Archive of Our Own

After the hum of alchemical energy dissipated, Albedo stood very still in the aftermath, his hands shook faintly where they hovered at his sides.

Durin pushed himself straighter, body slightly swaying, eyes wide and terrified.

"E-...Echo?" he tried again, voice cracking as he clutches the hand over his heart to a shaky fist.

Nothing answered.

With what little they know from the last warning signal Echo manage to left them, they rush to search in the morning.

The first trips to Dragonspine were short and almost frantic, driven by the belief that they had simply missed something obvious. Mini Durin, fully healed from the curse-like corruption, flew low and fast, circling the mountain. Albedo followed on foot where he could, instruments tuned to absurd sensitivity, recalibrated again and again to catch a resonance that no longer existed.

They widened the search not long after. Durin traced old paths Echo favored. Then paths he avoided, and even the paths that made no emotional sense at all. Albedo expanded his scans beyond Dragonspine, checking Mondstadt's outskirts, ley line nodes, and even areas that should have been irrelevant.

Despite all that, nothing came up.

Some nights, they stayed on Dragonspine, refusing to descend as if leaving might finalize the loss. The cold crept in slowly, numbing hands and thought alike.

"I-I should be able to feel him!!" Mini Durin cried out one day, exhaustion and grief clear in his voice. "W-Why can't I feel him at all now...?!"

"... You should," Albedo agreed quietly. "Which means Subject Two accounted for that. Whatever he did to Echo, it was so absolute we can't even trace him."

Durin clutched both hands atop his heart, a wounded cry escaped his throat at the cruel reminder.

Days blurred into weeks.

Not once did the emergency signal repeat. And that, more than anything, told Albedo and Mini Durin the truth.

Echo Durin had used everything he had in that moment by the residue he left behind on Mini Durin courtesy of Albedo's request. And he uses that to warn them about Subject Two...and that he was no longer free.

Eventually, even Durin stopped asking to go higher. And Albedo, too, stopped pretending recalibration would change the outcome.

One evening, standing at the edge of a Dragonspine ridge, Albedo watched snow erase their tracks again.

"... I suppose we can use that offer the Traveler gave us," the Chief Alchemist admitted with a shuddered breath. "At the very least, to keep us anchored and not spiraling further."

Durin's wings twitched, nodding without much argument. "... Did you know how to contact them, Albedo?"

Albedo exhaled, slow and controlled. "... Sort of," he said, pulling out a Realm Dispatch he got from the golden-haired Traveler long ago. "There is somewhere I can visit to quickly alert them to come back to Mondstadt."

When the Traveler arrived with Paimon close as always by their side, the two companions can feel the tension from Albedo and Durin as they stood too still by the gates.

"... I got the alert that you visited the Teapot, but you weren't there when I entered. So me and Paimon quickly rushed here from Liyue; we ended up there for Lantern Rite, but stay longer than planned because...a lot of things happened, and we ended up helping with...something quite urgent with a friend of ours," Traveler uttered, detailed yet short with no more explanations given, one hand placed to their hip. "And judging by the tension you and Durin carry, which is unusual... You do that for a dire reason, Albedo."

"... Yes," Albedo finally replied, unusually tense. Durin stood silently behind his alchemist brother, eyes lowered.

"... I summoned you because someone is missing in a way that breaks rules. It's Echo," Albedo began; straight to the point. "He's gone. Not dead, thankfully. More like...removed."

Traveler's expression shifted. "And you can't find him."

Paimon flew forward. "D-Do we know who was responsible...?"

"... Subject Two," Durin spoke before the alchemist could. "I heard tales about him from Albedo."

Traveler stiffens, eyes shifted to Albedo. "H-...He's not finished? But I thought you--"

"Used to, but turns out he revived back then, along with the others. Echo told me that before his disappearance," Albedo explained. "And the last thing Echo left us was a warning, and that Subject Two had done something that made him unable to go back."

Traveler was silent for a moment before they nodded firmly. "... So this is a pursuit for a clear rescue."

Albedo looked toward Dragonspine far from them. And with a nod, he says, "... Yes. Now come, Traveler, Paimon. We'll talk and discuss more in my room at the Knights' Headquarters."

The walk from the city gates to the Knights' Headquarters felt so long.

Traveler walked slightly ahead, posture relaxed in a way that fooled no one, with Paimon floats closely beside them (although Traveler's new (old, they said--) outfit did catch some attention). Albedo matched their pace, hands balled to fists on his sides, gaze forward. Durin followed a step behind, too aware of the space around him and the way people looked at them.

Mondstadt was just about to start the day, as usual. Vendors were opening stalls, Knights passed in small groups, and laughter drifted from somewhere near the plaza.

The normalcy of it all on such a warm morning made it unbearable, especially what's troubling their mind at the moment.

They hadn't gone far when an older man greets them near the fountain, cane tapping softly against stone.

"... Excuse me," the older man said politely. "Chief Alchemist Albedo?"

Albedo stopped immediately. "... Yes?"

The man smiled, eyes warm. "I was wondering, you see... How is the other Durin doing? The one with bright red eyes."

The air shifted in that instant. Durin stiffened, while Albedo did not answer at once.

"He used to come by in the mornings," the man continued, unaware. "He listened well, quite relatable and nice to talk to. Perhaps with how he lived from an ancient time, he can connect to us old folks."

Durin's fingers curled reflexively. Traveler and Paimon shared a glance, unsure what to say.

"He hasn't come by lately. The others, including me, missed him," the man said, concern edging his voice. "Is he unwell...?"

Albedo inclined his head slightly. "He's...indisposed at the moment." the alchemist said, the word tasted inadequate.

"Oh..." the older man said, hesitating. "I-I see... Please tell him he's missed; Echo, right? We know he used to be known as Durin long ago, like the one here with opal-like eyes, but the one with red eyes always reminded us to call him Echo or Echo Durin instead." With a warm smile, he added, "Well, I won't intrude you for long. Hope you're all doing well. Please pass along our message to dearest Echo, alright?"

With a nod and polite parting words, they moved on.

They made it up the stairs near the windmill before someone else called out.

"Oh, hey!! Dur-- ah, I mean Echo!!"

Durin froze, while others watch as Bennett jogged over, smile bright. Once he took in the group, he yelps once he looked at Durin and found opal-like eyes instead of bright red.

"Oh shoot, s-sorry Durin!!" the young adventurer apologized frantically. "It's just-- it has been Echo outside for quite long, told me you're very sick. B-But this means you're all good now, right? That's great!!"

Durin swallowed.

"A-Anyways, is Echo alright?" Bennett continued, scratching the back of his head. "See, he usually stops by, helping me with training and hang around with me and my dads. Told me he likes how noisy the place is, and almost act like an old man himself when he keeps reminding me to eat on time whenever I forgot in the heat of the moment."

Albedo's jaw tightened. "He...won't be visiting for a while," he said, not giving more explanation.

The smile faded. "Ah... I-I see!! I'll tell my dads he's...busy? Now that Durin is back to health?" Bennett turned to Durin, giving him a thumbs up. "Nice to see you back on your feet, by the way!! Echo always tells me how worried he was for your well-being."

Durin nodded stiffly. Traveler and Paimon are at a loss of words.

They continued their way then. As they reached the set of stairs that'll lead to the Knights' Headquarters, Diluc stepped into their path.

From the looks of it, Diluc had been either came down the stairs from visiting the Knights' Headquarters or the Cathedral. And when he noticed them, he approaches.

His red eyes focused on each of them, lingering on Durin for a long moment before shifting his gaze to Albedo.

"... You're missing one," the wine tycoon said simply, noticing the visible tension from his short observation.

Albedo met his gaze. "... Yes."

Diluc's jaw tightened, seemingly debating internally, before he sighs. "... The red-eyed Durin-- Echo, he preferred-- hasn't been by the tavern in days. He's a good sensible person to talk to from all the other visitors of the tavern... Oh, right. He drank."

Traveler and Paimon were unable to hide their shock at the info, looking up to Diluc with eyes wide in disbelief. Albedo and Durin, though equally shocked, isn't reacting as much as the two companions, their minds focused elsewhere.

"Never enough to dull himself," Diluc continued, tone measured. "Always careful. Said he liked the warmth. Some days, he said it made the nights quieter."

Durin's breath caught.

"He made sure nothing carried over, so the body you two shared never suffered from it," Diluc added, eyes back to the humanoid dragon, a small smile on his face. "Not sure what he did to achieve that, but by the looks of it, guess he have his ways... In any case, glad to see you back, Durin. Echo always voicing out his worries back then, telling me you're quite sick."

Albedo's hands clenched briefly at his sides.

Diluc studied the group for a bit longer, then stepped aside. "... Let me know when he comes back. Or if you all need assistance."

They resumed walking once the wine tycoon made his way, probably back to the tavern.

No one spoke, but they knew each question followed them like a footprint they couldn't erase, realization pressed down hard and merciless.

When Durin had been weakest-- asleep, cursed, and unable to hold himself together-- Echo had lived.

