Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sunday felt like he was losing his mind. He probably was. After he and Robin crafted their plan with the Astral Express, they had some time before enacting it. And he felt like he was barely holding himself together. The Stoneheart caused a massive scene then died, Doctor Ratio had left without a word, Gallagher has proven himself to be a non-issue so that was a waste of his time –not even mentioning his own personal guilt he felt after accusing him–, the IPC was still on his ass, and worst of all, it was getting harder and harder to conceal his true motives.

Nothing was looking good in Sunday’s near future. He wasn’t sure if the Nameless would pose no threat, even if he turned the charm up to eleven. And even then, the amount of sheer dumb luck that Stellaron girl had is a problem in and of itself. All it would take is just her stumbling on the right person at the right time, and somehow she could make everything fall apart.

How…frustrating…

As he tried to clear his mind by strolling through the Golden Hour, he overheard some Bloodhounds talking amongst themselves. And that only made his mood even worse as he caught their whispering of an intruder within the dreamscape. And yet his annoyance turned to curiosity as he listened to the description of this person.

The intruder was a young boy, no older than twelve. He had violet hair, and most strikingly, eyes colored with both cyan and magenta. The same as the Stoneheart’s, of an Avgin. That is what caught Sunday’s attention. By the Stoneheart’s own admission, he believed he was the last Avgin. This didn’t confirm that he was a liar like Sunday expected, but rather, it confirmed a few other things he suspected. 

The first being that the Stoneheart and the doctor were much much closer than they led him to believe. Meaning that the doctor betrayed him for whatever plan the two created. The second being that the Stoneheart survived whatever the Nameless and their allies had done to him. He couldn’t figure out the details but it didn’t matter. The final being despite his pessimism, not all hope was lost when it came to dreamscape. After all, he had just found his new bargaining chip. Sunday couldn’t help but laugh to himself as he thought this, realizing he was taking after the man who tricked him. But there really wasn’t any reason to be hung up on that.

Last he heard, the child was meandering around where the Sweet Dreams Troupe were playing. So he wandered over to Aideen Park to see if that was still true. As he strode into the grounds of the park, he heard an unfamiliar tune being played by the Troupe. As well as an unfamiliar voice singing. As he got closer he could pick out what seemed to be the ending of the song.

“♪And together we will drink, and together we will dream! In a world where fantasies are as real as they seem- If you never want to leave we can always make believe that the moon shines forever tonight~♪”

Charming. And quite apt. As Sunday tried to blend into the crowd surrounding the troupe, he indeed caught sight of the boy the Bloodhounds were looking for. He waited for a bit longer as the song came to its close.

“♪Cause when it sets, when it's gone, that means the dream is ending soon. So all we have to do is make a hundred thousand moons! If you never want to leave we can always make believe that the moon shines forever tonight!♪”

The audience cheered, a few applauded, but just as quickly as Sunday was sure they arrived, the crowd dispersed. The violet haired boy began to take his leave as well, and it was only then Sunday made himself known to him.

“Quite a performance for someone so young.”

The boy looked up towards him before awkwardly laughing. He then looked at him for a moment, seeming to realize something, most likely figuring he was someone important.

“Oh, haha. It wasn’t anything, I was just trying to have some fun. Hope I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“No, not at all. After all, that’s what you’re here for is it not?”

“Yeah, you’ve got a point, I guess.”

Sunday noticed the anxiety building in the boy. Perhaps he wasn’t as good of an actor as he thought, as he was clearly setting this child on edge. To attempt to comfort him, he gave the boy a gentle smile.

“You seem a bit nervous. Is something troubling you?”

The boy hesitated before speaking. Sunday could only guess he was deciding whether or not he was going to tell the truth.

“N-no, nothing’s wrong…”

There was a beat of silence before he spoke again.

“It’s just…I really shouldn’t be here, my parents don’t know where I am and it’s probably giving them a heart attack. I’m…not even sure how long I’ve been gone.”

“Ah. That does make sense. Minors aren’t usually allowed in Golden Hour.”

He pressed a hand to the side of his face, imitating the stance of someone giving something a bit of thought.

“It is not usually my job to help with this sort of thing. But…just because it isn’t my job, doesn’t mean I’m incapable.”

Sunday motioned for the boy to follow him.

“Come with me. I can assist you in returning to your parents. They are most likely in another one of the dreamscapes.”

He hesitated, seeming to study Sunday for a moment. He knew very well the boy was gauging whether or not to trust him. But a different look crossed his face. One of confidence. He probably believed even if Sunday wasn’t to be trusted, he could outwit him. He then agreed and started trailing behind closely. It took everything in Sunday’s power not to laugh. This child really was the son of both his fathers.

And yet still, he is just a child.

But until then, seeing what he would be willing to say now wouldn’t hurt.

“Forgive me, but I never asked for your name.”

“Oh, right! It’s Helia.”

Chapter Text

Helia wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this guy, other than the fact he was bad news. Sunday, if he recalled other people calling him. Weird name, but he wasn’t going to throw stones. What was more important was that there was something, for lack of a better word, “off” about him. Helia couldn’t shake the feeling that Sunday almost felt like he was coming apart at the seams. Sure, he put on a nice enough facade, but it was only that. Sooner or later, he’d show his true colors and that would be the time Helia would make his escape.

He continued to follow Sunday out of the main city within this dreamscape towards a large mansion. They passed several bodyguards, or whatever they were called, all of them giving confused glances. But none of them really questioned Helia’s presence. They continued into the mansion, soon making their way to what had to be the main office. Once they made it there, Sunday gave Helia a kind smile.

“Feel free to look through any of the books here. Although I doubt they would be all that interesting. I just need some time to prepare something.”

