Chapter Text
A troupe inviting a large crowd to watch their premiere performance was a most common tactic that, even for those lacking the blessings of gods, it was common sense a bit misguided. Only true critics and connoisseurs would watch every single show and disregard popularity. A musical from a group unheard of? Who would watch that?
However, news of this show had spread to every nation in only a few hours. Suddenly, people of all ages were talking about it. Not of praise, but envy.
On the flyers and messages, there was a requirement one must have.
To view this piece, one must be capable of using elemental powers.
And surprisingly, the theatre was going to be packed full of them.
Aether and Paimon sat at the front row, having arrived first. Paimon had especially gotten anxious. According to the usher, they weren’t expecting anyone to buy tickets until the actual premiere. “Traveler, Paimon’s having second thoughts about staying here…” She nudged his shoulder.
“What’s wrong? Do you feel under the weather?” Aether turned. “No, but I do feel like we’re the only ones that’ll stick around.” Paimon shook her head. It was no surprise, really. The usher had told them no one was waiting. “Well, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. It’s their first show.” Aether crossed his arms.
This suggestion cheered her up. “Yeah! You’re right, we should give them a chance.”
“And do you really want to tell them you want a refund for those tickets?”
“Oh.”
It was then another one of the staff came by. She was a short girl with dark purple hair. At first they thought it was black only after looking a bit closer did they actually see the color. “Thank you for attending our show!” She smiled. “Our troupe set it up so that people of all regions could buy tickets for our performance. Diadamia told you about it, right?”
“Diadamia?” Paimon scratched her chin.
“The usher with red hair, you mean?” Aether replied.
“Yes! Her!”
With understanding, Paimon continued. “Oh! Her! Right.” She said with a cringe. “She told us no one was buying tickets until the last minute.” The girl frowned and crossed her arms. “Ah, yeah. Don’t feel bad about that. Diadamia has a tendency to lie about everything when money’s involved. People really are buying tickets, so don’t worry.”
“Oh, that’s great!”
“In fact, we’re sold out!”
Aether and Paimon’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?” The girl cheerily spun around on one foot. “Looks like our marketing worked wonders! You can’t imagine just how happy the crew is that we'll finally be under the spotlight of the Opera Epiclese!” She stopped, calming down. She took a breath. “Oh, I almost forgot. I am the stage director, Nepenthe. Have a great time!”
The theatre was then entered by two familiar Fontainians. Lady Furina looked around the lobby confused. “The premiere is in an hour, right? Why is it so empty?” Did she keep pestering the Iudex to watch this with her for nothing? No way! Upon looking at her frantic searching, Neuvillette sighed.
“Lady Furina, there seems to be someone waiting for us at the door.” Furina calmed and saw a red haired girl standing next to the doors. “Good morning! You must be here for our wondrous new musical, I assume? Tickets, please!”
Inside, Furina and Neuvillette were taken to the VIP section. Once at their box, Furina saw two friends sitting down at the front row. “Ah! Neuvillette! Come here! It’s the Traveler and Paimon!” Her companion looked down and smiled.
Half an hour later, almost all the seats were taken. Diadamia had neatly sorted them by region, which was easy. The shape of one’s Vision was a sign of one’s homeland. Aether and Paimon could hear the chatter amongst them, knowing where their voices came from.
From Mondstadt:
Jean and Albedo had been trying their best to make Klee behave. It wasn’t as bad as getting a certain bard to stop ordering alcohol. “Sorry, sir, but alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed.” Diadamia told Venti. “Aww, what? Can’t I have even a little glass?”
“Children are in attendance.”
Kaeya let out a laugh as Diluc sighed in embarrassment. Rosaria had her hands full of the deaconess and the Adventurers. And if it wasn’t for Mona, Fischl wouldn’t have been easily put down. Can’t there, for once, be peace around them?
From Liyue:
Ningguang’s party might just be the least problematic in the seats’ left wing. She and Keqing had been making Liyue look respectful in the VIP section until the girls from the Harbor started talking.
“Say Hu Tao, what do you think this show will be about? The poster said that it’s the story of a king’s journey home, but I want more details!” Chef Xiangling grabbed her friend’s sleeve. Funeral Director Hu Tao went “Well, I think there’s gonna be loads of drama! Like an important secret the king’s trying to hide!” Xiangling’s eyes sparkled. “I hope there’s a lot of cute animals on stage!” Hu Tao turned to her colleague, who has been quiet since seeing the adepti sit down. “So. Zhongli, what do you think this story will be about?”
He wasn’t too sure about answering that question. There’s a lot that could happen. “It was said that it is a story of mercy. We could see that principle being challenged.”
The girls stared. “Huh.”
The adepti were sitting just above them. So far, Ganyu was the only one accustomed to watching plays and shows. It took some time to calm her master and fellow student Shenhe. To her, Xiao looked as if he was silently brooding. She should thank Yaoyao for the company.