He had spoken, listened, and lingered. He had found comfort in the slow pace of the elderly, kinship in Bennett's chaotic family, and quiet understanding in a certain red-haired man who watched more than he spoke.

And now, Durin was back to health, while Echo was nowhere.

Perhaps, words spread slowly later, and Mondstadt will soon knew that something-- someone, to be exact-- is missing.

Albedo closed the door to his room at Knights' Headquarters with care. Traveler lingered near the door, while Paimon hovered silently beside them. Durin walks and stood near the center of the room, shoulders tense.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Albedo let out a deep sigh and moved to his desk, fingers adjusting papers that did not need aligning, and does the same to his gloves next. Each motion was too practiced; like holding back something from exploding.

"... I need to review what we know," the alchemist said evenly. "Before speculation distorts priority."

Durin nodded stiffly. "Y-...Yeah. Of course."

Albedo activated his skill, summoning Solar Isotoma. The golden construct bloomed into existence with its usual soft resonance--

Then it exploded, shattered in a burst of fractured light that scorched the floor and rattled glassware across the room.

Paimon yelped. "What the--?!"

Albedo staggered back a step, breath hitches as his usual calm expression fractured. "T-...That shouldn't have happened," the alchemist said in disbelief, hands trembling as fingers flexes unevenly. "There were no instability or interferences."

Albedo staggered back another step, looking at the smoked imprint on the floor. "This...isn't right," he uttered, soft and unsure. "I-I'm not panicking. So... W-Why?"

Durin, Traveler, and Paimon felt their chest tightened as they realize what's wrong; Albedo, without his realization, was shaken.

Durin swallowed hard, forcing his breathing to stay even. He had to keep it together; someone had to.

"I-I'm fine," Albedo said quickly, words tumbling out too fast. "It's probably just...residual feedback. Right. The mountain's been weird lately. I-I can--" His voice wavered, stopping himself before he could say anything else that make no sense.

Durin's hands clenched at his sides. His shoulders drew inward, wings folding tight as if bracing against a blow that never came.

"... I-I should've noticed," the humanoid dragon whispered. "Back then. When he-- w-when Echo--" His breath hitched. "I should've woken up sooner."

Durin sucked in a shaky breath that didn't quite make it to his lungs. His chest stuttered, breath catching painfully as his vision blurred.

"I-I can't feel him," Mini Durin let out a choked gasp as he dropped to the floor, hands pressed to his face. "I can't feel anything where he used to be. Our shared space deep within is so, SO empty. As if--" Durin sobs aloud, "a-as if he doesn't exist anymore."

Albedo lowered his gaze, unsure what to say. Paimon glanced to the Traveler, who did not move immediately.

Once Durin's breathing and sobs slowed, Traveler stepped forward and knelt beside the humanoid dragon. "… It's not your fault, Durin," they said gently, only for the humanoid dragon to shook his head in denial.

Paimon floated closer. "H-Hey... You don't have to be strong right now, Durin," she said, voice soft and careful. "You already did that part."

Albedo stood very still, staring at the spot where the exploding Solar Isotoma took place before shifting his gaze to the others at the floor.

"... We will find him," the Chief Alchemist composed himself, determination clear in his voice.

The first disturbance was small enough to be dismissed.

A Knight patrol near Windrise reported a Hilichurl camp that had dismantled itself overnight, the tracks erased with deliberate care.

"... Like they didn't want to be found," Lisa hums as she skimmed the report, fingers tapping thoughtfully against the desk. "My, how considerate. Imagine that; Hilichurls cleaning up after themselves."

Albedo, standing beside her, requested the location immediately, with Durin and Traveler following close behind. Paimon stayed behind per Traveler's request, telling her to accompany Lisa on her tea time.

When the three arrived there, the camp looks...neat. No sign of struggle or a fight, and crude structures had been taken apart piece by piece.

Traveler crouched, observing the soil. "... They relocated," they said slowly. "Everything looks too clean for this to be anything unusual."

Albedo nodded. "Done intentionally, it seems. As if they've come to a decision after an observation."

A breeze stirred the clearing, lifting leaves and ash. For a fleeting moment, Durin's chest tightened. An instinctive pull flares his awareness; one he hadn't felt since--

Mini Durin shook his head, unsettled yet refuses to drown in too deep.

Reports followed over the next few days.

Near Falcon Coast, fishermen claimed something moved beneath the waves that wasn't swimming. It adjusted to the tide instead of cutting through it, surfacing only when cloud cover dimmed the light. When shouted at, it sank.

In Wolvendom, Razor froze mid-hunt as he and his Lupicals saw strange unfamiliar wolves from afar, who all left when they tried to get closer.

"... Smells like the snow mountain," the wolf boy later said to Lisa and the others, unease threading his voice. "But...wrong."

Durin felt that one like pressure against an old bruise.

The sightings were never clear, always distant enough to deny certainty. However, through all the available reports, one thing is clear; although different, they all shared a behavior.

"These monsters are not acting on instinct alone," Albedo said one evening, pen moving across his notes. "Their movements show both assessment and withdrawal."

Traveler tilts their head. "Like they're being controlled?"

"... No," Albedo replied after a pause, putting his pen down. "Like they're being taught."

Paimon yelps. "T-Taught by what...?!"

Albedo did not answer right away. And horrifyingly, that hesitation said enough.

The next incident removed any doubt.

A day before, Dahlia had helped Flora to put flowers on Dragonspine for a cold storage experiment. And today, the deacon set off to Dragonspine once more for the flowers' retrieval.

The deacon received some scolding out of worry from Barbara and the other Sisters for not saying how he goes quite far from Mondstadt a day before, especially with the strange reports all around. And so, after much convincing, Rosaria is assigned to assist Dahlia on his trip to stop their worries.

"Flora is a curious child still," Dahlia hums through the snow, two packages tucked under his arm as he and Rosaria approached the edge of a body of water in the mountains for the last packaged flower. "She heard whispers, probably, about the strange sightings. And with no clue of the danger it poses, she instead sees it as an opportunity to see if those bring any changes or not on this experiment she ever asked Traveler to do. And you know how they're quite busy with Albedo and Durin these days, no? So I volunteered~!!"

Rosaria huffs, crossing her arms. "If something jumps out, I'm blaming you."

Dahlia simply laughs at that, carefully digging out the last package. "Aaaand that's all!! Now, Sister Rosaria, let's we--"

The deacon froze, eyes focused to somewhere far beyond. Seeing this, Rosaria followed Dahlia's gaze in alert.

Far beyond them, half-shrouded in fog and snow, stood a silhouette too still, head slowly tilted as the figure notices them staring.

... A figure that looks Durin-shaped from afar, red eyes shining.

Dahlia swallowed, carefully putting down the three packages, summoning a Hydro shield around the packages to protect them from possible confrontation that might come, letting the snow freezes around it like a protective dome. Through it all, his eyes never left the unmoving Durin-shaped figure far from them.

"... That's not funny," the deacon uttered, hand twitching to summon his sword.

Rosaria, meanwhile, quickly summoned her spear into her grasp. "That's not him."

"... Still," Dahlia took a few steps forward despite himself. "... Hello?"

The silhouette finally moved, slowly lifting his hand up...and snaps his fingers.

The air felt distorted for a short while, and monsters quickly poured out from all around them, all warped in faint magenta light threading through their bodies like veins.

"Deacon Dahlia, MOVE!!" Rosaria shouted, her grip tightened on her spear as she lunges forward. Dahlia clicks his tongue, summoning his sword to join the fight.

Rosaria blocks some of the monsters' attacks, knocking them back. Dahlia jumps to Rosaria's side as he summoned a Hydro circle below the enemies, allowing Rosaria to use her burst of Cryo to freeze them.

The two fight in sync, with Rosaria charging forward and Dahlia supporting her, Cryo and Hydro blends well to both freeze and shatters the seemingly neverending enemies.

Exhaustion setting in as time passed, and a sudden pained cry Dahlia let out made Rosaria looked at him in alarm. "What's wrong?!"

"J-Just a scratch!" Dahlia quickly replied through labored breath, holding his bleeding right upper arm where a sharp frozen arrow managed to graze him. "Focus, Rosaria. They're stronger than norm--!!"

Dahlia's eyes widened, and before Rosaria could react, he pushes her away. Rosaria rolled and skids to her knees, looking up to scold the deacon, only to watch Dahlia got hit by an ice construct shooting up from the ground where she stood moments ago. He was thrown backward, breath ripped from his lungs as he hit the ground hard, vision swimming.

"Dahlia!!" Rosaria cried through labored breath, only managing to take some few steps to reach the fallen deacon before another monster block her way, strength far exceeding what its form should allow, magenta light surging along its frame as it prepared to strike her down.

Pyro-infused arrows cut through the air, burying itself cleanly in the monster's head and core, effectively bringing it down before it could hit Rosaria.

"Hey!" Amber's voice rang out across the clearing. "You don't get to gang up like that!"

