Aether, Paimon, and Momon returned to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, their faces brightened by the success of quelling the storms around Mondstadt caused by Stormterror. As they entered the bustling headquarters, they spotted Jean in deep discussion with an enigmatic woman, her face concealed behind a peculiar mask adorned with intricate patterns.
The mysterious woman, sensing their approach, abruptly ended her conversation with Jean and cast an analytical gaze upon the trio. Without uttering a word, she gracefully turned on her heel and vanished into the shadows of the bustling headquarters.
Paimon couldn't contain her curiosity. "Who was that?" she chimed in, her wings fluttering with anticipation.
Jean sighed, her expression betraying a mixture of relief and concern. "Oh, you're back. Thank you for your assistance. The elemental flow is now stable. Everything is calm for the moment." She glanced in the direction where the mysterious envoy had disappeared. "That woman is an envoy from Snezhnaya, and the Fatui are putting significant pressure on us."
"The Fatui? Those troublemakers!" Paimon huffed, crossing her tiny arms in disdain.
Momon, always intrigued by matters beyond Mondstadt, inquired, "Why the pressure? What do they want?" His eyes narrowed as the mention of Snezhnaya reignited his insatiable curiosity.
Jean's gaze grew more serious. "The Fatui's motives are unclear, but they seem to be tightening their grip on Mondstadt for reasons we haven't yet deciphered. Snezhnaya's involvement is particularly disconcerting. Their envoy didn't seem to be here for pleasantries. They say that the only way to save the nation is by killing Stormterror, but how can we kill one of the four winds?"
The mention of killing Stormterror, one of the four winds of Mondstadt, sparked a moment of contemplation. Killing an elemental force of nature seemed an impossible task. Perhaps there was an alternative approach to addressing the threat without directly confronting and harming such a majestic entity. Strategies like seeking alliances, understanding the motivations behind Stormterror's actions, or finding a way to pacify the elemental force might offer more viable solutions to save the nation without resorting to violence against a fundamental aspect of the world.
"So, Stormterror is more than just a creature. It's a national treasure, a symbol of Mondstadt. Restoring him to his former self is a task fraught with danger, and it might lead us down a path where the only choice left is to end his existence."
Jean, the stalwart acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, met Momon's eyes with a mixture of resolve and concern. "That's precisely what keeps me awake at night. Stormterror was once a majestic guardian, a symbol of our city's pride. Now, to see him reduced to this... it's a tragedy. But the safety of Mondstadt and its people must come first."
The room they stood in, adorned with relics and mementos of battles won and challenges overcome, seemed to absorb the gravity of their words. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, mirroring the uncertainty that clouded their minds.
Outside, the wind whispered through the city, carrying with it the stories of Stormterror's reign of terror and the echoes of citizens hoping for a return to normalcy. The air was thick with a sense of responsibility, a duty to not only protect the city but also to restore the symbol that Stormterror once represented.
The atmosphere in the room grew hushed as Aether, with an air of mystery, announced, "Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to show you something." The group gathered around the middle of the room, where Aether had unveiled something strange and enigmatic.
Jean furrowed her brow, her confusion evident. "What is that?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on the peculiar object that now occupied the room.
Aether held up the anomaly for all to see. "When we encountered Stormterror in the forest, he left this behind when he flew away." In the center of the room rested a red crystal, its form resembling a delicate teardrop.
Jean's eyes widened, her initial confusion giving way to a mix of curiosity and concern. "And what happened in the forest? Why would Stormterror leave this behind?"
Paimon chimed in with her usual exuberance, "Oh yeah, and we saw a boy there. Looked like he was talking with Stormterror, but the dragon spotted us, and soared into the sky right away."
"Could it be… Barbatos?!" Jean exclaimed, her shock evident. The mere possibility of the Anemo Archon being involved in such a mysterious encounter left a lingering sense of unease in the room.
Silence settled over the group as they collectively pondered the implications of their discovery. Minutes passed, and just as the weight of the revelation began to press on them, Lisa entered the room with her characteristic grace. Sensing the tension, she inquired, "What's going on here?"
Lisa's eyes widened with a mix of fascination and discomfort as she examined the mysterious crystal. "I've never seen such a thing before. I'll take a look through the library's restricted section, but let me take a look…" Her voice trailed off abruptly as a sudden, sharp pain shot through her fingertips when she attempted to get closer to the crystal. She recoiled, a shocked expression on her face. "This is such an impure crystal, and it hurt when I got close."
