Authors Disclaimer: I do not own Genshin impact. Hey everyone sorry for the long wait...well sort of lol, but yeah sorry for the long wait. Finally getting back to writing again and after getting Furina from the banner and her weapon as well, I can finally relax and take it easy and not feel rushed or panic of trying to get all the primos to summoning her and getting her. I wasn't expecting to getting her weapon too- but now that I have them and won't be needing to worry about wishing for anyone esle...maybe Mona, and hopefully Sigewinne whenever she comes out.

I can finally relax and get writing done again. After this story is posted, I will be and get started on some story ideas I have in my head. But only making the first chapters of them, and possibly one shots. So when they do come out, I hope you all look forward to reading them and such. Anyway, this is going to be possibly a three parter chapters, describing the Traveler's journey towards Starrfall mountains and fighting against the abyss. But also having the abyss attacking and invading Mondstat while the traveler is out there with Jean, Diluc and venti.

Which I never understood why the Abyss never thought of doing so when those four were heading to Stormterror's lair. Baffles the mind...but I might also miss remembering the sequence too. But eh, make more sense to having them do it now than later lol. Anyway, without further adieu hope you all have fun and enjoy reading!

Xxx

Chapter 7: The war to save Dvallin! Part 1

At the Mondstat's Knights HQ and within the chambers of Master Jean, a group of people consisting of Aether, Kaeya, Diluc, Amber, Lisa, and Venti- alongside Mona and Sucrose too were all standing at the ready in front of Jean's desk as she has her eyes closed and was informed by Venti about everything that has been happening lately, including the prime facts about what's going on with Stormterror's domain and that the winds surrounding the area has completely disappeared and opened up.

This brought a lot of concerns and worries to Jean and the Knights, on the account. They're not sure who or what was able to release the seal barrier surrounding the domain. The blonde woman opened her eyes halfway and then shifted her gaze towards the group in front of her, seeing them all sharing the same exact thoughts and questions of who could've released the seal? Jean then leans back against her chair and softly looks towards the window, while then looking back to Venti. "And…you are certain the tornadoes and winds disappeared when you traveled over there?" She asked the young blue haired bard.

"Indeed," Venti began saying while resting a hand on his chest. "I was heading over there to check up on Dvallin's wounds and injuries, thanks to our Honorary knight here, stopping him from causing major harm and damage to the city." Smiled the bard as he looked to Aether and then back. "And upon arriving at the pathway heading into Dvallin's territory. I took notice that the barriers protecting the domain have completely vanished." Then rests a hand on his forehead and gently wipes it, "Honestly…and I know of you guys only sealing and dispelling 3 of the four domains giving Dvallin his powers- and preventing the barrier from disappearing. But…" then sighs. "Somehow," while raising his arms and shrugging his elbows. "Someway, somebody must've entered the last domain and removed the final seal that leads to Dvallin's territory."

Mona cocked her hips out and nodded her head, adjusting her hat. "It's true, after Venti approached me and asked me how the barrier was looking. I went and did an astrology reading on it…and picked up that a human was indeed the cause for the last seal." She sighed while rubbing her chin. "But what's peculiar is that- I also sensed some abyssal readings when it happened."

This had everyone blinking their eyes as Amber leaned forward to see Mona and had her hair slide against her back, "But how? I thought the Abyss aren't able to touch or interact with any of the objects within the domains?" She asked and had Mona shrugging.

"That's what I thought to- but with that human reading I picked up…might be the reason behind being able to disband the seal." Then everyone turned to Diluc, who was leaning against one of the walls and opened his eyes and began saying.

"Come to think of it, one of my underground networks has spotted the abyss lately. But weren't able to keep track of their movements. Were suspiciously gathering or appearing near Wolfendum as of late heading north." Then turned towards Aether, who blinked his golden eyes and slightly widened them. "They also told me and I forgot to relay this information to you. But I…couldn't trust you just yet." He laughed when Aether eyes misled and letting him know its alright, "but they spotted somebody with almost the exact identification of your sister."

"Lumine!" Aether asked and quickly calmed down not wanting to rush or get his hopes up. "Will it be alright to describe her to you, so I know it is her?" He asked Diluc, who nodded and even saw the man grabbing a notepad from his pocket. Taking this very seriously," alright…braided blonde hair, golden eyes, white looking paladin like dress, and a flower decorative headpiece?"

Diluc looked over the notes and read them again to be sure if they fit the description. Then closed his eyes while nodding his head, Having Aether widening his eyes but also feeling actually relieved to hear his sister WAS here and in this world…"But…with the abyss?" Aether hummed out having the girls look at him as Sucrose adjusted her glasses and said.

"No doubt that the Abyss are probably using her and are possibly having her work for them." She then rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "But, seeing she is okay and alive, along with knowing she is in this world with you too? That means you can find her and save her!"

