Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I. OUR LAND, IN ITS BLOODIED NIGHT.

It’s a blow to the back of the head by nothing more than stray debris. One minute, Jean is charging forward to assist a fellow knight, who is hopelessly outnumbered, and the next, there’s an overwhelming boom, a flash of red, and then darkness. 

She awakes slowly, face pressed against the cool, stone path beneath her. The scent of fire fills her nose, and smoke occupies her lungs. She coughs once, twice, and attempts to push herself up into a sitting position, only to find something heavy lays on her back, pinning her down. 

How long has she been unconscious? Minutes, hours?

Her vision is still muddled, and the back of her head throbs to the beat of her pounding heart, but she can make out the sound of screaming underneath the loud ringing in her ears. 

“Jean!”

A voice cries. Familiar. Raw, and filled with desperation.



“Help me get this off of her!” A few exerted grunts sound from around her, then suddenly Jean feels the weight on her back is lifted. “Get her to the Cathedral, now!”

Strong hands wrap around her and hoist her up. Her legs are almost completely numb, so she’s forced to lean against her rescuers for full support. She can’t make out their faces–the world is much too blurry still. 

The two people begin to walk forward, dragging Jean along like dead weight, as her feet are unable to keep up with the scurrying.

Something is falling in the air, all around them. Snow? In the Spring? Jean tilts her head back, gazing upward at the unnaturally orange sky. In the corner of her eye, a streak of enormous, brilliant blue whizzes by. The deep recesses of Jean’s mind whisper—Dvalin. 

That’s when Jean realizes the snow is not dissolving as it lands down on her face. Rather, it stays there, branding her face a spotty, filthy charcoal. 

Ash. 

The Abyss Order—hundreds, all at once. A building went down. Which was it?—Jean can’t remember. Civilians gathered their loved ones and ran toward the Cathedral. Still dressed in their nightclothes, barefoot and afraid. The front gate, overrun. Throat raw from shouting “retreat.” The Knights fell back to the fountain but were being pressed back further and further... 

Her eyes widen, and she nearly falls forward as she remembers everything. She dusts off concerned hands grabbing at her. On unsteady feet, she manages to take one step. Then another. Sword at the ready, she breaks out into a wobbly sprint in the direction of the Good Hunter, ignoring the chorus of people around her calling her name. 

Never has she been this angry. Never has she been this afraid. Where is Barbara, Klee, and Lisa? The Abyss forces are still pouring in through the front gate steadily, outnumbering her knights 3:1. 

A ruin hunter shoots a laser which crumbles what’s left of the Souvenir Shop, which has been reduced to nothing more than a pile of charred rubble. 

Jean lunges forward toward the mechanical weapon, expelling a large gust of wind ahead of her with her sword. Any pain she’d felt before has left her, or at least is put on hold for now. Her singular focus is taking down any enemies in sight, while protecting the knights around her. The machine crumbles, only for another to appear behind it. Jean narrowly avoids its forward attack, rolling out of the way. She responds with a series of agile strikes, jumping up to slam into what she knows is its weak spot. It too, falls, and Jean lands on her feet gracefully.



Normally, the title of Dandelion Knight is more fitting for the Acting Grand Master, but in the heat of battle, she truly becomes the Lionfang—ruthless and unrelenting. Her Anemo swirls with the Pyro of destruction, and flames dance around like wildfire. But as effective as she is, she cannot hold back the dark forces alone. 



She spots Eula, Diluc, and Albedo to her left—their Visions lighting up the grounds in a multitude of colors as they strike down their enemies. And there, to the right, Jean can make out the purple sparks of Electro. It’s Lisa and Razor, back to back. Master and student, fighting valiantly. 

Thank Barbatos, Jean thinks, as she’s filled with relief at the sight of Lisa, slightly bloodied, but breathing all the same. 

As quickly as the enemies are defeated, more continue to pool in. Mages, hilichurls, but also many ruin hunters and guards, casting devastating attacks. It’s clear that though their line is holding, it cannot possibly hold for that much longer. Fatigue and injuries are setting in. Defenses are growing sloppier and desperate. 

Jean takes down 3 hilichurls with one, wide strike, before she gets a prickling feeling on the back of her neck. She spares a moment to look upward.

Something new is in the sky. Not Dvalin this time, but a being much smaller. Large, white wings spread out, glowing. Angelic. 

Jean knows that figure. It’s one she’d gazed up at every day since she was a child, though then it had been stone. Barbatos, but in the flesh. No longer is he wearing the clothes of a bard, but dons the battle outfit that represents the coming of a new age. 

He spreads his wings, and the glow intensifies. The wind whips around in a circular motion, nearly strong enough to cost Jean her footing. 

“Everyone, hold onto something!” Jean cries, though she’s not sure how far her voice is able to carry. She reaches for a grip on the ruins of a nearby building. Her hands dig into the stone as the wind continues to crash more wildly around her, so fast, that it creates a piercing, scream-like whistle. 

The wind cries out, and the light increases in intensity. Brighter, brighter, until it engulfs everything.

Jean shields her eyes and squeezes them shut. Her teeth grind together until the wind’s screams stop. She nearly falls to the ground as the wind all but subsides. Opening her eyes, Jean finds that the monsters of the Abyss are dissolving back into shadow. Their infernal machines crash into the ground, whirring weakly until they are no more. 

There’s that prickling feeling tickling Jean’s neck again, bringing her gaze upward.



Barbatos is falling—rapidly crashing down. The great dragon is not far behind, trying but failing to remain in flight. Jean races toward the spot in which she deduces they’ll fall. Sure enough, the two have landed right outside the side gate of Mondstadt.


Breathless, she reaches them. Immediately, she slides onto her knees beside the broken form of her Archon. His white uniform is stained green and brown from the crash. His wings are no longer there. She gently lifts his upper body into a half sitting position, staring down at him with wide eyes.



“Venti,” she says, voice pleading. His eyes are shut, and he looks almost peaceful at that moment. “Are you alright?” 

Emerald green eyes open, staring up at Jean’s face. “I believe I am dying.”



Holding her breath, Jean doesn’t dare say a word. She can only stare down at her Archon in disbelief and fear. After all, she is a leader born to follow. Serving Mondstadt and chasing the principles of its Archon are all she’s ever known.



Dvalin lays beside them, looking nearly as bad as Venti. His breathing is rough and ragged as he silently watches the scene unfolding before him.



The ash continues to rain down around them. It dusts the top of Jean’s head in a crown of beautiful destruction. 

Venti’s next words have Jean at a complete and utter loss. “It’s you, it’s always been you.”

He must sense Jean’s distress and confusion, because he reaches out and gently takes her Vision in his hand, running his thumb smoothly along the gem’s surface. The Anemo’s glow casts stark shadows across his face. 

“Let me tell you a secret, dear Jean,” he says. She leans forward, eyes wide, clearly hanging onto his every word. “Visions are more than just a gift from the gods. They are a claim.” He pauses, searching her face for understanding, but the woman seems perplexed, lips parted, clearly waiting for him to continue. “Each Archon represents something at their core. Any human embodying that something is bestowed a Vision. A marking by Celestia itself. A declaration that they could perhaps…one day become more, if fate allows it.”

He slowly lets go of her Vision and it swings down, held on by the clasp of her belt. 

“It’s funny, I’ve never believed in fate. But here you are, at this exact moment when my time is nearly at an end.” He looks up at her once again, a hint of amusement in his voice, shining through the pain around the edges. “I think a part of me has always known, somehow, that it would come to this. That it would be you.”

It takes Jean a moment before she realizes what exactly Venti is implying, and when she does, she lets out a shaky, panicked gasp. 

“That’s impossible,” Jean assures, desperately trying to prevent any tears from spilling down her face, because she is a Gunnhildr, and she will not— cannot— cry. “You’re wrong. I’m not—it can’t be me.”

Venti smiles at that, a broken smile filled to the brim with pity. “If Mondstadt is to have another Archon now, it has to be.”

A barely audible sob escapes Jean’s lips. “There must be some other way. You’re a god, after all. Immortal. You’ll heal, won’t you? You can’t die.” When he fails to answer, a wild look flashes across her features, like a wounded and desperate animal. “I have to do something! I have to try.”

She closes her eyes for a moment and focuses all her energy into her hands and arms. A warm, green glow in the shape of a circle illuminates the air around them.

It’s a beautiful sight to behold—Jean’s Vision taking physical form. A manifestation of her desire to make things right.

But her efforts and circle of healing do nothing. There is no change in Venti’s hollowness. Jean cries out in frustration, bowing her head and trying again.

Another try, another failure. Venti is so weak it’s as if Jean can see right through him. 

One last time, Jean won’t give up—

“Jean,” Venti says, firmly.

It’s then that Jean realizes she’s crying, despite her best efforts. The tears are warm as they settle on her face. “Tell me how to fix this,” she begs, through gritted teeth. “I’ll do anything.”

“Even Archons don’t live forever, I’m afraid,” Venti replies, voice trembling slightly. “I’ve spent all my energy beyond recovery this time. Not even a 500 year slumber will do enough to restore me.”

Jean remains silent, breath ragged and sharp.

“But don’t despair. Despite my youthful glow, I’ve lived many lives.” There’s a humorous glint to his eyes, though his voice somewhat lacks it. “And besides, Mondstadt will go on long after I’m gone.”

“You’re all we’ve ever known!” Jean cries. “You’re the root of everything we stand for!”

“I once befriended a boy who loved to play the lyre. But one day, he died, fighting in a war for freedom. I couldn’t bear to let his music go quiet, and so I took up the mantle myself.” He pauses, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. “My ideals can live on, as long as you hold them close. We both want the same thing—for Mondstadt to remain free, and safe.” Venti’s eyes grow cloudy for a moment before he refocuses on Jean.

“I do want that, and you know I’d give everything to keep Mond safe, but this…”



“Yes, becoming an Archon is not something for the faint of heart. It is not a gift, but a terrible burden. A curse, some might say.” He hesitates, taking a ragged breath. “Something most could not handle. But I would not be asking this of you if I thought you couldn’t stomach it. Thrive in it, even.”

Jean swallows.

“Mondstadt will survive, with or without an Archon. I know this city will be safe with you, as Grand Master, or god. So, I leave this choice entirely to you. Will you take my place?” He pauses for a moment, coughing harshly. Red speckles the corners of his mouth. 

Jean lets out a pained laugh. “Is it really a choice, when saying no is not an option? I could never leave Mondstadt defenseless—not now when it needs protection the most. If doing this will keep Mond safe, this is the only way.”

Venti doesn’t look surprised, though he does look at her with pity. “You are a Gunnhildr, through and through.” He takes a deep breath. “Are you absolutely certain?”



A small voice within Jean screams that this is a mistake. It grows louder and louder, roaring in her ears. But in front of her eyes, the rubble of Mondstadt lies before her. The destruction so overwhelming and fresh. Had Venti not been there, it would have been much, much worse. 

He saved Mondstadt when she couldn’t. She was too weak to offer the protection the nation needed. And now, a power vacuum is about to form with the death of their Guardian Deity, leaving Mondstadt more defenseless than ever. However, if she became the next Anemo Archon…

“I accept,” Jean declares, with the bravest voice she can muster. 

A sigh of relief escapes Venti’s lips. With shaking hands, he reaches inside his chest, hands phasing through his body, and pulls out what looks like a large chess piece. He cradles it in his hands for a moment before reaching out and giving it to Jean. “This is my Gnosis. A connection to the Divine. It’s yours, now.”

Jean looks down from Venti’s pale face to the piece now in her hands. Somehow, without being told, she knows what she has to do. But before she can lodge it into her chest, she hesitates. 

“Once I do this, what will happen to you?”

He smiles at that. “Something inevitable.” At Jean’s unpleasant expression, he lets out a short chuckle. “It’s the only thing that is keeping me alive now. But even Celestia’s strength is not enough this time.”

“I can’t—“

“Jean,” Venti says, gently. “This is what I want. Will you grant an old man his final wish?”

Squeezing her eyes shut tightly for a moment, Jean nods. I’ve failed this city, and Barbatos. Perhaps this really is the only thing I can do to make things right. 

Taking a steady breath, Jean lodges the piece into her own chest, feeling the breath catch in her throat as it phases right into place. 

For a moment, nothing happens. Then a sharp pain erupts from inside Jean, so unbearable that it feels as though she’s being ripped apart. 

She lets out a small cry of surprise before clenching her jaw, holding back her whimpers. 

“The pain will stop in a moment,” Venti assures, softly. “And then, you will be forever changed.”

Jean claws at her chest, squeezing her eyes shut. Maybe, she thinks, she won’t survive this. Venti is wrong, she’s not the most suited to be his successor. And she’ll die here, beside her Archon, a failure, tarnishing the Gunnhildr name and leaving behind all those she loves—

The pain stops, and Jean gasps for air again and again as she comes to her senses. The world around her is blurry and bright. It’s the same, and yet different. Jean squints as she glances around and adjusts. 

“Green suits you,” Venti murmurs. Then he coughs again, and makes his entire, frail body shutter.

“This is…” Jean starts, but doesn’t know how to finish, because what she’s seeing and feeling is almost inexplicable. She feels light. So light, she might float away if not for Venti tethering her to the ground. 

“There’s a man in Liyue who goes by the name of Zhongli. He should be able to answer any questions you may have. I’d answer them for you, but I’m afraid our time is almost at an end.”

The dazed look on Jean’s face switches to one of pure terror in an instant. 

“But, I don’t know the first thing about being an Archon. What do I do, Barbatos? H-how do I do this?” Jean’s voice is small and panicked, and for a moment, Venti is reminded of how truly young she is. 

Reaching upward, he gently wipes off a tear that has leaked out onto Jean’s face. “For once, that’s something you’ll have to figure out on your own. You will find your way.” 

He pauses, giving her a brave smile. “Just let the wind, but mostly your heart, lead.”

Tears begin to spill down her face then, and Venti’s hand drops to his side once more. “So much like her,” he murmurs, more to himself than Jean. 

And before she can ask him who he’s talking about, he’s gone. 

When Archons die, Jean soon realizes, it’s not a spectacle. Rather, the body simply…fades. 

There is no burst of blinding light. The sky doesn’t part above, nor does the ground tremble beneath them. There’s nothing to indicate that an immortal being that has existed for centuries has suddenly gone still. 

It happens like this. 

One moment, Jean is clutching Venti’s hands tightly, trying her best not to tremble, and the next, he is gone.

“Goodbye, old friend,” Dvalin says, making Jean start. She had somehow nearly forgotten the dragon was there. 

“Is he really, truly…?” Jean begins to ask, but can’t bring herself to finish.

Slowly standing up, Dvalin looks down sadly at the Acting Grand Master in front of him. “Yes. Barbatos is gone…I can no longer feel him.”

Jean’s breath hitches, and she digs her nails into her palms so roughly she draws blood. 

“Child, you have a long and difficult journey ahead. I’m sure our paths will cross again soon. Until then.” And he takes flight, leaving Jean alone. 

She stares up at the sky, watching as he flies back toward Old Mondstadt. When he is no more than a spec, she lets her tears fall freely once again.

Lisa finds Jean a few minutes later, reaching for an invisible thing that is no longer there. 

“Jean!” Lisa shouts, running toward her with a burst of relief. She is wearing nothing but a lavender nightgown, now dirty and torn. She wears no gloves, revealing various burns on her hands, new and old, from wielding Electro. Her hat is nowhere to be found, and her hair in her usual loose braid has come undone. 

She abruptly halts when she notices the tips of Jean’s blonde hair have turned a greenish-blue color. 

At the sound of Lisa’s outburst, Jean turns away, letting her bangs fall into her face.

Kneeling down in front of Jean—her dearest companion, who has always been more—Lisa places her bare hands against Jean’s cheeks and forces the woman’s head upward. 

Bile rises in Lisa’s throat when she sees two unfamiliar green eyes staring back at her. Jean’s stormy gray eyes, the ones Lisa fell in love with, are nowhere to be found. 

“Jean,” Lisa says, low and guttural, “what have you done?”

Speechless for a moment, Jean struggles to figure out how to answer the question. Finally, she settles on, “What I had to.”

A range of emotions passes over Lisa’s face in an instant—fury, disbelief, and fear—but it settles on sadness. She lets her hands fall back to her sides limply. 

“Mondstadt would be without an Archon, and I could not let that happen,” Jean continues. Her voice lacks any emotion or inflection at all. “This city could not survive another attack of this caliber without a guardian. If Barbatos hadn’t been here…if he hadn’t—“ she chokes up, unable to continue. 

“You can’t take this back,” Lisa says, voice barely above a whisper. 

“I know!” Jean shouts, stoic face shattering as she lets out a sob. She sinks to the ground and buries her face in her hands, hiding the tears as they begin to spill down uncontrollably. 

“Do you think I wanted this?” her voice is strained and raw as she yells. “I’ve already given everything I’ve ever had to this nation. Everything!” 

Lisa is silent for a moment, and for a minute, Jean thinks maybe the other woman has stood up and walked away. Then, she hears Lisa say, “You’ve sacrificed the last thing you had left—your humanity. And now you’re shackled to this nation of freedom, even more than you already were.”

“I’m sorry,” Jean says, unsure if she’s talking to herself, or Lisa. She sounds so, so small. 

Jean feels Lisa’s arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. “I know,” Lisa replies. Jean feels cool tears land on her shoulders. “I’m sorry, too.”

Chapter Text

II. THE FEET, MECHANICAL, GO ROUND.

The first time Barbara sees her sister after the battle is when Jean and Lisa stumble into the Cathedral together, both looking a bit dazed. Lisa has her arm around Jean, steadying her as they walk forward.

The pews have been pushed aside to make way for makeshift cot beds to house the large volume of injured. It looks as if they are in the middle of a warzone. Though, miraculously, the foundation of the building has remained untouched, out of harm's way. 

Jean’s filled with relief to see Barbara tending to the injured, a little worse for wear, but alive.

Her sister’s head is bent down in concentration as she uses her Vision to heal a knight’s stab wound. Hydro dances around them, a show of just how talented she has become at healing over the years. It’d almost be beautiful if the room wasn’t filled with despair so thick that it permeates the air. 

Lisa releases Jean, and she wordlessly approaches, watching her sister work. The final moment of some semblance of normalcy, before all those she cares about find out about her choice. 

Once Barbara is done and murmurs to the knight to rest, her head raises to meet Jean’s eyes. 

A crooked smile forms on Jean’s lips—the best she can do at the moment. “I’m glad to see you’re alright,” she says, but her voice breaks at the end. 

Barbara’s mouth makes the shape of an “o”, eyes unbelievably wide, before she jumps into her sister’s arms and squeezes her tight, bursting into tears. “You’re alive,” Barbara manages to say, voice muffled as her face is pressed into her sister’s chest. “You’re alive.”

And though she noticed Jean’s green-blue hair and eyes immediately, she doesn’t bring it up. Simply tucks the observation away for later, when Mondstadt isn’t a rubbled mess, more in need of her older sister than ever. 

And for that, Jean is grateful.

Jean first sees Kaeya an hour later, as she makes a round of Mondstadt to fully survey the damage and look for survivors. Most everyone had retreated to either the Adventurers’ Guild Headquarters, or the Cathedral, but Jean fears someone may be hiding still, or buried under rubble. 

There’s a crippling fear of finding someone dear to her unmoving, face blank.

Kaeya, it seems, had the same idea. She finds him scanning the area as well. His face is a mess of soot and ash. His cape is off, discarded somewhere in the heat of battle. He looks as though he’s aged ten years since the last time Jean saw him.

He nearly starts when he sees her, and the determined, serious expression on his face breaks instantly. “Oh,” he says, before swallowing roughly. He takes another moment to truly look at her newly greened eyes, before he turns away, pained by the sight. “I see.”

Jean feels a pang in her chest. “Have you found any survivors…or dead?”

“Not yet, it seems the evacuations were done early and quick enough that everyone got out.” He pauses, looking at Jean again. “Most everyone.”

Kaeya pulls her into a hug then, warm and tight. She melts into it, feeling her breathing quicken. 

“This is my fault,” she says out loud. “All of this—“

The Cavalry Captain squeezes her tighter. “None of this is your fault. We knew something was coming but no one could have predicted the scope of this.”

“Barbatos,” she continues, as if not hearing a word Kaeya said, “he should still be here. I’ve failed him, and Mondstadt.”

“Oh hush,” Kaeya orders. “Despite everything, there were only a few casualties, thanks to your leadership and quick thinking. Jean, you saved Mond.”

“Even one casualty is too much.” After a moment of heavy silence, she clears her throat. “What of Amber? I didn’t see her at the Cathedral or Guild.”

“She left with Eula and Diluc to do a sweep of the surrounding lands, making sure there’s no more enemies afoot.” 

Jean nods at that, not surprised those three were restless and on their feet despite everything. She herself had only sat down once since the fighting started, at Barbara’s insistence, for a quick check up.

There were no injuries or ailments to find, of course. Jean is the Anemo Archon now, and the Gnosis in her chest gives her a rush of power and strength unlike anything she’s felt before. 

“Let’s keep searching,” Kaeya suggests, and together the two of them finish shuffling through the crumbled pieces of their home. 

That night, since Jean’s apartment had been a casualty of the battle, Barbara insists she stays with her in the Cathedral. 

Barbara’s room is relatively bare and minimalistic. There’s a few gifts from fans sitting on her desk, next to a framed picture of her and Jean that Lumine took with her kamera a few months prior. 

The two are back to back in Barbara’s twin sized bed, and Jean can feel the expansion and deflation of her sister’s lungs. It reminds her of when they were kids, and Barbara would wordlessly crawl into bed with her during a thunderstorm. 

After an hour or two, when little Barbara thought Jean was sleeping, she would roll over and reach for her hand. The touch so light, Jean would awaken and wonder if she had only dreamt it all.

Now, Barbara does not roll over. And Jean sleeps, but fails to dream.

After scouting out Springvale and Wolvendom the next morning, Jean heads back to the Adventurers’ Guild Headquarters to tend to the lesser injuries of the wounded. She’d never been quite as gifted at healing as Barbara, but still, the important thing is that she can still help. 

All the people of Mondstadt can do for now is take care of each other until they have the strength to fully clean up and rebuild. An urgent message had been sent to Master Varka and his caravan, but Jean suspects they will not be able to return for a few more months, being on the other side of Teyvat currently. 

The weight of dealing with this disaster has fallen entirely on Jean's shoulders, and she is determined to make things right. 

About two hours later, she leaves the building to fetch more water for everyone. On her way back, with jugs in hand, she is greeted by a familiar face.



“The Gunnhildr girl, lacking her usual shine. What a sorry sight you are,” Eula rasps, though it’s tender and half-heartedly venomous. 

Jean lets out a huff, and her mouth twitches up at the ends. “You’re not exactly up to your usual standards, either.”

Eula crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow. “I suppose keeping up appearances hasn’t been on anyone’s mind recently, with the fall of Mondstadt and all.”

“The almost fall of Mondstadt,” Jean corrects, but it seems silly as soon as she says it. After all, the city is in ruin around them, and Barbatos is no more.

“It could have been much worse,” Eula agrees, looking around them and surveying the wreckage, “if not for Barbatos.”

A thick lump builds in Jean’s throat, one she can’t swallow away. “Yes, he gave us all he had left.”

Eula hums, as if she had suspected all along. “So that’s why you look like this,” she says, reaching forward and taking the ends of Jean’s loose hair in her hands, threading it through her fingers gently. Had this been a normal day, Jean may have been flustered by the contact. But now, she feels only hollow and empty. “You’ve become the Anemo Archon, haven’t you?”

“Yes.” It’s the first time Jean has admitted it out loud to anyone else beside Lisa, making it all the more real. “I suppose so.”

Crossing her arms, Eula lets out a tsk. “Jean, you goddamn fool.”

The only thing Jean can do is smile, sadly. “What would you have done, Eula?”

She pauses at that, brows furrowing. “I would never be in that situation in the first place. Can you imagine a Lawrence as the Anemo Archon? Why, this city would be in a state of panic.”

“If you were me, a Gunnhildr,” Jean replies. “Then what?”

Sighing, Eula brushes back a loose strand of hair that has fallen into Jean’s face. “I’m not as inhumanly selfless and self-destructive as you are. Besides, I’ve found too much recently that I would not be willing to lose.”

Amber. Jean knows all too well the blossoming feelings her two friends have for one another. It’s been nice to see Eula in a bit more of a cheerful mood recently.

Jean thinks of her own heart, tethered to vibrant green eyes and deliberate, gentle touches. 

The feeling of premature loss weighs down on her, suffocating. One day, she’d lose everyone she loved, and be left alone. 

At Jean’s silence, Eula clears her throat and takes one of the jugs Jean is carrying, before turning to walk back in the direction of the Guild Headquarters. Jean follows behind without a word. 

“Do you mind if I speak frankly?” Eula asks.

“You’ve never asked permission before,” Jean responds, quickening her pace so that they’re side by side.

Eula huffs at that, but doesn’t argue. “When I was a child, I truly admired you. I thought you were as close to perfect as anyone could be.” She pauses, swallowing. “But as I grew older, I began to despise you. Mondstadt’s golden girl—everything I could never be. That didn’t last long though, because you’ve been, infuriatingly, nothing but kind to me since I joined the ranks. You made it impossible for me to hate you, and I suppose that only made me despise you more.”

