Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. Also, I have been under the weather for some time lately so hopefully, the conclusion to the Stormterror arc won't end on a bad note x/. Anyway, Ash will play a major role in defeating Dvalin and cleansing the final blood clot. Lastly, there will be a special cameo at the end of the chapter. Guess who.
Fate of the Storm - Part II
...
As Ash and the others regrouped with Jean, Diluc, and Venti at the base of Starsnatch Cliff, Venti had a playful smirk on his face. "Well, my dear friends, I have news!" he exclaimed dramatically, raising his arms as if addressing an audience. "I know exactly where Dvalin is heading!"
Paimon floated closer with great interest. "Really? How do you know that? Are you a psychic bard now?" she teased, crossing her arms.
Venti chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, but my dear Paimon, the winds have whispered many secrets to me. Besides, can't a bard have a little mystery?" His tone was light and playful, making it clear he enjoyed teasing Paimon.
Paimon puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "It's not fair when you're being all cryptic like that! Just tell us already!"
Before Venti could respond, Jean stepped forward, her attention drawn to Dragonite, who had landed gracefully beside Ash. "Oh! I realize we haven't properly introduced ourselves to your magnificent dragon," she said, leaning forward to get a better look at the Dragon-type Pokémon.
Dragonite's eyes sparkled with joy at the attention. It leaned closer to Jean, nuzzling her affectionately. Jean's eyes widened in surprise as Dragonite wrapped its arms around her in a gentle hug. "Oh! Um, hello there! You're quite strong!" she exclaimed, a smile breaking through her initial surprise as she returned the embrace.
Seeing the interaction, Diluc raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. "I didn't expect a dragon to be so… affectionate," he remarked, crossing his arms. But just as he finished speaking, Dragonite turned its attention to him, its innocent eyes wide and hopeful.
"W-Wait—" Diluc stammered, taken aback as Dragonite bounded towards him and hugged him tightly. The once stoic warrior flinched slightly, his face showing a mixture of surprise and annoyance. "Seriously?" Diluc grumbled, his cheeks slightly flushed as he reluctantly returned the hug, patting Dragonite on the back. "You're so overly friendly for a dragon."
Paimon couldn't help but giggle at the sight. "Aww...Look at you, Diluc! You're such a softie! Who would've thought?" she teased, flying around him in circles. "First, you take care of the people of Mondstadt, and now you're hugging a dragon! You're going to give everyone the wrong idea!"
Diluc shot Paimon a warning glance, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him as he fought to suppress a smile. "It's not like that," he muttered defensively, but there was no real heat behind his words.
Venti watched the exchange with a chuckle. "Ah, the fierce Diluc, brought to his knees by a dragon's charm. This is a tale for the ages!" he exclaimed, clearly enjoying the moment.
"You better watch your tongue, bard." Diluc shot Venti a sharp glare.
Ash, standing beside them with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, couldn't help but laugh. "Dragonite loves to make new friends."
Jean looked at the group. "We should focus on Dvalin. If Venti knows where he's headed, we need to make haste."
"Right!" Ash said with a nod.
...
The journey to Dvalin's lair was long and arduous. The sanctuary was located at Brightcrown Mountains, the once proud capital of Old Mondstadt. After what felt like hours of travel, the group finally caught sight of their destination in the distance. The ancient sanctuary stood majestically within the mountain. Strong gusts of wind swirled around it.
"Wow! Look at that!" Paimon exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's even more impressive up close!"
Jean stopped for a moment, taking in the sight of the sanctuary. "I can't believe this is the first time I've set foot on this sacred ground," she said in awe.
Diluc shook his head. "As breathtaking as it is, there's no time for sightseeing. We need to save Dvalin," he reminded the group with a firm tone.
"Right," Jean agreed. "We have to focus."
The group pressed on, crossing the stony bridge that led to the sanctuary tower. Each step resonated with the ancient stones. As they approached the entrance, the air grew heavier, charged with energy. Ash could feel the tension building, his heart racing with anticipation. "We're almost there," he said, glancing back at his friends. "We can do this together!"
Paimon floated beside him, her small fists clenched in excitement. "Just imagine how epic this showdown will be! Dvalin won't know what hit him!"
Venti chuckled lightly. "Ah, the spirit of adventure! Let us weave a tale worth telling, my friends!"
