Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. Sorry if I haven't been on fanfiction lately. Too busy with real-life stuff x/ Anyway, the first arc of the series is coming to its end, but don't worry more arcs will come down the road. For now, Ash and his company will handle Dvalin and attempt to cleanse his anger while dealing with the Abyss Mage.


Fate of the Storm - Part I

...

Dvalin circled overhead, preparing to make his first move, his immense form casting a dark shadow over the group. His eyes glowed with rage, and the wind around him swirled violently. Sensing the danger, Diluc quickly formulated a plan.

"Aether, Ash, Venti—you focus on keeping Dvalin occupied! Jean and I will deal with the Cryo Abyss Mage!" Diluc instructed, leaving no room for argument.

"Leave it to me, Master Diluc," Venti responded with his usual playful tone, his lyre already in hand, ready to channel the wind to support the group. The lightness in his voice, however, earned an annoyed groan from Paimon.

"Can't you be serious for once, tone-deaf bard?" Paimon spat, crossing her arms in frustration. "We're dealing with a dragon here!"

Venti chuckled lightly, casting a sideways glance at Paimon. "You wound me, Paimon! But don't worry—when it counts, I'm more reliable than I look."

Aether nodded in agreement, already drawing his dull sword as he looked toward Ash. "We'll handle Dvalin. Stay sharp, Ash."

Ash, with Pikachu on his shoulder and Lucario at his side, clenched his fists with determination. "We've got this!" he called out. "Pikachu, Lucario, let's show Dvalin what we're made of!"

Pikachu sparked with electricity, while Lucario's eyes gleamed with focus. The three of them stood ready, bracing themselves as Dvalin swooped low, his wings kicking up powerful gusts of wind.

Meanwhile, Jean readied her sword and shield, positioning herself next to Diluc. "The Abyss Mage is the real threat here. We need to bring it down fast," she said.

Diluc nodded. "Let's end this quickly."

The Cryo Abyss Mage hovered in the air, cackling with sinister delight. "You think you can stop me, foolish knights? Dvalin will tear your allies apart, and then I will finish the rest of you myself!"

Jean's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."

As Dvalin dove towards Ash and his group, the intensity of the moment escalated. Ash's eyes narrowed in focus. "Dragonite, Hurricane! Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Lucario, Aura Sphere!" he commanded.

Dragonite roared, summoning a powerful whirlwind that spiraled toward the oncoming dragon. Pikachu's Thunderbolt crackled in the air, sparking with electric energy as it shot forth like a lightning strike, while Lucario's Aura Sphere glowed with a brilliant blue light, racing through the air with incredible force.

Dvalin, unfazed by the combined assault, unleashed a blast of powerful wind from his wings, colliding with the three attacks in mid-air.

KA-BBBOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!

The forces met with an ear-shattering explosion, sending shockwaves across the cliffside. The impact was tremendous, the mixture of wind, lightning, and energy creating a dazzling display of power as the sky seemed to ripple from the collision.

"Hold on!" Ash shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring winds. He dug his feet into the ground, trying to maintain his balance as the violent breeze threatened to push them off the edge of the cliff. Pikachu clung tightly to Ash's shoulder, while Lucario and Dragonite struggled to keep their footing against the force of the wind.

The cliff beneath them rumbled ominously, and rocks began to crack and tumble down the steep slopes. Paimon screamed, clutching Aether's arm tightly. "We're going to get blown away!" she cried in panic.

Aether planted his sword into the ground, trying to brace himself. "Stay low and hold on!" he shouted back, his eyes locked on Dvalin, who hovered in the air, wings still beating furiously.

Venti, seeing the group on the brink of being knocked off, quickly summoned his Anemo powers. "Hang in there, everyone!" he called, strumming his lyre to summon a calming wind that swirled around Ash's group, stabilizing their position. His gusts pushed against Dvalin's, giving them a momentary respite.

Dvalin snarled in frustration as he felt the pushback from Venti's winds, but he wasn't done yet. He reared back, inhaling deeply, preparing to unleash a much more devastating attack.

Ash looked up, eyes wide in realization. "He's not stopping!" he yelled, turning to his Pokémon. "We need to do something—now!"

