The Archon's Baby

by midnight_awakening_fire

Summary:

request from ao3: Make one where they have a child but the female character doesn't tell Mavuika that she is expecting a child and distances herself from Mavuika please 🙏🙏

Notes:

content warnings: pregnancy, pregnant!reader, vomit, no smut, possible character death, 5.0 and 5.1 genshin spoilers, starts pre-5.0

a/n: i'm thinking multiple chapters until i get all the ideas i have figured out with 5.1 and after that with the archon quests... undetermined/unconfirmed character death because its implied with the 5.1 archon quest trailer but who knows yet, this was written pre-5.1 update.

Chapter 1: Not Getting Better...

Originally, you thought it was some form of abyss corruption, or even food poisoning causing you to be so unwell. It started so sudden, but you could also blame your sister's cooking... The fatigue was annoying, but the nausea? Even if you wanted to hide it, you couldn't. Mavuika was hurrying over to you the morning it began and each morning since then, finding you sitting on the floor next to the toilet.

"You were uninjured against the abyss during the attack the other day..." Mavuika's fingers hooked under your chin, looking over your face for any signs of abyssal corruption. She had done this every morning, finding nothing but a tiredness in your eyes and your skin clammy.

"Chuychu checked me over after that attack, any abyssal corruption would have been dealt with then... probably just food poisoning or something..." you leaned into her touch as she helped you back to bed.

"Still..." Mavuika frowned, wishing she could stay with you today, but she was busy due to the upcoming Pilgrimage. As the archon, she would need to attend. It wasn't often she had a lot of time for you, but you two made as much time as you could for each other...

"You should see what Chuychu thinks. You're not getting any better, and I'm worried." Mavuika sighed as she gently brushed your cheek with her thumb.

"I haven't told anyone about us..." you confessed, sitting up carefully to try avoid the nausea getting any worse, "have you?"

"Not when you're not ready, and that's okay. We can tell people when you're ready. I have a meeting with Citlali, so I'll see you later?" your lover asked, pressing a kiss to your forehead as you hummed.

You remained there as you watched her head out before anyone else was awake, before anyone knew she had stayed over in your bed, instead of her own. You weren't sure how anyone would react to you dating the pyro archon. Mavuika was human, but still, she was Natlan's archon first, your relationship with her came second. Plus, the two who had become your sisters... they would be in for a shock.

///

Eventually, you got ready for the day. You had to meet your sister to head out to the Stadium of the Scared Flame together, but the nausea was rearing its angry head.

"Okay, what's going on?" Chasca frowned in concern, wrapping her arm around you as you leaned into her with a grimace.

"Just feel like crap. Have you seen Chuychu today?" closing your eyes to try focus on your breathing, your sister guided you over to a rock to sit down. The two of you were supposed to be at the stadium now to sort things out for the upcoming Pilgrimage.

"Let's get you to her for a check-up, you look like you're about to-" Chasca was cut off as by your retching, "too late..." she muttered, rubbing circles in your back to soothe you.

"Do you think she'll yell at me?" you whispered as your sister helped you walk towards the stadium, where your other sister should be, doing her own prep for the Pilgrimage.

"Yell at you? For food poisoning, or the flu, or whatever you have? It doesn't seem like abyssal corruption but... she shouldn't yell at you for that, only for not going to her sooner." Chasca replied, holding back her smile as you groaned. You hated when Chuychu argued with either of you.

///

"What are you two doing here?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow as she found the two of you sat outside of the stadium, your head in Chasca's lap as she drew patterns in your scalp.

"Hi..." you opened your eyes briefly to acknowledge your sister.

"I think a check-up is needed..." Chasca admitted, gesturing to you but the fatigue was beginning to get the better of you as you let out a soft yawn.

"Let's go inside. Can you stand?" Chuychu's face softened immediately, moving to assist Chasca to get you inside.

///

"So, we can rule out abyssal contamination but I still have some questions for you, but first... Chasca, do you have to stand over there watching us like a hawk?" Chuychu sighed, gesturing for Chasca to sit with you instead of watching from the corner.

"If its not abyssal contamination, isn't it just food poisoning or the flu- it's nothing serious, right Chuychu?" Chasca asked, taking a seat next to you as you sipped the water you had been given.

"Your symptoms are similar to food poisoning, but... how long did you say you've been feeling like this?" Chuychu enquired, frowning to herself as she began to put the pieces together.

"I don't know, more than four days... maybe a week? I don't really remember..." you trailed off, feeling your sister tense next to you as you bit your lip. Mavuika would remember, but she wasn't here. She couldn't be, even if she wasn't busy, it would be too suspicious.

"You've been sick for a week and we're just hearing about this now? You really are the limit sometimes..." Chuychu huffed, but you didn't respond, avoiding her gaze like a scolded child.

"I don't know, sometimes I'd just feel rubbish in the morning but feel better later." You tried to defend yourself, but in the end, it led your sisters to more questions.

"In the morning..." Chasca frowned, looking at you with a careful eye that had you shifting uncomfortably.

"Okay... that explains a lot..." Chuychu nodded, observing you a little longer before she spoke, "now for the tough questions. When was your last period?"

"Why?"

"Now is not the time to get defensive..." Chasca replied to your sharp tone.

"Is there any chance you could be pregnant?" Chuychu waited, but your sisters voices shifted into a high pitched ringing...

Chapter 2: The Results

Summary:

You and your sisters find out the results, but things are made tricky with how everyone around you is busy, giving you a lot to think about.

Notes:

warnings of: mentioned vomit, pregnancy and pregnancy symptoms.

You heard what Chuychu asked, but you couldn't reply, a cold feeling washing over your body as you began to shiver. The calling of your nickname brought you back from that daze, looking at your sisters as they looked at you in concern.

"I..." the words couldn't make their way out of your mouth, getting stuck in your throat as you swallowed nervously, almost choking on the lump you tried to force down. Eventually, you nodded at Chuychu, who immediately got to work, to help you, as her sister, and a patient.

"I didn't even know you were with anyone." Chasca admitted, drawing patterns in your scalp as you shifted, moving to rest your head in her lap, "how long have you-"

"We didn't tell anyone..." you revealed, playing with your fingers as you watched Chuychu bring something over, "you two can't tell anyone, until I tell her... regardless of if I am or not. Please."

"Can we at least know who-" you shushed both of your sisters as you waited for the test results. Your sisters exchanged glances as they realised you never answered the question. Just how long had you been in a relationship?

"Well, whoever it is, they're a pyro user... unless you secretly got a pyro vision from the Archon to go with your secret relationship." Chasca stated, regretting what she said as both you and Chuychu turned to glare at her.

"Not the time..." "Did you just use elemental sight on me?"

"You look like you're pyro infused." Your sister admitted, causing you to huff tiredly, instead focussing on what your other sister wanted you to do.

"If this takes any longer I'm taking a nap... wait did we even need the test if Chasca used elemental sight-" you grumbled as you waited for the result. The result that would tell you if you were having your archon's baby... you side-eyed Chuychu at how long it was taking, but she just rolled her eyes and checked the time.

"You can check it now. This test will be more accurate than a glance of elemental sight." Your older sisters watched as you looked at the result, how your body tensed up and your breathing stilled as you stared at it silently.

"Hey, are you okay?" the voice was distorted, turning your head slightly to see your sisters' concerned faces. Your face was blank as Chuychu stepped over to look at the result, while Chasca went to comfort you.

"You're nearly five weeks..." Chuychu confirmed, watching you lean into Chasca for support, your eyes widening like you were wondering how you had only just began to realise now, "what do you plan to-"

"I have to talk to her. I just, don't know how. She's already so busy..." you trailed off, not giving away who you were dating to your sisters just yet.

"Okay well... what do we do about family dinner tonight?" Chuychu enquired, the three of you immediately beginning to panic.

"That's tonight?" Chasca frowned while you scrambled out of her arms and towards the closest bin.

"I'm going to be sick, again."

///

It was horribly easy to avoid Mavuika until you could work up the courage. The morning sickness wasn't something you were dealing with well, and with the other symptoms beginning to occur, Chuychu wanted you close to her.

"Am I your patient or your si-"

"You know what you are, but you're also pregnant and avoiding answering any questions about who..."

"I swear if you say defiled, I'm leaving." Cutting your older sister off with a glare.

"...Are dating. Although defiled is also true. You're the youngest, I still remember our parents taking you in, I thought they were ridiculous after already taking in Chasca... you made me a older sister like she made me a younger one. You were so small and scared, your clothes confused everyone too." Chuychu reflected, almost going off into a trance as you paused from where you had been making the saurus crackers. Chuychu's favourite... and one of Mavuika's too.

"My clothes?" you frowned, staring at the dough instead of looking at whatever Chuychu was about to try give you for your health.

"You weren't dressed like someone from Natlan. Anyway, you're welcome to stay with us all you want, but you have your own home too. Don't forget to go back there, you can't just ask Chasca everytime she goes nearby to pick up your mail. You know the Pilgrimage is next week..."

You glanced up at the mention of the Pilgrimage, knowing that you couldn't hide behind your sisters during it. Chasca would be competing, Chuychu would be on the medical staff... Mavuika would be sat on her throne watching. She would not be able to approach you even if you did attend, and telling her then was... not the greatest of times to tell her.

The first trimester was no joke, and as much as you wanted to tell her... it was hard. If news got out that the pyro archon had a child on the way... well, nobody had heard of archons reproducing before, let alone with a human.

Arguably, Mavuika was human, unlike the rest of Teyvat's archons...

"Did you ever see yourself becoming an auntie?" you asked as you began to roll out the dough, while Chuychu observed your movements with a soft smile.

"Between you and Chasca? Not really... but when are you going to speak to whoever... you know, before making a decision, or are you going to be reckless and just not tell her until its extremely obvious?"

"Chasca is the reckless one. I'm just nearly 7 weeks pregnant..." You began to cut out the shapes of the saurians for the crackers, choosing not to finish your sentence, because telling Chuychu about Mavuika now could give her a heart attack... plus Chasca wasn't here to play peacemaker. You'd have to tell them all everything soon... you concluded as your hand lingered over your belly at the thought.

Notes:

I have thought out the series running through the events of 5.0 and 5.1, timeline is a work in progress, but I want to do flashbacks of R's relationship with Mavuika at some point from before they got busy since there's a lot of platonic bonds with other characters in posted chapters and chapter 3 which I'm in the process of writing. I am nervous for whenever we get act 5 now.

Chapter 3: Important Advice

Summary:

Your avoidance of the Pyro Archon has you running into a family friend, who gives you some importance advice.

Notes:

warning/mentions of: topics of pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms implied eventual character death of an NPC (but the reader is oblivious to this).

"Not a fan of going in the hot springs anymore?" Atea's voice snapped you out of your daze, sitting on a crate observing the Koholasaurs playing.

"Maybe another time..." you dismissed the question, turning your head as Atea held out a tray with snacks on.

"How are you doing, kid?" the older woman enquired, watching as your nose crinkled up at being referred to as a 'kid'. Meanwhile your hand sneakily reached for one of the crackers, surprised that they didn't make you gag as you got a whiff of them. Atea knew what she was doing, even if she was only acting on a gut feeling, having kept an eye on you since you arrived at the Toyac Springs.

"Fine, just... sluggish. Not been sleeping well lately." Rubbing at your eye for a moment, you avoided Atea's gaze. Unfortunately the woman knew you far too long to know it was more than just a bad night's sleep.

"Your body is cold but only your pelvic area isn't?" she only had to say those words for you to stare at her with wide eyes, but she made no comment on it, although, whatever advice she gave you went in one ear and out of the other, thanks to your panic.

"You're not hearing a word I'm saying, are you?" Atea deadpanned, but the soft smile on her face took the harshness out of her words.

"Sorry, I just-"

"It's fine, I can tell you have a lot on your mind." Atea sighed, frowning as you avoided her gaze, "don't be like me and live with regrets. You should tell her when you're ready, but don't leave it too late. She'll notice you're avoiding her eventually-"

"but the Pilgrimage, Night Warden Wars and Natlan's 500 year crisis come first..." you cut her off, before realising what she just said, "wait, you know-"

"I saw you two in the hot springs together, it was late, nobody else was around but I was going to... it doesn't matter now, but that better not be how-"

"Oh archons no!" you looked at her with horror, not realising that Atea had been going to the hot springs at night, only focussing on that Atea knew that Mavuika was your baby's mother.

"Okay, okay... eat your snacks and drink your drink before going home, okay? Are either of your sisters going to pick you up, or should I ask Mualani escort you back?" Atea questioned, waving to the hydro user who had been working at her parents shop as you two talked.

"Um... they don't know I'm here, they're both working and I was trying to figure out when to tell her but... then I heard she was nearby at the stadium, and ended up here..." you admitted, avoiding the stern look on the older women's face at the realisation of how far you'd walked.

"That's a long way for you to walk alone in your condition-"

"What condition? Are you alright?" Mualani enquired as you realised she'd made her way over.

"I'm fine, totally fine, nothing's wrong, everything is fine, right, Atea?" you stumbled over your words, looking towards the woman in question who only nodded in agreement.

"Mualani, I need you to take this one back to the stadium. There's no way for you both to make it to the Flower-Feather Clan before nightfall. Go slowly, only one of you has a weapon, so no unnecessary combat. Take plenty of snacks and water with you too."

"Okay, okay, no risky travel. I'd ask why but... you both are being weird, so. Are you ready to go now? I heard the Pyro Archon is coming to hang out with her 'hot spring buddies' and-"

"Yeah!" you cleared your throat, trying to hide your panic that Mavuika was probably on her way here already, "it's a long walk when you can't take risky shortcuts. Sorry Mualani. I'll see you another time, Atea?" turning to look at the older woman, but she only frowned slightly, reaching over to pet your head gently with an unexplainable look in her eyes.

"Travel safe now." Atea stated, turning on her heel to walk away, on a course with the children who were throwing stones in the hot spring again.

"What was that?" you whispered, frowning as Mualani began to guide you back to the stadium, where you could stay at the Weary Inn for the night.

"The way Auntie Atea spoke... are you sick or something?" the hydro user enquired as the two of you walked up the path.

"Or something..." you avoided her eyes, sipping from the waterskin that Atea had provided.

"Oh, okay. But you're going to be okay?"

"Eventually..." hopefully give or take nine or ten months, you thought to yourself as you avoided giving Mualani any real answers.

It was nearing sunset when you two reached the stadium, Mualani walking you to the Weary Inn to rest, before she left you with a quick hug, stating she was going to see Kachina and Xilonen at the Children of Echos before heading home.

"Please be careful." You advised her as she headed out, leaving you to retire to your room, laying down to rest as you watched the sun set from the window.

You should probably have eaten, but your exhuastion was taking hold, leaving you to drift into a gentle slumber. The door to your room opening went unheard by you; her heels on the floor as she removed them also caused you no distress as sleep kept its hold.

Only when a body laid down next to yours, arms wrapping around to hold you against her chest, did you stir slightly. Forcing your eyes open slightly, your panic immediately was quelled as you spotted her fiery hair. Mavuika...

Notes:

up to chapter 5 is drafted, slowly reaching 5.0 archon quest content, please enjoy.

Chapter 4: Reunion

Summary:

You finally get a moment alone with your lover. However, more than just the secret you're keeping from her haunts you both.

Notes:

warnings/mentions of: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, talks about hypothetical major character death.

"Mavuika?" you whispered, hearing her hum, clinging to her clothes as you buried your face in her neck. A sob escaped your mouth before you stop it, your lover holding you a little tighter as her ears picked up on the noise.

"I'm here, my darling," your achon cooed, pressing her lips to the crown of your head as you held onto her desperately.

"I've missed you." The words wouldn't escape your mouth without some force, your emotions getting the better of you thanks to your hormones, but Mavuika didn't know that.

"I've missed you too," she whispered, gently pulling you back so she could look you in the eye, as tears streamed down your face, "I'm sorry I've been so busy that you felt like you couldn't approach me."

Your heart fluttered, closing your eyes to lean into her touch as she cupped your face, "the Pilgrimage and the Night Warden Wars are more important..." you began, but Mavuika didn't respond. "Natlan needs you." Burying your face back into her neck after your archon wiped away your tears.

"You needed me, and still need me." Mavuika argued, but she knew deep down that you were right. She was the Pyro Archon... Natlan's people are her priority, but that includes you.

She could remember when she first met you, approaching the Scions of the Canopy to look for information on her family. Ancient names may have documented those warriors, but many people didn't receive them, yet still should be remembered.

"If you're looking for history from 500 years ago... your best chance is Chasca and Chuychu's younger sister. A wingless, but the drive to dig up as much history as possible has found many tribes a lot that was thought to be lost." Your Uncle Wayna advised the Pyro Archon, who thanked him for his help.

"Any idea where she could be found? Chasca is a peacekeeper, and Chuychu is a doctor, but..."

"Despite the sisters arguing against it, she moved out into her own place, plus... she's better with an outlander wing glider than with a qucusaur." Wayna explained, letting out a sigh, "there were rumours of her not even being from Natlan, but... she doesn't remember anything from before she was found and taken in by Chuychu's parents."

"I see..."
Mavuika kept this in mind as she approached you, spotting the intrigue but also sadness in your eyes when you caught sight of her. It was like you saw right through her walls, helping all you could to dig up information on her parents and younger sister.

"I hate that you'll never truly get to live. You ended your life early 500 years ago to be here, and then you'll sacrifice yourself for Natlan again if you need to... you'll never get to grow old, find love, have children and watch them grow up... you're so selfless, Mavuika. Natlan would get to live, but you wouldn't. You're so determined to save Natlan, but you don't want anyone to try save you." you confessed after many nights helping Mavuika with her plans.

She hadn't wanted to let you in, you weren't a warrior, (despite the training she had heard about from your sisters) or an ancient name bearer... You'd figured out too much just from your research, putting together the pieces to realise her sacrifices. Past, and future.

Maybe it was a moment of weakness, a moment of selfishness, that first kiss, that first touch, but Mavuika couldn't resist. She held back, hesistating as you frowned, realising why she had stopped.

"It's okay. I want to, not because you're Haborym, or Kiongozi.But as Mavuika, so please..." that was all it took for Mavuika's restraint to be gone, leaning in to finally let her lips meet yours.

She could never have thought that that moment would have led to this. You, exhausted, crying in her arms as she held you close, wishing she had more time with you than less than a year.

"Please, don't go. I just... need to feel you a little longer," you began to beg as she shifted slightly, pulling you on top of her, until a squeak of pain escaped your lips.

"Did I-"

"No, no. It wasn't you, I'm just..." you hesitated, realising that you hadn't told her, "tender. I'll be fine..."

"Tender?" Mavuika's voice laced with confusion, her hands lingering at the hem of your shirt. However, she decided against asking to remove the cloth, instead resting her hands on your waist after you settled your head on her chest. "Are you injured?"

"I'll be okay, I'm not hurt. But, can we stay like this, just a little longer? I know you're really busy but..." Mavuika shushed you, holding you closer, as hands lingered under your shirt, drawing patterns on your skin.

Meanwhile, one of your hands lingered close to your belly, trying to be surreptitious but it helped you to self-soothe. Your other hand was a lot less calm however, holding onto Mavuika for dear life, like she would slip away any moment.

"I'm not going just yet. Even Archons need to sleep, my love." Pressing her lips to the crown of your head, her hand shifted, moving to hover over the hand on your stomach, causing a question to flicker in her mind.

Did you go to Chuychu about your sickness? If you did, what did your sister have to say? You seemed better, but the exhaustion, and the look Atea had on her face when she turned up at the People of the Springs, having just witnessed you and Mualani leave...

Unfortunately, Mavuika couldn't ask you about it, hearing your breathing even out as sleep got its hold of you once again. A quiet sigh escaped her lips, appreciating your warmth as she closed her eyes and let sleep consume her.

Notes:

Found out from a random NPC from the Flower-Feather Clan at the People from the Springs in-game about wingless ones, basically the NPC said she was scared of heights/flying. I figured out the reader's backstory though from before the adoption.
Started drafting chapter 7 which is going to have 5.0 content, traveller incoming.

Chapter 5: The Next Morning

Summary:

your night with the pyro archon turns into a close call the next morning

Notes:

warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, there's some bra talk and bra scenes, an attempt at writing flirting...

hope you enjoy!

The pyro archon is more than a trained warrior, a strategic mind, lightning fast reflexes, impeccable senses... and yet, she remained sleeping as you rummaged in your bag for another shirt. Finally finding one, you dropped your bag into the chair, moving to tug it over your head.

"Well, this is a sight I haven't seen in a while..." a squeak escaped your lips, turning to spot Mavuika staring at your exposed body from the bed the two of you had slept in last night. "You don't need to hide, my love." Mavuika began to pout, noticing how you were holding the shirt over your chest and stomach to shield it from view.

"I... I just got back from breakfast and I'm kind of bloated. It's not pretty." Your words were laced with the truth, you had snuck out to breakfast, having grown hungry and craving Xocoatl and Cups O' Grainfruit. The bloating wasn't from that however...

"This is new..." Mavuika ran her fingers over the your shoulder, eyeing the bra strap with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Good morning to you too..." you hummed, leaning into her touch, her lips beginning to trace down your neck, "don't get any ideas, especially since you ripped the last one."

"I remember, I liked that one, but you looked better without it." Mavuika admitted, trailing her fingers further down your body until you began to squirm.

"That tickles!" the giggles began to escape your lips, the pyro archon's face lighting up at the sound, reminding you of an excited puppy whose tail was quickly wagging side to side.

Unfortunately the fun with your lover was forced to come to an end, as a voice grew closer towards your room at the inn.

"Chasca, are you sure she stayed here last night?" Chuychu sighed, turning towards her older sister, who had been leading the way since the two arrived at the Stadium.

"Mualani told Kachina and Xilonen that Atea had her walk our younger sister back here for the night. I spoke to Chanca, she served her breakfast then she went back to her room, which should be... this one." Chasca replied, heading towards your inn room door.

Your eyes widened, looking at the door as Mavuika's arms tightened around you instinctively. You could pray, but praying to the archon whose arms were currently around you was slightly pointless. Still, you were praying your sisters for once in their lives knocked on the door instead of barging in.

If they barged in, all the pieces would be revealed prematurely. Your sisters would find out it was Mavuika who you were dating and the mother of your baby, and Mavuika would find out you were having her baby...

Chuychu and Chasca continued to talk to each other, but the words weren't reaching your ears as you heard a knock, turning your head to see how Mavuika was reacting. Maybe she would jump out the window and escape? Was she even ready for your sisters to know?

Time was running out...

"Maybe she's asleep. Or this isn't her room. Chasca, I did ask if you were sure-"

"I thought I was... maybe we should wait at a table until she shows up." Your sisters moved away from the door, heading towards the dining area, "do you think she's spoken to whoever she's dating yet?"

"She'll probably have tried to but struggled with words. You remember how long it took her to talk when mom and dad took her in?" Chasca admitted, frowning slightly at the memory.

"They're gone, you're okay..." Mavuika pressed her lips to your forehead, "I'm sorry, this stress can't be good for you, or the baby."

She could feel the way your body tensed, hearing your breath hitch as you shakily looked up at her, "you know?"

"I only figured it out this morning. Your sickness in the mornings, your fatigue, tenderness, plus this bra. Did you think I wouldn't notice that it's a size up from your old ones? But it wasn't those that made me realise. Your hand on your stomach, it reminded me of my mother when she was pregnant with my younger sister." Mavuika confessed, her hand hovering over your stomach, waiting for permission.

"Oh..." you barely made a sound, gently leading Mavuika's hand to rest on your stomach, letting the shirt you'd been clinging to for so long drop to the floor. "Are you mad I didn't tell you before?"

"You were afraid. My only regret is that I made you feel as if you couldn't tell me." Mavuika paused, hesitating for a moment, "you were going to tell me, yes?"

"Of course I was, it was just... hard to get the words out." You let out a sad sigh before deflecting, "at least after your 500 year plan is complete, a piece of you will still be here." You could feel your eyes water but you blinked back the tears as best you could.

Mavuika winced at the ache in her chest, realising that she had forgotten about that. Natlan had less than a year before total destruction... she needed to die to save Natlan, to save you and now the baby the two of you are having too.

"Chasca and Chuychu know I'm pregnant, but not... that it was you. They... ugh, they just know its a pyro user. According to Chasca, I look pyro infused when using elemental sight," shaking your head at the recollection of your sister's words, "I don't know if they're more mad about the secret relationship, or that I'm the youngest..."

Mavuika's fingers began to trace patterns on your stomach, listening to you with a soft smile on her face.

"Chuychu kept asking who 'defiled' me and Chasca muttered something about 'cutting balls off' when she thought I couldn't hear." You admitted, trying to hide your amusement as Mavuika grimaced at your sister's threats, her hand frozen as it touched your belly.

"She won't... archon or not, she won't." You reassured her as your lover wrapped her free arm around you, pulling you closer so she could lean in and nuzzle her face into your neck.

"How far along are you?" She tentatively asked, hearing your intake of breath as you did the calculations in your head.

"Nearly 8 weeks... I found out with my sisters when I was nearly five weeks. I went to Chuychu because of the vomitting, Chasca thought I was just having a check-up but then the conversation changed to periods, and I realised I was late..." you began to ramble, but Mavuika took in every word, not wanting to miss a thing.

"Atea figured it out. I don't know how, but she knows we're together. She saw us in the hot springs, late that night. She thought... ugh, archons, she thought the baby had been conceived in the hot springs!" you shuddered in embarrassment as Mavuika smirked, recalling that night in detail as her hands drifted down your body teasingly.

"Ugh, you! Archon of War or Archon of Horniness, I can't tell sometimes. My sisters are waiting for me outside!" you hissed in warning, although your tone suggested otherwise as you held back your giggles.

"I've missed this." Mavuika confessed once the two of you had calmed down, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too. I'm sorry-"

"Shush... you don't need to apologise. My role as the archon doesn't make things easier when it comes to working up the courage to tell me something so important. I only hope... we'll see each other more? I want to spend as much time, and be involved as much as possible before..." Mavuika hushed you, letting out a sigh as she remembered the burden on her shoulders. She had accepted her death over 500 years ago, but you and the life growing inside of you, made her want to live.

"Why would I deny you of that? I love you, Mavuika. I'm never going to stop loving you." You declared, holding back tears as your lover cupped your face in her hands.

"Never once in the 500 years since I was born did I think I would be blessed to meet you, let alone be your lover..." Mavuika leaned in, pressing her lips to yours hungrily, "I love you too."

"I wish we could stay like this for longer, but I need to see my sisters, and you have your duty as the pyro archon..."

"And what of my duty as your lover?" Mavuika pouted, disappointed as you ducked down to grab the shirt you had dropped onto the floor to put on.

"You have been fulfilling your duty well... and will continue to do so, but we cannot let our other duties lack- pfff!" you tried to be serious, struggling to do so at the pout on your lover's face, "you're adorable!"

"Fine, fine... I will see you later, my love, and my child," Mavuika pressed her lips to your forehead, her hand drifting to over your belly before she headed out... through the window? You didn't even think they opened?

"Wait! Don't tell anyone... I'm not far enough along, its too early to have many people knowing, so please-" you tried not to beg, but your eyes began to water against your will. Mavuika nodded, ignoring the capybara that awoke the moment her feet touched the ground.

"Archons... time to face my sisters." You whispered as you continued to get ready, heading out of your room at the inn to spot Chasca and Chuychu staring at you with their arms folded.

"Can you two not look at me like that? You're making me nervous." you cleared your throat as you sat down with them.

"Who was in your room with you?"

Notes:

chapter 7 is drafted up but not enough into 5.0 for me to be happy with it yet... the traveller and paimon are natlan inbound.

Chapter 6: Sisters

Summary:

After getting caught by Chasca and Chuychu, everything comes to light, and it doesn't end well...

Notes:

warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, pregnant!reader, empty threats about castration, implied trans!Mavuika, arguments, a lot of crying

Chasca raised an eyebrow, while Chuychu passed you the vitamins you needed to take, reminding you very much of the good sister bad sister routine your sisters would use when you were all younger.

"The mother of my child." You stated, folding your arms as your sisters moved to stand up, "She's long gone, so you can't try cutting any balls off, Chasca."

"You heard me when I said that?" Chasca's face fell at the defensive look on yours, "you know I wouldn't. I was angry about your... condition and upset that you didn't trust me or Chuychu enough to tell us you were in a relationship."

"It wasn't about trust. I trust you both with my life, you're my sisters and I love you. But my relationship... it's complicated. We kept it from everyone until I was ready, and she was okay with that, because the moment people find out, everything changes..." you trailed off, fighting the urge to run your hand over your belly. Lucky for you, you were not showing yet.

"Why would everything change? Only the elders might be bothered that you two aren't married-" Chasca frowned but Chuychu kicked her in the shin to quieten her, watching you carefully as you took your vitamins.

"Chasca... think about it. A pyro user, and everything would change the moment people found out she was courting one of her people, let alone impregnated her."

"Chuychu, did you have to word it like that?" your face burned with enough heat that you could have had a pyro vision.

"Wait, what are you saying- oh, archons..." Chasca paused, looking between Chuychu, then you, as her eyes widened in realisation. "You're with our archon."

"Shush! Please! Please..." you begged, your voice cracking as your sisters figured out everything.

"I need to prepare for the Pilgrimage." Chasca stood up to leave, not looking back as she held back her emotions.

"Chasca!" you held back your sobs, remembering momentarily that you three were in public, but your hormones and emotions threw that out the window, "Chuychu?"

"She just needs to blow off steam. I'm going to check on her so she doesn't take it out on some innocent civillian, or you. You don't need that stress, okay?" Chuychu moved to stand up, leaning in to kiss your forehead, "I'm not mad at you, I can see why you hid this, and I will admit that it hurts but, I love you, little one. I'll come find you once I know our older sister has calmed down, and not tried to castrate the archon..."

Chuychu said the last bit more to herself than to you, following in Chasca's footsteps as you sat at the table with your head in your hands.

"I don't think I've seen you three have a fight like that in years." The sound of heels on the floor approached you, but you couldn't remove your hands from your face, trying to hide your tears but clearly failing.

Xilonen let out a soft sigh, her hand gently rubbing your trembling back, "whatever you three fought over... you'll resolve it between yourselves, you know that, right sweetheart?"

A wet laugh made the ancient name forger's ears twitch, "I doubt it. They're really mad... Chasca's supposed to be a peacekeeper but when it comes to family... our parents are going to be mad too when they find out everything."

"It's that bad that talking to them won't work?" Xilonen frowned, thinking to herself for a moment, "how about I get us some xocoatl and you can gather your thoughts? Or maybe some tatacos?"

"Ugh, archons no, just thinking of shrimp makes me want to vomit!" you held back a gag, much to Xilonen's confusion.

"I thought you loved tatacos, your sisters used to bribe you with them as a kid?"

"Um, it's complicated," feeling your face burn and eyes water at having to try explain, "but I can't eat fish or shrimp anyway now so... just xocoatl please. I can give you some mora-"

"I've got it sweetheart, don't worry about it." Xilonen dismissed you, not seeing how your nose crinkled up at the pet name, reminding you of your parents, who you had yet to tell about Mavuika or your pregnancy. Although, they may have suspected something, with how that family dinner went the day that you found out your results...

Your hands trembled as you cradled the mug of xocoatl between them, avoiding Xilonen's gaze but the woman didn't seem to be so bothered by your lack of talking. In fact, she looked like all she wanted was a nap, especially the level of alertness in her eyes or lack thereof suggesting it.

"Are... you okay?" you whispered, bringing the mug up to your lips to sip on.

"I probably should be asking you that," the smith passed you a serviette for a tissue, "but that would probably make you cry again, so I'd rather not. Me though? I'm alright, just wondering about the potted plant on my porch. It died again, I was watering it every day but, I guess that was too much?"

"Probably. Plants can be temperamental, too much water, too little water, too much sunlight, too little sunlight." You shrugged, not admitting that a saurian that Chasca had been fostering at Ifa's had eaten your plants so you gave up growing any a while back. Instead, your focus was on the life growing inside of you.

"Ugh, I guess gardening requires quite a bit of luck." Xilonen grumbled, folding her arms, leaning back in her chair in thought.

"Be right back..." you mumbled, hurrying off to go to the bathroom, much to Xilonen's momentary confusion.

"Sorry, sorry... I'm back!" you chewed your lip as you returned to your seat, hoping that you wouldn't need to pee again during your conversation, "um, so the Pilgrimage is this week, are you looking forward to it?"

Xilonen let out a yawn, "I can't wait for it to be over and people stop trying to ask me for last minute commissions." The smith's ears perked up as she looked at you properly, "speaking of comissions. How was that weapon I made for you?"

Your eyes widened at the unexpected question, stumbling over your thoughts as you tried to come up with an answer. How could you tell her that your sisters had confiscated it not long after finding out you were pregnant? Chasca had been helping you train with it, and Mavuika had tried, being somewhat successful, but the two of you often ended up too distracted by each other...

"Okay, what happened to it?"

"My sisters took it. They stopped my training sessions after finding out about... my condition." You hesitated before finally telling the ancient name bearer the truth, or well, a vague version of it. Chuychu still wasn't back yet, was she still trying to calm Chasca down?

"Your condition? Right?" Xilonen hummed, not entirely sure what you were taking about, "is it serious? Do you need anything from me?"

"It's too early to commission you to help with a nurs-anything, help with anything, so just, thank you for the offer!" you caught your slip up, but Xilonen did too as her ears twitched, taking a moment to realise.

"Oh, uh, well, you know where to find me when you do, okay, sweetheart? I should get going, I have a meeting with the archon, it's probably about her needing another set of sunglasses forging... again!" Xilonen gently petted your head as she hurried away, leaving you to frown slightly.

"Why does everyone keep petting my head?"

Notes:

Halfway through 5.0 act 1, written up to the group battles being won. All the stress I had about Chuychu's parents aka Chasca and R's adoptive parents, and it turns out we're getting Chasca's saurian mother in her story quest... plot twist indeed.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 7: The Pilgrimmage Begins

Summary:

After the dust settles from the argument between you and your sisters, the Pilgrimmage finally begins.

Notes:

warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, implied suggestive stuff but nothing actually happens, traveller uses they/them pronouns (hopefully - also not a warning but its my headcanon) but I haven't picked which twin is here yet... talks about the dead (Mavuika's sister)

posted early because i saw chasca's character teaser and i wanted to sob over chuychu. still trying to figure out how to save her, i have an idea but i'm not allowing myself to do anything super out of the blue/too overpowered for the plot.

The Pilgrimage started in two days, and you hadn't spoken to Chasca since the argument, while Chuychu came to check on you not long after Xilonen left for her meeting with the archon.

"She's cooling down. Just give her some time. It took a lot for her not to storm the Speaker's Chambers..." Chuychu admitted with a tired sigh.

"Well, I need her not to charge in there any time soon. Mavuika invited me to stay with her instead of the Inn. I'd rather not have a heart attack from her storming in while I'm asleep." You replied, playing with Chuychu's fingers, that tensed at the moment you admitted to staying with Mavuika.

"That guy from the Masters of the Night-Wind, Oronon, asked about you. Said you weren't home when Ifa went to drop round some vegetables and aphid honey." Your sister changed the subject, her eyes wandering around the room, before settling on what you had been working on when she arrived.

"I forgot about that. Ifa started bringing food over after that saurian Chasca was fostering for him ate my plants." You confessed, shaking your head at the memory. It was only when you realised what Chuychu was looking at that you moved your hands to shield it.

"It's not, it's not finished!" you let out a groan, your attempt to hide the project were halfhearted at best, but your sister just huffed at you. She treated you differently to Chasca, while she would pick fights with her older sister to make her blow off steam and watch her abyssal illness, she was softer with you. She had to be, ever since Chasca made you cry that one time when you were all a lot younger.

But that time was resolved with food, and promises to play together. Now, Chuychu was unsure how to resolve the issues. Chasca wasn't even mad at you anymore, she was just uncomfortable with the situation at hand. Her youngest sister and the pyro archon together... even Chuychu hadn't expected that, but you had been spending a lot of time with the archon back when she first became the pyro archon...

"It's a record. You, Chasca, me, our parents... Mavuika is there too, but I'm making a separate one for her. She deserves it, with everything that rests on her. Natlan's fate rests on her shoulders, it's a lot..." you trailed off, realising you were toeing the line of what nobody but the six ancient name bearers and Mavuika should know.

"You're preserving her legacy, and our family's legacy. Has something happened with Mavuika? You're not usually this sentimental when it comes to history, and that's saying something-"

"Do not blame hormones, I'm only eight weeks- can we continue this conversation after I go pee?"

Chuychu held back a chuckle, nodding as you hurried off to the bathroom.

"Chuychu? I have not seen you in a while. Do you have business with me, or are you here to see your sister?" Mavuika's voice in the speaker's chamber should not be uncommon, but the god of war had not been expecting Chuychu in her private chambers, not without you present at least.

"She's in the bathroom." Your older sister held back a grimace at her voice, trying not to show disrespect to her archon, but it was hard now she knew of another side to her, "Apologies, archon, for my tone."

"It's fine, Chuychu. I know it was not what you or your sister expected when finding out your youngest sister was dating someone. Let alone, having a baby." Mavuika smiled softly as you walked in, heading into her awaiting arms.

The silence was almost awkward, well, it was awkward for Chuychu, until she noticed how at peace you were with your lover.

"I'm going to head out and check on my patients. Treat my baby sister right, archon. And you, drink some water. You've been drinking enough xocoatl that you've probably surpassed Xilonen." Chuychu bid the two of you farewell, giving you a warning look as Mavuika chuckled. Clearly your xocoatl craving was getting out of hand.

"I'll see to it." Mavuika stated, much to the look on your face that disagreed with the taste of water at the moment.

"Water doesn't taste good." You pouted, your fingers playing haphazardly with the zipper of Mavuika's bodysuit.

"My love, what are you doing?" Mavuika hummed in amusement as you continued to play with her zipper.

"You smell better than the food Chuychu tried to give me... and I missed you, we finally have some time to ourselves before the Pilgrimage in two days..." you trailed off, but whatever you had in mind, was not what Mavuika expected, as she ended up with you asleep with your head on her chest, listening to her heartbeat.

She watched as your eyelids fluttered, hearing your soft breathing, in and out, in and out...

"Feels too early for so many people to know..." your voice interrupted her thoughts, burying your face in her exposed collarbone, having tugged the zipper down enough for the skin-on-skin contact to be enough for you.

Mavuika hummed, gently brushing an eyelash from your cheek.

"Can I stay here? During everything... I feel safer here, like the flame is watching over, or it's you, I feel safe around you. Maybe both?" your half-awake rambles trailed off as you frowned to yourself, missing how Mavuika's face lit up at what you said.

