Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1 : The twillight between the day and night

Nakahara Chuuya wasn't quite sure how he ended up here, after all.

He wasn't talking about how he ended up in this world, no.

He knew that.

He was an experiment— a monster in human form, created to kill, destroy and wreak havoc.

He was a huricaine, barely contained in an alias. Gravity threataning to snap at his skin, tear through flesh to bring death.

He was Arahbaki, a God that inhabits a human skin— artificially made by humans, of course.

He had come to terms with it a long time ago.

And he was relieved to notice that the fear of messing with Arahbaki seemed to make enemies a little more hesitant to attack the organization he belonged to.

The Port Mafia. While the Hunting Dogs of the Government was the day, blazing and fiery with the protection of their beloved city, the Port Mafia was the nighttime. The protector of citizens at the darkest times, when not even the stars or moon themselves show in the dark sky, the shadow which swallowed threats, the foundation of the city, built on blood, minds, brains, traitors, loyalty, trust and a need to protect.

And in between them all, lay the Armed Detective Agency— working in the twillight. Not fully shrouded in the darkness, but not completely exposed to the light, either.

What a fitting place for Osamu Dazai to leave to, as the bastard himself had claimed himself to be a grey-character multiple times in front of Chuuya.

And Chuuya understood. Dazai belonged there. He could feel that Dazai was happier and more content there— even if his suicidal tendencies were still present, and he still retained that shell which locked him away from the outer world, shielding the child underneath begging for help.

He had defintely gained weight, and even though he acted much too cheerful for Chuuya not to immediately understand it was a facade, he was still trying to be happy. All due to that one friend.

And Chuuya was fine with it. He had undersood long ago, maybe even before Dazai himself and Odasaku's death that Dazai was going to leave, sooner or later.

That was why, when Mori had announced Dazai's departure, Chuuya was the only one standing motionless, and unperturbed.

He, though not on the level of superhumans like Osamu, Ranpo, Dostoevesky or his boss, or even Ango, had known that Mori would do something to make Dazai leave.

He just wasn't sure what.

He continued with his life as usual, and though sometimes pausing as if still waiting for the loud patter of feet and groaning complaints of his partner to burst through the door and sit on his lap to disturb him, it never came.

And while Chuuya didn't really know the full extent of why Dazai had left, he knew it was for the better.

After all, Dazai was able to be saved.

No matter how much bloodshed he had on his hands, and how many jokes about suicide, Chuuya knew that Dazai really wanted to live, deep deep down.

That was confirmed long ago when Dazai had faced off on a pack of wild dogs alone, and his eyes were wide with horror, and burning with the want, the need to live, to survive.

Of course, after Chuuya had swooped down and saved his ass, Dazai joked the encounter off as 'a too painful way to die', Chuuya knew better.

Though he played along, scoffing and smacking the back of Dazai's head in mock annoyance.

And he had known on the night of Odasaku's death, that Dazai would leave.

After all, after the Mackerel had blown up his car, it was Chuuya who went to the bastard's shipping container (Mori had wanted to make Dazai move into one of the Port Mafia-owned apartments, but the fucker had refused and insisted on this shipping container, and had left after a storm, leaving his stunned boss with a mixture of shock, confusion horror and something like awe and admiration in his eyes) to clean up his mess, and hide any traces. (Not that Dazai would ever know, he probably thought it to be that government fucker, Ango.)

Afterwards, he opened a bottle of wine (rather rare) and sat back, quietly gazing into the sky, and longing for freedom.

He wanted to fly, to soar into the skies like a bird, leaving his mortal woes and pain and hate and hurt all behind.

People assumed he could fly, due to his abilty, but it wasn't really flying.

It felt more like walking without a structure beneath him, without any foundation to be steady on, as he had done all his life, as if he was covered in a thin layer of oil and underwater.

The closest thing he'd gotten to flying was riding a motorcycle.

Of course, it was his one of his most prized posessions, along with a few other things.

It was a gift given by one of his closest friends, Albatross, as he lay dying, killed by the man who called himself Chuuya's brother.

Albatross had told him to use it, and use it he damn did.

It was exhilarating, the feeling of being on a motorcycle, feeling the winds rush past you and hearing the swoop of the air, and feeling weightless on an empty road.

It was the closest feeling that Nakahara Chuuya had gotten to freedom.

Freedom from his own abilty, freedom from his past, freedom from the chains of dirt and blood and Arahbaki and the Port Mafia weighing his shoulders down, freedom from the truth that it was his fault which caused the deaths of his friends and so many innocent lives he had taken—

On that motorcycle, he was soaring. He was free— a bird soaring above all destruction and death caused by this shitty messed-up world, free, for a little while, at least until he got another mission or report from the Port Mafia, or he had to slow down, or when it'd run out of fuel.

In those moments, he was closest to the edge of the hell he lived in, closest to freedom.

He hadn't felt like home in a long long time.

He had no memory of life before the lab— save for vague feelings.

The Sheep was an obligation, and though the kids there respected him, they'd held him on a pedestral, which promptly made it difficult to spill out his woes to them.

In the Port Mafia, he was almost always overshadowed by the Demon Prodigy, the Black Wrath.

He was fine, it suited him best. He wasn't a good leader, even though he did command fear and respect throughtout the organization. He would follow orders from his boss, and be beside his damned partner as he made decisions, ocassionally hitting the man for misbehaving like a toddler, and rarely offering suggestions. Not that he wasn't as good as Osamu in strategizing, but his ideas were more based on trust in others, which seemed to rub off on Dazai, as it became a trait shared by them.

The Flags were one of the first places he felt as an equal. But of course, that feeling was hugely dampened in their death.

After, Paul Verlaine, his 'brother', whom he had forgiven (he knew he did not need more stress on his already world-heavy shoulders), he had gotten a bit closer, but still distant.

And as for his associates, he was still held on a pedestral, though this time, he made sure to interact with them, and show worry and emotions.

And it seemed to have succeeded, as many of the subordinates seemed to care for him.

And Ozaki Kouyou, or Ane-san as he called her, adopted a new child under her wing, Izuki Kyouka.

The moment he saw her, he felt pity and a wave of deja vu.

Her expression was the exact same he thought he had made when he had been first introduced.

He hadn't gotten too close to her, but he knew that she felt better with him than any of the others, though he was still probably like a legend to her.

And when she had abdicated, Chuuya had secretly felt a wave of relief.

He knew that Kyouka was only fourteen, and no fourteen-year old deserved to be put through the hell that was the Port Mafia.

His boss, Mori Ougai, was a strange person.

Though the reason he even became the leader of this organization was for the protection of his beloved city— Yokohama.

