A WILD LEGEND IN THE WOODS

CHAPTER 1: Childish Dilemmas

Amidst the fields of endless grass, a lone dandelion grew without a bother nor qualm. But when a gentle breeze blew by, its seeds dispersed, scattering, swirling, preparing to ready in marking for their own futures.

Just then, a pigeon flew, souring with its wings, and flying above through a fortified wall. Within, a city thrived. Filled with songs at every corner as bards performed their ballads and hymns, strumming each of their respective lyres whilst doing so. The scent of wine perpetually enticed the thirsty tongues of individuals who might have happened to pass any of the local taverns or alehouses.

Church bells rang at the center of the nation freedom. Pilgrims and other devotees gathering in prayer below the feet of a winged colossus.

Not all too far from where they congregated, a lone blond child was sitting at a nearby marble bench. Careful was he as he sketched the lines, one tiny mistake-as he believed-might force him to redo. Feathered wings were always a challenge, even if mentioned wings were made from nothing but mere stone.

Musicians sang, dogs barked, his peers played and laughed. Yet, through all this, he tried to set such noises aside. Not allowing for himself to detract from his mission - not when he was so close to be done. A few more, just a bit more thinly made-inverted triangles and his drawing would have been perfection. The nearest image he would have ever made based on the likeness of a statue, which in turn is based on the likeness of an archon.

By this bench located at church grounds was where he currently operated. A small child sporting blond hair, carrying a pad in his left hand, and a pencil by his right. His concentration was clear. A meek portion of his tongue protruding out from his lips as all of his mental focus was exerted on this one single drawing.

This was the statue of the Anemo Archon after all. The very heart of Mondstadt itself. He couldn't afford to make a mistake with this. He wanted to complete this with no inaccuracy so that he could show it off to his parents as a welcoming gift once they returned.

There. Good. Now a little more… just a little more…

And yet, just then, just as he was finally about to reach completion, a dandelion hovered near, and tickled his nose in the process.

Achoo!"

And his hand slipped, resulting for one of those straight long lines that were drawn hard at their base, but would go on lighter once reaching the other point.

He stared at his creation. Shock and disappointment filled over his mind. Then this disappointed shifted him into annoyance as he drooped his eyes and sighed exasperatedly. He had been working on this illustration all morning, and he inwardly grumbled at how it would all end with a disaster - all because of a sneeze.

Irritated, he tore the piece of sheet from his sketch pad, and threw the crumbled paper over his shoulder.

"Halt! No littering in Barbatos' holy grounds."

He stiffened. His anger subsiding to make way for dread, but when he craned his head and turned to face the person who shouted that, all his panic was instantly washed away, replaced back with another set of annoyance.

Approaching him was a brunette young man, sporting a suit of armor, a bag, and an irritating smirk. Soon as the latter came closer, the aforementioned man then exploded in laughter. Failing to contain the hilarity to that had developed inside of him.

The image of a dignified and disciplined officer was gone. All the boy observed was man-child with an infuriating sense of humor. However, this didn't alarm him the very least - for such was the nature of his brother.

"S-sorry." the older male apologized between chuckles. "Y-your face. You should have seen your face."

Huffman of Ordo Favonius. One of the many guards who patrolled the streets of Mondstadt daily. A helpful member of the knights, and well popular among a fair number of people for his friendliness and easy going attitude. However for him, he was simply just his older sibling.

"But seriously though. You should really pick that up."

And the boy huffed, a smile not etching his mouth as he stood up and complied.

"Oh. And I've also brought you your lunch. You welcome."

He looked to the bag that was mentioned earlier. And he nodded as he resumed to his seat. He set his pad and pencil aside for now as he then placed the bag on his lap.

Ham sandwiches were contained within it, he took one and offered it for the latter.

"Want one?" the child asked. But the man lightly declined head.

"Oh. No thanks. I can't be seen eating right now whilst I'm still on the clock. Besides, I already promised the guys that I'll be joining them at Angel's Share anyway."

He shot his brother a cold knowing glare.

"Hey! Don't give me that look. We're only going to have just a few glasses. I swear!"

Somehow, he was skeptical. Particularly due because it wasn't the first he heard him make such oaths. However, given as it was still presently afternoon, he decided to take his word on it. Less, the latter dreamt of getting fired - he considered.