Probably an interrogation or a similar set up. The warm smiles and gentle tones couldn’t hide the fact that Sunday clearly didn’t trust Helia. He had some idea as to why from the moment they met he was already pegged as a liar or a troublemaker. His fathers had told him the reputation people with his eyes had in the galaxy. That must have something to do with it. But it didn’t matter. Helia didn’t have much to worry about. He had a plan of escape, he would just need to wait to enact it.

Not much time had passed before Sunday called for Helia’s attention again. When Helia looked up, Sunday was sitting at the table in the middle of the room. He motioned for Helia to sit across from him. Taking the cue, he sat, not really sure what this was for. Sunday then gave him another warm smile.

“Now, before we go any further, is it alright if I ask you a few things? I do need to know more about you before I can help you.”

A bit confused, and more than a little hesitant, Helia looked away. He was probably going to ask about his family. He’d just have to choose his words carefully.

“Sure,” Helia finally answered.

“What do you need to know?”

“Simple things really. Is this your first time here in Penacony?”

Well that was less intrusive than Helia was expecting.

“Oh! Yeah, like you said. Kids aren’t really allowed here so I would’ve never gotten much of a chance.”

“Naturally. Now, on a similar note, is this your first time off your homeworld?”

“…Is it that obvious?”

“Well I don’t mean to be rude, but very few people in the galaxy share your…distinct features.”

More and more Helia was getting suspicious. He began fidgeting in his seat, hands twisting together nervously.

“You’re not…making any judgments because of my eyes, are you? You’re right about this being my first time off world, but my dads told me about the stigma that surrounds people who have eyes like mine.”

Sunday’s eyes widened in an almost offended manner before shaking his head.

“No, no, not at all.”

He let out a sigh, before standing up.

“Well I think that’s all I will get out of you. I believe it’s time for you to go home now, isn’t it?”

Helia stood up as well, seeing Sunday walk back to the door in between two of the bookshelves. He then opened it and gestured inside.

“Through here. I have the most refined map of the cosmos in this room. You can pinpoint where you are relative to your homeworld.”

Now even more cautious, more anxious than anything else, Helia hesitantly walked towards the door. His steps slowed, the closer and closer he got to it, regret filling him even more. He shouldn’t be here. This place was dangerous, whoever this guy was is dangerous. Helia then stopped, thinking.

Considering the circumstances now, why did he follow Sunday in the first place? He got in easily on his own, and could probably just as easily get out. If he was ready to leave, he’d simply just have to wake himself up, and use the space anchor. Looking back on the interaction now, it felt like he did something to get Helia to trust him. Which made a lot more sense now.

Maybe Sunday did do something to him. But that didn’t matter. He wanted to figure out what the deal was with this guy. What was he hiding, because Helia knew it was something. His anxiety disappeared and confidence filled him in its place. He strode casually towards what was very obviously a trap.

But he would be fine.

If anything, acting stupid would get Sunday to lower his guard. Then Helia could actually figure out what was happening. Then just leave without an issue.

He walked inside the room, and as he expected, there was nothing much there. Certainly not the map Sunday was talking about. Just as he was in the center of it, he heard Sunday step out of the doorway, back into the main parlor.

“Enjoy your stay in Penacony, child,” he said in almost smug fashion.

With that, the door slammed shut. Helia just sighed.

“Called it,” he said to himself.

Helia turned around, knowing he’d probably have to wait for Sunday to leave before lockpicking the door. Only to find that there was no door there at all. Helia then crossed his arms.

“Well…that makes things a bit more…complicated.”

Trying to assess the situation, Helia began his investigation. He tried tapping on the walls of the room, no sound of any mechanism was heard inside them. He then ran his fingers across the walls, yet not finding any seams where a hidden door would be. Helia frowned, confused as to how this was possible.

He then remembered this was a dreamscape. It defies the rules of reality. Which means many means of logic he usually applies might not be useful here. Looking back at where the door used to be, Helia recalled what Sunday said.

“Well I think that’s all I will get out of you. I believe it’s time for you to go home now, isn’t it?”

He wanted more answers out of him. That’s why he was being kept here. Accepting that, Helia then just sat in the middle of the floor. Resting his head on his hand he continued to stare at the spot, waiting for Sunday to come back.

“You want me to play by your rules, featherhead? Fine. I’ll play. I can wait.”

Chapter Text

Keeping track of passing time in a dream was impossible, Helia knew that. When he lucid dreamt in the past, he could never read a clock. Yet it was even harder here than it was normally. He could only guess that it had been a few hours. Maybe it was longer, maybe it was shorter. It really didn’t matter. His dads were going to kill him either way when he got back home. All that really would change was how long he was grounded for. But that wasn’t what he had to worry about at the moment. No, what he had to worry about was how much longer he had to wait before Sunday thought to come back.

He soon got bored staring at the spot where the door used to be with a grumpy expression. So he amused himself.

He paced around the room too many times for him to keep track.

He sat in any weird position he could think of until it got uncomfortable.

He braided and unbraided his hair a few times.

He made a nuisance of himself by just randomly screaming to see if he could get Sunday to fall out of his chair in surprise. That was the most fun. He only succeeded twice, but it was quite satisfying.

The second time Helia spooked him was, in truth, the lucky shot. As he then watched as the door to the room manifested and the knob turned. Helia couldn’t help but smile. He already had a plan in mind. It was simple and a bit crude, but would be quite effective. Preparing himself, he stood up, and waited. Soon enough the door swung open, and Sunday strode in, a clearly strained and fake smile on his face.

“Well,” he said through clenched teeth.

“You’ve made it quite clear that you aren’t enjoying your stay.”

Helia stood rigidly, plastering on his own obviously fake smile.

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

The expression on Sunday’s face made it more than clear he either wanted to slap Helia or wring his neck. He took in a deep breath before regaining his composure.

“I apologize for my…brash methods. I simply want to get to know you better, child.”

“Absolutely not. You’re not getting anything from me.”

Helia’s smile became genuine. Sunday’s expression of exasperation turned to that of confusion. Helia then finished his thought.