Amber grinned widely, "That's right!" then happily shakes Aether who lets out some chuckles. "Is your sister anything like you! She's probably using them in order to figure out and locate where you are, all the while making sure they don't do anything bad with her." Amber then excitedly looks at Mona and sees her nodding, immediately opening up her astrology magic. "Mona, do you think that might be the human reading your sensing in Stormterror's territory?"

This had Sucrose turning to Mona and folding her hands together in hopes that it was, which the astrology girl giggled and winked. "Yup, now I got a better idea of what she looks like and details of her identity. I can say that her location is indeed in Stormterror's territory."

This had Venti laughing and grinning ear-to-ear. "Well then it seems like our paths have once again intertwined Traveler!" He joked and had Aether laughing, turning towards Jean. "Well then Grand master, all we have to do now is wait for your command and we will head on out." Venti said and saw Jean nodding and shifted her gaze towards Kaeya.

"Kaeya, Lisa, do you think you will be able to gather the knights and make sure to defend and protect the city?" Jean suddenly asked, having the two to harden their looks. "No doubt that the Abyss are waiting in hiding right outside the gates. Waiting for our heavy hitters to leave and make the place defenseless."

Amber, Sucrose and Mona nodded as Amber spoke, "You can also leave that to use Master Jean. Much we want to come and aid Aether and you guys. We're going to need all the defense we need here in Mondstat!" Amber said as Sucrose nodded.

"And since my master Albedo is still at Dragonspine. I will do everything in my power to make sure nobody gets hurt or harmed from the abyss attacks." Sucrose then adjusted her glasses, "plus- I don't think…I…I will be much help there considering my element." She said bashfully while folding her hands behind her back.

Mona crossed her arms and nodded her head, "Much I will love to hel[ out there too. I made sure to check the status of the town and think, it will benefit me staying here and aid as much as I can against this hidden army of Abyss warriors." Mona informed and had Lisa giggling and mewing out.

"My we have a lot of cuties to help us out in our time of need," Then raised a hand. "I think I should put effort in too or else I might get out staged." Though grunted as Amber looked away while leering to the far right wall.

"Pfft…says the lazy Librarian who only wants to skip work." Amber muttered out, getting Aether to chuckled softly and feeling a sweatdrop forming on his forehead Even getting Jean and Diluc to snicker softly to themselves and had Lisa sighing and shaking her head.

"Alright, alright- I am being serious. I will protect our home." Lisa said.

Kaeya laughed as he got up from one of the sofas and then adjusted his outfit. "Well then…I did send words to any knights out exploring or scouting the surrounding areas. To come on back to the city and help defend it, while you all go and solve the Dvallin problem." And then crossed his arms, as Venti hummed and blinked his eyes when Kaeya then says, "Noelle should be returning soon, while Eula and Rosaria who are currently looking into disappearances at Dragonspine, are also making their way towards town as we speak. They should arrive before dark."

Jean nodded her head and stood up, adjusting her coat and uniform. "Good, I will be sure to leave a not for Barbara, to get ready for her healing abilities and support to the knights here." Then face the others, "Amber, Sucrose, help as much as you possibly can. I know using your visions can take a toll on your stamina sometimes. But, considering what is about to go down and that we will be heading to Dvallin…"

Amber saluted, "You will need all the help you can get! We got it," Amber then turns to Sucrose. "Come on Sucrose, let's see if we can get and add more help to protecting the city!" Then quickly skips over to Aether and pecks his cheek. "Good luck! And hope you save your sister!" she giggled out and ran out, causing a frantic Sucrose who was stunned to shake and follow right after her.

Of course stopping and bashfully making her way to Aether and she too kissed his cheek, before darting off, "Good luck! Amber…wait up, I am not as fast as you!" earning some giggles and snickers from the room, as Mona went ahead and stretched out her arms.

"Well then I should get going too and see if I can find any assistance from my master." Mona said and smirks. "No doubt she will have friends arriving here too, in order to help defend the city." And carefree walked her way over to either and patte dhis right shoulder. "You be careful alright? Don't want you to go dying on us, Honorary knight." she teased out and wink to him, while then swaying her way out the door. Leaving everyone there to continue discussing.

Aether then face Jean and asks, "So, what's the plan?" He asked and chuckled. "Knowing the Abyss and what you guys told me about them, they probably won't be leaving the road to Dvallin's territory unguarded." He said and had Jean nodding her head and facing Diluc. Who closed his eyes and cleared his throat.

"You are right about that, considering there is a large amount of them surrounding the general area. Hilichurls, Bigchurles, Samulchels, and even some nasty Ruin guards are exploring and walking about in the mountain pass that leads to the old ruins." Diluc informed, while getting off the wall and began heading to the door. "I suggest we head out right now and get going, while daylight is still upon us. It is after all a week-long trip to reach Stormterror's territory on foot."

