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“Raiden, we’ve received reports that Mondstat is under attack by the Abyss.” A messenger bows before the Raiden Shogun.
“Mondstadt…isn’t that where the Traveler and the fairy are right now?
“Pardon? The Traveler? Yes, I believe so.”
“I see. You are dismissed. I will inform you when I make a decision.”
“Yes my lady!” The messenger bows once again before disappearing. Ei stares into the distance, thinking about the traveler and Inazuma.
“My, how you’ve changed, Ei.” Ei turns her head towards the voice. Yae Miko stands at the doorway, arms crossed with a slight smirk on her face.
“Miko. How long have you been standing there?”
“Not too long. Anyways, you’ve changed Ei. Before, you would have dismissed the guard and that would be the end of it. Yet, here you are wondering if you should be helping.”
Ei is puzzled.
“I do not think helping is the right word. After all, the Archons have not interfered with each other’s business. Until the Tsaritsa that is.”
“Then what is the meaning of your hesitation? Is it the traveler you worry about?”
“No, that’s not…” Ei’s voice trails off. Miko chuckles.
“You know, it’s understandable that you worry. The Traveler and the little fairy are the fist friends you’ve made in over 500 years. And one thing that is unchanging for you Ei, is your care for your loved ones. It’s the same with Lady Makoto, Inazuma, Sasayuri and the others. Don’t deny it. In fact, why don’t you go yourself. It’s much faster and there are numerous benefits. Just like Inazuma, the City of Freedom has changed considerably in the last 5 centuries. Seeing it could help you with your worries with the future you want to bring to Inazuma. I’d say Lord Barbatos’s idea is closest to Lady Makoto’s idea of Transience. Not only that, but you’ve just reopened Inazuma’s barriers to true world after long years of isolation. Your appearance would show Inazuma willingness for new changes, and that you hold no hostilities. Besides, you ought to get out more in general. You needn’t worry about us. Inazuma is not weak and with the news that a human as powerful as La Signora was defeated easily by the Shogun will make others think twice before attacking.”
Ei grows silent, pondering Miko’s words.
“I suppose. Then, I will go to Mondstadt.”
“Alright. Should anything happen, I will let you know through the Raiden Shogun.” Ei walks out the door and disappears in a flash of lightning.
“This has got to be the worst day yet,” Paimon exclaims as the Traveler cuts down another Abyss mage. A few hours ago, a massive horde of Abyss Mages, Abyss Heralds and Abyss Lectors appeared in the city, catching the City off guard. Jean immediately mobilized the Knights of Favonius. For the next several hours, the Knights fought bravely, joined by the Traveler, Diluc and even Venti. The number of enemies have decreased significantly, but the long fight was taking a toll on everyone.
“How tedious. There’s no end to this.” Kaeya scoffs as he freezes an Abyss Mage. Diluc is seen in the distance, scorching the last Abyss Herald.
“What’s worse is that we don’t know their goal. These numbers are too large to be a random attack.” Jean dodges an Abyss Mage attack as Venti - floating in the air - shoots it down.
“Luckily, there’s not much damage to the surrounding area, somehow,” Jean continues, “But the rest of the enemies are closing in on us.” Numerous Abyss Mages surround the group.
“Uh, will there be backup?” Venti asks.
“Not soon. The rest are in the surrounding area evacuating, healing or fighting the enemies.”
“Knights of Favonius, inefficient as always,” Diluc huffs.
“My my, Master Diluc, sharp tongue as always.” Kaeya smirks, irritating Diluc.
“Not now you two!” Paimon yells. Jean wipes her forehead. While the battle isn’t difficult, it is exhausting. Jean wasn’t sure how much longer everyone could hold out. And the air was suffocating, and the electricity-
Wait… electricity? Jean looks up. The sky that was bright the entire day is now cloudy, heavy with thick clouds.
“A big storm is coming.”
“Oh, Paimon is scared! What do we do? Tone-Deaf Bard, can you do anything about this?”
“Ehe, sorry. But this storm is--”
“ Tone-Deaf Bard watch out!!” The Traveler jumps, aiming to strike the Abyss Mage when—
Crack
A shot of lightning disintegrates the Abyss Mage. The Traveler jumps back in surprise.
“What was that?”
“Uh, lucky break?” Venti suggests.
“Oh dear, that might be our only lucky break.” Kaeya steps back as Abyss Mages close in.
“I wouldn’t be too sure.” Kaeya flinches when the Traveler speaks. Venti lands.
“So you feel it too huh, Traveler?” The Traveler nods.
“Oh, Paimon understands. There’s something familiar with this storm.” Everyone else is confused. Their ponderings are cut short when an Abyss Mage fires a wave of lightning.
“We’ll concentrate an attack on one side to break through.”
Just then, all Abyss Mages begin charging an attack. Kaeya snickers.
“Seems that’s not an option anymore Master Diluc.”
“Then do you have another idea, Captain?”
“Guys…”
“Hey look! Paimon sees something in the sky!” All look up to see a sword fly towards the center of the circle, stabbing itself into the ground, releasing a strong wave of electricity, shocking the surrounding Abyss Mages. They drop to one-by-one like flies. The remaining Abyss Mages float back in caution
Stunned, Jean stutters, “Wh-what is that?”
Venti chuckles, “Heh, I must say Traveler, you’ve done quite a service for us. To think she would come herself.” Diluc turns to Venti.
“What do you mean by that drunkard?”
The sword shivers, levitating off the ground and flying past the surprised group and Abyss Mages, straight into the hand of a purple haired woman. With glowing lavender eyes, she walks forward. A ring of lightning adorns her back. The Eye of Stormy Judgment hovers above her head. The Abyss Mages recognize the new threat, lining up before the approaching woman.
“ What’s this? The Electro Archon is rendering her assistance to Mondstadt?” The woman remains silent, rushing forward at the speed of light, striking through the rest of the Mages in one swift attack. Jean, Diluc, Kaeya are speechless. On the other hand, Paimon bounces in delight.
“Ei! You came!”
“Traveler, it’s good to see you. Barabatos, you’ve grown weaker than I remember.”
“Ehe, that’s really no way to talk to your senior Beelzebul. What are you doing here?”
“Miko convinced me to come.”
“Ah, the kitsune.”
Jean drags the Traveler back towards her, Diluc and Kaeya, and whispers, “Hey what’s happening?”
“Uhm…she’s the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, the Electro Archon. Paimon and I had some conflicts with her when we were in Inazuma, related to the Vision Hunt Decree. Thanks to the help of the resistance and the Priestess of the Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko, we were able to convince the Raiden Shogun to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree. We are on good terms now, and it seems she came to Mondstadt to help with the invasion.” Jean nodded in understanding.
“Raiden Shogun, as the Acting Grand Master, I represent Mondstadt in thanking you for your assistance.”
“Jean Gunnhildr. I’ve heard about your excellent leadership despite your young age.”
“I am honored to receive your compliment.”
“So uh, Beelzebul, I know you said Yae Miko convinced you to come, but what are you here for?” Ei is silent.
“I came to learn more about this world. Seeing Inazuma after 500 years made me realize that my definition of Eternity is terribly flawed. As such, I came to Mondstadt to seek answers.”
“Huh, okay. Then, come along! Mondstadt’s god and finest Bard shall show you around. As we help with repairs, of course.”
“...I appreciate it.”