-

The crystal's destruction brought temporary peace, but its presence left many questions unanswered. Neuvillette, Yoshika, and Arlecchino returned to Fontaine, where the streets bustled with life, unaware of the dangers lurking beneath their feet. Furina had resumed her new life, blending into the city's rhythm, yet a quiet restlessness gnawed at her.

She sat by the grand canal, idly tossing small pebbles into the water. Her thoughts drifted to Yoshika. The dancer's quiet strength and sharp wit intrigued her more than she cared to admit.

"Lost in thought?" a familiar voice interrupted.

Furina turned to see Clorinde standing nearby, her purple sword resting at her side. The former bodyguard's presence was as steady as ever.

"I'm thinking, not lost," Furina replied dramatically. "Is that a crime now, Clorinde?"

Clorinde smirked. "Not yet. But you seem... different."

Furina sighed, leaning back on her hands. "Different how?"

"Less loud, for one," Clorinde teased. "But also more thoughtful. I take it your guest from Snezhnaya has had an impact?"

Furina shrugged, feigning indifference. "Perhaps. Yoshika is... intriguing. But she's hardly the only mystery right now."

Clorinde raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Before Furina could answer, Neuvillette and Arlecchino approached, their expressions grim.

"Furina," Neuvillette said, his tone formal. "We need to talk."

Furina stood, brushing off her coat. "I take it this isn't a social visit?"

Neuvillette shook his head. "The crystal we destroyed was only part of a larger scheme. There are rumors of similar anomalies in other nations."

"Other nations?" Furina echoed, her eyes narrowing.

Arlecchino crossed her arms. "Snezhnaya's spies have confirmed unusual activity near Mondstadt and Liyue. This isn't an isolated incident."

Clorinde's grip on her sword tightened. "If this spreads, it could destabilize everything."

Furina's usual playful demeanor faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. "Then we need to act. Fontaine may no longer be my domain, but I won't stand by while chaos unfolds."

Neuvillette nodded approvingly. "Good. We'll need your insight, Furina. And your connections."

Furina glanced at Arlecchino. "And what about Yoshika? Will she help, or is she bound by the Tsaritsa's orders?"

Arlecchino's expression softened slightly. "Yoshika does what she believes is right. She'll come."

As if on cue, Yoshika appeared, her spear strapped to her back. Her gaze swept over the group, landing on Furina.

"You'll need more than plans and words to face what's coming," Yoshika said. "Count me in."

Furina's lips curved into a sly smile. "I wouldn't dream of leaving you out."

The group exchanged determined glances, their resolve unspoken but understood. The shadows threatening their world would not be easily defeated, but together, they would uncover the truth.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗂'𝗅𝗅 𝗎𝗉𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗈𝗆𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗈𝗐 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇!