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Chapter Text

“You are no brother of mine!”

“Leave this place, I never want to see your face again!”

“Traitor!”

“If I ever see you here again, I will kill you for real!”

Those were the words that keep on repeating inside Kaeya’s head.

Hurt...It hurts so much...Why...Why...Why can’t he ever be happy!? Why must he be damned again and again...to have that moment of peace and happiness snatched away...

When Diluc turned his back on him, he ran....he ran as fast as his legs can take him. He has to get out of here! Here isn’t safe...no where is safe...where can he go? Home? What is home? The fallen city of Khaenri'ah? Where only sinners and monsters dwell? The city of Monstadt? Freedom to the citizens? Where he must put on a facade every single time? No...nowhere is safe...no one is trusted...a harsh lesson learned. He’ll move to somewhere first. Somewhere where he needs to gather his thoughts and plan out his next move. Yes...that’s what he’s always good at. Planning, strategising and manipulating. No use in being careless. Why bother? He has the right to live too doesn’t he? Maybe once he would have wanted to have the option to die, but now that option is thrown out the window because his damned hot headed bro...no. No longer brother. Because the young master exiled him when he had received a Vision. The Vision...even more thrice damned. The relic on his hand that he didn’t realised, still clutched in a fierce grip. He can feel the cold emitting from it. Cryo. The Gods really love to fuck around with him huh?

Abandoned him when Khaenri’ah fell and cursed. Now they couldn’t give him the peace of death. Well, screw them. Screw those Sevens. Screw Celestia. They want him to live? Fine. He’ll live just to spite them all. He doesn’t even realised how far or how long he had ran away. Nothing to him but a broken sword and a Cryo Vision. Soon the cold feeling from his hand began to spread to his whole body. He sees white. Lots of white. Even white dropping from the sky.

“Huh? Where am I?” He asked.

It was snowing. The trees are bared and coated with icicles. Snow covered the rocks. ‘Oh.’ He finally realised. His in Dragonspine. ‘This is really far from Monstadt. I guess...anywhere is better than there.’ Shivering from the chill but not caring enough, he trudged on deeper into the mountain.

“Anywhere is better than where I was.” He said to himself.

Chapter Text

The cold of Dragonspine is not like the winters that Monstadt would seasonally get. Back when he was warm and safe with his Father and Brother. No...wait...let him correct that, Master Crepus and Young Master Diluc. The faster he gets those thoughts of warmth and family out of his head, the better it is for him to live. These thoughts would get him killed. Where was he...? Oh yes, Dragonspine. The winters of Monstadt is cold but not like this. The chill is biting into him like a thousand sharp needles jabbed into him repeatedly. He finds himself inside an empty cave. No Hilichurls, no wild beasts and even better no Abyss Mages. He needs to start a fire and soon, lest he dies of hypothermia and boy does that not feel good. His not even dressed for the weather. What his old knight outfit that has been drenched with rain...yeah...he might be over his head...but damnit, he’s far too gone to chicken out. Fuck that shit! He wasn’t raised to be a quitter! Was he even raised? Damn...he’s gonna end up a crazy hermit. At least he will be a pretty and crazy hermit. He has his priorities sorted okay?

Getting some branches that aren’t too frozen and some rocks to spark some embers proved challenging enough. After a long gruelling attempts to light a fire, he finally gets it. The flame was good enough to keep him warm but it’s not over yet. There’s still things like food, clothing, resting places and even self defence to think about. The cave he’s dwelling in seems nice enough, but it feels like he’s still near to Monstadt. He needs to head deeper into the mountain to really make sure that no one finds him. For food and clothes, he thinks that he has to hunt the animals that prowl these mountains and skin them for their meat and fur. That or he kills a bunch of Hilichurls. Morbid but whatever. In Khaenri’ah, it’s a dog eat dog world over there. He once recalls having to fight with other kids just to get a sip of water that isn’t poisonous. Or scouting through the ruins of fallen temples and palaces for clothes for his mother and father. Speaking about his father, he hopes the man rots there. For giving him this draining mission. For forcing a child to bear the burdens of the world. For not...being there for him when he needs it most... His mother is another story. Died when the city fell into cataclysm. Died to protect her child, “The Last Hope of Khaenri’ah”. He wants her. He wants her warm hugs and her kisses from where he can remember. He has already forgotten her face. But he doesn’t want to forget her love. A thought ran into his mind.

There is one way he can survive this. But...it’s risky. He could end more damned than he already is. But, does he care? Yes? Maybe? No? You see Kaeya wasn’t just a citizen of Khaen’riah. Nope good sir, he is of the royal bloodline of Khaen’riah, and those of the royal line have certain qualities that made them different from the normal people of Khaen’riah. One thing is that the curse spreads slowly for the royals for some odd reason. Another is that the royal bloodline are able to manipulate the powers of the Abyss. While the Art of Khemia is the art of creating life, the Abyssal Teachings are the art of manipulating and manifesting desires unto reality. Only the royals were taught in the ways of the Abyssal Teachings by the matriarch of the family. But such prices to pay for these heretical teachings is that it might spread the curse of Khaenri'ah even faster on Kaeya. If he needs to survive this, he must employ the spells and rituals taught to him by his late mother.

The ritual might even undo her protection on him...but needs must. Needs must.

He scouted a few places here and there throughout Dragonspine, gathering the materials needed for the ritual. He avoided the statue of Barbatos like a plague. Wary if the Archon of Monstadt can see him. After two hours of walking and climbing, he managed to find a empty campsite with all the tools and resources there. How lucky. Scavenging through the bag of ingredients to cook some meal to give him strength to continue on, all Kaeya could find was some fowl, one carrot and some sweet flower. Hmm...this could work. Making whatever recipe he could from the ingredients he gathered, he made a nice chicken stew that eased the hunger in his stomach. Good, one thing down, more to go. Pots and pans, check. A dagger he manages to find in a bag, check. Some nice cloth and skinned animal hide and fur, check and check. Now it’s time for the gruelling work to begin; finding a creature tainted with the Abyss which shouldn’t be too difficult as the Abyss Mages will be the prime target for this ritual.

So he travels around Dragonspine, looking to see if there any Abyss Mages lurking about. He prefers if there is one mage, he doesn’t know if he has the strength to fight two or three mages. He manages to find a lone torch to warm himself up. A good thing of having a Cryo Vision is that it helps to slow down the accumulation of the sheer cold, but not too much so he needs to find warm sources every few hours at most.

“Dear Archons, how hard is it to find a damn mage!?” He grumbles.

He’s been walking and climbing for hours. Where the hell can he find a mage!? Just as he’s about to spew more curses, he hears something on the air. Strange chanting and noises just up ahead. Could it be or is it his hallucinations coming to kick in? ‘No point being a slacker in waiting around.’ He thinks and moves towards the source of the sounds.

The noise brought him towards a small clearing with a half frozen small pool in the centre. Lo and behold, an Abyss Mage! The lone Cryo Abyss Mage was chanting in front of a bonfire, dancing and waving their arms. The mage’s front was too focused on the fire, thus its back is exposed to Kaeya. ‘Now is the moment of truth.’ He quietly tip toes towards the mage, hoping that his target doesn’t noticed his presence all the while looking around to make sure that the mage is truly alone instead of being surrounded by Hilichurls. No one in sight, just the mage. Good. He moves closer and closer to the mage. His unsuspecting target seems to in deep in their ritual.

He’s almost in arms reach when the mage suddenly turns.

Eyes wide from shock, he slams his fist as hard as he can at the mage’s face. The force knocks the mage to side and onto the ground. Before the mage could even react to anything, Kaeya was upon the mage with brutality. He slams his fists at the mage’s again and again. The repeated assault knocks the mage out old. Chest heaving from exhaustion, the mist flowing out from his mouth as he realised what he had done. Eye hardening, he carries the fallen mage like a sack and carries it to his cave. By the time he reached back to his cave, it’s already nighttime. He places the unconscious mage and quickly ties it with some rope in a dead knot. With that done, now he will begin the ritual.

He begins the first step, the cutting of blood from his veins. He takes the dagger and slits the artery of his right hand. As the blood flows down, he uses the flowing blood to write glyphs in Khaenri’ahian on the walls of the cave. Then he begins the second step, creating a ritual circle. Cutting again at his artery, he lets the blood flowing down from his arm to create a circle. The unconscious mage began to stir.

“Who...what...” the mage slurred. When the mage finally began to understand where it was, the mage began to trashed again the bindings. “Unhand me human! Unhand me this instance or suffer my wrath!” The mage screeches. However, Kaeya isn’t paying attention to whatever the mage was saying as he continues with what he was doing. This made the mage scream even louder. When Kaeya turns around to face the mage, said mage took a double take of the look on Kaeya’s face.

It is cold and blank. Colder than any winters and it is gazing straight to the mage. Fear and uncertainty began to crept into the Abyss Mage.

“Ab Intra, Ab Origine, Abyssus Abyssum Invocat.” Were the words that came out from Kaeya’s lips as he chanted the spell, his lips felt heavy as if he’s trying to life a heavy boulder. “Ab Intra, Ab Origine, Abyssus Abyssum Invocat.” He chants louder, hands raised up towards the roof of the cave. He feels the power of the Abyss rising from within and flowing into the bloodstained circle and glyphs. “Ab Intra, Ab Origine, Abyssus Abyssum Invocat!” He raises his voice louder as the circle and glyphs glowed in a dark violet colour. The mage now realises that something is not right with this situation. It struggles even harder against its bonds.

“Stop! Release me, human!” It screeches again. “Release me and I shall-“ but the words stop as a blade was deep within its body.

“Nothing personal.” Kaeya deadpans. Gurgling, the mage dies quick and Kaeya slashes the blade downwards to cut open the dead mage even larger. Purple liquids flow out from the body. Kaeya puts his hand inside the mage’s body and after twisting and turning inside through the guts, he rips out the material he needs. The heart of the Abyss Mage. The heart is shaped like an orb that fits the entire palm of Kaeya’s hand.

“No turning back now.” He says to himself and devours the heart of the dead mage.

It taste...sweet. Sweeter than any dandelion wine he had ever tasted. The taste is so intoxicating that after he finishes the heart, he goes to the mage’s body and rips open the body before sinking his teeth into body. He feeds and feeds, fuelled by the power of the Abyss and the hunger of flesh like a starving beast that found an oasis.

He continues to feast until the world goes dark.

Chapter Text

‘It is truly a tragedy.’ That is what goes on in Jean’s mind. One of Monstadt’s noble family falling to despair. Master Crepus Ragvindr is dead and both his sons have gone missing. Both of her friends, Diluc and Kaeya. When the news reached to her, she swiftly went to the Ragvindr mansion to ask the staffs what had happened. The House Housemaid Adelinde, only reported that there was a sound of argument outside the mansion during that rainy night. Then, she saw young master Diluc entering the house in a fit of rage and told her that young master Kaeya was no longer welcomed to the Dawn Winery and that he was no brother of his. As the raging young master went upstairs and slammed the door, she waited for the other young master to come. Long had she waited, but still no sign of young master Kaeya. Worry began to come over her as she took an umbrella and went out to search for Kaeya. She searched high and low throughout the area, but there was no signs of the other son of the late Master Crepus anywhere within the vicinity. Disappointed with herself, she went back to the mansion to see how master Diluc is faring.

Hearing all of that makes it even harder for Jean. Diluc had left Monstadt a week ago, with no word of where he was going. Now Kaeya is missing with no one knowing where he is, what will she do now? Offering a silent prayer to Barbatos, she will try to move on and hope for the best.

The Ordo is missing a Cavalry Captain and Quater Master. At the moment, Varka had enlisted Hertha to take the role of Quater Master in addition to her duties as Coordinator and Captain of the 6th Company. Jean takes the role of Cavalry Captain to fill in after Diluc and Kaeya’s disappearance. Had Diluc or Kaeya stayed, the position of Cavalry Captain would had been given to either of them, but alas, fate has not been kind. So now she fulfils her duty to the letter with no questions.

A year later, the Ordo Favonius received some disturbing news. There is something lurking in the mountains of Dragonspine. Something very dangerous. The first report came from the Adventurer’s Guild after a five man party, who had dreams of climbing up the mountain were found almost near death at the Ancient Palace area of the Entombed City. Fortunately for them, another party of adventurers found the wounded party and brought them back to the Adventurer Camp located at the foot of the mountain before hastily moving them to the Cathedral. As the nuns were tending to the wounded, they found third degree frostbite scratch marks on their skins that looked to be human shaped. There were also deep bite marks on three of the adventurer’s necks, like something took a bite out of them. It took the nuns two hours to stabilise the injured adventurers.

When the patients were healthy enough to be questioned, Varka along with Jean were there to witness the events that occurred. One of the adventurers, Liam seemed very pale as if he had seen a ghost.

