Chapter 3: Old Friends, New Acquaintances
"Alright...what's the deal with you, Dvalin? Last I checked you were asleep after killing off Durin…"
Truth be told Alec was feeling fairly uneasy with this latest paradigm shift, of a world that was very, very different than how he had left it. For the better, granted - he much preferred a world seemingly at slight unease than engulfed in chaos - but it now fell to him to uncover just what had occurred during his rest and the venerable dragon seemed a good place to start...except Amber's mention of how he was causing trouble for Mondstadt didn't exactly paint the most reassuring of pictures of the dragon's mental state.
"It'd be just my luck that the poor guy is still insane from ingesting that cursed blood."
Even worse was that he couldn't ask Paimon or Lumine for more concrete details about the state of Teyvat without ending up sounding even more suspicious than he already was. Sure, the duo were as open-minded and friendly as they came - at least from what he'd seen - but he wasn't in any real hurry to burden them with his past and all the baggage that came with it, not with the trouble they were already going to be dealing with.
A sigh slipped past his lips, mood taking a far more grim tinge.
"So she and her brother fell afoul of the Sustainer, huh? Go figure that caustic bitch would intervene, they must have wandered too close to Celestia when they were planning to leave…"
And wasn't that a curious occurrence all on its own? Lumine had surprised him greatly with her tale and the sheer misfortune of her timing in coming to their world...not to mention some of her habits and proclivities reminded him of-
"No, idiot. Mind off the past, it's done and over with."
That thought in mind Alec shook his head, keeping his attention firmly on the here and now as he came close to where he'd seen Dvalin touch down. Approaching a dragon was best done with one's wits firmly in hand, head safely below the clouds.
What did surprise the young man once he began paying close attention to his surroundings was none other than the sound of singing, a musical instrument releasing pleasing notes as he slowed his approach, noticing Dvalin's soft and deep breathing as a counterpoint to the vibrant music.
"...Wait, I know that song…"
Coming to a stop a fair distance from the clearing where the enormous dragon had come to a rest Alec made sure his scent wouldn't be carried by the shifting breeze, settling down to watch the scene before him.
The dragon was flat on his belly, significant bulk blocking the young man's view of where the music was coming from but fairly docile, tail languidly swaying in time with the tune as Alec felt himself relax slightly...except his eye quickly noticed a rather alarming sight, mainly that of unnatural growths dotting the dragon's back, festering tumors of unnatural darkness and crystallized corruption that he immediately recognized with a sour twisting of his expression.
The last time growths like those had been employed was during the fall of Khaenri'ah and the chaos that had ensured.
No sooner had he noticed the accursed objects did Dvalin suddenly stiffen, the growths upon his back pulsing and contracting with sudden movement-
-and a roar of pain and confusion left the beast's maw, wings powerfully flapping and kicking up a small gale, taking to the sky at a violent pace before swiftly disappearing over the horizon.
"...Guess Durin's curse isn't fully gone."
Turning his gaze to the newly revealed figure his suspicions as to their identity was confirmed as the image of a youth with fair skin, dark hair and a bard's attire was revealed.
"Well, at least I can ask him questions without reservation...provided I'm not rebuffed by him outright. Things got a little messy in the closing days of the fallout of Khaenri'ah."
Releasing a slow sigh Alec rose to his feet, entering the clearing at an easy pace before stating, "Been a few centuries since I've last heard you play that, Barbatos. Not since Vanessa was around, I don't think. Remembering old times with Dvalin in a bid to fight off Durin's corruption?"
A widened gaze was his only response, Barbatos' mouth hanging open as Alec strolled into the clearing, fingers crossed that this would be an amicable meeting rather than a contentious one, since his last days spent among the Seven had been...busy.
Not that the Anemo god stayed shocked for long, jaw clacking closed and lips pressing themselves into a thin line as he neutrally replied, "You're awake again, I see."
"Don't sound too disappointed."
The tension between the pair was a palpable thing, neither making so much as a move...and Barabtos was the first to break it, explosively sighing as he wryly commented, "I take it you want to know what's happened for the past century?"
"That long, huh?"
"More or less."
