Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I own no Genshin Impact characters, the only things I do own will be what I add to the story such as OC’s and similar. Some of my ideas have been inspired from four main stories.

Identity Revealed (Series) and Resisting Fate (Series) by Millie333 - While often breaking the fourth wall can be very entertaining and probably one of the longest reveal fics I have found (Hence the series) And is still ongoing. I Highly suggest reading and while there is a lot of crack and wackiness and implied but rarely stated ships it's still fun. I should also mention the Traveler is Gender neutral so could be either Lumine or Aether and the same with the Abyss Ruler. Often only ever referred to as "Traveler, Twin, Sibling" or titles and similar non-gendered terms. (The Implied ship for Venti is Venti/Barbara.)

A Tale to be Told by WinterCrystal1009 - One of my big inspirations for this story, I highly suggest you read what they have, they have so many hidden plot details, Istaroth is there, plus other stuff that would be going into spoiler territory is I said any more about.

Windwheel Aster: Adored by the Wind by Imagination4444 - While not a full reveal it is still very fun! Some of Mondstadt's Kids figure Venti out and blackmail him. Plus there is a Ghost haunting their Kids, the mystery of Venti's powers being out of whack and Venti having panic attacks at the idea of ruling Mondstadt.

Windborne Bard by KinbariTeaHeathen - They only have Two chapters but the Chapters they do have are very fun and enjoyable, very well written and a good read.

I highly recommend at least reading some of their stories. Even if you are not a fan of their work. While I have many plot point ideas feel free to suggest ideas.

I will say now there are some ships already decided such as with Venti. I shall not say anything yet as I want it to be a surprise! When I told a friend about my plot they themselves were surprised by my idea lol.

Also, Anything that could be triggering I will do my best to warn about.

This was started before 4.0 but I waited because depending on what we learn Fontaine could give me answers without changing too much of Canon by mistake or similar. If I want to change Canon I wanna be aware I am changing Canon.

If you aren’t a fan of LGBTQ+ works or similar then I suggest that you do not proceed any further as there will be ships of this nature (If you cannot tell by the tags.)

Do not ask me for updates in the comments, I have a life and while I wish to be a writer I do not want to feel pushed, nor will asking for the next chapter likely to make me write it faster.

I should also add some creative liberties and changes I have made. Such as..

..Venti arrives in Mondstadt later in the game only having been in Mondstadt for a matter of months at most.

Having slumbered since Durin’s death because ## ### ######### ## ####### ##### ## ####. (Ehe~ You shall find out soon enough~)

Trying to build up their energy to try and heal Dvailn.

Because of the interruption caused by the Traveler and Paimon they wasted the majority of their power and feels a small bit petty as it forces them to retrieve the Holy Lyre and tries to do so in a way that would least likely reveal themselves.

It also acts as my explanation from Venti’s POV of the events. He helped when we would have unlikely been unable to deal with it on our own but when he knew we could do it on our own was being petty at us.

That's mainly about it, Also, I may add custom images in the future, For what? Who knows~

Ehe~

Chapter Text

“-And that’s what I have been able to gather.” 

Venti spoke with an almost distant look in their eyes as they glanced at Jean who was mulling over what they had just told her.

“So, the Abyss Order plans to launch a large attack on Mondstadt? Larger than their previous plans?” 

Venti could hear the hidden question as they shook their head. 

“Not to the same level as Dvalin, he was able to have some control and didn’t try to outright attack Mondstadt until a while after the Honorary Knight’s Companion mistakenly interrupted my first attempt at cleansing him. Even then we were given much warning, 

I would normally trust you, the Darknight Hero, and your Calvalry Captain’s connections to find this out on your own but they have been working much more secretively than normal and have been gathering Ruin Guards and Ruin Hunters. And while I may have ideas on possible ways to help handle the situation the final choice is for the people of Mondstadt to decide.”

Venti could see the anxious look in Jean’s eyes. The Abyss Order was planning what was basically a Hostile takeover. 

Honestly, Venti just wanted to locate Valka and ask why he had to take so many important members of the Knights and even Scholars. It was one thing to take a squadron or two but he left Mondstadt with bare bones that could barely hold together peace in such a large area. 

‘They’ never did get back to them on that just yet but Venti didn’t blame them. Plans aren’t often explained again once an explanation is over and even then it's often only parts that are repeated so they only know they’re currently doing ‘Something’  in Fontaine, what exactly they were not sure.

“We need to act immediately, get civilians to safety, get every able fighter to aid us..”

“I’d also suggest convincing the Fatui and other visitors from the other nations to be escorted out of Mondstadt as a whole.” 

Jean looked up in surprise at their addition as Venti sighed. “I am aware how the Tsarita’s own have planted seeds deep in Mondstadt. To further ourselves from this debt I suggest we give them the ‘heads up’ and politely suggest they pack up along with all the visitors so as to not be dragged into the conflict. Perhaps suggested in a nicer and more professional way that makes it sound more like us not wanting to drag them into our problems.”

Jean looked conflicted and then sighed, Venti could guess what she was going to reply with.

“They would not settle for that.” 

And in many ways, she was right about how Tsarita’s people liked to have their fingers in every pie.

So why not add some risk to it?

“Why~ how about we make it so they would need to use up favours to get involved! They got what they wanted a long while ago and it would be pointless to try and keep the door forced open when we are only closing it for the duration of an attack and recovery, One we ask them not to get involved in."

Venti had a small smirk appear on their face.

One that made Jean much more aware of the differences in the personas of 'Venti the Bard' and 'Barabtos the Archon'.

"Even if they do and help us we would owe them nothing for the simple fact that they forced their way in when we asked them not to. And if you ask them to speak in a somewhat private area and give them this news? Well, let’s just say a few well-placed ears are likely to gossip and call their bluff if they force their way in.”

“So we trap them in a stalemate where the only way to force their way in is to use a favour... And if we paired that with a contract..” 

“I suggest you bring this to your captains and the rest of the Knights first.. And please, Don’t mention me unless absolutely necessary. Being Anonymous helps more in the long term.” Venti only gave Jean a cheerful smile at her face of slight confusion before her eyes lit with realisation. “Understood Barba-Venti.” She immediately corrected herself before quickly scanning the room as if worried about any eavesdroppers suddenly appearing but Venti kept their composure. They knew for certain nobody was nearby.

Venti headed to the Window of the Grandmaster's Office and opened it preparing to leave when they heard Jean speak up.

"Should we get the Honorary Knight involved?"

Venti paused before turning to face her after a few seconds of silence. "While I would rather not.. As a God of Freedom, I cannot in good conscience make decisions for others.. At most, I recommend that we send a letter letting them know but tell them that we can likely handle it on our own and they have little need to be involved."

With that Venti moved with the breeze disappearing from view.

——————

It would be only days later that Venti would be sitting near Angel Share when the bells tolled in warning as shouts were heard. Venti knew the invasion had been sighted and the battle had begun.

They moved quickly to help evacuate civilians and get into a position to better help in the invasion and aid in the battle where they could. Using their 'Vision' to help with Crowd Control and to deal with opponents from afar.

Mainly against any archers he spotted or groups.

Venti knew his moves were mainly Flashy, big, and focused on area control and movement. He was thankful that Wind's Grand Ode was something he could do from a greater distance than if he used a Catalyst. Getting the Abyss Order as they were crossing the Bridge kept more people safe and at a distance. Kept a Majority busy so the other Vision users could more easily pick off the ones that got through.

When a shadow fell upon him he jumped to the side before the Hydro Abyss mage could capture them in a water sphere? Bubble? They'll just go with Bubble for simplicity.

In his opinion Hydro Abyss mages were the most annoying, the bubbles they use to trap people.. 

And when a Cryo Abyss mage or Cyro Hilichurl Archer was involved..

'Ugh, Focus Venti, Don’t get distracted now' Venti quickly made a wind tunnel of anemo appear from below the Hydro Abyss Mage sending them flying off the roof of the building.

Venti then jumped down to follow the mage into battle, the quicker they are dealt with the easier it will be on Mondstadt.

'Archon knows how much trouble a simple Hydro Abyss Mage can cause.'

'Celestia isn't somebody they would swear too.'

Venti followed the Abyss Mage in chase like a hunter tracking down prey. Twists and turns as they danced across the battlefield. 

Venti almost wished to take flight on their wings to keep a better track and catch up to the mage if it was not for the fact that he could not.

Sadly, seconds later Venti lost sight of the Mage, as they silently cursed to themselves they focused on providing aid to Kaeya and Klee who were battling a Mitachurl. Particularly the kind that wields a wooden shield.

…At least Klee is a Pyro Vision Wielder, Those shields are Tough to work around.

Venti then catches a glimpse out of the corner of their eye and dodges a Bubble that nearly engulfed them. 

Great, the Abyss Mage was here too.

Quickly firing in a Succession of arrows to provide cover as they dashed over to Klee and Kaeya, they could tell that while they were doing good damage Kaeya was busy trying to keep Klee safe from a majority of the attacks headed their way. The shield was almost broken by how it was burning up.

Once he made it he provided more cover from the Hydro Bubbles. "If me and Klee get to the roofs will that give you more room to work with?" Venti's voice was steady and serious yet still carrying something reminiscent of Leadership but not quite. 

Either way, Kaeya glanced at the bard. "Sounds good to me. Ready to go for a fly Klee?" 

Klee was bouncing in excitement and Venti couldn't help but feel slightly delighted that a child's mind can easily make something scary less scary for somebody like Klee. "Yippity Yep Yep! Me and Jumpy Dumpy wanna help Big Brother Kaeya!" 

Venti gave a brief sigh of relief as Klee did not seem to disagree with the plan either. Venti grabbed Klee as he and Kaeya dodged out of the way of the rampaging Mitachurl.

The Clattering of Metal that Venti heard from both Stray Crossbow bolts and what he could only assume was either Kaeya's sword or some other metal caused him to spare a glance to see Kaeya still with his sword before he and Klee ran to the nearest building. 

Making a wind current, Venti was faintly aware of Kaeya shouting their name from what they were pretty sure was an attack as he quickly got Klee and themselves out of harm's way and onto the roof. 

(-A̷̭̙̟͎̳͙̱͖̺̪̞̓̌̂̓͊̑͌̕͠l̶̛̦̭̙̪̈́̅͂́̿́̔̓̅͝͠ī̸͍͓͔̺̈́̽̅͜ç̴̨͍͕̲͚̫̜̻͖̼̀͌̉̓̅̀̈́͌̚͠ḛ̶͖͚̪̺͙͌̑̈́͂͊͋̽́̐͝ ̴̧̳̤̳͖̪̣͉̼̱̿́͒̔̆͒̚͜͝w̸̢̢̛͈͎̪̬͕̗͓̿̓͗̿̃́͌͛̕͘͠ͅá̷̖̭̠͌̂͜s̶̖̰̼̟̳̰͆̓̈́͂͝ ̸̢͖͖̟̖͙͇̈́̐̀̉̃̿͠ṡ̷̛͓̰̖̖͎̽͌̆͐͒̈́̐̂̚͝ć̵͉̜̰͙͈̘͈̠̽͒̕͘a̷̧̬̺̱͖̹̲̽̈́̀͂̓͐͑͋͝͝͝r̶̨̤͓̣̮̬̘͓͔̉͗̓͆̋̽̎̽͗̽ý̵̢͓̭̭̰̹̯̀͗̿̍͒͊̈́̕͠ ̴̛̦̹̻̱͚̱̭͚͕͌͊̔̀͊̎̉͊̆̽ẅ̸̡́̎̽̑̃͛̈́͋͘͠͠h̷̡̦̰͙̜̗̼̮̻̫̬̘͑̑̓̌́͗͐͘͘͘ę̵̢͉̜̱͔͉͎͍̻̘̉̉̃̃̚͠ṇ̵̨̱͛̅́̇͊̍͠ ̴̨̮͍̻̞̻̣̳͚͍̏̔͑͗̈́͠a̸̢̫̖̟̯̲̤͚͇̙̪̽͛̉̿̓̍̎n̵̙̥̥̹͛̓̅́̾̋͠g̴̻̏̃̃̀̑̀̃͊͘̚͝r̵̝̟͕͔̣̥̟͕̟͆́͋̑̈́̀͆̈͆͘͝y̶̮̌́̾̚̚..-)

"Alright Klee, Right now we need to stop the meanies so how about we cause some swirl reactions?."