“We. We were just coming to...we were just coming to rest at the statue of Barbatos in the Ancient Palace when we heard laughter. Children’s laughter from everywhere. When I turned around I saw a figure behind Niel. I tried to call out to him but we were all thrown away by some invisible force! It sank its teeth on Niel’s neck! Niel tried to fight it but its hands...when it touched Niel, he was screaming even more! Like he was burned!”

“Did you see what the figure looked like?” Grandmaster Varka pressed.

Another adventurer raised her hand. Her name was Annie. “I did, Sir. I remembered what that thing that attacked us looked like. It looked like an Abyss Mage!” Varka and Jean quickly stood up from their seats in alarm.

“An Abyss Mage!? Sir? Since when have Abyss Mages began biting off people’s necks?” Jean asked. Varka rubbed his fingers to his forehead, already feeling a headache coming from this. Letting go a sigh from his breath, he turns to Jean.

“It seems we need to investigate this matter ourselves before other lives are at stake.” The Dandelion Knight nods her head in agreement.

“Yes Sir. I shall gather an expedition troop immediately to follow you.” Varka shakes his head in disagreement.

“No, Jean. I will lead the troops up the mountain while you stay here an protect Monstadt’s walls.”

“But Sir-!” She tried to argue. “If anything happens to me, you will be the Grand Master next in line to ensure that our city and its people are safe. Can I trust you on that?” Fist clenched and head down, she lets out an affirmative to Varka.

Early tomorrow morning, Grand Mastee Varka and a dozen of Ordo Knights, few of them Vision users set out to Dragonspine. When the Ordo reached at the foot of Dragonspine, they sensed something was different in the air. It feels much colder and darker than it once was. Like something had put a shroud on the whole mountain that made it look more ominous and evil. The Grand Master and the knights steeled their nerves and rode inwards towards the location that the injured adventure party was found. The area around the Ancient Palace was still and serene, with only the sound of soft winds and the falling of snowflakes.

“Spread out and be careful! Shout if you see anything.”

Ten minutes passed when suddenly one of the knights cried out. “Sir! I found something!” Varka and the rest quickly gathered at where the voice yelled out. What they saw was a macabre sight. The statue of Barbatos was destroyed and its remains scattered before them. At the face of Barbatos, there glyphs written in red. Closer inspection, Varka found it to be blood. Heretical and abominable! Whoever did this had no respect for the Divine!

Then, they heard it. Laughter of children. The knights unsheathed their weapons to look for the monster.

But what came later was unexpected. A sudden blizzard. Flashes of a figure in white. Screams that filled the sky. Blood that stained the white snowy grounds.

That night, Jean and some knights on patrol quickly rushed Varka and his men to the Cathedral.

“Get me Lisa and Albedo!” He ordered.

Jean quickly nodded and ran as quick as her legs can take her. A few hours she brought both a worried Lisa and a solemn Albedo to meet Varka. Varka didn’t waste anytime explaining what had transpired. Lisa and Jean were horrified of what happened to the statue of Barbatos there.

“You said there were glyphs written on the face of the statue, Sir?” Albedo coolly questioned. Varka nodded. He wrote down in a piece of paper pertaining the glyphs written that he managed to recall before being attacked. He gave it to Lisa for translations. He looked worst to wear, claw marks and bite marks everywhere on his body with hints of frostbite on him.

“I can even give you the description of our monster.”

Albedo nodded. “Let me get my sketch book.” Moments later, the alchemist dutifully sketched the image based on the descriptions made by Varka.

The image drawn was a person. Human-like in appearance. The figure wore a white and blue hooded long robes with an equally long white fur cloak. There seems to be a long snowy looking veil placed over the hood. Where there should be a face, instead there is a black blue mask that is commonly worn by Abyss Mages, especially the Cryo ones.

“So this is our monster. Hmm...how interesting.” Albedo stated.

“Interesting is not one I would use. Dangerous and wicked? That seems fitting.” Varka grumbled.

“That would be the case, but this one is not like any Abyss Mages we had seen before. There is a wildness and intelligence in its nature that the mages do not possess. It could have easily killed you but instead it merely just gave you a beating and sent you on your merry way.” Albedo says.

“Albedo...we need to work on your social cues...”. Jean sighs. Somehow being informed that you got beaten by a monster and be sent away seemed like a hit to one’s ego in Jean’s opinion. Varka just sighed.

Lisa who had been studying the glyphs written by Varka finally spoked. “I know what the glyphs say. I was thinking about where I had seen those kind glyphs in the library and looked through our forbidden section. It’s written in Khaenri’ahian.” The librarian explained and went quiet. “What does it say Lisa?” Jean prompted her to continue. Lisa looked very nervous.

“The translation of the glyphs means: The Archons are dead.”

Chapter Text

Resting at the entrance of his cave on top of Dragonspine, Kaeya reminiscences. Life had been peacefully quiet ever since that day when he had attacked the Ordo Knights led by Grand Master Varka. The knights had then forbade anyone to go near the mountain ever since. If anyone were to ask Kaeya, how his life had turned out after running away from Dawn Winery to living on top of a cold blizzard mountain as monstrous beast, he would have responded with amused sarcasm with how absurd that idea was. But if Kaeya ever met that version of Kaeya that stayed at Monstadt, he would probably pat his head at the other’s naivety of staying there where he doesn’t belong. So much of his free time had been spent reminiscing the past and what ifs. He thinks about the Ordo and the Dawn Winery. He thinks about people he would have love to meet again. But never again...

“Mater Glacies...Are you alright?” A cacophony of voices asks.

Kaeya was shaken out of the reminiscence by the voices. He gazes deep into the cave. “Yes my darlings? Is there something the matter?” He asks his children. Yes, children. He has children. Hordes of them. Shadowy creatures taking the forms of little children, birthed by the dark heretical powers of the Abyssal Teachings. However he may try to live his life in solitude, he is still that Kaeya who detests being alone. He still desires comfort and affection. But...he cannot bring himself to trust other people, he does not want what happened with his real family and the Ragvindr family to happen again to him. He does not want it. Ever. So instead, he made his own family. A family that will love him and won’t leave him. A family where he can be true to himself instead of hiding behind facades and fake smiles or fearing truths that would be revealed one day, always tearing himself up on choosing which side to join. If there is one good thing that came from this exile, it is his lovely children.

“We asked of you are alright, Mater. You seemed distant.” The voices of the Shadow Children said.

Kaeya waves his hands in a dismissal manner. “Nothing is wrong my dears. Just remembering the past, that’s all. Your dearest Mater was just lost to memories from a long time ago.” The Shadow Children seem to take this to stride. It seems their numbers are increasing. He’s worried that there won’t be anymore space to accommodate them and himself. Hmmm...perhaps it’s time to expand their humble dwelling even more. Make networks of caves deeper into the mountain. Kaeya would rather not dig too deeply, least he encounters Durin’s cursed blood hidden underneath Dragonspine.

Kaeya plays with the hems of his robe sleeves as he gazes back outside. He had sent out a group of Shadow Children to monitor the mountain paths to ensure that no one comes near his location. After he destroyed the Statue of Barbatos, he had cast a series of powerful spells around the mountain to make sure that the Archons would not interfere at Dragonspine. If there is one thing Kaeya hates, it’s the divine intervention of the Archons. They would ruin any plans that Kaeya makes. So he when took control of Dragonspine, he ensures that he holds command of it with an iron fist. Stay or leave, it matters little to Kaeya. When you enter Dragonspine, you enter Kaeya’s domain where he rules absolute. He knows he’s being very egotistical, but it is what it is. Barbatos had not come to these lands anyway; what with his lax command of his territory. If there is one thing the Khaenri’ahan exile knows, is that all things come with a price and that includes freedom too. An hour later, Kaeya was laying down on his makeshift bed of furs, naked and bored out of his mind, when he feels the presence of his scouts coming closer to the cave. Ten Shadow Children enter the cave with murderous glee in the blue glowing eyes.

“Mater! Mater! Mater! We found people! People climbing the top!” They shout in a creepy childish manner. It sounds like Abyss Mages trying to imitate the voices of innocent children.

“Oh~this will be interesting.” Kaeya smiles at the prospect of new victims, blackened fingers flex with anticipation. He prepares himself for the upcoming carnage. He slips on his white robe and cloak as well as the black mask that belonged to the dead Abyss Mage that he had taken years ago.

He lets his Shadow Children guide him to where they found those pesky intruders on his mountain. “Tsk...tsk...tsk...”, he clicks his mouth. “You would think people would learn never to climb higher into the mountain when there is a nasty witch living here? Truly disappointing I must say. What do you think, children?” He says. His children smiles with full of vicious sharp teeth and glowing eyes at the prospect of causing mischief. Ah~. Truly his children share his sadistic tendencies to the letter. ‘I wonder how I’ll make them squeal this time? Maybe I should keep one or two people inside my cave to have some fun?’ He wonders whimsically. They arrived at the path of Wrymrest Valley. There Kaeya sees a large group of Treasure Hoarder making their way upwards. How smart, avoiding the Ancient City by taking another route. It matters little in Kaeya’s opinion. Sooner or later, these intruders will meet his claws and fangs. Their souls trapped to servitude and stay forever with him in this cold desolate mountain.

Gathering shards of ice energy at the palm of his hand, he commands his Shadow Children. “My dearest lovelies. Show them what happens when one intrudes on Mater’s domain.” The Shadow Children chants with blind devotion, “Mater! Mater! Mater! Mater Glacies!!!” They disappear like mists and move silently towards the unsuspecting Treasure Hoarders. Kaeya then unleashes a howling blizzard out of nowhere which causes the Treasure Hoarders to go into full panic at the prospect that they have incur the wrath of the Demonic Mage of Dragonspine. The first Shadow Child sank their teeth on the Treasure Hoarder with the biggest build and he fell screaming before another jumps on him to aid their shadowy sibling. Then the rest appears out of nowhere and the sounds of flesh tearing, bones breaking and screams of pain fills the quiet skies of Dragonspine. Kaeya walks to see the carnage done and checks for survivors. He found one trying to crawl away. By the looks of it, he is from Liyue, probably thought he could tackle Dragonspine.

Well...sucks to be him.

But the injured Treasure Hoarder looks very pleasing to the eye. Handsome with a strong jawline and body. Well...he’ll take the time to break this one before he decides whether this guy would be useful to his needs.

“You really thought you could walk in here unnoticed didn’t you?” He tells the Treasure Hoarder, walking very slowly to savour the terror on the Treasure Hoarder’s face.

“Please...spare me...”. The guy gasps. Kaeya merely hums as if he’s contemplating whether if it is a good idea. He steps over the crawling Treasure Hoarder and kneels in front of him. He pulls his mask off and stares deeply into the injured man’s eyes.

“What can you give me in return for your survival, hmm? What could you possibly offer the Demon Mage of Dragonspine that is worth your life?” He questions with a silky and sultry tone in his voice. His Shadow Children are beginning to come closer to them, hunger in their eyes and mouths salivating.

“I can you information! I can be your servant! Anything! Just let me live!” The Treasure Hoarder cries out. Raising an eyebrow, Kaeya feels a little giddy on the inside. He like the look on the guy’s face. The begging and bargaining. He wonder if he can put other expressions on the guy’s face. Kaeya pats the guy’s head gently.

“Are you willing to sell your soul to me in return, I let you live?” He asks. The latter nods his head quickly.

“There are no regrets you know? I demand absolute loyalty from those who make pacts with me. Fail me and you live here forever in the cold. To no longer be able to feel warmth. To be used by me in all manner and even then, death will not come for you. Are you certain this is what you want?” The guy contemplates on this before nodding his head again. Impressed, Kaeya gently positions the guy before picking him in bridal carry.

“Hey? What are you-“ the Treasure Hoarder stutters, embarrassed of being carried this way.

“Relax, you have nothing to fear from me. We have a pact and I don’t harm those who make pacts with me. I’m just going bring you to my home and tend to your wounds. After that, we’ll discuss our deal a little more...closer and intimate. I rather not make deals out of fear and desperation.” He flashes a charming smile. That seems to charm the guy even more. Such a poor thing. He’ll have to make it up to the guy. He commands the Shadow Children to bury the guy’s dead companions into a respectable grave.

It’s the least he can do and he has a new minion who will bend to his will.

Seems fair.

Chapter Text

One day, Kaeya dreams of twin golden stars that flew across the whole of Teyvat. The stars are free and always on the move. One day, as the twin stars try to leave Teyvat, they found themselves at a land of pillars and clouds. There, they were stopped by a god that proclaimed herself as “The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles” and denounces the Twin Stars for their “arrogation”. The Twin Stars and the Unknown God battled each other, the twins wielding swords made of starlight and the god with her power shaped as cubes. After the harsh battle, the Twin Stars were engulfed within the cubes of the Unknown God. There a forbidding voice booms out.