The duo stared each other down...and simultaneously relaxed, Alec stating, "I ran into someone interesting not long ago, she actually just received your blessing perhaps an hour past...call it a hunch, but I think her appearance in this world means things are about to change again. No idea if it's for the better or worse. Having someone to update me on the comings and goings of Teyvat without looking at me like I'm an idiot will make things go a lot smoother."
The much smaller youth made a show of cupping his chin, idly stating, "Help me free Dvalin from the aftereffects of Durin's curse and you've got yourself a deal."
Chuckling to himself the taller man joked, "Writing up a contract already? Morax would never let you live it down."
"Which is why this stays just between us, got it? He's always so snide and uppity about how much 'better' Liyue is than Mondstadt, I don't need him getting all insufferable about this as well."
A more carefree grin was shared between the two, their arms clasping in an old greeting.
"Come what may...it's good to see you again, Barbatos."
"I'll probably change my mind after a few days when you start causing all sorts of trouble but I feel the same, Alec."
"So you lost your brother and are searching all over for him? That's so responsible of you, stranger!"
Amber's open praise caused Lumine to smile briefly, replying, "Well I am the older sibling so it's my job to look after the younger, right?"
"Oh, how much younger is your brother, is he able to look after himself, you think?"
"He's younger by...maybe a minute or two, probably?"
"Oh hoh, so you're twins, eh?"
Lumine nodded, continuing with, "And I wouldn't worry about him too much. Aether - despite the grief we give each other - is perfectly self-sufficient and it's mostly just the fact that our separation was so sudden and unexpected that has me on edge."
The brown-haired woman nodded in understanding, leading the way back to Mondstadt at a brisk pace.
"It's actually far more than just mere separation anxiety that has me on edge...who knows where or when that god placed my brother?"
"I must say, your combat skills are most exemplary, stranger. Where did you learn to fight, if you don't mind me asking?"
Shaking herself free of the perpetually morbid and worrying thoughts Lumine responded, "From my mother and father, along with various tutors my brother and I encountered during our travels. It ended up being quite the wild mix of knowledge and styles we accumulated."
"I'll say, I don't think I've ever seen anyone shift between so many avenues of attack as you."
"Yeah, Paimon doesn't even know much about fighting but she can tell just a glance that you're really good, Lumine!"
Caught up in the friendly and exuberant atmosphere of the duo the traveler felt some of her lingering worry yet again fade away, enjoying the conversation for what it was as they drew closer to the towering walls of Mondstadt.
They'd finished disposing of the hilichurl camp in short order and were on their way back so that Amber could help introduce her to the Adventurer's Guild, maybe even begin setting up some missing posters of Aether in the hopes of gaining any kind of hint or direction that much quicker.
"Hmm...or maybe I should wait for Alec to show up? Then we could compare drawing skills and I would definitely be able to show him up! I was always the more artistically inclined between Aether and myself...even if he would say that my singing was awful. Hmph, he just has no taste!"
Smiling with glee at the prospect the traveler found her attention diverted to the spinning windmills that quickly began to tower high overhead, head tilting with curiosity as she asked, "Are the windmills merely for aesthetic purposes or do they serve practical functions?"
"Practical. You see how Mondstadt is actually built on ground higher than most nearby sources of water?"
"Huh, you're right. So I assume with all of the abundant wind those windmills power wheels or pumps that draw the water upwards into the city?"
"You're exactly right! I must say, traveler, you catch on fast."
"Yeah, Paimon took a while to learn all of this when she first explored around Mondstadt."
Shrugging modestly Lumine explained, "I'm pretty well traveled, being quick on the uptake comes naturally."
Amber tilted her head, curiously asking, "If you don't mind me asking how old are you, exactly? You seem fairly young for someone who's done as much traveling as you say you have."
The blonde decided to not tell the cheerful girl the truth, or that she would probably stay roughly this 'age' for quite some time to come. She'd already edited out the part where she was from another world, this was a sensible enough follow up.
"Older than I look, to put it lightly. But enough about me, what about those wings you make use of? Does that have anything to do with being an 'outrider' of Mondstadt?"
Manifesting the artistically designed tool more than slightly reminiscent of a bird's wings the girl proudly stated, "Indeed it does! Among all of the knights I'm without a doubt the best at making use of our gliders. While they're quite popular with people all over Teyvat I'm easily the one who's most skilled at employing them in conjunction with combat scenarios. I can offer you some lessons once we've concluded your business with the Adventurer's Guild if you're interested, it's always fun to introduce someone to the glory that is the glider!"
