Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The winds whistles through the trees— a familiar tune, a Mondstadtian lullaby to lure the children to sleep. The wind carries something different for the adults— the heaviness of grief, of loss— the familiarity of war. There was a war on the horizon.

Jean had spent the day readying troops, connecting reconnaissance as limited as she could, planning out forms of attack— and she was exhausted. The bags under her eyes ache, and it’s almost as if she can feel the skin itself stretching and sagging under the weight of Mondstadt’s safety. She sighs before lighting a fire in one of the lamps near her. Despite the artificial lights, she finds that the warmth of the flame does much to soothe her eyes. 

“And when was the last time you took a break?” A strum of a lyre snaps Jean out of her sleepless daze; azure eyes that rival the sky greeting her own.

“Venti.”

“Jean,” The bard smiles, his canines particularly sharp. The moonlight reflects every nook and cranny on the God’s face in a way that makes him look ethereal, untouchable— more Barbatos than Venti. It reminds Jean that he’s merely masquerading as human.

Venti wasn’t and will never be fully human.

“Would it kill you to take a break?” Venti’s voice interrupts her musings. His tone soft and kind, similar to a wind chime— a cadence to the way he acts that went simply unmatched.

“There’s war over the horizon, Venti, I can’t,” Jean stresses, “I need to protect Mondstadt.”

Venti steps forward, a sigh leaving his lips, “You can’t protect anyone if you’re exhausted, Jean.”

Jean frowns. She knows Venti’s right but there’s no way she can—

“What work do you have left?”

“What?” Jean asks.

“What work do you have left?” The Archon repeats the question. “I’ll do it.”

Jean’s eyes widen, her mouth parting slightly before she sputters, “I-I can’t possibly ask you to—”

“Jean,” The Anemo Archon says, a certain quality to his tone that reminds her that yes, she’s speaking to an Archon. “I’ve dealt with paperwork many a time. Go get sleep.” His voice was firm, borderline commanding. “Please, please don’t make me command you. Please, just sleep. Rest. Mondstadt needs you at your best.”

Jean’s lips thin into a line, the piles of paper on her desk looking particularly unappealing. She sighs before letting her head droop, “Okay.”

Venti’s lips curl up into a kind smile, his eyes crinkling around the edges, “Good. Let’s get you home, okay?”

And when was the last time Jean went home? To the small cottage her and Barbara had shared once upon a time? Home. When had home become her desk? When was the last time she had slept in a bed? 

“Okay,” Jean mutters, too tired to argue. In the blink of an eye, the scenery around her warps and changes— anemo dispersing from her body after being wrapped around her akin to a blanket.

Venti summons his lyre, his fingers expertly plucking the strings rhythmically. “Get in bed, sleepyhead. I’ll play you a lullaby, to help soothe your mind.”

Jean merely nods, letting the God take care of her just this once. 

The winds tuck her in, flowing in and out of the window as she hears various, “Good night!”, “Sleep well,” and “thank you”’s.

Venti doesn’t sing this time, but hums a tune that Jean has heard to death— a tune every Mondstadtian child has memorized as the tune of the leaves— the tune of Mondstadt itself. “Sleep well, Dandelion Knight.” 

Jean sees Venti’s glowing eyes and kind smile as she lets sleep takeover.

No one has seen Venti for days. The bard was ever so elusive, not even visiting his favorite tavern of Angel’s Share. If the preparations for the war were not happening, Jean would’ve sent a team to look after Venti, paranoid after the attack he suffered from la Signora.

Not that it did anything, or so the Archon claims.

The only indicator of Venti’s presence in Mondstadt were the papers that were magically finished every night after Jean calls it a day. She comes in the next morning to a stack less high and an apple on her desk. She’s infinitely grateful, if not a bit spooked. To her citizens, however, Venti is a missing person. His boisterous presence is missed by nearly all of Mondstadt. The children are lost searching for him, the adults are scrambling to find entertainment and the bards are struggling to keep up with the sudden demand that Venti’s absence created. The lack of Venti’s presence coupled with the army over the horizon has Mondstadt feeling grim; the atmosphere becoming dim whenever the absence of the bard was brought up.

 Slowly, the blessings of Barbatos went unfulfilled. Jean’s worry spikes, and she tries to catch the elusive Archon late at night, not having retired for the night.

The door to her office creaks open, the small bard at the doorway. He tilts his head curiously, “Jean,” He says, “Why haven’t you retired for the night?”

“We need to talk,” Jean replies.

Venti hums, closing the door behind him gently. “What’s wrong?”

Everything, Jean’s overwhelmed mind speaks. “You,” She says instead, “Where have you been?”

Venti raises a brow, “Me?”

“You,” Jean affirms.

“Doing things,” Venti replies, vaguely, “Why are you asking?”

“Mondstadt needs you,” Jean parrotes a phrase she’s heard many a time before, “They need you, Venti. As Venti. They need you.”

The edges of Venti’s lips quirk up in the parody of his usual smile, but to Jean the expression feels wrong; so, so, so unbelievably wrong. “Mondstadt will be fine,” He reassures. “Let’s get you to sleep?”

“Venti,” Jean says, “You’re not listening.”

The Archon sighs, “Oh but I am. That’s all I do, Jean, listen. I am fine. Mondstadt is okay. Everything is fine. What’s gotten into you?”

“Fifty-two.”

“What?”

“Fifty-two people have asked me to file a missing person report for you. One hundred twenty-five people have asked me of your whereabouts. Two hundred forty-six have asked me about you in general. Venti, you can’t hide forever.”

“I know,” He snaps, tone sharper than Jean’s ever heard from him. He runs a hand through his hair, masterfully avoiding his braids as he sighs, “I know, Jean.” His azure eyes meet Jean’s, an exhaustion that speaks of eons swirling within them. “Just, just give me time, okay? I know you’re stressed, and I’m sorry for that.”

Jean’s lips thin into a line, her gaze softening as she looks at her Archon, “Okay.” She says, “Okay, I’ll give you time.”

Venti bows his head, grateful, “That’s all I ask. Now, bedtime?”

“Bedtime,” Jean says, rising from her desk and taking Venti’s outstretched hand. The two disperse into the night.

Half a day until the army makes its way to Mondstadt’s walls. Jean dutifully positions the knights and sends Amber out with Klee to make various booby traps for their opponents.

All for naught.

Mondstadt waits with baited breathe as they see the knights from a foreign land approach, suits heavy with armor, and the pitter-patter of horses draw ever so close.

“This is your last time to turn back,” A voice whispers. The wind carries the whisper as if it were a spell, letting it bounce off of Mondstadt’s countless walls and penetrate the earth.

Nearly every soul in Mondstadt can instantly identify that voice.

Venti.

Jean’s heart drops as she rushes to the entrance of the city.

The army draws closer, and Jean looks up, seeing a small figure perch upon Mondstadt’s gate.

Venti— no, Barbatos. 

His cape flutters in the wind, a bow in his hand. His wings are outstretched as he nocks and arrow, drawing the string of his weapon with ease. Jean barely sees the arrow release before she sees the result.

A loud bang resounds, a crater forming where the arrow once was. A crater of red.

The stentch of iron fills the air.

Jean freezes, watching Barbatos repeat the process however many times until blood dyes Mondstadt’s moat red. 

“How?!” Jean hears a screech, “You’re the weakest of the Seven!”

Barbatos laughs, tone light and playful and suddenly Jean feels sick. It’s one thing to know that Venti was a God, and it’s another thing to witness it. Barbatos drops down, bow being replaced with a polearm that he twirls with style as he closes in on the last one standing— the army’s general.

The winds howl, bending and twisting to Barbatos’ will as he smiles. “There’s a reason why I’m the last one standing.”

And for once Jean understands. Barbatos truly is the last of the original Seven, the only one left to have witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations, of countless Gods and Archons alike. 

“No matter!” The enemy grins— canines glinting in the light. “Let this God be the one to finish off the remaining original Seven!”

Barbatos chuckles, “Go ahead and try.”

The enemy launches off with a flash of light, an attack so fast that Jean’s human eye was unable to witness it, but Barbatos meets him, attack per attack. Jean doesn’t know when the people of Mondstadt joined her, but she can’t find it in herself to care.

She watches, entranced to see Barbatos in his element. Now, everyone knows that Barbatos isn’t a violent God, but no one is as ignorant to assume Barbatos has never fought. Mondstadtians had grown up with the mystical tales of Barbatos’ strength to slice mountains, catch meteors and fight other Gods, but no one had ever born witness.

Until today. Until now. 

A feeling of dread twists in Jean’s gut as she realizes Barbatos is just playing with his opponent. Yes, of course, he’s taking this seriously, but he could also end it sooner. The enemy God has yet to land a singular scratch on their Archon and yet is bleeding heavily, overexerting themselves to the point of a lethal mistake.

And lethal it is.

Barbatos stares as the God falls— his eyes steel and his gaze unmoving. He takes the sharp tip of his polearm and slices the enemy’s head off clean. The polearm vanishes from his hand, and Barbatos commands the wind. The wind twists into a storm, taking and lifting the countless bodies that riddled the area around their Archon and funnelling them to an unknown location. 

Barbatos breaths out a sigh, turning to look over at his people that had crowded to watch. “Mondstadt is safe now.”

The citizens freeze as they’re addressed. And then one by one, people bow.

Barbatos’s eyes widen, “Woah! No need for that,” He says, a smile on his face. He draws closer, eyes pained when the children flinch away. “I’m not going to hurt you,” He says, voice softer than Jean’s ever heard, “I’m here to protect you.” In a gentle gust of wind, his Archon attire vanishes, the glow of the tattoos that littered his skin fading. Barbatos folds his wings— the familiar face of Venti taking over again. “I promise,” He holds up a pinky for the kids, “Pinky promise?”

Barbatos is a gentle God, the kindest of the Seven. It seems that after that display of power, his people needed a reminder.

“Venti!” shouts Klee, before the spitfire shoots off and throws herself into his arms.

Venti’s laugh echoes through the city as he easily catches the child, whisking her around before gently placing her onto the ground again. He crouches in front of her, “Hello, Klee. Have you been good for your babysitter today?”

Klee nods excitedly, “Yeah! Super good.”

“I’m glad,” Venti smiles— the warm smile that radiates safety and happiness. 

“What happened?”

“Some very mean people were trying to come into Mondstadt.”

“Did you stop them?”

“Of course I did,” Venti smiles, “I always do.”

The words bounce in Jean’s skull. He always does, doesn’t he? It’s abundantly clear that Barbatos never left, his protection remains over Mondstadt vigorously. Their blessings are always fulfilled, their needs are satisfied, their economy is prosperous and more. Mondstadt is always evolving, but it wasn’t because they were a Godless nation, but because of the constant and consistent guidance of their Archon.

It took a while, but with enough persistence, the crowd disperses, leaving the Archon and the Knights of Favonius. 

Venti speaks first, “I appreciate the effort of each and every one of you, even if it wasn’t needed in the end.”

“It w-was nothing!” Noelle squeaks out a reply, “Thank you for taking c-care of everything… Barbatos.”

Venti merely smiles, “Feel free to still call me Venti if that makes speaking to me any easier.” He turns to Jean, “You okay?”

Jean stares before nodding, “Fine. Just whiplash from everything. Are you okay? From…” She trails off, gesturing to Mondstadt around them. There’s no way Venti would ever hope to go back to being anonymous now, and everyone knows this.

Venti shrugs, “It was necessary.” There’s an undertone of bitterness in that sentence that’s expertly wrapped up in nonchalance Jean doesn’t even poke, “I came to an agreement.”

“With who?”

“Celestia,” Venti replies, blunt as a knife. Just the word makes the mortals flinch around him. “They had had enough of my… ‘rebellion,’” He quotes, “And decided on a punishment.”

Jean feels sick as she looks towards the army, “That was the punishment?” A siege of Mondstadt.

“It was supposed to be,” Venti confirms, “But they forget a nation is never truly Godless.” 

But every person there knows that the army would’ve flattened Mondstadt completely were Venti not there.

Jean inhales deeply, her head aching from the information, “Was that all?”