"Barbatos!" Dvalin's voice thundered as he unleashed a powerful gust from his mouth, the wind rushing toward the group like a raging storm.

Ash's eyes widened as the ferocious blast approached. "Quick, Dragonite! Counter it with Draco Meteor!" he shouted.

Dragonite roared in response, charging its draconic power. It soared upward, summoning glowing meteors that rained down from the sky. The meteors collided with Dvalin's gust, creating a massive shockwave. For a moment, the two forces were in a stalemate, each pushing against the other. The group watched anxiously as the air crackled with energy. Then, with a final surge, Dragonite's Draco Meteor overpowered the gust, breaking through and slamming into Dvalin.

BAM!

The impact sent the storm dragon reeling, and he winced in pain as the attack temporarily stunned him. His wings faltered, giving the group a brief window of opportunity. Venti quickly analyzed the situation, his sharp gaze locking onto Dvalin's body. "The blood clots!" he exclaimed. "Those are what's causing his madness. We need to destroy them to free him from the Abyss' corruption."

Paimon floated beside him, worried. "But how do we do that without getting blasted out of the sky?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Ash thought for a moment, his gaze shifting to Dragonite. A plan began to form in his mind. "We'll ride Dragonite," he said. "While Pikachu and Lucario keep Dvalin distracted, we can fly in close and focus on destroying those blood clots."

Aether nodded, immediately seeing the potential in Ash's plan. "It's risky, but it might be our only chance," he agreed.

Paimon looked between the two, her tiny hands fidgeting nervously. "I hope Dvalin doesn't notice us trying to pull this off…"

Ash turned to his Pokémon. "Pikachu, Lucario, we need you two to keep Dvalin busy. Hit him hard with everything you've got!"

Pikachu sparked with electricity, letting out a determined "Pika!" Lucario's paws glowed with Aura, ready to strike. They were both prepared to give it their all to protect Ash and the others.

Ash quickly climbed onto Dragonite's back, with Aether hopping on behind him. Venti gave a supportive nod, using his Anemo abilities to send a burst of wind beneath Dragonite's wings, helping them lift off smoothly.

"Let's go!" Ash called out as Dragonite ascended into the sky, carrying him and Aether towards Dvalin.

As they approached, Dvalin snarled, sensing their movement. "You dare come closer?" he roared. His fury reignited, but Pikachu and Lucario sprang into action. Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt, and Lucario launched an Aura Sphere, both attacks hitting Dvalin with precision and forcing him to focus on them instead.

Ash pointed towards the tainted blood clots on Dvalin's back and neck. "There! We need to destroy those!"

Dragonite flapped its wings powerfully, gaining on Dvalin, but the dragon of storms wasn't going to make things easy. Every time they got close, Dvalin would dip and weave, effortlessly evading their approach. His movements were erratic and wild, driven by the corruption of the Abyss that clung to him like a curse.

"We need to get closer!" Ash shouted over the howling winds. He turned to his Pokémon. "Pikachu! Lucario!" Down below both Pokémon heard their Trainer's voice and glanced upward. "Try to keep Dvalin still long enough for us to get to that blood clot!" he yelled.

Without hesitation, Pikachu sprang into action. Sparks crackled around his cheeks before he unleashed a fierce Thunderbolt. The bolt of electricity streaked across the sky and struck Dvalin with a direct hit, sending a surge of pain through the storm dragon's body. Dvalin roared in agony, his voice echoing across the skies.

Lucario followed up quickly, summoning an Aura Sphere in his hands. The energy ball glowed brightly, humming with power as he released it with precision. The Aura Sphere smashed into Dvalin's side, causing another roar of pain to erupt from the corrupted dragon.

BBBOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!

For a brief moment, Dvalin's movements faltered, and he remained in place, his wings trembling under the strain of Pikachu and Lucario's combined attacks.

"Now's our chance!" Ash shouted as Dragonite surged forward.

Aether, gripping his dull sword tightly, prepared himself for the next phase of their plan. As Dragonite drew near to Dvalin's back, Aether leaped off with incredible agility, landing on the dragon's massive, scaly hide. Paimon, flying beside him, cheered him on excitedly, her voice filled with both nervous energy and determination.

