"Aether I think we should follow Venti's plan for now. If anything he knows better than either of us on how to save Dvalin." I said trying to persuade him. Honestly, Venti, you should work better on your pitch. Don't just ask us to commit a crime so casually. Aether grumbled but didn't argue with me. While Venti looks at me in thought. "No to be rude.. But who exactly are you Dean? You know a lot for someone that hasn't been on Teyvat for that long." My eyes widen in shock.

"You know I'm from another world? Of course, you do. You're a god." Venti shakes his head. "So you ARe from another world. But no, that's not how it looks like to me. I know you came into existence some time ago. To me, it's like you just became a part of this world. Do you know how that happened? What brought you here?" Venti, Aether, and Paimon started looking at me intensely.

"I don't know. I just remember waking it up in Mondstadt and nothing else. But in my world, there are stories about Teyvat. So I had some knowledge of the world before coming here. Not a lot though." Venti nodded. "What kind of stories have you heard? To think we're known even in another world…my interest has been piqued." Shit. What do I say? "Just vague stories. Like I said before nothing much. As I knew the Anemo God likes to masquerade as a Bard named Venti. I'm sure there is more but I haven't paid that much attention." Which is true. I've been more concerned about getting every character I can than focusing on the lore of the game.

I was backed up on character quests and side quests. My knowledge of this world is definitely incomplete. Which is why I work so hard to study with Lisa anytime I have time. Venti ponders for a moment but he turns to me. "Though I do know something you might wanna know. When you arrived in this world I felt a tremendous amount of elemental energy. I'm sure any mage worth their salt felt it too." My eyes widen. Of course. No wonder the knights were wary in the beginning. I could have been a part of some attack for all they knew. A powerful surge of elemental energy and me arriving on the same day?

"But that's not all. Another two signatures were felt in Liyue at the same time as yours. And not only two. There were five in total excluding you. The two in Liyue, two in Inazuma, and one in Sumeru. But I figure you weren't aware of that." Another five!? Could there be five more people like me here? This could be a major clue. I grabbed Venti by the shoulders and shook him excitedly. "You're positive?! There might be other people like me in this world?!" Paimon pulls on my arm. "Dean! You're going end up shaking his brain out of his head."

I stopped sheepishly. "Sorry, Venti." Venti stared dazed. "It's fine. Happy to help. And since I helped you, you can help me and the Traveler." I beg your pardon. Then I thought about a certain Sister. "Listen to me close Venti, if we're caught… we just might be executed.." Paimon and Venti's eyes widen. "EXECUTED/Executed?" they exclaimed simultaneously. "PAIMON DOESN'T WANT TO BE EXECUTED!" Aether sent me a look. "Calm down Paimon. I'm pretty sure Dean was just joking. You were joking, right Dean? Dean?"

I turned gravely. "Let us go off to meet our doom." I head towards the church with a confused but bemused Venti following along. "W..w..wait Dean. You didn't tell me if you were Joking!" Aether sighs. "Let's go follow them Paimon." Paimon nodded shakingly and flowed after us. Damn. Getting the Lyre in the game sucked. (I got caught three times, don't judge me) And Grace might seem like a sweetheart but she has a mean streak when it comes to discipline. If I get caught. I shudder. I better not get caught.

We stood outside Mondstadt's Cathedral as Paimon asked Venti about the Lyre. "So this... "Holy Lyre der Himmel" is…"

"One of the most treasured items in Mondstadt. It's the lyre that Barbatos used to play. With it, perhaps I can help Dvalin draw his gentle nature back out of this nightmare he's going through." Venti answers.

But Paimon was still doubtful. " Will it really stop Stormterror from causing more damage?

"Of course. I'm the best bard in the world," Venti bragged. "There's not a single song I do not know, no matter if it's from the past, present, or future. Look me in the eyes. Do you not find me trustworthy?"

Aether and I exchange a glance. "Not really/What Color is that?" We answered together. Venti laughs carefree. Yeah, that attitude would make anyone nervous. He has to be the more reckless one of the Seven.

"So how can we get the Holy Lyre?" Asked Paimon again. Huh, is Paimon going to do all the questioning for us? And what did she mean by us? Paimon could always just disappear. She doesn't have to worry about getting caught.

"It's said that it's enshrined deep within the Cathedral, somewhere safe," Venti answers. "I'll go take a look around. You can come if you want." Of course, we're coming. Why invite us just to say we could come if we want? Sighs, truly a reckless god.