Venti shakes his head, and the hearts of his citizens drop, “But those were all the consequences that befall Mondstadt directly.”

“Indirectly?” A voice pipes up, deep and smooth— Kaeya. “Are we underfire from the Gods?”

“They wouldn’t do that,” Venti says, assuredly— too confident, Jean thinks— “They’re more of my consequences to take. This was one of them.”

“Your divinity revealed?”

Venti nods, “Precisely.”

“One of them,” Jean repeats, “Just how many are there?”

Venti’s smile falters as his eyes grow dim, “More than you can count.”

“What sin could possibly be so big?” Kaeya asks, a brow cocked in the view of the bard.

“Defiance.” The word causes a hush to befall the knights. “And the fact that I live was defiant in of itself.” Venti says, “But no matter, this is my punishment to bear. I will make sure none of it ever harms Mond, as I always do.” His quiet gaze falls atop the knights before him as he continues, “I suggest everyone get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.”

Jean nods, turning her gaze to her troops, “Good job today, you are all dismissed until further notice. Posts will be taken up tomorrow morning as usual. Nightwatchers take this time to rest and recover as tomorrow night you will resume.” Her voice steel as she speaks, “Rest all. We will reconvene in the morning.”

When Jean looks to the side to address Venti, only the howl of the winds remain. She sighs, “This meeting is adjourned.”

The day sneaks up on the people of Mondstadt fast, the winds blowing the clouds away to reveal familiar clear, blue skies. At the fountain sits a well-recognized bard, the Windborne Bard— his title ringing true now more than ever.

His tunes are gentle on this morning, soft. They wrap around the hearts of his people like a blanket, and bend the winds towards the children of Mondstadt like a sermon. He greets each and every citizen that comes to greet him between songs— knowing each name and face so intimately. For some he asks about marriages, for others, about sick family members— it rings true that Barbatos has been here all along, knowing and caring for each citizen of Mondstadt.

“Marjorie!” The bard says with flair, “Have you gotten any new artifacts as of late?”

Marjorie smiles, “Barbatos,” She says, “Not particularly. Why? Does one ring your fancy?”

“One will,” Venti chuckles, “You’ll see.”

Marjorie raises a brow but lets the confusion pass. 

There’s a knock on Jean’s door that she absentmindedly replies, “Come in,” to.

The door creaks open, revealing Venti, but with him, a traveler from another land. Jean’s eyes raise from her paperwork, taking in the appearance of the traveller, “Venti… And?”

“Jean!” Venti greets, chirper as ever. “This is Kazuha Kaedehara— a new permanent resident in Mondstadt!”

Kazuha’s eyes widen as he looks at Venti, “Bar— Venti— we haven’t discussed that yet!”

Venti merely smiles in reply.

Jean stares at the interaction between the two before nodding. “It’s nice to meet you, Kazuha. What brings you to Mondstadt?”

“The people, the wind,” Kazuha answers without missing a beat.

Venti’s smile curls into something more prideful— prouder. Jean finds herself entranced before she nods in reply, “I see. I hope you do enjoy your stay and find your residence well.”

“Thank you,” Kazuha breathes out.

“See! I told you it wouldn’t be that bad,” Venti grins, ignoring Kazuha’s eyeroll. “Jean’s an overworker, and you’re going to have to help her with that many a time!”

Kazuha gapes, “Should we really be talking about that here?”

Jean raises a brow, “Venti… What… What is Kazuha doing here, truly?”

Venti’s eyes make their way to Jean, a sorrow deep in his soul that penetrates into her own. “I am the last of the original Seven, but I've come to the conclusion that it’s time to pass the mantle.”

Jean’s eyes snap to Kazuha, raking over his figure, “So Kazuha is—?”

“Will be,” Venti smoothly corrects, “The new Anemo Archon.”

Kazuha bows his head, cheeks tint the slightest bit pink as he avoids Jean’s gaze. Jean stares unabashedly before addressing Venti, her tone soft, “Mondstadt… Doesn’t get to make this decision?”

“Mondstadt always does,” Venti says firmly, leaving no room for argument. “It’s not happening now, Jean, but my clock is ticking.”

Jean frowns, “Is there surely no way to dissuade you from this—”

“Jean,” Venti sighs, “Give me time. Give this time. Mondstadt will be okay, you will be okay.”

A strange sense of deja vu washes over the Dandelion Knight. She chooses not to press further, only tightening her grip on her pen as she sighs, “Okay. I will trust you as I always have.”

“Thank you,” It was Kazuha who spoke, “I’ll try my best not to let you down.”

Venti grabs Kazuha’s wrist and leads him out the door, leaving Jean’s head spinning at the revelation.

Chapter Text

Kazuha whistles on a leaf, leaving his house and wandering through the crowded streets of the city. He stops by a shop, unable to read the name until the winds whisper a translation to his fine-tuned Inazuman ears, “With Wind Comes Glory.” The bell of the store chimes as the traveler enters, looking curious at the wares.

“Good morning,” Someone greets him.

“Ah, good morning,” Kazuha bows slightly— his lilt light and foreign.

“First time in Mond?” They ask, to which Kazuha nods.

“I moved here just yesterday, although it isn’t my first time.”

The person’s eyes widen before their lips curl up into a smile, “Welcome to Mondstadt. We haven't had anyone move here in a while! I’m Marjorie.”

“Kazuha,” He smiles at the lady, “Nice to meet you.” His eyes gaze over the wares of the store before Marjorie comes up to him.

“Here,” She says.

Kazuha’s brows furrow as he reluctantly holds his hands out. A small circular sigil, no bigger than the average mora coin was gently placed onto his palms.

“A gift from Barbatos,” Marjorie winks, “Every Mondstadter gets that as a kid. Consider it your welcome!”

Kazuha smiles, soft and sweet. “Thank you,” He replies, closing his fingers around the sigil gently.

“I see you’re already favored by him,” Marjorie says, referencing the vision on Kazuha’s hip, “You’ll fit right in.”

Warmth rises in Kazuha’s chest, cuddling around him like a blanket. He dips his head, grateful as Marjorie laughs, bright and boisterous.

He just arrived, and yet, Mondstadt feels like home.

The winds change direction and push Kazuha to Windrise. He knows the legend of the tree from the various songs Venti sang to him aboard the La Crux, making him learn Mondstadt’s history in full, from before Tevyat as a continent to now. At his arrival, Kazuha finds the wind at Windrise to be refreshing. It penetrates his very being, wrapping around veins and repairing capillaries. The wind chirps and whistles, guiding him closer to the tree.

Kazuha listens to the guide of the breeze, finding himself entranced in the sheer beauty of one of Mondstadt’s monuments; the Symbol of Mondstadt’s hero. He walks up to it, placing a hand on its trunk and he just breathes. His eyes flutter close on their own accord and Kazuha just breathes.

He takes in the silence. He takes in the way the sun stings slightly against his skin and the way the wind tussles his hair. He lets himself relax in the arms of Mondstadt’s serene silence that’s never truly silent. Beyond the trees, Kazuha hears the birds chirp and the way the leaves rustle with the squirrels. He hears the pigeons all the way from Mondstadt’s gate and—

Kazuha breathes, and he has a realization.

He’s never heard this much before. The thrum of his vision is nearly gone. He would’ve panicked if it weren’t for the winds kissing his cheeks, whispering, “Everything will be okay, little breeze.”

Kazuha believes the winds. He always had— even when his family died and he was the last one standing, even when all they whispered was empty reassurances and no promises— Kazuha listened and now, he listens.

He inhales deeply, his eyes fluttering open. The first thing he sees is the sky, and then a falcon. Kazuha doesn’t panic, he merely smiles, and greets, “Hello.”

“Hello,” The falcon replies, its voice reminiscent of a trill. “You’re new here.”

“I am,” Kazuha admits, “I’m Kazuha. And you are?”

The falcon laughs, “You’re taking this a lot better than I thought you would.”

Kazuha admits this isn’t the weirdest thing that’s happened to him. He’s used to yokai running amok amongst humans, and legends of divine threads being woven into family lines— a talking falcon is hardly the weirdest thing he’s ever experienced. “I’ve seen… Worse.”

“Clearly,” The falcon replies, amusement dancing in its bottomless eyes, “Vanessa, Falcon of the West.”

“Ah,” Kazuha’s mind dawns in understanding, “One of the four winds.” He bows, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“No need to bow, Kazuha,” Vannessa says, “Raise your chin. Be certain.”

Kazuha nods, “Okay.” He straightens up, but the action causes his back to crack in a way that shocks a chuckle out of him.

“Okay, oldbones,” Vanessa teases, good naturedly, “Why don’t we take a seat and have a chat?”

The edges of Kazuha’s lips curl up into a smile, “Okay, let’s chat.” 

The falcon flies up to the branches of the Windrise tree. Kazuha stares before calling upon his vision to fly up,

Only to find that it doesn’t respond.

Kazuha’s eyes widen as he clutched the tiny gem, a frown etching itself on his lips.

Vanessa tilts her head, “Trouble in paradise?”

Kazuha frowns, “Sort of? I can’t use my vision.”

The ghost of a smile stretches on Vanessa’s lips, Ah, so Barbatos has already chosen. “Let the wind lead.”

Kazuha sighs, before dipping his head in a nod. He mutters lowly, sure the wind would hear them, “Can you help me get up next to Vanessa?”

“Of course, little breeze,” The wind whispers their reply, swirling and whirling around Kazuha’s figure. “Relax and fly, little breeze. We won’t drop you.” 

Kazuha breathes in thickly, forcing himself to relax as he lets the winds carry him up to the branch. “Thank you…”

“Of course, little breeze.” A breeze tousles his hair, and then the air falls still.

“Good job,” Vanessa compliments, “It seems like you’re already growing familiar with the Winds.”

Kazuha dips his head humbly, “The winds are kind, they’re good listeners.” The wind swirls pridefully at the compliment, tugging at Kazuha’s clothes and nearly tipping him over before catching him. “Hey, hey, gentle, please?”

Vanessa chuckles, “You talk to the winds more than a native Mondstadter.”

Kazuha blinks, confused, “Do I?” The winds have always been constant in this life, whether in Mondstadt or Inazuma, Kazuha has felt connected to them forever.

“You do,” Vanessa nods. “Yet you’re not from here. Tell me of your home.”

A bitterness swirls in his gut, his red eyes narrowing, “Not my home… I hail from Inazuma, a nation that was ridden with war and… Restriction.”

Vanessa’s eyes soften, “Was?”

“It’s rebuilding,” Kazuha says, “But I can’t find myself to be somewhere that shifts the winds constantly with grief and loss.”

Vanessa hums, “The wind carries despite the region, I’m assuming that’s not the real reason.”

“Exiled,” Kazuha admits, “I can’t go back. I fought the Archon and survived.”

Vanessa’s beak parts slightly, agape as she looks at Kazuha, “Why? You fought an Archon?”

Kazuha chuckles humorlessly, “I never liked how the Raiden Shogun ruled… Despite being a samurai. She was aiming to kill someone dear to me, I couldn’t stand and let that happen. We’re all mortal, at the end of the day, I find it… Unsightly when Gods force their will.”

Vanessa nods knowingly, “That makes sense. What brings you to Mondstadt?”

“The winds led me here.”

Vanessa hums, “And so they did. I wish you a pleasant stay in Mond.”

“Thank you,” Kazuha replies. 

“What do you think of it so far?”

“I love it,” He says, sending the wind cooing in reply. “Everything I smell and hear here, it’s refreshing.”

“I’m sure Barbatos will appreciate the sentiment,” Vanessa smiles.

There’s a brief moment of silence between the two where only the birds chirp and the wind blows before Kazuha speaks, “Can you tell me more about the Mond that you knew?”

Vanessa’s eyes brighten, her voice soft as she replies, “Of course.”

The sun shines bright in the sky, kissing Kazuha’s eyes awake. His vision blurs before it clears, and he blearily rubs his eyes. He remembers Vanessa’s countless stories before she flew away, called upon by the wind, the same wind that soothed him to sleep at the base of the tree.