“Well…other than this.”

Without any other warning, and without any hesitation, Helia brought his leg up into a kick. Right into Sunday’s crotch. Immediately, Sunday doubled over in pain, an agonized sound escaping him. As funny as it was, Helia only took a single second to laugh before running. But the pettiness still got the better of him.

“Good thing you don’t know the schoolyard tricks, featherhead!” Helia shouted while cackling.

It was a very straightforward path to the exit. Just up the stairs, down the hallways and out the door. But the moment he tried to open the door that would lead him to the entrance, his hand grasped at nothing. A massive poster of said door fell on his head.

Seems like Sunday was going to make this as hard as possible.

Helia shoved the poster off himself. There were four other doors to choose from. Surely there had to be one that could also lead him outside. Knowing he had little time to spare he chose one of the doors on the upper floor. Only to immediately regret it. The room he stepped into defied all logic, having things walking on walls and tables on the ceiling. But there was another doorway within. It had to be an exit.

Right?

Figuring out how to actually get there was just simple observation. Even if the line went up the walls and past the strange creatures, it was still an unbroken one to get to the door. Helia learned the tricks of the room rather quickly. Use the strange fountains to walk up walls, run past the creatures, make sure that the pathways are solid before proceeding. Soon enough he reached the door he saw, which led to another hallway. They all looked the same in the Pavilion. He couldn’t tell if this was an exit or if it would lead back to the room with the scale model city in it. But he had to take that chance. If nothing else, he could just try another path if that was the case. Yet when he opened the door he was not back in the entryway, nor was he in the room with the model. He was back in the small cramped space he was being held in.

That didn’t make sense. With the way he was going, the loop shouldn’t have been that big. But now couldn’t be the time Helia tried to figure out where he went wrong. He turned around to leave out the way he came. But already the door was gone. He faced Sunday again, who by this point had recovered from the attack. Despite still looking to be in pain, he smiled at Helia.

“I will admit, you are quite good at thinking on your feet,” he said, folding his arms behind his back.

“But unfortunately for you, you’re still out of your depth, child.”

Helia crossed his arms, looking more annoyed than anything else.

“Fine. I can admit that.”

He tilted his head to one side, trying to gauge what else he could do to escape. His first plan didn’t really work, and he knows that pretending to be injured or actually injuring himself to get Sunday in here wouldn’t work. As much as Helia liked to believe himself quite smart, he had to relent to the fact that Sunday was as well. He wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice.

Which meant in order to get out, he had to genuinely play his game. Helia let out an annoyed sigh, hating the fact that he had to relent.

“Okay fine. You want answers? I can give them.”

Sunday’s smile only widened. Helia couldn’t help but feel unsettled by it, as it didn’t seem natural. He tried to keep a straight face, not wanting to let this man know how nervous he was.

“I’m so glad you’re willing to cooperate, child,” Sunday said, almost sweetly.

Helia knew that sweetness was as fake as everything else in this dreamscape, but said nothing about it. Sunday then motioned for him to follow him back into the office.

“Come. Let’s sit down. The conversation shouldn’t be long, but we shouldn’t need to stand for it.”

Chapter Text

More cautious than he was before, Helia followed Sunday, sitting back down in the chair he previously sat in. As he did before, Sunday sat across from him, hands laying on the table, folded. Not wanting to be the first to spill everything, Helia waited for the questions to start coming. And as if in response, Sunday said nothing as well. The two sat in silence for a few long moments, before the tension in the room got to Helia.

“I thought you were going to ask me stuff. Why are you just sitting there? With a weird, creepy smile...”

“Oh? I thought you were going to give information of your own volition. But, since you won’t be forthcoming, perhaps a question and answer format would be best.”

“That sounds fair enough. Since I’m not really sure what you want to know.”

Sunday smiled, pleased by Helia’s answer. His eyes then started to shine a brilliant unsettling gold. He tilted his head towards the ceiling. As he spoke again, his voice seemed to echo in a strange way, surrounding Helia.

“ Oh, Triple-Faced Soul, ” he began.

“ Please sear his tongue and palms with a hot iron, so that he will not be able to fabricate lies and make false vows. ”

The moments those words finished, Helia felt some settle over his mind, latching onto him. It felt almost as if claws were digging into the very fabric of his being, holding him in place, threatening to tear him apart at the slightest provocation. He could barely move, only feeling like he was given the ability to speak and very mildly fidget. Even breathing felt like it took more effort than before, his lungs feeling like they were set alight with embers with every shallow one he took. He looked up towards Sunday, terror now filling his gaze.

“...What…did you do to me…?!” he managed to choke out.

All his captor did in return was continue to smile, his eyes still glowing with that strange power.

“The same thing I did to your father. I simply asked the Harmony to shed their light on you. I will ask you questions on their behalf, and you will be compelled to tell the truth.”

Helia wasn’t sure what to make of that, knowing little to nothing of the Harmony, nor of what this “light” could do to him. Seeming to sense his desire to avoid telling the truth, Sunday spoke again.

“Oh, and I do not recommend trying to lie or refusing to speak, child. The Harmony may not take kindly to that.”

And there went that plan. Helia didn’t want to admit it, but he was out of options. He really had no other choice than to just answer. He could only hope that the questions didn’t pry too much into his life, that he didn’t have to reveal any secrets. He held his head down in resignation. Taking that as his invitation, Sunday began.

“Let’s start simply. Question: Were you invited to the Reverie? ”

“No.”

“Good. You also understand that time should be valued with straightforward answers. Now, let us continue. Did you use a dreampool to enter Penacony? ”

“Yes.”

“ Are your parents here with you? ”

“No.”

“ Where are they, if not here? ”

“Back on my homeworld.”