He afterwards grabbed a sandwich and took a bite out of it.

With new found quietude, he listened into the sounds of the city. Giggles came to be heard. He raised his view to watch as those his age played a game of Hide and Seek. A lad with ash gray locks grumbled after pulling the shortest lot. He could even hear him mutter.

"Ugh! Seeker again?! Why am I always unlucky?"

"Why don't you join them?" his eyes drifted to glance at Huffman. "Go on. Its high time that you made yourself some friends."

"I have a friend." the boy replied in a plain tone.

Huffman crept a smirk. "Girlfriends don't count Mika."

Mika almost choked. And he swore that he could feel his face flaring. His cheeks burned like an egg in a frying pan. His body tensed. His blue orbs shrank.

"She… she… she's not-"

"Speaking of which. Aren't you supposed to be meeting with her right now?"

The boy gasped. Realizing the time based on the position of the sun.

Quickly, he got up, picking each of his belongings and placing them into his back pack.

"What about your lunch?"

"I'll just share it with her."

"At the library?" the knight raised a brow.

"No! We're going to Grandpa Finch's today."

"Ah." Huffman understood. "Well, just be safe okay?"

Mika smiled at him. "We will."

As he was done and ready, he then secured his possessions, and then proceeded to dash.

"See ya later Huffman!"

"Yeah. See you too." he returned. "Oh! And good luck on your date!"

And once more, his cheeks burned.


A mansion stood proudly as it set its ever present attention towards the city that it swore to protect. By the training grounds where all the squires either trained or took breaks, a lone young girl with silver hair watched as a couple sat at a wooden bench. Her doll clutched to her arms.

"And then what happened?" Glory asked her boyfriend with genuine curiosity.

With that question, Godwin wore with him a rather mischievous grin. He shut the book that he was reading, then answered her inquiry. "And the fairy kissed him. Living a happily ever after."

He pecked her on the lips, causing the woman to jolt. Once she had quickly recovered and processed what he did, she afterwards proceeded in hitting him on the back playfully.

The girl observed them at a not so far distance. Herself finding it puzzling as what could cause for some grown ups to behave in such strange manners. From what she gathered, the world of adulthood was one fret with seriousness, and while a few laughs were allowed, she also always took note at how the majority of them spent more of their time working instead of playing. However if their was a career out there which required for her to play all day, then she would wholeheartedly take that career without a second thought.

Her greenish pupils gazed at two young teenagers. Still baffled. Many would explain to her that 'its simply what you do when your in love.' But she could never seem to fully grasp that idea.

After all, she loved her parents, her grandmother, her uncle, her friends. She loved Vanessa and her epic tales. She knew she loved Ms. Wolfhook.

She glanced down at her yellow stuffed hippo fondly.

But despite all those, she knew that she doesn't act the same way with them as the two were doing with each other. Perhaps she should try to consider in reading more romantic novels when she had the chance. Maybe that way she would at least-

"Noelle!"

Upon hearing her name being called, the aforementioned Noelle twirled herself to find Mika. Whose hands were now at his knees as he breathed profusely. Behind him was his ever present back pack that he seemed to carry everywhere. It took him some seconds to catch is oxygen before he gradually stood up, facing her.

"Sorry I'm late."

She shook, indicating that no such hard feelings were harbored.

"Don't worry. I just arrived here too anyway."

Mika nodded. Grateful for her understanding.

"So, shall we go now?" the girl was quick to quip. "Wanna race all the way to Springvale?"

For a second, the blond thought that a chill went down his spine.

"Ah…. do we really have to?" he inquired nervously. To which she responded with a pout. One glance at her, and despite all of his efforts to still refuse, the boy would eventually relent as he sighed.

"Fine. But only once we leave the gate."

"Yay!"

Noelle started to dance some imaginary dance and circling 'lalala' with her yellow doll, Ms. Wolfhook (don't ask how, the hippo's name remained a mystery for even him as well) as her partner.

He watched her as she did, and he couldn't help as to tilt his head. Wondering as to where she exactly stores such excess energy. It was not a secret for him and as to anyone whom she was acquainted with that the girl was a basically bundle of stamina. She could play all day and night without tiring. And no, he wasn't exaggerating with such a claim.