We enter the Cathedral and search for the Holy Lyre. Venti spots a sister and turns to us. "Let me handle this," Venti says and strolls forward like he owns the place. Oh boy. Paimon turns to us surprised. "Um, what is he doing?" I sighed. "He's about to make a fool of himself, that's what."

The sister smiled as Venti approached. This one I recognize as Sister Gotelinde.

"Hello there, Sister." Venti greeted. Gotelinde nodded. "May the Anemo God bless you, young bard. How can I help you?" Venti looks sheepish. " Actually, I know a secret that can save Mondstadt from its current predicament."

Gotelinde looks as if god answered her prayers. "Oh, what a blessing from the God of Anemo! But you should report that to the Knights of Favonius. Why have you come to me?"

"Hahaha, because you, dear sister, are able to help!" Says Venti with a smug look. " I'd like to borrow... the Holy Lyre. With it, I'll be able to help Stormterror—"

"Please see yourselves out." Gotelinde deadpanned.

Venti blinked. "What."

Ouch, Instant rejection.

"It's a vicious dragon indeed, but once the Acting Grand Master makes up her mind, nothing can stand in the Knights' way," explained Gotelinde.
"That's simply not acceptable. Wouldn't Stormterror end up getting killed that way?" Asked Venti with a stormy expression.

"That foolish beast betrayed the winds. Not even the God of Anemo themselves would forgive it!" Said Gotelinde angrily. Well this is awkward.

"Wow. Please, I beg of you!" Venti gets on his knees.

Gotelinde rejects him again. "I'm afraid not little bard. "

Venti stands up in determination. "Then... I guess I'm left with no other choice." Me and Aether exchange bewildered looks. Please tell me he's not going do what I think he going do. "I cannot hide any longer! My disciples, rejoice! Behold, the God of Anemo, Barbatos has descended! Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the god you've been serving?"

Gotelinde blinked.

Aether facepalms.
I twitched.
Paimon smacks her head.

Gotelinde turns to leave. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to handle the Cathedral's paperwork now."

Venti gapped. "Wait- Eh? She didn't even bat an eye. But at least I learned what I wanted to know. She didn't deny that the Cathedral is enshrining the Holy Lyre." You mean you didn't know before!? " Now, Aether, Dean, since you're the hotshots of the Knights of Favonius… Maybe you can give it a shot."

I stared, then pointed to Venti. "Hey Aether, I'm going to kill him." Venti stuttered. "H..h..hey now, there's no need to get physical." Aether shakes his head but sends Venti a stern look. "Not yet. Let's see where he goes with this."
"Yet?!"

We approached Gotelinde who stopped what she was doing to greet us. "Barbatos bless you. Ah, it's you! The newcomer of the Knights of Favonius, aren't you? And you, I recognize that pink hair. You're the one I see around Sister Grace and the children. Barbatos bless you, sweet boy. What can I do for the heroes that saved Mondsadt that day? Is it a task from the Acting Grandmaster?"

Aether took the lead on this. "Yes actually, the knights would like to borrow the Holy Lyre."

Gotelinde was immediately skeptical. "Is that so? Not that I don't trust you. It's just that a suspicious bard came looking to borrow the Holy Lyre as well. He's full of nonsense and even called himself Barbatos. He must be up to something."

Oh Venti you owe me.

"You must mean Venti? Poor child, he suffered a nasty blow to the head and now seems to think he's the Lord Barbatos. Please forgive him."

Venti gapped. "BUT I AM BARBATOS!"

Gotelinde put her hand over her heart. "Poor child, I didn't know. Lord Barbatos please forgive me."

Venti nods. "I do."

Gotelinde nods. "Oh, of course."

Venti's eyes twitched.

Gotelinde turns to answer us. "There are regulations in place for the use of the Holy Lyre. Currently, it's only used in Ludi Harpastum. Signed documents from the Grand Master, Seneschal, and Community Representative are all required. So, may I see the document from the Knights of Favonius?"

Aether made to answer but I cut him off. "I'm sorry sister, it seems we misplaced the documents. We'll be sure to convene with Acting Grand Master Jean and bring you the proper paperwork. Sorry for wasting your time" I shoot Aether a look and he nods.

Gotelinde nods in understanding. "That's quite alright child. Make sure to bring the required document signed or there is not much else I can do. Now please excuse me."

Venti walks up to us. "It didn't work. I knew it."