“Little Wing?” 

Kazuha’s eyes snap to the familiar bard, his braids messy and frizzy from the wind. He relaxes at the sight of his friend, “Barbatos.”

“Little Wing,” Barbatos smiles kindly, running a hand through Kazuha’s blond locks, “Sleep well?”

Kazuha’s cheeks dust with pink at the action. He’s unused to the way Barbatos or really anyone in Mondstadt freely gives out affection. “Yes.”

“Good,” Barbatos replies, holding a hand out. “C’mon Little Wing, I brought food.”

Kazuha tries not to perk up at the mention of food but at Barbatos’s laugh, he clearly fails. He grabs Barbatos’s hand, letting the Archon hoist him up. “What did you bring?” Kazuha ignores how cold Barbatos’s hand is, lacking the usual warmth that comes with humans.

“Some things from Good Hunter, mainly skewers,” Barbatos says, leading Kazuha to a flat patch of grass. He lets go of Kazuha’s hand, giving the boy a basket before he lays a blanket on the grass. A traditional checkered blanket. He gently grabs the basket from Kazuha, his fingers ghosting over Kazuha’s knuckles. He walks over to the blanket after taking off his shoes, taking a seat and placing the basket beside him.

Kazuha trips onto the blanket, being pushed by the wind. 

“Gentle, gentle,” Barbatos hums at the winds, “Don’t scare Little Wing.”

“Sorry, mini-Breeze…”

Kazuha chuckles, “It’s okay.” He laughs as the winds flit around him, blowing into his eyes and rustling his hair as he sits down next to Barbatos.

Barbatos looks like he was kissed by divinity to Kazuha— the way his azure eyes naturally seem to glow and swirl with the wisdom of thousands of nights, the tips of his braids glowing the familiar anemo green with every breeze and whistle from the winds. Kazuha stares, breathless before Barbatos speaks, “Zuha, are you ready to meet the rest of the Four Winds?”

Kazuha blinks, reaching for a skewer just as Barbatos unpacks it from the basket much to the Archon’s amusement. “I suppose so,” Kazuha replies, carrying the skewer to his lips and taking a bite.

Barbatos looks over at him, expectantly, “So? How is it?” His tone light and lilted with excitement.

Kazuha smiles, swallowing before responding, “I love it.”

Barbatos grins, “I knew you would!”

The blond tilts his head, “Are all Mondstadt foods seasoned like this?”

Barbatos nods, “Yeah! Savory, right?”

Kazuha nods in response, “Very savory. Different from what I’m used to…”

“Ah yeah! Well that’s only expected!” Barbatos laughs as the wind chimes along with him. “You’ll get to taste so much different Mond cuisine overtime!”

Kazuha hums, “I sure believe so, I mean, I live here now officially.” His eyes gaze past Barbatos, to the tree line on the edge of the clearing.

“You’re alright with that, right?” Barbatos asks, softly.

Kazuha nods, “Yeah. Mond… seems like a nice place to stay.”

Barbatos grins, proud and wide, “It is! You’ll love it here, ehe!”

Kazuha’s face stretches into a soft smile, “I know, I already do.”

The wind blows vigorously in Old Mondstadt, eroding the rock and taking the memories with it. Kazuha stood at the entrance with Barbatos, the barrier strong and vicious.

His eyes trail over to the bard, “Why is this barrier so…”

“Violent?” Barbatos supplies, “It’s near… That time.” Kazuha cocks an eyebrow as Barbatos explains further, “The anniversary of the fall. When the winds mourn their comrades.”

“Ah,” Kazuha frowns, breathing deeply as he reaches out to touch the wind by instinct— reaching out to comfort. 

Much to his surprise, the wind replies, warm and kind, “Thank you… Little Breeze…”

Barbatos’s eyes soften at the exchange, “Come, Little Wing, let’s meet Dvalin.” He beckons Kazuha over, using his wings to part through the barrier. He summons his lyre, strumming a tune as the two walk in.

Kazuha’s eyes trail over the remnants of old Mondstadt, mouth dry when he feels the grief carried by the wind. Unconsciously, his eyes sting with unladen tears. He hates battlefields— everytime he walks on them he can taste the iron, hear the swords, and feel the sting. It haunts him, he sees battlefields every time he closes his eyes— and despite running from what was once considered his home, here he is, on a battlefield once again.

“Kaedehara!” Kazuha hears a yell over his shoulder, and by instinct he ducks, avoiding the arrow that whizzed over his head. His hand reaches out before he can think, catching another arrow before it hits the back of his friend.

He blinks, and the wind breathes, and suddenly he’s back in Mondstadt with Barbatos. 

“Little Wing?” Barbatos says, voice soft.

“Sorry,” Kazuha dips his head, apology rolling off his tongue too easily, “I’m fine.”

“It’s okay if you aren’t.”

“I’m fine,” Kazuha insists.

Barbatos breathes, “Okay. Dvalin is on his way.”

Kazuha nods, “Okay.” He already knew that from what he hears distantly, but it was nice to have a confirmation.

It only was a few moments before the flap of large wings causes Kazuha to look up at the sky, a large dragon towering over them.

“Dvalin!” Barbatos greets him like an old friend.

“Barbatos,” The dragon replies, vibrating the ground with latent anemo energy as he lands. “And your friend?”

“My Little Wing,” Barbatos replies, a smile on his face, “Kazuha Kaedehara.”

The dragon stays silent for a split second before asking, “Your Little Wing?”

“My Little Wing,” Barbatos confirms, one of his wings wrapping around Kazuha’s shoulders in a divine parody of a hug.

The dragon’s large beady eyes look at Kazuha’s before he dips his head, “I am Dvalin, former Wind of the East.”

Kazuha dips his own head, attempting to bow without shrugging the Archon’s wings off his shoulders, “Nice to meet you, Dvalin. I’m Kazuha.”

“So it seems,” Dvalin circles the two, causing Kazuha to stiffen slightly, before he wraps his tail around them, making the two sit. “Let’s talk.”

Barbatos smiles, “Let’s talk, then.”

“Who dares enter my domain?” Kazuha hears as he walks onto the arena.

The former samurai looks around the arena, eyes landing on a wolf from the far side. “Hello,” Kazuha greets, “Boreas, yes?”

The eyes of the wolf narrow, “And you are infringing on my domain.”

“My apologies,” Kazuha bows, “I come in peace. I am merely here to… Meet you.”

“To meet me,” Boreas repeats, incredulously, “Truly?”

“Yes,” Kazuha replies, “You are.. the wind of the North?”

“Indeed,” Boreas replies, “What brings you here, human?”

“He’s Barbatos’s Little Wing,” The wind cooes, “He came to meet you.”

Boreas’s eyes narrow, gaze locked onto Kazuha, “Is that so? You? Barbatos’s Little Wing?”

Kazuha nods, “Yes… That is true.”

Boreas clicks his tongue, “I will test you for myself. I refuse to believe you are worthy enough for the throne.”

Kazuha tilts his head, trying not to let the words get to him despite the pang of anger that made itself known under his skin, “What would make me worthy?”

“Let us test. Fight. And I will decide further.”

Kazuha exhales, “Okay. Let’s then.” He doesn’t know how he’s going to win this fight when his vision doesn’t work. He tugs at the winds for reassurance, and they chime in reply. “I am ready.”

“I decide that.” 

The human reveals his sword, the familiar curve of the samurai blade, “Then, decide.” He states.

Boreas lunges, and Kazuha listens.

Kazuha collapses onto his bed. He hadn’t won the fight with Boreas— he was just human after all— but he survived long enough to impress the wolf. Barbatos had walked the former samurai home, cheerily talking about his day over with the Knights. Kazuha listened, despite the exhaustion nibbling at the edges of his consciousness. Barbatos had smiled, left him at his door, and went on his merry way.

“Are you okay, Little Breeze?” The wind asks, blowing through his home in an attempt to cool it down.

Kazuha sighs, looking towards the ceiling, “I’m okay. I’m okay.”

“Okay. Take care of yourself.”

“I know,” He breathes out, “I know to.” He feels crazy whenever he talks to the winds outloud, but he had just spent a day with Gods and dragons, so admittedly, it wasn’t the first thing on his mind. “Tomorrow is a new day.”

“Tomorrow is a new day!” The wind chimes, “You’ll be okay, Little Breeze.” It blows, the melody of home breezing through the air.

The human’s eyes flutter close as he relaxes and lets himself drift off into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Text

A gust of wind blows the window behind Jean open, scattering her papers. Jean sighs, not even turning around before she greets the newcomer, “Venti.”

“Jean,” He replies, grinning when Jean finally turns to face him. “How do you do on this fine day?”

Jean groans before inquiring, “Is there anything that you need?”

“Tsk, tsk,” Venti clicks his tongue, “I asked a question first.”

“I’m fine,” Jean says, “Is there anything that you need?”

“Well,” Venti hums, “I promised you an explanation, did I not?”

Jean’s eyes widen, “Ah, yes, you did. Come in.”

Venti chuckles, allowing himself into Jean’s office. “Where do you want me to start? Of course, I can’t say everything.”

“Right,” Jean replies, “Start from the beginning… Defiance, you said.”

“Defiance,” Venti says, “Is the whole reason I’m an Archon. However, for some reason, Celestia assumed they’d be immune.”

“But they’re not.”

Venti nods, “They’re not.”

Jean stares expectantly and Venti continues, “Starting from the beginning… Well, there’s a lot to get through. My first act of defiance was five hundred years ago. Humans call it the Cataclysm.” Venti’s eyes darken, “Where abyssal monsters attacked Tevyat on a massive scale… The Archons were summoned to… Destroy a civilization.” He laughs, humorless and hollow, “I couldn’t do that in good faith. Instead, I stayed and defended Mond against a dragon named Durin.”

Jean’s mouth went dry as she furrows her brows, “And your punishment?”

“A coma of five hundred years,” Venti quips in reply, “Where I was unable to do anything if Mond… You know.” 

Jean suddenly feels heavy. Celestia had the perfect chance to destroy Mondstadt in those five hundred years Venti was gone, and it’s a miracle they didn’t.

“Truthfully, I haven’t woken up yet,” Venti admits. Sensing Jean’s confusion, he clarifies, “Barbatos. I haven't fully woken up yet. My actual form… Slumbers. I am merely a piece of myself. Enough to keep Mond safe.”

Jean frowns, her gaze raking over Venti, “I see… Will you remember all of this?” All of us went unsaid.

“I always do,” Venti smiles, his eyes softening, “I can never forget my children.”

Jean finds herself smiling too, a weight off her shoulders as she nods, “I see. I’m glad.”

“Continuing,” Venti says, “Celestia recently… offered me something under the guise of a choice. I denied, not once, but twice and they’ve had enough.” He sighs, averting his gaze, “Unfortunately that comes with consequences.”

“The attempted Siege of Mondstadt?”

“Was one,” Venti confirms, “Since to them, I am still sleeping and dormant…” He trails off, and Jean swallows at the implications.

Celestia would’ve destroyed Mondstadt.

Jean inhales sharply, nodding, “Okay.”

“Okay,” Venti repeats before adding, “My other punishments aren’t as severe. Most of them just affect my ideals.”

Jean tilts her head, curious, “As in?”

“One: no more anonymity,” Venti lists off, raising fingers as he did so, “Two: rule over Mondstadt directly, or have a hand in ruling, anyway. Three: make the Anemo Archon’s power official in the region… Politically.”

“I see,” Jean frowns, “All of that but… Why?”

“What?”

“None of that explains why you’re searching for a new Anemo Archon.”

“Jean,” Venti says, exasperated. His tone soft and gentle, “I denied something, but it was never truly a choice.” He paces about the room, “I can’t… I can’t stay.” He says, vague, “I can’t afford to pay attention to Mondstadt anymore once these few months of punishment pass. I’m afraid that…” He trails off, swallowing thickly, “If I don’t choose a new Archon, Mondstadt will truly become a Godless nation.”

Jean’s brows furrow, “You’re leaving us.”