Finding her interest incredibly piqued by the offer Lumine eyed the stylized wings with great interest, replying, "If it doesn't interrupt your duties then I'd be more than happy to take you up on that offer, it looks fun!"
She gave Paimon a wry look.
"Not all of us have the inherent ability to fly, after all."
"Or at least not anymore."
"Eh heh heh, Paimon does enjoy not having to worry about touching the ground~!"
Nodding in affirmation Amber stated, "No need to worry, I accomplished my mission ahead of schedule and aiding those new to Mondstadt is one of the core duties of its knights. Speaking of, welcome to Mondstadt city, traveler! Here, a complementary glider just for the occasion!"
Grandly gesturing to the walls that they had finally reached Lumine gazed around with eager eyes, drinking in the sight and sounds of the city with a keen eye for detail, her guide waving to the guards on duty who ushered them through without so much as a single delay, absentmindedly tucking away the compacted device Amber provided onto her belt.
The city was incredible, definitely one of the more artistic and intriguing she had seen in recent years with stalls, tents, vendors and shops of every stripe populating the wide, cobbled and clean roads while trees and small patches of green adorned yards, gardens and sidewalks while people of what she guessed was every social strata mingled and crossed paths without discernible friction, the distant playing of a variety of musical instruments carrying on the winds that gently filtered through the city streets.
"Wow. You weren't kidding about Mondstadt being the home of artists, bards and every kind of craftmaker, Paimon."
"Paimon definitely knew what she was talking about, right? Ooh, thinking of all those different and unique dishes has Paimon's tummy rumbling~!"
Shaking her head in amusement at the sprite's one way mind Amber lead her to an innocuous but strategically placed stall, constructed of tempered and strong wood while a polite and calm-looking woman staffed it.
"Heya, Katheryne! Got a prospective candidate for you, she's just arrived in Mondstadt!"
The newly named Katheryne's gaze shifted towards the tiny blonde, the traveler getting the distinct impression that the woman was...not entirely all there?
"Ad astra abyysosque, stranger! You wish to become a member of the Teyvat Adventurer's Guild?"
Deciding to overlook the odd combination of life-like words and cadence but plastic features Lumine nodded, replying, "I'm looking for someone - my brother - and wanted to make use of the guild's resources to aid in that purpose. I have no objections to helping out in the meantime as a form of payment, I'm used to tackling a variety of tasks."
The receptionist beamed, replying, "Then you have come to the correct place, stranger. The Adventurer's Guild listens, compiles and records rumors and tales from all across Teyvat. If you desire to seek something out then we are the ones to turn to. And if you wish to perform work for us in the meantime then that is all the better~! May I have your name for the record, to begin your application?"
At Amber's nod the blonde stated, "Lumine...just Lumine is fine, actually."
A bevy of questions followed, some she was able to answer mostly honestly - she just said sixteen for simplicity's sake when asked for her age, even though she was physically a bit younger looking while her chronological age was a fair bit older - and some she couldn't. Thankfully the Guild seemed fairly accepting of privacy on most matters and within a few minutes she was all set, Amber returning not long after when she had disappeared for a little bit during the process.
"Excellent, your application has been received and if you return by evening tomorrow we will have processed your application and can begin your orientation as well as accept your request to search for this desired person posthaste."
Smiling at that Lumine opened her mouth to respond-
"Should the cries and laments of the wronged be allowed to fester and congeal? Nay, I say that they should be responded to and illumination brought forth to the darkness!"
-and blinked as a regal and ostentatious voice reached her ears, the blonde turning on her heel and coming face-to-face with an...eccentrically dressed girl a little bit older than her. Physically, at least.
See-through lace and mesh while dark fabric of purple and black covered her limbs and more private areas, pale-blonde hair done up into twintails while an ornate eyepatch concealed her left eye. And strangest of all was the ethereal looking raven perched on her shoulder, eyes carrying a strong hint of intelligence to them.
"Oh, welcome back, Miss Fischl. How was your task?"