Diluc narrowed his eyes. "Let's just make sure we're ready for whatever Dvalin throws at us. He's in pain, and that can make him dangerous."
Jean nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "We need to approach with caution."
As the group approached the tower, the air thickened with energy, and powerful gusts swirled upward, creating an almost dizzying effect. Ash felt the intensity of the atmosphere around him as they drew closer to the entrance. Suddenly, without warning, a blast of wind exploded downward, knocking Paimon, Pikachu, Lucario, Jean and Diluc backwards with a force that made them stumble. The gust acted like a vacuum, pulling Ash, Dragonite, Aether, and Venti upward towards the towering sanctuary.
"Ash! Honorary Knight! Venti!" Jean cried out helplessly, her eyes wide with fear and concern as she reached out, but it was no use. The wind whipped fiercely around them, lifting Ash and his companions higher and higher, seemingly directed by Dvalin himself.
"Hold on tight!" Ash clung to Dragonite's arm as they soared upward, the world below becoming a blur.
Venti laughed with a hint of exhilaration, his hair blowing wildly in the wind. "Ah, the thrill of adventure!" he called out, unfazed by the sudden turn of events.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Diluc struggled against the fierce barrier of wind. He gritted his teeth, trying to push forward, but the powerful gusts held him back, forcing him to stagger. "Damn it!" he muttered. "We can't let them face Dvalin alone!"
"Diluc! We have to stay focused!" Jean urged, trying to pull him back. "We can't fight against this wind!"
Diluc glanced up at the swirling forms of Ash, Aether, and Venti disappearing into the sanctuary's height. "I can only wish them good luck," he said bitterly.
Moments later...
As Ash, Dragonite, Aether, and Venti reached the top of the tower, they found themselves standing on a wide, circular platform. The air around them was thick with strange green energy, swirling gusts of wind twisting through the atmosphere like living entities. The entire area felt otherworldly, with the storm's ferocity creating an eerie calm before the inevitable clash.
"This looks like the perfect stage for a final showdown," Venti said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the tense mood.
Ash rolled his eyes, trying to remain focused. "Venti, now's not the time for jokes."
Aether chuckled slightly, though he, too, was focused. "Yeah, let's keep the jokes for after we save Dvalin."
Venti raised his hands in mock defense, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, just trying to ease the tension."
But all jokes were cut short as Dvalin's massive sharp claws latched onto the platform, his massive body dwarfing the group. His eyes glowed with anger and pain, and the gusts around him intensified, reflecting his inner turmoil. The group tensed, their attention locked on the storm dragon as the fierce winds buffeted the platform.
"Remember, we have to destroy the last blood clot," Venti reminded them, his usual carefree tone now replaced with seriousness. "If we can get rid of that corruption, Dvalin will be freed from the Abyss Order's influence… hopefully."
"Hopefully?" Ash raised an eyebrow at Venti, a bit concerned about the uncertainty in his voice.
"Well," Venti said, his hand scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "It's hard to say if Dvalin will be completely back to normal right away."
"What!"
Before they could question him further, Dvalin let out a deafening roar, shaking the entire platform beneath their feet. The swirling green energy intensified, and the wind turned into a powerful gale, nearly knocking Ash and the others off balance.
"You dare taint my sanctuary!?" Dvalin's voice boomed, filled with rage. "I will teach you all a lesson for your insolence!"
With that, Dvalin rose into the air, his wings sending gusts of wind crashing down on the group. The air became thick with his rage as dark clouds gathered above, signaling the start of an epic battle.
"Get ready, guys!" Ash called out.
Aether readied his dull sword, his eyes focused on the last remaining tainted blood clot pulsing on Dvalin's neck. He knew this was the key to saving the dragon, but getting close enough to strike it would be no easy feat.
Dvalin unleashed his devastating gust blast from his mouth towards the platform.
"Dragonite! Hurry and use Hyper Beam!" Ash, acting quickly, called out to Dragonite, who swiftly flew into the air and began charging its powerful Hyper Beam. A blinding beam of golden energy shot forth from Dragonite's mouth, meeting Dvalin's gust head-on in a dazzling collision of power.
