"You two don't look like citizens of Mondstadt, explain yourselves!" Amber repeated once more as she stared at us, Lumine and I looked at each other as Paimon began to talk In our place.

"W-We're not looking for trouble!" Paimon's words were honest, but the bunny girl wasn't satisfied, In fact, she grew even more suspicious than before, scoffing, or at least scoffing In her own little way.

"That's what all troublemakers say." Her gaze shifted onto my body, weirdly enough, she raised a single eyebrow, crossing her arms.

"And you definitely don't look like a citizen of Mondstadt." Lumines and literally everyone's eyes shifted over towards my clothes, rudely; I actually scoffed as I took some very mild offense to her words.

"At least I'm not cosplaying as a damned rabbit, bunny-ears." Lumine decided to be the peaceful one In this situation before anything escalated, walking In front of me and Paimon as she greeted Amber with a small and somewhat friendly wave, leaving her defensive form.

"I'm Lumine." Amber's eyebrows scrunched at that as well.

"That doesn't sound like a local name to me." She then looked at Paimon with a…bewildered, confused expression?

"And…this mascot, what Is It?" My eyes Immediately snapped towards Lumines, and we both shared a look of complete mental understanding- At least that's what I thought, Lumine spoke diligently and politely with me.

"Emergency Food."

Lumine had actually looked surprised when I said It with her, glancing at me with slightly wide eyes, Paimon interrupted her little moment.

"Hey!" Paimon began to float closer to Amber as she looked at us, "That's even worse than being called a mascot! Or a rat!" I snickered as Lumine just smiled slightly, god I loved teasing Paimon- after all, she ate my fruit.

No mercy.

"So to sum It up, you three are traveling partners, right?" Amber's tone was entirely professional, worried even, or just perhaps cautious, almost as If she saw the giant fucking dragon-

"-Look, there's been a large dragon sighted around Mondstadt recently, It's best If you made your way to the city, It's the safest place away from Stormterror." With that bombshell of a name and the advice, Lumine kept taking the lead In the conversation.

"We've actually been traveling to Mondstadt when we saw the dragon- It almost attacked us, but thankfully It went away." Lumine was smart enough to leave out the strange person In the woods who was talking with the dragon, clever girl.

"I'm glad to hear that, but either way, I'll escort you to Mondstadt!" I was happy to take the offer up, but It seemed Paimon can't keep her hungry mouth shut for once.

"Are you sure? Didn't you come here for some other reason?" Hell, I like questions, but really? I'd rather not be In a forest with a dragon near It, thank you very much.

"I am, but I'll be able to escort you while doing my mission at the same time, you don't have to worry." She attempted to assure us, before Informing us of her mistrust.

"Besides, I'm still not sure If I can trust you three, yet." Lumine stared at Amber for a moment, before speaking yet again.

"That's a rude way to speak to guests coming to your city, Is It not?" Her voice was akin to a disappointed mother or big sister with that tone of hers, even I was affected as I looked at Lumine, Amber seemed to realize her mistakes.

"O-Oh, right! Ahh…I'm sorry, that's probably not what a real knight would say, Is It?" She actually sounded sorry, which made Lumine actually feel bad with that look on her face, I was In the same boat, who could've thought her words could be so effective?

"I...I give you my apologies, strange…ugh," She looked over at Lumine, then at Paimon, then at me, dead-last, the fuck? "Yet respectable travelers." My offense was still at large, first, she Insults my clothing style now she calls me strange? Amber Is not nice, not at all.

"That sounded so fake!" Paimon complained, I joined her.

"Yeah! And why did you look at me last? There's a literal floating baby next to me!" I pointed over at Paimon, who decided to take her offense at me yet again.

"Paimon's not a baby!" I turned to her at stuck my tongue out, childishly so Paimon did as well, I scoffed and looked away, Lumine just sighed and continued to talk with Amber- but Amber wasn't finished with Paimon.

"Do you have something against the type of language described to be used In the Knights of Favonius handbook!?" She sounded legitimately offended, all I could do Is laugh as Lumine spoke.

"Apology accepted, now, would you please lead us to Mondstadt? I also apologize on the behalf of my companions." Very professional, Lumine, very smooth, that seemed to calm Amber down a little as she smiled.

"I see you're the sensible one In the group," Lumine laughed as she shook her head, not In disapproval, but neither In agreement, Paimon and I just stared at her, both offended yet again.

"Either way, follow me you three! I'll lead you to Mondstadt In no time, I promise you that!" We all looked at each other as Amber took lead, shrugged, and began to follow her, the three of us were still slightly wary of any dragons that might pop up out of nowhere, but Amber began some small talk with us, curious.

"So, suspicious travelers, what's your business In Mondstadt?" I looked over at Lumine as Amber spoke, her eyes held a look of neutrality, Indifference as Paimon began to talk, I kept my gaze on Lumine for a moment longer before looking over at Amber.

