Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the new series. Didn't expect this series would be work on so soon, right? Well, I'm a taking brief break from the PokeHearts, so why not? This chapter will pretty much focus on Ash's decision rather or not he should stay put in Mondstadt or try to head back home. It will also focus on the perspetive on the other nations within Teyvat after the recent incident of Storm Terror about Ash's involvement and his presence.
Decision
...
The news of Stormterror's defeat and the aid provided by Ash and his companions spread far and wide, capturing the attention of Teyvat's citizens. In Liyue Harbor, the streets hummed with merchants, travelers, and locals, but at a quiet tea stall near Iron Tongue Tian's usual spot, the air was calm. Zhongli, the esteemed consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and secretly the Geo Archon Rex Lapis, sat leisurely, a steaming cup of tea in his hand and a poster pinned under his gaze.
The poster featured a boy with spiky black hair, a small yellow rodent perched on his shoulder, and a blue dog-like creature standing by his side. Beside him were a blonde-haired traveler and a floating child-like girl. The bold title read "Heroes of Mondstadt." Zhongli's amber eyes lingered on the boy with a sense of intrigue stirring within him. Something about the boy's presence seemed different, unique, as though he carried an energy unlike anything Zhongli had seen in millennia.
Before he could delve further into his thoughts, a familiar voice snapped him back to the present.
"Zhongli! There you are, slacking off again!"
Hu Tao, the mischievous director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, appeared beside him with her characteristic grin.
Zhongli turned his head slightly. "I am merely taking a well-deserved break, Director," he replied smoothly, sipping his tea.
Hu Tao huffed and crossed her arms, clearly not buying the excuse. But her attention quickly shifted as her sharp eyes caught the poster in Zhongli's hands. With a playful snatch, she held it up to inspect it more closely.
"Heroes of Mondstadt, huh?" she said, her grin widening. "So, this Ash guy helped take down Stormterror? Not bad, not bad at all!"
Zhongli arched a brow. "You seem particularly intrigued, Director."
Hu Tao chuckled, tapping the poster with her finger. "Of course! It's not every day you hear about someone using strange abilities that aren't tied to any Vision. I heard he used some kind of blue energy veil to help defeat the dragon. Doesn't that sound fascinating?"
Zhongli's expression turned thoughtful at her words. A "blue veil of energy." The description tugged at something deep in his memory, faint but familiar. His mind wandered briefly to the ancient arts and energies he had encountered in his long life.
"An energy veil, you say?" Zhongli mused. "That does sound...unusual. It is reminiscent of techniques lost to time or perhaps foreign to our lands."
Hu Tao waved a hand dismissively, breaking his reverie. "You and your cryptic talk! Anyway, enough about the poster. You've had your tea, now get back to work! The dead won't bury themselves, you know."
Zhongli sighed, setting his teacup down gracefully. "Of course, Director. But first, might I trouble you to settle my tea bill?"
Hu Tao froze with a dramatic sigh escaping her as she rolled her eyes. "Again? Zhongli, you're impossible."
As she reluctantly fished for Mora, Zhongli allowed himself a small, knowing smile. His curiosity about Ash and the mysterious energy would have to wait—though he knew, in time, answers would reveal themselves.
...
Within the solemn and imposing confines of Tenshukaku, the heart of Inazuma's authority, Raiden Shogun sat upon her throne. The news of the so-called "Hero of Mondstadt" had reached her ears, and the implications were troubling. A foreigner celebrated for bringing hope and triumph to another nation—hope that could easily spread, like wildfire, into the hearts of her own people.
For a nation held in the iron grip of her Vision Hunt Decree and her pursuit of eternity, hope was a dangerous thing. It bred rebellion, defiance, and worst of all, change.
The Shogun's sharp gaze drifted towards her most loyal retainer, Kujou Sara, who stood at attention.