“And now?” Jean prods. “How do you feel about me now?”

Eula turns to look at her levelly, and Jean sees the same look she’d seen the day before from Lisa and Kaeya. “I pity you. Perhaps you were just as damned as I was, right from the start.”

The sting of Eula’s words lingers on Jean’s cheek like a slap as they finish the rest of their walk in silence. 

Her office—Varka’s office, is nearly in ruin. The outside wall has partially collapsed, and the bookshelves have fallen over, taking the nearby railing with it. Paperwork is scattered across the floor. 

Nothing appears to have been taken during the battle, as far as Jean can tell. Important documents remain on her desk, with a few scattered across the floor. 

Jean runs her hand along the conference table, which is somehow still standing, along with Lisa’s tea set. Though, Jean suspects a bit of magic might have been involved with that. 

“Master Jean!” a small, yet boisterous voice calls. Turning around, Jean sees Klee hopping out of Albedo’s arms. The two must have entered the office while she was lost in thought. 

Klee is nearly buzzing, afresh with remarkable energy. “Did you see me? I blew up all those bad guys! Even though they’re cute and fuzzy, I know we can’t trust them.”

There’s a proud smile on her face, bright and infectious.

“You did very well, Klee,” Jean says, bending down on one knee and beckoning the girl closer. “Such a valiant knight.”

Klee hops over to her, accepting Jean’s outstretched arms, which pull her in tightly. The hug is long overdue. 

“Master Jean, why did your hair change color? And why are your eyes different?” The girl pulls away, staring at Jean curiously. 

Jean makes eye contact with Albedo, who nods in understanding. Then, she lifts Klee into her arms, setting the girl down so that she’s seated on the edge of the conference table. Her tiny feet swing beneath her. 

“Barbatos had to go away for a long time because he got very tired after saving Mondstadt. He blessed me with his powers until he returns.”

Klee’s face lights up. “So you’re the temporary Anemo Archon, now?”

Jean smiles, feeling her stomach twist with guilt. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“That’s so cool!” Klee beams. “Can you do cool tricks now?”

“I haven’t tried,” Jean admits. “But it is…a serious position. It’s a lot of responsibility.”

“But you’re Master Jean, you can handle anything!” Klee assures, without any hesitation or a single trace of doubt. 

Jean lets out a surprised laugh that sounds suspiciously like a sob. “I’m glad you think so, Klee.”

“Timaeus, Sucrose and I are planning out ways to help rebuild the city,” Albedo says. “Alchemy can be of great assistance. Stop by our lab when you have the time, and we can discuss in greater detail.”

“Thank you, Captain Albedo,” Jean says, giving Klee’s hand a squeeze before she jumps off the table and runs out the door, following her older brother. 

Chapter Text

III. AFTER GREAT PAIN, A FORMAL FEELING COMES. 

The next few months are spent rebuilding the city. Some buildings, Jean suspects, won’t fully be rebuilt until next year. 

For these months, Jean pretends that things are the same. She keeps up with her duties as Acting Grand Master, ignoring the surprised and awe filled looks from Mondstadt’s citizens when they notice her new green eyes. 

No one asks Jean about what happened, but she’s sure they’ve all figured it out. Whispers follow her everywhere, different in tone than they used to be. Not warm, but afraid. 

After several meetings Jean calls with the Captains, and Lisa—who is always invited to join such meetings due to her insight and expertise—it is deduced that the Abyss Order attacked as they did to weaken Mondstadt’s defenses in preparation for another attack on a grander scale. Whether that would be in days, months, or even years, they cannot be sure. 

And it would have worked, if not for Venti’s sacrifice. They have to be prepared for another attack at any given moment. This preparation consists of more routine patrols outside of the city's walls, particularly near Dadaupa Gorge, in which Eula had discovered an underground base that had undoubtably served as an Abyss Order camp at one point recently. Citizens traveling outside of the city are urged to exercise alertness and caution for any suspicious activities. Lisa and Albedo quickly restock the potions inventory, specifically defensive and healing concoctions, and then double the amount total. Jean decides to intensify the training of the newest recruits of the Ordo Favonius, hoping to increase the number of capable knights able to stand their ground as soon as possible. Battle plans are mapped out for every possible scenario that anyone can think of. 

During any free time Jean has, she throws herself into her personal training with a renewed vigor. The goal, to purge herself of the weakness she displayed when Mondstadt needed her most. She will not fail her people again.

Her social life, which before was practically non-existent, all but ceases, despite the protests of her friends. Since Jean’s energy and strength has increased, she’s not prone to the same fatigue. Lisa can no longer use Jean’s physical health as a reason to beg her to slow down and rest.

Her mental health, however…

“Would it kill you to take a break?” Lisa asks her one day, stepping outside to the nearby training grounds to see Jean slicing a training dummy in half with Anemo, guided by nothing more than the point of her sword. 

Jean grabs her shirt and wipes some of the sweat pooling on her face before she lowers her weapon and turns to Lisa. “Yes,” she says, simply, before walking over to the edge of the grounds, where a few more training dummies are placed. 

Lisa rolls her eyes. “I made tea. Coffee for you. And Noelle stopped by with freshly baked biscuits.”

“That sounds lovely, but I’d like to work on this a bit more.” She stands the dummy up before turning to Lisa again. “I apologize, but please enjoy the biscuits without me.”

Of course, Jean is as stubborn as she is kind. A dangerous and frustrating combination. Lisa has learned by now that Jean’s will is resolute. But recently, it’s grown into something even stronger. Wind sharp enough to cut through steel. 

“You need to take care of yourself Jean, now perhaps more than ever—”

“—Debris,” Jean interjects, suddenly. 

“What?”



“Flying debris. That’s the reason I was out for almost half the battle. I got hit in the back of the head with a brick, or concrete, or something heavy enough to knock me unconscious. Not a ruin grader, or an Abyss mage, but an inanimate, purposeless, object.” 

Her voice is filled with anger, and her eyes are narrowed. She’s looking at Lisa, only a few feet away, but she feels very far away. 

“If I would’ve had a better sense of my surroundings, perhaps the battle may have gone differently. Perhaps Barbatos would not have laid down his life for us.”

“Jean, you’re only one person. Incredibly talented and fierce, but one person all the same. Surely even if you had't been knocked out, the result of the attack would remain unchanged.” 

“I’m more than that now,” Jean explains. “With every day that passes, I feel more in sync with the wind around me. If I close my eyes, I can still see. Granted, the perimeter to which my new sight reaches is small, but it is growing every day. I need to continue training with these new abilities. If I hone my skills, I can sense every little change in the air around me. I can make sure nothing so pathetic happens to me again. But more than that, I can become strong enough to protect Mondstadt from any future threat.” 

The anger has dissipated. Jean looks at Lisa with pleading eyes, begging her to understand. 

And of course Lisa does. She always does, though it doesn’t mean she likes it. 

“Alright,” Lisa says, in defeat. “I’ll save you a biscuit for later. Come by and grab it when you’re done, will you?”

Jean smiles in gratitude, nodding her head. “I’ll see you soon.” She turns back to the dummy, closing her eyes, and searching for complete, inner focus. 

Lisa begins to walk away, but stops just short of the back door. She watches as the wind picks up violently around Jean, a bit out of control at first, until it settles into a malleable thing, which follows Jean’s command with ease. The training dummy is no more.

An uncomfortable fear settles over Lisa, watching the power—so resolute. But she knows she mustn’t be afraid, not with Jean being the one behind it. 

Jean stumbles into the library only after the sun begins to set. Lisa has gone home for the day, but on her desk sits a biscuit as promised, packaged up for Jean. 

The second month after the attack, Varka and his men return. 

Jean is filled with relief, but also dread. Her title will be stripped away, and she’ll be forced to come to terms with the fact that she is no longer human. No longer the same Jean that Varka left in charge, over a year ago.

But it’s nice to pretend, sometimes. 

During a rare, quiet moment, Varka gestures Jean into his office, which is relatively unchanged from the short time it was her own. Papers are splayed out over his desk and the conference table with little care. 

“What do you want to do now that you’re the Anemo Archon, Jean?” Varka asks, straight to the point. 

She cannot answer, because she doesn’t know. 

The man she’s looked up to for years only looks at her with pity now, and it sickens her to the core. 

“Take your time to think about it, but soon we need to announce what has become of Barbatos, officially.” He puts a hand on her shoulder, comforting. “Whatever you decide, the Knights will always be here for you, whether you remain in our ranks or not.”

Jean swallows the lump in her throat and nods. “Thank you, Master Varka.”

His serious expression turns into his signature proud and wide grin. “In the meantime, why don’t you go with Outrider Amber on her patrol through Wolvendom today? It will be good for you to get some fresh air.”

She happily agrees. Lately, she prefers being outside of the city walls. They now feel oppressive and daunting. 

In the wilderness, Jean feels at peace. She can pretend that nothing has changed. She is just Jean again, and Mondstadt is just home. 

She wonders, then, if this is how Eula felt, all these years. 

There are only a few hilichurl camps set up near Wolvendom, and Jean and Amber are able to clear them out with ease. Jean uses it as an excuse to test out some of her newest techniques on things besides training dummies. Amber lets out sounds of awe as Jean captures the enemy into a small, yet fierce Anemo vortex. The Pyro that Amber fires within it demolishes the enemy almost instantaneously. 

Ready to scout further to make sure no camps were missed, Amber leads Jean to a cliff, to get them a better view to survey the area. 

“I don’t know what to do,” Jean confesses, once they’ve reached the top, and Mondstadt’s skyline is visible in the distance. She doesn’t know why she’s telling Amber this, of all people, but the words fall out, anyway. “In my life, I’ve always had a plan. A clear path to follow. But now it seems there’s no set direction.” 

“It must be scary,” Amber says, thoughtfully, and Jean nods her head, once, twice. 

“Yes. It is.”

“My grandpa always told me that life is unpredictable. Better to go with the flow than to forge a path through a mountain.” She looks at Jean, giving her a reassuring smile. “You’ll figure it out, Master Jean.” 

At that, Jean presses her lips into a firm line and says nothing. 

Amber bounces from foot to foot as she looks at the sight of Mondstadt. “Instead of focusing on all the negatives, why don’t you focus on the positives!”

Jean blinks. “The…positives?”

“Being an Archon definitely can’t be all bad!” Amber insists. “You must have some other cool abilities besides what you were testing out today.” 

“I hadn’t really thought about that,” Jean admits. “There are no doubt many powers I have yet to discover.”

“Can you control the wind? Ooh, what about flying!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, I can’t—“ Jean cuts herself off, reflecting back to seeing Venti at the height of battle. Resembling his statue then, sprouting those beautiful, feathered, white wings. “I probably can’t fly.” 

“You won’t know until you give it a try! Let’s see what you can do, Master Jean.” There’s an almost devilish look in Amber’s eye.

Jean indulges her.

The next day, Jean stands before the people, with Varka beside her. They had called an emergency state of address. Nearly everyone in the entire city has shown up—even the Lawrence Clan, who stands to the side, separated from the rest.

Varka gives her an encouraging nod, and she steps forward.



The assembly of people before her are her friends, family, and neighbors. All wide eyed, hanging on her every word. Clearly, they must have some guess as to what’s coming. 

She spots Lisa, a bit farther back within the crowd. They make eye contact, and Lisa gives her a supportful smile. Jean sucks in a breath, readying herself. 

“Recently, we’ve all experienced the greatest calamity Mondstadt has faced in centuries. The Abyss Order declared war against our nation, attacking our front gate ruthlessly, and without warning. Their forces greatly outnumbered our own, and despite the best efforts of our Knights, and Vision users, we could not hold the line at the front gate. We were fighting a losing battle, and our fate surely would’ve been sealed, had it not been for our Archon, Barbatos.”



“To protect us all, Barbatos unleashed a burst of power so strong that the enemy was annihilated almost instantaneously. He knew the great toll this would take on him, and yet he executed it anyway. He sacrificed himself for Mondstadt. For all of us.”

She pauses and looks around at the sea of grief stricken, shocked faces. “Barbatos is no more.” 

There’s a murmur among the crowd, and the sounds of a few sobs can be heard. 

“Before he…passed…Barbatos entrusted his power to me. He wanted me to become the next Anemo Archon, and I accepted.”

The murmuring increases further, becoming wild and loud. 

“Does this mean we pray to you now?”

“How can a human become an Archon?”

“Can you protect Mondstadt as well as Barbatos did?”

“Will we still remain the City of Freedom?”

People begin throwing questions in unison, becoming a jumbled mess. Jean raises her hands, commanding silence. The crowd obeys, instantly.

“There are still many unknowns and questions I cannot yet answer. I ask for patience until I am able to figure things out. However, I promise to continue to withhold the ideals of Barbatos. Freedom, at its core.”

“What do you plan to do now?” A man shouts.

That blasted question again. 

Jean lets out a small sigh, then takes another step closer to the edge of the platform. “What has happened is unprecedented, but this does not change the fact that I will continue to do all I can to protect Mondstadt. For now, I will continue to help Mondstadt as I have, by Master Varka’s side, as the Master of Knights within the Ordo Favonius.”

Varka steps forward, placing a hand on Jean’s shoulder. “There is not a single person more worthy of being Barbatos’ successor than our very own Dandelion Knight. The Ordo Favonius places their full trust in her, as we always have. As she’s earned.”

That seems to satisfy the people of Mondstadt, at least for now. With Varka’s seal of approval, tensions begin to ease, ever so slightly. 

The crowd disperses, and Lisa finds Jean immediately after. Jean lets out a sigh of relief as Lisa links their arms and begins to lead her toward the outskirts of the city.

“You did well, Jean. Everyone might be a bit on edge, but they trust you. You’ve proved yourself, again and again. Now that you’re our Archon, things are no different.”

“And yet, things feel as though they’ve completely changed.” 

Lisa glances at her, sidelong. “You said it yourself, this occurrence is unprecedented. But the Knights are here for you, ready to help you in whatever way you need. I hope that can bring you some comfort.”

“It does, but knowing you are here with me eases my mind the most,” Jean admits. “Thank you, for helping me through this. For staying by my side, all this time.”

A look of a bit of surprise flashes across Lisa’s features, before she contains herself and leans her weight into Jean a bit more. “You don’t have to thank me. My motivations are not as selfless as you may think, because you bring me just as much peace. Archon or not, you will always be my Jean.”

A light pink coats Jean’s face, but she says nothing.

They walk together in silence for a bit longer, simply enjoying each other’s company. They have no destination in mind, but the night is crisp and makes for nice walking weather. 

Then, suddenly Jean flinches, startling Lisa. With her free hand, Jean presses her fingertips to her temple. “Do you hear that?” she asks. The two stop walking, and Lisa pulls her off the path, turning Jean so they are facing each other. 

“I don’t hear anything.” Her eyes are wide and concerned as she sees Jean wincing, as if in pain. 

“The voices,” Jean murmurs, squeezing her eyes shut. “There’s so many of them, and they’re so loud.” 

Lisa looks around and sees no one. They are completely alone. “What are they saying?”

“Hard to make out. But they’re all asking…asking for something. They’re asking things of me.”

“Sit down,” Lisa commands, pulling Jean to the curb. Jean obeys, cradling her head in her hands. 

“I’m sorry,” Jean manages to get out, though it’s clear she’s in pain. “For interrupting our walk.”

Lisa kneels beside her, starting to rub her back in small circles. “Oh hush, you have nothing to apologize for. Let’s get you to the Cathedral, where you can rest.”

After a minute of sitting, Lisa hoists Jean to her feet and lets the taller woman lean into her as they slowly make their way to the Cathedral, which luckily isn’t too far away. 

As soon as they arrive, a few sisters come rushing over to take Jean from Lisa. Lisa describes her condition, and the sisters take her back to the infirmary. 

Barbara, still tending to those who were deeply wounded and are slowly recovering, rushes over when she sees her sister in a sorry state. She helps Jean to a bed before laying her down, with Lisa following close behind.

Jean’s head is pounding, and the voices whispering in her ears only increase in volume and intensity. She can make out Lisa and Barbara having a rushed conversation at her bedside, through her half closed eyelids. 

“You can sleep now,” a soft voice says, chasing away the other monstrous voices, if only for a moment. Jean reaches for the relief–the familiar voice she so loves. It’s so close now, just beyond her fingertips. “Rest,” the voice whispers. 

And Jean does. 

Jean awakens to sunlight spilling through the curtains of her infirmary room. She rubs her eyes before sitting up. 

“Don’t sit up too fast,” Barbara warns from the chair beside Jean’s bed. “You’ll make yourself dizzy.”

Huffing, Jean shoots her sister a look of contempt, but does as she’s told. “How long have I been asleep?”

“Only about 10 hours. You slept through the night, and into the morning.”

Jean sighs with relief, glad it hasn’t been days. “Thank you for tending to me. I feel much better.”

Barbara opens her mouth to say something, then closes it. She fiddles with her gloves a moment before opening her mouth again. “I wasn’t able to do anything to help,” she admits. “When you fell asleep, the pain seemed to subside on its own.”

She stands up, taking a step closer to the bed. “Lisa and I both think that what you were experiencing was…prayers.”

“Prayers?” Jean repeats, brows furrowing. “But they were so…” she stops herself, thinking back to the voices she could make out. “I suppose that does make sense.”

“You only just heard them tonight after officially announcing that you’re the Anemo Archon. It may continue happening for a while until you can find some way to block them out, or at least make them less invasive. I suggest you retire to bed early each night until that happens.”

“But—“

“Please listen to your sister, Master Jean.” Kaeya appears, standing in the doorway, with a smirk on his face. “We can’t have you collapsing nightly.”

He enters the room, and Barbara steps back, giving him an appreciative nod.

“You’re the Anemo Archon, after all. You must keep up appearances, and not let your people worry.”

Jean swallows, dropping her eyes from him. “Has word of my collapse spread?”

“Well, people love to gossip here, as you know,” Kaeya explains. “Even the dear sisters of this Church.”

Barbara hangs her head, looking at Jean apologetically.

Wordlessly, Jean pulls back her bedsheets and stands, tall and proud. “I’ll be getting right back to work, then.” 

And she leaves.



Kaeya remains, sharing a concerned look with Barbara. “Can you look after her for me?” she asks. 

“Don’t worry, I always do.” He winks, gives her a light pat on the head, then follows after the Master of Knights.

“I’m planning to step down as Grand Master in five years time,” Varka tells Jean. He had called her to his office to deliver the news. “It will be time then to nominate some fresh blood.” 

It’s awfully early to declare such a thing, which is unusual for Varka, but Jean can tell he’s put a lot of thought into it based on the determined look on his face.

“You know the position is yours, if you want it, that is.”

When she was first sworn into the Ordo Favonius, she had envisioned this day many times. There was celebration and cheer. Eagerness. Her mother stood off to the side of the induction ceremony, beaming. 

But now, she only feels dread and disappointment. 

“I can’t accept,” Jean says, and Varka nods, clearly not surprised. “Once I take that position, there is no going back. Time will not force me to retire and find a successor. And I do not want to remain an eternal ruler, like the Electro Archon.”

“I understand,” Varka replies. “I had a feeling that would be the case.” He gives a sharp, hearty laugh. “There was never any question though, it was always supposed to be you. I guess life had other plans for you, eh?”

A pang of guilt and loss erupts through Jean. Yes, it had always been her trajectory to follow in Varka’s footsteps. But now, it would only be a conflict of interest.

“Does this mean you’ll eventually be leaving the Knights as well?”

Jean nods. “Yes, but a bit earlier than that. At the end of this year, I will officially retire. No point in putting off the inevitable any longer.”

“What will you do after that?”

Jean ponders the question for a moment. “I suppose I’ll live as Barbatos did. Watching, waiting.”

“That sounds like a lonely life.”

“Perhaps,” is all Jean says, nonchalantly, as if the thought of being alone doesn't fill her with overwhelming sadness. As if she doesn't yearn to love, and be loved, in secret.  

“You’ve done well, Jean.” Varka replies, sensing her slipping away. “However, now you’ve put me in quite the predicament. It will be hard to find someone else just as worthy for the title of Grand Master!”

A tinge of guilt stabs Jean once again. “There are plenty of brilliant people here, just as capable. I have no doubt you’ll select an excellent candidate.”

It’s true, Jean has faith in her fellow knights. There are a few others who could undoubtedly rise to the occasion if asked. But it hurts to think of anyone else wearing the blue cape other than herself, following in Lady Vennessa's footsteps. 

She excuses herself then, wanting to hide herself and her selfish thoughts away.

Chapter Text

IV. THIS COULD BE A DREAM.

“Okay, I think this is a good spot.”

“ Jean. Can you tell me what exactly we’re doing out here?”

Lisa and Jean stand on the edge of a small cliff near Wolvendom. Jean looks dashing, electing to wear casual clothes today—a light blue button up tucked into tan trousers. Lisa chose to sport a flowing, white blouse tucked into a knee-length, lavender purple skirt. Though, given the current terrain, Lisa finds herself questioning her choice to dress up so formally. 

The invitation to join Jean for an outing this weekend had truly surprised Lisa. It seems, since Varka has returned, Jean is making an effort to have a life outside of work again. It puts Lisa’s worries slightly at ease. 

“Just one more moment. Climb up here with me.” She steps up to the edge of a cliff, then reaches her hand down for Lisa expectantly.

Lisa looks at Jean, unsure. 

“You trust me, don’t you?” Jean asks. 

“I do, but perhaps my faith has been misplaced,” Lisa mumbles, begrudgingly taking Jean’s hand anyway. 

They stand on top of the rock formation, and Lisa wobbles slightly. Jean grips her tight, steadying her. 

“Now, I have something to show you, but you mustn't be alarmed.”

Lisa raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "My, how mysterious." She crosses her arms, waiting intently.

Jean takes a breath and closes her eyes. For a moment, nothing happens, and then—



White wings, smooth and bright, unfold from behind Jean’s back. They spread out wide, blocking out the sun. 

Lisa gasps, completely caught off guard. “You…have wings?”

Jean chuckles quietly at Lisa’s wide eyes. “One of the results of becoming Anemo Archon, I recently discovered. Amber was quite determined to help me learn how to conjure them."

Slowly, Lisa reaches forward and gently feels Jean’s left wing. It’s soft and feathery, just as one might expect. “This is…”

“Strange, I know,” Jean finishes. “I’m still getting used to it myself.”

“I was going to say beautiful," Lisa corrects, looking at Jean with a genuine smile on her face. “They suit you well—as if you were meant to have them all along.”

Lisa revels in the way Jean breaks eye contact, turning her head as if embarrassed.

“You can fly, then?” 

“That’s what I wanted to show you today.” 

Lisa scoffs at the very thought. “You want to take me flying?”

Jean lets out another small laugh before smiling sheepishly. “You don’t sound too pleased with that idea.”

Crossing her arms, Lisa presses her lips together. “It sounds exciting. But, well, there’s one slight problem. I happen to be quite afraid of heights.”

“Oh.” Jean suddenly feels very foolish, having not considered that possibility. “I didn’t know.”

“And how could you? It’s not as if the topic ever came up, nor have we traveled somewhere very elevated together.”

Jean’s wings fold back tightly behind her and she scratches the back of her neck. “I apologize for wasting your time, bringing you out here.”

A look of both embarrassment and disappointment animates Jean’s features. It makes Lisa’s stomach knot instantly.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t be willing to try.” Jean’s head instantly perks up, like an excited puppy. “However, you’ll have to stay relatively low to the ground. Or else I can’t guarantee I won’t accidentally send you an electric shock strong enough to crash land us both.”

“Understood,” Jean says, suddenly looking excited again. “I promise you I will return you safely to the ground after a few minutes.” She glances down at Lisa’s hands for a moment before starting to reach toward them. “May I?”

Lisa nods, and Jean take’s Lisa’s hands, pulling them up and guiding them toward the back of her neck. “Hang onto me here,” Jean instructs. As soon as Lisa has secured her hands, Jean gracefully sweeps Lisa off her feet and into her arms, off the ground. 

Their faces are close when Jean glances down at Lisa and asks, “Ready?”

Breathless, though they’re still on the ground, Lisa says, “I suppose as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Then they’re off. Jean leaps forward—

—they’re falling for a split second—

—before Jean’s wings catch on the air and stop their descent. They glide for a moment, a bit shakily, before Jean’s wings flap and they gain a bit more altitude.

Lisa’s grip around Jean tightens as an accidental yelp escapes her lips. She looks down at the ground below them, perhaps 40 feet downward. “Lower, lower!” Lisa yells.

Jean glides downward at a smooth and gradual descent, and at the sight of Lisa’s terror, she can’t help but laugh, melodic and carefree. And despite the anxiety and fear from their flight, Lisa still thinks, oh, how I've missed that. 

Mondstadt, below, passes by them in blurs of greens and reds. Their legs dangle just above the treeline.

“This isn’t bad, is it?” Jean asks. 

Lisa simply grumbles. “It’s not terrible.” 

“I had a place in mind to take you, but it’s a bit higher than this. Would that be alright? I promise, it will be worth it.” Jean bats her eyes down at Lisa and she grumbles again. 