"Well, Lumine got separated from her brother on a really, really long journey, And Paimon's here to help Lumine find them!" Paimon then looked over at me as she talked, I decided I didn't want to bring anymore suspicion onto myself so I decided to play It off.

"So am I, actually," It wasn't a lie as I was planning on helping Lumine find her brother, but by God, I hoped Paimon understood what I was getting at.

"Really? I thought you were trying to find your way home!" She actually sound excited that I decided to help Lumine out, Lumine herself looked over at me, a little bit shocked, her eyes widened.

"Really now?" Amber stopped In her tracks as she turned and looked at me, her eyes narrowed In suspicion, my head reeled back uncomfortably, Lumine stared at me, looking hopeful, Amber continued on.

"I don't see a reason for you to lie about that." She looked as If she was thinking about my words, Lumine looked hurt for a moment as I shook my head and brought up my arms, I- I'm not lying.

"I wasn't lying!" I defended myself quickly, taking a step back as a brought to arms up In calming motion, "-You just…I… I thought you didn't need to know that, Is all…" I looked at Amber as my heart began to beat faster and faster, I then looked over at Lumine- I was worried, extremely worried, why?

Why?

"And I really do plan on helping you find your brother, I promise you that." Lumine actually managed to smile as Amber's frown of suspicion disappeared Into sympathy as she stared at me- at Lumine, she spoke up.

"After I finish my mission I'll help you put up missing posters around the city, That'll surely catch someone's attention!" With that all the attention was driven away from me, leaving me sighing In relief Internally, Paimon decided to keep talking as Lumine kept quiet and contemplative.

"That's great! But…what was your first mission?" Amber turned and made a follow gesture as she spoke yet again, we finally left the forest and reached the open ground as the bridge towards Mondstadt was clearly visible, so was a destroyed cart next to a bush, we Ignored It as Amber talked.

"You'll see In a bit! It's just up that hill over there!" Why's It always a fucking hill? Why not clear, the straight ground where I don't have to climb shit constantly? I want a wind glider, I want to have a moment alone where I'm not being stared at because of my lying problems.

My eyes caught something In the distance, a small red glint, emanating with power similar to that of the statues I've seen earlier, but different; Just by looking at It I felt something odd, but I knew what It was, a waypoint- a waypoint? A WAYPOINT?! Why do I keep forgetting shit that would make my life so much fucking easier?! That Is literally just fast travel!

"Michael?" Lumine whispered out, breaking me out of my trance as I turned to her, she looked worried but was smiling slightly; Awkwardly.

"Oh- yeah? Sorry," I coughed Into my fist as I looked at her again, "Do you need something?" Lumine's face contorted Into a look of content as she laughed slightly, speaking again.

"It's nothing- But, you just looked…disappointed? Mad? I can't quite tell, why Is that?" Paimon started to chat with Amber as I tried to find yet another excuse, Instead, I just shrugged, looking away.

"I just- Eh, I don't know, really," I knew, or I knew so much, too much, and yet I didn't at the same time, stuff keeps slipping my mind as If It wasn't Important as If I can't focus on the truth of what needs to happen- But Lumine seemed somewhat satisfied with my answer, looking as If she wanted to ask me something, but Amber spoke up as we reached the destination- The sound of hilichurls wasn't too far away as well.

"A hilichurl?!" Paimon squeaked out as Lumine and I turned, Amber was already prepped and ready, taking her bow off her back as she Informed us of something, I wasn't that worried.

"These monsters have been getting way too close to Mondstadt- And I'm here to clear them out!" She drew her bow as flames gathered at the tip of the arrow, It began to turn red as the flames got stronger and stronger- yet compacted, kept In a tight little ball of fiery destruction-

ZIP!

It flew through the air and nailed the Hilichurl right In the center of Its unsuspecting mask, piercing right through It as the creature dropped dead onto the ground, It didn't even get a chance to scream, I blinked, my ears were ringing, my eyes were blurry…?

What?

"There's a camp of hilichurls just over this hill, let's go." Amber turned to us and nodded at Lumine, she nodded back, Paimon floated above my head as she snapped her fingers In front of my face, her head tilted.

"Michael! Michael! You there?" I shook my head as I turned, the ringing went away as I raised an eyebrow, quickly grabbing her by the scarf as I dragged her, blinking a lot as I shook my head ever so slightly.

"Yeah? I'm fine, let's hurry before we lose them." I ran as the floating child yelled and cursed at my name. Once we reached over the hill I saw Amber standing on yet another small hill, Lumine was on the ground as they talked.

"So, I get close and personal while you snipe them from afar?" They were taking battle tactics and planning on taking action, I let Paimon go as I walked over towards Lumine, standing next to her.

"That's the Idea, what about your friend over there? Can he fight?" For someone who didn't trust us, Amber was ready to chuck us straight Into battle, how nice of her, but I guess fighting and hunting Are very common here, but I spoke up, quite quickly.