"Kujou Sara," the Shogun spoke in an emotionless tone. "This 'hero' of Mondstadt has already caused ripples far beyond their borders. If his deeds are allowed to inspire the people of Inazuma, it will threaten the order we have worked so hard to maintain."
Kujou Sara's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding the weight of the situation. "What would you have me do, Your Excellency?"
The Shogun's gaze hardened as she continued. "If any citizen of Inazuma is found speaking of this boy or spreading tales of his so-called heroics, they are to be exiled from the nation immediately. We cannot afford such outside noise to disrupt the balance of our eternity."
Sara hesitated for only a moment, though it was subtle—a flicker in her otherwise steadfast demeanor. She knew the Shogun's will was absolute, and it was her duty to see it fulfilled.
"Understood, Your Excellency," Kujou Sara replied, bowing deeply. "I will ensure your orders are carried out without fail."
The Shogun nodded with her gaze returning to the view outside the Tenshukaku. Beyond the stormy skies and restless sea lay a world of change and chaos, a world that defied her ideals of eternal peace.
As Sara turned to leave, the Shogun's voice called out once more, softer but no less resolute.
"Do not fail me, Sara. Eternity depends on it."
With a firm nod, Kujou Sara exited the chamber.
Elsewhere...
Within the serene yet solemn Kamisato Estate, Princess Ayaka sat in quiet contemplation with her gaze fixed intently on the poster in her hands. The vibrant depiction of the Hero of Mondstadt—a boy with spiky black hair, and two unique creatures by his side—had captured her attention in a way nothing else had in recent days. His face, his presence, and even his demeanor struck a familiar chord deep within her heart.
Standing nearby was Thoma, her trusted confidant and loyal friend, who had brought the poster to her earlier, hoping to inspire some optimism amidst the tense climate of Inazuma. But now, watching Ayaka's silence, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.
"My lady?" Thoma called out softly. "You've been staring at that for a while now. Is something troubling you?"
Ayaka blinked, breaking free from her trance. She looked up at Thoma and offered a faint, apologetic smile. "Forgive me, Thoma. I was...lost in thought."
Thoma tilted his head. "If it's something weighing on you, you can tell me. I'll do whatever I can to help."
Ayaka hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "It's nothing, really. Just…a passing thought."
Thoma wasn't entirely convinced but decided not to press her further. Instead, he glanced at the poster in her hands. "You know," he began cautiously, "I've been thinking. Maybe this Ash person could help us. If he really did help Mondstadt against Stormterror, then maybe..." He paused, the weight of his next words sinking in before he could say them aloud. "Maybe he could help us against the Raiden Shogun."
Ayaka's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion. While the idea was bold and tempting, it was also fraught with danger. "Thoma," she said softly, "You know as well as I do how perilous that would be. If the Shogun found out about such a plan, it would not only endanger Ash but also put the entire Kamisato Clan at risk."
Thoma's shoulders slumped slightly as he nodded, guilt evident on his face. "You're right. I wasn't thinking clearly. I just...I hate feeling so powerless."
Ayaka reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I understand, Thoma. We all feel the weight of this situation. But we must act carefully and thoughtfully. The time will come when we can make a difference, but until then, we must be patient."
Thoma sighed but managed a small smile. "You're right, as always, my lady. I won't give up, though. We'll find a way—together."
As Thoma excused himself and left the room, Ayaka turned her gaze back to the poster. Her fingers lightly traced over Ash's face, and for a moment, her expression softened.
"Akihito…" she murmured, the name slipping from her lips as a bittersweet memory stirred within her.
...
Within the streets of Sumeru City, Collei sat under the shade of a large tree near the bustling marketplace with her eyes glued to a poster that she had picked up earlier. The poster proudly displayed the Hero of Mondstadt, Ash, standing alongside his peculiar companions—a small, yellow rodent with electricity sparking from its cheeks and a steadfast blue, dog-like creature. Collei couldn't help but admire the boy's confident stance and the stories she'd heard about his heroic deeds.