Yet nevertheless, he couldn't help but smile. Her simple way of seeking happiness simply being too infectious.

"Alright. Shall we go now."

She nodded as they both began on their way.

She practically skipped as they walked.

"You seem to be in a good mood today?" Mika remarked. "As usual."

"Of course I'm in a good mood, silly. Don't you see how good of a day it is?" the girl with long silver hair spread her arms (one hand still holding her doll) so to emphasize her point. "The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it seems that even Lord Barbatos is happy! Cause the winds appear to be at just the right cooliness."

"Cooliness?" he repeated, gleaning cockily. "Is that even a word?"

"It is if you make it?"

"I don't think that's how it works Noelle."

"Of course it does!"

"Na ah."

"Ya ha!"

"Cooliness isn't a word."

She puffed her cheeks at his teasing. Expressing a 'huff'. she then cast her green orbs at her stuffed hippo companion.

"You think that cooliness is a word, right? Ms. Wolfhook?"

Using her index digit, she manipulated for the toy to nod its head.

"Hey! Do you think that we'll ever get the chance to see a real life hippo?"

The blond haired child placed a finger below his chin, his brain heading into deep thought. "Possibly. Though not anywhere here in Mondstadt though. My parents told me that there supposed to be this HUGE animals that live together in herds. A bunch of them live in Natlan."

Noelle's eyes appeared to express a dream-like expression.

"It must be nice to be an Adventurer. Going around. Daring the impossible. Seeing the world."

"Maybe you should try becoming an Adventurer?"

And that's when her mood seemed to shift dramatically, as her demeanor changed from upbeat to her head bobbing low.

Immediately, the boy recognized what this meant.

"Still don't know what you want to do?"

"No." she replied with somber. Ingesting a large portion of air prior to releasing them with one fell exhale. "And it bothers me. We're both 8 now Mika. 8! And pretty soon we'll both be fifteen. Having our careers. Doing the stuff that grown ups do."

"Hey." he placed a hand unto her shoulder gently. "We've been through this remember? You don't have to rush things. There's still plenty of time for you to decide your path in life."

A meek smile then etched on her lips. "Easy for you to say. Your already practicing making maps. Bennett already claimed that he wants to follow in his dads footsteps. And just last week, Barbara told me that she plans to devote herself to Lord Barbatos' cathedral. Everyone already knows on what they want to do. Meanwhile I-"

"Still have time."

She trailed her irises at him, seeing his confident smile. Assuring her that she will know on what she wants to do once the time arrives. That she will forge her own path.

"Your right." she said. "Sorry. Its just always so hard for me whenever this topic arises. There's just so many options to choose from. I fear that if I don't decide soon, I might end up just doing something that I don't want. Or, probably someone whose still constantly searching for their calling in life. Like Timaeus."

"I'm pretty sure that Timaeus would find his calling eventually." told Mika. "And as for you, well, I'm just glad that your not really thinking of becoming an Adventurer as of the moment. I don't know what I would do if my only friend decides to leave Mond."

Nolle could tell that the smile that he was drawing right now was merely plastered. She was well aware of what his home life was like, and how his parents, despite loving them dearly, weren't always around.

There was a reason after all on why he was the most mature person she knew (who was also around her age).

Hence, with that, the girl's grin returned. As a glint of mischief dawned unto her pupils.

"Well, if I do decide on becoming an Adventurer. Then perhaps you could hire me as your guide."

"What?"

"Well. You do want to be a cartographer after all. So your going to need someone whose an expert in wilderness survival. If I were to hypothetically become an Adventurer, then I would expect that I'll get exclusive rights to be commissioned by you. No other Adventurers but me. Got that?"

Mika chuckled. She did always knew on how to cheer him up. And he would he lying to himself if he claimed that such a thought wasn't at least enticing. The idea of the two of them out exploring the world, charting uncharted regions. Potentially experiencing each of the seven nations. That would be kind of fun.

"Your coming with us."

"You've disgraced our family for long enough!"

Both then turned their heads at the sound of that voice, and quickly they flinched in fear at the sight of seeing the Lawrence clan. The basic bogeymen that parents tell their children. Enemy's to freedom, the very ideal of Mondstadt.

They could clearly tell this based on the clothes that they wore.

