The Villa

At first he didn't think much about the woman that stumbled into his morgue asking for work. Her clothes looked out of place, she spoke with an accent and her manners were bad. She brought amusement to his life, a weird sense of hilarity that he didn't mind having around.

(Name), she introduced herself as. A young woman, who woke up without any memories and the outskirts of the city. If he hadn't been who he was, he might have been fooled by her lies, which were quite convincing.

But he was the Undertaker. Lies, truths, he knew them all, and saw them all.

In her case, her body language betrayed her. Her eyes were too sharp, focused on certain people more than others. She didn't seem to be surprised whenever bigger things happened, such as the Jack the Ripper case, or the disappearances of young ladies.

Something was off about her and Undertaker wanted to know what it was.

He gave her the most gory clients to beautify, he sent her on a retrieval job by heraelf. During calmer days, he'd give her menial tasks that any other lady would have hated doing. But not her. She took it all in stride, never questioning and always with that stoic face of hers. She didn't mind the blood that occasionally got on her clothes, nor the dirt and hard work.

Throughout it all, Undertaker started to grow a liking for her. He thought less of his old love and more of (Name).

What did she look like having the time of her life? How did she cry? What was her angry face?

He wanted them all, and so much more.

"Undertaker."

The man turned to (Name). She stood in the doorway, calculating eyes meeting his. The new clothes he'd recently given her fit her well. A black dress with a white lace neckline and cuffs, cinched at the waist, and billowing out. Her feet were just visible below the hemline, now clad in new fitted shoes.

"Undertaker."

He blinked, letting a goofy grin adorn his face. He had to be more careful. His little co-worker didn't like being stared at. Proven by the way she almost punched an elderly male for openly staring at her bust. "Yes, my dear? Is something the matter?"

"The Lord Phantomhive and his butler have come to talk to you." Ah, he enjoyed the way she spoke. Although her old accent still was audible, she now sounded refined and like a proper lady. Her manners had improved under his teaching, too. "Do you want me to send them away?"

Undertaker shook his head and stood up from his crouching position, smoothing down his clothes. "A nice offer, my dear, but I have to decline. We do not want them barking on our front door all day long. Prepare some tea, will you?"

"Of course."

As expected, the Queen's Dog had come to inquire about the latest strings of disappearances. Children have gone missing out of nowhere in the middle of the night, leaving behind their shocked and clueless families.

(Name) served the Earl a cup of tea, then returned to the task of dusting off shelves. The young boy soon had learnt not to question her presence, albeit his first shock at the woman that had appeared out of nowhere. Their first meeting had been a good laugh for Undertaker, truly. It was almost a shame she'd adapted. Her brash and ill-mannered behavior had caused quite the fuss between the two.

Once the young lord and his suspicious butler were gone, Undertaker pulled a ticket out of his hidden pockets and held it to her. "This reminded me, my dear... I wanted to give you this for a while now! I just seemed to have forgotten."

(Name) hesitated, pinching it between two fingers and pulling it away from him. Her eyes flitted between him and the piece of paper, taking in the words on it. "Noah's Circus...?", she read out loud, voice a mere whisper.

Another thing that intrigued him; her academic level. She read flawlessly and wrote just as well, although with more mistakes.

"Yes! I got one from one of our recent customers." He smiled. "There's a show this evening. You can take the rest of the day off and get going, my dear. I heard the circus is quite the curiosity."

A genuine smile broke out on her face, and Undertaker found himself entranced. "Thank you so much, Undertaker! I'll try not to return late."

Unlike a proper lady, she rushed out of the building, clutching the ticket to her chest. As much as he wanted to follow her and watch her, he had to take care of his special project. The one she wasn't privy to yet.

A sigh left his lips and he turned to the coffin in the center of the room. "Soon I'll tell her of you, my boy. Soon...once I know she won't leave."

However she didn't return that night. Nor the next day. And the next.

The longer (Name) stayed away, the less focus he became. His eyes strayed to the front entrance more often, his heart told him to look for her, that something was wrong.

He wanted to trust her.

But his need to have her close drove him crazy. He hadn't realized how much she affected him by just being in the same room. It would calm his heart, the nagging thoughts that told him that she, too, would die one day.

Did she die already? It couldn't be. She was too young. She must be safe. Perhaps she just got lost in the city, or got held up by an acquaintance.