The two attacks clashed in midair, creating an intense struggle as both sides poured their energy into the confrontation. The air around them crackled with tension, the combined power creating shockwaves that made it hard for anyone to stay grounded. For a moment, it seemed like Dragonite's Hyper Beam would hold against Dvalin's assault, but the dragon's fury surged.
"You dare oppose me!" With a deafening roar, Dvalin added even more strength to his attack, pushing the gust forward, and Dragonite's Hyper Beam started to buckle under the pressure. The overwhelming force began to drive back towards Ash and his friends, the wind shrieking through the air like a hurricane about to crash down upon them.
"Dragonite, don't give up!" Ash shouted. "I know you can do it! Give it everything you've got!"
Hearing Ash's encouragement, Dragonite's eyes glowed with fierce resolve. Summoning every last bit of energy it had, Dragonite let out a mighty roar and pushed its Hyper Beam to the limit. The golden energy intensified, becoming a brilliant beam of light that momentarily stalled Dvalin's gust blast. The battle reached a standstill again as the two attacks locked in another deadlock. Dvalin, growing increasingly frustrated, roared and unleashed the full force of his attack, determined to overwhelm the group once and for all. The gust blast surged forward, threatening to crush everything in its path.
Ash clenched his fists. "Come on, Dragonite! This is it! Give it one final push!"
Dragonite's body glowed as it gathered the last of its strength, eyes burning with determination. With a final roar, it unleashed every ounce of power it had left into the Hyper Beam, causing the energy to surge to new heights. The beam exploded with intensity, cutting through the gust blast and pushing it back toward Dvalin with incredible force.
"What!" Dvalin's eyes widened in shock as the combined energy of his own attack and Dragonite's Hyper Beam surged toward him. The storm dragon had no time to react as the powerful beam crashed into him, engulfing him in a massive explosion of light and wind.
KA-BBBOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!
The sanctuary trembled as a deafening roar echoed through the skies, the shockwave from the impact rocking the entire area. The explosion sent gusts of wind spiraling outwards, shaking the platform and nearly knocking Ash, Aether, and Venti off their feet. As the dust and debris began to settle, the once deafening winds began to quiet, leaving behind an eerie silence.
For a moment, it seemed like everything had gone still. Ash and the others stared into the swirling smoke where Dvalin had been, hearts pounding in their chests. Was it over? Had they finally saved the Stormterror?
Then, out of the dissipating dust, Dvalin's massive form slowly emerged, battered and weakened but still standing. His wings, though damaged, beat slowly as he hovered in the air.
Venti muttered. "Dvalin…"
"H-How... dare you! How dare you!" Dvalin roared, his body glowing with a fierce green-blue light. In an instant, a rain of shimmering light shot downward.
Ash and the others stood on the crumbling platform beneath them, which now mirrored Dvalin's glow as cracks rapidly spread across its surface.
"What's going on?" Aether asked nervously.
Venti let out a light chuckle. "A-ha! This is Dvalin's ace in the hole: Caelestinum Finale Termini!"
"The Cae-what now?" Ash asked, looking thoroughly confused.
"There's no time to think about the name!" Aether barked, his eyes darting around as the platform began to collapse beneath them. "We need to move—now!"
The group nodded, hastily climbing onto Dragonite's back. As Dragonite flapped its wings and tried to take off, although the combined weight of Ash, Aether, and Venti made it difficult to gain altitude.
Dvalin saw his chance. With a mighty roar, he dove towards them, his massive claws swiping through the air. The impact struck Dragonite squarely, sending the Pokémon and its passengers hurtling through the air. Ash, Aether, and Venti slammed into the nearest platforms with painful thuds, while Dragonite was flung against a pillar, crashing hard and falling unconscious.
Groaning, Ash tried to push himself up, but the ominous shadow of Dvalin loomed over him. Ash's breath caught in his throat as he looked up at the snarling dragon hovering menacingly above.
"Now that your dragon is taken care of, it's your turn to feel my wrath, you filthy Rotarian!" Dvalin snarled, his claws descending toward Ash with intent.
Ash's eyes widened, frozen in fear, until Aether suddenly sprinted forward. "Ash, look out!" Aether shouted, shoving Ash out of the way and raising his dull sword just in time to block Dvalin's claw.
"Aether!" Ash gasped as his friend struggled to hold back the massive dragon.
