Act 1 : Outlanders That Caught The Wind
Chapter 1 : A Windy Introduction
As they reached the edge of the forest, Paimon suddenly announced, "Alright! First stop—a Statue of The Seven!"
"…For what purpose?" Calibur questioned, his tone skeptical.
But before an answer could be given, both he and Lumine abruptly halted.
From their vantage point atop the cliff, the world stretched out before them in breathtaking detail. Below lay a verdant landscape—rolling green fields, a shimmering lake cradling a statue at its center, and beyond that, nestled in the distance, stood the majestic city of Mondstadt.
Despite how often they had passed through these lands, their focus had always been survival—growing stronger, pushing forward. They had never stopped to take in the beauty of this world.
Lumine's eyes gleamed as she gazed at the horizon, her expression illuminated with a quiet awe.
"That's a Statue of The Seven!" Paimon explained, pointing eagerly toward the object in the lake. "There are several of these statues scattered across Teyvat, each symbolizing the protection of the Seven Archons! The god of this land rules over the winds—the Anemo Archon!"
She spun in the air, waving a finger mischievously. "Now, Paimon's not sure if the Anemo Archon is the god you're looking for, but… there's a good reason we should head there first~!"
Paimon began her descent down the mountain, effortlessly floating ahead as Lumine and Calibur followed close behind.
"As we all know, poetry and language flow like the wind," she said, twirling in the air. "There's definitely someone in Mondstadt who might know something about your brother—or maybe even Calibur's past! At least, that's what Paimon thinks!"
She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Buuut… whether the gods actually answer you? That's a different story. Still! You never know unless you try, so let's hop to it!"
By the time they reached the lake surrounding the Statue of The Seven, Paimon simply hovered above the water and, with zero hesitation, declared:
"You can swim right over!"
Lumine barely paused before stepping forward, already prepared to jump in. But before she could, Calibur's hand shot out, stopping her.
"Cal?" She looked at him in confusion as he blocked her path.
"Dame. Oyoge wa sasen. Fuku ga nureru." (No. Won't allow it. Your clothes will get wet.)
Before Lumine could even process what that meant--
Without warning, and zero hesitation, in full bridal style.
Lumine's face burned in embarrassment, "C-Cal!? What are you--?!"
Then as if she weighed nothing, Calibur bent his knees and launched himself into a powerful leap, soaring over the water in a single bound before landing safely on the other side.
Lumine was fuming.
"Cal! I appreciate you for caring, but I told you --NOT DO THAT WITHOUT WARNING ME!" She shouted, her voice filled with equal parts frustration and mortification.
Paimon, still hovering over the water, just smirked knowingly. An Anya smirk.
"Ehe~."
After scolding him, Lumine let out a sigh and turned away, making her way toward the Statue of The Seven. Standing before it, she reached out and gently placed her hand on the cool stone, closing her eyes as she silently prayed.
For a moment, there was only stillness.
Then, as if responding to her call, a soft teal light swirled around the statue, gathering within the orb cradled in its hand. The sphere pulsed, glowing brighter and brighter until it finally released a radiant, teal-colored orb.
The orb drifted downward, its light shimmering like wind-blown petals, before softly merging into her chest—disappearing within.
"Ooh! Did you just feel the element of this world?"
Calibur, if he had visible facial features, would have surely been furrowing an eyebrow.
"She what?"
"Yeah, you saw that, right? That elemental energy just flowed into her! Looks like all you had to do was touch the statue, and—boom! You got the power of Anemo!" Paimon explained, twirling midair. "As much as people in this world want it, they can't just grab elemental powers like that. It's not that simple."
Lumine glanced at her hand, then murmured, "I think I know why… It's because—"
"Ah-ha! Because you're not from this world to begin with," Paimon interrupted, grinning.
Calibur remained silent for a moment before finally muttering, "…Me only see winds."
"Oh yeah! How about you try touching the statue too, Calibur?" Paimon suggested. "Maybe you can get the power of Anemo too!"
Calibur turned to Lumine, as if asking for her opinion. She simply gave him a small nod.
With a reluctant sigh, he stepped forward, pressing his hand against the stone surface of the statue.
A moment passed.
Nothing happened.
"Nani mo okoranai." (Nothing's happening.) He turned back to them, unimpressed.
"Uhh… did you properly pray to it?" Paimon asked, tilting her head.
Calibur considered it for a second before trying again—this time with intent.
Another moment passed.
Still, nothing.
"Huh. That's weird…" Paimon muttered, crossing her arms. "Oh well! Maybe Lumine's just special. The elements of the world responded to your prayers, and Paimon thinks that's a lovely sign."
Calibur folded his arms, deep in thought.
Paimon smirked. "What's wrong, Calibur? Feeling jealous~?"
"Tch. Irrelevant. Haste, Mondstadt." Said Calibur as he points to the city's direction. Agreeing with him, the two moved forward, with Lumine stopping as she reached the edge of the shore. And this time she waited while giving Calibur a look. Understanding what she's doing, Calibur leaned down a bit. With a cough, he began. "I carry?" And she nodded with a "Hmph"
Together, they continued to head to Monstadt. Until Calibur abruptly stopped. Again.