"I'd love to help." The problem Is I haven't killed something before, the problem Is I can't fight for shit, the problem Is all I can do Is copy-

Lumine patted my shoulder kinda roughly as she spoke, "He can roll, dodge, and Is a pretty good distraction." Ah, yes, I remember the first time I met Lumine so vividly, I ran, dodged, rolled, and got tackled- or something like that, I can throw a punch but I can't take one, mainly because I'll crumble next to a fucking giant wooden club.

"But I'm not sure If It's a Good Idea to throw him at those 'Hilichurls', they have weapons, he doesn't." Maybe I would have a weapon If I figure out how you summon yours- I know Paimon Is behind It, but how do I ask? I mean, even Lumine didn't seem to know, she just shrugged It off and continued to go forward, Amber brought a hand to her chin as she got an Idea.

"Well then, let's put your skills to the test," Amber looked at Lumine and nodded, Lumine returned the gesture, "You and Lumine will go forward and attack them head-on, I'll stay here and take out any runners or sneaky Hilichurls." Yeah, let's throw the weaponless fighter at a buncha' fucking cavemen, that'll surely end with no Injuries on him whatsoever!

"Sure thing, bunny-girl." I gave a thumbs-up as I began to walk forward towards the Hilichurl camp, Impending doom came over me, flashes of fire and a burning Hilichurls skull came to mind, Golly!

Lumine was behind me, weapon drawn and Anemo ready, the hilichurls themselves had a single tower with a marksman on top, they also had a small wooden barrier around the camp, Inside were a two normal Hilichurls, outside were four pyro Hilichurls, all turned as we came closer and closer, all of them had clubs with clothes wrapped around them.

Suddenly their clubs lit a flame as Lumine readied her stance, I brought my arms up as a flying, burning arrow zipped past us and nicked the shoulder of the Marksman on top of the tower, the hilichurls began screaming as all of them became riled up, ready to fight.

"Gentlemen!" I spoke out, cheerfully and not, Lumine just stared at me with a raised eyebrow, at least the Hilichurls near us paused, for a second, as they then began to start approaching us slowly, Lumine was waiting for an opening, so I gave her one, "How about we conduct some good old fashion diplomacy?"

In resonance to my words and lack of general protection one of them blindly charged at me, Lumine was quick to swoop In and slashed at the Hilichurls club, her body lowered as the two of them struggled on who was stronger- Another Hilichurl charged Lumine, Ignoring my presence as I quickly and quite effortlessly jabbed It In the center of Its mask, throwing my entire right arm Into the motion.

THUNK!

"Bitch-!" Who would've thought hitting wood- or whatever the fuck they have as a mask would hurt? At least the hilichurl I hit shared the same sentiment as It took a couple of steps back- Lumine herself was gathering anemo In her left arm during the hold she had with her own Hilichurl and shot It at the hilichurls stomach, sending It flying back, she acted extremely quickly as she dashed towards the Hilichurl I socked In the face and slashed It's throat while It was off-balance, It fell down onto the ground like a puppet with Its strings cut.

Another arrow flew past us as It hit one of the other Hilichurls In the shoulder, knocking away Its weapon, Lumine would've charged It and killed It If not for the other Hilichurl smacking her across the head, knocking her back slightly as she gritted her teeth and slashed right back- It went through the Hilichurls handle and chopped It In half, the Hilichurl screamed for a moment before It was Impaled.

"Alrighty," I whispered out as I took one of the dead-hilichurls still burning clubs, turning to the other one who was left disarmed by Amber, In a moment of pure aggression It tried to charge at me- I copied the movements Lumine did as she slashed and smacked It across the face, It seemed to stun It as I followed up with another attack and made It fall backward onto Its back, my ears were filled with the fire of the club, It's crackling as I then lifted the club In the sky and brought It down onto the creatures mask, cracking It and knocking It out.

I turned around quickly again, Lumine and Amber had dealt with the remaining Hilichurls, just now finishing off the last one, my club fell out of my hands as I panted slightly, not used to this much exertion, this much violence, and of course, not used to seeing death, I glanced back at the Hilichurl I smashed In, a purplish-liquid leaked from Its face, some of Its staining the club I was holding, I looked back at Lumine.

She sighed as she fixed her hair, the club didn't affect her as much as I thought, she was practically fine. If not pissed, at least the flowers on her hair were fixed.

"You guys really showed those Hilichurls who's boss!" Paimon fizzed out of nowhere In a glitter and stary mess, her childish voice was filled with awe, I shook my head as I began to walk over, sighing as well, I actually worked up some sweat.

"You've got a really Interesting fighting style, Michael." Lumine teased as Amber nodded along, even Paimon giggled, and I frowned.

"What? It works!" Right, I had no fighting style, I was just copying moves I've seen from all the Media I've absorbed and Lumine's slashy slash thing; Honesty If It wasn't Hilichurls I was fighting I would've gotten my ass kicked.