"You knew it?" Paimon asked skeptically.

"Seriously, then why the hel-.. I mean why the heck did we go through the trouble of doing that?" I asked annoyed.

"I just wanted to know how influential Aether and you — the hotshots of the Knights of the Favonius — is. You see, the best warrior should always be presented with the best sword, and yet here we are...Does the story not make for a fitting ballad?" finished Venti.

We started at him dubiously. "Dean, now you can kill him," ordered Aether.

Venti puts up his arms. "W-wait, you didn't let me finish. What I mean is that it's more of a commentary regarding Mondstadt's inability to see the warrior standing right before its very eyes. Very well. Looks like borrowing it is not going to be possible. We're simply going to have to steal it."

"..."

Venti starts sweating nervously. "Uh, why are you guys looking at me like that? Hehe."

"I don't know Venti, MAYBE BECAUSE YOU WANT US TO COMMIT AN ACTUAL CRIME!"
"Shhh. Before someone hears you." Venti shushed me. "Besides, you don't expect me to steal my own Lyre, do you? I'm a really talented singer, the best actually. But I have no talent in thievery. Besides, if I was caught, I'd have no one to right the grave injustice of my arrest."

"How can it be a "grave injustice" if you got caught stealing red-handed?" Asked Paimon in disbelief. "Right, it wouldn't be "Injustice" if you're caught committing a crime. Just Justice." I pointed out.

"..."

"Anyway.." HE IGNORED US. "Things are different for you guys. You are the superstars of the Knights of Favonius. You have made contributions to Mondstadt. Should you get caught, you would easily be able to talk your way out of it."

I snorted. "You're literally the God Barbados. You can talk your way outta it too if you were serious."

"..."

"The guards here, it seems they're off duty throughout the night." That little shit ignored me again. "If we manage to seize this opportunity, it should be smooth sailing from here."

"Stop mentioning us getting caught!" Paimon snapped. Yeah! Everyone knows that that just asking to be jinxed. And didn't something go wrong in the game? Venti, please stop saying we're going get caught.

"So what do you guys say?" Venti asked us.

"I'm sorry— Wait... Did you just say... you're Barbatos?"

"Aether, you knew that already. I told you, remember?" I pointed out.

"Oh yeah. Honestly, I thought he tricked you. Didn't you say he hit his head too?"

"I was Joking! Like I could ever get tricked by someone like him. Just look at him!" And we all give Venti a look over.

"Yeah, you're right."

"Even Paimon would lose respect if you did."

Venti's shoulders slump. "Ouch, well there goes my pride. But what about me being a god is important?"

So we explain the situation to him. " I see."

Aether shakes his head. "Even if you're a god or not, I'll still help Dvalin. I'll bring you the Holy Lyre der Himmel. But you better do your part." I just realized. I never played with Aether before, so seeing this side of him… It reminds me of Lumine. And even a small part of me, the child in me, feels inspired by his heroic spirit.

I nodded. "I'll help out any way I can too."

Venti smiled. "It's a deal then."

The next day during nightfall, me and Aether snuck into the Cathedral basement. We stuck to the shadows and hid behind the pillars. It was crawling with security. They really don't play about their nation's sacred treasure.

Aether turns to me. "Why don't you still be here and be look out? If anything, I might need you to cause a distraction for me while I make for the Lyre." I nodded.

The next to happen amazes me. Aether passes through security with ninja-like stealth and agility. Not one guard looked his way once. Uh, Should I be worried he was used to this? Just how many worlds did he have to use this kinda skill? You know what? I don't wanna know.

Just as Aether makes for the Lyre, a figure, and purple steals it right from under him. I can't make out what they're saying but Aether looks pissed. A Knight turns and looks alarmed that Aether is there.

Oh shit.

I panicked. I gather Pyro energy in my hands for my elemental skill, one distraction coming up. "HEY OVER HERE YOU FILTHY KNIGHTS!"

Pyro Dragon's Brillant Flame!

"Is that fire?"

"Oh, Barbatos! FIRE! FIRE!"

"BRING ANYONE WITH HYDRO VISION"

"You three! Come with me! We must find the intruders!"

I high-tailed it outta there. Hopefully, that was enough for Aether and Paimon to get away. With my enhanced speed I was able to make back to the entrance at the same time as Aether.

Venti was sitting on the ledge humming a tune. "RUN! They're on to us!" Venti's eyes widened and then glowed. "Leave it to me." The wind starts to pick up and turns into a powerful current. Venti lifted into the air and started flying away. Me and Aether shared a look and instantly jumped off the ledge and opened our gliders.