"Completed most adroitly and the Prinzessin de Verurteilung stands triumphant yet again. Pray tell, what is this lost lamb's most vexing of troubles, shall I lend my most royal and brilliant presence to expediting its resolution?"
"...Paimon has no idea what this girl is saying."
Amber sheepishly chuckled, stating, "Lumine, Paimon? This is Fischl, she's one of the best investigators the Adventurer's Guild has and despite her, uh...unique accent she's actually a really nice person!"
"Hmph! Rumors and ill whispers in the dark have lain low kingdoms over the passing of many moons and nights, speak clearly in the Prinzessin's presence and no offense shall be taken."
Flicking her hair to the side with a haughty gesture Lumine blinked yet again at the response...and felt her lips quirk in familiar amusement.
"Sorry, Amber was just saying that for my benefit. And would you really be okay with offering your help? I don't have any money or anything like that at the moment."
Fischl and the raven both stared at the traveler as if she was the one speaking strangely, the eye-patch wearing woman stammering, "W-what fortuitous fate, another soul that speaketh the most royal and glorious tongue?!"
She abruptly coughed, clearing her throat before regaining her prior cool and composure.
"You need not fear the expenditure of mere coin and capital, when my most esteemed self has taken up interest in your grim fate. Speak, one who is fluent in the tongue of queens and kings...what is your malady in these tumultuous times?"
Paimon released a helpless noise of discontent, asking, "Lumine, you can really understand what she's saying? Paimon doesn't get a word!"
The traveler merely shrugged. After all, she'd encountered her fair share of oddness during her travels...slightly roundabout wordplay wasn't any massive gap to cross.
"My apologies, what mein Fräulein means to say is that she is interested in your trouble and means of compensation can be discussed later or simply ignored if need be."
"N-now the bird talks as well?! Paimon is feeling kind of freaked out here!"
"I prefer the term 'night raven', if it is all the same to you."
Katheryne took over once again, explaining the smooth and cultured words from the ethereal avian with, "Miss Fischl's familiar goes by the name of Oz. He's quite intelligent and can act as a translator if need be. Which is often."
"N-not that often!"
Fischl seemed to realize her outburst had sounded oddly normal, coughing into a fist before continuing with, "The stars and heavens ordained this most fortuitous of meetings, stranger. Speak, and we shall weigh the burden of your labor against our strength."
Offering a smile of gratitude Lumine made to explain her predicament-
"Uh oh...everyone duck and cover!"
-and whirled around as Amber's panicked shout coincided with a distressingly familiar shape closing in on Mondstadt, wings spread wide and the beginnings of a ravenous storm brewing all around them.
"Stormterror is coming in to attack! Everyone get inside before-"
The knight's desperate warning came too late for the trio, Fischl, Amber and Lumine finding their bodies quickly picked up and hurled into wild spirals as vortexes of unbelievably strong power tossed them about like leaves in the wind, the traveler's heart beginning to hammer in her chest as she couldn't help but reflect that Teyvat had thus far been a headache-inducing blend of welcoming and horrific.
"Wait, you didn't say anything about Tsaritsa cutting off contact with you. You two were always weirdly friendly with each other, what happened? Hells above and below, she was pretty friendly even with me."
Barbatos sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before explaining, "It was two years before the Cataclysm...before everything that happened with Khaenri'ah."
A dark look appeared on Alec's face.
"Don't tell me, let me guess...she learned about what Celestia's ultimate goal is, what they were planning to do to Khaenri'ah and eventually the Black Sun dynasty."
The Anemo Archon hesitated, eventually settling for a nod.
"I told you and Morax that we should have been transparent about the duties and knowledge that come with being one of the Seven. Barbatos, can you imagine going through the countless trials and tribulations necessary to assume the mantle of godhood, only to discover what Celestia truly expects of you? For Tsaritsa it was probably even worse, since she was such a perpetually friendly person."
The bard sighed, replying, "Maybe we were wrong, maybe we were right...I still believe that spreading knowledge of the heaven's mandate would have ultimately made things worse rather than better. Imagine if the Seven had begun to openly rebel, how much worse Celestia's response would have been? We probably would have had to start over anyway. And besides…"
The shorter male gave his much taller companion a sympathetic look.