“ What is the name of this homeworld? ”

It was only then Helia hesitated. Immediately his head started throbbing. The claws sunken into his being began digging even deeper. His entire body felt like it was burning, being slowly torn to shreds. Whatever Titan’s —or Aeon, as he knew they were called in the greater galaxy— magic this was, it was eating Helia alive. Sunday, noticing the pain he was in, smiled at him.

“Answer the question, child. The Harmony does not appreciate your silence.”

Helia grit his teeth, trying everything to fight through the pain. But it only got worse and worse, those embers he felt before now becoming a raging fire that was eating away at him. He then broke, practically shouting his answer.

“…Teyvat! My homeworld is called Teyvat!”

The pain subsided almost instantly. Sunday gave an almost thoughtful look.

“Teyvat…often considered one of the most dangerous worlds in the galaxy. Fascinating. Now, to move forward. How did you arrive here from Teyvat? ”

“I used a device I stole from my dads.”

“Oh yes, them. You’ve mentioned them before. Now I am curious. Is the man once known as Aventurine alive? ”

Helia could only guess who he was referring to. And perhaps it was the lack of familiarity with the name that prevented the spell from inflicting pain. But knowing just giving a confused look wouldn’t count, he answered.

“…yes…I think…?”

“Hm? You think?”

“I’ve never heard either of my dads use that name.”

“Ah, I see now. I will apologize for that, as I had assumed. But since we’ve come to the topic, my final question. What are your parents’ names? ”

To that, Helia outright refused to answer. The Harmony didn’t seem to like his defiance, as his entire body seized up. He covered his mouth to prevent himself from giving in and speaking as the burning sensation returned once again, with even more force than before. The sensation of burning, which he first believed was simply in his head, became far more real than he ever thought it could be. He felt his body unwinding, tearing itself apart. Muffled cries escaped through his fingers, as tears began welling up in his eyes. The colors of the entire light spectrum danced in front of his eyes as his world spun around him and pain continued to wrack through his entire body. He jerked back, falling from the chair he was sitting in, yet barely noticed that he hit the floor. He felt the magic slowly, but surely tearing him apart, making his entire being decay. He wanted to answer just to make it stop.

But he couldn’t. He couldn’t betray his parents like this. Not knowing what else to do, Helia bit his tongue and he continued to cover his mouth. Just to make sure he still wouldn’t speak. Through his efforts, quiet sobs escaped him. As the Harmony’s light continued to dance around him, he could feel everything else aside from it growing dim. He was dying. Yet unlike all his thoughts where he’d stand strong until the very end, at the moment where death was actually near, Helia felt anything but strong.

He didn’t want to die.

His hands fell from his face as all he could do was cry. Before he finally answered.

“Th-their names are…V…Veritas Ratio…and…”

Helia took in a shallow breath, hoping that first name would satisfy Sunday. But as the pain returned, he let out a scream before giving the second name.

“…Kakavasha…”

With that last answer given, the pain subsided. Helia couldn’t turn to face Sunday, feeling far too weak to do so. But he knew, even without having to look at him that he was smiling, satisfied with the answers he received. He then felt himself being picked up by the man, and being carried back to the room he was held in before. He tried to squirm out of his grasp, in a futile, desperate effort to escape. But to no avail as Sunday simply tightened his grip around him.

“I’d like to thank you for your cooperation, dear Helia. Those answers were more than enough for me.”

“Then…why can’t you let me go home…?”

“You’re still of use to me. I can’t let an opportunity such as this go to waste.”

Unceremoniously, Helia was dropped from Sunday’s arms onto the floor. He could barely pick himself up as he watched the man leave the room, and the door he came from vanished right before his eyes. As he was left alone again, one rather selfish question plagued his mind.

Why hasn’t he been found yet?

Chapter Text

Kakavasha wanted to be mad. He wanted to be mad at Helia for stealing Veritas’s portable space anchor. He wanted to be mad at Veritas for still keeping it semi-active. Hell, he wanted to be mad at himself for not keeping a better eye on the anchor or Helia. But he couldn’t be mad. Because Helia is a curious child. Because Veritas still had work as a part of the Intelligentsia Guild. Because Kakavasha thought he didn’t have to constantly watch Helia as he was old enough to know not to do reckless things like this. He couldn’t even be mad that Helia broke their trust. He didn’t, as they allowed him to travel around Teyvat to visit his friends. In his mind, this was probably no different.

It was the perfect storm of things to go wrong. And all he could be was terrified. Terrified of what sort of inhospitable world he could end up on. Terrified of who Helia could possibly encounter. Terrified of him being hurt because he was Avgin.

That was the fear that ate away at him more than anything.

He didn’t want to think about what could happen to his son. So instead he put all his focus on hovering around Veritas, who was working to reactivate the other space anchor. Kakavasha would stand watching over his shoulder, walk away from a moment, pace a few times, then come back only to do the same thing several more times. It got annoying for Veritas quite quickly. After the third time he repeated that routine, Veritas’s patience finally wore out.

“Gambler, I can’t work with you hovering like an insect,” Veritas snapped.

“Are you calling me a bug? You wound me, Ver,” Kakavasha retorted.

“Not at all,” he replied, his voice gaining a softness it lacked before. 

“But I need you to let me work. If we are to find Helia, I need to turn this on again.”

“Right, right, sorry.”

Kakavasha was about to walk away again, when Veritas stood up. He waited a moment, silently asking for permission to touch Kakavasha. With a small nod granting it, Veritas wrapped his arms over his shoulders. He then spoke, that sweetness still in his voice.

“Please don’t apologize, Vasha. I’m just as worried about Helia as you are.”

He had a point. There was no doubt that Veritas was terrified as well. Yet he still felt guilty. If anything he was wasting Veritas’s time he needed to use to get Helia back. Kakavasha shook his head.

“You shouldn’t use this precious time comforting me then. Please. Let me handle myself. You’re the only one who can get that thing working. We need to find him.”