Dvalin, irritated by the resistance, pressed harder, his claws crushing down with more force. The platform beneath Aether began to crumble under the weight. With a final shudder, the ground gave way, sending Aether flying backward, his body tumbling through the air.
"Aether!" Ash cried out.
Dvalin's attention snapped back to Ash. "Now, it's your turn!" he roared, lunging forward, jaws wide open, teeth gleaming as he aimed to crush Ash beneath him.
"Ash, no!" Venti's voice rang out in panic.
Ash's heart raced, his eyes fixed on the approaching maw of Dvalin. In that moment, his eyes flashed a familiar blue, and a shimmering aura surrounded him. The sudden surge of power created a glowing veil of protection.
"What?" Dvalin growled in shock as his teeth collided with the aura shield, forcing him backwards with a grunt of pain.
Ash slowly rose to his feet, the aura still blazing around him, his eyes locked onto Dvalin with an intensity that matched his growing power.
"What trickery is this?" Dvalin snarled, but Ash's aura only grew stronger.
Down below in the depths of Dvalin's sanctuary, Lucario suddenly perked up, its senses sharpened as it detected a powerful surge of aura from above. Its eyes narrowed, and it stood still for a moment, causing Pikachu, Jean, and Diluc to glance at it with concern.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Diluc asked, noticing Lucario's intense expression. The Aura Pokémon didn't respond, its gaze fixed on the distant ceiling as if sensing something beyond their reach.
Without warning, Lucario bolted forward.
"Wait!" Jean called out as Lucario sprinted toward the barrier of swirling wind that surrounded the sanctuary.
"Where are you going?" Diluc added, his voice edged with confusion and concern.
But Lucario wasn't listening. It slammed against the breeze barrier, wincing slightly as the intense wind pushed back against it. The force was almost overwhelming, but Lucario's resolve didn't waver. It could feel it—Ash was in danger. With a low growl, Lucario's body began to glow, its aura intensifying into a brilliant blue light. It gritted its teeth and, in one powerful burst, it broke through the barrier, shattering the winds that once held it back. Swept up by the powerful currents, Lucario rocketed upward, surging toward the top of the sanctuary, determined to reach Ash before it was too late.
Moments later...
"What!" Dvalin roared, eyes widening as Lucario suddenly appeared by Ash's side, having burst through the barrier.
Aether and Venti were just as shocked by the unexpected arrival.
Lucario let out a furious growl, its piercing gaze fixed on the dragon. Ash's Mega Stone instinctively responded to Lucario's call. In an instant, a radiant burst of energy enveloped Lucario, transforming it into Mega Lucario. Ash and his partner stood side by side. Without a word, they extended their palms in unison, both charging up a powerful Aura Sphere. Their auras pulsed and intertwined, amplifying the energy between them.
Dvalin snarled, his wings beating furiously as he fired a powerful gust towards them, the force of the wind like a storm barreling down.
"Now, Lucario!" Ash shouted.
With a determined cry, Lucario and Ash launched their combined Aura Sphere towards the oncoming blast. The two attacks collided in mid-air, the energy of Ash and Lucario's sphere growing larger as it absorbed the full force of Dvalin's wind. The dragon's eyes widened in shock as the glowing sphere cut through his gust, gaining speed.
"What?!" Dvalin cried.
KA-BBBOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!
A deafening explosion rocked the sanctuary as the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the air. Dvalin let out a pained roar, his form briefly consumed by the blinding light as the combined power of Ash and Lucario struck with full force.
As the smoke cleared, Dvalin crashed onto the platform below, his massive claws digging into the platform to steady himself. But the dragon was clearly weakened, his body trembling and his groans filled with pain.
Ash seized the moment. Without hesitation, he sprinted forward, scooping up Aether's dull sword as he ran. His eyes locked onto the final, corrupted blood clot throbbing on Dvalin's neck. With a determined leap, Ash landed on the dragon's back, gripping the sword tightly in both hands. He channeled his aura into the blade, causing it to glow with a vibrant blue energy. With one powerful slash, Ash brought the aura-coated blade down on the tainted blood clot. The corruption split cleanly in two, dissolving into nothingness. Dvalin let out a deafening screech, the pain of the rupture surging through his body.
But Ash could sense it wasn't over yet. There was still corruption lingering within the dragon.