A soft giggle broke her concentration.
"Well, well! What's got you all starry-eyed today, Collei?"
Collei jolted and quickly tried to hide the poster behind her back, but it was too late. Nilou, the graceful dancer known for her radiant performances, had already spotted it. With her usual playful demeanor, she crouched beside Collei with her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"Is that what I think it is?" Nilou teased, leaning closer. "Don't tell me—have you fallen for the famous Hero of Mondstadt?"
Collei's face flushed a deep crimson as she stammered, "W-What?! No! It's not like that!"
Nilou chuckled, clearly enjoying her friend's flustered reaction. "Oh, come on, Collei. You've been staring at that poster for ages. You can't fool me!"
Collei pouted, puffing out her cheeks in protest. "I was just...curious about him, that's all. He's done so many amazing things, and I just think it's inspiring. That's it!"
Nilou gave her a knowing smile, taking the poster from Collei's hands and examining it herself. Her eyes lingered on Ash's determined expression.
"I have to admit," Nilou said with a grin, "he is pretty cute. He has that kind of charm, doesn't he? A mix of bravery and kindness, maybe?"
Collei's blush deepened as she snatched the poster back. "Nilou! You're not helping!"
Nilou laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright! I'll stop teasing. But seriously, it's nice to see you so excited about something. Maybe someday you'll get to meet him."
Collei glanced back at the poster, her expression softening. "You think so?" she asked quietly.
Nilou nodded confidently. "Of course! Who knows? Maybe he'll find his way to Sumeru one day. And when he does, you'll have the chance to thank him for inspiring you."
Collei smiled, feeling a flicker of hope in her heart.
Maybe, one day...like Nilou mentioned.
...
Within the grand city of Fontaine, the Hydro Archon, Furina, sat upon her opulent throne in the Opera Epiclese with her eyes narrowed in irritation. Before her was a poster featuring Ash, the so-called Hero of Mondstadt, whose face seemed to be plastered across every corner of Teyvat. The image of his confident grin and the attention it garnered only fueled her annoyance.
"Tch, ridiculous," she muttered, crumpling the poster in her delicate hand. Her heterochromatic eyes, each glimmering with droplets of blue and purple, glared at the offending paper. "One act of bravery, and suddenly the entire continent is singing his praises? What about me? I am the Hydro Archon, the Supreme Judge of Fontaine! My deeds are worth a hundred of his!"
A soft, amused chuckle came from her advisor and confidant, Neuvillette, who stood nearby, observing her tantrum. "Perhaps the people simply find his story inspiring, Lady Furina. It's rare for someone from beyond Teyvat to become a hero here. You shouldn't let it bother you so much."
Furina snapped her gaze to Neuvillette with her lips curling into a pout. "Bother me? Oh, please, I couldn't care less about some upstart child! It's just..." She paused with her eyes flicking to the poster again before tossing it dramatically aside. "It's just unfair that someone like him is getting more attention than me. I'm Fontaine's Archon, the very essence of hydro and justice! I should be the one they're celebrating, not some...spiky-haired brat with a yellow rat and a glorified dog."
Neuvillette raised an eyebrow but said nothing, wisely choosing not to correct her exaggerations.
Furina stood abruptly. "If he dares set foot in my city, I'll show him what it means to truly face a Hydro Archon. Perhaps I'll have him arrested for...oh, I don't know, disrupting the peace. Or maybe..." Her lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "Maybe I'll challenge him to a trial. Yes, a grand trial in the Opera Epiclese! The people will see me put that so-called hero in his place. It'll be the spectacle of the century!"
Neuvillette sighed. "Lady Furina, perhaps it would be wiser to focus on Fontaine's matters rather than concocting schemes against someone who hasn't even set foot in our nation yet."