All three were men. Two of them were young, and one of them was older, frail, yet radiating with just the same aura of intimidation. They were dragging this girl with long blue hair. Pulling her from her spot, forcing her to come with them as she tried her best to resist and keep her foot to where she was.

It did not take for an adult to realize that this present situation had frightened her. Perhaps it was due to the humiliation she was receiving as the crowd merely watched and did nothing to assist her, perhaps it was because she too had a fear of this people. Regardless was the case, she clearly wasn't enjoying this. Mika even saw as a tear fell from her eye, whilst she maintained whatever ounce of dignity she still had to glare back at the old man with a face that could only be described as defiance.

"I-I'm not coming with you… uncle. I'm joining the knights. Whether-"

"Why you-"

Her uncle, as she apparently referred to him, raised his hand and was prepared to strike. Both children closed their eyes, yet once they dared to steal a peek, they found that the Lawrence's slap had never came into fruition.

Suddenly, a young lad (more younger than the blue haired squire, Mika assessed) with long flaming hair had arrived from out of nowhere. His hand gripping the elder's wrist. A rather 'playful' grin etching unto his face.

"My apologies." he told, before then letting go. The man's temper simmering down at the mere sight of this person.

"Is there truly a need for such violence?"

Then, another man seemingly manifested. This time, with dark blue hair and tanned skin. One of his peripheries concealed in an eyepatch.

"Indeed." And there, a lady gradually stride her way from behind the senior citizen. Approaching them with a straight pose, seemingly almost as if she was gliding. A sense of authority radiated out from her, yet unlike with the Lawrence, hers was much more… regal. Less forceful, but intimidating all the same.

Mika heard Noelle gasped, and as he espied a haste glimpse towards her, he saw as his friend was now in a state where she couldn't contain her excitement.

And he had a fair idea as of why.

"It's Jean. Mika, its Jean Gunnhildr." she squealed in a hushed tone. "As well as both Diluc and Kaeya Ragnvindr. Mika. Its all three of them."

He let out a chuckle. It was certainly no secret that Noelle was a huge fangirl when it came to the epics of Vanessa, as well as Ordo Favonious. She kept trade cards relating to them, and she even had a book based on the adventures of their most prominent members.

This three they beheld their eyes on, could very also earn the title of 'prominent', regardless of their still youthful age.

All three received the highest points within the knight's record when they graduated from the status of squires.

The Blazing Dawn, Diluc. Ranking highest. Youngest captain that the order ever had in its history.

The suave Kaeya. Ranking third. Dubbed by some as the Disappearing Swordsman. Known for his technique of vanishing briefly when battling against those he sparred with.

And finally, Jean. The Lion cub of the Wind. For her name says all that she was capable of. Second in rank. She was the only squire who ever gave the Ragnvindr brothers a run for their mora.

All three are celebrated as prodigies within the entire nation. The pride of Favonius. The blessed ones of the archon. Each having their own individual achievements based from either having the most number of hilichurl camp eradication, to defeating an actual Ruin Guard at 10.

A common past time he heard from the taverns was based on which one of them would champion in a three person dual.

Another was betting on which would take the Grand Master's position as the next leader of the knights.

Needless to explain. Their presence resulted for the entire grounds to shut their voices.

Moving back to the present, an intense stand off was currently occurring between the Lawrence and the trio. Jean briefly shifted her gaze towards the blue haired squire who had been harassed. She gestured for her to leave, to which the older woman nodded in thanks prior to fleeing. The man who was advanced in age grumbled.

"You dare to interfere in our family affairs."

"Whatever affairs you have. We can always discuss it in a civil way at the Grand Master's office." told the blond. "However, what you have done just now is a clear violation of the law. This ground is a sacred space meant to train the next line of knights. To cause such a ruckus-"

"And do you really think that I would respect any of the Knights of Favonius' rules?"

"Well, even if you don't respect them. That doesn't mean that your allowed to break them" the bluenette man remarked with a sly smirk. "After all, its not like the will of the Lawrence clan is above Mondstadt's laws."

His brief speech infuriated the man greatly, "Why you…"

"Please forgive my subordinates."

The man with red locks had once again spoke. He kept his calm as he approached the older 'gentleman'.