Chuuya was aware that he considered people as pawns on a checkboard, save maybe his ex-partner and his teacher, and Chuuya admired Mori the more for that.

He was one of the only people who didn't judge Chuuya based of his backstory. As long as Chuuya remained in the Port Mafia, loyal and useful, Mori would protect him, give him an apartment and everything needed.

So, when Chuuya was summoned to the boss's office, he knew it was an important one, as he was called as Executive Nakahara Chuuya, not just Chuuya, as he was called for informal meetings and tea-time.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 : A strange encounter where veils are being pushed back to reveal rifts

As Chuuya walked through the fancy yet dark hallways, he acknowledged the people bowing to him with a nod of his head, a small smirk slipping onto his face at their clear respect and awe.

Chuuya ignored the darkest pathway leading to the dungeons, feeling a stab of pity mixed with revulsion, knowing that there was a child imprisoned underneath as a weapon for the organization.

He should go visit that kid sometime, even though Kyuusaku scared the living Arahbaki out of him.

They were still a kid, nonetheless, and didn't deserve to be stuck in a dark dungeon for merely possessing an Ability useful to his boss.

He stopped in front of the carved wooden door, knocking lightly once, pausing for a second, then knocking more harshly once, and repeating that cycle once, before pausing for three seconds, then harshly knocking once, again pausing for a second before knocking lightly, then stopping, letting his gloved hand fall to the door handle.*

His boss's cold and calm voice drifted to his ears, "Ah, Chuuya-san, come in."

His hand pressed on the gold gilded handle engraved with 'PM' before bringing it down and pushing it in front lightly, then entering.

He bowed lightly. "Greetings, boss."

Mori nodded his head in acknoledgement at his greeting, then gestured for him to sit down.

Chuuya obeyed, crossing his legs and leaning back slightly. "You called, boss? What's the mission?"

Mori smiled faintly, though still seemingly tired from the hordes of paperwork, and on top of that making and buying dresses.

Chuuya knew very well that Mori was enthusiastic about clothes— he had apparently wished to be a fashion designer for children before becoming a doctor and then a boss.

"Ah, Chuuya-san, I'm afraid that there's been a recent sighting of a new and rather dangerous Ability. At least, that's what others think it is. Unfortunately, I don't have the same conclusion."

Chuuya's eyes narrowed, hands crossed as well now. "Boss, what's your idea?"

At this, Mori's face turned more calculating, the face he made before he would checkmate his own partner a long time ago in chess, the face he made before revealing a master plan for his beloved Double Black and the face he would make long before when revealing a long-hidden pawn while playing chess with Dazai so many years ago. "I suspect abnormalities. Abilties are not nearly as strange as this occurence."

"Boss, then could it be... the Book?"

Mori sighed, steepling his fingers and leaning forward. It was uncanny how Dazai mirrored so many of his actions.

Chuuya frowned as Mori spoke up again, "I don't particularly think so, that is only possible when a plot is written, and along with that, it's place is secure. I am not sure of these causes."

Chuuya nodded slowly, mind working fast, "You want me check it out, without any of the other Executives, or the organizations knowing?"

Mori nodded, face graver than ever. "It was apparently... a rift. I do not know the reason for it, save that a sight of seven fleeting glowing objects were seen before it disappeared."

Chuuya blinked, "Say what? Couldn't it just be an Ablity User with different colored magic things opening a rift or something? Or even an illusion, that ADA boy-"

"Executive Nakahara Chuuya." Mori's firm voice immediately made Chuuya shut his own, recognizing that Mori had probably looked into all this before telling him this information.

"I spoke out of line boss, my apologies."

Mori nodded, barely acknowledging it before going on, "It doesn't seem to be from any Ability User recorded by the governments of any country. The person who witnessed this also added he noticed what looked like a fight between two blonde twins and a woman. Thoough what's even stranger, that person seemed to forget all about the encounter after exactly seven days after he described it."

Chuuya wanted to argue that he probably was faking it, but he knew that it must have been the truth, as even Elise, Mori's ability, reflected his mood today— serious.

Elise pattered somberly upto him, then offered him a drawing.

Surprised and worried (knowing the rumors of her predicting the future), Chuuya took it from her, muttering a 'thanks'.

There were a total of seven circles with different colors and patterns each.

Chuuya couldn't understand it, and from the looks of it, even Mori seemed perplexed, as he shrugged his shoulder at Chuuya's raised eyebrow. "This is why we need you to investigate, Chuuya-san."

Chuuya looked at the crudely-drawn picture once again. The symbols were strange, and the top one seemed to an aqua green, and drawn the largest.

Mori sighed, getting up from his chair and turning to face Chuuya. "Of course, all the neccessay preperations will be mad and the files will be placed on your desk shortly. And Chuuya-san?"

Chuuya immediately snapped to attention. "Yes boss?"

Mori said sincerely, "Don't harm yourself severely. I wouldn't want to lose such a loyal Executive and companion to this organization. Stay safe, Nakahara Chuuya. And try to be discreet and if your health is at risk, abort immediately. This may be an interesting happening, but the current war is more dangerous right now. Understood, Executive Nakahara Chuuya?"

Chuuya nodded, "Understood, boss."

"Thank you Chuuya-san. Now I must really get to finishing this paperwork, after which I have a dress to make for Elise-chan..."

"Rintarou, make it the same color and pattern as my drawing. And..."

Chuuya didn't stay to listen to the rest, he quickly pushed open the door and closed it shut behind him, heaving a breath as he took in the new information.

A rift...

In all this seven years in the Port Mafia, he'd never even heard of a rift showing a fight between three people. Of course, it could be an illusion Ability, but his boss's facial expression made him doubt that.

Why now, of all times?

With that anemic rat bastard on the loose, nonetheless...

Chuuya sighed, striding to his office, his cape fluttering behind him, his gloves feeling sweaty on his hands, and the usual buzz of Arahbaki seemed to have quietened down the moment the mission was mentioned, which didn't happen often.

Chuuya needed a glass of wine, right now. Then maybe a smoke. Of course, he wasn't addicted to either, he just liked collecting wine (unlike that bandaged bastard who was a drunkard) and the smoke helped to clear his head when stressed.

And he definitely needed a clear head right now.

Preferrably before looking into the files and further information.

Unfortunately, luck didn't seem to be on his side today (when was it ever?), as the cigarette packet fell from his office desk and onto the ground from a particularly strong gust of wind, forming a strange pattern Chuuya ignored as he knelt down to pick it up.

He paused when he saw that the symbol resembled Elise's drawing, the largest ball with aqua-green colors and a strange shape.