Venti hummed and asked while following Diluc out, "Why on foot- why not just take the boats on the east side of Mondstat and sail on over towards Starfell valley?" Then leaned back when Diluc turned around and had a bit of an annoyed expression on his face, having Venti raise his hands up in defense and chuckled sheepishly.

"Because- a certain bard here will probably use his vision to summon a gust of winds, once we get to shore and have us glide onto said mountains, to make the trip faster. Not only will the loud winds and howls of it give away our position and location. We will also be left open in the air to be shot down by any abyss mages that find us." Then flick Venti's nose. "Or did you forget that?" And then turns around proceeding to head on out.

"A..ah, err yeah-yeah I…completely forgot about the mages." Venti chuckled and shook his head, "yeesh learn to lighten up." He whispered quietly as he left the room. Having the others to just stare and watch this happened, as Aether slowly turned towards Jean and saw her looking towards him and then sighing.

"It's normal…don't worry about it." Explained the blonde ponytail hair woman, as she gets up from her seat and then walks over towards her sword that's resting against the desk and slings the scabbard around her shoulder. "Right then, Kaeya, Lisa I leave Mondstat in your hands." She told them while walking around the desk and approaching the traveler. "Traveler, let's go- Diluc is right, if we get moving now and stock up on supplies. We should be able to reach Starfell valley within possibly one and half day worth of traveling."

"Right," Aether then looks at Kaeya and Lisa, curious if they will be alright. Who both smiled and assured Aether that they will be quite alright and will follow the group towards the gates and see them off. Aether sighed and followed behind Jean as his mind began wandering about, "Lumine…how did you end up being with the Abyss? I hope you're doing alright and that nothing bad is happening to you." He thought to himself as the blinding sun beamed into his eyes when stepping out of the HQ of the Knights and proceeded following Jean down towards the front entrance of Mondstat. "I do hope that whatever they are forcing you to do, isn't anything horrible or forcing you to do something you're against doing."

Xxx

Once they had left the city and left the rest of the knights to defend and guard Mondstat from any invading forces of the abyss. Aether and the group began heading west side of the city, following the road that will take them to Springdale and then towards Dawn winery, where Diluc has informed everyone how they can rest there for a brief moment, before they go and head into Wolfendum that is north from Dawn winery. Jean figured to take this opportune moment to get to know Aether more as they traveled as she approached him and lightly touched his shoulder, seeing him turning his head towards her and seeing her smiling. "Are you doing alright? Worried about your sister?" Jean asked, as Aether smiled at her and nodded her head and face forward and continued walking as she removed her hand. "Don't worry, I am sure she is fine."

"Yeah I am sure she is fine," Aether began saying while raising his right hand. "She's capable of handling herself honestly. But, I am worried that she is being forced into doing things with the abyss, that goes against her principles." He said softly while resting his hand down and shaking his head as they continued walking through the dirt road and forest-like path, as it was slowly becoming denser as they continued moving forward. "But…the question will be, what or how they convinced her into working with them will be the question?" Aether hummed out having Jean to also hum and facing forward, racking her brain to figure out why that is?

Venti chimed in as he spun around and began walking backwards, "Well we know at least one thing and if Mona's reading is correct. They might be using her to get into Dvallin's home and then probably help them corrupt him." He said and winked, "Course no doubt with her, she will be putting up quite the fight against their ideals, and if she deemed the situation is too dangerous to escape." Then chuckled when Aether laughed and nodded his head.

"Yeah, Lumine will definitely try something like that to escape. But if she deems it dangerous she will buy some time and work with them, to find an opening to escape." Aether said and then looked at Venti. "By the way- is it true that only humans are able to touch the seals in the domains?" He asked the wind archon, Having Venti hummed and closing his green eyes thinking it through, but laughed when Jean happily explained it for him.

"Actually I can answer those questions." The blonde ponytail hair woman said, while then facing Aether and saw him turn his head. "IT was actually made and created with the first dandelion Grand master before me, who set those seals up." She told Aether, having him widened his eyes and listened carefully. "You see when Mondstat discovered those leyline's domains and noticed them having high concentrated power of Anemo. To then connect said Anemo to that of Dvallin the nation's wind dragon. She surmised that if anything negative or possible evil forces could enter and leave as they please through the domains. She took it in her hand, to have some scholars and alchemists come and create seals to defend Dvallin."

Then Diluc chimed in, scoffing and shaking his head, showing his disdainful treatment towards the Knights of Mondstat. "And here we are having to unleash the seals and weaken the Wind dragon's powers. And because of this incident and carelessness of the Knights past actions, and because of their recklessness we now have to clean up their mess." He started coldly, having Jean closing her eyes halfway and making the situation a little tense, as Aether looked between them and wondered what was going on?