Paimon, always the curious companion, chimed in, "Eh, but Aether is completely unharmed." She turned to Momon, her eyes narrowed inquisitively. "Hey, Momon, are you able to touch it?"
Momon stepped forward and boldly grabbed the crystal, much to everyone's surprise. Nothing happened to him, and the crystal seemed inert in his grasp.
"I see…" Lisa mused, her scholarly demeanor taking over. "So it appears to react to Visions. Aether is able to use elemental abilities as well, but it does not have the same effect on you or Momon." She turned her attention to Aether. "You better keep this crystal because it might be too dangerous to leave it here."
Aether carefully cradled the crystal in his hands, a sense of responsibility settling over him.
Jean, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and admiration, addressed them with a sense of pride.
"Once again, you two have shown us that you are very special," she began, her voice carrying a resonance of respect. "Well then, the Knights of Favonius have another favor for you. Please accept the title of Honorary Knight and the gratitude of the Acting Grand Master."
"Honorary Knights?!" Paimon exclaimed, her wings fluttering with excitement.
Jean nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Indeed. Your exceptional deeds and unwavering dedication have earned you this title. It's a symbol of our trust and recognition of your efforts."
Aether and Momon exchanged glances, humbled by the unexpected honor bestowed upon them. The room seemed to glow with a warm sense of camaraderie as if the very air celebrated the union of these extraordinary individuals with the esteemed order of the Knights.
"Please," Jean continued, her tone earnest, "I ask for your continued assistance to bring peace once again to this nation. Your role as Honorary Knights comes with the responsibility to safeguard Mondstadt and its people from the shadows that threaten our harmony."
The trio emerged from the grandeur of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, now adorned with a new title that marked them as Honorary Knights. As they stepped into the radiant sunlight of Mondstadt, their presence seemed to command a newfound respect from the citizens who bustled about in the heart of the city.
Paimon, the ever-curious floating companion, wasted no time in voicing the pressing question on everyone's mind. "Now, we promised to bring Stormterror back to his senses... but how do we plan on doing that?"
Momon, his stature now elevated by the bestowed title, spoke with a gravitas that matched his newfound role. "Just like the legends. We journey to his lair and confront him until he's on the brink of submission,"
Paimon, her wings fluttering with concern, questioned the approach. "Isn't that a bit cruel?"
"Paimon," Aether interjected, his voice calm yet resolute, "it's a dragon. We don't have the luxury of gentle persuasion,"
"Exactly," Momon added, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Dragons have always been creatures of pride and arrogance. They won't easily accept being subdued by beings they see as nothing but lower life forms."
Aether, the Honorary Knight and bearer of elemental abilities turned to Momon with a hint of curiosity. "Uh, Momon, it sounds like you have a great deal of experience in that field. Stormterror, or Dvalin, as it says in the records, was supposedly a benevolent dragon,"
Momon nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of past encounters. "Umu, yes, they were actually worse. Yes, they're paradoxically challenging opponents. Dragons are the pinnacle of power, but their downfall is often their own arrogance. If Stormterror possesses that flaw, we can exploit it to our advantage,"
Aether, grateful for Momon's insight, acknowledged, "That sounds like a solid plan," He felt a sense of relief knowing that someone with Momon's expertise was by his side to help save the city and possibly reunite him with his sister.
"Now, we just need to pinpoint where this elusive dragon is hiding," Momon stated.
"Well, allow me to assist you, oh heroes of Mondstadt!"
A melodious voice rang out behind Aether, prompting the trio to turn and face the source. There stood a bard with fair skin, captivating aqua-green eyes, and short, blackish-blue hair adorned with twin braids that gracefully framed the sides of his face, fading into a soothing shade of aqua-blue.
"The green guy!" Paimon exclaimed.
The bard's brows furrowed in mild confusion. "Green guy? Oh, I suppose it's my attire," he chuckled, glancing down at his forest-green clothes.
"Someone you know, Aether?" inquired Momon.
"We encountered him in the forest, engaged in conversation with Dvalin," Aether explained.
The bard stepped forward, a friendly smile adorning his face. "I am Venti, the windborne bard. I couldn't help but overhear your quest to bring Stormterror to his senses. I might have some insights on where the dragon could be hiding."
Paimon, ever curious, chimed in, "So, you're like, friends with the dragon?"