Chuuya's instincts told him it was definitely not natural for a pack of cigarettes to form such a bizzare shape and that it was no coincidence, but he brushed it off as he picked them all up.

(He still stored that gut feeling and the pattern and color away for later overthinking, right now he needed to examine the files.)

(Huh, he could have sworn he'd closed the window...)

Chuuya frowned at the window, eyes narrowed in suspicion, but gravity didn't sense any human beings around him for over three meters, so he shrugged it off, turning to the files.

They had a strange emblem on the front, small but noticeable, next to the PM logo.

It was thrice-interlinked, three pointed emblem in gold.**

Chuuya's eyes narrowed, and he icked it up, gloves rustling as he did so.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 : A journey to a foreign land accompanied by the whispers of wind

Chuuya sighed audibly as he looked at the waking horizon.

The wind whipped through his strands of hair, turning the color from a reddish-brown* to a gleaming amber.

Not that he noticed, too busy with finding his way.

Mori had mentioned to be 'on the lookout for strange symbols guiding you to your journey', whatever the fuck that meant.

The knowing glint in his boss's eye and his smile creeped Chuuya out, but he bid farewell anyways and set out.

Just after he stepped out the door, Elise (it had taken Mori quite a bit of time to wake her up before dawn. Chuuya had heard the entire converstation, and it took nearly all his willpower to keep a straight face.

"Wake up Elise-chan! It's nearly sunrise, the sun is almost up~!"

"What the fuck do you want me to do about that, Rintarou? Photosynthesis?") called out, the wind carrying her high-pitched little voice to Chuuya, "May the winds lead you to your destination and guide you away from the path of harm and back towards home and safety~!"

Chuuya paused. He'd heard Elise say strange things, that even his boss himself couldn't explain, even if Elise was his own Ability.

Elise had an uncanny way to be recognized as her own personality, and even Mori had himself admitted he did not control Elise's appearance or personality most of the time, and those made her every sentence even more intruiging.

Even Dazai was curious about Elise at one point.

What Elise said sounded nice, though. It would be nice to have something, anything, guide him for once other than being the guide.

'Home and safety'

Did he really ever had a home?

The word sounded nice, almost foreign, but soothing on his tongue, as he tested that damn word over and over again, as he set out to find his motorcycle.

The Sheep were the people who'd took him in, sure, but they'd always held him on a goddamn pedestral, as if he was one of those weird-ass signs placed above the roof of a building to show the way, useful as long as he was a guide.

If the wind ever came and swept it off, or an earthquake caused it to fall to the ground, or the lightning would strike it down, or the words ever get covered by moss, or get eroded by rain, or get caught by fire, or get shattered apart like ice, it was worthless.

Just a fucking showcase.

And in the Port Mafia?

He was a motherfucking weapon— of mass destruction and fear.

A bringer of storms, contained in a tiny mortal form.

He'd never really had the chance to feel safe.

And when Chuuya thought about it, did anyone he know really ever felt that feeling?

Maybe Dazai had experienced it once— the feeling of safety when with his mentor, which led him to shed free of this hell and soar into a place more accepting for him.

And here Chuuya stood— burdened and weary and held down by the same gravity he controlled.

Well, for a little while, at least, Chuuya could soar above the chains of his own self while riding his motorbike to the nearest airport.

Yep. Mori had fucking given him a goddamn ticket.

He sighed, then paused as he lifted off his hat and placed it on the dashboard of his bike.

He paused, catching sight of his gloves, then laughed bitterly.

He was a patchwork of people's memories.

The choker from Dazai, the coat from Mori, the wine from Ane-san**, the bike from Albatross, the hat from Verlaine, the small band from the Sheep, and even the damn gloves from Doc***.

If he was a fly, caught by the spider that was gravity and life, bound and made together by the memories of people faded over by time, what would he be like without those threads of recollection binding him to that spiderweb?

Do humans feel this way, too? Or, is it just robots like Chuuya?

Chuuya blinked, pushing himself away from those depressing, dark and Dazai-like thoughts, focusing on the buzz of Arahbaki screaming for blood and gore.

Well, he didn't know if those wishes would come true, but he was about to find out.

Before getting on the bike, though, he hesitated for a fraction of a second, feeling a sudden urge to leave all of his fondly-kept items behind.

He frowned at his reflection in the concave mirror of the bike, pushing that thought away, before securely tucking his hat in the small space under the bike's seat, then getting on.

He failed to notice (which was very unlikely), his Sheep bracelet (could you even call it that?) breaking away from his wrist, snapping in seven small pieces, and falling on the ground, deserted, as he sped off, mind empty execpt for Arahbaki screaming bloody murder.

He reached the airport pretty quickly, too quickly.

He'd just been enjoying the ride and thrill of the speed, and the wind whipping and whispering and muttering in his ears when he had arrived.

He'd just walked in, and the staff had immediately recognized him by his coat and the hat (now back on his head).

He strolled in leisurely, hands stuffed in his pockets, Mafia coat hung over his shoulder as he strode to the VIP room.

He stopped short in front of a hallway with maybe seven doors, and casually entered the first lounge, meant for subordinates (Who cares if it's for Executives or subordinates? The only difference was the lack of an Ability, a curse which seperated you from the normal society and made you an outcast.)

He could see the widened eyes of his subordinates as he sat down, one leg crossed over the other, his hand propping up his face as he waited.

No matter how many times he'd done this, his men still seemed surprised at his choice every damn time.

Not that he really cared, he had the freedom to choose his own door.

(Not like he's really had a choice anywhere in his life...)

"Shit! Bloody buffoon who can't even keep things in his head!" Chuuya cursed to himself in a raspy whisper, though no doubt his men would pick up on it with their specially enhanced hearing. "Son of a bitch, I forgot my cigarettes... My favorite pack too, given by Hirotsu-san..."

Hearing his curse, his subordinates immediately brought forth a pack of cigarettes.

Caught between the urge to laugh and cry, Chuuya nodded in appreciation, leaning forward slightly in the seat to take the offered object, casually putting it into his mouth and allowing another man to light it up for him.

"Thanks, Hamada," Chuuya muttered.

He knows the names of most of his subordiantes, and this particular one smiles and steps back, hovering respectfully as Chuuya waited calmly for his aeroplane name to be called in the speakers.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4 : Why is the gravity of the world not bearing down?

Chuuya was in the air.

He looked out of the window at the clouds — free of weight until they held too much and was dragged down by gravity.

He had gotten on the plane pretty quickly, seeing as the poor flight manager nearly had gotten a heart attack once she realized his identity.

