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The cutting wind rips around Hyde’s head as if it was his own personal tornado. Completely overwhelmed by Tsubaki and his forces, he stood petrified in a state of absolute panic.
Love, loss, immortality and the fear of fading into obscurity surrounded him, swirling in his thoughts menacingly. He was past the point of no return.
Or so he thought.
Suddenly, Hyde found himself in a very peaceful setting, an intense contrast to the chaos he was previously surrounded by. It seemed to be a traditional city of some sort, reminiscent of Ophelia’s country. While there were people around here and there, they moved about with purposeful strides and utter calmness in their demeanor. If anything, Hyde felt more at ease than ever before. The present situation didn't really affect him, he supposed it was simply another dream. But this one...it felt too real for that. Something had just happened to him, and whatever it was, he was still feeling it as strongly as he did when it happened. Whatever it was, it wasn't good.
Hyde turned and questioned "Is this the afterlife? Is this what awaits me?" He then began to look around and saw Furina sitting on top of some sort of ledge. A weird yet enchanting atmosphere lingered in the air around her; a mixture of some sort of ethereal magic. He contemplated the idea of making her his new eve considering how intriguing she was just upon first glance, but that thought suddenly snapped him back into reality. He had no idea where he was. Licht must be celebrating back in his own home, he thought passively.
He figured he had no choice but to go talk to the eccentric looking girl. If he knew anything from his personal experiences, it was that the oddest looking characters always had the answers. He headed towards an elevator adorned with gold and small patterns carved into its surface. At least the technology here was not completely unfamiliar. Arriving at the third floor, he set his sights on the girl and immediately turned on the theatrics with exaggerated body language and a lost puppy look, hoping she'd be charmed enough to help him. In response, she gave him a rather peculiar look. Perhaps she was the stern type, like Licht, Hyde thought confusedly. After an awkward pause, he finally spoke up. "Excuse me, miss. I'm rather lost and was wondering if you could help me get back home...?" Hyde uncharacteristically squeaked out. "Hm! Okay Mr, where's your home? I'm sure some transportation could be arranged." She paused, contemplating if she should continue. "Of course I, as the hydro archon should be so benevolent to help a citizen in need!" Hyde gave her a look that was nothing short of vaguely disgusted and very confused. What the hell is a hydro archon? Is this woman delusional? He then toyed with the thought that she was simply method acting. Of course! An actor, thank god, someone to understand him.
Furina visibly shrank at Hyde's look, as she assumed it was a look of contempt. Hyde ignored Furina's reaction and continued:
"Japan I guess? I'm vaguely confident that this is an entirely different country... the architecture is very European." Furina tilted her head in confusion as an annoyed look spread across her face. "Uhm, yeah well... I don't know where Japan is exactly. Perhaps you could come to my office and I can have our Iudex Neuvillette find your location for you! He's quite helpful when it comes to these things, if you're not familiar with him." Was this guy fucking with her? What is Japan? What is European? Is he delusional? Probably a washed up actor. They fall into delusion all too easily, some sort of identity crisis or whatever they say.
Hyde let out a sigh of relief that was quickly interrupted by amusement at this European girl's antics. She was damn good at her job, even getting another guy in on it. As long as this story plays along, this could be the most entertaining thing Hyde has seen in ages. He could not wait to tell Licht when he got home. Although, Licht would probably ignore him and throw a shoe at him or some shit.
As Hyde followed Furina to her office, he couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details of the set. Her 'office' was dripping with luxury, and was in the middle of an expensive looking city no less! "The budget for this production must be astronomical," he muttered to himself. "William Shakespeare would resurrect himself to come and see this..."
Furina led him through the grand hallways of Fontaine's administrative buildings, her regal stride never faltering. Hyde kept up, half skipping, half striding, dramatics dialed up to eleven. They arrived at her lavishly decorated office, where Neuvillette was already waiting, his stoic expression unchanging as he watched Hyde's exaggerated entrance. He sighed as he silently prayed for Celestia to take him. As much as he loved Furina and her theatrical antics, he physically could not handle another one of her. He knew this man was of the same proclivity as Furina due to the fact that he skipped into the room like a fool, tripping over the small stairs that led up to his office.
"Ah Neuvillette! This is the gentleman who requires our assistance." Furina announced with a flourish. Hyde immediately assumed a ridiculous pose, thinking he was going along with the story well. "Greetings my good man! I seem to have lost my way and ended up in... this magnificent fantasy land!"
Neuvilette raised an eyebrow, glancing at Furina who merely shrugged. "He claims to be from a place called 'Japan'' Furina announced in delight, as she enjoyed the man's theatrics more as time went on. Finally, someone who appreciated the art of acting as much as she did. "Bravo! Such commitment to the craft. Now lets get to the part where I return to my homeland, yes?"