Kaeya appeared beside Amber in a burst of Cryo, ice racing along the ground to seize another monster mid-motion. "Honestly," he huffs, sword already raised, "learn some manners."

The monsters halted on their arrival, the stillness felt like it was done in evaluation instead of fear.

And then, one by one, the monsters are all retreated back into the fog and snow, magenta glow dimming as if switched off.

With their departure, the silhouette far beyond was gone as well.

Dahlia was conscious but disoriented, shaking as Amber knelt beside him to check on him, with Kaeya and Rosaria following not long after.

"... What happened?" Kaeya inquired, already securing the three packages that Dahlia protected when the frozen shield fell apart when the deacon got knocked down.

Dahlia coughs a few times. "A figure that looks like Durin with red eyes... It-- H-He? Snapped his fingers," he said faintly, steadying his breath as Amber did a quick work on the graze at his right upper arm that revealed to be deeper than expected. "A-And the monsters just now-- they listened."

Rosaria stared to where the silhouette first seen, tightening the hold on her spear. "... Those monsters," she muttered, "they were both summoned and directed."

By the time Albedo and Durin arrived when news of the group's return with the injured Dahlia in tow was spread, only residue remained.

Durin stood rigid, stomach churned as opal-like eyes fixed on the faint traces of magenta energy lingering in the air. "... It feels like him," he said quietly. "Like Echo."

Albedo knelt, gloved fingers hovering just above the residue without touching. "But it isn't him," he said, voice tight. "The resonance is incomplete. As if they're mimicked through a filter."

Durin's hands clenched to fists at his sides.  "W-...What is Subject Two doing to him?"

Albedo straightened slowly, face unreadable. "... Teaching others to move like him," the alchemist said. "To borrow his presence without allowing him to answer."

They exchanged a look, shared dread settling between them.

The news of Dahlia's injury made the Knights of Favonius tightened their patrols around Dragonspine. For several days, routes were doubled, and scouts were ordered not to travel alone. Even the lower ridges-- paths once considered routine-- were treated with wary caution.

But nothing appeared; no silhouettes, no magenta glow, and no monsters answering to unseen commands.

At first, the quiet was taken as success.

Then the reports began coming in from elsewhere.

A faint distortion near Dawn Winery, noticed only because Sucrose had nearly walked straight into it while collecting Crystalflies' residue. She would have, too, had Diluc not reacted instantly, pulling her back as something malformed lunged from the trees, its movements jerky but intentional.

The creature fell quickly, but not before leaving behind the same faint magenta residue that refused to disperse normally.

By the time the Knights adjusted patrol routes again, the disturbances had already shifted.

At Wolvendom, Razor was hurt. Not fatal, thankfully, but bad enough that the tremor in his hands did not stop even after the monsters were gone.

Klee had panicked when she saw him fall, bombs detonating far too close in her frantic attempt to protect him. It drove the monsters away, but no thanks to those monsters, Razor was left bleeding, stunned, and shaking.

Traveler and Paimon found them halfway down the path. Klee sobs in fear as she dragged the injured Razor along by his jacket's hood, repeating the same question over and over.

"W-What's happening...? W-Why are they like that?!" the usually bright child asks between her sobs, shaking uncontrollably. "I-It's so scary!!"

Albedo froze when he saw her, feeling a foreign hurt at how unusually broken his little sister had become.

Albedo didn't hesitate after that, temporarily handing responsibility off without comment as he knelt in front of his sister, grounding her with quiet words and steady presence, accepting Klee's crushing hug as she cried into her big brother's arms. Meanwhile, Traveler and Paimon escorted Razor to Barbara, whose healing eased the worst of the damage, but not the fear clinging to him.

By the end of the week, the Knights were forced to spread thin once more. Whatever was happening was no longer localized.

And Dragonspine, ominously, had gone quiet again.

Durin told himself it would be quick.

Just a sweep of Dragonspine's lower ridges-- nothing deep, nothing reckless. The mountain had been too quiet ever since everything that had happened across Mondstadt.

Klee was slowly returning to her usual cheerful self, much to everyone's relief. But Albedo still stayed close more often than not, unwilling to leave her side for long. Dahlia and Razor had made full recovery ever since, while Traveler and Paimon kept themselves busy joining Knight patrols, checking lingering sites for residual anomalies.

Despite all of it, nothing could be traced back to Echo.

Durin, unable to stay idle, volunteered to check Dragonspine-- just once. Albedo had agreed, reluctantly, reminding him to be careful.

Don't act recklessly if something feels wrong, Albedo said back then. I'll do my part in the search once I'm sure Klee is all good on her own again.

Snow crunched beneath his shoes as he moved along the familiar path, breath fogging in the thin air. The cold bit deeper here, but Mini Durin barely felt it. His attention was outward, listening for shifts in wind-- for the faint distortions he had learned to recognize since Echo vanished.

As he felt nothing, he let out a quiet, defeated sigh.

... Time to go back then, Mini Durin thought, turning around--

Someone stood ahead of him, half-formed through drifting snow.

Durin felt his heart stumbled as the figure stepped forward, familiar red eyes caught the light.

"E-Echo...?" The name left Mini Durin before he could stop it, taking a shaky step forward.

The figure looked up.

It was Echo-- same calm lines, same thoughtful stillness, and the same gaze that always seemed to turn inward before meeting the world.

For a heartbeat, hope surged so violently it hurt. Mini Durin exhaled, relief trembling through him as he took another step--

Then Echo Durin smiled, wrong and unkind.

"... How fascinating."

The voice was Echo's. The intent was not.

"That was pathetically fast."

Mini Durin staggered back, a sharp gasp tearing from his chest. "No-- Y-You--!!"

Subject Two hums as he indulgingly took another step forward, slow and unthreatening.

"... I wondered how long it would take," he continued lightly, Echo's face tilting in mock concern as red eyes swept over Durin with keen interest. "And what do you know...? You didn't hesitate at all. What a funny sight, truly."

Durin's chest burned, opal-like eyes shone in rare anger as he glares coldly at the being wearing a borrowed face. "Y-You... Give him back!!"

Subject Two straightened, studying him through Echo's features for a moment. After that, he sighs deeply as he lowered his head, not really fond of looking like Durin.

Then, deliberately, Subject Two changed himself. Echo's features rearranged with clinical precision; hair lightening, structure shifting, red eyes draining into alchemical blue. The outfit followed along.

When Subject Two looked up again, Albedo's face had replaced Echo's.

Durin froze, and Subject Two laughs.

"There," Subject Two said calmly, Albedo's voice flawless, satisfaction unmistakable. "Much better. You always respond more carefully to this one, Durin." A snap of fingers. "Ah! It's Mini Durin for you, wasn't it?"

Durin's vision swam. Every instinct screamed at him to strike-- to lunge, to tear, or at least to do something. But he held his ground, fingers digging into his palms.

Subject Two noticed-- of course he did.

"... Interesting," he murmured, head tilting just a fraction. "You felt the provocation. I can see it. And yet, you restrained yourself."

Subject Two took a step closer, shoes crunching softly against the snow.

"I wonder," he mused aloud, "is that the golden child's influence?" His eyes flicked over Durin, sharp and measuring. "... Or the conduit's?"

The word hit like a blade, making Durin's breath caught. "T-The wha--"

The sound of fingers snapping cracked through the air before the question could form.

The space behind Durin warped, and suddenly, they were there-- monsters pulled from nothing, bodies threaded through with faint magenta light that pulsed like a second heartbeat.

They did not attack, just stood very still behind Durin.

Durin's muscles tensed anyway, wings half-unfurling before he forced them still. He didn't fully turn to take the bait, just enough to see the countless monsters behind him, then he focused his gaze back to the front.

Subject Two's smile deepened. "Well done, Mini Durin. You see it, don't you? The setup? Hah. How easy it is for fear turns into motion."

He gestured lazily toward the unmoving creatures. "I could have let them rush you. But that would teach me nothing." Subject Two's gaze slid back to Durin. "This, however...tells me quite a lot."

Mini Durin swallowed. He hated that it was working; hated that the question gnawed at him despite knowing it was bait. But the name burned too hot in his chest to leave unspoken.

"... What did you do to Echo?" Durin demanded.

Subject Two regarded him in silence for a long moment, eyes unreadable.

"... He's functioning as intended," he said at last, hand placed over his chest. "As a conduit. And a stabilizer." A deliberate pause. "A very cooperative one."

Durin flinches at the implication, his stomach turned.

Subject Two continued, almost pleasantly, "You do something to Mini Durin, and see how useful that trust becomes."

The implication landed with cruel precision, memories surfacing unbidden; of losing to a curse-like corruption that forced him to sleep, and the following silence where Echo's voice had once been.

Durin's fingers bit into his palms. "... You're using him," he said, voice cracking despite himself.

"Yes." Subject Two replied immediately, almost proud and sounding unapologetic.

Durin sucked in a sharp breath. "... And Echo?" The words rushed out now, restraint fraying. "Can he hear you?"