From Inazuma:
From the box, Yae Miko laughed a little at the thought that the Kamisato siblings were delegated to the lower seats. It’s not as if she sent a letter saying she was to be a VIP alongside the Archon. And there they were, sitting next to the chaos that was the bickering yokai. Thoma was really trying, wasn’t he?
Watatsumi smiled through the noise as they waited. Gorou felt bad for Shinobu as she attempted to quell the argument between the high strung tengu and the thickheaded oni. Kazuha just felt disappointed at not being able to calm them himself.
From Sumeru:
“Wait, seriously?” Tighnari’s ears twitched.
“You’re joking.” Cyno added.
Kaveh was quite adamant in his ‘newfound discovery’. “No, I’m totally serious!”
“Are you sure you didn’t drag him all the way out to Fontaine just for him to see it?” Collei joined in.
“See, that’s what I was worried about! At first, I told him that I wanted to go alone. Knowing him, he wouldn’t mind. But then he took the flyer and just said he’d go! With a straight face! And he hasn’t explained why!” The suspicious looks they gave him weren’t the usual ones of disdain. Alhaitham took one look at his friends before going back to whatever he was reading.
“So that’s it? You’re not telling us anything?” The only loud part of that corner of the theatre was Kaveh himself. It was astonishing how quick Diadamia was. “He got you the free seats.”
The red head being in their section was a sudden surprise, but it appears her words were more of their concern. “Free… seats?”
“Yes. These two gentlemen’s tickets were bought by one of our members. So it appears that your friend here is acquainted with our troupe.”
Safe to say, there was chaos in Sumeru’s section that half hour. Nahida with the Wanderer in their box was peaceful though. Relatively.
From Fontaine:
Lyney and his siblings took the time to watch the rest of the nations as on would eat a snack pre-premiere. Lynette didn’t bother to commentate on their neighbors from Sumeru, and Freminet just stayed quiet out of pure embarrassment. Navia stayed with Clorinde near Furina and Neuvillette’s box finishing her last macaron. If Sigewinne brought her own snacks, then Wriothesley would have been sad to say they weren’t going to need them.
From her seat in the box, Furina had the time to talk about the musical with Neuvillette. “So, about this show, I’ve been having a few thoughts about it.” The Iudex turned his head to face her. “Yes, Furina? Is it about the contents, or the the audience?”
“Actually, it’s both. I was wondering how a theatre troupe that nobody knew of would suddenly blow up just because of the marketing. I haven’t even heard of a test audience for this show. I mean, no one would watch unless it was sponsored by an important figure. But this troupe doesn’t have that.”
Neuvillette had thought about it since entering the opera house. The lobby was surprisingly empty of anyone except for the usher Diadamia. Even if the show was exclusive, some people would still be inside waiting for the next one. “I do believe that one of them might be an influential figure in Teyvat. Wriothesley once told me that some of them usually stay hidden to avoid unwanted admirers.”
“So someone is backing them up?”
“That’s what I believe.”
From Snezhnaya:
Childe leaned on his seat in the box, across Liyue and Inazuma’s. “I feel a little guilty being here. Teucer got really upset when it said only those who could wield the elements could attend.”
“Oh? Are you sure it’s not because of the last time you were here?” The senior Harbinger sat down as if meeting an equal. Her eyes averted from him and towards the figure going on stage. “Hey, the past is in the past. And it was not my fault at all that the Oratrice said I was guilty!”
“Hush now. Aren’t you aware of this show’s popularity?”
“Obviously I am. New, and from an anonymous group that has never brought anything to anyone. And yet with just their mysterious communication system, managed to draw all these people to watch it.” Childe bent forward. “So why is the Knave of all people unbothered? I don’t take you as the type to ignore a secret sponsor.”
She put a finger on his lips. “A twelve-man troupe. For a show this large, there should have been more. Unless they are, let’s say, gifted, only half could appear on stage.”
He took her hand away. “So? Whoever’s not on stage is not on our list? They could be lying about their numbers.”
“Indeed.” Arlecchino sighed.
It was finally time for the show to begin. On the stage, under a spotlight, there was the director. “My dear audience!” She seemed to take something off her hair, letting it flow and fall. There was clapping. Hu Tao and Xiangling tried stiffling their excitement.
“My name is Nepenthe, your budding stage director! As an artist, I resolved to make a dream of mine come true! To show the world that people can be capable of expanding their sources of joy!” Her eyes seemed to focus on the Sumeru section. “To those drowning their sorrows, to those trapped in a single routine! I give you a path to new happiness!”
“I present… EPIC: The Musical!”
And so the theatre went dark, and music resounded to drown the surprise.
Alright, my brothers, listen closely
Tonight, we make the Trojans pay
The costumes and set were different than what most of them had seen. It was like they were from an ancient civilization. Anticipation arose.
