Disclaimer: I do not own the copyright for these two franchises. They belong to Square Enix and HoyoVerse respectively.
Kingdoms Hearts III.5: A Journey on Teyvat
Chapter 02: Welcome to Mondstadt
(Genshin Impact OST - Dawn Winery Theme)
As they walked together toward Mondstadt, Sora and Amber started a conversation, each eager to learn more about the other.
Amber: So, Sora, I'd like to know a bit more about you. Where exactly are you from?
Sora smiled nostalgically, thinking back to his home world.
Sora: Well, I come from a small island, surrounded by the ocean as far as the eye can see. My friends and I would spend our time exploring, playing on the beach, and dreaming of adventures beyond our island. However, I never really expected that one day I would actually have to go on an adventure.
Amber: Why is that? Were you forced to leave?
Sora: Let's just say... it happened out of necessity. It wasn't exactly the adventure I had dreamed of at first, especially being separated from my friends... Fortunately, I wasn't completely alone. I was able to meet many people during my travels, friends who became important to me. Each of my adventures has brought unforgettable new experiences. I hope this time will be no different.
As Sora shared his story with Amber, she felt a deep respect for him. This young man had gone through hardships, separated from his friends, yet had found the strength to keep going thanks to the connections he had made along the way. What he said resonated with her, and she felt inspired by his courage and determination. With a sincere smile, she replied.
Amber: Your story is really touching, Sora. Your determination and optimism are contagious. I can see why you've come this far.
Sora: Thanks, Amber. I'm just trying to live my life the best I can.
Amber: You know, you remind me the Traveler I met. He's also looking for someone dear to him. He has that same determination in his eyes. It's inspiring to see people like you.
Amber had already mentioned this mysterious Traveler. Curious, Sora asked.
Sora: Amber, you mentioned this Traveler. Who is he exactly? And... how much does he resemble me?
Amber: His name is Aether. Like you, I met him while he was searching for someone dear to him—his sister. I immediately offered him my help. As I was showing him around Mondstadt, a rather... unsettling event occurred.
Sora: Really? What happened?
Amber: Well... Mondstadt nearly got wiped off the map... because of a dragon called Stormterror.
Upon hearing this news, Sora couldn't help but be surprised by Amber's statement.
Sora: What? A dragon nearly destroyed the entire city?
Hearing Sora's surprise, Amber quickly reassured him.
Amber: Calm down, Sora! No need to worry. Fortunately for us, that crisis has passed. All thanks to our great Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and especially the Traveler.
Feeling reassured by Amber's words, Sora relaxed.
Sora: That's good to hear.
Amber: To get back to what I was saying, we were able to resolve that crisis largely thanks to the Traveler. Without him by our side, the situation would have surely been much worse. That's why all of Mondstadt will forever be grateful to him for his good deeds. In fact, he was given the title of Honorary Knight.
Sora: This Traveler... He must be someone extraordinary for you to hold him in such high regard. I really hope to meet him one day. Maybe we could help each other out.
Amber: I'm sure it will happen. And just like I offered my help to the Traveler, I'll do everything I can to help you find Kairi too.
Touched by Amber's sincere desire to help him, Sora replied:
Sora: Thanks again, Amber.
Amber: No problem. Let's hurry, I can't wait to show you around Mondstadt.
As Sora and Amber continued their journey toward Mondstadt, Amber noticed something in the distance. With a wave of her arm, she signaled for Sora to stop. Curious, he asked.
Sora: What's going on, Amber? Why are we stopping?
Amber: I spotted something I need to take care of. Look ahead.
Pointing into the distance, Amber showed Sora what had caught her attention. As he focused, he noticed a camp set up by creatures he had never seen before. These creatures had entirely black bodies, pointed ears protruding from light brown fur, and masks that completely obscured their faces. Intrigued, Sora asked Amber:
Sora: What are those?
Amber: They are Hilichurls, monsters that can be found all over Teyvat.
Sora: Are they dangerous?
Amber: Not really. At least, not when they're alone. But in groups, they can become troublesome. Do you remember the recent crisis I told you about? The one with the dragon? During that event, many Hilichurls appeared near the city, as if they were planning to attack Mondstadt while we were dealing with the crisis. I had to take care of many of their camps. Even though the threat of Stormterror is behind us, there are still camps to clear out to truly ensure Mondstadt's safety. And it looks like this camp is one of them.
Hearing Amber's explanation, Sora volunteered to help her.
Sora: Do you need help, Amber?
Amber shook her head with a smile.
Amber: It's not necessary. Just watch.
She gestured with her hand, summoning her weapon—a sleek bow. Sora watched with curiosity as she touched a red stone attached to her belt, enchanting her arrow with fire. Amber aimed carefully and shot toward an explosive barrel near the Brutocollinus camp. The fiery arrow hit its mark, causing a resounding explosion that flattened the entire camp in seconds.
Impressed, Sora asked,
Sora: What did you just do?
Amber smiled as she lowered her bow.
Amber: It's thanks to my Vision. It allowed me to enchant my arrow and give it enough power to explode the barrel right in the center of their camp.
Listening to her, Sora remembered that Master Yen Sid had indeed mentioned the concept of Visions, artifacts that enable the inhabitants of this world to use elemental powers. It seemed that Amber was fortunate enough to be one of those rare people who could wield one.