"Go, Aether! You can do it!" Paimon yelled, hovering near him as he scrambled to his feet.

Aether's eyes locked onto the pulsating tainted blood clot, the source of Dvalin's corruption, embedded in the dragon's back. He knew what had to be done. His sword flashed as he began slashing at the blood clot, but it was more resilient than he had expected. Every strike met with heavy resistance, and the sword bounced back with each hit.

"It's tougher than it looks!" Aether grunted through clenched teeth. He gripped his sword tighter, summoning the power of his Anemo element. The wind swirled around him as he infused his strikes with elemental energy, each slash now carrying the force of a miniature storm.

His efforts were rewarded as the blood clot began to crack under the relentless assault. Aether's sword cut deeper, and with one final, powerful strike, the blood clot shattered, releasing a burst of dark energy.

Dvalin shrieked in agony, his entire body convulsing from the pain. Aether, unprepared for the violent reaction, lost his footing and stumbled, nearly slipping off the dragon's back.

"Aether! Watch out!" Paimon screamed, her small hands covering her face in panic.

As Dvalin writhed, his massive form threatened to toss Aether into the stormy abyss below. But just in time, Dragonite swooped in, flying close to the dragon's back. Ash extended his hand towards Aether, his eyes filled with urgency.

"Grab on, Aether!" Ash yelled.

Aether reached out, and their hands connected. With a firm grip, Ash pulled Aether back onto Dragonite's back. Aether breathed heavily, relieved to be safely back with his friends.

"That was close..." Aether muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"You did it, Aether!" Paimon cheered, though her voice still carried a hint of lingering worry.

But their moment of victory was short-lived. Dvalin, still reeling from the pain of the destroyed blood clot, let out another roar and began to fly away, his speed increasing as he tried to escape the battle.

"Oh no! Dvalin's escaping!" Paimon shouted in alarm.

Ash's eyes narrowed in determination. "Not if we can help it!" He looked at Dragonite. "Dragonite, after him!"

Dragonite let out a roar of its own and flapped its powerful wings, launching itself after the Anemo Sovereign. The wind whipped around them as they gave chase, the gap between them and Dvalin slowly closing.

As they pursued, Dvalin summoned fierce gales, trying to shake them off his tail. The winds battered Dragonite from all sides, making the chase even more perilous. Ash, Pikachu, Lucario, Aether, and Paimon clung tightly to Dragonite's back, bracing themselves against the onslaught.

"Stay steady, Dragonite! You've got this!" Ash encouraged.

Despite the violent winds, Dragonite pushed forward with unwavering determination. They were getting closer. Pikachu's cheeks sparked again, ready to unleash another attack if necessary.

Aether looked at Ash, his expression a mixture of worry and hope. "We're almost there! We just need to get him to slow down again!"

Ash knew that sending Aether back onto Dvalin's back was a risk they couldn't afford again. There had to be another way—something quicker, more precise. Then, an idea flashed through his mind.

"Dragonite!" Ash called out over the wind. "Aim a Hurricane at the blood clot!"

Dragonite responded instantly, its powerful wings flapping harder as it evaded several more of Dvalin's incoming wind gusts. With a deep growl, Dragonite summoned the power of the skies. The air around them began to swirl, a massive gust forming from the Dragon-type's wings. With a mighty flap, Dragonite unleashed a fierce Hurricane directly at the second tainted blood clot on Dvalin's back.

The storm dragon let out a terrible shriek as Dragonite's wind-based attack collided with the corrupted mass. The blood clot pulsed, resisting the assault, much like the first had. The swirling winds of Dragonite's Hurricane battered the clot, but it wasn't enough to destroy it immediately.

"Come on, Dragonite, more power!" Ash encouraged.

Dragonite let out a loud roar, redoubling its efforts. The winds around the Hurricane intensified, becoming a tempest that howled through the air. The pressure from the attack bore down on the blood clot, and finally, with a shudder, the dark mass began to crack. Then, with a burst of dark energy, the second tainted blood clot exploded into particles of black mist, vanishing into the air.