Subject Two smiled faintly. "No."

Something in Durin's chest broke.

"He hears only what I permit," Subject Two continued, patting his own chest in a mockery of comfort. "Silence is usually sufficient. But occasionally..." He tilted Albedo's head, expression almost gentle. "I speak. He listens. Never a chance for him to speak, of course." A deliberate pause. "That would destabilize the system."

Something inside Durin burned. Grief and rage surged together, hot and choking. The warmth he and Echo built together in their chosen coexistence, born out of trust and patience, had been twisted into something so meticulously cruel. So much it turned a bond that supposedly warm like a hug to something cold like a leash, and Subject Two is using that to imprisoned Echo.

Despite all that, Durin stayed where he was, body visibly shaking.

Subject Two watched it happen, and laughed. The sound rang too brightly in the cold air, delighted and sharp. "Oh, look at you," he said with glee. "You want to tear me apart. And yet...you don't."

Durin grits his teeth, every muscle screamed in protest, wings straining as his breath ragged. But still, he did not move to give what Subject Two wanted.

"... What an obedient child. That restraint again..." Subject Two hummed approvingly. "... I noticed you earlier, you know? So I thought, why not greet you properly?"

Durin snarled; so rare it shocked him deep within too, but he didn't show it to Subject Two. "That was a threat," he growled indignantly. "Not a greeting."

"And a demonstration," Subject Two finished lightly.

Mini Durin's glare sharpened. "You're showing off."

Subject Two laughed again, utterly pleased. "I'll take that as a compliment." And with that, he snaps his fingers.

The monsters behind Durin surged forward all at once, magenta light flaring brighter as the snow beneath them fractured. Wind howled as several raised their arms, unnatural gusts tearing through the pass, deliberate and controlled.

Mini Durin reacted instantly, wings snapping wide as he launched upward, barely clearing the grasping claws and warped blades below.

"Fly now, little dragon," Subject Two called after him, voice carrying effortlessly through the storm. "Warn them."

The wind twisted harder, snow whipping into a blinding spiral as the monsters advanced relentlessly beneath him.

Durin circled back instinctively, breath burning in his lungs--

Only to see them retreat.

One by one, they vanished into the fog and snowfall, their magenta glow dimming until it was swallowed entirely by Dragonspine's white silence. Subject Two was gone with them, and the mountain fell quiet once more.

Mini Durin hovered there, heart pounding, snow stinging his face, alone with the knowledge that this encounter had never been about killing him.

It had been about teaching him where Echo Durin was. And how untouchable that prison truly was.

Durin did not slow until Mondstadt's lights cut through the snow.

The wind tore at his wings as he crossed the last stretch of distance, cold burning his lungs, thoughts colliding too violently to settle. Fear clung to him like frost-- fear for Echo and for what had been done to him. And together with that fear, anger burned beneath it, with sharp grief followed along.

The humanoid dragon landed hard, shoes scraping stone, barely registering the startled shouts from a Knight on duty as he shakily pushed past, moving on instinct alone.

Faces can be worn, but not bonds.

That certainty was the only thing keeping Mini Durin upright as he headed straight for Albedo's room.

Durin burst into Albedo's room breathless, half-shifted in panic, wings still trembling as the door slammed open behind him.

Albedo was on his feet instantly, with Traveler and Paimon followed shortly after.

"What happened?" the alchemist asked.

Durin swallowed, forcing air back into his lungs. "... I-I saw him," he said, voice rough and uneven. "Subject Two."

The room went still with Paimon's shocked gasp breaks the silence, while both Traveler and Albedo stiffened.

"He wore my fa-- no," Durin corrected himself sharply, claws digging into his palms, "... Echo's face." His eyes lifted, locking onto Albedo's. "T-...Then he changed into you. On purpose."

Albedo stilled completely. "... And the others?" the Chief Alchemist asked quietly, already bracing himself.

"They're the same as the ones scattered around Mondstadt," Durin replied. "But stronger. More coordinated." His jaw tightened. "Which...is to be expected, now that I know why."

Traveler frowned. "... What do you mean, Durin?"

Paimon hovered closer. "Y-Yeah! What do you know...?!"

Durin drew in a shuddered breath. It caught halfway, as if his body rejected the words even now.

"... He found a way to use Echo," Durin said quietly, visibly shaking. "Subject Two took what me and Echo had warmly agreed on, and twisted it into something cruel."

Albedo's hand paused at his note taking, fingers wrapped around the pen tightly.

Durin forced himself to continue. "H-He...called Echo a conduit," A shuddered breath. "Subject Two made him to a stabilizer of some sort; something to regulate his own form. Echo Durin... H-He can't speak, and can't hear anything unless Subject Two allows it." Mini Durin's voice wavered. "... S-Subject Two said silence is usually enough."

The pen snapped.

The sharp crack echoed through the room, and only then did Albedo seem to realize what he'd done. Ink bled across his palm where the barrel had broken, but he didn’t look down.

"... A conduit," Albedo repeated, disbelief and understanding clear in his voice. "... I see."

"W-What is it...?" Paimon asked fearfully.

"... So that's why we couldn't trace him," Traveler murmured, lowering their gaze.

Albedo nods tightly. "... Echo's masking the fluctuations. Unwillingly."

They still didn't know how to locate and pin Subject Two down, lacking a way to reach him directly.

But now, at the very least, they knew where Echo was.

Nothing about this made the loss easier to bear. And yet, beneath it all, determination began to resurface.

Albedo slowly closed his hand around the broken pen, the ink staining his glove. "... Then we adjust," the alchemist said, voice controlled. "If Echo Durin is being used as a stabilizing point..."

Mini Durin met Albedo's eyes. "T-...Then saving him destabilizes everything."

Subject Two had turned coexistence into captivity. Trust into leverage.

And for that, there would be no retreat.

.........

......

...

Echo Durin is slipping in and out of consciousness.

He had no idea just how long it had been whenever he opened and closed his eyes; as there was nothing but absolute darkness here.

At some moments, Echo was awake enough to feel the chains pull, siphoning a lot of energy from him, yet adjusting to keep him intact. Then long stretches where awareness thinned until time lost its meaning.

No day, no night, and no warmth. Only the constant pressure of containment, like the space itself reminds him that existing was allowed only so long as it was useful.

It was pure silence here too, feeling no wind and sound exist. Just the uncountable chains clinking around; tightened only when needed, loosened only when efficiency demanded it.

When the links from the chains drew from him, it's always enough to weaken, but not enough to kill.

... A conduit. Just like what Subject Two told him what his purpose was.

Echo flinches, closing his eyes as he tried not to think of Subject Two.

... But he can't, unfortunately.

When Subject Two spoke, it was because he wanted him to listen. When he was silent, it was because silence worked better.

Echo learned quickly that screaming did nothing; there was no one to hear it, and no one who would answer even if there were.

So he stopped.

He counted instead; heartbeats, breaths, and even the faint pulses of energy leaving him in steady intervals. Sometimes, he traced memories just to prove they were still his; the sound of laughter in Mondstadt's streets, the warmth of a shared drink, the way Mini Durin's presence felt like a steady flame at his side, and much more.

Those memories hurt. But losing them would hurt more.

...

......

.........

Time passed. Or maybe it didn't. Echo wasn't sure anymore.

Then suddenly, awareness surged back, sharper than before, as if something inside him refused to stay submerged.

Echo slowly opened his eyes, a memory flashes in his head.

"... Did you know?" Mini Durin's voice said. "The wind hears everything."

Echo's eyes widened slightly, mouth agape.

"If you ever want to sing, dance, or fly again... Or just talk-- with both of us or either one--" Venti's kind voice followed, "you know what to do. The wind hears everything."

B-But...the wind doesn't blow here in this dark prison. Will his prayers-- begging-- be heard?

... Might as well, Echo let out a shuddered breath, hopelessness tinged with a fragile hope. I'm close to going insane anyway.

Through the continuous power absorption from the chains, Echo Durin closes his eyes.

"... Great Anemo Archon," Echo began shakily, feeling unshed tears began to pool around his eyes. "Lord Barbatos, oh Wind that listens and carries voices where they need to go."

A deep breath. "I-I don't know where you are," he continued earnestly, "but I know the wind does, though I'm not sure if my poor begging on this windless space would deliver my prayer, b-but..."

Echo sobs, openly crying as he shakes against the chains binding him, feeling it tightens slightly as more of his energy is siphoned out.

"I-If, by some miracle, you can hear this," Echo Durin weakly struggles against his bounds, knowing it is useless, yet he tried to find something to do to keep his mind from falling deeper into hopelessness, "p-please...h-help me..." He let out a choked sob. "S-Save me... R-Return me to your beloved land Mondstadt. T-To Mini Durin... B-Brother Albedo... E-Everyone..."

He repeated the prayer like a mantra, through cries of pain when the chains tighten too much to absorb more of his power.