We followed Venti, hearts pounding in our chest. Of course, I'm in another world and I'm running from their version of law enforcement. Venti, I swear to wait who is higher than Venti? Whatever. I swear I'm going to kill him if I end up in prison for this.

We make it the "Angel's Share", a Tarven on the edge of the city. Venti, Aether, Paimon, and I rushed in, clothes disorderly from the strong winds and out of breath. There he was, a fan favorite. Diluc, the owner of this tavern, and his bartender, Charles. They stopped whatever it was they were discussing and stared at us.

Venti sends them a smile. "Hi, we'd like a seat at your, uhh... least conspicuous table." Oh my god, it's like he never done this before. I feel like smacking my forehead. Oh, right, he had never done this before.

Diluc raised an eyebrow at us. "Umm... The second floor has fewer customers. You'd be less conspicuous up there…" That's that "minding my own business" attitude you would only see in New York. Good to know some things in another world don't change. Any other person would have just stopped us.

"But aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center?" Asked Diluc. Please don't answer Venti, he'll know you're full of shit.

Venti laughs. "Hahaha, let's save the paid performance for next time. We'll be heading up now, see you in a bit!" Oh, never mind.

We quickly made our way to the second floor and sat down. Not soon after, the doors bust open.

"Ah, Master Diluc.." I know that voice, that's Otto. " Have you seen two thieves around?
There was silence and then we heard Diluc respond. "What happened? Why have you mobilized so many guards?" Another voice stutters. "Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? Two thieves were trying to steal the Holy Lyre! There might be a third coconspirator lurking around too. One with a possible Pyro Vision."

"Oh, How odd." Answers Diluc. "Isn't it?" Miles agrees. "The Holy Lyre is a treasure that was played by the God of Anemo themselves. Such a precious piece of cultural heritage—" Diluc cuts him off. "Why would one want to steal something they can't sell off? Would pay better to steal from my cellars…" Aether gives me a "What the hell" look. I almost cracked a smile. Diluc really doesn't give a shit does he?"

"Huh?" Asked a bewildered Otto. Diluc apologizes. "Sorry, off-topic. Believe they headed that way."

"Understood. Thank you, Master Diluc!" There were sounds of footsteps and a door slam.

We make our way back to the first floor and Venti strolls forward to the bar. "Today I think I'll have a glass of…" Diluc cuts him off. "You can put down that bottle you stole from behind the counter." When the hell did he steal a bottle?

Venti turns to answer Diluc. "Something cold." So we're not acknowledging the bottle comment? Diluc shakes his head. "Right… I want answers." Venti nodded. "Lemme finish my drink first. I'll pay you — well, with a performance." Diluc stares in disbelief. "It's not about money. You seem too young to be drinking."

"No need to worry. When I started drinking, you were still—"

Aether interrupts him. "How about answering my question first?" I nodded. "Right, how about you introduce us for starters," I said pointedly.

Venti nodded. "He is Master Diluc, the boss of... ah, the owner of this tavern. He's very famous. By the way, his dandelion wine is one of my favorites. Though most of the time I can only afford a bottle or two…"

Aether turns to me and it is like we have a silent communication.

"Why does he sound like a drunkard?"

"Because my dear friend, he is."

Diluc clears his voice. "I just heard about some thieves from the guards. For the record, I like your guts for trying to steal the Holy Lyre der Himmel. Even if you are fools... but we don't often get to see people like you." A fool?

"A fool?! Sir, please don't lump with him." As I pointed to Venti. Diluc frowned and mouthed "Sir" in distaste while Paimon sent me a look.

"That part is not important! It wasn't us who stole it! The real thief is still out there!" pleaded Paimon.

"This is the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius. Why would someone so aspiring to steal Mondstadt's sacred treasure?

Venti…Why are you the one that sound smug?

Diluc raised his eyebrow. "Hotshot? Oh, so you're the ones. So you and the bard are close friends?"

"I only heard him play once."

"I never seen this man before in a day of my life."

Venti slumps. "You guys sure have a way with words."

Diluc nodded. "Well... Despite only being a passing traveler, you still offered your help to Mondstadt in its time of need. A shame you joined the Knights of Favonius... Inefficient right from beginning to end. And towards the Fatui? Weak and conservative. Forget it. I don't feel like talking about it."