She had apparently almost cancelled someone else's flight ticket to China on a public flight (Chuuya didn't want to be left alone with only his thoughts and Arahbaki in a private plane) before Chuuya put his foot down and basically threatened her not to.

(He should remind his subordinates to give the poor woman a check — he'd probably scared the living shit out of her.)

He tapped his gloved hands in a pattern on the window boredly, staring out again, contemplatng his mission.

A small breeze tickled the back of his neck, sending a cool burst of energy through him, unconciously relaxing his muscles at the feel of the same breeze which whipped through his hair on long bike rides.

When they finally landed after the seven hour-long journey, Chuuya got out, standing at the end of the stairs, squinting slightly at the too-bright sunlight.

As he stretched his arms after the trip, he failed to notice his missing glove.

He picked up his luggage from a nearby official — just a few necessities and essentials, he didn't want too much baggage on his back.

Chuuya paused at his first sight of China, stopping mid-step in getting down.

Of course, he'd been to China before, but that was to a mall to chase down a fugtive, so Chuuya's going to assume that visitng a mall doesn't mean he'd technically explored China.

At first, he didn't really notice anything different — apart from the langauge.

Then he noticed the subtle changes — while his city was quieter and reserved, there was more chatter and overall life here.

He could see the bustling in the airport, and there were people talking on the phone, laughing, jabbering about food in stalls, complaining about the display of toys and various other objects on sale.

They were also more expressive and had more diversity in every corner — the different colors, cultures, and beliefs were easily noticed.

The quiet hum of the earth's gravitational force wasn't to be felt here — due to the fact that he was in the air up until now, maybe?

Well, it didn't really matter to Chuuya.

It wasn't like this place was important to him particularly.

He just needed to finish the damn mission, and then he could return back to his residence and relax— or as much relaxation a Port Mafia Executive could have.

From what Mori had told him (which wasn't a lot, honestly speaking), he just needed to use his ability to sense the gravity around him, and he could reportedly find the place of the incident.

He had no idea how gravity would help him find a fucking portal, but he'd obey anyway, like the loyal dog he is.

Use his abilty...

Chuuya frowned, wondering what he truly meant by that.

'A difference in the atmosphere, that's what that particular User told me, Chuuya-kun. That's why you're best suited, with your connection to the center of the earth. Unfortunately, Verlaine-san has rejected...'

Damned bastard 'brother' of his.

Chuuya cautiously extended the range of his Abilty to sense the lifeforms around him, and he blinked suddenly as he stepped foot on the land, dazed and caught-off for a rare moment, from the gravitional force — or the lack therof.

What the fuck was this? How didn't he notice the moment he stepped out?

Though Chuuya couldn't sense any change at all in his own body's gravitational force, or from other around him, he felt that the ground underneath was fake — as if it would give away immediately, though it obviously didn't happen.

Chuuya knew for a fact there was something wrong with this city.

This was definitely not normal.

Mori was right — this was definitely not an illusion, that's for sure.

Chuuya didn't like this feeling (or lack of) under his feet.

He absentmindedly wondered how the people dealt with the less gravity, then belatedly realized it didn't affect them at all.

Then, what...?

And it seemed there was a definite point where the gravity kept lessening, so maybe that would be where the 'portal' had appeared.

Well, at least he had a set destination. Follow the 'trail' of decreasing gravity to the 'portal'.

Chuuya almost stumbled at his second step, unused to this much absence of his Ability.

He looked up for a distraction at the stores, noting the city's name, '仿建城市'.*

Huh, strange-looking. Probably due to the fact he knew nothing of China.

He didn't have time to stall, he just needed to check on the place of the incidents, make sure there were no potential threats, and return back, which should be as soon as possible — since he was NOT fond of this strange feeling, as if the world was tilting upside down and would throw him off at any moment — though master of gravity was he — and the feeling of fakeness and a new, unfamilar feeling — like he was a newborn, barely learning to crawl with his four weak limbs.

He sighed, the sweltering heat making him half-wish he could leave his coat behind.

And it would probably help him to not get recognized as a Port Mafia Executive, he mused, before slowly but surely taking off the coat and hesitantly placing it back near his luggage, which he told his subordinates to leave at the designated Port Mafia's hotel booked for him, barely noticing his remaning glove slipping off and landing on the ground, carried by the wind.

He managed to walk out of the airport normally, and began to get used to the strange, lively atmosphere and the dearth of his Ability.

This felt like a whole new world — and a rather fake one, at that.

Chuuya was used to fake, so it shouldn't be that hard, right?

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 : The beginning of the end of darkness and gravity

Chuuya cursed in words which made it out of his mouth without any sound in several languages in words which would make Ane-san's eyes narrow and result in sharp knocks on the top of his head if she had been there.

Fortunately, she wasn't around or even aware of Chuuya's situation.

Unfortunately, she wasn't around of even aware of Chuuya's situation.

He had just been following the path closer and closer, with gravity itself being thinned and his own ability being needed to keep Chuuya upright.

He'd gotten to the closest point he could, then stopped, all senses on high alert searching for any potential threats, when suddenly, it had happened.

So that witness wasn't joking when he said he saw a fucking portal?

And... it was stranger that Chuuya thought.

Wasn't that the same symbol Chuuya had seen on the cover of the mission file that his boss had given him?

Before he could even comprehend whatever was going on, the ground under his feet gave way and he fell.

Even with his increased ability's usage, with which he shouldn't even be falling, he still fell.

To where, he had little to no idea.

He was as confused as a chameleon in a bag of skittles.

That was a usage he'd heard Dazai say often, which he had (unfortunately) picked up.

Unlike Dazai, though, who could rapidly think of something, like the slimy fish he was, Chuuya couldn't.

Which was why he resigned himself to death and his fate.

He fell at a faster rate, and he fully focused on his surrounding.

Was he in... space?

The stars...

Chuuya's eyes widened, the stars reflecting in his heterochromatic eyes, shining in awe.

He was quickly reminded of one of Elise's necklaces.

His boss had brought a necklace of bright diamonds, sparkling as they lay in their velvety-soft and dark case.

Elise had gotten mad and threw it, and they had broken from the thread and fell, rolling to a stop on the dark and velveted floor.

It somehow reminded him of these stars.

A necklace of shining diamonds spread around the velvety sky, broken from their chain yet still shining.

And there was even something that vaguely resembled a... spaceship?

Chuuya thought, exhaling slightly, the red aura around him fading slightly due to the absence of life-giving oxygen to sustain him or the ground under the feet to support his fall, that this was definitely not the worst death.

It was probably the best way to die, surrounded by stars and stellar objects he couldn't name, though his own Earth was nowhere to be seen.