Venti laughed, a carefree sound carried by the wind. "Not exactly friends, but we've had our fair share of conversations. I might be able to guide you to his likely locations. After all, the wind whispers many secrets."
Aether, appreciative of the unexpected assistance, nodded. "We'd be grateful for any help you can provide, Venti."
With a mischievous glint in his aqua-green eyes, Venti responded, "Consider it a melody of fate, leading you to the dragon's lair. Let's embark on this symphony together, shall we? But first, we must obtain the Holy Lyre der Himmel."
"But why? Why do we need that?" Aether questioned with a furrowed brow.
"The Holy Lyre der Himmel is a treasured relic of Mondstadt, once wielded by Barbatos himself. With it, we can coax Dvalin's gentle nature back from the nightmare he's ensnared in," Venti explained, his eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.
"Will that really work?" Paimon inquired, her curiosity evident.
"Of course, any treasures once touched by Barbatos are imbued with purity," Venti assured with a serene confidence.
"So, where is this lyre located?" Aether asked, ready to embark on this unconventional mission.
"It's deep within the cathedral, tucked away safely. The nuns, however, won't allow us to borrow it without proper documents, so we're left with no choice but to acquire it through more unconventional means," Venti revealed.
"So, we're going from heroes to thieves now. If the lyre is that crucial, I'll do it for the greater good," Aether resolved.
"Whoa, that's the spirit!" Venti exclaimed with genuine joy.
"If you're going to do it, take this." Momon handed Aether a mysterious ring.
"What can this do, Momon?" Aether questioned, examining the unassuming ring.
"Put it on your finger," Momon instructed.
Aether followed the advice, and to his surprise, he didn't see any change. However, Paimon's shocked expression revealed a different story.
"Where did he go?!" Paimon screamed in panic as her friend disappeared the moment he put the ring on.
"I'm right here, Paimon," Aether's voice reassured.
"Right now, you're invisible. You have one hour before the ring runs out of mana, so go quickly and make sure to leave every door open," Momon instructed.
"Right, I'm going," Aether affirmed, blending into the shadows as he headed toward the cathedral.
"Paimon, fly around the cathedral and wait for Aether," Momon directed.
"Okay, Momon," Paimon agreed, fluttering off to keep a watchful eye on their invisible hero.
"Well, let's go and lend a hand. I'll play a tune in front of the cathedral to grab everyone's attention," Venti declared, his carefree demeanor momentarily overriding the gravity of the situation.
However, just as he attempted to take a step forward, Momon's strong, gloved hand firmly landed on Venti's shoulder, halting him in his tracks. The sudden touch caused Venti to turn around, a quizzical expression etched on his ethereal features.
"Hold on, bard. Not so fast." Momon's voice was steady, laced with a suspicion that cut through the air like a sharpened blade.
"Huh? What's the hold-up, Momon?" Venti responded, a note of confusion coloring his melodious voice. He couldn't fathom why Momon, usually a man of few words, would interject at such a crucial moment.
"The boy is quite foolish to fall into that hero of light path, but you can't fool me," Momon continued, his gaze piercing through Venti's celestial facade.
"Eh, what are you talking about, Momon?" Venti's confusion deepened, and a nervous chuckle escaped him. He shifted uncomfortably under Momon's scrutiny.
"Lisa mentioned that Dvalin has been plagued by that wrath for centuries. You, having a friendly chat with a dragon in that furious state, is more than strange. You must be someone significant to him... Are you perhaps Babatos?"" Momon's words hung in the air like a revelation, and Venti felt a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead.
A heavy silence settled between them, and Venti's carefree expression turned into one of discomfort. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he struggled to come up with a response. The truth hung in the air, waiting to be unveiled, and Momon's keen intuition had brought the enigma of Venti's true identity to the forefront.
The bard sighed, resigning to the truth. "Well, looks like the cat's out of the bag," he admitted, his eyes glinting with an ancient wisdom beyond his youthful appearance. "Yes, Momon, I am Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. I've been watching over Mondstadt for centuries, and Dvalin and I share a deep connection."
"Is that so... Then why haven't you put a leash on your little troublemaker and saved the region from all this chaos?" Momon questioned.