“Be careful with me, will you?” It's Lisa's way of indirectly saying yes. 

Jean grins. “Always. Now, here we go!” She bursts upward in such a rush that Lisa lets out another yelp of surprise. She clings onto Jean for dear life as they zoom over Mondstadt, toward Stormterror’s Lair. 

Though Lisa feels secure in Jean's arms, her stomach tingles uncomfortably at their velocity. “Jean, don’t you think you’re going too fast?” 



“I think the gliding champion of Mondstadt may have some stiff competition,” Jean jokes. “This is nothing. I am capable of much, much more.”



Lisa grips her more tightly and Jean lets out a laugh again as they do a quick spin. “Show off,” Lisa grumbles, and Jean finally slows down so that they’re moving forward at a less stressful speed. They’ve almost reached their destination.

Dvalin, luckily, is nowhere to be found, much to Jean’s relief. She wouldn’t be sure how to explain what she is doing there with Lisa, had he asked. 

They lower down to the top of the structure below—an ancient looking, magnificent thing. The tallest point in Old Mondstadt left standing. Gently, Jean sets Lisa down on her feet before she too touches the ground. She flexes her wings once more before folding them in against her back.

Lisa tries her best to ignore the nervous flutters in her stomach, both from their height above the ground, along with the nearness of Jean. They stand practically pressed together, and Jean doesn’t seem to have a clue of the effect she can have, simply being there next to her. 

“It’s beautiful.” Lisa releases a long breath, beholding the view. 

“I like to imagine Barbatos came here, too,” Jean says, following Lisa’s gaze. “It’s almost as if…I can feel his presence here with me.”

Lisa takes a look around, at Mondstadt, and Dragonspine on the horizon. “He must’ve loved it here,” she agrees. “Memories of a time once passed below, and the present in the distance.”

“It’s a nice place to enjoy some quiet. Away from everything,” Jean adds. “Windrise…well, quite frankly I’m a little scared to go there now.”

Looking at her knowingly, a soft smile frosts over Lisa’s lips. “Afraid you’ll run into Vennessa?” 

“I’m not sure how much contact Venti had with her. But I can imagine, since she is the Falcon of the West, their paths surely crossed. Discussing the future of Mondstadt, perhaps?” Jean scratches the back of her neck, embarrassed. “I don’t know what Archons do in their spare time,” she confesses. “I don’t know the first thing about any of this.”

Lisa begins to sit, gesturing at Jean to join her. Without hesitation, Jean complies, but before she does so, she closes her eyes, and her wings fade away, as if they were never there. The two women sit side by side for a moment, without any gap between them. After a beat, Lisa wordlessly pulls Jean down so that her head rests in her lap. Again, Jean offers no resistance, but her face is noticeably flushed as her eyes look up at Lisa's. 

It’s breathtaking. Lisa. The backdrop behind her of Old Mondstadt—all grey and blue. If only, Jean thinks, there was a way to capture this moment. Not a picture, but a moment in time she could pocket away. That way, she could choose to relive it whenever her heart so desired.

Fingertips caress Jean’s cheek, gentle and cool. Nimble fingers, not calloused and rough like her own. “How has your training been going?" she asks. "I see you working so tirelessly, every day."



Jean sighs audibly. "I still feel like there's something stopping me from progressing further. There is great power within this Gnosis, I can feel it, buried deep, but I can't unearth it. It's frustrating."



"You should seek out this Zhongli fellow,” Lisa advises. “Surely he’ll be of some help to you, if Venti trusted him so.”

“And leave Mondstadt?” Jean begins to sit up, but Lisa firmly pushes her back down. Sighing, Jean looks back at Lisa in defeat. “And leave Mondstadt?” she repeats, “But what if the Abyss Order come back while I am away and attack and—“

“Jean. The immediate threat is gone. Surely, they’ll be back, but not for awhile.” Jean doesn’t look convinced, so Lisa continues. “To protect Mondstadt, you need to be strong. You won’t be of much help as you are now, not understanding even half of what you’re now capable of. You need help. Assistance you won’t find here.”

One of the few infuriating things about Lisa that Jean had come to learn over the years—she is always right. Argue as Jean may, she knows what Lisa is saying is completely logical. 

“Varka is back, and the Knights have been working hard to prepare for whatever may happen next. You’re not alone in this, you know.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Jean admits, finally. “I’ll leave for Liyue next week, then.”



Lisa hums, satisfied. 

Chapter Text

V. TRAVELER, THERE IS NO ROAD.

Jean opts to travel by land to Liyue, instead of by sky. She feels slightly guilty about straying so far from Mondstadt, but she desperately needs the time alone to gather her thoughts.

She dresses in casual clothes, and covers her face with a large, black cloak. Too many people still recognize her as the Master of Knights, former Acting Grand Master, and she wants to avoid any recognition.

The carriage is properly packed with necessities to get her to Liyue. It will be about a week’s journey, in total. Only the second time Jean herself has traveled to Liyue. 

Barbara gives her a hug before she sets off, wishing her a safe trip. Lisa takes her hands and offers an affirming squeeze. She leans forward, lips brushing against Jean's ear. “I hope this journey grants you all you wish to know.”

And Jean is off, feeling her stomach churn slightly. But Varka is there, and she feels confident in his abilities to keep their city safe in her absence. 

Along the way, Jean only runs into a few others. Traders, mostly. Once, a group of bandits emerges, and as expected, they turn out to be no trouble for Jean at all.

Hidden by the hood of her cloak, she fights and fights and fights—grunting and yelling as her sword clashes with their knives and daggers. 

The wind around her thrashes and screeches like a ruthless storm—but this one, unlike a natural force, is directed at her foe relentlessly.

Only once the leader is thrown to the ground, and his neck inches from the point of Jean’s sword, does the wind subside. It’s an eerie quiet, not a relieving one. The man, who dares not move, lets out a whimper like a caged animal. 

The point of Jean’s sword presses ever so slightly into his skin and he grits his teeth. 

“There are much more honest ways to make a living than jumping the weak and unsuspecting. If you value your lives, I suggest you find one.”

Her sword drops, and the man scrambles backwards and onto his feet with a yelp. The rest of his men, frozen in fear, join him in his retreat. 

“Who was that?” A grunt cries, out of breath and trembling once they make it at least a half a mile away. 

But no one can answer, for the figure remained a hooded mystery. The only identifier was the unnatural glow of their green-blue eyes, illuminating the expanding darkness.

Once Jean makes it to Liyue, she boards her carriage and horses, secures her hood up over her head so as to obscure her face, then sets out to speak with someone she suspects might know where this so-called Zhongli is. 

There’s a pirate Jean has had the pleasure of meeting on a few occasions, one called Beidou, that had traded goods in the port of Mondstadt a few times since Jean was Acting Grand Master. If anyone were to know this man’s location, Jean is sure it's her. 

Lucky for her, Beidou’s ship is ported in Liyue currently, as Jean suspected. She makes her way to the docks and spots the pirate, clad in bright red.

Beidou turns her attention to the hooded stranger almost immediately.

“Beidou,” Jean greets. 

“And who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?” she asks, crossing her arms. Her aloof smile remains, but Jean can see a hint of alertness behind her eyes.

Jean looks around. The docks are much too crowded. “Please, come with me so we can speak privately.”

Beidou doesn’t budge, however. “I’d love to trust you, but can’t say it’s the first time I’ve heard that before.”

“It’s Jean,” Jean says, in a whisper. “Jean Gunnhildr.”

There’s a stillness for a moment, before Beidou’s face scrunches in both confusion and surprise. Wordlessly, she takes Jean’s wrist and tugs her away from the crowds, to a place she knows is quiet. Finally, when they’re alone, Beidou releases her wrist and slaps her on the back. 

“Jean Gunnhildr! What’s a girl like you sneaking around a place like this? 

Jean takes that as a cue to remove her hood, and looks at Beidou a bit sheepishly. “A lot has changed since we last met.”

Beidou’s eyes widen and she tilts her head from side to side, examining Jean. “I heard that Mondstadt was attacked, and that your Grand Master is back…” Her voice trails off, prompting Jean for an explanation.

“Yes, that is true. We’re recovering, slowly and surely, from a rather devastating battle.” She pauses here, swallowing. Willing flashes of the blood and ash to go away. “Barbatos, our Archon, was lost.”

The expression on Beidou’s face softens. “I heard rumors, but I was hoping they were not true.”

Jean bites her bottom lip. “Yes, well, it has been difficult adjusting without his guidance and presence.”

“Your hair,” Beidou prompts, “and eyes. Jean, are you…?”

Eyes trained toward the ground, Jean sighs. “Yes, I am the new Anemo Archon.”

Beidou lets out a breath. “Huh.” She puts her hands on her hips. “Well, I’ll be damned. That explains the low profile.”

“Before Barbatos passed, he told me to seek out a man named Zhongli that supposedly lives here. You wouldn’t happen to be familiar with such a man, would you?”

“Zhongli,” Beidou says, stroking her chin. “I do know the man, though I’m surprised your Archon knew him by name. The guy is a bit of a historic scholar, from what I've heard, so maybe his expertise can help.”

Jean feels an intense wave of relief. She was right to trust in Beidou, after all.

“He’s a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. You should find him there.”

“Thank you,” Jean replies. “I will head there at once.”

Before Jean can retreat, Beidou takes a step closer. “Jean, why come to me about this, and not Ningguang?”

“There was a time when I would’ve done exactly that,” Jean confesses, “but now that I’m no longer Acting Grand Master, I would rather stay out of any sort of political matters. Besides, I know you can be trusted to keep a secret.”

Beidou’s face softens at that. “I’ve been known to keep a secret or two.” She winks at Jean. “Though, I may be good at keeping things buried, surely you know you can’t hide this forever? People will know what you’ve become, eventually.”

“Yes. The people of Mondstadt are aware already. I’m sure news will spread here in due time. But until then, I appreciate your confidence.”

Beidou slaps her back again. “Take care of yourself, Gunnhildr. I mean it. Just because you’re an Archon now, doesn’t mean you’re invincible.” There’s a sincerity to Beidou’s voice that makes Jean’s heart ache.

“No promises,” Jean teases. “You too, Beidou.”

“Always.” And she winks at Jean again, before heading out from their spot first. Jean follows a minute later before heading in the direction of the funeral parlor. 

The only reason Jean knows where the parlor is, is because a short girl had approached her earlier, trying to convince her to plan ahead for her date with death. “At the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!” The girl had sang, in a voice very inappropriate for the dark subject matter. 

Jean had declined of course—she wouldn’t be needing to think about that anymore, after all—and set off toward the port. Jean has to admit, she didn’t expect to be stepping within ten feet of the place until now.

A woman at the front of the building, the Ferrylady, as she introduces herself, points Jean in the direction of the upper market when she asks for Zhongli. The man is out and about today, and won’t be easy to find.

The woman describes him as tall, wearing orange and brown, and “handsome in a stoic kind of way.”

“I’ve never so much as seen him smile,” the woman adds, and Jean can’t help but wonder why the woman needs to share this with a complete stranger. But nonetheless, Jean thanks her and retreats, stalking on. 

Sure enough, a man meeting this description appears before her, and somehow Jean can understand what that woman was talking about. 

He stands unmoving, watching the crowd of pedestrians before him like a statue of stone. 

Jean approaches swiftly, weaving through people around her. As she gets nearer, she can sense an almost overwhelming power radiating off of him. 

“Are you Zhongli?”

The Stone Man turns to her, coming alive. He glances down at her coldly, yet curiously, with bright golden eyes. “I am.”

“I was told by a friend that you may be able to help me.” Jean gestures to the shadows, and the man follows without hesitation. Out of view of most people, Jean reaches up and slowly lowers her hood so that her face is completely visible.

Zhongli looks taken off guard—his stone exterior cracking if only for a moment—before he blinks a few times and looks away, clearing his throat. “Yes, I believe I can.”

They walk in silence until Zhongli leads her to a quiet restaurant on the outskirts of Liyue. They sit at a table there, far enough away from the hustle and bustle that no one will hear them speak.

“How long has it been since Barbatos has passed?” He asks. His voice is deep but smooth. 

“5 months, almost exactly.”

“And you’ve been the Anemo Archon ever since?”

“Yes, though I am afraid I still know very little, which is why I'm here.” Jean pauses, examining the man sitting across from her curiously. “You’re the Geo Archon, aren’t you?” 

Zhongli only blinks, appearing completely unsurprised by the question. 

“I’m sorry to be so forward, it’s just that I can sense this aura about you. It’s unlike anything I’ve had yet to see in these past five months.”

There’s a moment of quiet, as Zhongli takes a long sip of his tea, clearly taking his time. “It is true, I am the one known as Rex Lapis. Geo Archon of Liyue.”

Jean has so many questions, the first one being, how is the man in front of her the Archon who should have been several months dead? She holds her tongue, however, sensing she’d get her answers soon enough. 

Zhongli seems to sense Jean’s disbelief, because he raises an eyebrow. “I suspect you have many questions. But first, tell me what you already know.”

And so, Jean begins recounting what little Venti told her before he passed, and what she had figured out on her own. The nearly instantaneous self-healing, hearing the prayers of her followers, her hyper awareness of the wind and her newfound control over it, her wings, and lastly, her Gnosis. 

“Your Gnosis is a source of power, sitting dormant inside you. It is also, in a sense, a contract with Celestia.”

“Without it, will I die?”

“Not necessarily,” Zhongli says, “though your case is unique. I was a God before my allegiance was tied. You, however, were only human. You mustn’t lose your Gnosis, for that reason. The result would be unpredictable.”

“Every Archon draws their power in different ways,” Zhongli explains. “Barbatos was nothing more than a wandering wind sprite before he became the god you know. As for me, I was never mortal from the start. But you…you are a rare case. A human-turned-immortal. One who has tasted human strife before receiving the divine gift.”

Jean looks down at the tea in front of her and cannot help but think of Lisa as she holds the delicate cup in both hands. Now is the time to search for answers on the very topic she came here for. “When I read of Barbatos’ power, I feel nowhere near as strong as the Archon is described. It’s as though something is stopping me from reaching my full potential, and this true power is just out of reach. I must unlock this inner strength in order to protect Mondstadt, but I know not how to do so.”

Zhongli regards her, thoughtfully. “Perhaps, it is only yourself that is holding you back.”

Jean tilts her head slightly, surprised. “That cannot be…”

“The closer you come to achieving this power, the farther you drift from being human. The farther you drift from being the person you once were. It is likely that this fact is holding you back on a subconscious level.” He pauses, regarding her with a curious look. “Your journey will be different from mine, or Barbatos'. While we, in a sense, had to learn to understand humans, you perhaps know them all too well. You must detach yourself from your humanity, as it is your current weakness, and learn how to live as an immortal. Only then, will you learn the potential of your true power.”

Jean presses her lips together, exhaling loudly. "How would I go about detaching myself from my humanity, if it's all that I know?"



There's a look beneath those golden eyes that Jean can't decipher. "It will require great sacrifice. You must give up the life you know. The people, even. Start over, anew." 



The answer causes Jean to nearly drop her tea. Hands shaking, she quickly sets down the cup so as not to spill anything, and hides her gloved hands underneath the table. “If that is what I must do...then I cannot falter.”

“The life of an immortal is a lonely one,” Zhongli says, looking at her sympathetically. “Find solace in those who share the burden. Surely, you are not the only one in Mondstadt that who has an extended lifespan?"



No, there are others whose lives are not slipping rapidly through the hourglass. Alice, Klee, and even Albedo, who Jean had suspected is not human for quite some time. But the others, the ones she loves...



"You will soon learn, humans are rather fragile." Zhongli pulls Jean from her thoughts. "Strong in their own right, but victims to time, as we all are, eventually. Time is a cruel and ruthless thing. It erodes all in its path. For us, the mind will go first. The body follows long after. This erosion strips even a god of everything they are. I have lived long enough to see it. It will happen to me one day, and it will happen to you as well. If you live long enough to succumb to it, that is. Barbatos was, perhaps, lucky to not live long enough to wear away.” 

“And then there’s you.” Jean looks at the Geo Archon levelly. An unreasonable anger is pooling up in her stomach toward him, though she knows it is misplaced. After all, he is only trying to offer guidance, and yet, she cannot control the snappy tone to her voice. “Everyone believes you to be dead. Why fool them?”

If Zhongli does notice Jean's increasing temper, he does not show it. “Times have changed, quite rapidly. I saw that the people of Liyue are more than capable of living on without me. The age of gods in Liyue is over.” He pauses, as if in great thought for a moment. “You will find that the people of Mondstadt will change before your eyes, so you must adapt your rule to best suit their needs.”

Jean closes her eyes a minute, calming herself. “And so you’ll live out of the reminder of your quiet life here?”

“Silently watching yes, much like Barbatos. When I start to feel my mind going, that’s when I’ll take my true leave. Until then, I shall be here, if any trouble arises.” 

They drink their tea in silence for a few minutes. 

“Though I still have questions, I believe they are things I must answer on my own. I will not waste any more of your time. Thank you for your wisdom.” Jean stands, bowing her head politely. 

Zhongli rises as well. “Shall you find you have any more questions, you will know where to find me.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Jean points out. “I am nothing but a stranger to you.”

He nods at that. “Perhaps. But I owed Barbatos quite a deal. And since he personally picked you to be his successor, I’ll trust his judgment. He was an old friend, after all. We shared many fond memories together.”

“I’m sorry,” Jean says, though the apology feels worthless, especially with her guilt still gnawing away at her.

“As am I. But the lives of Archons span thousands of years. Humans are only here for a blink of an eye before their candles are blown out. Barbatos lived a full life, and did much for his people.”

“I can only hope I’ll do right by him and can protect Mondstadt as he did.”

“You seem strong and level-headed, Jean Gunnhildr. Only time will tell, but I have faith you will succeed.”

And he smiles, ever so slightly. Assuring.

Jean thinks to herself then, the Ferrylady would be quite jealous to see such a sight, indeed.



She returns back to the hotel room she is staying in for the night and collapses onto the bed. She cries and cries and cries, all the while hearing the prayers of the people of Mondstadt in her head, asking her for protection and guidance. 

Chapter Text

VI. HOME LIKE A RUBY BEACON BURNS. 

Stepping into Mondstadt again, Jean is greeted by familiar faces. She feels a sense of belonging and dread, all at once. 

Even though she is exhausted, and the sun has long since set, after freshening up, Jean heads to find Lisa. The woman is at home in her apartment, spending the weekend curled up around a book. When she finds Jean at her door, she welcomes her inside. They embrace without a word. Jean does not let go for quite some time, leaning into Lisa as if she cannot hold herself up any longer. 



"You must be tired after your long journey, and I'm rather sleepy too. Why don't we lay down for a bit, hm?" Lisa suggests, guiding Jean toward her bedroom.

It's the first time, Jean realizes, she's ever stepped foot in this room. She'd been to Lisa's apartment many times before, but never had she seen this place where Lisa slept every night. The room is dimly lit, and contains a large floor to ceiling bookshelf stocked with plants, potions and curious looking gemstones. Books are neatly lined up as well, titles appearing to be in languages that Jean cannot read. It feels so overwhelmingly intimate that Jean nearly pulls herself back.

But she is so tired, and so sad. And Lisa offers comfort and peace. She always has. So, Jean allows herself to give into the relief, selfish as it may be. 



They slip into Lisa’s bed, side by side. It's the first time she's laying beside Lisa, and yet, it feels as though they’ve done this countless times before. 

Lisa doesn’t ask about Liyue. Not yet, anyway. She knows Jean will tell her all about it when she’s good and ready. Laying in comfortable silence, Lisa plays with Jean’s hair until the woman is lulled to sleep. 

Shortly after, Lisa feels herself fading as well. The sound of Jean's steady breathing is almost hypnotic. She closes her eyes and focuses on nothing but that until she too succumbs to her fatigue. 



Lisa awakes in the morning to find Jean gone. Her side of the bed tidied, leaving no evidence behind that she was there at all.

That’s the last Lisa sees of Jean for a few days. The woman has disappeared again without a word, only vaguely telling Kaeya that she had to stay away from the city a bit longer to clear her head. It's very unlike Jean, and Lisa can't help but feel as though something is very, very wrong. Finally, days later, there’s a knock on Lisa’s door, and there stands Jean. She’s got a bottle of wine in hand, and the shadows under her eyes seem even more pronounced than usual. 

“Are you ready to talk about your trip yet?” Lisa asks, as Jean uncorks the bottle and pours them both a glass. 

“Liyue was rather pleasant,” Jean says, curtly. And it’s not a complete lie. She did enjoy some parts of her trip.

Lisa doesn’t touch the glass in front of her. “Jean, what’s going on? Is something wrong?”

Jean takes a generous sip of wine. “Well, for starters, the Geo Archon is alive and well. None other than the Zhongli I was sent to talk to. “



Lisa doesn’t look completely surprised. “Who better to talk to than another Archon?”

“Yes, our chat was enlightening. It was worth the long journey.” She takes another sip and drops her eyes down to the wooden table between them, suddenly looking very serious. “If I had to make a tough decision, in order to reach my full potential as an Archon to protect Mondstadt, would you fault me for it?” 

Lisa hesitates, feeling a sense of dread pool up in her stomach. “Have I ever faulted you before for always putting Mondstadt first?”

Jean’s right hand curls into a fist. “No, you never have. You’ve been far more kind and patient to me than I have ever deserved.” She swallows roughly, brow furrowing. “That is what makes this so hard.”

“Jean, you’re scaring me,” Lisa admits. “What is it you must do?”

The Master of Knights steals a shaky breath. “Zhongli told me that to unlock my true potential, I must abandon my humanity, and learn what it means to truly be a god. I cannot achieve that by continuing to live my old life.”

“Abandon…your humanity?” Lisa repeats. 

“I’ve been wanting to cling to it. But what’s done is done. I made this choice to be Barbatos’ successor, and I must fulfill my duty.” Jean says it with resolution, but her eyes look hollow. 

“I understand,” Lisa begins, “and I want to help you. Tell me how—“

“You’re holding me back, Lisa,” Jean interrupts, shortly. “Every moment I spend with you makes me wish none of this ever happened. We shouldn’t—we can’t— see each other anymore. Not for anything beside strictly professional reasons.”

The moment Jean says it, she regrets it, and yet, it had to be done. Finding the courage to lift her eyes again, she sees Lisa staring back at her with shock and hurt. 

“Surely sacrificing your friends and family is not the answer,” Lisa challenges. “Your strength has always come from your love for this nation and its people. From your humanity itself.”

Jean lets out a sigh, clearly frustrated. “There’s a wall, stopping me from moving forward. I can feel it, when I close my eyes. You said it yourself, when we were at Dvalin’s lair, I cannot fully protect Mondstadt as I am now.”

Lisa curses her past self then, and those words that would come back to haunt her. “Perhaps there is something else you can do to fully realize your power. Your situation is unique."



"Perhaps there is, but I do not have the time or luxury to figure out any alternate options," Jean replies. "The Abyss Order could close in at any moment. I must act now, before it is too late, and Mondstadt is lost."



Her voice is resolute. Wind cutting through steal. Lisa knows any of her protests are hopeless. 



"I'll be leaving the Ordo Favonius at the end of this year as well. I'll only be staying long enough to ensure Master Varka finds a proper replacement."



At that, Lisa is speechless. Imagining the Knights without Jean is almost unfathomable. 



"Maybe these sacrifices will only need to be made temporarily," Lisa suggests, once she finds her voice again. "After you find your true power, and learn how to unlock your full potential, then you can return to us.” She hates how childish she sounds, hopeful and naive. But she cannot help it when faced with the thought of losing Jean forever. 

“I do not think that would be a good idea,” Jean admits. “I’m not sure how long this will take. Years for you are like days for me, now. This is something I cannot rush, although I wish I could, and I won’t allow you to wait for me.”

“And what if I want to wait? Will you no longer like me when I’m old and gray?” Lisa asks. It’s meant to be teasing, but her voice falls flat.

This seems to catch Jean off guard, because her brows furrow in what appears to be disbelief. “Lisa, you are by far the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I have no doubt you will age with dignity and grace.”

Lisa lets out a soft exhale, surprised at Jean’s unfiltered honesty in the midst of this brutality. Her mouth opens slightly, but she fails to speak. 

Oblivious to the heat rising on Lisa’s face, Jean quickly continues. “I wanted to grow old with you. And that’s exactly it. You can’t have a normal life with me, even if I’m able to return to some semblance of my old life in the future.”

The words sting, but Lisa manages to keep a straight face. She doesn’t want to hold Jean back, though she doesn’t think this way forward is the correct one—but who is she to argue against the logic of an Archon that is thousands of years old?

Lisa remains silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She takes a few large sips of her wine. Her face is a mask, completely stoic. “Are you sure about this?”

Jean lets out a sad laugh. “Not at all,” she admits. “I’m not sure of anything, anymore.”

They sit for a few minutes, each finishing their wine in silence. Jean notices it takes more alcohol than before to feel any sort of tipsy. She downs her glass quickly. Then another. 

For a moment, she allows herself to be bitter. Internally, she curses Mondstadt, the Gunnhildr title, Barbatos, but mostly herself, for hurting Lisa. 

