Chapter Text
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It seemed impossible to determine what it was that the Abyssal Order was intending. It made no sense to think that Childe or Kaeya was taken just to be killed, yet there had been no clues as to what the Order was planning to do with them.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the area the last portal was seen, but there’s been little to no trace of Abyssal energy anywhere,” Ganyu reports, “My Lord, it may be only speculation, but there’s a high likelihood that the Order is intentionally keeping portals shut.”
“There’s been such an obvious lack of Abyssal beasts that even the local adventurers have taken notice,” Jean adds. “There have been sightings beyond Mondstadt, however.”
Zhongli frowns, resting his chin on his hand as he slowly paces around the room. “They’re certainly aware that there’s at least some group of us who are concerned for our missing people. Though—”
“They’re practically taunting us,” Diluc interrupts. “Do they think they’ve already got the upper hand?”
“Technically, they do,” Albedo says, “They’ve successfully kidnapped two brilliantly talented Vision wielders and fighters. Ignoring the idea of if they’d fight on behalf of the Abyss, if this is a war, then they’ve taken our manpower down by a hefty degree.”
“Not helping, Albedo.”
“It’s a relevant observation,” he defends. “It means our best option is to theorize their next plan of attack, rather than waste time searching for a hole in their defenses.”
Diluc pauses, eyeing the alchemist carefully. For how controlled Albedo usually could be, it was in the smaller things that seemed to reveal his anxieties.
Like how he cut even more corners on being polite in order to get answers faster.
“You may be right,” Diluc concedes, “but we just…. don't have enough information.”
Wasn't that always the case? Not enough. Not the full story. Not the truth.
Diluc tugs a hand through his hair, turning to Zhongli.
“I'm afraid our best choice is to assume the worst.” Zhongli says. “For what we do know about the Abyss, it is a terrible and corrupting force.” The older man's eyes are sharp. “We cannot trust easily what we see.”
Aether waves their hands. “Okay, let's take a step back. We're talking about our friends. People who have been through much worse. We just have to stay positive.” They glance between the group, almost pleading with their gaze. “Don't give into despair. Don't let them win before we have our turn to fight back.”
Aether was often an optimist, pushing forward blindly as though they knew for certain the things would have a good ending.
But Diluc knows better.
“What are you suggesting, Zhongli?”