Amber: Each Vision grants different powers to its bearer. Mine is tied to the Pyro element, allowing me to use fire-related abilities.
Sora: I see. That's really fascinating.
Amber: By the way, I was wondering, Sora... how do you fight?
In response to Amber, Sora summoned his signature weapon with a flick of his wrist.
Sora: With this. I use what's called a Keyblade as my weapon.
Amber, fascinated, looked at the weapon with curiosity.
Amber: Is this what your weapon looks like? Well, I have to say it has a very... original design. It looks like a sword, but more like an oversized key.
Sora: Ha ha... yeah, that's more or less the impression I had the first time I wielded it.
Amber: You summoned it out of nowhere, but you don't have a Vision. How does that work?
Sora: Honestly, I haven't thought too much about it. I mean, it just comes to me very naturally.
Amber: What can you do with it?
Sora: Besides being a very versatile weapon, the Keyblade grants me different powers and allows me to use a wide range of elemental spells.
Amber: Spells? Like... magic? Is it similar to Visions, or is it something totally different?
Sora: I'd say it's similar. I can cast various spells of fire, ice, lightning, and many others. The Keyblade amplifies those powers and lets me fight against all kinds of enemies.
Fascinated by Sora's abilities, Amber couldn't help but praise him.
Amber: That's amazing, Sora. Yet another thing you have in common with the Traveler. He doesn't need a Vision to use his powers either. You two are starting to look more and more alike.
As Sora and Amber continued their conversation, they finally reached a hill overlooking the city of Mondstadt. Amber stopped, pointing at the city with a bright smile.
Amber: Look, Sora! We're here! We can finally see the Mondstadt City!
The view that stretched before them was breathtaking. A grand city built on what seemed to be an immense lake, with majestic towers, windmills, and gleaming red roofs shining under the sun. Sora stood in awe at the splendor of the city.
Sora: It's... incredible.
A nostalgic thought crossed Sora's mind. The sight of the city reminded him of the Kingdom of Corona, the world from which Rapunzel hailed.
Amber: You haven't even seen all that makes it charming yet. Luckily for you, you can count on your great Outrider that I am to show you around! Come on, let's hurry!
Sora: I'm right behind you.
They began to descend the hill toward the grand gate of the city. Upon reaching the entrance, the two teenagers were immediately greeted by two guards standing nearby.
"Welcome back, Amber!"
Amber: Swan, Lawrence. I'm back!
Lawrence: Did the exploration go well?
Amber: Pretty well, yes. I didn't encounter any particular problems. Just a camp of Hilichurls not far from the city, but I took care of it already.
Swan: Really? In that case, thank you for your work. In addition to helping us rebuild the city, you're ensuring its safety by spotting potential dangers for Mondstadt. You're truly an example of dedication for all the Knights of Favonius.
Flattered by her colleague's compliment, Amber couldn't help but blush slightly.
Amber: There's no need to thank me. It's the very role of a knight to ensure the safety of the city and its inhabitants. Even if we are assigned to different posts, you protect it just as much as I do. You both deserve thanks for your work.
Lawrence: Thank you, but we really can't take all the credit. After all, our work is pretty quiet compared to yours.
After their discussion, the two knights finally noticed the young man with brown hair.
Lawrence: Hmm? Amber, who is this young man accompanying you?
To respond to Lawrence's question, Amber hurried to make the introductions.
Amber: Let me introduce you to Sora. During my patrol, I found him unconscious at the Stormbearer Point. It turns out he is searching for someone dear to him. So, I offered my help. I plan to introduce him to Jean, hoping she can also lend her support to Sora.
Hearing Amber's explanation, the two guards nodded and turned to Sora.
Swan: I see. Sora, is it? Know that the Knights of Favonius have a duty to assist anyone in need. Without a doubt, our Acting Grand Master will be able to help you in any way possible. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and welcome to Mondstadt!
Sora: Oh... thanks.
Lawrence: Have a great day, Sora. You too, Amber.
After the introductions, Sora and Amber were finally able to enter the grand city of Mondstadt.
Amber: We've finally arrived. Sora, let me officially introduce you to Mondstadt, the city of wind, dandelions, and freedom...
(Genshin Impact OST - Another Day in Mondstadt)
Inside, a wide alley opened up before them, surrounded by various markets. Stalls selling fruits and vegetables were visible, and a little girl was offering flowers to passersby. Faced with the beauty and liveliness of the city, Sora couldn't help but marvel.
Sora: Mondstadt is truly beautiful.
Amber: Thanks! It's a city full of life and history. You'll see, the locals are very welcoming.
As they walked along the street, Amber began discussing the next steps with Sora.
Amber: Alright, Sora, I'm going to take you to our headquarters now. I'll introduce you to my colleagues, and especially to Jean, our Acting Grand Master. She leads the Knights of Favonius. She's very respected and has a lot of influence. Maybe she can help you in your search for Kairi.
Sora nodded, grateful.
Sora: That would be amazing, Amber. Thank you so much.
With those words, Amber and Sora headed toward the place where the Knights of Favonius resided, hoping that the young Keyblade hero would meet new people ready to help him in his quest to find Kairi.