"Morax and I saw what you had done to Celestia after their betrayal. We honestly believed that you would single-handedly bring down the heavens, we were just trying to prepare for the fallout, never mind wild cards like the other gods or marauding monsters such as Durin."
"It wasn't single-handedly, Barbatos...and that was the problem."
"All the same. And call me Venti, hardly anyone in Mondstadt knows my true identity and I like to keep it that way."
Huffing out a breath Alec asked, "So what's Tsaritsa's game, then? Go to war and reenact the theomachy? It's been tried before, Venti. The results were less than satisfactory and I'm never going to be able to match them as I once could, whatever scheme is in the works it'll have to happen under its own merits."
The disguised god shook his head, quietly responding, "I'm not sure...but she's stopped speaking openly to a lot of us, acting like a real god of ice. And her personal followers - the Fatui - have been making some pretty bold moves here in Mondstadt...I've even heard rumors that she's been seeking out the Gnosis of the Seven."
That prompted a visceral reaction from the man, tone a low growl as he stated, "Has no one told her that's a very bad idea?"
"I would if she would listen to me...but I think that bridge is gone and burnt unless I personally go and ask her in person."
"Great."
Heaving out a sigh Alec turned his gaze towards Mondstadt proper, asking, "So what's the deal with Dvalin? If he was still losing his mind from Durin's blood I would have just figured he'd continue to sleep it off."
"I'm still trying to figure that out myself but, again, I think it may have something to do with the Abyss Order."
Yet again Alec grimaced, this one a far more remorseful gesture.
"Is that right?"
"I think it fits, if anyone would have a means of exacerbating Durin's curse upon Dvalin and even controlling him it would be them."
Barbatos gave Alec a look out of the corner of his eye.
"If they're the ones attempting to destroy Mondstadt, driving Dvalin to do something against his will...are you on our side?"
The taller male narrowed his eyes, tone frosty.
"Since when I have I ever shirked from doing what has to be done? And it doesn't matter who they used to be...if they're killing people now for no discernible or worthwhile reason, then they're better off dead. End of discussion."
"...I'm sorry-"
"Don't be. There's a lot you, Morax and myself have to be sorry for and simply feeling sorry won't change a damn thing for anyone, least of all ourselves. Best not to start now."
"And people call me irresponsible."
Alec snorted, wryly remarking, "There's a difference between irresponsible and not wanting to dwell on past failures to the detriment of all. What were you trying to do earlier anyway, heal Dvalin through the power of song? Look, I'm not one to decry alternative remedies but I think pleasing music pales in comparison to a curse directly engineered by one of the most foul alchemists to walk Teyvat and beyond."
Venti huffed out a breath, complaining, "It was working you know...but I'm going to need something a bit more powerful. I originally used the Lyre der Himmel when helping fight off Durin and we're probably going to need it again."
Alec rolled his eyes, remarking, "I can already see where this is going. Since no one in Mondstadt knows who you are - and the thing is probably a recognized artifact or something similar - we're going to have to find out a way to retrieve or steal it."
"Exactly~!"
The taller male pinched the bridge of his nose, grumbling, "Wouldn't it make sense that at least a few people high up in Mondstatd know you by appearance alone? It'd make headaches like this so much less of the aforementioned headaches."
"Mondstadt has survived and thrived without the overbearing Anemo Archon for a long time, even the slightest bit of change to that tradition-"
"Okay, okay...you and Morax have been having this spat for millennia, I'm happy to keep my nose out of it. We need to figure out how we're going to get the thing, then."
Venti raised an inspired finger-
"We're not going to just walk in and ask for it, I'd rather not get laughed out of the city if it's all the same to you."
"Why wouldn't they let us borrow it? We're just going to return it once we're done and I am the rightful owner of it."
"They don't know who you are, they don't know that it will actually get returned and they definitely don't know that it actually belonged to you way back when because of reason number one."
The bard wilted, sighing as he complained, "Why do people have to get so attached to silly things like that? At the end of the day it's just a slightly more powerful instrument."
"Blame yourself, you shouldn't have ridden into battle on the back of a dragon while channeling your power through it, wings ablaze and sonance of strength reaching half of Mondstadt."