"You may stay as long as you want, my love. Besides, it's not like you aren't well-versed with your surroundings here." Mavuika chuckled, recalling how many times the two of you had been around the stadium together, whether you were meeting for official meetings, sneaking in between her meetings, or spending the night in the archon's bed...

"Hehe, well... at least you can't get me any more pregnant..." you mumbled, knowing that would be a poor defensive argument to have with your sisters, if it came to it. Shaking your head, you changed the subject, "there are rumours of the golden outlander coming to Natlan next... it's that time of year again."

"I see... honestly, I have been awaiting the day with grave importance. I plan to give offer them Natlan's highest form of hospitality, after everything they have done in each nation so far. The Traveller is a tremendously skilled warrior after all."

"The Traveller? Is that what everyone calls them? Is everyone just being lazy and not calling them their actual name? That's like calling our child, 'the child' instead of their name... but it's too early to think about that." You began to complain, but your voice became muffled as you buried your face in Mavuika's bare chest, much to her amusement.

"Every rumour and story we've heard from anyone visiting seems to refer to them by a different title." Mavuika agreed, her breath hitching as you moved to press a kiss to her collarbone, continuing down to her sternum. Her hand cradled the back of your head, preventing you from going further, much to her reluctance.

"We should be having dinner soon, and unfortunately, my love, eating me does not count." The pyro archon listened to her better judgement this time, despite the pout on your lips at your activities being ceased.

"Am I not allowed to indulge myself in a snack?"

"And you once called me the Archon of Horniess..." Mavuika grumbled, shifting slightly to try reduce the hot feeling flickering across her body. You got under her skin so easily, just from a few kisses-

"Can we have chocolate?" you watched Mavuika's face crinkle up in confusion.

"For dinner?"

You hummed in thought, "with xocoatl?"

"Ah, you heard Chuychu's warning about that, my darling-"

"Ugh, fine. I'll have a forest of colour salad!" you grumbled, folding your arms as you tried to rack your brain for foods you could eat. So many Natlanese recipes had ingredients that you had been warned against...

"What about blazed meat stew?" your lover enquired, tapping her finger to her chin as she tried to think over options.

"Heartburn..." you winced at the thought, giving up and laying down on Mavuika's chest again.

///

The day of the pilgrimmage was almost here, with teams gathering in the stadium entrance to sign up. Preparations were underway, while Mavuika was out and about, Chasca and Chuychu were also busy, leaving you to peacefully sleep in Mavuika's bed after your check-up. Although it was technically a conflict of interest for Chuychu to be your doctor, as your sister, but the situation was sensitive, and the first trimester was full of risk, your sister's goal was as low a risk pregnancy as she could give you. She kept you calm when Mavuika couldn't...

The rumours of the golden outlander and their silver floating companion reached you that evening, when Mavuika returned to join you in bed, holding you close as you listened to her talk about her day.

"I have ensured that they will serve many foods you can safely pick from at the banquets for the Pilgrimmage. If you wish to attend, of course... I know you have had little energy recently." Mavuika's fingers gently drew patterns on your back, listening to each breath you took. In and out. In and out.

"I miss Chasca... Chuychu is still around but, she says Chasca will calm down, I just hope it's before the baby is born, but that's so far from now..." you began to ramble quietly, before your thoughts changed, "I'm glad you're here..." you whispered, eyes cracking open to look at Mavuika's sunshine eyes, a soft smile on her face as you gazed up at her.

"I am too, my darling." Mavuika whispered, pressing kiss after kiss to your face, peppering you in them as you began to giggle and squirm.

"You and your sisters will settle down again... from what I can tell, Chasca isn't angry at either of us anymore, judging from how she was cordial when I saw her. I think, although I can make no assumptions, I believe Chasca isn't sure how to approach you after everything..." Mavuika theorised, her heart aching at these sisterly issues. It reminded her of Hine, and how Mavuika had not been there to defend her sister from possible suitors.

Your silence led to Mavuika glancing down, noticing how you were looking up at her with a soft expression, "my sisters and I... we remind you and Hine."

Your archon hummed, closing her eyes as you began to play with her hair.

"My love, you've stopped eating the Saurian treats that were given to you, right?" you felt Mavuika tense up, her body flushing with heat as she realised she had been caught.

"Uh, yes, I went out to find some wild saurians to give them some, since they were a little dry and-"

"Baby, those were for baby saurians... which I found out after dipping them in xocoatl." You admitted, gaining Mavuika's attention as her eyes widened.

"You ate them too?"

"There's nothing in them that could affect me, Chuychu checked, then she realised they were for saurians after." Biting your lip as Mavuika began to chuckle, her nose brushing yours as she leaned in to show you affection.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

///

"My heart, it's the morning. The Pilgrimmage begins soon. How do you feel?" Mavuika gently woke you, pressing her lips to your forehead as you whined, reaching out for her in determination for her to come back to bed.

"How do you feel?" your voice was hoarse, full of sleep as you sat up, regretting it as the nausea hit you, flailing with the covers to hurry to the bathroom of Mavuika's chambers.

"I guess that answers that question..." Mavuika muttered to herself as she rubbed your back comfortingly, having gotten used to your morning sickness by now. If you were lucky, it would taper off by the end of your first trimester, but you had to get there first.

"Let's get you sorted... it doesn't start yet, so I have time for you, before my duties as the archon." Mavuika cooed, helping you from the floor once you were finished, letting her help you get ready before she had to head out.

There was an offer to sit in the audience of the stadium, so you decided to attend the opening ceremony, sitting down with a cushion beneath you as you waited, hoping to get a glimpse of your sister, who would be competing today.

"Hello! Paimon's Paimon, and this is the Traveller, are we okay to sit with you?" a floating silver creature asked, as an individual cloaked in gold stood behind her, looking at you.

"Sure. It's nice to meet you both. I'm-" you cut yourself off, spotting Mavuika stand up from her throne, a throne that made you blush to think about. It was well hidden however, as the swirling pyro energy heated up the stadium, your lover displaying her use of the flames, as her hair ignited, and she began her speech.

"Skill, strategy, fortune, form... many factors influence strength, but victory never lies. The Pilgrimmage is not merely a trial to determine the strongest among us, but also a stage upon which to showcase your individual growth. Today marks the beginning of yet another legendary saga - one written in the triumphs of the victors! So, without further ado... let the games begin!" Mavuika announced as a horn sounded.

"So, that's the pyro archon? Is it just Paimon or does she seem kinda intimidating?" Paimon enquired, frowning at the amused smile on your face.

"She's been practicing that speech for a while now. You're free to talk to her, just leave it until after the games." You interrupted Paimon talking about how Mavuika was an ordinary person before becoming the Archon. To you, Mavuika was extraordinary... Archon or not.

"Oh, look! It's Kachina and the others!" Paimon shouted, but your eyes lingered on Chasca, and the Flower-Feather clan members you were avoiding, who were chanting her name.

"Um... hey, golden outlander, I know everyone calls you 'the Traveller' but... anyway, could you help me up please? I need to pee again..." you felt your face burn red as the legendary blonde traveller raised an eyebrow, but didn't hesitate to help you up, watching you walk away. The only thing on the Traveller's mind... 'again'?

Mavuika kept an eye on you in the crowds, watching as you were helped up and headed off, almost confusing her until she realised where you were heading. "Of course... the bathroom." She chuckled to herself, before redirecting her attention to the finishing teams stage. Chasca's team had won, so had Kinich's, Iansan's... and the team of Mualani and Kachina too.

Notes:

finished writing up act 2 last night, need to figure out the time jumps between that and act 3 because the two day skip in-game is not long enough thank you very much. it pains me that i'm skipping chasca to keep saving for mavuika because i used my guarantee for xilonen... (also is anyone interested in other fics, I have at least two written that I haven't posted, one is for Jeht x reader, one is Arlecchino x reader, another is Xilonen x reader but that's not finished... I also wrote a Mavuika request I had. Arguably it's not so detailed that you could say it fits in this universe but it can be read separately.)

(the urge to write a fic where it's chasca x chuychu's best friend!reader... but the whiplash from writing this series where they're all sisters and then boom, completely different fics)

Chapter 8: Rest

Summary:

Some go to war, while others deal with what happens while they're gone.

Notes:

warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, talks about war and death, traveller uses they/them pronouns, the abyss attacking.

To celebrate 5.2 being out, although it hurts to skip Chasca (I'm saving for Mavuika), I managed to snipe Ororon (and Yun Jin somehow...).

Maybe heading down to the contestants lounge to see Chasca before her match was a bad idea. The individual matches were important, but Chasca didn't have an ancient name, so the Night Wars were supposed to be out of the question for her.

"Chasca… please. Could you at least look at me, or are you that ashamed of your little sister that you can't?" Your voice was quiet, tapping your fingers on your arms as you crossed them, you didn't expect Chasca to gently cup your face with her hand. Holding you like you were made of glass she could shatter in a moment of lapsing control.

"I'm not ashamed of you. I was ashamed of my anger. I can usually reel it back in but if Chuychu hadn't calmed me down…I, you know, the Speaker's Chamber and… cause more harm than good. I swore I would always protect you."

"You say that but, my relationship has always been consensual-" you cut yourself off, not wanting to go into so much detail out in the open. Plus the grimace on Chasca's face said enough.

"My match is coming up. Can we talk after?" your eldest sister enquired, readjusting her hat as she glanced towards the doors.

"Of course. You know where to find me." You nodded, heading away to return to the stands, while your sister headed into the arena.

"Hey, you're back!" Paimon beamed at you, while the Traveller waved, offering you a hand to help you down to sit.

"Thank you… wow, Kachina's grown so much." You smiled, observing the individual fights carefully, and trying not to wince too much whenever Chasca took a hit. No matter how heavy or light it was.

Mualani against Kachina wasn't something you anticipated, but watching Kachina take her friend down was impressive. You could hear Mavuika clapping as the announcement was made.

"The winner is, from The Children of Echoes, Kachina! And with that, the winners of this Pilgrimmage have been decided. Put your hands together for our victors as we welcome them to the stage- With her sixth consecutive win, Chasca of the Flower-Feather clan!"

You bit your lip as you clapped, hearing your clan cheer your sister on, while you couldn't help but worry. Chasca had no ancient name, but she was going to participate in the Night Warden Wars anyway?

"Hey…" Chuychu whispered, having approached you during the announcements of the winners, while the Travelller and Paimon were distracted.

"Hey… I spoke to Chasca. She's not ashamed of me." You whispered back, freezing up as Chuychu wrapped her arm around you, pulling you into a hug.

"What made you think she'd be ashamed? She adores you more than me I swear- anyway, I'm more worried about our darling older sister crossing paths with you know who." Chuychu replied, annoying you by blowing a raspberry right next to your ear.

"Don't do that, it tickles!"

"Come on, let's get you some food! Everyone else will be busy, and Chasca knows the Night Warden Wars well-" the doctor tried to distract you.

"She doesn't have an ancient name, why is she even going…" you interjected with a worried pout, looking up to spot Mavuika watching the two of you, much to your embarrassment.

"Believe me, I tried arguing that with her years ago!" Chuychu replied, dragging you off as the Traveller and Paimon disappeared with Kinich, and a confused Mualani, who wondered why she hadn't seen you around much lately.

///

"My love? Are you here?" Mavuika called out as she entered her chambers, having been watching over the Night Warden Wars until her worries about you got the better of her. Despite wishing to speak to the Traveller and their floating companion, she had been unable to, the two had been wisked away by Mualani and headed off to the People of the Springs. No doubt they would return to the stadium when the group, including your sister, returned from war.

As much as she wanted to be there herself, relax in a hot spring with you, see Atea, she was not taking any risks. Not risking you, the baby, her people, Natlan. You were avoiding going back to the Flower-Feather Clan too. Part of your reasoning was due to not wanting to glide, and you were technically a wingless. You only flew with a glider from Mondstadt, a gift you'd received from an adventurer from there.

Turning towards the quiet shushing noise, the archon paused as she took in the scene. You were sat with your feet propped up, gently running your fingers through your sister's hair as she slept with her head in your lap. Completely unintentional, and she would probably get embarrassed about it later, but you didn't mind. Chuychu carried the stress of you, Chasca, and herself on her shoulders. Especially since the argument…

Carefully taking a seat next to you, Mavuika wrapped her arm around your shoulder, pressing a kiss to your forehead, smiling as you pouted at her.

Neither of you had seen Chuychu's eyes flutter, watching the two of you for that moment, and the moment after, when you finally got your wish, and Mavuika kissed away your pout. Her eyes closed again before either of you saw, your older sister deciding to sleep until she heard a familiar sound of your stomach rumbling, right next to her ears.

"What a wake up call." Chuychu joked dryly, sitting up as you flustered, turning to hide in Mavuika's shoulder.

"How about we get some food?" Mavuika kept the peace, chuckling as you stared at her with wide eyes, "and not just chocolate and xocoatl."

"Ugh." You grumbled, pouting childishly while Chuychu and Mavuika exchanged knowing looks.

///

Lightning and thunder woke you up that night. Chuychu had gone home, but your bed was missing Mavuika. Rubbing your eyes, you walked barefoot out of Mavuika's chambers, heading towards the back room of the Speaker's Chamber, what was technically the archon's office.

"Mavuika?" you whispered, looking around the room that was lit up by the fire in the middle, your eyes lingering on all of the offerings and gifts your lover had received. You'd taken photos of them all, having a weird feeling that they had more use than just sitting on display.

"The Abyss attacked the People of the Springs tonight. They defended against the attack, but they almost lost people, including Atea in the process," Mavuika explained as you walked over to where she was sat at her desk. "You should be asleep."

"So should you." You folded your arms, allowing yourself to be guided to sit in Mavuika's lap after some shuffling.

Mavuika only hummed, your chin resting on her head as she pressed her face into your chest. Your arms rested on her shoulders, playing with her hair as your gaze lingered on the tapestry of a younger Mavuika with her family and the baby saurians.

"Rest as long as you need." You whispered, feeling your archon relax under your touch, her fingers running under your shirt to lay gently on your stomach.

/// Meanwhile...

"Oh, if any of you have the chance to meet the archon, could you give her this for me?" Atea enquired, removing her talisman and holding it out to Mualani and the Traveller, "I also need someone to pass something along to Chasca and Chuychu's younger sister. It's back at my place. Just tell her to open it in private."

"What is it-" Mualani went to ask, already knowing about Atea's talisman, but a package for you? That confused her.

"She'll understand when she opens it." Atea answered vaguely, leaving Mualani to only shrug. It seems like Atea was taking your secret with her to the grave…

Notes:

started writing to lead up to act 3...

Chapter 9: Rising Tensions - Enter Capitano

Summary:

The failure to revive Kachina leads to frustrations, followed by the arrival of The Captain.

Notes:

warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, traveller uses they/them pronouns, arguing, mentions of death, poor descriptions of fighting.

Because I got excited writing act 3. This chapter is longer than the previous one.

Eventually, the team who were sent out to fight in the Night Warden Wars returned. All but one. Kachina, who had fallen in battle, would need to revived by the Rite of Ressurection. Everyone else seemed calm, but you couldn't help but frown. Kachina was a child, who had gone to war and died. She would be resurrected and celebrated, which you were glad for, but still, you worried about how traumatic the situation may have been for her.

"Oh hey, it's been a while! How are you doing?" Paimon's voice caught Mualani's attention, along with the Traveller's and Kinich's, as the floating silver creature spotted you already seated waiting for the Rite of Ressurection, and celebration of the Night Warden Wars victory to begin.

"Trying my best. Heard you guys were at the People of the Springs when the attack happened, I'm glad everyone made it out okay, including Atea. I heard she was injured." You smiled softly, cradling the waterskin that Chuychu was insisting you keep drinking water from throughout the ceremony.

"Speaking of Atea, I have something I need to give you from her when everything is over." Mualani interjected, looking over you carefully for any clues, but she couldn't figure out what Atea knew. She also didn't spot how Mavuika was watching you all from her throne. A part of the pyro archon wishing you could be sat with her... but it would be safer for you down there, with Chuychu nearby, and the toilets too...

"Warriors of Natlan - heed the call of life. We are the inheritors of memory and legend. Those who grew alongside sun and wind. Those who forged our own destiny and future. That is Natlan's fire, the lifeblood of our nation." Ntotila declared, as Mavuika headed towards the sacred flame to retrieve Kachina. Her hair setting alight as she disappeared into the flames, making your stomach churn.

Closing your eyes, you held your hand over your heart as everyone began to sing the Ode of Ressurection.

The song eventually ended, but Mavuika returned alone?

"I could not find Kachina within the Night Kingdom, or locate her Ancient Name." Mavuika announced, much to everyone's confusion, including her own. People began to shout, accusations were made, while you rubbed at your temples, a headache brewing.

"I can't listen to these jealous idiots. And they're supposed to be adults." You grumbled, standing up to walk away.

"Are you okay?" The Traveller looked worried, spotting how Mavuika's eyes lingered on the group as Mualani argued with the two idiots trying to suggest Kachina was not a hero.

"Think about it everyone. Who do you think is really at fault here? A girl who never should've even gone to war... Or the great pyro archon? Why would the rules of our nation suddenly stop working?" Tepexpan's accusation had you freezing in place, anger washing over you. Blasphemy...

"Maybe you should all shut up and realise it's probably the abyss interfering? Accusing Kachina and Mavuika will get you nowhere. Jumping to those blasphemous conclusions will get no nowhere. Get your heads of of your asses and use your brains for once." Your voice was louder than you expected, storming away before anyone could retort to your sharp words. Or you calling Mavuika anything but 'archon'.

Mavuika watched you storm away, her eyes flickering to behind her as the Sacred Flame seemed to react to your anger, growing a little bit bigger and a little brighter until you were out of sight.

Luckily, Mualani continued to stand up for Kachina, your words to fall into the background, brushed over.

"That's enough. There is no doubt about today's victory, or Kachina's part in it. She is a hero worthy of our admiration and celebration. However, the failure of today's ceremony is undeniable. Kachina has not been rekindled, and I offer you all my deepest apologies as I continue to investigate this matter..."

Mavuika's voice tapered off as you returned to her chambers, curling up with the blankets over your head. Your head hurt, and now you had probably just embarrased your girlfriend and your sisters with your outburst.

You missed Mavuika putting Tepexpan and Tamuin in their place, but the sound of multiple pairs of footsteps entering the Speaker's Chambers caught your attention, causing you to hide further under the blankets.

You recognised all of the voices. Mavuika. Paimon. The Traveller. Mualani. Kinich. Iansan. Chasca...

Luckily, you couldn't make out exactly what they were saying. Meaning you couldn't hear Chasca agree to go in person to the Night Kingdom with the others to retrieve Kachina.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Atea was wounded in the fight against the abyss. She wanted us to give this to you... it 'embodies fond memories and my strength of will' that's what she asked us to tell you, she said you'd understand what that means," Mualani held out Atea's talisman, "and she has something for your sister, Chasca, but I don' t know where she went-"

Chasca huffed at that, looking directly at Mavuika, who was luckily distracted by the talisman.

"I didn't think this day would come so soon. The flames of her life force, I can feel them flowing through the talisman. If things were different, the two of us could have enjoyed the hot springs together while she gave this to me in person. We're supposed to be 'hot spring buddies' after all..." Mavuika held back her emotion, especially with the warning glare on Chasca's face, "but don't worry. This talisman means a great deal to me. I'll take good care of it, and once this is all over, I'll pay Atea a visit. I can also sort out Atea's other wish..." Mavuika's eyes briefly glanced over at the door that led to her personal chambers, knowing that was where you were.

"Of course. Because the only person who knows her better than her sisters is her archon." Chasca folded her arms, pretending to be happy about what had just been said. Luckily the conversation ended after that, with only Iansan and Kinich remaining by the archon's side.

///

Mavuika ushered Iansan and Kinich out, asking them to wait for her near the Sacred Flame, while she headed into her chambers, with Atea's gift for you in her hands.

"My love?" her hand gently rested on your shoulder, your entire body hidden under the blanket, but she knew you were awake.

"I'm sorry."

"There is nothing for you to apologise for. The general public cannot know the truth, but them questioning the integrity of our heroes... I understand your outburst. I wish I could remain here instead of my duty, but unfortunately I cannot. Mualani brought something for you, from Atea... her request was that you should open it in private." Mavuika explained, watching as you removed the blanket from your face to look at her.

Pressing a kiss to your forehead, Mavuika headed to leave, watching as you took the package into your lap with a confused look on your face.

"I love you." Mavuika called out as her hand lingered on the doorknob, observing how your eyes were glassy but the smile on your face reached them.

"I love you too."

///

You were reading the letter Atea addressed to you when you heard a large explosion coming from the stadium. Leaving the package on the bed, you forwent shoes, hurrying out and past civillians who looked at you in confusion in your beeline towards the arena.

Mavuika was fighting the First Fatui Harbinger. The Captain.

"You shouldn't be here." Kinich immediately kept you behind him and Iansan, the backlashing winds from the pyro and cryo attacks whipping around the stadium.

"What does he want? Besides the gnosis? Wait, is she using your claymore?" You looked at Kinich, grimacing as said claymore was destroyed in the battle. Yeah Mavuika was getting an earful from Xilonen for that...

"Watch out!" Kinich grumbled as the three of you were pushed backwards by the wind of another explosion. Luckily, before the three of you could get blown about any further, a fog suddenly appearing to steal the injured harbinger away. Mavuika stood alone in the areantil Kinich and Iansan arrived by her side, the two keeping you behind them.

"Send word. The Captain and his followers must be apprehended." Mavuika ordered to the Flower-Feather clan member, Yagbeu. He looked from his archon, to you, then ran to fulfill his task. The patrols of your tribe may be a line of defense for the abyss, but now it would be patrolling against the Fatui too.

"Are you alright, archon?" Iansan asked hurriedly, as Mavuika chuckled.

"He was a formidable opponent - exactly what I would expect of the First of the Fatui Harbingers." Her face soon shifted to worry as she spotted the dust in your hair, "are you unharmed? Let me get you a medic-"

"I've got her." Chuychu interjected, stealing you away before Kinich and Iansan could ask questions about Mavuika fawning over you.

"What are you doing-"

"I should be asking you that! I need to go chase after our older sister, so I'm leaving you with Mayahuel. You're still in the danger zone of the first trimester!"

"Pregnancy itself is a danger zone." You hissed back at your elder sister, who left you in the hands of Mayahuel. The doctor from the Mastesr of the Night-Wind took you away with a comforting smile, and a nod to Chuychu.

"My dear... where are your shoes?" Mayahuel raised a nonjudgemental eyebrow as you flustered, realising they were under the archon's bed. You couldn't exactly tell the doctor that.

/// Meanwhile...

"Oh, you have a younger sister?" Paimon turned to Chasca with intrigue, "wait, Mualani, you said something about a sister-"

"I have two younger sisters. I'll introduce you to them sometime." Chasca thought back to you at the stadium, and Chuychu, who she had a sneaking suspicion was also at the Scions of the Canopy, "let's get back to business. Wayna, how do we use the stone?"

///

You were fine, but the declaration to rest made you want to scream internally. You'd spent so much time hiding (living) in Mavuika's chambers, and now you needed to do it even more. Chuychu could only keep your parents at bay for so long, and with how often Chasca avoided going home... you had definitely broken a record. How had they not come to the stadium and dragged you back by now? They didn't even know about your pregnancy... oh you felt like a horrible daughter...

Walking into the Speaker's Chambers, you froze as you realised Mavuika was there, with Iansan.

"Um... hello." Your voice waivered, looking between the two Ancient Name bearers nervously.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed:)

Chapter 10: Into the Night Kingdom

Summary:

Your sisters argue a lot before the group goes to the Night Kingdom to bring Kachina back. Mavuika continues to sacrifice to save her people.

Notes:

warnings: talks about castration, sisters arguing, talks of dying (nobody dies in this chapter), innuendos.

we resume our regular schedule... enjoy:)

"What did the doctor say?" Mavuika asked, giving you her full attention as Iansan looked confused.

"Archon?" Iansan began, but her question went unanswered.

"To rest. I'm fine... we're both fine. Mayahuel thinks the calculations are off though."

"Oh?" Mavuika frowned, knowing that Chuychu had estimated how far along you were when you took your test.

"Ten maybe... rather than nine. Find out more accurately soon." You shrugged, trying to block out how Iansan was looking between you and Mavuika.

"Archon, what is happening?" Iansan waited for an explanation, before realising this was clearly not her business.

"A personal development. One that in time, those closest to us will know more about. I apologise, Iansan." Mavuika explained giving you an apologetic look as she held back her urge to sweep you into her arms. Or to pepper your face in kisses and bury her face in your neck. To one day hold your baby in her arms.

"It's fine, but aren't you supposed to be resting?" Iansan turned to you, as you raised your hands in surrender, heading into Mavuika's personal chambers- yours and Mavuika's chambers, to do as you were told.

"How much does she know?" Iansan asked the moment that she heard the doors close behind you.

"Everything and more." Mavuika sighed, playing with the cuff of her bodysuit as Iansan frowned to herself. Were you one of the ancient name bearers?

(You were definitely bearing something alright...)

The sun was setting, you had no doubt Chuychu had reached wherever Chasca had gone and was giving her an earful now. You however, returned to Atea's letter, frowning as you read over its contents, then glancing at the other things in the package...

/// Meanwhile...

"Alright. It's just the two of us now. You have one minute to explain yourself." Chuychu folded her arms, not even facing Chasca, who sat on a crate, mirroring Chuychu's folded arms.

"I don't have anything to say. You don't have to approve, but you should know I only do what's necessary." Chasca huffed, but her younger sister was having none of it.

"What's necessary? You almost stormed the Speaker's Chamber to castrate the Archon. You seriously think our little sister needs that on top of everything? Your attitude is the problem here. Half the time, it's like you don't care! You try to sneak off to the Night Kingdom behind my back, then play it down as if it's just a trip abroad! Did you think about how it might affect me, or our pregnant baby sister, who would hang onto our every word growing up? Do you want her baby growing up without one of their aunts?"

"Well... technically I am going abroad, right? And, did you really have to bring that up?" Chasca shuffled uncomfortably at the memories.

"Again with the excuses!" Chuychu exclaimed, frowning at her older sister's attitude, before starting to talk through the four levels of danger, again.

Unfortunately, unlike arguments with you involved, this one did not end peacefully... it was not a normal argument.

"Alright, let's stop this here. If we keep going, I might actually have to get serious, and I think Wayna prefers his roof attached to his house."

"Is that a threat? That sounds like a threat to me!" Chuychu shouted, as Chasca finally raised her voice, momentarily.

"UGH! Chuychu! Younger sisters are supposed to listen to their elders."

"Well, we both know how well that goes sometimes." Chuychu huffed, reflecting on what she had told you in the past, "so you're really going to go? No matter what I say? I'm supposed to be your sister."

"Then, support me. I'll be back, all you have to do is wait." Chasca stated before turning away to go back to the others.

"Chasca... so, that's it? Why'd you both have to turn out to be... so... darn... annoying!" Chuychu grumbled, walking away first. She could at least distract herself with any patients at the Scions of the Canopy... while her elder sister risked her life in the Night Kingdom.

///

Paimon's voice woke you up first, but you had no interest in leaving the bed until you heard Chasca speak.

"Is she here?"

"Resting." Mavuika was vague, gesturing to her personal chamber doors. She didn't want anyone else entering after Chasca headed inside.

"It's me. I'm back. We're heading off again soon, but I wanted to check on you-" Your eldest sister began, but her words stopped at the moment you moved to hug her, waiting for a moment before she nodded, and let the hug happen.

"I missed you." Her ears barely picked up your words, holding you gently in her arms. She didn't want to hurt you accidentally, but you both needed the hug.

"I missed you too." Chasca whispered, before she moved her arm, "also, I brought you a snack. Puff Pops, from the Scions of the Canopy."

Your eyes lit up, the snack reminding you of many a time you watched the stars with Mavuika, eating it together in between conversation.

"Can I share them with Mavuika?" you hesitatingly asked, looking your oldest sister in the eye as she softened and nodded.

"I should warn you though. There's more than just Mavuika out there."

"So I should put on more clothes... um, can you help me find something comfy that also fits?" You flustered as Chasca raised an eyebrow, feeling out of her depth as she glanced around the room.

"I thought Chuychu helped you with that stuff. She mentioned something about bras-"

"She told you that? She said you'd shrivel up like a raisin if I asked you for help bra shopping!" You spluttered, as Chasca did indeed metaphorically shrivel up like a raisin at the idea of bra shopping with her younger sisters.

"Just... put some socks and shoes on too." Chasca brushed you off as you changed out of the sleep shorts into something more appropriate.

"Yeah... I confused the doctor by walking around with no shoes on earlier too." You admitted as you and Chasca headed towards the door to Mavuika's office, where all her mementos were... and apparently everyone else had gathered too.

"What is this place?" Paimon enquired, waving when she spotted you appear with Chasca, and a food she hadn't seen before, "ooh, food! What is that? Hey, isn't that Atea's talisman?"

"Puff pops. Scions of the Canopy specialty." You answered, flicking one of them into your mouth before scurrying over to Mavuika's desk.

"This is where I store all the various mementos I've collected." Mavuika explained, while the others admitted they'd never been in here, you were all too familiar with the room.

"I suppose you could see it as a hobby of sorts. In Natlan, everyone grows up listening to the stories of heroes. Chasca, you're already aware of your sister's work in preservation, physical items do a far better job at preserving those stories than our own memory." Mavuika sighed, watching you from the corner of her eye with a fond smile, "now, I still have some preparations to make for the ceremony, so feel free to take a look in the meantime. If you're curious about an item, I'm more than willing to tell you about it's origins."

"I can, also. Some of the stuff in here is what I've recovered or helped make." You replied, leaning against Mavuika's desk, much to the confusion of Mualani, and Chasca's uncomfortable frown.

"This flower looks like it's thriving. You must be good at taking care of plants, archon." Chasca commented, looking from the flowers to where you and Mavuika were stood, exchanging glances.

"The seeds were a gift I planted, there were so many I spread them between a few pots." Mavuika explained, not seeing how Chasca held back a shudder.

"Maybe you should have been more careful about where you planted your seed." Luckily everyone else was distracted observing the historical objects from their respective tribes, or chose to ignore what Chasca said because of the look on your face.

"Chuychu is right, you're so annoying!" You shivered, no longer hungry as you offered a grateful Paimon the rest of the Puff Pops.

Mavuika's ears burned with warmth, trying to keep her face blank but failing as she turned on her heel to not look in your sister's direction.

"Are you alright?" you mouthed, trying to hide the photo that your lover had on her desk of the two of you, but all you had done was gently lay it face down, leaving the mural of Mavuika's family fully on display. Mavuika nodded, answering Paimon's questions about Atea's talisman, then the other mementos.

Eventually the Traveller and Paimon made their way to Mavuika, who had just finished up with the powder, waiting for it to set.

"Well, what do you think of my collection? Do you feel like you have a better understanding of Natlan's culture?" Mavuika smiled, continuing to explain how the collection served as something similiar to ancient names. Something you were aware of, which was why you had taken photos of everything Mavuika had collected, and banned her from trying to use the albums for anything but looking at sentimentally.

Mavuika's talks about time left you speechless, having heard her explain the shape of time before, but it never failed with you. Something about time haunted you, but you knew why. Mavuika was on borrowed time, and so was Natlan, if the abyss couldn't be stopped. Blinking back tears, you directed your attention onto the Traveller, who spared a concerned glance at you.

"Humanity excels at living in the present, but too often, we forget the past, and neglect the future." Mavuika explained, nodding as the Traveller figured out what she was saying.

"So it all comes down to the power of the divine throne and the rules... wait is that, a family portrait?" Paimon floated closer to Mavuika's desk, "and- what do you have there?"

Paimon spotted your hand holding a photo frame down from her view, "It's mine. It's just a photo. Mavuika, how about you explain your family portrait?" you stumbled, looking panicked but Mavuika didn't hesitate to explain. Especially since that photo was of you and her as a couple.

"That's my father, mother, younger sister, and the little saurians we raised. I turned a piece of my dad's armour into a canvas and comissioned a famous artist to paint our likeness." Mavuika explained, her hand lingering over her heart as she spoke.

Chasca watched carefully, noticing the soft look on your face as Mavuika spoke of her family.

"Your sister is so cute! Looks like you two are really close!" Paimon cooed, "Paimon was having a hard time thinking of an archon as a normal human, but seeing this portrait... it kinda makes sense now. It really doesn't look like there was anything special about you before-" Paimon froze as you let out a cough, "wait, is Paimon allowed to say that?" covering her mouth, the Traveller gave her a warning look to watch her tongue.

"A little late for that question, don't you think?" Mavuika chuckled, but the tenseness of the Traveller and Paimon left you raising an eyebrow, and Paimon's hurried apologies left you to wonder. What had happened in their interactions with the other nations' archons?

Mavuika's laughter brought you back to reality, catching yourself before you reached out to snuggle into her side. You couldn't, not when you two weren't alone... plus, Chasca seemed to still be mad at Mavuika, judging from the way she was watching you both.

"Becoming the archon doesn't mean you sever ties with your family. The position just comes with a lot of responsibilities, so it impacts how often you get to see them." Mavuika turned her head to look at you, hiding the sad look in her eye from the two outlanders. Instead, she began to recall a memory with Hine from her childhood, noticing how you had closed your eyes, trying to hold back your tears.

"As the Archon, I made a vow to defend this nation, and experiences like that... they remind me of what I'm trying to protect."

"Well, what happened after that? This portrait looks pretty old, your sister must be all grown up by now, right?" Paimon innocently asked, not even acknowledging how you got up, leaving the photo frame alone as you headed towards your older sister.

Mavuika had guessed about what happened to Hine, thanks to your work alongside the Scions of the Canopy, and the previous pyro archons knowledge. However, a lot had been lost to history.

"Hey, what's-" Chasca began, freezing up as you hugged her without a word. Her arms eventually wrapped around you gently, her chin on your shoulder as she stole a glance at Mavuika, who only smiled understandingly back at her.

"It's getting late, Chuychu arranged food for you with Chanca." Mavuika explained, smiling softly as you frowned but nodded, heading out of the door to let the others try to save Kachina. You didn't need to be there, so Mavuika would find you when everything was done.

"I'll tell Chuychu to be ready just in case. She's very experienced with dealing with abyssal corrosion- that face you just made, don't tell me you two got into another fight?" Mavuika spotted how Chasca immediately looked uncomfortable at the mention of Chuychu.

"The last time all three sisters were in the same place, it didn't end well. Chuychu doesn't know I've apologised..." Chasca gestured to the photo frame, while Mavuika sighed.

"You three... I can only have myself to blame."

///

"Hey munchkin." Chuychu approached you eating dinner under the watchful eye of Chanca. The ancient name bearer suspected something the moment your sister had arranged food with her, and tatacos were off the menu indefinitely. You loved tatacos, your sisters would order them from her all the time for you after all.

"Hi..." you tried to speak over your mouthful of broth from your grainfruit meat soup, deciding to hug Chuychu instead of finishing the meal.

"Oh- hey, finish your food." Chuychu tried to tell you off, but the fight with Chasca was still in her mind, no matter how much she'd shoved it back, "you're worried about Chasca too?"

"When am I not? I worry about all of you, all the time. Especially with the abyss getting worse." You admitted, turning back to poke your spoon into the soup for a moment, Chuychu raising an eyebrow as you chewed your lip, looking back at her.

"Um... I love you, I'm proud of you, and I will always love you and be proud of you." Your eyes were glassy as you took Chuychu by surpirse, her stern attitude that worked on Chasca melting away at the look on your face.

"Shhh, I love you too, okay? You're okay, little one. We're... all okay." Chuychu's heart ached as she realised that was a lie. Chasca going to the Night Kingdom, exposing herself to so much abyssal energy... hopefully they should have found Kachina by now.

///

Chuychu ended up persuading you to go to bed, the others would be returning by sunrise, Mavuika had said, and you needed to sleep.

"The photo albums?" you gave Mavuika a look that Chuychu could only raise an eyebrow at.

"Intact and perfect." She nodded, realising you knew what she had done. All her mementos, burnt to ash, all in exchange for power to save the group. It wasn't long after that for your sister to usher you back to Mavuika's chambers to sleep, although feeling her watch you fall asleep made you feel strange.

What happened was replaying in your head. The sacrifices Mavuika had to make for Natlan were piling up even higher...

Chapter 11: Temporary Victories

Summary:

Things seem to be going well after Kachina is brought back from the Night Kingdom, but the Fatui know more than they should.

Notes:

warnings: suggestive scene between r and mavuika, impending death of mavuika, a shorter chapter to finish act 2.

fun fact: there was a more suggestive implied nsfw scene that i changed to just making out😅

You woke up alone. The only evidence that Chasca had been to see you was the small bag of Puff Pops on the side table, and the blanket that had been tucked in to keep you warm.

Wrapping the farbic further around you, you headed towards Mavuika's office. Finding her staring into space, going down memory lane, you remained still, observing her carefully. Taking in every detail, you refused to forget a single one.

Your time with Mavuika was limited, but you would hold onto every second tightly.

Meanwhile, Chuychu was slipping away from the party. She knew it would be awkward if she hung around Chasca for too long, but heading back to see you risked you feeling suffocated.

Instead, she explained to the Traveller and Paimon why she picked that fight with Chasca, knowing it would help her calm down. Chasca never opened up about her pain, not to you, not to Chuychu, and not to your parents.

"Oh, if you ever need a doctor, you know who to find!" Chuychu waved as she headed off, hoping that Chasca would come home and visit soon. Chasca avoiding hope paired with your avoidance of your tribe in general, a lot of questions were beginning to circulate...

///

"My love?" you whispered as Mavuika opened her eyes, a look on her face left you frowning but she hid it well.

"Would you like to attend Kachina's victory feast with me?" Mavuika enquired as you walked closer to her, the blanket around your shoulders as her gloved hand stroked your cheek.

"Did what Chasca say earlier bother you? Then on top of everything else, your family portrait-" you began, but Mavuika reached behind her, revealing the photo frame and the picture inside. The one you tried to hide from Paimon. A photo of you and Mavuika, with her kissing your cheek as you held up the kamera.

"You could have-"

"You took photos of everything but this... as much as I can reason burning everything else, no matter the sentimentality, a part of me has picked up your preserving habit." Mavuika confessed as you took the frame into your hands.

"Why would I take a photo of a photo-" her lips met yours, shutting you up immediately as a moan escaped your lips. Fumbling with the frame, you slipped it back onto the desk without breaking the kiss. It felt like it had been so long since you'd been able to be so close to her.

"You'll be late to the party." You mumbled as the two of you split away for air.