'Noone gets hold up for several days. She's gone.' His subconsciousness whispered.

'She'll come back. He is all that she has.' His heart argued.

In the midst of his inner tumult, he found himself at the perimeter of the circus. Where she was, still.

His heart clenched at the sight, and jealousy nestled itself into the newfound hole in his chest.

There she was, laughing and smiling. She was dressed in extreme clothes, not unlike the circus members, and another person was doing her make up, tenderly holding her chin in their hand.

(Name) had left him.

She had left him for the circus kidnapping children.

She had left him for mere humans.

He hid himself in the shadows around the main tent, watching her and waiting for an opportune moment. Her sudden desertion was unacceptable. He'd get her back, even if he had to take her by force.

Around dinnertime, she was alone in a tent, brushing out her hair.

Undertaker sneaked up to her, his gaze meeting hers in the mirror. (Name) gasped, brush falling out of her hand. She jumped up and tried to back away, but he placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her back down, keeping her below him.

"I was worried for you, my dear", he mumbled into her ear, lips brushing the shell. She shivered, unable to tear her eyes from his that he'd uncovered just for this. "I thought you were hurt, or worse, dead...but here you are, acting as if you didn't leave me."

"Undertaker, I-"

He hushed her with a finger to her lips. Her soft, rosy lips that invited him to kiss her. "Do not make this any worse for you. Either you come willingly, or I'll have to use force. I'm sure you won't appreciate it though."

(Name) steeled herself, uncomfortable by his touch and voice.

Undertaker draped his arms across her chest and rested his chin on her head, taking in her sweet scent now tainted by a strong perfume. "Look at us, my dear. Don't we make a good couple? I've wanted to ask you out for some time, but I gave you all the space you needed...what you did wasn't nice."

"I never asked for your attention."

"And I never wanted to love you, but here we are." His arms tightened and he pressed himself even closer to her. "Now let me ask you again...will you come back out of your own free will or do I have force you?"

But she knew. She saw the way her eyes lingered on his, how she traced his scar and thought back to something she must have learnt in her past.

Her shoulders sagged and (Name) gave up.

Because she knew. As he probably predicted, she knew she wouldn't be able to run away or even fight him. As a grim reaper, he was stronger than her. He'd find her again if he wanted to. She'd just make things worse for herself.

As if appearing in a manga wasn't the worst. Or it being in a completely different time. Adjustment was hard. Accepting that she'd never see family and friends again was harder.

And finally, after many months of working hard, she had found a reason to live, something that made her happy.

Only for the very man she had decided to trust to take her away from it again.

How naive could she be?

She could have gone to anyone else, but she decided that the Undertaker was the best out of all of them.

While she got lost in her thoughts, eyes dazing over, Undertaker picked her up and held her close in his arms. Her warmth was everything he'd imagined.

He wondered if one of these days she'd share her true story with him. But there was no hurry for it.

He officially had her now, and they had all the time in the world.

RAIDEN SHOGUN

Inazuma buzzed with gossip that the creator had descended to their land, the people joyfully celebrating as skeptics questioned your authenticity.

The usual somber nation seemed to have burst with color once you stepped upon the land, the devoted citizens instantly knowing who you are.

After all, their Archon had heavily ingrained it in their minds.

It spooked you at first, to suddenly have this crowd of people throwing praises your way. Shoving gifts into your hand of anything you could ever think of, clothing, food, perfume, what are you supposed to do with an animal skull?!

And quickly enough, the news reached the Raiden Shogun.

The puppet itself held no real emotion towards you, only following what orders it was given to rule over Inazuma.

But Ei...she did everything for you.

When she was informed by the Shogun, it felt like a heavy burden was lifted upon her shoulder. Finally, you were here. You could see all that she has accomplished.

You could stay here for eternity.

One moment you were on the streets of Inazuma, and the next you were in the Shogun's room. You could swear you just blinked it was like you teleported here.

Looking up at the Raiden Shogun you gasped as you were sucked into dimensional space. Your body felt like it was falling, burning as you opened your eyes to see the real Ei.

Her gaze was pure and nurturing, a small smile upon her lips while she grabbed ahold of you.

"I'm so glad you are here, Your Grace." She whispered.

You struggled as her grip tightened around you.

"I don't understand why you would come in a human form though...they are far too fragile, too easy to break." Ei hummed as she changed the scenery around you two. "I've been waiting so long for you, Your Grace. It is almost disappointing not to be graced by your divine being, only a human version of it..."