“I have no choice,” Venti says, his azure eyes piercing into Jean’s. The vast skies of his eyes reflects his exhaustion, “It’s been just over a thousand and something years, they’ve grown tired of me. Morax— Morax had to do the same.”

“Morax?”

“Rex Lapis.”

Jean stares, the pieces falling together for her. “Okay. Okay. Mond will be here when you come back.”

Venti’s eyes soften, his lips wavering, “Oh Jean,

I don’t know if I ever will.”

The wind howls through the Knights of Favonius headquarters as Venti walks, his footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. Jean follows close behind, Lisa by her side.

Venti stops at a door. “We’re here.”

“Where?” Jean asks.

“Why, my office, of course,” Venti says, placing his hand on the seal of anemo on the door and watching it unlock. The office was as pristine as the first time Venti stepped in— when he was a new God. 

Lisa’s eyes trail over every nook and cranny as the three step in, “How long… Have you had this?”

“Since Mond rebuilt,” Venti says, sitting on the desk itself. He grabbed one of the trinkets, an old design of an Anemo Sigil, “I did rule over Mond the first few days… Until Mond had organized itself enough where I could leave it to its own devices, it had to be watched.”

Jean looks around, curiously. “That makes sense,” She nods to Venti’s answer. “I’m under the assumption that the framework for your ruling is already there, then?”

Venti nods, “Gunnhilder insisted on putting it into law in case I ever wanted to come back. I didn’t think I ever would, so I mostly ignored it until—”

“Now,” Lisa chimes in. “Now, now, this is an excellent office you have here~” She smiles, “The Archon after you would appreciate it.”

Venti stiffens before a laugh escapes him, “Little Wing would hate this!”

Jean raises a brow, “‘Little Wing’?”

“My successor.”

Kazuha Kaedehara, Jean’s brain fills in. She had done her own research, but still doesn’t understand Venti’s insistence on an outsider.

Lisa raises a brow, curious, “Have you already chosen?”

“The winds have,” Venti smiles, “They refer to him as Little Breeze.”

Lisa’s eyes brighten, interest budding in her pupils, “Oh really? The winds of Mondstadt?”

Venti nods, “The moment he crossed the border, actually.”

Lisa leans forward, and Venti knows the question that’s going to fall off his tongue, “He’s an outsider?”

Venti hums, “Not anymore.”

Lisa tilts her head, “Well that’s certainly curious. Why not choose someone from Mondstadt?”

Venti averts his gaze, “Well I was an outsider.”

That catches Jean’s interest, “You were?”

Venti nods, “While yes, I was born in the Mondstadt region vaguely, I wasn’t born in Mondstadt… I snuck in as a little wisp,” He laughs, his eyes growing reminiscent and distant, “Much to Decarabian’s dismay. I was shown the beauty of this city by a native bard who just wanted to share the love for his people.”

“And so, the cycle repeats,” Lisa quips, “A bard— you —showing the beauty of this city to your ‘Little Wing.’”

Venti nods, “Exactly. Above all, though, the winds choose listeners.”

Had Jean not listened to the winds enough? A sinking feeling curls up in her chest. Was the God of Mondstadt always destined to be from far away?

“Tell us about this Little Wing!” Lisa says, grabbing one of the corner chairs and taking a seat closer to Venti, “I’m curious. After all, it’s not often a God gets chosen!”

Venti hums, flicking his wrist as the wind follows his command, grabbing a chair for Jean. His eyes grow fond, “Little Wing is a child of the wind, just like any other Mondstadter. Despite not being raised on the ideals of the wind, he follows them to a T. He’s kind—”

Kazuha walks through Mondatadt City, exploring an alleyway before he hears a cry, that of a child. He pivots easily, shifting his weight and changing his direction naturally, heading over to the crying child. She’s in the middle of the fountain, crying into her hands as people walk past her, as if she couldn’t be seen.

The view has Kazuha confused, were people purposely ignoring her? But Mondstadt isn’t an ignorant country— Barbatos had made that abundantly clear. If no one could see her—

“Ah, a spirit then,” Kazuha mutters in conclusion. If he were to talk to her directly, he’d no doubt get stares. He doesn’t particularly want to attract more attention above that one attracts as a new resident, so by instinct, he grabs the Winds, who surprisingly, listen to him. He directs them towards the girl, a gentle breeze, enough to catch her attention.

The spirit looks at him, and Kazuha feels a shiver go up his spine. The child comes, running into his arms, but he doesn’t feel the impact. Either way, Kazuha crouches in front of the crying girl, gently grabbing her hands away from her eyes as he asks softly, “What’s wrong?”

“I just want a flower,” She stutters and hiccups, “F-for my mom. But I can’t grab anything.”

“Who’s your mother?”

“Edith,” She says, “She’s a doctor, I think.”

Kazuha nods, “I’ll give it to her for you. Is there a specific flower you want?”

“A,” The girl pauses, “A cecelia.”

Ah, the one that grows on cliffs, Kazuha nods, “I’ll get her a fresh cecelia, okay?”

The girl nods, “Okay.”

Kazuha doesn’t ask any further questions as he stands. He knows the spirit of children are those not to be prodded at and questioned— they’re still children, even if it’s for forever now. Kazuha grabs at the winds with a question in mind, in which they happily comply. 

Kazuha admits he’s the slightest bit surprised to see a spirit in Mondstadt. It’s said here that the wind helps them pass on, so color him shocked when he sees one so vividly. 

In Inazuma, the spirits haunt him, follow him everywhere. The moment any one of them hears he’s a Kaedehara, he gets swarmed by them. It had always been said the Kaedehara had a special ability to communicate with the dead, that they were always a step away from Death’s door.

Kazuha inhales deeply. Legend wasn’t wrong. The wind shifts and twists, causing him to look up at a cecelia that falls gently into his hand. “Let’s find your mother.” Kazuha says, gesturing at the girl to follow him before he walks off.

Edith, Edith, Edith… Have I met an Edith yet? His mind whirls, he doesn’t know where he’s going until it clicks, She’s a doctor? Dr Edith… Doesn’t she hang around Windrise? Kazuha abrultly switches directions towards Windrise.

It took an hour to get there since he stopped ever so often to make sure the spirit was still following him, but he makes it to Windrise, and true to habit, he sees Dr Edith standing by the trees. He approaches her, no plan in mind and just gives her the cecelia.

“What’s this for?” Dr Edith inquires.

Kazuha’s mind pauses, heat rising to his cheeks. He hadn’t thought this through, had he? He couldn’t exactly just say it was from Dr Edith’s obviously dead daughter. She stares at him expectantly, and a lie slips through his teeth, “Anemo infused. Your research… Is stuff like that, right?”

Dr Edith blinks in surprise, a split second that Kazuha uses to twist the wind around him and infuse the flower. “Ah, yes,” She smiles, “Then I suppose I should thank you. I can’t say I’ve ever seen an anemo infused cecelia before.”

Kazuha nods, “You might not want to hold it without gloves for too long. Anemo is fussy.”

Dr Edith nods, “I understand. Thank you…?”

“Kazuha Kaedehara,” He says.

“Kazuha,” Edith nods, “I’m Edith.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kazuha replies. “I suppose… I’ll,” He pauses, looking at the anemo infused leaves up in Windrise’s canopy before looking back at Edith, “Let you get back to it?”

She smiles, kind, “Thank you.”

Kazuha bows and swiftly retreats to the opposite side of the Windrise tree. “Hello?” He calls out to the wind, “Child?”

“Cecelia,” The wind gently corrects, “Has passed on safely.”

Kazuha lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, resting against the bark of the tree, “Good. I’m glad.”

The wind tousles his hair in a way that reminds him of Barbatos, “Good job, Little Breeze.”

Kazuha shakes his head, “It was nothing.” He’s glad he could actually help them here. His heart stings at all of the spirits in Inazuma, chained to their domain, to their grief, that Kazuha was unable to help.

He used to sleep every night hearing their vivid wails, their painful calls to ancient family members that no longer existed.

Kazuha swallows back the tears that sting at his eyes, willing his mind silent with ease of habit. He sits against the trunk of Windrise’s tree and just breathes.

The moon hangs low in the sky tonight as Venti looks out the window. He looks up from the paperwork Jean had given him, a statement he was supposed to prepare for tomorrow, where the Knights officially reveal him and Barbatos’s brief ruling of Mondstadt, with a sigh. “I wonder how Little Wing is faring…”

Venti hadn’t run into him at all today, which was undoubtedly strange. The wind hadn’t made them cross paths yet, much to Venti’s dismay.

“He is fine,” The winds whisper.

“Can you tell him to come here?”

“Of course.”

It was but a moment later where Kazuha appears behind Venti, on the window sill. “Barbatos.”

Venti whirls around, staring at Kazuha in brief shock. Is this how Jean feels? He had felt the wind twist, of course, but Kazuha’s presence in the wind was near undetectable. It freaks Venti out many a time. The boy had explained it briefly to him before— a result of his harsh training and conditioning, but it’s always slipped Venti’s mind. “Little Wing!” Venti chirps, smiling.

Kazuha tosses something at him, which Venti catches without thinking. His eyes snap to the red, round object, a glint of confusion in them.

“I know you’re a God but,” Kazuha stares at the Archon, “You probably haven’t eaten today, right?”

Venti blinks, before his smile stretches to something kinder, “Thank you, Little Wing.”

“No need to,” Kazuha mirrors Venti’s smile, except on his face, Venti can’t help but think it looks peaceful and serene— almost like a glimpse at the Archon he’s going to be.

Venti’s chest inflates with something akin to pride as he whirls his seat around and sits down, “Well, how was your day today?”

“It was okay,” Kazuha replies, shrugging. The light of the moon bounces off his pale blond hair, making it faintly look like it’s glowing to Venti.

Venti’s eyes crinkle as he stares, delight dancing in his pupils. Humans have always been undoubtedly beautiful to him. “Okay?” He asks, looking for more.

“There was a spirit earlier today,” Kazuha says, his red eyes trailing to Venti, “I thought the wind helps them pass on?”

“Sometimes they need a little extra encouragement,” Venti replies, “Or they want to give their final goodbyes.”

“Ah, so that’s what it was.”

Venti tilts his head, “Did you help one pass on?”

“He did!” The winds chirp cheerfully, “Little Breeze, Little Breeze, Shepherd of Souls!”

Kazuha’s cheeks tinted pink, “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Oh but it is!” The bard exclaims, “You helped a spirit pass on! That’s not something mere humans can do, Little Wing!”

Kazuha’s eyes widen, “What… What do you mean?”

“Mere humans can’t help spirits pass on,” Venti replies, rubbing the apple along his shirt to shine it, “They have to have divine blood of somesort. But for you…”

“It seems like you’re already becoming divine,” Venti says, taking a bite out of the apple.

Kazuha bites his cheek, “Really?” He asks. He had expected it to feel different but Kazuha still feels exactly the same. He’s almost disbelieving, but he knows better than to doubt Barbatos’s words.

“Really,” Venti confirms.

Kazuha hums in reply, silence engulfing the two once more.

“For what it helps, Little Wing, I think you’re going to be a great Archon.” Kazuha’s surprised laugh rings in Venti’s ears— a sound he’ll cherish.

Kazuha’s eyes glint with mirth before they soften, overtaken by the familiar kind gaze, “We’ll see. You’ve given me a lot to live up to, after all.”

“But you can do this,” Venti says, firmly, “You’ll live up to it. And you’ll be better.”

“Better?”

“Better.”

Chapter Text

All kameras were on Mondstadt. In the public square, Jean steps onto the podium, addressing the recent changes in the nation and rebuilding efforts of the bridge leading to the city.

Venti stands off to the side waiting for his entrance with Kazuha. “I’ll admit, I’m kind of nervous.”

“Of having your identity revealed en masse?” Kazuha asks.

Venti nods, “I doubt I’ll be able to travel freely anymore.” His eyes glint with something a little like regret, and Kazuha knows exactly what he’s thinking.

“Hey, stop that,” He says, “You’ll be able to travel fine. People will always be annoying but they won’t be that annoying. I mean, they have their own Archons to revere.”

“I suppose you’re right, Little Wing.”