He could already see Klee bouncing with excitement.

"Ready as Both and Jumpty Dumpty and me!” She smiles happily “Big brother Kaeya told me that today was an exception to the rules!”

Venti gave a quiet chuckle, remembering just how much like her mother Klee was.

Just in a more.. Innocent way..

(-Some would call it ignorance but Klee grew up in a city with the freedom to be safe and happy with feeling locked within a cage. Something he was happy to have exist in Mondstadt.-)

(̴̺̰̹̗̤̮͕̀̾̊̊͑͋̈́̚͜-̶̛͇͐̎͛͒̀̂̌̉̌͋T̷̢̢͎̤̠̞̪͓̗̺͎̏͛ͅh̸̫́̐̓͘ò̴̧͕̈̾͌̑͗͑̒̀̕ṡ̷̟̜̍̑͒̇̍͘͜è̸̹̗̰̪̜̜̭̪̟͉̖̭̾͑̃͗͂̐̚ ̶̧̢͚̳̫͙͔̲̌̂̏̈̍̂͊̂̑͝͝͝T̸̩͍̾̏̽̋̿͊͌̕͘̕͝ì̸̧̘̤̜͉̐m̶̧̺͈̭͖̹̣̤͙̻͈̿̎͌̋͊̍͗́ͅe̶̯͖͉̗̙̘̠̍̔̇́͆ ̶̧̧̨̩̺̳͙̳̱͈͔̭͌̐̑̐̿̇̕͝Ơ̷̧̛̜̥̣̖͕̦̞̹͓̔̓̀́̿̉͝ụ̷̡̗̹̦̘̖̲̤̺̖̜̿̍͌̔̕͠͝t̷̢͕̭͈̪̍̆͘s̴̡̬̓̎̊͊̎̂̑̚ ̵̜̰͍̪͔̮̘̹̦̽͗̃̈́̏͐̾͆͒̐͊͜͝a̸̛͍̜̣̰͇̦̓̅͌͛̏̑̉̃̓͌̓͜ȓ̴̨̼̼͇͍̠̼̼̊̇̔͒̄͋̉è̶͎̳͑̌̾͆̚͝ ̸̲̓͛͛̔͆̄̃͆̈̚ń̸̞͈͎̌̍ͅo̶̡̝͋́w̶̫̤̠͔͓͍̆̒͒͊̒͋̈h̶̡̧̖̱̝̭͔̓̐̅̓̃̍̎̂͠ę̶̞̮͙͉̣̹̝͚̟̙̿̆̓̊̐r̷̦̻̤͔̎̍̆̀́̃̎̑̑ͅȩ̶̧̦̜̲͒ ̴̧̜̞̱̜̼̻͍̩͗͋̑̍̆̚̚n̷̛͉̤̱̤͑̉̄̄̃̓̌ę̵͈̯̹̙̋̅̄̋͝͝ả̵̛̞͚̼̤̅̄̿̒̽͒́̐ȓ̸̲̻̣̙̪͖̅̃͠ͅ ̸̧̯̳͇̘͍̱̼̠̃͛̈̑̂͝͝ą̴̬̟̱͙͕͉̫̹̦̻̌̇̐́͛͘͠ş̸̲͇̟͔̩̫̟̬̠͉͌̀ ̴̮̰̙̀̀̀́̋̕͝b̷̡̰̝̿̀͐ą̷̢̹͓̱͔͚̲̙͎͝ͅͅd̸̢̥̘͓̺̞͍̼̱̯͌͆̚ ̶̨̡̛̲̱̻̮̯͖̦̟̻̘̎͌̊̽̆́̐͑͌ą̵͓̳̪͓͉̽́̉̇ͅs̸̬̤̤̦̣̟̪̻̏̍ ̷̛͓͔͉̹͔͙̳̯̽͋͐͜͝D̴͕͒͑̍̈́̄̉͛ͅe̶̛̙͉̩̙̐̓̿͗͜c̶̡̬̜̿̽a̸̡̜͙͈̰̐̏̓͠r̴̝̜̯̼̝̳̦̮͖͔̻̓ą̷̛̫̫̎̄͒̌b̸̢̧͎̠́i̶̧̮̤͖̤̯̺̞̤̫̥̋̔̓̑̿͝a̵̧͈̫̫̔͑n̸̨̢̨̧͖͛̌̌̀̈̈́̀͑̾̋̕͝’̸̡͉̞̭̣͖͕̯͍̩̘̈̒̿̀̎̏̈́͗̃̂s̸̨̯̩̞̙̲͓̙͆͂ ̸͉̰͓͍̼͍̤͚͕̄̒̍͌̇̽͆̅̏̑̃̉s̶̛̙̅̆ţ̷̨̮͖̭̠̳͖̼̮̪͗͋̾̌́̄͂͂̓́̚͠ͅő̷͓̱̥̾̓͐͒̅̏r̶̡̉͠m̵̤̟̤͇̲̳͉̫̠̖͔̠͆́̐̋̂̆̂̏̕ ̶̢̢̢̻̤͔̖͓̘͈̐̋͂͝w̶̨͖̳̘͊̅͊́̀̔͗̚͘͠ͅä̶̡̘̞̦̌̽͑͂͑̂̇͑́͘͜͝l̴̞͓̫͇̫͖̼̏̈̔̓̅̔̋̆̅̏̃͠l̶̛͓̥̫̝̏̎̊̽̄̇̏̈́͝ş̴̢͎̘̜͕͇͆͌̀͐͑̂̈́͛̌͝ ̷̧̨̺̲͙̪̜͚̜͗͑́́̔͋̑̐̀̆w̸̛̯̪͆̑̇͊̒̚e̶̡͉͎̮͎̣͓̝̭̞̤̽̎̇͒̀̀̓̏̆̾̕r̴̝̹̬͚͓̻̯̲͙̹͎̾̂͐̾͝͠ͅę̶̳͉͍̳̯͎̉̔͗̍̈́̒̄̍̔̓̓͝-̷̢̡̛̪̖̩̼̰͓̤͕̞͕̉͐̂̋͋̓̾͆̅̒͘)̶̡̨̨̡̛͕̥̩͉̰͙̙̗̀́̋͘͠

In rapid-fire succession, Venti and Klee were causing fiery swirl reactions at groups of troublesome enemies.

It was during this time that Venti saw a flash out of the corner of their eye. They grabbed Klee by the back of their clothes as they dived out of the way of a bubble sent by a Hydro mage, Venti in response sent them flying by Grand Ode at them as they soon got drenched by a Samachurl who was trying to heal the nearby abyss creatures and drenched them in the process.

Venti gave it a blank glare for a split moment before he used Skyward Sonnet to send them flying and in turn used the wind to somewhat dry Klee and themselves off.

“You alright Klee?” Venti turned to see Klee giggle as Venti realised the Samachurl was probably trying to render Klee’s Bomb useless.. So the drenching was probably intentional. But wasn’t-?

“Yep yep! Luckily for Dodoco and me, my new bombs are waterproof!”

Welp, that answered that question..

Thankfully it seemed the battle was dying down as Venti spotted other Vision users using their abilities. Along with that Captain Kaeya and Master Jean seemed to have met up with each other and was that Diluc by the side gate? Oh! Albedo’s only a block over too! Seems everyone was aiming to get the stragglers that haven’t retreated yet. Over there is Barbara, Noelle and Rosaria.. Oh! There's Eula and Mika! Poor Eula doesn't deserve the hate she gets.. Oh! Bennet, Razor and Fischl! Those three are thick as thieves! Surprised Andrius had him in Mondstadt unless he was here for a lesson with Lisa.. And there's Lisa with Diona! Isn't she meant to be with her father? There's Mona and Sucross near Albedo Oh! Amber's there too! and.. That's pretty much all Mondstadt vision users there at the moment.. 

That’s good, they were worried about the risk of trying to keep control of their power for too much longer, It was a free spirit~ Just like him~ Did not like being restrained for so long that he worried he would have done something that would be on route to one of Klee’s newer, stronger bombs.

As the adrenaline from the battle died down Venti looked around to see everyone convened by the fountain, likely to figure out who was the most injured and who wasn’t before anybody tried climbing too many stairs. In fact, they could already see Barabra helping heal the worst off while other nuns were aiding the less critical wounds. 

Venti glanced over Klee and themselves, while Venti had a few bruises and cuts they were mostly unharmed and Klee was practically untouched other than the few scratches and odd bruise or two.

“Well, I say it’s time for us to meet up! As to not cause anybody else to go amuck looking for us!” they could not help the slight rhyme that fell from their mouth as they glided down carefully with Klee before calmly heading to where everyone was.

Klee kept glancing at them as they got closer, opening their mouth and stopping to think. Something unlike the child or children in general with their brutal honesty, it worried Venti for a moment.

“Is everything alright Klee? If you have something to ask I will do my best to answer as best as I can.”

Klee paused for a moment as a look that he could only describe as contemplating took over her face.

"Umm, Big Brother Venti?”

Venti leaned closer as a way to show interest, though exaggerated. Seems that what they said was the right thing to say. “Yes, Klee? What is it you wish to say?”

A pause filled the air as they neared the group. Venti could hear the voices of Kaeya seemingly speaking with Jean in an almost urgent way without raising their voice.

“How did you use Anemo without your Vision?"

“. . .”

A collective pause of silence filled the air as Venti found themselves speechless, their eyes flickered to their waist and saw what Klee said was true.. It wasn’t there but when did-

A soft jingle rang out as they saw everyone looking at them and in Kaeya’s hand was their fake vision. Venti feels the air ironically leave him for a moment as the situation unfolded, It must have been when he saved Klee if Kaeya got their hands on it. Must have been what they shouted about too,

Shit, What could they say? 

FORGET THAT! What could they do?

Could they salvage this somehow? 

What could they-

“Well, it seems that our dear Bard is not exactly as human as they seem.”

And there was that little glimmer that showed elemental sight being used..

“. . .”

Shit, why did it have to be Albedo of all people? They could feel themselves sweating.

“Surprising how any Vision user would have realised right away with how much Anemo you seem to be made of I admit but it seems that this.. ‘Vision Mimic’ for lack of better terms either shielded your own Anemo from sight and in turn was kept somewhat infused giving the appearance of a Vision or your energy was being filtered into it to constantly drain you from using too much.. This leads me to the point that you must be an Elemental being.. But an elemental being taking on a human form is near unheard of, one of the few that comes to mind if the myth of Venessa which I doubt is your true identity..”

NOPE! THEY WERE NOT RISKING THEMSELVES BEING EXPOSED AND GETTING MOBBED THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

And in a flash of Anemo Green, Wind, and feathers he vanished from the scene as quickly as possible. 

Arriving at the base of the Symbol of Mondstadt’s Hero.

Chapter Text

Venti will be honest, they had no idea what to do now.

They weren't even sure how long they had sat there.

Windrise was just somewhere they could be right now after the- 

(to put it bluntly) 

-Shit Show that happened back at Mondstadt. 

Venti.. couldn't help but let out a tired sigh as they curled up against a branch. 

First, Morax is seemingly assassinated during his Rite of Descension.

(-They almost transformed right when he heard it. Damn, the Gnosis being taken right then, their body was still out of whack. They needed to get in touch with 'them' to find out what he could about it since the true culprit hasn't been announced. They almost wondered if this was the Abyss Order's fault.. but it seemed too subtle..) 

Either way, it wasn't a good situation. They half wanted to hide again but even if they knew that there were going to be questions and there was no changing that. Some they didn't want to say but may need to. 

Fuck.. 

The only thing they could thank themselves for was that they warned Jean of the possible attack ahead of time and Jean managed to evacuate all Non-Mondstadt citizens back to the Borders and all non-combatants to the Churches Basement.

The pounding in their head came back as they knew word would spread, the citizens of the city he was so protective of were not ones to keep secrets from each other. Not ones this large that the Knights alone could not handle being dropped on them so quickly.

What would they even say? 

'Hey, I'm your Absentee Archon who everyone thought was just a particularly talented Bard with the drinking tolerance of a mountain! Just pretend the whole thing never happened ehe~' 

That would not work.. even if done more tactfully. 