"Cal?" Lumine called to him. But then he suddenly turned around, and looked up. And they all see it, a large dragon with six wings flying over them, heading towards the heart of the forest where they were supposed to go through to reach monstadt.
"Kiken. Shincou ni ugoku." (Danger. Proceed with caution) Calibur adviced as they continued.
"Yeah." Lumine nodded. Alerted, they head into the forest with caution. If by any chance the dragon was a wild beast, they would like to avoid it at all cost. But it seems that finding it proved inevitable. There it was spread on its four limbs on the ground.
Quickly, they hid behind a tree to avoid its detection.
"It's okay, I'm here now."
Suddenly, they heard a voice, and what it spoke was not intended to them. Curious, they peeked their head out and finds its owner, standing in front of the dragon with no fear with his hand reached out to it.
They see a young man, no taller than 160cm. He had dark blue hair accented by streaks of teal. A green feathered cap sat atop of his head, slightly titlted, along with his eyes were also emerald-green.
Down to his torso, he wore a green and gold capelet over a white blouse, fastened with a neat bow at the chest. A brown corset hugged his waist, leading to dark green shorts with golden embroidery. His outfit was decorated with feathers and vine-like patterns.
"What is he doing...? Is he...trying to speak with the dragon?" Paimon wondered. As they continued to observe, the element in Lumine seem to be resonating. Before anything could be understood, the dragon roared as if it was enraged.
It's windy roar shook the forest, forcing the leaves to sway unwillingly. Calibur stood in front of Lumine and Paimon protectively, his hand to his sword, ready to unsheathe it should a battle were to happen.
However, luckily no violence occurred. The dragon left without doing any harm and they were spared. Calibur puts his hand away from the grip of his sword, feeling at ease.
"That was close! Paimon almost got blown away! Good thing I grabbed hold onto your hair! Thanks."
"Good thing you didn't pull my hair out." Lumine said, her eyes half lidded. She didn't like that.
"Hehe, sorry. But...just what was that? Paimon thought we were gonna get eaten." She exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest. "It definitely has something to with that weirdo who was talking to the dragon."
"Ryuu to hanasu...are ga futsu no ka?"
"Excuse me?"
"He's asking if talking to dragons normal."
"Of course not!" Paimon huffed, placing her hands on her hips. Just then, her attention shifted. "Wait, what's that? There's some kind of shiny red thingy on the big rock over there..." She said as she pointed to the hill.
Lumine glanced at Calibur. He understood immediately and nodded.
"Let's take a closer look." She walked towards the object and the other two followed.
"Paimon's never seen a stone like this before, so Paimon can't tell what it is."
Calibur hovered his hand over the crystal, his visor narrowing. "Kiken no mono...I keep." -- (Dangerous object)
"Ikou" (Let's go) He nodded to Lumine and proceeded to continue their journey to the city.
Just as they were leaving the forest--
"Hey you! Stop right there!"
A voice. A woman's voice--youthful, commanding.
The tone alone sent Calibur on high alert. His hand immediately reached for his sword once more. His head spinning around, looking around for the source.
Lumine and Paimon on the other hand looked behind them, towards where the voice seemed to come from. Then to their left as they heard the running footsteps. Before anything else could be analysed, the owner of the voice finally shows themselves.
She jumped off the higher ground she was on. She leapt high like a rabbit, earning the look of awe from Lumine and Paimon, except for Calibur who was really ready to cut anyone down.
The girl landed into a barrel roll before standing up to face them. She wore a jumper-like outfit composed of dark brown shorts, a red top that has only a hood and sleeves, a white and brown top with an intricate golden crest on the front, red stockings, and a pair of white thigh-high boots embellished with gold linings and symbols.
Other than that, she had a number of accessories. Which included a leather belt with two small bags, and red ornamental gem attached. She had gloves, a small belt on her right thigh, and gold-framed goggles. The most distinguishing feature is the headband with the large bow that rests on her head, resembling the shape of bunny ears. Additionally, the ornamental gem has two red feathers attached below it.
"May the Anemo God protect you, strangers!" She began. "I am Amber, Outrider for the Knights of the Favonius." She said saluting. "You don't look like citizens of Mondstadt. Explain yourselves!" She demanded before noticing the animosity that Calibur was showing. It seemed that she really didn't realise it.
"We're not looking for trouble." Paimon replied quickly, her hands waved in defense.
"That's what all troublemakers say." Said Amber, her hand stretched behind her. It seems now she's actually alarmed, and have to be ready to fight.
Sensing the tension rising, with a sigh Lumine stepped forward in between Calibur and Amber.
"Hi, my name is Lumine. I'm just a passing by Traveler." She said gently, with a hand to her chest. "And this is Calibur, my companion." She gestured to him, while also giving the look to put his hand away from the sword. "You can rest assured, we're not your enemies." Amber was still skeptical, but gives the benefit of the doubt.
"Doesn't sound like local names to me." She commented, putting her hand to her sides. "And this...mascot, what's the deal with it?" Said Amber as she looked at Paimon.
Lumine considered for a second before answering. A mischievous glint was noticed, as the corners of her mouth curled up. "Emergency food." This surprises Amber and Paimon.
"Paimon is not emergency food!" She said angrily, her foot stomping on air.