“Destiny cannot be ignored.”

“Your time in exile has come to an end.”

“The Prince from under Mountain must descend from the mountain.”

“Your destiny cannot be ignored Kaeya!”

The voice shook Kaeya from his slumber. His whole body is filled with cold sweat, shaking from the severity of the nightmare that he had just dreamt. What could it possibly mean? He slaps his cheeks with his two hands to get a grip of himself. Taking a deep breath, he gets up from his bed and steps out from his cave. The stars are countless with their ever twinkling radiance. He breaths out again to release any inner stress, the mists of his breath flowing out from his mouth as he gaze upon the stellar night sky.

That dream had distracted him so bad that one day, he nearly got hit by the icicle projectile aiming for his head. He looks for the source of the projectile and found a peculiar dressed nun running at him with full speed, cold eyes glinting with murderous intent. Smirking at the sight, he might as well play.

“So sorry dear. I was a bit distracted~”. He playfully lets out a teasing tone. The dark dressed nun swings her spear to slash at Kaeya. Kaeya teleports a few distance away from her and fires off shards of sharp ice at the nun. She dodges them with graceful precision as if like a dancer. She returns fire by throwing a spear made out of Cryo element at Kaeya that he moves out of the way. The spear hits the ground from where blasts of cold air spews forth. “My...my Sister. Such ruthless attacks that doesn’t befit your image.” Kaeya stats. He dodges even more spikes of ice from the nun.

“Are you even trying, Heretical Witch? It seems to me like you’re distracted.” Blunt as always that one is. No fun to tease.

But very well, he might as well end this. He’s in not in the mood to play with her. He waves his hand and channels both his Cryo Vision and Abyssal power. All of a sudden, the nun’s feet were bound frost that creeps up to her body. She tries to struggle but every struggle makes the frost spread faster until all but her head is covered by frost. Then spears of ice hover around her head threatening to impale her.

“Fuck!” She swears. She glares at the Demonic Mage. “You really spared no mercy here. Normally you would play with me longer than this. What troubles you?” The white robed man just shrugs and waves his hand. The frost thaws from the nun’s body until she is completely free from it.

“Nothing that endangers Monstadt I assure you, Sister Rosaria.”

“Kaeya...”. Rosaria starts.

Oh dear, starting with his name is never a good sign. Sighing, the Demon Mage removes his mask and reveals his true face to one he could call as “friend”. “Nightmares dear. Even a monster like me can have them.”

Rosaria takes out a dagger with plays with it. Twirling the blade with expertise. “But if a monster is scared of nightmare, then that means that the nightmare could be a threat to everyone else.”

“Do you think me a seer, Sister? With my ominous dreams being made a reality?” Kaeya questions the nun. Rosaria shrugs and proceeds to wrap herself around Kaeya’s cloak sharing the warmth together.

“Who knows? Maybe your heretical witchcraft is telling you something? But whatever it is, if it threatens Monstadt, I will protect it.”

Kaeya wraps an arm around Rosaria’s shoulders to bring their bodies close together. Even if he no longer offers allegiance to Monstadt, strange enough that the sister next to him still offers her thorny friendship. Both of them know the jobs they did within the shadows. To help support the shining figures, the shadows dirty their hands in tasks where none would dare. The companionship between Kaeya and Rosaria are that of two people who can show their true colours without the judgement of everyone else. Such is the nature of those blessed by the power of Cryo. Hidden natures and fracture personalities.

Kaeya guides Rosaria upwards. “Alright my dear. Let’s rest a bit at my place, what do you say?”

The red haired nun hums at the offer. “I get to sleep on the fluffy bed.” She demands.

“Of course, sweet sister. There is after all one bed. My bed.” Kaeya answers back.

“I also want some warm tea with sweet flower wine. You fucking chilled my bones and I need the extra warmth.” Rosaria grumbles.

“Do you want a cuddle buddy too~?” The mage asks in a sing song voice.

“Only if you’re wearing clothes. I swear to Barbatos, why do you end up naked on the bed?”

Kaeya lets out a amused laugh. “I can’t help it. My bed’s too warm and fluffy that clothes seems redundant.” Rosaria takes out her dagger and points it to Kaeya in a threatening manner.

“Yeah? Well keep it in your pants before I cut you. I know there are tales of your hedonistic hunger if the people that climbs up this mountain catches your eye.” She gives a deadpan look. “I heard your last conquest was a Fatui Vanguard? The Electro Hammer?” She inquires.

Smirking like a cat, Kaeya tells her. “The Electro Hammer and Anemo Boxer together.” He proudly declares. The lips on Rosaria’s mouth quirks up a little.

“You slut.” She says. Following that statement Kaeya puts his to his chest. Fake gasping in offence but his visible diamond eye is twinkling with mischief.

“You try living here without any action and see how long you get to be picky with your choice of partners. Though I have to admit. Those two Vanguards were a full course meal, if you get my drift.” He winks at her with his uncovered eye which just makes him look ridiculous in Rosaria’s opinion.

“Hmmm...double or spit roast? Tell me all the details. Don’t leave anything out.” Kaeya smirks knowingly and the two Cryo users went up to the Peak of Vingandyr, gossips and secrets shared between the both of them with only the ice and snow to bear witness.

Chapter Text

His children had brought to him to the most gravest of news. The Abyss Order has begun to move, and their first step is to corrupt one of Monstadt’s protecters into destroying the city. Dvalin, one of the four winds protecting Monstadt, a dragon of gentle nature and fierce guardian of freedom is now known as the dreaded Stormterror. When he used to live with the Ragvindrs before things went to shit, he studied every history and lore about Barbatos and the guardians that he had entrusted to Monstadt. If the Abyss Order is playing their hand to use Stormterror for their nefarious deeds, this...does not bode well for Kaeya.

If the Order succeeds and Monstadt falls, Kaeya can say goodbye to his peaceful exile. They will creep at his door and bother him; and he can’t have that now. Of course, Monstadt is also home to few of those he is dear to. ‘Damn. If this means I have to work with the city I left just so that I can maintain my peace...’ he lets out a sigh. ‘Fuck Celestia!’ He grabs a small black sling bag and slings it across his shoulder. He softly shakes the bag which emits a faint ringing sounds; from where shadowy forms emerge from the darkness of his cave.

“Come my children.” He says. “It appears that this new problem that Monstadt is facing is about to become our problem.” He gestures them to follow him as he walks out from his cave and began his journey down the mountain. “I need you to collect any information regarding Stormterror or the Abyss Order. Leave no stone unturned. There will always be those who will rise to be heroes to save the day, I want information on that too. Now go!” He commands his Shadow Children.

“Mater! Mater! Mater Glacies!” The Shadow Children chants before they disappear into a black mist.

Now that’s over, he travels around to seek answers to his questions. His journey has brought him to discover that a Traveler of golden hair and strange clothing was the one who repelled Stormterror’s first assault to the city. Standing in the middle of the Whispering Woods, Kaeya muses. “How curious...an outsider who possesses the power to match against an ancient dragon? Could he be...? It appears things have become more and more interesting.” He hears the sound of children’s laughter echoing through the woods.

Thirteen of his Shadow Children returns to him to give their report. “Mater, we found out something! We found out something!” They shouted happily.

“Oh~do tell Mater what is it you found?” Kaeya inquires. His Shadow Children told him that Stormterror is gaining power from three of the Wind Temples of Monstadt for himself. They also inform him of the Outlander and the Knights of Favonius’ plan to cut off the leyline supply of the temples to weaken Stormterror. ‘So the Temple of the Falcon, Wolf and Lion are used to strengthen the dragon in his rampage eh? Hmph. No matter, I shall deal with the temples as well. I can probably get a deeper glimpse of what those monsters in the Abyss Order are up to well.’ The white robed man thinks. Without any delay, he makes his way to the Thousand Winds Temple. It appears that two out of three of the temples have people waiting in front of them. One was a red clad girl, who looks like a bunny in Kaeya’s opinion, waiting in front of the temple of the Falcon. He passes by that place stealthy until he reaches the Temple of the Lion. There he sees someone who he hadn’t seen for a long time.

Lisa was just standing there, her head deep in a book while taking looking around the area to see if there are any intruders. He won’t linger long here; mages have the tendency to sense danger beyond the normal sight. For someone like him, even with his powerful mastery of the Abyssal Teachings and his worth as a mage, would prefer not to engage with someone like Lisa. So again, he passes by her in shadows and was gone as quick as the wind. Finally he reaches to his destination, the Temple of the Wolf; to his delight, there doesn’t seem to be anyone within the perimeter. The Shadow Children did not spot anyone nearby so that would give Kaeya just enough time to dispel the power of the offerings that fuels this temple. Inside the temple, Kaeya closes his eyes and reaches out to the energies of the leylines. He feels the flow of energies fluidly move like stream. As he reaches deeper, he feels it. The stream gathers and becomes a pool.

‘That is where the power of this temple is.’. The white robed mage thinks as he descents even deeper into the temple. His appearance was met with resistance. Various Hilichurls, a few Samachurls, one axe and one shield Mitachurl dash towards him with raising weapons. Keeping his features cool, Kaeya merely shakes his bag. The closest Pyro Hilichurl loses its head when a Shadow Child appears out of nowhere and bites it off. Then, more Shadow Children seem to descent from the ceiling and drop down on the panicking Hilichurl army. The Mitachurls were the last to stand against the assault but even with their brute strength, their injuries are far too great and soon both monsters are overwhelmed by the numerous forms of small shadowy creatures as they dogpile and feast on the fallen Mitachurls.

Kaeya moves even further into the domain. Using his clever wits, Cryo elemental powers, Abyssal powers and his Shadow Children, finally he enters to main chamber where the source of the temple’s power dwell. He sees it, a cube shaped keyhole that is brimming with elemental power. As he was about to reach it, a distorted voice shout.

“Stop right there, traitorous creature!”. Kaeya turns around and sees a Pyro Abyss Mage floating to him. It looks angry, but Kaeya could care less about its feelings. “How dare you go against us!? We who are kins!? Why do you stand amongst those pathetic humans!?” Shouts the mage. The furs on the body is bristling with anger like a puffed up cat.

“Why do you ask?” Kaeya starts. Thankfully the mage couldn’t see his expression due to mask covering his face. He’s smiling with glee. “Simple really. If the City of Freedom falls, you lot will get even more annoying and eventually disturb my peace. Knowing your beastly natures, you won’t stop with just Monstadt and swarm the whole of Teyvat like a swarm of pests. I hate that.” He subtly changes his body posture to look casual. “I hate this...upper world more than you do, believe me. I hate the humans for their vile hypocrisy and little minds. I hate the Archons and the fucking will of Celestia for denying me what I had desired.” He turns to face away from the Abyss Mage.

“But I also hate the Abyss. For casting me out. For burdening me with these knowledge of heresy. I hate the home I was born. Desolate and accursed. Where it’s nothing but a dog eat dog world.” He spreads his arms wide open as he faces up all dramatic. “Fuck all of that I say. Why play a game where the results would never change because it has been fixed for you? Why bother bleed and cry for things that wouldn’t change?” The Abyss Mage is silent as Kaeya rants. It doesn’t seem to know what to say. “All my life, it was dictated by others. All my life I can never make the right choice. I can never be people who would look at me as just me. If that’s the case,I just want to left alone.” Arms down, Kaeya turns back to face the mage.

“But no...it will never be an option for me because people will still disrupt and take what I have left.” Unbeknownst to the Abyss Mage, a looming spectre rises behind it.

“If people want to disturb what peace I have left, then I’ll just put them down like the pests they are.” And snaps his finger. Blades of ice emerges from the mage’s body and rips it apart; blood and body parts splatter everywhere. From behind what remains of the mage, stands a skull faced spectre covered by a veil that recalls the shroud of the dead, or that of a bride. The specter has a livid incarnate, and clawed hands. The white spectre nods it head and disappears in a blurry of snow.

Kaeya turns back to the power source and with a quick incantation and a flick of his wrist, black and violet energies surround the power source and blows it up. That should weaken the dragon from being a pest. Now the idiots at Monstadt can deal with Stormterror easily. Dusting himself of imaginary dust, he makes his way towards the exit. Feeling a sense of danger, Kaeya dodges a sudden attack behind him. The attack came from a claymore and fuck it nearly took his head off. He teleports in a form of a mist where it files to edge of the chamber and reform itself. ‘Who the fuck is it now!?’ Kaeya thinks in irritation. He sees his attacker dressed in black from head to toe. But what makes him pause is the colour of the attacker’s hair.

It’s red. Only two people he knows has that shade of red. One is dead and the other should be Abyss knows where. So after all this time, they finally cross paths.

Kaeya is really not in the mood to meet Diluc Ragvindr.

