa?"

She suddenly asked taking me off guard.

"It was alright, Lady Harbinger."

"No need to be formal, we will be colleagues soon anyway.... No wait, we can't be colleagues, the others would not like it, father and son on the seat of harbingers and most of all it's Pantalone. Yeah, it's not happening."

I could be a Harbinger that fast? I thought I needed to be of service first as a normal fatuus and climb the ranks to become one. 

No, considering Papa and Pulcinella managed to enter there should be exceptions. Then again their specialties are something else so there's that.

Wait, how did she even know about that?

"Why did you become quiet?"

"Ah sorry Lady Columbina, I was just thinking of something."

"Is it about being a harbinger? Your unique power alone is enough to make you one. But you will never be one, the power struggle among everyone would be a mess if that happens."

"You don't seem too concerned, my lady."

"I couldn't care less, as long as we do our jobs then it's fine. Also just call me Columbina without the 'lady' or 'lord harbinger' Your mind is old enough so stop addressing me that."

"You... knew?"

"The Tsaritsa and I already knew the moment you opened your mouth. No child whatever age they are could talk like that."

So I was found out at the very start? I should act more childlike next time. But damn, it sucks to hear my acting is bad.

"Leonid... I'll just call you Leo. What else did the Tsaritsa tell you?"

"I thought you already knew about it... Columbina."

It feels weird calling her just by the name given to her.

"I don't, I just know that the Tsaritsa offered you a position, aside from that I just guessed the rest."

"..."

***

After a few twists and turns, we arrived at the room I was given. Why did we take the long way to get here?

"It's nice getting to know you, see you tomorrow."

"Ah! yes, see you... tomorrow."

Right before my eyes, she disappeared.

Why did the Tsaritsa send her to take me back to my room? There are too many questions I need to answer. When did I not have questions? Whatever I'll just sleep.

****************

Morning came as the light from the sun peered through the window. I was woken up by the palace maids and was instantly dressed by them. 

After taking a shower and eating breakfast; which I did not enjoy because the maids were urging me to eat fast. They took me in the throne room where a few individuals were waiting.

Papa and Leon were seated on the far right along with a few Fatui agents. The other Harbingers were also sitting on the chairs prepared for them. The seats were not here yesterday.

I sat in the middle and Leon followed suit. Not long after the Tsaritsa arrived with her long dress. As she sat on her throne expressionless everyone stood up. She waved her hand with a downward motion making everyone sit back.

"I will now finalize my decision."

Everyone waited in anticipation and bathed breaths. I could see Papa nervously sweating while Leon was scratching his nose. Can you read the room for once?

"I have considered the potential risk of their continued existence and the benefits it would give to our cause."

"My decision is..."

The dramatic pause is too much. Even though I already know what Her Majesty's decision will be I still get nervous.

"I have decided to spare them. From now on they will be monitored and guarded with utmost caution. This will be treated with utmost classification. Everyone present shall not divulge what happened yesterday and today."

I could see disappointed looks from some of the Harbingers including Crucabena. She must be saddened that I was spared.

"For this, I will delegate two of the harbingers for continued monitoring. Columbina, you shall be the one to look after Leonid, and Capitano will look after Leonheart."

Wait, so she made Columbina walk me back because she wants me to be monitored by her? 

Together they answered.

"As you wish Your Majesty." 

"That will be all."

She left the throne room and left us there.

"Leo, what was that about?"

"..."

Can you be more observant?