Echo Durin slips in and out of consciousness, yet he repeated such begging whenever he opened his eyes again, no matter the wind hear his prayer or not; just to keep himself a little bit sane in this lonely prison he's trapped in.

.........

......

...

Dvalin descended to the ground somewhere at Stromterror's Lair, finally letting go Venti from one of his claws. The green bard let out a shuddered breath, only managing to take a few steps before he fell to his knees, palms slammed to the ground to avoid himself fully fell, coughing hard.

"... You're pushing yourself too hard, Lord Barbatos," Dvalin scolds out of worry. "Your beloved children of Mondstadt are not weak. Many of them can fight and protect both themselves and the others."

"... S-Still," Venti wheezed. "Most of them are mortals. It is my duty as the Anemo Archon to protect them whenever I could."

Dvalin frowns. "... Just because you've retrieved some of your sealed powers doesn't mean you can play god without looking after yourself. You have been circling and fought those unusual monsters around Mondstadt nonstop for six whole days, and not letting me, Boreas, and even those two humans Diluc and Jean find you quick enough to stop you. So forgive my rudeness to trap you within my claws when I finally found you and force you to rest, oh benevolent Anemo Archon."

Venti laughs breathlessly, finally letting himself laying down on the grass. "Play god...? Oh, Dvalin. But I AM a god," the Anemo Archon simply replied. "W-...Well then. Since you've been so kind, t-then keep an eye out, alright? I'll just...close my eyes for a mome--"

Venti blinked, feeling the wind carried a distortion that threaded through the Ley Lines, thin and fraying. It brushed lightly against him, and his chest tighten painfully at the faint, repeated begging that almost too quiet to be heard.

The wind recoiled around him, feeling quite wrong in a way Venti recognized like the stillness of Mare Jivari; like when one of Mondstadt's children Bennett almost succumbs as well in the harsh windless land.

Venti quickly sat up, ignoring Dvalin's questioning gaze. "... No," he whispered, closing his eyes as he placed a hand over his chest, focused.

The world shifted as he did. Threads of air bent inward by intent, and the scattered whispers braided together, pulled through Ley Lines and cracks in the world that only wind dared to pass.

"... There," Venti's hand shot up, seemingly grasping onto nothing. But when he tightened his fist, even Dvalin can sense the wrong stillness, questionable wind began to blew weakly around them.

"... Lo rd Bar batos--"

"--not su re if my poor beg ging on this wind less sp ace--"

"P-Pl eas e..."

"S-Save m e..."

Dvalin's eyes widened in terror at the familiar voice so faint it is almost gone, letting out a broken cry before he could stop it.

Venti, through his shock, let out a shuddered breath as he focused the wrong stillness around him instead, not letting Dvalin hear more of the prayer to not broke the dragon further.

Dvalin tried to compose himself, eyes focused to the bard. "L-...Lord Barbatos--"

Venti simply shook his head, fully focusing to hear the full prayer without leaking anymore to Dvalin, bringing down the closed fist to his chest, and grasping it with his other hand.

Echo Durin's voice was thin, frayed at the edges, as though each word had been pulled through something sharp before reaching the wind. Bone-deep exhaustion is clear in the quiet prayer that repeated like a mantra, and Venti's chest ache as he felt a fragile hope threaded through it.

Venti's fingers trembled, tightening his hold just enough to keep the sound from leaking further, swallowing the rest of the prayer into himself. The wind stilled around them, sparing Dvalin from hearing what might shatter him beyond repair.

For a long moment, Venti said nothing.

Then he exhaled slowly, opening his eyes. Shifting his gaze the side, the Anemo Archon move one hand down, plucking a single dandelion from the grass beside him. Its seeds quivered faintly, responding to his presence.

He then carefully filtered the prayer, cutting off parts that might broke those who heard them. Venti had thought to compress it to direct message that leaves Echo's voice out to avoid grief, but the image of Mini Durin frantically looking for Echo Durin made him come to a slightly painful decision that also acts as mercy, carefully choosing words that stays from the repeated prayer and keep the voice to bring comfort, especially to the one sharing a name.

Venti lifted the dandelion and fed it more of his power despite his exhaustion, Anemo glowed faintly as he made sure the dandelion is strong enough to carry the message and being a guide.

"... To Mondstadt," the Anemo Archon whispered to the dandelion. "Find those who are searching. Let them hear you." And with that, he let go of the dandelion, the wind carried it higher until it became a pale speck against the sky.

Venti slowly stood up, breath uneven, and moved closer to Dvalin. The dragon's massive form was rigid, wings drawn in too tightly, his breathing shallow and uneven despite his effort to appear composed.

Venti reached up, resting his forehead gently against the side of Dvalin's head, one hand patting him in grounding strokes.

"... It's alright, Dvalin," the Anemo Archon murmured. "I know."

Dvalin swallowed, claws digging slightly into the earth. "... Is Durin--" he faltered, then corrected himself, voice breaking despite his restraint, "... Echo. Will he be fine? Is his existence...at risk of ceasing?"

Venti closed his eyes. "I won't lie to you," he said softly. "He's in danger. What's being done to him is not meant to be endured forever."

Dvalin tensed.

Venti pressed his forehead more firmly to the side of Dvalin's head. "Fear not, Dvalin, for I have opened a possibility; one the others couldn't reach no matter how tirelessly they searched." His hand patted the dragon again gently. "They're closer now."

A shudder ran through Dvalin, the sound he made caught somewhere between a breath and a sob.

Venti let him have the moment.

When Dvalin finally steadied, Venti allowed himself to fully lean against the massive dragon.

"... Dvalin," the Anemo Archon said, fatigue finally bleeding into his voice. "Take me to Dahlia. I sensed him approaching Windrise. He must've been looking for me... I did leave without word to everyone, after all. Being Barbatos' messenger yet hearing nothing for days must've worried him."

Dvalin nodded slowly, shifting his stance to help Venti climb atop him.

"... I sensed Rosaria with him. Likely his escort, especially after what happened at Dragonspine," the green bard added with a chuckle. "... I guess that's fine. I had a feeling she might have ideas of her own, just like the others."

Dvalin huffed softly, wings spreading. "... You haven't exactly hidden yourself lately, Barbatos. Not from those who matter."

A fond laugh. "Well," Venti said lightly, eyes closing as the wind lifted them skyward, "it's hard to stay just a bard when the wind keeps calling you by your real name."

And with that, Dvalin took to the sky, wings beating strong and sure, carrying the Anemo Archon with him.

The wind shifted slightly over Mondstadt.

An old man sitting near the city wall paused mid-thought, fingers tightening around his cane as a breeze brushed past him, warmer than it should have been for the season.

"... Ah," he murmured, eyes softening. "That kind of wind again."

A dandelion, seemingly brighter than usual, flew past him, carrying a memory of a familiar voice.

"... Why so tired?" the old man whispered, closing his eyes. "I don't know what happened, but stay strong, dearest Echo."

The wind and bright dandelion continued through Cat's Tail, and all cats stilled in unison. Diona frowned as every ear flattened, every tail flicked, and every eyes following a drifting dandelion that seems too bright than usual.

"... Huh?" she muttered, placing a hand over her chest. "So heavy... A-And am I hearing things? It felt like memory, though unclear..."

The wind blows, bringing the bright dandelion back for a bit as it floats past buildings, and finally at the road leading to Angel's Share.

Kaeya pauses in front of the tavern's door, while Diluc stopped walking. The wind blew between them, carrying a weight that was both warning and reassurance. A bright dandelion followed shortly after, carrying a memory of a familiar voice.

Diluc's gaze sharpened, given a chance to hear a few clear words. Kaeya, though not hearing them, connect the dots by the wine tycoon's reaction and the heavy wind that blows between them.

The two looked at one another. No words need to be said for them to understand.

"... Looks like work's not quite done," Kaeya's usual grin softened, hand dropping from the handle.

Diluc slowly nods. "It never is."

The wind continued upward, bringing the bright dandelion with it, blowing through open air and familiar stone, and guided with gentle certainty toward a window that had been left open on purpose.

Albedo's room was quiet, and said alchemist sat hunched behind his desk, notes lay scattered across, calculations looping back on themselves where sleep deprivation had dulled precision.

Durin sat nearby, gaze unfocused. Traveler leaned against the wall with their arms crossed, while Paimon hovered beside them, unusually silent.

They had tried everything, but found no solution yet. And now, they rest after endless attempts to calm their nerves.

A gentle breeze blew into the room, and the bright dandelion rested on the edge of Albedo's desk.

For a heartbeat, nothing happened.

Then the air shifted, and the bright dandelion shone with concentrated Anemo. Albedo's breath caught as his Vision shimmered, Elemental Sight flaring on instinct.

Others began closing in as thin strands of Anemo curled around the shining dandelion, pulsing in a rhythm that was not random.

"... W-What is--" Paimon began, but was cut off by the bright dandelion pulses outward, sending gentle push of wind to everyone in the room.

A familiar voice pressed into their ears before it spread into their minds, cracked and uneven; like it had traveled too far to remain whole.