"Geez, do you need to take a nap or something? You seem pretty grumpy right now-"
Alec suddenly tackled the Archon to the ground, covering his mouth as they took shelter beneath the leaves of a tree, the taller male warily watching the sky as a familiar beat of wings approached...and before long Dvalin soared low overhead, winging towards Mondstadt at a steady pace before roaring in anger, alarm bells and chimes ringing frantically as the howl of unnaturally powerful gales sounded out over the fields.
"How did his corruption spread so quickly, Dvalin was handling it just fine when I sang to him less than an hour ago!"
"We can wonder about that later, we need to get back and snap him out of-oh shit."
Following Alec's wide-eyed gaze Venti frowned as he spotted a trio of figures get sucked up into the rampaging winds, gut souring at the thought that Mondstadt's once devout protector was going to cause the death of those he once protected...or at least, that was the case until he sensed a rather peculiar power emanating from one of the aforementioned figures.
"Don't worry, Alec. I think that person you were talking about receiving my blessing is going to be able to solve this problem for us."
"This is almost the exact opposite of how I was hoping my time in Mondstadt would be spent."
Lumine's dry thoughts and exasperated mood was a distinct counterpoint to her dire circumstances of being tossed aimlessly through the sky, skin tingling and aching from where dirt and debris slashed into it at high speeds, courtesy of the dragon that had decided her life had been a little too boring for the past few hours.
"Snap out of it, Lumine. Amber and Fischl were also dragged up into this mess and you can be despondent about things later!"
Awkwardly rotating her body so that she could look around her from a slightly more stable position the traveler decided to not worry about the fact that her options to help the pair were distinctly limited in favor of just finding them in the first place.
Which she did, immediately noting that they were more than likely the ones going to be helping her rather than the other way around.
Amber was alternating between snapping open her glider and letting the winds carry her where they would, an impressive display of acrobatics, decision making and skill that let her more or less navigate the vortex with little difficulty while Fischl and Oz were making use of the fact that they essentially had four wings to more efficiently travel through the storm they had wound up in, the night raven clasping his talons around the girl's shoulders.
"Well, no time to learn like the present."
Snapping open her own glider that Amber had gifted her not long ago the traveler felt the sudden shift of momentum harshly tug at her midsection...but inbetween the practice she had in manipulating wind thanks to her and Alec's spars as well as some past experience in working contraptions not too dissimilar to the glider she was able to more or less keep herself steady, the group reconvening after a final few adjustments.
"Are the both of you okay?!"
"Mere storms and gales would have greater chance of toppling the stars than they would-"
"How about you, Lumine?!"
The traveler just nodded at Amber's questioning shout, the roar of the wind almost drowning out their shouts as the investigator huffed at being cut off.
"Just stay calm and ride out the winds, as long as Stormterror doesn't come after us directly we should be okay!"
"But what of the city beset by the beast of the sky?!"
"Mein Fräulein raises an unfortunate but valid point, we may yet survive but the innocents below might not partake of such fortune."
Amber looked physically pained by the familiar's words, voice tight as she replied, "I know, but as we are now there's nothing we can do to help, we won't be of any use if we just fall to our deaths!"
[I might be able to help with that, actually.]
They all stiffened as a sudden voice seemed to emanate from the very winds themselves, the cadence and tone youthful and confidant.
[On the dragon's back are unnatural growths a different color than his normal scales, if you can land a strong enough blow to them you may be able to halt his attacks on Mondstadt. I'll lend you some of my strength, make good use of it!]
True to the mystery individual's words Lumine suddenly felt a surge of otherworldly heat permeate her body, dress glowing a noticeably brighter shade of light green as the winds she had made use of earlier in the day became that much easier to control...so much easier, in fact, that she managed to halt both her and her two companion's wild travel with a blast of intent.
"W-whoah! Are you doing this, Lumine?!"
"S-such hidden power befitting of a lady descended from the stars beyond like myself!"
The amber-eyed girl ignored their remarks for the moment, instead lifting them above the howling winds of the dragon's power as they focused on its lazy flight patterns.
"Fischl, what abilities do you have?"
"Exemplary strength of arms with bow and electro, Oz shall also display his most unparalleled might now that he need not aid his lady!"
Already familiar with Amber's skillset the traveler rapidly stated, "Fischl, draw Stormterror towards us! Amber, when he gets close I'm going to launch us upwards and you'll need to hit those growths, think you can land that shot?"
