Sakura was not a morning person, but contrary to popular belief, she was an extremely light sleeper.

Needless to say, after spending the better part of her young life struggling to survive in a world that constantly wanted to kill her, unbothered sleep was a luxury she couldn't afford. She had no doubt she was very high on Danzo's 'kill on sight' list and while she doubted he'd ever send men in Teyvat just to find one kunoichi that was too far away and too far gone to pose a threat to his plans, she still made it a point to sleep with one eye open.

Which is why, when her honed senses picked up the sudden drop in temperature in her little bedroom right above the Cat's Tail, she immediately threw the covers aside and stood. While a little cold shouldn't have alerted her, a temperature drop of at least five degrees in the span of a minute was not natural.

Grabbing the kunai she always kept underneath her pillow, she walked to her window.

She could still hear chatter from downstairs, so it was safe to assume that the more persistent patrons were still very much enjoying Diona's outlandish alcoholic concoctions. She briefly wondered if Margaret would need her help kicking out any stubborn drunkards, but decided she'd check on the two women later.

Pulling on her usual pair of tight, tan leather breeches and wine-red tunic, she slipped into a pair of black heeled boots and tightened the ring belt around her waist, clipping her pouch to the back.

Opening the window, she climbed on the sill and jumped onto the roof in own swift move. The difference in temperature was rather noticeable and if she had any doubts before, they immediately dissipated as she felt the peculiar chill sip into her bones.

Something's off…

It took but a moment and a flash of white in the corner of her to alert her to the presence of something else that was decisively not human.

Back flipping to avoid a shard of ice from piercing her gut, she fell into a battle stance, flinging her kunai at her opponent more out of reflex than anything else. The steel blade bounced pitifully off the force shield around the masked creature and Sakura immediately realized that normal weapons would do nothing against it.

A Cryo Abyss Mage? What is that thing doing in Mondstadt?

She had a basic understanding of what this creature was because of some books Lisa had allowed her to borrow, but there was one thing she zeroed in on the most: wherever Abyss Mages went, disaster was quick to follow.

She also knew for a fact that they did not willingly enter the realms of men unless they had good reason, and that usually spelled trouble for all of them.

Alright, Saki. Change of plans. You take care of this pest first and then head downstairs to help Margaret kick out the regulars.

Maintaining her defensive stance, she glared at the creature. "Oi, you! A bit far away from home, aren't you?"

From inside its shield, the Mage cackled in its high pitched, coarse voice. "A lot like you, Foreigner."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly in shock, but she quickly regained her composure and gritted her teeth, refusing to let it see her discomfort.

How…How does it know?

"That's where you are wrong, pal," she continued, her eyes locked on its dark mask, "Mondstadt in my home."

The Mage cackled again, sending another icy shard at her. She ducked to avoid it, balancing herself on the very edge of the roof.

"You cannot hide from the Abyss Order, Foreigner."

Doing a quick scan of her surrounding area, Sakura cursed inwardly. If she was to bring this creature down, she had to take care of its shield and there was only one way to do that. Even on the roof, she could still hear the cheering from the Cat's Tail's patrons, further solidifying her conviction to draw the Mage away from the more densely inhabited part of Mondstadt before engaging.

Crossing her arms across her chest, she raised an eyebrow. "I suppose you would know a few things about hiding. You are cowering behind that shield of yours as we speak," she said with a snicker.

"You insolent-"

She snorted, purposely cutting it off. "Are you so weak that you're too scared to face me, a mere human woman?"

She could feel the temperature drop even more, angry energy gathering around the Mage, and she was certain that if it had eyes, it'd be glaring a hole through her head.

Smirking to herself, she shook her head. "All I see is weakness," she said, tensing her muscles in preparation. "Pathetic," she spat out mockingly.

The reaction was immediate, and with an enraged cry, the Abyss Mage shot a beam of icy energy at her. Sakura jumped, landing on the roof of the house next to the Cat's Tail, and started sprinting. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled triumphantly at the site of the creature following her closely.

Alright, let's get this party started.

Taking a left turn, she led her pursuer to the northern side of Mondstadt where the fishermen usually tied their boats whenever they brought the day's catch to sell at the market. The docks were closed for the night and the portcullis had been rolled down, which meant there were no guards there either.

Perfect!

Luring the Mage to the little courtyard between the docks and the first flight of stairs to the now empty markeplace, Sakura jumped down, pulling out a kunai.

"You foolish human! You expect to face me with a mere blade?"

Without a word, the woman flung the kunai at the creature, watching it as it cackled when it bounced off its shield once more.