But before he could even begin to wonder how the Port Mafia and his other acquaintances back in Yokohama would react to his death (would Dazai even care? would Verlaine mourn? would Ane-san be devastated?), he fell once again.

This wasn't like his previous fall in space? another dimension? an Ability? or whatever that shit was.

He was falling through Earth again, but different.

He had crashed through a pixelated-like sky to the ground.

His eyes caught sight of a floating palace in the sky, completely shook.

Where was he? This wasn't- what was this?

This couldn't be the work of an Ability at all, was Chuuya's thought before he landed hard in a grassy forest air, completely winded and shocked out of his wits.

The strangest thing was that the landing wasn't uncomfortable at all — it felt cool and gentle.

It was as if the Wind itself gently landed him on a patch of grass, as if he was nothing more than one of the many feathers or seeds it brought to different locations.

For a while, Chuuya just lay there, stunned and completely out of his league, body trembling from the sheer shock.

He instinctively knew he wasn't in Earth at all, but refused that notion.

Where was he?

For a moment, he wanted to cry.

This wasn't what he wanted. He just wanted to return back to his apartment in the Port Mafia.

His hands shook, and with another start, Chuuya swallowed hard as he realized his gloves were both missing, and his hat too.

He brought his shaking hands to his face, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't in a dream.

Not that he'd ever had any of those, anyway.

The jelliness in his limbs and the cool air gently whipping his hair told his it wasn't a dream.

Chuuya sat up now, analyzing the situation.

This couldn't be the work of an Abilty, could it?

Or could he be trapped in an Abilty like Rimbaud's* — where he had his own personal world?

Chuuya had heard of a member of an American organization who had the power to have a whole world inside of his books, but he didn't think someone could catch him off guard like this.

He got to his feet, finding the breeze strangely refreshing.

This was fine. He was an Executive, he wasn't going to break down due to a small incident like this, he would beat this- whatever it was, and return back to Yokohama with the information his boss was looking for.

He ignored the uneasy feeling in his stomach from the loss of his beloved belongings, feeling extremely vulnerable — as if the wind had stripped away every layer he'd built against the world, and he was a mere fledgling again, looking up at the world as if seeing it for the first time, like an onion with all of its layers removed.

That analogy probably wasn't wrong — he was seeing this fake world, or whatever it was, for the first time, after all.

He could do this. He could just beat whatever this stupid Ability was, and return to the Port Mafia.

He brushed off the fallen leaves and grass stains on his clothes (had he been lying there for a long time?) and looked around, eyes wary and assessing the situation and potential threats, fists clenched.

His eyes locked onto a huge grey statue of a person with a cloth covering his body and a hood covering his face, though the serene expression was easy to make out. He supposed there was a city nearby, and he could potentially go there to ask for help — as long as they weren't enemies of the Port Mafia.**

He almost stumbled as he took his first step in this unknown place, without his coat, hat, bracelet or anything which made Chuuya Chuuya Nakahara.

He called on his Ability, relived to see that it was still working in this foreign place, using it to float down the cliff where he was.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 : The wind is calling to the lost and guiding them onward

The first thing Chuuya thought of when he got his first full glimpse of the city was comfort.

He had no idea why, but it just felt like home, even if he had little to no experience in the feeling.

Chuuya brushed a leaf from his hair, as he tensed slightly, expecting an attack, confused when what looked like a brunette girl with a strange red headpiece landed roughly on the ground nearby him, with what seemed like a normal wind glider behind her.

Chuuya could only stare in disbelief as his posture relaxed ever so slightly, instincts telling him she — whoever she was, wasn't going to harm him — for now, anyways.

Chuuya crossed his arms. "Who are you?"

… Great start, Nakahara.

The girl looked offended before she caught herself, dusting the dirt and brushing the leaves off of her body from the rough landing. It was as if she was almost burning with passion, a fire newly flickered to life and ready to engulf in all surrounding matter in curiousity. She too crossed her arms. "I should really be asking you that, but anyways, welcome respectable stranger, to Mondstadt! This is the City of Freedom, where citizens enjoy the most of freedom in all the seven nations of Teyvat! Now, myself Amber, Outrider of the Knights of Favonius! Now, please state your business in Mondstadt?"

Chuuya groaned, gripping his head in frustration.

Too many unfamiliar phrases and words with meanings he didn't know.

"My name is..." Chuuya hesitates for a brief moment, not wanting to share his name with people who could potentially be enemies of the Port Mafia, before saying, "Uh, I'm just someone who's lost their way, I think... I have no idea how I ended up here..."

When you don't know how to answer a question or don't want to answer it, deflect. Chuuya guessed he'd learnt that one from the sneaky bastard.

Amber frowns, then nods, as if understanding. "I see! So, you're like our Traveler! They, I think not too long ago too, came here with... a floating pixie Traveler labelled as 'emergency food'."

What?

Chuuya's confusion must have shown on his face, as Amber rushed on hurriedly, "I'll take you to Grandmaster Jean! She can probably help you!"

Chuuya nods, relieved at the respectful tone and title used for this 'Jean', recognizing her to be a figure of authority — enemy or foe, he didn't know, but information was crucial for him.

While walking to what Chuuya assumed was 'Mondstadt', he noticed the freshness of the air, untainted by whatever wastage humans would use back in Yokohama.

Just what is so different about this 'Teyvat'? It's almost as if it's a whole different world — a time before people polluted extensively.

Chuuya paused, taking in his first real sight of the City of 'Freedom'.

He didn't know how to put it into words.

It was as if he'd gone his whole life up until now drinking polluted water, and had tasted fresh, pure water for the first time.

As if he'd been walking around his entire existence wearing a veil that obscured his vision slightly, dim enough for him not to notice and subtle enough so that he would get used to it, and suddenly the wind had blown off the cover, and he was basking in the beauty of Mondstadt with all its radiant glory.

As if a fake sky had been punched through to reveal the true, magnificent canopy bedazzled with colors and lights.

Mondstadt felt... warm.

That was the best way Chuuya could sum it up.

His whole life he'd been placed on a pedestal, and the air up there was freezing, making him unused to warmth.

Mondstadt felt like a gentle breeze had blanketed a warmth around him, ruffling his air affectionately.

There was a huge insight of smells, colors, tastes and sounds, and Chuuya had to pause to take it all in, eyes wide with emotions unable to express through words of ink.

Amber chuckles at his reaction, beaming in almost a proud way. "Mondstadt is wonderful, isn't it? Everyone has that reaction when they feast their eyes upon the glorious city of Lord Barbatos!"

Chuuya blinked, tearing his gaze away from a stall selling home-baked buns with the most mouthwatering smell and delightful texture.