"Let's get one thing straight, Momon. Dvalin isn't some mere pet. He's been my companion and confidant for over two millennia. We've faced countless battles together, and he's not just some creature under my control. Our bond goes deeper than that. As for the havoc he's causing, there's more to the story than meets the eye. Dvalin was grievously wounded and poisoned while defending against the corrupted black dragon known as Durin, 500 years ago. In order to heal, we both entered a deep slumber. Waking up 500 years later, we found a world where the once-revered Four Winds are forgotten, and people don't even recognize my true form. It suits me just fine, as it allows me to move freely in my own city without being bothered," explained Venti.
"Hm, so he was forgotten, and the Abyss Order seized the opportunity, manipulating the dragon into attacking Mondstadt because we uncovered their involvement," Momon mused, gazing at the vast expanse of the city below.
Venti nodded, his emerald eyes reflecting the troubled history that lingered in the air. "That is correct, Momon."
Leaning against the edge of a stone balcony, Momon furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued. "By the way, why aren't you directly ruling this land? I've heard that other regions are governed by their Archons themselves,"
A mischievous smile played on Venti's lips as he responded, "Mondstadt is the land of wine, dandelion, and freedom. The last part means that Mondstadt does not have a ruler, so the citizens may live in freedom."
Momon raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "In a figurative sense, maybe. The truth is, that the city does have a ruler, and that role falls upon the leaders of the Knights of Favonius. Essentially, Mondstadt operates under a form of government, which is more military-centric. Right now, it seems to be thriving under the rule of the Knights of Favonius,"
Venti chuckled, his laughter echoing in the open air. "Ah, you've got a point there!"
"You're a god, so you may have a better understanding than me, but humans are incredibly greedy. Too much freedom often leads to chaos. It's like a cycle – hard times create strong men, and strong men create good times. Good times, however, create weak men, and weak men, in turn, create hard times," Momon philosophized.
"Momon, you really do sound like a god," Venti remarked, genuinely amazed.
"Huh, yeah, right… He is coming," Momon stated.
Aether removed the ring, becoming visible once again.
"Did you get it?" Momon inquired.
"Yeah, it's in the bag. Good thing I got there first because there was someone else after the lyre too," Aether replied.
The trio observed many knights converging on the cathedral, but they skillfully pretended to be engrossed in friendly conversation, concealing any hint of suspicion.
"The church is turning into a mess," Paimon observed as she approached.
"We must inform someone of importance about our plan. Returning the lyre to the church without a proper explanation could lead to Mondstadt labeling us as criminals once our mission is complete." Momon remarked.
Aether, maintaining a calm demeanor, suggested a key figure for their revelation. "Jean is the person we need to approach. I believe she will comprehend the reasons behind our actions. We can't afford to let Mondstadt misunderstand our intentions."
They returned to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters without drawing much attention, swiftly making their way to Jean's office. Knocking on the door, they entered to find Jean immersed in a sea of documents.
"Hello again, Jean."
Jean looked up, weariness evident in her eyes. "Ah, I know why you're here. You heard about the incident. Someone stole the Holy Lyre der Himmel. I can't believe it, first Stormterror, and now this."
Aether reassured her, "Do not worry about the lyre, Jean. We have it right here." He unveiled the sacred artifact and carefully placed it on the table. Jean, taken aback, rose from her chair in surprise.
"My god, did you catch the thief?" she asked, astonishment coloring her tone.
Silence lingered as none of them immediately responded, leaving Jean perplexed. Her suspicion grew, prompting her to pose a question she didn't want to consider. "Wait... was it you guys?" she asked, reluctance evident in her voice, conflicted by the heroes' past deeds for the country.
"We have a plan," Momon asserted.
"Explain," Jean demanded, her demeanor turning more serious. She needed answers, and she needed them now.
Momon stepped forward, "The bard here says that the lyre's tune will heal Dvalin from his sickness."
Jean crossed her arms, skepticism etched across her face. "How can I trust the words of some bard, Momon? The lyre only works if Lord Barbatos himself plays it, and he hasn't returned to Mondstadt for centuries."
Momon raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't have trusted him either if he was a mere bard, but this guy is the Anemo Archon." He pointed confidently at the bard, who met Jean's gaze with an air of quiet assurance.
"EEEH, wait a minute. You're seriously telling us that this pint-sized fellow is the God of Mondstadt?" Paimon's voice hit a pitch of disbelief that echoed through the room.
Venti shot Momon a playful scowl, wagging a finger. "Oh, Momon, do me a favor and keep my true identity under wraps next time, won't you? It's really quite annoying."