Venti who had his hands against the back of his head and beretta, began walking slowly and reaching to Aether, as he leaned his head ever slightly to him. "Don't take his comments seriously, he may have a bit of disdain towards the knights. But he actually does care for them, or at least- the newest members and not the ones of the past who are still around."

"So…this is normal then?" Aether asked softly while he then saw how tense things were and was silent with everyone. Aether then cleared his throat and bravely asked, having Venti smirking as he saw the blonde hair teen try and break the silence. "So uhh…by releasing the seal it drains the power? But…" then chuckled as Diluc shook his head while also having a smile.

"Ah yeah it might seem confusing from what I just said there. But it actually makes a lot of sense when it comes down to the principle." The fire red hair man said and tilted sideways. "You see, not sealing Dvallin wind element within the domains, actually caused it to build up and corrode overtime within Dvallin's body." He explained, having Jean blink her eyes. "Which is why it was sort of dumb…but also helpful of the original Grand master, performing such things to keep a balance."

Jean then said, "Which is why only one of the four orbs of the domains were only sealed. And not all of them, because of the corrosion of them all being sealed. Will instead of harming and damaging the wind dragon from within and deal internal damages to his body." Then lift her head as Venti nodded and wagged a finger.

"Precisely, which is why I needed you all while Dvallin went on the rampage. To go and seal the three orbs, and not the fourth one. To lessen the overflowing power coursing through his body. But making sure that the barrier within Stormterror's home still being up and preventing anyone from entering and bothering Dvallin." Venti then hummed and crossed his arms as they continued forward and walked through the forest, as it slowly started to open up into open fields as the skies opened up and the beaming sun shining down to the fields and blanketing with its warmth. "Now however though is that…how did the abyss manage to have Lumine seal the last one?"

This had Aether humming too as he looked down in thought, having Jean speak up. "They may have a scholar or a member of the abyss able to read and study upon the Grand masters Alchemist writings, that…they probably made a copy for Lumine to understand. But even still…" This worried Jean as well as Diluc, who grunted lightly and looked at Aether as the young teen looked back.

"How fast is Lumine picking up things? Is it similar to your quickness of picking things up?" The man asked and saw Aether thinking it through and rubbing his chin and thought it through.

"Well it depends how fast it takes us to understand things, but if shown and taught how it works. We can pick it up rather quickly and understand things literally a few seconds in." Aether then huff lightly, "but…our magical properties and understanding though differs between the both of us." Then sighs and rubs the back of his head and neck. "If anything Lumine might catch on with magic properties than I could. So, I won't be surprised if she picks up on how to seal the orbs."

"And considering her current situation, the Abyss probably picked up on that talent and figured to use it for their own gains. Try and do devious things with Dvallin…or placing those runes on him too." Diluc added and had everyone nodding their heads, while then looking forward and spotting one of the Statues of the Sevens. "I suggest we go and resonate with the Statue of the Seven and open up the map more for the Traveler, then we can head to my winery, rest up and go over what course of action we take from there."

Jean nods, "Good idea, we don't want to accidentally go in blind when heading towards Wolfendum. Especially if the Abyss are preparing to ambush us when we get close towards Stormterror lair." She then adjusted her shirt and sighs out. "Even so with just the four of us. We're probably going to be in a lot of fights and battling a lot of monsters as we get there."

"No doubt they will also have Ruin Guards with them too." Diluc muttered annoyingly, having Aether to blink his eyes and was about to ask what Ruin guards are, only for Venti to beat Jean and Diluc to the punch and smiled.

"That dear traveler is a metal-like creature that looks like a giant mecha guard of Fontaine. But at a lower technical level than that of the Mecha gardes of Fontaine." He then started walking backwards in front of Aether, while raising an arm and pointer finger outwards. "They are huge, brown looking and walk on two legs with large wide arms and fists. They are also capable of firing rockets from their bodies and even something along the line of a laser from its eyes." Venti then huffed. "They're very annoying creatures to take care of and fending off against them can be very taxing."

Jean then turned sideways and confirmed Venti's words. "He isn't wrong, Ruin guards have great resistances against all sorts of weapons and even sometimes magic. Even our best Catalysts users have a hard time fending them off." Then smiled. "But we have been able to discover and figure out the core, or where the weak spot was on them. In which the weakness is on the giant glowing eye on the head." She informed and calmly folded her arms behind her back and made sure to take careful steps backwards, having her assets bounce about when doing so. "So great bowmen or archers can be very great in dealing with their weak spots."

Diluc nods, "Even us Claymore wielders can be very tough and tiring too. Despite how strong our weapons can be, all the while using our vision to deal with them or elemental reactions, can be very dangerous and taunting if it doesn't work out. You still gotta be very careful when dealing with Ruin guards."