"As you can see, they possess a difficult time knowing when or when not to speak. Anyway, you came here for a reason correct? Come to collect your kin as usual. However, unfortunately your method of doing so does indeed go up against the law since she is a recognize squire of Favonius. Complete with even the Grand Master's sign of approval to train and stay within our headquarters. So, I'm afraid dragging her won't serve you any good. The fact that not anyone of the knights and squires around was stopping you was honestly quite baffling, if I were being plain."

The two children observed as many bobbed their heads . Guilt and shame written unto their faces.

"But, despite all that. I'm willing to turn in a blind eye. Leave now and we could all put this incident behind us. You have my honor as a captain."

"You think that I would listen to some… Favonius brat?"

Kaeya was about to unsheathe his blade, and Jean was about to halt him from doing anything rash. However, Diluc quickly raised his hand. A silent motion for them to stand down.

Once more he glanced at the old fellow. A smirk now appearing on his lips.

"Insulting me won't solve anything, but dare insult the knights, and you might receive something that you would rather forget."

For a second, Mika thought that he saw the old man flinched the moment he stared unto the captain's eyes.

"Look sir. I'm making things easier for both of us. If you comply as to what I say then we won't press charges against you. You would go scat free without yet another criminal record, and we won't have to do some extra paper work. So, its either this or we head to the Grand Master's office right now."

His smirk seemed to then transform into an 'innocent' grin.

"That is unless your afraid to have a chat with Master Varka, of course."

The older man growled, glaring at the teen who perceived as a young lad going out of his place. For even if he was a fellow noble, he was still below the might of the Lawrence clan.

With a huff, the old man eventually obliged, gesturing for the two to come and follow him.

Once they disappeared from the scene, many soon came and crowded the Ragnvindr.

"Wow, that was amazing sir!"

"You actually managed to scare off one of the seniors of the Lawrence clan, how did you do that?'

"Of course that's Blazing Dawn for you."

An arm laid at the redhead's shoulders, "Well, that's my brother alright. Always has his way with words."

He smiled at other's comment.

"You say that as if you don't have the same skill."

"What can I say? You just do it better."

"I commend your handling of the situations as well. However," the blond anemo wielder looked at her superior with a stern glare. "I did swear that I saw you nearly losing your temper again sir."

"Well, you do know that I won't tolerate anyone disrespecting the knights."

The 'Lion cub' chortled. "Just hope that your father doesn't find out."

He laughed back. "Speaking of which, I think its time that we should head to Varka's office and inform him in regards of our investigation."

"That the rumors of hilichurls confiding with the barbarians," Said his female subordinate. "Was simply just that. Rumors."

"I really hate those barbarians." muttered the Disappearing Swordsman, earning him a light punch from the Pyro allogene. Soon, the blunette gave chase, and the two ran towards the gothic style building whilst Jean shook her head playfully.

As she followed her two comrades, she caught a glimpse of something yellow and turn her attention to her side.

Noelle took in a deep breath upon making eye contact. Ms. Wolfhook likely already suffocating in her arms if ever she needed oxygen.

The 'Lion cub' smiled at the young girl and offered her a wave before returning on her route.

"She smiled at me. Jean actually smiled at me."

"She smiled at you for like, four times already."

"Well yeah. But this time she actually waved!"

The boy rolled his eyes. But nevertheless shared in her smile.

While he could never exactly get on why she adored the knights so much (considering as he lives with one!), he could at least empathize with her fangirling. As he was aware that he probably done the same thing every time he got a hold of the latest Atlas detailing the landscape of foreign nations.

Air blew out his nostrils before facing her.

"So, shall we get our move on as well?"

Her pupils drew to him. Mischief clearly present.

"Get set, go!"

In a speed that he couldn't comprehend, the girl with silver hair dashed away. Vanishing from sight. It took for him a moment until he was finally able to process.

"Hey!" he laughed. "I thought I said once after we leave the gate!"


Author's Notes: Genshin Impact is a property of Hoyoverse. I own nothing but this story.

I just realized now that this would technically mark Mika and Noelle as the first non-bow using characters that I have ever placed within the roles of protagonists within the "Divine Nature Series." Though, i say "technically" because Mika can easily be classified as being a "pseudo" or "semi" bow user depending on one's perspective. Anyway, thanks for reading!