Veritas seemed like he wanted to argue. But he knew Kakavasha had a point. He had to focus on reactivating the anchor, on getting Helia back. So, he let his arms fall away from his husband and sat back down at his desk to continue his work on the inactive device. And as such Kakavasha continued his pacing, trying to not let the situation get to him. He let his mind roam, thinking about any amount of random things to keep himself busy.

Yet, with his attempts to distract himself, his mind was left alone. And those horrible thoughts that he swore he banished crept in.

You’re waiting around. You’re just waiting while he’s in danger.

Don’t think about that.

You know something will happen.

Don’t be pessimistic.

He can’t be protected by you so far out of your reach.

Don’t think he’s already gone. Don’t.

…But what if…?

No…

What if it was already too late?

…Stop…

He has no divinity that’ll protect him. 

You can’t protect him.

You can’t save him.

You’ll lose him.

You’ll become the last again.

You’ll-

“Finally!” Veritas said loudly.

The exclamation brought Kakavasha out of his spiral. He turned back to Veritas, a look of satisfaction and delight filling his expression. He held the device up, it now glowing with energy. He felt himself relax as he knew it was working again. He knew they were one step closer to getting Helia back. He watched as Veritas placed the space anchor back down on the table.

“All I need to do now is just check the last location so-”

His voice trailed off, catching Kakavasha’s attention. He looked up towards Veritas, both confused but more nervous than anything. He approached once again.

“Ver?”

No answer. He didn’t speak again until he was by his husband’s side. He didn’t care that he was hovering. He had to know.

“Ver, what is it? What was the last location?”

Veritas hesitated. He stared at the space anchor with what only could be described as abject terror. Kakavasha could only guess what he was looking at. And he hoped it wasn’t that. He prayed to all deities he knew that Helia wasn’t there. Yet, he was proven wrong. His hopes were shattered as Veritas finally spoke the name of the location.

“Penacony…” he whispered, horrified.

“Our son is on Penacony…”

Chapter Text

Robin still knew they had a day or so before she and her brother met with their father, the Dreammaster alongside Mister Yang. No doubt Sunday was just as nervous as she was about confronting their father. He is, after all, a very powerful man with an excessive amount of influence.

She had to see if he was doing well, even if the circumstances weighed on him.

It didn’t take long for her to make it to the Moment of Morning Dew. And even less time to get inside the Dewlight Pavilion. Of course, Sunday was in the parlor, busy with something or other. Yet when she stepped in, he still raised his head and smiled at her. The two greeted each other with a hug, as if they weren’t able to do so in a long time.

After all, the first time they reunited was in public. 

Sunday then welcomed her to sit with him and simply talk. Which she was more than happy to do. But the moment she settled herself was when she was caught off guard. She heard an unfamiliar voice, screaming.

“PLEASE! SOMEONE! HELP ME! LET ME OUT OF HERE!”

It nearly made her fall out of her chair. The voice came from inside the wall. The only wall in the parlor that wasn’t guarded by bookshelves. Her gaze shifted over to Sunday, her expression being both inquisitive and horrified.

“Sunday, what is that?” she asked.

“Leaking memoria,” he answered almost too quickly.

“Someone’s memories from when this was an IPC prison leaked into here due to the Dreamscape sinking,” he elaborated further.

As logical as that may have seemed, Robin didn’t buy it. She knew he was lying. For what reason, she wasn’t sure yet, but she knew she had to find out. So she simply nodded, accepting his answer for the time being. The two then spent a few minutes catching up, and with it, Robin almost felt bad for deceiving her brother.

Almost.

A bit later he had to leave for a reason she couldn’t quite remember. But the moment she was alone in the parlor, she took advantage.

Robin pressed a hand on the wall where the screaming was coming from. There was supposed to be a door there, but Sunday made it vanish. She closed her eyes and focused, silently asking the Harmony to help her. And soon enough, the door rematerialized below her hand.

Slowly, she opened the door to find a small, empty room. Aside from one thing. A boy leaning against one of the walls, looking exhausted. Like he just had been screaming. Noticing her, the boy rolled his eyes and began speaking in a very bitter tone.

“Oh what now? Back to taunt me or some-”

The boy stopped. He tilted his head to the side slightly before his eyes widened.

“Wait…you’re not him. You’re his sister, aren’t you? Please don’t tell me you’re insane like him.”

“Insane?” she asked.

“What are you talking- Who are you?”

He looked away, as he didn’t know whether or not to tell her the truth. But in the end he shattered and began spilling everything to her.

“…My…My name is Helia, miss. I was just trying to see what the galaxy was like. I stole my dad’s mini space anchor and used it to travel here. Your brother found me and told me he’d help me get home but he locked me in here instead.”

“…He…what…?”

“I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen. He used some Aeon’s magic to make me tell the truth. He forced me to say my homeworld’s and my parents’ names.”

“I’ve been trapped here for- I don’t even know how long. My parents probably don’t know I’m here, they’ll probably won’t be able to find me in time to save me. I don’t want to keep being here. I don’t want to be used. I-”

Helia’s voice broke. The last thing he said was through choked back sobs.

“…I just want to go home…”

Robin didn’t want to believe it. She didn’t want to believe her brother could be this cruel, to a child no less. But the child had no reason to lie. And there was no reason for him to be here, locked away in a room that no one else aside from him could know about.

Her disbelief turned to anger. But she kept it hidden as she knelt down to Helia, offering him her hand.

“My name is Robin. I’m going to get you out of here and back home, Helia. I promise.”

Helia looked down at her hand, then back at her, his gaze still distrustful.

“H-How do I know you’re not working with him?”

“Because my brother’s actions are disgusting. I don’t know why he’s doing this, but I won’t let it go on any further.”

Seeming to trust her words more now, Helia cautiously took Robin’s hand. But as both of them rose to their feet, his entire body locked up. He was staring at something. Robin turned around to see her brother standing in the doorway looking like he had just been caught.

“Robin, I-” he tried to say.