Jean then said, "Especially if you have to deal with more than one. Two can be easily dealt with if you're smart and have them strike each other, or use their rockets against one another. But when you're up against four or possibly six of them. Then it is best to get the hell out of there and run as fast as possible, or open up your map and teleport away from the battlefield before it overwhelms you."

Aether nodded as he understood where everyone was coming from, especially when it came to dealing with a Ruin guard robot. A highly dangerous creature unless you have an archer with you who can aim for the weak spot that's in the eye of the machine. To lower its defenses and allow everyone to attack and destroy it before it can rise back up. "Anyway the winery is just over these hills, we will head there to rest up for a brief moment, stock up on supplies and continue our way towards Wolfendum." Diluc explained as they all picked up the pace and Venti grinning widely.

"We can even probably drink on some fine wine as we-'' Venti then leans back and bashfully chuckles, when Diluc spun around and pointed a finger at Venti.

"IF we drink any of the wine, not only will I have to charge you for the supplies bard, but it won't be a good idea that we are drunk and having alcohol in our bodies right now. We won't be able to fight well against the Abyss now would we?" And then turns back and resumes walking, getting Aether and Jean to just stare lightly and then look at Venti, who huffs and shakes his head and resumes walking.

"Jeez, just a suggestion. Wouldn't do good if we were all thirsty or hungry as we reach Wolfendum'' Mutter Venti, having Jean and Aether to chuckle and just follow the two towards the Winery, where they can rest up for awhile and plan out an attack for their trip through Wolfendum up ahead.

Xxx

The brief rest was definitely something they needed, especially for Jean. Considering how busy she has been lately with Knight duty and caring for the city. She felt quite recovered from all her stress and was offered some food from the butler, explaining to her how she shouldn't push herself like this and that she will fall ill if she doesn't take care of her body. Making the grand master to be quite sheepish within the mansion of Dawn winery, having been told this and other maids directing her or chastising her for putting herself in so much stress. Leaving the guys to themselves, well mostly Aether and Venti were alone themselves, as Diluc wanted to scout the surrounding area for a while, before they head out and give the okay.

Venti and Aether were outside and out front, as the Archon wanted to discuss some things with Aether and what he knows so far, and possibly give him some more ideas of who else can become his companions. After all- The Anemo archon can feel Aether's strength with the Anemo element, rising further than before and even so when he first made contact with the Statue of the sevens. He also wanted to be sure how his skills are improving too.

"So, Aether?" Venti began speaking while doing a balancing act on one of the gate's edges. "I know it has been awhile since we've last spoken. And I was busy checking things out or scouting around how Dvallin is doing," then smiled and looked at the blonde traveler while moving and tilting his body about. "Curious how things are working out for you and the girls? Has your element with the Anemo been improving?" He asked, while he jumped off the edge of the stone gate and clapped his hands against his clothes.

"Well the girls and I are doing good thanks for asking," Aether explained while then crossing his arms and sighing. "I can now see why you wanted them to be my companions. Besides, certain situations," then opened a hand. "But they definitely give off the impression they have no one to really talk to or express their emotions towards. Without really feeling awkward or making the situation strange."

"That and probably want someone to actually listen right?" Venti asked and saw Aether nodding, "yeah. That is actually one of the reasons I want them to be your companion. Again, besides traveling the world by yourself and all. But I want them to gain experience and show expressions of the world that's out there. Then their own little bubble." He informed and then stretched out his arms and laughed, "though I didn't really plan on anything else besides that. So it's all their doing if they becometesty or feisty with their needs. He teased and had Aether shaking his head. "So, how do you feel though? I felt the anemo strength rising after you recruited Mona a couple days back- has there been any improvements with your strength?"

Aether hummed and looked around to find some haystacks or empty barrels he could perform, but he also didn't want to damage any of the properties. "No worries," Venti said and laughed, "I can easily cancel out your skill with no problems. Just aim at nothing and I can see it." He said and assured Aether he will be able to cancel out the power. After all- he is the Anemo Archon, he can attest to stopping Aether's wind element from damaging anything.

Aether nodded and went ahead and moved his right arm forward and began hardening his look. Summoning the wind blade near his palm, as sharp razor winds began rapidly spinning and spiraling around his hands, forming the green energy orb in the middle as it grew and expanded forward- to then Aether releasing the power and watched the blast of air and blades firing forward and zooming past Venti, who had to grab his hat and watch the skill reach quite the distance of almost five feet from Traveler's position! "Whoa!" Venti exclaimed and blinked his eyes with glee, "Now that is strong!" Then turned to Aether, "Last time I saw you using that. You're only capable of making it extend about two feet from you. Nice, very nice!" Chuckled the blue-haired boy, "Now show me the cyclone!"