Kazuha’s lips quirk up into a smile, “Of course I am.”

Venti smiles too, that soft, gentle smile that lets Kazuha know Barbatos had got the message and taken it to heart.

Jean finally calls for Venti, “Due to the overwhelming recent affairs, Barbatos will be responsible for rebuilding efforts. Any questions about Mondstadt’s future city and architectural planning can be routed to him directly.” She locks eyes with him and nods, “And finally, Lord Barbatos will like to address Mondstadt.”

Venti steps onto the podium, “Hello, Mondstadt,” He smiles, “It’s an honor to be back on an official scale. These past few years— or well, decades , really, that you have allowed me to live amongst you like one of you were the best years I could ever imagine. I look forward not only to return Mondstadt to its Golden age, but to emphasize why we love Mondstadt to the Earth and Heavens alike.” 

Venti allows Jean to take back control, stepping off the podium before the lense of the cameras flash, quickly rounding a corner and seeing himself out. 

Kazuha leans on the wall of the alleyway Venti had just walked down, “How’d it go?”

“You’ll see it on the news,” Venti replies, “I didn’t say much, maybe I should’ve said more.”

“Well it has been a while since you’ve had to do something on an official scale,” Kazuha says, “Cut yourself some slack. I’m sure you did fine.”

“Thank you, Little Wing.”

“Hey, Little Wing,” Venti says just as Kazuha enters the office.

The former samurai pauses at the door, looking at the occupants— Jean and someone he doesn’t recognize, “Venti.” He greets.

The new person’s eyes widen, “So this is your Little Wing! I’m Lisa, dear. It’s stunning to meet you.” She says with a lilt to her voice and a sashay with her hips.

Kazuha dips his head in greeting, “Kazuha,” He says, shutting the door behind him. His red eyes lock with Venti’s azure ones, “Is there anything you need…?” He pointedly ignores the sharp look he gets from Jean— keeping his gaze steady.

“Yes, actually,” Venti says, twisting the wind to give Kazuha a letter that the former samurai easily catches. “Take this to Albedo.”

Kazuha nods, “Okay.” 

“Aw, look at Little Breeze playing messenger boy!” The winds coo, which Kazuha ignores until they tug at his ponytail.

“Hey, hey! I said gentle !” Kazuha huffs at the winds, causing Venti to burst into laughter.

“They’re becoming more teasing by the minute, huh?” Venti breaks out into a grin that Kazuha rolls his eyes to, earning him a sharp look from Jean.

“They are,” Kazuha’s lips quirk down into a frown, “It’s usually not this bad though.”

Venti hums, “I see.”

Kazuha looks between the three, “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything. I’ll take my leave if that is all—”

“Actually,” Lisa interrupts, “We were going to contact you anyway.”

Kazuha quirks a brow, looking at Venti curiously, “Is that so?”

Venti nods, “Inazuma has expressed interest in a treaty with us.”

Kazuha’s jaw works, “Is that so ?” He sighs, “The Shogun did?”

“Ei did,” Venti says.

Kazuha hums, “Interesting. I suppose you already have that in the works then.”

“We were curious to see if you had any ideas,” Lisa says, “They let Mondstadt draft it, but we’re all still quite uncertain what to put. After all, they are a seas away, and none of their borders interfere with ours.”

Kazuha wasn’t stupid enough to ignore the subtext under those words, “You want their intentions, not my ideas.”

Lisa blinks, and her lips stretch into a hollow smile, “Yes.”

“Don’t take offense, Little Wing,” Venti says lightly.

“I don’t,” Kazuha replies, flatly. “It’s Ei— Beelzebul— that reached out,” His gaze lands on Venti, “That seems less of a region issue and more of an Archon issue.”

“Even more reason why you should participate in the conversation!” Venti chirps.

Kazuha sighs, “I’m not going to be ruling , I’m sure she wants to talk to you rather than me.”

“Or maybe she wants to get on your good side again.”

“Have you told anyone?” Kazuha presses, “Because if not; then I doubt that’s the reason. Now if it’s about—” He cuts himself off at Venti’s sharp gaze, “—that then, it could be likely.”

“It’s about that,” Venti confirms.

“Great,” Kazuha sighs again, “Excellent, really. So what they want is an alliance more than a treaty.”

Lisa nods, “I see… We’ll write it with that in mind.”

“Good luck,” Kazuha says dryly, fighting the urge to scoff. Writing an alliance with Inazuma would be much harder than the three ever know— just getting the Rebels allies had made his head hurt. Clan politics were also something to consider— Inazuma politics in general are a lot. “I’ll go deliver this now.” He pivots, heading towards the door before he hears Venti say, “Wait!”

Kazuha freezes, looking over his shoulder, “Yes?”

“Come back when you’re done,” He says, softly, “I have people I want you to meet.”

Kazuha hums, dipping his head in reply and leaves the room.

“Well he was in a rush,” Lisa comments.

Venti frowns, “Sorry, he’s not usually like that,” His gaze trail over Jean before he looks at Lisa again, “He’s feeling tense. He’s usually quite relaxed.”

“I see,” Lisa chuckles, “Well everyone has an off day, sometimes~”

“Archons can’t afford off days,” Jean says, speaking up for the first time in forever.

“He’s still human, Jean,” Venti says, gently, “Let’s have some sympathy.”

The room falls into silence at Venti’s words.

Kazuha glides off the top of the cathedral, letting the winds carry him past Windrise, past Springvale, and a handful of other spots before he lands in one of Dragonspine’s many entrances. 

Kazuha breathes in, his brain quickly indexing the temperature and speed of the wind— the smells that filter through his nose, Snow. Mint. Ice. He ignores the way his heart beats in his ears for favor of his surroundings, Seelies. Fatui. Fire. Ruin Guards. He puts his glider away, gently wrapping his hands in bandages he had heated up in preparation of this, to keep his hands warm and cozy. He glances at the letter in his hand, Albedo , it reads. 

I don’t think I’ve ever met Albedo before, Kazuha muses, mentally organizing the information he knows about the guy. He knows that Albedo’s an alchemist, a rather good one at that. Barbatos had rambled about it one day, late at night. Additionally, Albedo’s a part of the Knights of Favonius and has a little sister who’s also in the Knights of Favonius. 

That’s about all he knows about the Alchemist.

Kazuha hums to himself, tracing the hilt of his sword to ground himself in the present. Time to find out more. He walks into Dragonspine, muttering as he gently prods the winds, “Can you lead me to Albedo?”

“Of course, Little Breeze,” The winds reply, the chill from the breeze stinging Kazuha’s cheeks, “ Stay warm.”

Kazuha nods, “I will.” He brought a box of matches just in case. Although he considers himself proficient with campfires, he’s never really been in a snowy climate before, and has no actual clue how snow affects the branches and flamability, so for a last case scenario, he brought matches.

Now that he thinks of it… His gaze trails over the snowy wonderland in front of him.

This is Kazuha’s first time seeing snow. He hadn’t gone to Snezhnaya yet when he got wrapped up in La Crux, who were actually in Sumeru by the time Venti hunted Kazuha down— and other than that, Kazuha’s just never been this far north before, or well, to this Mondstadtian region in particular. His heart twists with childlike curiosity as despite his better judgement, he crouches and scoops up a handful of the substance. His gaze sharpens, taking in every little detail of the substance. 

It’s actually beautiful, Kazuha gazes over at the snowflakes that are actually quite hard to differentiate, but when one has spent time looking over every tiny detail of a weapon, one’s eyes sharpen to a certain point. The wind gently prods at Kazuha’s hair, bringing him back to the present. He drops the snow, the cold making his hands sting briefly, before dusting himself off and standing.

It’s time to find Albedo.

He was going to chop the head off of the ruin guard before an arrow whizzes past him, laced with pyro, and strikes the ruin guard dead in the eye. Kazuha looks back, over his shoulder, seeing an archer perched far above him. The samurai’s the slightest bit impressed at the precision with the distance, although it’s a fleeting feeling.

He doesn’t bother whirling around when the figure drops down behind him, walking up besides him. The bow the woman wears reminds Kazuha faintly of bunnies. What shocks his more is the woman wearing shorts — incredibly short shorts — in Dragonspine! Much to his dismay, he finds himself staring before snapping out of it. He nods at her, “Thank you.”

“No problem!” She chirps back, her eyes raking over Kazuha’s body in a way that makes him stiffen out of instinct, “I’m Outrider Amber! And you are?”

Ah, so a Knight then. “Kazuha,” He replies, sheathing his sword.

“What a strange name! You’re not from here, are you?”

Kazuha shakes his head, “Inazuma.”

“Ah,” Amber drawls, “That makes sense. What brings you to Mondstadt?”

He hums, was this an interrogation? “I moved here a while ago. The wind is nice.”

“So it is!” She replies, cheerfully. Her lips stretch into a smile, “And what brings you into Dragonspine?”

“I have a message to deliver.”

“Oh? From who?”

Kazuha sighs, are all Knights this nosy? “Venti.”

Amber’s eyes widen, “Oh! To who?”

Kazuha raises a brow, “Is this necessary?” 

“Of course!”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair, “Albedo.”

“Oh!” Amber chirps, “Let me accompany you then!”

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Amber blinks, her red eyes connecting with Kazuha’s own, “That was a fast agreement!”

“I’m not opposed to company,” Kazuha answers, tilting his head, “Let us start walking?”

“Really?” Amber asks, a glint in her eyes, “With how you were brooding, I would've thought you were a loner!”

“Brooding?” He asks, curious as the two walk.

“Eyes looking far away, super silent and everything!”

Ah, him talking with the Winds, then. Kazuha shrugs, “I prefer company. I like being around the living.” He adores chatty people such as Amber or Barbatos. He himself is actually quite chatty when comfortable, and despite his superior hearing abilities, Kazuha despises silence. Silence reminds him too much of his days in Inazuma; where his family home was forcefully emptied, where his only companion had left to challenge the Shogun, where the war had left only blank spots in rosters next to his name— Kazuha’s lived a lifetime of silence already. 

“Oh, awesome!” Amber perks up at the words, chatting away about Knightly duties and how the citizens of Mondstadt don’t really admire the Outriders since they’re seen as too perky or something and—

Kazuha pauses, and the wind shifts. He tilts his head, and listens.

“A blizzard is coming soon,” The winds whisper into his ears, “Leave Dragonspine before then.”

Kazuha hums, both in reply to Amber’s ramble and the winds themselves. The two come across a small opening in the mountains, and Amber’s the first one to take a peek inside.

She gasps, “Albedo! It’s awesome to see you!” Amber opens the curtain, stepping aside to let Kazuha in before she herself steps inside too.

Kazuha’s gaze takes in the room, trailing over the countless contraptions he can’t name to make a mental map of the place. The first thing he takes not of is the lack of exits— it makes his skin crawl. He looks at Albedo, a rather short man with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Something about him strikes Kazuha as off with a sinking feeling in his stomach. His heart beat— Wait, Kazuha pauses, he can hear those now?— lacks the steady rhythm and cadence of humans like Amber, and it makes him undoubtedly curious.

This isn’t the first nonhuman Kazuha’s met though, so he keeps his mouth shut in terms of questions and instead says, “I’m Kazuha. Venti asked me to deliver a letter to you, so here it is.” Kazuha fetches the letter from one of his thigh satchels where he kept his abundance of kunai and shuriken— just in case— and hands it to Albedo.

Albedo takes the letter from Kazuha’s hand gently, as if he’s afraid the human will crumble like one of Rex Lapis’ geo constructs, and nods, “Thank you. I’m Albedo, Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius.” 

“Nice to meet you,” Kazuha says, lips quirking up into a kind smile.

“Likewise,” Albedo replies flatly.

Intonation must not be his strong suit , Kazuha muses. His eyes take in Albedo’s figure, interest catching on the geo vision. Admittedly, Kazuha hasn’t seen many geo visions before. His close friend, Gorou, has one, but that’s about it. 

 “Well,” Kazuha says awkwardly— he truly has no reason to stay here anymore. The chill of Dragonspine itches under his skin in a way that almost stings, and he’s desperate to get back to normal weather. “I’ll see myself out then. It was nice to meet you. I hope we can meet somewhere… warmer next time.”

