Chapter Text
❀❀❀
“Welcome to the Clementine Line aquabus! This boat tour will take you to the magnificent Court of Fontaine, the most important city in our nation! Speaking of Fontaine . . .”
At some point, Collei stopped hearing the little Melusine.
Her lively words were lost on the Trainee Forest Ranger’s ears, for the surrounding scenery left her head devoid of thought. While the rest of her Sumerian companions listened intently to the Melusine, Collei’s eyes wandered aimlessly in every direction.
There was nothing she could do to prepare for the glory of the Nation of Justice. No matter how much the Traveler and Paimon talked about it, their vivid descriptions could never hope to replicate the feeling of this experience. This place was unlike anything her eyes had beheld before. Sure, she’d been all over Sumeru and seen all its wildest, most exotic environments. But Fontaine? Fontaine may as well have been a whole different world.
Below and all around the aquabus was a vast expanse of nature’s finest. The cloudless skies were an opalescent dome painted amber and amethyst by the setting sun. The sapphire oceans glistened and glimmered in the twilight, but they also glowed with rich hidden hues like there was plenty of light below the surface. Watching the calming tides and distant wildlife only enhanced the atmosphere. And wherever Collei looked, her gaze was met with soaring peaks, lush forests, and spacious rolling plains. The altitude of the aquabus gave her a wonderful view.
After a few minutes, as the aquabus approached Poisson Tunnel, the main city came into view. Collei’s jaw fell off her face when she saw those towering structures. Arches, walls, buildings and towers, every single thing flaunted their excellence. They stood so boldly, so silver and blue and pure. Collei didn’t know if she was looking at a city, a factory, or some sci-fi megalopolis. On top of that, the light of dusk gave each structure a unique, exquisite glow. It created a sense of dreamlike fantasy that wasn’t left behind, like one of those lovely fairy tale worlds.
What’s more, Collei actually thought she’d seen it all when she saw the walls of waterfalls from below. She spent the entire boat ride from Bayda Harbour getting ready to witness the Nation of Justice, but to no avail.
Silly Collei, she told herself.
“. . . So, it looks like all of you come from Sumeru?” the Melusine tour guide asked.
Collei finally broke out of her spell. She looked back at all the people with her on this bus: Tighnari, Cyno, Kaveh, Alhaitham, Dehya, Candace, Nilou, and Dori. Including her, there were nine people on this aquabus.
Oh, and Tighnari’s machine helper Karkata. It was here because Faruzan’s own machine Tamimi was out of commission—everyone graciously offered to take Tamimi to Fontaine for repairs, and Karkata would serve as a reference for the Fontainian engineers. Also, Karkata was a big help with the suitcases.
Ayway, the abundance of people must’ve been why this Melusine looked so happy. Even for someone Collei had never seen before.
“You’re correct, Miss Aeval,” Tighnari replied, gesturing at the crew. “All nine of us are Sumerians on vacation.”
“I could tell! We Melusines see things differently from humans, and there are many hidden traits outsiders have that Fontainians don’t.” Aeval paused with a hand on her chin. “Ah right, I guess humans can tell each other apart as well . . .”
Small Aeval reminded Collei of Cuilein-Anbar.
Can I hug you? she wanted to ask. Luckily, she kept her mouth shut.
“Clothing is a big giveaway,” Alhaitham said. From his body language, he might’ve looked uninterested in the wonders of Fontaine, but his eyes said otherwise.
Kaveh had that same look in his eyes but more obvious. He was drawn to the architecture of Fontaine’s main city like a magnet. He and Alhaitham only joined the vacation to study, and it seemed like they would enjoy it.
Thing is, they already had an argument during the earlier boat ride. So as long as they were in the same place, no one let their guard down.
Cyno was quiet. Definitely thinking of a joke.
Dehya pointed at something in the sky. “Whoa. The heck is that?”
“That’s one of the Miraculous Antoine Roger Aircraft!” Aeval replied delightfully. “These miniature airships are another great way to sightsee.”
“Looks like a flying fish,” Candace mentioned. “Fitting.”
“I better get my hands on one of those,” Dori muttered to herself. Collei had a feeling she’d say that a lot during this trip.
“Hey Collei.”
She spun in her seat, snapping out of another trance. “Yeah, Nilou?”
The dancer looked around with a softness in her aquamarine irises. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah . . .”
Aeval, overhearing this, perked up. “If you two wanna see beautiful, just wait until you meet the rest of our people!”
❀❀❀
A new method of long-distance communication was developed recently. It was far more efficient than the traditional way of writing letters, and it was the reason this vacation could happen in the first place. As someone who still struggled with reading and writing, Collei had her ups and downs with it. But she didn’t complain.
She started talking with someone special, after all. Someone who made her heart flutter even from nations away.
In general, the Sumerians had been talking with some Fontainians for a while now. Many new friendships blossomed over a short time period. Now, most of them finally decided to get together in person. The Fontinalia Film Festival was right around the corner too, so it was perfect timing. They planned out the vacation to Fontaine, and there were many things to do. Of course, the first step was meeting them in person for the first time.