Aether nodded and walked off from the pavement of the winery, so no chairs or tables would get caught and aimed towards the open fields where there were no objects around or items to accidentally suck up and cause them to go flying everywhere. Aether then leaps into the air, twirling about and unsheathing his sword, while then slashing it forward! Sending a powerful green Cyclone forward- covered in powerful anemo energy as it roared and flew through the fields with howling winds- having even Aether and Venti to wince one eye closed, while holding and shielding themselves from the powerful suction the move has.

Venti went and snapped his fingers to dispel the move and laughed, "Wow, just incredible!" He said with a wide grin and approached Aether, who looked shocked himself and laughed when Venti slapped his back happily. "Those are really powerful, I can sense the element being strengthened too by adding companions to your cause." He then crossed his arms blinking his blue eyes. "Heh, I knew my deduction was right of having the girls join you, and increasing your elemental strength." Then hummed when Aether turned to him and raised a hand asking.

"Yeah it is weird though…how did you know it would work?" Aether asked while resting a hand on his own chin. "I mean, having companions join me on my adventure here will increase the elemental strength?" He asked, while watching Venti just laughing and shaking his head.

"Tut, tut my dear traveler. Since you are using or resonating with the element of anemo- which belongs to me." Venti laughed while crossing his arms. "That Archon's strength comes through the strength of their people's beliefs in them." Then tilt his head and smirks. "And since you technically have a weaker version of my skills. And are part of an archon powers, I figured that in order for them to be stronger for you. Is by having companions to travel with you, and even believe in your strength as well."

Aether looked confused of what Venti meant and saw the bard just staring back and humming, while then sweat dropping as he saw the explanation didn't make sense. Venti then hummed and scratched his own chin lightly, "err…Well maybe that was hard to describe." He chuckled and then smiled. "Don't worry, think of it as a way of them believing in you and you believing in them that makes your element powers stronger." He said and had Aether to nod, figuring that is the best information he's going to get out of Venti.

"So, besides the whole companions and…girls being part of my adventures. You'd believe that the more companions I have, so I got this right." Aether quickly said as he doesn't want to repeat himself. Getting Venti to nod, "with their beliefs and trust in me…will enhance my elemental skills of the archons. Because…people believe in their archon. Is what grants them the power and strength they need to use their ability?" Aether asked carefully.

"Yup," Smiled Venti, "It's similar to that and I believe the more you get on your journey, will enhance your abilities altogether and even physical properties too." Venti said and thought before he could continue when he said, "which I believe that the other members like Eula and others could-" Then both of them jumped and quickly spun around when they heard shouts and screaming, right before Venti could relay to Aether about possible other girls to join. They heard someone screaming and running through the fields shouting.

"Monsters! Monsters are attacking and coming from Wolfendum!" They shouted and screamed, alerting Venti and Aether towards their location by running around the winery house and towards the northern part of the house. "Monsters, monsters!" Continued the people who were shouting and rushing their way to the Winery house, as Venti went grabbing his bow and saw the Hilichurles and Bigchurles heading their direction from between the cliffs pathway.

"Travelers move forward and we will prevent them from getting close to the people and house, as well the wine!" Shouted the bard as he fires off a powerful Anemo arrow straight towards the Hilichurles directions to then creating a massive black hole looking orb, to then bursts of Anemo energy erupted and began sucking all the hilichurls into it, follow by the larger ones struggling to pull through or push through the black hole anemo suction from harming them, but began yelling and shouting in pain when the razor sharp winds erupted and started slashing and slicing them. Follow by Aether who's energy recharged, fired off his Cyclone towards them and combined with Venti's own anemo powers.

Doubled the cyclones strength and power, as it began enhancing and enlarging with lot's of elemental energy and forming into a moderate size tornado and began whipping and thrashing the monsters about and slamming them into the mountain sides and cliff-sides! That the loudness of the powers and energy they were creating, had Jean and Diluc rushing out of the house and joining with Venti and Aether as Jean asks.

"What's the situation? We heard most of it from the people who rushed into the house." Jean asked Venti, as Diluc ran forward and off to go and help Aether fend off the monsters. As the two of them were running, and zigzagging with their swords slashing and cutting up the monsters that got close to them as Venti went and responded to Jean.

"Nothing too serious yet, just Hilichurls and bigchurls for now. But no doubt there will be some abyss mages coming too- So, best you get up there and support much you can. I got you all covered!" Venti exclaimed, firing more and more arrows as he began walking forward and down the steps to slowly make his way over to the fight with the boys. As Jean nodded and adjusted her jacket, grabbing her sword and began rushing forward and then leaps into the air, twirling rapidly as she ascended into the sky and began firing off wind blades from her sword, straight towards the monsters who were approaching Aether from behind and let out squeals of pain and disappeared before him, when he turn to see them being finished off and Jean landing gracefully down on the ground, to then flipping over him and slashing downward in straight down the middle of a bigchurls body in half, then thrusted her sword forward firing a large blast of anemo winds to knock the rest of them off their feet!