The edges of Albedo’s lips quirk up in the parody of a smile, “I hope so too. Good luck on the way down.”

Who said he’s going down? Kazuha nods, “Thanks, I appreciate it.” He whirls around on his heel, heading out the curtain and back into the chill. 

Kazuha walks through the Whistling Woods. The glint of the moon reflects little due to the canopy above him, yet the former samurai doesn’t pay it any mind. The glint of something in the distance catches his eyes, though. With trained ease, he can easily identify it as something familiar— from a weapon.

Shifting into a stance that was practically engrained in him— bent knees, slightly slouched, arms wide, stance certain— Kazuha silently sneaks through the trees with practiced ease. He’s nestled in the bushes when he finally catches a glimpse of someone.

A woman, short blue hair and bright eyes, dancing with a large claymore under the moon. The moon light kisses her cheeks, brightens her skin, and shadows her eyes in a way that makes Kazuha doubt for a split second that he’s looking at a human— but the consistent pounding of her heart makes him certain.

She grabs the claymore with such ease Kazuha’s almost scared. It’s laced with gold accents and it’s blade is made with the quality steel Kazuha himself has only used a limited amount of times and it’s clearly weighty. Her muscles contract beautifully and Kazuha finds himself admiring the body of the trained dancer in front of him.

The wind blows through the clearing, except it brushes against the woman’s cheek and blows directly to where Kazuha is watching. His heart drops when he spots the silent hint of alarm in her eyes as she goes to raise her sword before he reveals himself. “Hey, I don’t want to fight,” He says gently, raising both hands, “I was just watching, promise.”

There’s a tense silence before the woman lowers her weapon, distrust laden within her gaze.

“I also haven’t been here long,” Kazuha admits. “I was just watching because well…” He trails off, eyes raking her figure before spotting the familiar attire and a lie easily twists under his tongue, “You’re a Knight and I’m new here. I think I got lost on my way to Mondstadt City. It’s late, I’m just trying to get home.”

The silence is loud . The only thing heard between the two is the whistle of the winds between the trees— a sound truly making this place live up to its name. The woman, eventually, sighs, “Okay.” She says, “I will guide you back to the city. If it turns out you are lying , I will seek vengeance.” The glare levelled at him is a solid one, Kazuha admits, but unfortunately for her, he gets that glare on a near daily basis from an Archon who’s flattened villages before and thus, he isn’t even the slightest bit intimidated.

Kazuha nods, “Okay, thank you. I’m Kazuha.”

The wind around them chills almost imperceptibly.

Too bad Kazuha’s perceptible to a fault.

“Eula Lawrence,” She states, voice flat.

Lawrence… Venti’s mentioned that name many a time. One of the Mondstadt clans, Kazuha nods, “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” She replies, curt. She starts walking not a beat later, expecting him to follow, which he does.

The two walk in silence for a few minutes before Eula asks, “You are new to Mondstadt, are you not?”

Kazuha nods, glancing over at the woman, “Just moved here.”

“That explains,” She hums.

“Explains?” Kazuha asks, wanting clarification.

“Your lack of a reaction.”

“Because of your clan name?” At Eula’s hum, he says, “I’m from Inazuma. I know a thing or two about being judged for your clan.”

She pauses, slightly surprised, “Ah. I should have figured that out.”

Kazuha nods, “You are not your clan nor is your clan you, no matter the amount of training or conditioning they have put you through.”

He thinks he sees the slightest bit of a smile on her face, although half of him thinks it’s a trick of the moon. The walk back to Mondstadt City continues in relative silence, until the two reach the gate. Kazuha turns back, looking Eula and dipping his head in gratitude, “Thank you.”

Eula nods, “I was merely doing what was required. I have no need for your thanks.”

“Regardless,” Kazuha says. 

Eula just nods at that and continues walking into the night. Kazuha watches her as she disappears into the shadows. Kazuha shifts, switching direction towards Mondstadt’s gates. 

“Little Breeze, Barbatos wants to see you.”

“Where is he?” Kazuha mutters.

“Angel’s Share.”

Kazuha hums, switching his trajectory from home to the bar. The rowdiness of the bar is heard before Kazuha even opens the door, but it doesn’t deter him. He swings open the door, eyes raking over everyone present. No one looks over at him, luckily, as everyone was singing in joy and crowding around a certain bard. He didn’t even need to look to know who the bard was, knowing Venti’s many songs by heart.

Kazuha walks up to the counter, taking a seat at the stool. The bartender had long, fiery red locks tied up in a low ponytail and bright, red eyes. The bartender nods at him, “Hello.”

“Hello,” Kazuha says, “What’s the selection for tonight?” 

The bartender lists off various wines and beers Kazuha hasn’t even heard of before— he’s not a really big drinker. Luckily, before he has to answer, Venti’s song ends and the bard spins onto the stool next to Kazuha, “Zuha!” The bard greets, interrupting the bartender’s spiel.

The bartender merely rolls his eyes, awfully used to the bard’s tactics. Kazuha smiles in greeting, “Venti.”

“Get us two cups of dandelion wine!” Venti chirps at the bartender.

“Are you going to be able to pay for that?”

“I will,” Kazuha interrupts Venti’s next sentence, “I’ll cover it.”

The bartender raises a brow, “Good friends?”

Venti slings an arm over Kazuha’s shoulders, grinning madly, “The best!”

Kazuha chuckles, ignoring the way that Venti’s breath smelled heavily of alcohol, “Absolutely.”

The bartender reaches for the alcohol while Venti yaps in his ear, “That’s Diluc. He’s super popular ‘round these parts and the owner of Dawn Winery.”

Dawn Winery… Of the Ragnvindr family? Kazuha nods, taking the information to memory, “Got it.”

“He’s also,” Venti’s voice drops to a whisper that would be inaudible to those around them, “The Darknight Hero.”

Kazuha hums, “I see.”

The clinks of two glasses sound in front of them, one of which Venti grabs instantly, putting it up to his lips. He grins, proud and wide, “Today, you’ll taste Mond’s pride and joy!”

Kazuha gingerly grabs his cup, taking a sip of the surprisingly sweet and smooth wine. The burn of the back of his throat is familiar— and ironically reminds him of home. Back on La Crux where Beidou and the rest of the crew would drink themselves under sometimes, Kazuha including.

“How is it? How is it?” Venti questions, his azure eyes brightening in excitement as he leans closer to Kazuha’s face.

“I like it,” Kazuha replies, leaning back to maintain the distance between him and the Archon.

Venti laughs, bright and boisterous, “I knew you would!”

Kazuha smiles, "Sure you did.”

“Did you get the letter to Albedo?”

“Of course I did,” Kazuha replies, sipping on the dandelion wine. His pointer finger traces the rim of his cup, “It was pretty easy to find his camp. Although, granted, I was accompanied.”

“Ah!” Venti snaps his fingers, “By Amber, right?”

Kazuha nods, “Yes.”

“You met four Knights today!” Venti chirps, taking a swig of his wine. He licks his lips before continuing, “That’s awesome. Look at you, socializing around, Li— Zuha ,” He corrects absentmindedly.

Kazuha huffs out an amused chuckle, “Yeah, yeah. Socialization. Fun.”

Venti grins at him, “I have someone else for you to meet too!” He spins on his stool, waving someone over.

The person struts over to the two, his blue cape fluttering through the wind. Kazuha stares— he has to admit, this person is good looking. His skin is dark and smooth, and the eye that he has showing is half-lidded and a glimmering blue. The eyepatch under his bangs only serves to accentuate his jawline— and the way he stands, tall and intimidating, makes Kazuha’s heart slightly flutter. 

“This is Kaeya!” Venti says, jutting out a thumb towards him.

“Nice to meet you,” Kaeya says, voice deep and smooth in a way that rings in Kazuha’s head.

Kazuha nods, “Nice to meet you too, I’m Kazuha.”

“He’s the Calvary Captain of the Knights!” Venti adds, joyous. Kazuha’s unable to tell if that’s because of the wine in the bard’s cup or because of the introduction.

“I see,” Kazuha smiles, “A noble role.”

Kaeya smiles smugly and holy shit Kazuha is gay. The former samurai looks away at the sweet liquid in his cup.

“Flattering coming from you,” Kaeya says. “You yourself look noble.”

Kazuha raises a brow just as he raises his red eyes to lock with Kaeya’s chilling blue, “Right.” 

Kaeya doesn’t let the small comment dismay him, as he easily shifts to lean on the counter and chat the night away with Kazuha. Venti, seeing as his friend is occupied, goes back to the rest of the bar, singing the night away.

It’s a few drinks later where Kazuha looks over Kaeya’s shoulder to glance at Venti, who he’s sure is drunk beyond the point of return. 

“Worried?” Kaeya asks, word said with such a lilt it sends heat to Kazuha’s cheeks.

“Somewhat,” Kazuha replies. “I suppose I should make sure he gets home alright.”

“That would be for the best,” Kaeya says, “Are you calling it a night?”

Kazuha hums, hopping off the stool he’s gone with less ease than usual. “I am. It’s quite late.” Not that he has anything to do tomorrow, but it is getting late. 

Kaeya nods, “Get home safe.”

Kazuha smiles, “I’ll make sure to.” He gently prods at the Winds, causing Venti to glance over at him. He tilts his head towards the door, to which the Archon nods.

The bard dismisses himself, walking over to Kazuha and grabbing the samurai’s wrist, leading them out. Kazuha stumbles slightly, tipsy and surprised at Venti’s sudden action. 

“Ah, sorry, Little Wing,” Venti says, softly.

Kazuha blinks in surprise, realizing the Archon’s… surprisingly sober. “It’s fine,” He replies, letting the God lead them through Mondstadt. 

“Did you enjoy tonight? Nothing too bad?”

Kazuha laughs, knowing what Venti was hinting at, “Venti, you know how much I drink normally. I’m fine.”

The bard grins, his eyes raking over Kazuha’s figure, “Good! Just making sure your ability to hold liquor hasn’t magically vanished.”

The former samurai rolls his eyes, “It hasn’t. You can relax.”

“Me, relax?”

Kazuha huffs out a laugh, “You seem to do that often, can’t do it now?”

“Little Wing!” Venti huffs, good-naturedly. 

“Barbatos,” Kazuha snaps back, teasingly.

Venti’s smile morphs into something softer, gentle almost when the wind ruffles through his bangs. It flips Kazuha’s mood instantly to something more reminiscent and attentive rather than teasing. Kazuha replies with a smile of his own, and the two make their way home.

Chapter Text

“Little Wing!” Venti sings as he feels the wind shift behind him. He whirls to face the window, “I think that’s a new record! I didn’t even—” He raises his hand, catching something. “Huh? Oh!” And just like a few nights ago, an apple rests in his palm. “How kind of you, Little Wing,” Venti cooes, cackling when Kazuha rolls his eyes.

“What’s up, Barbatos?” Kazuha asks, resting an arm on one of his knees, “What errand am I running today?”

“Already settling into a routine, Little Wing?” Venti teases, “Should I make you my personal assistant—? The Yae Miko to my Raiden?”

Kazuha’s nose scrunches, seemingly very opposed to that idea, “I prefer being freelance.”

Venti snorts, “Suit yourself then.”

Kazuha huffs out a laugh, amused at how offended Venti seemed at his denial, “It’s nothing on you— I just prefer the emptiness of my days.”

“Oh, so you’re lazy!” Venti drawls.

Kazuha rolls his eyes, “If that’s what you see it as then fine.” Although now that he’s thinking about it, he probably should seek employment somewhere if he’s staying in Mondstadt for the long term. His stores of mora aren’t running low by any means, but if that night at the bar was any indicator, he needs a plan of action and quick. Kazuha’s not one to shy away from drinks by any means, and alcohol has just a certain buzz to it that makes it worth it in his eyes.

Not to mention food . Food in Mondstadt unless hunted was expensive. Kazuha’s been hunting the past few days fine, but if he were to get any busier with Venti’s errands, then it’d no longer be possible.