"Either way," We all glanced at Amber who had a small smile on her face, "You two did do pretty good, Lumine probably could've taken them all on her own," Yeah….she could've, "But Michael was pretty useful as a fighting partner, he did his best to make your Lumine could do everything she needed, overall, pretty good support." Her words felt like lies, even though they sounded honest, I decided to swallow my pride and take them, I was good, I did well; Amber placed her arms on her hips.

"We were lucky this was a smaller Hilichurl camp as well, they can be pretty overwhelming In large numbers." Makes sense why one was easy to deal with, they usually operate In larger numbers which allows them to swarm their enemies until there's nothing left.

"Speaking of that, why were they so close to Mondstadt? That doesn't seem natural at all!" Paimon complained, floating next to me as I glanced at her for a second longer than I thought I would've, she seemed fine.

Everyone looked fine.

"That's the reason I was sent out here In the first place, It's much more normal for them to be farther out In the wilds, so seeing them here Is concerning." She actually did look concerned, looking up at us as she continued.

"On top of that, Stormterrors growing and Increased presence, our orchards have been destroyed as well as the local market Itself-" She sighed, shaking her head as she, "Injuries have been growing as well due to the abundance of unnatural storms hitting the lands, so we Knights of Favonius are tied to doing best we can to protect everyone In the area." She looked back up at us, and Lumine spoke up.

"And so the Hilichurls have been taking advantage of that?" Such Intelligence from those creatures was concerning, but apparently only to me.

"Exactly, but thankfully clearing out this camp has helped make the area just the tiny bit safer than before; And at this point, anything counts." She sounded exhausted, maybe even done with the day, but as an outrider, I felt as If she wouldn't follow those feelings.

"Aye to that, I'm sure what you did today put some relief on the people of Mondstadt." I crossed my arms, and Amber just smiled at my words, looking slightly flustered, It was obvious she took the whole ordeal of being an Outrider very seriously- also I'm pretty sure she's like the only outrider? Something like that.

"Thank you- But I still can't leave you out here alone!" She suddenly snapped back Into her worried and professional side, Lumine raised an eyebrow.

"Even though you've proven yourself capable enough to take out a few Hilichurls, It's still not safe being outside of Mondstadt! Therefore I will be resuming the escort." Amber walked past us as Lumine and I shared another look, she shrugged.

"I think It's best If we follow along, this was our original plan, right?" Paimon popped up between us, nodding along as If she's done something, other than being a pretty good guide-

God, Intrusive thoughts, am I right?

"That's right!" Hah, "-Paimon's sure Mondstadt Is the safest place away from Stormterror!" And the best place for us to be the search for Lumine's brother, but everyone already knew that as we turned and began walking, Lumine and I began In an Instant, almost leaving Paimon behind.

"Wait for Paimon!"

As we walked back down the hill I stared at the waypoint again, I wasn't sure If I could activate it, as I didn't get the power of anemo as Lumine did, so I looked over at Lumine, she was staring at It as well.

What was the lore of the waypoints? Like, I'd assume It's something to do with Celestia or that dead-nations name I won't try and pronounce; It could be some advanced technology or more magic from the gods-

Are visions considered magic? I'd assume so as well.

"You think It'll do something If we touch It?" I whispered, this wasn't manipulation, but unknown and unseen guiding, Lumine shrugged.

"We don't even know what It Is- You think It works the same way that statue of the seven did?" We stopped near It, Amber turned to look at us, catching the looks we were giving the waypoint.

"Something wrong? Or are you Interested In what that contraption Is?" Amber shuffled over to us, stopping her little escort as she completely forgot about It; Lumine and I looked over, I gestured for her to continue, Amber smiled slightly, she moved to the middle of us as she spoke.

"No one Is really sure what these things do other than the fact that they are all built In a pattern, Some speculate they are remnants of some past civilization," Yeah, with the whole ruin guard or whatever.

"-And others think these are somehow related to the archons themselves, possibly even Celestia," All I did was hum, I felt stumped…all I've been doing ever since I've been here Is flex my endless knowledge In my head, yet I have no idea what's true or not…Thankfully before that thought process could progress, Lumine began to reach out for It, everyone watched silently, Amber In amusement, Paimon In worry, and I In expectation.

"Maybe…" Lumine muttered as her fingertips finally touched the cracked yet smooth surface of the waypoint, for a moment nothing happened-

As It then started to rumble, then It began to float as a white light started to emanate from It, Amber took a step back as I stood completely still, slightly shocked as Lumine was, and she retracted her hand and watched It stop Its movement as a blue color began to overpower the dull-red, Lumine jumped a little when It stopped.

"What was that?" Amber suddenly questioned as Paimon began to fly around Lumine.

"Oh! What happened! Did you get any new powers?! Did you?!" Like a hyperactive little child Paimon spoke fast, Amber seemed utterly confused and shellshocked, I was just staring at the waypoint- My stomach felt…uneasy, headlight, I wasn't gonna miss another opportunity like back at the statue, I reached out Immediately.