"Yes! You did it, Dragonite!" Ash shouted triumphantly, raising a fist into the air. "Way to go!"

Dragonite roared in victory, flapping its wings proudly.

"Alright!" Paimon cheered, her eyes fixed on the final blood clot, which throbbed ominously on Dvalin's neck. "Just one more to go, and we'll have him free from the Abyss Order!"

Ash nodded, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. They were close now, but they had to be careful. Dvalin, though weakened by the destruction of the first two blood clots, was still dangerous, and Ash could sense the dragon's desperation mounting.

Before they could make a move towards the final blood clot, Dvalin let out an ear-piercing roar of frustration. His eyes flashed with anger, and without warning, he spun around in mid-air, lashing out with a powerful burst of wind. The gale-force breeze blasted towards Ash and his team with alarming speed.

"Brace yourselves!" Ash shouted.

Dragonite tucked its wings in, shielding Ash, Aether, and Paimon as best as it could from the onslaught. The force of the wind was immense, nearly knocking them off balance.

The group struggled to hold on as Dvalin's furious winds continued to batter them. Dragonite grunted under the pressure, its wings straining as it tried to remain airborne. It was clear that Dvalin's attack wasn't just a display of anger—it was an attempt to push them away, to force them to retreat.

But Ash and his team weren't backing down.

"We can't let him shake us off now!" Aether shouted, gripping his sword tightly as he braced against the wind.

Paimon, who had been clinging onto Aether's shoulder, shouted through the storm, "He's retreating!"

Ash's eyes widened as he saw Dvalin's massive form twist in the air. The storm dragon, his movements more erratic than ever, was turning away from them, his wings beating heavily as he flew off in the opposite direction. "Hey, where is he going?" Ash asked aloud.

Down below on Starsnatch Cliff, Venti, perched on a rock overlooking, had overheard Ash's voice from the skies above. The bard's usually lighthearted expression was now clouded with concern. He knew exactly where his old friend, the storm dragon, was headed.

Venti sighed and softly spoke to himself, "Back to his sanctuary… his lair. Of course, Dvalin would return there when wounded."

Meanwhile, Diluc's blazing Claymore collided with an Abyss Cryo Mage, sending the robed figure flying backwards with a grunt of pain. Flames licked at the mage's robes as it skidded across the ground, weakened but still defiant. Jean, standing beside Diluc with her sword raised, wasted no time stepping forward.

"Why is the Abyss Order trying to control Dvalin and cause this panic in Mondstadt?" she demanded, her piercing blue eyes locked onto the Cryo Mage.

The mage, struggling to get back on its feet, only let out a sinister snicker. "Mondstadt will fall, and the Abyss shall rise. Dvalin is just a tool—a harbinger of the chaos to come," it sneered, ignoring Jean's question entirely.

Diluc's patience was running thin. His crimson eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward, his Claymore still glowing with the fiery embers of his last attack. "You're testing my patience," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "If you don't want to talk, I have other ways of making you."

The Cryo Mage's snicker turned into a full-blown laugh, mocking the threat. "You think your empty threats will work on me, Darknight Hero?" it spat. "The Abyss is already too far ahead. You can't stop what's coming."

Diluc's grip on his weapon tightened. He raised the Claymore, the flames dancing along its blade growing hotter as his anger flared. "You're wrong. Mondstadt won't fall, not while I'm still standing."

Just as Diluc was about to strike again, Jean placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to wait. Her gaze remained firm on the Cryo Mage. "We won't let Mondstadt fall to your schemes, but this battle can end without more bloodshed. Tell us what the Abyss Order's true goal is."

The mage's response was nothing more than a sly grin. Before Jean could press further, her keen eyes caught something moving in the distance—Dvalin. The storm dragon was flying away, wounded but determined, heading towards the mountains where his sanctuary lair lay hidden.

"Dvalin..." Jean whispered, her voice filled with concern. She watched the great dragon's form shrinking against the horizon, her focus slipping from the Cryo Mage for just a moment.

That moment was all the Abyss Mage needed.

With a cold laugh, the mage raised its hands, and a swirl of icy energy enveloped its form. "You'll learn nothing from me, Knight of Favonius. We are far from finished."