Followed by Diluc jumping above Jean and firing off his Pyro skill as a giant fire like phoenix shot right out of his greatsword and soared through the anemo blast Jean shot out and enhancing the flames strength and engulfing the enemies before them and the monsters that were about to go through the opening of the cliff sides roads. Erupting in a wall of flames bursting through. But saw that there were still monsters coming their way. As all four of them huffed lightly, with Diluc resting his sword over his shoulder and saying. "Well, it seems like the Abyss are intent on stopping us and seemingly knew ahead of time we're coming."

Jean finishes off one of the Hilichurls and huffed after standing upright, watching Aether run past her and began jumping between each cliff walls, while then twirling in the air and slashing straight down the middle of a Bigchurle in half, follow by couple anemo infused arrows zipping by Aether and finishing off a Samuelchurl that was ready to use its magic. "Indeed, then again I wasn't expecting this to be easy for us." Jean said as Diluc approached next to her. "No doubt we will be facing a lot of resistance as we move forward."

Venti then walks over and says, "No doubt about it indeed-" then raises a hand as they proceed to move forward. "Let's hope for those in the city. Won't have it too bad, I am sure the abyss will be attacking Mondstat as we speak." He said as everyone nodded and began running through Wolfendum passage of the mountain path in hopes of reaching Starfall mountains in time, before things got bad for them and Mondstat.

Xxx

Back in Mondstat as everyone is preparing to get ready for a possible invasion, one of the guards who were keeping watch in one of the towers. Is using binoculars to survey the area and being sure to spot or find any signs of the abyss. Not knowing when or where they will be coming from, but does know that they will usually use the domains as their entry points to enter their realm. The brown-haired man hummed lightly as he heard someone approaching him, "Anything?" they asked. The knight lowered the binoculars and looked at them. While shaking their head no.

"Nothing so far, I know it's only been like two hours since Grand Master Jean and the Honory knight had left. But, I can't help being on edge considering that the Abyss might be making their moves right about now." The brown hair knight said as he lifted the binoculars again and scouted the area. "I am a little concerned for Springdale too- considering they are only about ten to thirty minutes away from Mondstat. I don't want them to get in the crossfire."

The other knight agreed and looked over the castle walls himself and seeing anything out of the ordinary, although got a little annoyed when he saw Timmy- who was out on the bridge and throwing bread crumbs, was feeding the pigeons. Having the guard to lean oer and shout, "Timmy! What the heck you doing, you're not supposed to be out there right now! We are in a state of emergency!" He shouted and heard Timmy shouting back.

"But if I don't feed my friends, they will go hungry and the ducks will make it impossible for them to live here!" Timmy argued back and stomped his foot when the guard rolled his eyes and shouted some more.

"There won't be any friends if you stay out there and let the monsters come and eat them or kill them!" The man shouted and watched Timmy just throw the bread crumbs he had onto the bridge and stomped his way back into the castle, muttering under his breath and having the man shake his head. "The world isn't always pleasant Timmy…yeesh."

"Eh, I wouldn't give the kid too much time, considering what happened with his father and all." The Man who is scouting the area and still wearing the binoculars, told the other knight while he then lowered his binoculars and raised them back up as if he spotted something off.

"Yeah I guess…but still, considering we're going to invade possibly, would not look good if Timmy doesn't listen to our warnings and get to…Safety?" He started saying slowly while looking at the brown hair man, while lowering one eyelid. "Did you catch something?" He asked, as he grabbed his pocket telescope and brought it up to his right eye to see what his partner found.

"I think I spotted them, there seems to be a large gathering of monsters about 100 meters from us. Ranging from Slimes, hilichurles, bigchurles and samuelchurls?" The brown hair man said. "And some Abyss…DUCK!" he quickly shouted and grabbed his partner who yelped as the two quickly duck under the wall of the tower, hearing explosions erupted in front of them as large fire balls were being fired at them! "Sound the alarm, alert everyone!" He shouted, as his partner nods and began crouching running across the tower roads. With the brown hair man summoning his bow, to quickly stand up and take aim and fired a hydro infused arrow shot towards the incoming fireballs!

"SOUND THE ALARMS, GET ALL KNIGHTS TO THE FRONT GATES! WE'RE BEING UNDER ATTACK!" Shouted the man who called down through one of the doors entering inside the castles, alerting the other knights and guards as they saluted and began running in separate directions and yelling out that they were under attack! "Get everyone to safety and into the safe zone! Get all civilians to the cathedral, and have all knights and fighters up to the front lines!" Continued the knight.