"We could have a party of our own-" your eyes widened at Mavuika's insinuation, looking down at yours and her feet in embarrassment.

"That's vulgar!" you couldn't help the laugh that escaped your lips, "Chuychu figured out by just looking at me that I'd started having sex, do you remember?" you grimaced at the memory, while Mavuika nuzzled her face into your hair.

"I remember, although that have been due to the bruise on your neck, thankfully she could not question you in front of her archon. Even though it was me who-" Mavuika pressed a kiss to your finger as you placed it over her lips.

"No more plant related puns. That seed one Chasca said made me nauseous. So you making deflowering ones, no..." You warned, trying not to break at the loving smile on your girlfriend's face, "go make your appearance at the celebrations, answer the Traveller's questions, have some grape juice... I'm going to make another photo frame."

Mavuika pouted as you began to usher her away.

"Can I not kiss the mother of my child just a moment longer?" Mavuika's waited eagerly for your response to her desire.

"Oh- shit, sorry, sorry, language, but yes, of course!" you giggled, pulling Mavuika forward by her hips to kiss her again, hands beginning to wander over each other's bodies.

Eventually, your girlfriend headed out to the party with a blissful smile on her face, leaving you to take out the photo albums you'd saved and find the photo you needed to make a frame for. Mavuika's family portrait photo...

///

"My lord. We've received word that the pyro archon has lost much of her power. Although your injury complicates things, this is most certainly the opportune time to seize the gnosis. We also have confirmation that the one who does not leave the pyro archon's side is her-"

"Victory and defeat are rules, not outcomes. I do not take advantage of an opponent in a time of weakness, and I do not harm my opponent's loved ones as a means to harm my opponents. I have no intention to start now. They will both be unharmed." The Captain turned to acknowledge his scout, then towards a mysterious figure, "as for you. I must admit I did not expect that little trick of yours to save the day."

"No matter how dense the fog, as long as the sun remains, we cannot turn day into night. She could have dispelled it - she simply chose not to. You don't have much time, and you're injured on top of that. What do you plan to do next?" The mysterious figure asked the First Fatui Harbinger, holding back his questions: why were you not leaving the pyro archon's side? What were you to her?

"I'm beginning to see just how useful you may turn out to be. You... heard something from here, didn't you?"

Notes:

i am not mentally prepared for rewatching act 4 to write my own version.

Chapter 12: Atea

Summary:

The moment everything calms down, you and Mavuika go to visit Atea before her time runs out.

Notes:

warnings: mentions of protection against pregnancy and STDs, impending death (Atea), talk of death, murder, sacrifice.

this is the start of act 3, a bit interlude-y but it fleshes the timeline and lore out nonetheless... let me know what you think?

"You don't need to carry me to the People of the Springs. I can walk you know. Are you trying to show off how much you've been working out?" You commented, squeezing Mavuika's bicep with a smirk as she carried you in her arms down the more rocky unstable terrain. You didn't see how Mavuika held back a smirk at your appreciation of her muscles, instead surveying the surroundings for any potential ambushes.

"Your sisters would kill me if you fell and got hurt, or worse. If something happened to you and the baby, I'd never forgive myself. Neither would your family." Mavuika stated, gently letting you down to walk now that the terrain had flattened out a bit.

"Yeah well... we'll find out. Chuychu and Chasca kept them at bay long enough. They're going to the stadium later since they know I'm not living at my house anymore. Mama is usually too busy at the Masters of the Night-Wind to chew papa, my sisters and I out..."

"So you decided to come with me to see Atea to avoid them?"

"Part of that box that Atea left had condoms and dental dams in it." You folded your arms, holding them close to you as Mavuika snorted.

"More than enough to make the point she was making. Especially after the looks she gave me when she realised why you weren't going into the hot springs... what of the other things in the box?"

"Some of the things are cute. Some of the less cute things I think should really be for Mualani, but I'm pretty sure she and Kinich are just friends. I know Chasca and Xilonen have something going on too. Anyway, there was something else in the box, but I don't think she should have given it to me. I don't know if I have a similar ambition to awaken it. Moving on, do you think Atea gave Mualani some stuff like that too? You chuckled, taking Mavuika's offered hand as she helped you down the path, pressing a kiss to her cheek as you walked.

"Perhaps it would be better if we didn't know the answer to that." Your lover offered, holding you close as the two of you soaked up the sun. Well, Mavuika soaked up the sun, keeping you protected in her shadow.

"Good point..." a sigh escaped your lips, "I know Atea wouldn't want us to be sad, but I don't know if my stupid hormones will get the memo."

Mavuika's free hand reached out, interlacing her fingers with yours to stop you from rubbing at your eyes, "she'll understand, my love."

"Archon? I didn't think I'd see you here- oh, hey it's you! You're here too! Feels like it's been forever since I've seen you! How are you doing? Are you getting better?" Mualani frowned at the sight of Mavuika, but the confusion in her eyes melted away at the sight of you, hurrying over to greet you excitedly.

"I'm okay. Still tired easily, supposed to be on bed rest but um... we came to see Atea." Your gripped Mavuika's hand a little tighter, feeling your archon's gaze on you, but Mualani didn't even blink at you two holding hands.

"I'll take you there! We'll go slowly though, take a few less public paths. No doubt if everyone sees you, Archon, you'll be stuck here all day." Mualani explained, gently hooking her arm around yours to walk you two to where Atea was, her home.

"So are you two..." Mualani began to ask, but luckily or unluckily for you three, she was unable to get an answer.

"Mualani, don't be nosy, you know that's not your business." Atea folded her arms, giving the younger girl a warning look, before her eyes softened at the sight of you.

"Well, I can't say I was expecting this. Little one, why don't you go with Mualani to sit down and have some snacks. I need to have a word with our dear Archon here." Atea's gaze shifted as she watched Mualani take you away, leaving her to give Mavuika a look.

"Is this about-"

"I thought you of all people knew about protection- and I'm not talking about the power of the divine throne." Atea sighed, hiding her smile as Mavuika's face burning with heat at the insinuation. Luckily you were out of ear range as Atea scolded her archon, quietly talking with Mualani instead. Whatever you two were saying, the God of War could not hear.

"Is that why you left her... those things?"

"No. That was because I wanted to see the look on my 'hot spring buddy's' face." Atea teased, enjoying watching her friend squirm, "I still remember when Chasca and Mualani were fighting over toys you know. Now all of them are grown up."

"You make me sound like a cougar." Mavuika grimaced, looking over at you and Mualani, but you were looking at her with a concerned frown, while Mualani leaned into your side, hugging you gently. You both looked so tired, as Mualani yawned sleepily, you copying the motion involuntarily.

"If I had more time, I would give you an earful." Atea huffed, meeting your gaze as she turned her head, "no doubt her parents will, if Chasca and Chuychu haven't. You put a huge target on her back..."

"Chasca and Chuychu have both processed the news, but she's avoiding her tribe entirely. It was never my intention to isolate her from everyone, but other things have been bothering her, like... her birth parents. She worries about any genetic conditions the baby could inherit." Mavuika folded her arms as she began to explain, seeing Atea's expression, "she started talking to the Wayob in her sleep."

"From what I know, her parents weren't from Natlan, but were travelling here. Both were dead when the patrol found them, but the infant was alive. They made it across the Sumeru desert, but she was born on the border of Natlan. From what you just said, the Wayob must protect her, so sending her to another nation isn't an option..." Atea explained, taking a sip of her drink as she looked over at where you and Mualani had ended up taking a nap, curled up on her couch.

"The Abyss?" Mavuika held her breath as she watched her friend shake her head.

"The Fatui."

"Why were the Fatui..." Mavuika frowned, wondering why the Fatui would kill your birth parents. If she had all the pieces of the puzzle, maybe things would make more sense.

"Does she know?"

"I don't think anyone ever told her the whole story." Atea admitted, watching how you and Mualani reminded her of sleeping baby Koholasaurus.

///

"I'm scared to go back." You admitted after bidding your farewells to Atea, hugging her as carefully as you could, as she patted your head, telling you that you were going to be fine. Even though she wouldn't be there to witness it herself, she just hoped you shared the same drive as hers. To protect... but maybe that instinct would flare and resonate as more motherly in your case...

"Is this about your parents?"

"Something Chuychu said, when they found me, I wasn't wearing Natlanese clothes. I've never seen these clothes, so it's not like I can find out what nation they're supposedly from. I know I was born in Natlan, and our baby will be born in Natlan... it's just weird with them, for me. They'll probably try to ground me for not coming home in so long, then scold me for keeping secrets, then freak out because it's the Archon's baby and they can't be disrespectful to the Archon-"

"My love, you're spiralling. Let us return first, we will deal with your family together." Mavuika brought your hand up to her lips, pressing kisses to each knuckle.

"You're my family too." Your heart ached at how soft your lover could be, the little moments you got to witness as her lover, compared to the side of her that everyone else saw. The fearless Archon, the woman who sacrifices everything to save her nation, then Mavuika, who gave up her life, her family 500 years ago... then would need to give up her life again, giving up her family in the present too...

Chapter 13: Parents

Summary:

The family reunion takes a dramatic turn, while everyone deals with the past losses, and the events yet to come. The threat of the abyss' impending attacks continues to linger.

Notes:

Warnings: swearing, a nsfw joke, arguing, mentioned death, everyone's getting stressed at the impending abyssal attacks.

The 5.3 livestream today has me very excited but also worried... also I'm still writing act 4 content and we're getting close to act 5, but that gives me time to develop my version of events better, so we celebrate...

"There you are, young lady!"

"Fuck me..." you immediately froze, looking at Mavuika with wide eyes.

"That is how we got into this situation." She remarked quietly, turning her head to acknowledge your parents, who had Chuychu and Chasca trailing behind them. Chuychu gave you a wide-eyed look, while Chasca avoided looking at you entirely, instead looking for a way she could fly away from this family reunion. If only she had seen your begging look, wishing she could take you away with her... but Chasca's soulsniper whatever it was called only had room for her.

"What exactly did you think you were doing avoiding the tribe, your family for so long? Come over here so we can ground you without shouting across the stadium!"

"Ground me? I don't even live with you anymore!" you retorted, raising your voice much to Chuychu's horror, as she mouthed 'calm down' at you.

"Yet we agreed when you asked to move out, that you would visit. You three have been acting strange since the family dinner over a month ago." Your father reminded you, watching as you winced.

That last family dinner was the day you found out you were pregnant.

"It's a long story. I can't come back to the tribe, it's just safer if I stay at the stadium, stay near the Sacred Flame." Your eyes remained on the floor, your hands shaking until Mavuika's hand brushed yours, your fingers tangling with hers.

"Archon? I apologise but this is family business-" Your father was cut off by your mother, much to the lack of shock of their three daughters,"why do you need to be near the Flame? You weren't contaminated by the abyss, were you? Chuychu specialises in the abyss, she could have helped you in seconds-"

"I'm not sick, I'm just..." you let out a sigh, cutting off your parents before they assumed the complete wrong thing.

"Just what? What's wrong, little one?" you could feel their concern as your father began to fawn over you, your stomach twisting as your heartbeat beginning to thud loudly in your ears.

"I'm pregnant."

The silence was loud, even your sisters didn't dare speak. At least nobody had asked you to repeat what you said. Instead you waited, Mavuika feeling more and more awkward by the second as she felt your hand trembling in hers.

"Can someone please say something?" you hissed through gritted teeth, fighting back tears as you heard footsteps.

"Go lay down. Doctor's orders, this stress isn't good for you. Chasca and I will handle mama and papa." Chuychu gently rubbed your back, coaxing you away.

"Chuychu-" your father began, but he fell silent at the look on your face. The same vulnerable look he saw when the patrol found you all those years ago...

"She's not a kid anymore, papa. None of us are." Chasca cut in, trying to keep the peace as Mavuika went to follow you.

"Archon? You never answered my question." Your father spotted her about to leave, while your mother continued to observe you, spotting the signs immediately as she just muttered to herself. How did she miss the signs?

"The baby is mine, Cusco. I'm dating your daughter." Mavuika would have stayed longer, but you hurried back over, taking her hand and all but dragging her away, in turn saving her from the aftermath of that reveal.

"And now we're both screwed..." you led Mavuika back to the Speaker's Chamber, heading through to the personal chambers.

"That could have gone better..." Mavuika confessed, bringing you into her arms as you hands ran over the top of your shirt, lingering over your belly.

"I'm eleven weeks. They'll either be mad I didn't tell them earlier, or mad in general- I can't even finish my spiralling because I have to pee! And you need to organise the defences of the nation for fighting against the abyss-" you rambled as you headed to the toilet.

"It is in progress, my love." Mavuika explained through the bathroom door.

"What about-"

"The Traveller is currently helping out the Children of the Echoes, but I've heard from Amina and Wayna that those two have been all over Natlan, to the People of the Springs and the Scions of the Canopy too." Mavuika already knew what you wanted to ask, observing you as you returned, covering your face with your hand to hide a yawn.

"Good, that's good... Mualani said something about exploring with them."

"You should rest, we can deal with everyone when they've calmed down..." Mavuika cooed, coaxing you into bed, where you snuggled your face into her shoulder.

"A nap sounds nice..." you whispered as your eyes began to flutter, and sleep took its hold on you. Mavuika rested her face onto the crown of your head, listening to your breaths as she held you close. If she could stay in a moment like this forever, she would...

///

Atea passed away not a few days later, may the Wayob grant her peace, for her story will be remembered.

You watched her vision extinguish from the glowing red of pyro, to a cold grey-ish silver. A masterless vision, now in your hands, at her request.

Mavuika had become ensnared in preparations for abyss attacks, especially with Mualani's awakening as the next Ancient Name bearer. Only two were yet to awaken, and the abyss would do anything to stop the plan coming to fruition.

Xilonen had greeted you after her meeting with your lover, looking over you tenderly as you two pretended like the geo vision bearer didn't know you were pregnant. Or that you knew that she had just chewed your lover out for breaking Kinich's claymore and her sunglasses, oh and the entire debacle of the Traveller's ancient name. Instead, she petted your head, informing you that if you needed anything, you just had to ask her.

Meanwhile, with your sisters... Chasca was patrolling more and avoiding going home, while Chuychu was all over the place helping with anyone who had been injured. An agreement had been made however, the three of you would return to the tribe soon. Even your mother was reducing her workload to keep an eye on you and your sisters. Despite your anxieties, Mavuika was attempting to hide her fears too.

You were fast asleep, laying on your side with pillows to support you, while Mavuika was behind you, holding you as you slept. Her fingers gently ran over your growing belly, yet to be showing but you were entering the second trimester, so at least she hoped she'd get to see it. The news that you and your sisters would be returning home to your parents made her heart skip a beat. The abyss would have sensed your pregnancy early on, but being away from Mavuika gave it the perfect attempt to strike.

Isolating you from your family, no matter how many secrets your parents kept from you, was not an option. Maybe if Xilonen had her motorbike, Flamestrider, fixed up in time, she could get to you quickly? Although Chuychu may decide to join Chasca in the previous plans of killing their Archon if they saw their baby sister on the back of Mavuika's motorcycle. She had a helmet made for you ages ago, but it probably wasn't a good idea. Pregnant or not.

It didn't help that Mavuika now knew the fate of your birth parents, but was it her place to tell you? Would you want to know that your birth parents were killed by the Fatui on Natlan soil?

The theory was that your parents had been fleeing the organisation, but your birth may have taken them by surprise, leaving them to try settle in the outskirts. The Fatui hunted your parents down and killed them, getting interrupted by the incoming patrol of the Flower-Feather Clan's flying squad before they could kill you.

Cusco and his wife took you in, they already had Chuychu, but you'd never talked about when they took in Chasca, or how old you had all been when all of that happened. If Mavuika wanted to learn more about your childhood, she'd have to talk to you or Cusco, although that may be off the table after what she told him.

Atea and Mualani had mentioned how as children, Chasca would get into fights and Chuychu would drag her around after to apologise. She wasn't sure how you fitted into all of it.

"What's got you thinking so hard?" you croaked, keeping your eyes closed as your hands rested over Mavuika's, on your belly.

Mavuika only hummed, pressing a kiss to your cheek as you let out what could be described as a purr, before you began to shuffle around, but she resisted it.

"Nothing that should disturb your sleep, my love. Just some things Atea said to me."

"I miss her." she barely heard you speak, but she couldn't help but agree, closing her eyes and burying her face in your back.

/// This was almost the end of the chapter but it's not, you're welcome<3

From your knowledge and presence in the Speaker's Chamber over the last few days, you knew that the Scions of the Canopy and the Adventurer's Guild in Natlan were working together to spread communications while Mavuika assembled and stationed her forces to defend against the Abyss.

Mavuika had mentioned giving Xilonen the task of making an Ancient Name for the Traveller, with a smirk on her face that soon shrank when you gave her a stern look.

"Making an Ancient Name for an outlander... I swear if that ends up killing her, I'll ressurect you both, and make you change all the nappies." Mavuika held back from flinching, fully aware that she would most likely not live to see your baby be born, let alone be around to help you post-partum.

"I don't think Xilonen's nose could handle that. Even if she did know-"

" She knows... we're both pretending she doesn't. You get the nappies. Xilonen... I wanted to ask her to help with a nursery, or just a crib? I don't think I'll be able to stay here after... you know." You stared at the map of Natlan, your eyes lingering on the Flower-Feather Clan. Archons, you missed the taste of volcano cake.

"Are you sure you want to go back? If there is an invasion, I will be unable to drop everything to save you and our baby. I know Chasca is strong, and Chuychu is smart, and you..." Mavuika let out a sigh, "are stubborn and passionate beyond belief. You will do anything you can to preserve the legacy of your people."

"No." You frowned, blinking back tears of frustration as you heard Mavuika's breath hitch.

"No?"

"I am preserving your legacy, our baby is part of your legacy. I may not be able to save you, but this baby is what matters to me too. I need my sisters alive, I need my parents alive, so this baby has more than just stories as they grow up..." you hands played with the hem of your shirt, looking Mavuika in the eyes as her sternness melted like ice cream in the sun.

"Besides, we're not going yet. Chasca and Chuychu can't decide when to go back, they both have so much work going on," you paused for a moment, "plus, they agreed that it would only happen after my next appointment with Mayahuel."

"Chuychu was not available?" Mavuika straightened her posture as you avoided looking at her.

"Conflict of interest. It's the twelve week scan, to check if everything is progressing, my health, the baby's health... We went over a lot of the details last time I had an appointment with her. Medical history was a little tricky but I just said everything I knew from when they found me. up until now." You explained, fiddling with the hem of your shirt again until Mavuika's hands rested on your hips. Warm...

"Tell me when, and I will be there. I refuse to miss out on more than I already will." Mavuika leaned forwards, nuzzling her nose against yours as you both closed your eyes, enjoying the close proximity.

"Of course... Just focus on locating Ororon and The Captain, and your usual of saving the nation in the meantime."

"You focus on yourself and the life growing inside of you." Your archon whispered, pressing her lips to your forehead before embracing you warmly.

Notes:

Happy holidays everyone, I miss Atea, I miss Chuychu, and I need Xilonen and Mavuika to live, thank you<3

I have two questions I want to ask readers of this fic but it's too early on in the chapters👀 I'm hoping people are enjoying though... trying my best either way, thank you to those reading this and don't think it sucks.

~Note, I'm saving for Mavuika, going to try for her weapon (my claymores lowkey aren't great), but also I want to try get either Clorinde's or Arlecchino's weapon in phase 2 so this is stressful😭~

Chapter 14: The Calm

Summary:

Some unexpected news at the 12 week scan. The sisters take a break at the hot springs when there is a lull in abyssal attacks and enough defenses in place... just in time for the Fatui to start making a move.

Notes:

Warnings: medical talk and inaccuracies, impending death of a major character, pregnancy talk etc.

happy holidays!

this fic universe's version of Act 4 is written👀

It took days for any news, leaving you to inform Mavuika you were heading to your appointment with Mayahuel, and that you'd see her there. Unfortunately, your focus went onto all the water you needed to drink before the appointment.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Granny, hi!" your eyes widened as you realised who you had just walked into, but you didn't see how the annoyance in Citlali's faded as she slipped into a trance the moment your hand touched hers.

You didn't mean to hold her up for whoever she was meeting in the stadium, but she seemed less bothered as she looked you over carefully.

Time has been unfair to you and those around you, but even candlelight can turn into a roaring flame with enough fuel...

Citlali said nothing, only nodding her head before walking away. She already had enough on her plate before finding out that you were carrying the Pyro Archon's offspring.

"Unlike that old hag, 'Granny Itztli,' right? Does she think she can ignore us just because she's famous?" Paimon grumbled, not realising that Citlali was making her way over, after the slight delay you caused.

///

"Ah, there you are. Is... anyone else coming today? Your sisters, or the other parent?" Mayahuel treaded carefully as your gaze lingered on the door. She had assumed it was nerves, but maybe you were just waiting for someone?

"I told her when the appointment was, so she should be here if she wasn't ambushed on the way..." you corrected her, avoiding looking the doctor from the Masters of the Night-Wind in the eye as you heard familiar heeled boots outside the room. Mayahuel definitely knew of your mother after all.

"Ambushed? I was under the presumption you were resting here at the inn for the time being." Mayahuel raised an eyebrow, moving over to open the door as someone knocked.

"She's been staying with me in my personal chambers." Mavuika interrupted, smiling softly as she walked over to your side, pressing kisses to each of your knuckles after taking your hand in hers.

"Archon? I see... well regardless of that status, you are the other mother? Along with the scans, we'll also listen to the heartbeat today, how does that sound?" Mayahuel moved on from the revelation of Mavuika being the mother of your baby rather quickly, instead focussing on the appointment itself. She didn't say that Chuychu had warned her of some unprecedented circumstances, and that you'd be nervous talking about it. Of course, she never expected it to be this unforeseen.

Instead the older woman focussed on the way your eyes lit up, looking at Mavuika who shared the awe-struck expression the moment Mayahuel found the baby's heartbeat and turned up the volume of the doppler. A lot of technology in Natlan had been developed using phlogiston, including some medical equipment. Many doctors still relied on more natural remedies, but pregnancies needed all the precautions...

"Mayahuel, that look on your face. Are the baby and mother okay?" Mavuika was more intuitive in that moment, watching as Mayahuel pressed something, clearing the audio for a moment.

"Is that two heartbeats?" Mavuika's eyes widened, looking for confirmation as you frowned, looking between the doctor and your girlfriend for an answer.

"Isn't one of the heartbeats mine?" your question may have been slightly silly, but Mayahuel just shook her head, turning around the screen to show you both.

"Congratulations, you're having twins." Mayahuel smiled, letting the two of you process what was just said.

Mavuika's jaw dropped slightly, your eyes widening as you watched the screen, "my sisters are going to kill you. They freaked out over one baby, imagine telling them we're having two-"

You cut yourself off, looking at your belly before back at Mavuika, "how the hell am I supposed to birth two babies?"

///

"It will be safe for her to carry two? Safe for her and them?" Mavuika questioned Mayahuel, who explained that twins came with more risks, but also more monitoring, and while your sister specialised in abyssal corruption and your father Cusco was more saurian based, there was always your mother and many doctors in the Masters of the Night-Wind who would be on call. Mavuika demanded the best of everyone, but this was immediately heightened.

She needed you, and the babies, to live and be healthy.

You were quiet the entire time that Mavuika and Mayahuel spoke, your eyes on the screen that was still showing the two blobs. Your two babies. Twins...

Twins weren't unheard of in Natlan. There were the twin heroes, Atawallpa and Waskar, who had grown up in separate tribes. Atawallpa's history fell to the People of the Springs, while Waskar's fell to the Collective of the Plenty. Or the twins from Xbalanque's era, Ahpub and Ixquieh, but their endings had not been happy ones, with Ahpub accidentally killing his twin sister.

"My love?" Her voice was laced with concern, eyebrows crinkling together as she held your hands, noticing your silence and how glassy your eyes were.

Mayahuel had stepped out to get something, giving you time to speak your mind.

"I'm raising two babies alone... they'll grow up to hear stories and legends about their mother, the Pyro Archon, and I wish you could see them grow up, but it feels so selfish to want that. I feel selfish. You're supposed to be able to use the powers without any regret, to save Natlan... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry-" Tears began to cascade down your cheeks, frantically trying to wipe at them but Mavuika beat you to it.

"You are not selfish... you are pregnant with twins and their mother is doomed to die before their birth, or they, their mother, and the entire nation that awaits them will be consumed by the abyss instead. This is not something I take likely, my responsibility as the archon of this nation, but also as a to-be-parent. I want more than anything to meet them, to watch you flourish into motherhood... but I cannot. We are not selfish for wanting things we cannot have. I can only apologise for putting you into this situation." Mavuika shuffled awkwardly to swing a leg up onto the patient bed you had been laying on for the scan, her arm wrapping around your shoulders to hold you close.

"I don't regret it. I could never, I don't regret becoming pregnant with your twins, and I don't regret you, how could I ever regret falling in love with you? You deserve love Mavuika, the god of death can't take that from you." Your forehead rested against hers, listening to each other breathe as emotions overran you both.

Mavuika didn't speak, she couldn't force a single word out. She regretted none of what she had done, she only mourned what she would miss, and worried about how much danger she was putting you in, from the moment of that first kiss.

Mayahuel eventually returned, passing you a copy of the ultrasound result to keep, along with a lot more medical things that Chuychu would no doubt begin to lecture you about the moment she saw them.

"Um... I have to go pee, but we need to talk about... them, and telling my family the update." You stated as you and Mavuika left, luckily the outside of the medical centre in the stadium was bare enough for you two to go undetected, but you kept your words careful nonetheless.

"Of course. By the way, Chuychu and Chasca said something before, about you having... odd naming choices?"

"Okay, in my defence, I was six when papa asked me to name a qucusaur chick. Six year old me was mad because it wasn't a itkomisaur." You paused, spotting the confused look on Mavuika's face, "I used to play with them with Ororon, back when mama took me to work with her at the Masters of the Night-Wind. Now, I really have to pee!" you hurried away, leaving Mavuika to smile to herself as she headed back to the Speaker's Chamber, hoping that her scouts will have found any more evidence of the Captain and Ororon... wait, you knew Ororon when you were a child?

"You knew Ororon?" Mavuika was straight to the point, sitting in her throne in the Speaker's Chamber, waiting for you to return.

"Similar ages, kinda. Mama would take me to work while Chuychu and Chasca did whatever... I don't even remember anymore. They say I always wanted to be around them, and I guess it got annoying... or taking their baby sister everywhere was annoying for them. Ororon was usually playing with saurians or digging in the vegetable patch outside granny's place, Citlali, I mean... so I'd go help. He was quiet and a bit awkward but we got along. Eventually I started all my training and stuff with the Flower-Feather clan, so mama stopped taking me, so I didn't see him much then. He started bringing me fruits, vegetables and honey though when I moved out. I think papa said something to Ifa... anyway, I should go rest, you have people waiting for you outside." You gestured to the door behind you, smiling softly as you tried to hold back how awkward you felt. Mavuika on any of the thrones for the Pyro Archon always made her feel so far away from you. Besides that one time...

Clearing your throat, you pushed the memory from your mind as you took to the personal chambers, immediately heading towards the bowl of fruit that had been left on the side. Picking out a sunsettia, your eyes lingered on the quenepa berry for a moment. Ororon liked those, well... he likes all fruits and vegetables.

Taking a bite, you settled down on the couch, spotting one of the pregnancy books that your mother had passed to Chuychu to give to you. Some part of you thought that it was meant for a future Chuychu instead, but you exceeded expectations this time...

Reaching for the book, you began to read off from where you had bookmarked. Twelve weeks, the twins should each be around the size of a plum...

///

Mavuika didn't return to you until later in the evening. Bringing with her some stuffed 'n' mashed potatoes with fillings swapped out to be more pregnancy friendly, plus some grainfruit wraps without the leaf wrapping.

"I figured you would be hungry- did you eat the entire bowl of fruit?" Mavuika's eyes widened, looking over at said bowl.

"No, I left you two plums!" you began to defend yourself with a pout, before deciding to explain instead, "since they're the size of the twins at twelve weeks. Plus Mayahuel did the dating during the scan, so yeah... that's how big they are."

"Do you still want some of these, or are you okay with the fruits?" Mavuika offered a grainfruit wrap, that you took immediately as she sat down next to you.

"The fruits were hours ago..." you acknowledged while Mavuika chuckled, taking a bite of her own wrap.

"Citlali and the Traveller brought Oronon to the Speaker's Chamber. He was working with The Captain to protect Citlali. The things children will do to protect their parents, or grandparents in this case..." Mavuika eyed you, and how you were not acknowledging how your bump was beginning to develop.

"I... am in over my head with twins. Especially if they take after you. As perfect as they are, as perfect as you are... you are a handful, darling." You chuckled, before grimacing slightly.

"Are you alright?"

"Heartburn... finding out its twins explains why everything is so intense." You admitted, taking a moment to phrase your question but only one word came out, "twins..."

"Indeed. Twins. I admit I do feel a mix of excitement and dread at telling people. I feel excitement for our two miracles, but dread because your sisters reacted so well when they found out about you are pregnant." Mavuika gently brought your feet up into her lap, her fingers running up and down your calves as you listened to her speak.

"We can keep it our secret for now, until we can process it ourselves. We also- travelling back to my tribe has risks. If the abyss strikes... Mavuika, I'm scared." Your girlfriend's hands froze at the words of your confession, meeting your worried eyes as she nodded.

"It is dangerous, but we will create plans to get you and your family to the stadium safely. I know you would not recover if I could not protect them all... I can't save everyone, as much as I hope my plan will, but I will not lose you, or our children to the abyss. Natlan will live, and our children will be born in a time of peace."

"Everything is so risky, and to think we had a plan to throw Chuychu in a hot spring so she'd finally relax. The stress isn't good for her, it'll make fighting the abyss harder than fighting weaponless. I still don't know where my sisters hid mine. Xilonen forged it and everything..." it felt like you flew through five conversation topics at once as Mavuika blinked, processing everything.

"That was tomorrow, wasn't it? If I make the necessary arrangements, you three could still travel to Toyac Springs. I can also contact Mualani and other warriors there to help. If there was an attack, I know Chasca can fight and Chuychu can throw stink bombs, but we are on the precipice of war." Mavuika sighed, her hands continuously running up and down your calves as her head and her heart fought.

Her head would keep you at the safest place, the stadium. The tribes could fall, but the sacred flame would be the final line...

"Whatever you're thinking, you've been through every possibility. There is another option than travelling to the hot springs. We bring the hot springs here... since we have the hot tub in the bathroom... throw Chuychu in that, I help Chasca preen her feathers and get a nap in, all while we're safe here? Not the most idealic environment but..."

"I'll make the travel arrangements." Mavuika gently moved your legs as she stood up and made her way over to the door, much to your confusion, "you and your sisters deserve some time together, and Toyac Springs is easier terrain to navigate back to the stadium than coming back from Quahuacan Cliff."

"That's your reasoning?" you raised an eyebrow, but it wasn't like Mavuika could say that she had a feeling no news would reach her until tomorrow night, could she?

"I have two conditions however," Mavuika raised her hand to gesture two fingers, "one, Chasca throws Chuychu in the hot spring. No heavy lifting for you..." you nodded, agreeing with your lover's condition, "the second one, I know you know not to go in the hot springs but..."

"I'm stealing your clothes to wear. Well, I already do, but if I can't take you with me, I'm taking your clothes." You folded your arms, waiting for your archon to complain, but she only pouted, muttering about not getting to see you in a swimsuit.

"You say that like it would fit." Avoiding Mavuika's gaze turn from a whiny pout to soft concern about to say something, you shook your head.

"Oversized t-shirt and shorts, out of the hot springs, having a nap after helping Chasca preen her feathers, and Chuychu is relaxing in the hot springs. Both sisters none the wiser that I am carrying twins." You ran through the options, checking off each point with your fingers as Mavuika nodded, walking over to cup your cheeks with her hands, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

"Exactly."

///

"Okay, out with it."

"Excuse me?" your fingers froze in between preening Chasca's hair, having been trying to redo her braid for a while.

"You're keeping something from us." Chasca stated, turning around to look you in the eye.

"Do I need to push you in the hot spring? I'd get Mualani to throw you in, but I'd rather not have a repeat of whatever you two fought about when you were younger, after you and Chuychu ditched me with mama at the Masters of the Night-Wind." You began to babble, trying to distract Chasca, and keep Chuychu from getting suspicious.

It had taken a bit just to persuade her to take a day off, getting her into her swimwear was a different argument, and it took her a while to get over Chasca picking her up and tossing her in the hot spring. Forgive us, Atea, for we have sinned...

"Are you and the baby okay?" Chasca quietly asked, her gaze softening as she tried to read your expression.

"We're fine. Size of plums- a plum, you know?" At least you didn't lie through your teeth there, it was true. The baby was the size of a plum... both of them were.

"So, is it you and Mavuika?"

"We're fine. Just expecting the worse with us being on the precipice of war. She's worried about us all going back home to the tribe, in case there's anything happens. With how things get with Ochkanatlan's abyss levels..." you trailed off, eyeing how Chuychu looked like she was asleep in the hot spring, but she wasn't.

"Chuychu stop eavesdropping."

"I am not!" Chuychu retorted, her green eyes meeting yours as you gave her a look, watching her carefully as she rolled her eyes and laid back in the hot spring.

"We are fine... all of us are fine. Now let me finish your braid so you can go brood while I get a nap in, okay? After I drink... all this water... where's Xilonen with the xocoatl when you need her?" you grumbled, ignoring how Chasca raised an eyebrow, letting out a huff before she let you continue fixing her hair.

"You know you need to hydrate." Chasca's voice was soft, letting out a breath as she tried to relax, her shoulders sinking down as you continued to braid.

"Yes, but having to pee so much is annoying." You huffed, finishing Chasca's braid and gently placing it on her shoulder, before you stood up, "like I said, annoying!"

"Any idea what she's hiding from us? She had a scan yesterday-" Chuychu began, but Chasca only stared at her.

"The entire purpose of this trip was for you to relax, not worry more about her. She'll tell us when she's ready. Plus, she was telling the truth. She's fine, the baby's fine, and her relationship is fine."

"So it's something else-"

"Chuychu, listen to your sisters and relax in the hot spring!" Chasca cut her off, slightly louder than she should have been, as she looked up, spotting you returning to from the toilets.

"Because arguing is totally relaxing..." you folded your arms momentarily, before picking up one of the towels from the pile Chasca had made into a nest for you to lay on, wrapping it around yourself before settling for a nap.

"See, the nest wasn't a bad idea." Chasca gestured, hearing Chuychu giggle as you cracked open an eye to look at her.

"You're helping me up next time I have to pee. Now, shush, relax time... as much as you can in these conditions..." you trailed off, tucking a wrapped up towel between your knees to help support you as you went to sleep.

Chasca shook her head, deciding against getting her hair and feathers wet in the hot spring, instead setting near your towel nest to keep watch over you, and in turn, Chuychu, who had closed her eyes to try relax more.

Taking another look around, Chasca frowned slightly. Why was that baby koholasaur so interested in you? She'd noticed the baby yumkasaurs staring at you on the way from the stadium here too... could saurians sense the hormonal changes from your pregnancy?

///

"Chasca, I can walk... you don't need to carry me back to the stadium!" you grumbled, having given up on trying to climb out of Chasca's arms a while ago. Her grip wasn't rough, but she was not letting you go.

"You were walking with your eyes closed, one second away from sleeping." Chuychu pointed out, rubbing at her eyes as she walked, holding back a yawn.

"So were you!" you huffed, folding your arms.

"If I could carry you both, I would, but neither of you are exactly-"

"Do not finish that sentence." Chasca hesitated at your warning tone, changing her next words immediately.

"-kids anymore. It was easier to pick you both up when you were toddling around with Ororon."

"Uh, speaking of Ororon? Wait, is that him?" Chuychu began to point, but your eyes widened, spotting the taller figure with the electro vision wielder, the Traveller, and Paimon.

"We need to get back to the stadium. Now. Quietly... That's the Captain!" you whispered, tugging on Chasca's bandana to get her attention, then trying to reach over to Chuychu, but she whacked your hands away.

"Right... wait, was that Citlali who just ran by us?" Chasca's eyes widened, spotting the pastel pink blur speed by the three of you, whipping up a cloud of dust as she went.

"I think so. Well, Ororon's done for." Chuychu confirmed as the three of you began to hurry back to the stadium.

"Chasca, put me down please, we can move faster if you're not trying to carry me like a baby-" you began to grumble, wondering how many people had been working out just to carry you around.

"Technically-" Chasca began but you cut her off with a huff.

"It doesn't count, they haven't been born yet."

Notes:

gender scan isn't until at least after act 4 (not written yet), so assume nothing on the twins genders or names... because i still have to figure all of that out for the fic yet so there's no clues for you to read into there😅

Chapter 15: The Storm

Summary:

Time is up, you reluctantly return to the Flower-Feather Clan with your sisters, seeing your parents again, but your sisters have other plans. Meanwhile, the Fatui are up to something...

Notes:

Warnings: talks of war, alcohol (Citlali), death, injuries, pregnancy, arguments, sad baby saurians

Happy New Year! (although it's still the 31st for me for a few hours... by the time people actually read this, it'll be January 1st...)

I am posting this early for New Years, plus the 5.3 update has me so nervous. I can't play immediately so I'm going to have to be avoidant as heck to try not get my experience spoiled😭 all I want is to log on after the update and wish for Mavuika... my console had the update downloaded on the 30th and I just... it was teasing me I swear...

"Did we make it back before any of them?" Chuychu enquired as the three of you arrived at the doors to the Speaker's Chamber.

"Citlali's probably stopped them a few times to scold Ororon." You shrugged, taking a seat on the steps after Chasca finally let you go.

"I'll go inform the Archon on what we saw. Are you coming inside?" She turned to you, but you shook your head, gesturing for Chuychu to come sit by you.

"She'll probably come outside to see the Traveller on their arrival anyway. The moment I go inside, I have to start packing for us heading back to the tribe." You explained, leaning on Chuychu as she took a seat next to you on the steps.

"So that's your excuse, huh? You really don't want to go back? You called it 'the tribe', you didn't call it home..."

"I'm scared the abyss will attack and we'll be sitting ducks. You two took my weapon away, and won't let me fight to begin with... but what I think... doesn't matter anymore." You fell quiet, ignoring how Chuychu began to draw patterns on your arm with her fingers.

"We won't let anything happen to you, either of you..." Your older sister replied, coaxing you into a cuddle.

You bit your lip, burying your face in her shoulder as you held back your comment. Either, implied two... but there were three of you that your sisters would be looking out for.

"I can't lose you too, please don't burn out, my rainbow..." you whispered, voice muffled enough that Chuychu barely heard.