When the group of nine hopped off the Aquabus with their suitcases, they were surprised with a warm welcome.
“So we finally stand together, face to face,” Tighnari remarked with a wave. “It’s a pleasure.”
Six ladies with stunning outfits were here to greet the Sumerians, and they look equally as excited. One of them, a lady in blue and white, swiftly stepped forward and cleared her throat.
“I, Furina, hereby welcome you to the Nation of Hydro!” she declared with a powerful voice.
The former Hydro Archon . . . immediately feeling nervous and self-conscious, Collei stuck close to Cyno and Tighnari. Even though everyone communicated regularly, meeting them in person for the first time was a high hurdle.
“I’m honoured to finally meet you in person, Lady Furina,” Cyno greeted with a nod. “We all are.”
“The honour is all mine, esteemed guests from the Nation of Wisdom!” Furina replied with a hand on her chest. Then, she gestured to the rest of the present Fontainians. “While we know each other, I believe you’re not yet familiar with our appearances?”
One of them stepped up, a tall blonde woman in black and gold. She removed her sunglasses and closed her umbrella. “Hello! I’m Navia!”
Then came another tall woman dressed in indigo. She looked like her outfit was a little tight. “I am Clorinde.”
A sharp-looking woman with a long musket waved sharply. “Chevreuse here.”
A woman with Inazuman clothes nodded. “Chiori.”
Lastly, the most enthusiastic young lady of the bunch made herself known at the front of the group. “I’m Charlotte. Supertastic to finally meet you guys!”
After that, all the Sumerians introduced themselves in turn.
“It’s nice to finally to put a face to each name,” Candace commented. She pointed at herself and said, “Candace.”
“Dehya,” said, well, Dehya. “And might I add that your outfits are absolutely stunning? Seriously, Fontaine knows fashion.”
Navia curtsied while holding her dress. “Aw, thank you very much!”
“Indeed they are. Must be expensive,” Dori mentioned. “Anyway, I am the renowned Lord Sangemah Bay. But of course, since we all know each other, you may call me Dori in person.”
“Hi, Dori,” Charlotte beamed. “You ready to talk business?”
“Oh yeah.”
“I still don’t know how those two ever became friends. They’re not even that similar,” Kaveh muttered to the people next to him. “Hopefully Charlotte keeps Dori in check.”
“I am Tighnari,” said Tighnari. He then gestured to the young man standing beside him. “This is Cyno.”
Cyno looked offended. “I can introduce myself just fine, you know.”
“But the less you speak, the better.”
The Fontainian ladies seemed to pay close attention to the General Mahamatra’s appearance, especially his jackal headpiece. Collei sensed a brief feeling of intimidation, or maybe that was just her.
Cyno ignored Tighnari and waved. “Greetings. I’m here to establish the new Nation of Justice: Puntaine.”
Kaveh groaned.
“This is exactly what I’m talking about,” Tighnari sighed. His ears twitched in irritation.
But Furina and Charlotte laughed. Genuinely.
And Chevreuse gave a nod of approval. “You know, the jokes do sound better in person.”
Cyno looked pleased by this. “Ever since we set foot in Romaritime Harbour, I just knew we were gonna have a Ro-merry-time here.”
Kaveh, Tighnari, and Collei exchanged looks of disdain. Furina and Charlotte laughed even harder, to the point of collapsing into each other.
“You see, the joke is—”
“Anyway,” Chiori interrupted, “the rest of you?”
“O-oh,” Nilou stammered, suddenly doing a quick bow. “I’m Nilou. It’s a pleasure!”
“The Sumerian star I’ve heard so much about,” Furina replied, eyeing her up and down. “A pleasure indeed.”
Kaveh and Alhaitham tried to introduce themselves at the same time, which almost derailed the entire meeting.
After, Tighnari put a hand on Collei’s shoulder. She flinched and almost cleared her throat of all the air inside.
“I’m Collei and it’s a measure to pleet you!”
NO!
“Pleasure to meet you too, Collei,” Navia answered with a gorgeous smile. Navia was gorgeous.
Tighnari then stepped aside to reveal Karkata, who looked about as excited as a ruin machine could. “Also, this is—”
“You must be Karkata!” Furina exclaimed, crouching to be on eye level with the machine. “Well aren’t you just the cutest little thing?”
Any non-Fontainian would be surprised that this was the former Archon.
Navia gave Collei another gorgeously gorgeous smile. “So Collei, are you excited to finally meet your boyfriend?”
Red cheeks, right away.
“Navia, do you really have to tease her ten seconds after meeting her?” Clorinde sighed.
“Come on, Clorinde! I’m just asking.”
Collei noted both of their hats. Navia’s hat was big and dark, almost like the umbrella she carried. Clorinde’s hat was smaller yet sharper, and it carried this aura of dignity. She heard much about the crazy hats in Fontaine, and clearly it was all true. Furina, Charlotte, and Chevreuse were no exception. It was kind of baffling to see in person.
Unexpectedly, Dori nudged Collei playfully. “Don’t be so nervous. Haven’t you already communicated with the Knave? If you’re already on her good side, you have nothing to worry about when you talk to them for real!”