Jean, realizing the magnitude of her misconception, stepped forward, her expression a mix of surprise and remorse. She bowed gracefully before Venti. "My lord… forgive me for my foolishness."
Venti chuckled, waving away the formality. "No need for that. Please, rise. I've come to help and free my friend from this nightmare. Once it's all over, the Holy Lyre der Himmel will find its way back to the church."
"Thank you, my lord," Jean said, a blend of relief and gratitude in her voice as she straightened up, reassured by the god's presence.
"The Anemo power of the Holy Lyre has run dry. To rejuvenate it, we need Dvalin's teardrop," Venti explained.
"Dvalin's teardrop?" Aether reached behind him and retrieved the peculiar crystal he had taken during his first encounter with Dvalin. To everyone's surprise, the crystal, once crimson, now emanated a pure white glow.
"Haha, as expected of the Honorary Knight. You've spared us the trouble of hunting for the teardrop elsewhere," Venti exclaimed.
Momon, puzzled, spoke up, "Wasn't this crystal red just a moment ago?"
"Well, yes, but Aether managed to purify it." Venti took the crystal, and like a breath of wind, it turned crimson once more. "Why not give it a try, Momon?"
Curiosity sparked in Momon's eyes as he accepted the crystal. However, as soon as his fingers made contact, a ripple of ominous energy enveloped the crystal. The once-red hue faded into a pitch-black, as if some sinister force had been sealed within. The sudden transformation left everyone, including Venti, utterly astonished.
"What in the world… How is this even possible?" "SoVenti stood in awe, staring at the mysterious crystal before him. Its ethereal glow pulsated with an otherworldly energy that seemed to defy all logic. Paimon, always the cautious companion, cowered behind Aether, her wide eyes fixated on the mesmerizing spectacle.
"The crystal is scaring me!" Paimon exclaimed, her tiny form trembling with trepidation.
Momon, the enigmatic figure with dark energy swirling around him, felt a sense of unease. Deep in thought, he couldn't shake the feeling that this crystal held a connection to his own mysterious powers.
Wordlessly, Momon handed the crystal to Venti once again. As Venti touched it, an eerie stillness settled in the air. The bard's vibrant eyes glazed over, captivated by the crystal's enchanting allure. It was as if the crystal held the secrets to a forgotten realm, drawing Venti into a trance.
"Lord Barbatos... are you alright?" Jean, ever the responsible leader, voiced her concern for the Anemo Archon.
"Oh…" Venti, slowly returning to reality, released the crystal, allowing it to clatter to the floor. The once vibrant red hue of the crystal dulled as it lost its hypnotic grip on the Windborne Bard. Aether, ever the composed traveler, swiftly took hold of the crystal, his pure intentions seeming to cleanse it once more.
"Crap… That was my negative energy…"
As the radiant glow returned to the crystal, the air around them lightened, and the tension began to dissipate.
Aether held the purified crystal in his hand, its once ominous glow now subdued. He turned to Venti, uncertainty etched on his face. "So, Venti, what should I do with this crystal now?" he inquired, seeking guidance in the face of the unknown.
Venti, ever the nonchalant bard, flashed a carefree smile. "Yes, just drop it on the holy lyre," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of assurance.
Following Venti's instructions, Aether gently placed the crystal onto the holy lyre. A soft, melodic hum resonated in the air as the sacred instrument responded to the crystal's touch. Before their eyes, the holy lyre began to transform, shedding its tainted form and returning to its glorious, pristine self.
"Wonderful. Now we are ready to fight Dvalin," Venti declared, his cheerful demeanor belying the underlying tension that lingered.
Despite his outward appearance, Venti couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that gripped him. Deep down, he shivered at the implications of what he had just witnessed. Something dark and terrifying had gathered within Dvalin's teardrop, and the events surrounding Momon's interaction with the crystal had left an indelible mark on the bard's mind.
Venti's gaze remained fixed on Momon, even as he spoke of preparing to face Dvalin. "I've never seen such dread power," he mused, his tone more contemplative now. "The kind that even gods would tremble at." Beneath his cheerful façade, Venti harbored a sense of foreboding, uncertain of what lay behind Momon's enigmatic mask—whether it concealed a human or a demon. One thing, however, was certain in Venti's mind: Momon's actions would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Heavenly Principles in the future, unleashing a cascade of consequences that even the bard couldn't predict.