Ash made his way to the spot where the blood clot had been. His eyes, now glowing an intense blue, closed as he instinctively began chanting in an ancient language, one tied to his forgotten bloodline.
"Fie ca aura mea să-ți curețe durerea și suferința!" (May my aura cleansed your pain and sorrow!) he whispered.
In one fluid motion, Ash plunged the dull sword into Dvalin's neck, releasing his aura into the dragon's body.
Venti watched in awe. "Incredible... Ash is tapping into something beyond the power of a mere human," he muttered, his eyes wide. "That chant... it was Rotarian!"
Aether stared up at the scene unfolding. "Ash... he's really doing it!"
Dvalin's cries softened as the radiant glow enveloped his massive form, and the dark veins of corruption that once marred his body began to recede. His eyes, once clouded with rage and darkness, cleared, revealing the true spirit of the Stormterror that Venti once knew.
As the last remnants of the corruption were expelled from his body, Dvalin let out one final, shuddering breath before collapsing onto the platform.
Ash, panting heavily, withdrew the dull sword from Dvalin's neck and stumbled backwards, falling off Dvalin's back. His aura flickered and faded as he fell on his back, clearly exhausted.
"Ash!" Aether called out, rushing to his side.
Suddenly, the sanctuary began to shake violently.
"What's going on?!" Paimon cried, her voice filled with fear as the entire structure trembled. She fluttered anxiously in the air, looking around in wide-eyed alarm.
"It seems the whole place is coming down," Diluc said gravely, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the sanctuary crumbling around them.
"But what about the others? They're still up there!" Jean's voice cracked with worry as she glanced up toward the shaking platform where Ash, Aether, and Venti remained.
No one had an answer.
The platform beneath Ash, Lucario, Aether, and Venti finally gave way, sending all four plummeting towards the depths below. Panic surged through Ash as he realized they were falling.
"Lucario! Return!" Ash shouted, digging into his jacket and pulled out Lucario's Poké Ball and returned it safely.
Dragonite stirred. With a determined roar, it shook off the remnants of its earlier collision and took flight, desperately trying to reach its Trainer and friends.
But before Dragonite could reach them, Dvalin, still in a weakened state but instinctively protective, opened his eyes wide. He swooped down, spreading his massive wings and catching Ash, Aether, and Venti on his back just in time.
"Whoa!" Venti exclaimed, gripping tightly as Dvalin's powerful wings beat against the air, lifting them upward.
Dragonite wasn't far behind, following Dvalin as both creatures dove downward towards the crumbling sanctuary.
Down below, Jean, Paimon, and Pikachu watched in horror as rocks and debris rained down from the collapsing structure. "Look out!" Jean shouted, raising her arms instinctively.
Just as the stones were about to crash down on them, Dvalin and Dragonite swooped in. Jean and Diluc found themselves riding on Dvalin's back, while Paimon nestled safely in Dragonite's claws, Pikachu perched on the Pokémon's back, clinging tightly.
As they ascended, the ruins of Stormterror Dvalin's lair crumbled away, the once-magnificent structure collapsing in a cloud of dust and stone. Dvalin and Dragonite soared high into the sky, carrying their precious passengers away from the danger below.
"We made it!" Jean breathed, her heart racing as she glanced down at the destruction they had narrowly escaped. "Thank goodness for Dvalin and Dragonite!"
"Yeah!" Paimon cheered, a huge grin breaking through her earlier panic. "They saved us!"
As Dvalin soared gracefully through the sky, the winds rustled playfully around Venti, who laughed in delight. "It feels good to be back in the sky with you, old friend! It's been far too long."
Dvalin let out a deep rumble of amusement, his massive wings beating rhythmically. "Indeed, Barbatos. Your absence was felt, as was the corruption that plagued my mind." He glanced back at Ash, who was seated comfortably on Dvalin's back, a wide grin plastered across his face. "And I owe you my gratitude, Rotarian. Your courage and strength have returned me to my true self."
Ash waved his hand dismissively, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "It was really no problem! I'm just glad you're back to normal."
As they approached Mondstadt, Dvalin's form cast a long shadow over the sprawling fields below. The vibrant rooftops of the city came into view, bustling with activity as townsfolk went about their day. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the cheerful chatter of merchants.