“Forgive me for being selfish, but there is something I have to say to you before I go. You must know that I love you.” Jean’s voice rasps, shaky, but steadily. “I’m sure you already were aware, but I had to say it, anyway.”

There’s laughter, dark and pained. “How cruel,” Lisa says, hanging her head. “Why must you be so cruel, finally admitting that now in the same breath as ‘we cannot be?’”

Jean flinches at that. “I’m so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you, all these years. My density, and rashness. My inability to give you the time and attention you deserved.”

“I’ve never thought of it as a burden to love you,” Lisa admits. “All those things make you who you are, and that’s why I want you so.” She lifts her hand, cupping Jean’s face with it. Her thumb delicately brushes against Jean’s cheek.

Jean leans into the touch, closing her eyes. “I’m no longer the same person I used to be. I cannot be, anymore.”

“Won’t you at least let me pretend you are, for a little while longer?”

Tugging Lisa’s hand away, Jean intertwines their fingers together. “I wish I could.”

“Stay the night with me again, one last time.”

Against her better judgment, Jean stays.

Jean doesn’t talk to Lisa again for a few days after that, not even at work. For a moment, Jean thinks, perhaps her heavy heart will make it through this. She must simply take things one day at a time. But then, she sees Lisa at a distance, walking with her back to her, and Jean’s heart constricts and rips immediately. 

No, closing her heart off will not be easy. It surely will not be something that she is able to master in a short amount of time. 



So, Jean does the only thing she knows how to do. Throws herself back into her work to distract her heart. She aids Amber in making quick work of any hilicurl camps nearby. She flies from corner to corner of Mondstadt, searching for any remnants of Abyss Order activity. She trains the new influx of recruits aggressively. Aids the construction crews with repairing and rebuilding the various structures around the city still in ruin. 


The citizens have all but stopped coming to her for their odd and personal requests. Maybe because they are now intimated by her and do not want to trouble an Archon with such trivial things. Whatever the reason, Jean is thankful for it. The less interactions with the people on Mondstadt, the easier it is for her to detach herself from her humanity. 

She continues to work on honing her own powers over the next month also, trying her best to imitate the abilities she witnessed Barbatos use during the battle. Her sense of the air and sky continues to improve, so much so that when she closes her eyes, she can still see almost all of Mondstadt. It’s both liberating, and terrifying. And though Jean can still feel a wall keeping her divine power locked away, she can feel it cracking, ever so slightly. 

Jean feels simultaneously more in control in her life, and more lost than ever. 

Then Lisa—Jean sees her talking to Eula with that charming smile of hers and Jean is tumbling once again. Down, down, down she goes with a hole in her heart. 

Jean thinks that letting her go might be impossible, but she won’t give up. She can't, not when her efforts are clearly paying off. 

When they do have to interact, or pass each other at Headquarters, Jean makes their encounters as brief and professional as possible. It still hurts, nonetheless. 

On top of Lisa, Jean does her best to slowly push everyone else away as well. She stops joining Kaeya on the roof of Headquarters for their daily chats. When Eula asks to spar with her, she declines. She no longer goes on morning runs with Amber. 



Barbara is by far the hardest to push away. Whenever her sister comes around to check up on her, Jean simply uses work as an excuse to make the younger girl leave. After all, the guilt of keeping Jean from her important work is what kept Barbara away from her for so long in the first place. It starts to feel as though their relationship has regressed back years, when their paths barely ever crossed. One day soon, Jean knows she'll have to sit down and talk with the girl to explain herself. She cannot bear the thought of Barbara thinking she would ever want to push her away if the reason was not so important. But that day is not today. 



Day by day, Jean finds it easier to shut off her emotions. They still invade her heart and mind at times, but she's becoming better at chasing them away. Replacing them with her will to protect and succeed. 



She can feel herself truly changing. When she looks into the mirror, she sees a face she no longer recognizes. The true face of an Archon, growing more and more powerful. Mondstadt's great protector. Maybe this is who she's truly meant to be, after all. 

One month later, Lisa threatens to undo all Jean's progress. She storms into her office, charged and fierce, without so much as even knocking. 

“I’m leaving for a five-month-long expedition tomorrow," she announces. 

“Leaving? Tomorrow?” Jean parrots, lamely. The words taste bitter in her mouth, though she does not show it. “An expedition of what sort?”

“A quest for knowledge, one might say. I intend to study potion-making in other nations besides Sumeru, to gain more knowledge to apply to my work here upon my return.”

Jean swallows roughly, then clears her throat. “Where do you intend to go?”

“Liyue, perhaps.” She paces twice around Jean's small office, then stops, turning to face Jean once again. “Then, I plan to visit Inazuma, now that the traveling bans have been lifted. I’d much like to see the sakura trees bloom.”

“That sounds lovely.” It’s meant to be earnest, but Jean’s voice is flat and hollow. It's been nothing but flat and hollow these days. “A great opportunity for the Knights, and you deserve to see the world.”

So do you, Lisa wants to say, but knows better, because it’s something Jean cannot do now.

“And your responsibilities here?” Jean asks, face remaining blank. 



“Taken care of. Noelle will be my replacement. She’s dusted the bookshelves so often she knows where everything is, after all. And Timaeus and Sucrose have agreed to help with any potions the Knights may need in my absence.” 

Jean nods. “It seems you have it all figured out, then.”



At Jean's acceptance and aloofness, Lisa scowls. “I couldn't bear to stay here any longer. Seeing you become this hollow, shell of a thing."



Again, Jean gives no visible sign of any emotion at all, and Lisa finds herself wanting to grab the woman by the shoulders and shake her until she sees some resemblance of the woman she once knew. 

Finally, all Jean says is, “I’m sorry this has been hard for you.”

Lisa exhales loudly and shakes your head. “How much can one person apologize? Truly, you must hold the highest record in all of Teyvat.” It’s a joke, but it makes Jean flinch.



Finally, Lisa thinks, this woman of stone does still feel, after all. 

“An infinite amount of apologies will never be enough to right my wrongs, I fear.” Jean stands, unable to sit any longer. Her legs carry her forward, so that she is right in front of Lisa. "I wish you safe travels." Then, so quietly that Lisa has to strain to hear it, she says "I wish you didn't have to go."

There's her Jean, still there. Lisa leans forward, pressing a kiss so soft to Jean’s cheek that she thinks she may have only imagined it. It’s a ghost of a thing—yet, feels so real all the same. 

Jean knows it's wrong, but she closes her eyes, savoring it. Begging her mind to not ever let this moment slip away.

“Don’t see me out tomorrow,” Lisa says, as she pulls away. “I’m afraid if you do, I won’t be able to let you go.”

A blow to the heart, gentle, but deep. Jean bows her head so that Lisa cannot see the pain written across her face. “As you wish.” 

Lisa leaves. Jean doesn’t see her out tomorrow, as promised. But she tosses and turns the night after, wide awake. 

Chapter Text

VII. TO DRIFT, IN THE RESTLESSNESS. 

The days without Lisa feel long at first. But then, along with Jean’s other emotions, the loneliness and yearning fades into an unpleasant numbness.

There are still times, of course, when Jean wonders how Lisa is doing. It has been longer than 5 months by now, nearly 6. Perhaps Lisa will never return. Maybe Liyue, or even Inazuma, entranced her far more than Mondstadt ever did. 

And maybe that would be for the best, Jean thinks. She’s not sure how she would react to seeing Lisa again after months of her being away. All the progress she’d made in her training, and the walls she had built, they could go crumbling down. 

Kaeya tries a few times to pull her back from the path she is headed, trying to talk reason with her when she confesses to him the wisdom that the Geo Archon had bestowed to her. “To lose your humanity is to lose your very self,” he says, staring her down with his stubborn eye, digging his heels into the sand. “You don’t deserve such a cruel fate.”

Jean smiles at him then. Well, she tries to, anyway. The expression feels fake and forced, like her lips weren’t meant to stretch that way any longer. “It’s not cruel,” she says. No, she doesn’t think of it that way, not anymore. For the pity she had felt for herself in the beginning had faded into the numbness, too. “It is just simply what needs to be done for Mondstadt.”

When Kaeya walks away, seemingly defeated, Jean doesn’t feel anything at all.

She has a few months left in the Ordo Favonius before she is set to retire. Before she leaves, she’s determined to leave behind a group of individuals capable of protecting the city from within the ranks.

The Abyss Order still appears to be hiding, possibly regrouping out of sight, but it’s clear there may not be another attack for some time. It makes Jean think that perhaps they were wrong about their motives from the start. After all, with Mondstadt still recovering, the optimal time to attack was almost at an end. Did the Abyss Order get what they wanted, after all? 

The lack of adversaries leaves Jean itching with the urge to use her newfound power. It pulsates from inside her chest, humming as if with a mind of its own. 

At night, she travels toward Liyue, on the lookout for Abyss Order camps, or treasure hoarders. It doesn’t matter which, as either will allow her to unleash her silent, building rage. 

She can take a larger number of enemies out at once now, and if any sort of counter attack is attempted, she can feel the disruption in the air around her and side step the attack with ease. 

The wall around the Gnosis in her chest is crumbling, further. 

Barbara manages to track her down one day on the way out of Headquarters late at night. It’s a calculated move, for Jean cannot use official work business as an excuse to slip away, given everyone else has retired for the evening. “Master Jean!” her sister calls, stopping her in her tracks. 

The shorter girl runs over, stepping in front of Jean as if to block her path. “You’re still working?” she asks, though she already knows the answer. 

“Abyss Order activity increases drastically at night,” Jean says, looking toward the direction of the front gate, and not at her. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some rounds to make.” 

She steps around her sister, taking long strides toward the stairs leading toward the center of the city. 

“Have I done something wrong?” Jean hears Barbara say, so quietly that she almost does not catch it. 

Jean stops immediately, letting out an exhale as if she’d been wounded. She turns on her heel toward her sister, who is still facing away from her. “No,” Jean assures, but the word comes out much flatter sounding than she intends. She clears her throat as if to shake off the rust that has settled around her mechanical heart, then tries again. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong.” 

“Then why do you keep avoiding me?” Barbara asks. There’s a tremble to her voice that Jean knows means tears are soon to follow. 

“I was told the only way to tap into my highest potential is to strip myself of my humanity,” Jean answers, truthfully and bluntly. “I apologize for not telling you sooner.”

Barbara lifts her head and slowly turns around. Her eyes are wide in shock. “You can’t do that,” she replies. “You might be an Archon now, but your humanity will always be a part of you.”

She sounds so much older then, like she can see right through Jean. 

“It may be, but I have to try. It appears to be working, so far.”

Barbara remains silent for a moment, looking down at her feet. “Do you remember when Dad used to let us play around Cider Lake? You liked to catch frogs with your bare hands and show them to Kaeya ‘cause he would scream and run away?” 

There’s a small smile on Barbara’s face. She looks up at her sister again, waiting for her to nod before she continues. “I started trying to catch frogs too, but I was no good at it. They always slipped out of my fingers. So you’d catch them and give them to me to scare Kaeya with, too.”

“You were always so good at everything that mattered. I never resented you for it, though. I just tried to find any way I could to help Mond, too. Even if it’s simply putting smiles on people’s faces.”

“You do much more than that, Barbara,” Jean assures. “You work tirelessly for this city, just as I do. We’re lucky to have you.”

Barbara hums at that. “You’re truly what holds Mond together. I just wish you didn’t have to shoulder such a burden on your own.”

“I would rather do it on my own,” Jean replies. “That way, everyone else can live happily and without worry. It’s always been worth it, for that reason.”

Barbara takes a breath, squeezing her eyes shut for a moment before looking at Jean again. “It may be a selfish thing to ask, but even though you’re the Anemo Archon now, can’t you allow my sister to return to me, every once in awhile?” It’s said so earnestly that Jean feels her heart threatening to burst. 

“I want to,” Jean admits. “I wish I could.” She hangs her head, biting her lip, internally panicking as she struggles to hold onto her sense of composure. 

“Without you I feel so very alone.” There’s a few tears rolling down Barbara’s face now. She quickly brushes them away with the back of her gloved hands.

“I’m still here,” Jean says, on the verge of tears herself. “I just had to bury myself down, so far deep inside.” She pauses, swallowing a lump in her throat. “Though I’m afraid I won’t be able to find my way back to the surface for much longer.” 

She looks down at her sister, who rocks back and forth on her heels as if by habit. “I’m sorry things turned out this way,” Jean continues. “I have never been a great sister to you, and I have so many regrets about that. It seems now that I’ll never be able to right those wrongs.”

“That’s not true,” Barbara insists. “Life got complicated and led us down two different paths, but I know you always cared, even if you didn’t say so.”

Jean sighs, relieved. She nods her head a few times before she straightens herself up again. “I know it’s quite late but, would you like to go on patrol with me tonight?” 

Barbara’s face lights up, and she nods excitedly. “I’d love that!”

And the two sisters head off toward the front gate. A weight in Jean’s chest feels it has been lifted, but also, there’s a crushing sadness as well. As Barbara chats about everything and anything—her crushes, daily life in the Church, her next performance, anxieties and fears—Jean thinks to herself how incredibly stupid she was to not make time for something simple like this sooner, when she had the chance.

“Do you miss Lisa?” Barbara asks, and Jean nearly stumbles.

“I haven’t thought about it in awhile,” Jean admits. “At first I did, very dearly, but as I learned to control my emotions, I suppose that feeling faded.”

But now that Barbara has brought it up, it's as if the wound has reopened. Jean clutches at her chest where her Gnosis is, wincing. 

“Over time, will even your love fade?” Barbara questions. 

Again, Jean feels as though a blade is slicing open her chest. She looks down at Barbara with a bit of surprise.

Barbara chuckles at that, looking a bit mischievous. “You thought I didn’t know?” 

“Well, I…” Jean’s voice trails off. “Was it that obvious?”

Laughing again at that, Barbara skips a bit ahead and looks back at Jean with a grin. “Quite!”

Jean rubs the back of her neck, embarrassed. “It doesn’t matter now, anyway,” she mumbles. 

The grin on Barbara’s face fades, and she falls back in line with Jean. “It still matters to Lisa, I’m sure.”

“She knows how I feel, but she also knows what I must do. The situation is handled. And besides, she may not even come back.”

That doesn’t seem to please Barbara, because she purses her lips and furrows her brow. “Of course she will. Mondstadt is her home.”

Jean casts a sidelong glance at her sister, unconvinced, but her sister looks absolutely positive of it. 

They are headed back from Wolvendom now. There were only a few hilichurl camps to clear. Barbara had watched with a bit of awe as her sister made quick work of them, as if they were nothing but simple pests.

“Thanks for this,” Barbara says, once they are near the front gate again. She is exhausted, both physically and mentally, but it has been more than worth it. “It meant a lot to me.”

Jean sucks in another breath at the clawing in her chest. “I’m sorry that things have to be this way.”

“It’s alright,” Barbara says, although it’s really not. 

They make it back into Mondstadt where their paths part. “I’m so proud of you, Big Sis!” Barbara smiles brightly. “You’ll always be my sister, even when you can’t remember the frogs anymore.” She leans up on her tiptoes and gives Jean a soft kiss on the cheek. 

Then she animatedly waves before spinning on her heel and running off. With each step, her tears begin to fall, held back no longer.

The time spent with Barbara is no doubt a setback on Jean’s road to achieving true godhood, but Jean does not regret it. It’s even harder to build up her walls a second time, though. 

It’s all too much. And so, Jean finds herself walking toward Windrise for the first time since she became the Anemo Archon. 

The giant tree looks slightly imposing as she approaches. Once she reaches the trunk, she gets down on one knee, leaning on her sword, which presses into the soft earth. Being near the tree has always brought her comfort—as it resonates with her Anemo. 

Now, with her senses heightened, she can feel an almost pulsating surge of power from the tree. No doubt the mark that Vennessa left on this very earth as she ascended to Celestia.

“Lady Vennessa, I fear that I am lost. The days pass by, and yet, I do not feel their passage any longer. I’ve always planned to lead Mondstadt into a peaceful, prosperous era, but as Grand Master, not Archon. Though my goal remains the same, the path to it is no longer clear. Barbatos did not lead, but rather observed and aided when necessary. How am I supposed to simply sit back and watch when I leave the Ordo Favonius? It is in my instinct, my very being, to have that control.”

“So it’s finally you,” a voice says, but it’s almost as if it comes from inside Jean’s own head. “I was wondering when I would see you again. After all, you’ve never stayed away from my tree for this long before.”

“Lady Vennessa?” Jean asks, a bit shakily. Her eyes dart around, but she sees no one. 

There’s a slight rustle of branches, and Jean looks up to see a large brown and white falcon staring down at her with intelligent golden eyes. 

“The Falcon of the West. I never expected it to be…”

“So literal?” Vennessa asks, again, a voice in Jean’s head. There’s a bit of good humored laughter, and then the falcon descends to the ground, glowing and changing until a woman stands before Jean instead. 

She looks exactly like the portrait hanging up in the Favonius Headquarters—tanned skin, and bright red hair, serious but kind eyes—though she is slightly translucent, as if she isn’t fully there. 

Jean, still kneeled down, looks up at her with awe, speechless. The hero of legend she idolized since her youth is standing before her. 

“Stand, little lion,” Vennessa commands, and Jean does. 

“You’re here,” Jean says, sounding breathless. “I wasn’t sure…”

“I always have been—watching over you and Mondstadt ever since you were just a little girl. My, how you’ve grown. And now, you’ve ascended to godhood.”

It takes a moment for Jean to process what she just heard. “I never wanted this.”

“Maybe not, but it is your reality now. The fate of Mondstadt weighs heavy in your hands.”

Jean looks down at the sword she is holding.

“In my years watching Mondstadt,” Vennessa begins, “I have experienced the opportunity to watch other nations change and grow. Archons do not always follow their predecessors’ will. Sometimes, they deviate. You are not Barbatos, nor do you have to follow in his footsteps. You are free to do as you wish for this nation.”

Jean snaps her attention back to the woman in front of her, who is looking at her expectantly. “Under Barbatos, Mondstadt prospered. Though there were struggles at times, holding true to freedom at our core is what allowed for us to survive. That is why I want to honor his tradition.” She’s more sure about this than anything. Freedom is what Jean will fight for. 

Vennessa looks at her with amusement. “To maintain a free nation, one must learn to step back and let the people rule. Barbatos knew that well, for he had seen what a nation looked like under a god’s controlling storm. But, as you know, people often can’t be trusted with power. It corrupts and defiles. That is why I established the Knights of Favonius. To maintain peace within Barbatos’ free land. You must trust in this system which you can no longer directly be a part of.” 

She pauses, taking a moment to look upward at the sun trickling in through the tree branches. 

“When I was first given the task of simply watching over Mondstadt, I too struggled with the thought. It felt as though Celestia had made a mockery of me, returning me to my home as a ghost, with not nearly as much power as I once had when I was alive.”

Jean can hear hints of frustration in Vennessa’s voice, especially the bitterness around “Celestia.” It makes her all the more curious.

“However, I saw I had left Mondstadt in capable hands. You must trust in others to do what you now cannot. But, there will come a time when the people of Mondstadt need you to vanquish a dark threat. It will come, time and time again. That is when you can fight side by side with your people.”

Vennessa smiles at Jean then, and Jean feels a burst of warmth rush through her. “You have done well, Jean. You’re truly worthy of wielding my sword. Barbatos was wise to entrust you with the status of Anemo Archon.”

There’s a rising pressure at the back of Jean’s throat, and she can feel tears threatening to form. She swallows roughly, willing the tears back, and reminds herself that this outburst would only backtrack her progress.

“I am honored to receive your praise, though I do not feel worthy of it. Regardless, I will do my best to continue to make you proud. I have much to learn yet, and I thank you for your guidance.”

Vennessa nods her head. “You are not alone, Jean. You must always remember that, in your quest to maintain peace.”

The woman shimmers briefly before she fades completely before Jean’s eyes. Jean sheathes her sword, then walks away feeling more at ease than she has since Lisa left. 

But that ease, of course, is soon bound to end.

Chapter Text

VII. A DANGEROUS THING.

There’s a knock at Jean’s door. It’s Noelle, who gives her a respectful nod, never quite making eye contact, even after all the years they’d known one another. “A letter for you, Master Jean.”

Jean’s eyebrows raise as she takes the letter, gazing down curiously at the tan envelope. She thanks Noelle, and the girl is gone, back to her duties. 

The front of the letter only bears her name and title, with no information whatsoever about the sender, but Jean would recognize that loopy handwriting anywhere. 

She takes a letter opener and slices the envelope open in one clean motion, then pulls out the parchment in a hurry. 

Lisa. She’s in Inazuma currently, but plans on heading back to Mondstadt with…a friend?

Jean’s eyebrows furrow as she reads and rereads the final paragraph of the letter. Lisa only specified that it is someone who wants to talk to Jean. But who? Jean doesn’t know any Inazumans personally. Other than diplomats who had traveled to Mondstadt prior to the Sakoku Decree, she hasn’t met anyone else from that nation.

Is this person Lisa’s new lover? The thought burns more than it ought to. Jean pushes the feelings down, out of sight. The numbness returns, though a slight bit of anxiousness remains. 

The wait is unforgiving. But then, a month later, there’s another knock on Jean’s door. And somehow, she simply knows. 

She stands up, adjusts her ponytail, then moves forward to open the door. 

There, only feet away, is Lisa. She’s dressed in unfamiliar garb, most likely from Inazuma. There’s no hat on her head, so her face is in full view, just as lovely as ever. Her light brown hair falls down her back in an intricate braid. When Jean opens the door, she lets out a quiet exhale, not realizing she had been holding her breath until that moment. 

“Lisa,” Jean starts, unsure of what else to say. Her feet carry her forward a step automatically before she remembers herself. Though she longs to wrap her arms around Lisa, she cannot.

“Jean,” Lisa returns, with a genuine, but small, smile on her face. It shouldn’t make Jean’s heart soar, but it does anyway.

There’s a cough beside Lisa, and only then is Jean made aware of the other person standing there. 

The woman is beautiful, in a way that demands attention. Her outfit is elegant and intricate. And atop her head of pink hair are two fox ears. 

Curses, Jean thinks to herself. The daggers she’d fought when she’d first read Lisa’s letter pierce her skin once again, and she feels a deep hatred toward this beautiful stranger. How pathetic, Jean thinks, for all the progress she’d made on her road to true ascension to come undone this easily. 

“My, my, you must be the Master of Knights I’ve heard so much about.” There’s a playful smirk on the woman’s lips, and her eyes are piercing, staring directly at Jean. 

Her atmosphere is intense. Thick, like a fog Jean can’t see through. 

“This is Yae Miko,” Lisa says. “Chief priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine in Inazuma.”

Jean’s eyes widen slightly before she is able to recover and bow her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve traveled far to be here.”

“The trip flew by rather fast. I suspect that is because I had a lovely traveling companion.” Yae links her arm with Lisa’s and grins. The touch is familiar, and reciprocated without hesitation. 

Jean’s eyes linger on the contact, watching as Yae’s fingers trail down Lisa’s arm. 

“Miko knows the Raiden Shogun well,” Lisa jumps in, pulling Jean’s gaze upward again. “She came here in the Shogun’s place to discuss future relations between Mondstadt and Inazuma, since the Sakoku Decree has officially ended.”

So it is politics, then. Some of the anxiety dissipates. “As you know, I am no longer the Acting Grand Master. Grand Master Varka would surely be happy to discuss—“

“I’ve already had the pleasure of speaking with your Grand Master. My remaining business is with the Anemo Archon,” Yae Miko interrupts. “Which is you, now that you have taken Barbaros’ seat within the Seven.”

Jean crosses her arms. Seems there is no getting out of this one. “I see.”

“I’m going to take Miko back to my apartment so we can get some rest. Tomorrow, if you have the time, it would be lovely to chat about my findings during the expedition,” Lisa says. 

The thought of this Yae Miko staying with Lisa makes Jean’s stomach churn. She doesn’t show it on her face, though. “Right. You both must be exhausted. Let me know whatever time works best for tomorrow, I’ll be here.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Master of Knights. I look forward to chatting with you tomorrow.” Yae Miko winks. 

“Goodbye, Jean,” Lisa says curtly, and the two are off. As they turn away with their backs to Jean, she scowls. 

The next day, Jean finds Lisa at her door again. This time, she is dressed in familiar Mondstadt clothing, and, much to her surprise, so is Yae Miko. She sports a purple dress, clearly something out of Lisa’s wardrobe, but it suits her well. The woman stands next to Jean with her piercing eyes atop a small and curious smile.


“Would now be a good time?” Lisa asks, and though it isn’t, Jean stands from her desk and nods her head. 

“Let’s chat in the library, shall we?” Her office is a bit too cramped for three people to fit comfortably.



They make their way to a table on the ground floor, in the corner of the large room. No one else is in the library besides Noelle, who is still manning the front desk while Lisa settles. 

A part of Jean hopes that Yae Miko will make her way elsewhere, but she remains, trailing Lisa like a shadow. 

“Were your findings in Liyue and Inazuma fruitful?” Jean begins, folding her hands on her lap underneath the table. 