“A lot on your mind, Little Wing?”

Kazuha hums, “Somewhat. I just have to sort out a few things. Figure out how to live.”

Venti nods in understanding, “Employment, probably, right?”

Kazuha nods, “Yes.”

“Well!” Venti chirps, “You can probably try out being a Knight!”

Kazuha falls silent at that, his gaze downward. A Knight. Does he want that? He’s been a soldier once, and it admittedly haunts him to this day. He knows there’s bags under his eyes of the horrors that haunt his dreams— and while Mondstadt is relatively safe in comparison to the sheer death and disorder of Inazuma— being a soldier leaves a bad taste in Kazuha’s mouth. Because that’s what the Knights were, soldiers. They sign away their life for the city, and most likely get a buckload of benefits in return.

The silence between the two anemo wielders is loud before Kazuha breaks it with a low hum, “I’ll think about it.”

Venti nods, “Think long and hard! I just think that Mondstadt could use someone like you in their ranks. It’s not often we get someone who’s already so proficient in combat, Little Wing.”

Kazuha smiles, “I appreciate it. We’ll see. If anything I could possibly help train the Knights instead.”

Venti’s eyes widen, “You’re a genius Little Wing! I’ll bring the idea up to Jean!”

Kazuha nods, “Glad to be of service.” He shines the apple in his hand, looking at it before asking, “What other services were you looking for today?”

“Ah! I was just thinking we could just take a stroll through the city together today.”

Kazuha bites the apple, red eyes locking with Venti’s as he chews, waiting for the Archon to elaborate. Venti does eventually elaborate, “I just want you to see the city through my eyes, maybe? I think it’d help with getting you situated!”

Kazuha hums, “I’m not opposed to the idea.” He’s especially not opposed to spending any time with Venti at all— the Archon’s presence is something he admires. He loves how easy it is to just be around Venti, the way all his worries melt away near the God. “We can do it.”

Venti brightens, a smile stretching his round cheeks, “Yay! Alright, I’ll get all this stuff settled then and tell Jean. Meet me at the Library?”

Kazuha tilts his head in question.

“Knights of Favonius Library.”

Kazuha nods, “Got it.” He waves before falling out of the window. 

Venti doesn’t bother looking outside, knowing that his Little Wing protects the winds as much as the winds protect him. He stares at the window the former samurai was sitting in, a small smile on his face.

He wishes he can be here for when Kazuha turns into the Archon he craves to be.

“—Truly!” Venti says as the two walk through towns square. “I think that Mond needs a better education system sometimes, of course nothing like the Akademiya but—”

Kazuha nods along, skin crawling as he feels yet another stare at the back of his head. He loves being with Venti, yes, but this is the first time they’re seen out in public together. Venti’s arms are draped over Kazuha’s shoulders, holding the human close as he talks Kazuha’s head off about random affairs he wants to help Mondstadt with.

“Who’s that person Barbatos is with?” He hears one whisper.

“I don’t know, some new guy.”

“He looks… Like he’s from Inazuma or Liyue.”

“I’m willing to bet on Liyue. You know how strict they are over there.”

“I thought Inazumans couldn’t travel?”

Venti pauses at an alchemy table, greeting a young adult by the looks of it. “Sucrose! How are you?”

Sucrose is rather… shy, Kazuha notes. She slouches in on herself when she’s addressed, nervously adjusting her glasses to sit higher on her nose bridge. Her eyes are naturally wide, reminding Kazuha faintly of a startled deer. Her ears lay flat against her head, looking more like whisps of hair than anything— but traits that the former samurai identifies easily nonetheless. Her hair is a pale teal, and her skin is pale too— unnaturally pale, almost.

Kazuha wonders if she gets enough sunlight.

“A-ah, Lord B-Barbatos,” She shakily smiles, wringing her fingers together, “I’m okay. W-who’s this with y-you?”

Kazuha bows somewhat, “Kazuha Kaedehara. It’s nice to meet you, Sucrose.” He punctuates his statement with a smile of his own.

Her heartbeat speeds, that much he can hear, and her cheeks color. Confuse riles within him at the reaction, but he otherwise doesn’t mention it.

“Just call me Venti!” Venti chirps, “Have you made any progress on your most recent project?”

Sucrose’s eyes light up at the question, delving easily into the quantum mechanics of crystalflies and how they affect the environment and…

The wind shifts slightly, and Kazuha looks over his shoulder. His red eyes clash with purple for a brief moment before they vanish. Kazuha’s skin crawls, they were most definitely being watched. Kazuha tilts his head and just listens.

The conversation between Venti and Sucrose drowns down as Kazuha listens to the winds of Mondstadt and their words.

“No, it’s interesting, I promise! We should definitely have a university of somesort here. Or something academic. I think it’d really help.” Lisa, Kazuha identifies.

“Can you stop doing that?! ” A mother to her child.

“How dare you? Do you really think that Mondstadt’s meant to be ruled by your hands?” Eula, his mind supplies, in slight shock.

“I should check on the Winery later.” The bartender from earlier, Diluc.

“I know you’re listening, Little Wing!” Vanessa. Kazuha smiles, her statement is accompanied by a giggle. “Meet me at Windrise later! I have something for you.”

Kazuha tugs on the winds gently, sending Vanessa a reply, “Okay,” He murmurs.

“I really hope your research continues to go well,” Venti smiles, kindly. “And while I don’t know anything about alchemy, I do happen to know quite a bit about the crystalflies in the area,” He says, amusement dancing in his tone.

“You don’t say,” Kazuha can’t help himself from snidely commenting, causing Sucrose’s mouth to slightly part in shock as she looks over, almost panicked as the Archon.

Kazuha’s stomach twists as he immediately identifies the emotion as Fear, but he knows intimately that Venti wouldn’t do anything. His mouth feels dry, and he almost feels sick. What reason does Sucrose have to fear Venti? She was a child of Mondstadt, was she not?

Venti, Celestia bless him, doesn’t notice the tension that had arisen between the two vision holders and just laughs. The wind blows, responding to the Archon’s joy with the faint whisperings of wind chimes. “Never cease to amaze, Zuha.”

Kazuha rolls his eyes, his gaze landing on Sucrose once again.

Venti hums, “Well I won’t keep ya any longer!” He waves at Sucrose, “Good luck! We’ll be heading out but it was super nice to see you! I’ll probably check in again today or tomorrow.”

“Bye,” Sucrose says, meek in a way that kind of makes Kazuha sick.

Venti spins on his heel, happily walking off and expecting Kazuha to follow. Hesitantly, Kazuha takes a step in Venti’s direction before looking back at Sucrose, “He’s not going to do anything, you know. If you treat him… Normally.”

Sucrose stares, wide eyed as blood rushes to her cheeks, coloring them red, “I-I know.”

“Just making sure,” Kazuha replies, soft and gentle. “I don’t mean to attack you, it’s just a reminder.” He offers a smile, portraying his intentions and pure and true.

To his surprise, Sucrose replies with a smile of her own before her gaze downturns, “Thank you.”

Kazuha shakes his head, “No need to.” He pushes off his left foot, walking over to Venti who was actually quite a ways away at this point.

Venti walks over near the gate, stopping at a flower shop, “Flora!” He greets the child.

“Venti,” She smiles, “Are you here for more cecelias?”

“Ah! Do you have any?”

The edges of her lips quirk down, “Not today unfortunately. I tried to get them but they’re hard to collect.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Venti says, breezily, “This is Kazuha! He’s my best friend!” He juts a thumb out to the former samurai.

“Nice to meet you.”

Flora’s eyes scan him, humming, “Foreigner. But everyone is welcome here! Can I get you anything?”

Kazuha looks at the plants displayed— Mondstadt regional specialities— “A windwheel aster?”

“Of course!” She grins wildly, fetching the plant and holding it out while Kazuha fetches his pouch of mora. “You got taste! Windwheel asters are the best!”

“I would like to disagree,” Venti says, resting a hand on his hip, “Cecelias are clearly the best!”

“You’re biased,” Flora snorts.

“And you aren’t?” Venti cocks an eyebrow.

“Of course not,” Flora puffs her chest out, grinning like a madman, “I am the best florist in Mondstadt! Of course I’m right— not biased!”

“And on what basis might you be correct, young lady?”

“I swear on Barbatos—”

Venti raises a brow, huffing out a laugh, “Well Barbatos says you’re wrong!”

“Maybe Barbatos lacks taste!”

Venti gasps, one hand clutching his heart and the other clutching Kazuha’s arm as if he was fighting to stay standing, “Such disrespect!” He looks at Kazuha, incredulously, “Are you seeing this right now?”

Kazuha chuckles, “Yeah. I’m watching the last of the Seven being bested by a child.”

Venti groans, “Not you too!”

Flora giggles, “Have a nice day, mister Venti!”

“Mister?! Listen here I am not that old—”

Kazuha raises a brow, “Right, you’re older.”

“Zuha!”

Flora laughs, and Venti smiles. And for a while, Kazuha believes everything will be okay.

The two start walking over to Windrise, again with Venti mostly being talkative and Kazuha listening. 

Venti pauses on the Mondstadt bridge, seeing a child frowning. “Hey, Timmy, what’s wrong?”

Timmy huffs, eyebrows knitting together in fury, “Some mean kids came by and scared all the pigeons away!”

Venti frowns, “Oh, kid, I’m sorry. Here,” anemo swirls in Venti’s palm, a stunning, shining turquoise ribbon appearing seemingly out of no where, “If you tie this to the bridge, I’m sure they’ll come back and feel way safer.”

Timmy’s bright, wide eyes stare at Venti, “Really?” He asks, softly.

“Of course,” Venti smiles kindly, crouching in front of the child and placing the ribbon in his hand, “Thank you for taking care of the birds here, Timmy.”

Kazuha watches the cheeks of the child dust with pink, and embarrassed, Timmy looks away. He mutters, “It’s nothing.”

Venti merely chuckles at the reaction, as if he expected it— “Of course.” He rises, gesturing Kazuha to follow him, and the two walk away.

“Do the other kids bother Timmy often?” Kazuha asks, curious.

Venti clicks his tongue, “Unfortunately. Despite the constant reprimands, kids are mean. It’s something I’ve been trying to fix for a while, but humans fear what they don’t understand.”

Kazuha sighs, “That’s sad. Do Timmy’s parents do anything about it?”

Venti’s eyes swirl with emotions Kazuha struggles to decipher— Disappointment. Hurt. Sadness. “Unfortunately not. His parents are too focused on his older brother, that got into the Knights a while ago.”

“Ah,” The edges of Kazuha’s lips quirk down into a frown, “How… Unfortunate.”

“Yeah,” Venti breathes out, “It really is.”

Approaching Windrise, Kazuha pauses as he sees a familiar brunette approaching the two. “Kazuha, right?” She asks.

Kazuha nods, “Yes. Dr Edith, yes?”

“Yes,” The woman smiles, “I just came to say thank you. The cecelia gave me a breakthrough in my research.”

Venti’s eyes glint with interest, “What breakthrough?”

And yet again goes Venti , Kazuha thinks, amused, talking it off with researchers. He feels a tug on the wind, his gaze trailing up to the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero’s higher branches.

And up there, he spots a familiar falcon staring down at them.

Kazuha smiles, to which the falcon waves a wing. His gaze turns back to the conversation at hand.

“That’s amazing!” Venti chirps, “I’m so proud of you! Are you going to present your results in the Akademiya?”

Dr Edith flusters, slouching in on herself the slightest bit, “I would like to but—”

“Then you should,” Venti interrupts, “You should definitely. You have a theory that could redefine how we interact with Visions! Have you spoken to Sucrose about it at all? She’s doing something similar, although more focused on alchemy.”

“Oh I didn’t know that,” Dr Edith blinks, “I’ll talk to her.”

“You should go now! Over to town square by the alchemy table,” Venti says, “Sucrose only hangs in Mondstadt City for a couple of days before heading back to Dragonspine.”

Dr Edith nods, “I’ll be taking my leave then! Glad to see you both again. And again, thank you, Kazuha.”