"Krrfg!" They heard something akin to a cough. All three turned to Calibur, who was looking away from them, acting as if nothing happened. They know it was him, he was definitely about to laugh. It was without a doubt, a laugh that was held back.
"Okay...so to sum it up, you're traveling partners, right?" Said Amber. "Well look, there's been a large dragon sighted around Mondstadt recently. Best you get inside the city as soon as possible. It's not far from here, I'll escort you there." She said.
Calibur glances at the city walls behind her, and then back at her. And he does it again, just for that extra clarity. 'Shitteru. Maru mie da' (We know. Literally visible there.) He thought, whilst letting out an annoyed huff.
"Oh? Aren't you out here for some other reasons?" Said Paimon
"I am. But not to worry, I can keep you both safe while doing that too. Besides...I'm still not sure if I can trust you two just yet."
"Ii kenmei da" (a wise decision) Said Calibur in his language. It earned a confused look from Amber, and angry look from Lumine, however she was mad for a different reason.
"I told you to put that hand away from your sword!" Calibur stared at her silently, and she stared back but more intense.
"Wakatta..." (fine...)
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but did we do something that aroused your suspicion?" Asked Lumine to Amber.
"Oh, ahh...I'm sorry. Probably not something I should say as a knight." She apologised, her hand to her chest. "I give you my apologies, uhh...strange yet...respectable travelers." Calibur and Paimon slowly glanced at each other after hearing Amber.
"Okashii mono..." (strange one...)
"That sounded so fake!" Said Paimon.
"Do you have something against the type of Language usage prescribed by the Knights of the Favonious Handbook?!"
"Mou ii! Sassato ike." Said Calibur with an annoyed huff. They all started heading down the road.
"So, suspicious Travelers, what're you doing in Mondstadt?" Amber asked.
"Lumine got separated from her brother during a really, really long journey. Paimon is her travel buddy, helping her to find her brother."
"Oh, looking for your family...huh. Ah...ok, let me finish my work first, and then I can help you put up posters around the city. Are you like her too? What's your relationship?"
"Kangae-nashi Ka... " (no tact...) Calibur shook his head.
"He's just my friend. He has...amnesia when i met him. Doesn't really know where to go, so he just travels with me." Lumine explained. "So, what's this other work you needed to do? Will it be long?"
"Hmm..." Amber took a second to consider before she answered. "it depends on the situation really. Hopefully it won't be too long." Just as she said it, it really didn't take long for it to appear.
With a gasp, Paimon says. "A hilichurl!"
"Quick, get it!" Said Amber as she summons her bow and aims her arrow. Just as she was about to shoot it, Calibur steps in her line of sight. "Hey!"
He goes closer to the hilichurl, approaching it slowly step by step until it noticed him. The hilichurl raises its club, running towards him.
Just as it got within Calibur's range, he quickly unsheathes his sword and decapitate it in a single stroke. The head rolls to the side, and its body flops to his side. Calibur rests his blade to the side, and moves onward.
Amber stared gawking, shocked to see he just killed it like that. She turned to Lumine and Paimon who just watches him with a shrug.
"...yeah, he does this most of the time. Even while hunting..." Said Lumine, as she remembers the memory. Blood was sprayed everywhere. She can't even say anything because of the conflicting thoughts, there isn't much violence, and neither is there inefficiency, but still isn't that also kinda overboard she thought.
They followed him up the hill and sees him standing behind two large rocks, watching the hilichurl camp nearby. They quickly went up to him and avoided being seen by the hilichurls. The camp seemed newly put up, and there aren't that many hilichurls.
"Go-nin" (five) said Calibur, showing five fingers. Amber nodded.
"And one's an archer on the tower. I'll take him down, you two handle the ones below."
"No, I don't think there's a need for us to join if it's just 5." Said Lumine, and Paimon nodding in agreement.
"Eh?"
"Think you can handle them, Cal?"
"Mondai nai." (No problem) He assured with a thumbs up. Like earlier, Calibur goes out and approaches them with confident stride.
"Wait, wait! Are you sure about this?! He might get hurt!" Said Amber.
"Don't worry! Paimon can assure you he'll be fine! He's tough, and Paimon doubts he would let himself be hit anyways. Plus, he's clad in armour."
Calibur strode forward without hesitation. The hilichurls noticed him immediately, their grunts turning into aggressive war cries.
"Ya ya!"
"Ika!" One of them raised its club and charged. Another followed suit, their crude weapons swinging for his head. The archer atop the wooden watchtower notched an arrow, aiming at him.
The arrow whistled through the air, closing in fast—but at the last possible moment, Calibur tilted his head slightly, letting it sail past.
The first hilichurl lunged, swinging downward with full force. Calibur sidestepped, grabbing its arm mid-swing. With a powerful pivot, he twisted his body and swung the creature overhead like a ragdoll—then hurled it toward the archer.
The hilichurl crashed into the watchtower, knocking the archer clean off. Both tumbled down, landing hard on the dirt below.
The remaining three hesitated, thrown off by the display, but Calibur didn't give them time to recover. He dashed forward.
The second hilichurl barely had time to react before his sword slashed diagonally across its chest. The force sent it reeling backward, collapsing with a pained grunt.
