Chapter Twenty-One

Jean darted across the tumultuous landscape as fast as she dared, trying to avoid tripping into the abrupt drop-offs that awaited unwary travelers. The Komaniya Express girl had said that she'd left the brothers in the western part of Stormterror's Lair only a few hours before Jean caught up with her. Yet despite her positive report of Diluc's return to his normal fair-skinned form, Jean wasn't going to believe it without seeing for herself.

The sun had risen behind overcast clouds as she'd entered the valley, and it was now somewhere high overhead. Several times she'd been caught in torrential downpours, slowing her considerably. For the moment, though, she was more or less dry.

Jean stopped for a minute to catch her breath and look around. Swiping her damp bangs out of her face, she tried not to give in to her weariness. There was no way to explain the spike in urgency driving her forward, but somewhere deep in her heart, she knew the two brothers were in danger.

Rallying her strength, she decided to use the short break to assess her options. She drew out a map of the valley and studied it, glancing up occasionally to confirm the distinct landmarks around her. Hmm… If I were on the run and not able to fight at my full strength, where would I choose to camp? She considered the western side of the lair, dismissing Dvalin's Tower almost immediately. Too conspicuous. Not to mention too drafty and hard to defend. The air current barriers alone would make it undeniably hard for them to reach without expending far too much energy. She scanned the lonely view until she landed on a stretch of miraculously intact wall to the west, and the Dandelion Knight rested her fingers thoughtfully against her mouth. There. I'd go there. Easily defendable, off the beaten path, and sheltered from the elements.

With her course determined, she packed up her map and set off again.

Half a mile from the great arch set into the wall, a flash of livid green caught her eye. She skidded to a halt, her brows drawing together. What was that?

Retracing her steps carefully, she pushed through the thick bushes and found herself looking at the oddest contraption she'd ever seen.

Before her, carefully tucked away in the secure hiding spot was a small clear capsule about the height of a dog and the circumference of a Cuihua tree. Metallic struts supported its edges and encased both ends, providing stability to the glass walls. The contraption was almost entirely full of riotous green energy, clearly that of Dendro. Jean stared at it. Someone's managed to capture Dendro and store it? How strange. This looks like something Albedo might try, but… what's it doing here?

The knight bit her lip, then shook her head. I don't have time to investigate this now. I'll have to send someone back to deal with it later. With a rustle, she released the bushes and stepped back. Worry still clouded her face as she returned to her rapid lope. She hoped the butterflies in her stomach were merely paranoia due to tiredness, but she couldn't quite shake the thought that the odd capsule represented something much more sinister than its innocent appearance suggested.

As Jean neared the wall, her keen ears caught the sounds of swords clashing. She drew a sharp breath and broke into a sprint even as her own blade materialized in her firm grip. They're under attack! I can't be too late…

But the sight that met her when she rounded the corner brought her up short. She froze, gaping at the bright blades striking with unceasing ferocity.

Kaeya?! Diluc?! She mouthed their names, trying to process what she was seeing. Surely they can't be… sparring?! In the middle of Stormterror's Lair? While escaping from Fatui? Overwhelmed, she rubbed her forehead. No… something is very wrong here…

And then it hit her. They fought in near-total silence. Occasionally Diluc would pant something quietly, but her talkative Cavalry Captain was completely unresponsive. The unsettling dynamic sent a chill down Jean's spine, and their battle took on a far more sinister hue.

Kaeya and Diluc never fight. But when they do, they're always sparring with words as well as blades. Swords are only half the battle. This… this is wrong.

She took a step forward, and accidentally obtained an excellent view of the Dendro Mage just on the other side of the nearest box. "Yes… that's it… keep it up, my pretty knight…" The Abyss Mage was riveted to the battle, stroking his tiny staff eagerly. Jean felt her stomach flip. He's doing something, making them fight, she realized. Her gauntleted hands curled into fists as cold fury washed over her. How dare he?! How can he even do this? He said he was weak, but this is far too much for a simple mage to pull off. And I can't stop him! My element can't break through his shield… entering the fight would only distract Kaeya and Diluc, and potentially get one of them badly injured. I have to find another way.

Her attention returned to the duel, her heart twisting even as a sense of awe descended on her at the incredible skills on display. Kaeya's eye blazed with icy hatred as he rained lightning-fast blows on his brother. He never missed an opening, never gave his brother an inch of grace. His blade was ever flashing, seeking Diluc's blood. In total contrast, Diluc's sword flew to block each strike, but not once did the crimson-haired swordsman return a blow. He wasn't as light on his feet as he usually was, and fatigue showed blatantly in his every move. But he kept himself tightly under control. He fought with total calm, aside from the urgent murmurs that sometimes drifted to Jean's ears.

"Come on… Kaeya… Can do this… Won't hurt you… Kaeya… Know you…"

Something tickled her nose. She flicked a finger at the offending strand, too focused on the duel to respond. It happened again. This time, she looked down, eyes blazing. This is the last thing I need! I have to focus on—

Her thoughts died away.

A thin, nearly imperceptible strand of pale green fluttered just below her chin. As she watched, it rose and fell languidly, drifting as if on the tide. The Acting Grand Master traced its path, following the faint line. It went to the Abyss Mage, and then, from him…

It led straight to Kaeya. The line flexed and shifted around him in lazy loops, accenting his every move. Jean inhaled sharply, her eyes darting back to the other end of the strand as she began to understand. It vanished around the edge of the wall, trailing back into obscurity.

That's how he's doing this! He's using that Dendro capsule to power himself up and take control of Kaeya! Steely determination flooded Jean, vanquishing every possible thought of weariness. I have to break it!

In a single move, the Dandelion Knight whirled and was gone.