"...P-Please..."

Durin's knees nearly buckled. "That's-- E-Echo?!!"

"...H-Help me..."

The words wavered for a bit before it steadied, repeating faintly, as if clinging to the wind itself to avoid vanishing.

"...I-I don't know where you are...b-but..."

Paimon covered her mouth, eyes glistening. "H-He sounds so tired..."

"...I-If, by some miracle, you can hear this..."

Mini Durin made a sound somewhere between a sob and a growl, fingers digging tightly into his palms.

"...S-Save me..."

Traveler felt it then-- the unmistakable tug from the wind bending just enough to let sound exist where it shouldn't, all compressed to this unusually bright dandelion.

"...R-Return me...to Mondstadt..."

Albedo's breath shuddered. "Echo... H-His consciousness is stable," the alchemist said, voice tight but controlled. "The prayer is repetitive. That indicates deliberate self-grounding."

"...T-To Mini Durin...B-Brother Albedo..."

Durin fell to his knees at last, shoulders shaking openly now. "I-I'm here!!" he cried out fiercely. "I-I hear you, Echo! I swear I hear you!!"

Albedo straightened himself, eyes burned with resolve.

"...E-Everyone..."

The voice faded after that, slipping back into quiet repetition too faint to grasp before silence returned.

Albedo exhaled slowly, one hand cradling the unusually bright dandelion atop his desk. "... That was a transmission."

"And a location," Traveler added with a firm nod.

Durin wiped his face roughly and stood, wings flaring once before settling. "... H-He trusted the wind," the humanoid dragon said, voice steadier now. "He trusted us."

Every doubt that had lingered in their heads quietly died, determination replacing them.

Later that day, Deacon Dahlia stood at the front of the Cathedral, voice steady as the wind threaded through the open doors. He speak as the Helard of Barbatos, telling people of Mondstadt to be cautious and prepared; as the Wind spoke warning of future confrontation.

The message spread quickly to everyone in the city. Knights' patrols are tightened even more, conversations grew quieter, and eyes lifted more often to the sky.

Nothing happened for a few days, and Mondstadt grew quieter in a way that had nothing to do with peace. Patrol routes overlapped, Knights checked rooftops as often as roads, conversations lowered mid-sentence when the wind shifted, and more than a few people found themselves glancing toward Dragonspine without realizing why.

Albedo kept the bright dandelion close, its shine unwavering as if patiently waiting. Durin hovered near windows and battlements more often than usual, wings twitching at every unfamiliar current. Traveler and Paimon rotated patrols with the Knights, leaving no corner of Mondstadt unwatched for long.

On the fourth day after Dahlia's message of the Wind's warning, the wind turned cold.

The cold wind swept down from Dragonspine, spreading wide and sharp to raise goosebumps even beneath the noon sun. Clouds followed it, blotting out the light as if something vast had passed before the sky itself.

At Windrise, Venti straightened from where he had been leaning against the great oak tree, expression solemn. "... So it begins," he murmured.

The earth trembled faintly beneath Dvalin's shifting weight as the dragon rose, wings unfurling. The sky above them darkened further as the cold wind circling tighter.

Venti inhaled once, deep and steady.

"... My beloved children of Mondstadt," the Anemo Archon spoke, his gentle yet absolute voice carried far beyond Windrise, threading through streets and fields alike. "... It is time. May the Wind guide you."

Light flared as Venti summoned his bow, eyes and braid glowing with Anemo's brilliance as he moved toward Dvalin without hesitation.

Whatever was coming, Barbatos would not allow them to reach the city unchecked.

The Anemo Archon's message reached everyone. Doors across Mondstadt shut and barred as families sheltered together. The civilians who were still outside were guided by nearby people into their homes or by the Sisters into the Cathedral.

Barbara finished her prayer, turning around with quiet resolve and make her way out of the doors, walking through the other Sisters and civilians rushing inside the Cathedral.

Dahlia was already outside, staring up at the sky, where it has gone dark even though it is supposedly noon, clouds boiling unnaturally fast far above them. Rosaria was already by his side, spear already in hand.

"... If anything slips through the main gates, we'll handle it," Rosaria said, glancing to the pink-haired deacon beside her. "Remember to not push yourself too hard, Deacon Dahlia."

"You and everyone's worries are hardly necessary," Dahlia muttered with a sigh, summoning his sword. "Everyone's far too worried about me from my injury back then. I'm all good now!"

Barbara stops just behind them, summoning her catalyst. "It's because you matter too, Deacon." she said gently.

Across the city, Knights took their positions. Orders rang clear and sharp, and Mika-- usually so hesitant-- spoke with rare firmness as he relayed Jean's commands.

"Eyes up and stay together, everyone! Do NOT pursue alone!" the blond surveyor said aloud with rare confidence, which replied by sounds of agreement from Knights all around.

At Wolvendom, the wolves bristled as the cold wind carried unfamiliar scents. Low growls rippled through the pack as bodies tensed, claws digging into earth.

Razor tightened his grip around his claymore as he stepped forward, eyes fixed on the trees. Boreas loomed behind him, spectral form stirring as frost-laced air gathered.

"... Something approaches fast," the wolf spirit rumbled.

Razor nodded once. "Feel it too. Smell...quite familiar. But right now...better be on guard."

Footsteps burst through the underbrush, and the wolf boy raised his weapon--

"RAZOR!!" a familiar female and male voice cried in unison, and two figures broke into the clearing at a full sprint.

Boreas gave a low huff once when he recognized them as Razor's friends. "... Remain vigilant. Do not let your guard fall," the wolf spirit reminded Razor as the gathered frost dispersed, and his looming presence faded as he withdrew.

Fischl skidded to a stop as Oz flapped overhead. Bennett stumbled in just after her, nearly tripping over a root before catching himself with a laugh that was only half-breathless.

Razor froze. "... Fischl. Bennett." He lowered his claymore slightly, confusion knitting his brow. "Why...here?"

Fischl straightened, trying to look composed after the run, though her labored breathing is still too obvious. "W-We felt it!" she declared, pointing dramatically skyward. "The winds cry of impending calamity! How could we not answer?!"

Bennett scratched the back of his head. "A-Also, Master Jean sent word. The whole city is on alert, and we figured you'd be out here alone."

Razor frowns slightly. "... I can fight," the wolf boy said quickly. "I'm healed."

"We know," Fischl proclaimed at once, her usual grandeur tempered by something gentler. "But even a lone wolf should not be made to stand against the gathering dusk by himself."

Bennett nodded hard. "Y-Yeah! You always do that, Razor. You and the wolves, taking everything on yourselves." He put a thumbs up. "So we came to help! With, uuh, supervision."

Razor blinked. "... Supervision?"

A familiar chuckle was heard from behind Fischl and Bennett, sounding amused. Razor turned sharply at the voice.

"Oh my, that's quite the way to put it," Lisa stepped into the clearing, catalyst humming faintly at her side, expression calm but eyes sharp.

"T-Teacher...?" Razor uttered, shock clear on his face.

Lisa smiled softly. "Jean insisted someone keep an eye on you. I volunteered, and your two friends here decided to join once they knew where I'm going. Can't have you overexerting yourself again, hmm?"

Razor looked between them-- Fischl standing proud despite her worry, Bennett smiling like this was the most natural thing in the world, and Lisa quietly watching over them all.

His shoulders eased. "... Thank you," Razor said at last, voice low but sincere.

At Springvale, Diona hissed under her breath as she strung her bow and moved closer to the clearing. Draff and the other hunters spread around, taking cover behind trees and low stone walls, arrows already nocked.

Near the center of the clearing, two additional figures stood ready. Noelle adjusted her grip on her claymore, posture straight despite the tension in the air. Mona lingered just beside her, catalyst hovering at her side.

"Master Jean's orders," Noelle said calmly as Diona approached. "We're here to assist."

Mona's eyes lifted to the sky, where the clouds churned unnaturally fast. "... The stars are unsettled," she uttered, voice low yet measured. "Whatever is coming, its trajectory was never meant to cross Springvale. Yet here we are... Stay alert."

Diona clicked her tongue, tail flicking once as she took her position beside them. "Great. Just what I wanted to hear. Then don't blink."

At Dawn Winery, Diluc closed the manor's doors behind him. He adjusted his gloves as he walked past the rows of grapevines.

The wine tycoon stopped at the edge of a small clearing beyond the trees, where he remembered reaching Sucrose just in time to pull her from something malformed lunging at her.

Diluc exhaled slowly and summoned his claymore, his grip steady.

Footsteps approached behind him, and a coin flicked into the air.

"... Why are you here?" Diluc asked without turning, and Kaeya appeared beside him as expected, grinning as he catches the coin. The wine tycoon showed small surprise when Sucrose steps in and stop at his other side.

"No doubt in your abilities, of course," Kaeya replied lightly, sword flashing into existence. "But Jean worries. And frankly? So do I."

"I-I want to help too," Sucrose said with a shuddered breath, summoning her catalyst. "You protected me before. Please let me return the favor."