Wasn't Barbatos a demon from a book?

(He was only aware of this due to Elise calling Mori some of those names, and a puzzled Chuuya had searched up those names.)

Was this person a demon, then?

Amber didn't seem to notice Chuuya tensing up as she cheerfully waved at a citizen.

Chuuya composed himself, opening his mouth to ask Amber about this city, when she grins, turning to him. "Did you know we need a license to use these Wind Gliders?"

Chuuya frowned. "What do you mean, Wind Gliders?"

Amber blinked, apparently caught off-guard by the question. "Lord Barbatos blessed us with the gift to fly when using these, of course! Don't you know anything about Teyvat's history?"

Chuuya shook his head, feeling dizzy with the overhaul of details about 'Teyvat'.

Amber pressed on, "What about Lord Barbatos?"

Chuuya once again mutely shook his head in confusion.

Amber seemed offended at that. "You don't know about Lord Barbatos!? Well, allow me to enlighten you of the great God of Freedom!"

Chuuya cut her off. "God!? There are gods!?"

Amber stared at him as if he'd used Corruption in front of her. "It really seems as if you're more clueless than the Traveler. I'd be delighted to fill you in, but I don't have that way with words. Perhaps- oh Master Diluc!"

A tall, red-haired man who was walking curtly down the street looks up, startled, then nods in acknowledgment at Amber. "Amber. What might be the purpose- and who is this person standing nearby? He doesn't seem to be from Mondstadt."

Amber nods. "He's like the Traveler, except he doesn't seem to know anything about Teyvat, even less than the Traveler. He seems lost, and I thought I'd take him to Grandmaster Jean to help him on his way."

Diluc frowns, pursing his lips as though he'd thought of something, before turning to Chuuya. "I see. And what's your name, foreigner?"

Amber's eyes go wide, realizing she'd never asked Chuuya that, then turning to him questioningly.

Chuuya curses internally, understanding this Diluc guy, whoever he was, wouldn't be distracted by a vague response or changing of topics like Amber was.

He opens his mouth to say the first name in his mind when a melodious voice, much like the whispers of the wind spoke in an airy and light tone.

"Ah, it seems the winds have led in a stranger astray, to help him regain what was lost and help him be on his way~! If I may as I please, may this foreigner for a moment I seize~?"

When Chuuya turned his head to look at the source of the voice, he suddenly felt threatened. Even though the young-looking man had a bright and delighted voice, Chuuya suddenly had the sensation of standing in the centre of a hurricane, teetering on the edge of a cliff, even as he lifted his gaze to the cold teal eyes of the stranger.

Diluc frowned, now tense, something which Chuuya noted. "Venti. Why do you want to borrow this person?"

'Venti' grins, and Chuuya feels like he's been lifted up into the eye of the storm — no longer a target of the winds, but still a reminder to be cautious.

Chuuya immediately knows Venti is someone important.

Even though Venti's expressions were playful, his eyes remained cold and teal — the last thing you'd see before drowning in the ocean. And though his tone was jesting and lively, there was an undercurrent of authority Diluc also seemed to pick up on.

Amber seems oblivious, turning to Chuuya. "This is Venti, one of the most-loved bards of Mondstadt! He could probably recite the history of Teyvat in the most wonderful poetry!"

Venti chuckles, "Ehe, such high praise you pile onto this humble bard, Miss Amber, now, may I borrow this person for private matters?"

Diluc nods stiffly, gesturing at Amber to follow him, letting Chuuya and Venti have a talk alone.

Venti, without turning back to spare a glance at the redhead, walked through the streets as though he himself had been there upon their making, as if he was the very wind which guided the paved stones to fit perfectly on the ground, with the fluid steps of practiced, woven secrets hummed from that mouth, as if he knew Chuuya would follow without a shred of doubt.

Venti then turns, and smiles cheerfully at Chuuya with that frosty teal gaze which seemed to be ancient, strumming a lyre in his hands gracefully with skilled fingers dancing on the strings like water. "Now, Nakahara Chuuya of Earth's Port Mafia, how about a stroll around this area?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 : The wind returns to the rock it rests upon

Chuuya's first instinct, the only thing comprehensible in his brain filled with his own thoughts and Arahbaki's interference — is to run.

Even the small breeze brushing against his hair and shoulders feels like it could throw him off a cliff with utmost ease, as easy as depositing a seed in the soil.

Venti's sharp green eyes, as serrated as a viper's fangs, bore holes into him expectantly.

Chuuya felt all the air in his lungs rush out in a stuttered exhale with the uncanny feeling that he wasn't just looking at him, but looking through him, assessing him and every inch of his life and every move he'd made.

Even though it felt like the hardest thing he'd ever done, as if he was physically struggling against a tornado, his body got into a fighting position, defensive. "How the fuck do you know me!?"

Chuuya knows he shouldn't be this cautious about people knowing his identity — but something about the fact that he was somewhere he wasn't supposed to be, and the feeling of this place and the fact his identity was usually unknown by most, usually just 'the Gravity Manipulator', made him oddly... sensitive, as if time and wind had stripped away all his protective layers and laid him bare and naked as the day he was born, or made in his case, lying vulnerable and helpless before the teal green, green eyes of Venti, observer of life.

Venti merely chuckles — even that sounded like wind gently making bells chime, and even that send cold shivers down his spine, "Ehe~ Violence is something I do not encourage in my nation, calm down yourself before you violate a citation~"

Chuuya tensed up even more, muscles stiff, but he wasn't a fool.

He understood the clear warning in that almost amused tone, gently chiding though it may sound.

Chuuya had to force every inch of his body to relax and exert his energy to relax his stiff muscles.

Venti smiles again, and it feels warmer. "There, isn't that much better?"

He offers out his hand, smooth white palms, experienced with holding any instrument as though it was merely another corporeal part of his body.

Chuuya remembers suddenly — weapons are also instruments of a kind.

He hesitantly takes the offered palm, recognizing it to be a universal sign of peace, accepting the offer.

Immediately, he feels warmth and cold flood into him at the exact time, mixing freely and seeming to relax his muscles gently.

Chuuya looks up at Venti with wide eyes reflecting the blue sky, an unknown feeling pooling in his stomach and making him feel as though he was free of his chains for a split second before Venti lets go, and it feels as if the cool breeze had stopped blowing.

Chuuya asks again, voice gravelly and calmer now, "How-?"

He didn't know how to complete that sentence.

How did you know my identity? How did you make me feel like I was floating? How did you-

And then the corners of Venti's lips form another smile — this time it making Chuuya feeling even more inclined to relax completely.

And for what feels like the first time, he lets go of the tension on his world-weary shoulders, and unclench his ground teeth.