“Quite. I worked largely with various employees of Bubu Pharmacy while in Liyue. You’re familiar with Baizhu, the owner?” Jean nods. “He took me under his wing. I learned a great deal about herbalism from him and his right hand, Gui. I brought back with me various ingredients from Liyue to make a variety of medications and potions that can heal and rejuvenate quickly if Barbara gets overwhelmed.”

“Ningguang always spoke highly of Dr. Baizhu. I’m grateful he took the time to pass on his knowledge,” Jean says. 

“He is a well-meaning man, yes. But he, like all cunning individuals, has an agenda.” Jean raises an eyebrow, but Lisa doesn’t elaborate. “And in Inazuma, Miko introduced me to various scholars within the Shogunate. They too practice herbalism, but it differs slightly from the practices of Liyue.”

Though Lisa is speaking, Yae Miko has her eyes on Jean across the table, studying her. Jean tries her best to ignore the intensity, but she can feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing up—a warning.

“I also learned several spells of protection and luck. One that will even banish evil, including the Abyssal forces that plague us. Though this spell is complex and time consuming, I believe it can be used to banish smaller groups of foe.”

“That’s wonderful,” Jean replies. “It seems your expedition was a great success.”

“It was an eventful and beneficial trip,” Lisa confirms. “I’ll plan on putting my new knowledge into practice soon, once Miko leaves.” 

At the mention of her name, Yae Miko snaps her eyes away from Jean and smiles at Lisa. “It has been quite some time since I’ve been to Mondstadt. I’m interested to see how much the scenery and culture has changed since then.”

“How long do you plan on staying?” Jean asks, and Yae Miko’s attention is on her again. 

“Roughly a week, and then I’ll make the long journey back to Inazuma. I can’t stay away from my responsibilities for too long, I’m afraid.” 

A week of seeing Yae Miko—Jean’s not sure why, but it instills uneasiness in her. “I hope you enjoy your stay here,” Jean replies, briskly, lacking any warmth. “Mondstadt has a lot to offer.”

“Yes, it surely does.” Yae Miko’s eyes twinkle with amusement.

The three make a bit more small talk, and Lisa shares more of what she has planned for Yae Miko while she’s here—a tour of the city, a visit to Springvale, and a trip to Starsnatch Cliff. 

“And a one-on-one meeting with the Master of Knights, of course,” Miko adds to the end of Lisa’s list. “Whenever she can fit me into her busy schedule, that is.” She turns to look at Jean, leaning forward across the table.

“Right,” Jean grumbles. “Tuesday afternoon, perhaps. We can talk in my office.” 

That was 2 days away, more than enough time to calm her mind and prepare herself for whatever it was Yae Miko had traveled so far to talk to her about. 

“Tuesday it is.” Yae smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Jean simply nods curtly, not bothering to smile back or look remotely pleasant. She’s long since given up friendly pretenses, and especially feels no need to put them on for Lady Yae’s sake. 

At that, Jean rises and bids them farewell, using her growing pile of paperwork as an excuse to get away from the overwhelmingly tense atmosphere.

The next few times Jean sees Lisa, Yae Miko is always at her side. In the library, at Good Hunter, even at the Cathedral. She longs to talk to Lisa alone, if only briefly, but it seems she may not get the chance until Yae Miko is gone. Finally, Jean spots Lisa leaving Kaeya’s office alone, and jumps at the chance to pull her aside. 

“It’s been hard to get you alone these days,” Jean teases, though her voice is level and flat. “Yae Miko has been practically attached to your hip since you got here.” It’s meant to be a joke, but it comes out bitter. 

Lisa holds Jean’s gaze, cooly. “Since she is my guest, it would be rude to abandon her here, don’t you think?”

Jean presses her lips together and says nothing for a moment. Finally, she says, “would you like to grab a drink with me?”

Raising an eyebrow at this, Lisa crosses her arms. “A drink at Angel’s Share…at noon?”

“Yes,” Jean replies. Lisa further looks at her with scrutiny. “I have a moment of spare time for lunch and would like a cup of coffee.”

“What happened to us only meeting on professional terms?” Lisa’s voice is sharp and defensive. 

Letting out a sigh, Jean gazes down at her feet. “Since you’ve been away for awhile, I’d like to make an exception.”

Lisa hesitates, studying Jean closely. “I suppose I can join you,” she finally says. Jean’s not used to hearing such a monotonous and professional tone from her. It stings, more than it has a right to.

They walk to Angel’s Share in heavy silence. Charles nearly drops the wine glass in his hands seeing Jean enter—after all, she hasn’t been there since the attack.

Jean orders her coffee, and Lisa, a cocktail. They grab a table on the second floor, in a secluded spot. Gazing down at the cup of coffee in her hands, Jean is the first to speak. “Where is Yae Miko, now?”

“With your sister, at the Cathedral. Miko was a bit curious about the recent practices of the Sisters, and how worship has changed over the past few decades. Barbara was more than willing to walk her through the basics.”

Jean bristles at that, pressing her lips into a straight line. “How did you meet Lady Yae?” 

Lisa doesn’t appear surprised by the question, but rather looks slightly annoyed.

“Well, when I arrived in Inazuma, word traveled quickly. It seems even there, they knew of my accomplishments back in Sumeru,” She waves a hand dismissively. “It was actually the Guuji herself who invited me to the Shrine for a meeting with her.”

Jean thinks of Yae Miko—her calculating eyes, sizing Lisa up like a piece of tender meat—and nearly shutters. She quickly tries to change the subject. “How did you like Inazuma?”

“It was beautiful. The cherry blossoms were even more breathtaking than I expected. The food was outstanding, and the customs, though much different than Mondstadt’s, weren’t difficult to adapt to. It helped having Miko as a guide, of course.”

Lisa seems to be incapable of not bringing up that damn woman. Jean takes a breath, attempting to calm herself down, but there is an ugly jealousy bubbling in her throat. Black and thick. 

“I even ran into the Honorary Knight while I was there. Of course, from what information I was able to gather, Lumine was at the center of the recent upheaval. That girl is a magnet for trouble.” Lisa smiles fondly, but only for a moment. “She wanted me to give you her regards, as well as her condolences.”

Yes, of course everyone in Inazuma must’ve heard by now of the attack against Mondstadt, and Barbatos’ death. 

Lisa leans forward, narrowing the distance between them. “Jean, how are you doing?” Her voice is light, floating down and enveloping Jean.

“I’m doing alright.” Lisa frowns at that. “As well as I can be, I suppose. Work has helped keep me busy, but I’ve been making preparations for my retirement at the end of this year.”

“So you haven’t changed your mind on that?” There’s a hint of surprise in her tone.

Jean shakes her head. “It’s the right thing to do.” She pauses, then adds, “The necessary thing to do.”

Lisa takes a large sip of her drink, wincing slightly as the sugar runs over her tongue. “I never would have foreseen you leaving the Knights. They’re such a large part of who you are.”

“Yes, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do with myself once I leave,” Jean admits. 

The alcohol buzzes in Lisa’s mind, and Jean is so close—right there—that she does something she knows she’ll regret.

“I’m so proud of you,” she says, reaching forward and taking Jean’s hands in her own. They’re cool to the touch, so much so that she involuntarily shudders in response. Normally, Jean’s hands are warm. Always warm and comforting. But now… “Change is scary, but leaving the Knights is for the best.”

“It is,” Jean agrees. She doesn’t squeeze Lisa’s hands in return, nor does she pull her own away. This is the first time they had made physical contact since Lisa had returned, Jean realizes. “There are plenty others just as capable of becoming Grand Master. And it doesn’t mean I can’t provide any help or assistance, it will just be on an unofficial level.”

“What will you do with all your newfound spare time?” Lisa asks.

“Further hone my skills. Help the citizens with various tasks. Patrol Mondstadt…” her voice trails off. 

Lisa releases Jean’s hands, pressing her lips together. “Surely you can’t pass eternity by only doing those things. You can’t possibly be on alert at all hours of the day. Like Barbatos, you can find other ways to pass your time.”

Jean is quiet at that, reflecting on Venti’s nights in the tavern. She wonders, then, if he drank to be merry, or if he drank to forget. Maybe both. 

“You need to live your immortal life—even with your humanity walled up. That’s why it will be good for you to meet others with extended lifespans, besides Klee and Alice, of course. Miko will have some advice for you on how to manage. She has some experience in that department, after all.”

Yes, Jean is aware that Yae Miko is a kitsune. Perhaps that is partially why her gaze seemed so predatory. 

“You two seem…very close.”

Lisa raises an eyebrow, searching Jean’s face for any sign of emotion, but there is none. Her expression remains guarded and professional. 

“Yes, we are.”

“I’m glad you’ve found someone,” Jean says. She hates that she doesn’t mean it truly, in her heart. She hates the look of pity Lisa gives her even more. 

The moment would’ve passed, but Jean, burning internally, can’t help herself. “So quickly, too,” she adds. 

The pity drops from Lisa’s face immediately. “I’ll have you know, Miko and I are very good friends. But what would it matter if we were more? Honestly, Jean, I swear you’ve been nothing but cold to her since we arrived.”

“I’ve been nothing but diplomatic, which is the reason she is here, isn’t it? Nothing more?” 

Lisa’s eyes narrow, and Jean can suddenly smell the crisp scent of an impending storm in the air. “What exactly are you insinuating?”

Some sick part of Jean revels in the anger painted across Lisa’s face. Wants to see her fingers crackle and spark with electricity, even. “Can you blame me for being slightly cautious around a stranger?”

“Do you think I would bring someone untrustworthy back with me to Mondstadt? Do you not trust my judgment?”

“It’s not you I don’t trust,” Jean points out, “but something about her is very off putting—“

“Honestly Jean, you’re acting like a child!” Lisa almost shouts. 

Jean raises her volume in turn. “A child? You’re the one who blindsided me with this!”

“I wrote you saying I was bringing someone who wanted to talk to you, did I not?” Lisa retorts, clearly enraged.

“Yes, but you failed to mention it was the Chief Priestess of Inazuma!”

Lisa barks out a laugh at that. "I think we both know that isn't what matters. It's the thought of seeing me with someone else, isn't it?"

Jean opens her mouth to object, but in the slight moment she hesitates, Lisa continues, silencing her. 



“You have absolutely no right to be behaving this way! You stopped having the right to know anything about my love life the minute you told me this,” Lisa waves her hand between the two of them, “whatever we have, is finished.”

Jean feels as though she’s been slapped. The burning has been doused now, and not even an ember remains. Her anger has dissolved into nothing but sadness and shame. Jean has always been a prideful woman, but Lisa—the beautiful reckoning that she is—can always find a way to bring her to her knees. 

“You’re right,” Jean says, feeling like a complete fool. “Lisa, I don’t know what came over me. I apologize for my outburst. It was inappropriate and unfair.” She takes a sip of her coffee, which has now gone cold. 

Lisa turns away from those ocean eyes, knowing if she looks a second longer, Jean’s transgressions will be forgiven instantaneously. “How could you ask me to forget about you when you can’t drop this yourself, Jean?” Her voice is small and delicate. 

Jean doesn’t have an answer. She simply lets Lisa’s words tear at her insides.

“I’m just supposed to force myself to move on, while you suffer in silence? Ever so dutiful, like a true Gunnhildr?”

“Yes,” Jean breathes out, looking at Lisa with pleading eyes. “You deserve a happy and normal life without such complications.”

“And what if that happiness includes you? It is you. It’s always been you.”

Though they’re indoors, the air around them stirs, picking up wildly and threatening to undo the tie in Lisa’s hair. 

“It mustn’t be me,” Jean states, firmly. Her ears ring, and her eyes glow with the overwhelming green of Anemo. “Not this time.”

She stands up abruptly, gathering her things, and the wind subsides instantly. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe my lunch hour is over. Thank you for taking time out of your afternoon to join me here.” She walks away, not meeting Lisa’s eyes, and leaves.

And at that moment, Lisa hates Jean. Polite and dutiful, even when she is walking away, breaking her heart.

After the emotionally charged outing with Lisa, Jean is looking even less forward to her meeting with Yae Miko. The woman is set to arrive at the top of the hour, and yet Jean can barely manage to get any more work done prior. Lisa’s words, both loving and frustrated, echo in her mind again and again.

Finally, Jean hears the clicking of heels down the hall, and knows the fox envoy has arrived. She quickly straightens up her paperwork, and gets ready to stand.

“Jean Gunnhildr,” Yae says—voice dripping with something Jean can’t quite place. Something she does not like. “Thank you for fitting this time for us to chat into your compact schedule.”

Immediately, Jean rises to her feet and gives Yae a polite nod. “No need to thank me, for it is you who traveled such a great distance to be here.”

Jean gestures to the chair in front of her desk, and sits back down on her own as well. Yae remains standing for a moment, hand trailing along the back of the chair, before finally being seated.

“They say someone’s living space says a lot about them, and since Lisa told me you tend to spend more nights here than at your own home, I suppose I have a lot to learn from looking around.” Though she says this, her eyes remain on Jean. “Meticulous in all the right places, but rather messy and thrown together in others. One can spot the flaws, if one looks close enough.” 

Those eyes on Jean are sharp and keen. Again, she feels her skin crawl, but doesn’t dare show it. Instead, Jean clears her throat and hardens her gaze. “Forgive me, Lady Yae, but as you pointed out, my schedule is quite compact. I’d kindly recommend you say what you came to say so that we don’t run short on time.”

“Yes, yes of course,” Yae says, lips pulling into a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “When Lisa mentioned that Barbatos had passed, I’ll admit it was not the first I had heard of the news. Word travels fast, as you know. However, I was surprised to know that the Acting Grand Master was selected to be his successor. Unlike Morax, who left a vacuum to be filled by the humans. I was intrigued.”

“When Lisa informed me more about your situation,” Yae continues, “I knew it would be in both of our best interests to meet. After all, as well as being the Chief Priestess, I am the Electro Archon’s familiar.”

“Lisa must have a great deal of trust in you to divulge such information,” Jean replies, careful to keep her emotions reigned in. “Tell me, Lady Yae, what made you first invite her to the Grand Narukami Shrine?” 

The smile on Yae’s face does not falter. “The brightest scholar that Sumeru has seen in centuries, who had abruptly left Academia to return to Mondstadt to work as a librarian and potions master. I must say, I was quite intrigued when I heard word that she had washed up on our shores.”

Yae pauses, eyes flicking down to the letter Lisa had sent Jean, still set aside on the woman’s desk, where it had remained untouched for nearly a month. “When I heard of the goals of her expedition, I pointed her toward the brightest minds Inazuma has to offer, for a simple trade of information.”

Jean narrows her eyes at that, crossing her arms. “And somehow, a simple trade of information has resulted with you here, in Mondstadt.”

“I’ll admit, I became more invested in Lisa’s circumstances than I ought to. She’s incredibly charming, as you know.” There’s something pointed about Yae Miko’s expression. 

“Lisa is an essential member of the Ordo Favonius. Her work here is integral to our function and stability.”

“An essential member. Is that all she is to you?” Yae asks, innocently. 

Jean clenches her jaw. “She’s a coworker,” she pauses, then adds, “and a friend.”

“Ah, I see,” Yae leans back against the chair, satisfied. “Friends.” She draws the word out, and then hums, smiling as if there’s a joke playing out that only she is in on. “Friends is such a broad term, both here and in Inazuma, it seems.”

Pressing her lips together and fighting back a scowl, Jean shakes her leg underneath her desk where Yae cannot see it. “Lady Yae,” she warns.

“My apologies, Master Jean. You are simply too fun to tease.” The kitsune lets her head tilt to the side as she continues to look at Jean. “Just as Lisa described. You were often a topic of conversation, so I feel as though I already know you, though we haven’t fully met.”

Not quite knowing how to respond to that, Jean releases Yae’s gaze, staring down at the quill on her desk. “May I be forward with you, Lady Yae?”

“Why, of course. It’s only proper that forwardness goes both ways.”

“What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Miss Minci? Were the two of you ever…” Jean’s voice trails off, and she again lacks the courage to maintain eye contact with the woman sitting across from her. 

Yae lets out an amused laugh. “We were intimate yes, quite a few times actually,” she laughs again at the cold stare Jean gives her, “but for nothing more than pleasure. I could tell her mind was always elsewhere. Caught on something, unable to tug away.”

Jean swallows the lump that has formed in her throat and turns away, guilt radiating off her in waves. “Oh.”

Yae leans forward onto Jean’s desk, resting her face in her hands without dropping her eyes from Jean for an instant. “You love her, and yet, you deny yourself of her. Though Lisa has told me your reason for doing so, I’d like to hear it in your own words.”

It’s strange. Every inch of Jean’s being is on edge because of Yae Miko, and yet, she still feels compelled to answer the woman truthfully, as if put under some sort of hypnotic trance. 

Yae Miko’s default expression is one of coyness, but now, she sits before Jean with a serious and earnest expression on her face. One that almost makes Jean trust her. 

“Mondstadt, though a passionate and lively nation, lacks the defenses and technology of others in Teyvat. We have always been vulnerable, and in our darkest hours, have fallen on Barbatos for guidance. Now that Barbatos is gone, we have been left more exposed than ever. I must step up and fill that void before the Abyss Order attacks again. And to do so, I cannot partake in the life I used to live as a human. My previous relationships must be severed, and my frivolous and unimportant wants and desires along with it. My singular focus must be growing stronger in order to maintain freedom.” She holds her head high. “That is my purpose—my will.”

“As expected of a Knight, you are quite well spoken. However, words and ideals can only get you so far. Are you so sure that the only way to achieve this strength you so desire is the path you are currently set on?”

“It appears to be working so far. My strength has increased almost exponentially since I have started distancing myself from humans.” 

“And now, since Lisa has returned?”

“I can feel the strength slipping away,” Jean admits, quietly. 

Yae continues to study her, clearly deep in thought. “Quite a conundrum you’ve fallen into. How fascinating.”

Jean narrows her eyes, not amused. “Lady Yae, why is it you’ve come all this way, truly?”

“I have a fair amount of knowledge on The Seven that I have collected throughout my lifetime. Mostly, of course, pertaining to the Electro Archon. I have come here to share this information with you.”

“You have come to share this knowledge with me, with no ulterior motives?” Jean asks, leaning back in her chair, crossing her arms. “I find that a bit hard to believe.”

“I’m surprised by your bluntness, Master of Knights,” Yae muses, faking offense, though her grin remains stretched across her face. Jean spots two pointed canines, baring like fangs. “I have come here for two reasons. The first being purely diplomatic, of course. I knew Barbatos. Acquaintances, you could say we were. I quite liked him, though he always got on the Raiden Shogun’s nerves. I think that’s perhaps why we got along swimmingly. It’s important to remain on good terms with the other Six. Alliances must be established, and lines drawn in the sand.”

Yae's grin tapers off, and suddenly her eyes cloud with the memories of centuries. “There are other forces at work—elder gods, banished to the far reaches of this world—festering with fury and rage. Lest they rise up again, it would do one well to be prepared.” 

The weight of Yae’s words is not lost on Jean. She can only imagine the unknown, powerful beings that slumber in Teyvat, far scarier than even the Abyss Order. 

“Since my Shogun cannot leave Inazuma currently, I have come in her stead to give you her regards, along with this word of advice and warning. Barbatos never gave the Shogun any need to worry, and so, she’s hoping to put her trust in you as well. Who knows, perhaps one day you can even become friends.”

Jean studies Yae carefully. The woman’s cards on the table are completely obscured from her, even now. “And the second reason?”

“Ah, yes. I’ll admit that is entirely personal. I’ve also come here for Lisa’s sake. I heard you’ve spoken with Morax already, but I’d like to share my experiences with you in hopes that you won’t repeat any of the same mistakes my dear Ei has made.”

Jean looks mystified, never having heard the name “Ei” before. 

“Let me tell you a story of a little shadow who lost her way.” 

Yae launches into a tragic story of love and loss. Jean remains quiet the entire time, entranced by this side of Inazuman history that she’s unfamiliar with. 

“So focused on her quest for eternity, Ei left everything behind. She fled to the Plane of Euthymia, where she remained for over 500 years. To slow down the process of erosion, she claimed, however I suspect Ei had her own personal reasons.”


“You’re trusting me with all this?” Jean asks, a bit astonished. 

Yae laughs, it’s melodic but loud. “You don’t look like the type to spill secrets, Master of Knights. Besides, all of the other Archons already know the fate of Makato, and how Ei is our current Electro Archon. However, the Puppet Shogun is something you alone now know.”

“That is all very fascinating. A perfect, indistinguishable replica. 500 years isolated and alone, mediating. That level of dedication is commendable.”

“You say commendable, but I’d call it stubborn. Cowardly, even.”

Jean’s eyebrows raise at Yae Miko’s bitterness. 

“Ei was so focused on maintaining Inazuma into the forever future, that she failed to consider the impact her actions would have on the present as well. Through the Vision Hunt Decree, she hurt many.”

“You see, when she entered the Plane of Euthymia, she lost touch with our reality, because she removed her very consciousness from it. She lost touch with her own subjects, unaware of how they changed over the years. She also lost the council of others. No one to offer advice or criticisms. She became a being unchecked. A God not omniscient, but blinded.”

Yae pauses, finally dropping her eyes. “You remind me of her, in some ways. The power and unyielding will. The commitment to your duty, shouldering it all on your own without complaint. And that is what worries me the most. If you continue down this path alone, you may lose sight of what’s truly important. You may make decisions, clouded by your own inaccurate perceptions. You will do things that you'll regret.”

Jean swallows, roughly. “What do you propose I do then?”

“Do not shut out your humanity. Rather, embrace it. Right now, you are currently amplifying the qualities you had as a mortal. As you cling more and more to these traits alone, the more imperfect you will become. Balance, as always, is key. You must improve upon the qualities you lacked when you were human. Only then, once you have truly grown as a person, can you grow as a god.”

When Yae Miko says this, her voice rings clear and true. There is no deception behind her eyes, no tricks up her sleeve. Just reality, or the truth she believes to be so. 

“You struggle with affection, no? In both displaying it and expressing it. Why not try to correct that now that Lisa is back in Mondstadt?”

Jean narrows her eyes slightly, hating how easily Yae Miko can read her. “Even if your method of unlocking the full extent of my powers proves to work, it will take time I cannot afford to lose. Why would I deviate from a method that has already proven to be successful?”

“That’s simple, it’s a path that will only bring yourself and others pain.”

Jean thinks of Barbara and their previous walk. Of Kaeya, begging her to give this foolish plan up. And Lisa…

“I’ll humor you for a moment, Lady Yae. Let’s say, your plan works and my strength increases. I don’t have to push anyone away. What then, decades later? I am now an immortal. I will live long after she will. Something you don’t have to worry about with Ei.”

“It’s true, I age much more slowly than other beings. However, I was left alone, confused and angry, by someone who thought they were only doing what was best.” Yae points out. “Ei sacrificed her heart in her pursuit of eternity, but failed to consider what other consequences there may be. Who else she might hurt, as well as the damage she was inflicting upon herself.”

Jean fiddles with her cuffs beneath her desk, unable to meet the other woman’s piercing eyes. “Lisa will be fine, given time.”

“I have no doubt in that,” Yae agrees. “Over time, she will heal as much as any human can. I’ve found humans tend to be much more forgiving than immortals. They experience, they move on, and then they forget. It’s all they can do, really, when their lives are so fleeting. Lisa, however, is not like other humans I have met. She is strong, but she is not forgetful.”

“And then there’s you,” Yae pauses, voice trailing off pointedly. “Eternity is a long time to carry an unmendable, broken heart, my dear.” Sharp purple eyes stare at Jean, relentless. “A lifetime of loneliness is too cruel a fate for either of you.” 

Jean is rigid, hands clenched into fists. “A lifetime with Lisa, followed by an eternity without her. Nothing would be a crueler fate than that.” 

Yae’s gaze softens. “Life and death, loving and loss. One cannot exist without the other. It’s unavoidable that your road ahead will be filled with both. You must reach for any happiness you can. Do not let it slip away.”

Jean stands up abruptly, face held coolly and diplomatically, though her lips tremble. “I thank you for your knowledge, and your time, Lady Yae. If you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting with Master Varka.”



Yae slowly stands up as well, sauntering closer to Jean. “Oh, you haven’t gotten rid of me that easily. I intend to stay for at least another week. I haven’t been to Mondstadt in quite some time, and plan to make the most of the long journey here.” 

“You are welcome to stay for as long as you’d like.” Jean manages to get out. Voice strained, for it couldn‘t be any further from the truth. Yae’s gaze on her sears, and a shiver runs up her spine.

The fox envoy smiles, and though it is not friendly, there is pity behind it. “You are somehow exactly what I was expecting, Master of Knights.” She turns and walks out of the office, leaving Jean alone with her pride and rage. 

Chapter Text

IX. THE RETREATING SHADOW OF A FOX, DAYBREAK. 

Jean is unable to get Yae Miko’s words out of her head. As she slashes down some Abyss Mages that have gathered near Stormterror’s Lair, she sees flashes of the kitsune’s all knowing eyes in her mind, taunting her. 

Has she made a terrible mistake, pushing everyone away? Could they ever forgive her if she tried to undo what damage has already been done?