Both anxiousness and numbness swirled within at the same time. A spiral of colours yet still a single shade..

It was a blessing how the Anemo energy felt crisp and fresh, like stepping into the sunlight, it helped calm them, ground them in a way.

“What am I to do now?” Sadly, disappearing would likely not help and only cause more trouble in the future, they would be on high alert for somebody that resembles them.. They couldn’t give up the name ‘Venti’ or the form they hold. 

Barely thought-about ideas came to mind and were immediately discarded. Venti was the name ' They ' gave him. He wouldn't lose that name, and.. even if the form he took was more an edit of what ' He ' looked like Venti wasn't comfortable changing their look to the extreme and likely needed anything soon..

But wha-

“I thought I'd find you here."

A calm and almost patient voice cut through the air of uncertainty, Breaking both the Deafening Silence and Silent Panic in Venti’s head. Looking down from the branch they spot Jean, as studious and calm as ever, one of the OddBalls of Anemo some would say. 

“. . .”

After moments of silence, Venti could feel the strained smile that adjourned their face and saw Jean’s face shifted into an expression of quiet worry in reply. "I guess I am.." His voice strained in a tired way, She paused, glancing at him before moving to climb the tree, taking a seat by him as a silence filled the air.

Neither spoke for a few moments the birds chirped and quiet words like a balm on his stress.

“Albedo figured it out and everyone’s worried about where you went off to.”

And there goes any chance at a cover story. Their head dipped down in defeat as they felt an almost pitying look from Jean.

". . .I'll be honest, I'm not even sure what to do myself. At least it was absolutely accidental and in many ways unavoidable."

Venti pulls his knees to their chest as they look towards the ground. "The Winds are ever-changing but a lot of change at once is stressful on anyone." 

Jean paused a hesitation blooming on their face for a brief moment before they place their hand on Venti's shoulder. A silent support that Venti gladly leans into.

"It's gonna be alright."

A wet chuckle falls from their lips. "I will admit I wasn't certain you were here." Jean had spoken after a moment. "A lot of people know you spend time around here and.. right now you seemed like you wanted to be alone."

Venti paused as a sigh made it through their lips. 

"I will admit.. If Dvalin was back from his journey to give himself time to heal.. I would be in Old Mondstadt with him. But we'd probably head for Liyue if both of us were back, I had already summoned the Winds to call Dvalin. It is best he hears the news from me and not from a stranger or similar source.."

"Was Dvalin.. Close to Rex Lapis?" 

Venti gave a strained smile. "Dvalin.. is only part Dragon despite what most believe, I.. Won't go into much detail but because of their Draconic nature, Dvalin looks- Looked up to Morax as something like a father figure.. A parent."

A silent cold fell into Jean's stomach, Dvailn just escaped from Corruption only to have lost a parent figure? And it was Rex Lapis, Oldest and Strongest of the Seven on top of that.

And Venti, who has just lost a close friend, is now the last of the Original Seven with Morax's death.. What a horrible thing to have happened.. They must be grieving so badly right now.. Did they even get a chance to see them recently?

"Will you both be alright?"

Venti took in a shaky breath. "As alright as we will be. Grief is nothing new to me or Dvalin no matter how I wish to shield him, what I worry for is the truth behind the matter, Morax doesn't fall easily and a God's death is never good.."

Jean paused turning to Venti with a question in her eyes.

One Venti answered before a word left her lips.

"When a God dies a massive amount of energy is released. This energy unless sealed and directed properly beforehand can cause.. Curses of sorts even if the God or Goddess in question doesn't wish it to happen. So unless certain things are prepared beforehand.. Then the land and people who were nearby or those that encounter it some other way while it is still active... it is arguably what the Withering is about in Sumeru.. a curse from a fallen God.."

Jean looked at Venti and saw the worry in their eyes. Not just about what really happened to Morax, but the people of Liyue.

"Why haven't you said anything?" 

"Because the Curse would have happened much sooner than now. Usually, it happens right when a God or Goddess dies but it hasn't.. so far I am both blind and unsure of the situation as a whole, this could mean either Morax is alive or expected he would die and prepared for it. Right now.. all I can really do is wait for any information I can. I.. Have my ways of acquiring information like you saw when I found out about the invasion attempt.. But because I have been gone so long and my main priority has been to save Dvalin and Keep Mondstadt safe. I would have left to ask an Adepti I knew about the situation but Mondstadt needed me and if Morax did die.. I know he would rather I focus on Dvalin and Mondstadt before him."

And that was arguably the hardest thing about this was thinking about the ‘Could haves’ and ‘Should haves’ of this all. But.. They did not regret the choices made, and they will never regret saving their son from their sorrow and Hatred along with keeping Mondstadt safe, but now? They need to focus on getting reconnected, to make sure nothing like this happens again.

”So, it is unknown if Rex Lapis is alive or dead, If he’s alive why did he fake their death, if they’re dead then what happened and why?” Jean’s question was the very loosest form of their own.

Why had it happened? Was it planned by Morax? Or was it somebody wishing harm on Liyue?

What had caused it? Why at the Rite of Descension? Why then?

Why hasn't any of the Adepti tried to reach Dvalin at the very least?

Who was behind this? Was it Morax? The Abyss? Or somebody else?

And what could be done now? Go to Liyue?

..They already planned that, With Dvalin. And until they returned Barbatos would wait.

Because right now, even if they wanted to run off, their people came first, One of the Original Seven was just lost and him running off may leave a scar. Even if they were panicking inside so were the citizens of Mondstadt and if left unchecked others will take advantage of them.. Right now all they can do is minimise the damage.

“. . . I’m ready to head back Master Jean.” They looked at them in surprise. “Are you sure Lord Barbatos? We can stay here a bit longer if you need some more time.”

..They weren't surprised Jean used his official name. They'll verify they'd still like to be referred to as Venti later, when he doesn't have to repeat it constantly.

“While I was likely only chosen as Archon because the first choice stood down.. I.. Was likely chosen for both my involvement and what I was. Even if others would have been better suited for the role of Archon. What has happened, has happened. And I now choose to face them and at the very least give an explanation since that is what the people of Mondstadt at least deserve to hear, what happens next I shall leave to be decided by the people and myself. I.. knew that one day I would be found out but never expected for it to be like this.”

Venti's voice carried the serious tone that Jean has only ever really heard them use as Barbatos, Authority yet in a gentle way, a way that anybody could easily raise their voice to overrule the option but don’t for the fact that the person that suggests it truly cares. Even so, she could sense the nervousness under the mask of Bravo.

Despite what many may assume she knows Venti, at least to some extent, They left Mondstadt to give them their Freedom but hid among the people to learn how the people feel without the awe and intimidation and adoration an Archon would receive as to make sure he knew the problem itself, the forged Signature for example. Few had seen Rex Lapis’ signature and even fewer would have had the opportunity to study it.

And when you eliminate what is impossible, whatever remains must hold at least a part of the truth, and for this. It was this act that she knew Barbatos watched over Mondstadt still just.. In the shadows rather than the light.

Even so, she couldn’t help wondering why they never came years earlier when Ursa was released, when corruption seeped it’s claws into the protectors of his beloved nation..

But, she guessed that she would find out soon.

Chapter Text

The return trip to Mondstadt.. After what had happened? It took all of Venti's willpower to not just go running off in some random direction, they deserved an explanation at the very least first, Then he would think about possibly running.

The walk was slower than usual, Jean was probably trying to let him get their bearings for what was to come.

So many questions..

He wasn't sure what exactly but he could guess a few.

Why did they leave them for so long? Why did they disappear for so long?

Probably stuff on how their powers work and history-related stuff. Like the forged contract..

Oh, they’ll probably ask about Eula too. He should definitely make it clear that so far she is one of the few Lawrences that has turned their back on Tyranny as a whole. That should be enough right?

Maybe- Huh? Oh, they already arrived.

Venti looked up at the walls of his dearly beloved city, the city of Freedom, Wind and Song. Right now, however, it looked rather imposing. Stopping themselves from licking their lips or gulping with nerves they looked to Jean who was giving them a worried glance and nodded silently.

No words were needed right now.

They were guided along the back streets to the Knights of Favonius headquarters, likely to talk over what to do. After all, the return of the Anemo Archon was quite a big deal for some people. Especially when it is revealed they have been walking among them for months now..

The Holy Lyre situation is gonna be brought up, isn’t it..? They’ll have to let them know about it all.. Technically they did ask for it first.. Even if they were still planning on stealing it anyways..

With the click of a door he was in Jean’s Office. Sitting down on a seat he let out a shaky breath..

“So, what now?”

Jean paused, looking unsure. “Right now I think it would be best if we made an announcement for all of Mondstadt to hear. Then perhaps a questionnaire?”

Venti nods as they try to seem as calm about this as possible, “I’ll allow it, but I ask for permission to veto anything that I do not wish to answer.”

“I would say that is more than fair. Everyone deserves to have their privacy and free speech.”

Even with the basics of a plan and an idea of how it would all go, worry and unease still held tightly to Venti, The hour of the event was nearing and all they could think about was their people’s reactions. 

As Venti kept glancing at the clock they saw Jean chatting at the door with people, probably other knights-

Ah right, Kaeya and Albedo, they probably need assurance that they were not planning on kicking or exiling them unless they actually did exile-worthy stuff like any other civilian. 

Plus, they’ll need to pull them aside at some point. Tell them their side of the story at least. It’s what they deserve to know, they at least deserved to be made aware why he and Morax did what they did during the Cataclysm..

It’s the least they can do for attacking the majority for what was likely the actions of a minority.

Hours passed as Jean hashed out what details she could with them and kept an eye on them. Probably for the fact most of Mond worried they would run off again.

Before they even knew it Jean glance at the clock before leaving her Desk and walking over to them with an outstretched hand, and he knew..

It was time.

Venti took a deep breath as they walked with Jean into the Cathedral, It made sense to hold the meeting there, plus if there was a sudden attack everyone could be quickly evacuated.

Well, a possible attack from outside forces has become a less likely scenario in his head.

Either way, it was time, the Cathedral doors opened and Venti saw everyone's eyes turn to them, the Captains and some of the Church Members and more prominent members of Mondstadt stood at the front. 

Turning to face the returned Jean and Archon by their side. Albedo stepped forward with a nod.

He paused, for once seeming unsure in the conclusion he came too, Venti could not blame them, they would probably feel the same in their shoes.

"Barbatos."

The name broke through the silence like shattering a pane of glass. So certain and clear, how could they deny it?

There was no denying it when it was the truth.

"That is I, though I prefer Venti." 

This confirmation seemed to both shatter the silence and cause new unrest in their people.

"..What I wish to know from you at the moment is what really happened during our battle with Stormterror." 

Well, he expected the whole 'Absentee Archon' to be brought up.. but he was thankful Albedo brought this topic up.. Even if it was still hard to talk about, they’ll be able .

Before they could speak Jean tapped their shoulder. Turning to face her Venti felt her guide them forward remembering their still in the middle of the aisle.

Led to the altar Venti took a seat on it, with a deep breath they faced the crowd, they couldn’t help but shift a bit in nervousness just.. Everything that has happened today.. Now that they’re looking they can tell some people are missing.. Probably wounded and those looking after them.. Eula too, the poor dear must think he doesn’t like her because she’s a Lawrence.. They’ll have to get Amber to let her know and he’ll need to somehow address it..

With an inhale of air they don’t need he tries to figure out just where to start.. Perhaps.. The ‘Start’ would work best.

“I feel, to explain everything clearly I need to explain some events that happened Five Hundred years ago along with other pieces as context..”

Nobody spoke, Venti could only take this as a sign they were all listening.

“As you all know I have been in Mondstadt for a few months as ‘Venti the Bard’, this is not the first time I have done this and likely will not be the last. Five Hundred years ago, I was doing the same as I am now when Durin and the armies of Abyss attacked. 

I took arms against Durin with Dvalin the Dragon of the East to aid me as Vanessa the Eagle of the West and Boreas Wolf of the North protected their own areas from the onslaught of the armies. And while we did succeed both me and Dvalin were affected by Durin's Corruption..