The third swung at him wildly. Calibur ducked under the attack and retaliated with a swift, brutal kick to its knee. The sickening crack of bone was followed by a scream as it crumpled to the ground. Without missing a beat, he pivoted and drove his blade through the fourth hilichurl, ending it instantly. Afterwards, to put it out of misery, he slashed cleanly on the third's neck.
The one he had thrown groaned as it tried to push itself up, dazed from the fall. Calibur approached and brought his sword down, killing both it and the archer.
Silence.
He exhaled, shaking the blood off his blade before turning back to the others.
Paimon floated there, mouth open. Amber's expression was frozen in shock.
"Yeah...I forgot he does that too." Said Lumine with a sigh, hand on her temple.
"Did you have to be that brutal?!" Said Paimon, flabbergasted. Calibur tilted in response, seemingly not understanding what's she's getting on.
Amber finally snapped out of her stunned silence, gripping her bow tighter. "That was...a little bit excessive, don't you think?"
He tilted his head slightly, still not grasping the issue. "Teki wa shinda" (The enemy is dead)
Lumine sighed again, rubbing her forehead. "That's not the point, Cal."
"W-well, at least the issue has been dealt with! Thank you, Sir Calibur." Said Amber with a sweat dropping.
Calibur stared at her for a sec before nodding. "Hmm."
Lumine squinted, looking at Calibur suspiciously 'He liked that, didn't he?'
"Now that you mention it, how is it the hilichurls ended up here? These creatures don't seem like the type to set up camp so close to cities like this." Said Paimon.
"Exactly. It's more normal for them to be much further out in the wilderness. But because of the dragon --Stormterror-- has been around a lot more recently, our orchards have been destroyed and the local market has been affected as well. When the storms hit, we usually end up with at least a few injuries, so the Knights of Favonious have been tied up doing the best they can to defend the area." Said amber.
"So these annoying creatures have been getting closer and closer to the city?" Paimon asked
"Exactly. That said, clearing this camp make the area a little bit safer. Come with me! A responsible knight must make sure to see you to the city safely." Said amber.
Arrival in Mondstadt
Mondstadt's architecture was a breathtaking blend of medieval European design and whimsical fantasy, reflecting its identity as the City of Freedom. The skyline was dotted with towering spires and windmills, their wooden blades turning gently in the ever-present breeze.
Buildings were constructed from a mix of warm-toned stone and timber, their steep, sloped roofs covered in red tiles to ward off seasonal rains. Narrow cobblestone streets wove between homes and shops, leading upward toward the grand Favonius Cathedral, whose stained-glass windows cast multicolored light upon pristine marble floors.
Lanterns hung from wrought iron posts, swaying gently as the wind rushed through open plazas, where musicians often played lively tunes. At the heart of the city, the Knights of Favonius Headquarters stood tall, its banners bearing the emblem of order and protection—a stark contrast to Mondstadt's otherwise carefree spirit.
Amber, Calibur, Lumine, and Paimon finally arrived at the outskirts of Mondstadt, crossing the stone bridge that spanned the large lake surrounding the city. As they walked, their footsteps startled a flock of pigeons, sending them scattering into the sky.
They continued toward the city's main gate, but as they approached, the knights on guard gave them a wary look. Amber, noticing their hesitation, paused in her steps before turning to face her companions.
"Ok, so...before we head inside, you might want to take off your helmet, Sir Calibur."
Calibur's head tilted slightly. "...naze?" (...Why?) He spoke,
"W-why? Because you might end up scaring the citizens!" Amber waved her hands in emphasis. "Do you have any idea how menacing you look?!"
"...unable."
Amber blinked. "Huh?! What do you mean unable?"
Paimon floated forward with an awkward smile. "Well, here's the thing, Amber. He…he can't take his armor off. Not even the helmet."
"Huh...? Huh??!"
Lumine crossed her arms. "Cal's body is like...fully integrated with his armor, as in it is a part of him."
"Noroi to yobe, sore de yoi." (Call it a curse if you will.) He said, his arms folding.
Amber shakily raised a finger, her face slightly horrified. "Then, how does he take a bath...?"
At this, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances before answering in unison, their voices carrying a knowing amusement. "He bathes with the armor."
Amber's face twitched. "Okay, but...what if he has an itch...?"
Both girls turned to him for an answer.
He simply replied. "Gaman." (Endure.)
The silence that followed was palpable.
Amber let out a deep sigh, scratching her head. "Well, I guess the people will just have to get used to him…"
She turned and motioned for them to follow. "Now, allow me to introduce you to the city of wind, dandelions, and freedom! Travelers under the protection of the Knights of Favonius—welcome to Mondstadt!"
"Finally! No more camping outdoors!" Paimon beamed, hands on her hips. But as she took in the atmosphere, her excitement faded. "That said… the city folk don't seem as cheery as Paimon thought they'd be."
Amber's expression turned somber. "Everyone's been put out of place by Stormterror recently. But everything will turn out fine as long as Jean's with us!"
"Jean?" Lumine asked, intrigued.
"Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius—Jean, defender of Mondstadt!" Amber's voice carried pride. "With her on our side, surely even the vicious Stormterror will be no match for us!"
Lumine placed a finger on her chin in thought. "She sounds impressive… I hope she knows something about the God of Anemo."