But also—would the people of Mondstadt also forgive her if she wasn’t strong enough to protect them? If the city crumbled, and her along with it?

The uncertainty plagues Jean, worse than she’s ever experienced before. She’s always known that it is her duty to protect Mondstadt—without a shadow of a doubt—and even as a child she embraced it. Back then, it seemed so straightforward. Join the Knights, and live up to the Gunnhildr name.

Enter Lisa—a complication and salvation. She had Jean daring to dream about a life outside of work. Outside of the path she had long since built for herself. And now Godhood has been thrust upon her, making things all the more uncertain. 

Despite being the most powerful being in Mondstadt, Jean feels utterly useless.

Frustrated, she finds herself at Windrise. She doesn’t speak out loud, but simply basks in the hum of Anemo. Vennessa comes anyway, standing beside Jean in silence. 

“I’m not sure what to do,” Jean admits, when she becomes aware of the other woman’s presence. “I hate this feeling of indecisiveness. If only the way forward was as clear as it used to be.”

She looks at the other woman, who is regarding her thoughtfully. “Do you think I should stay the course, walling off my humanity? Or, should I embrace what makes me human, and work to become a better person? The first option is a steady and sure way to power. The second is a maybe, and can result in failure.” 

Jean pauses for a moment, biting her bottom lip in thought. “I suppose I need to decide which I can stand to lose more. Mondstadt, or those I love.”

Vennessa crosses her arms, blinking a few times before her eyes focus on Jean again—red shining warmly. “Aren’t they one and the same?”

Startled by that question, Jean looks back at her with her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Mondstadt will fall one day, but when that happens, those that are left will make a new home for themselves elsewhere. It is the people who make a nation, not its buildings and roads.”

Vennessa pauses then, and Jean stares at her with wide, wide eyes. 

“I believe you are strong enough now to combat a major threat. There may be casualties, and parts of the city may crumble, as they did even with Barbatos still here, but the spirit of the people will live on.”

“What if your faith in me is misplaced?” Jean asks, quietly. “What if people die because I am not strong enough? Their blood will be on my hands.” There’s a tremble to her voice, and fear in her eyes.

“I watched many loved ones perish,” Vennessa responds, “and cursed myself for not being strong enough to take on Ursa the Drake alone. However, could I have lost them if I never loved them in the first place? My love is what pushed me forward, in the wake of casualty, and led to the freedom of Mondstadt and the foundation of the Knights.”

“If you carry on the path you lead now,” she continues, “that love for Mondstadt will fade into the numbness. At a certain point, you may even forget the reason you became an Archon in the first place. Freedom and emotion are intertwined.”

“I understand your fears, doubts, and motivations. Each path will surely come with pros and cons. Ultimately, I suppose you must ask yourself who you wish to be. And how you wish to spend your eternity.”

Jean nods, taking a deep breath. “There is someone whom I love, dearly.”

Vennessa smiles at that. “The Purple Witch.”

Eyes widening, Jean lets out a cough, embarrassed. “You know her?”

“I’ve seen the two of you here before. In her presence, you seemed happy.”

“She has that effect on me. Calming, like the sound of a bubbling stream.” Jean can see the stream in her mind now, in the middle of the woods, isolated and beautiful. A sanctuary in the middle of the wilderness. “I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her,” she admits. 

Jean glances up at Vennessa, seeing the woman’s normally emotionless face flicker with something new. “Did you have someone?”

“I did, before I ascended. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her as well.” The woman’s voice falls at the end with sorrow. “But when I returned from Celestia—well—she was already gone. What had been days for me was decades for her and everyone else I left behind.”

“Celestia took everything from you,” Jean observes. 

Vennessa remains silent, mouth twisting into a hard line. “That is what they do. Though I hope you escape that cruel fate.”

They stand side by side for a few moments longer, before Jean thanks the woman and takes her leave.

Later that day, Jean is called into Varka’s office. The man is pacing back and forth behind his desk, as he usually does, itching to be outside, moving around and taking action. 

“I had another meeting with that Guuji woman earlier today. She’s quite something, isn’t she?” he says, and then laughs at the sour face Jean makes. “What’s this, not a fan?”

“She’s conniving. I find it hard to trust a single word she says,” Jean replies, though her venom is somewhat half-hearted. Despite Yae’s cunning eyes, the woman’s genuine words from the day before still resonate within Jean’s heart. A part of her hates Yae for questioning the path she has taken, but another part of her is thankful for it. 

“Never pass up on an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Mond and other nations,” Varka retorts—voice taking on an uncharacteristically scolding tone. “Inazuma is beginning to open back up. We must seize this opportunity, while setting all personal feelings aside.”

He pauses, looking at Jean, who simply crosses her arms in silence.

“Your role in all this is even more important, now that you’re our Archon. We can’t have you starting trouble with the Raiden Shogun’s envoy.” He gives her a slap on the shoulder. “That means, be on your best behavior.”

“I always am,” Jean notes. Then, under her breath, “but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” 

This earns roaring laughter from Varka. Jean bows her head, embarrassed a bit by her own emotional outburst, and quickly strides out of the Grand Master’s office. 

It’s a complete accident when Jean runs into Yae and Lisa the next day. She’s patrolling the city as thoroughly and quickly as possible, hoping to avoid exactly that…when she sees the brim of Lisa’s hat and feels her heels dig in the ground immediately. Maybe she can back away and re-route—


“Master Jean!” Yae Miko calls, leaning forward to look around Lisa. She waves, with a smirk on her face that Jean has come to recognize as malicious.


They appear to have just been leaving the Cat’s Tail for the evening. Lisa is leaning into Yae entirely, as if she cannot support herself on her own. 

“Lady Yae,” Jean replies, cursing under her breath. She straightens her shoulders and stands resolutely. “And Lisa. Good evening.”

“Just on patrol?” the kitsune asks, although she already knows the answer.

Jean can’t help but notice Lisa’s eyes remain trained on the ground, not even acknowledging her. “Yes, just a routine lap, to make sure everything is as it should be.”

The comment makes Yae’s lips quirk upward. “Hm, well then, I don’t suppose you’d have time to walk Lisa back to her apartment?”

The suggestion seems to light a fire under Lisa, who is suddenly looking more alert and with displeasure at Yae. 

“I’ll admit, we had a lot to drink. We made arrangements to meet with your Cavalry Captain at Angel’s Share for a second round, but I’m afraid Lisa might have already had one too many. I think it’d be in her best interest to return home.”

“I’m quite alright,” Lisa assures, but the lilt of her voice, sloppier and less refined than normal, suggests otherwise. 

Meanwhile, Jean stands frozen, looking between Yae Miko and Lisa. “I really shouldn’t allow myself to be distracted while patrolling,” Jean finally says. “I think it would be best if you got Lisa back yourself.”

“Fine, you win, Master of Knights. I’d hate to distract you from your duties. However, I’m afraid that once I get her home, I’ll be too exhausted to go out once again and we’ll collapse into bed together…” Yae’s voice trails off innocently, and she frowns.

Jean closes her eyes and sighs deeply. She knows she’s playing right into Yae’s hands, but the thought of Yae and Lisa being together makes her skin crawl once again. “I can take Lisa home. Our Cavalry Captain doesn’t fare well when he drinks alone, so it’s best at least one of you joins him.”


Lisa turns her head, centimeters away from Yae’s ear, and hisses “You’re vile.” 

“I know, darling,” Yae replies, under her breath. “You’ll thank me later.” 

Jean walks up to Lisa’s other side, gently placing a hand on the older woman’s waist and guiding Lisa to lean into her instead of Yae.


Once Lisa is begrudgingly nestled against Jean, Yae steps back and looks at the other two in satisfaction. “Such a gentleman,” she coos, and Lisa grits her teeth. “Thank you kindly, Jean.” And on that note, she quickly walks away, leaving Jean and Lisa alone. 

“You don’t have to do this,” Lisa says, after an awkward beat. “You know this was just Miko’s ploy to get the two of us alone together.” 

“I know,” Jean admits, but makes no other comment on the matter. “Shall we?” 

They walk, slowly. It takes Lisa more effort than she’d ever admit to walk in an efficient and straight line. She’s using all of her strength to lean as far away from Jean as she can, but the other woman’s arm around her waist is strong and firm..

Lisa expects some biting comment about her drunken state, but instead finds Jean’s silence, which is somehow worse. 

“I’m sorry about how I left things the other day,” Jean finally says, breaking the quiet. Her voice is deep and low. “I was the one who invited you out, only to behave so rudely.” 

“It was a bit brutish,” Lisa agrees, and yet she finds herself slowly untensing, letting herself lean into Jean, who is still so comfortable and familiar even after all of Lisa’s months away. 

She hates how easily the two of them fall back into place together, as naturally as breathing. 

“We can’t keep doing this dance,” Lisa says, suddenly, before she loses herself to the comfort. “ I can’t keep doing this. You say you have to keep me at arms length and yet you’re here, and I’m here at your side, like a fool.” She looks up at Jean with sad eyes. The knight’s green eyes shine back, tender and sympathetic. “If you don’t want me to care for you any longer, you mustn't look at me like that. Like you’re in love with me.” 

Jean swallows and turns away. “And if I love you still—if I’ll love you always—what can I do, then?” 

Lisa sighs, loudly and dramatically, trying to hide the fact that her heart is fluttering rapidly in her chest. “You’re very frustrating, Jean Gunnhildr.” 

The corners of Jean’s mouth quirks up into a small, sad smile. “So I’ve been told.” 

They finally arrive at Lisa’s place, standing in front of the steps for a moment before Jean begins to help Lisa ascend. She’s feeling pretty stable now, but doesn’t stop Jean’s gentle hands as the knight grips onto Lisa's waist a bit more tightly.

Lisa unlocks her door and steps inside, turning around to look back at Jean, who dares not step a foot through the doorway. “What are you going to do, Jean?”

It’s a vague question, and yet Jean knows exactly what she means.



“I think I have an idea. Best to sleep on it, though,” Jean says. Her face, always so proud and determined, looks hesitant and unsure.



That answer, though annoyingly generic, is enough to satisfy Lisa for now. Her body craves the warmth and softness of her bed above all else. “Thank you for walking me home.”

Jean simply nods. “Please take care of yourself, Lisa.” And with that, she turns around and descends the steps to the main street. Once down, she turns around to look back, seeing Lisa lingering by the door for a moment before she hastily shuts it. 

The next day, Miko and Lisa walk side by side outside the city, making their way toward Windrise. Lisa intends to take Miko to Starsnatch Cliff for a picnic above the water, offering one of the most incredible views Mondstadt has to offer.

A bit of unease has settled between the two ever since Yae stumbled home the previous night, red in the face and in good spirits. Lisa had pretended to be asleep then, wanting to avoid conversation about Jean. 

Surely, the nosey kitsune will be curious, and will pull the information she wants from Lisa one way or another. That’s why Lisa decides to beat her to the punch and bring up the topic herself. 

“Miko, what did you say to Jean when you met with her privately?” Lisa asks. “The way she was acting last night seemed…conflicted.”

As expected, Miko’s eyes shine with interest immediately. “I simply shared my knowledge and experience, as I came here to do. Nothing more.” But the devilish grin Miko wears is more than enough to let Lisa know it is only a half truth.

“Jean seems like she is considering no longer walling up her humanity.”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Yae asks. “For her to reconsider? I’ve only worn away at her slightly. Planted some seeds of doubt, and perhaps some seeds of jealousy.” 

Lisa furrows her brow at her. “I may have wanted Jean to reconsider following Rex Lapis’ path, but I never asked you to meddle in my love life.” She sighes. “Though I guess expecting anything less from a kitsune was simply foolish on my part, after all.”

“Your love life and Jean’s decision are intricately intertwined. That’s love, my dear. It’s never simple. Besides, though I may be acting with bias, I truly want the best for both of you.”

Lisa raises an eyebrow.

“Well, mostly you, of course. Though Jean seems to mean well, her emotional intelligence is, for lack of a better word, stunted. And she has an awful case of savior complex. I can only hope she learns, over time, and grows into herself more.”

“She will,” Lisa assures. “Her time away from the Knights will further that along.” She pauses, crossing her arms for a moment in thought. “Am I being terribly selfish for wanting her, still? For demanding her humanity when she is no longer human?”

Miko gaze softens. “Perhaps, but there is nothing wrong with that. Gods may be immortal and strong, but their very beings are linked with their subjects. If Jean can’t experience basic human emotion anymore, she can no longer understand her own people. And they, in turn, will no longer understand her. They may even grow to resent her.” 

“I suppose only time will tell what she’ll decide. Until then, I’m thankful for you, Miko. You’ve made my homecoming much more bearable.”

“Of course, darling,” Miko smiles at Lisa, reaching for the other woman’s arm to link up with her own. “It was nice to be back in Mondstadt after so long. It brought back fond memories. Drinking dandelion wine with that silly bard until our faces both turned red. But not all of it was good conversation and laughter. Politics, of course, were always at play.”

“Your talks with Varka, I imagine they went well?” Lisa jumps at the chance to pull some information of her own. 

“As smoothly as possible. I’ve negotiated with men like him many times before—boisterous, opinionated, prideful—but I could sense, as you mentioned, he is a good man. A fitting leader. Encouraging more trade between our countries will be beneficial to us both, and will surely prompt more tourism, which Inazuma desperately needs right now.”

Lisa looks pleased at that, humming. 

Miko studies her for a moment before her mouth shapes itself into a knowing smirk. “Ah, so you finally reveal your true motivation for agreeing to let me join you on your trip back home,” she says, teasingly. 

Caught red-handed, Lisa simply smiles, not bothering to dismiss the claim. “I am a member of the Knights of Favonius,” she reminds Miko, “and my time in Inazuma was ultimately meant to help Mondstadt, nothing more.” 

“My, you wound me. So you didn’t invite me simply because you wanted to spend more time with your dear friend?” Miko fakes a pout, earning a scoff from Lisa. “I guess that means I won’t be able to convince you to move to Inazuma, after all? You could do incredible things there.”

Lisa lets herself imagine a life made in Inazuma. A life full of beauty, extravagance, and mystery. But a life in Inazuma would be a life without Razor’s proud grin, without Klee’s innocent mischief, without Kaeya’s endearing smugness, without Barbara’s healing melodies. It would be a life without Jean. 

“As much as I did love Inazuma, Mondstadt is my home. They need me here.”

“Yes, it does seem Mondstadt would be hopelessly lost without you,” Miko replies, and though a smile tugs at her lips, there’s no sense of insincerity to her voice. “You’re an extremely powerful mage that rivals any witch I’ve ever seen, after all.”

“Such flattery,” Lisa retorts, but she knows there is truth to Miko’s words. In her studies at Sumeru, she had tapped into such immense power at such an early age, that she quickly rivaled even her professors before the end of her first year. “I’m happy to live a quiet life in Mondstadt with the people I care about.”

“They better be good to you here,” Yae says, as her eyes narrow. “The second you’re feeling under-appreciated or unhappy, you know you’re always welcome at my Shrine.”

Lisa takes Miko’s hand in her own and gives it a soft, thankful squeeze. 

A couple hours later, back in the city, Jean stands outside of Kaeya’s half-propped open door for a moment, collecting herself, before she knocks twice and peeks her head inside. 

He’s standing by a window, flipping a coin in hand. When he hears the knocking, he turns to face Jean and arches an eyebrow. 

“Master of Knights. Always a pleasure.” 

There’s a noticeable wall up around him. His voice is strictly professional, and his usual sense of smugness is not present. Surely a result of Jean pushing him away. It makes her heart ache. 

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” she asks, while wringing her hands together. It’s an unusual tick reserved for when she’s most anxious. Kaeya’s good eye spots it, and he motions for her to enter his office without a word. 

Gratefully, she closes the door behind her and steps toward his desk.

Jean clears her throat, and he looks at her expectantly. “I’ve done a lot of reflecting about my choice to suppress my humanity, and I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps it was not the right choice, after all.”

His eye widens in surprise, clearly taken off guard. And just like that, his invisible wall crumbles. “You don’t say?” Kaeya retorts, smirking a bit devilishly at her, but his expression quickly softens and becomes more serious. “What made you think so?”

“The initial doubt came from an unexpected source. Yae Miko.” 

“Ah, Lady Guuji, a woman who can navigate her liqueur with ease. She’s quite impressionable.” 

Jean rolls her eyes at that. “She made me realize that perhaps my situation isn’t so black and white. I may have other options to pursue, ones that will be less hurtful to those I love. I might not be as strong of an Archon if I let my heart lead, but I forgot that I’m not in this alone. I have a valiant and strong team behind me, watching out for this Nation as well.”

She clears her throat, leaning back against the wall. “I want to apologize for pushing you away. After all these years, you’ve stood beside me, and I rewarded you with a cold shoulder. Nothing that a friend deserves.”

Kaeya raises an eyebrow, then simply shrugs. “It’s alright. Though I disagreed with your decision, I understood why you made it. It was a very ‘Jean’ thing to do, after all, and I could never expect you to give anything less for Mond.”

“I must say though, I’m quite offended that a stranger you just met was somehow able to change your mind, instead of your dearest old friend.” He puts his hand on his chest, mockingly, but he can’t help but grin. “It seems even Jean Gunnhildr is not immune to the charms of a beautiful woman.”

The serious look on Jean’s face quickly turns into a scowl. She coughs into her fist, trying to hide the creeping blush on her cheeks. “Kaeya,” she warns.

He holds his hands up in surrender. “Regardless of your reasons, I’m simply glad to see you this animated again. Not that you’re the most expressive, emotional person in the first place. Actually, you can be quite robotic—“

“Kaeya!”

His grin widens. “Glad to have you back, Master Jean.”

Jean hangs her head at that, sighing. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, and yet I can’t help but hope the others will forgive me all the same.”

“Have you told Lisa yet?”

She shakes her head, continuing to look at the ground.

“Go to her, you silly fool,” Kaeya urges. “Do not waste another moment.”

“I don’t—I don’t know where she is,” Jean stammers, embarrassed. She had checked the library, and Lisa’s apartment, only to find her at neither place.

“Starsnatch Cliff with Lady Yae. Now, go!” Kaeya practically pushes Jean toward the door. 

Jean leans forward and gives him a small kiss on the cheek before she leaves. “Thank you.”

And she’s off, half jogging half fast walking out the door, leaving Kaeya shaking his head and smiling to himself as he watches her leave. 

She flies again, as fast as she can—a blur of fluorescent green and white across the sky as her wings glide across the wind.

There’s a particular spot on Starsnatch she remembers Lisa tends to like best, so she’ll start there. 

Jean now knows Lady Yae will be there with Lisa, but she doesn’t worry about that now. If Yae was there watching as Jean, on her knees, confessed to Lisa, then so be it. Her own pride means nothing to her anymore.

She flies past the Whispering Woods when a loud crackle erupts, causing her to drop a few feet before recovering. It came from overhead. She looks up, and sees a bright light in the sky—

It’s a missile, one that had been fired above her, missing by a considerable amount yet close enough to get her attention all the same. The projectile had gone under her radar because she had been so focused on her destination…

Another missile, again not directly fired at her. Jean thrusts herself downward toward the ground, where she can make out the source—a ruin guard. She flaps her wings and glides at an incredible speed toward it. There are no more missiles fired, to her surprise, even as she draws nearer to the enemy. When she reaches the ground, she can make out a person standing atop the left hand of the ruin guard. 

Landing gracefully, Jean withdraws her sword from its hilt and faces the person as her eyes glow a bright green. 

“Jean Gunnhildr,” the man says, rather monotonously, as the ruin guard sets him onto the ground. His outfit looks odd, unlike anything she’s ever seen. His gold eyes shine familiarly. “The new Anemo Archon.”

“You…” Jean begins, relaxing the arm holding her sword somewhat, but remaining on guard all the same. She knows those soft facial features, and golden, curled locks. “You’re Lumine’s brother.”

The man raises an eyebrow, letting out a chuckle at that. “I have not been referred to as that in a long time. But yes, I am Aether. I traveled here with Lumine long ago.”

Jean’s eyes widen. “Your sister has been searching for you across Teyvat."

His mouth sets in a harsh line. “I know.”

Tensing again, Jean extends her sword, pointing the tip at him. “You’re working with the Abyss?”

“I am their leader,” he says, casually. 

Again, Jean’s face lights up in surprise, which is quickly replaced with contempt. “You led a full-scale attack against Mondstadt,” she growls. “Why?”

“To kill Barbatos,” Aether responds. 

Jean lunges forward as quick as lightning, aiming for Aether’s heart. He is quick, and manages to side-step the attack rather effortlessly. She doesn’t give up though, and follows up with another swing, to which he side steps again, this time with a grunt and more effort. 

“Now, Jean,” he says, while dodging her flurry of attacks, “I’d simply like to talk. That’s why my ruin guard didn’t fire at you directly. I simply wanted to get your attention.”

“Talking was out of the question the moment your forces invaded my home without warning!” she cries out. Her face is one of pure fury. 

“What if I told you I had crucial information regarding Celestia. Would that peak your interest?” Aether says, between grunts of effort as he continues to dodge her every move. 

Jean grits her teeth and thrusts her sword forward again, this time knocking Aether off his feet with a controlled gust of wind. In seconds, her sword tip is at his throat, pressing ever so slightly enough to draw blood.

Even so, he seems unfazed. He wears a tired expression, with empty eyes. “This world is not as it seems. The principles of freedom you strive to uphold directly conflict with the Heavenly Principles. It is only a matter of time before another nation falls to Celestia’s power.”

This makes Jean hesitate—Vennessa had warned her of Celestia, after all. “Why are you telling me this?”

He looks at her directly, empty eyes filling up with a renewed vigor. “I am hoping we can be allies.”

“What was that?” Yae asks, instantly turning to face the origin of an explosion as her ears twitch outward. Birds fly away from the source, spooked. 

“Ruin guards. They should all be cleared out within this vicinity,” Lisa says, standing up at once. Her stomach drops, and somehow she knows that if Jean is not already involved now, she surely will be shortly. “I need to go.”

Lisa’s taking a few steps forward when another explosion sounds, making her flinch ever so slightly. This time, she sees the source of the noise in the air—a black cloud of smoke dissipating as chunks of metal plummet to the ground and disappear behind the wall of trees. 

A white winged figure dives downward, disappearing out of Lisa’s sight as well. “Jean,” Lisa whispers with urgency, not wasting another moment. 

She doesn’t need to turn around to know Yae Miko has stood up and is quickly fast walking behind her to keep up. “What a bother,” Yae mumbles. “We were having such a lovely afternoon, too.”

Allies?

This makes Jean laugh, harshly. She has a wild look in her eyes. “You killed our Archon, and destroyed my home! Am I supposed to forget that? I would never work with a faction as despicable as the Abyss!”

“Barbatos was seated by Celestia. He was no more than a pawn of theirs, working to maintain their rule.”

Vennessa’s earlier words regarding Celestia ring out in Jean’s ears. Her eyes widen, ever so slightly. 

“The Abyss Order seeks to destroy Celestia, and all those who stand with it. The Archons who carry a Gnosis are extensions of Celestia’s power. A threat to our plans.”

“That makes me an enemy, not an ally,” Jean says.

“You are…a special case. An unexpected one,” Aether retorts. “I did not anticipate Barbatos selecting a successor. You are an Archon not seated by Celestia themselves. A natural product of this world. That makes you quite valuable.” 

“So what would you propose then?” Jean asks, voice still sharp and threatening, but now curious. 

“Simple. You rip out your Gnosis, and destroy it.”

Jean’s brow furrows. “My Gnosis is what gave me my power in the first place,” she replies, slipping into anger again. “If I were to remove it, I could go back to being human. The results would be unpredictable.” 

She digs the tip of her sword deeper into his throat, ever so slightly. 

“Do you know what happened 500 years ago, in the Khaenri'ah disaster?” Aether asks, voice somewhat strained under the pressure of the weapon. 

“Very little is known about the calamity. Only that Khaenri'ah was lost.”

“The seven Archons were called to the great Nation and ordered to destroy it. Without fail, every member of the seven came. Even your dear Barbatos.”

Jean’s grip on her sword tightens until her knuckles turn white. She shakes her head, defiantly. “No…”

“They are responsible for the murder of thousands in the span of hours. And those who survived the disaster were cursed by Celestia to a fate worse than death.”

“Barbatos would never,” Jean snarls, eyes glowing an all encompassing green.

“He may not have wanted to commit the atrocities, but he was forced to all the same. Having that Gnosis inside you—you could one day be summoned to carry out another unspeakable act. A call you cannot resist.”

Aether stands tall—head level and eyes piercing. “You stand for Freedom, but you yourself wear invisible chains, bound to Celestia who oppresses and destroys all that seek to rise above it.”

Jean lowers herself so that she towers above Aether, blocking out the sun from his view. “And why should I believe you? Who's to say the second I destroy my Gnosis you won’t attack Mondstadt?” 

“What reason do I have to lie? But whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t matter. If you don’t choose to surrender your Gnosis to me freely, I will have to kill you.”

Aether twists his body and rolls from beneath Jean’s sword, tearing his throat slightly in the process, though not enough to seriously injure him. He’s on his feet in an instant, sword at the ready, staggering Jean backward. Their swords collide with the clang of metal as they parry and thrust so quickly it’s as if they’re in a deadly dance. 