“Is this some sort of misguided revenge plot?” she interrupted.

“Sorry?”

“I recognize his eyes, Sunday. I’m not blind. Are you doing all of this to get revenge on Aventurine?”

“No, of course not! I’d never do something so petty!”

“Then explain. Explain what reason you have for not only holding Helia hostage, but tormenting him.”

“It’s for information. Aventurine had put people in danger with his plan. Doctor Ratio has betrayed me. I have to know what became of them-”

“And the best way to do so is to torture their son?!”

“I-”

“Stop. Stop trying to defend your actions. You and I both know you’re simply punishing them through Helia. And I won’t allow that.”

Robin then began to guide Helia towards the exit, whispering reassurances to him that he’ll go home soon. As she passed her brother, she left him with one last parting thought.

“I don’t recognize you anymore, Sunday.”

With that, she left, Helia by her side. Sunday stood in the doorway of the room, watching them leave. Of course she didn’t understand. Robin would never understand. She was far too kind, even to those who had hurt her. He’s living proof of that after all. Of course she would feel great empathy for the child.

But Sunday had to see this plan through to the end. And it meant using Helia to make sure that neither Aventurine or Ratio got in his way. 

So he shut his eyes, and called upon the god he worshipped.

“My beloved Aeon, lend me your power to sway minds and hearts so that your song echoes forevermore.”

His Aeon answered. Sunday focused his borrowed power on Robin. He extended a hand as the Order’s grace shone from his fingertips.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured under his breath.

Before he issued his order to her.

Chapter Text

Robin was walking with Helia towards the boundary of the Moment of Morning Dew. Helia said he had a way to leave. All she had to do was get him to the Reverie and he could go. It seemed simple enough, and getting him out of the Pavilion was most likely the hardest part. Noticeably, she felt Helia relax. He felt safe around her. And she in turn, was glad he could not only trust her but she could help him see his home and family again.

Until seconds later, she felt something twinge at the edge of her senses. A power similar to the Harmony but far more suffocating slowly wrapping around her. It constricted her body, holding her limbs like strings around a marionette. Her eyes widened in fear. She turned to Helia, releasing her grasp on him. Yet he was still clinging onto her arm. 

“Helia, you need to run away. Get as far from me and Dewlight Pavilion as possible. Leave Penacony if you can.”

“W-What? Why?! What’s happening to you?!”

“My brother is doing something to me. He won’t stop until he has you. And he’s using me to-”

Robin never got to finish her thought as her entire body went rigid. Her hand closed around his wrist tightly, painfully. He eyes became hazy, almost like a fog had filled them. All it took was for Helia to look a a bit closer to understand what had happened. Behind her eyes, the technicolor glow of an Aeon’s power shone. Without saying another word, she began dragging Helia back to Dewlight Pavilion, her movements being almost robotic. Helia, now understanding what was happening, began fighting against her grip. But to no avail as it only tightened.

“Miss Robin, please!” he pleaded.

“The Harmony does what you say too! You have to fight it!”

And she tried. She did everything in her power to force herself out of the trance she was put under. But even if she was able to break free for a few seconds, that magic, that control sunk its claws into her again almost immediately. Whatever Aeon’s power this was, it certainly wasn’t the Harmony. And she was nearly powerless against it.

“I’m trying…” she managed to choke out.

“S-Sorry…I…can’t…”

But that was all she was able to say before the spell prevented her from speaking again. Slowly, she dragged Helia along, her grip tightening every time he tried to escape, to a point where he began crying out in pain. Robin hated every second of this. She hated how her brother was forcing her to hurt this child. She hated how she was taking him back to where he was being imprisoned. But all the hatred in the world couldn’t stop her from obeying her brother and the magic he used. 

She dragged Helia past the front doors, through the halls, into the heart of the mansion, and back into the parlor, until she saw Sunday. He was standing before her, hand outstretched, tears streaming down his own face. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve thought he regretted this. And perhaps he did. But not enough to stop.

“I’m sorry,” was all he had to say to her.

“No you’re not,” Helia said, clearly angry.

“If you were, you wouldn’t have used her in the first place.”

“Sacrifice is needed for an end goal, child. I’m sure Diamond will be able to teach you that.”

Helia felt his heart skip a beat.

“…W-Who…?”

“Your father’s former employer. Or would ‘master’ be a better term? Well, it doesn’t truly matter. I’ve been able to make a few deals with him.”

As much as Helia wanted to be angry, the only thing that seemed to fill him was fear. Even then he still tried to yell at Sunday.

“I d-don’t want to hear about sacrifice! How could you use your own sister like this?! How could you turn her into a mindless tool for your stupid goal?!”

Sunday didn’t answer. He glanced over to the room Helia was previously held in. Robin, hearing the order in her mind, began slowly, painfully making her way over, Helia still in her grasp. But for just a moment, she hesitated. Her eyes regained clarity and she glared at Sunday.

“You can’t…force me to…do this…”

“Forgive me. But the Harmony wills it, Robin.”

“Liar.”

And that was all she could say before shoving Helia through the door. He tried to run back out, but in an instant, it slammed shut and vanished right before his eyes. Like he did before, he began slamming his fists on the wall, demanding, begging to be let out. But all he heard was Robin’s robotic footsteps leaving. Sunday was sending her away, to make sure she wouldn’t interfere again. 

Helia didn’t know what to do. The one person who knew he was here and wanted to help him was overpowered and made to work against herself. His parents still didn’t know where he was and probably never would.

He’d never go home.

He’d never see them again.

With one last hit against the wall, his will shattered.

“Dad…Papa…” Helia said, voice breaking.

“Help me…”

He fell to the floor, slumping against the wall keeping him in, now unable to hold back his sobs anymore. He curled in on himself, continuing to weep.

“Please…I just want to go home…”

When Sunday did finally leave, all he could hear from Helia was his near silent, desperate pleas for his fathers.