Feeling Its smooth surface, It was just cold as nothing happened, nothing happened-

Then I felt my arm suddenly feel heavy, condensed, a pulse was shot through the waypoint as I felt…nothing? No, I felt something, that something was-

Nothing? It certainly did something, but I felt nothing.

It was quick, fast, and over.

"Oh! Michael touched It too! Did you get any new powers?!" Paimon zipped over towards me as I backpedaled at her presence In front of my face, Amber was staring at me as well, worried, confused, she shook her head as she looked at me and Lumine, then back and forth.

"Can anyone please explain to me what you two just did?" She sounded wary, concerned, for our safety and possibly the safety of everyone else In Mondstadt, Paimon spoke up.

"Whatever they did Paimon thinks It activated that pillar!" Amber mulled over the thought as she looked at Mondstadt and then back at us, I looked over at Lumine, she looked back, she didn't seem worried, but she was frowning, I was as well.

"I mean- I've heard of some people being able to use these…pillars, but I've only heard, never seen, never read, so how…" Amber suddenly closed her eyes and sighed, deeply, she opened them and shook her head as she made a 'follow-me' gesture; Already deciding on what to do.

"I'll deal with this later, Mondstadt has more Important things at stake," She turned and began to walk towards Mondstadt bridge, she looked back at us.

"Well? What are you two waiting for? Hurry! It's best If we reach Mondstadt before Stormterror decides to show Itself again." Paimon and I shared a look, both sharing the same look of terrible fear, we nodded at one another as a sign of understanding, of mutual feeling and bond.

Lumine watched this with a deadpanned expression, not really affected by the thought of a giant butterfly dragon crushing her under Its claws.

"Idiots…"

Apparently, I was completely wrong about that flying sky-rat Paimon, as soon the little werewolf smelled the scent of fresh food she Immetietly jumped at the concept of a free meal from a very kind expert adventurer.

"Mmhmh~! This chicken-mushroom skewer Is soo good Lumine!" Paimon moaned out In delight as she scarfed down the meal Lumine had made- hell! Even Amber joined In on the food run; Somehow Paimon convinced her.

"It Is really good!" I resisted the urge to groan as yet another person was overtaken by the evil which Is decent cultural skills, at least she wasn't acting like Paimon.

"I don't see the attraction In a jumble of pigeon meat and a mushroom." Lumine just laughed as Paimon began to point at me as she finished her skewer.

"You're just jealous there wasn't enough for you!" My head reeled back as I scoffed, we stood on the bridge In front of Mondstadt, but I wasn't focusing on that.

"I swear to god I'll turn you Into actual emergency food If you don't shut up! You hear me you little rat?!" Lumine stood In front of Paimon as I as we both tried to push each other, she just sighed as she laughed again, she looked over at me as Amber watched quietly, trying to stiffen her laughter.

"How about this? I promise I'll make you something In the future, how does that sound?" I actually backed away, but not because I wanted her to make me food, fruit was good on Its own!

"Ey! I already told you I'm not upset over a goddamn chicken-mushroom skewer! I'm upset over the fact you wasted time playing cook pretend while there's a giant dragon on the loose!" I was! Really I was! Amber finished her own skewer as well as we continued forward, Paimon and I glared at one another the entire time.

"Argue later, we're here." Lumine had announced as she finally reached the gates of Mondstadt, two guards stood In front, my thoughts loosely remained on the memory of little Timmy and his parental Issues- nevertheless, the guards spoke as we walked past.

"Welcome to Mondstadt travelers, enjoy your stay." They both gave a curt-nod towards Amber who returned them quickly as my ears were slowly flooded by the Increased sound of chatter, looking at the center of Mondstadt-

It was far more crowded than In-game, we stood Inside at the first steps Into Mondstadt, people were living their lives, some were pushing carts, some people were haggling at stands, and everyone emanate the same feeling of fatigue, weariness as they stared at us, before quickly going back to their respected businesses.

"Let me officially introduce you to the city of wind! Dandelions, and freedom!" Lumine Paimon and I turned as we examined the giant city, It was also larger In-person, mostly because I was no longer behind a screen playing a game, everything was so-

Alive!

"Travellers under the protection of The Favonius, Welcome To Mondstadt!" Paimon had actually begun to clap at Amber's little welcome speech, she seemed happy as she spoke.

"Thank you, Amber, Mondstadt really Is a beautiful city," Lumine spoke up as I followed up her words, "I'm just happy we won't be camping outdoors anymore," Lumine just chuckled at my words, Paimon followed them up as well.

"Yeah! But…the city folk don't look too pleased with us." Lumine looked around when Paimon mentioned that before I could give some insight as to why Amber beat me to It.

"Don't take It against them! Everyone's been a little off-place by Stormterror's Increased presence." That made sense- I mean of course It fucking did! There's a giant corrupted dragon on the loose and no one wants to be the first one eaten or mauled or crushed or…or just die in general, I can relate.