Diluc was quiet for a moment, gaze flicking from between them before he nods once. "... Then stand ready."

At Mondsadt's gates, Jean stepped forward to meet the gathered Knights.

"Amber, Eula, Mika, and several Knights are moving toward Dragonspine's foothills," Albedo reported. Durin stood close beside him, Traveler and Paimon just behind. "... And once again, I apologize. For all of this."

Jean shook her head. "This concerns Mondstadt. That makes it our responsibility."

Footsteps rushed from behind them, and to everyone's shock, Klee skidded to a halt near them, cheeks flushed and eyes fierce.

Albedo turned sharply at her. "K-Klee?! This is not--!"

"I-I know it's dangerous," Klee interrupted, shaking her head hard. "B-But this is about Big Brother Echo, r-right...? Klee haven't seen him for so long, always Big Brother Durin these days."

Her body shakes slightly, but she looks determined. "K-Klee don't know the plan, but she knows Big Brother Albedo and everyone here do." She looked at Albedo, then Jean. "I promise I'll stay with Master Jean. Klee is--" A shook of a head. "I-I'm not scared anymore!!"

Albedo sighs and gave a nod to Jean, who knelt slightly at met Klee's eyes. "... Very well. Stay close."

Above them all, the cold wind howled. And not long after, from the slopes beyond Mondstadt's gates, figures emerged through the darkened air-- Hilichurls, constructs, warped beasts, and more monsters. They all marched forward in deliberate lines, magenta light threaded through their bodies like veins beneath translucent skin, pulsing faintly with each step.

A distant clash rang out somewhere where they all stood, first faint and quiet before it grows, scattering all around them.

"T-...They're everywhere," Paimon uttered, and everyone raised their weapons as one.

Albedo reached into his coat and withdrew what looked like a compass, with the bright dandelion fixed at its center, the needle barely move.

"... Not enough," Albedo muttered. "The cold wind and the interference from these entities must be deliberate." His jaw tightened. "We won't get a clear detection like this."

Traveler exhaled, tightening their grip on their sword. "So we fight until a way opens."

Albedo nodded once, already slipping the compass away as he summoned his sword. "Exactly."

...

And so, all around Mondstadt, the enemies advanced.

...

"NOW!!" Jean commanded, and everyone marched forward and quickly battled the upcoming enemies.

Durin snapped his wings wide as he took to the air, drawing immediate attention. Magenta-lit arrows and corrupted elemental blasts tore upward toward him, and the humanoid dragon avoids them all flawlessly.

Traveler moved in beneath Durin, Elements cycling seamlessly as they cut through the advancing line. Albedo fought at their side, moving his blade to the enemies that manage to get close, then summoning Solar Isotoma to deal additional Geo blasts alongside Traveler's attacks, which added by Durin as he slams down in a burst of Pyro.

Klee hurled her bombs with a fierce grin, the explosion tore a glowing crater through the ground, scattering the enemies that Jean grouped and sent upward with Anemo, making them fall mercilessly to the ground.

At Dragonspine's foothills, Eula move almost gracefully in the fight, each swing of her claymore cut down enemies precisely.

"On your left!" Mika shouted as he quickly fired supporting arrows that enhances everyone's speed. Eula swung her claymore in a burst of Cyro at that side, and Amber's Baron Bunny flew overhead before Pyro arrows followed, igniting the doll and deal Melt damage to the enemies.

The other Knights gathered, formation tight as they watch more enemies coming in.

"There's more of them!" Amber prepared her arrows once more, already summoning Baron Bunny again.

Mika cast out his healing burst of Cryo around the team, making everyone feel refreshed once more.

"No matter," Eula said aloud, determination clear in her voice. "Break them anyway!"

At Springvalle, Diona's Cryo arrows, followed by Draff and the other hunters' as well, shoot the enemies with lethal accuracy. Magenta light flickered and as targets fell before ever reaching the village.

Mona stepped into the clearing, catalyst glowing. "Over here!" the astrologist cried out as she summoned her skill, the pulsing Hydro construct quickly draw the attention of the other magenta-tinted enemies toward it.

"Perfect!" Diona kicks a bottle of her special cold brew as it explodes in a burst of Cryo to the enemies drawn by Mona's skill, freezing them.

Noelle cried out as she charged forward, Geo shone around her claymore as she swung it with all her might, shattering the frozen enemies. Magenta light fractured and burst apart under the impact, enemies collapsing into nothing.

More magenta-tinted enemies emerged not long after, repeating the process; some fell, others simply took their place.

"... They just keep coming," Draff muttered under his breath while Diona growls, tail flicked sharply as she strung another arrow.

"Good," Mona uttered with a firm nod. "Means we're in the right place."

At Wolvendom, crackling lightning struck the incoming enemies as Fischl's arrows and Lisa's attacks hit them, slowing the enemies' charge.

"Oz, reveal thyself! GO...!!" Fischl cried out, and Oz flew forward, shooting more Electro attacks at the enemies.

"NOW!!" Bennett shouted, rushing in as he swung his blade down, Pyro colliding with the lingering Electro in a violent overload as a Pyro circle burst forth under him. It also prevents Bennett from getting thrown back by the explosion from the Overload reaction, unlike the enemies scattered around.

Everyone was quick to gather and stand in Bennett's summoned Pyro circle, letting its supporting effect flows into them as Lisa quickly summoned a purple lantern in a burst of Electro, sending shocks to the scattered enemies.

Razor summoned a wolf spirit in a burst of Electro before he surged forward, quickened steps and boosted attack made him able to finish what the blast left behind.

The last creature let out a distorted cry before dissolving into drifting magenta sparks.

Silence rushed in after the noise, broken only by the wind and the low growls of wolves on alert.

Razor stood still, chest rising and falling, eyes fixed on the trees. "... Not over."

Bennett wiped sweat from his brow. "Yeah... I can feel it too."

Oz flew and stops by Fischl's side as she lowered her bow just slightly, gaze sharp. "Then we shall remain vigilant."

Lisa hummed, already watching the shadows beyond the trees. Her fingers lazily brushed her catalyst, sparks danced between them.

"Well then," she said lightly, smile sharp beneath the calm, "let's make sure the next wave regrets choosing this forest to wander into."

At Dawn Winery, fire and ice collided in perfect rhythm.

Diluc surged forward first, Pyro roaring from his claymore. Before the flames' heat could fully burn, Kaeya steps in as Cryo snapped across the battlefield, frost raced over burning ground and locked enemies in place mid-motion, trapping their magenta light beneath a shell of ice.

Diluc then brought his claymore down, and the impact shattered everything. Ice exploded outward, consumed instantly by searing flame as the Melt reaction tore through the enemies, reducing them to fragments of light that scattered around.

"Still in sync," Kaeya remarked lightly, turning around to intercept an attack from the other side, sword flashing as frost lanced forward again.

Diluc humphed, not sparing him a glance. "Focus."

Another wave of magenta-tinted enemies pressed in, but the air twisted before they could close the distance. Behind them, Sucrose raised her catalyst with both hands, Anemo surging as green light explode under the enemies. She then threw a flask as it broke when it made contact to the ground, summoning what looked like a large green Cystalfly that dragged the enemies off their footing, pulling them together into a compressed knot of struggling forms.

"I-I'll keep them grouped!" Sucrose said aloud, voice shaking but steady.

Diluc turned to give a slight nod to Sucrose, then shifted his gaze to Kaeya. No words were exchanged, but like always, there is no need to.

Kaeya smiled faintly, already following Diluc close from behind when he moves forward. Pyro surged as Cryo followed, blending in together with Anemo.

At Cape Oath, Venti shoot another arrow. Anemo flared blindingly bright as the arrow vanished mid-flight, the air around it folding inward with violent precision. Wind twisted upon itself until a massive, blackhole-like vortex tore open above the ground. The advancing enemies were wrenched skyward, crushed together in screaming silence, their magenta light stretched thin before being snuffed out entirely.

Beside him, Dvalin roared as overwhelming gale is summoned, tearing through the next wave of enemies. "Begone," the dragon spoke through the corrupted air itself, stripping away lingering residue as though scouring a wound clean.

Silence finally fell as no enemies are left, leaving only torn clouds and the whistle of wind rushing back into place.

Venti lowered his bow slowly, chest rising with a controlled breath. His eyes remained sharp as he turned to Dvalin.

"... Springvale," he said, calm voice edged with urgency. "The pressure there is rising. Go. I'll handle what's happening within the city's walls. We'll regroup at Dawn Winery."

Dvalin hesitated, wings shifting uneasily. "... You are pushing yourself again, Barbatos," he warned. "Are you forgetting that time you fight nonstop for six whole days without notice to every--"

Venti met his gaze, his absolute resolve shocks Dvalin to a stop.

Dvalin's jaw tightened. He looked away for a moment, and was silent for a moment before exhaling a long, frustrated breath.

"... Very well, Lord Barbatos," the great dragon said at last. "We regroup at Dawn Winery. I assume you sensed conflict there too."

