"Shit!" Lars leaped aside, managing to sidestep the giant machine's stomp. He then was forced to roll away as the giant automaton then tried to turn him into mush by clapping its hands at his previous position.
Lars quickly jumped in, slicing at the Ruin Guard's arms. He managed to get in a few cuts before retreating. 'It's tougher of course. I have to be patient in this.' He then dodged a punch from it, before he jumped far away as the machine jumped high towards him.
A giant boom came next. Lars was glad he moved away on time. He didn't hesitate as he slashed at the machine's legs, landing a few more cuts before he retreated yet again.
'I have to target it's eye.' Lars stared at its weak spot. Strangely the machine didn't attack him at all for a moment. It suddenly swiveled its upper body around 180° and became stationary, exposing its core on the back.
Lars would recognize that move anywhere. And it didn't mean well. He saw as it shot out six missiles from its back cannons towards him. Lars stood still, staring at the missiles.
Giant thunderous booms came after as the missiles seemingly hit its intended target. Smoke filled the area as silence filled the place. The Ruin Guard stared at the smoke, not moving an inch.
Suddenly, Lars dashed out of the smoke screen, blade in hand as he jumped towards the unsuspecting Ruin Guard. He stabbed into its eye before dragging his sword downwards, cutting open its body.
Lars got off the machine as he slowly walked past it. Behind him, the Ruin Guard fell down with a resounding boom.
'Not bad. But I would've had an easier time if I was able to slice through metal. Fighting multiple of these guys at the same time would be a nightmare.' He shook those thoughts off as he entered the tunnel undisturbed, continuing his quest to find Nikolay.
When he entered the tunnel, he found a cave, but it's entrance has been sealed by collapsing rocks. "He might've tried to escape here, whether he was successful or crushed, I can't tell. Well, looks like this is my cue to head back to Kat."
He made his way back to the camp, reuniting with Katarina who had been waiting patiently near the campfire. "Ah, you're back! Here, have some water." She said, smiling a little. Lars gladly took the cup of warm water and chugged it down.
"So, what have you found?"
"Well...I found these..." He handed her the bloody insignia, Nikolay's logs and his apology letter to Katarina. The Fatui Mage read through it silently, her face expressionless.
"Is he still alive?" She asked him. Lars shook his head.
"I'm not sure, Kat. I found a cave in the southeast part of the Chasm he might've escaped from, but it was blocked off when he got there, so I can't give you a definite answer. I'm sorry."
"No it's fine... You did your best. Спасибо, Lars." Katarina whispered. Lars smiled a little at her words of gratitude.
"You know, you kind of remind me of Lyudochka. She's really enthusiastic, just like you... She kept sticking with me, telling me all sorts of things... I was the only one she often confided certain things to." She sighed loudly as she continued.
"I wish she was around. She's such a fun person you know. I bet you'd like her if you saw her."
"Is she your sister?" Lars asked. Katarina hummed.
"Well, kind of. Just like me and my brother Nikolay, we grew up together back in the House of the Hearth. I'd say that she was even dearer than a real sister. She's a funny one, liked to tease me... and she also looked after me... just like you..." Katarina scoffed, realizing how vulnerable she was with Lars. Lars remained silent, but he was glad that she saw him that way.
"Why am I getting all sentimental with you all of the sudden? Anyways, thanks for helping me. I'll take over the first watch for you, you go get some rest first."
"How are your injuries holding up, Kat?"
"They're healed already, so you don't have to worry about me. Go get some rest." She replied. Lars smirked as he walked towards the tent.
"Just don't stab me while I'm sleeping."
"Haha. Very funny, Lars. You're still lame as ever." She grumbled. Lars grinned as he laid down, falling asleep soon after.
....
Katarina was silently staring at the campfire before she got up, raising her guard as she heard someone approaching the camp.
"You are Katarina Snezhevna, I presume?" She was faced with multiple Fatui agents. The leading agent stepped towards her, handing a letter towards the mage.
"You have been reassigned, effective immediately." She silently read through the letter containing orders from her new commanding officer.
'Katarina Snezhevna. Your post at the Chasm has ended, you are to report to Mondstadt effective immediately. You are then required to report to La Signora herself, as you are now her bodyguard. Your new monthly income and work residence will be discussed later. We have big plans in Mondstadt, and I have high hopes for you. Do not let me down. But for now, congratulations on your promotion. -Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya'
Katarina couldn't believe herself. She had been promoted to be a Fatui Harbinger's bodyguard. But why her? What did La Signora, no, the Tsaritsa herself see in her? To the point where she would personally write a letter to her.
The questions in her mind were only just that, questions. She had no answers, but only orders. Orders she had to comply with without fail.
"Give.... Give me a moment to pack up my things..." She muttered. The leader of the agents nodded.
"We'll be waiting near the main entrance of the chasm. Don't take too long." The leader of the agents then walked away, with the rest following him.
She looked back at Lars, who was sound asleep. She knelt down beside him, before she took off her purple mask revealing her bright purple eyes.
"I'm sorry...This is goodbye for now. Maybe we'll meet again, someday.... Don't get mad at me okay?" Katarina wiped her eyes.
"Geez, what am I getting emotional for? I've only known you for maybe a couple of weeks...." She muttered to herself as she found herself having to wipe her eyes even more.
"Well, I guess... falling for you isn't so bad, it's you after all. You'll have to take responsibility later though, alright?" She giggled before leaning down, kissing him on the cheek gently. She giggled more as she quickly packed up her things, but not before she wrote something down and placing it near him.
"Well, time to start the next chapter of my life...." She looked back at Lars.
"See ya, Lars. Don't miss me too much."
She quietly walked away from camp....
To be continued.....