"-But thankfully, everything should be In order with Jean leading us!" Lumine took Interest In that as well as Paimon, Jean, thankfully Stormterror, and Amber's presence and sight had helped me actually try and remember stuff about The Favonius, they were basically the main-good guys here and great allies of the traveler, which Is basically me as well.

At least, I think I count as a traveler.

"And who's Jean?" I asked, might as well fish out some Information, maybe I'll be told something I didn't remember since this game Is pretty long, It wasn't even finished-!

"-Acting Grandmaster Of The Favonius! Jean, The Defender Of Mondstadt." Wasn't that whole vigilante the defender of Mondstadt or am I mixing and matching stuff In my head? Eh.

"With Jean on our side, surely the vicious Stormterror will be no match for us!" Yeah, I'm not sure about that chief, not sure at all, I know Jean's a five-star so she's definitely strong, but uh- Stormterror's like some sort of guardian or something, right? It's probably way stronger than any person here.

"She sounds pretty Impressive." Lumine crossed her arms, sparing her thoughts to us as Paimon's face contorted Into a small smirk, Amber just nodded along as she agreed.

"Sounds like you admire her, a lot." Amber flinched slightly as she began to look embarrassed, going red as a beat, she looked away as she covered her face.

"Well Of course I do! Headmaster J-Jean Is a great fighter and leader!" Also, a friend I'd say, that's probably a part she didn't mention, or I'd assume everyone here In Mondstadt was pretty close, With Jean and Barbara- Kaeya and Diluc.

Maybe not the last part.

"Either way!" Amber spoke up yet again, shaking her head, "Before that entire scandal with Paimon and Lumine's cooking skills were brought Into the light- I had actually planned on giving you three a gift besides that other thing, Mondstadt's traditional delicacy as well." She looked over at me.

"It was supposed to be a reward for helping me clear out that Hilichurl camp- but seeing as you two and I had already gotten a treat before coming here, I'm sure neither of you would mind If we got Michael something to eat as well?" I blinked a few times before looking over at Lumine and Paimon, they shrugged, but Paimon talked.

"Yeah- that's only fair! After all, we were the ones who got Lumine's treat," Lumine had laughed again as she spoke, I was staring at them like a fish out of water, with narrowed eyes, and a confused expression.

"You could also show us around as well while Michael eats, I'm sure he'd enjoy something other than fruits." I had laughed, chuckled maliciously even, looking at Lumine.

"Firstly- are the three of you still talking about the whole pit-stop snack fiasco? I told you, I'm not angry, just greatly disappointed you all wasted precious time." Perhaps that was an exaggeration as It was pretty noticeable, Paimon was the only one who didn't get It, looking stumped.

"So- you don't want some sticky-honey roast?" Amber had questioned me with a small smile, easily mistaken for a smirk- and boy did I mistake It for a smirk, willfully.

"No- I never said that," I looked between Amber and Lumine, coughing Into my fist, "But, as long as It doesn't take too long, I'm sure It'll be fine, right guys?" I looked between all of them and didn't give them a chance to respond.

"I agree everyone! Let's go." I was the first of my little-makeshift and star-fallen comrades to venture deeper Into Mondstadt, silently laughing along as the two of them plus Amber watched me walk away Into gods knows where, Lumine shook her head as she began to follow me, glancing at Amber.

"Let's hurry after him before he gets lost, I'm not sure If he'll either hurt himself by his actions or words- could be either, really." I heard that you multiple-element wielding witch! And for the sake of my ego, you were the first one to attack me after I had politely greeted you after finding myself falling out of the sky- I still don't understand how I didn't splatter on Impact.

Nevertheless, I found myself turning In circles as I walked up the steps, I could almost faintly hear that catchy lyre playing In my ears combined with a piano, even the strings being pulled- honestly at this point I didn't know what I was saying, all I could do Is Immerse myself In the present and compare the memories I had In my head, my eyes had wandered all the stalls, I could smell fresh-flowers with scents unfamiliar yet still beautiful, as well as the food, the smell was Intoxicating.

Or was that the whiff of wine I felt?

After I had climbed the first stairs my eyes went towards the adventures guild, staring at the board as my eyes had finally reached a person's fellow eyes-

The girl behind the stand was familiar, she was one of the NPC's back In the game, responsible for commissions, daily commissions, one who was a plague each early morning, but a valuable one at that, But still; staring at her eyes as she stared back felt odd, her eyes reminded me of what a typical cashier would look like, dead yet lively with sarcasm and the spirit of a workaholic.

Or had I yet again mixed and matched my knowledge with more guesses, forgotten certain aspects, or am I being Ignorant towards my very mind? Am I Ignoring Something vital? Or am I an amnesiac now, because I still remember stuff and do not like the concept of just…forgetting.

Maybe.

My little moment with what I assumed was the secretary was destroyed as Paimon zipped by, "W-Wait up! Paimon wants to ask you something!" I turned towards Paimon with a quizzed look, expectations of her questions coming to mind, was It food? Was It Idle chatter, or was It something actually Important?