"With all of mondstadt at risk?! Ha, what kind of outrider would I be to falter at a moment like this one?!"
Feeling their enthusiasm and confidence raise her own the traveler grinned, Fischl imperiously pointing towards the sedately soaring dragon as her ethereal familiar soared off without a backwards glance, black and purple bow the same shade as her clothing manifesting in the girl's hands as she knocked a sparking arrow.
"Whenever you're set, Fischl!"
A slow and distracted nod was the light-blonde's only response, breath leaving in a steady stream-
-and the arrow was released in the blink of an eye, the bolt flying true and striking her distant familiar directly on his flank...whereupon Oz burst into a miniature lightning storm, arcs of purple energy racing across the dragon's hide and causing it to roar in agitation, serpentine head swiveling in their direction before it came after them at a noticeably faster pace.
"Get ready!"
Amber readied her own bow and arrow, flames coating the weapon as Lumine controlled her breathing, waiting for just the right moment-
"NOW!"
-and caused a burst of wind to launch them all upwards with bruising force, the dragon passing below them close enough that they probably could have reached out and brushed its wings.
Amber didn't so much as blink, rolling her body and releasing her shot with pinpoint accuracy, the traveler focusing some of the newfound power she was granted around the burning projectile as its flames shrunk but burned all the brighter as the enchanted air fed the equally enchanted fire.
Amber's aim was true, the backmost growth being hit directly with the arrow-
-and a titanic CRACK reached their ears as the compressed heat was released all in one go, a pained roar leaving the dragon as it swiftly banked away from them with powerful flaps of its wings, Lumine frowning as despite the power of the blow the malignant material barely looked so much as chipped, glow of burning energy already fading as the crystal cooled off.
But for whatever reason it seemed to have done the trick, the winged beast evidently having had enough as if flew off into the distance without so much as a backward glance, Lumine releasing a slow breath as the mysterious strength that had been granted to her vanished as quickly as it came.
With the winds quickly calming the group descended at a far more sedate pace, spread out due to their final maneuvers before alighting within the city walls, Lumine releasing a tired sigh as she did so.
"What a day...if this is how all my time in Teyvat is going to be spent I-"
"A most spellbinding performance, stranger! The beast of storms may have imagined its assault to be one of blitzkrieg and geschwindigkeit but our union blunted such a foul plot, did it not?"
Lumine was about to reply in the affirmative-
-and found her neck wrapped in a slim but firm arm, Amber dragging her and Fischl into a headlock as the knight crowed, "You two were simply the best! Mondstadt was saved thanks to the two of you and the city doesn't forget those that aided it!"
The traveler blinked as the distant sound of clapping and cheers reached her ears, people leaving their homes or shelters and showing their appreciation is gradually increasing numbers, faces beaming with appreciation or victory.
"Lumine, you're okay! Paimon thought you were going to end up as dragon chow, Paimon's never been happier to have been proven wrong in her life!"
Now openly smiling as the sprite reappeared at her side and spun in happy circles around her the blonde couldn't help but feel that maybe a bit of an action-packed life in this world wasn't going to be too bad.
"Your friend is an interesting one, Alec."
"That she is."
Venti smiled at his opposite's distant and unfocused stare from where the otherworldly girl had glided into the city proper, teasingly stating, "Remind you of someone you once knew?"
That snapped the man out of his thoughts, the taller male bluntly replying, "Can't say for certain. C'mon, that lyre might be easier to get ahold of with the city in a bit of a panic after Dvalin's rampage."
"If you say so."
Following in Alec's wake the Anemo Archon grinned, familiar enough with his companion to know that something had piqued his fascination and woe to the ones who got in the way of aforementioned fascination.
For simplicity's sake I'm just going to assume the Cryo Archon's name is Tsaritsa, even thought it's technically a title.
Also we get our first taste of some of the creative liberties I'm taking with the usual storyline as well as what I (assume) is the overarching plot of Genshin.
I mean, Celestia - and by extension the Sustainer - don't exactly seem to be painted as the good guys of the whole deal, since it's sort of implied they fucked over the Black Sun dynasty and kinda seem like overbearing assholes that don't like mankind very much.