"I'm not going anywhere, neither is Chasca. Not if we can help it, okay?" Chuychu kissed your forehead, before her attention was redirected by the door to the Speaker's Chambers opening.

"Ah, Chasca said I would find you two out here. Are you both alright?" Mavuika carefully looked over you, then Chuychu, for any significant changes since the three of you left this morning.

"Did Chasca tell you what we saw on the way here?" Chuychu asked, pulling you up off the steps to head inside.

"She has. I sent a scout to intercept Citlali, but apparently she got drunk at the inn... the Traveller and Paimon are with her." Mavuika explained, guiding the two of you inside, where Chasca was waiting, staring at the flame in the centre of the room.

"Probably getting a lesson in Ororon's history then." You concluded with a yawn, fighting back your urge to cuddle into Mavuika.

Little did you know, she was fighting back her urge too. She was so used to your company, returning to her chambers and you not being there felt unusual to her. She wouldn't mention how she ended up holding your pillow in her arms, the smell of it reminding her of holding you. In the end, she had to fight back her urge to get Flamestrider from Xilonen's workshop and head over to the People of the Springs to check on you.

"Does it not concern you that the Traveller and Ororon were meeting with the Captain, before Citlali ran in to interrupt?" Chasca enquired, trying to read Mavuika's expression, but you knew your archon better than your sister did.

She trusted the Traveller, and she knew Ororon's history... yet her jaw was clenched. She wanted to know what was going on, she wanted to know she hadn't been betrayed...

Mavuika didn't sleep that night... and neither did you. Insomnia was eating at you, watching Mavuika pace up and down the bedroom, before she settled down next to you.

"You'll hear them out, right?" playing with her hair, you waited for her decision, "especially since, in the end, your goals align. Your mission. Save the people of Natlan."

"My best guess is that this is about the gnosis. If The Captain somehow knows of the back-up plan..." Mavuika fell silent, her gaze lingering on your bump as her hand moved to hover over it, waiting for your nod before she rested her hand on your belly. "The cost of that plan is too great."

"I know, my love, I know." You murmured, resting your hand over Mavuika's.

///

The morning couldn't come fast enough. Unfortunately, it was also the morning that Chasca and Chuychu decided to go back to the Flower-Feather clan with you. Much to Mavuika's anxieties, as the reveal of abyss attacks in the night caused her heart to flutter.

The outposts she had set up had resulted in quick responses, but still...

"Chasca and I have been searching for survivors in the wild and treating them, but we have to take our little sister back home. Our parents are getting antsy." Chuychu explained as the Traveller and Paimon emerged the next morning.

They had to go talk to Mavuika about The Captain... whether the two could see any knowing expressions on either your face or your sisters was unknown to you, your gaze lingering on Mavuika talking to someone from your tribe, and from the People of the Springs.

"Oh, and some of us need to avoid getting contaminated by dangerous looking substances. That will make my job a lot easier." Chuychu interjected, side-eyeing Chasca as she warned everyone to be careful.

"Chuychu, do we really have to do this now? In front of her too?" Chasca gestured to you, but you rolled her eyes.

"I can hear you. Chuychu's right... can we just get back to the tribe intact, and uncontaminated, please?" you were ready to beg, pulling out the teary eyes and pout for extra impact.

"Okay, okay, let's head out..." Chasca was about to try lead you three away, but Mavuika's gaze caused you to falter, until she was distracted by the Traveller and Paimon walking over to her.

///

The trip back to your tribe was full of chaos. Warriors were fighting abyss creatures, the tribes themselves were protected for now, but travelling merchants, adventurers, you and your sisters... did not have that protection.

"This is the most stupid idea- where are you two going?" Your eyes widened, realising Chasca and Chuychu were heading away from the tribe, and you.

"You two suck! You could have left me at the stadium, not dump me on papa while you go help people in the wilderness!" you shouted after them, feeling a hand on your shoulder leading you to turn your head, "no offense papa, but you have saurians to treat, to help Ifa."

"Your sisters ran away already?" your father tsked, "at least you're here now, my youngest has returned to the nest... come now, you can help me with treating the baby saurians, they'll find you comforting. We'll get you some volcano cake on the way."

"Papa..." you witheld cringing at his joy of your return, deciding to just follow him around the tribe and keep things flowing smoothly as the warriors did their jobs. As your sisters did their jobs.

"How are you doing? How are you..." your father hesitated, realising anyone could be listening in, as a baby qucusaur cooed at you.

"Fine... everyone is fine. Archon's fine too, but these abyss attacks worry her." You were careful with what you said, noticing how Allpa was walking over, plus, your father didn't know of the plan to save the nation.

Allpa had found Chasca in the wilds as an infant, and she had been with the patrol that had found you too.

"Cusco, have you- oh, it's you, it's been a long time since I've seen you around the tribe." Allpa smiled, watching you interact with the baby qucusaurs, who were flocking to you under the watch of their parents.

"Sorry, I've been busy. I'm here now though." Your awkwardness was evident as Allpa looked at your father questionably, but he just shook his head.

"She's just worried, her sisters are out helping people in the wilderness. Her mother is treating people, we're treating the saurians, you know the drill by now, Allpa!" Your father explained, watching as Allpa left to go talk to the chief, Mutota.

"Thank you." You whispered when she had left, turning to see Cusco already looking at you.

"This... it was unexpected, and I know you want to keep it quiet, but I have half the mind to chew out Mavuika when this is all over." He admitted, folding his arms as you let out a sigh, turning away from him.

"I know... you can if you want, but I need her alive. Chasca was ready to storm the Speaker's Chamber in a rage, but luckily Chuychu stopped her. I need them all alive." You felt your eyes begin to betray you by watering, but it was no use fighting it.

The baby qucusaur let out a cry as you began to sob, your father sitting down next to you to pull you into a hug.

///

Mavuika's orders to the tribe chiefs were to discourage people from leaving the settlements. Your father had a close eye on you, so you couldn't sneak off, even if you wanted to try. Chasca and Chuychu were still out there... Mavuika planned to fight on the frontlines, and you were digging around your parents house to try find where your sisters hid your weapon.

"Ah, there you are... now where to hide you so you don't get taken from me again..." you whispered, holding your weapon on your hands, "ah, hi mama!" you squeaked, spotting your mother walking into the room, immediately hiding your weapon before she saw it.

"There you are, now, let me get a proper look at you. It's been so long, you should be nearly thirteen weeks, but you're already showing-" your mother began to analyse you, much to your horror, trying to defend yourself that it was just bloating. Nobody but Mavuika and your doctor was supposed to know about the twins yet...

/// Meanwhile...

"Mavuika! Oh, Chasca and Chuychu are here too! Wait, are you okay, Chuychu? Where's your younger sister too? Is she okay?" Paimon squeaked as she, the Traveller and Xilonen returned from the Children of Echoes.

"I'm fine, no need to worry... and our younger sister is with our father, back at our tribe." Chuychu brushed off the worry, leaving Mavuika to step in to explain.

"They ran into the Fatui while out on a mission and decided to follow them." However, Chasca had to begin to explain, as the golden outlander and silver floating thing began to jump to conclusions that the Fatui hurt Chuychu.

Instead, they had witnessed the Fatui protecting a travelling group from Natlan, following them to whatever their mission was.

"Maybe we've been wrong about the Fatui this whole time..." Chuychu began, but Chasca shook her head.

"It's too early to say. Plus... you saw how mama and papa get when it comes to the Fatui and our little sister. There's something off there. Let's follow this group and see what's really going on."

Your sisters ended up sneaking into the Fatui compound from above, Chuychu utilising her stink bombs as a distraction, while Chasca wished she had left Chuychu with you at the tribe. Despite the relaxing break at the hot springs, Chuychu had been running herself ragged for days, now she was her sister's back-up and eyes in the sky.

Luckily the infilitration was a success, your sisters using the hand signals the three of you came up with to sneak in, eventually seeing what the Fatui had dug up.

"It seems like they're looking for a dragon relic, called the 'source mechanism'. The device is ancient, barely any information survives to this day, and even people from Natlan don't know how to use it. Our sister might have some ideas but... why would this be the Fatui's target?" Chasca wondered, folding her arms and she and Chuychu looked down at the dug up relic.

Unfortunately, your sisters were unable to follow any further, as they were spotted. Chuychu shoving a falling rock to try distract the Fatui before she and your sister made a run for it, exhausting themselves further in the process.

Chasca continued to explain what happened.

"So, Chuychu got injured trying to get them off your tail?" Xilonen figured out, as Chuychu chuckled nervously.

"She pushed herself too hard, and collapsed on the way back to the Stadium. She's lucky our younger sister isn't here, or she'd get an earful." Chasca folded her arms with a huff.

"Well, she's not. And I didn't cause you any trouble while we were fighting, right? So my perfect record remains!" Chuychu defended herself, but Mavuika shook her head.

"You three sisters... you've done very well, I could make a comment about knowing your limits, but it's not my place. I can already hear what my beloved would say if she were here though." Mavuika admitted, confusing Paimon and the Traveller.

"Your beloved?"

Mavuika only hummed, avoiding answering the question while Chuychu sighed tiredly.

"I know, I know. I'm already reflecting on my actions."

After that, the topic of Mavuika's beloved was left to the side, as Xilonen went over what they had discovered. The Fatui were after the 'source mechanism'.

"Xilonen, I need you to gather every scholar familiar with the secret source." Mavuika instructed, pausing at the look on ancient name forager's face.

"You know who that includes, right?" Xilonen looked from Mavuika to your sisters, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm aware. She is one of our best bets when it comes to preserved knowledge of our nation." Mavuika then turned to your sisters, "thank you both for your hard work... Chuychu, it's time for you to get some rest. Oh, and there are gifts from your patients waiting in the Speaker's Chamber. I've prepared a small gift of my own as a token of gratitude. I'll send it to your home along with the others."

"Token of gratitude for this, or saving Chasca from trying to attack you for-" Chuychu caught her tongue because she finished her sentence, 'dating and impregnating our little sister'.

"Okay, Paimon thinks we're missing something." Paimon looked to the Traveller, who only shrugged.

"You don't need to give us anything, Mavuika. We were just doing our duty for Natlan. I should take Chuychu home now..." Chasca stated, but Mavuika only chuckled.

"Well, if Chuychu doesn't want her favourite saurus crackers, then..."

"Ah, I accept! Thank you, Mavuika. Wait, did our little sister tell you how much I like them?" Chuychu asked, as Chasca sighed.

"These sisters of mine..."

///

"What's next for you two?" Paimon enquired as she and the Traveller bid farewell to Chasca and Chuychu, who were leaving the stadium.

"I'm taking Chuychu back home. With our parents there to keep an eye on her, I can make sure she actually rests. Plus our little sister will want all the cuddles from her. She's been quite clingy since finding out-" Chasca caught herself this time, surprised that she wasn't keeping a closer eye on her words, especially as Chuychu glared at her, claiming that made her sound like a prisoner.

"Okay, Paimon's really confused. What's going on with your little sister and Mavuika?"

"Uh..." your sisters hesitated, but the Traveller threw them both off.

"She's pregnant, and the baby is Mavuika's."

"She's what?" Paimon squealed, but she was immediately shushed by the other three.

"This is serious business. Our sister doesn't want everyone knowing, since it puts a huge target on her back, and the baby's... you can't tell anyone. I mean it, Paimon. It's not like you hear of other archons having children." Chasca stated, gesturing for the two to keep quiet, but she was caught off-guard, "what's with that look on your face?"

The Traveller shook their head, agreeing to keep your pregnancy a secret. Plus, it would be no comfort to mention Wanderer, since he was a puppet created by Ei, not a child she physically birthed... yet he still called his creator, his mother... and no longer remembered him... yeah definitely don't bring that up.

The conversation shifted, your sisters claiming that they weren't alike, despite Paimon's comment that they were.

///

You frowned as you looked up from the iktomisaurus baby who had been cooing at you to hold her for a while, picking her up in your arms. "Why do I get the feeling my sisters are arguing right now?"

"Papa, where did this iktomisaur come from?" you called out, cradling the baby saurian in your arms as you took her with you to your father.

Notes:

End of Act 3.
Hope you enjoyed!

Chapter 16: The Source Mechanism

Summary:

Act 4 of this universe's version of the Archon quest begins: while R remains at the Flower-Feather Clan with her sisters and parents, Mavuika and the other heroes hurry to stop the Captain's plan. The fifth hero awakens.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, mentions saurian poop, sisters bickering, mentions of death, mentions of nausea.

Act 4 begins, this chapter feels dry, the title is... not that creative either but who cares, we get to the good stuff in the next few chapters👀

Chasca and Chuychu returning to the tribe surprised your parents. Your sisters states though were worrisome, Chuychu was immediately ushered to bed, while Chasca tried to avoid getting checked over for injuries.

It was getting dark, while you and your sisters were finally together with your parents at the Flower-Feather Clan, Mavuika was busy. Having tracked down the Captain, she was informed of his plans by Citlali, Paimon and the Traveller.

He planned to reconstruct the leylines, putting everyone in Natlan at risk.

"Uh, why do we have an iktomisaur baby at the dinner table?" Chasca enquired, "are you practicing?"

"She kept cooing at me. And no, I'm not practicing, you don't hold a baby iktomisaurus like a human baby, Chasca." You grumbled, holding the saurian close to you as she began to coo again, trying to snuggle closer.

"The little iktomisaur was found injured near the tribe, she's a long way from the Masters of the Night-Wind." Your father explained as he began to serve dinner.

"Drink more water." Your mother instructed, gesturing to the three of you as you huffed, picking up the cup as Chuychu reached for hers, and Chasca mirrored your huff, before your mother's gaze had her reaching for her cup too.

"Are you sure that you're getting enough nutrients?"

"Chuychu and Mavuika have had their input on that." You dismissed, trying to focus on dinner that was being served by your father.

"Despite her desire for chocolate and xocoatl... and Chasca sneaking her snacks." Chuychu added, much to Chasca's horror as she was busy putting her plate together to resemble Surf, Turf and Perch.

"Chasca..."

"Honey, how often do we have all three of our girls home for dinner these days?" Your father managed to get an edge into the conversation, gesturing to how all three of you were sat at the table, trying to eat despite the awkwardness.

///

Chuychu's eyes flickered open as she heard the door, footsteps approaching before one side of her bedsheets was tugged up, someone slipping into the bed next to her.

This wasn't Chasca's style. She brooded in doorways, or outside looking in...

"Little one?" Chuychu whispered, feeling your head rest on her shoulder.

"I can't sleep alone. Didn't want to wake up Chasca, or mama and papa. I thought I could sneak in and not wake you up..."

"Why do I have your baby iktomisaur perching on my legs?" Chuychu murmured, rolling over to use you as a pillow, holding you carefully in her arms, "you have a bump aleady..."

You only hummed, muttering about your excuse of bloating while closing your eyes to sleep. The baby iktomisaur let out a coo before going to sleep too.

"You grew up so fast..." Chuychu whispered when she heard your breaths even out, succumbing to sleep's pull. Eventually Chuychu followed suit, neither of you waking as a figure rested in the doorway, brooding as she watched over her younger sisters as they slept.

///

"-are you awake? Xilonen is here to ask you something." Chuychu stirring at the call of your father's voice led to a grumble leaving your lips.

"Chuychu, stop being a stubborn butt. You're supposed to be resting! Why are you like this, you tell everyone to rest but you refuse to! Stubborn butt hypocrite!" You huffed, rubbing at your eyes as you sat up, nudging your older sister to lay back down, "wait, Xilonen is here?"

"She needs to ask you something. The Archon's orders-" Cusco elaborated, stepping back as you suddenly flew out of bed towards the door, the baby iktomisaur whining but going back to sleep on Chuychu's back.

"Good... keep Chuychu in bed so she'll actually rest." You smiled as you glanced back, not caring that you were in your sleep attire as you headed to where Xilonen was.

"Sorry I woke you, but we have a situation. What do you know about source mechanisms? Mavuika wants all the academics on it so-"

""Uh, wait, what? Good morning to you too! And, those are from the dragon age. With all dragon age technology, don't let anyone turn it on. If only Kinich knew that before he woke up Ajaw, or when Mavuika and I were looking at source mechanisms for Flamestrider's blueprints..." you trailed off, holding back a yawn as Xilonen nodded to herself.

"I see. That's more than some- Mavuika took you to Ochkanatlan for those source mechanism blueprints?" Xilonen watched you carefully, her eyes trailing down your figure as you chuckled nervously, noting your sleep attire.

"That is a long story involving me bugging adventurers who went to Ochkanatlan because Chasca and Allpa kept catching me and sending me home before I could sneak over myself. Years ago, before Mavuika... she took me on a date there after I asked." you played with your fingers as Xilonen's eyes widened.

"Wait, your idea of a date is an abyssal infested ruin? Wow, you really have a thirst for knowledge…"

"And xocoatl." You added with a grin as Xilonen smiled knowingly.

"I know, I know, drink it quick, it's getting cold. Keep safe, sweetheart. I'll tell Mavuika how you're doing." Xilonen passed you the mug, waving you as she headed to go update Mavuika on what she had learned.

///

While Mavuika gathered Kinich, a newly returned Xilonen, the Traveller and Paimon to stop the Captain from using the source mechanism to rebuild the ley lines, you remained at your tribe, helping however you could, under the watchful eye of your mother. Your father was working with Ifa, Chasca had gone to clean up some abyss monsters, and Chuychu was being forced to stay in bed by the baby iktomisaur sleeping on her.

"I swear if you pooped under my pillow-" Chuychu began to grumble as she felt a lump under her head support, but it wasn't saurian poop. Pulling it out from the pillow, Chuychu held whatever it was up to the light... what? Where did that come from?

"Did you leave something under my pillow?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow as you walked in, leaving her a fresh cup of sunglo tea from Liyue.

"Why would I leave something under your pillow?" your confusion was genuine, Chuychu could read her sisters like a book.

"Okay, well, do they need me out there?"

"Mama, Chuychu's trying to get out of resting!" you called out, much to your sister's horror as she hissed at you.

"You little snitch!" but you only shook your head, taking one glance at the baby saurian but she was looking bleary eyed, falling back to sleep on Chuychu.

///

"Just promise us you won't do anything reckless. You cannot face The Captain straight on unless you have no other choice. Think about her, think about them," Xilonen tried to bargain with Mavuika, "you mean everything to us. Losing you would be the worst possible outcome."

"I'll also try my best to not let things get to that point." The Traveller added, as Mavuika chuckled dryly.

"Thank you everyone. You have my word - I'll proceed with caution." Mavuika's gaze lingered on Xilonen a moment longer as everyone began to head out for the entrance to the remnants of the Secret Source, "Xilonen... there is not a moment when I am not thinking of them. Thinking about the people of Natlan..."

"Yet, she's the one carrying your child, that has to mean something more." Xilonen pointed out, watching Mavuika's reactions carefully. Unfortunately her archon kept her face unreactive, even when fighting back from correcting her from saying child, and not twins.

"Even with all the danger I put her in..." Mavuika glanced at the floor as Xilonen folded her arms.

"Oh please... fine, if it bothers you that much," she sighed, "if the baby doesn't come out looking like your clone, we can just... try pass the baby off as mine, or something."

"I cannot see her being a fan of that plan, and neither am I for that matter. We have to get going." Mavuika held back from clenching her fists, flames of jealousy trying to flicker in her belly. She was your first love, and in your words, only love, so it shouldn't be bothering her too much. Plus, there was that theory of yours of Xilonen and Chasca... but...

"I can't see Chasca liking that plan either." Mavuika added as a fly away comment, hearing Xilonen almost choke on her spit as a reaction.

"What-"

///

Kinich distracted the frontlines of Fatui guards, while Xilonen and the Children of Echoes dug a tunnel through the perimeter of the ruins, sneaking inside with Mavuika, The Traveller and Paimon.

Even with Ororon's spells trying to buy time, Mavuika dealt with it quickly, while the Traveller worked on restoring the wheels controlled by the mechanisms Paimon found. Lining up the dragon symbol to open the door.

"This must be it." Xilonen whispered, spotting that the Captain and Ororon were busy with the source mechanism. Realising that they had arrived, Ororon began to activate the device.

"Stop!" Mavuika shouted as the four hurried over to try stop him.

"It's too late." The Captain declared, the four running to fight to turn the device off, a piercing noise echoing throughout the cavern. Ororon winced in pain, grabbing his head, like everyone else, minus Capitano.

"The sound of... lament?"

The Traveller's lips moved, a name of a certain adeptus on their lips, but no call was made. But that adeptus often shouted 'lament!' in battle.

"What was that sound? It was like a piercing cry!" Paimon exclaimed as Xilonen leaped into action. Nobody noticed how still Ororon had become, his head down and his posture different from how he usually carries himself, eventually swaying side to side, before disappearing in a flash of blue and purple light.

A flash of blue and purple surrounding Xilonen, cornering her as she winced, anticipating the attack.

"This ends now!" Capitano declared, intervening before she could be hit, sending 'Ororon' into his knees.

"...something's wrong." Mavuika realised as The Traveller glared at the Captain, wondering why he would help Xilonen, who also glared at him.

The Captain, however, was more interested in who was in Ororon's body, dealing with him, while the Traveller turned off the source mechanism.

///

"What did Xilonen ask you about?"

"Academic stuff. Pre-Archons and Celestia era.... dragons era. Not a good idea to mess with any of it, especially when it comes to the leylines... do you want some?" you offered Chuychu a granfruit chip, which she took after a moment.

"What did you put on these chips? Your latest craving? Yuck!" Chuychu grimaced, as you scoffed, defending yourself that it tasted nice.

///

"Why do you care about a doomed man? I know you can see it, he's already close to death. After all, his soul has been incomplete from the start." Whoever was possessing Ororon conversed, staring up at the Captain with near pin-point pupils.

Mavuika hmph-ed, watching as the real Ororon began to awaken wherever he was, going down memory lane...

Guthred taunting him wasn't working...

"My end will not come first, and I am not giving up. I can't die here... no! I won't die here!" Ororon declared, as a flash of golden light caught his attention, Mavuika calling his name.

"Control your mind. Feel the ground beneath your feet! This is not your end." The Pyro Archon instructed him, the electro vision wielder following through as he ran towards the beam, making a leap for it.

"His eyes are open, he's alive!" Paimon pointed out to a relieved Traveller.

"Well done. You managed to do the impossible." Mavuika folded her arms, observing Ororon carefully.

Xilonen blinked, processing everything, including how motherly Mavuika sounded in that moment, and in the past too... "I can't believe The Captain did that." She sighed, folding her arms to her chest.

"Ugh... I'm, I'm fine now." Ororon's head spun, nausea rushing over his body as he remained down, leaving Mavuika and The Captain to explain what had happened. Ororon's damaged soul had put him at risk...

"No one is born a hero, and no one should be treated like one from birth. I had a chance to do something important back then, but I failed. All I want is to find some more ways to make up for that..." Ororon declared, confusion washing over him at the ambiguity of Mavuika's next words.

"The answer you seek... now lies before you."

His eyes widened, watching the ancient name, Bidii, meaning devotion, descend from above, and Sanhaj of the Masters of the Night-Wind appear.

"it's nice to see you again, Sanhaj. With your recognition, we now have the fifth hero of this era..."

Notes:

Happy belated new year everyone, hope you're doing well. I wonder what Chuychu found under her pillow🤔👀 (it's not saurian poop.)

PS. Act 5 of the Natlan Archon Quest made me sob.

Chapter 17: Questions and Answers

Summary:

The Lord of the Night awakens. Everyone has questions they want answers to. Not everyone gets the answers they want, and some just have even more questions that go unanswered.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, talks of sacrifice and death, mass death against the abyss (cataclysm), mentions of war (cataclysm), one mention of derogatory language, impending death, consumption of vitality (lifespan), decay of human form (Capitano), brief mentions of Enkanomiya lore with the sunchildren.

Enjoy hehe.

"Ahh… I am happy to see your plan advance one step further. It seems my cry did not cause irreversible damage." A voice echoed throughout the chamber, much to Ororon's confusion, as he asked about who was talking.

"Just as I thought. The Lord of the Night has awakened." Mavuika's face glazed over with seriousness, observing as a pale starry light emitted from the source mechanism.

The Traveller stared at her with wide eyes, while Paimon asked the questions. The Lord of the Night, ruler of the Night Kingdom. Formerly an angel.

"I preside over a realm of souls. Due to my limited power, sleep is the only way I can prolong my existence." Yohualtecuhtin began to explain, "when you activated the device, I awoke and could not hold back my cry. It is a cry that agitates souls. Mot of you were unaffected because your souls are intact. But, with a damaged soul, the effect on your friend was heightened, and his soul almost shattered as a result. And yet, his soul remains in one piece. He managed to overcome this obstacle through sheer force of will… a truly impressive feat for a human."

Whatever else had happened involved another soul that had been affected. A Khaenri'ahn soul… but the soul was expelled instead of taking over Ororon's body.

Mavuika was left to explain how Natlan's leylines had been damaged in the fight of the descender and the dragon, the Lord of the Night constructing the Night Kingdom to compensate for this, with Xbalanque strengthening it with the rules, the Ode of Ressurection, and the Pilgrimmage.

Yohualtecuhtin offering to rebuild the leylines herself, at the cost of her own existence, was something that Mavuika would not accept, as the seelies danced around everyone. Much to The Captain's fury.

"The people of Natlan will face memory loss, mental disorders and cognitive issues… just like the consequences of using the gnosis, this is a price I refuse to accept." Mavuika left out her fear of possible effects for anyone pregnant too. It wasn't assured to happen, but she would not risk it. Any major distress could endanger their lives.

"Humanity's survival is worth any price. Once the abyss runs rampant, all that remains will be a land of corpses and ruin." The Captain snapped, but Mavuika turned to him, already prepare to argue.

"And when the new ley lines are invaded by the abyss? What then? How are future generations supposed to survive?" Mavuika asked question after question, a fire burning inside of her, how are her children supposed to survive? "A land without the Lord of the Night, without the protection of the rules, is doomed from the start."

"You presume too much. If you cannot ensure survival in the present, you have no right to think about the future. What will it take for you to realise that? How many hundreds or thousands will have to die?!" Capitano growled, turning towards the Traveller as they asked the fated question. Why did he care so much?

"Why? Because I am a survivor of Khaenri'ah! I witnessed the devastation and terror of the abyss with my own eyes. My family, my comrades, my homeland…. were all lost to the abyss. It is an unforgettable pain, one that no amount of time could ever dull… not even five hundred years. You've experienced something similiar, Mavuika. You should know exactly what I mean."

"You're right. The pain, the regret, the catastrophe, they all haunt my dreams to this day." Mavuika's face was stern as the Captain got more and more personal.

"If I could go back, I would reject all false hope. I would do whatever it takes to ensure their survival. You have that chance before that now? Why do you refuse to take it?!"

"Because we don't have the right to make that decision! We love this world because it contains everything we hold dear. Everything that has happened here has moved us, shaped us, and turned us into who we are today. Giving up our memories and history would mean rewriting everything. The people of this world would then fundementally different beings, their physical bodies the only connection to their former selves." Mavuika expressed, her hand over her heart as she spoke.

"Even so-"

"All this arguing isn't good for the baby." Ororon cut in, confusing everyone in the chamber. Xilonen glanced towards the door immediately, but you were where she left you, at Quahuacan Cliff, miles away from here.

"What? I was under the impression from our intel that it was your concubine who was carrying your offspring." The Captain expressed confusion, looking to Mavuika, who immediately glared, not appreciating the eyes on her form, or what the Harbinger just said.

"Do not call her that." The God of War seethed, her anger rising by the second. To refer to you as that, and to reveal the Fatui had intel, they knew of your pregnancy? That you were having the Archon's child? Her babies? How many spies were near the stadium? Did they witness you admit your pregnancy to your parents that day?

"I apologise. I did not know the full circumstance behind your relationship with the girl, but given your anger… I see it is more than what was presumed." Capitano took back his words, watching as Mavuika sighed.

"I'd marry her in a heartbeat if there was enough time and it was safe. Ororon, would you like to speak?"

"Not about my friend… but I once carried the hopes of many people, and I was also desperate to save our nation. In The Captain's plan, I saw a chance to ensure our survival. But as I was on the brink of death, my wish for life and purpose was rekindled. I've been very fortunate to be well-cared for by all the people in my life. I refuse to forget that. My feelings were so strong, they overrode my compulsion to sacrifice myself for their safety. No matter what path lies before us, we still have a destination. If we lose our way now, we will lose the meaning of our existence." Ororon nervously looked between Mavuika, who reminded him of a raging bonfire, and the Captain, who seemed to be deep in thought at Mavuika's confession.

"That's right. Natlan's heroes gave their lives so we could have this chance against the abyss. Their sacrifices are our blessings. Not only are their deeds and spirits exceptionally meaningful, they may also be our path to victory. I don't want to give up just yet." Xilonen added, her eyes burning with passion as Paimon pointed out there was just one hero left to awaken.

Yohualtecuhtin would be awake for some time, allowing people to ask her questions, but also giving Mavuika the option to sacrifice the Lord of the Night for the ley lines rebuilding.

"You must have a profound connection to this land, since you're so determined to save it. But what are you really trying to save? The land? Or its people?" Mavuika glared at the Harbinger, who only hmped at her question, turning to look at the Traveller instead.

The Traveller's answer of wanting to win led to The Captain yielding on his plan. He granted Mavuika to have the Fatui at her command during the war, despite them not seeing completely eye to eye.

"Mavuika… if you have a moment." Yohualtecuhtin called out before everyone minus the Traveller and Paimon could leave the chamber. It was only when everyone had cleared out that the two began to talk.

"Is this about the plan, or what the Captain said?" Mavuika waited carefully for what the Lord of the Night had to say.

"Your twins are not born yet, but they shine like gold. The abyss will prey upon her, but I assume that you are aware of this."

"I will not let anyone or anything harm her, or our children. Even after my plan comes to its fruition." Mavuika confirmed, ignoring the tug in her heart at Yohualtecuhtin knowing about the twins… of course the Night Kingdom knew, but that meant the Abyss knew too.

Yohualtecuhtin sighed in a way that sent an uncomfortable feeling through Mavuika. A pity sigh.

"What of the political uprest that could come after your death and their birth? Will the people respect the rules, or expect your newborns to take the divine throne as their birthright?" Yohualtecuhtin asked, but there was no anger to her words, no frustration or appal that the archon was having a child. It felt more like intrigue, worry… concern like a parent would have for a child.

If the Traveller were there, they would be reminded of Enkanomiya's puppet rulers, the Sunchildren, before Orobashi assumed control of the land.

"Our babies are as human as I am. All Pyro Archons are humans who ascend after proving themselves to be worthy. If my children grow to become warriors for Natlan, it is because they want to, not because the people feel an obligation to my memory. I am one of many Pyro Archons, there have been many before me, and there will be many after. Our children will become whatever they wish, I have faith in my beloved that they will flourish, and so will she. My regret is that I will not be there to see it." Mavuika confessed, her hand resting as a fist on her chest as she spoke.

This entire conversation was uncomfortable, luckily, it ended not long after that, allowing Mavuika to return to the stadium, while the Traveller and Paimon asked Yohualtecuhtin some questions about Natlan, and Teyvat, the abyss, and the Loom of Fate.

///

With the Fatui now fighting with Natlan against the abyss, Mavuika was able to question The Captain about the source mechanism, and more, with Paimon asking about how he knew about the gnosis. The cataclysm…

"You knew Ayizu, and you fought for Natlan all those years ago. Why don't I recognise you?" Mavuika frowned, letting out a sigh, "it must be the mask."

"Even without the mask, my past appearance is long gone. Even with the curse of immortality, the flesh still rots." The Captain sighed too, but Paimon and the Traveller could only exchange looks, and bring up Dainsleif, who the Captain recognised as carried a degree of pain and hatred that far surpassed his. The Captain then admitted he also would prefer not to harm the Traveller, due to their sibling being Khaenria'hn royality.

The abyss would most likely sense the change in Ororon, and heighten the attacks on Natlan as a result.

Meanwhile, that night, Xilonen and Citlali went to the Lord of the Night for the Traveller's ancient name… finding out that forging an ancient name for an outlander could consume some vitality of the forger, and that Citlali saw Mavuika's impending death in a vision. The price of saving Natlan, one that Mavuika long since accepted.

Mavuika let out a sigh as she returned to her chambers. Her bedsheets were empty and cold without you there, and she didn't get a chance to ask the Captain the one question she wanted to ask. If he knew which Fatui division had hunted your biological parents to death, and why?

Staring at the ceiling, the Pyro Archon shivered, wishing she could hold you instead of the pillow that held your fading scent. At the first sign of trouble, she'd send a division of her warriors and Fatui to retrieve you, and bring you to her side… losing you. That would be the last straw.

///

Chuychu stared at the object in her hand, still wondering why it had appeared under her pillow, and when. It was to be hers, she could feel it. The elemental power… but what had she done to earn it? Chasca got her anemo vision while fighting in the Night Warden Wars. She came back with it, never saying a word on what had happened for it to appear before her.

Notes:

Discussion points:
1)this was a juicier chapter to write.
2) Xilonen's fate - apparently it was said in other languages to mean consume vitality or shorten lifespan (I googled and found a reddit board), not to kill her upon completion of the ancient name for the outlander, although this entire plot point was not mentioned in Act 5? So? (the traveller doesn't know what Xilonen sacrificed (if she did...))
3) Mavuika misses her love:( she's so protective too skskksksskss I love her
4) Chuychu has a vision👀

Chapter 18: Evacuate, now!

Summary:

The abyss' attacks grow worse, forcing you and your sisters to head to the stadium for safety, with the help of the Fatui.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, mentions of casualities of war, panic, fighting, guns and bullets (Chasca), mentions of death, death of non-playable characters, loss of a limb due to injury, mentions of blood.

The attacks were slowly getting worse over the course of the week. More and more casualities were flooding in from the wilderness. It had been week since you had last seen Mavuika, and tensions within your tribe were rising. The arrival of the Fatui had disturbed the elders, and your parents. Chasca was out fighting, coming back whenever there was a lull, if only to check on you all. Chuychu was working herself too hard again, keeping you as her assistant in helping the injured at the tribe, with the demand that you be careful.

"Chasca, take your sisters to the stadium! We'll see you there!" your father shouted, alarming you and Chuychu as you both spotted the influx of abyssal creatures swarming in, overwhelming the tribe's warriors.

"They're flooding in from Ochkanatlan..." you realised, hesitating for a moment that led Chuychu to grab your hand, pulling you towards Chasca. The baby iktomisaur squeaked before you picked her up, holding her in your arms.

"Mama and papa are hanging back to help, but we have to go, now." Your eldest sister stated, brandishing her bow as multiple warriors from your tribe fought around you, holding back the abyss.

"There's a lull, now!" The three of you began to hurry towards the lift, feeling the wood begin to break under your feet.

"What are the Fatui-"

"This way!" A Fatui skirmisher geochanter bracer gestured to you all, "the Pyro Archon sent forces to help evacuate you and your family to the stadium. Our Captain believes it's only going to get worse."

"I'll watch out from above." Chasca stated, summoning her giant gun to fly on, holding back how it would give her a perfect view to watch the Fatui be anywhere near her little sisters. She held back a chuckle at your iktomisaur almost freezing the face of a fatui skirmisher cryogunner legionnare the moment that she was taken from your arms.

"Chasca, be careful. The abyss can take the form of a qucusaurus!" you called out, your older sister nodding at you, while Chuychu fiddled with her bag, "I have something better than your stink bombs."

"How did you find that? I thought I hid it well enough. You never used to think to look behind the bookcases-" Chuychu's eyes widened, realising you'd found your weapon.

"Because child-me couldn't move them from the wall to see where you had stashed everything." You deadpanned, brandishing your weapon in your hands. The weight was familiar, even if you had been without it for so long.

"You cheeky little..." Chuychu grumbled, ducking to avoid an arrow soaring overhead.

"How wide is the scale, which areas are under attack?" You began to question the Fatui, who only glanced at you for a moment longer than necessary... and they thought the Pyro Archon was intense. Maybe that was why Mavuika favoured you...

"All of Natlan is under attack."

"So Mavuika sent you now? Shouldn't you all be helping save the people already in the wilderness, rather than taking us through them?"

"The Archon's orders were to bring you to her side as safely as possible. She wants no risks, since your tribe is so far from the stadium. Other warriors have been dispatched to assist anyone trapped or under attack." The skirmisher explained, directing some warriors into a formation to keep you and Chuychu safe. Looking up at the sky, he spotted Chasca flying overhead, firing elemental bullets at incoming abyssal creatures.

"Bring me? You said me and my family before." You frowned, eyeing the fatui formation carefully.

"The Archon said she knew you would not leave them behind."

"And she knows better to fight me on that one..." you muttered, looking down at the ground before looking at Chuychu inquisitively, "what are you hiding?"

"I'm not hiding anything. What are you hiding?" Chuychu struggled to hold your gaze as you felt yourself begin to crack. Shaking your head, you reminded yourself you were surrounded by Fatui.

"I am not hiding anything either. Even if I was, which I'm not, I would not say when we have Fatui all around us, and Chasca eavesdropping on her flying gun above us." You kept quiet, scared that being too loud would draw the abyss near.

The sounds of bullets from Chasca's gun didn't scare you anymore, but it still irked you as she began to ward off attacks, working with the Fatui nearer to the incoming attacks.

"Are we sure we can't pick up the pace?" another Fatui member asked, but was shushed immediately by the Skirmisher from before.

"Unless you want to exhaust her, or cause her feet and ankles to swell so walking is harder, I suggest you stay quiet-" the Skirmisher only nodded to you, keeping his voice down, "my wife had the same issue with our firstborn."

You didn't respond to him, instead nervously tugging at your clothes until Chuychu ended up offering the piece of clothing she'd grabbed on the hurry from the tribe, watching you slip it on and take a breath of it.

"Slowly losing Mavuika's scent." You pouted, fighting back watery eyes as you all kept moving. This large group may work defensively, but the abyss adapts. It always does.

///

The abyss' final chance was here, attacking all the tribes and around the stadium for over a week now. Warriors were being worn down, trying to protect the travelling caravans, trying to protect the tribes.

Mavuika planned each of her warriors moves, but she had no intel about the Fatui convoy set to transport and protect you. Maybe she should have sent warriors sooner, but the abyss flooding in from Ochkanatlan had her on edge.

She had to think of all of Natlan, she had to think of her plan... just like Hine reminded her all those years ago.

///

"Can't we just carry her?" A Fatui member whispered to his superior, but he was only shushed with a look.