Chapter Text

‘Of all the time and places for our paths to encounter, it just had to be this one...’. Kaeya sulks on the inside.

How and why is Diluc here!? Didn’t he left Monstadt all those years ago, granted Kaeya was busy living his life on top of cold ass mountain and couldn’t care much of what goes on Monstadt. But still...does he really want to meet his former adopted brother after all this time? The answer is...he doesn’t know. For all the love that he had felt for Diluc, it always brought him back to that worst moment of his life. The words ‘Traitor’, ‘Never want to see you again’ and ‘Kill you if I ever see you’ were all ringing inside Kaeya’s mind. Fuck he really doesn’t need this. He sees Diluc getting into an attacking position. Claymore raised high and scowl on his face. Had that scowl been there before? Is Diluc turning into suc a grump lately. Wow. How quick does the happy child turn into a grumpy adult. But he doesn’t look like a Ordo Knight. Unless of course it is custom made.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” He asks, voice deep and dark. How different it was all those years ago. Kaeya just stood still; wondering how should he act in this situation. Apparently patience is not in Diluc’s dictionary as he scowls even harder and his voice even deadlier. “I’m asking you again. Who are you and what the hell are you doing here?”

‘Fuck this.’ Kaeya thinks. He is not here to play reunion with Diluc. He’s here only to help out a bit. He’s done and he wants to back to his mountain home. Diluc dashes forward and swings his claymore to slash down at Kaeya. Behind his mask, Kaeya smirks.

Unfortunately for Diluc, he doesn’t know the enemy he’s dealing with because just as the blade was about to make contact, an unseen force flings him several feet away from the mysterious cloaked figure. His body hits the ground with a loud ‘thump’ as the air was smacked out from him.

“What the hell..?” He says groggily, trying to stand up. What manner of sorcery did this individual use? It wasn’t even an elemental power. The robed figure did nothing but walk away towards the exit without even so much as a backwards glance. So many questions ran inside Diluc’s head as he tries to figure out who this individual is and whether they are friend or foe to Monstadt. The redhead hears voices coming to where he is and decides that he too shall take his leave. He will have answers one way or the other.

Back on Dragonspine, the Demon Mage rages in fury. To any adventures who are close to the mountain swore that they saw the clouds swirl in a raging tempest and that air become even more colder even if they were a little distances away from the area.

“Crap! Crap! Crap!”. Kaeya roars. Seeing Diluc again really threw him off his game. These conflicting feelings swelling inside him is tormenting. Was there any love left for one he once called brother? The one who he should have never trusted with his secret. The one he thought would have stayed by him as he had stayed by the other? He who acts as the shadow for the Uncrowned King of Monstadt? Why should he? Why should he reconnect with the one who burned him and cast him out into the cold? Yes...why should he? He owes nothing to anyone! No one owes him anything and vice versa. He’s fine where he is. Besides...he will always be an outsider to them anyways. Just some exotic piece to look at and scoff at as he recalls those stuck up aristocrat families. He won’t meddle again. In fact, he’ll keep an eye on Monstadt. Yes. Besides, they have the Knights of Favonius and if Abyss knows where, their archon should be there too. There is also the Outlander that he saw in his dream. Yes...with them together, they can defeat the dragon Stormterror.

....

He might have overestimate on these people. He was impressed by the acts of the Outlander. Breaking into the Church of Barbatos at the behest of Barbatos himself who has taken the form of a green clad bard named Venti to steal the Holy Lyre de Himmel. Stealing the lyre again from the Fatui who stole from them. Able to purify the corrupted tears of Dvalin to empower the Holy Lyre. Teaming up with Acting Grandmaster Jean, who is both the Lionfang Knight and the Dandelion Knight, and Diluc Ragvindr. Kaeya would have hoped that they could accomplish something, but it appears that they are just as hopeless without some proper guidance. Even the bard seems out of touch on what to do. Honestly...this was the Archon that cursed him with the Vision? He had too much expectations it would seem.

“It appears I must take matters into my own hands. It was too much to expect other people to do what must be done.” Argh...he really doesn’t want to go Monstadt. While he could just go ahead and assassinate the dragon while it is weak, it probably wouldn’t be a wise choice. Too many unknown variables and he could be single targeted. But if he were to work with the others in Monstadt, the attention will be spilt of either the Fatui or the Abyss Order were to look.

But the downside is that he has to be in the presence of those in Monstadt. Damn...life is never fair.

“Argh...Abyss damn it all...”. He groans. Looks like he’s going to be a team player. The group that he has been spying on were on their way back to Monstadt. They’ll regroup back at Angel’s Share. Well then...a grin appears on Kaeya’s face.

Time to steal the spotlight in this performance.

A group of five people, well if four and half if one were to count Paimon, (“Hey! Paimon resents that!” The small fairy like creature screeches.) made their way back into Monstadt towards Angel’s Share after the disastrous attempt to calm the raging dragon Dvalin. The green clad bard, Venti tries to cheer the group though deep down there is a sadness within him at his failure to help Dvalin. Both Diluc and Jean were tense with worry though Jean doesn’t show it much on her face. Aether is still adjusting to this new place that he has land himself in. These new friends that he made were deep in sorrow to where he doesn’t know how to help them. As the group reaches Angel’s Share, Aether couldn’t help but feel a small chill in the air. He looks to the others but they don’t seem to notice it. Probably nothing he wonders.

When everyone enters the bar, Venti turns to the others. “So...we may not have been successful in calming down Dvalin, but I believe that there is way to help him! I’m sure of it!”. He pumps his fist up.

Diluc looks a bit skeptical at the bard’s proclaims. “Sure...if you have any good ideas. The lyre failed to do the job, what makes you think anything else would work?”. The redhead’s tone is a bit scathing. Jean secretly elbows him for his disrespect but Venti just waves his hand at it. “I don’t want to lose hope for if hope is lost and all shall be dust.” The bard replies.

“Paimon thinks that Tone Deaf Bard is speaking the truth and Paimon agrees with him.” Says the small fairy. Aether nods his head in agreement.

“Actually...I have a question...” The blond haired man starts.

“Why kind of question do you wish to ask, Aether?”. Jean asks.

“How come none of you guys feel cold in this tavern? It’s freezing here...”. Aether’s puts his arms around himself as his body shivers to prove a point.

Everyone looks surprised.

“What do mean it’s cold? It feels normal to me?” Diluc says.

“Are you sure you didn’t come to a fever.”Paimon flies to put her hand on Aether’s forehead. “You’re not having a fever. Your temperature is normal.”. She says, curious about her travelling companion’s state.

Venti’s expression turns very serious. “We’re not alone.” He simply says. Everyone turns to him.

“What do you mean bard? Is there someone spying on us?” Diluc questions. Venti turns to the second floor.

“You may come down now. I expect you didn’t realise that our traveller could sense your presence, didn’t you?”. As the words left Venti’s mouth, the air becomes even more colder. Now everyone could feel the temperature dropping. Diluc, Jean and Paimon are shocked by the change while Aether was still shivering from the cold.

“Oh my~” a deep distorted voice that came from the second speaks. “I didn’t want to disturb your little moment but it appears that my cover is blown. I had expect from the Anemo Archon to sense me but for the blond youth to sense me even hidden is impressive.”. A cacophony of children’s laughter emerges from everywhere in the tavern.

“Kyaa!! Why are there children’s laughter everywhere? And so creepy too! Paimon is scared!”. She takes cover behind Aether. Jean and Diluc summoned their weapons in preparation.

A figure wearing a white and blue hooded long robes that exposes the chest and a long white fur cloak. There is a long thin veil with designs of snowflakes placed over the hood that flows backwards. On the figures face is a black blue beaked mask. A dark aura of dark violet surrounds the figure like snakes slithering. Before anyone can do anything, the mage waves his hand and hoarfrost rise to cover everyone’s legs.

“Now, now. Let’s not get into a fight here. I come with peaceful intentions, Lord Barbatos.” The mage purrs.

“Peaceful you say? Tell that to ice on our legs, mage!” Diluc seethes. He tries to summon his Pyro energy to his hand, but found that his Vision is reacting at all. “What...” he stares at his hand. Jean tries to do same but also got similar results. Venti only stare at the mage, his expression neutral.

“Don’t bother trying to use your Visions. The mage has blocked us from using any sort of power here.”. says the bard.

“What!? How can that be, my Lord?” Jean looks in shock. What powers does this mage possesses to stop people from using their Visions?

Green eyes never leaving the mage, “Only the one whose powers are great and heretical enough to bring down their wrath upon any foolish enough to enter into their kingdom of ice and blood. You are the Demonic Mage of Dragonspine, yes?” Venti says.

Jean’s face went pale as snow. The Demon Mage? Here!? Are they working for the Abyss Order to assassinate them?

“So the Abyss Order sent an assassin to kill us then?” Diluc speaks.

The mage shakes their head. “Honestly I could care less about the Abyss Order. They can go and die in a ditch for all I care. Nope. I’m here to help you guys.” The mage says in a cherry tone.

“What do mean help us!?” Paimon says from behind Aether.

“I said what I said.” The mage shrugs.
He goes to counter a pulls out a bottle of wine. Uncorking the bottle, the mage gulps down the contents of the bottle. Diluc looks murderous at the mage’s actions.

Venti however takes the mage’s attention back to him. “If you are here to help, may this lowly bard ask why one such as you would want to aid us?”

The mage puts a finger to his chin as if he’s thinking of what to say. “That’s easy lowly Archon. If the Abyss Order destroys Monstadt, it will disrupt my peace and quiet.” He states in matter of factly.

“Just that?”. The bard questions in astonishment.

“Just that.” The mage shrugs.

“Why should we believe you?” Diluc says. “What are possibility of you backstabbing us to the Order?”.

That seems to make the mage laugh. It was a laughter of cruel amusement. “I wouldn’t put it past the Uncrowned King of Monstadt to believe that outsiders like me have any good intentions. You’re right. The possibility could be there. I mean why should you trust me when I made the mistake of trusting you, O Master Ragvindr.” The sarcasm in the mage’s voice is thick and clear for everyone to hear.

Confusion marks Diluc’s face at the mage’s words. “What do you mean by that?”. The mage looks at him like he was the dumbest person in the room. Diluc is getting more and more flustered and angry towards the mage. “Who in the Abyss are you, mage?”

“You sure you want to know the answer to that? It might tear your sanity. But then again, I couldn’t give a crap about what other people think.” The mage pulls his hood back and his mask down. Long navy blue hair with streaks of lighter blue that reaches down to his waist. The bangs cover all but his right eye where an eyepatch is place there. Sharp periwinkle diamond shaped eyes with long lashes adorns the handsome dark skin that gives off and exotic and foreign look. A smile full of mischief on his face as the mage takes in full of the reactions of the people inside the room. The blond traveler looks a bit confused of what’s going on but the other three were the sweetest.

Jean looks stunned as she tries to comprehend of who is in front of her. Disbelief more and more apparent on her expression. Venti looks shocked like he wasn’t expecting this. Well, Kaeya did a lot to hide himself from the eyes of the Archons and Celestia so he wouldn’t blame the Anemo Archon. Diluc however...well...well...Kaeya didn’t know he can turn that much paler, red eyes wide like he had seen a ghost. He’s trying to say something. Mouth open but no words coming out.

“Kaeya...?” Diluc says, voice weak and breaking.

“In the flesh.”. Kaeya wickedly smiles, all teeth and danger in them.

Chapter Text

“Kae...Kaeya...?” Says a very shocked Diluc. After all these years, he’s here? He’s alive? How? Where? Why? What? “You’re here...? How are you here? I thought you were...”

“Gone? Lost? Dead?” Kaeya sneers. He threw a smug smile at the still shocked Diluc. “Sorry to disappoint~” He says in a sing song voice. Diluc flinches at the tone of voice.

“Kaeya...you are the Demon Mage of Dragonspine? You...attacked your fellow countryman! You attacked Varka and the knights! You desecrated the Statue of Barbatos there! What have you done, Kaeya!?” Jean yells, the disbelief growing stronger and stronger as she throws the accusations at him. Kaeya didn’t even look one bit remorseful at those words. Said Demon Mage made himself comfortable on one the seats at the bar counter. Bottle of wine in hand, he’s just waiting until everyone is done gawking.

“If you are quite finished with the disbelief and shock, we have more important things to about.” That seems to shock Diluc out his reverie. From shock turns to anger and boy was that quick in Kaeya’s opinion.

“You dare to show your face here after all these years!?” Diluc says, anger growing more and more apparent. “You attacked your fellow knights and the people of Monstadt? I didn’t take you for a traitor that you are!” He roars.

Kaeya waves his hand as if brushing those comments like the dust they are. “Oh please. I’ve have been keeping to myself all the time. It’s not my fault people come to the mountain and so close to my lair. Besides, at least some of them came back in one piece. I think...?”