Behind her, Calibur exhaled lightly. "Ama sugiru…" (So optimistic…)
Amber suddenly perked up. "Oh, right! Before we go to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, I have a present for you, Mr. Calibur. Consider it a reward for helping me clear out that hilichurl camp!"
Calibur's posture shifted slightly at the mention of a reward, showing interest.
Paimon, on the other hand, pouted. "H-hey! How come we don't get one?!"
Amber gave her an apologetic smile. "Uhh...because this reward is useless for you Paimon. And also, the fact that I only have one at the moment. So, sorry about that, Lumine. I'll get yours later."
Lumine waved it off. "Don't worry about it. I look forward to it."
Paimon crossed her arms, still sulking. "Hmph."
Amber chuckled before offering, "How about this? I'll treat you to a traditional Mondstadt delicacy—Sticky Honey Roast."
Paimon's mood shifted instantly, stars appearing in her eyes and drool escaping at the corner of her lips. "Sticky Honey Roast!"
Calibur shook his head with a sigh, while Lumine pinched the bridge of her nose. 'She always lights up at the mention of food.'
Amber led the group through Mondstadt's streets, weaving past small shops and lively establishments.
They passed the Adventurer's Guild, where the receptionist stood casually behind the counter. An outdoor restaurant, with the smell of fresh bread and grilled meat filling the air. A shop selling cooking ingredients, just beside an alchemist's workstation, where bubbling potions glowed in glass vials. And lastly in the middle of them all, a majestic fountain stood at the center, its clear water shimmering in the sunlight.
Amber gestured around. "This place used to be a bustling street, but with so many Stormterror attacks recently, the usual crowds are nowhere to be seen."
She pointed toward a tavern near the city wall. "Except for the local tavern over there. Business hasn't been affected at all. If anything, they're doing better than ever."
As they continued up the stone steps, the distant melody of a bard's song drifted through the air, blending with the ever-present whisper of the wind.
Not long after, they finally reached the top. There they reached the town's square, where a large statue of the seven stands in the center, symbolising their worship to anemo archon. And speaking of worship, there's a few of them standing in front of the statue, praying.
"...dekai." (...big.) Said Calibur as he observed it. His head snaps towards Amber as she started speaking.
"Alright, so the present I want to give you is...a Wind Glider!" She said enthusiastically with the object in her hand. "Outriders use them to ride the wind, and the people of Mondstadt love using them too! I brought you here so you can experience it right away!"
"Oh, you're really excited about these wind gliders, huh?" Said Paimon as Calibur brings his hand to take it, inspecting it.
"Of course! That's because the wind is the heart and soul of Mondstadt! Ha~" She exhaled happily. "Alright then, enough talk! Let's give it a whirl! It's easy to use, but you need to pay attention to my instructions."
Calibur was silent for while, not saying a word. He was looking intently at the wind glider, as if considering something in deep thought. Then without a word, he just swiftly equips it on Lumine, surprising her and the other two.
"C-Cal??"
"Jibun ni wa, fuyou da. Kimi ga tsukatta hou ga ii." (I don't need it. Better if it's you using it.)
Amber and Paimon give a furrowed brow at Lumine. "He's saying I should use it instead."
"Why? He doesn't like it?!"
"Or maybe he's just afraid being in mid-air." Said Paimon, smirking.
"Tch." He clicked his tongue.
"Wait, did Paimon get it right!? You actually have a fear of heights!?" Paimon gasped with a hand covering her mouth, then later she was seen smirking even more.
"I didn't know you have a fear of heights." Said Lumine, genuinely surprised.
"Not fear. Sky, no control." Calibur refuted.
"Ah, I see. You're the type who prefers to be on ground at all times. I suppose that's a warrior thinking for you." Said Amber after finally understanding Calibur's issue. "Then I suppose I'll just teach Lumine, what do you think?"
"Sure, I'm up for it. What do I do?"
"Simple! Just imagine the wind glider on your back is a part of you, like an extra limb. Flex your back like how you flex your hands and boom! they'll spread like wings! But don't actually try to flap them or anything..."
Paimon sent an incredulous look at her. "What made you say that?"
"W-well, there was this one time when I was teaching an amateur how to use it...in mid-air he kept disabling and re-enabling the glider, thinking it would make him go higher. He ended up in the infirmary for a month..."
Calibur slowly turned his head towards Lumine, and then stared at her which made her feel uncomfortable. Then he says, "It is Her. She is fine."
"...somehow, I'm reassured, but I feel like I should be offended for some reason." Said Lumine.
"Kino sei da." (Just your imagination.)
Amber clapped her hand. "Well alright then! Start by jumping off from here and then deploy the glider! We'll wait for you at the bottom by the fountain. Come on, Sir Calibur--w-wait! What are you doing?!" Amber started panicking when Calibur was half-way about to walk off the ledge, one foot on nothing but air.
"Shorter path."
"I mean, sure, but you don't have a wind glider! Jumping off at this height is--!" Before Amber could finish, Calibur walked off the ledge and falls. Amber ran to the ledge where he fell from, concerned for his safety. Only to see him walking normally at the bottom and heading to the next ledge to jump off from.
Amber turned to Lumine and Paimon with her shocked face. They could only give her an awkward smile and a shrug.
The Outrider shook her head. She was overreacting, considering she had already seen him throw a hilichurl singlehandedly into the air was already enough to know he was not in the normal category.