“Papa…Dad…help…”

He paid the child no mind.

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When the spell on her finally lifted, Robin only then realized she was awake in reality. The last thing Sunday did was get her as far away from him and Helia as possible, an entire realm apart. She stepped out of the dream pool, only to collapse where she stood, memoria puddling around her. At a loss of what else to do, Robin couldn’t help but cry, as she repeated the same words she said to Sunday just before she tried to help Helia.

“I…I don’t recognize you anymore…”

Chapter Text

Robin knew that wallowing in her sorrow wouldn’t do anything to help Helia. Even if she couldn’t help directly anymore, she had to do something. She had to tell his parents where he was. The question was of how. She didn’t have Doctor Ratio or Aventurine’s phone numbers.

But she knew who did.

Having what she needed, she opened a chat with the new contact.

And with that he stopped replying. Robin could only hope what little she was able to do was enough. She could only hope that Ratio and Aventurine would be able to save their son.

Chapter Text

The second time Veritas and Kakavasha entered the Dewlight Pavilion was far different from the first time. There were no puzzles, no tricks, nothing to speak of that was out of the ordinary. And that was what brought them both a minimal comfort as they arrived. It means Sunday wasn’t prepared for them. They could take him by surprise, at least somewhat.

At least that’s what they thought they could do.

The moment the two stepped into Sunday’s parlor, they heard something pounding on one of the inner walls. Of which was coupled with cries from a familiar voice. They both froze as they listened. Helia was screaming for help, begging to be let out. It took everything in Kakavasha’s power to not shatter right then and there. While Veritas appeared to be fighting the urge to put a stick of chalk or a thorny vine through Sunday’s eye.

Their eyes then shifted to Sunday himself, sitting down in one of the chairs at the table. He gave them a smile that could be described as smug.

“Welcome back to Dewlight Pavilion, Doctor Ratio. Mister Aventurine. Although, would your true name suit you better, Kakavasha?”

Just before Kakavasha could come up with a retort, Veritas stormed over, standing inches away from him. Sunday made no move to protect himself or react. He simply continued to smile as he stared up at Veritas.

“Release him,” Veritas growled.

“Now.”

“Why should I?” Sunday asked, tilting his head to one side.

“He’s not only an intruder on Penacony, but the son of the man who nearly destroyed the dreamscape. What would the rest of the Family think about me letting another Avgin slip through the cracks?”

Veritas’s desire for violence only grew, anger clearly coloring his expression. Paying him no mind, Sunday’s gaze shifted to Kakavasha. He gave another smile.

“Now, Mister Kakavasha, I know you do not work for the IPC anymore, but you are still a businessman. So I would like to offer you a deal.”

Veritas was practically shaking with rage, looking more than ready to just do away with the man before him. Kakavasha quickly strode over. He put a hand on his shoulder, but that barely seemed to quell whatever was stirring inside him.

“What makes you think we want to bargain for our son’s life, you lunatic?” Veritas said, his voice dripping in venom.

“There’s no reason to be like that, Doctor. It’s just a simple deal. And a rather fair one too, I would say.”

He sat back in his chair, hands folded.

“You see, despite my best efforts, the dreamscape is still collapsing. I have not been able to figure out the reason yet. And that is where you two shall step in. Investigate the cause of the collapse and find a solution. Do both to my satisfaction and I shall return your son.”

Kakavasha looked towards Veritas, trying to read his expression. Only to feel his heart sink. It’s not that he was at a loss of what to do. It was that logic wasn’t guiding him. He was furious beyond words, furious beyond reason, but also desperate. He’d do anything to ensure Helia’s safety. Of course, Kakavasha would do the same, but they needed to be careful. Especially in dealing with Sunday. Especially with Helia’s life at stake.

His eyes scanned what was around him. There had to be something, anything that could give him an upper hand. Anything that could help in getting Helia back. As his eyes slid over the desk, something caught his attention. A small stack of papers. And on the header of each one, a familiar symbol. Quickly, Kakavasha read as much as he could of the papers. Several words stood out to him.

Deal…Trade…Aventurine…Traitor…Child…Avgin…Replacement…

He couldn’t stop his eyes from widening as he grasped what was being agreed to. Abruptly, he put a hand on Vertias’s shoulder again, turning his attention to Sunday.

“Can you give us some time to consider?” Kakavasha asked, forcing an easygoing smile on his face.

Sunday merely shifted his gaze to him, matching with a smile of his own.

“I don’t think there’s much to consider. But of course. Take all the time you need.”

 With that, Kakavasha had to practically drag Veritas away, out of the parlor and into the hallway. Only when he thought they were far away enough did he release his grip on Veritas. Just as Veritas was about to complain or demand answers, Kakavasha spoke.

“What’re you doing? This is the only way he’ll give-”

“Veritas, don’t be foolish. We shouldn’t take his deal. He’s not going to give Helia back.”

Kakavasha’s eyes glanced from side to side, as if to make sure Sunday wasn’t listening before he spoke again.

“He left the IPC contract on the desk. Robin was right. He’s…he’s going to give them Helia in exchange for leaving Penacony…”

Veritas looked like he was slapped. Kakavasha continued.

“He’ll send us on a wild goose chase throughout the dreamscape. So that way he can complete this deal. Then…most likely tell us that he killed Helia to get us to leave.”

“That…logic is sound. The IPC will take anything if it means having some sort of asset. Especially if they consider it a ‘rare commodity’ or something vile like that.”

The two stood in silence for a moment as the information sunk in. It was clear Veritas was trying to figure out what to do. Thousands of thoughts ran through Kakavasha’s head as he tried to come up with some sort of plan as well. He had to think of something. 

He couldn’t let Sunday keep his hold on Helia. 

He couldn’t let the IPC touch him.

He couldn’t fail him.

He couldn’t lose him.

He couldn’t…

Kakavasha finally broke, leaning into Veritas as tears began to roll down his face.