Aether and I shared another silent conversation.

"He does know he's the one that brought it up right."

"He even sounds more sketchier than the Bard. Can we trust him?"

It seems Diluc noticed our look. "Oh, and what are those looks for?"

"Nothing/Nothing." We deadpanned.

Venti whistled. "Wow, seems like you really don't like the knights of Favonius." Uh, no shit Venti.

Diluc shakes his head. "Just differences in approach is all. I have my own hopes for this city. Now, answers. Why did you steal the Holy Lyre?" We just said we didn't steal it. Is his ears working?

I opened my mouth to tell him just that before Venti covered it. "You sure you want to know? It could implicate you in the affairs of the Knights of Favonius." So we're going that route huh? Fine.

Diluc nodded. "That's fine. I somehow always end up implicated in their affairs." Diluc I love your character but you sound sus as hell right now.

"If I tell you the story with a performance, will you believe me?" asked Venti.

Diluc crosses his arms. "It depends, I'll make my own judgment."

"Then will I get paid?" Asked Venti innocently.

"Your reward will range from anywhere between five Mora and the Holy Lyre. It all depends on your story." Humored Diluc.

"Very well. Let me put on a show…"

Then there was a sudden change in the wind. Elemental energy feels the room as Venti performs. It was almost if I could see the battlefield with Dvalin, feel his pain and confusion. Diluc's eyes seem to glaze over and then the spell is broken.

"What did I..What did I just witness? This is confidential information. Why did you let me know?" Asked Diluc seriously.

"Why?" Venti pondered. "Hmm, Perhaps because the winds are changing. So What say you, Master Diluc."

Diluc makes a decision. "Give me some time. I'll organize some contacts. Outlander, as one of the Knights, it seems you're not a suspect. Blonde is the only description on the wanted poster. You should be safe. As for the bard however, it'd be better if you stayed in the tavern." I blinked.

"Master Diluc, what about me?" I asked.

"Don't be silly. You're not even a suspect. I heard alot about you, Dean Dragneel." Diluc gaves me an intense once over. And stare for a bit longer. "You're a well beloved citizen of Mondstadt after all." Well beloved citizen? I try no to cause trouble but did make such an impact on people?

Venti snorts. Diluc shoots him a look. "And what's so funny bard?" Venti gives him a knowing look and says nothing. Diluc grumbled. I wonder what was that about.

"Okay. Let's meet here tonight at midnight after the tavern closes."

I nodded and turn to Aether. "How about we wait at my place? I'm sure you can use the rest. And it's been a pretty long night." Aether nods and I lead him and Paimon back to my place. I showed them my apartment over Branch Master Cyrus's.

Paimon looks around with curiosity. "Paimon sort of expected…Actual Paimon don't know what she expected but not this. It seems empty." Damn Paimon, don't hold back on my account. "Well I made some Valberry cookies for the kids, why don't help yourself Paimon? And there some wolfhook juice in the fridge while you're at it." Paimon was gone before I could finish telling her about the juice. I sighed.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she was secretly the god gluttony. So what got you so down Aether?" Aether looks up in surprise. "You've been quiet ever since we left the Tavern."
Aether looks away. "Do you think it's my fault we lost the Lyre? If I would just had been quick enough.." What? I don't remember if the traveler thought this in the game.

"I think…the Fatui pulled a dirty trick. I think they saw an opportunity and took it. They must of had eyes on it for some reason and when they saw us make a play for it, that they decided to kill two birds with one stone. And she used magic to grab the Lyre, that's definitely cheating."

Aether cracked a smile. "Shouldn't you cheat if you're committing a crime?" I rolled my eyes. "I mean yes. Okay who side are you on? What I'm saying is, that it's not your fault. I don't know why their so dead set on killing Dvalin." And I don't. I thought they were after the gnosis? What would killing Dvalin do in the long run? Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong. Maybe they think killing Dvalin will have Mondstadt indebted to them that they have no chose but to hand the gnosis over.

Aether eyes darken. "It's not Dvalin's fault he likes that. I swear, I'm going to do everything I can to help him." I smiled. I feel the same way as Aether. Dvalin should be free. No one should be made to suffer like that. "Why don't you rest for a bit. I'll wake you when it's time to go." Aether gives me a look of appreciation.

"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble." I waved it away. "It's nothing. I'm barely doing anything. We need you at your best anyway." Aether yawns and laid down on the bed and soon enough he was softly snorting.