Chuuya didn't need to complete his sentence, one look at Venti's smile told him he understood completely.

Chuuya didn't know how to feel about that, but he cleared his throat as Venti replies playfully, "The wind listens, did you not know? Many places it has been, to reap and also to sow. Many things I have fleetingly heard over the passing years, both the cheers of laughter and the stench of fears."

Normally, Chuuya felt as if he'd punch people (mainly Dazai) for speaking like this, but he had a hunch this was simply how Venti worked. He wasn't trying to be annoying or rile him up, it was simply how he'd lived, dancing around the subject and giving Chuuya the freedom to learn it for himself.

Though it didn't prevent Chuuya from getting a little irritated by the riddles.

Venti must've noticed (of course he did), for he chortled lightly. "The wind roams free, does it not Chuuya?"

Chuuya suddenly felt as if those few syllables of his name sounded foreign and almost wrong coming from his mouth.

Venti chuckles, sound tinkling and as gentle as the breeze which guided the light shower of rain to the parched crops longing for water, as if a dry riverbed had been filled with fresh water. "You have the freedom to choose a new name, if you wish, young child. This is Teyvat, but most importantly — this is Mondstadt, the City of Freedom. You have all the freedom in the world, as one of my children, to make your own choice."

Usually, when people said that, Chuuya knew that in reality, it was really no choice at all.

However, the sheer way Venti said those words — not with firmness or assertiveness, his voice sounded benigin and understanding, as though he'd offered out clothes to the vulnerable Chuuya, giving him his own time to make his choice.

Which was definitely something Chuuya appreciated in the man, as his eyes focused on Venti's face, still kind — harbouring no trace of malice, just a hint of distrust which seemed to stem from protectiveness though Chuuya felt as if those teal eyes were completely unreadble.

(Was he a man? Could a man — be this kind and unjudging?)

Venti suddenly added, "You don't have to immediately make your decision. There's certainly enough time for you to stay and think about it."

Chuuya mutely nodded, having no idea how to put his emotions into words.

Venti titters suddenly, and Chuuya finds he's suddenly back with Diluc and Amber.

When did they get back here?

Chuuya didn't have enough time to ponder that thought, as Venti suddenly grins like a maniac, then grips his wrist with surprising strength for someone so... fragile-looking, exclaiming, "This bard feels the need to down this occasion of a new friend with some dandelion wine~! Come then, new Wayfarer, let us drink to rejoice while I pay with a performance to dine!"

Chuuya once again feels the presence of the wind, but this time around it feels more warm and inviting, brushing through the tangles in his hair as Diluc sighs in exasperation as he's dragged along by the enthusiastic Venti and laughing Amber towards a bar named 'Angel's Share'.

But, just for a moment, Venti looks back, a soft smile gracing his lips as teal braids frame his face and teal eyes, a small cloud of dust being momentarily disturbed from the ruckus as the four make their way to the tavern.

Meanwhile, to the northeast of the City of Freedom, a Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, quite taller and more attractive than the average Liyuen, is seen calmly asking his boss for a leave of a few days.

Aforementioned boss, with long brown hair in pigtails and with expressive red eyes and ornaments is gaping at the request, this being the first time Zhongli — as was the Liyuen's name, making such a request.

Hu Tao, the boss, blinks rapidly at the request. "Well, since I'm such a good boss, of course I'll allow this! But, what on Rex Lapis's name compelled-"

The Prime Adeptus doesn't stay to hear the rest as he nods gratefully and makes his way out, leaving the shocked Director behind as she scrambles to follow.

A rare shadow of a smile flits across the his face when Deus Ari runs a tongue over his too-sharp canines, and swallows around the coppery tang of blood he can never quite rinse from his mouth as turning his sharp molten gold gaze towards the direction of Mondstadt, a cool draft gently playing with the amber ends of his hair. "The wind has merely called me back towards its direction once again, and who am I to refuse such a request, Director Hu?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 : Tidings of information brought by the wind and earth

"A Vision... gives powers?" Chuuya repeats, eyebrows raised in surprise, his gaze flickering to the glass ornament hanging on Venti's hip.

Venti nods. "To be precise, they grant powers of a specific element. Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro and Cryo are these supplements."

Chuuya blinks, taking another sip of the — dandelion wine, Venti called it? It burnt pleasantly as he took yet another sip, watching Venti down his.

"Are they like Abilities?"

Venti smiles, "Something like that."

Chuuya scowls, sick of his riddles, but keeping quiet as he asked, "So... about Gods?"

Venti cocks his head, teal braids catching the light, almost glowing. "Hmmm... such an interesting topic you choose! This topic is not just for muse~"

Chuuya frowns, perplexed, "What does that mea-"

He's cut off as Venti springs up, announcing a new song, making almost everyone cheer.

Chuuya looks at Diluc for explanation, but the redhead merely shrugs, offering, "He's as unpredictable as the wind. Don't question him and just let him lead you."

Chuuya slowly nods, turning his attention back onto Venti, who's now reciting a poem of the history of well, wherever he was.

Teyvat was a completely different place from Japan, or his Earth overall as far as he could tell.

When he enquired to Venti about means of reaching, he'd simply smiled and responded, "Let the wind guide you back when it's time, and meanwhile enjoy my rhymes~"

So he'd given up on that. And he'd tried to relax, borrowed clothes from Diluc, who'd seemed resigned to agree to whatever Venti seemed to say, though reluctantly.

The sleeves were too big for Chuuya, and it was most definitely an insult when Diluc had deadpanned, "These were my childhood clothes, I can't assist you any further."

So he'd shut up and accepted the offered garments.

They were comfortable, he had to admit, though grudgingly.

His attention was now fully on Venti now, enraptured by the voice and lyrics sung.

Chuuya felt himself in a daze, the wind picking up inside, bringing memories guided by Venti's melodic voice.

It felt like the winds had carried him off to the past, where he was witnessing this world — Teyvat being built.

Though Chuuya had a nagging sensation that he was only being told a very small fraction of the truth.

That didn't really matter, since he was going back to Yokohama anyway, he was only listening because he was curious and had nothing better to do until he met the Grandmaster — whom he was informed was busy until the night.

That night, after meeting much too many citizens to remember all their names properly, he was guided by a blue-haired man with an eyepatch — who seemed awfully similar and yet completely different from the Mackerel back in Yokohama to a door, where he knocked politely.

A blonde woman, who looked like she'd been overworked, stood up to greet him. "Ah, hello, respectable stranger-"

She suddenly paused, before continuing. "We never did get your name, did we? But, I am Jean Gunnihildr, current Acting Grandmaster of Mondstatdt. Please, sit."