Collei didn’t know if that helped or made things worse. “I, uh—”
“Just remember what I told you,” Tighnari said. “We all know each other already. More than anything, Freminet will be very happy to meet you at last.”
And so would Collei. Yet the uncomfortable fluttering in her stomach didn’t leave. There was so much that could go wrong—maybe Freminet wouldn’t like her, or maybe her siblings or their Father . . .
But she liked him! She really liked Freminet, and she learned to do so in spite of his controversial background. Hell, that was the entire reason she looked forward to this vacation—to spend time with her long-distance boyfriend. So Collei promised herself to do her best and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Suddenly, Charlotte called for everyone’s attention. As they turned to face her, she held up her trusty Kamera.
“Monsieur Verite and I think it’s a good idea to take a group photo,” she declared. “How about it?”
“Our first group photo, I’m down for that,” Dehya replied.
Everybody got into position. Cyno and Chevreuse made the interesting decision to switch weapons, so the Special Patrol Captain was the one with the polearm, and the General Mahamatra held the musket. Meanwhile, Dori occupied the whole foreground by lying on her little purple Jinni. As for Furina, she prepared to toss her hat high into the air.
Collei stood between Cyno and Tighnari, trying to recollect her thoughts. Thankfully, she mustered up a decent smile as Charlotte pointed Monsieur Verite at the group.
“Everyone say Instachat!”
❆❆❆
“So Freminet, are you excited to finally meet your girlfriend?” Lyney teased.
Freminet’s ears burned. Why did he have to go and say that?
“Of course he is,” Lynette said. “Look how giddy and restless he is.”
Deadpan as Lynette was, clearly even she wanted to tease Freminet. Those eyes may have been dead inside, but that dancing tail didn’t lie.
What a joy it was to have siblings.
Then, the warmth—and chill—of a familiar hand landed on Freminet’s shoulder.
“Just remember what I told you,” Arlecchino softly reminded him. “We all know each other already. More than anything, Collei will be very happy to meet you at last.”
“Yes, Father.”
Her X-shaped pupils rose to the darkening skies. “It is convenient that she already knows who we are. Otherwise, I feel there would be enough drama to throw a wrench in the vacation plans.”
Freminet agreed. “I’m still surprised she accepted me when I told her back then. Granted, it took a few days for her to process it, but still . . .”
Lyney rested his arm on Freminet’s other shoulder. “Dear brother, that’s a sign that she’s a keeper,” the magician hummed.
All things considered, Freminet hoped so as well.
His siblings were right, after all—he was excited. Collei was such a kind person, and his connection with her transcended everything. Communicating with her was the time of his life, every time. Until now, he prayed endlessly for the day they could finally meet in person.
“They should be here any minute now,” Arlecchino mentioned.
The family of four stood outside the Hotel Bouffes d’ete, waiting patiently for the vacation group to arrive. To quell his racing heart, Freminet held Pers closer to his chest. It didn’t really help.
But of course, amidst his excitement, there were unavoidable feelings he didn’t like.
“What if she doesn’t like me in person?” Freminet muttered. “What if I screw everything up, or what if she thinks I’m weird . . . ?”
Lynette smacked him in the back with her tail.
“We’re with you every step of the way, okay?” Lyney reassured him. “Deep breaths, Freminet.”
That was when Arlecchino pointed at something in the distance. “Here they are.”
Freminet did his best to regain composure. Sure enough, a group of fifteen people in all shapes and sizes appeared in the distance. The familiar Fontainians and unfamiliar Sumerians, including their suitcases. Lyney and Lynette waved their top hats at the approaching group, who waved in return. As they walked, their commotion grew louder, and Freminet picked up some of the dialogue.
Kaveh . . . paying attention . . . bumped into a child . . . silly . . .
What a way to calm some nerves.
Before Freminet knew it, the vacation group was here at last. It was quite possibly the most diverse cast of characters he’d ever seen in his life. Lyney stepped forward and did that bow he did at the end of his magic shows. Lynette as well.
“Bonjour, mes amis,” Lyney greeted, flipping his hat back onto his head. “Welcome to the Court of Fontaine!”
Everyone began speaking, and there came a mix of familiar and unfamiliar noises. Freminet couldn’t distinguish any of it—all his attention fell on one person in particular.
Between the man with the foxlike ears and the man with the jackal headpiece, there stood a girl. The girl, and he knew it. With rich green hair, fair skin, and violet eyes that met Freminet’s grey-blue ones. That was the moment Teyvat slowed to a stop. The moment frost fell upon the foliage in the rainforest, like drifting leaves descend upon the surface of the ocean.
Collei approached Freminet first, stopping a few feet away. When he looked closer at her face, it felt like looking into a mirror. By her ever-shifting expression and movement of her eyes, she seemed just as petrified as he was. But beyond that, he saw in her a kindred spirit. Someone who, maybe, just maybe, really was meant for him. It was honestly impressive how far his thoughts drifted just by gazing into those eyes.
In any case, no longer were they just a long-distance couple—today, they could be more.
Freminet smiled warmly. “Hi Collei. It’s a measure to pleet you.”
NO!