Jean looks ready to murder him. “You...you...just what do you think you are doing!?” Honestly Jean, he’s trying to work together with them to help Monstadt. At least keep up with the program.

“Are you sure you want to spend more time bickering with me when you have a dragon problem on your hands? Your priorities are whacked, I must say.” Before anyone can say anything, there is a loud knock on the door.

“Open up you bitch! I know you’re in there!” A very angry feminine but familiar voice shouts.

“What in the four winds?” Venti mutters. Today is just full of surprises and if the bard is honest, he needs a drink...or twenty. Yeah...twenty sounds good. Kaeya unfroze Aether and motions him to open the door.

Then came another wintery terror, dressed in what appears to be a nun’s garment but dark, angry and terrifying. Rosaria walks as if she is on a warpath. She spots Kaeya and rushes straight to him without caring for the other people in the room. She grasps his shoulders and bring him down to her level.

“You trick ass bitch. I thought you said you weren’t going to step into Monstadt city anymore. So what in the Abyss are you doing here!?” She tries to “calmly” questions him.

Kaeya flashes a happy smile. “Hi Ros~ I was just nearby and thought I would visit you~”
Rosaria rolls her eyes in irritation. “Try again Kaeya. I caught a whiff of ice and death here and there is only one person who has such a scent. Also, one of your kids were terrorising the sisters in the cathedral.” She points down to a Shadow Child holding on to her left leg and doesn’t appear to let it go. “If you wanted to visit, at least inform me.” She sighs in vexation.

She lets go of Kaeya and he quickly scoops up the shadowy child-like figure from the nun. “Sorry about that Sister. You know they have a penchant for mischief.”

Rosaria scoffs at his words. “The apple didn’t fall far off from the tree I see. Nuisances the lot of you.”

“Sister Rosaria...did you know about this the whole time?” Jean asks.

Rosaria turns to her. “I did. Before you ask, it wasn’t my secret to tell and I made sure after that ‘Incident’, I decided to keep watch of this bitch.” She points to Kaeya, who just smiles. “And to make sure he stays where he is. I have been visiting Dragonspine monthly to keep tabs on him.”

Wow...suddenly Jean doesn’t have much to say. No wonder she wasn’t getting any much info or incidents regarding Dragonspine.

“So what brings you here Kaeya? Also showing yourself to other people? Brave aren’t you?” Rosaria glances back to Kaeya.

Taking a gulp from the dandelion wine, Kaeya just shrugs. “A mix between spur of the moment and careful calculations. If Stormterror destroys Monstadt, what’s to stop it from being a nuisance at Dragonspine. People might run there to take shelter for all I know or whatever. I just want peace and quiet and a dragon raging is not peace and quiet.” He casually says. “So here I am, to help Monstadt in their hour of need!” He would love to spread his arms and do a “Ta Da!” but unfortunately he has child in his arms. Thankfully, his sweet child understands and spreads their arms open and says, “Ta Da!” in their own demonic voice. No one seems impressed, critics the lot of them.

“Okay.” Rosaria simply says.

“Wait what? Are you certain of this, Sister Rosaria?” Jean questions.

“You seem to trust Mr Kaeya here a lot despite the things he had done” Venti observes.

“I know Kaeya better.” She says, which seems to irk Diluc a bit. “I know that if he wants to destroy Monstadt, he would have just joined our enemies and be done with it.” She states. She walks forward to the smiling mage. “However, I do need insurance that you follow your words. For this, I wish to make a pact.” ‘Now we’re going somewhere.’ Kaeya thinks and looks at Rosaria.

“Well then, Sister. Shall we begin?” He motions his right arm and waves it to right in a semicircular motion. A circle of frost mark the wooden floors of Angel’s Share and some ink-like substance emerge from it to form strange glyphs around the ice circle that encircles both Kaeya and Rosaria.

“What is this?” Diluc asks.

No one seems to know what’s going on until Venti opens his mouth. “This is an Infernal Pact. It is where the person who desires something calls out to dark forces to make an agreement with them. Depending on the desired wish, what the price these dark forces would demand in return can be heavy. If one tries to break or fails to honour the pact, an even darker curse will fall upon them. What makes this pact so infernal is that the price can be...imbalanced. Are you certain of what you are doing, Sister Rosaria? Nothing good comes from making an Infernal Pact, especially with one touched by darkness.” The green eyes of the bard stares right at the nun.

Rosaria stares back unflinching. “This isn’t my first time making a pact with Kaeya. I know the price of what I’m paying and it’s for the good of Monstadt that I’m agreeing to this pact.”

“Are we done talking?”, came the voice of Kaeya whose voice and expression has turned serious. No more smiles and teasing. Now it’s time for business where time is of the essence. Rosaria holds out her hand, her expression betraying nothing but cool and professional.

“I wish to make a pact with you, O Demon Mage of the Mountains. Lend me your power and strength to protect my city and nation from destruction.” Rosaria starts.

Kaeya grasps onto the extended hand. “And what is the desire from this pact you wish to make? For all my power and skills, I will demand that which is befitting the desire.”

“Name your price.” Rosaria says.

With Kaeya smiles with teeth and danger. “A favour for a favour as usual. Thrice now you owe me, Sister of the Church of Barbatos. Should I call for you sister, you must answer it. No questions asked. But worry not, nothing in my favours would I ask you to go against Monstadt. Do we have an agreement?” The grip from Rosaria was strong and resolute.

“Deal. Thus binds our pact.” She finishes. “Thus binds our pact.” Kaeya ends.

They both let go of each other’s hands and backed off. The magic circle of frost and shadows thaws away into nothingness. Kaeya turns cheerfully to the others that are bound by the ice and waves his hand again. The frost melts and everyone gets to move.

“Now that business is settled, let’s discuss on how to solve your dragon problem eh?” He makes casual motions as if there wasn’t any hostility among the people in the tavern. Rosaria turns and walks towards the door.

“Where are you going Sister Rosaria?” Jean asks.

“Out.” Rosaria answers. “While you guys go out to and settle the problem with Stormterror, I will hold the fort and protect Monstadt from anyone who tries to take the opportunity to attack us. Farewell and may the Anemo Archon Bartabos protect you.”

“Ermm...it’s Barbatos Sister Rosaria.” Jean murmurs just to be polite and looks at Venti. Said nun merely waves her hand away.

“Same difference.” She walks out from the tavern.

A loud laughter booms inside the tavern. Everyone turns to see Kaeya clutching his stomach as he wheezes from the nun’s words. “Oh she is wasted on you, Lord Barbatos. That sister always puts a smile on my face with her words and actions!”

Venti’s expression cringes as if he ate a lemon while to trying smile and be polite. “Glad you think so too. Now that everything is done. We’ll need to come with another to help Dvalin.”

“Are we just going to ignore that one of your clergies just made an Infernal Pact with someone we thought to be missing? Or even the fact that said person here.” He points at Kaeya. “Is the one that destroyed a Statue of the Seven at Dragonspine by all accounts should be heretical in nature and attacking people for stepping into Dragonspine for years? Just me?” Diluc’s face looks severe.

Aether just looks confused while Paimon tries to inform him of the whole deal at Dragonspine. Jean nods her head in agreement. The safety of Monstadt falls under her jurisdiction, now seeing her old childhood friend and once member of the Knights of Favonius as the Demon Mage of Dragonspine, is distressing. How and why? How did Kaeya turned up like this? Was it to do with Crepus’s death? She’s in no position to point fingers at people as there is a problem that needs to be solved.

Kaeya looks at them, eyebrow raised. “I believe that should be none of your business, Master Ragvindr. What I do has nothing to do with you. I have no care for this...city or it’s people as I have mentioned before. I just want my peace and quiet.”

Venti nods his head. “In such dire times we find strange allies in many places. I won’t push your help as the sister had painstakingly made an Infernal Pact with you. Celestia knows who else made pacts with you. But that is neither here nor there.”

The green clad bard clears his throat. “Now then, I believe I have an idea of our next plan of attack. So listen closely.”

Chapter Text

‘You’re doing this for yourself. You’re doing this for yourself. You’re doing this for yourself.’ Is the mantra that goes inside Kaeya’s head. The starting of the journey was fine. Not much issues getting out of the city, due to moving out at night. But the journey itself right makes Kaeya want to murder something or someone. Make that three someones. That damn Archon along with his ex-brother and Acting Grand Master are staring at him when they think he isn’t looking. Honestly....none of them have a subtle bone in their bodies. Except the god. He’s always pretending. He looks as if he’s carrying a heavy burden upon his tiny shoulders. Small cute tiny shoulders.

So he’s putting most attention to the blond youth, who he has wrapped the other’s right shoulder to bring him closer in a pretence of being casual. Looking up close, the Traveller named Aether was a curiosity. Hair and eyes of gold, clothes with designs of the the stars. The very stars that reminds Kaeya of Khaenri’ah, his desolate and accursed nation. Where only sinners remain. Aether looks like someone who is looking for something or someone. Always gazing at the scenery as if taking in all the view like a lost wanderer.

“You look lost pretty one. How did you end with this rag tag of a group.?” Kaeya asks lightly to make a conversation.

“Oh, Paimon can answer for that!” Chirps the little fairy. Even more curious in Kaeya’s opinion.

The small floating creature explained how she and Aether met with Aether putting his two cents on the conversation. He gets the feeling that they aren’t telling him everything, but he’ll let them have their secrets. When Kaeya asks about what Paimon is, Aether just looks at Paimon mischievously and shrugs.

“She’s an emergency food.” He says simply. That makes the fairy puff up and enrage.

“PAIMON IS NOT FOOD!!! YOU’RE SO MEAN!!!” The fairy cries.

Hearing the word food, one of Kaeya’s Shadow Children pops up its head from where it was nestling inside Kaeya’s hood which he had opened, his long blue hair flowing freely from the breeze. The Shadow Child looks at Paimon. Glowing blue eyes wide like saucers.

“Food? Mater, is that floating thing food? Can I eat it?” Asks the small creature.

“Ekkkk!!! NO! NO! NO! Paimon is not food!!! Help me Aether!” Shouts Paimon as she hides inside Aether’s scarf. The Shadow Child keeps looking at her direction, eyes never blinking. Kaeya laughs and pulls his Shadow Child from his hood to face him; carrying it with his hands underneath its armpits.

“No sweetie. She is not for you. She’s someone else’s food.” Kaeya coos and blows raspberries to its tummy. The child in hand, giggles and laughs as it takes in its Mater’s affections. The others watch the scene in astonishment and curiosity.

“Kaeya...” Jean starts. She’s not one to fidget on such things, but at this point she might as well just ask. “Just what in the world is that? Why does it call you Mater?”

Hugging the Shadow Child close to his chest, he turns his head to Jean. “That’s because I am its mother. I gave birth to them. I am a proud mother of these hordes of little shadowy demonic creatures.” He flashes another smile.

Diluc huffs in reply. “As if. You’re a man. You can’t give birth. It’s impossible. So cut the lies.” Honestly that Master Ragvindr. So naive in the matters of the Abyssal Teachings.

“Well...he’s not lying really.” Venti pipes up. Jean, Diluc and Paimon turn to him with confusion on their faces.

“Are you saying that Kaeya here gave birth to these things!? But he’s a guy!!!” Paimon yells.

The bard merely shrugs. He continues walking forward while his audience await his explanation. “In times of old, there were many secret Arts that were lost to modern times. Before I was an Archon, I have seen arts that would allow barren women to conceive and even men to have children with their male partners.” He then turns to Kaeya. “Of course, there were those who used the sacred gifts of life to twist them into something perverted. Giving birth to monstrous creatures that would grow up to cause havoc.”

Kaeya only laugh darkly. “Why Lord Barbatos, are you accusing me of misusing the Gift of Life? I would never!” He cradles his child closer to his chest. “They were...born from a dark moment of my life. I was alone and wanted someone to keep me company. I didn’t care they were born in this shape or manner. When they looked at me like I was the most important person to them, I was overwhelmed with joy. How could I deny my cute little children just because they look different.”

Hearing Kaeya’s explanation made Diluc flinch inwards. He doesn’t show it but seeing his once sworn brother brought him both joy, anger and guilt. Joy because he was still alive and well after all these years. Anger because of secrets and lies of the past and guilt because seeing Kaeya now makes it his fault. He pushed him away...he tried to...kill his own sworn brother in fury when the other wanted to come clean with him. His allegiance to Monstadt was clear as day that time but looking at him now, if Kaeya felt that he had been betrayed by Monstadt was because of Diluc, why would he bothered helping Monstadt at all.

Finally they manage to reach the valley heading to Stormterror’s Lair. As they reach there, they found that the entrance is blocked by a barrier made out of Anemo elemental energy.

Venti looks at the barrier with interest. “Well, this is interesting.” He turns to the others. “Give me a few moments to deal with this.”