Chuuya nods, taking a seat in front of the desk. "You can call me Wayfarer for now, and it seems like I, too am not from Teyvat."

Jean frowns, scrutinizing him, "Indeed, it feels as though you're almost like our Traveler."

Chuuya had heard that name multiple times. "Who's that?"

Jean explains, "Traveler and his companion Paimon had wandered into Mondstadt in search of their sibling and helped us with the situation regarding Dvalin."

Chuuya doesn't want to know more information, so he hastily shifts the topic. "Do you know of any way I can get back to my world?"

At that, Jean frowns again, appearing uneasy. "That is not a question you should ask me, Wayfarer. Did you ask Venti?"

Chuuya confirms, "He said something about the wind guiding me back, but to bide my own time, whatever that means."

As if on cue, a breeze picks up outside the window, ruffling the papers on Jean's desk, who grimaces. "If Venti said that, perhaps you should follow him. He's... very wise for a bard, and knows many things."

A knock resounds on the door and it's pushed open to reveal a woman with a purple witch hat and an overall purple theme.

These people sure do have a different style of dressing, Chuuya thinks. How do they get up every day and wear all this?

As if the woman had guessed Chuuya's thoughts, she giggles lightly and adjusts her hat. "Who's this cutie? And my name is Lisa. And to answer your question dear, magic helps."

Chuuya nods lightly, eyes falling on the purple 'Vision', as he'd been informed around her throat.

Jean clears her throat. "Ah, Lisa, what are you doing here?"

Lisa smiles charmingly, "Now, Jean, I'm merely here to remind you to take a rest. And the Wind informed me that my expertise would help our dear Wayfarer, of course."

Chuuya focuses on her. "You know a way to get me back... home?"

The word 'home' sounds wrong on his tongue, but he ignores the feeling, swallowing down the small spark of hope.

Lisa chuckles. "I never said that now, did I? But yes and no."

Chuuya frowns. "What is that supposed to mean!?"

Lisa says ponderingly, "Well, it's really no accident anyone ends up in Teyvat, and I know a friend who travels worlds, but your case is different, cutie."

Chuuya ignores the flush of embarrassment on being called a cutie, and replies, "How is mine any different?"

Lisa taps her chin with elegant manicured nails. "Well, for starters, I don't think you have a natural ability to travel worlds and has done it before, or even were aware this could be done."

Chuuya shakes his head. "I've never heard of such an Ability."

Lisa now looks slightly intruiged. "So, are Abilities an similar to Visions from where you come from?"

Chuuya shakes his head again. "From what I know, it's not."

Jean coughs, cutting in. "Ah, this is Lisa Minci, the most distinguished graduate of the Sumeru Akademiya in 200 years. She's a mage, actually. I was preparing to ask her. She's also our librarian, so I thought that she might now."

Chuuya opens his mouth to ask about mages, but Lisa answers instantly, "A mage is someone who's experienced in magic and has studied about it."

Chuuya nods slowly. "So... about me being different?"

"Well, you're nothing like the other Descenders, that's for sure."

Jean frowns, seeming confused. "Lisa, what are you-"

"And for another, you seem to be here almost against your will, am I correct?"

Chuuya pauses. "I was... investigating something, and came here by accident. I... fell?"

Jean looks sceptical, but Lisa nods. "I see. Well, did the place where you 'fell' from seem different in any way?"

Chuuya hesitates, then nods. "The... gravity felt lighter."

Lisa's eyes light up with excitement, but Jean cuts in again, asking. "Would you mind explaining what exactly Abilities are?"

Chuuya pauses, relieved that Abilities were common knowledge and there was nothing wrong about telling them. "An Ability is a gift, basically. It's unrelated to lineage, and it's very uncommon. They're regarded as different from common people, and alienated after a War made it unpopular. They range from anything to everything, and all have different names. Mine is called 'Upon the Tainted Sorrow', and to put it simply, gravity manipulation."

Lisa is looking more excited by the moment. "Really? You can... potentially do anything related to gravity, I take it? Control your own gravity, control others's gravity and even control the ground's gra-"

Jean sighs. "Lisa. Back on the point, the gravity felt different just before you ended up here?"

Chuuya confirms it. "Is there any way for me go back?"

Jean turns to Lisa, who smiles. "There's always a chance, dearie. You may have to wait here for a small amount of time, while I confer with my friends. May I make a suggestion?"

Chuuya nods.

"Tell Albedo about this."

"Who's that?"

Jean explains, "He's an alchemist."

"How's that gonna help-"

"He's a synthetic human created by one of my 'friends' who have knowledge of other worlds. Indeed, he himself is searching for all the secrets of the world."

"Oh."

A synthetic human? Could he be like Chuuya?

No matter what, Chuuya had to meet him.

"I'll definitely meet this Albedo, then. Where is he, usually?"

Jean ponders it over. "Ask Venti, but before that, you should get some rest. Do this tomorrow, it's already nighttime."

Lisa chuckles, "There's no danger, our dear Darknight hero will be there, of course."

Jean sighs at the expression on Chuuya's face. "He's someone who guards the city of Mondstadt at nighttime from hilichurls, which are monster-like creatures attacking the city. The Knights of Favonius are also the protectors and something like the leaders of Mondstadt, as-"

"The God left the city in your hands so you could experience true freedom." Chuuya mutters. "Venti told me."

"Exactly!" Lisa beams. "Now, I'm the librarian of the Knights of Favonius, Amber is an Outrider, who guards the walls, Kaeya, the one who lead you here was the Calvary Captain and Jean here is the Grandmaster. Now, ask Master Diluc for a room in Angel's Share, or you could always accompany Venti in finding a place to sleep. Now, I need to persuade my dear Jean here to take rest, so go on ahead cutie."

Recognizing dismissal, he nods and steps out, admiring the sheer difference from the Port Mafia and here. Not just the Mafia, the entirety of Yokohama was vastly different from Mondstadt.

Chuuya admires the stars from the glass-stained windows, sparkling in various shapes and patterns unfamiliar to him.

He feels a breeze near him and almost jumps out of his skin as an amused laugh resounds. "I didn't scare you that bad, did I?"

Chuuya blinks, looking at the man who'd led him here — Kaeya?

Kaeya smirks. "It's an honor to meet you again, Wayfarer. I'm Kaeya, Captain of the Knights of Favonius, although you probably knew that. I'll lead you back to Master Diluc's tavern, if you don't mind. I need some wine to lighten up myself."

Chuuya nods and he falls in step next to the tall man with the eyepatch, his head buzzing with thoughts, feeling like he also needs more wine to get his thoughts in order.