“It was nothing,” Kazuha replies, bowing his head, “Have a nice day.”

“Thank you, you too.” And with that, Dr Edith leaves the two behind.

Venti leads Kazuha to the trunk of the Windrise tree, sinking down to the ground and patting the floor next to him so Kazuha does the same. He takes out his lyre, strumming a few notes before humming, “How are you feeling, Little Wing?”

Kazuha sits beside Venti, back against the tree. His eyes gaze towards the unusually clear sky, absentmindedly wondering if Venti keeps it that way on purpose. “I’m fine,” He says. 

At the silence and thrum of Venti's lyre, Kazuha elaborates, “With everything. I feel fine, genuinely. I just…” Venti hums, encouragingly as Kazuha continues, “I really do like Mondstadt so far. I’m just wondering if I’m really the one for this,” He admits. “You have some great people here— great Anemo users— like Jean. So why… Why me?”

The winds reply, “No one could ever be you, Little Breeze.”

Venti’s eyes flutter close, his fingers pausing on the lyre, “You were chosen by the winds, Little Wing. They chose you not only because you were the best person for Mondstadt, but for the element in general. Truly, I haven’t seen a human integrate the wind into your very being with such ease as you.”

Kazuha lifts his knees to his chest, arms wrapping around them, “I believe that makes sense…”

“Additionally,” Venti adds, slinging an arm over Kazuha’s shoulders, “I think Mond could use an Archon like you. Caring, listening, and attentive. With everyone you’ve met so far, all you’ve tried to do is help. It takes a great amount of care to do that.”

Kazuha’s eyes flickered to the lands in front of them— something he could just barely see. “I guess so.”

“You’ll know why in due time,” Venti says, disconnecting the side hug and strumming his lyre. “You’ll see why. I don’t choose lightly, Little Wing.”

Chapter Text

Kazuha isn’t sure what possesses him to walk into the holy building at the time of night. The wind had beckoned him, and all he did was listen. The pews are empty. The moon shines through the stained glass of Barbatos’s many adventures, painting stunning splatters of colors on the shining, porcelain floor. The wind is thick, heavy with the weight of unanswered prayers and grief.

Despite that, the wind is warm.

The church feels open— welcoming. The winds coo at Kazuha, greet him like he’s just walked home. They hug around him, lead him around the religious land, and even explain Barbatos’s exploits to him as if he hadn’t heard it from Barbatos himself.

Kazuha pauses at a door the winds had led him to— a library. Just as he was going to twist the handle to open it, he hears a voice.

“Usually people don’t fancy being out at night.”

Kazuha looks over his shoulder at the person dressed head to toe in religious garb. He lets go of the handle, turning around to face the person, “Apologies if I’m not supposed to be here…”

The person shakes their head, “The Cathedral is open to everyone, no matter what time it is. I’m Dahlia, and you?”

Dahlia, Kazuha repeats mentally, trying to find an instance in where Venti could’ve possibly mentioned the name. “Kazuha,” He says, bowing slightly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Dahlia’s lips quirk up, and for a moment, he looks serene, “Likewise. May I ask what troubles you tonight?”

Kazuha hums, “I wouldn’t say I’m troubled.”

Dahlia’s eyes glint in keen interest, “Really?”

Kazuha nods, leaning against the door behind him, “The winds led me here,” He says, “All I did was listen.”

The edges of Dahlia’s lips quirk up into a smile, “Seems as if the winds are fond of you,” The blond looks away briefly before gesturing towards the handle of the door again, “Come on, I’m sure the winds have something waiting for you inside.”

Kazuha nods, turning the handle carefully and opening the door. The library is massive— crystalflies illuminated by the moonlight shine little rainbows onto every surface. There’s bookshelves up to the roof and ladders wrapped in vines that provide a pop of warm color to break the visual monotony of silvery greys and whites.

A hand lands on Kazuha’s shoulder and gently pushes him into the room. Kazuha looks up, taking each and every corner of the room. “Wow,” he mutters, breathlessly.

Dahlia chuckles by his side, “To your liking?”

Kazuha’s never been much of a reader, really— at least, not of traditional chapter books. He much prefers collections of poems and vignettes, something nice and sweet. He merely nods at Dahlia’s question before asking, “So all the books here…?”

Dahlia smiles softly, walking over to one of the shelves as his hand trails over one book before taking it out and flipping it open to a page, “Hymns and rhymes Barbatos has left for us over the years. Approximately one book appears every year.”

Kazuha’s eyes widen as he looks back at the library, taking in the sheer volume of books present. “When did this start?”

“When Mondtstadt’s old library burned down,” Dahlia says, “Around five hundred years ago.”

Kazuha glances over to Dahlia, “There’s more than 500 books here.”

Dahlia smiles, “There is.” He places the book back on the shelf, “There’s been years with no books, and years with fifty or more.”

“Ah,” Kazuha nods, “Inconsistency.”

“Yes, but loved all the same.”

There’s silence as the wind howls between them. Kazuha’s hand twitches, a sudden urge to grab something filling him. His heart races as his eyes skim the shelves. The winds push and nag at him, and Kazuha’s irritation rises. Why don’t they just speak?

His eyes land on a specific book, and Kazuha doesn’t even process his movements before he’s already picking it up. The page opens, and it’s a small poem. Kazuha’s eyes are reading it before he even processes the title of the book,

“As a child, I wandered lands aplenty,

led about while clasped to my mother's hands,

and listened to the sounds all around me.

In the North, where tall mountains moaned and mourned their barren winter bones,

the wind did carry in the night, the sounds of wolves and other chilling tones.

Shall I tell you, oh ageless bard, what thy brethren winds did say to me?

How Boreas whispered to me, the secrets of what lays beneath the ice?

How many heroes have perished there, lost to time and light?”

“Elegy of a Windborne bard?” Dahlia muses over Kazuha’s shoulder, “Good selection,” he praises.

Kazuha bristles at that— he didn’t quite choose this as much as he was called to it. Kazuha merely nods, though, “It’s… quite pretty.” He says. The words haven’t had the time to fully process and he hates that he can’t say any more about the poem because clearly the winds led him here for a reason.

Dahlia hums in acknowledgement, bowing his head before saying, “Well I’ll leave you to it.”

Kazuha nods at him, waving at Dahlia’s retreating figure. In the comfort of the library, Kazuha takes a seat, book open, and spends the night reading through the various poems.

They speak to him in a way similar to the winds.

Kazuha awakens to the creak of a door and the soft pitter-patter of footsteps he recognizes. There’s a hand ruffling his hair before he’s fully pulled into consciousness.

“Little wing,” Venti says softly, “C’mon, it’s a brand new day.”

Kazuha hums, blinking his eyes open to stare into the Archon’s eyes, “Good morning.”

Venti immediately brightens, grinning widely as he replies, “Good morning!” He shuts the book Kazuha was reading and hoists the ex-samurai up to his feet, “It’s time for breakfast! C’mon.”

Kazuha chuckles, “Okay, I’m up, I’m up.”

Venti’s eyes shine in amusement, “Of course you get up when I mention food.”

Kazuha shrugs, “I am a simple person.”

Venti laughs, ringing and clear in the church as he drags the ex-samurai out. “Today we’re going to—”

“What’s all this racket?!” One of the nuns asks, walking over to the door. She has two twin tail drills and blonde hair. Her eyes are bright blue and her gaze vaguely reminds Kazuha of the Interim Grandmaster of the Knights. “A-ah, Venti.”

Venti smiles, “My bad! I was just fetching little wing here.” He then gasps dramatically, looking between the two, “Ah! You two haven’t met yet.” Kazuha nods as Venti points at the nun, “This is Barbara. She’s a nun here and doubles as a healer for the Knights. Oh! And she’s Mondstadt’s very own idol.”

Barbara smiles bashfully, twisting her foot on the ground as she knits her hands together, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Kazuha smiles, “Likewise.”

“Aaaand,” Venti drawls, gesturing to the ex-samurai, “This is Kazuha. He’s a newbie here in Mond but is a native at heart,” Venti beams proudly at the statement as something rises in Kazuha’s chest.

But is a native at heart, the words echo in Kazuha’s head and warms in his chest and he really doesn’t know what else Venti is saying and he can’t bring himself to care as his mind races because

A native at heart.

Kazuha can’t remember when his heart decided.

Venti grins, “Well now that introductions are done, do you want to join us for lunch, Barbara?”

Barbara’s eyes widen, “Oh I couldn’t possibly—”

“Nonsense!” Venti gently places a hand on Barbara’s shoulder, tilting his head, “I think it’d be nice for you two to get to know each other. You’ll be seeing each other more often, after all.”

Something twists in Kazuha’s stomach with the way Venti says that. He knows the bard won’t be around for much longer but watching him interact with Mondstadt’s citizens and them not knowing about Venti’s all too close fate makes Kazuha sick.

He’s never liked lying to people.

Kazuha averts his gaze as Barbara finally agrees after some back and forth with Venti. The three end up going to Good Hunter, and Kazuha learns quite a few things about Barbara, primarily, her troubled relationship with her sister. As Venti’s gone ordering their food (using Kazuha’s money,) Barbara speaks more and more. “Jean and I used to be really close. She used to braid my hair a lot.”

“Is she too busy to now?” The question slips from his lips before he can comprehend it, and he almost wilts at the way Barbara deflates.

“Yeah,” Barbara replies, picking at her nails, “She never comes home anymore. Or well, she has been coming home for the past few nights but it’s not willingly.”

The last part hangs in the air long enough for Kazuha to nod and grasp the meaning. “I see. That’s unfortunate.” He gently places a hand between Barbara’s thumb and forefinger, “That is not the safest habit.”

Barbara chuckles, “Sorry. Jean used to scold me about it all the time. The pain, it—”

“Helps you stay grounded?” Kazuha suggests. Barbara’s eyes widen minisculely before she looks away, colored and embarrassed. “It’s okay,” he says softly, “I used to do the same thing. But I found better ways.”

“Better ways?”

“Focus on your breathing,” he says, “The winds will exaggerate it for you if you really need help.” Kazuha gently lets go of Barbara’s hand, “I don’t think they’d want to see a Mondt child injured.” 

The wind bristles Kazuha’s blond hair, “You’re right, little breeze,” They whisper in his ears.

Barbara nods at that, hands falling to her lap and gaze downcast until Venti comes back. 

“And what happened here?” Venti asks, placing the food on the table, “Barb?”

Barbara smiles, eyes locking with Venti’s, “It’s nothing.”

“If you say so,” Venti smiles, taking a seat next to Kazuha, “Now! Let’s dig in!”

Barbara claps her hands, muttering a quick prayer before allowing herself to dig in. Kazuha nods, grabbing his skewers and he has them halfway until his mouth when Barbara speaks, “Venti… Have you thought of leaving Mondstadt?”

The wind stills in a way that unnerves Kazuha. Venti blinks in surprise, his smile stretching a bit wider, “No, what makes you ask?”

Barbara furrows her brows, “You’re the last of the original Seven. You’re not going to … Leave Mondstadt, soon, are you?”

The edges of Venti’s lips tip downwards, “What makes you think that?”

It’s not foregone how Venti carefully avoided the answer to the question to Kazuha. Barbara frowns before her eyes water in the slightest, “The winds are whispering it, Venti. That your days are coming to an end.”

“Oh Barbara,” Venti gently rested a hand on Barbara’s shoulder, “I can’t say that Mondstadt will forever be in my hands, but Mond will be in good hands.”

“I don’t understand why’d you have to go,” Barbara breathes out, “How would any of the religion work without you? You’re the life of Mondstadt.”

Venti shakes his head, “The Anemo Archon is.”

“And you are the Anemo archon.”

There’s a tense silence before the wind picks up in speed, shifting directions as Venti sighs, “I am.”

But Kazuha can’t help but hear the for now that comes after that statement. His heart twists and burns with how Barbara brightens up, as if her suspicions were gone and unfounded. Spit collects under his tongue that he quickly swallows down to prevent his outward reactions. 

The people deserve to know, Kazuha’s gaze downturns towards his plate, suddenly feeling too full for another bite.

The people deserve to know.