"And you dared call me pathetic-"

Smirking, Sakura's fingers formed the snake seal as she brought them to her lips. "You talk too much-"

"What-"

"Katon: Goukakyuu no jutsu!"

The stream of fire that flew from her lips engulfed the Mage's shield, and it was not long before the familiar sound of cracking reached her ears.

The creature waved its staff towards her, about half a dozen frozen shards flying her way. She ducked and jumped, listening to them shatter against Mondstadt's stone walls, before releasing another stream of fire from her mouth.

"What-?! What kind of sorcery is this-"

The shield cracked and shattered like glass into tiny pieces that dissipated into the air. Pinning her opponent with a glare, she watched the dazed creature sway on its feet as it tried to regain its composure. Flash-stepping to its side, she kicked the staff away before shoving the Mage against the wall.

Pressing a kunai right under its abysmal eye socket, she tightened her hold around its neck. "Now," she spat, "it seems to me that you have two options. Option number one, you tell me why the hell we've been seeing more of your pitiful kin around here lately and I might let you live. Option number two, you remain silent and I burn you to a crisp. What will it be?"

"You stupid girl! Pathetic lifeform-"

The Mage struggled against her grip, trying to claw at her hand, but that only fueled her anger.

"I don't remember listing throwing insults at me as an option."

"The Abyss Order will destroy you! We will prevail and the Prince will lay waste-"

Forming another snake seal, she brought her fingers to her lips, eyes hardening as the creature cowered, trashing wildly in her hold.

"Too bad you won't be around to see it-"

"Stop."

Sakura chuckled, glancing over her shoulder. "Finally decided to show yourself, Darknight Hero? You've been watching from that tower for the past ten minutes. I hope you enjoyed the show."

Mondstadt's infamous vigilante took a few steps towards them, his black-clad form looming behind her.

"Don't kill it."

Sakura hummed, throwing another glance at him, her calculating eyes sweeping his form. Her gaze rested on the hood covering his face, her green orbs flashing at something that caught her eye. Smiling, she lowered her fingers.

"I wasn't going to. That would be a terrible waste of information. I merely needed to draw you out. I have no use for it, but I'm certain you do. Alas, what do I know?"

She could tell the man was watching her closely, even though she couldn't see his face. His footsteps were light as he came to stand beside her, towering over her form. Absently, she took note of the claymore strapped to his back, eyes lingering on the intricate patterns and glowing red ruby in the middle of the hilt.

Sighing deeply, she stepped back, releasing her hold on the creature. "Well, I am no hero so by all means, it's all yours. Knock yourself out," she said, stretching her arms above her head. "Blasted Abyss Mages, not letting a lady enjoy her beauty sleep."

Picking up her kunai from where it'd landed, she turned her back on the two, offering the man a two-fingered salute. Glancing at him over her shoulder, she flashed him a smile. "Cat's Tail, second floor. If you ever need me to help out again, you know where to find me."

Without sparing him another look, Sakura took to the rooftops, all the while aware of a pair of eyes following her.

XxxxX

Diluc sighed as he passed Charles another order.

The patrons of Angel's Share got particularly rowdy on Sundays, making him dread the cleaning he knew he'd have to do once everyone left.

"Yo, why the long face, Master Diluc?"

Glancing up at Kaeya sitting across from him at the bar, the crimson-haired man raised an eyebrow. "Still here? Isn't that bottomless pit you call a stomach filled with alcohol by now?"

The Cavalry Captain laughed, slamming his half-empty glass on the bar counter. "Now, is that any way to talk to one of your best customers?"

"When that customer is you? I'd say he's being polite."

Both men turned at the sound of the voice, and Diluc had to keep his eyes from widening slightly at the sight of the woman from the other night by the docks. The pink braid was unmistakable as was the pair of green eyes that fell on him.

She was in the same clothes as that night, though she seemed a lot more relaxed. She leaned on the counter beside Kaeya, the slack laces of her burgundy shirt giving him a great view of the pale skin of her cleavage.

The blue-haired captain smiled at her charmingly, twirling the tail of her braid between his fingers. "Ah, Sakura, light of my life. I must thank Barbatos, for he sent you to me."

The woman threw her head back and laughed; a merry sound that stood out among the loud voices of the rest of the patrons. "Really, Kaeya, don't you ever get bored of failing to use your pick-up lines on me?"

He brought her braid to his mouth and placed a kiss on it. "Your melodious laughter is enough a reward for me."

Shaking her head, she pulled her hair from his grasp. "Again, not working."

"I'm kind of hurt you came here with the Guild and not with me. Let me buy you a drink, at least."