Furina waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, don't be such a bore, Neuvillette. I'm merely preparing for all possibilities. After all, if he's as much of a 'hero' as they say, he's bound to wander into Fontaine sooner or later. And when he does..." Her smirk widened with her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He'll find out that not everyone in Teyvat is so easily impressed by his antics."
As Furina returned to her throne, her thoughts lingered on the mysterious boy who had stolen Teyvat's attention. Whether out of envy, curiosity, or a desire to reclaim the spotlight, one thing was certain: if Ash ever set foot in Fontaine, he would have to face the Hydro Archon's whims—and her unpredictable sense of justice.
...
In the heart of Natlan, the land of eternal flames and warriors of unyielding spirit, Granny Citlali, known as "Granny Itztli" among the tribe, sat in her humble, yet mystically adorned hut. A faint, flickering light from a fire pit illuminated her weathered face as she gazed intently at a poster she had acquired from a wandering merchant. The poster depicted Ash, his faithful Pikachu, and Lucario standing triumphantly alongside the words "Hero of Mondstadt."
Citlali's brows furrowed in contemplation. "Who is this boy who appears from nowhere, achieving what even seasoned champions might struggle to accomplish?" she murmured. The creatures with him were of equal intrigue—she had never seen anything like them in Natlan. The small, yellow rodent radiated power, while the doglike being exuded a calm yet formidable presence.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden entrance of a young man. Ororon, one of the Masters of the Night-Wind and her apprentice, sauntered in.
"Granny Itztli!" he called out. "What's got you so focused? Could it be you're scouting for a potential Gramps to share the fire with?"
Citlali's cheeks flushed a rare shade of crimson as she snapped her head towards him. "What nonsense are you spouting, you wild child? This has nothing to do with finding a mate!"
Ororon tilted his head. "Then what's that?" He pointed at the poster in her hands. "You've been staring at it like it holds the secret to the universe. Who's the kid? Your new apprentice?"
Citlali huffed with her pride not allowing her to admit that Ororon's antics had caught her off guard. "This boy, Ash, is said to have achieved something remarkable in Mondstadt. They call him a hero. I'm merely trying to discern what makes him so special. He wields no vision, yet he commands creatures I've never seen before. For someone so young to accomplish such feats...it stirs my curiosity."
Ororon leaned closer, examining the poster. "Huh. He does look kind of interesting. And those creatures...think they'd spar with me? They look strong!"
Citlali sighed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "You always think of fighting first, Ororon. There's more to strength than brute force. This boy may hold secrets that could aid our people—or pose a threat. I want to learn more about him before we make any assumptions."
Ororon scratched the back of his head, still not entirely understanding the elder's fascination but respecting her wisdom. "Well, if you ever need someone to track him down or challenge him to a duel, you know where to find me!"
Citlali smirked. "Perhaps, but for now, keep that wild imagination of yours in check. Not every visitor to Teyvat is an enemy—or a potential Gramps, as you so crudely put it."
The young warrior chuckled, stepping back towards the door. "Got it, Granny Itztli. But don't blame me if this 'Ash' kid turns out to be more than he seems. Just sayin'!"
As Ororon left, Citlali returned her gaze to the poster, her thoughts once again filled with questions about Ash and the mysterious power he wielded. "More than he seems, indeed..." she muttered under her breath.
...
Within the frigid halls of the Zapolyarny Palace in Snezhnaya, the Eleven Fatui Harbingers gathered under the eerie glow of frosted chandeliers. The air was heavy with tension and the subtle crackling of elemental energy. La Signora stood before as she recounted her humiliating experience in Mondstadt. Her sharp voice filled the room, carrying her frustration at being outwitted by Mondstadt's mischievous bard and his rare Rotarian ally.
"A Rotarian, you say?" Pierro, the Jester and leader of the Fatui Harbingers, leaned forward in his chair with his steely gaze locking onto Signora. "Interesting. I thought that bloodline was extinct since the Cataclysm."