Only Dvalin suffered it to a lesser degree than me.”

“̶̧̜͈͎͝W̸̥̗̹͇͈̑̔̕ă̵̝̱i̴̼̭̤̔͛͌̈́̐͘ț̶̡̧̫̚.̷͕̞͎̿́̄͌͐͝.̶̢̿͛͂̚ͅ ̵͉̹͚̈̌͜W̴͙̝̦͂̓h̷̲͚͖͌͌̋͒a̴̺̮͛͊̏̌̅t̸͎̞̅́͘?̸̥̖̟̱̤̇ͅ”̸͓̲͎̯̺̮͛͒̓̒ ̴̙̣̰̳̹̋̒̋̚͘“̷̘͉̟̝̩̿̈̿͒̕W̸̗͖̼̞͔͌̌͗̈́̈́̚h̶̭̩̜͚͔̤́̅̾̄͝ä̷͚̌͒̋̚͠t̵̨̲͙̰͍̔̔ ̷̫̪̗̘͇͑̾͂̃͜ḋ̵͔̩̳̖ȯ̴̠̞̓͗ ̵̨̻̭͕̖͙̀ỳ̸̝͇̞̌o̶̝͎̹͛û̵̠̭̹̦̠̿̚ ̶̝̰̰͖̮̫̇̏̒͐̏m̶̜̰̮̏̓ȇ̶̼̀̏́̇̅a̷̟̣̱̚ͅn̴̻͎̯̯̞̤̉̋ ̵̲͔͙̿b̵͍̣̈́̇͜͝͝y̵̖̻̦͔̰͊̆͝ ̴̜̆̏̃̊͋̾ṯ̶̱̾͠h̷̢̨̩̺͋̕a̸̟̼͖̪̎͝t̵̡͉̥͔̺͒̒̃̍?̶̥̠̭̍”̴̧̢̤̦̺͐̓̅ ̷͙̮͈͎̥̈́̋̚“̷̤͔͓͔̳̓̋͐̇͌L̴̨̰̜͋e̶̺͎̭͇̒̓͆͘̕ş̸̜̿̓̓̈͜s̵̝̤̑̎̈͝e̸̡̞̤͋͛̎͝r̸͎̈́͂̍͊̇͊!̷̣̞͌̐͐́̅?̷̠̫̞̅̃͠”̴̹̮͍̯̖̃̄̽̀͠ ̴̳̮̺͍̤́̉̌̂̈“̵̻̲̙̬̹͝Ẅ̴͓̮̠̳̲́̽͘h̷̛̜͗ḁ̷̟̪̤͔̊̄̂ẗ̸̡̡̙͚̯͔́̈́̅͝ ̵̳̐̈̓̉̊͝ḑ̴̞͎̈͆͂̅̊o̷͖̍̎̈́͝͝ ̷͚̰̅y̶̲͎̤̤͑̀ͅǫ̷̛̜̯̙͛͊̀û̸̠̹̟͊̕ ̴̖̓̎̆̈͝m̷͇͈̜̥͕̂͋ę̴̰̞͕͗̄͛̈́̌̌ā̸̦͔̾̈́͗̕n̸̻̼̽̅͌ ̵̬͊͆͌̂͘C̸͍̝̉̾̏̓̕ͅo̷̞͛̅̊̏͘ͅŕ̶̪̖͑̄͑͑r̸̡̬̗͙̥̈̈́̏̈́̽̉u̴̡̹͈̅͒̎̑p̵̡̨̥̫̺͖̋̾̊͊̕t̷͇̼͔̓͗̕͝͠e̸̡̙̲͐͌̒̔͜d̷͉͕̣̣͚̈́̋̾̈́?̷͚̼͈̒̀̂̚̚”̸̨̤̠͎̤͔̀͐̆͘͘ ̵̠̄͑̑͋͠“̸̞͕̼̫͍̞̉͒O̷̱̱͑̽̊̓͆͝u̵̩͓͗̒͌͒̕r̸̻̪̞̀̾́̇̑͊ ̵̥̩̂E̵̢̪̖̦̒̉̓̀̓͝ă̸̡̪̪̥̂̄ś̶̠̪̥̈̈́t̵̺́ ̸̭̫̫̦̪͓̓̂Ẅ̴̗͚i̵͙̒̔̔͝ń̴͉͔̒͝d̵͎̖͊͌́͠ ̴̯̜̖̘͔̈́̎̔͋͘a̷̟̬̦̟͑̈̒̒n̸̹̺̖͎̄d̷̨͙̥͊͝ ̵̝̈́̓̇́͊̅ͅȂ̸̞̞̪̱̞̉̓̀̌r̴̰̻̝͎͔̀̎̕c̵̨̦̠̑̆̃͂h̷͇͂͆̈́͗̑ò̴̭̺̯̕ń̴͈ ̶̫̺̬͓͇͛̄́w̷͓͇͚͓̭͋e̴͖̝̝͐͊͜r̵̢̲̘͉̃̊̇̉͝e̷̝͔̠͈̥͋͛̂̐̕ ̴̡̧̗̯͍̌̀c̸̺̄́̆̅̽o̸̮̲͂̍͘r̸̤̭͓̐͛̐͌̔ȓ̷͇͛ṳ̶̿̅̕p̸̰͉̱̮͛̉̈́t̷̡̜̭̊́ȅ̸̛͇̱̯͉̊̋̉̆d̸̡͖̥̆̀̃͌̎̂!̸̦̼̈́̽̌?̴̖̭͕́̃”̷̻͖͓̝̦̓̔ ̶̜̿̒́̕“̶̜͉̿̊̒̍̓Ȧ̶̹̜̗̹̈́̌̚͠r̸͇̻̱͍̮̿̓̌̿͝é̸̢̛̦̭͈̬̻͂̿̄ ̴͇̈́̓̀̈y̷̭̹̖͊̾͑̀̕͝ǫ̴̡̟̮̰͗͊͘u̴͕͑͠ͅ ̷̹͓̻̠̺̂͌̓à̴͕̝͙̇͛̽ļ̶̰̩̠̰͊̍̉̚͘̕͜r̴̡͎̬̾̃͑̊͝ĭ̴̱̤̮̤͘g̸̥͖͓̮͌̀̒͑h̸̪̮̫̻̯̄͋̈̈́́̈́t̴̬͝?̵̲̍̔”̵̛̜̂͐̊͠ ̷̡̺͝“̸̮͇͚̳̥̈W̴̬̯̤͛a̵̺͑̉͋̈́͜ŝ̵̗̥̩͝ ̸̼͕̍̋͑̚t̶͚̽͋̐̑̐ĥ̶̳͙̜̯͕͌̚͜a̴̻̩̞͓̝͍͛͑̍̏t̵̢͑̄̑̊͝ ̴̛̠͓͇̣̯̩͂̿́̕͝w̷͈̓̃̏̐͆ḩ̸̛̣̻̦̥̹͂ỵ̷̢̹̣́̓͐̃̌̚ ̵̖̆̒̕y̵̢̞̑ó̶̺̟̮͙̼͗͂̑u̴̟̬̳̙̫̼̓ ̷͇͈̻̥̣͚̓̀̚͘ḧ̷͈̳̥̩̼͠a̵͖͍̹͈͖͑̂̏̐͒̂ͅd̴̫̜̦̥̮͍́͑̀͑̑ ̸̺̥̈́̕b̷̨́͑͂ě̵̺̼̈ę̴̗͈̗̜̱̋̒̐̈́n̶͙͈͛͐ ̵͕̳̇̊̂̎͝f̴̨̦̺̊̈̊̀̓͝o̶̦͍̖̬̿ũ̷̡̬̟n̶̪̬̗̘̦̒̇̆̀d̶̩̬̙̼̜̽̊̒̊͑͝ ̷̡͊̐̕c̵̼̦͔̈́͛͜ȏ̴̻̳̞̣͗̽̈́̿͝ĺ̸̢̡̞̞͔̑̓̂̊͝ͅl̵̹̰͆̑a̸̢̨̠̺̩͗̍p̷̖͇͂͗́́͠s̶͕͍̤̃̒̇̂ê̸͛̓͋͝ͅḓ̸̇̍͗ ̵͙̼̘̬̔͜b̸̡̖̼͙̍̐͠y̵͎̿̋̈̒ ̵̻͔̪̹͙͑̅͐̂̓t̷̛̛̺͓͎͚͍̥̾̕͠ḩ̴̺̘͇̔̑̃͐͠ẻ̶̯̟̝̦̰̄́͒̈͝ ̷̧̗̘̼̗̓̓̀͝C̶̲̓̓͌͝ḧ̸̡͔͔̀̔ų̷̳́ȓ̷̦̼̰̅̌̾͜č̵̨̢͕̗h̵̠̳̽͊̋!̷̠͍̠͇̠̟͊̂?̸͈́͋́͂͜”̵̖̼͙̜͓͋ ̷̭͊“̴̡̰̞̝̯͐Ẉ̵͎̓͊H̵̫͔̤̞̼̙͂̽̔A̵̹̠̐̔̚Ț̸̢͔̑͋̐͌̉!̸͓̉̑́̐͠?̷̛̰̳͗ ̵̡̬̳̉̇͗T̷̡͎̙̺͍̍̔̃͝H̸͉̤̭̦̮͑ͅË̸͚̈́Y̸̢̥̤͒͛͘ ̵̛̼͍͇C̶͍͕̋O̵͓̓̿L̶͖̖̳͒̏̌̚Ĺ̴̠͕̄Ą̴̧̟̦͈͑̀P̸̨̲͈͈̃̆͛Ṡ̷̡̡̖̆͗̿͗Ě̷̢̛͚̗̲̯̀͊̇Ḋ̷͎̌̚!̸̺̹̥͐̆?̷̦͓̤̣̈́̋̈̌̉̆!̸͉͚̳͔̃̀͝?̷̢͕̼̣̳̎͂͑͝ͅ”̶̺̦͎͚͈̋͑͐͋͗͜

He heard the murmurs and shouts as they all clamoured together in a noise that was hard to tell what was said and what wasn't to try and figure out an explanation as panic started to rise, Kids crying at the volume and worry for the bard that played with them and gave them apples to eat, Worry was plastered onto the faces of those that knew Dvalin was the Corrupted Stormterror look at him ready to pounce for a full medical..

“SILENCE!!” Jean’s voice was loud and clear as the noise died down. Venti could not help but feel a breath of relief and awe leave him at how Jean handled the noise so well.. “Let. Our Archon. Speak .”

They withheld a slight grimace at the title but did not say anything. The serious tone had caused the crowds to die down.

"..Before you worry further I am fine now. The Corruption thankfully more or less made me.. More.. I’ll just say ruthless in protecting Mondstadt and those I care for. But the moment I regained proper clarity I sealed myself away in a slumber to both heal and purge the corruption unaware Dvalin suffered the same fate for the effects were just taking longer to show for him.”

Silence fell completely as those that realised what this implied.. Albedo was the one that spoke up first.

“I see, so simply put, if I term it like an illness, while Dvalin was infected nobody realised as it took longer for obvious symptoms to show that could not be put down to what was going on at the time.” Albedo spoke in the same tone of examination Venti has often heard them speak in.

“Yes, along with that Dvalin also went into slumber but because neither of us were aware he was infected he did not put any energy into purging himself of the corruption like.. Not realising you have a wound so you don’t disinfect or dress it and the wound becomes infected.

Because of this, for the last Five Hundred years that I was in a slumber to heal myself. Even though Dvalin was slumbering, the corruption was festering.. When he awoke and saw how the world had changed as I still slumbered, they felt angry and forgotten especially at the state of the temples.. To Dvalin they were both places of prayer and secondary homes, places to rest and heal. To be safe havens for travelers or those lost.. To see them decay and be invaded likely felt as if all the winds were being insulted and forgotten. 

The Corruption only caused their more negative emotions to be more prominent. For their Anger, Sorrow, Disgust, Wrath and Grief soon caused fissures in their heart that could simply not heal alone, And it was with the corruption plaguing their mind that Dvalin, Dear Dragon of the East Winds became Stormterror, Terror of the Skies for the anguish and sadness that took hold on his heart and mind became to much with time.”