Patting his shoulder, she grinned mischievously. "Thanks for the offer but I only came because one of the guys wanted to buy us a round for his birthday. I, unlike some people I know, have to work tomorrow."

"Suit yourself," he replied, smirking at her. "I do reserve the right to buy you a drink next time you drop by though. Preferably you in a glass. Sounds like a great end to the night."

Leaning closer to his face, Sakura pinched his cheek hard enough to draw a pained groan from his lips. "Watch it, Captain. Drinking me in a glass just might end you."

Ignoring his whining, the woman turned to him, and Diluc found himself staring in a pair of green eyes that seemed a bit too bright. A bit too smart. A bit too knowing. Unconsciously, he straightened his back like a steel rod, wishing he'd had the time to fix his white waistcoat.

He watched as she observed him for a bit, though he couldn't quite tell what she expected to see. She reached for her braid and undid it, letting her long pink locks fall freely around her shoulders.

Tossing the hair tie on the bar counter before him, she winked at him. "Use this from now own. It's sturdier than the flimsy thing you used that night. You wouldn't want anyone else noticing that red mane of yours, would you?" She turned around, glancing at him over her shoulder and offering the same two-fingered salute as the other night. "You know where to find me."

Diluc could do nothing but watch dumbfounded as she exited his tavern, for once too stunned to maintain his stoic expression or retort.

How…How did she figure it out?

It'd be naïve to think that she was referring to anything else but his identity as the Darknight Hero, though he couldn't, for the life of him, put his finger on how exactly she had solved the riddle so quickly.

My…hair?

"Cat got your tongue?"

Broken out of his thoughts, his red eyes shifted to Kaeya and the teasing smirk on his face.

"You know her?"

The knight raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't? Practically the whole of Mondstadt knows of the Adventurer Guild's pretty new healer."

Diluc filed that information for later. "I haven't been…around."

Kaeya hummed, leaning back against the counter. "Ah, another one of your little missions, eh? You missed out, Luc. The Foreigner was the main subject of the city's gossip pools for at least a couple of months."

"The Foreigner?"

"Ah, yes. That's what people called her at first, seeing as she's not from Teyvat. She's got a Hydro Vision though, and she's pretty strong from what I've seen. Her healing methods are a tad strange, but she gets the job done astoundingly well."

Diluc fought to keep his eyebrow from shooting to his hairline. A Vision holder who's not from Teyvat? But that doesn't make sense. I saw her use fire. Could she have two Visions? No, that's impossible. No one has ever received two. Who is this woman?

"My, Master Diluc, are you even listening to me?" Kaeya said, waving his gloved fingers in front of the Ragnvindr heir's face. "Since I gave you such delightful tidbits of information on our pretty healer, it's only fair that the next drink is on the house, no?"

Barely sparing Kaeya a second glance, Diluc slipped on his dark coat and shoved the hair tie in his pocket. "Charles, I'm heading out for a bit. The tavern closes in an hour, non-negotiable."

The barman nodded. "Yes, Master Diluc."

With conviction that surprised even himself, the crimson-eyed man abandoned his position behind the bar and headed for the door, all the while ignoring Kaeya's questions about where he was going.

He felt the chill of the night on his cheeks as the breeze ruffled his high ponytail, and he tightened his hold on the hair tie in his pocket.

The Cat's Tail, second floor…

TBC

Diluc, honey, you might be a Pyro Vision, but you have no idea what kind of fire our girl's going to ignite in you. ;)

Heya!

Hope you all are doing well. This might not be a romance one-shot but I really enjoyed writing it. Diluc is a really interesting character, and I simply can't wait to explore the ways his relationship with Saki could evolve.

As for the "two Visions" thing: we know that Sakura has two chakra affinities and that shinobi can perform jutsu of different elements (we are going to completely ignore all the things that were set up but never used in canon, and how much potential was wasted). In Teyvat, however, Vision holders can only use elemental magic that their vision grants them, and no other. That's why Kaeya thinks she's a Hydro Vision while Diluc thinks she's a Pyro vision.

Imagine what will happen when they see her use Water, Fire, and Earth Release. XD

So, just to clear something up because I noticed some confusion in a couple of reviews/PMs, in case it wasn't clear enough in the Prologue's Author's Notes. I apologize!

This is not a continuous story. This is a collection of one-shots that I simply post in one place instead of as separate stories. Each one-shot will feature different pairings, characters, and locations aside from a few details that will be common for all of them. :)

I hope you enjoyed this!

Reading your thoughts always makes my day so drop me a review if you have a minute to spare.

Until next time,

Lots of love!