Peace has returned to Mondstadt once more.
A few days later...
In the quiet confines of her office, Jean leaned over her desk, quill in hand, as she meticulously crafted her report to the Grand Master. The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, yet her expression remained serious as she reflected on the recent turmoil.
"To the esteemed Grand Master," she began, the elegant strokes of her quill flowing effortlessly across the parchment. "I am writing to inform you about the recent incident involving Dvalin, known as Stormterror. The situation escalated to a critical point, endangering not only our beloved city of Mondstadt but also the lives of its citizens."
She paused, recalling the chaos and fear that had gripped the people as Dvalin was driven to madness. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she continued, "However, I am pleased to report that thanks to the valiant efforts of Ash, our Honorary Knight, and Venti, Dvalin has been restored to his true self. Through their unwavering courage and teamwork, they successfully cleansed the corruption that plagued him."
Jean couldn't help but smile at the memories of the final battle, the moment when Ash had bravely stood atop Dvalin, channeling his aura to free the dragon from his torment. "Their bravery not only saved Dvalin but also brought peace back to our city. The people of Mondstadt are incredibly grateful, and celebrations have erupted throughout the streets in honor of our returning protector."
As she wrote, she felt a sense of pride swell within her. Despite the challenges they faced, her friends had risen to the occasion, proving that hope and unity could overcome even the darkest of trials. "Mondstadt owes a great deal to Ash and Venti. Their actions have reaffirmed our belief in the strength of camaraderie and the bonds we share."
Jean dipped her quill back into the ink and continued, "In conclusion, while the turmoil has subsided, I believe it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for any future threats. The Abyss Order has yet to reveal their ultimate goals, and we must not allow complacency to take hold."
Finishing her letter, she set the quill down and sealed it with the Knights of Favonius insignia. With a satisfied nod, she placed the letter in a small envelope and rose from her desk. "I hope the Grand Master returns soon," she murmured to herself, stepping out of her office to deliver the report.
...
La Signora stood at the back gate entrance of Mondstadt, her piercing gray eyes scanning the horizon as the sun dipped below the city, casting long shadows that seemed to mirror her disdain. The bustling sounds of celebration and laughter drifted from within the city walls, but all she could feel was contempt for the apparent joy that surrounded her.
"Pathetic," she scoffed, crossing her arms as her platinum-blonde hair fluttered in the evening breeze. "A city that worships a weak Archon like Barbatos. How utterly foolish." Her voice dripped with disdain, echoing the thoughts that had been festering within her since she received her orders.
Around her, a contingent of Fatui soldiers stood at attention, their expressions masked by the cold steel of their helmets. They exchanged nervous glances, aware that their superior's mood was as volatile as the winds of Mondstadt itself.
"We have our orders," she continued, dismissing their unease with a wave of her hand. "Obtain the Anemo Archon's Gnosis. It's a simple task, yet here we are, delayed by this…celebration." Her voice turned sharp, almost bitter, as she turned her gaze back to the vibrant city. Yet, beneath her irritation, a spark of curiosity flickered within her. "I've heard whispers of a Rotarian descendant residing in this city," she mused, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "How intriguing. A descendant of that wretched bloodline might just prove useful in my endeavors."
She recalled the brief exchange she had with Zamenhoff before she had dealt with him. His last moments were filled with desperation, and in those fleeting seconds, he had mentioned a young boy tied to the ancient legacy of the Rotarians.
"What a delightful coincidence," she continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I look forward to meeting this descendant and seeing how far the apple has fallen from the tree." With a flick of her wrist, she gestured to her minions. "Gather intelligence on this Rotarian and find out where I can find him. We shall see how he fares against the might of the Fatui." As her soldiers scrambled to obey, La Signora's expression hardened. "Let them celebrate their hollow victory. Soon enough, the light of Mondstadt will be extinguished, and I shall claim the Gnosis for myself."
...
Just like that...the Stormterror arc has concluded. And quite frankly, writing this chapter was quite a pain in the ass because originally I wanted Pikachu to get involved too but I decided to go with Lucario and Dragonite. This was by far the longest chapter I wrote for this series too X.X. As for Aether, yeah, he took a little backseat because it was to build up Ash's development. And yup...the bitch empress (aka La Signora) is here and you will see more of her in the next chapter too.