Now, a beautiful meadow surrounded you. The sun seemed to shine but you could not feel it, telling you that this was all fake.

She sat you down onto a blanket before patting her lap. You hesitantly laid your head upon her lap, her fingers gently raking through your hair.

"But it is no matter, you're here now. And time can't take you anymore." You stiffened at her proclaim, looking up at her with shocked eyes.

"No need to worry. The Shogun will take care of your body, Your Grace. As much as I hate that human body of yours, she'll do a perfect job at upkeeping it." She smiled down at you.

Your human body was not taken along with your consciousness. Instead, the Raiden Shogun had hidden it away, preserving it for Ei. Locking it away from prying eyes and dressed nicely in cultural Inazuma attire, just like a doll.

The people of Inazuma were quick to notice your absence as the days passed, but it was weird. They could still feel as if you were with them. They took this as a blessing you left behind and prayed up above to you every day.

Time moved differently in this subspace, only minutes passed you while it's already been days with the Shogun.

You tried to speak against her but Ei always hushed you, not giving you a chance. She'd deflect, changing the topic as fast as possible.

Dottore's rule is simple.

One step out of line, and you're a goner.

The whole world has to listen to him now, forced to carry out laborous tasks and be punished should they voice their opinions.

But most don't. Not with you watching over the world, at the hands of the new ruler.

Even when you'd come to raze their cities to the ground should they decide to disobey, they praised and bowed to you. You, their Creator, their beloved God.

They didn't see the scars littering your body, nor the hollowness to your eyes. They blind themselves from the obvious control Dottore has over you.

You're their God and in their short-sighted minds, they decided that you willingly must be helping the crazy tyrant.

And a tyrant he is.

Now that the whole of Teyvat is his playground, he doesn't hold back. He works on the craziest, most dangerous machines. He experiments on humans as much as he wants, ignoring their pain.

All while making sure to mostly keep you to himself.

Sure, you are sent out occasionally to make sure his new slaves didn't riot, but other than that you'd stay by his side. Always kneeling on a pillow on the ground. Always ready to follow his orders.

His good little pet god.

His want to have you locked up for only him to see is strong.

You are his biggest success. The one thing he truly cared about.

You had the special and unique Delusion in your chest to prove it, didn't you?

At night, you'd lay by his side, burying your face in the crook of his throat, arms wrapped around his neck. He'd kiss you, over and over again, placing a row of kisses down to the Delusion that flashed in bright purple colours at his touch, his lips meeting the thin skin holding it in your body.

You are responsive, but not speaking much. You preferred to voice your thoughts by sounds he'd quickly memorized, knowing what that click meant or this whine told him.

He doesn't care much about that. He's happy as long as he has you.

There was only one more thing.

The foolish Archons locked up in their special holding cells, deep inside Zapolyarny Palace. Their shouts are annoying at the best of days, infuriating at the worst.

His original plans had been to try and extract their unique essence, but now...he thought of something better.

Why not let you have your fun?

Your memories of the past are lacking at best, but you still remember the pain the Archons had brought to you. A pain you are sure to never forget.

And what would be more satisfying than watching the Archons die by your sweet, capable hands?

The hands of their God, who they'd hunted down so ruthlessly.

Yes, he now knows what he was going to do the next day.

For now, though, he'd enjoy having you in his arms.

The pride of humankind was burning. It's ashes were carried across the oceans, bedecking the other nations and telling them what would happen were they to anger Celestia.

(Name) watched in horror as red cubes streamed into her homeland, lava springing forth from the broken earth. The horrified screams of her people rang in her ears, making her deaf to the words of her dearest knight.

"(Name), please", Dainsleif begged, his strong hands holding onto her and stopping her from running off to find survivors and help them. For that was what she wanted to do, they both knew it. "Go. Survive. Carry Khaenri'ah's legacy with you so that noone ever forgets."

A broken sob escaped her, hands flailing to cover her tear and soot-stained cheeks. "How can I live when my people are dying in front of me, Dainsleif? How can I live and carry around the guilt of not being able to do anything?"

His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, shielding her from the unpleasant view. They didn't have time. The longer they stayed behind, the higher was the chance that the Archons sent by Celestia found and destroyed them, too.