“I can lend a hand. With you doing this, I’ll expect it might take awhile with you being rusty with your Archon powers.” Kaeya says albeit a small jab to the Anemo Archon.

Venti steps in front of Kaeya. “You’ve been awfully mouthy at me lately haven’t you, Mr Kaeya?” He questions the mage.

Said mage looks down at the bard with smiles full of teeth. “I’m just lending a hand to you? Is there a problem to that?” He leans down until he’s face to face with Venti, tilts the latter’s face up with a finger to his chin. “Are you sure you want to know how mouthy I am? I might you alive~” he purrs. Venti’s eyes went open wide.

A few moments of silence and then Venti surprised everyone by laughing in a cheery loud. “Ahahahahahaha! I would take you on that offer but I’m so small and fragile that I might break from your “gentle” services. My survival instincts tell me that only stronger and harder people can handle your urges.” The bard grabs the mage’s hand pulls him to barrier. “Alright then, Demon Mage. Lend this weak god your strength please?”

The mage only laughs from this and stands besides the bard. Venti looks to the other three. “We need you guys to keep watch while we work with this. With both of us at work, I’m sure that we can take this barrier down quickly!”

As both Venti and Kaeya began to dismantle the barrier, an army of Hilichurls began to move to where the party is located. Aether, Diluc and Jean skilfully defeated them with each waves that comes to them. Both Venti and Kaeya weave both Anemo and Cryo energies with the expertise of artists painting a portrait of absolute beauty and with that the barrier collapses and the way opens.

Venti looks impressed. “Wow, that didn’t take too long. I will admit that your help makes things easier.”

Kaeya gave a smug smile. He flips his hair back like the drama queen he is. “Well, I aim to impress.” He looks to the other three who are making their way to the duo. “Well here comes our protectors~. Do you want a kiss for all your hard work?” He teases.

Diluc looks as if he’s sucking a lemon. Jean tries to give smile though she looks tired. Aether blushes from Kaeya’s tease. Kaeya looks at Aether’s face and his smile grows wider.

“Ooo~ is someone wanting that kiss~?” Kaeya moves closer to Aether.

The blond man looks even more alarmed. “Wait...wait!!! Mr Kaeya!!!” He tries to say but Kaeya didn’t listen and pulled Aether close to him.

The blond Traveller closes his eyes. He feels a bump to his lips. It looks smooth. He slowly opens his eyes and sees two blue glowing eyes staring back at him. Wait...what?

Kaeya tries to hold his laugh as he pushes his Shadow Child’s face to Aether’s. However failing to hold it any longer, he just burst out laughing.

“Ahahahahahahahaha! You should have seen your face!” Laughs the blue haired man.

Aether just looks dead and falls to his knees. ‘Ahhh...that scared me but somehow I feel a bit disappointed.”

Taking pity on the poor guy, Kaeya pulls Aether up to his side and pats the other’s head and whispers something to him. “If you want a kiss, dissolve this crisis and we’ll see where we can go from this~”

With that, everyone walks deeper into Stormterror’s Lair to prepare themselves of the upcoming battle ahead.

Chapter Text

“Winter’s eyes gaze with cold and cruelty.
Hateful upon the happy lives of others.
Winter’s eyes gaze with malice.
Delighted in the doom that shall come.
Winter’s eyes gaze upon Celestia.
Waiting for the day when the heavens shall burn.”

Kaeya is getting a bit restless with all this waiting around. The Mondstadt team sure are taking their time to survey the area around Stormterror’s Lair. Like honestly. Kaeya has already sent three groups of Shadow Children to scout the area and has already discovered that three teleportation points are being used to empower the Anemo barrier. In a span of half an hour.

Honestly...these guys...

‘Man. Those Abyss mages don’t pull any punches.’ Kaeya inwardly groans. Then he softly smiles.

‘Good thing I’m the sort who likes to make other people’s lives a nightmare. These guys need to get there and take down the dragon. How they do it is not my business.’

The mage looks around again trying to solve the puzzle that lies before them. It’s almost too simple. Take down the barrier, beat the monsters on the way to Stormterror’s domain and save the day. Something is up with this performance like there is a secret scene that the audience is not privy to. Hmmm...his work just got even more interesting. Well then, better let the others know whats what first. He’ll leave out the other information for himself. Can’t show your hand all to early.

The bard Venti seems to be saying something, probably spiting out plans in the form of poetry or some other dribble which seems to make the rest groan.

“Well if you are done spitting out fancy words, dear bard, there are things that need to made done. Any longer we stall this, you can say goodbye to your precious city.” Kaeya says. It appears that his words had the instil the severity of their situation.

Diluc’s face seem to tighten as he clench his fist while Jean, Aether and Paimon look a bit worried. Venti’s face turned serious for a moment before he relaxes his face.

“You’re right, Mr Kaeya. There is a time and place for fancy words and now is not the time.” the bard says.

“As you guys were busy “planning”.” Kaeya air quotes. “My children have scouted the entire area and have located the sources of the anemo barrier. Three teleportation devices are being used to power the barrier. Each device is guarded by a big group of Hilichurls along with one Abyss Mage leading them.” He explains.

“Wow. That is quick Kaeya. Thank you for your assistance.” Jean says with full honesty.

Kaeya just waves his hand away with a coy smile on his face. “No need for thanks Grandmaster Jean. This mage merely needs to do what needs to be done.” He walks away to give the group some space.

He turns to stare upwards and saw the floating island of Celestia. The Dwelling of the Gods.

How Kaeya feels a deep hatred for that place.

He feels a tug on his robes and looks down and sees Aether looking up at him cautiously.

“Ermm...the rest have decided on what to do and are moving out now. Should we get going?” He asks.

Kaeya pats the blond traveler’s head. How thoughtful of him to call for Kaeya. He will keep an eye on this one. A rare gem this one is.

“Very well then, Little Aether. Let’s get going.” The mage smiles. “I am absolutely delighted to have to sharpen my claws and fangs again.” He murmurs.

Aether looks back up to Kaeya in confusion. “What was the last part you said?”

“Hmm~? Nothing you need to worry about.” Kaeya reassures. “Just nonsensical words. Isn’t that right darling?” He nudges the Shadow Child inside his hood. Said Shadow Child purrs lazily in agreement. Two other Shadow Children emerge from the ground and holds onto the hems of Kaeya’s robe and follows Kaeya as he walks.

Within the winter mage’s mind eye, he envisions Celestia.

The Island of the Gods.

He dreams of the heavens burn and crash to the earth and be swallowed by the Abyss. Even then, it seems not enough.

‘Whoops. Better keep my wicked thoughts to myself. One can never tell if anyone in the Abyss might hear me.’ Kaeya thinks.

This act is reaching to its climax already.

Chapter Text

With Kaeya’s guidance, it was certainly easy to open the way to the top of the tower.

He must say though; there is only so much gliding, climbing and platform jumping in this situation that he can take. When this whole fiasco is over, he’ll just go straight home to Dragonspine where a nice warm fluffy bed waits for him. No bullshit of this kind ever again.

They finally reached the top of the tower.

‘Fucking hell…Fuck these people and their stupid need for traps and puzzles.’ Kaeya enjoys a good puzzle and riddle every now and then, but his patience is at the limit.

After unlocking the seal to Dvalin’s domain, Venti gives them another prep talk along with some other rhyme that Kaeya didn’t even listen to.

Jean and Diluc also said something which Kaeya just blocks it out. He was just standing and staring into space when he heard someone calling out for him.

“-eya! Kaeya! Hello! Teyvat to Kaeya! Are you there!?” Paimon screeches.

“Would be if you stopped screaming. What do you want?” Kaeya deadpans.

Paimon looks offended. She crossed her arms and gave an angry “hump” noise.

“It’s your turn to say something. Everyone already said something! Didn’t you hear anything!?” Paimon says.

Jean looks like she wants to say something but kept her silence. Diluc was staring or glaring at with bored red eyes which Kaeya could care less. Venti is just smiling like it was funny that Kaeya didn’t pay attention to whole talk. Aether was giving him the expectant look like he wants Kaeya to say something.

Kaeya takes a deep breath.

“I have no words.” He says.

He walks away. He can feel Diluc’s anger rising but couldn’t care less.

“Tch. Is that it? I thought someone like you would love to talk. Maybe even a truth once in a while.” The red head sneers.

Kaeya’s eyes dim from Diluc’s words. The years spent at Dragonspine hardens his heart once more. His back stood a little straighter as he moves towards the entrance of the domain. Tucking his little one to his chest, he speaks.

“Die and I leave.” Is all he says as he disappears into the domain. That was that.

Now, he’s really having second thoughts.

Dvalin, the former Wind of Monstadt is not a creature to underestimated apparently. He takes to the sky with a deadly grace and ferocity that one should expect from a dragon.

When they first entered the domain, they were took to the heavens already; to chase down the wayward dragon.

Unfortunately for Kaeya, he has little to no advantage being in the skies. He can’t utilise his Shadow Children to swarm Dvalin, seeing how most of them are scattered at the ground.

‘Maybe I should give them wings next time. It would be easier to have them patrol Dragonspine from the air and to deal with matters like this.’ Kaeya wonders. He sighs in frustration. Guess he’ll have to rely more on his Vision’s elemental powers instead.

His three Shadow Children who managed to cling to him as he flies are holding for their lives. He tries to focus on Dvalin while making sure that he doesn’t drop his kids. If he did, he would never forgive himself for it.

The three Shadow Children clung to Kaeya desperately for dear life. One clung to the mage’s left leg, while one stuffed its face to his chest and another curled itself deep inside his hood. Kaeya could hear their soft whimpering as they cried out “Mama…” as they flew to take down Dvalin.

Kaeya held the one to his chest tightly as he fires arrows of ice at Dvalin’s cursed marks. Dvalin dodges the shards of ice thrown at him. This goes on for a few moments. Diluc, who now knows Kaeya’s motives, coats his great sword with Pyro energy and takes a wide swing as he slashes it towards the dragon. The flames from the slash transforms into a shape of a phoenix that chases after Dvalin.

Venti’s eyes glow green as he manipulates the currents of the wind in order to guide the others to get closer to Dvalin.

Dvalin, sensing the approach of the party, blasts out, bolts of dark green Anemo towards them. Venti, Kaeya, Diluc and Aether manages to dodge the incoming bolts and maintain their course. Jean however, unsheathes her sword, swirling winds surrounding the sword, and lunges at one the incoming bolt. Countering Anemo with Anemo. A small blast of energy explodes around the area as smoke surrounds where Jean is.

“Jean!”, Paimon and Aether yells in fear.

The smoke clears and Jean continues to fly towards them, no injuries in sight. She gives a smile of reassurance as she thrust her sword again at the other bolts coming at her.

Kaeya and Diluc unleash another volley of projectiles of Cryo and Pyro at Dvalin. They are getting even nearer to the flying dragon.

Taking advantage of Dvalin’s distraction of evading the onslaught from Kaeya and Diluc, Aether manages to close in at cursed looking spike at Dvalin’s tail. Imbuing his sword with Anemo energy, the blond Traveler slash the tail with all his might at the cursed mark.

A burst of energy as the curse mark fades, Dvalin roars as everyone falls.

Then the second act begins.

As everyone falls towards what appears to be a circular arena with floating platforms. Luckily, Venti manages to break their fall with a swirl of wind that smoothens their landing. Suddenly the atmosphere began to change as Dvalin appears at the centre of the circular arena. The dragon unleashes a roar to the heavens as bolts of energy seem to rain down on the platforms.

“That’s Dvalin’s special move! The Caelestinum Finale Termini!” Venti shouts proudly.

“Wrong time for being proud Tone-Deaf-Bard!” Paimon yells as the the one the energy hits the floor of where they stand on. The floor of the platform cracks with Anemo energy. Venti runs to the edge and urges everyone to follow him.

“Quick, glide to the other platform. Any moment longer here will only deal damage to us!”

No one needed to hesitate on his words as they rush to the edge. Venti casts a pillar of wind to push up everyone so that they can glide to the other platform. As they descent to the next platform, Dvalin took the opportunity to fly up and charge upon the unsuspecting party.

But it was unsuccessful as Kaeya manages to blast shards of ice at the dragon to disrupt his course.

Avoiding the ice thrown at him, Dvalin let out an angry roar as he descends upon the platform to confront these intruders personally. The dragon turns his gave to the white hooded person who had shot him with the Cryo energy. He smells like the wretched Abyss that the dragon hates with a passion. Lunging his head towards the Abyss smelling human, he opens his jaws in an attempt to crunch them into his fangs.

Kaeya’s eyes widened as he sees the jaws of the great winged beast directed at him to take a bite out of him. With quick hand gestures, he conjures a giant shadowy sphere that surrounds him and everyone else. Dvalin rears his head back and shifts into a fighting position.

