Chapter Text
The Regrators fiery steps had mellowed out since he departed from Snezneyha. First he had sworn to burn Nord krai down to make them pay. Now, however, his steps were quiter, solem. His violett eyes had lost the rage and the desire for revenge dissaperd with it. All that remained was sadness.
And it was visible. As soon as the news of The Doctors demise reached him he had set out. Of course he knew that there was nothing he could change, but he'd rather cling to the hope that he had escaped, or had some kind of trick in his sleeve. It was Dottore after all.
Pantalone looked around tiredly. Even though the beauty of the island the frost moon scions inhabitated was undeniable, he couldnt bring himself to savor it. He felt a sharp sting as his gaze fell onto the many moon like stones that laided on the ground. The same kind that Dottore had sent him in his letter as he first arrived in Nord krai.
The letter had been written in such cheerful manner and now ....
"Can i help you?"
A friendly voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Ah yes. I am here on behalf of the Fatui, to take whatever Il Dottore left behind."
He answerd, managing to give his usual closed eyed smile.
The woman infront of him, furrowed her brows, and tildet her head. Pantalone thought about taking a step back to get out of the rang of her antlers, but deceided not to. For the sake of politeness.
"That is odd... We had several memebers of the Fatui here, even Harbingers and none ever requested the things of the doctor back."
Her friendly tone changed into suspicion, not that Pantalone could blame here.
"I am aware, however now that he is defeated, the Fatui would like to-"
"Forgive my interruption, but why would the Fatui want his things? Isnt he expelled from the Fatui?"
Pantalone surpressed the desire to strangle her. Did she have this make it so difficult?!
"Regrator?"
The Regrators eyes snapped open. He knew that voice.
"Ah Damselette."
He didnt bother hiding his disdain.
"Dont worry Lauma, i'll handle it."
The woman nodded and left.
"Faring well i see."
"I do not blame you for your disdain towards me. I know you and The Doctor were...close."
Pantalone clenched his teeth.
"Lets go for a walk shall we?"
The banker sighed but oblieged.
"I never understood what you saw in him."
"See in him."
Pantalone corrected bitter.
"Yes, see in him. But would you mind telling me?"
"If you must know. We share many ideals and a similar world view. He...is one of a kind."
"That is for sure. Surely that can not be everything."
"Why not Damselette?"
Pantalone snapped, folding his hands across his chest.
"My my no need to get so defensiv, Regrator. I just figured, giving how close you two were."
"Was it that obvious?"
The banker sighed and rubbed his temble, making His glasses sit asknew.
"Mhm. It is suspected you favourite him in terms of funds, but i had a lot of time to observe."
"Mhm, i suposse so.."
His eyes wanderd to his feet.
"Very well. He isnt a monster, even when all of Teyvat and even he thinks so. Dottore is a complex man, but not purely evil. He is smart, funny, always listens to my rambels, dealt with my anger outburst, held me through my breakdowns and so did i with him. Under the mask of Il Dottore, he is diffrent."
"I think i know what you mean. As ruthless as Arlecchino is, she would do anything to protect me and the house of the hearth."
Pantalone managed a chuckell.
"Yes, but dont tell her you compared her to Dottore. I feel like this is all my fault."
"How so?"
"He told me once " and if i have to acend to godhood to lay the world upon your feet, so be it."
"An unsual romantic decleration from The Doctor."
The banker laughed.
"Oh Zandik was a romantic all right."
Columbinas lips graced a small smile. Even if she could not imagine what he was saying, seeing The Regrator genuinly laughing was refreshing.
His laughter died down.
"He really did see you as a little sister once, as messed up as his idea of family is."
She frowned. His voice was so quiet and solem while saying this.
"I know... And maybe i could have seen him as family too."
Pantalone nodded. He understood.
"Do you think he is still alive?"
Her sudden switch of topics surprised him.
"I hope so... Plus its Dottore were talking about. "
The moon godess hummed.
"True, but what if he is? He considerd a traitor. Helping him in any kind of way would be treason to the Fatui. "
Pantalone closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Are you really ready to give everything up for him?"
"Yes."
Columbina opend her eyes and took a good look at him. He looked determined.
"That is... unexpected. At least from you."
The Regrator scoffed.
"Ouch. Anyways... Would you do me a favour? "
"What kind?"
"If you see, hear, or notice any kind of trace, only alarm me and dont let the Fatui know."
"I dont know. He tried taking my home away. He killed Sandrone."
"I know. Dont do it for him, do it for me. For an old colleague."
Columbina hesitated.
"Please...."
Hearing the Regrator beg. Looking at him she could tell he was honest and he was in pain. She couldnt refuse.
"Fine..."
"Thank you."
She could see the relief in his expression. The moon godess reached into a space and toke out a mask. Pantalone instantly reconized the mask style.
"It was the only thing i found."
The banker took it as if it was one of his treassures, careful and gently.
"Thank you again...."
"I will return to the moon. Farewell, Pantalone.
"Farewell, Columbina.