Ten years of war, they've killed us slowly
But now we'll be the ones who slay
The three Archons who were present during that war narrowed their eyes.
Think of your wives and your children
Your families wonder where you've been
They're growing old and yet you're still here
Do what I say, and you'll see them again (yes, sir!)
Looks came upon the one who sang. His helmet made it hard to define his appearance, but that was not needed to convey his feelings.
Kokomi was impressed and so was Kamisato Ayato. To end a war just for family? “Good man…” was all that he said.
Diomedes will lead the charge
Agamemnon will flank the guards
Menelaus will let our mates t hrough the gates to take the whole city at large
The lead seemed so adamant in his tone. As if he was there in the war himself. Ei had noticed this. “Miko, the lead…”
“It’s acting, Ei. You can always fall for it.” The Shogun remained silent.
Teucer will shoot any ambush attack
And little Ajax will stay back
Nestor, secure Helen and protect her
Neo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector (yes, sir!)
Childe leaned closer when he heard that.
“I don’t know what’s happening, but this feels great!” said Barbara.
Find that inner strength now (whoo!)
Use that well of pride (whoo!)
Fight through every pain now (whoo!)
Ask yourself inside
What do you live for? What do you try for?
What do you wish for? What do you fight for?
Thoughts flew around the seats. Especially in the God of Wisdom’s box. “I wish I could tell her that.” The Wanderer scoffed. “From what I can surmise, she’s doing a bit better now.” Nahida replied.
(What do you live for? What do you try for?)
(What do you wish for? What do you fight for?)
Penelope
Penelope
And Telemachus
I fight for us
I fight for us
“I can’t imagine what he’s feeling.” Ayaka told her brother. “Neither can I.” He said. “I hope it won’t happen to either of us, Brother.”
Penelope
(What do you try for?) Telemachus
(What do you wish for?) I'm on my way
(What do you fight for?) Attack!
The stage lightened up, with the lead jumping from a higher platform onto the stage. Suddenly, others had joined the fighting. “This troupe’s bigger than Paimon thought!”
Arlecchino’s eyes narrowed as her suspicions were made clear.
The fighting went on, until lightning struck. Most of the audience flinched at the sound.
Who was that?
A vision
Of what is to come, cannot be outrun
Can only be dealt with right here and now
Tell me how
“Was that a god? Reminds me of the Shogun.” Thoma asked.
I don't think you're ready
A mission to kill someone's son
A foe who won't run
Unlike anyone you have faced before
Those who had their experience with war grew tense. Even for those who had none, the show was already feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. It was as if… something was going to be wrong. And all they could do was wait.
Say no more
I know that I'm ready
(I don't think you're ready)
Only when the cradle was revealed was any sort of denial ripped away. The gasps were as loud as the man’s song.
“No, you’re kidding.” Itto spoke. Seriously.
“It won’t happen, won’t it?” Kaveh’s hands went clammy as he tried bargaining to no one.
It's just an infant
It's just a boy
What sort of imminent threat does he pose, that I cannot avoid?
Zhongli looked away. Those next to him did not notice, and those seated just above him followed.
This is the son of none other than Troy's very own Prince Hector
Know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger
One fueled with rage as you're consumed by age
If you don't end him now, you'll have no one left to save
You can say goodbye to (Penelope)
You can say goodbye to (Penelope)
There was a rout in all sections. Mondstadt denied the killing of a child, yet thoughts of the other still existed. Liyue was quiet with shame. Hu Tao herself, who knew death, felt conflicted. Inazuma was torn in half with their differing opinions.
Cyno, Dehya, and Candace were all unsettled by such a burden. Yes, of course. They would do such a thing. They would, right? But amongst themselves, all eyes were on Alhaitham.
For the nation of justice, such a dilemma was at most grievous. Furina said nothing. She took Neuvillette’s hand. He looked so confused. What would he do? Would he condemn this man for killing an infant? Or for letting his people die? What was worse? “I…” he muttered. “Stop. You don’t have to think about that now. Just what’s in front of you.” Furina’s words were only a small comfort.
The Tsaritsa’s Harbingers were ruthless, but the two of them had no desire to even harm a child.
I could raise him as my own (he will burn your house and throne)
Or send him far away from home (he'll find you wherever you go)
Make sure his past is never known (the gods will make him know)
I'd rather bleed for ya (he's bringing you)
Down on my knees for ya
I'm begging please (oh, this is the will of the gods)
The gods? Everyone heard that. The gods wanted this? They thought the ones the troupe made up were just too cruel. Surely, their gods wouldn’t. The man’s solutions were fair, why wouldn’t the gods fulfill them?
The Wanderer scoffed once again.
Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this
The blood on your hands is something you won't lose
All you can choose is whose
The happiness they thought were promised to them turned into something. Something one only feels when confronted with reality.