"Enough, have some respect." His superior warned him, the new recruit having not entirely adapted to the nature that Capitano instilled on his warriors. His comrades. Harming someone who was pregnant was taboo enough, but harming you, who carries the baby of an Archon? Unheard of, but enough tension politically to cause a war. Mavuika had a good head on her shoulders, and the respect and love of her nation... pissing her off was not a good idea.

The death toll was rising according to the battle report that the messenger from the Scions of the Canopy brought. The messenger lingered, looking up at Chasca in the sky, before looking at you and Chuychu with an unreadable expression.

"Why does everyone keep giving me looks? It's not obvious-"

"Remember when mama and papa came to the stadium, and everyone was arguing outside?" Chuychu approached the topic carefully, her hand on your shoulder as you frowned, processing it all.

"Fuck. People heard? But nobody said anything back at the tribe?" You whispered back, continuing to walk with your older sister, ignoring the Fatui all around you.

"Uncle-Chief Mutota probably said something to shut everyone up."

"That didn't stop Allpa from trying to snoop though, papa talked her away..." you looked down, fighting back resting your hands on your belly and instead holding your weapon carefully, "Chasca's eavesdropping again..."

"I know, she's an annoying older sister like that." Chuychu looked up knowingly, meeting Chasca's gaze as the eldest sister looked away, embarrassed. Instead, she looked at the horizon... the stadium was so far away.

"You doing okay?" Chasca quietly enquired, flying down to talk to you both, staring at you as you avoided her eyes, "you're in pain, aren't you?"

"You little- what hurts?" Chuychu's head whipped around to look over you carefully.

"My stomach. Feels like I'm being stabbed in the sides..." you rubbed at your sides to try relieve the pain, but Chuychu only frowned.

"It's your ligaments trying to account for the baby growing. You need to rest."

"And be sitting ducks? The abyss wants to kill me to break Mavuika." You stated, letting out a squeak that you quickly shoved your hand over your mouth for as your sisters looped their arms around you. The iktomisaur in the cryogunner's arms chirped, looking over at the three of you.

"I'm too heavy-"

"You're fifteen weeks pregnant you goof, you need to rest so the pains will calm down..." Chuychu argued before hearing you mutter something, "what was that?"

"The size of an apple." You looked at Chasca, as her eyebrows furrowed, nodding slightly in thanks for your explanation.

///

Meanwhile, the Traveller and Paimon were heading across the areas near the Stadium, the People of the Springs, Scions of the Canopy, and Children of Echoes, via hot air balloon, to lend their support wherever they could.

"We need to find a safe zone... latest intel says it's not safe to be in the wilds any longer." The Fatui Skirmisher informed you and your sisters, who nodded, while you sighed in relief, looking up at how the sunset was clouding over... was she watching the sunset too?

///

"Little one, wake up!"

Your eyes fluttered open, barely opening your eyes when the yells around you woke you up, the baby iktomisaur jumping near your head, trying to wake you up.

"We have to go, now! Get up, as quick as you can!"

"What's happening? How long was I asleep?"

"Too long, but you needed the rest. There are too many abyssal pylons, the Fatui are overrun, it was a trap. We have to get away from here." Chasca took your hand, pulling you towards Chuychu, who had been trying to heal someone, but it was no use. The baby iktomisaur's waddles weren't fast enough, picking her up to perch on your shoulder, so your hands were free to wield your weapon.

The ode of resurrection didn't work on those not from Natlan, and Chuychu can't heal the dead.

"Chasca, the sky! The abyss!" You shouted, spotting the sky darken with abyssal power, and something blast upwards into it, from the stadium. It looked like a huge abyssal eye, staring down at you all.

"Mavuika... whoah!" You yelled, brandishing your weapon as an abyssal creature charged out of a newly opened portal, directly at the three of you.

Meanwhile, Mavuika stood in the stadium of the sacred flame, holding the gnosis in her hand, as her warriors and the Fatui joined forces to keep the people safe.

"Chaos and emptiness... so that's the abyss."

"And it knows that now, is its best chance..." Capitano confirmed Ororon's statement, after saving Xilonen from what would have been a fatal hit.

"The sacred flame!" Ororon gasped, but Xilonen huffed, barging his shoulder as she ran past him.

"Archon's on the case!"

///

The gnosis glowed golden in her hand, Mavuika humming to herself as she focussed the energy in repelling the abyss from snuffing out the sacred flame.

The abyssal eye in the sky shrank considerably, but the darkness remained.

"This way!" Chuychu shouted, tugging you by hand to follow her, while Chasca fought from the skies, clearing a path for you both. Saurian abyss monsters wouldn't stop coming, but it was the rifthounds that scared you. Their corrosive attacks could harm you, and in turn, your babies, so you were trying your best to dodge their claws and fangs.

You had no idea that the Scions of the Canopy had fallen already, Vichama was one of the victims, having stayed behind after scouting ahead for safe routes to evaculate. If it were so easy, he would be joining Atea in the afterlife as 'Hot Spring Buddies', hopefully reuniting with Mallko soon too.

"Did any of the Fatui make it out?" You asked, but Chasca's face glazed over with darkness, landing next to the two of you to conserve phlogiston. Meanwhile, Chuychu started fiddling with something in her pocket instead of answering, "I'll take that as a no then-"

The three of you didn't see the abyssal crystal tumour coming from the sky until it landed too close. Chuychu reacted first, pulling you out of the way, but neither of you saw how close the edge of the cliff was, until you were both going over it. A rush of coldness ran over Chuychu, her leg screaming at her as she felt you wrap your arms around her, trying to shield her from the fall. The iktomisaur screeched in distress, unable to jump to safety as she fell with you and Chuychu.

Chasca screamed, abyssal energy surging through her veins as she hurried over to the edge, but what she found twisted her stomach. A torn piece of your clothing and Chuychu's bloodied boot.

Chapter 19: This is War

Summary:

The Traveller and Paimon arrive to find a weeping Chasca standing alone at a cliff's edge, trying not to lose control. Her sisters nowhere in sight, their statuses unknown.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, topic of death, mentions of loss of limb (may be slightly graphic?), grief, revenge, presumptive character death, trauma, mentions of blood, poor writing of emergency trauma medicine.

Chuychu always worried about Chasca losing control, and not just because it scared you, or her. But what Chuychu worried about didn't matter anymore. Chuychu was gone, you were gone, your baby-Chasca didn't want to think about it, the abyss whispering in her ear as growls escaped her lips.

"Chasca? Where are your sisters? Chasca, are you alright?" Paimon's voice couldn't break through, the floating silver creature pausing as The Traveller put their arm out to stop Paimon getting any closer.

"Can you tell us what happened?" The Traveller asked carefully, golden eyes carefully watching the grieving eldest sister.

Chasca's fists were clenched, each breath a struggle as she fought back from the brink of losing control.

"It came out of the sky, right in front of us. Chuychu tried to grab her, then she tried to shield Chuychu. They both went over the edge. Traveller, they don't have anything to help them fly. They… they couldn't have survived that drop unaided." Chasca forced her eyes away from the cliff edge, meeting the Traveller's gaze.

The Traveller took a step closer to the edge, shielding Paimon's eyes as she gasped at the bloodied boot, spotting something that Chasca hadn't… the boot hadn't fallen off of Chuychu's foot. Her foot was there too…

"My little sisters are gone…" Chasca gasped, tears falling down her face like a waterfall, "the baby… the Archon's… my baby sisters, I was supposed to protect them-" she sobbed, gasping for air, not seeing a faint glow descending from above her, until it wasn't able to be unnoticed any longer, as someone emerged from the light.

"How unfair life can be… she's had the odds stacked against her from the very beginning, and each step forward has been an agonising one. Maybe she would have been better off embracing her pain…" Menilek began as he chose his tribe's hero of this generation, standing closer to the Traveller, to give Chasca that time to grieve, "but her journey goes on, and one question looms in her mind: if she could rise above the pain, and ascend over the dark clouds in her mind… what then would she find?"

Menilek looked up to the sky, "maybe the glorious light of the sun, or maybe a dark empty void… there is only one way to find out. She needs to spread her wings and fly to new heights… that is the true meaning of life."

The Traveller's question went ignored, but yes, Menilek was from 500 years ago, as he walked over to Chasca, "my life's suffering shall become my epitaph, to remember the pain I endured, and finally transcended." The warrior faded immediately after, leaving Chasca heaving for air as she took a grip of her ancient name. Vuka, meaning transcension.

She was silent as she turned to the two, the Traveller only nodded in understanding as their eyes met. Eventually, Chasca returned with the two to the stadium, not speaking to anyone as she walked besides them. Whispers immediately began as people took in the sight. Chasca left the stadium with her younger sisters, but she returns alone.

Mavuika's heart dropped as she spotted Chasca walking in, supported by the Traveller with Paimon floating next to them. Where were-

"Chasca?" Mavuika's voice was desperate to waver, but she held strong, digging her nails into her gloved palms.

"We will recover their bodies once this is over. We still have- we still have more important things to do. If we want to honour what my sisters stood for… Mavuika, we need to hurry." Chasca held her hand over her heart, feeling a warmth flood in from Mavuika's body. A fiery warmth of rage and revenge.

"This war ends now." Mavuika clenched her fist, her fingernails digging into her leather gloves. She could not give into her grief now, there was no time for her to mourn what the abyss had stolen. She needed to avenge you, the love of her life, avenge your twins, her babies, and avenge her would-be sister-in-law…

Mavuika's fire burned angrier than ever, her hair almost spontaneously errupting into flames as she and her six heroes made their way into the arena.

///

What Chasca didn't know would hurt her. The last thing she heard was her sisters screaming, falling to their deaths, the young iktomisaur screeching in distress as she fell too… but often in nature, when a baby cries out, an adult will come to the rescue.

The last thing you felt before falling was Chuychu, wrapping your arms around her, pulling her in to shield her, shield your belly. You buried your face in her shoulder, missing out on seeing the elemental shield surround you both as you ended up on the ground, everything going dark.

You only awoke feeling something soft nudging you, cooing in your face. "Mhm… what?" you groaned, your hands immediately going to your belly as your eyes opened, meeting your older sister's tired green ones.

"You're okay, your babies are okay…" Chuychu whispered, wincing in pain as she moved her hands from where they'd been checking on your bump, to her foot… or lack of it.

"Where's your foot- ow!" you grimaced, holding your head as you tried to sit up too fast.

"Easy… you need to slow down… no wonder you kept up with Mavuika so easily, you're so stubborn that she'd be wrapped around your finger, how did none of us see it sooner?" Chuychu grumbled, trying to fix her tourniquet herself.

"A lot of lessons from what I can only describe as Mavuika's PR team, or is it HR? I can never remember, but they've probably all quit by now," you replied, carefully moving your hand over to tighten the tourniquet for your older sister. Your older sister who was missing her foot, and losing far too much blood… was that ice trying to cauterize the wound?

The cooing caught your attention again, turning your head to almost get a mouth full of adult iktomisaur fur, spotting the infant iktomisaur you'd kept with you curled up, sleeping under the adult's wing.

You were both alive, for now...

Notes:

Next chapter is a lot longer, but needed to be split up because of the tonal shifts...

Chapter 20: Chuychu

Summary:

You and Chuychu aren't out of the woods yet.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, mentions of blood and injuries, traumatic experiences during war, loss of limb, almost death of a character, impending death of a major character (Mavuika), discussion of fatal wounds, mentions a deceased character (Atea), sisters arguing, lore drops, spoilers for AQ Chapter 5 Act 4. Probably medical inaccuracies too.

"How did we..." you whispered, checking over Chuychu for any other injuries, then yourself, but even the bloody parts of your clothes held no injuries under them.

"Whatever that was, it landed right infront of us. I grabbed you, but we fell off the cliff, we were falling, then it was cold. We crashed into the iktomisaur jumping up to catch the baby, and there was something warm, a shield protected us all... it lasted long enough for us to land on the ground safely. The saurians outside... they moved us here, gave me time to figure out how to use this thing..." Chuychu began to wince, revealing the vision that she had been hiding.

"You healed us? What, what about your foot, is that you too?" your eyes widened, but Chuychu's eyes were fluttering shut, "Chuychu! Stay awake! You can't die, the ode to resurrection isn't protecting everyone yet! Please! I can't lose you! Fuck, fuck, fuck!" you began to panic, letting out a cry as you pushed yourself up, trying to perform CPR on your older sister. She wasn't breathing...

A bright orange glow lighting up the sky caught your attention, pressing down on Chuychu's chest rhymically as your gaze spotted the new sun. Mavuika... the six heroes had gathered. She was using the power of the Shade of Death.

"Chuychu, I'm already losing the mother of my babies, I can't lose my big sisters too, we don't even know where Chasca is, so you have to live, damnit!" You cried, keeping going despite the ache in your arms, until Chuychu jerked awake with a gasp.

"What- just happened?" Chuychu coughed, the dizziness from the blood loss gone as she sat up in shock.

"The ode of resurrection protects all life until the war is over. Using the power of the Shade, the God of Death to defeat the abyss, the cost is death, Mavuika's death..." you quietly explained, beginning to tremble as your palms lingered on your bump.

"Mavuika's going to die after the war?" Chuychu's voice was quiet, her eyes going from your face to your hands over your bump, the cold feeling running over her washed over by elemental energy flooding from you.

"Kiddo... you've known this all along, haven't you? This is why you didn't want to leave her. Because she'd be leaving you one day... that's so-"

"Natlan had a year before it's entire destruction, she kept saying, if it was her life, or the life of our babies, she'd make sure there was a safe and peaceful Natlan for them to be born in. Even though she wouldn't get to see it, or see them..." you replied, before your eyes widened, looking around, towards the iktomisaurs who cooed back at you, "are we even safe here?"

The fireball flying from the glowing orange figure in the sky answered your question, burning every abyssal creature that had been anywhere near your shelter.

"Uh... was that Mavuika?" Chuychu blinked in confusion, as you craned your neck, spoting something purple approaching, as the saurians around you prepared to attack.

"Whoah, stand down- it's Ororon!" you called out, wincing as you ended up unable to stand up, while Chuychu grimaced, checking over her leg... the ode of resurrection healed the nasty amputation site, much to her confusion. The ode healed the fatal wound only, in this case, Chuychu's missing foot due to the blood loss caused despite the tourniquet, leaving her vision to try heal the rest when she could. But she was still drowsy from blood loss, overuse of elemental power, and had certainly looked better before...

"Archon! Chasca! Granny! You won't believe who I've found, they're alive and safe! And they have saurians with them too!" Ororon seemed to speak to the air, leaving you and your sister to exchange confused looks.

"Uhh? I know he's your childhood friend but, you know that's odd, right? Maybe it's the blood loss..." Chuychu whispered, but she was cut off as Ororon spoke again, looking at the iktomisaurs before looking at you and Chuychu.

"Everyone is relieved you three are alive- although, Chuychu, you're covered in blood and... missing a limb?" Ororon made the mistake of saying that aloud, the telepathic connection between him, the other chosen heroes, Mavuika, Kachina, Citlali, the Traveller and Paimon went quiet for a moment before chaos errupted, overwhelming his ears. Chasca demanding to know what limb, why her sister was covered in blood... were you both okay? How was the baby-

"And somehow hid a vision from us all..." You huffed, raising an eyebrow at your older sister. Neither of you could hear what the others were saying, leaving Ororon to focus and translate.

"Oh please, you hid that you're having twins! Twins! That's double the babies that Mavuika-"

"For the love- don't finish that sentence, please!" you cut her off, your face going red as Ororon kept quiet, listening to the discourse over the connection as he accidentally echoed what you and Chuychu were squabbling about. Turns out, based on everyone's gasps, only Mavuika knew it was twins, and only a few knew you were pregnant in general... let alone that they were Mavuika's babies.

"Mavuika would like you two escorted back to the stadium." Ororon finally spoke, but you only shook your head, grimacing as it throbbed.

"Neither of us can walk anywhere..." you replied, letting out a sigh as Chuychu huffed, folding her arms.

"You know, you need to stop swearing, you're fifteen weeks, they'll be starting to hear you. Also, I see what Chasca meant, you really look pyro infused. You can almost make out each of them in there..." Chuychu spotted your glare, prompting her to look away after having unfolded her arms to point dazily at your bump. You were quick to gently smack her hands away, not comfortable with the prospect of Chuychu being able to see that much detail of your body with elemental sight.

"Ororon, head to the stadium and defend the flame. We'll be safe here... we've got three feet between us, a broken weapon- sorry Xilonen, some protective saurians, and a vision that Chuychu is still learning to use, since this one was Atea's and it's... uh?" you removed the greyed-out vision from your pocket, half expecting it to be gone, but it wasn't the only vision you pulled from your pocket. Instead, a second pyro vision, glowing bright red, was present there.

"Um, Chasca would like to know what 'uh?' means." Ororon pointed out, as you showed him what was in your hands, "oh, I see, that's what 'uh?' means. Congratulations. Sorry, I have to go now!"

"Ororon, listen to granny, don't stop for any vegetables or aphids, they'll be fine." You called out as he ran off, waving to you as you huffed, hearing him mutter what you just told him to himself.

"That girl has always had a good head on her shoulders..." Citlali remarked, hearing Mavuika chuckle, while Chasca rolled her eyes.

"I know." The Pyro Archon smiled, relieved that you were all safe... now her final tasks were approaching.

Her warriors were returning to the stadium, with the Traveller defending the front gate against the incoming abyss. Natlan would soon be safe for your twins, for you, for everyone...

Charging up to harness Ronova's power to its fullest, Mavuika glared at the abyssal source in the sky. It almost took you from her... it almost destroyed the nation she pledged her life to protect. Her hair glowed brightly as she yelled, throwing a flaming punch towards the abyssal source, scattering it, wiping it out of existence, but the power kept going, and the sky reacted.

Your eyes widened in terror, Chuychu frowning at the haunted look on your face as her hand rested on your shoulder, trying to stir you from your thoughts. Your heart racing wasn't a good sign, the stress was already too much, but this new discovery really took the cake.

"The sky... it's fake, the sky is fake. It cracked apart like an eggshell." you whispered as the blocky red hole was covered up again, the sky returning to its usual blue tone, and the sun glowing again, as Mavuika returned to the ground of the stadium, panting.

They'd won...

Notes:

I am still ill, 0/10 stars do not reccommend whatever this is, luckily this chapter is pre-written and required less editing so I could coherently process my own writing💀😭. I have too many ideas for fics but writing is hard because the scenes are so scattered in my brain. I also really need Candace for some reason like with my soul, I need Candace, maybe Dehya, definitely Xilonen and Mavuika but yeah... comfort characters required rn hehe. Also I need Chasca, I want to wear her hat and just look at shiny things with her.

Chuychu's overdoing it healing everyone and the ode is active so the ruler of death doesn't get either of Chasca's sisters... just Chuychu's foot. The twins are safe, (probably very medically inaccurate) but the stresses R feels will come up again medically in the plot.

Also, I just caught a typo lmao, I wrote Ronova as Romanova like... hello Natasha Romanoff aka Natalia Romanova aka Black Widow is the ruler of death?💀

Chapter 21: The War is Won

Summary:

You and Chuychu are rescued and able to be treated for injuries at the stadium, but emotions are still running high.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, allusions to a panic attack, swearing, mentions of avoided death (Chuychu), Mavuika's impending death, talks of amputation injury and prosthetics, death of an NPC, inaccurate medical talk.

"Little one, they won… they won, they beat the abyss!" Chuychu nudged you, wincing as she tried to move over to hold you, your hands gently holding her arms, "little one, you need to breathe, crap, breathe!" Chuychu's hands were cold against your skin, trying to apply her cryo abilities to stabilise you.

"The sky is fake. The sky is fake, Chuychu! I thought it was just a rumour… if the sky is fake, what outside the sky are 'they' trying to hide?" you whispered, burying your face in Chuychu's neck to block out your panic.

"Hey, we're okay… ish… as okay as we can be." Chuychu looked down at her leg, a darkness shadowing over her face as regret tried to bubble in her stomach. If she hadn't gotten distracted, if she had seen it about to land near you all… she'd still have her foot, her ability to walk. But… you wouldn't have survived if she hadn't reacted…

"How long do you think it will take for someone to come find us?" you asked after a while, shuffling on your bum over to peek your head out of the cave, giving Chuychu a warning glare to stay put. The iktomisaurs stared at you as you looked out, one shuffling over to try keep you warm with their feathers, while another went closer to Chuychu.

"Depends on how long Ororon takes, but Chasca won't wait around for anyone to help her." Chuychu shrugged, raising an eyebrow as she eyed the iktomisaur trying to rest near her, "why?"

"I have to use the bathroom."

"Seriously?" Chuychu groaned as you grimaced, nodding and trying to stand up, but your body detested that motion immediately.

"Everyone's probably celebrating before the mourning and the rebuilding… fuck… stay there, stay awake, stay alive I'll be back…" you muttered, shuffling out of the cavern to find somewhere to sort yourself out. You didn't see that an iktomisaur was following you, or that the baby one had woken up, trying to follow after you too.

Chuychu's eyes began to flutter, exhaustion from the events of the war rushing over her. She had to admit, things would have been harder if she hadn't have rested so much, and if she didn't have her vision. The abyssal corrosion probably would have been her downfall…

"Chuychu? Chuychu! Wake up, sleepy head." She heard a voice as she began to stir, a whine escaping her lips as someone played with her braid.

Opening her eyes, her green irises met Chasca's blue ones, a soft but sad smile on her older sister's lips welcoming her as she woke up.

"…Chasca?" Chuychu whispered, reaching out to touch Chasca's face, her fingertips resting on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin.

She was there, she was alive. Chasca was alive, and so was Chuychu.

"Where's…"

"Citlali has her… they've been whispering to each other for a while now." Chasca explained, scooping Chuychu up in her arms after checking over her wounds. No doubt she would need medical attention, even if her vision had healed you both… but with her foot gone, maybe, Chuychu wanted a prosthetic? Xilonen had already offered her help in building one, with the input of the doctors, but it was Chuychu's choice.

"About what? Our sister having the archon's twins?" Chuychu grumbled, struggling to keep her eyes open, "or how Mavuika's going to die before they're even born?"

"She's what? Chuychu, now is not the time to go back to sleep!" Chasca huffed, but her little sister was fast asleep in her arms. Too much elemental energy used at once, along with the stress of the war taking a hit at her.

"We should get these two to the stadium. Mavuika's not going to want to leave this one alone once she sees her- you can lean on me, you know? It's not like I'm made of glass!" Citlali grumbled as she helped you walk, "Ororon, get over here and help!"

"Sorry granny!" Ororon shouted, hurrying over to move to your other side to help, having been distracted by the saurians who had been guarding you two.

///

Chuychu slept the entire way back to the stadium, Chasca carrying her in silence. Meanwhile, you were in a daze, listening to Ororon and Citlali talk, or more Citlali talk, and Ororon apologise. They eventually went quiet however, as a pair of strong arms picked you up, carrying you the rest of the way.

Her biker suit was smooth against your skin, your eyes fluttering open to take in her fiery hair, her sun-shaped earrings, her sunshine eyes… "Mavuika…"

"Where is Mayahuel?" Mavuika asked, only to receive a shake of the head. Mayahuel didn't make it. "We need doctors, and an obstetrician here, now."

"Right away, Archon." was all you heard, keeping your gaze on Mavuika as she nuzzled her face into your cheek.

"I thought you were dead…" her voice broke, "I thought I'd lost you, all three of you."

"We're okay… Chuychu's vision healed us. She overdid it with her injuries, but the ode brought her back, just in time." Raising your hand to touch Mavuika's face, your archon's face melted into a loving expression, one that only those closest to you had seen when she looked at you.

"Still… I need you and Chuychu given full check-ups, and the twins too." Mavuika pressed her lips to your forehead, gently resting you down on the bed, while Chasca did the same with Chuychu, a bit away, as everyone aimed to give their archon and her love their privacy.

"Ororon, where did you get that baby iktomisaur?" Citlali asked, folding her arms as the baby saurian squealed, jumping out of Ororon's arms to try get to you.

"Oh, it's you! You followed us here? But you were with those adult iktomisaurs?" You tried to reach out to the baby, who was on the floor, jumping up to try reach you too. Mavuika raised an eyebrow, scooping up the iktomisaur who tensed up in the archon's arms, but let out a chirp as she was deposited on the bed next to you.

"Do I ask?" Mavuika raised an eyebrow, looking to your sisters, but Chuychu was being looked over by a doctor for her injuries, especially with her blood loss… she might need a transfusion, but the doctors would sort that out.

"Oh, you seem to be her favourite." Ororon realised, before Citlali ushered him away, saying they'd see you soon, but they needed to return to the Masters of the Night-Wind to clean up any remaining abyssal forces.

"Well, it's a good thing I have some saurian treats back at the Speaker's Chamber then, isn't it?" Mavuika chuckled, one hand cupping your cheek, while the other was offered to the baby saurian, who stared at her hand before allowing Mavuika to pet her.

"Archon, you called for an obstetrician?" someone walked over, pulling around the make-shift curtains to cover the space.

"Yes. Mayahuel was handling our case, due to the circumstances…" Mavuika explained, stroking your cheek as you zoned out, only giving basic answers until you were given an ultrasound. Blood pressure, heartrate, only Mavuika processed all of it, making a mental note that the abyss would pay for the stress it had caused you. If Chuychu hadn't been trying to actively heal you both constantly…

Your eyes shifted into focus as you looked at the screen, listening to the heartbeats carefully as you waited.

"Strong heartbeats, measuring at fifteen weeks… your twins are doing well, Archon."

Mavuika raised an eyebrow, electing to ignore how the update was directed at her, instead choosing to watch the relief wash over your face, how your body relaxed and a tired smile appeared. (You definitely wanted a second opinion though, the lack of details surrounding your twins bugging you much later when you returned from your dazed state).

Eventually, the obstetrician left, having deemed you a course of treatment involving bed rest, healthy foods, and multiple other things that Mavuika kept a note of, while you hid your glassy eyes in the baby iktomisaur's fur.

"My love?" Mavuika whispered, trying to coax you into talking, a hand hovering over your exposed bump, hesitant to touch.

"Don't just leave… when it comes to your sacrifice, please come and say goodbye first. I don't know what I'd do if I woke up and found out you were gone. Please, Mavuika…" you reached out, bringing her hand to rest, while your other hand gently petted the baby saurian who stared down at you with worried eyes.

"Of course. I could never just… I will announce to everyone when the Traveller and I depart for the final battle against the abyss. I will find you, I promise." Mavuika nodded, schooling her expression while you hid yours. Hiding how your heart fluttered at the mention of the Traveller going with Mavuika. After what Citlali said, maybe Mavuika's fate could be changed for the better…

Notes:

I was rushing act 4 and missed out a lot of optional NPC content, including uh, Mayahuel so I think she's dead in my game... oopsies, she joins the 1966...

Also you almost got this tomorrow because I was falling asleep at my laptop but I woke up so... hi:) how you doing?

Chapter 22: Aftermath

Summary:

The aftermath of the war. While Mavuika prepares for her final battle, you and Chuychu try to recover from your injuries, mental and physical. Unfortunately, Xilonen can't catch a break.

Notes:

I miss Natlan, is that weird? Probably... too many ideas in my head and a lack of energy, too many characters I want to write for at once... help💀

Warnings: pregnant!reader, Mavuika's impending death, Chuychu healing from losing a limb, R and Xilonen are both scheming for different reasons, R struggling with the idea of being bereaved soon, brief mention of nausea/queasiness.

Mavuika was constantly preparing now that the abyss had been driven into the depths of the Night Kingdom. But she wasn't the only one preparing.

You were stuck on bed rest and regular monitoring, while Chuychu was on bed rest as she adjusted to her lack of a limb, and overuse of her vision trying to heal you both. Her recovery having been... the fatal injury was healed by the ode of resurrection, her other physical injuries healed by her vision at the expense of her energy levels, but psychological effects of losing a limb were still there. Those couldn't be healed by elemental power.

Chasca went between the two of you, guarding you both at the stadium, until you distracted her with a request. Find Xilonen and bring her to you.

"Are you going to talk to me?" you whispered, but Chuychu refused to even look at you, her green eyes focussed on glaring at the floor, fighting against the rage inside of her, "I'm sorry."

She whipped around to frown at you, noticing your crumpled eyebrows, how your fingers bundled the blanket together between your fingers, and the deadness in your eyes.

"What?"

"I'm sorry you lost your leg saving me." You tugged at the blanket, trying to cover your bump as Chuychu's frown turned into a glare.

"Do not say that. Do you really think I could let you die? We were both so close to that- You're my baby sister, I love you. I just... have no idea how to do anything now. I feel like a flightless qucusaur." Chuychu seethed, eventually her anger melting into vulnerability, avoiding your gaze.

"You're recuperating on the ground until you can fly again... if you want, you can ask Xilonen about prosthetics or something. That's not why I asked Chasca to bring her though! Before you bite my head off... it's your choice. I just need to ask her about help for a nursery, before it's too late."

"Are you having it built here?" Chuychu caught her words, but not before they slipped out, watching you shift slightly in bed, pushing the body pillow away.

"After Mavuika is gone, everything here will be for the next Pyro Archon. Depending on who that is... the twins might not even be safe within any of the tribes. The abyss will be gone, but I don't know what will happen. They're not even born yet, but people are giving me looks, talking to Mavuika and pretending I don't exist... Mavuika's roots are with the Scions of the Canopy, and I know mama and papa would want me with the Flower-Feather Clan, but can Chief Mutota guarantee our family's safety? Can anyone?" a sigh escaped your lips, directing your gaze to the ceiling, "I can't exactly go raise them on some outskirts with their granny Citlali and uncle Ororon..."

"What about Chasca and I? Do we get to help at all?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow, looking at her her amputation before tugging the blanket over it.

"Have you seen Chasca with babies? She's good with children having conflicts, yes, but I've never seen her near a baby, or hold one. Chuychu, I trust you with all of me, but you have the stress of everything else going on too." You admitted, hearing a scoff.

"And you call me a stubborn butt, stubborn butt." Chuychu folded her arms, about to say more when Chasca returned, with Xilonen behind her.

"I brought her like you asked-" Chasca froze, looking over her two younger sisters, "what happened? You two seem off..."

"Hi Xilonen." You gave the geo vision holder a weak smile, moving to get up, much to your sisters' horror. The little iktomisaur began to stir as the blanket that had been covering her shifted due to your movements, but she only cooed as you picked her up, placing her in a reluctant Chasca's arms.

"You're supposed to be on bed rest!"

"I want to talk to Xilonen without you two eavesdropping. Also, to no one's surprise, I have to use the bathroom." You brushed them off, giving Xilonen a minute of peace as you left the room. Well, as much peace as she could get, as Chasca fawned over Chuychu, who puffed up her cheeks, folded her arms and ignored her older sister, and the sleepy iktomisaur she was holding.

"So... that was kinda tense, did you three fight again or something?" Xilonen asked, Chasca shaking her head to answer but Chuychu spoke first.

"No. I just... need more time with my injury, before any talk of prosthetics. I need to process this in my head, even though it's 'healed', okay?" If the ode hadn't healed her fatal injury when resurrecting her, things would have been a lot more complicated. The risk of infection, the healing process, whether the residual limb would be enough for a prosthetic. "So, our little sister's issues, she just wants to ask you some questions, but she'll avoid actually asking you to do anything because she thinks you're busy enough without adding to your plate. Her time with Mavuika is limited... she's going to need all the help she can with the twins."

"Limited? Wait you said-" Chasca frowned, but Xilonen nodded in understanding, looking up as you returned from the bathroom, gesturing to go for a walk, "limited how, Chuychu? You said before, Mavuika's going to die before the twins are born?"

But it was not Chuychu's place to explain... and you were in no state to, closing your eyes and ignoring Chasca's outcry.

///

"Is there something bothering you? You're all..." Xilonen enquired, gesturing to you as her eyes looking over you for whatever was causing you such a discomfort.

"You're one of the chosen heroes, so you know her plan. Did she ask you about help for the nursery or... is that something else I need to figure out on my own?" dragging your hands down your face, you let out a huff as you continued to wander around with Xilonen, ignoring how people watched you everywhere you went.

"She mentioned something briefly, but with it being... double the expectancy, I'll get to work-"

"You have our Golden Outlander's ancient name to sort out, and a long backlogs of commissions already, including my weapon eventually. I just need... to figure something out. I need to ask Ororon to check on my house, see if it's still intact. I don't know how safe it'll be there, but I won't be staying here after she's gone. I can't. I just..." fighting back tears, you froze as Xilonen reached for your hand, gently guiding you out of your pacing.

"How about we sit down, take a breath, and I point out that you're not alone in this. You will never be alone in this." Xilonen encouraged you, letting you rest your head on her shoulder as you stared into space, processing.

"I hope they look like her... I'll see her in them anyway, but..."

"Sun eyes and all? Two baby Mavuikas... ha, look out Natlan." Xilonen chuckled, the vibrations calming you as you hummed.

"Her eyes weren't always like the sun... they changed when she ascended to Archonhood, back then. You're good at naming things, can you persuade Mavuika to pick some names? My sisters don't like my naming choices, and honestly... I have no ideas anymore." You perked up, much to Xilonen's shock as she looked at you with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh, wha-why me?"

"You and Chasca have that... weirdness, chemistry that you're both denying, but I see the way you two look at each other. Also, after everything you've done for my family, if it's okay with you... you'd be Auntie Xilonen?" you played with your fingers, giving the name engraver a knowing look as she avoided your eyes, her cheeks warming up at what you were suggesting about her and your sister.

"I... wow, I can see how Mavuika got wrapped around your finger. So, do you tease your Archon like this too?" Xilonen changed the subject, but she soon began to regret it with the smirk on your face, "okay, maybedon't answer that, I don't need the dirty details you've got in your mind right now. There's evidence enough with your pregnancy... honestly, how have your sisters not chewed her out yet?"

"Chuychu stopped Chasca from storming the Speaker's Chamber when they found out she was the one who, uh, got me pregnant... but then the twins, we kept quiet until, um..." a shaky breath escaped your lips, closing your eyes momentarily before you continued to explain, "Chuychu died then got resurrected, but before that, she revealed she has a vision, figured out how to heal me, and herself I think, but she lost her foot. It was when she was healing me that she found that I'm growing two babies..." Your voice growing quieter the more you spoke had Xilonen straining her ears to hear you. Her gaze however locked onto something you were fiddling with.

"Something else has been bothering me too... if my babies died when the ode was active and protecting all life, would it have resurrected them? If I died, would it..." Your questions were rhetorical, Xilonen watching your fingers as you let out a sigh. "I'm not supposed to have this, the elemental energy could be a risk, so... can you keep it safe for me? My sisters suck at hiding things since I know all their hiding spots, so please, keep it safe. I need to return Atea's to the People of the Springs soon too..." You held out your pyro vision for Xilonen to take, watching her carefully hold it in her hand, with a look on your face that you couldn't describe.

"Hmm, how about an exchange? I look after this, and you give me some advice about a book. It's Nechca's birthday soon and she wrote a letter to me, asking for a copy of Tequil the Brave. I have a couple of copies of the older one in my collection, but since I'm not sure which one she'll have read, I wondered about the new version too."

"The newer one is more child friendly, but massively unpopular, but you'd know the story and it's changes well already?" you raised an eyebrow as Xilonen let out a sigh.

"Fine, you got me. I just, the new version was so poorly received, but it took forever for me to find the older one in a warehouse. Plus, this type of stuff is your thing, preservation of stories and history. Your eyes light up just at talking about this stuff... but you don't smile that much anymore, I think I've only seen you happy when you're with Mavuika, or your sisters... but uh, that's when you three aren't squabbling, anyway."

"You should come for dinner sometime, with my sisters, mama, papa... I might be able to get Mavuika to come, if it's not before..." you trailed off, avoiding Xilonen's eyes as they narrowed, realising what you were implying.

"Right... well, I'd like that. Oh, as long as Mavuika doesn't try make me listen to any more of her ridiculous ideas, I mean... seriously? How does she come up with this stuff?" she tried to make a joke, but you folded in on yourself, the prospect of Mavuika no longer being around making you feel queasy, "although that makes me wonder who would be cooking. I'll bring enough xocoatl though, how does that sound?" Xilonen offered, nudging your shoulder with hers as she changed the subject.

"Probably just make a list of dishes closer to the time. I can ask Chasca for your favourite foods if I can't ask you myself, I'm sure Chasca would love to have you at our dinner table. So would I, but in a different sense to my sister... also, Chasca likes wine..." You smirked, watching the name engraver stare at you with a look.

"You..."

A giggle escaped your lips before you cleared your throat to change the subject, "about the book, give Nechca both copies. That's what Mavuika did as a gift for me. I lost my copy of Tequil the Brave in Ochkanatlan, so I didn't have it in my archives. She noticed, and got me a copy of both versions as an anniversary present."

Xilonen raised an eyebrow at your chosen topic. "Anniversary? Just how long have you and Mavuika been together? Wait, Mavuika asked for a second helmet to be made for Flamestrider. I just thought she broke the first one somehow, but it was for you, wasn't it?"

"Longer than you think, longer than anyone thinks... and yes. That's why she brought it back to you to be adjusted." You winked, standing up to stretch, "I should head back before my sisters, or my beloved, send a search party looking for us. Take care, Xilonen. I mean it, please, take care of yourself."

"You too, ki- well, calling you kiddo is a bit silly now, isn't it?" Xilonen dryly joked, but you only shrugged in reponse.

"Doesn't stop my sisters from calling me that, or 'little one'... why does nobody ever call me by my actual name? Whatever... see you around, Xilonen!" you waved, heading back to the Speaker's Chamber, glad that the people were too busy with the rebuild to notice you.

Notes:

'why does nobody ever call me by my actual name?' because i don't like writing (y/n) or (name), i find it pulls me out of the imaginary world... plus i read y/n as a name i don't like to be called anymore so:/ deal with it, R sksk

Chapter 23: Ghosts

Summary:

Updates on the twins, and a letter that you and Mavuika receive from Xilonen, who wishes to discuss recent events at the Children of Echoes.

Notes:

Been working on some writing inbetween my studies but nothing is finished enough to post yet (E.g. Her Champion, and another fic I'm working on that will have multiple endings you can choose from... when I actually have the endings written sksks). Also I'm very prone to being an anxiety-riddled husk of a person so... you get what you get with my writing I guess💀

warnings: pregnant!reader, post-war recovery of the nation, mentions of rehabilitation following the loss of a limb, inaccurate medical talk about twin pregnancy, Mavuika's impending death, mentions of dead NPCs, Ajaw being foul with derogatory language.

It had been a week since you had that conversation with Xilonen, helping Chasca and Chuychu organise supplies to be transported to each of the tribes for each of the rebuilds. The Flower-Feather Clan was the worst affected out of all of them, with your parents sending updates with messengers from the Scions of the Canopy.