A slight pause filled the air as the truth of Stormterror set in for those unaware, Stormterror had been their East Wind, twisted and poisoned by corruption. The Sadness of it all, the anger from the more kindhearted that wondered why nobody realised or noticed, why people forgot what those temples were..

“..So Durin’s Blood was what caused you to disappear for Five Centuries and our East Wind to fall into darkness, well, I hope that we can start to rectify some of these issues or at least find some other solutions.” 

Kaeya’s voice spoke up, to which Venti gave a small nod as they felt their heart warm at the idea of the temples being looked after properly before realising they should clarify a bit more on certain statements.

“Getting back on topic, because of the seal I put on myself until no corruption was left within me or somebody outside the seal broke it I could not be awoken. To be completely honest.. I had only awoken shortly before I first came to Mondstadt.”

"But.. If that was the case, Why did you wait so long to help with Stormterror? You CLEARLY care for them greatly! So what took so long to go help them!?" Amber’s enthusiastic reply warmed their heart a small bit more to see she was still treating them much the same.

But even so.. Should he tell them about ‘That’ ? It wasn’t entirely age appropriate.. Mayhaps they could just.. ‘Hint’ at it so as to not cause many problems. So with a small, strained chuckle. 

"Well, Because of me constantly purging my system from corruption.. Think of it like.. Scrubbing away at a dirty plate, You use clean water and energy to get rid of the grime but the grime was like those really tough stains that make you want to throw away the dish, so you need to keep recleaning it trying to get it as spotless as possible. My power actively fighting against the Corruption was like I was using any energy I gained from slumbering to go into scrubbing but it used a lot of scrubbing to get the dish clean once I was done."

"So.. the reason you took so long, was because you needed to regain your power to the point you could do it?" 

Venti turned to see their favourite bartender Diluc Raginvider had spoken up for once, they were getting a little worried at how little they spoke but.. Well, they weren’t gonna say it aloud. So, with a small chuckle, Venti continued. 

“Yes, and then some, let's just say while it's healthier for me to wait for my power to regain naturally, that would take the time that we simply did not have.. I knew a way to get them back much quicker though I only ever used it majorly in the Archon War since.. Well, let’s just say that Morax, Guizhong, and I often felt it was equivalent to a child eating a lot of sweets and gaining a sugar rush only for once the rush has faded to be in a much more depowered state.."

Venti could see multiple people trying to figure out what he had been using.. he feels sorry for those who figure it out.. but at least for a while it helped hide the fact he was Barba-

"It's alcohol isn't it?" 

And there is Albedo with the deadpan face who figured it out and said it aloud. Well, they can already see some nuns trying to hold back their expressions.. Probably because of the whole “Drunkard” thing and the fact it was said so blatantly while there were children there.. Well, at least Klee only looks a bit confused along with the other kids.. Surprising how quiet she is right now but.. That’s probably because Albedo or Kaeya bribed her.

"..Well, Yes. Because of my elemental energy, I would have to drink about ten times what normal people would get drunk by even to begin to get tipsy, which is about two bottles from what I remember.. Believe me, if I was dead drunk.. Well, those who decided to attack our land in ages old had a not-so-fun time that involved a lot of spinning." 

The few children that were there looked curious along with some teens and adults but Venti was not going to tell them that by “Spinning” they made tornadoes and cyclones-hurricanes. Why did they end up being two words for the same thin- 

‘Wait, get back on track Venti, no daydreaming right now.‘

“Anyways, by the time I had enough power, I went to the Whispering Woods by Starfell Lake to call for Dvalin and try to calm him down and ask to purge his corruption. Sadly, this is when the Honorary Knight had first arrived in the lands of Mondstadt and seeing the Dragon had to chase after a certain Pixie who went to check it out.” 

Venti felt their annoyance at the whole event return before they took a deep breath. They already got their petty revenge making them gather the teardrops and unbeknownst to them they did stop more reinforcements from arriving to aid the Fatui.

“Because of their interruption, Dvalin feared I had led him to a trap, so that attempt failed and because of my limited energy I would have had only one more chance unless I got my old Lyre to help.”

They could already see Gotelinde looking embarrassed. “To be fair.. I honestly didn’t expect anybody to believe me when I told the Nun I was Barbatos. If it worked then I got the Lyre and could immediately work to save Dvlain. If not then I could at least confirm where it was located. Which is what I had guessed would happen..”

Embarrassment filled their voice at the fact that they had planned to steal their own Lyre from the start as Venti could see a few heads shaking.

“I’m guessing you were the one that helped keep them afloat deary?” Lisa’s voice had an inch of an almost flirt that bordered an almost motherly tone that reminded Venti so much of one of his dearest friends and his own-

M̷̩̼̲̍̂̒́̒̑ǒ̸̢̠̻͕̹͙̳̗̥̭̲͙̭̺̼͖̱͔̭̳͚̒̒͌̇̕t̴̢̢̖̦̘̞͙̟̼̼͓̎͗́͂̀̾̓͂̂͛̂̀̆h̶̨̫͇̹̻̰̻̫̗͉͇̝͙̞̫̭̫̝̥͋͘e̶̢͖̞̙͎̫̖͎̭͉̭̪̫̪̰̫͉͂̐̐̊̏̚͜͜ŕ̸̢̨̳̝̼͇̝̬̯̲̯̺̞̦̖̝̹̣͉̯͕̋̆͂̒̿̂̎̌̒̂͌̾̌͗̑͐̔͒̕ ̸͊͐͐̆̑͗̎̐͌̏͂̾̽́̎͊͆͘͝ͅÇ̸̦̲̝̯͎͚̽̀̓̽́̂͐͠͠r̷͇̫͑͛̔̓͛͗̈́͊͂̍̂͝͝͠ē̸̲̙͚͎̯̘͚͖̖̓̂̏̇̄͊ā̵̛͙̼̮̱̖̜͆̊̔̒̉͛̓̈́͐̑̐͜͝ͅt̵͂̿̍͌̃̑͌͜͠ǫ̴̛͎͕̥̗̼͖̖̳͔̻̫̝͓͓̙̞̲̉͗̔̂̈́̈́̇̓̂̌̽̑̍̈́͆̚͘̚͜͠ŗ̷̛̜̞̬̙̤̱͓̖͉̪̐̽̉̀̐̓̀͊̍̒̉̆̎̾͝ͅ.

“..While annoyed I did not want to risk anybody's death and as I did not know how proficient our Honorary Knight was with a Glider just yet I aided them as best I could without revealing myself and risking to make Dvalin even more upset. 

Afterwards, our dear Honorary Knight both saw and recognised me. Following me to the Plaza they approached me and.. I shall admit I decided to be a slightly bit Petty.. For their honest mistake that cost me a great deal of energy. So I recruited them to help aid myself to save Dvalin..”

“I’m guessing that’s why they were said to have stolen the Holy Lyre?” Albedo gave a simple deadpan look. Embarrassment filled them with a small embarrassed chuckle.

“..Ehe~ Of a kind, it was actually stolen just as our Dear Knight arrived.”

Sighs were heard from not only the Knights but Nuns, oh, and Master Diluc as well along with a mutter of his ever so infamous words when in relation to the Knights, as Venti could just tell what they felt at his.. ‘reply’.

“Anyways to continue on, other than the Honorary Knight I’ll leave those who also got involved to say so of their own choosing. I will not force their hands and will continue the story.”

“It's fine Barb- Sorry, Venti. I’m pretty sure everyone is aware of my involvement along with Master Diluc’s. No need to worry about us.” 

Jean spoke calmly with a slight smile even as some people seemed to almost whip around and look at them in an almost shocked betrayal. Venti winced.. Well, he did ask them to keep their identity quiet..

“They had realised that Dvalin was the Dragon of the East and because of outside forces needed to handle this as quickly and quietly as possible as they aided us in both retrieving the Holy Lyre from the thieves and helping restore the Lyre to its original power and so our group went to try and save Dvalin.”

“Sadly, this did not go well as the Abyss Order turned out to have been feeding lies to Dvalin and with the corruption Dvalin believed them and it had caused Dvalin to destroy the Lyre in a rage.. So, with one chance left our group went to where Dvalin had made their newest Lair, Stormterror’s Lair, once known as Old Monstadt. 

As much as I would like to go into detail.. We’d be stuck here all day and I feel I already took up a good amount of time so, I’ll get to the point. We were able to save Dvalin and free him from Corruption, Dvalin decided to take a break from being one of the four Winds. 

Whether this is permanent or not I will give them the freedom to find themselves and decide on their own. We eventually made it back to Mondstadt and had to return the lyre.. I won’t get into detail but Deaconess Barbara was.. Quite upset.. At the Lyre’s condition and that’s about it.”

“You left a few things out, Bard.” Diluc's voice spoke up with suspicion on his tongue and worry hidden in his tone. Venti chuckled.. Already having their reasons prepared to explain a bit more clearly.

“Well, I was more or less just giving the barebones since I’d rather not keep us for days or.. Risk, causing manhunts that would come out of seemingly nowhere.. Especially since we have little to no physical evidence..”

Diluc narrowed his eyes as Jean sighed before explaining further. “Sadly what they say is true, because of both the time restraints and the situation itself saving Dvalin took priority.”

“Well, just from your conversation it’s clear to see that the Fatui is involved in this, especially if the whole attack outside of the Cathedral is anything to go by.” Kaeya’s voice spoke up as he looked to see. “And.. I can sadly understand why we can’t go opening an investigation now.. But still, what were they after Venti?”  

Venti paused, they already told the Traveler a great risk.. “Something that even mentions of it in whispers carries risks. I’m sorry, I cannot say What but I can say that the Fatui will hopefully not pursue any more problems with Mondstadt as a whole. Even so, I ask that nobody says anything about the fact that I am Barbatos..”

“̵̞̝͎͚͂̈́H̸̢̛̜͔ú̷̥̙̀͆h̸͎̋̓̀̍̃͗!̶̥͖̯͙̟̥̓̐́?̸͇̖̟̩̤̽̄̈́́̒̓ͅ”̷̛̙̮̿́ ̴̡͎̙̕ͅ“̸̡̩̙̬̂̽͜Ẅ̸̝́̇̔́͗h̵̟̳͋̒ŷ̶͇̫̖̝͎ ̸̟̲͙͐N̸̳̙̽̋̓̀o̷̱̲̯̪͉͈̾ţ̸͚͍͈͛!̵͈͇̟̍͋͊͛?̶͇̥̭̖̒̊̋̌̀”̸̨̹͉̑́̀̌̾̃ͅ ̸̧̭̻͍̗͍͛̌͝“̵̢̟̖̠̓̎͋̇̃̏͜Ý̵̫͖͈́͘ỏ̴̺̪̥̪̳̫̽̔̓͊̍u̶̧͇͌̈́͊͐̿̇’̵̰͕͓͋̎̓r̸̦͕̲̐͊ͅe̶̙̙̲̙͝ ̸̢̗̮̝̠̂̄͒O̵̲̔̓̕ǔ̵̧̳̠͎͇̽̈͝͝r̸̟̯͖̤̜̼̀̎̃͐ ̵̬͓̘̝̎̉A̴͇̯͇̮̦̻͆̕͝r̵̡̹̠̭͛̓̉̂̚c̷̺̠͔͇̑̋̋͌̀͊h̵͕͚̃̀̀͘ǫ̷̘̫̟̙̦́́̓̈́̀͠ṅ̶̦̫͋͝͝ͅ ̶̰̠̱̲̂̾̓͑͊y̵̢̳̳͕̟̱̾̽͛ơ̷̞̜̯̼̪͗̽̇͝ǘ̴̧͚̦͜͜ͅ ̵̜̝͙̟͕̇͆͆͋͝ď̸͚̼̦̰͋̄̕è̷͍̩̫̬͔̍́͑š̷̘̦̮ę̷̭̮͂͌ŕ̸̹̲͈̈̈́͒͊͘v̷͚͑͋̓é̵͚̲̒͂̾͐ ̴̨̪̙͆́͗͛̈́̃S̸̛͕̰̤̪̤̤͊̄O̷̡̮͙͐̈̈M̶̡̜̬̖̗̌̃E̸̱̦̝̎͊ ̶͓̱͕̝͊̿Ř̵̛̰͑e̴̼̭͆̂̈́̈́͐͊c̷̗̬̩̼̙̈́̂̅̐͜͠o̵̪͎̎̾͆̑g̷̛̼͍n̵͉̠̣̉̓̿̿͂̈i̸͔͛͜ṱ̷̩̤̑̾i̵̞̠̦̰͔̎̀ọ̴̢̝̞͆̀͜͠n̵͔̍!̵̣̳̎̉̋̑”̶̛̪͙͓͚̃͐͑̾̎ ̴̤̱̻͗“̵̳̖̌͛́̾͒W̵̬̹̙͛͋͐̔̓h̶̹̥̫͇̆̎͜͠ą̴̩̖̞̃͗̇̓͗͜ͅt̷̛̤͚̜̄ ̶̛̪͚̈̌̿͗͝a̴̗̎͝b̸̪̩͈̔̿̈́̐͋͝ő̴̧̖̜̻̀̇̅͐̈́ú̸̢̟̫͙̰̭̿̈́͐́ţ̶̨̦͉̓͋̌̃ͅ ̷̛̝͝t̴̩̦̒̀͒ĥ̷̡̯̣̯̪̃͂̾͠o̶͙̥̪̳͈̾̽̍̑̿̊͜s̶̼̺̺̏̇̃͂̎e̷͎̩̯̽ ̶̡͍̼̫̜̂̽͆͗́͝n̵̹͓̈́̓̌̚o̶̬̻̜͌͂͆ẗ̸̫̘͘ ̴͆͂͒͌͠ͅh̸̪̝̖̩͗͝e̷̢͍̰̻̰͊͘̚ŗ̶̼̰͖̎͑̚͜ẹ̷̡̊͆!̵̢̺̟̫̤̀̓͂́̏ͅ ̵̰̪̍ͅḎ̶̎́̚͠ơ̴̧̡̬̼͚͊͛̇̔ǹ̸̯̞̈’̴̪̭̆t̵͎̟̃̋̊̎̃ ̷̩̟̮̐͠ţ̸̛̉͑̄͌̎h̴̢̳͎̼͛̇̓̆͘͘è̶̩̳̚ͅy̴̼̤͛͗͛̑̕ ̸̻̼̤́͂d̸̡͈͍̞̬̠͑̃̕͝ë̵̪͕̝́̎͘ş̶̍̈́̀̚̚͠e̷̡͈̙͉͆ŕ̵̢͔̣̦̤̐͆v̷̲̫͍̬͎̰̅̉̉̒ẻ̷̲͒͊͛͋͠ ̵̳͊́̾̃t̸̛̹͉͍͇͓͂͆̏̌͜o̸̧̧͉̳̰͛̾̏̃̅ ̷̞̼̈́͆̃k̵̯͎̫̓͗͘n̷͕͑ȏ̷̥̮͈͓͂w̶͎̭̩̑!̵̗͆̽͊?̶̛̞̟̜̙͖ͅ”̶̜̪͖̺̿

Cries rang out in confusion and shock as the shouting reawoke Venti covered their ears and watched, sucking on the inside of their lips in anxiety as they waited for everyone to calm.. They did not wish to speak over everyone as they had the right to freak out. However, it did not seem like-

“ OKAY, THAT’S ENOUGH! ” Rosaria calls out loudly over everyone else, what is up with people interrupting their trail of thoughts?

“Let them explain people! I’m sure some of us already got a clue but if you are still confused let’s hear it from the bird's mouth.”

Wow, calling out their wings there huh?

“..As you all can probably guess when I watch over Mondstadt I did so in disguise and hope to continue doing so, this is the Crown of the North, the City of Freedom and.. I do not want the fact that I am now known to influence your choices.. At most, I would give my opinion like any other on matters and give reasoning but even then I would leave the final choice in the hands of my people.”

And that was basically it as Venti took a deep breath. Barbara spoke up.

“.. I feel that all of us should take the next day or so off to think about this information and then discuss as a city what to do now, Lord Bar-.. Venti has asked of us a request and while I agree with our own opinions on this matter we also need to consider their feelings too.”

Nobody seems to be challenging her words Venti sighs in relief as everyone looks at each other, unsure of what to do. 

“For now, let’s finish repairing our home and treating the injured,” Venti spoke up. “Since we’re likely to be doing that next I ask that everyone keep quiet until the injured are treated and you can all reliably say that you had a chance to clearly think it over and have your voice heard.. Whatever happens after as always I leave in the hands of the people of Mondstadt.”

It seems that was the right thing to say as Jean starts to usher people out when Klee and the other children rush in. Venti holds back his sniffles as Diona approaches, all looking anxious and a bit expectant.. Venti first calls over Amber, Albedo, Kaeya, Diluc and Rosaria. 

“What is it, Venti?” Amber asks as Venti feels relief at being treated normally.

“Please let Eula know that I don’t hold anything against her, while some of her family may cling to past glories she does not and I do not wish to worry her or make her feel worried about being outcast further by my word or hand be it directly or indirectly.. I.. Mainly called the rest of you to act as Verified witnesses as Master Jean seems busy doing crowd control with the other Knights.” 

He could feel Kaeya and Albedo’s worried-tinted gazes along with Diluc’s own hardened gaze.. Originally he was only gonna tell Kaeya and Albedo but.. Diluc and Kaeya need to have an actual discussion between them and if this helps..

“Mind going with her Rosaria? I need to talk with these three for a moment.. It will be their choice to tell you what we discussed..”

It was then Venti turned to them as the halls quieted..

“..So, what did you wish to say.” Kaeya was the first to speak.. Despite how well he hid it Venti could see the nervous clench of their fist.. Diluc looked worried and unsure of what to do with themselves.. And Albedo looked just as worried..

“..Firstly, Kaeya, Albedo. Neither of you will be thrown out of Mondstadt like I said about Eula, I know both of you care deeply about Mondstadt and if you wished to harm it you would have already done so.”

He could see their relief as their bodies fell from the tension they held probably since his identity was discovered..

“What I wish to give is an.. Apology and an explanation, it doesn’t make what happened right but it will explain the reasoning behind why myself and Morax were part of what happened Five Hundred years ago, What happened after Durin.” 

They could see the confusion in Diluc’s eyes but it was Albedo that spoke up.

“The Fall of Khaenri'ah.”

Diluc’s eyes widened as Kaeya narrowed his. 

“..Your explanation.. Are you saying that you were corrupted during the cataclysm?”

“I think I should tell the whole story first, because no matter what Genocide that included innocents was a choice I made no matter the state that both Morax and I were in.. I just hope this can give you understanding at least for myself and Morax for I can say nothing of the other Archons.”

It was after a few hours of words the three left as Venti say Kaeya and Diluc talking quietly as they left the cathedral. He took a deep breath and got off the Alter, stretching from the ache as he hurriedly left through the side passage, unsure what to exactly do now.. He looked to the night sky high above them as clouds danced, stars glistened and the Moon’s pale light filled the land.

“Big Brother Venti?”

He turned to see not just Klee but a large group of children there all looking at him almost expectantly. Ah the puppy dog eyes, Dvalin gave them to both Morax and themselves whenever they wanted something badly.. He lowered himself into an almost squatting position before smiling as they could not help but parallel the conversation to what had led to him realising he had been discovered.

“Yes, Klee?”

The children glanced at each other nervously as Timmie was the one to speak up. 

“Can we see your wings?”

He could not help but smile at them kindly.. Honestly, they were surprised this wasn’t asked earlier back at the Cathedral..

“Of course.”

And with a gust of Anemo, their wings unfurled from their back, large white feathers with golden armour-like trim as he moved them closer to the kids to let them have a feel. The happiness on their faces was more than enough to show that their fight to stay Free had been worth it to the last drop of Blood and Sweat.

As he heard gasps of shock behind them they could not help but wonder where the Wind would lead now.

Chapter Text

It was a few days after the Venti returned to Mondstadt after they fled in panic and the repairs and reconstruction started.

It wasn’t easy adjusting to the new normal, people were still unsure how to treat him. 

As a God? As a person? Even now there would be slip-ups and the odd protective instance..

Honestly Venti could tell even with the few days that had passed everyone was still reeling from the reveal and information bombs he figuratively dropped.

..He was banned from drinking anything alcoholic for the foreseeable future unless it was an emergency.. 

Which.. They get.. But still!!! They were literally so many times over the drinking age it isn’t funny!!! 

Plus, some of the Knights and Nuns decided to keep an eye on him, he isn’t sure if it’s actually official or not but.. Damn it!! They weren’t that irresponsible!!

Right?

Ugh, the only good thing is that the Kids love hearing their stories and listening to their music.. They also like petting and stroking his wings, which they’ll let but.. He isn’t sure about Timmie’s Wing grooming skills just yet.. No matter what the boy says. Plucked feathers can hurt! 

Besides.. there have only ever been three people Venti has outright let help with their wings and which he could do on his own!!

Venti sighed once more (and really, seemed to be all they were doing nowadays). It has been absolutely tiresome, he was currently hiding in the hands of his statue mainly for some “Alone time”. Don’t get them wrong, they love all their people like they’re their own kids!! 

But.. right now nobody was certain what to say or do.. Again, not that they could blame them.. 

The nuns like to pretend they don’t have somebody almost always keeping an eye on them but very little slips by them.. Even so, it’s been a good bit, they really should have heard back from ‘them’ by now.

But yeah, if it wasn’t for the fact nobody knew how to treat him and the tension in the air they would have jumped Venti by now for religious reasons..

Not like they even asked for a religion in the first place.. They’re glad it isn’t there for the greedy aristocrats to have an excuse to give extra taxes! Really they are but.. It’s just so embarrassing!! Like when Jean insisted they sit on the Altar!! Even so, it was still tiring.. I mean, he’s almost scared for when they come back to their senses and get over their nerves!!

No! No more thinking about it! this is their time. Their self care time! 

Maybe they should give themselves a good proper clean, even if their body doesn’t produce the same stuff humans do that makes them need hygiene it has been a good five centuries since they have had a good proper clean..

Huh? Was that..?

“Oh! You’re finally back! Took you awhile~ I was getting pretty worried there.” 

‘Ehe! Sorry about that! We got caught up spreading the message and getting as much information as we could! Ya know, like always~ That golden-haired Traveler is quite fun to watch!!’

‘I know right!? *Pffft* MWAHAHAHAHA!!!! COCOGOAT!!! HAHAHAHA!!!’

“..I’m guessing I am missing some context..” Venti gave a sigh as they eyed them in slight annoyance.

‘Oh yeah, you are but just ask them about the Cocogoat incident next time they come by. Anyways~ To the good stuff! We all got a bit sidetracked~ We found a lot of interesting information about everything~ So sorry that’s one of our excuses for being late! But~ another reason is that just as we were about to leave Liyue, Osial rose out of the Sea!’ 

“..W-What!? A-are you sure it was Osial ‘Osial Overlord of the Vortex’ and not another Osial?”

‘..Are there any other Osial’s that you haven’t told us about?’

“... Fuck .. Fuck, fuck fuck!” Okay! Forget any self-care ideas this is an emergency! They need to warn Jean, and everyone!! “-How far away is Dvalin? I need to know if I need to let him know ahead of time I’ll be unable to meet them and inform them of the situation.”

‘Oh don’t worry about that!’

..Huh..? 

‘The situation has already been dealt with thanks to the Honorary Knight, the Silver Pixie and Liyue’s People and Adepti.’ 

Ugh.. they just wanted him to panic!! Damn them and their ideas for pranks!! UGH!!!! Seriously..

‘Dvalin will be here in another day or so, Guessing you’ve prepared your nest?’ 

Oh shit, that’s a good point.

“..The one I had before my slumber is back in my domain and I haven’t used it at all yet.. I’ll need to slip out to clean it.. And probably the rest of the domain too.. But! Even so, One less thing to somewhat worry about when it comes to the Mystery of Morax and how he’s playing Schrodinger's cat. Anyways, not sure if you already know or not but.. I messed up and everyone in Mondstadt knows I’m Barbatos.”

‘Oh, Is that why you’re jittering about like you’re going stir crazy?’

“Sadly, * Sigh *   Nobody is sure how to treat me and in turn, my interactions with them can end with.. Various results.. I swear it’s only the people that knew or don’t even care that treat me normally! I’ve half a mind to avoid the church for the fact I worry they’re planning something or going to in the near future!”

‘Want us to find out?’

“.. I’m scared to know if my predictions are true or not so only tell me if it’s actually dire..”

‘Ehe~ Anyways, we can keep a watch if you wanna clear up your domain!’ 

“..I’d like that, thanks.”

‘Aww no problem!! How about you head off now and we’ll keep an eye on things!!’

“Alright, alright sheesh, I wonder how everyone would react if I told them I was the mature one out of all of us.”

‘Who knows~ Ehe~’

“... You did not just steal my thing.”

——————

‘Well, the last few days could have gone better.’ Diluc sighed as he polished a glass looking at some of the patrons currently in the tavern. 

Some were able to more or less relax but others were still dealing with the fact that the bard was a God.

Seriously even that kid Sage saw Venti talking to animals and his parents didn’t believe him, He gets scepticism but still. 

At least his brother isn’t going out of his way to be annoying, though he’d have rather learned his brother had a boyfriend from his own sources and not through a slip-up.

Glancing at Kaeya he could not help asking the question that came to his mind as nobody was really paying attention to anybody. “So how long exactly have you two been together?”

Kaeya paused for a moment, seemingly hesitant to reply for a moment which.. Was fair, even with the fact the Bard had put them on the path of reconciliation it was still a rocky one. 

“We.. made it official about a year before you returned, funny enough Klee was the cause of us being together in the first place.” 

Diluc nodded silently in reply.. “They treat you well?” Kaeya nods this time, not really answering.. “Adeline wants to invite the two of you over for dinner with Klee.. I’ll let you three discuss it before we talk about setting a date.”

They fade into a comfortable silence that almost borders on awkwardness as the two glance at the other as Diluc works. A ruckus was heard outside as Kaeya sat up quickly from where they were half laying on the bar counter with their arms crossed. “My my, quite a ruckus going on, excuse me Ma- Diluc, I should go see what all the fuss is about.” 

Diluc did not mention the small slip of the tongue, What right did he have? As Kaeya walked through the door he sighed as the glass was continuously polished in his hands.

The chatter of the bar seemed to help drown out his thoughts as he let himself fade into his routine..

It was going well though Kaeya had yet to return.

Then as he was reaching down to get another glass for a patron Diluc felt something small seem to land in his hair.

“Huh? What the?!”

As Diluc quickly reached back to try and figure out what was in his hair he only ever heard what sounded like the tinkling of bells or chimes. He kept spinning about as he tried to reach back further only to feel more.. (He wasn’t even sure what) land in his hair. Soft curses fell from their lips as he tried in vein to get the critters out of his hair.

The Patrons all looked at him stupefied before they went to check their drinks unsure if what they were seeing before them was real or just them being much too drunk. 

Even Six finger- (what was his name again? He was pretty sure it started with J.), was looking at him just as stupefied.

They’re being more inefficient than the Knights of Farvonious!!

Some of them burst into bundles of laughter for whatever reason but Diluc couldn’t care less. He stumbled out of Angel Shares with a plan in his mind to find Jean, Barbara or at least somebody who will help him even if they have a few chuckles at whatever was in his hair first!!

It was then he saw the scene outside and why Kaeya had not yet returned.

“W-What in the name of the Archons-?” As all around Knights were trying to wrangle small white sprite-like creatures. Or at least seemingly white, they seemed to be wearing some sort of cloak.

All the Knights were busy trying to get the situation under control, some with nets, some with their bare hands, and the sprites were just going every which way. 

Honestly, it was pure chaos.. 

He turned only to see Amber and Bennet just as bombarded by these little sprites.. 

Turning to see Kaeya panting Diluc raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment, He and Kaeya trained together as children and he has seen the mischief Klee can get into, if he’s tired then this is definitely a bigger problem then expected.

“So what exactly is going on?” His voice had a ting of annoyance as he looked to his brother whom was on his knees panting.

“N-not *Huff* S-sure, t-they app*Huff*appeared out of n-nowhere. *Huff* B-but Venti’s dis- *Huff* Disappeared and w-while m-mostly harmless these.. creatures *Huff* seem to be making a mess..” Kaeya finally seemed to be catching his breath as Diluc helped him up. 

“Barbara and Rosa tried to freeze them in a last-ditch effort for an effective capture method but these guys are anemo creatures and swirled the attacks before they hit them.. Plus they have a habit of disappearing and re-appearing, Some have attached themselves to Pyro Vision holders like yourself, Klee, Bennet and Amber while others are going here, there and everywhere but either thankfully or unfortunately they’re staying within the city for the most part.” 

Kaeya’s explanation rang in Diluc’s ears as he thought over every piece.

“Venti’s gone?” “Yeah, Albedo, Sucrose and Lisa hoped to catch him for History questions and biology talks plus similar stuff.. Turns out Stanley had been aware of Venti’s Identity before all of this happened. Venti even confirmed it though they didn’t elaborate.. Either way, nobody is sure where he is or why but it’s like chasing after newborn puppies that have something they shouldn’t have in their gobs, only these ones can fly and teleport.”

Diluc could see the slippery sprites at work, weaving in and out of legs, arms and gaps from objects around them, some were picking up items and playing with them who- Is that a floating pot?

Looking at the upside-down pot moving about rapidly Diluc reached out and grabbed it before pulling the pot up to reveal another one of those sprites, they chimed happily in almost a laughing way before they dived into his hair joining the sprites that have tangled themselves in his hair already..

“Just where in Teyvat is that Bard?”

——————

Venti huffed as they looked around the room, it was a large room with windows facing outwards to the endless skies and floating islands. Truly this place was more a sanctuary then a Domain.. Or maybe it still counted as both? Who knows~

“Well, that’s all cleaned up, I should probably get the rest of the rooms done!”

As Venti turned to the kitchen a particularly wretched smell reached them as they covered their nose with a shudder..

“This may take longer than expected..” 

——————

Unknownst to Venti the city of Mondstadt had descended into chaos as they continued to try and wrangle in the flying Marshmallows.

Diluc sighed as he saw Klee happily laughing as she played with the flying pests. So far because of how they seemed to divebomb and attach themselves to any Pyro Vision holder they had decided that all of them were to stay in the church acting as ‘bait’.

“Mister and Missus Fairies really enjoy my tea parties! They even agreed to play with me and be on Storm watch duty!!” Diluc sighed as the energetic ball of energy of destruction that was Klee seemed to be the only one there by choice as multiple.. ‘Fairies’ seemed to fly around her making that ringing noise as he sighed once more at the movement in his hair.

His hair was going to need a proper brush by the time this was all over at the very least..

Diluc paused as he heard Amber grunting in frustration. That girl, always needing to be on the move. He was very much like that when he was younger and couldn’t blame her, this was terribly boring and he couldn’t do anything productive like paperwork for the simple fact he did not trust the flying cotton balls.

The door opened as Diluc glanced up to see Barbara and a few of the more musically talented civilians leading more of the Cotton balls into the building as he sees a ruffled Kaeya enter with them, looking towards Diluc he spoke in a voice that was dripping with the sweetness of trying to be polite while dealing with a Lawrence clan member that was not Eula but not wanting to be rude. 

“Good news! They really enjoy Music . And Fruits! Mainly apples.” Yeesh, not even putting on the mysterious air he made for himself? Kaeya truly was absolutely done. Not that Diluc could blame his younger brother. Ever since those flying nuisances arrived it has been pure chaos.

And there sure were a lot of them. 

All fluttering about to nearing the roof to around the rafters and down on the ground. 

Honestly, Diluc expected Chaos to resume shortly and just resigned himself to his fate of being in the middle of it.

And just like fate, the sprites seemed to start fighting sending Wind current after wind current at each other, teleporting all about, headbutting each other, being thrown into everything and each other. 

It truly was an all-out brawl.. But even so a question remained unanswered.

“Just where in Teyvat is Barbatos?”

————

Venti sighed as they relaxed in the water, after having cleaned the bath or well, ‘spring’

They decided to take a proper bath. Giving their wings as good of a clean as they can. 

After cleaning the Domain they needed this~

Just relaxing in the water, it takes them back to when the Three of them would be here together~ 

Honestly, he’s half-mourning in case what’s happened with Morax really did happen but.. They can’t say part of them is in denial.. I mean.. If Morax did fake their death they may be sending a message through more human means? 

He can see the Blockhead doing that.. But, did they even know they were awake? Honestly, if he didn’t know they were awake Venti can’t blame them for not sending a message..

Even so! Since the Sprites didn’t know it was likely ‘Don’t really talk about it once it’s over’ situations like with Valka’s mysterious plan. Honestly, Venti hasn’t met the guy but he’s So going to punch him in the face the next chance he gets. Or at least slap him, what was that man thinking!!

And now they got their feathers all ruffled..

With a sigh, Venti stretches his hands out as he smooths down the still damp feathers. 

Should they wash their hair too?

Hmmm, Perhaps~

————

It was absolute Mayhem, Diluc concluded as he glanced at the chaos once again enveloping the streets of Mondstadt.

Everyone was running around trying to get the Marshmallow annoyances to settle from their brawling. Everyone was trying to get anything loose like hammers, nails and similar to be put under lock and key before they are used as weapons. 

“Well.. At least we aren’t dealing with the Abyss Order or Fatui whilst all this happens.” Diluc throws a glance at Kaeya who just came up next to him. “So, do we have anything on how to get this chaos under control?”

Kaeya let out a sigh, “These little buggers are flighty, petty and hard to catch, the fact they can seemingly teleport at will doesn’t help. Right now Albedo feels it’s best to try and figure out just how we can contain them or at least.. Calm them down. Honestly, he compared them to Klee.”

Ah, makes sense why they marshmallow menaces seem to like her then. Now they’ll just need to worry about adding ‘Raining Bombs’ to the Storm watch.

“Still no sign of that Bard?” he changed the subject, honestly he was just gonna go out and search for him if they didn’t appear in the next hour or so.

“Still nothing, honestly you’d think they would be right in the centre of all this but sadly this seems not to be the case. Perhaps our dear Dvalin’s back? Venti could have plausibly run off to greet him.. I wouldn’t be surprised with what we were told.”

Diluc nodded, what the Bard told him, his brother and that Alchemist.. Honestly, he could not hold it against either the Bard or Morax for their actions.. That would be hypocritical.. He’s honestly more shocked Dvalin did not also get involved but small mercies.. 

“If we get no news on the Bard I’ll leave to go look for them.”

“If you do, I'll get Jean to go with you, two heads are better than one and she needs a break from all this.”

“. . . One more hour. Let’s hope we have nothing to worry about.”

(Thankfully their worries would be unfounded as only about Forty minutes would be needed for the bard to return.)

————

Venti sighed as he flew above the cloudline. It has been literally centuries since he had properly flown with his wings, it has been so long since they have properly flown with their wings, they needed a good stretch and what better way than flying back to Mondstadt?

As Mondstadt approached Venti started to Descend and slowed down before his feet hit the ground. With a large stretch, they were about to make their Wings disburse when the sounds of commotion hit their ears. That and panic.. Were they Panicking because of them..? They’d better apologise for disappearing for so long if that’s the case.

However, as they entered they saw the true source..

Just, They said they’d keep an eye on things not cause mayhem!! Oh, Archons damn it! THEY’RE JUST DOING THIS FOR THE HILARITY OF IT!!!

UGHHHH!!!!! THEY KNEW THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE TRUSTED THEM!!!! THIS HAPPENED LAST TIME TOO!!! 

While Venti couldn’t blame them for having some fun with Pranks every so often this was taking things too far! 

Nobody noticed him as they rushed around in a Panic as Venti leapt to the hands of his statue, Best spot to do this, was out of the way and in clear view. 

With a Deep breath, Venti bent the very winds around him to make his voice face as little resistance and to be carried throughout the whole city.. 

And with that, they spoke.

“ENOUGH!” Venti’s voice rang out as the sprites paused and turned to him, causing everyone else to look at Venti in a mixture of confusion, surprise and slight fear. 

“Seriously all of you? You tell me you’ll keep an eye on things and here I see you’re causing general mayhem for your amusement!”

“Venti what do you-” Jean began before Venti spoke over “Not talking to you Master Jean but these little balls of pure chaos.”

The sprites seemed to almost look embarrassed as they all glanced at each other before making their chime-like noises.

“Oh no, You told me you would keep an eye on things, not make mayhem don’t try and use the whole ‘You never mentioned we couldn’t’ The option of Free choice comes with the consequences of those choices! Just because I didn’t say you ‘Couldn’t’ does not mean I said you ‘Could’! Or did you all seriously forget a certain ‘Incident’ that I need not name?”

And more chimes.. Was Venti actually able to speak with these sprites?

“Which one? Exactly!! It’s happened HOW many times and you all still haven’t learned? I trusted you to watch Dvalin for a few hours and somehow Half of Old Mondstadt collapsed. The other half is covered in soot and Dvalin is covered with flour!! And none of you even mentioned how you found that much flour or how many fires you started in the first place!” 

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT’S NONE OF MY BUSINESS DVALIN WAS BASICALLY A GODDAMN TODDLER AND SOOT IMPLIES FIRE!? DID YOU ALSO FORGET ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I LEAVE OLD MOND ALONE!?!?” 

More Chimes.. Seems like they’re really having a full-out discussion or argument.

“Need I mention that time with Morax?”

Silence..

“So Venti.. What exactly are these.. Beings?”

Venti sighed and gave a tired laugh before they turned to face the ragged and scruffed-up appearance of nearly every person in Mondstadt..

“Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise for what has happened, I really should have known better than to ask them to keep an eye out for emergencies without myself about to supervise them..”

“That’s great and all Bard but What. Are they?” Diluc’s voice cut through the air as Venti sighed..

“Everyone, Meet Nine hundred and Ninety Nine of the thousand Winds, and also my siblings.”

“. . .” 

“Huh?” “Wait what!?” “YOU HAVE SIBLINGS!?!?”

Venti winced before giving a laugh. “Yeah.. And I’m one of the mature ones!”

And from the thuds he heard he can only guess that some people fainted.

Chapter Text

After the chaotic introduction of Venti’s Siblings.. The new normal was setting in finally as people treated Venti similarly to how they treated him beforehand. 

While Venti was allowed Alcohol once more it was limited.. Which, they couldn’t outright say they didn't understand why to be honest.. It was a good thing they had already been slowing down their intake by the time that attack occurred.

After the clean up Lisa, Albedo and Sucrose managed to drag them into aiding in some of their.. well, experiments and research with one of his siblings..

“So, this is what you were originally Lor- Venti?” Sucrose asked as Venti gave a good-hearted chuckle. Ignoring the slip-up.

Venti chuckled as they looked on to the Wind Sprite who was happily doing somersaults in the air just playing about.

“Indeed one of a thousand winds. Our bodies are made up of Anemo and to put it simply I believe the closest species to my own are the Eyes of the Storms. Even so, Myself and my siblings were created a long time ago by a god to mainly act as information gatherers.”

“Information gatherers? I mean.. I can somewhat see it with how small they are but even so.. Why? Was this God.. Not friendly?” Sucrose spoke up with worry in her voice as Venti chuckled

“Ah, I understand completely, My siblings are able to merge with the Winds unlike myself who has lost that ability, While merged we were essentially invisible and intangible to almost all methods of location with a few exceptions such as those more in tune with the elements.. I am pretty sure there is a boy a sibling of mine is watching that can at least somewhat understand us how much however I cannot say.

As for the God, you need not worry they cared deeply for humanity and always wanted to have as much information as possible to aid in situations more by giving humanity the upper hand than outright solving it themselves though.. When they did it was done in a very subtle way~ Simply put Coincidences are quite powerful indeed.”

“Oh~ how interesting, with the ruckus these little ones were making you wouldn’t think that~ So, if I may inquire? What was this God’s name?” Lisa spoke in her usual teasing tone. If Lisa wasn't dating Jean and had been Venti's type they may have just flirted right back.

Instead, Venti let out another sigh, a distant look fell upon their face as they recall the events of ‘That Event’.

“I’m afraid that their name has been lost to time and I’m afraid that I would rather not give you the name but rather ask you to find a different source. 

Anyways, they were often referred to as God of the ‘Opportune Moment’ Basically they had foresight abilities to put it as simply as I can without giving too much away, I myself gained a similar ability when I became a God but I only know Songs of the Past, Present and Future. 

If those Songs have been written or sung yet I shall know. I and my siblings because of our connection to her also aren’t as affected by time-related effects though I have some doubts on it being necessary anytime soon.”

Albedo gave a small hum jotting down their own notes. “Hmm, Fascinating.”

Sucrose paused in their own note-taking. “Her? But don’t Gods refer mainly to more.. Masculine or male-aligned?” 

Venti snickered at Sucrose’s question, to be fair many assumed they were male for the fact that Carmen was a boy even though Wind Sprites don’t have genders. 

“Back then not really, She was known as a God though technically would be a Goddess but, Mother was a bit special in a way, she mainly kept to herself and people were not sure of their gender and by the time people realised.. It had stuck as ‘God’ and not ‘Goddess’. But.. before the Archon war started Mother was forced to seal themselves away similar to what happened to myself and why I had not appeared in the last Five hundred Years but.. Simply put it’s better to not seek her out at this time even if you wish to.”

Lisa and Albedo glance at each other with a nod, realising Venti would not say anything more on the subject.

"I believe that Jean mentioned that you told Dvalin, 'Freedom if demanded of you by a God, is no freedom at all.' But I feel I must ask, as this quote seems to state your nature.. Why did you leave Mondstadt all those years ago and disappear?"

Venti paused as an almost unsure feeling settled in their body. That simple question, it made them remember a time that was both better and worse. When they had simply not realised how short mortal lives could be..

“I'm.. unsure of what to say next. Ah, well that's..” Venti cleared their throat for a moment as they calmed themselves down.

“I’ll simply put, back when Old Mondstadt first fell and I shaped the land the people did not want another Archon having just killed Decarabian, and I had not wished to be an Archon but Andrius pulled out and because of circumstances, I was basically next in line. 

While not exactly it's like how in Inazuma there can be a Main and Branch Family. Think of Andrius as being part of the main house and myself from the branch house but also the last option."

"So.. you more or less had to take the role even though you didn't want it?" Sucrose spoke up, narrowing her eyes as if contemplating what she had just learned.

"Indeed, Sadly neither I nor the people of Mondstadt could just go our separate ways as a War of the Gods for the Seven Archon seats was going on in the background and Mondstadt would be at risk.. 

So, we made what was in all honesty a Contract. Just.. not yet on paper that I would act as a figurehead until the war ended. Then I would leave to have as little influence on Mondstadt as possible to leave it to the people.. 

So, we did just that, I used my powers with the people's advice to shape Mondstadt and while I could give my opinions they would hold little weight compared to other Gods. 

The Gunnhildr Clan became basically the main people I talked to and with time the war came to a close…" 

Venti paused, hesitating, making them wonder if they should mention.. perhaps not. 

"Well, I left. Completing my end of the contract."

As Venti turned back to the books written in the Old Mond language he was translating along with the alphabet for it he made.

Lisa paused as she narrowed her eyes.. "For some reason, I feel there is more to you leaving than what you have mentioned.."

Venti glanced at her, sucking their lips.

‘Should I tell them..? I mean they already suspect it..’

". . ." Venti’s thoughts came to life as they wondered if they should say anything at all? Could they really just say one of their biggest insecurities aloud? 

“Venti, no matter what you say be it you don’t wish to further talk about it or otherwise we will respect your decision, this is about your past and like us have the choice to refuse and we will not hold it against you.”

Albedo’s voice spoke up. Calming and patient.. They could feel themselves relaxing from their tensed up state.. “I.. I will admit I don’t really talk about the ‘why’ behind it.. But, well..”

Venti breathed in a deep breath, as they felt their sibling nuzzle against them in comfort with a smile they pet them and cuddled their sibling close.

"When the war ended.. they did not wish for me to go.. They wished for me to stay. But this was a generation that had not seen life under an oppressive Archon like I had, life under a Tyrant.. I could not trust myself.. Decarabian had once been an amazing ruler and protector, caring deeply and extremely protective but.. when the war broke out that protection became twisted and he in turn became a Tyrant. 

Once they were good but 'Evil often came from those with good intentions' as they say. 

I am a Wind Sprite, though I can change my form and am an Archon I am still a small creature of the wind. While we were made to gather information I feared I did not have the resolve or Will for leadership or anything like it and I did not wish to see myself go down the path of a ruler of any kind as I fear what I could become, at the time it did not help my.. Support system were all mortals with the exception of Andrius and my siblings even then he held no wish to rule over the people and.. Well, I am the most mature of my siblings, they would drive the land into chaos before we could have built the Mondstadt of Today. 

While Morax, his Adepti and the other Archons and their supporters helped it took many centuries for my Four Winds to emerge and become mine and by that time I had been separated from Mondstadt for just as long."

After a few moments of pause, Venti glanced up to see Lisa and Sucrose both looking at him with upset expressions.. Albedo turned to glance out of the nearby windows so Venti was unable to see their face.

“Oh, you poor dear, that must have been a horrible period of life to go through..”

Lisa’s voice was soft as they leaned over to run their fingers through Venti’s hair as tears leaked from the corner of Sucrose’s eyes and quickly followed by a tight hug. Venti paused before leaning into the comforting touches.. While they do not really Like pity.. The touches were.. Nice, Comforting. 

They reminded him of days just resting in Carmen’s cloak close to his pulse point where it was nice and warm. A comfort that they would forever hope to keep in their memories.

It was Albedo who eventually broke the moment though reluctance was clear in their voice.

“Actually, Lisa, Sucrose, there is something I need to ask Venti but I wish to discuss but it’s something I feel would be best done in private, do you mind stepping out for a bit?” 

Lisa and Sucrose glanced at each other and Venti, whose eyes hardened slightly as they seemed to understand what Albedo was about to bring up. Though hesitant, Venti nodded calmly. 

“Do not worry, I have a feeling I know what Albedo wishes to talk about. It’s more.. A hard topic to talk about, yes. But I’ll be fine.” 

Albedo turned their gaze to Venti as the *Click* of the door signalled the two women leaving the Library if only for a moment, They could see the nervousness in their own eyes as they soon spoke up.  “I’ve been trying to get in contact with Aunt Alice, while I do not know if she is aware of what Mother may have done I need to know the exact circumstances behind Durin’s creation and if she worked alone or not.. And even if she did what exactly happened, was Durin’s rampage intentional? Did they know exactly what they were excavating? Were the attacks on the other nations planned? All I wish to know right now is the truth.. For my closure and yours.” 

Venti looked at Albedo, an almost unreadable expression flashing in their eyes. “..Thank you,”

“It’s the least I can do, after all if.. If my ‘Mother’ is the reason behind what happened.. I need to know the truth, if I run away from it then I don’t deserve to know the truth of this world and even then I think we both believe there was more involved.”

Venti sighed once more as a haunted look enter their eyes, “I recommend not trying to dig too deeply into the truths, there is a reason why some say that there is knowledge we must never discover..”

“So you know?” A simple sentence, to gauge how much knowledge they have on the subject.

“..I suspect. But I will not look into it unless I absolutely have to, there is a reason why Dragonspine is in ruins and forever frozen along with why some civilisations are lost, as if they no longer exist..”

“..That is.. Worrisome, I will do my best to not go too deeply and go to you for forewarning on if my research could pose risks.” Venti nodded calmly “I would appreciate that..”

“I will admit when you told Master Diluc, sir Kaeya and myself.. That, I don’t think any of us expected what your story contained..” A laugh fell from Venti’s lips as they could not help remembering the faces of the three at what they had said during their earlier story. “Why yes, we went to great lengths to keep it as hidden as we could as at the time it was a war zone and us saying anything would be like shooting fireworks and expecting nobody to notice a clear opportunity. My only real regret is that we couldn’t find their body to bury them.. And that they could have both lived and grown up with us..”

Albedo walked over calmly before putting their hand on Venti's shoulder which silently shook underneath his hand as tears pool and soon spilled. 

Grief always did come and goes in waves after all, and even Archons mourned those they couldn't save.