The mention of Ash's lineage sparked murmurs among the Harbingers. Capitano, the stoic and imposing Captain, remained silent. As one of the few Khaenri'ahians, he held knowledge of Rotarian history that the others did not. Yet, he chose to keep his thoughts to himself, his expression inscrutable beneath his helm.
Scaramouche, the Balladeer, smirked. "Let me get this straight. You were bested by a bard and a child? Truly, Signora, your reputation precedes you."
Childe, also known as Tartaglia, chuckled as he leaned against the wall. "You'd think someone so proud wouldn't fall for such simple tricks. Maybe you're slipping, Signora."
Signora's eyes flared with anger. "You two fools know nothing!"
Arlecchino, the Knave, interjected. "Enough. Signora, you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. If this boy is truly a Rotarian, he could be valuable to our cause. Or, at the very least, worth studying further."
The Doctor, Dottore, let out a low, unsettling laugh. "Indeed. A Rotarian specimen would be most... educational. Imagine the advancements we could make if we dissected his abilities, perhaps even replicated them."
Signora sneered. "Or we could simply eliminate him and be rid of the nuisance."
Columbina, the Damselette, hummed softly to herself. "Perhaps it's best to watch him for now. There's no need to rush into violence."
Sandrone, the Puppet, adjusted the mechanisms of her latest invention. "A live subject is always more useful than a corpse, I suppose."
Pantalone, the Regrator, chuckled. "This boy could be an economic asset if leveraged properly. Imagine the influence we could wield if we controlled him—or his story."
Pierro raised a hand, silencing the room. "Enough. The boy's presence in Teyvat cannot be ignored. He may be an asset, or he may become a significant obstacle. For now, we will observe. Tartaglia, you will track him. Ensure he does not escape our gaze."
Childe groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great. More babysitting duty. As if dealing with a certain Geo Archon isn't enough." He sighed dramatically but smirked, glancing at Signora. "At least I won't get outsmarted by a kid."
Signora bristled, but Pierro's sharp gaze silenced any retort.
"This meeting is adjourned," Pierro declared. "Keep your focus. The boy's actions may dictate the future of Teyvat, and I won't tolerate failure."
As the Harbingers began to disperse, Capitano stepped forward. "Childe," he called.
Childe, already halfway to the door, paused and turned with a brow raised in surprise. "Captain? Something you need?"
Capitano stood tall. For a moment, the room seemed to grow quieter with the tension hanging in the air. Capitano's gaze, hidden beneath his helm, locked onto Childe as if he were looking through him.
"Keep the boy alive," Capitano said firmly.
Childe blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Alive? You're saying you don't want him eliminated? That's... unexpected." He crossed his arms with a smirk tugging at his lips. "What, do you want to fight him or something?"
Capitano's response was deliberate. "It is not about a fight. It is about fate. The meeting of a Rotarian and a Khaenri'ahian is a moment that transcends mere circumstance. Such an encounter must happen... when the time is right."
Childe's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a look of genuine curiosity. "Fate, huh? You're as cryptic as ever, Captain. But whatever you say. I'll do what I can, but no promises." He gave a casual wave and turned, walking off with a shrug.
As the sound of Childe's footsteps faded, Capitano remained rooted in place. Behind his helm, his mind churned with thoughts of the past and the strange, unbroken thread of destiny that seemed to pull Khaenri'ah and the Rotarians together once more.
"The boy... Ash," Capitano murmured to himself. "Perhaps you hold answers that we have long sought. Perhaps your path will cross with mine in time."
...
Back in Mondstadt, Ash lay sprawled on the bed in his guest room at the Knights of Favonius headquarters. His arms rested behind his head as he stared blankly at the ceiling with his thoughts swirling. The muffled laughter of Pikachu, Lucario, and Dragonite playing in the corner barely registered in his mind.
Venti's words echoed relentlessly in his head: "What will you strive for next, my Traveler friend? Will you remain a fleeting gust of wind or become a pillar others can rely on?"