During that week, Chasca had been heading out into the wilds, Chuychu stayed at home with your parents, doing her rehabilitation with your little iktomisaur's help, while you received another check-up and scan, hoping to get more details on your sixteen week twins. Mavuika had asked when you two could know the twins' genders, but that wasn't for another few weeks. The later you two left it, the more accurate it may be, said the obstetrician, but there was a detail you could know.

"I can tell you about the placenta, it seems in your case that twin A and twin B share a placenta but have their own sacs. This is means we'll have to do extensive ultrasound monitoring to keep an eye on each twin's growth and development."

"So, are they identical twins then?" you asked, but your question went unanswered as the obsetrician continued to speak, their gaze more on Mavuika than you, despite you being the pregnant one.

"We'll have to send a commission to get a specialist from Sumeru, you'll need more monitoring too after that incident during the war."

"More monitoring?" Mavuika frowned slightly, waiting for more elaboration.

"The stress of the war, your blood pressure and heartrate are being monitorred, especially with the risk of pre-eclampsia, also the sharing of the placenta has its own risks. There's also some other things we need to look at, but we can talk about that with those after I get these photos sorted."

"Thank you. That's good to know..." You nodded, watching Mavuika from the corner of your eye, noticing how quiet she had gotten as the obstetrician left momentarily.

"You feeling okay?" you reached over, your hand gently resting against Mavuika's cheek, fingertips stroking her cheekbone as she blinked, leaning into your touch instinctively.

She only hummed in reply, enjoying the warmth from your hand as you smiled slightly, ignoring the tug at your heart. In all this time, Mavuika probably never expected to be in this position. To be so close to death, to her friends and family she left behind and lost 500 years ago, to leave behind her friends and family now. But a part of her may want this, want to see her sister Hine again, wanted to see her parents again, her friends, Burkina, Tenoch, Sanhaj, Menilek, Sundjatta, Wanjiru, and Tupac. It didn't matter who she may see again after, Mavuika was doing this for Natlan...

After all this war and fighting, Mavuika deserved peace and love...

"Mavuika..." your voice woke her from her daze, eyes flashing open at your tone, but you only steeled your features, "I love you, I am proud of you, and I will always love you and always be proud of you."

Her eyebrows furrowed, mouth opening to respond but you shook your head, not needing her to reply.

"Never forget that, please."

She slipped back into her daze, memories of her mother and sister seeing her before she sacrificed her life to the sacred flame...

The obstetrician soon returned to go over things and arranging a planned birth, but Mavuika couldn't focus, barely hearing what you were asking about. 36 weeks if no complications? She would probably be long dead by then...

You heard her heels as you shuffled to sit up better, the obstetrician long gone as you wiped the gel from your belly and pulled your clothes back to cover yourself after having another talk about foetal growth and looking at some images of your twins. You didn't expect Mavuika to pull you into a hug, her hands rested on your back, holding your close as she buried her face in your neck, hiding her expression.

"It's okay, we'll be okay..." you cooed, playing with her hair as you held her.

///

That appointment was still in Mavuika's head, as she decided to check in on you organising supplies, Chasca and Chuychu retreating after you gave them enough doe-eyed looks to leave. The Archon didn't hesitate to pull you into her arms, but the moment didn't last long.

"Archon? I apologise, I can come back later-" Kinich's eyes widened as he walked in, witnessing the Archon in such a tender embrace with you.

"It's fine, Kinich, how are you doing? Are you injured? Or am I needed at the Scions of the Canopy?"

"I'm fine. Xilonen asked me to deliver a letter addressed to you both-" Kinich cut himself off, about to whack Ajaw as he noticed the pixelated creature was about to speak, while looking directly at you.

"Ajaw." Mavuika warned him, watching the pixelated dragon begin to squirm.

"What? Can I not acknowledge your concubine, I mean, mother of your offspring, who I will one day rule over- I... can I not acknowledge the mother of your unborn children?" Ajaw scrambled to speak, but Mavuika beat him to it, sending him away.

"Thank you for bringing the letter..." you trailed off, nose crinkling up at what Ajaw had been rambling, especially the implication of calling you that. A word that always managed to get Mavuika to glare coldly at whoever said it.

"No problem. I apologise that Ajaw made you uncomfortable. I will see you two around." Kinich nodded to you both before leaving.

"Xilonen has requested for us to meet her at the Children of Echoes. Apparently she has news to give us in person, interesting, after the events in her tribe that Pacal told me about." Mavuika raised an eyebrow, looking to you as you only shrugged.

"That... might be a bit of a trek, you could go on Flamestrider, but I think my sisters would have a heart attack, and also kill you if I was anywhere near your bike. If I set off now... I could get there before dinner and meet you?" You suggested, but Mavuika shook her head.

"I don't like the idea of you walking that far alone. So we'll walk there together. The exercise will do us both good, but we have to be careful of your joints... Iansan already gave me an earful about that. I do wonder what Xilonen has to say..." Mavuika tapped her fingers against your arm in thought, keeping you close to her.

"Since when was Iansan knowledgeable about pregnancy... oh, pregnancy and exercise, yeah, I get it now..." You trailed off, wondering whether you should be asking Iansan questions that the remaining Natlan obstetricians weren't answering. If only Mayahuel had lived...

Notes:

The way that I know I re-wrote this chapter multiple times because I could not make up my mind on if it was identical or non-identical twins... also this chapter was originally way longer but I split it to conserve some of the juicier plot points. I need to write Chasca's story quest in conjunction with a major plot point about the twins... I'll get to it, I'm just tired.

Chapter 24: Nepecha

Summary:

You and Mavuika head to the Children of Echoes to meet with Xilonen, who has some news she wants to tell you in person.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, discussion of pregnancy symptoms, spoilers for after Xilonen's tribal quest.

"Xilonen! The Archon's here to see you!" Pacal called out as he spotted Mavuika at Xilonen's workshop, while you took a seat to take a breather.

"Wha- I wasn't expecting you to respond to my letter by turning up today, wait, is- are you doing okay? Do you need anything?" Xilonen looked between her archon standing in front of her, and you, sat at the side, resting.

"I'm fine, just taking a minute, we tried to take a smoother route but it was longer... We would have been here sooner but, it's safer if I'm not on the back of Flamestrider, or squeezing myself on the back I should say. Mavuika wanted to borrow a cart to pull me on since she started worrying about my joints, ugh, embarrassing. I was able to walk far better before..." you side-eyed Mavuika who cleared her throat, heat rising to her face at your smirk.

"Okay... well, whatever is about to come out of your mouth needs to be child friendly." Xilonen cut in, confusing you both as she moved her arm, revealing a small girl hiding behind her.

"Did you and Chasca-" you began, but Xilonen shushed you with a look that led you to fall quiet.

"This is Nepecha. I'm looking after her after some events happened within the tribe, you're probably already aware. Nepecha, these are my friends, Mavuika, and her girlfriend..." Xilonen introduced you both, gently kneading at the girl's ears to calm her. The young girl's eyes trailing from Mavuika, to you, and then your bump, before hiding behind Xilonen again.

"Hi Nepecha, it's nice to meet you." Mavuika crouched down to her level, but Nepecha continued to hide, muttering something into Xilonen's leg.

"You're the Archon."

"I am, but I'm also Xilonen's friend, and I'd like to be your friend too, if that's okay?" Mavuika quietly asked, turning her head as she realised Nepecha was looking over her shoulder, at you.

"You okay?" Xilonen frowned as she followed the other two's gaze.

"Just warm. I'll be okay." You nodded, smiling gratefully as Xilonen disappeared to get you a bottle of water, Nepecha following her.

Mavuika looked at you worriedly, shuffling over a stool so you could put your feet up, "did I push you too far by having us walk here instead of finding a travelling caravan?"

"I'm seventeen weeks pregnant, babe. These symptoms are only going to get worse later on, but the morning sickness is gone, and I'm kind of hungry."

"It is close to dinner time." Mavuika acknowledged, turning her head as Nepecha appeared, holding out the bottle of water for you.

"Thank you, Nepecha." You smiled, taking a sip as a sigh of relief escaped your lips.

Xilonen lingered as Nepecha stood near you two, avoiding looking at you both as she played with her hands, "Nepecha wanted to ask you something, while I go sort some food, hmm, Mavuika, can you come help me with that? I need advice on what pregnant people can eat..."

"Oh?" you raised an eyebrow, "Nepecha, are you okay with hanging out with me for a bit?" the young girl looked up to meet your eyes, before they lingered on your bump again.

"Are you wondering what's going on with my belly?" you figured out, your eyes widening as Mavuika and Xilonen headed to order food from nearby, leaving you to hope you didn't have to explain in any detail.

"Um so..." you began, taking another sip of water to try calm down, while Nepecha took a seat near you, "so remember when Xilonen said I'm Mavuika's girlfriend? Well... when two adults love each other a lot romantically, sometimes a blessing is given to them, and that blessing results in a baby. In my case, I have two babies growing in my belly. Twins."

Nepecha nodded along, not saying much as you continued to sip the water, eventually finishing it.

"They're both about the size of a pomegranate at the moment."

"How big is a pomegranate?" Nepecha looked confusedly at you, watching you blink at her, thinking of a reply.

"Uhh, why don't you go ask Xilonen if she has any pomegranates in her kitchen?" you suggested, the girl leaving with a nod. "Oh, archons, I have no idea how to talk to children..."

"You seemed to do quite well there."

Turning your head, you pouted to acknowledge who had overheard you muttering to yourself. The Archon herself...

"I left Xilonen to explain pomegranates to Nepecha. You should have seen the look on her face when she asked, and the look on Nepecha's face when she saw the fruits." Mavuika chuckled as she explained herself, grabbing a stool to sit next to you.

"I panicked, I was trying to avoid scaring her with one of those talks." You huffed, but your frustration faded as your lover reached over, taking your hand in hers, her thumb drawing patterns on your knuckles, "do you think..."

Mavuika quirked a bow, waiting for you to finish.

"Do you think we could work on something when we get back? The Traveller may or may have not have brought it from Liyue to give to you. I asked a while ago, they came back with it so fast that for a moment, I thought they teleported across nations." You explained, Mavuika's eyes lighting up in intrigue at the mention of something new from Liyue that you had asked the Traveller to bring.

"And what is this something that you asked the Traveller to bring?" Mavuika's voice laced with amusement, leaning closer to try to fluster you.

"It's a limited edition new version of that chess game that I'm hoping won't be rated poorly by you. But, if you want to try play against yourself, our favourite golden outlander brought me a copy of some folklore about Chenyu Vale too, so while you look hot focussing on your game, I can read a new book and appreciate you."

"I look hot focussing on games?" the knowing look in Mavuika's eyes had you rolling yours.

"You look hot all the time, and not just because you're the Pyro Archon..." you trailed off as Xilonen and Nepecha returned with the food order, getting distracted by the food as you were reminded of your hunger. You didn't see how Mavuika's hair fluttered with flames for a second, your words flustering her.

///

"Has Chasca met her yet?" you quietly asked, brushing a piece of Nepecha's hair behind her ear as she slept, resting against Xilonen's side, almost in her lap. Dinner had been a little while ago, leaving the young girl to grow tired and find refuge in her guardian.

"Hm, she came by earlier, to get some adjustments on soulsniper, oh, and an update on the progress for Chuychu's prosthetic. Honestly, I thought your sisters would have told you about that," Xilonen quietly explained, her gaze on the sleeping child, while Mavuika's gaze shifted to you, holding you a little closer in her lap, much to your argument that she'd be uncomfortable. "I'm looking into her family records in the tribe, she, um, doesn't remember anything from her past besides her name. But, her future is whatever she wants it to be."

"Well, she told me she wants to become a name engraver like you when she grows up." Mavuika smiled softly, teasing Xilonen, who immediately looked at you with a deadpan expression.

"Yeah, I can see why you two are made for each other." Xilonen huffed, if she could facepalm she would, "all this teasing is giving me a headache. How did nobody realise you two were dating sooner? Pff, you two weren't exactly, uh, hiding it."

You only hummed at that, deciding to avoid answering by turning to press your face into Mavuika's neck. Any and all answers you gave could be echoed to your sisters, and they already had enough reasons to chew Mavuika out.

"Gone shy now, have we?" Mavuika pressed her lips to your forehead, "A lot of the time we spent together was either at night undisturbed under the stars, or could be seen by others as her escorting me. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for recovering lost history led to investigating a lot of ruins and solving puzzles. Plus, she had some good insight into some budgets and rebuilding projects." She explained, her fingers drawing patterns on your skin, goosebumps dancing across the surface as you felt your face grow warm.

"However, the rest I would like to keep private, and I think my love would agree, based on how warm her face is against my neck-" Mavuika cut herself off with a squeak she hid as a cough, trying to ignore how you had pressed your lips against her neck in appreciation of what she had said.

"Hm, yeah, good idea. I'm going to put Nepecha to bed." Xilonen cradled the sleeping girl in her arms, taking her inside with a soft smile.

"As much as I enjoy talking with Xilonen, there is nothing I'd enjoy more right now than to hold you in my arms in our bed." Mavuika admitted, noticing you hiding a yawn behind your hand, and how you nodded in agreement.

That night was spent with you two tangled together, Mavuika inhaling your scent and keeping you close, while you held her as close as you could, despite the pillows to support your body. One of her hands laid on your bump protectively, the other resting on your side as your forehead rested near her clavicle. She would never forget these moments, even in the limited time she had left.

Chapter 25: You Never Know Who Is Listening.

Summary:

While the Traveller and Paimon head to Sumeru, Natlan is still recovering from the effects of the war against the abyss.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy symptoms, mention of dead bodies, brief derogratory language

some sprinkled in time-skips to make things move a bit faster~ I miss Chasca, I miss Chuychu, but we got Ifa drop in the livestream today👀 if there isn't any voicelines even mentioning Chuychu for him, I'll be salty, they knew each other, Chasca even mentioned that Ifa spoke with Chuychu and her dad about medicine a lot:(

"Oh hey, it's you! How are you doing with... everything?" Paimon floated over with a grin, quickly correcting herself from asking about your pregnancy in public, directly anyway. Although your bump wasn't exactly easy to hide anymore...

"We're okay, how have you two been? I met Nepecha by the way, thank you for all you did in saving her with Xilonen. " You asked, giving the Traveller a grateful look as they'd given Paimon a deadpan expression to watch her words, "oh... also something about aphids, Xilonen mentioned that too?"

"We're okay, we're just preparing to head to Sumeru! It's Nahida, Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday, so we're going to help with the Sabzeruz Festival and celebrate with everyone!" Paimon explained, gesturing to the supplies that the two had been buying in the stadium.

"Ah, that's the festival with the carriage and sweets are thrown, right? How about you two take some of this for the Dendro Archon, you probably have loads in your bag already, but this chocolate tastes really good, and if Kusanali has a sweet tooth, I think she'll like it." You led the two over to a stall, ignoring what was on display in favour of talking to the owner, who nodded and revealed the specific chocolates from nearby.

"Wait, Paimon has never seen these ones before!" Paimon's eyes glowed as you passed the chocolates to the Traveller, passing the stall owner some mora before they could.

"They're really good, I've been craving a lot so I've cornered the market down here on it all, there's some stuff from other nations here too, but not a lot-"

"We'll bring you back some candies from Sumeru as a thank you." The Traveller beamed, tucking the chocolates away into their bag before Paimon could eat them, much to her pouting.

"Paimon, Golden Outlander, here." You held out two chocolates, one for each of them.

"Ooh so yummy! Wait, Paimon wants to know why you call the Traveller that, you never call them Traveller?" Paimon ate the chocolate quickly, floating closer to you as you hummed.

"Because I think people should be calling you by your name, not that moniker. Although you don't always respond to the name you've given people either... it's whatever, probably safer for you with how Celestia can be. You two travel safely to Sumeru okay?" you smiled softly, ignoring the confusion on Paimon's face and the relief on the Golden Outlander's, who smiled back at you, waving as the two headed out of the stadium, and soon, out of Natlan.

///

It had been a week of rebuilding, with the Traveller and Paimon out of the picture recovering and enjoying the Sabzerus Festival. Mavuika was all over the place, hoping on Flamestrider as she went to check on each individual tribe's recovery. The losses were piling up, while Kinich was trying to help identify bodies, you were trying to coordinate the supply shipments from the stadium, but you were struggling.

"You think because you're allegedly having the Archon's baby that you can take charge here?"

Your eyes widened at the insinuation, holding onto the clipboard you'd been reading to try figure out what supplies were to be sent where.

"What in the abyss are you trying to suggest?" you glared, folding your arms at the man, clipboard by your side. It was one of the two who spoke blasphemy about Kachina and Mavuika during the last Pilgrimmage.

"Oh please, why would a God ever have a baby with you? You're not even a warrior. You're just a whore that the Archon took pity on." His name didn't matter to you, his words shouldn't matter either, but instead, your breath hitched, frozen in place as everyone around you went eerily quiet.

"Archon?" his voice trembled, the God of War's stare laced with ice and solemnity. Her heels were the only thing heard as she walked over, not saying a word as the man trembled. "Archon, I, uh..."

Forcing his gaze away from the intensity of Haborym's, he looked at you, before he ran, leaving everyone to stare as Mavuika's gaze followed him out of sight.

"Is that really how people see me-" you began to question, your eyes glassing over with tears, but a loud thud caught your attention. Turning on your heel to hurry towards the sound, Mavuika gently placed her hand on her shoulder to stop you.

"That isn't worth your attention." Her cold stare was long gone, but her professionalism lingered as she took the clipboard from your hands, glancing over it, "Iansan has volunteered a caravan to transport these supplies. You organised everyone here well, despite his insults."

A shaky sigh escaped your lips, wishing Mavuika could do more than stand by you in this moment, but being able to bask in the presence of Natlan's undying sun, the love of your life, was enough. You needed to get used to not relying on Mavuika, especially after her impending death.

"I'm sorry..." your gaze remained on the floor, looking over your bump as Mavuika and yourself headed back to the Speaker's Chamber.

"Why are you apologising? You were the one who was insulted."

"But, his words weren't entirely wrong. You're an Archon, and as much as I emphasise you are more than that, everyone else sees you as the Pyro Archon, the God of War. Not the God of Love or Marriage, so getting tangled up with me- I was barely a warrior before, I'm someone who never even participated in the Pilgrimmage because I didn't want to ruin Chasca's winning streak by being on her team... and I- I never wanted to distract you and ruin your 500 year goal to end this millenia long war, Mavuika." Turning on your heel, you were about to walk out, hoping that a supply caravan would be heading towards your tribe so you could give Mavuika space.

"You could never ruin it. As the Archon, I'm great at problem-solving, but often, people just want companionship. I wasn't able to provide this for anyone when I returned, but you provided it to me in a way that felt warm, a kindred spirit of fire, who loves to explore and find out everything. I know you were caught sneaking to Ochkanatlan multiple times, and I know how much you care, for me, the plan, for Natlan. You gave me more than enough motivation to complete my plan, by giving me a close connection in this time... something I didn't have 500 years ago. I may have been your first love, but you are mine too..." Mavuika's face burned at that reminder, watching as you turned around to listen.

You had not believed her about that confession, at first. She could have anyone in Natlan that she wanted after all. Mavuika knew how to kiss better than you did, but the way she froze up, hair lighting up and her jaw hanging open the first time the two of you were intimate... it was like Mavuika had always put her duty to her nation before her own needs, until that moment anyway.

"I told you before, I regret nothing we have done, I will always love you, even in death. I will always love our children too. Please let them know that-" Mavuika was cut off as you frowned, your hand immediately going to your bump as your Archon froze in fear, "are you alright? Is it the twins?"

"Give me your hand." You removed her glove carefully, bringing her bare hand over your bump to feel what you just felt. Mavuika's eyes widened at the feeling, the movement of one of the twins felt beneath her palm, "they're kicking... I spoke to my ma-mother before, she said that I'd feel them moving but this, they're kicking, Mavuika. I think they heard you." Mavuika removed her other glove with her teeth, her eyes brimming with tears as you brought her other hand to where you were guessing the other twin was kicking too, hoping it was them and not the other foot of twin A.

"They, they can hear me?" to anyone else, Mavuika would sound uncharacteristically shy, but you knew sides to her that she kept hidden because of the war. Mavuika pushed away any ideas of love, companionship, because it didn't matter if the war was still going... but now? Mavuika's sun eyes were glassy, almost glowing with emotion as she let out a breath.

"They can hear you, hear their mother." You moved your hand, reaching up to cup her cheek. There was no option to hide her emotion with her sunglasses this time.

"I love you," Mavuika closed her eyes momentarily, leaning into your touch, before shifting and dropping to her knees, "I love you two too," she spoke directly to your bump, not seeing how you flustered at her on her knees in front of you. She was too distracted by grinning goofily at your bump, how the twins were kicking her palms through your belly.

You were lucky nobody was about to walk into the Speaker's Chamber and witness this... Chasca would probably tackle Mavuika, and neither you or Chuychu could physically stop her now.

///

"Hey, can we talk?" Chasca knocked on the door to the Speaker's Chamber, getting no response as she headed inside, looking for who she was after. The staff had told her you and Mavuika were there but, was anyone around?

Notes:

You Never Know Who Is Listening... as Mavuika overhears the reader be insulted, and the twins hear Mavuika later on...

Chapter 26: Matchmaking Mischief

Summary:

Chasca and Mavuika have a conversation about the former's commissions. Specifically the ones setting her up with another specific person...

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, finishing of an arc before 5.2 interlude chapter content.

i feel like i am a piñata and life is the stick that is whacking me.

Previously...

"I love you," Mavuika closed her eyes momentarily, leaning into your touch, before shifting and dropping to her knees, "I love you two too," she spoke directly to your bump, not seeing how you flustered at her on her knees in front of you. She was too distracted by grinning goofily at your bump, how the twins were kicking her palms through your belly.

You were lucky nobody was about to walk into the Speaker's Chamber and witness this... Chasca would probably tackle Mavuika, and neither you or Chuychu could physically stop her now.

///

Presently...

"Hey, can we talk?" Chasca knocked on the door to the Speaker's Chamber, getting no response as she headed inside, looking for who she was after. The staff had told her you and Mavuika were there but, was anyone around?

Going further inside, Mavuika's office was empty, leading her to head to the living spaces. Living room? Empty. Bedroom? Chasca grimaced to think, but it was quiet as she knocked on the door, pushing it open to an amusing sight.

You were sound asleep, while Mavuika was awake, grumbling to herself as she tried to compete with your many pillows for a space in her own bed, and an opportunity to hold you in her arms.

"Archon?" Chasca whispered, gaining Mavuika's attention as she tumbled out of bed, waking you up in the process.

"Mavuika... did you fall out of bed again?" you sat up slowly, barely opening your eyes as Mavuika hushed you, whispering to go back to sleep, while she ushered Chasca out into the living room.

"Sorry to interrupt nap time?" Chasca deadpanned, raising an eyebrow as Mavuika tried to fix her hair.

"Well, it was originally cuddles, but your sister seems to prefer all those pillows to me at the moment." Mavuika huffed, folding her arms with a pout that reminded Chasca of Chuychu when she was mad at something as a child.

"Mavuika, are you jealous of my sister's pregnancy pillows?"

Mavuika didn't reply, pursing her lips instead, then changing the subject.

"What is it you came here for, Chasca? Are you alright? Last I heard, you were searching the wilderness for survivors, and taking commissions from the stadium."

"I wanted to see if it was you, or my sister, who has been sending me on back-to-back commissions to Xilonen." Chasca sighed, glancing to the side to where the bedroom door was.

"Ah. That..." Mavuika knew immediately what was going on, holding back from rolling her eyes and smiling at your schemes, "I thought all of my heroes got along? I didn't realise you and Xilonen were unable to work together for a period of time."

"That's not- it's not like that." Chasca felt like her feathers were ruffled under the gaze of her Archon, her would-be sister-in-law, her friend... ugh, Mavuika.

"Oh? What is it like then, Chasca? How about you enlighten me on the matter?" Mavuika raised an eyebrow, her eyes full of mischief as Chasca failed to meet her gaze. So that's how it was, huh?

"Ugh. That isn't even worth answering, you're as bad as my younger sisters. Also, our mother has tried to forbid me from sneaking her snacks. Apparently you can try make meals pregnancy friendly instead of just... sneaking her cravings to her." Chasca grumbled, heading towards the door as Mavuika hummed in thought.

"It's a good job Chasca didn't come by earlier..." you yawned, standing in the bedroom doorway after your sister had left. Luckily...for you, Mavuika, and Chasca...

"She was preoccupied." Mavuika was vague, but she knew that Chasca had heard what that man had called you in the stadium, and Chuychu wasn't about to stop her either. He faced the wrath of a Peacemaker, and an angry older sister. He would never slander you again.

Chapter 27: Family Dinner

Summary:

Time continues on as two weeks go by quickly. The Flower-Feather Clan require the most help in the rebuild, but some of the help comes from unexpected sources. Meanwhile, that family dinner finally happens, but be careful what you say, you never know when you'll upset someone.

Notes:

A/n: I was too exhausted and had too much joint pain yesterday to edit this, but it's good I did edit it since it means you get more sentences...

Warnings: pregnant!reader, impending death of Mavuika (although we're barely in 5.2, this is set in the interlude).

The Traveller and Paimon returned over nearly two weeks later, delivering a stash of multiple flavoured sweets from Sumeru, along with baklava, candied ajilenakh nut and ingredients for other Sumerian recipes that their friends in Sumeru recommended. The Traveller had ended up with multiple lists from someone called Candace, the guardian of Aaru Village, along with some from someone called Tighnari, a forest ranger.

Although, what caught Mavuika's attention was a porridge using ajilenakh nuts and milk, something that someone Paimon described as Dehya, also known as the Flame-Mane, enjoyed as a child.

///

"Something happened when my parents took in Chasca... the only word she could say was 'vulture', so she couldn't explain this fight that happened. She had been defending me, our family, and I yelled at her, driving her away. Our parents were away a lot, looking for a cure for Chasca, so they left me at home with her, and our baby sister. She won't remember, she was too young, but... I held carried her, taking into the wilderness, looking for Chasca. We found her asleep, and little one just curled up next to her, while I tried making a fire. She held mine and Chasca's hands wobbily walking as we headed home... mama and papa don't know that happened, but I think it was then that we became a family." Chuychu stared at the phlogiston lamp, while Mavuika sat on the couch, your head in her lap as you slept. You seemed to sleep easier when you were near her, even if your pregnancy pillows had kicked Mavuika out of bed more than once.

"Are you sure your parents don't want help with dinner?" Mavuika asked after a while, her hand moving to smooth over your cheek as you made a noise in your sleep.

"Chasca's been sent to the Collective of Plenty for a lot of it. Our baby sister's weird appetite plus the extra people at the table called for more food. I think Xilonen will be dropping by with Nepecha too..." Chuychu let out a sigh, resting her legs on the stool nearby, "she's scheming again, isn't she?"

"Who? Oh... perhaps." Mavuika looked down at you, your nose crinkling up as your hand moved, trying to soothe whichever twin had just poked you. Meanwhile, the baby iktomisaur cooed, taking a seat on Chuychu's lap to attempt to meditate.

"It's not like Chasca doesn't like Xilonen, she definitely does, but," Chuychu let out a sigh, "she's been different since that day. We all have. She's been staying around, going for family walks, it's..."

"Uh, hello everyone, Nepecha and I are here, I left the xocoatl, wine and the gemstone biscuits with your mother, Chuychu- ah, Mavuika, you're here too," Xilonen guided Nepecha into the room, looking from Chuychu, to Mavuika, and then you, as you began to stir, "oh, someone had the right idea to have a nap, I'm jealous."

"Mhm, wha- how long was I asleep?" you could barely open your eyes as Mavuika smiled down at you, stroking your cheek with her fingers.

"Long enough that Chasca's back with a lot of food... and she found someone in the wilderness on her way back too." Xilonen explained, watching Nepecha coo over the iktomisaur in Chuychu's lap.

"Are they alright?" Mavuika enquired, shuffling as you carefully sat up, distracting Nepecha from the conversation to one about big tomatoes that had Chuychu confused, listening to everyone's conversations in case she could help with anyone dealing with abyssal corruption. Unfortunately, she couldn't get up to help even if she was needed, the baby iktomisaur had fallen asleep on her.

"Iansan and her students, plus the Traveller and Paimon have been helping out, we're lucky we've had so much help from the Collective of Plenty in the rebuild..." Chuychu explained, while you grimaced.

"Iansan tried to get me to drink kale juice."

Nepecha mirrored your grimace, while Xilonen tried to cover her snort with her mouth, her eyes widening as Chasca walked in.

"Hello everyone, what did I miss?"

///

The original dinner table of your family's house had been damaged during the abyssal attack when the roof caved in, but the Children of Echoes had helped out after the house was repaired. This meant that you all had somewhere to eat, as Nepecha's eyes widened at all the food options, tugging on Xilonen's leg so she could whisper something to her.

"Try whatever you want, if you don't like something after you've tried it, I'll eat it, or Mavuika will... since she's a bottomless pit apparently." Xilonen explained, gesturing to how Mavuika was already looking over the different meats, while you were trying to hide behind Chuychu, who puffed up her cheeks and asked you to pass the stuffed 'n' mashed potatoes.

"You can't avoid mama at the dinner table, is this about the goulash, or you not wanting anything for the twins yet?"

"Both. Ugh, if only spices didn't give me heartburn, and I'm barely twenty weeks, I haven't had the gender scan, it's too early to have mama wanting to sort out baby clothes..." you grumbled, grabbing some bread to add to your plate. Your baby iktomisaur remained close to ypu, eating some saurian treats Ifa had dropped off earlier.

"It's not like you'll be in any good mood after Mavuika-"

"Shut it!" you glared at Chuychu, whose eyes softened as she spotted how glassy your eyes had become. She should not have brought up Mavuika's impending death...

"Girls! Enough, get your plates sorted then we can have a nice family dinner for once. Chasca... eat a vegetable too." Your mother warned you, playing peacemaker instead of Chasca, who had become distracted by the wine Xilonen had brought, plus her plate of steak.

"My love?" Mavuika whispered as you took the seat next to her, leaning into her side as you picked at the food on your plate. Mavuika was careful as she gently took your cutlery from your hand, scooping up a piece of food and raising it to your lips. The horrified look you gave her was priceless, but you reluctantly ate it anyway, ignoring everyone else in the room.

"What did you say to her?" Your father looked worriedly at Chuychu, who only shook her head, regretting it immediately, but you were in no mood to listen to any apologies now.

"Well this is awkward..." Chasca shifted in her chair, watching how Xilonen was picking out the fishbones for Nepecha's grilled fish with mint sauce, the young girl watching carefully as she ate some grilled potatoes.

///

"How about we go for a short walk?" Mavuika offered you her hand, smiling softly as you accepted it, the two of you heading out of your parents' house to walk around the tribe. A nice escape from everyone after dinner, although the tense air had dissipated, there was still some awkwardness around you and Chuychu, much to Chasca's confusion.

"I heard Iansan, Paimon and our Golden Outlander are helping with the people affected by the abyss mentally. I think papa tried inviting them for dinner too..." your gaze lingered on the skyline, until Mavuika paused, her arm out to shield you behind her.

"May I ask what your purpose is for being here, Captain?"

"The abyssal corrossion syndrome that some of the members of this tribe were suffering from. Direct high concentrations of abyssal power causes irrreversible mental trauma in most people. A comrade of mine from 500 years ago developed a medical intervention, the draught of lucidity. It's only for the worst cases, which happened to be exhibited here." The Captain explained, as his gaze looked over Mavuika's shoulder, to where you were staring at him, "you... you look like your parents."

"Then, I thank you for your aid for my people." Mavuika changed the subject, giving the Captain a look that he seemed to understand.

"It is part of my duty, nothing more." He stated, before taking his leave, while you looked at Mavuika confusedly, "best of luck to you all, goodbye."

"Does he not know I'm adopted?"

Mavuika only hummed, her suspicions heightened as she watched the Fatui Harbinger walk away. Unbeknowst to you, our adoptive parents weren't the ones the Captain was talking about...

Notes:

the current draft is up to act 1 of the flower-feather clan tribal quest, i plan on act 2, and chasca's story quest aka act 3, then the scrolls event to sprinkle in, and if i need more time before act 5... the collective of plenty act 1 and 2 before archon quest act 5 just to see how far along R will be. If anyone actually bothers to read this anyway~

Chapter 28: A Gathering for a Purpose

Summary:

You begin to realise the extent that Chasca and Xilonen are friendly with each other, and how much the Traveller means to everyone in Natlan, as the Pilgrim's Chronicle is used to help the process of making the Golden Outlander's ancient name.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader.

A/n: I'm going to miss Natlan a lot when the story moves on to Nod-Krai.

A while later, everyone began to head back to their respective homes for the night. Luckily for Mavuika, you hadn't even batted an eye at what the Captain said about your birth parents. Especially since you weren't aware that the Fatui hunted them down and killed them, with only a newborn-you being found in time by a Flower-Feather Clan patrol.

However, she couldn't give it too much thought, too focussed on her surroundings, and making sure you weren't in pain as the two of you walked together back home.

/// Meanwhile...

"That reminds me... I need to gather everyone for the Traveller's ancient name, I'll send out invitations tomorrow." Xilonen hummed as she carried Nepecha in her arms, the young girl falling asleep as Chasca escorted the two back to the Children of Echoes.

"Just let me know the time and place..." Chasca smiled, hearing Xilonen hum in agreement.

"I'll need your sisters there too... the more people the better." Xilonen explained, glancing back to where you and Mavuika were walking back to the stadium, slowly, and Mavuika had one arm around you, and a pile of food storage containers in her other hand, "I think the stadium will be in the location, just to make things easier."

"Sounds good." Chasca nodded, watching everyone's surroundings carefully for any ambushes. She would not hesitate to protect any of you...

/// The Next Day

Xilonen worked fast with the invitations, and lucky for you, there wasn't much of a walk down from the Speaker's Chamber - where Mavuika had pouted at you leaving her with an empty lap, and a pile of paperwork. The job of Archon included a lot of planning, budgeting, all sorts of arrangements to be made... so many communications to send, usually this ended with Mavuika cantering around on a wooden llama, or gesturing for you to sit in her lap for emotional support. The Speaker's Chamber staff had learned long ago to not make comments on either of these, neither were distracting for the Archon's workload, but they did feel a tad awkward witnessing Mavuika covering your face with kisses instead of trying to co-ordinate with Sumeru scholars about mushrooms.

"This is quite a crowd." You mumbled as you wrapped your arms around yourself, sliding into the back of the group as the Traveller waved to you. You quickly sent them a nod back, but their worry was still evident... ever since they found out you were having twins...

"Ah, you're here, Chasca and Chuychu should be on their way then?" Xilonen interrupted your thoughts, giving you a once over but you were fine, and you told her as such with the look on your face, although she was quick to get you a chair to sit on. Maybe she didn't believe you?

"What's going on?" The Traveller enquired, looking to the ancient name forger to explain why everyone was meeting here.

"I need to ask them about you, gather their thoughts and hopes, that will help the formation of your ancient name. Oh, uhh, you brought the Pilgrim's Chronicle, right? Yeah, let me take a look..." Xilonen explained as the Traveller revealed the item, "hm, okay, the progress looks good, we have enough people, so let's get started."

"Sorry I'm late." Chasca hurried in first, with Chuychu behind her.

"Chasca showing up late for something? That's a first." Mualani giggled to herself as your sisters turned up, making their way over to you.

"Maybe if you had slept at home last night instead of wherever you were, we would have made it here faster... since you know I can't move that fast now, I'm still getting used to walking long distances." Chuychu rolled her eyes, turning to you as you realised with an embarassingly audible gasp.

"Oh. My. Archon." your jaw dropped but Xilonen gave you a tired look to not make another sound. Please. However, your mind was buzzing with one question. Did Chasca sleep over at Xilonen's?

Chasca cleared her throat, avoiding looking your way by focussing on Iansan and the Traveller, "I heard what you did for our tribe. Thank you."

"Alright, everyone's here, so let's get started. Let me remind you what is about to happen, I need each of you to stand before the Pilgrim's Chronicle, and share your stories about the Traveller. Your words will be recorded and become part of the ancient name." Xilonen explained after Iansan and the Traveller explained that they were only doing what was right when it came to helping the Flower-Feather Clan.

"Well my mind's gone blank." You muttered to Chuychu, who hummed quietly, trying to think of something to say, while Citlali pointed out something unsaid, but it led to Xilonen shooing Paimon and the Traveller from the room. Apparently when needing people's real thoughts and feelings, it could be hard to express to that person's face. Chuychu and yourself exchanged looks at that, side-eyeing Chasca, who held back a huff, reminding you of a ruffled baby qucusaur...

Paimon talked a lot when it came to her turn. A lot about different nations, experiences, something about the Traveller's sibling came up too... in the end, you wiggled your eyebrows at Chasca and Xilonen, who were standing close together, before heading to the stadium's market to see what was new in. Honestly, you should see how Varesa was doing one of these days... maybe she had something good in her orchard...

/// Before...

"Just knowing them makes it feel like the threads of fate themselves can be reweaved." your twins kicked in what felt like agreement when it became your turn to speak, Chuychu holding your hand as you reached out for it, guiding her to feel them as she looked at you with wide eyes, giving enough of a distraction from what you said for the chronicle at least...

Chapter 29: Eyes Everywhere

Summary:

The Traveller and Paimon explore Ochkanatlan and meet some of the lost. You begin to investigate the Mare Jivari, while Mavuika works out to clear her mind with the gender scan for your twins being so soon.

Notes:

A/n: my friend says 'you must have some crazy cosmic positivity coming your way soon to balance the scales out' because of how horrifying my week ended up being on top of all the rest of the horrors occuring in my everyday life.

Warnings: pregnant!reader, mentions of dead people, spoilers for ochkanatlan world quests and exploration, not sure what else i'm kinda sleep deprived because dealing with parental medical emergencies is stressful.

The thuds were loud enough to echo throughout the stadium. Mavuika's breaths were trained as she raised the barbell for another deadlift, trying to beat her personal record, since she had managed to get enough paperwork done to warrant a workout, plus she could clear her head.

You had given Mavuika some input on the restoration of some of the roads around the stadium, but in the end you decided to head back to the Flower-Feather Clan a few days ago to conduct some research for the Traveller. Citlali had mentioned the Mare Jivari in passing, something about a ceremonial sword, Ororon giving the Traveller too many cabbages, and something about light novels?

There wasn't a lot about the region, you knew parts from Mavuika telling you late night stories, you having coaxed her into your arms to be the little spoon so you could hear her properly. She told you about Tenoch, and Sanhaj Kompore, who summoned a mini night kingdom on the Mare Jivari and turned it into what it was... before Citlali told you it disappeared, anyway.