The wind around them picks up, rustling the branches of the trees nearby.

Jean grits her teeth as Aether pushes away her sword, but she recovers with another thrust that he still manages to dodge. Red leaks from his throat where Jean’s sword left a gash, beginning to stain his clothes. 

Despite his small frame, Jean can sense an otherworldly hum about him—an aura of immense power, similar to what she felt around Zhongli, but not quite the same. Aether is clearly not a weak foe, but an alarmingly strong one she must not underestimate. 

Closing her eyes, Jean draws from the powers inside of her. She can feel everything around her with her second sight. Aether lunges and she parries, eyes still closed. When she opens them, a gust of wind pushes past her, knocking Aether off his feet. 

This time, he does not roll away fast enough. Jean stabs the tip of her sword just to the right of his heart without hesitation. He lets out a grunt of pain, clutching at his chest. She does not let up though, leaning forward and twisting. “You made a grave mistake coming back to Mondtstadt,” Jean growls. 

In his look of pain—Jean can see so much of Lumine in him. And though she knows how desperately the Honorary Knight has been searching for him, Jean cannot let him leave alive. The threat he poses, not only to her, but to the ones she loves, is too great.

As she pulls out her sword, readying to slice down again, this time at a vital organ, the sound of the very air around them ripping startles Jean. 

A portal, a rip in the fabric of space, appears directly behind Jean. And she is aware of something large leaving the portal—an enormous Abyss Lector—but doesn’t have enough time to turn around before a burst of flame launches into her back. It’s a direct hit, searing and overpowering. 

The smell of burnt flesh fills her lungs as Jean falls forward, landing onto the ground beside Aether, who is already struggling to his feet. An attack like that is not nearly enough to take down an Archon—after all, Jean heals very quickly now—but it is enough to stun her. And that’s all Aether needs. 

There’s a tugging sensation. Jean tastes metallic in her mouth as she feels Aether’s hands rip through her, anchoring onto the Gnosis in her chest. 

The pain that follows as Aether attempts to pull it out is excruciating. She grits her teeth and cries out—vision going white. Her limbs go slack as the pain shoots through her body, despite her desperate attempts to push the man away. 

Her inner voice screams at her—

DO SOMETHING! FIGHT, GODDAMMIT!



It feels as though all her strength is being sucked out of her, and she wonders then, if Venti felt this way when he handed the Gnosis to her. It feels like death .

A sudden static fills the air, making the hair on Jean’s neck stand on end. The sun quickly dims as it is blocked out by rolling, black and purple thunder clouds appearing out of nowhere. 

Jean can sense another person entering the fray, but can’t see anything beyond Aether’s face taking up her entire field of vision. A tear rolls down her cheek as she can only watch, frustratingly helpless to do anything but resist the pull inside her chest. 

The sound of a man yelping in pain startles Jean, and Aether is forced to stop and face the new player in this confrontation. There’s a look of surprise on his face, and before any elemental skill can be used, a bolt of purple lighting strikes him down. His grip on Jean’s Gnosis falters and slips. Finally, Jean can feel something beside overwhelming pain. 

She kicks him off of her as best she can. The moment she is free of him, lightning bursts from above—relentless and seemingly more powerful by the minute. Guided by a power Jean can’t see, lightning strikes Aether, bringing him to his knees. Then again, and again—almost a constant stream of electricity coursing through him, making his body convulse violently. 

Jean hears him scream. 

There’s some other shouting, and Jean can make out fighting happening beyond the field of her dimming vision. 

After a few more seconds of clashing noises, everything goes quiet and still. The illuminated purple sky turns back into a dull, calming blue.

Then, a face appears in Jean’s darkness—familiar and calming. Their lips move, shouting something, but Jean can't make out what they're saying. 



“Lisa, my love,” Jean murmurs, eyes fluttering shut, “my love…”

She lets herself float into the dark, leaving behind the beautiful face looming above her.

Chapter Text

X. IN THIS SHORT LIFE THAT ONLY LASTS AN HOUR.

“What are you researching?”


The voice startles Jean completely, but she does not jump— cannot jump. It’s as if her body is locked into place, in some predetermined motion. She realizes she’s sitting at a table in the library, though she doesn’t know how she got there. The last thing she remembers is Aether’s screams, and the raging purple storm above her…


“There’s been an increased level of Abyss activity recently near Old Mondstadt,” Jean explains, feeling her mouth move on its own. They’re words she’s said before. Years ago, when Lisa had first moved back to Mondstadt and joined the Knights of Favonius. 

Sure enough, Lisa is standing beside her with a book tucked under her arm, staring down at her with a friendly and interested gaze. 

A memory—yes, that must be the space that Jean finds herself occupying now. She remembers this exchange well. After all, it was one of the first times she’d spoken to Lisa alone.



She feels the tips of her past self’s ears turn red under Lisa’s gaze. It’s the same overwhelming and calming look she’d come to be so accustomed to in the present. “I’d like to further acquaint myself with their kind so that we’re better prepared for combat,” Jean adds. 

Past Lisa hums at that, eyes scanning the collection of books Jean has managed to collect already, spread out on the table in front of her. “You know, we have an old journal which accounts, in detail, the strange encounters a merchant had with the Abyss while traveling to Fontaine. Perhaps that could be of more help to you than this formal academic research?” 

Jean’s eyes light up at that. “I didn’t know we had such a thing.”

“That would be because it’s in the restricted section,” Lisa says, winking with a hint of mischief. “I’ll be right back.”

True to her word, Lisa arrives a few minutes later with the slightly tattered journal in hand. She handles it with delicacy, setting it on the table in front of Jean. Thanking Lisa profusely, Jean opens up the journal to the first page with the utmost care. She begins to scan the page when she hears the sound of the chair beside her sliding out from under the table. 

Lisa wordlessly takes a seat next to her, leaning forward over the table so that she can get a view of the journal as well. 

Jean’s eyes widen, and she clears her throat. “Miss Minci?”

“I might be able to provide some assistance,” Lisa offers, giving her a warm smile. “I studied what little we know of the Abyss while I was a student in Sumeru.”



“I can’t possibly take up any more of your time,” Jean objects, feeling her face flush at the realization of their sudden nearness. 

“It’s quite alright,” Lisa says, “I’ve already memorized the entire catalog of manuscripts and documents here. I’m afraid there’s not much more for me to do until your Alchemist arrives tomorrow with a proper set of equipment for my potion brewing.”



That settles it, then. Jean simply gives her an appreciative nod.



Lisa’s patient smile grows. Wordlessly, she reaches forward and gently flips to the next page with her gloved hand. 

“Lisa…” Jean begins, realizing then that she is finally free to move on her own accord, separate from her past self in the memory. Perhaps this is nothing more than a dream, after all. “I’m so sorry that everything turned out this way.”



Glancing up at her, Lisa tilts her head to the side slightly as she studies Jean, lips pursed in confusion.



“It was foolish of me to bury my humanity. To push you and those I love away. I know that now. I see it so clearly.” Jean hangs her head, and the words on the page in front of her begin to blur as tears form in her eyes. “I was on my way to tell you that when the ambush occurred. And I’m afraid that now…I will never have the chance.”



Her eyes squeeze shut as the brutal pain of her Gnosis nearly being ripped from her chest resurfaces. She feels herself sinking into the dark again, losing sight of the library around her. Instead of the rows of familiar books, she is faced with visions of Mondtstadt’s demise. Buildings around her crumble, and Venti lays dying, small and limp in her arms.



“This is your fault,” Jean’s mother says, furiously—a ghost emerging from the shadows. “First, you failed as a sister, then as a daughter, and now, an Archon.”



Aether is next, wearing a menacing and determined grin as he reaches for her Gnosis. “I’ll take pleasure in killing you—puppet of Celestia.”



Jean covers her ears and squeezes her eyes shut, willing the voices to stop.



Then, she feels a soft hand sliding over her own on the library table. Lisa’s thumb traces slow circles on the top of her knuckles, bringing Jean back to the surface. 

“You’ll have a chance,” Lisa assures. Jean opens her eyes and sees Lisa’s confident expression, making all her fears and doubts disappear. “You just need to wake up, Jean.”

Jean bolts upright on the small twin bed she’s currently laying on, covered in sweat even though she’s tucked under several layers of blankets. She gasps for air, desperate to get oxygen down her throat and in her lungs. After several shallow and ragged breaths, she feels a hand on her shoulder, coaxing her down so that she’s laying back on the bed once again.



“It’s alright,” Barbara says. “Everything is going to be alright.” 

Jean looks to the left at her younger sister, whose face is drawn into an expression of determination. “Lisa. Is she—”

“She stepped out to get some fresh air with Lady Yae. She’ll be back in a few minutes.”



Relief surges over Jean immediately. “And the Abyssal forces?” she asks, vaguely. She’s not sure how much Lisa or Yae have told her sister, but she’s sure they’d have at least mentioned that.



“Gone. For now, anyway.”



That stirs a bit of worry in Jean’s stomach, but she decides she’ll focus on that later. Her sister, who she hadn’t seen in over a month, is beside her once again, and that’s all that seems to matter.



“You really gave us a fright. I wasn’t sure if you were…” Barbara’s voice trails off quietly, and that’s when Jean notices the silent tears running down her cheeks. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to…”



Jean immediately sits up once again, pulling Barbara into a tight hug. Her sister doesn’t object, and instead buries her face into the side of Jean’s neck, getting it wet with her tears.



“I’m sorry, Barbara,” Jean replies. “I wasn’t strong enough to face the threat on my own.”

“That’s not true!” Barbara snaps, letting go of her sister. “Miss Lisa told me you were ambushed and backstabbed. That the power source inside your chest was almost ripped out—”

“Yes, but other Archons would not succumb so easily to such attacks. I’m…weak. I fear I’ll never be as strong as Barbatos.” 

“You’re new to this and still learning,” Barbara assures, reaching forward to brush Jean’s bangs out of her eyes. “I have no doubt you’ll be an incredible Archon. And I’m not saying that just because you’re my big sister, you know!”

That tugs a little smile on Jean’s lips. “I’m glad you have faith in me.”

“Everyone does.” Barbara pauses then, reaching for a cloth on the nightstand besides the bed. She dips it in a bucket of cool water, rings it out, and then sets it on Jean’s forehead. “I wish you had faith in yourself, too.”

Jean says nothing at that, leaning back to enjoy the cool cloth against her skin. They sit in silence for a few moments before the door gently opens, revealing Lisa on the other side. Her eyes are wide when she sees Jean is awake. 

Barbara stands and excuses herself, saying something about checking on other patients, before closing the door behind her. 

“Lisa,” is all Jean can manage. The woman before her looks tired. To anyone who doesn’t know her well, she may look almost the same as usual. But, if one takes a closer look, they can see the slight disheveledness in her appearance. Her perfect hair is slightly out of place, and her dress is ruffled. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

Letting out a mix of a laugh and scoff, Lisa approaches Jean’s bedside. “You say that as if you’re not the one who almost lost their life yesterday.”

“It was that bad, huh?”

Lisa hums. 

Jean notices marks on Lisa’s arms, snaking up halfway to her elbow. They are dark and ugly looking burns, slightly hidden beneath her gloves.

“Your arms,” Jean says, immediately reaching to gently take both of Lisa’s hands. “You’re burnt badly.”

Lisa snatches her hands away. “It’s nothing.” When Jean narrows her eyes, Lisa sighs. “It happens when I use my Vision to that extreme.”

“Let me take a look.”

Lisa knows better than to argue. Sighing again, she does as she’s told, placing her hands back in Jean’s. Jean glances up at her before slowly removing Lisa’s gloves, one at a time. 

“You must be in pain,” Jean whispers, gently running a finger along Lisa’s palm, red and blistered. “Let me help.”

“It’s really alright, Jean—“

But Jean is already closing her eyes, summoning her powers of Anemo. A green light glows around them, and a slight breeze picks up even though there’s no windows open. The breeze dusts Lisa’s skin—a pleasant, warm feeling. The smell of dandelions tickles her nose, and then the breeze subsides, along with the glow.

“Better?” Jean asks, inspecting Lisa’s hands, which appear almost as good as new. 

Lisa breaths out in relief. “Yes, thank you.” 

“It’s the least I can do, considering you saved me,” Jean says, releasing Lisa’s hands. “If you weren’t there, my Gnosis surely would’ve been ripped out and fallen into the hands of Lumine’s brother.” She pauses, grabbing the cloth to dab on the rest of her face before setting it down and out of the way. “What happened to him?”

“He got away,” Lisa replies, simply. “I let him.”

“You showed him mercy,” Jean responds. She isn’t surprised, nor mad or disappointed. 

“I was so angry at what he did to you, I almost ended his life,” Lisa admits. “But I returned to my senses before it was too late. I’m no killer, after all. He was badly injured though. I don’t think we’ll be seeing him around here any time soon.”

“I have no doubt. You can be quite terrifying, you know.” Jean says it deadpan, but then her mouth quirks into a grin. “I hope to never be on the receiving end of your storm.”

“You almost were,” Lisa teases. The atmosphere turns slightly tense at that. 

“I was flying to Starsnatch to see you,” Jean declares. “To apologize for pushing you away. I don’t expect forgiveness, or for things to return to how they were. I know, since I made the choice to become Archon, things would never be the same. But, I had to say this regardless. I owe you that much.”

Lisa remains quiet for a moment before she nods. “I’m relieved,” she says, falling forward a bit to lean on Jean’s bed. “I was terrified by the thought of you insisting on living your immortal life alone.”



“When you left for Liyue, I was devastated. Though I was desperately trying to dull my heart, I was left with an overwhelming ache. Over time, it got easier, but it was never painless. All it took was something to trigger a memory and it felt as though all my progress was lost. But I was growing stronger, so I tried and tried.” Jean looks at Lisa intensely.



“And then you came back, and that pain burst. I was consumed by an insatiable longing. One strong enough to make me stray from the path I decided on for myself. It’s like I’ve become blinded to all else but you.”



Jean pauses, swallowing roughly. “Does it make me a terrible person, a terrible Archon , that I no longer mind?”



A soft gasp escapes Lisa’s lips, barely audible. “Does it make me a terrible person if I say no?” 

They look at each other.

Lisa’s hands, still gloveless, find themselves trailing down Jean’s bare shoulders—broad and toned. 

Jean involuntarily shivers at Lisa’s touch. 

On the small hospital bed, Jean moves over so there’s room beside her. Lisa climbs up onto it and the two women lay side by side, shoulders touching in the cramped space, but not minding it at all. 

“I’ve always wondered if I was selfish for wanting you,” Lisa admits. “Every day I longed to pull you from your work, not only for your own wellbeing, but for myself. So that I could spend time with you—the real Jean, not wearing that painfully polite mask.”

When Lisa speaks, she’s staring up at the ceiling. “I sometimes wondered if I could live with sharing you with Mondstadt. But I decided long ago that it was worth it. Because that is simply who you are, and who I love.”

Jean, however, is looking at her. Admiring her soft, gorgeous side profile. “A few people helped me see recently that Mondstadt is made up of who I love. My family, my friends, and you. If I am not a good friend, sister, and partner, then I am nothing but a fraud. I vow to you that I will change.”

Reaching for Lisa’s hand, Jean intertwines their fingers. “I will become a better person—the person that you deserve—and in turn I will become a better, stronger God.”

“That day,” Lisa says, “when I saw you on your knees outside of Mondstadt after Venti died, I hated him for it. For forcing such a burden upon you. One he knew you would never turn down. And though I still hate what he did, I no longer carry that hatred toward him in my heart.”

Lisa turns to look toward Jean, revealing her eyes shining with an emotion so strong it nearly takes Jean aback. There’s a passion there, and a devotion that makes Jean’s breath catch in her throat. Their faces are so close, Lisa can feel Jean’s warm breath against her cheeks. “I know now he was right in choosing you. I look at you and see this new glow. You’re thriving in this godly power. It’s like you were destined for this, all along.”

“When I look at you now, I feel my heart swell with pride. Because you are the Anemo Archon in every sense. I suspect in a way, you always have been.”

Jean doesn’t realize she’s crying until she tastes the salt of a tear trickling down to her lips. “Even after everything? All my failures in such a short span of time?”

“The Archons are far from perfect. They’ve all made terrible mistakes. You’ve tried the best you could, and you always learn from your shortcomings.”

“Thank you,” Jean whispers, swallowing thickly. She had no idea how much she needed to hear that. 

Jean leans forward and they share a kiss then—one filled with repressed longing. It’s soft and passionate. Every step is deliberate. Taking in what they both yearned for. 

“I love you,” Jean declares, when they finally pull away. Her bangs are messily spread across her forehead. Lisa’s, somehow, are not a hair out of place. “A thousand times over. I’ll never stop, as long as I live.”

“A love eternal,” Lisa replies, still holding Jean close. “How very romantic.”

They lean in for another kiss, finding it harder and harder to stay away from each other now that they have finally passed this threshold. 

There’s a knock on the door, followed by the turn of the handle before either Jean or Lisa have time to react. 

A head of pink emerges, lingering in the doorway. 

“Ah,” Yae Miko says. She wears a smirk, eyes sparkling, as Jean and Lisa pull back from one another immediately. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” But there’s no hint of any genuity to that statement. She remains a moment longer, smiling victoriously, before retreating.

Jean breathes out—annoyed. 

“She’s really not that bad, you know.” Lisa lightly traces Jean’s cheekbone with her finger, smiling at the sudden on edge position Jean has unconsciously taken. “She helped me carry you all the way back to Mondstadt after you lost consciousness.”

Setting her jaw, Jean nods. “Beneath the mischief and sarcasm, she actually is likable, and maybe that’s what frustrates me the most about her,” she admits. 

Lisa smiles at that. 

“Yae Miko is a reminder of a reality where you never came back to Mondstadt. Where your expedition led you to true happiness, without me. It was a selfish fear of mine, every day you were gone,” Jean adds.



“With such charisma, intellect, and beauty such as yours, you could’ve carved out a place for yourself anywhere. I gave you every reason to do so. And yet, you chose to be here with me.” Jean’s voice is soft, and she looks at Lisa brightly. 

“Mondstadt is a place I very much love, so naturally, I found myself drawn back,” Lisa says, coyly, with a fresh coat of red dusting her cheeks. 

“From what you told me of Inazuma, it seems you truly enjoyed your time there. And the people.” Jean’s cheeks redden as she adds the last line. 

Lisa makes a surprised expression at that, raising an eyebrow. “This again? I adore Miko, yes. But a place beside her? I’m not sure that would’ve worked out for either of us.”

“Perhaps the two of you could’ve lived a happy life together,” Jean insists, despite feeling a creeping shame wash over her with her jealousy emerging even now. It causes Lisa to furrow her brow. “Lady Yae told me, you don’t have to pretend.”

“She told you what exactly?”

“That you…were intimate. Multiple times,” Jean explains, looking away from her as she says this, embarrassed. 

Lisa’s eyes widen, and then she shakes her head, letting out a low laugh. “Did she now? Well, I can’t say I’m surprised.” At Jean’s further confusion, Lisa chuckles again. “We didn’t sleep together, Jean.”

Jean lets out a choked sound. 

“She may appear apathetic and collected on the outside, but Yae Miko is a lovestruck fool. Even more so than me,” Lisa admits. “She’s been waiting for Ei this whole time, unwaveringly.”

Jean’s surprise quickly turns to rage. “That fox! I can’t believe I let her trick me that easily! Unbelievable.”

“Her tactics are harsh, but she always gets her desired result in the end. It’s absolutely aggravating,” Lisa agrees. 

The two share a look before they both break out into grins. Jean’s is sheepish—one filled with embarrassment and also relief. Lisa’s is purely amused at Jean’s apparent short-lived jealousy.

“I thought of you often while I was gone,” Lisa says. “In truth, the reason I left was to rid you from my head, but it only made me miss you more. And missing someone who you can no longer have is a terrible feeling.”

“Had I not found a way to numb my emotions, the months without you would’ve been torturous,” Jean admits. “And even then, I couldn’t completely rid myself of worrying about you. Wishing for your safe return. “Now that you’re here, beside me, and I can see you, there is no chance I can continue on the path I set on. I know I belong with you, responsibilities and duties be damned.” Then, much more shyly, “If you’ll have me, that is.”

“Oh Jean,” Lisa replies, reaching forward and cupping the other woman’s face in her hands. “I want nothing more than to be with you for as long as I’m able.”

Jean leans into the touch, eyes blazing. “I will give my everything to you for as long as I can, I swear it.”

The next day, Yae packs her things from Lisa’s apartment. She’ll be returning to Inazuma, having already stayed a few days later than planned due to Jean’s injury. Though her time in Mondstadt was enjoyable and enlightening, she can’t deny her heart yearns for the familiarities of home—the feeling of hardened hands holding hers with gentleness.

There’s a small party of people waiting to wish her goodbye near the front gate. Barbara, Kaeya, and Varka, among others, bid her safe travels.

Jean steps forward then, with Lisa in tow. “I’d like to thank you for your time and company, Lady Yae. You saved me from making a grave mistake.” She reaches for the woman’s hand, giving it a firm, professional shake. But there is a friendliness behind her tone reserved for those she’s close to. 

Yae seems to pick up on this, because she wears a smug grin. “Surely you can come back to Inazuma in due time with Lisa? You know, Barbatos made the trip to Inazuma a few times every hundred years. He loved the alcohol there, as you can imagine.”

“Yes, I’d love that.” And when Jean says it, she means it. 

Lisa steps forward to embrace the kitsune in a long hug. “Stay out of trouble, now,” Lisa says, earning a chuckle from the other woman.

“You know I always do.”

Before Yae can turn toward the carriage, Jean reaches out and catches her by the sleeve. “Lady Yae,” she says, pulling the woman back toward her gently. The kitsune raises an eyebrow in surprise.

“I hope you won’t be waiting for that stubborn Archon of yours much longer. If she truly is anything like me, as you said, then she’ll surely find her way back to you, soon enough.”

Yae Miko’s ears twitch, and Jean swears she sees a bit of color flood over the kitsune’s face, if only for a moment. “Thank you, Master Jean.”

At Yae’s unusual flusteredness—Lisa can’t help but smile behind a gloved hand. 

As Yae makes her way into the carriage, Jean feels unexpectedly disappointed to see her go. Despite the woman’s mischievousness, she really did have good intentions. As Jean reaches for Lisa’s hand, getting a reciprocal squeeze, she feels a surge of gratefulness. 

Lisa and Jean wave to Yae Miko as the carriage lurches forward with a start, and then disappears through the front gate.



“Though Lady Yae was only here for a short time, she left a great impact,” Varka bellows. He takes note of Lisa and Jean’s hands intertwined, smiling knowingly. 

The next few days are a blur as Jean begins to mend relationships she had broken. The people of Mondstadt begin to warm up to her again instead of steering clear of her. Jean continues to train the Knights, and focus on her own training, with a newfound kindness to herself. When Lisa calls out to her on the practice grounds outside of Headquarters, she sheaths her sword and joins the woman for tea without any pushback.



Though the threat of the Abyss still looms over her head, Jean is confident that with the help of her friends, Mondstadt will overcome it.



After officially leaving the Knights of Favonius at the end of the year, Jean moves to a neglected family cabin near the Falcon Coast. When she was a child, her family would take vacations here, enjoying time on the water. But those days of happiness ended when her mother and father divorced.



Stepping into the place, musty and unkept, the memories come flooding back. Jean may have once felt bitter, but now she only smiles fondly. She spends the next few months fixing it up. The work keeps her busy, although she does sometimes yearn to travel back to Mondstadt to see how things are going with the Knights.



Lisa comes to visit her there often, enjoying the solitude. A home away from home. A year later, Lisa moves in permanently. Although she can no longer be the Librarian to the Knights from here, she still acts as the potions master, brewing concoctions and making the journey back to the city to hand off her work. 

Another year later, on a day trip down the coast on an agreeable autumn day, Jean gets down on one knee. Her hair, loose down her shoulders, blows in the gentle wind. She no longer sports her Favonius uniform, and instead wears casual attire, still looking as charming as ever.



“Lisa,” she breathes out, gazing up at the older woman’s face. Dressed in a beautiful, flowing light purple dress, with her long hair tied back into a messy bun, Lisa looks stunning. She smiles down at Jean knowingly, nodding at her to continue.



“The first day you arrived back in Mondstadt after your time in Sumeru, I was intrigued by you. Your background and reputation preceded you, but it did not match the woman I met in Varka’s office that day. You were relaxed—not in a bad way, but in a way I felt everything was going to be okay as long as you were around. The more I got to know you, the more I realized how you were so much more than the brightest witch to come out of Sumeru in the last two centuries.”

“That day in the library, when you first helped me with my research on the Abyss, I was taken aback by your beauty up close. I’d never felt that feeling of awe before. Looking back, I think it’s this moment that led me to be here before you now. But the truth is, my love for you never hit me all at once. Rather, I fell for you gradually, without even realizing it. I loved you long before the epiphany came to me. And when I finally did realize that my feelings for you were love, it was so freeing. Like this discovery was the last piece I needed to become whole. 