"Well, alright then, nevermind! I'll just fly down there with you!" Said Amber as she cheered herself up.
"You sure?"
"Of course, I'll be supervising whilst giving you on hand guidance! We'll save time this way too! And I mean, it's not like I don't get why he chose to go this way, the stairs...are quite long. Come on! We don't want to keep him waiting!" Amber steps up onto the same ledge Lumine was on. "Ready?"
With a nod, Lumine and Amber jumped off the ledge and in synergy they released their wind glider and starts descending with the help of the winds. They glide over and avoids the nearby buildings.
Not a moment later, they could see Calibur waiting for them at the bottom, arms crossed. Carefully, they landed few steps away from him. Calibur puts his hands down and walks up to them.
"Dou datta?" -- (How was it?)
"Its kind of...fun?"
"Right?! You should try it as well, Sir Calibur! I assure you it'll be great!" Amber said enthusiastically.
"Mata kondo da." -- (Maybe next time.)
With a smile, Lumine says "He said next time."
Amber was about to say something, but before she could, the feel in the air suddenly changed, like it grew colder. And it was growing stronger.
"The winds..." Amber whispered. The four of them looked around, the tension was growing, and signs of fear was showing on nearby pedestrians. As they turn to look up, they notice the sky had become darker, as in the literal sense as black clouds started circling around above Mondstadt.
Before they could even begin to understand what was going on, a sense of dread shivered down their spine. Above them, they saw 'It' fly by, scratching some of the towers here and there. the large light blue quadraple beast that has been terrorising them the past few days, Stormterror.
It looms over the city, staring down at the fleeing citizens of Mondstadt. The dragon let out a ferocious roar, the winds started to gather from the clouds and descended into black tornadoes moving through the city.
Lumine and her party were also running, but the black tornado caught up to her and started pulling her into the air. Calibur's heart sank, fear ran through his body, he reaches his hand for her as she tries for his, but the effort was in vain and she was taken high into the air.
Mustering his strength, he jumps into the tornado and have it take him as well. But as if knowing his intent, the tornado pulls itself up to prevent him. "ほたる!" Calibur shouted for her as he failed to save her.
"Aaaaaah!!!" Lumine screamed.
With Lumine
As she finally regained her composure, Lumine unfurls her wind glider, gaining stability in the air. Upon looking down, she realises she now has the full view of Mondstadt in a bird eye view.
Lumine hears another roar from Stormterror. She turns around and finds the dragon flying straight for her. Lumine pulls herself to the left dodge it and ends up rolling to the back of it due to the force of the wind.
"Whoa! Lumine, are you okay!?" Asked Paimon who floated beside her.
"I'm fine...but not for long!" Her eyes opened wide as she sees Stormterror coming back at her with its maw opened. Just as Lumine thought she was about to get eaten, a sudden surge of wind pushed her upwards, narrowly avoiding the dragon.
"Huh?!" Lumine gasped
"Whoa! Where did that come from!?" Paimon questioned
"That was my doing. I'm using the power of the Thousands Winds to manipulate the winds around you."
Lumine and Paimon looked left and right for the owner of the voice but wasn't able to see anyone. It was then they realised the voice was carried over by the winds itself, and it's owner is watching from somewhere afar.
"Listen, I need your help. If we don't do something, then he will actually destroy Mondstadt this time!"
'He?' Lumine furrowed an eyebrow. 'Is he talking about Stormterror?'
"Now, concentrate. Feel yourself grasping the wind and harness it. Use it to drive him away!"
Lumine looked down. Stormterror had turned his attention back toward the city, wings poised to strike. Gritting her teeth, she did as instructed, channeling the power of Anemo into her hands. Green energy surged forward as she began launching bursts of wind—shot after shot—toward the dragon.
Paimon blinked, unimpressed. "Uhh… You sure that's gonna do anything?"
"What do you expect me to do?! I just got this power!" Lumine snapped.
"Ah...Paimon kinda forgot about that--oh! Oh no! Uhh! Uhh!! Lumine!?" Paimon's panic alerted Lumine to look down, and sees Stormterror soaring back towards them, faster and angrier that before.
Lumine dodges its assault once more, but now with the help of their unknown supporter, she is able to move with ease with the winds. But who knows how long she could handle this game of Cat and Mouse.
'Damn it! Can I really beat the dragon like this?! Those wind burst I shot did nothing other than making it more mad!' Just as she was preparing to dodge another one of Stormterror's assault, something crashes into the dragon with a boom.
"What the!? What was that?! Something just flew at--wait, is...is that--?" Said Paimon.
"CAL!?" Lumine gawked as she immediately sees the figure clutching the dragon.
Earlier...
"ほたる!!" Calibur shouted as he failed to save her, landing down onto one knee on the ground. His fists clenched "Grr--!!" He growled in anger.
"Sir Calibur, are you alright!?" Amber called as she goes towards him, but just as she got close, she could feel a menacing aura radiating from him as he stood up. She was forced to stop in her steps, fear was being instilled into her.
He was silent for a moment before turning around. "It. Took. Her." his words carried weight, his red eyes glowed with an ethereal glow coming from the corners of the visor.