Neuvilette sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Right, sir, let's figure this out." "Please have a seat Mr..?" Neuvillette waited expectantly "You can call me lawless" "Okay Mr... Lawless.. have a seat." As Hyde sat down he couldn't help but notice the luxurious chair. "Even the props are top notch. I know you're not allowed to break character right now, but when this is done seriously direct me to your prop guy."
Furina and Neuvillette exchanged a look, both silently questioning the other's patience. Furina finally broke the silence, as Celestia knows Neuvilette would sit in it forever if given the chance. "Mr. Lawless, could you describe your home in more detail?"
"Well, I live in a bustling city as good as anywhere. If you're not familiar it's named Tokyo. I suppose a notable landmark would be the Skytree, though."
Furina sputtered, trying to mask her growing confusion. "Neuvillette, does this "Tokyo" ring any bells to you?" Neuvillette shook his head slowly. "I believe we may need to consult with the scholars in Sumeru. They may have a better grasp of such obscure references." The man sighed as he politely asked Furina to the next room.
"My lady, this man is delusional. No such thing as Japan exists. I'm sure he is just trying to gain your attention. You know how your fans behave on occasion." "Oh i'm well aware, Monsieur" She giggled. "Id just like to see how far we can take it before he gives up the act. An interactive play is quite intriguing!" Neuvillette sighed as he realized he was absolutely helpless to Furina will. He couldn't help but indulge her, just to see her smile.
The two of them silently returned. "Okay, Mr. Lawless, we've decided we're taking you on a road trip!" Furina dramatically motioned with jazz hands. "The scholars of Sumeru should get you home, as they are aware of even the most obscure islands." Hyde perked up. "A road trip! How splendid! This production just keeps getting better."
Despite his dire situation, Hyde couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was turning out to be one of the most amusing experiences he could have imagined, and it was much better than his original mental breakdown.
As they set off on their journey, Furina began to explain more about Teyvat and its various Nations, wondering if Hyde would spill any identifying information on where he /actually/ lived. Hyde, however, was lost in his own world. He kept up a running internal commentary about his theories on the production's budget and the skill of these two actors.
"So tell me," Hyde said, turning to Neuvillette as they rode on a rather lavish carriage "How long have you been acting? Your stoic expression is impeccable!"
Neuvillette gave him a blank stare. "I am not an actor." He wasn't a violent man, but if he was, he would have punched this man days ago.
Hyde laughed heartily, slapping him on the back. "Ah, such dedication! Staying in character so long for little old me. Truly inspiring!"
Before either of them could retort, Neuvilette and Furina laid eyes upon the vessel that had reached the docks. A plain Liyue cargo ship awaited them, as not to raise a fuss among the people. If they saw their archon leaving, they'd question whats wrong. Hyde's eyes widened at the size of the grand vessel.
"A pirate ship! This is getting better by the minute." Hyde leaped aboard with dramatic flair, ignoring any safety precautions.
Furina and Neuvillette exchanged another look before following him onto the ship. As they set sail, Hyde ran around the deck pretending to swashbuckle with imaginary foes. Nobody knew him here, so he could finally act a fool without being yelled at.
"En garde, you scallywags!" he shouted, brandishing an imaginary sword. He hoped his new travel companions found him entertaining, as he assumed that their job was very hard work and they needed a laugh. Furina couldn't help but laugh. "He's... certainly something." Neuvillette shook his head "He's just like you, lady Furina." Furina drew back, offended. "I am MUCH more skilled at my craft, thank you."
Neuvillette smiled to himself. Furina was charming in her own way.
Several days later, they arrived in Sumeru and were greeted by the scholars at the Akademiya. After much discussion and a few bewildered looks from the scholars, they finally managed to pinpoint Hyde’s world. Hyde, still convinced this was all part of the show, bowed deeply. "Thank you, thank you! I couldn’t have done it without such an amazing cast and crew."
Furina and Neuvillette, by this point, had given up trying to explain the truth to Hyde. They just wanted to get him back home.
Using their combined knowledge and a bit of magic, the scholars opened a portal. Hyde, standing at the threshold, turned to Furina and Neuvillette.
"Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime! I’ll never forget any of you. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to leave you two a good review. This was the most immersive experience I've ever been through."
With that, he stepped through the portal, waving dramatically until he vanished.
Back in Teyvat, Furina and Neuvillette stood in silence for a moment.
"Do you think he’ll ever realize this wasn’t a film set?" Furina asked.
Neuvillette sighed. "Probably not. But at least he’s someone else’s problem now."