"Princess...please-"

"Get your dirty hands off her!", a deep voice growled. A brown spear forced the two Khaenri'ahns to part, arms slipping away from each other.

Dainsleif's sword appeared in his hand and he gritted his teeth. A pillar shot up from the ground, its pulse waves blasting him away from her. (Name) reached out to him, but a hand tinted in brown and gold grabbed hers and pulled her into a muscular chest.

Heavy pants sounded in her ear. She struggled to get away from the Geo Archon, hitting at his chest with her free hand, only for him to grab it and hold it still. His heartbeat was strong beneath her touch, stronger than a humans.

"Rex Lapis, please. You don't have to do this. Let us go, I beg of you, on behalf of our friendship."

The man shook his head as he buried his face in the soft tunic covering her shoulders. His hot breath made her shiver.

"Yes, friends...that's all we ever were to you, right, Princess (Name)?" He chuckled, as if his words were humorous.

(Name) furrowed her eyebrows, confused by this reaction. During her visits to Liyue and her forced meetings with its Archon, he always showed himself as a man interested in getting to understand her point of view. Asking her questions about her life, the commerce of Khaenri'ah...anything she allowed herself to answer.

It had formed a sort of friendship between them and she had even started looking forward to seeing him again, despite the wary feeling accompanying her each time.

"Isn't that what we are?"

The Geo Archon stood up to his full height so that he towered over her. His amber eyes glowed bright, slitted pupils blown wide. "Perhaps. But I always wanted more. And so did the other Archons. It's why we...decided to go disobey Celestia this one time.

He ran a hand through her hair, wrapping a lock around his clawed finger. "They will never find out what we did...and you will be with us, until the end of times. Our lovely princess."

(Name) didn't remember much after that. Her vision had faded and darkened and she floated in the arms of unconsciousness for a while. By the time she woke up, her body had been cleaned off the destruction of her home and dressed in the most luxurious silks she'd ever worn.

And Rex Lapis stayed true to his words.

The Archons locked her up in a temple-like building they had crafted just for her, a house so elegant and regal...and nothing more than a cage to keep her in. She was a pretty, exotic bird they visited whenever they could.

The first to come to her and explain it all to her was Venti.

His betrayal cut deep into her heart. The first friend she'd made in all of the nations turned out to be none other than the Anemo Archon Barbatos.

"I'm sorry for deceiving you", he said, the same joyful grin on his face as ever. Just that this time he wore his Archon outfit, two pure white wings fluttering nervously on his back. "I give my people freedom, let them govern themselves. That doesn't mean I don't watch them. I'm always with them, ready to help in times of need."

(Name) glared at him, gathering the blankets closer to her body and curling herself up in them. "That means nothing. You betrayed Khaenri'ah, my home!"

He averted his eyes, rubbing the back of his head in a sheepish gesture. "Celestia's orders have to be followed. Not even us Archons can go against them."

"And yet I am here. Alive while my nation is dead."

Barbatos sighed and sat down on the lush bed. His hand reached out to touch her head, but she pulled away, her glare deepening.

"This...you are different, (Name)", he whispered. "We love you. We couldn't stand the thought of losing you."

"Then I hope you're ready to bare my hate until the day I die, Barbatos." She spat out his name, disgust and anger creasing her face. "I will never forgive you. Any of you. You should have let me die with my people."

Barbatos only shook his head and stood up.

"I'm sorry. However we won't allow this. You will come to accept us, for you will spend all your eternity with us."

(Name) didn't know how they'd done it. Although it was hard to tell how much time passed outside, seeing as there were neither windows nor doors for her to look out of, she knew she should have showed signs of aging.

Grey hairs, creases on her skin, discoloration, yellowed teeth...anything that proved that she was a human.

But her hair stayed lush, her skin smooth, and her muscles strong.

The realization that the end she had so desperately hoped for may not ever come shut her up. She refused to talk to anyone, not even the maids.

Would her voice be hoarse, were she to talk again? Or would it have been as if she hadn't spent half an eternity mute?

The Archons were worried. However even they knew better than to push the former princess. They had taken her from her home after destroying it, and locked her up in a gilded cage. No matter how much their hearts soared in their chests, and their faces lightened up at the thought of coming back to a loved one, they knew that this was a big change for a human.

Their godly patience never wore thin.

Yet her defiance did.

The Geo Archon now going by the human name Zhongli didn't expect much from his visit to their precious Khaenri'ahn. He had made a simple soup for her with the help of Cloud Retainer, and bought a book he planned on reading to her.