It had taken a bit of coaxing to have Mavuika in such a position with you, your chin resting on her head, you giving her many forehead kisses each time she tried to tease you by taking a hold of your hips... but those late night stories were ones you enjoyed a lot.

/// A few days later...

"Hey there! We need to talk to you, we found something on Ochkanatlan, well a few things but... does your tribe have records of a warrior called Quenin? Or Bona?" Paimon spotted you first, sitting in a chair looking at Ochkanatlan from afar, your little iktomisaur sat on your lap, cooing as you played wth her.

"Good morning you too? Hm, how far back are we talking for records?" You raised an eyebrow, gesturing for the Traveller and Paimon to take a seat. Paimon waved as the little iktomisaur flapped her wings at them in greeting.

"After the cataclysm, and Mavuika's sacrifice. We found an abyssal creature impersonating Quenin... then we found the real Quenin's body, we brought it back to the tribe but..."

"He deserves a funeral. Chief Mutota will arrange it, I'm assuming you've spoken to him? Historically, a lot of people who went to Ochkanatlan never made it back thanks to the abyss or the dragon. What was that other name, Bona?"

"Her father was from the adventure team Quenin was part of. Only, someone called Liriwu was the only member to make it back. She helped to raise Bona, but Bona... she died destroying the trap that the Sage of the Stolen Flame left."

"Och-Kan's father... you guys are making plans to take that little Tepetilsaurus to the volcano at some point, right? Be careful, please. Especially since from what you've said before, the Sage is very interested in your saurian companion." You explained, your gaze lingering on the horizon, where sometimes you could see the volcano errupt. Most of the time it was a natural erruption, especially after Mavuika stopped working out outside... after causing a landslide nearby.

"Och-Kan's memories showed us him." The Traveller began to elaborate, watching your reactions carefully as you frowned, gently trying to soothe your bump as you listened, "are you alright?"

"They're kicking, happens when they hear people I think. They kick a lot when Mavuika talks." You explained, closing your eyes momentarily before the little iktomisaur cooed, staring at your bump intensely where you were being kicked.

"They? Oh, that's right, Paimon remembers Mavuika said you don't know the genders yet." Paimon's eyes lit up as you nodded.

"Yeah...but I don't want any big announcements. People know too much already. Judge too much already. I'm heading to the stadium today for the scan, it's a bit late to be honest but Mavuika's hoping to join me..." You grew quiet, glancing around the area, many people around, going about their business, but you were on edge. Chuychu thought you were paranoid, worried for your twins, for Mavuika, but Chasca agreed something was weird lately. Specifically about the qucusaurs around the tribe.

The Traveller's eyes narrowed, taking a glance around but nothing seems off... the amount of people who took quick glances at you all however, was slightly eerie.

"How about we escort you to the stadium?"

"That's right! Nobody will dare do anything with us around!" Paimon declared determinedly, although she kept an eye on her volume as her companion gave her a glance.

"Thank you, I'd appreciate that a lot, although it'll probably be a really time-consuming walk. Chuychu is busy helping Mutota, my parents are... my parents, and Chasca's busy with the flying trials lately, so it's this, or try commission Kinich and get verbally abused by Ajaw, or find Mualani on short notice... I can pay adventurers guild rates, how much mora do you two want?"

"Ooooh- wait, but, Paimon feels bad taking mora from a pregnant person..." Paimon began to panic as the Traveller continued to look around carefully. Something was weird, as they looked up to the sky, and the lack of qucusaurs...

"We can talk about it on the road, but we should get going, if you're ready?" They asked cautiously as you hummed, slowly standing up and walking back home with them to sort yourself out.

///

"So you guys have been exploring Ochkanatlan then?" You began to converse with the two, listening to Paimon explain the furnaces and how they still had some of the areas to explore.

The Traveller didn't speak much, watching the surroundings for any potential ambushes, saurian or human alike. They would not let anything happen to you, or your twins...

"Should be meeting the specialist from Sumeru today..." you admitted as the Stadium came into view, the Traveller turning to acknowledge you, while Paimon began to ask questions.

"Identical twins, plus they're babies of the Archon... I wish people saw them as more than that, saw Mavuika as more than her Archonhood, and me as more than an incubator- it doesn't matter. We're almost there. Thank you for escorting me here you two." You reached out, squeezing the Traveller's hand as they stared at you, debating something internally.

"I'll be okay. Whatever's bothering you, it will be okay in the end." You gave them both a reassuring smile as Paimon faltered, refusing your mora when you tried to give them some for the escort mission.

"Paimon worries about all of them..." Paimon confessed the moment you headed inside for your appointment.

"Me too..." The Traveller whispered, hoping you hadn't heard them, you gave no indication that you'd heard, but your stomach swirled with nerves, and water, from how much you had to drink on the journey here.

"Ah, you're here early. How are you feeling?" Louqua, another doctor from the Masters of the Night-Wind, approached you the moment that she saw you were there.

"Did my mother arrange you for this appointment?"

"After Mayahuel, and your poor experiences with some of the other doctors, your mother asked me to. She's worried about you-"

"Unfortunately Mizuki has gone back to Inazuma so I can't book a therapy appointment with her about any of this..." a tired sigh escaped your lips, "Mavuika's planning on joining us for this appointment. Is that specialist from Sumeru here too?"

Louqua nodded in understanding, asking you more questions about how you were doing with everything since you were early. The doctor raised an eyebrow at the soft frown on your face, eyeing the door waiting for Mavuika to appear. She was usually perfectly punctual, but...

Notes:

at least I can use my emotions to come up with more content for 'The Bottle Will Shatter' because uh, its so easy to cry and I would like to be held by a genshin woman right now

Chapter 30: Gender Reveal

Summary:

Mavuika's paperwork seems never ending, while her lifespan is the opposite. The price of her actions is her life, for Natlan, for you, and your twins, your twin-

Meanwhile, the Flight Trials for the Flower-Feather Clan reach their conclusion.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, Mavuika is lowkey having a depression arc here, I skipped the medical talk (because I am a psychology/mental health student, not a med student), mentions of suicide.

Her schedule was feeling fuller than usual, and even with the intervention of the Speaker's Chamber staff to clear space for your appointment, Mavuika was growing weary, her nerves chewing at her soul. You'd find out the twins' gender today... and talk more about things she wouldn't get to be a part of.

It's worth it.

She tells herself that over and over, but it doesn't stop her from staring at the paperwork that Xilonen all but demanded she look over. The glare on her face... Mavuika had made her mad before, especially after the fourteenth rounds of modifications for Flamestrider but that glare? Flamestrider could manipulate phlogisten and travel on the spiritways now, but this project had no room for error and needed to be 100%... babyproof.

Xilonen hadn't said why she needed Mavuika to look over these plans so intensely, but she could only guess it was to take pressure off of you. It was the least those close to you could do... Chasca and Chuychu had clearly had input too, based on the comments written on one of the papers, and the qucusaurs in the art decals that were going to go on one of the wall. Whoever wrote that also put a comment stating that qucusaurs worked regardless of if the twins were boys or girls.

"Archon, your next appointment is in five minutes. You should head down to meet with them." Mavuika's head flew up, glancing out the window, to the sun's position in the sky as she realises. She needed to get to your appointment, now.

////

Upon her arrival to where your appointment is, Mavuika is met with someone dressed in Sumerian clothing talking to you, and Louqua. The specialist from Sumeru City's Bimarstan is here to consult, personally chosen by the Dendro Archon due to her piqued interest in the twins...

Her twin daughters.

Her eyes are locked on the ultrasound, the medical talk about your pregnancy going in one ear and out of the other. Mavuika knows she won't get to see them born, but she prays to- she hopes that they will be born healthy, that you will be okay-

Her prayers are cut off as she feels a squeeze to her hand, her eyes meeting your teary gaze.

"Twin girls." Those two words are all that can escape your lips, Mavuika nodding slowly before she moves forwards, pressing her forehead to yours. Her hair creates a barrier, shielding you both from the rest of the world.

She can't find it in herself to apologise. You two have talked about this before. Neither of you regret anything already done, but the future is daunting... and a part of you can't help but feel like you've given Mavuika a more concrete reason for her suicide, more than just her duty as Archon to protect her nation, but her duty as a mother, to protect her unborn daughters.

///

Meanwhile, the Traveller and Paimon head back to Quahuacan Cliff towards the Flower-Feather Clan, but stop as they spot a girl whistling near the edge of a bridge, before crouching down to sob...

Notes:

Mavuika's paperwork seems never ending, while her lifespan is the opposite. The price of her actions is her life, for Natlan, for you, and your twins, your twin girls.

Chapter 31: The Clumsy Qucusaurus

Summary:

The aftermath of the gender scan, as the Traveller and Paimon run into a young girl crying on the outskirts of the Flower-Feather Clan, leading to some interesting revelations and unsolved mysteries.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, brief mentions of suicide, R lowkey having a depression arc too, mentions of dying, fighting and murder, medical jargon.

A/n: Posting Chasca's story quest while I am still writing Chasca's story quest... I'm finally catching up on myself.

5.6 livestream thoughts are in the end notes for anyone who wants to chat!

Previously...

Meanwhile, the Traveller and Paimon head back to Quahuacan Cliff towards the Flower-Feather Clan, but stop as they spot a girl whistling near the edge of a bridge, before crouching down to sob...

///

"Oh no! Why is she crying? Should we go check on her? Y'know... just in case she's thinking of doing something dangerous-" Paimon began to worry, but she was cut off by someone approaching ever so quietly.

"I'd leave her be. The Warriors of the Flower-Feather Clan are a proud bunch, most never show their vulnerability in public... even if they've gone Wingless."

"Oh, Chasca! We just came back from the stadium where we were escorting your sister to an appointment-" Paimon fell quiet as she hurriedly covered her mouth.

Chasca nodded in understanding with a look of thanks too, "good to see you two again. Before we carry on - let's get a little further away before Coyllur notices us."

The Peacemaker leads the Traveller and Paimon away from the young girl, and the Flower-Feather Clan territory, explaining what was going on after they were sufficiently far away.

"My sisters... well, Chuychu is still coming back from losing her foot, and our youngest sister... she has always preferred to fly with a outlander wing glider like you do, until... Mavuika happened." Chasca let out a tired sigh at the Archon's mention, "now she keeps her feet firmly on the ground. Anyway, Elder Allpa sent me to keep an eye on Coyllur, and, don't worry, in case she does do the unthinkable, I'll swoop in and catch her."

///

Mavuika had more work and meetings to attend to, pressing a kiss to your forehead as she left you in your shared bed, hurrying back to her office to prepare.

Your gaze lingered on your belly, letting out a tired sigh as you rested your hands over your bare skin, feeling something poke you from the inside...

"At least I'll still have you two after everything, but not Mavuika. I wish Mavuika could meet you both, but she's using you two to motivate herself even more to die in order to save Natlan... It's not fair on you two, not at all. I'm sorry my babies," you spoke quietly to your unborn twins, who continued to kick at your words. "I'm so sorry..."

///

"We have a saying. 'Just as the qucusaur treasures each of the feathers on its body, so should the tribe treasure each and every one of its children." Chasca affirmed Paimon's panic of the Wingless not being kicked out of the tribe.

"Well, Pamon doesn't think that saying means much with how alienated your younger sister feels..." Paimon put her foot in it as Chasca frowned.

"She never said- I'll talk to her later." Your older sister shook her head, focussing back on Coyllur instead, talking about her whistling which can summon a qucusaur... but qucusaurs are too proud to respond to those who lack confidence, eventually stating she was going to lay low and watch the young girl from a distance.

Chasca did not expect a strange, nervous looking qucusaur to fly to Coyllur, its flying somewhat clumsy, almost crashing into the bridge too- was that Paimon hiding on its back between its wings?

"That's a strange looking qucusaur..." Chuychu whispered to her older sister, smiling softly as Chasca turned her head to acknowledge her.

"Thought you were busy..."

"Allpa noticed our little sister left." Chuychu kept her voice quiet, but the worry was there, "I've never seen a qucusaur look so stressed before, what do you think?"

Chasca's only response was a summoning whistle, allowing the qucusaur to fly away from Coyllur, without hurting the girl's feelings.

Another thing she'd need to think about later... why was Allpa so interested in you?

///

Chuychu waved as she spotted the Traveller and Paimon walking over to where Chasca was now talking to Coyllur, the girl's spirits reignited like the Sacred Flame.

"You know, I almost thought about giving up but now I'm glad I didn't!" Coyllur beamed, while Chuychu quickly intervened before Paimon said something that put her foot in it, again.

"Me too... Oh, Coyllur, have you met our friends, the Traveller and Paimon?" the doctor gestured between teh golden haired outlander and the silver floating thingy.

"Oh, the Traveller, huh, so that's you!" Coyllur realised, before confusion washed over her face, "we haven't met before, have we? You look so familiar somehow..."

"Hmm... maybe you saw them in the stadium? Or anywhere, really. They've been all over Natlan since they arrived a few months back. So I'm not surprised you may have seen these two around." Chasca caught on to Chuychu's plan to keep Paimon quiet.

"If you say so..." Coyllur dismissed while the Traveller rubbed at the back of their neck nervously, deciding that it must be that.

"Chasca, Coyllur, Chuychu!" a woman on a qucusaur flew down, "here you are, I've been looking everywhere for you three."

The woman revealed to be Elder Allpa, who then explained that the flying trials were receiving a redo due to time constraints affecting inspections of the arena.

///

"Alright, they're out of earshot. I'm just going to come out and ask: that qucusaur that responded to Coyllur's call - that was your doing, wasn't it?" Chasca turned to the Traveller once Allpa and Coyllur had flown far enough away.

"I grew up with these creatures. I could tell something was off the second I saw it. Their whole demeanor seemed less like a qucusaur, and more like... well, you. So I figure you must have been pulling the strings somehow."

"I can't believe you saw through it..." The Traveller admitted, Chuychu raising an eyebrow as she began to wonder.

"The qucusaur looked very flustered when Coyllur asked for a ride. So I whistled to provide an escape... and judging by the look on your face, that was a welcome intervention, huh?" Chasca wasn't someone who gloated, but she knew she was right.

"Wait... are you saying-" Chuychu was hushed by Chasca giving her a stern look.

"It's alright. If you want your hidden talents to remain hidden, I respect that. I won't press you for answers, and I'll keep my speculations to myself. I can't promise the same for Chuychu, but if anything-"

"Do you think you could figure out what that baby iktomisaur wants with our baby sister sometime? Ororon says she imprinted and has basically adopted her." Chuychu cut in, expecting Chasca to roll her eyes, but she didn't.

"I mean... maybe that. But, you're the kind of person I'd trust even if you had superpowers. I know you'd use them for good." Chasca stated as the Traveller faltered.

"Technically, I deceived Coyllur... does that count as 'good'?" They asked, like they hadn't fought Gods and killed people before...

"I think the ends justify the means in this case. She just lacked confidence, and you helped her resolve her internal conflict. If you hadn't intervened, I likely would have gotten my 'mom' to help out instead. Although, having said that, there's a small chance she would have recognised her and seen through the whole thing. That would have done more harm than good..." Chasca explained, as the Traveller decided that there was no harm done in the end luckily, wait 'mom'?

"Anyway, since we're free now, how about I give you that tour I promised... Chuychu, I take it you want to come along too, or are you heading to the stadium to check on her?" Chasca turned to her sister, who shook her head.

"Our baby sister attends her check-ups unlike you. You're due one every three months, and you've missed the last two, Chasca, so don't think I'm letting you go easily. Plus... she feels safer around Mavuika, I just don't know how well she'll cope after, you know. We need to prepare for possible pre-eclampsia since her blood pressure is being monitored with all the stressors, a premature birth, maybe even risks of post-natal conditions, depression, anxiety..." Chuychu's words went over Paimon's head, and while Chasca wasn't a doctor, the Traveller seemed to understand perfectly what was being said...

They needed to change fate, and ensure Mavuika lived... for Mavuika, you, your twins... and everyone else that the death of the Pyro Archon would affect.

Notes:

So... 5.6 livestream has me very hyped for Mondstadt archon quest, although it feels like the wishes are delayed a patch, Ifa would have made more sense in 5.5 with Varessa (especially with the event that was about Ifa), run Iansan in an earlier patch, run Dahlia in 5.6 rather than what I think will be a 5.7 release... Venti is running now but would him re-running in 5.6 have been more interesting? Could they have re-ran Albedo too to make things interesting? Either way, I'm going to try get Ifa then maybe Dahlia when he comes out but I have ten wishes and a dream currently and 4* characters suddenly started avoiding me after Ororon came home. The only ones I don't have are Sayu and Iansan, so I'm expecting the list to get longer💀

I'm skipping the 5* characters of 5.6 unless something happens like Citlali did at 11 pity capturing radiance💀 also the Inazuma chronicle wish is at a time where I don't know if anyone has many wishes... ahh, Chiori, Kazuha... I have nobody on the banner and the only weapon I have is Miko's💀 oh well... the temptation to just save as much as possible until Chasca reruns is getting stronger. (Especially since I got bored and have been trying to build Xiao, Kaeya and Yun Jin?? Like calm down me...)

Chapter 32: Fathers and Daughters

Summary:

Chasca and Chuychu show the Traveller and Paimon around the Flower-Feather Clan, running into their father, Cusco, in the process.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, implied future bereavement, mentions medical check-ups, implied sex lives of some characters, mentions of traumatic childhoods, mentions of injuries, Chuychu's lost foot.

If anyone wants to talk about wishes and upcoming banners and the 5.6 update, check my end notes!

For the tour around the Flower-Feather Clan, Chasca did a lot of the talking, with Chuychu chiming in every once in a while, as the two showed the Traveller and Paimon around. The volcano cake was tasty though, Paimon enjoying it a lot as she pointed out how good Chasca was with kids, although the Peacemaker looked away bashfully at the compliment.

"If you could tell our little sister that, it would be helpful. She seems to think she has to parent alone without any help." Chuychu commented as Chasca let out a sigh, glancing up towards the sky for a moment.

"Remind me to take her to Mizuki when she returns from Inazuma- anyway, aloof would be more like me when I first joined the tribe..." Chasca began to explain her history, before suddenly falling silent and stepping back from the group.

"Not so fast- hi, papa!" Chuychu caught Chasca before she could escape, having heard the whispers of the children nearby about Uncle Cusco knowing the two were around.

"Uncle Cusco, hi!" Paimon waved happily, defusing the tension as your father folded his arms.

"Chasca... you know your checkups are important. If your sisters can go to theirs without complaint, why don't you take a leaf out of their books?"

"I'm not pregnant." Chasca deadpanned, as Chuychu let out a huff.

"Neither am I- pretty sure our baby sister will have enough babies for all of us to-"

"Mavuika's not going near for her for *that* for at least six months, make that six years in fact..." Chasca grumbled, holding back from shaking her head at the mention of her youngest sister's sex life.

"Chasca, you know what I mean, with your abyss condition and everything..." Cusco let out a sigh, looking over the horizon as he recalled the memories from all that time ago. Allpa bringing him a feral child to raise alongside his biological child, and the toddler he and his wife took in as a newborn after a tragedy had occurred.

"One daughter with an abyssal condition, one missing a limb, and the other pregnant with twins..."

"Papa calm down, you'll start going grey early otherwise-" Chuychu cut off Cusco's ranting, but it only made him sigh.

"How did I raise such reckless daughters?"

"Papa! You're lucky she's at the stadium and didn't hear you say that!" Chasca's eyes widened as Chuychu raised her voice to defend you, and in a way, herself and Chasca too.

"We should uh, go... to the totem pole..." Paimon gestured, she and the Traveller slipping away to meet Elder Allpa for refreshments as your sisters and father talked about trying to be more safe.

Eventually, Chasca and Chuychu came to join the meal, until an incident with some merchants crept up. While Allpa dealt with them, Chasca, the Traveller and Paimon went to find the wingless who needed to be updated on the flying trials.

"What about you?" Chasca turned to Chuychu, who had a look on her face.

"I'm going to head to the stadium. Stay safe, Chasca. I mean it." Chuychu gave her a warning look, but Chasca only returned it.

"Shouldn't I be telling you that? You're the one going to the stadium now, before dark."

"Relax, I'll go with Ifa and Cacucu if it stops you worrying. He's been looking after our sister's baby iktomisaur anyway. Although iktomisaur seems to be trying to take care of Cacucu instead." Chuychu replied, waving her off as Chasca let out a sigh, about to tell her to take the iktomisaur baby with her for defense too. The little one could screech loud enough to summon a colony of adults... although her ice blasts were akin to a pathetic melted drizzle. She really hated being far away from her baby sisters now. All it took was a near-death experience for her to stop immediately fleeing and avoiding the two of you so much. "Did you forget I also have a vision now? I can heal myself too-"

"Chuychu. Please." Chasca gave her sister a look that she understood perfectly. Don't get hurt in the first place.

Notes:

I have nearly 30 wishes, 3 pity and fear. Do I even try a ten pull for Ifa or do I hardcore save until I know Chasca's confirmed to rerun? Just for statistics if anyone is interested, I have been playing since a few days before 4.4, I have drained my quest log to the point where it only has daily commissions in, and my exploration is 90-100% in all nations... I have only won two character 50/50s, Clorinde on her debut, and Shenhe in the Liyue chronicle banner. I won Mavuika's claymore in the weapon banner but every other wish I have done, I've lost the 50/50. I assume now I will lose my future 50/50s too, so I need to prep for losing on Chasca's banner to begin with... it's a process😭 I even accidentally got capturing radiance at 11 pity to get Citlali so, I have many fears. I just want to know if Ifa has any voicelines that mention Chuychu, but honestly... I'm not hopeful anymore:( I miss her a lot.

Also, I'm very excited for 5.6 update, especially the AQ, but I can't help but wonder, what if they do a Natlan Act 4 on us and there's some NPCs in Mondstadt that disappear from the overworld like they did in Natlan? I mean... the clips I saw, Flora's shop is on fire but she's gone by night time so... maybe nobody is around? But that feels worse... Varka took so many of the competent knights and all of Kaeya's cavalry too. He sent some back to Dorman Port but uh... unless the dialogue is from a different quest, people are going to die...

P.S. The Imaginarium update sucked, I don't have any DPS characters for cryo, hydro or geo, built or wished for... I had to figure out how to use Nevui and Ayaka while I was in there and still had to redo multiple stages... and yet I'm saving for an anemo DPS (technically she's rainbow though). Xiao is side-eyeing me so hard right now but he still needs an attack sands and I'm trying so... yeah. I ramble too much here, sorry (are the end notes longer than the chapter?😭)

Chapter 33: No Other Safe Option

Summary:

Chasca ushers Chuychu to the Stadium, out of harm's way. In turn, this sends Chuychu closer to you and Mavuika. Meanwhile, the latter's never ending paperwork involves plans and secrets nobody else should know about yet...

Notes:

End of act 2 of the flower-feather clan tribal quests.
Warnings: pregnant!reader, Mavuika's impending death, a bit of Mavuika's depression/hopelessness arc, swearing, food talk.
How the 5.6 wish banners went for me in the end notes~

Chasca let out a sigh the moment Chuychu and Ifa were out of her sight on their way to the stadium. At least she had asked him and Cacucu to go with her...

"Hey, Chasca, we've notified all the Wingless now, right? Where to next?" Paimon's voice took Chasca out of her worrying about her sisters, taking a moment, despite the Traveller's inquisitive gaze, before answering Paimon's question.

"The trial arena. It's not far from the tribe."

The walk wasn't far, the three finding Inkanak, one of the Flight Trial Administrators looking over the course when they arrived...

/// At the Stadium of the Sacred Flame

"Hey, is my little sister around?" Chuychu approached the Speaker's Chamber staff, who seemed to exchange looks with each other, before confirming her question with brief nods.

"What's going on?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow, heading into the Speaker's Chamber, but the main area was barren for people. No sign of you, or...

"Chuychu!" Mavuika's voice was rushed, quieter than usual as the Pyro Archon gestured for her would-be sister-in-law to be quiet but come into her office.

"She's napping, but I wanted to see what you thought of these adjustments to the plans Xilonen sent over to me." Mavuika rotated the plans around to show her, noting the small details that had been written but also-

"Eee!" Chuychu put her hand over her mouth to muffle her excited squeal, "I don't think I'm supposed to know that yet-"

"What- oh! Maybe pretend you didn't see that. We were supposed to be keeping it secret. The less details about the twins spreading, the better. For their safety, and their mother's..." Mavuika trailed off, a sorrow in her eyes that didn't go unmissed by your sister.

"Of course. Last thing we need is a crowd waiting outside to see them right after they're born." Chuychu agreed, but she watched her tongue this time. She already upset you at dinner mentioning Mavuika's upcoming sacrifice, and it was clearly wearing down on the woman, judging by the bags under her sunshine eyes. Eyes that looked less sunny than they did before...

"Are you doing okay?" If the circumstances were any different, Chuychu wouldn't be asking the Archon that question, because most people assume that the Archon, their Archon, their leader, is fine. But Chuychu isn't most people, not with Mavuika basically being what could have been her sister-in-law.

"Honestly, I don't quite know how to answer that question anymore." Mavuika hesitated for a moment, letting out a sigh as she eyed the door to the living quarters she shared with you. "As the Archon, everything from my plan 500 years ago, and Natlan as a whole, is running smoothly. But as Mavuika... I wish I could marry her, see our twins born healthy, watch them grow up. Unfortunately, to ensure they live, there are sacrifices that must be made."

"There's really no alternative? No other safe option?" Chuychu folded her arms, but her frown softened as Mavuika's hair fell over her face, hiding her sadness.

"Nothing else that I can think of to get rid of the abyss from Natlan permanently and help the Lord of the Night survive longer." Mavuika stated, slouching further in her chair as Chuychu leaned on the desk, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.

"Well, shit."

/// Meanwhile at the Flower-Feather Clan

Chasca frowned as she looked down at the blood-stained qucusaur feather she found at the site of the caravan attack. The flying trial area was sorted out, with the trials ready to go in a few days, but Chasca couldn't help but frown, heading over to the closest Scions of the Canopy messenger.

"I need you to give this to Chuychu, she's at the stadium currently. Make sure to get there fast, okay?" Chasca stated to the messenger, who took the letter and the payment, then hurried away at the look on the Peacemaker's face.

"Chasca, is everything alright?" Allpa asked as she walked over, her voice laced with concern, but Chasca played it cool, schooling her features with a nod. Everything would be fine.

She would have gone to her sisters herself, to warn them not stay away from the tribe while she figured out what was happening but... something was weird. Maybe you were right after all.

/// Back to the Stadium...

"Message for Chuychu, from Chasca!" one of the Speaker's Chamber staff intercepted a letter from a messenger from the Scions of the Canopy, who panted for breath... did Chasca make them run?

"What- why didn't she come find me herself? Really, I thought we were-oh! Well that... how long has she been asleep?" Chuychu turned to Mavuika, who had been in the process of arranging something with one of the Speaker's Chamber staff members taking the order.

"Long enough that she'll be awake now, and no doubt hungry, why?" Mavuika looked over with a chuckle, handing the paper that with one glance, Chuychu spotted was a list of ingredients for dinner.

"Message from Chasca, huh? What has she gotten herself inton ow?" Chuychu passed over the letter, watching Mavuika's warm expression turn into a much more serious one.

"I see... I- my love, you're awake?" Mavuika's seriousness faded immediately, looking over Chuychu's shoulder to where you were stood in the doorway sleepily.

"Barely... what's going on?" rubbing at your eyes, you glanced between your sister and your lover. Something was off, but you couldn't put your finger on it.

"Chuychu's going to be staying at the stadium for a while... so, it looks like we have a guest for dinner?" Mavuika explained carefully, leaving out the suspicious circumstances occuring at your tribe, for now at least. No extra stress on you. Neither Chuychu or your lover would allow it.

"Oh, can we have puffed grainfruit bars?" Your mind fell onto another topic, much to the relief of the other two.

"For dinner?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow at your request, but Mavuika was quick to dive in, seeing how your eyes watered for a moment at your request being opposed.

"Of course, my love, we can have those *with* our dinner!"

One thing Mavuika was afraid of... making her pregnant lover cry, whether that be because of the stereotypes of what is a 'dinner' food, or hormones... but she also didn't want to get on the wrong side of your sisters. Not again...

Notes:

Fun fact: 5.6 Mondstadt's interlude archon quest dropped some lore that I plan to weave into this fic somehow hehehehe👀
Ifa avoided me, I did 37 pulls to get a very nice 40 pity and all I got was C2 Gorou, C4 and C5 Layla (but I wanted C4 Layla so thank you for that~), Ororon also avoided giving me his C4, and I also got two 4* weapons that I really didn't need so... oh well, I am not wishing on the limited banners or weapons banner until I see Chasca's banner is there. I have decided.

Chapter 34: Rising Tensions - Meet Coya

Summary:

Chuychu checks on you, while Chasca talks about her childhood with the Traveller and Paimon, continuing to deal with the tensions growing within the Flower-Feather Clan.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, medical talk, brief mention of amputation, brief mention of miscarriage, talks of the war.

A/n: Slowly trying to be productive again, I've managed to finish writing up to Chasca's story quest, and I've plotted out the timeline leading up to 5.7 now but productivity is a bit hit and miss since something happened in my personal life. There's actually a fic posted that's me processing what happened by putting it into a modern au reader insert genshin fic but ehhhh...
Lowkey this chapter is a bit clunky as we jump between R, Chuychu and Mavuika, then Chasca, Traveller and Paimon...

Whatever incident from a week ago that Chasca mentioned in her letter didn't reach the Speaker's Chamber, with peace returning to the Flower-Feather Clan. Although, Chasca is unsure of what it means, but the flying trial preparations are coming along quickly, and those merchants from before said something about Phlogiston Wings...

/// Speaker's Chamber

"Did Chasca send you to keep an eye on me, or was this of your own volition?" You raised an eyebrow as you read over some paperwork that Mavuika had asked for your opinion about. Something about Sumerian researchers and mushrooms growing in the Collective of Plenty's orchards...

"Does it matter? You're twenty one weeks, your stress levels are still high and honestly, I'm worried about your blood pressure and mental state?" Chuychu retorted with a look that screamed concerned older sister.

"How so?" Your eyes narrowed as you looked at your older sister, who sighed, patching up your little iktomisaur based on Ifa's instructions. Apparently the little one had become distressed from being away from you, then proceeded to fall from a shelf in Ifa's clinic and hurt herself.

"Everything going on, past, present and... future-" Chuychu cut herself off at your glare, "fine, I'll change the subject."

"You don't usually do that with Chasca-"

"Be real! Your situation is a lot different." Chuychu deadpanned, but snapping at you would get her nowhere, "it's the Flying Trials today... Chasca should be busy with them-achoo!"

"Bless you-achoo! The heck?" You grumbled, rubbing at your nose as Chuychu sneezed first, followed by you, "someone talking about us behind our backs now?"

/// Flower-Feather Clan

"We lost so many people during the war... we almost lost your sisters too, we're just lucky that Chuychu survived losing her leg, and your youngest sister didn't miscarry-" Allpa changed her tone at the look on Chasca's face, "these phlogiston wings could be exactly what we need to strengthen our forces and boost morale in this trying time."

///

"Elder Allpa, bad news, qucusaurs are attacking the merchants again!" Warmi exclaimed as she ran over, gaining the attention of Allpa, Chasca, the Traveller, Paimon, and the flying trial participants.

Chasca was faster to react, however, rushing off before anyone else could reach her. Paimon and the Traveller hurried, but only arrived to see Chasca staring at a qucusaur, the one who had been attacking the merchants.

"So it really is you, sister."

"Wait, 'sister'? Chasca has another sister?" Paimon quickly turned to the Traveller with a face full of shock, but they only shrugged and watched, as the qucusaur looked between them, the merchants, and Chasca, before flying off.

"Coya, wait!" Chasca darted forwards, but her qucusaur sister was long gone, leaving the Traveller and Paimon to approach Chasca, checking on her, and learning about Chasca's childhood growing up with qucusaurs.

/// Speaker's Chamber

"Have you two had lunch yet?" Mavuika walked in with a grin, having just completed a workout that left her in a sheen of sweat.

"Still trying to figure out what to have-"

"Well I was thinking-" Mavuika began but you grimaced at her, bending away from her touch as you covered your nose.

"Shower. You should have a shower. Now."

Chuychu raised an eyebrow as you scrambled away from your lover, before realising.

"Ah... why am I just realising now that your sense of smell is more sensitive? Mavuika, Archon, you may want to shower before my sister becomes aversive to the way you smell... let's just hope it's the sweat and body odour, or there's going to be a lot of crying." Chuychu kept the rest of her thoughts to herself... if you truly became aversive to the way Mavuika smelt, how would you be able to live with yourself knowing that you couldn't be near her when she was alive, in the run up to her impending death...

/// Outskirts of the Flower-Feather Clan

"Gradually, everything changed. With a new mother and father, a new tribe... my little sisters... I started getting curious about these humans, and made an effort to understand their behaviour. The more time I spent with them, the less I spent with Coya. And then, one day, it was Coya's turn to leave the nest. She sought me out, asked me if I was willing to leave the tribe and go live in the wilderness with her. Anyway, as far as I can remember, this is the first time she's approached a human settlement on purpose, besides... that one incident..." Chasca trailed off, not elaborating as Paimon and the Traveller exchanged looks.

"So, how did you answer her?" Paimon hesitantly asked, but the answer was obvious.

"Well I wouldn't be here stood talking to you if I had said yes." Chasca held back a smile as the Traveller nodded in understanding.

"I was torn. On one hand, I'd already made up my mind to embrace this new family, and accept my human identity. But I also knew that Coya wasn't a fan of humans, and I didn't want to disappoint her..." Chasca let out a sigh, "she took my hesitation as an answer, seeing it as a personal betrayal, flew off, and I never saw her again, until today."

Chasca's gaze lingered on the sky as she reflected on her attempts to talk to Coya, but she was avoiding her human sister, and their mother was stuck in the middle.

"For now, let's bring the wounded back to the tribe, and see what Mutota and Elder Allpa have in mind." Chasca concluded, with a gentle nod to where the merchant's cart was behind them.

/// Speaker's Chamber

The Flower-Feather Clan's disputes hadn't reached the Speaker's Chamber yet, but Mavuika had her ear open for updates.

"How about now?" Mavuika emerged from the bathroom, a flurry of steam behind her as she headed to her office, finding where you and Chuychu had been working on something. "My love?"

"Moment of truth..." Chuychu whispered to herself before averting her eyes as you and Mavuika had a moment.

"Hmm... better now. No, come back-" Mavuika began to slowly lean back from the kiss, a breath escaping her lips as your fingers clasped onto that leather biker suit she loved to wear so much, tugging the Archon back in for another kiss.

"I'm still here you know." Chuychu deadpanned, "now I understand why Chasca likes to flee scenes so fast..."

/// Flower-Feather Clan

"If you want to resolve a conflict through dialogue, sometimes you need a third party facilitator... let's go see my 'mom' tomorrow." Chasca decided that would be best to resolve the conflicts occuring within the Flower-Feather Clan currently, with the Traveller and Paimon to tag along.

The question was: how long could Chasca keep her younger sisters away from the tribe, and out of harm's way?

Notes:

It feels so weird to see the Inazuma Chronicle banner and be skipping it, but my wishes are for Chasca, and with my luck (I have won two 50/50s since starting genshin in the end of 4.3... Clorinde and Shenhe) I am anticipating a loss and thus need as many primos and wishes as possible for Chasca's rerun, but if I am lucky, I'll try for her weapon😭 could they run Yelan and Chasca together because I want both bows... Yelan has Lyney's bow, so if I got Yelan's bow, then Chasca could have Lyney's I guess... idk yet, I'm honestly expecting to use everything I've saved to try get Chasca then scramble to find a bow for her after~

Chapter 35: A Blessing From What? Or Who?

Summary:

Chasca, Paimon and the Traveller continue to investigate the issues within the Flower-Feather Clan. Meanwhile, you and Chuychu come across Granny Itzli having a meal at Zakan's Street Bites, leading to some interesting conversations.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy, discussions of childbirth, Citlali's alcoholism, mentions of amputation.

A/n: happy pride month, i need more sleep, writing is basically paused since I finished Chasca's story quest, but there is a timeline planned up to 5.7 for this series/universe if that comforts anyone?

"When I was little, we used to do this thing where I would jump from the top of this tree, and Coya would fly out and catch me in mid-air. Or, sometimes, we'd both fly from the treetop together, then after some aerial manoeuvring, she'd throw me back up to that platform." Chasca began to reminiscse, while Paimon gave a knowing look to the Traveller, who had done many a risky manoeuvre with their wing-glider before... just don't tell the Knights of Favonius, they really don't want to do the flying trial again. Although, they had heard from Amber that it was easier now...

"After we got a bit older, we went to further shores looking for even greater heights- what's with those looks? I thought I was telling a fun story..."

"Let's just say you and the Traveller would both give Paimon a heart attack with your flying stories." Paimon side-eyed the golden haired outlander. The Traveller held back a cheeky smirk at the insinuation, before a flicker of remorse hit them, being reminded of the ache in their back. If only they still had their wings.

"I'll share some more with you when we have time then... back to the matter at hand-" Chasca cut herself off with a whistling noise, which was quickly answered by the cheep of a qucusaur.

"Hey, momma bird, I'm back..."

/// Stadium of the Sacred Flame

"Hey, come on mama-"

"Please don't call me that, it sounds weird coming from you, Chuychu!" you grumbled as your older sister puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

"Fine, come on stubborn butt, let's go for a walk and get some air. Doctor's olders." Chuychu guided you towards the door by your shoulders, watching you all but waddle slightly.

"Conflict of interest, you're not allowed to be my doctor..." you pouted, but then changed your mind, your expression becoming much more serious. "If you or Chasca want to be in the room or whatever, stay near my head. Then when they're born- Chuychu, I mean it. One of you guards the twins, the other guards me. Mavuika won't be there, and if they lose me, if our family can't get to them, I can't let them be raised to inherit the Pyro throne, it's not fair to them. It's not the Rules, but the last Pilgrimmage proved the people of Natlan will revolt if they think there's any weakness in the Rules-"

"Everyone's supposed to be watching your blood pressure-" She tried to cut you short, your voice full of a fierceness that was too familiar in the ears of your sisters.

"Chuychu, promise me, please." Grasping Chuychu's hand, you watched her nod in agreement, before she mirrored your fierceness.

"I'm not letting anything happen to you. Neither will Chasca, not you, or our nieces."

"Thank you- wait, what?" the seriousness of the moment was gone in an instant as you blinked, realising what Chuychu had said.

"Uh... lucky guess?" The doctor chuckled nervously as you puffed out your cheeks, looking at her with suspicion... how did Chuychu know that?