Oh, now it’s personal.

Kaeya’s visible eye glows blue which emits black smoky energy at the corner of his eye. The eerie eyes of his Shadow Children also glow as he grabs the nearest Shadow Children. “I name you my child.” He whispers. This is the first he ever named his Shadow Child and how momentous this will be. He whispers the name of his chosen Shadow Child with words imbued with the heretical Abyssal power.

“Show that pathetic reptile what it means to be a dragon.” The Demon Mage’s sweet words echo into the mind of his child.

What was once a child’s laugh now turns deeper and more sinister. A laughter that now becomes a haunting bellow. The Shadow Child that was touched by Kaeya began to devour its siblings with cannibalistic ferocity. With each sibling devoured, it grows in size; it’s shape twisting and churning until it grows the same height as Dvalin.

The others saw such act with horror in their eyes, especially Venti who now recognises the form the Shadow Child turned into.

It was the form of Durin. Dvalin’s most hated foe.

“Now then my child. My beloved Durin. Unleash your curse on your hated foe!”

Chapter Text

“That little Shadow Child turned into a dragon!?” Paimon exclaims, pointing her tiny finger at the gigantic form of a curved horn dragon covered in pitch black scales. Its eyes glow the eerie blue that it once held as a small child.

Venti looks upon the dragon with a seriousness that is rare of the bard.

To think that the Demon Mage had such power within his arsenal to revive the one who had cursed Dvalin.

But…such a power couldn’t possibly be in the hands of mortals. But there were those who had such a grasp of otherworldly powers that made the gods of Celestia fear the mortals of Khaenri’ah. Unless…

No…

It can’t be…

They had destroyed her. They had ensured that there would be no resurrection for her. But even so…

Venti looks at Kaeya and a shiver of fear runs down his spine.

The son lived. The son of that woman survived the Cataclysm and now walks among them.

The will of the Matriarch endured.

The newly formed Durin raise their claws and struck down on Dvalin. Dvalin roars in pain as he twists his neck and lunges for Durin’s neck. Durin manages to dodge the attack and takes to the sky.

“YOU! YOU LIVE ONCE AGAIN!? THIS TIME I WILL END YOU!” Dvalin bellows in anger. He raise his wings and with a powerful flap, flew to chase his foe.

Durin did not say anything, merely flying up high to bait Dvalin to lead him away from Mother and the others. Once they are far enough, Durin breathes a torrent of black flame, unleashing it at Dvalin. The flames took Dvalin by surprise as he is hit face first by the fire. Recoiling from the fires, the teal coloured dragon turns around in mid flight; flew above and behind Durin and blasts him with Anemo energy.

The sight of two mighty dragons fighting in the sky held an impressive sight.

“That is Durin. Dvalin’s ancient enemy.” Venti starts as the group turns to the bard with various expressions of shock, except for Kaeya.

Venti turns to glare at Kaeya. “How did…how did you even manage such a feat!?”

Jean looks from the bard to Kaeya. “What does Barbatos mean Kaeya? You resurrected an ancient dragon? What? How?”

Diluc waste no time and points his great sword at Kaeya. The entire blade of the great sword is partially surrounded by flames. “Explain yourself now.” He demands.

Kaeya merely stares up towards the two fighting dragons, his eyes never leaving the sight. “Traveler. No…Aether yes?” He says.

Said person stands to attention at their name being called. “Ye…yes? What is it?” He asks. The white robed mage merely beckons the blond Traveler to come closer. As the traveler steps closer to Kaeya, said person puts his hand their head and gives it a soft pat.

“Urmm…”. Aether starts.

“How curious isn’t it that an unnamed stranger such as yourself with no ties to anyone or anywhere would take this quest to help save a city that isn’t even yours.” Kaeya says as he looks down at the Traveler. “Yet here you are. Here you are, alone in an unknown world. Why bother to stay? Why bother to risk yourself for strangers?”

He went silent again.

He sighs.

“But then again, you probably would say that you want to help anyone that asks for help. Like a shining hero.” He looks at the others and back at Aether.

“You know. Out of everyone present, you’re the one I hold the most in respect and fear.”

“Me? Why would you fear me?” Aether sputters. His yellow eyes stares at the singular visible blue star shaped eye of Kaeya.

*Because out of all the chess pieces. You are the hand that moves them.* The mage whispers in Khaenri’ahian.

Aether’s eyes went wide. His jaw clenched as he turns away from Kaeya. Diluc and Jean look in confusion while Venti stares unblinking at both of them.

“I have lost faith in the world. Lost faith that I would ever have a place in it. I would love nothing more than stay in my small corner of the world, but you…your arrival was a sign that I cannot ignore. If I am to have a place in the world, you are the one who could show me how.” The blue haired man holds the blonde’s hand, grasping it as if it is a lifeline.

“Tell me. What is it you want for me to do, Aether?” He asks.

Aether looks at the sky where the two dragons are fighting and turns to Kaeya.

“Are you an enemy?” The Traveler questions Kaeya.

“No. I have no need for enemies. I merely would like to be alone with my children.” Kaeya replies. His visible blue eye looks honest enough. Aether stares a bit more before nodding his head.

“What do you need?” The golden haired traveller asks.

The corners of Kaeya’s lips curled upwards.

Up there Durin is getting a hang on his new found body and power. Mater Glacies wants him to fight against the other dragon so that they can break the curse afflicting said dragon. But that other dragon is being very slippery and evasive. Dodging every single strikes that Durin throws at him.

‘Hmph! How rude!’ Durin thinks. The other is clearly ill and Mater can help him but that lizard is being stubborn! Rude! Very rude! As a good child of Mater Glacies, it will be Durin’s as the oldest Shadow Child (He’s bigger than the rest of them and the first to be in a different shape, so he’s the oldest!), to bring the other dragon down!

He just needs the right moment to strike…

There! Thank you Mama!!!

Durin loves Mama!!!

Durin will give Mama lots of huggies and kisses!

Before Dvalin could launch a counterattack at Durin, chains of dark energy began to coil around his body. What devilry is this!? Who is responsible for this!? He looks down and sees the hooded mage. Said mage is looking up at him with smug smile on his face.

Such insolence! How dare he make a mockery out of him! Him the Dragon of the Wind!

The teal dragon blasts a close range breathe of Anemo energy to Durin.

The blast hit Durin right at his face as he backs away to regain his bearings.

With his enemy distracted, he flies down towards the hooded mage; claws outstretched and ready to tear the mage to shreds.

However, before he could even lay a single claw on his target, he was shot down by a single bolt of cryo.

How!? To possess strength to even take down his Anemo shield with a single shot!

Dvalin crumbles onto the platform and unable to move. The spell itself manages to daze the dragon.

“Quickly! Strike that curse mark while he’s down!” Venti shouts.

Jean, Diluc and Aether made their way hastily to the fallen dragon’s neck. There, the last piece of the infection that is afflicting the once noble dragon.

Diluc and Jean strikes first, both sword and claymore raised with expertise but Dvalin wasn’t called a Wind of Monstadt for nothing. He twists and with jaws outstretched, begin to lunge at both of them.

Only for his mouth to covered in ice. That infernal mage! Dvalin tries to get up from his prone state but a sudden weight slams onto his back forcing him to down onto the platform. Durin presses his claw on Dvalin’s neck as he continues to press his weight down on the latter.

Kaeya smiles at the sight.

Chapter Text

They won.

It all happened so quickly too. After Dvalin was pinned down, three fighters made short work on the curse mark.

The crystallised curse shattered to pieces and with a mighty roar from the Dvalin, the domain breaks apart. With no solid ground to stand on, everyone began to fall from the sky towards empty space below.

Fortunately for everyone, they were saved by the Anemo Archon himself along with the newly cured Dvalin. Said dragon carried everyone on his back as they flew away back to Monstadt. But something was amiss.

“Hey…where did Kaeya go?” Paimon asks everyone.

Suffice to say, everyone is shocked by the revelation. Both Kaeya and Durin had disappeared after the domain collapsed. No one knew what happened. Even the God of Freedom himself had no words for the whereabouts of the Demon Mage or his demonic spawn.

Not that it matters to Kaeya anyways.

Kaeya opens his eyes.

He’s back in the safety of his cave; under the warm comfy blankets of his equally comfy bed. He gets up, stretches his body and lets out a tired yawn.

Projecting your spirit out from your body really drains you sometimes. Especially when you have to make it appear so real that even the Anemo Archon himself couldn’t tell whether it is a projection or the real person.

From the shadows, Durin appears. Rather than assuming the form of a gigantic dragon, Durin is back in his original Shadow Child form. However, there is a pair of small bat like wings on his back and horns on top of his head that is reminiscent of his draconic form except smaller. The other Shadow Children move closer to their differently shaped sibling; their glowing blue eyes widen in awe at the sight of Durin.

Durin seems to enjoy the attention given and proudly shows off his wings and horns to the others. He even lets his siblings touch his wings and horns.

Kaeya looks over with fondness in his eyes. This may not be the last time he names his Shadow Children. Who knows, maybe if there someone who Kaeya is interested, he will claim them as his Shadow Child.

Actually…perhaps there is someone of interest.

He gets out from his bed and goes to the nearest wall. With a graceful wave of his hand, shards of Cryo energy gather like broken mirror shards as he conjures a mirror of ice as tall as himself.

“Mirror, mirror on the wall. Reveal to me the fairest one of all.” He chants.

The mirror begins to glow a bright light and then it darkens with Abyssal power. From the void, figures began to reflect within the mirror. A group of masked people are seen talking amongst themselves as they make their way to the gates of Monstadt. A tall blond woman wearing an elegant dress and funerary mask that covers the right side of her face. She seems to be one in command of these mask people.

‘Hmmm…the Fatui are making their move now I see.’ Kaeya thinks. There is an obsessed look in his eyes as he stares at the blond woman.

Very well then. He needs to get ready.

The Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers is not having good time as she enters the Grand Goth Hotel. First, their plan to take down the dragon Dvalin so that Mondstat would be indebted to the Fatui had ended in a failure due to the lost of the Holy Lyre. She ensured that those foolish subordinates learned the consequences of their failure. Now there is a problem of locating Mondstadt’s rodent of a god. Elusive as the winds that he personifies, the Fatui currently do not have a plan to trap him.

‘For her Majesty, I must not fail!’ Signora bitterly thinks as she tries to come up with a plan. Her subordinates are discussing everything that they could think of but the more they talk, the more The Fair Lady wants to smash their heads on floor until their brains are nothing but gloop.

Fucking useless agents. Why in all her Majesty’s benevolence is she saddled with idiots.

“Enough!” She yells as she slams her fist on the table, letting out Cryo energy in the form of cold angry winds within the room. The other agents flinch from the cold wind and bow as they hurriedly apologise for their uselessness. Signora huffs as she takes a seat. She waves her hand and dispels the cold in the room. She snaps her finger as a Cicin Mage carefully and quickly sends in a cup of tea for her, least her anger is felt again.

From her current intel, the heroic group are currently making their way back to Monstadt, the Archon in question is surrounded by the Acting Grandmaster of the Knights and the Ragvinder heir, one whom the Fatui kept a very close eye on. His assault on Snezchnaya is not something they want a repeat of. She drinks the tea given to her to calm her anger down.

Just then, a sudden knock is heard at her door.

One of the agents nearest to the door hurriedly opens the door. Mikhail and Ludmilla enter with a worried look on the face.

“Please forgive us for disturbing you, My Lady! There is someone who wants to see you.” Mikhail explains as quick and precise as he can.

“We tried to persuade him to leave the premises but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Ludmilla continues.

“And?” Signora questions, though her posture seems casual, it causes the other two flinch. She slowly gets from her chair and slowly make her towards Mikhail and Ludmilla. “Why are you here then. Did you not turn him away?”

Frost begins to gather on The Fair Lady’s hands. Her glare becomes sharper as she stands before them.

“We…we have my Lady. But as soon as we said that, he vanished.” Ludmilla explains.

Before the Fair Lady is about to admonish them, a cacophony of children’s laughter is heard in the room. The other agents look around, fear evident on their bodies as they try to locate the source of the laughter.

La Signora sensed something and she turns around and there at the round table, sitting on her chair, a white robed hooded figure with a Abyss Mage on their face. On their lap is a child sized shadowy creature with glowing blue eyes, horns and bat wings sitting happily and giggling.

The white robed mage takes a sip of her tea as if he owns the place and turns his head towards her.

“Hello there Fair Lady. My name is Kaeya Alberich, but you may know me more as the Demon Mage of Dragonspine. I would like to have a word with you.” Kaeya greets them.

Durin chirps happily as he waves at the stunned Fatuis in the room.

Chapter Text

A small swarm of hellfire butterflies flew lazily within the confines of Kaeya’s cave. The colour of these pyro infused butterflies make an interesting contrast to the dark blues and snow whites of his domain. But the purpose of these of butterflies were not for decoration, but that will be a story revealed for another time.