Amber was stunned. Unsure what to do. Does she calm the violet knight down, or does she leaves him to his own? The prior option doesn't seem like a good one, and neither is the second one as it will hurt the pride of being the Outrider of the Knights of Favonius.
"Someone help me!!!"
Then as fate, or luck would have it, a scream was heard. Amber instinctively took steps backwards, her eyes scanning the area. As she turned to the right direction, she sees a young woman on the windmill's platform, barely clinging to the wooden railing, her grip slipping with every second.
Amber's heart leapt. "Hold on! I'm coming for you!" She shouted, sprinting towards the base of the structure. Without hesitation, she latched onto the wall and began to climb.
Calibur remained still.
From his position, he watched—silent, unmoving. He was calculating. Every angle. Every foothold. Every possible trajectory. His only focus had been to get to Lumine. But then he heard Amber again.
"Hang on just a little longer!"
It was only a moment of distraction...but it was enough. Enough to draw his attention. He looked-- and now he couldn't look away.
'She won't make it in time.' he thought. He could see it in the girl's trembling hands, hear it in her weakening cries. He didn't care at first. She wasn't his mission. But something in him just wouldn't let it go. Something instinctual. Something...that just seems to be out of a habit...
And then chaos struck again. A tornado went her way and pulled the girl from the railings and launching her into the air.
"Aaaahhh!!"
"No!!" Amber cried out, reaching toward her in desperation—but she was too far.
In a blur of motion, Calibur surged forward, his body a streak of metal and shadow. He leapt toward the wall of the nearby building, claws of his boots gripping the stone as he scaled upward with terrifying speed. With a precise and powerful kick off the edge, he launched himself high into the air, straight into the tornado's path.
Seconds later, he burst from the other side, cradling the girl in his arms, held protectively in a bridal carry.
With one hand, he grabbed a protruding ledge to slow their descent, using it to pivot and push off. He dropped to the ground, landing heavily but safely, shielding her from the impact.
The girl, eyes clenched shut from fear, slowly opened them. She looked up—and gasped. The armored figure holding her loomed like a phantom from a story. Cold. Silent. Fearsome.
But then… he set her down. Gently. Without a word. Her fear melted into awe. He wasn't a monster. He was a knight...
"Are you two alright!?" Amber called out, running to meet them.
Only the girl answered, while Calibur stood silent, only giving as much as a nod. "I--uhh, yes."
Amber then spoke "Come on, it's not safe to stay here. We need to get you to safety." The girl nodded. "Sir Calibur, are you coming?"
He turned away from her, uttering only one word. "Go."
With that, they left, leaving him behind.
"Hrrggh...koko karawa dosuru..." (Hrrggh...now what do I do...) He wondered as he looked up.
"Hey, you want to go up, right?" Calibur went full alarmed mode again, quickly surveying his surroundings as he looks for the owner of the voice that seemed to spoke directly into his ear. "Hey, relax! I'm on your side. Now here's the deal, I can get you up there next to your companions, but I need you to promise me one thing. Please don't hurt him too much. In fact, don't kill him. He's a gentle dragon that wouldn't hurt a fly. He's just lost and confused. How is it? I help you save your friend, you help save mine."
"...Fine."
Without another word, a large Anemo circle lit up in front of him. The air began to shift, a focused gathering of wind, spiraling inward until it formed a glowing sphere of energy.
Calibur stepped back with one foot, his body arching forward as he prepared himself.
Then, he ran.
He dove into a forward roll, his momentum carrying him directly toward the sphere. As his foot pressed down into the glowing surface, the wind reacted, pulling him in like a coiled spring. His knees bent instinctively, the pressure building beneath him.
Then, he launched.
With a forceful push, Calibur extended his legs and was fired skyward, rocketing into the air like a bullet, trailing a spiraling stream of wind behind him.
He ascended high above the clouds. Without wasting any time, he surveyed what was below him. Now knowing his enemy and ally, Calibur angles himself and skydives towards the dragon. He fall at the speed powerful enough that a shockwave was released as he collided with the dragon, causing the latter to be sent tumbling in the air.
Calibur could have sworn he heard Lumine calling his name somewhere nearby. It brought assurance to him as he's now sure she's safe. But the feeling was cut short as Stormterror recovered and was back to rampaging.
Feeling the unwanted passenger on its back, the dragon tries to throw him off, but he held firm against its fur. Calibur pulls out his sword, ready to cut the beast. But before he could, certain words came to mind whereas he promised not to hurt the dragon.
He groaned in frustration as he was forced to reconsider his options. But it was then he noticed the purple spike protruding out of its neck. Just as Calibur was about to get closer to it, Stormterror began pulling some drastic moves.
It began flying at higher speeds and doing sudden breaks, ascending high then diving down like a meteor while spinning.
"Onore jaryuu me! Blergh!" -- (Damn you evil dragon!) Calibur cursed as he starts to feel the motion sickness kicking in.
Finally, he reached up to its neck and had a clearer look at the spike. He started assessing it, identifying that it deemed unnatural despite seeming to be coming out of the dragon. And most of all, he could feel the malevolent aura coming out of it.
With one hand with the blade, he uses the other to reach the spike. Just as he grabbed it, something overwhelmed him from the inside. Intense emotions ran through him. Sorrow, anger, hatred, and pain. But most of all, something was wrong. Very wrong, that it's causing Calibur's instinct screaming to cut down whatever it was.