/// Away from the Flower-Feather Clan, nearer to Ochkanatlan.

If Chasca noticed the qucusaur following her and her mother with Paimon clinging to their neck (or how they almost crashed into a cliff on the way there), she pretended not to. Instead, she focused on taking in the surroundings of Coya's nest with her momma bird, while the Traveller and Paimon appeared, drenched in seawater. Did they crash into the sea on the way over?

"We stay here, hm, okay, got it..." Chasca side-eyed the sopping wet Paimon, "come on... you two can dry off while we wait. Momma is going to talk to Coya..."

Chasca glanced around with a frown, spotting evidence that humans had been here, and now... Coya's child, Chime, had been taken by them.

"They came over the sea... under the cover of night... and they took Chime. I searched day and night, and finally found them." Chasca began to translate Coya's conversation with Chimpu.

"What does she mean by 'them', does she mean..." The Traveller put two and two together, their eyes widening as they realised that the merchants that Coya had attacked, were the ones who stole her baby away. Just as the merchants arrived with nets and darts...

"Chasca? How'd you get here? Quick, stop her!" Isidore ordered, but some meer merchants against Chasca and the Traveller? They were never going to get away... even as the Phlogisten wings were about to explode in their faces... and Allpa turning up right on time to suggest going to the Children of Echoes to find this Tepal.

Paimon and the Traveller exchanged glances at the mention of that specific tribe, a knowing look between the two of them, as they figured who Chasca would want to ask.

Xilonen.

/// Stadium of the Sacred Flame - Zakan's Street Bites

Meanwhile, you and Chuychu's walk for fresh air had you both at Chanca's, spotting a familiar elder of the Masters of the Night-Wind eating tatacos at a table.

"Granny!" you beamed, catching Citlali off-guard as she almost choked on her tataco.

"Why you- oh, it's you. Feels like I've not seen you in ages, figures, you don't have time to see your granny." Citlali grumbled, before changing her tone to dote over your sister, "Chuychu, you look better than the last time I saw you."

"You mean when I had just lost my foot?" She deadpanned, folding her arms as she puffed out her cheeks, looking away to the side in a huff until you poked her in the ribs.

"I- er, yes, wait, no! Ugh, you two are as bad as Ororon sometimes. Sit down already, you're making the place look untidy!" Citlali began to fluster, waving her arms at the empty chairs.

"Okay, okay, sorry granny..." Citlali waved off your apology as Chuychu waved at Chanca, "you two might as well have something too, you should be eating more-"

"It's on the Pyro Archon, girls." Chanca stated as she came over, but Citlali's hopes of Mavuika funding her alcoholism were dashed, as only pregnancy friendly options would be funded apparently.

"Oh! Uh..." you fumbled, looking to Chuychu for help as she stared, almost asking for saurian crackers, but that wasn't exactly a restaurant meal.

"I've got this you two. Citlali, more tatacos?" Chanca turned to the elder, who had been munching on said food in dismay for a while now, shaking her head that she'd be okay with what she had. Meanwhile, Chanca dropped off cups and a jug for the three of you to share.

"You know, if you and Mavuika were anyone else, I'd complain you're both too young to make me a great-grandmother." Citlali sighed, while you huffed, "hey, don't huff at me, we both know this blessing is more than just the Sacred Flame, or Mavuika's-"

"What are you talking about?" Chuychu cut in, pouring herself, and you, something to drink.

"Divine beings above the Archons... those four do not make for good dinner conversation, granny. Plus, my twins are probably listening. So, can we not?" You gave her a look, suggesting that you didn't want to know about whatever Citlali knew, not unless you wanted to be even more stressed out.

"Uhh, you're that far along already? Fine, I'll be quiet about that for now, but you could at least tell me how you've been?" Citlali's eyes widened before she covered her shock with a cough, reaching for her water as she looked at you with hopeful eyes.

"Sure... but also, I wondered if you had any advice for Chuychu, with her cryo vision specifically?" You dropped your older sister in it as she began to choke on her drink, much to your amusement.

/// Outside the Children of Echoes

"At this time and place, I bet the easiest person to find will be..." Chasca folded her arms, pretending not to notice how Paimon and the Traveller were exchanging side-eyes, "wakey-wakey Xilonen!"

/// Zakan's Street Bites

A shiver running over your body had you hurrying to wrap your arms around yourself, almost like you were trying to self-soothe as Chuychu and Citlali paused.

"Are you alright?" Citlali reached out to check your forehead, but you swiped her hand away quickly at her fussing.

"I'm okay, just... a weird feeling. Do you think Chasca's doing okay?" You asked, Citlali letting out a sigh as Chuychu hummed in thought, sipping her drink and muttering something about her probably being up a tree with Xilonen.

"You three have always managed to cause some sort of trouble, plus, with the blessing I can sense on your twins, I get the feeling they'll inherit a lot more than yours and Mavuika's looks." Citlali let out a chuckle, trying to be funny, but all she did was elicit a flash of panic within you.

"I beg your pardon?" you raised an eyebrow, hands flying to your bump as Chuychu gave Citlali a look.

"What? I, uh, doesn't matter, so, Chuychu, your sister mentioned want to learn how to use your vision, correct?" Citlali quickly changed the subject, much to Chuychu's relief... for now.

/// Children of Echoes

Multiple conversations with Xilonen and Tepal's family, Puma, who Tepal never called 'mom' for some reason, later, Chasca, the Traveller and Paimon examined Tepal's notebook he left behind for clues.

The mysterious hot air balloon lingering above the trial arena near the Flower-Feather Clan, was Tepal's workshop.

"This is why I made sure my sisters were away from my tribe..." Chasca whispered to the Traveller as they headed back to Quahuacan Cliff. The Traveller nodded in understanding, grateful that Paimon was distracted enough to not overhear and question either of them.

/// Outside the Stadium of Sacred Flame

"I mean, it's true you can't just throw stink bombs all the time if we're attacked..." You pointed out as Chuychu let out a grumble at the weight of the catalyst Citlali was trying to train her with.

"Are all weapons this heavy? I swear yours isn't-"

"Xilonen designed it, of course I can wield it... well, my not-so-pregnant version of me could anyway... maybe just try to focus on using cryo energy to attack? You can figure out what works best to scale with later... maybe defense? But you heal, healers usually use HP, or do they?" You began to ramble, leaving Citlali and Chuychu to exchange confused looks.

"What to scale with? What in the abyss are you talking about?" Chuychu looked over in confusion, almost dropping the heavy catalyst as she passed it back to Citlali.

"Like... granny needs elemental mastery? Ororon told me when were children..." you trailed off, nervously looking between your confused sister and a flustered granny as she began to curse and shake her fist at the sky.

"Ororon, that scamp! Ugh!"

/// Speaker's Chamber

Meanwhile, Mavuika let out a tired sigh, examining the newest update via Scion of the Canopy messenger. Tensions in the Flower-Feather Clan were rising. No wonder Chasca wanted you and Chuychu out of there.

Notes:

5.7 does not have Chasca, so I am skipping everything until I see my girly on the banners again, however, I do welcome the saving because it means I'll have more primos in case of another 50/50 loss😅 (I've only won two character 50/50s since starting genshin a few days before the end of 4.3 soooo... I anticipate losses more than wins.) Hope everyone's doing okay, I am... apparently coping well with my grief so that's something I guess?

Chapter 36: Guns and Wings

Summary:

The Traveller, Chasca, Paimon and Coya head up to Tepal's workshop and come face to face with the truth behind the tensions in the tribe. Citlali opens a can of worms that those who knew about it, wanted to keep closed forever.

Notes:

Warnings: spoilers for Chasca's story quest, pregnant!reader, pregnancy symptoms, topics involving kidnapping saurians, childbirth, murder, trauma, death, war, amputation, abduction, being held hostage (or someone tries to anyway)...

A/n: these heatwaves make it hard to think, but also write, and we're running low on content to fall back on for this fic, so take what you can when you can, but it is planned out up to 5.7ish, but i also have my dissertation to write hehe. Options for discussion in the end notes!

The ascent up to Tepal's workshop felt almost too easy, with Chasca fixing up the issues that the mechanisms were having based on what she had done to fix her guns before - giving them a kick? Paimon wasn't so sure it would work.

It did.

Chasca, Paimon, the Traveller and Coya began to walk around to find the heart of the workshop, finding many qucusaurs in cages that Chasca was able to let out.

"By the looks of it, Tepal was using these cages to extract phlogiston from the qucusaurs. Once a qucusaur is drained of phlogiston, it becomes too weak to move... we'll have to come back for these ones after we deal with Tepal." Chasca concluded with a frown, while the Traveller spotted something nearby.

"It looks like there's another notebook here."

"Let me see... it looks like a record of his phlogiston research..." Chasca frowned as she began to read aloud to everyone.

/// Outside the Speaker's Chamber

"Are you sure your parents are okay with this? I don't want to deal with your mother coming and giving me an earful again-"

"Again?" Chuychu raised an eyebrow at Citlali, who let out a tired sigh.

"You three have been troublemakers since first drew eyes on each of you. Honestly, as much as I'd like to not remember sometimes, I was there when everyone was trying to decide what to do with a newly found Chasca, and when a baby was found in the arms of her parents, after they'd been murdered by the Fatui. Chuychu, I think you had the most calm birth of the three of you, although your father was besides himself-"

"My parents were what?" You cut Citlali off, saving Chuychu from hearing the story of her birth, at the expense of hearing something much, much worse.

"Oh... you didn't know? Great, now I'm the one to tell you. Ugh, listen, I don't know why it happened, okay? But you need to stay calm." Citlali tried to soothe your distress, but it wasn't working as the cogs began to turn in your head.

"Is that why- is that why the Captain said I looked like my parents? He meant my birth parents. How did the First Fatui Harbinger know my birth parents? Did he have them killed? Mavuika said he was someone with honour, why would-"

"Hey. Look at me, you're spiralling little one." Chuychu's hands clasped yours, her cold fingers against your warm as you looked at her with tears in your eyes. "I've got you. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."

Eventually you were calmed enough, Citlali and Chuychu taking you back to the Speaker's Chamber, where you hesitated before walking in. (Much to the horror of the Speaker's Chamber staff, who had all but given up a long time ago).
You avoided eye contact with Mavuika as she raised an eyebrow at the three of you all but scurrying through, but she could not follow. Not with this meeting with a Sumeru scholar, who barely spared you a glance, his ears twitching as he enquired into whether the recipes the Traveller was sent with had been helpful.

///

"I didn't mean..." Citlali let out a sigh as you shut the bedroom door in her face, "I need a drink."

"It's not your fault, granny. From what Chasca and I know, mama and papa were always weary of the Fatui, and I think I know why now. If our baby sister's birth parents were killed by the Fatui, it begs to question why did they leave a baby alive? Because of honour?"

"No. It wasn't that... they were going to take her, but the flying squad arrived in time, and, if the baby was born in Natlan like we know now that she was, the damage it could have caused would make her just... fodder to them. That's how we know it was not the Captain's forces. It's more likely that, based on what intel the Traveller gave us, the previous Knave would have taken her to the orphanage, but the kill order? We still don't know to this day." Citlali elaborated, but Chuychu frowned, running her hand over the door in thought.

"I remember when she was brought home, I thought she was tiny, but she gripped my fingers so tightly. When papa brought Chasca home, and everything was tense... Chasca always softened around her. Even at her most wild... she knew that baby was was important to her." Chuychu rested her forehead against the door and closing her eyes momentarily as the memories came back to her.

"She had you both wrapped around her finger." Citlali let out a sigh, flickers of memories of all those years ago appearing in her head.

"Did you ever think we would become these people, granny?" Chuychu asked softly, but Citlali didn't reply for a while.

" Honestly, I think... without her, we would have lost a lot more in the war." Citlali confessed, leaving out a key piece of information. Without you, Chuychu would be dead.

/// Tepal's Workshop

"I can't believe he captured so many qucusaurs. But right now, we have to focus on solving the problem at its source." Chasca let out a noise of disbelief as they continued to travel to the heart of Tepal's workshop, freeing qucusaurs from cages and reading notes as they went.

"Looks like we've reached the centre of the workshop..." Chasca realised, as Paimon glanced around.

"And still no signs of Coya's baby!"

Coya let out a shriek of anger, leaving Chasca to declare that they'd split up and search for Chime, doubling back if necessary.

///

"What's going on?" Mavuika felt a stab of panic in her gut as she found Citlali and Chuychu outside of her bedroom door, looking down trodden.

"I may have accidentally revealed that her birth parents were murdered by the Fatui..." Citlali admitted, her eyes widening at the look on Mavuika's face. She had never seen such worry on her Archon's face before.

"My love?" She began to knock on the door, pushing it open to glance in, "darling?" she barely called you by your name, but it was on the tip of her tongue-

"I'm here." You whispered back, pushing down one of the many pillows on the bed to reveal your tear-clad face.

"May I come in?" Mavuika hesitated to push the door further, looking through the crack instead.

"Did you know?" You cut to the chase as Mavuika let out a breath, resting her shoulder against the doorframe, while Chuychu ducked slightly to peek in at you.

"Atea only told me that the Fatui killed your parents, not the abyss like I thought." Mavuika explained, leaving Citlali and Chuychu to realise... the news of your parents never reached the Speaker's Chamber? Something that would have been an international incident?

"Atea knew?" Your voice waivered as you put the pieces together, despite the fact that you were missing a lot of them.

"Just pieces. She didn't think anyone told you the full story... and she was clearly right. Even when she's gone, Atea is still teaching us." Mavuika began to reminisce, slipping into the bedroom to take the place of one of the pillows. Your head laid in her lap as you sniffled.

"I miss her."

"I miss her too." Mavuika agreed, before her gaze landed on Citlali and Chuychu in the doorway.

"Wha- are you two just going to stand there watching or are you going to do something? Granny started teaching Chuychu how to use her cryo vision." You changed the subject at the look of guilt on Citlali's face.

"Oh really? Well, I for sure would love to see that." Mavuika smiled softly at the prospect, while both cryo users began to panic at becoming the entertainment for the rest of the day.

/// Tepal's Workshop

"Given from the way this log is written, not to mention the fact that the numbering restarts from zero, it kinda sounds like someone new? Does this mean that Tepal's already?" Paimon began to wonder as Chasca read the notebook's contents aloud.

"But in that case, who have we been pursuing if Tepal is dead?" The Traveller asked, as Chasca found a letter from Puma in the back... who revealed in the letter that Puma was not Tepal's birth mother.

"Well, she did say he never called her 'mom', but Paimon assumed she was just venting?" Paimon pointed out as Chasca noted how new the letter was compared to Tepal's notes.

Tepal was dead, and it all pointed to...

"That's right. Tepal was my child. He was born during my days as a wingless wanderer." Elder Allpa revealed herself, flying in with a pair of phlogiston wings, "His birth gave me new hope. I wanted to become the kind of mother who spent her days as a valiant rider, soaring the skies... not an aimless, wingless nobody. But his father wanted to settle down. To give his child a safe, sheltered life in his tribe. We fought about it constantly, until the love we had for each other was gone. He started a new family with another traveller who was also looking to return home... and I went back to the Flower-Feather Clan, alone."

Paimon let out a squeak of disbelief, while the Traveller glared something fierce as Allpa continued to monologue about her late son.

"War will never again come at such a cost. The loss of so many dead, your sisters almost joining them, only for Chuychu to lose her leg... these tragedies can be avoided. So tell me, Chasca, do you really wish to see the phlogiston wings forever grounded and gathering dust?"

Chasca looked down at the ground, taking a deep breath as she ran through the breathing exercises that Chuychu had made her learn, before finally speaking, "nothing you've said excuses the conflict you've caused."

But Allpa continued to claim it was necessary. For progress. For the evolution of the tribe...

"Chasca, Traveller. You are the hope of humanity. I'm sure you have your doubts about my methods, but my love for humanity, and for Natlan is genuine. You know me, Chasca, and you know that I've always treated everyone in the Flower-Feather Clan as my own children. As fellow humans, surely you can understand my perspective?"

The Traveller tried not to snort, the assumption that they were human was one that everyone had made, even as their journey began. "You wish."

Chasca frowned as she began to point out that Natlan was a nation of humans and saurians...

But once again, Allpa kept going, claiming it was survival of the fittest for the qucusaurs. Nothing Chasca said worked, with the result ending in Allpa revealing little Chime in an extraction cage, threatening her life.

"I told my subordinates to take control of the tribe while I was away. Lucky for them, our strongest warrior and most powerful ally aren't there to stop it. Did you think I wasn't aware you sent your sisters away to the Pyro Archon, Chasca?" Allpa began to taunt the Peacemaker.

"Take control? What are you planning to do to Mutota and his supporters?" Chasca frowned, brandishing her bow as Allpa admitted to ordering her subordinates to 'accerelate' the 'inevitable downfall' of the tribal chief.

"You really think the Pyro Archon is going to let you get away with a coup?" The Traveller interrupted Allpa's monologuing about keeping them at the workshop for a few weeks.

"As long as the majority supports our vision, even the Pyro Archon cannot meddle in our internal affairs. Besides, she has her attention elsewhere. Chasca, your wingless sister's twins would give the tribe its own level of prestige, and if that rumour is true- if the Archonhood is to change hands soon, and with how fragile your sister is-"

"You don't know what you're talking about. Leave the twins out of this, and my sister? She is not fragile, she's stronger than you are! Your vision is deranged, and the Flower-Feather Clan will never support it!" Chasca snapped, glaring up a storm as her grip on her bow grew tighter.

Notes:

Discussion: Who do you think the Sumeru researcher visiting Natlan was?
I continue to wait for Chasca's rerun with bated breath, and my savings since I skipped Skirk like ooof, I have no hydro, cryo or geo dps' so rip my imaginarium theatre, i only got to act 8 by borrowing a neuvi, and still couldn't beat that act 8 boss:( nobody on my friends list had a Skirk either??😭
Sorry it took so long between chapters, my dad's funeral happened, then I posted other works that I could get finished first. Skskskss I miss Mavuika, I miss Chasca, I miss Xilonen, I'm going to miss Natlan😭

Chapter 37: Feathers and Flames

Summary:

Chasca and the Traveller deal with Allpa, and the aftermath as things settle within the Flower-Feather Clan.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy symptoms, violence, risk of death, slight bomb threat.

A/n: People get called out on their work ethics, so I'll call myself out on mine, there's one more pre-written chapter of this fic, but 5.3 AQ is immediately after so I have a goal, I just need to not melt using my laptop...

Coya attacked Allpa first, but it gave everyone an opening to attack. However, it was all at the expense of the relic in the phlogiston wings beginning to malfunction, spluttering out energy that began to set the workshop on fire, to fall out of the sky onto the Flower-Feather Clan below.

"Leave the workshop to me. You deal with the relic. If we don't solve this problem at the source, this whole place will come crashing down!" The Traveller instructed Chasca, who nodded somewhat reluctantly, before hurrying forwards to try supress the relic's energy with her anemo, struggling until Coya offered to help.

Meanwhile, behind her, The Traveller was quick to use hydro to put out the fires, switching to geo to create structures to replace the burnt ones, which were held in place by dendro vines.

Allpa's misguided attempts to be a hero in the end left Chasca's stomach twisting, Coya and Chasca hurrying after her to deal with the relic bomb themselves, proving successful despite the scare Coya gave Chasca by shielding her from the blast.

"What do you mean 'I'm fine'? Didn't I tell you to catch me on your back? Why did you try to shield me from the blast?" Chasca began to look over her older sister for injuries, Coya laid down on the workshop floor to recover, as Allpa lay there, her plans thwarted.

"'Accident'? Yeah, right, seriously, you're as stubborn as ever! Ah, I sound just like Chuychu!" Chasca grumbled as Paimon and the Traveller ran over, "how are things looking here? Uhh-" her eyes widened at the elemental constructs attempting to patch up the workshop's damages.

"All it took was a little DIY." The Traveller stated with a smile, much to Chasca's chuckle.

"I think that's putting it mildly. I owe you one... again."

Chime let out a cheep of relief at seeing her mother again, leaving Chasca to sigh.

"Allpa, be honest, do you really think qucusaurs can't form bonds?" but she didn't get an answer until after Chime was released from the cage, and Coya collapsed.

"Coya! COYA!" Chasca began to panic.

///

Days later...

"Archon. Messages from the Flower-Feather Clan inbound. It seems a lot happened."

Mavuika looked up from her desk, eyeing where you were asleep in a chair nearby. Twenty-two weeks pregnant, and you were still sleeping in the most weird positions.

"Indeed it does. Seems that I'm overdue a meeting with Mutota." Mavuika chuckled to herself, looking up at a knock at the door, "enter."

"Hey, Archon, is she- wait, she's asleep!" Chasca walked in, about to stop your little iktomisaur from waking you, but she was too late.

"Oh, it's you! I've missed you!" You awoke with a smile, but the grumble you let out contradicted it as you tried to sit up and hug your little saurian companion, "wait, Chasca, you're here!"

"I'm sorry it's been a while, but the tribe is still recovering from everything. How have you been?" Chasca gently tapped your nose with her finger, confusing you both for a moment but you dismissed it by taking her hand and pulling her into a hug.

"I missed you." You held onto Chasca tightly as she felt herself tense up, then relax with her chin resting on top of your head, even as she felt something poke her- did she just get kicked?

"I missed you too." Breathing out through her nose, Chasca closed her eyes as she took in the scent of what smelt more like Mavuika's shampoo than yours... part of her wished she didn't know that.

The little iktomisaur cooed as she flapped at Mavuika, who smiled softly at the saurian, getting out some treats that she had in a drawer. "So, now that you've seen her, you're after these, hm?"

"You spoke to mama and papa?" directing your questions to the ground rather than your sister, Chasca hummed, removing her hat as she ran over what had happened in her mind.

"Papa's worried about all three of us. I think he was happy Chuychu and I went home. Then, my mama bird, she said something about settling down and building a nest of my own? What's that look for? The Traveller had a similar one when we crossed paths at the Masters of the Night-Wind." Chasca frowned as she spotted your grin, looking at Mavuika, who avoided looking at you both.

"I take it you didn't tell your mama bird about Xilonen and Nepecha then? Oh, wait, you said the Masters of the Night-Wind, did you see mama?" Whether you changing the subject was deliberate or not, it was to Chasca's relief, as she took it in stride.

"She wants to see you, also I'm pretty sure she's making baby clothes of a variety of colours; some even look like saurians." Chasca explained, watching as you held back rolling your eyes, watching Mavuika from the corner of your eye as the Pyro Archon paused what she was doing, a flicker of sadness on her visage.

"I heard Chuychu's training is going well with Citlali." A change of subject was welcomed as Mavuika masked her expression, continuing to look through the requests that the Speaker's Chamber had been sent.

"If you count that Citlali called her out on her work ethic which is super similar to yours by the way- so now Chuychu has to actually rest during the day, and get enough sleep. You should really take a page out of that book, or Xilonen's... but I'm sure you get enough from her already." Your little saurian friend cooed as you covered her ears from hearing the dirty implications of your joke.

"Uh, what?" Chasca blinked at you, her face covered in confusion as you chuckled.

"Okay, maybe we should talk about something more appropriate, especially as I have a meeting coming up with the tribal chiefs. I have no doubt tha Biram wishes to talk about the next historic scroll weaving." Mavuika cut in as she spotted the shit eating grin on your face, and how your little saurian was staring up at you in wonder.

"That time again, huh?" Chasca brushed her hair from her face, putting her hat back on as you began to pout.

"You're leaving again?"

"A peacemaker's job is never done. Oh, Ifa wants to talk to you about your little saurian by the way. He thinks you're avoiding him." Chasca deadpanned, but you shook your head, holding the iktomisaur close.

"I'm usually here? So technically, he's avoiding me." You folded your arms, hesitating as your bump got in the way.

"Sure... anyway, I will see you later." Chasca's hand hovered in the air as she debated something, shaking her head as she turned to Mavuika, who had busied herself in some documents, "Mavuika."

The Pyro Archon in question looked up to who was basically one of her sisters-in-law at this point. "Chasca?"

"Don't." Your sister's gaze held a darkness that you couldn't decipher as you observed the interaction.

"Don't what?" Mavuika raised an eyebrow, but Chasca had already walked out, "uh?"

"I don't know... what do you think?" you turned your head to your little iktomisaur, who mirrored your head tilt, "you don't know either then?"

Notes:

Who watched the new interlude trailer, the gods' limits?
I've watched it so many times already, I'm so excited for new content! Plus it gave me ideas hehehe
Also with there only being one chapter pre-written so far, I might slow down posting this fic unless i can get some Act 5 stuff sorted out, but the heatwave makes it difficult and i have dissertation to do too, so we'll see. I do have some little fics written separate to this universe that I could post so people have something to read though if they want? (also i'm so burnt out on hsr that i might uninstall it so that's fun, there's characters i adore in it but i just am not going to get to see them? I mean Castorice and Cipher- Feixiao is the reason I kept going originally, but I don't have enough funds for Jingliu skskksksks I want her, she inspires the Her Champion series hehehe

Chapter 38: Life and Death

Summary:

The Traveller's ancient name is almost ready to be forged by Xilonen's hand. Mavuika must deal with her plan reaching its fruition.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy topics, talks about life and death, alcoholism (Citlali).

It had been weeks since you or Mavuika had heard any updates on the ancient name Xilonen was crafting. Instead, Mavuika had heard updates on the next scroll weaving candidate being chosen by Claw: The Traveller, plus, something from Iansan about the Traveller having arrived at the Collective of Plenty later too, meeting Varesa in the process.

"Xilonen will need to move faster, unless we want to risk the Traveller leaving Natlan before the plan can go underway... Liyue's Lantern Rite is coming up, and the twins are only 26 weeks." Mavuika folded her arms, her gaze laying on the sunrise as the person next to her let out a sigh.

"Mavuika, there's something you should know, something that I accidentally let slip before." Citlali let out a sigh, "you should take refuge in knowing that the twins will be safe from the Ruler of Death. She won't lay a finger on them. And, from what I could sense, another has laid a blessing on them, but as much as I've tried to, I can't figure out why." The alcoholic granny had began to sober up the moment the sun peaked its head over the horizon, staring down at the cup in her hand before meeting her Archon's eyes.

"It's not- the immortality curse?" Ice cold panic ran over Mavuika as her mind jumped across scenarios. Her daughters-

"Why would you possibly think- no! Of course not! They can die *eventually*- but, I sensed great power from your twins. Your girlfriend will definitely have her hands full. She's right to be afraid of public opinion, if anything happens to you-" Citlali began, walking carefully to not admit what she knew about Mavuika's plan.

"The people of Natlan respect The Rules, the role of Archon is won, not passed down from parent to child- they're not even born yet, they should at least get to choose if they want to compete for it. Even with people like Allpa out there in the world, trying to choose for them." Mavuika shook her head in disbelief, frowning as Citlali avoided her gaze, "what am I missing here?"

"You're missing how much the people of Natlan love you, Mavuika." Citlali held her Archon's gaze for a moment longer, but neither could sense the eyes watching them from beyond, "Xilonen has gathered enough to begin the creation of the ancient name. The time is coming."

///

"This experiment, what do you hope the results will yield? You continue to wield my powers like a plaything for your amusement. These twins..." Naberius began to question Rhinedottir, who observed the Pyro Archon talking with the cursed elder.

"While you do have my respect, Naberius, and your nagging may be one of the only things that can get under my skin, these twins are what you could consider, a group project." Rhinedottir sighed at first, before her eyes flashed at the entertainment she had helped to create with the Ruler of Life's power.

"How Istaroth and Ronova allowed this is unprecedented. While, Asmoday had nothing to say on the matter. Newborn twins born of a union between two that will shake the core of the nation they walk upon. It is not something I would have thought to create." Naberius remarked, knowing full well that Asmoday was missing so couldn't comment, but why were Istaroth and Ronova allowing these demigods to be created?

Istaroth? Boredom perhaps. Ronova? Her deal is to witness the death of a Pyro Archon who wields her power... maybe guilt? Is the Shade of Death able to feel guilt?

"You sound so surprised, but one of the last 'group projects' between the shades," Rhinedottir paused for dramatic effect, "was the arrival of the golden haired twins, was it not? Besides, I merely granted the girl her unconscious wish, for a piece of her lover to stay with her. These twins are not a burden forced upon her by us, but a blessing she desired deep in her heart."

While the twins had no choice in their conception, their parents had a choice... and so did the Shades. That went unsaid, but Naberius knew it to be true. She ellicted not to respond, instead directing her gaze towards where you were. Staring at the empty space in the bed, where Mavuika should have been. Your eyes dulled as you let out a sigh, feeling how cold the spot was with your hand.

Ronova's pact with the Pyro Archon back then still stood, and neither Naberius or Rhinedottir could interfere. Mavuika would die, and the observational experiment would hopefully bare fruitful, with your twins, when the time comes.

Life abides no reason, for none are born by their own consent. Death abides no reason, for it cannot be defied, even by those who see it coming...

Notes:

(Sorry the shades probably sound ooc💀)

I am loving all this Chasca content in 5.8 but also... I miss Mavuika, I got some Xilonen content and a little mention of Nepecha but I need more Mavuika. I have two hands, I can hold into my Natlanese girlies with one and my other hand can hold Lauma in Nod Krai...

I have 135 wishes for Chasca, I'm at 50 pity on the character banner and 40 pity on the weapon banner👀 I also want Lauma when we go to nod krai so... guess I already have someone to save for if I have enough for Chasca now🤔 who knows, but I have a very good losing streak of only winning one 50/50 since starting in 4.3 so... still trying to get Jingliu to come home, she's very good inspiration for my other Mavuika series, Her Champion but... I'm getting bored trying to find jades😭

Also sorry, writing is taking me forever, my dissertation eats my motivation and then I realise how I've barely started the next chapter for either series and there's so much to do and i don't have enough energy😔 it sucks.

Chapter 39: Witness It All

Summary:

Time is not on your side. The day of the Traveller and Mavuika's battle against the Abyss in the Night Kingdom draws closer.

Notes:

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy symptoms and topics related to it, impending death of a major character, death of multiple minor character, mentions of the war, spoilers for some deaths of NPCs in world quests and archon quests. A lot of tears and grieving.

Sleep was avoiding you, and so was Mavuika. Her side of the bed was cold under your fingertips... had she gone to fulfill her plan while you slept? Was last night the last time you saw her-

No. The ancient name isn't ready yet. Mavuika would not go into the Night Kingdom alone, lest she cause an uproar after her decision that the Traveller would join her in that fight.

Clearly... Mavuika couldn't sleep either.

You let out a huff, fumbling with your pile of pillows to get out of bed and head towards the window.

The sunrise.

The dark red sun against the lightening sky...

A kick drew you away from your focus on the beautiful scene, looking down with a sigh as you realised.

"You two are awake as well, huh?" another poke was your only reply as you grimaced slightly, "yeah, yeah, let's get some nutrients then..."

Getting ready to head outside and down to Chanca's, you froze as the door opened, Mavuika standing on the other side.

"My love! I thought you would still be asleep. Where are you going?"

"Breakfast, are you coming? Our babies want food." You glanced over her shoulder, but there was nobody else there, "for a moment I thought you'd snuck off to fight the abyss without telling anyone."

"Ah, no, definitely not... but breakfast with my sweetheart sounds nice before meeting the Traveller today." Mavuika smiled softly, looking down from your bump to your hand as she reached for it, "shall we?"

Glancing back at your sleeping iktomisaur, you swallowed nervously, warning the Speaker's Chamber staff on the way out that the little saurian may attack anyone unfamiliar to her... or just anyone withholding food.

///

Breakfast was had, and despite the eyes on the two of you, Chanca didn't let anyone interfere, until Mavuika had to leave, as Xilonen and Citlali needed a word.

"I'm sorry my love, duty calls." Mavuika pressed her lips to your forehead, leaving you to poke at your breakfast with a sadness that failed to be hidden by the smile you tried to force onto your face.

///

Xilonen gave Mavuika three days maximum for her plan, but Citlali said it would only take half a day. Mavuika couldn't help but wonder, was that the last meal she would ever share with you?

A knock at the door distracted her, Paimon barging in with the Traveller behind her the moment that "come in" could leave the Archon's lips.

"We were just talking about you. I invited you here for two reasons, first, the Traveller's ancient name is ready to be forged." Mavuika explained as the Traveller revealed their Pilgrim's Chronicle, giving Xilonen time to look over the content.

"That brings me to the second matter, as you already know, once your Ancient Name is complete, we need to venture into the deepest part of the Night Kingdom. That will happen in three days time-" Paimon cut Mavuika off with her worrying, but it wasn't unexpected. Paimon suffered from separation anxiety after all.

Luckily, Mavuika was able to ressure the floating white fairy creature that things would be fine.

For the Traveller at least...

///

Mavuika found you in her office not long after, somehow you had missed Mualani and Kachina, only giving the Traveller and Paimon weary smiles before you headed inside.

"Are you alright?"

"The twins are 26 weeks this week... if we had more time... but she is not on our side, I suppose?" you sighed, being ambiguous in tone as Mavuika raised an eyebrow.

"She?"

"The Shade of Time... anyway I'm going to pack." Your dismissive tone did nothing to provide your lover with any reassurances.

"What?" Mavuika's voice rose an octave as you sighed, giving her a knowing smile.

"You've been painting instead of sleeping some nights, and I overheard the staff talking. Three days until you go into battle with the Traveller, so I have three days to get out and move to somewhere safe for me and the twins. We both know that I can't be here when you're gone, Mavuika." Blinking back the tears in your eyes, you turned on your heel, Mavuika watching you waddle away into the other room. Your iktomisaur cooed as you walked in, but then the door closed, and Mavuika was stuck on the outside with her paints, and an outline sketch of her family portrait from 500 years ago...

///

"So, Chasca gets to go down to the party at the People of Springs, and we're here... packing all your stuff to go where exactly? You said before you don't feel safe with the tribes, and you are not going into hiding to die in childbirth alone-" Chuychu began to point out the flaws in your plan the moment she knew about it, your iktomisaur chiming in with coos of her own until your sister began to pet her.

"Chanca has a room at the inn for me until Mavuika makes the announcements, and I don't have that much stuff. Besides, even if I did, the golden outlander and silver fairy took Mavuika with them, so we have time." You rolled your eyes at her tone, pausing as one of Mavuika's t-shirts ended up in your hands.

Chuychu could only watch as you brought the fabric up to your face, one whiff of Mavuika's scent had a sob escaping your lips. Mavuika planned to die in three days, and she would not meet her daughters.

/// At the People of the Springs

"Party planning isn't easy. I can handle the big picture, but the smaller details were always Auntie Atea's job..." Amina, the chief of the People of the Springs let out a sigh, while the Traveller's face fell, glancing around the hot springs...

That's right. Atea's gone.

"Speaking of Atea-" Paimon began, but the Traveller shook their head, the little pixie falling silent at the look on her travel companion's face.

"Wait- Atea- she? Oh..."

"When you brought me her talisman, I knew her end was near. Luckily, I got to see her one last time. She was a hero to the very end. Even though her body was at its breaking point, she didn't show pain or sorrow. In her final moments, her thoughts were with her tribe and her people." Mavuika began to explain, walking over to look at the horizon, "gatherings like this remind me of her and the parties she loved to organise. So, I decided to attend in her memory. I have no doubt my love would be here too, if not for the circumstances..."

"So, you already knew..." The Traveller's voice cracked, fists clenching as Paimon fluttering closer but they shook their head, "I need a minute, excuse me."

"Traveller?" Mualani began to call out, but Paimon could only hover nearby and watch as the Traveller walked away from everyone.

"Paimon can only guess, but Paimon thinks the Traveller feels each death personally. Paimon and the Traveller have met many people on our journey, and they haven't always been alive until the end..." Paimon's heart sank, recalling multiple people's names. Teppei, Hanachirusato, Ruu, Jeht's father Jebrael, Tadhla, Melus, Silver, Bona, all of the dead from Natlan's war, and some she could not recall, not really, but the Traveller would, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, Caribert... so many dead, so many to still die... no matter what the Traveller did, they couldn't save them all.

"I see..." Mavuika closed her eyes briefly as Mualani sighed.

"So much for a party."

"The Traveller is always so good at comforting Paimon, even during the war, they weren't afraid for a second. Paimon thinks it was not the first war the Traveller has witnessed." Paimon admitted before hurrying to where the Traveller had gone, the little hot spring cave they made for Atea's party...

"Traveller?" Paimon approached her companion, who sat on the ground with their gaze on the water.

"I miss them. I miss all of them. I know Mualani would say Atea wouldn't want us to cry, but I need a moment. Especially with- Mavuika?"

"I dread to think that I have made Teyvat's Hero cry." Mavuika admitted as she walked towards the two, the sun in her eyes overcast by an emotion well known to the Traveller by now.

Someone who had travelled from world to world, leaving people behind at each time, outliving many, all to remember them in their memories...

A witness left to feel all this grief.

"Well, as long as you don't die on me too." The Traveller's joke was hollow, Mavuika holding back as they flinched a little internally...

"Well, with you by my side against the Abyss- Traveller, can I ask you something?" Mavuika's tone changed quickly, from a joke to something more serious as the golden outlander nodded.

"My love... she's only six months right now, but she's already been through so much. Please, keep an eye on her and the twins. I know you won't always be in Natlan, but my daughters, their power worries Citlali already, so..."

"Of course." The Traveller nodded, the energy shifting into something less sorrowful as chatter began to echo around the People of the Springs.

"Sounds like they've started that party without us... are you ready?" Mavuika turned her head towards the sound before looking back at the two.

"For Atea, I can be." The Traveller nodded, standing up to follow the Pyro Archon from the cave.

"We can be! Don't forget about Paimon!"

"Oh, Paimon, how could we ever forget about you?" The Traveller grinned, pulling the white floaty thing in for a hug.

Rest in Peace, Atea.

Notes:

A/n: Chasca saw how pretty my primos were and decided she had to have all of them... and then some. 77 pity C3 Dehya... like damn flame-mane, what do you want? A fic?👀 77 pity again Chasca came flying home, after like C9 Ororon and one copy of Ifa finally😭 then I lost to the amos bow at 61 pity, had to scrap the bottom of the barrel and barely got Chasca's bow after 68 more pulls. It feels dirty. Poor Lauma, I hoped I'd have something left for you but Chasca wanted me to herself skskskksk did she know I've been daydreaming about sitting in her lap and stealing her hat?👀

A/n: Also yes I am trying to make the Traveller a more complex character, I might be failing but lbr, they've seen the birth and death of stars, they're old, I very much doubt the wars and horrors in Teyvat across time are the first ones the twins could have seen. Also I just am still not over Atea, or Chuychu but Chuychu lives. Every time.