A lone butterfly lands on Kaeya’s fingers, it burns bright but there is no heat on it. Truly an amazing creature that he had won from the legendary Crimson Witch of Flames herself. A profitable favour for his services for the Fair Lady.

*Flashback*

“Give me a reason why I shouldn’t destroy you here and now, wretched creature?” The Fair Lady snarls at the sight of this intruder in her room.

Kaeya merely shrugs. And rubs Durins head lazily as his Shadow Child leans into it and purrs. Eyes closing in contentment.

“Simple really. To help you achieve what you desire.” The Demon Mage answers. “Is it not your mission here to obtain something for your Tsaritsa?”

He raises his right hand as small shards of Cryo energy swirl until a shape is formed. A single chess piece.

“An item belonging to a Archon? Specifically the Archon of Monstadt?” He smiles. A cruel smile with teeth.

La Signora eases her expression to the cold persona that many Fatui have seen. Taking slow graceful steps, she makes her way to the other side of the table and sits down. This Abyssal creature intends to parlay with her. Fine then. She will hear it out as much as she wants to burn such a monster to the ground.

“What is it you want then? This city? Take it for all I care. But how is it that “you” can help the Fatui obtain the Gnosis?” She made sure to stress the ‘you’ as if to challenge the Demon Mage of Dragonspine. She has heard reports from surviving agents regarding this entity.

A whole mountain conquered by a single person that even as any fatui agents were to able infiltrate the mountain, only a few are able to return. A tall white robed figure wearing an Abyss Mage mask with hordes of shadowy demons at their beck and call. Demons that are unseen and ambushing their unsuspecting prey until nothing is left. So far the lower levels of the mountain are deemed safe to travel but if one were to go higher, then demons will attack them.

Though she herself is a formidable mage with both the power and experience, however, this person in front of her may perhaps be as strong as the Jester himself. The power of the Abyss is strong with him. She must thread carefully here.

Kaeya shakes his head. “I have no need to conquer this city. I’m quite content in my cold kingdom in Dragonspine.” Durin reaches out his hands to try and grab the tea cup on the table. Kaeya reaches it and hands it gently to his Shadow Child. He whispers to Durin something as the demonic shadow creature gently holds the cup and takes a soft sip of the tea. He sips again and again. He seems to like it.

“Mater…can Durin have more please?” He asks. Big blue glowing eyes pleading to his Mater Glacies.

Kaeya turns to a Fatui Cicin mage at the corner. He gives out a charming though to the Cicin Mage it looks like he wants to devour her alive.

“May you be so kind as to pour more tea for my darling child?” He asks as kindly as he can.

The Cicin Mage bolts out from the room as politely as she can.

He turns back to La Signora.

“It’s simple really. You know where the Archon is. He is on his way home from his successful mission of dealing with Stormterror. But you have no way of catching the wind off guard.” He explains.

“I can hide you from his sight. Hide enough of you to properly ambush him and take his Gnosis. But for that, I want something from you Fair Lady.”

“And what is it you want from me, Demon Mage?” Signora replies in turn.

“Thirteen Hellfire Butterflies. Fiery creatures born from the very fires of the Crimson Witch of Flames herself, which in this case you for helping you obtain the Gnosis of the Anemo Archon.” He happily answers.

La Signora falters a bit in shock before schooling her expression. She must not lose her cool. This demon knows who she is, who she was, but the she has no clue who this one is. Even with knowledge worth of five hundred years, nothing is coming up about the Demon Mage of Dragonspine’s true name. What does he want with her butterflies? To what purpose.

“Very well, you seem to know your lores. To what purpose do you think having my butterflies would serve?” She asks, a bit curious of the hooded mage’s motives.

Kaeya shrugs.

“It gets cold up there in Dragonspine. The sight of such beautiful and fiery creatures would probably make my cave a bit warmer. Come now, dear Lady. Are you truly that worried?”

Worried is one thing. Those butterflies would be connected to her life force. But, if such is the price needed to achieve her Majesty’s goal, she will do what she must.

“Fine then. You have a deal. Thirteen of my butterflies for your aid. I swear it in her Majesty’s name.” Signora swears. She looks to Kaeya.

“I swear to assist you in obtaining the Anemo Gnosis in my name as the Demon Mage of Monstadt.” Kaeya swears in return.

Satisfied, La Signora raises her arm towards Kaeya. With her intent focused, she manifests thirteen Hellfire Butterflies as they fly around Kaeya.

“Now then. Your side of this deal. How will you help us?”

Kaeya looks down to Durin. With understanding of his mother’s wishes, he climbs down from Kaeya’s lap. Just in time as the Cicin Mage returns with the tea. Durin makes some grabbing motions as the mage leans down to pass the cup to Durin. He takes it and gulps down his drink.

Kaeya stands up from his seat and goes to La Signora’s side. He reaches his right hand out to her.

“Your hand, my Lady.” He says.

She gives him her left hand as he take and presses his hand on hers, firm but gentle. With his other hand, he reaches up to his mask and pulls it out; revealing his face.

‘Beautiful.’ Is what the Fair Lady thinks as she sees the face of the Demon Mage. She notices the singular eye as that of Khaenri’ah. The Jester must be informed of this.

He leans over and gently presses a his lips to her hand. There is a prickle of Cryo energy that feels like a shroud is being placed on Signora. It snakes around La Signora’s hand as it swirls around her body. The energy then jumps to nearby Fatui and soon all the Fatui present in the room are enveloped by the shadowy energy.

Kaeya lets go of Signora’s hand and stands up, he puts back his mask on his face.

“The deed is done. Until you have obtain the Gnosis, you are hidden from the sight of the Anemo Archon. He would not sense your presence from anywhere until you reveal yourselves. Use it wisely.”

He picks up Durin and walks towards a corner of the room. Shadows rise up as it envelopes Kaeya, with only the pyro butterflies lighting up around him.

“It is pleasure to do business with you.” With that he disappears into the shadows.

*Flashback ends*

The Eighth Fatui Harbinger had succeeded in getting the Gnosis. Though Kaeya thought that her kicking Venti was too much. But then again, Rosalyne Lohefalter was woman scorned by the tragic loss of her lover and the hate of Monstadt by denouncing her as a witch. That is a bitterness that is not easily let go off. Though why a witch of her calibre would align with another god confuses Kaeya to no end.

Kaeya would think he would make a better witch than her. But that is neither now or later, but soon.

Oh look. A new intruder dares to climb the mountain.

An adventurer this time too.

Well, then. His children will feast well tonight.

As night approaches, the Demon Mage sleeps within his cavern domain. His sleep seems disturbed as omens once again haunt him.

Another omen.

The Demon Mage of the Cursed Mountain calls upon the Abyss once more. A cursed heart is devoured. A new terror rises.

The Haunter of the Underworld and its entourage of wailing ghosts scour the lands of Liyue. Their unholy wails call forth to bring their wrath down on those foolish to stand in their way.

Fear. Pray. Despair…

The great dragon falls from the sky. The ocean rages as horrors are unleashed. A vicious melody of voices shouts out, “REX LAPIS IS DEAD!

Kaeya wakes up.

Hey Fate? Yeah it’s me. What the fuck?

Chapter Text

The Demon Mage makes his way towards the land of Wisdom as silently as he can. There is no entourage of laughing ghostly children as he goes; he left Durin and the others to protect their home in Dragonspine.

Though the Shadow Children are quite the mischievous bunch, he has faith that Durin will take care of them and said child himself is proud to have the responsibility given by his Mama.

Ah…such a sweet children he has. Almost makes this whole trip endurable.

Speaking of…

He sees the City of Sumeru.

Trekking through the forest was annoying. Especially more so when there was some random fox-eared forest ranger who seems to be following his trail. Despite how skilled that ranger was, Kaeya has hidden himself from the very eyes of The Seven themselves. A mere Forest Ranger is no match to a witch of his caliber. But still just as annoying.

“Let’s get this over with.” He mumbles to himself as he begrudgingly walks towards the city. He tightens his grip on the rope in his hands.

Cyno doesn’t know why but he feels uneasy tonight. He’s doing his usual patrols around the city, keeping watch of suspicious activity or people and making sure that no problems arise. Tonight seems like an omen to him. Even the spirit within him feels restless.

‘An omen. A darkness.’ It whispers.

‘But what kind of omen and where? What is it?’ The General Mahamatra questions.

‘Darkness approaches this city. It seeks. It seeks…’ That is all the spirit can say.

Thus, he continues his patrols tonight. As he reaches to the gates of the city, he sees someone running towards it. A closer inspection and he sees Tighnari running towards the gates. He seems out of breath as if he has been running for a long period of time.

“Tighnari? What are you doing here? Is there a problem? Is it Collei!?” Cyno questions the Forest Ranger. He holds his friend steady. Tighnari holds onto him as he tries to catch his breath.

“Collei’s…fine…” Tighnari takes another breath. “I’ve been tracking a suspicious individual and it seems they were making their way towards the city. I don’t know why, but my instincts are telling me that there’s something not right with them.”

A suspicious person that caused Tighnari to chase from Gandharva Ville all the way to Sumeru City? This is serious. He pulls Tighnari with him as they run towards the city.

“Where did you last saw this person?” Cyno asks.

“That’s the thing, I lost track of them. All I know is that they’re somewhere in the city.” Tighnari replies.

As they enter back into the city, the duo searched high and low for any signs of a strange individual wandering through the city. Cyno even contacted the other matras via the Akasha Terminal to widen their search but so far, nothing is coming up. The feeling of dread does not settle well in both of them.

‘Something is happening but what is it?’

‘Finally. I’m here.’ Kaeya huffs inwards as he reaches to the Akademiya. How prestigious this place is. The house of knowledge for all the scholars. The great landmark of the Nation of Wisdom!

Also the place where a bunch of arrogant pretentious assholes dwell who think that having being smart with books means you can lord over people. For all that they think they know about knowledge, they forget the irony of knowledge.

His mother had mentioned these words to him as a child during his stay with his father.

"Knowledge is cruel. It will break your heart and test your allegiances. Are you certain you want this curse?"

And for that she still taught him the secrets of the Abyssal Teachings. A legacy must live on. Perhaps it is a form of spite to the gods that they can never wipe away the people of Khaenri’ah.

He sees a few scholars and some guards at the balcony area. There are not many people this night and thus it would make it much easier for what he is going to do.

Well then. Time to commit blasphemy it seems.

He ties the rope into a hangman’s knot.

Dear Abyss this is going to hurt like a bitch.

The guards and Matra patrolling the entrance of the Akademiya were not prepared when a wave of Cryo suddenly burst within their vision. Shards of ice blasting everywhere and the there are some scholars screaming in fear and panic. The sound of the commotion even drew the attention of those within the Akademiya.

“A madman!” they screamed. “A Vision wielding lunatic is out attacking us!” they shouted.

Tighnari and Cyno ran up the steps of the Akademiya and saw a white robed stranger shooting out shards of Cryo upon the mercenary guards and the matra, who despite being ambushed are trying to their best to apprehend the attacking madman.

Without further hesitation, Cyno leaps in and aims his spear to the white robed man.

Only for it to be blocked by an invisible barrier inches away from the target. The hooded stranger turns their face to Cyno. From the there the General Mahamatra could see an abyss mage’s mask underneath the hood, but before he could anything, the white haired man is flung away from the stranger.

With a strange gestures of their hands, the stranger unleashes a wave of dark energy that pushes everyone surrounding him away. Then extends his hands towards the sky as he chants words in an unknown language.

“Prima veni secretum! Fune in carnifex! Inter vitam et mortem! Ut dependeat in conspectu tuo!” As Kaeya yells these words, the noose in his arm flies out of his hand and ties itself around his neck. The onlookers saw this and their eyes are wide open.

His breathing is getting difficult as he tries to invoke the second part of the spell.

“Canis…! Cruenti…! Ne…sanguis…fluxus!” As a spear of ice materialises from the air.

With a wave of his hand, the frozen spear flies towards him.

Seeing what is about to happen, Cyno speeds ahead to try and catch the spear midair.

But he is too late.

Blood splatters everywhere as the ice spear impales the white robed stranger. Tighnari and the other couldn’t believe their eyes.

The stranger stumbles backwards towards the edge of the balcony.

They try to catch him, they did not see the rope tied to the railings.

The body falls, everyone stops.

The sound of the rope as the body hangs.

A female scholar screams.

Nobody moves. They didn’t think that they could do it.

The Grand Sage Azar had came out of the Akademiya himself to try bring order. He orders someone to pull the body up.

The General Mahamatra goes.

It’s heavy. Even for someone of his strength, it takes time.

As he pulls the body up, everyone is even more frightened.

There is no body.