During that momentary distraction, Stormterror found his opportunity and took it. He commanded the winds to blast the knight of his back. It landed cleanly and Calibur was thrown off, while he flies away.
With Lumine
After her companion had "crashed" into the dragon, the winds that supported her in the sky stopped coming, and slowly she glided down despite her reluctance. Just as she got near the grounds, she saw Amber waving to her near the giant statue of the seven.
As if answering to her, Lumine guides her wind glider to head for where Amber is. Upon landing, Amber ran up to her. Inspecting her to make sure she was uninjured.
"A-are you hurt?" Amber asked. Lumine shook her head in response. Her mouth opened to say something, but her chance was taken when she and Amber heard someone clapping their hands, walking towards them.
It was a tall man who seemed to be in his twenties. He had deep blue hair tied to a low ponytail which hangs over his shoulder. His eyes, one was covered with an eye patch while the other revealed his light grey iris.
He wears a half-cape with a fur collar over a white collared, cleavage revealing blouse; a dark, tight fitted trousers and a pair of knee lengths boots. Around his waist hangs a loose brown belt which has a blue gem and a rope. And like Amber, he has an ornamental gem hanged around it. Lastly, he has a blue earring on his left ear.
His eye scanned her with quiet curiosity, voice low but steady. "You've actually got the power to go against a dragon. Are you a new ally...or a new storm?"
"Kaeya! Perfect timing! Quickly, we have to go and see--"
"Hold on, Amber. Are you perhaps forgetting to introduce us?" Kaeya interrupted with a calm smile.
"Oh—right!" Amber turned toward Lumine and Paimon.
"This is Kaeya, our Cavalry Captain," she said, before gesturing between the two.
"And these are travelers from afar—Lumine and Paimon."
Kaeya squinted his eye. 'Travelers from afar? Is that all we know about them...?'
Lumine tries to speak. "Ok, but--"
Amber cut in again. "Aaaand long story short, I met them on the outskirts. They were actually on a journey to fnd her brother. Ah! Now that I think about it, there was another one! Sir Calibur! Come on, we have to and inform him that's youre okay!"
"Amber!" Lumine grabbed her shoulders and shook her. The outrider finally looks at her. "Cal is in the sky!" Her voice audibly concerned.
Amber's eyes widened. "WAIT WHAT?!"
"Ah yeah, that guy in armor. I saw him figthing the dragon a moment ago. I don't think we have to worry too much about him. If he could get himself up there, he should be able to get down. You gave him a wind glider, right Amber?
Amber shook her head wildly.
"NO, I DIDN'T!"
Kaeya's expression finally turned serious.
Amber continued, panicked.
"Well—technically I did—but he gave it to Lumine! BUT HOW DID HE GET UP THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?!"
"I don't know!" Lumine replied, equally frazzled.
As they argued, Paimon pointed up, her face frozen in horror.
"Uhh… guys? Paimon doesn't mean to alarm you, but… Paimon thinks our gloomy knight in shining armor is FALLING!"
They all whipped their heads skyward.
Lumine was the first to run, racing toward where she estimated Calibur would crash. Amber, Kaeya, and Paimon followed close behind until they were clear of Mondstadt's gates.
She turned back just in time. His figure was now visible, plumemeting fast.
Without hesitation, Lumine raised her hand skyward, channeling a surge of Anemo energy. The wind responded, gathering violently in her palm and forming a swirling vortex.
Then...impact.
The vortex caught him just in time, halting his descent with a powerful gust. Waves of relief washed over their faces...until he started spinning around in the vortex, everyone started panicking again.
"Tomete kurei...mō haki-sō." (Stop it...I'm about to vomit.) Begged the knight, his dizziness was getting worse.
Quickly, Lumine stopped controlling the winds, but that proved to be mistake. With a loud whoosh, the sudden burst of wind launched him sideways, straight into the outer wall of Mondstadt.
As this time, the improperly undone burst had launched him again. It shot him straight towards the walls on Mondstadt city, leaving dust flying as he crashed into it.
"Cal!!" Lumine cried out.
As the dust cleared, they saw him...planted firmly into the wall, his sword-crown stabbed deep into the stone like a decorative nail. His entire body hung straight and unmoving.
"Cal, are you okay!?"
A long pause. Then, flatly:
"...Itai." (...ow.)
Paimon burst out laughing."Pfft! He's stuck there like a nail! Bahahaha!!!"
Amber and Kaeya tried to stiffle their laugther, with little success.
"Paimon--pfft--you really shouldn't laugh." Said Amber, her face already red from holding it in.
Calibur could hear Paimon laughing below. Then quietly he said to himself. "Ano yosei..itsuka meshi ni shiyou..." (One day...I'll turn that fairy into a meal.)
Somewhere in Mondstadt...
???'s office.
Within this room, two figures could be seen within.
One stood by the window, quietly observing the city below. The other leaned against a wooden railing, a book in hand.
Her green eyes lifted from the pages, turning toward us. The moment she saw us, she smiled--a sly, knowing smirk, like she had sensed our presence all along.
To Be Continued
Chapter 2 : Pages of Power (Title is prone to changes)