This had Kaeya rushing out of the Knights HQ when he heard the loud ringing of the Chapel bells ringing loudly and harshly as he skipped, jumped and squeeze his way through the rushing crowds and civilians who were trying to make their way to the cathedral, twisting and turning his body left to right- as he goes running over to the small part of the wall and jumps into the air- opening up his glider as he goes landing on the rooftops, as his boots clack and patter against the roof tiles, to then jumping onto the next building, descending downwards to the main plaza of Mondstat.

He spotted Amber in the distance of the west sector, doing the same as him and rapidly approaching the plaza, while quickly furling up her glider and landed onto the pavement and rolled across it, to then make a B-line to the front gates. Kaeya then saw Sucrose, who is at the alchemy table- crafting and immediately getting work on making bottles and potions for her to use, but also the knights and even Mona joined in- going through her astrology reading quickly and swiftly, figuring out the best possible positions and posts for everyone to take in order to keeping the abyss at bay. When the brown skin tone man reached near the fountain of the plaza, he saw Lisa immediately teleporting there with the way point and started walking over to him and began descending down the steps.

"Do we know how many we are facing?" Lise asked sternly as she and Kaeya rapidly descended the road and approached towards the castle gates. White then shielding themselves when some of the fireballs, managed to reach over the castle walls and erupted on one of the building rooftops, having nearby knights with Hydro vision to come and quickly douse the fire out before it got worse.

"From the look of things, we might be facing a decent army here." Kaeya said and began picking up the pace and grabbing his sword, shouting up to the archers on the castle walls. "Hydro archers focus fire on the Pyro abyss mages! Pyro archers, work on taking care of the Hilichurles, and Cryo archers, focus fire on the slimes!" Kaeya shouted as he reached the front gates, alongside other knights wielding swords, and some rookie ones who looked really nervous, but some looking anxious to finally get to see some action. "Listen up, we're not trying to be heroes here and there, no excuse, risking your lives in this fight." Kaeya said to the rookies while unbranching his sword and twirling it about as Lisa stood next to Kaeya and nodded her head. "We protect everyone we can, we stop any of the monsters entering the city. If you feel overwhelmed, immediately fall back, regain your strength and come back out into the battle, once you think you're ready to fight again. Got it?" Kaeya said with a smile, having everyone there nodding their heads and now being a lot more relaxed.

They heard explosions and eruptions as fireballs and even Ice and Electro looking orbs began smashing and hitting against the castle walls. Along with some of the Hilichurles using their own bows and arrows to start firing upon those on the castle walls. "Alright, Catalysts users, try and cover us sword and claymore wielders to the best of your abilities. Do not dive in head first and risk your lives. Attack and strike when you can."

Lise then shouts up to the people firing upon the abyss monsters. "Everyone give cover fire when you can! Amber, start the attack with your skill, then the rest of us will head out!" She called up, hearing Amber responding back to her with a shout, as well gathering a lot of Pyro energy into her bow. "Once she fires it, we charge."

"Right…three…" Kaeya said counting down.

"Two…" Lisa continued as the scenery quickly swaps to Amber, who's one eye is closed and stretching out the pyro infused arrow back as possible. Taking aim and targeting the large number of Hilichurles that were heading their way towards the bridge as she said.

"One!" Amber shouted and aimed towards the sky and let go of the arrow as it shone with a bright red hue, reaching about fifty feet into the air and then exploding in a massive bright red! Followed by raining arrows of Pyro, began raining down straight towards the charging Hilichurles, who stopped when they saw their surrounding area around them, glowing in a orange hue and looked upward.s Before shouting and yelling out in pain as the rain of fire arrows began pummeling and pelting them in dozen and dozens of arrows, creating a small circular fire and fire explosions when they were landing and hitting the Hilichurles, causing the burn and scorch monsters to frantic about, and even smacking or bumping into their buddies and partners- causing them to also catch on fire and began frantically running about!

Then loud roars of battle cries came from the entrance of Mondstat, as KAeya thrusted his sword out and shouted, "Charge!" And everyone began running out of the entrance with their swords, claymores and catalysts, with some bowman running out with them as well. Firing off arrows after arrows to the enemy, as the abyss monsters roared out and continued their charge as well! As a massive war was going on between Aether and his party that's heading through Wolfendum, to Kaeya and the Knights of Mondstat, fending and protecting their city from an army of abyss monsters.

The war to saving Dvallin has begun as both groups are doing everything in their powers to protect the pens they care for and to protect those in need. Aether and his group fighting their way through Wolfendum to reach Stormterror lair, and the Knights of Mondstat defending their homes from an invading army! What kind of outcome will come out of this war, as the Traveler's story continues…

To be continued…