Before Diluc or Jean could react, the Abyss Cryo Mage disappeared in a burst of frosty mist, leaving only a chilling echo of laughter in the air.

Diluc cursed under his breath, glaring at the spot where the mage had vanished. "Jean, that was a mistake. We should've forced him to talk."

Jean sighed, lowering her sword and shaking her head. "Forcing answers won't help us, Diluc. They're determined to keep their secrets, and torturing them wouldn't change that."

The former knight sighed, lowering his weapon. He knew arguing with Jean was pointless. "Fine."

Elsewhere, standing on the edge of a towering cliff, Lumine, the Abyss Order's princess and Aether's long-lost twin sister, gazed out over the distant horizon. Her cold, golden eyes were fixated on Dvalin, watching the storm dragon retreat toward his lair, his form growing smaller with each beat of his massive wings. The wind whipped through her hair, but she remained still, her expression as unreadable as ever.

Suddenly, a shimmering, icy mist materialized behind her. The Abyss Cryo Mage, the one sent to oversee the corruption of Dvalin, reappeared, kneeling before its princess. The mage's robes were torn and singed, evidence of the fierce battle it had just endured. Despite its battered state, it bowed respectfully, though it could not mask the nervous tremor in its voice.

"Your Majesty," the Cryo Mage began, its tone shaky. "I… I have failed. The knights of Mondstadt—along with their pesky Honorary Knight and the descendant of the Rotarians—interfered. I could not maintain control over Storm Terror." The mage's voice dripped with disdain as it mentioned Ash, the so-called "filthy descendant" of the noble Rotarians, and his Pokémon allies. It clearly resented how everything had fallen apart.

Lumine, however, did not respond immediately. She stood silent, her back still turned to the mage, her gaze lingering on Dvalin's fading form. She remained perfectly still, as if contemplating something far beyond the scope of the immediate situation.

When she finally spoke, her voice was cold, but strangely serene. "Everything is fine."

The Cryo Mage, clearly surprised, hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I… I see. Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall regroup with the others and—"

The mage's words were cut short by a sharp, unexpected sound—the hiss of a sword unsheathing.

Lumine, without so much as a second glance, had drawn her own dull sword from her side. In one swift, merciless motion, she turned and struck down the Cryo Mage with a single, devastating slash. The blade gleamed in the dying light as it cut through the air.

The Cryo Mage let out a strangled gasp, its eyes widening in shock. It stumbled backwards, clutching at its chest, as icy energy began to escape from its fading form. "Y-Your Majesty... why?" the mage rasped, its voice weak, trembling with disbelief and pain.

Lumine stepped forward, her expression as cold as the blade in her hand. She towered over the dying mage, her golden eyes glowing with a glint of malice.

"I don't tolerate failure in my kingdom," she said icily.

The Cryo Mage collapsed to the ground, its body dissolving into particles of ice and mist, fading away into nothingness. The remnants of its form were carried away by the wind, vanishing into the void as if it had never existed.

Lumine watched in silence as her once-loyal servant disappeared. Her grip tightened slightly on her sword before she calmly sheathed it again. There was no emotion in her eyes—no regret, no remorse. Only cold determination. Turning back to the horizon, Lumine resumed her vigil over the retreating Dvalin. Her gaze was distant, as though her thoughts were far away from the events that had just transpired. Despite the setback, she was unfazed. This was merely a small ripple in the grand scheme she had set in motion.

"The knights of Mondstadt," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind. "Aether…" She allowed herself a small, almost imperceptible sigh before closing her eyes briefly. "It won't matter in the end. The Abyss will rise, and none of them will stand in its way."

...

You didn't expect the ending scene to turn out like that, huh? xD Also, sorry for not being on fanfiction as much. Getting too busy in real life is hindering the progress of the stories I have going on, unfortunately, x/ Well, hopefully, the sky battle against Dvalin wasn't too short. I tried to make it a little different from the game version. Anyway, the conclusion to the Storm Terror arc will end in the next chapter. Don't worry there will be two more final chapters to conclude the Mondstadt arc, one in which will of course feature Ash's encounter with La Signora. So be ready for that!