“I never thought I was well suited for being loved. Not in a romantic sense, anyway. But you—like a beautiful, powerful storm, changed that too. You held me, and comforted me, and made me feel truly loved. With you, I am happier than I have ever been. I feel incredibly lucky to have you by my side.”

“Every day we’ve spent together, my love for you has only grown more. It’s so grand and overwhelming now that every ounce of my being yearns for you. A love so true that my whole world hums of it, and I know it will only continue to grow every day.”



She pauses, taking a breath, and that’s when she notices a tear has fallen down Lisa’s cheek.



“You are quite simply the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. Brilliant and clever. Kindness seeps out of everything you do. You love fiercely, and unapologetically. Your beauty is radiant and hypnotic. I’m so entirely, hopelessly smitten with every part of you.”



“You’ve saved me, time and time again, from both outside dangers and my own, self-destructive nature. Even now, in my Godhood, nothing eases my worries more than my time spent with you.”



“I want nothing more than to be your wife, and you to be mine.”



Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out a ring. It’s a simple silver one, adorned with a vayuda turquoise gemstone. 

“Lisa Minci, will you marry me?”



It’s no surprise that this moment would come, and yet, Lisa sharply inhales at the question. She looks down at Jean, who is smiling with such pure adoration, that Lisa finds more tears brimming to the surface of her eyes.



“Yes,” she says, resolutely. “ Yes .”



After slipping the ring onto Lisa’s finger, Jean stands and puts her hands on Lisa’s sides, hoisting her into the air as she spins both of them around. They giggle childlike laughter before Jean sets Lisa down, and Lisa stumbles into her. Pressed together, Lisa places a kiss on the corner of Jean’s mouth before she leans their foreheads together—noses touching.



Their wedding occurs a month later. Barbara takes great care in the planning, going to Lisa for her feedback and opinions on the set up. It takes place in the Cathedral, which is flourished with shades of white and blues. It’s a beautiful ceremony.



Klee bounds down the aisle as the flower girl, dressed in a cute little white dress of her own, While Albedo holds the rings beside her.



Kaeya and Amber stand as the groomsman and bridesmaid, looking ravish themselves.

As Jean stands at the altar nervously, wearing a light blue suit and tail coat, the doors to the Cathedral open and in walks Lisa, with Barbara at her arm, escorting her.



Lisa looks gorgeous—the dress was hand sown and crafted for the occasion, tailored to her perfectly. It’s a delicate, white lace dress, with embroidered blue roses accented along the edges to match Jean’s outfit.



As they come together, Jean gently lifts Lisa’s veil, revealing her sure, confident smile underneath.



After Jean recites her vows, it’s Lisa’s turn to speak from the heart.



“My dear Jean.” Lisa begins, “I found you here, in a city I had once left without looking back. I wasn’t sure how my life would be, returning to my homeland, but I quickly fell in love with the Knights. I was taken by their quirks, passion, and kind-hearted spirits. And then there was you.”



“When we first met, I was immediately impressed by your dedication. Even on days where I was exhausted, I saw you thriving, running on little to no sleep. Never complaining and always doing what was needed and beyond. Holding up this nation on your back. You were and continue to still be a symbol of dedication and hope—inspiring others to work hard and give their all for the well-being and prosperity of this nation.”



“But beyond that, I got glimpses of a different side of you others didn’t get to often see. After convincing you to join me for tea for the first time, I quickly learned that you actually prefer coffee. I started brewing coffee for you after that, though I did get you to try a few of my special teas, which you admitted weren’t quite so bad. I began to suspect that maybe you secretly were growing to like tea better, though you’d never say so.”



Lisa winks at Jean, who can’t help but laugh.



“I learned that beyond the Knight that everyone so loved was simply a woman with the same troubles and fears, hopes and dreams, as everyone else. But you were willing to sacrifice all that for the greater good. Perhaps, almost to a fault. And that is what makes you Jean, the woman I so love.”

“The more I learned about you during our tea time, dinners at Good Hunter, and strolls to Windrise, the more I fell. Further and further, hopelessly. We fell together, it seems. Even though you’re now the Anemo Archon, my love for you hasn’t changed, and it never will.”



They kiss, politely, and the crowd cheers. 

Celebrating afterwards at Angel’s Share, Jean and Lisa share a waltz they’d been practicing for some time now. Swaying across the floor in perfect harmony, it feels as though they’re flying. 

They share a happy life together on the water until Celestia finally calls upon Jean a year later.



Jean is summoned, no, teleported , to the city in the clouds. As a burst of light shines down, a rush of overwhelming fear rips through her. The fear of never seeing Lisa again, just as Vennessa was taken from her own beloved.



Only two days later, Jean returns to the surface, frazzled but in one piece. Lisa cries out in relief when their front door opens, and in walks her wife, looking hollow and shaken. Despite trying to coax it out of Jean, Lisa is never able to learn just exactly what Jean experienced while away. But whatever it is, is enough to make Jean hide within herself, distant and afraid. 

A few days after her return, Jean looks Lisa in the eyes and asks for a favor.



“Lisa, there is something I need your assistance with. My Gnosis…I need to get it out.”



From Lisa’s understanding, Jean’s Gnosis was what transferred Barbatos’ powers to her. Without it…



“Jean, you know I’d help you with anything but, I require more information.” She stares at Jean, unfaltering, and the younger woman simply sighs. “ Everything , you know. What use am I to you in the dark?”



Mumbling to herself, Jean agrees. Then she recounts what Aether had told her before he nearly ripped the Gnosis from her chest. “He told me the Archons destroyed Khaenri'ah. Obeying the orders of Celestia, whether they wanted to or not. The Gnosis bound them to Celestia’s will. Barbatos included.”



Though the information is heavy, Lisa doesn’t flinch, nor does she look surprised. 

“You knew?” Jean asks, voice rising in accusation.



“No, no,” Lisa replies. “I just…suspected. I’ve known for some time now that Celestial’s will is dangerous. They grant Vision wielders and Archons power, but require absolute submission in return. We’re nothing but pawns to them, in a game where they desire to claim absolute victory.”

Of course Lisa suspected—she had run from Sumeru out of fear, after all. What exactly Lisa saw that scared her so, Jean didn’t know. But she knew her wife, as powerful and brilliant as she is, must have witnessed great horror. 

“And in that case,” Jean says, “my role in Celestia’s future might as well be signed in blood. My visit there all but proved it. With this thing in my chest, I could be forced to do something unspeakable. The beings there are cold and unfeeling. They do not care for anyone down below. I just wish I could’ve known, before I accepted this role—that those who rule over our Gods are no friends of ours.”



“Would that have truly changed your mind?” Lisa asks, bridging out the gap between them with her hand, resting softly on Jean’s knee. “Would you have turned Venti down?



“I’m not sure,” Jean admits. “The Abyss is still a serious threat, although it appears Celestia may be an even bigger one. And while I do not approve of Aether’s barbaric methods, I understand now that the goal in which he seeks to achieve is ultimately good.”



Lisa crosses her arms, tilting her head in thought. “It seems the Fatui and the Abyss Order have similar goals in mind. It’s no coincidence that 3 of Archons have lost their Gnosises to Fatui clutches. It’s only a matter of time before they come back to Mondstadt for yours again.”



“Varka won’t allow that, not to the extent that they’ve built up a presence in Liyue, anyway. Snezhnayan diplomats have been banned from our Nation for years.”



“But they’ll arrive in the shadows, unofficially,” Lisa warns.



Jean nods, glumly. “If my Gnosis is removed, safely and consensually, perhaps I can still retain some of its power. Perhaps I can still be the Anemo Archon….”



Lisa’s expression shifts from one of solemn contemplation, to worry. “Jean, if you do remove it, you must prepare for the possibility that you will become human again. The results will be completely unpredictable.”



“I’m prepared for that possibility. I would much rather lose my power than be forced to use it against my will. We’d find another way to protect Mondstadt, together.”



Jean lifts Lisa’s hands to her lips, placing a soft kiss upon her wife’s knuckles.

It turns out, removing Jean’s Gnosis proves to be much simpler than either of the two of them imagined. All Jean has to do was remove it willingly. The intricate piece snaps out of place inside Jean’s chest with little more than a grunt. But before Jean removes it completely, she stares up at Lisa with reservation.



“You’re doing the right thing,” Lisa encourages. “And whatever happens, I’m here for you.”



Without further delay, Jean rips the pawn from her chest with a grunt. The piece feels surprisingly light in her hands. The two gaze down at it with both wonder and reverence.



Nothing about Jean feels immediately different, so relief washes over her. That is until she stands, only to find her legs nearly give out beneath her. Lisa softens her fall, guiding her back down onto the couch.



“I feel weak,” Jean explains, mouth suddenly filled with a metallic taste. “I must test to see where my abilities now fall—”



“You need to rest, ” Lisa pleads.



Jean, having become less stubborn over the years, listens. She lets Lisa guide her to bed.



The next day, Jean discovers that some of Barbatos’ powers still remain, but she definitely feels weaker. She can summon her wings, but it takes more effort to retain them. When she closes her eyes, she can still sense the immediate layout of the environment, but she can’t feel things to the same extent any longer. It almost feels as if she’s been partially blinded.



“I feel like a half Archon,” she tells Lisa. Somewhat disappointed, but also intrigued. “Stronger than I was as a human, but not as powerful as I used to be.”



Lisa is quiet for a long moment, contemplating. The two of them have not strayed far from the house, standing in an open, treeless clearing. “Do you think you’re still immortal?” she asks.

It’s been 3 years since Jean became the Anemo Archon. Since then, Lisa has been growing older, and Jean has remained frozen. It’s something both of them have accepted, but the possibility of Jean losing her immortality is something they each had been hoping for, secretly.



“It’s hard to say. I don’t think we’ll know unless I show any signs of aging.” Jean puts her arm around Lisa’s waist, pulling her close. “But you know, that doesn’t matter, right? I’ll love you always, even when—”



“—even when I’m wrinkled and gray,” Lisa finishes, a small smile on her lips.



“Especially then,” Jean insists, leaning down to press a soft kiss on Lisa’s cheek. “You know I like older women.”

Lisa swats at her, and Jean bites back a grin. “That’s not why I ask though. I just worry about you being alone when I’m gone.”



“I won’t be alone,” Jean insists. “I’ll have Klee and Alice, at least. And if I make the journey, Zhongli and Miko.”



That doesn’t ease Lisa’s worries at all. “Promise me you’ll find happiness after me.”



“Lisa…”



“Promise,” Lisa pleads. She’s looking at Jean with begging eyes. A look Jean could never resist. “ Please .”



“I promise,” Jean replies as resolutely as she can. It’s a complete lie, of course, but she’s always been a good liar.

That seems to ease Lisa’s worries for now, because her tense shoulders visibly relax.



“Alright.”



“Alright,” Jean responds, nudging Lisa playfully to cheer her up. They wordlessly return to the house together.

To both of their dismay, Jean does not age as time ticks forward. She can only watch, helplessly, as Lisa ages in front of her eyes. Graceful and dignified.



Despite losing some of her power, Jean is still considered the Anemo Archon by the people of Mondstadt. They trust in her strength and leadership, as she’s more than proved her capability in the past. So, she continues to watch over the land with the aid of the Four Winds.



Jean and Lisa make time to travel around Teyvat. Lisa meets Zhongli, who listens patiently as Jean recalls the events of the last several years. They travel to Inazuma, seeing Miko again for the first time in a while. She introduces them to Ei, who welcomes them—albeit a bit hesitantly. At first, she’s dubious of Jean, but warms up after they get started talking about weapons. As Ei examines the craftsmanship of Jean’s blade, Miko and Lisa share amused smiles.



Though Ei and Miko’s exact relationship is unclear, Jean can deduce that the two seem close. Examining Ei’s behavior, it’s obvious to Jean that the Electro Archon has feelings for Miko. Whether a confession has been made or not, Jean is unsure. But Miko seems happy, and certainly takes every opportunity to tease Jean and Lisa both while they’re there, so that is what truly matters.



Aether’s forces don’t return to Mondstadt again before the threat of the Abyss boils over—and it becomes not just a threat for Mondstadt, but Teyvat as a whole. Lumine is forced to make a choice, one that brings Celestia to its knees with the help of Jean and the other Archons. At the end of the battle, the unseen, almighty threat is no more. An age of peace settles upon Teyvat.



During this time, Klee grows into a young woman, no longer the impulsive and head-strong child of the past. Jean couldn’t be more proud of her. She looks so much like Alice.



Once Klee is capable of caring for herself, Albedo decides to make the journey to Fontaine, in search of his master. It is hard to watch him go, but Sucrose is perfectly capable of taking his place as the Chief Alchemist.



In her retirement, finding herself restless, Jean masters a range of new sword fighting techniques from multiple different nations. Though she never strays from Mondstadt for too long, she visits neighboring ones. Always with Lisa at her side, anchoring her.



Lisa retires from the Knights when she turns 50 years old, passing the reins to an apprentice that shadowed her for nearly a decade.



In her free time, she travels to Sumeru alone—summoned to settle old business. Jean frets, wishing to make the journey with her, but Lisa insists it’s one she must make alone. This is the first time Jean and Lisa are apart for more than a week since they were married, and it makes Jean incredibly anxious. Lisa writes when she gets there, and then writes again before she leaves.



“Relax, will you?” Eula demands, after Jean visits her and Amber’s home on the outskirts of the city. “You’re even making me anxious.”



Jean stops the tapping of her fingers against the wood of Eula’s kitchen table, muttering an apology.



“Lisa is the most powerful person in Mondstadt. I dare say she might even be able to best you in a fight.”



Knowing the statement is true, Jean doesn’t protest. “I know she is perfectly capable. And yet, I can’t help but worry. It’s silly, I know.”



“It’s not silly,” Amber assures, shooting her wife a warning look. “A month is a long time to be apart. And Sumeru is far away.” She reaches across the table and gives Jean a reassuring pat. “Lisa will be home before you know it.”



Amber is right, Lisa returns, although the month seems to stretch out for years. Lisa looks worn from the long journey, and collapses happily into Jean’s arms upon her arrival. Smothering her wife in kisses, Jean pulls Lisa to bed almost immediately.



As the decades pass by, Lisa finds it harder and harder to keep up with Jean. Though she’s managed to retain her youthful glow, by the age of 60, her hair has gone fully gray. It suits Lisa though, and Jean is sure to tell her that every day.



It frustrates Lisa, Jean knows. She hates having to rely on Jean for anything. But Lisa doesn’t protest when Jean wordlessly begins to take on more chores around the house for her. Lisa still insists on cooking. That’s one thing she takes pride in. That, and tending to the garden that they’d cultivated together, filled with cecilias. She refuses to pluck the dandelions that creep in, letting them prosper there, and letting the wind carry away their unmade wishes.



Eventually, Lisa’s physical condition begins to take a turn for the worse. She can’t move around as well as she could before, and she’s started to develop a bit of a chronic cough. Despite this, she manages to hold onto her youthful spirit. Her and Jean take walks along the ocean every day, taking in the fresh air and sunshine.



When Lisa tires from the journey, Jean scoops her up and flies with her the rest of the way. Though, she still has to remain close to the ground—as Lisa’s fear of heights has very much remained all these years.



Today, they’ve ventured especially far from their cabin. Jean sets Lisa down from their flight, and slowly she lets her wings fade away.



“I will never tire of this view,” Lisa says, still leaning into Jean. “I’ll cherish these little trips of ours, always.”



They’ve ended up near the beach beneath Stormbearer Point, Jean helps Lisa sit down on the picnic blanket she’d brought along for the journey.



“Would you look at that?” Before Jean sits down too, she walks up a small hill to grab something near a bush. She returns with a cecilia in hand. “A cecilia, growing this close to the water on its own.”



She sits down besides Lisa and tucks it into her wife’s hair. “There,” Jean replies, once it stays on its own. “A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman.”



Lisa lets out a chuckle. “You still manage to make me blush, after all this time.”



“I take pride in that,” Jean says, shooting her a confident grin.



“And after all this time, you’re just as cocky as ever, too,” Lisa teases. 

They sit in a comfortable silence, enjoying the sandwiches that Lisa prepped for them.



Jean wishes this moment could last forever.

Time is cruel. Jean knows this, and yet as it starts taking her friends away, she’s faced with the reality of just how cruel it truly can be.



Varka is the first to go. It’s like losing a father. The whole nation mourns his loss.



Two decades later, Kaeya is next.



Jean stays stoic at his funeral, watching as his casket is lowered into the ground. The moment she gets home, she sits by the water and cries for hours.



Eula follows after. The sight of Amber—dressed completely in black, face shrouded by a veil that obscures her tears—breaks something in Jean that she fears can never fully be healed. And what can she say to her friend besides “I’m sorry”? There are no words that can make up for a loss so immense. A piece of Amber is forever gone.



All Jean can think about on her ride back home from the funeral  is how soon enough, that will be her mourning her other half. The thought is enough to make her body numb with complete and utter terror.



Perhaps Lisa can sense this, because when they get home, she pulls Jean in for a tight hug, choosing not to comment on the fact that Jean is trembling in her arms.



Each loss never gets easier. The guilt Jean carries, knowing she won’t be joining her loved ones any time soon, is a grievance following her like a shadow. It gnaws at Jean’s insides.



Through it all, she has Lisa. And that’s truly the only thing keeping her sane.



Or at least it is until Lisa’s time finally comes as well.



Jean dies too, that day. Or at least it feels like she does. Every day afterward feels like another fresh death.



It’s as peaceful as Jean can hope for. Lisa passes in her sleep, beside Jean. As the morning light spills in through the curtains, Jean sits up and looks over to find Lisa’s eyes are closed, and her body perfectly still.


"Lisa?" she whispers, gently lightly shaking her wife. There's no response. "Lisa? Lisa!" 


Jean doesn't need to feel for Lisa's heartbeat to know that it has stopped.


She can't breath. Being the Anemo Archon seems meaningless now, for there is no more air left in the room, nor Mondstadt, nor all of Teyvat.



Cradling the woman’s frail body in her arms, Jean’s sobs rack her entire body. She cries with everything she has left, until she doesn’t even have the strength for that any longer.



She doesn’t bother hiding her tears at the funeral. If the citizens of Mondstadt see their Archon crying, so be it. Barbara and Klee stand on either side of her, holding her hands.



Another decade later, Barbara is the last to pass away, and that’s when Jean truly loses her humanity.



The city she once loved and treasured holds nothing but painful memories for her now, and so she becomes a God cold and distant from the world.

Years pass—decades, or centuries, Jean can’t be sure, time moves differently now—before Jean ventures back to the city of Mondstadt again. She had been surviving off of short visits to Springvale to stock up on necessities, but nothing more, electing to live like a hermit in her seaside home. The people of Mondstadt know to leave her alone there, their god of ice and wind.

Only Klee and Barbara’s eldest son dare visit Jean. And though she is grateful for their company, her smile never reaches her eyes any more. There’s nothing they can do to ease the pain of a soulmate lost.



Electing to fly, Jean soars above the city, getting a look at what has become of it. It’s bustling and thriving, humming with a new technology Jean has never seen. It doesn’t feel the same anymore, not when it’s now void of nearly anyone she cares about.



Jean can’t face her own people. Not without Lisa by her side. So, she elects to simply watch from afar. Her only companions during this time are Dvalin, Andrius, and Vennessa. Klee is out adventuring with her mom. When she’ll be back, Jean isn’t sure, but she receives a letter from her every once in a while. The letters of her adventures are undoubtedly embellished, but they make Jean smile nonetheless.



One day, Jean finds herself training with Andrius. The wolf had been a bit hesitant of her at first, but had grown friendlier after learning about Lisa’s past connection with Razor. Now, they exchange attacks in his open arena.



After Andrius lands a rough blow, he stops, taking pity on the half-God in front of him. 

“Barbatos was not perfect, but there is a reason he remained Archon for so long,”  Andrius says, voice gravelly and piercing. “An Archon must know exactly the will of their land. What it stands for, and what it strives for. They must suffer when their people suffer. They must find joy in the same laughter. Only then can one truly understand their people.”

“Do you think I don’t feel what they feel?” Jean asks, voice just as sharp. She’d been lectured similarly before, and she didn’t care much for it. It reminded her too much of Yae’s words to her, so many years ago. 

“I know you feel their sorrow. The pain of centuries, lingering. But what of happiness? What of the songs they sing and the hopes and dreams they carry? That is what we are fighting for.”

Deep down, Jean knows Andrius is right. Though, she is too stubborn to admit it. They resume their sparring, only for Jean to take another blow, then another. Enraged, Jean is more prone to making mistakes and becomes sloppy. It’s no surprise when the wolf lands a final blow.



“You’ve let yourself become weak, wallowing in your own self-pity,” Andrius growls, hovering above her. “What would Barbatos think if he saw you now?” 

Andrius’ words sting, but Jean knows he’s right. She pledged that she would protect Mondstadt, and she can’t do it in this pathetic state she finds herself in now. Jean knew it would come down to this, after all. She considered, the moment Venti asked her to take on this role, that it would mean losing Lisa. 

She bows her head and limps away, gritting her teeth. Jean has a duty to fulfill, and a promise to keep. She won’t let Venti and Lisa down. 

The next day, Jean enters Mondstadt for the first time in decades. She has come up with a new identity and disguise. Only slightly different from her normal appearance, but just different enough to conceal her identity.

She’ll live among them, for now.


Though the city has become unfamiliar, she finds glimpses of familiarity within its walls. There’s a little girl she sees sparring with a wooden sword, fighting training dummies. There’s an adventurer she sees often covered in bandaids, but who never fails to smile. There's a knight who has the same shade of grey hair as Noelle. 


But there is no trace of Lisa left behind. 

Over 200 years later, Jean finds herself a group of new friends. They make her time pass more quickly, instead of it dragging on. She makes sure to keep an eye on Barbara's descendants, even befriending a girl who shares her amicable demeanor. Jean has become one with her people, once again. Sharing their hopes and dreams. 



She never finds another lover though, despite her friends' insistence and protests. Even entertaining the idea feels wrong. Her heart belongs to Lisa, always, but she can't tell them that. They couldn't possibly understand.



Turning down countless men and women both, Jean's new persona develops a reputation of being damaged. All sorts of rumors swirl as to why she won't entertain anyone with romance. But Jean doesn't mind. She finds humor in it, even. If these people only knew they were gossiping about their Archon, the same one they prayed to every night...



One morning, as Jean is on a morning run, she sees a woman wander into the city who looks remarkably familiar. It takes a minute before her brain catches up with the sudden ache in her chest. The same long light brown hair, button nose, twinkling eyes. 

It’s her Lisa. Alive. Breathing.

Jean almost rushes down to her, but controls herself. No, this is not her Lisa. It could be a simple look alike, or it could be Lisa, born again into an all new life. Either way, she’d have no recollection of Jean. And talking to Lisa without seeing any sort of recognition in her lover’s eyes is a pain Jean doesn’t think she can handle at the moment.



So, she avoids her completely, only catching glimpses of her while wandering around town. At one point, Jean sees her leaving the Knights of Favonius building. She can’t help her curiosity as she tails the woman wordlessly, watching her walk into the restaurant that has replaced Good Hunter. Jean stops herself from stepping foot inside the building though, reminding herself that pursuing this woman might only lead to pain. 

It’s a total accident that Jean bumps into this ghost of her past lover a few weeks later. It happens when she's walking out of the Cathedral. Someone else happens to be entering the building at that exact moment. Their shoulders catch one another and the woman who collided with Jean stumbles backward, only for Jean to reach out and catch her, saving her from the fall. 


"Oh my," the woman says, looking up at Jean with curiosity. "Thank you for saving me from taking a tumble." 

Jean, finally realizing just who it was she bumped into, immediately helps the woman stand upright again before releasing her grip as if the touch burns her hands. She opens her mouth to respond, but she cannot get her mouth to move. Those green eyes she hasn’t seen in centuries stare back at her. Everything about her is the same, even the woman’s silky and mature voice. 

“You’re staring,” the woman notes, and Jean immediately closes her gaping mouth, getting a hold of herself. “I’m new to Mondstadt,” the woman explains, chalking off Jean’s strange reaction to her own unfamiliarity. “I just moved here a few weeks ago.”

“Oh,” Jean says, lamely. “Where did you move here from?”

“I was born in Fontaine, but I came from Inazuma. I lived there for a few years, but wanted to try something new” the woman replies. “A friend of mine insisted I would love it here, especially the library, so I decided to give it a try.”

Jean’s stomach twists. Somehow, some way, she just knows the friend this woman is referring to is Yae Miko. A part of Jean is annoyed that Yae got to see this woman first, and her striking resemblance to Lisa, but another is thankful that Yae had steered the woman toward her. 

“And do you?” Jean asks, with an uneven and almost desperate tone. “Do you love the library?” She exhales, and then holds her breath. 

The woman, seemingly unaware of Jean’s inner turmoil, simply gives her a warm smile. “I do. It makes me feel quite at home.”



At this moment, all of Jean’s worries fall away. Another life with Lisa is worth all the pain and suffering the future would inevitably bring.



She’s reminded of Yae Miko’s words to her, all those centuries ago.



“A lifetime of loneliness is too cruel a fate for either of you. You must reach for any happiness you can. Do not let it slip away.”



And so, Jean lets herself fall again.