-

The tension in Fontaine was palpable. Every street, every alleyway, and every conversation carried an undercurrent of unease. The looming threat of Celestia cast a long shadow over the city, yet Fontaine would not kneel so easily.

Yoshika followed Furina through the grand halls of the Court of Fontaine, where Neuvillette and Clorinde had gathered alongside key figures of the nation's military. Maps and documents covered the large wooden table in the center, detailing strategies, supply lines, and the distribution of forces.

Neuvillette stood at the head of the room, his usual stoic demeanor even colder than usual. Clorinde, ever composed, was reviewing some reports, her purple eyes flicking up briefly as Yoshika and Furina entered.

"You've returned." Neuvillette acknowledged Yoshika with a brief nod before shifting his gaze to Furina. "We were just about to discuss the final defense plans."

Furina scoffed, flipping her short white hair over her shoulder. "Final? Please, we haven't even gotten to the best part yet. Fontaine's greatest minds, assembled in one room-surely you didn't think you could proceed without my invaluable input?"

Clorinde sighed, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in her expression. "We expected nothing less."

Yoshika remained silent, scanning the maps before finally speaking. "How much time do we have?"

Neuvillette's expression darkened. "A week, maybe less."

A week before Celestia made its move. Before the war truly began.

Furina groaned, collapsing into a chair dramatically. "A week? That's hardly enough time for me to commission a battle outfit worthy of the occasion!"

Yoshika raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure your current wardrobe will suffice."

Furina gasped. "How dare you? I am Fontaine's former biggest celebrity, Yoshika, not some common soldier! If I am to fight, I must do so in style."

Clorinde pinched the bridge of her nose. "Furina."

Furina huffed but leaned forward, her playful demeanor shifting slightly. "Fine, fine. But in all seriousness, what's the plan?"

Neuvillette gestured to the map. "Fontaine will defend itself through three key positions-the Court, the Opera Epiclese, and the main waterways leading into the city. The enemy is likely to descend from above, meaning we must prepare for both aerial and ground assaults."

Yoshika studied the formations carefully. "And what about Snezhnaya? The Tsaritsa won't sit idly by while Celestia tries to take control of Teyvat."

"Agreed." Neuvillette nodded. "We've received word that Snezhnaya is mobilizing forces, but whether they'll arrive in time remains uncertain."

Yoshika crossed her arms. The Tsaritsa wouldn't abandon her, but even she had limits.

Furina tapped her fingers on the table. "So, let me get this straight. We have one week, a godly invasion, and not nearly enough dramatic speeches? This is disastrous."

Yoshika smirked slightly. "Then you'd better start preparing one."

Furina shot her a glare. "You mock me, but just wait. When I deliver the most awe-inspiring, heart-wrenching, tear-inducing speech Fontaine has ever heard, you'll be speechless!"

Yoshika chuckled. "I'll be waiting."

Neuvillette cleared his throat, signaling that the discussion needed to move forward. The room fell silent as plans were finalized, roles were assigned, and the reality of the situation set in.

Fontaine was preparing for war.

And soon, Yoshika would need to return to Snezhnaya to gather the Tsaritsa's forces.

The battle for Teyvat was about to begin.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝖭𝖮𝖳𝖤: 𝖨 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗅𝖾𝖾𝗉 𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍𝗌 𝗂𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗇𝗈𝗐