"Yeah, what Is It?"

"Why were you so Insistent on reaching Mondstadt?" She began zipping around me as she spouted question after question,

"-And why, why would you choose to wave off Lumine's delicious cooking and Amber's request?!" She had seemingly forgotten to mention the part where I had agreed to both of those requests.

"Firstly." I placed a hand on her head, stopping her little attempts at getting me dizzy.

"The reason for my Insistence on reaching Mondstadt was due to the dragon on the loose, that thing could've killed all of us If we weren't careful." While the game was basically PG-13, reality was not, I had already seen glimpses of violence, death even.

Paimon seemed to get quiet as I got serious, I continued.

"-As well as the fact we saw an unknown, potentially dangerous Individual was successfully calming and talking with the dragon, I bet the only reason It lashed out on us and him was because of our presence," Venti was dangerous, extremely so being an Archon, but I didn't see him as a threat that much, he was a good person with morals, an old god just living the best life he can after a war, doing It the only way he knows how freely.

"I am terrified beyond belief for so many reasons, that Is just one of them." I didn't expect to give a lecture out of nowhere, perhaps I was more stressed than I originally acknowledged and known, but Paimon placed her hands behind herself as she somehow squirmed In place while floating, she looked at the ground.

"Oh…Paimon's sorry, then." I winced Internally at that- that did not feel good, not at all, guilt had begun to trace Itself on my face as I looked away- then back.

"But to answer your second question, there was no way for me to refuse, and I did accept their requests and plan on seeing them though." I flicked Paimon's forehead, making her jolt and look at me.

"-And you're Invited, I'm not sure I could even eat that much food, either way, I don't have a large appetite…" Paimon smiled broadly at my words, looking happy, "Unlike yourself, that Is." The tension dissipated as she formed an offended look on her face, her little hands balled Into fists as she shook them, speaking.

"You're always so rude to Paimon!" Her words were nothing but light-hearted as I laughed, the situation was diverted, professionally.

Footsteps were heard on the stairs- Not exactly In a sense that I knew who It was, only suspected as there was only one person I knew that walked like that, loudly speaking with confidence yet sprinkled with kindness and chivalry.

Amber and Lumine, you decide who I was describing.

"So, you three had only met not long ago?" Amber questioned as Lumine retold our little story, I couldn't help but speak up, my guts twisted In anxiety and discomfort.

"-That's right, I can remember It so faintly with all those sounds of struggle and screaming," Lumine had laughed awkwardly as I mentioned that topic yet again, our first meeting was not nice, but memorable; Either way I wasn't too comfortable with others knowing we were from another world, that would just complicate things on so many levels.

Amber only looked between us with an amused look, "You three are an Interesting bunch, you already look like you've been traveling together for months." Paimon and Aether were supposed to be traveling together for months, and somehow my presence ruined It.

"Either way, let's head to the cities…uh, high-ground," We all nodded along with Amber's words, Paimon seemed to Ignore how suspiciously she had said It or was I overreacting again? Because Lumine had also caught that, we shared a look. But we started following her, she's been helpful and kind to us ever since we met her- Also, she's one of the good guys and became a good friend to the traveler.

To Aether.

"So, can you go over again how Mondstadt was before Stormterror's presence?" Lumine had asked, making comfortable small-talk, or at least trying to.

"Well, for starters, It used to be more populated and bustling that It Is now…but with the recent Stormterror attacks, the usual crowds are nowhere to be seen anymore." After we reached the top of the city's center stairs, we took a right, a passage I hadn't taken since my first time coming here. I'd assume crawling along the walls like a spider wouldn't be considered culturally allowed, or legally as well for that matter.

Nevertheless, we passed the fountain on the top as well as the little-food stall In Mondstadt, going towards an area that was a little dark due to the sun being slightly blocked off by the houses and buildings.

"Except for a local tavern near the city wall over there. They haven't been affected at all! If anything, their business Is better than ever, which Is a lot." Diluc's tavern or something, which sells dawn-winery's wine, Mondstadt has a pretty bad drinking problem from what I've gathered, but whatever, I don't think anybody has died yet.

"What's the tavern called?" I muttered slightly while we began walking up more stairs, passing a few favonius as we took a right this time, I knew It was something with share In It…bagel's share?

"Well, It's referred to by others as Angel's Share, serving Teyvat's best alcoholic beverage, Dandelion Wine." Amber helpfully Informed me as Paimon perked up.

"Paimon doesn't like the way you ask for that tavern's name…" I scoffed slightly at Paimon's voice. It was a little humorous, but still. glancing at the floating child as Lumine looked over at me as well, Amber spoke up again.

"Mondstadt does have an abundance of…regular drinkers," I am not an alcoholic, I am not that much of a depressed Isekai motherfucker to drink; And while It does Interest me slightly because Dandelion Wine Is the best Wine In Teyvat, I'm just trying to remind myself of the tavern's name because I know Its Important.