“I…” he stammered out.

“I don’t know what to do, Ver…”

It was then he was wrapped in Veritas’s tight embrace. He could feel something dripping onto him, what he understood to be Veritas’s tears as well. But instead of those of hopelessness that he was shedding, they were of white hot anger. That was when Veritas spoke.

“I should’ve wrung his neck when I had the chance.”

There was a beat of silence before Veritas continued. He released Kakavasha and faced the door to the parlor again.

“In fact, that’s what I intend to do.”

“What?!” Kakavasha asked, feeling like he was just slapped.

“I am not playing his game,” Veritas spat out venomously. 

“When we give our answer for his…proposition, I will insist that he returns Helia.”

“How? We can’t risk him hurting Helia or using that power on him or us.”

“He won’t be able to.”

Veritas stepped forward. Thorny vines began to grow from where his footsteps were. It was then that Kakavasha understood. And couldn’t help but smile. As they had an advantage that Sunday had no idea of.

They had Veritas’s true nature.

Chapter Text

Veritas stormed back inside the parlor, attempting, but failing to keep his composure. Sunday, seeming to be pleased by his reaction, never faltering in his smile, looked at him.

“So? Have you made your decision?” Sunday asked.

“We have,” Veritas said flatly.

“Excellent. I knew you would come aro-”

Sunday didn’t get to finish his thought as roots erupted from the floor beneath him. They wrapped around the chair he was sitting in. Then around him, binding him to his seat. Veritas then approached him, fury palpable in every step he took. Sunday looked back and forth between the roots binding him, and the man approaching. Not with fear, but more abject confusion, and almost a sense of intrigue. Once Veritas stopped in front of Sunday, he leaned down to look him directly in the eye as he spoke.

“Your deal is worthless, Sunday. So let me offer you a new one. You will release our son now. Otherwise…”

Veritas’s hand clenched around Sunday’s midsection. Sunday winced as he began to pull.

“I will tear your wings from your back.”

Veritas watched as Sunday weighed his options. He looked at him with that same smile on his face.

“I could command you right now to release me and walk away. In fact, what’s stopping me from doing so?”

“Look at where you are. In the few seconds of free will I have, I can make it so my threat becomes a reality.”

His smile only grew wider.

“Fine. I’ll concede that point. But another question then. Your son has already told me where you are from. If you harm me, I could easily send my people to Teyvat to exact vengeance. Tell me, are you really going to risk that?”

“I’m willing to take that chance.”

Sunday let out a cynical laugh, even as Veritas’s hand clenched further on his wings.

“That gambler has really rubbed off on you. What a shame.”

“I don’t want to hear what you have to say. Unless it’s a surrender and a release of Helia.”

The silence between the two of them was deafening. Both of them were weighing their options. Deciding what to do. Veritas, getting more furious by the moment, made the roots grow even tighter, digging into Sunday, drawing blood, or rather, memoria. It was only then Sunday finally relented. A glint shone in his eyes for a moment and the door appeared. Kakavasha, not wasting any time, opened the door and practically flew into the room.

“Helia!” he shouted.

Helia, who had been curled against a wall, sobbing, looked up. He looked as if he almost didn’t believe what he was looking at.

“Papa?”

Kakavasha ran over to him, immediately pulling his son into a tight, practically bone crushing hug. Gently he moved Helia’s hair away from his neck, hoping that his worst fears hadn’t come to pass. And to his relief, there was nothing there. He was still free. With no hesitation, he swept Helia into his arms, carrying him out of the room and back into the parlor.

“Veritas, we have to get out of here. Bloodhounds will be swarming the mansion any moment now.”

Veritas stood up, taking his eyes off Sunday. He looked at Kakavasha, then at Helia. Walking over, he placed a hand on Helia’s head, gently stroking his hair as he spoke.

“That much was clear. I’d imagine he already found some way to call them.”

“How far away do we have to go before we can use the space anchor?”

“We just have to wake up first. Then we can use it.”

“W-Wait!” Helia said suddenly.

Both of his parents turned to him, confused.

“He did something to Miss Robin! He put her in a trance that made her do what he wanted! What if he does the same to you guys?!”

“A bit hard for him to do so if he can’t move,” Kakavasha replied with a smile.

He gestured towards Sunday, to which Helia laughed. Both of them couldn’t help but smile. Veritas then looked at his husband and son.

“Go on ahead. I’ll prevent him from giving chase.”

“Right. Please be careful.”

“Of course I’ll be.”

With that, Kakavasha ran out of the room to leave. Veritas turned his attention to Sunday, who was still bound. His expression had changed however. There was fury obviously. Fury that Helia had escaped. But more than anything there was intrigue.

“You’re not human. Not human at all.”

More roots began to break through the floor as Veritas stood there, saying nothing. Sunday continued.

“Are you something from your world? A creature that I am not aware of? Or are you perhaps a dei-”

“It doesn’t matter what I am,” Veritas interrupted. 

“All that matters is what I am capable of.”

More foliage began to grow. Sunday’s eyes darted around the room.

“And that I will make you pay for hurting my son.”

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Kakavasha witnessed as part of the Dewlight Pavilion collapsed in on itself, roots and vines growing out of the wreckage. He felt his heart stop knowing what happened. Veritas lost his temper and let his power go out of control. He was worried. He was worried that Veritas didn’t escape his own temper. But quickly, those worries vanished. As he saw Veritas walking out of the wreckage, merely covered in dust and debris, with only a few scratches.

“Veritas! You’re-”

“Of course I would be unharmed. I wasn’t foolish enough to ensure my own destruction as well.”

“And Sunday?”

“Most likely escaped as well. But I’m sure he gets the point.”

He shook his head before smiling at Kakavasha.

“Now then, shall we leave?”

Kakavasha took Veritas’s hand, Helia still balanced in his other arm.

“I think we should.”