Ash sighed deeply, shifting on the bed. "What do I do now?" he muttered under his breath. The weight of his accomplishments and the uncertainty of the path ahead gnawed at him.
Pikachu paused from its game of tag with Lucario and Dragonite, tilting its head curiously at Ash. "Pika?"
Lucario, sensing Ash's inner turmoil, glanced over with concern.
Dragonite flapped its wings lightly, looking puzzled.
Closing his eyes, Ash tried to organize his thoughts. "No matter what I choose, there's no turning back," he whispered to himself. He inhaled sharply, focusing on the possibilities ahead, and slowly but surely, clarity began to take shape.
Then...he made his decision.
His eyes snapped open. Sitting up abruptly, he clenched his fist and declared, "I made up my mind!"
His sudden announcement startled his Pokémon.
"Pika?!" Pikachu yelped, nearly tripping over its own tail.
"Luca?" Lucario straightened, tilting its head as if to ask, What decision?
Dragonite blinked.
Before any of them could question him, Ash shot up from the bed and bolted for the door.
Moments later...
Inside Jean's office, Jean and Kaeya were discussing the details of the upcoming celebration in honor of Ash and his companions. They were preparing for a grand event to show their appreciation.
Suddenly, the door to Jean's office flew open with a loud bang, startling both Jean and Kaeya. Ash stood there, nearly out of breath as if he'd just sprinted across Mondstadt.
Jean blinked in surprise, while Kaeya raised an eyebrow.
"Ash?" Jean asked. "What's going on?"
Ash paused to catch his breath before bowing his head respectfully to Jean and Kaeya. "Please... train me!"
"Train you? What do you mean by that, Ash?"
Ash stood up straight. "I've made up my mind. I'm staying in Mondstadt." He looked directly at Jean. "I want to know more about myself, about my heritage. I need to grow stronger—stronger to understand who I am and what I'm supposed to do. But in order to move forward, I need to train."
Jean's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure about this, Ash? This is a big decision. You've already accomplished so much already…"
Ash nodded eagerly. "I'm sure. I've thought it through. I need to get stronger. I can't move forward without growing. So please, train me!"
Kaeya crossed his arms with a smirk. "I've heard enough." His tone was light, but his words carried weight. "If Ash wants to train, then let's not waste any more time. I'll take him under my wing."
Jean's eyes widened in surprise. "Kaeya, wait—are you sure? He's still young, and you—"
Kaeya cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I'll make sure Ash stays in one piece. Don't worry, Jean. You know as well as I do that we both want to train him, deep down. I'll be a good mentor."
Jean's face flushed at the implication with her gaze quickly darting away from Kaeya. "I—I didn't—!"
Kaeya chuckled, clearly enjoying the teasing. "No need to deny it, Jean. I'm sure you'll get your turn. But for now, it looks like I'm the one training Ash."
Ash grinned. "Thank you, Kaeya! I won't let you down!"
Jean sighed, knowing she couldn't stop Kaeya once he'd made up his mind. "Well, if you're both sure about this..." She gave Ash a warm, yet cautious smile. "I trust you, Ash. Just promise me you'll be careful and don't push yourself too hard."
Ash nodded. "I will, Jean."
With that, Kaeya smirked. "Alright, Ash. Let's get started. We've got a lot of training ahead of us. Are you ready for this?"
Ash nodded enthusiastically, already eager to begin. "More than ready!"
...
Well, we all knew this would happen but it was the best scenerio for everyone. The next arc will soon come upon us. I hope you guys will be ready for it. And I also hope you guys enjoy the brief cameos with potential characters Ash might meet later on in the series. Which part was your favorite? The next chapter will most likely be a filler as it's going back days before Ash makes his decision and meet new characters within Mondstadt and also hang out with previous characters as well. It's going to be a fun chapter before the actual two year time skip happens.