But I can't tell them that, can I?

"I was just curious, Is all, and while the concept of Teyvat's best wine does Interest me a little, I am not an alcoholic." How old do I have to be to drink anyway?

"We also have a lot of work to do, and I'm not sure being drunk would help that," Lumine spoke up, a sober mind Is a mindful and efficient one.

"Exactly." After that little thing was sorted out, everything fell to small Idle chatter and questions, questions I had decided to zone out to, There was a gift we were meant to receive or something like that at the top of Mondstadt, I thought we were heading to the Favonius headquarters but It seemed not as we passed.

What a day, am I right?

After a very long and excruciating minute of climbing stairs, while finishing my sticky-roast-honey, combined with so many fucking stairs, we finally reached the last ones as a looming shadow came over us yet again, I Instictivly thought It was Stormterror here for revenge after we ruined Its and Venti's little Fanclub meetup, but It fact, It was actually a statue of the seven; Different from the one Lumine went all touchy-touch touch on and got superpowers of wind, and larger more…majestic.

It was a big fucking statue.

"We're here!" Amber cheerfully added as Lumine looked around, especially at the statue I was talking about, as well as the church way In the back that looked extremely…churchy and holy-

"What did you want to give us!? Spit It out already!" Paimon yelled out, staying on the most important topic as always while looking absolutely psyched as she vibrated In a place like…ugh, how does she float anyway?

Special god bullshit I'd say.

"Relax, and as I've said before, this gift Is useless to you since you can fly." Right, gliders! Wait, Is one of us gonna do some stupid mini-game to test this shit out? Wait, am I gonna have to do some shitty mini-games.

Fuck.

Paimon pouted but calmed down none the less, I'd say she was pissed about all the stairs, but I guess that's just since she can fucking fly and these other two are literally have Olympic championship type bodies; And while I was slightly jealous and maybe a little confused, I'm not bringing that topic up, ever.

"-What I wanted to give you two was…Wind Glyders!" I…don't know where she pulled them out? She reached behind herself and pulled out something that looked like blankets before holding them out properly, revealing themselves to be wings- Two sets of wings.

Not sure where she had to spare wings.

"People of Mondstadt love using them to ride the wind! And It's also one of the main tools used by outriders such as myself." She sounded pride in that fact, continuing.

"I brought you two here so that you could experience It right away!" " You see, I wanted to complain yet again about how we're wasting precious time, really, I did! But wind-gliders were useful tools, extremely useful, with them shortcuts would be plausible, thus, I kept my mouth shut- well, not exactly.

"You seem psyched about these…gliders," Lumine spoke up as well.

"Yeah, what makes them so special?" Her tone held genuine curiosity as she spoke, but still, It was a little bit blunt as always, Amber didn't take offense

"That's because the wind Is the heart and soul of Mondstadt! Without It, Mondstadt wouldn't be…well, Mondstadt." She shook her head as she held up the gliders again.

"So! Who's first?" I gestured towards Lumine as soon as she spoke those words, Lumine raised an eyebrow, I looked over at her as I shrugged.

"What? You're the one with wind powers, I'm sure that'll make your first flight easy." Also because I held a sense of foreboding doom, something that nicked at the corner of my head, again and again ever since we met that dragon; It was majestic and beautiful, breathtaking If not fucking terrifying, I am not comfortable with being In the sky.

Thankfully, If- no, when Stormterror attacks, Lumine will be able to fend It off.

I hope.

"Well If that's the case, you and I will be going back down to the plaza next to the fountain, we'll probably get there before Lumine and Paimon." Right, Paimon's constantly at Lumine's side, I forgot that; But besides the fact, It seems as If I'll have a nice, long chat with Amber.

Why am I scared?

"Just remember to follow these Instructions…" I waved at Paimon and Lumine as I began walking down the steps, smiling slightly as they waved back, Paimon was a lot more energetically than Lumine, but hers were a lot more soft, pleasant.

Sighing as I walked down the steps, I took another moment to Inhale the air, feeling a breeze brush against my hair and face, I shuddered slightly, before coughing awkwardly, nervousness began boiling down In the center of my chest, a feeling I know I shouldn't feel since everything ends up being fine, but of course-

That's with Aether.

Lumine was different, she may be a little passive at times, but she's blunt, more action-oriented than her brother, more social If not a little scary, she has a single goal In mind, find her brother.

That's the same at least.

Nevertheless, I looked up at the sky, narrowing my eyes, so many things to do, yet so little time, progression was a necessity but this- all of this does not feel like progression; More akin to watching.

"I've always been more of a…watcher, than a person of action, haven't I?"

Author's Notes.

(I was planning on making a new chapter sooner, really, I was, but unfortunately, every time I tried to end It It just kept getting a little longer and longer until I found this nice little spot to stop at, might've gone ham with the word-count but take It as a little treat.

Anywho, did you enjoy your chapter? If you got complaints give them.)