To say he was surprised at her throwing her arms around him the moment he appeared in the center room of the temple was an understatement.

His wide, amber eyes stared down at the shaking shoulders of his beloved princess, who buried her face into the leather of his coat.

"(Name), my love?", he muttered, his free hand coming up to scratch at her scalp. She shivered and pressed closer to his warmth. "Is something wrong?"

Had they overdone it? Had one of the other Archons broken their agreement to be careful?

(Name) didn't answer and that worried him more. He let go of the food and book he'd been holding, uncaring that it spilled onto the ground. He wrapped one arm around her waist and hoisted her up, her legs automatically wrapping around his to steady herself.

Zhongli wanted to smile, his heart feeling as if it would burst out of his chest. He was so happy that she finally allowed him to touch her.

Yet her emotional state was more important than his own feelings.

He went into a lounging room and sat down with her on his lap. His hands rubbed soothing circles into her back.

"Tell me, beloved", he whispered into her ear, watching as goosebumps trailed down her neck. His eyes glowed for a second before he reigned in his urges to mark her. "Did the Tsaritsa upset you? Why are you crying?"

Red-rimmed eyes stared back at him, more tears flowing down her cheeks. He cupped her face, whipping them with his gloved hands. The princess pushed her face more into his hands, almost desperate.

Her answer was quiet. "No...she didn't."

Zhongli nodded, glad that it wasn't one of them that upset her. "Tell me what's wrong?"

She worried on her lower lip, the skin reddening under her bites.

"Go on, beloved. I won't judge you", he urged, fingers tracing her lips and making her stop hurting herself.

"I...I want to talk to you", (Name) admitted at last, now avoiding eye contact. "I don't...I hate not talking to anyone. I want to have real conversations with you. Dance with the Tsaritsa. Play instruments... Hear more stories from you. Sing with Barbatos. But...I feel so childish and undeserving. I've pushed you away for so long...you should have long since thrown me out."

All this time spent contemplating where she went wrong, she also remembered the times the Archons showed her kindness and hospitality. They never hurt her, never scolded her for her views. It wasn't easy forget, even in the face of the crime they'd committed under Celestia's orders.

Zhongli couldn't help himself. He laughed quietly, his shoulders rocking underneath her gentle touch. The princess on his lap tried to get away, but he pulled her close, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"You need not worry, beloved. We care for you, we still do, even after all this time. To hear that you truly want to spend time with us...I'm sure the others will be as happy as I am to hear that."

He brushed her hair aside, placing a soft kiss against her neck. She shuddered, a delicious gasp coming from her at the pleasurable sensation.

"We will do all that we've promised you, and more."

Zhongli pulled away, glowing amber eyes so full of love and care for the princess in his arms.

"Why don't we start right now, beloved? I got you a new book that just came out today. I'm sure you'll find yourself enjoying it." His voice dropped. "Or I can show you just how much I love you still.

A blush rushed to her cheeks. "The book sounds good", she stuttered out, body beginning to shake again.

The Geo Archon took note of the bit of hesitance and immediately restrained himself. A breakthrough it may be, but overwhelming her would just make her push them away again.

There'd be enough time to show her more once she fully came around.

Until then, reading books and telling stories to her would be more than enough to satisfy him.

As long as he had her in his arms, pliant and all too willing, he'd be happy.

Now that she accepted them for the most part, life in her gilded cage became less bleak and filled with happier days.

Barbatos taught her how to play a lyre and all the songs he knew.

The Tsaritsa hosted balls just for the two of them, where they'd dance across the floor until their feet hurt and they crashed onto the bed.

Baal showed her the Plane of Euthymia and how to meditate to create her own, should she ever feel the need to be alone.

The Hydro Archon brought her more instruments. Guitars, pianos, everything the City of Fontaine had to offer.

The Dendro Archon, valuing knowledge above all, told her the stories of Teyvat and the current trends. From the Outlander that came to their world and the Abyde Order.

Murata taught her how to fight, despite the reluctance of the other Archons. The relief and stability a regular workout gave her made her feel as if she was atop the world.

And last, but not least, Zhongli. The dragon that told her all the stories and history of Liyue. That allowed her to meet his adepti. That took her on a ride across his nation on the back of his dragon form.

The one that was the first to take her to bed.