Venti nodded. "Yes. It's strong, but not as immediate as the one within the city's walls."

Dvalin stepped back, wings spreading wide. "... Do not overreach," he said once more, tone softer. "Please."

Venti didn't answer.

The great dragon sighed, already knowing. With a powerful beat of his wings, Dvalin took to the sky, streaking toward Springvale in a rush of wind.

Left alone, Venti swayed slightly for a heartbeat before steadying himself. He exhaled, fingers tightening around his bow.

"... Alright then," he murmured, closing his eyes.

And in a flash of bright green light, the Anemo Archon vanished from Cape Oath.

Within Mondstadt's city walls, the fight had turned vicious.

"Above-- watch the roofs!" a Knight shouted, just a heartbeat too late.

Shadows swept over the streets as magenta-tinted enemies descended from the sky, wings of distorted energy cutting through the air. Blades followed before warnings could finish, striking from angles no one had been guarding.

Rosaria spun, spear flashing as she skewered one mid-dive, frost exploding outward. But another slipped past her guard, forcing her back. Dahlia barely raised his sword in time, water flaring into a shimmering shield as a third enemy crashed down between them.

"T-They're coming from everywhere!" a Knight gasped, staggering as he was pulled free of the line.

"Fall back!" Dahlia snapped, voice sharp with barely contained fear. "Go inside the Cathedral-- NOW! You too, Deaconess Barbara!"

Barbara hesitated, hands glowing with Hydro as she knelt beside another wounded Knight. "B-But I can still--!"

"Barbara," Rosaria cut in firmly, stepping between her and a descending shadow. "Go. We've got this."

Barbara bit her lip, then finally nodded, retreating with the injured as Sisters rushed to pull the doors closed behind them.

Dahlia cursed under his breath as another enemy swooped overhead. "Airborne enemies are unfair," the deacon grumbled, summoning another wave of water. "Completely unreasonable."

Rosaria huffed, planting her spear into the stone. "Welcome to my nightly patrols, oh Herald of Barbatos."

One by one, the remaining Knights were overwhelmed-- dragged back, forced down, pulled from the fight-- until only the two of them remained standing in the battered square.

Breathing hard, Dahlia glanced sideways. "Deja vu...?"

Rosaria scoffed weakly. "... I've had worse nights. Somehow."

She lunged, Cryo flashing as she cut clean through an approaching enemy. Frost climbed its form--

--and it kept moving.

The creature swung, the impact catching Rosaria squarely and sending her skidding across stone. She rolled hard, pain flaring, and forced herself upright just in time to see Dahlia throw up a Hydro shield in front of himself.

The enemy twisted, stealing the Cryo still clinging to its body as it swung to the Hydro shield. Ice crept across the shield's surface, and shattered as the enemy swung again at the frozen barrier, making the deacon let out a shocked gasp.

Rosaria surged forward, heart lurching as the enemy move its blade toward Dahlia's heart, who tried to raise his sword up in desperate attempt to block the fatal blow, even when the tip of the enemy's blade had nudged his chest slightly--

The air shifted.

A brilliant green arrow screamed down from the sky. It struck the ground between them and dissolved instantly, collapsing into a blackhole-like spiral of wind. The pull was sudden and absolute, remaining enemies ripped screaming into its grasp, dragged upward and erased as the vortex consumed only them. Rosaria and Dahlia were thrown back, but unharmed.

When the wind finally stilled, silence rushed in. Dahlia and Rosaria stood there, panting heavily as exhaustion crashed over them all at once.

Slowly, both looked up.

At the hands of the huge Barbatos' statue stood Venti. His bow lowered at his side, braids and eyes still glowing faintly. His expression is unreadable, distant and terrifyingly resolute.

Rosaria exhaled shakily, taking an unsteady step back. "... Still not used to that," she muttered. "Even when you know."

Dahlia felt the strain in the air as well, along with the worry wrapped tight around the city. "... Ven-- B-Barbatos--"

Venti closed his eyes.

A surge of wind burst outward from beyond the walls, slamming shut invisible paths as barriers of air rose, sealing Mondstadt from further incursion.

"... Just temporary. Not like Decarabian," he murmured, mostly to himself as he opened his eyes. "... Safe now." And with that, he turned around, vanishing in a flash of bright green light.

Rosaria sagged back against the wall, letting out a long, ragged breath. "... After this," she said hoarsely, "we're getting a drink."

Dahlia laughed weakly, gaze lingering where Venti had stood. "... I'm worried about him." He glanced at Rosaria. "When this is all over, Sister Rosaria... I'm placing a very large bet on where he'll go."

Rosaria groaned. "... Fine, I'll come. But if you're wrong, Deacon Dahlia, then you're paying."

They stood together in the quiet aftermath, listening to the wind and hoping it would be enough.

It felt endless. Wave after wave of enemies pressed forward, magenta-lit bodies falling only to be replaced by more. The air rang with steel, elemental bursts, and shouted commands. None had yielded from each side.

And then, the compass finally trembled.

Albedo froze mid-motion, already reaching for it. Traveler was at his side instantly, weapon raised, body angled to shield him as the alchemist pulled the device free.

The bright dandelion at its center seems to shone slightly as the compass' needle jerked, its movement no longer hesitant.

"... It's clearer," Albedo said, awe threading his voice despite the chaos. "Our resistance is disrupting whatever field they're maintaining. If we follow this, t-then--"

"You can finish what you planned," Jean finished, appearing beside them. She took in the compass, and nods firmly at the arrow's growing certainty.

"In that case... Everyone!" the Acting Grand Master raised one hand up, her loud voice carrying cleanly through the chaos as she shouted, "MAKE A PATH!!"

Orders rippled outward immediately. Knights shifted formation, lines tightening, shields raising.

Jean turned, hesitating only a heartbeat before calling out, "... Klee."

Klee blinked. "Huh?"

Jean exhaled slowly, then offered a small, resigned smile. "... Go all out. Open the way. Just be careful to not hit our friends, alright?"

For a split second, Klee stared in disbelief to the Acting Grand Master. Then gasped as the words finally sank in, eyes lighting up as she looked to Albedo. Her big brother grimaced apologetically at Jean first...then met Klee's gaze and nodded.

That was all she needed.

"Okay!!" Klee cheered, already sprinting forward. "Everyone, MOVE~!!"

Explosions bloomed like fireworks across the battlefield in a controlled chaos, Knights diving aside with practiced familiarity as Jean followed, Anemo cutting a clean corridor through the advancing enemies, while Klee laughed and hurled blast after blast with fearless precision.

Durin stared, face visibly stunned. "They're...incredible, in their own ways."

"... Indeed they are," Albedo murmured, almost too fondly. "We owe Jean, Klee, and everyone a LOT for all these."

The opening widened.

"Go go GO~!!" Klee shouted over the roar. "Be careful, okay?!"

"May the Wind guide you!" Jean followed, pushing away advancing enemies with a burst of Anemo.

Traveler ushered Paimon to hold tight onto them, and together with Albedo and Durin, they slipped through the gap, protected by steel, wind, and flame as enemies were cut down before they could close in.

Behind them, the battle did not slow.

Albedo looks down to the compass in his hand as he ran, its needle swung decisively. "It's steady. We're on the right path!"

And with that, they advanced forward. Then, as they reach the foothills of Dragonspine, the same scene happened.

No words were needed, as their allies have watched the shining compass in Albedo's hand, and how determined the group are as they advanced forward.

Eula's claymore struck the enemies with a crack of ice, enemies shattering as Amber's arrows streaked past her shoulder. Mika shouted coordinates, Knights responding instantly, forming another corridor through the storm.

They passed through as snow and magenta light swirled violently around them, the compass glowing brighter with every step, its needle no longer wavered.

Behind them, the battle goes on, sound growing fainter as they marched forward, harsh wind from Dragonspine's unforgiving snow and cold finally filled their ears and crash through their bodies.

They're close.

Subject Two hums softly as he walked through the snow. The sound of battle echoed distantly across Dragonspine-- explosions, steel, elemental surges-- but none of it concerned him.

Mortals were loud when they were afraid. Predictable when they were desperate. And most of all, they had limits.

All he needed to do was wait. Let them exhaust themselves. Let the resistance collapse under its own weight. And then--

"T-THERE!! I SAW HIM!"

Subject Two halted.

He turned slowly, curiosity overriding irritation as he saw Durin a few paces away, heavy breathing puff out in clear smoke as opal-like eyes stares at him in hidden fury. Footsteps followed behind Mini Durin not long after, and Traveler, Paimon and Albedo steps into the clearing and stopped behind the humanoid dragon.

Tense silence sat between them, snow and harsh cold wind blew against their bodies.

"... How unexpected," Subject Two said, the borrowed face of Albedo titled slightly. "You shouldn't be here. The city is still occupied."

Traveler raised their weapon without answering. Paimon floats away in a safe distance, worry and determination clear on her face.

Albedo summoned his sword, eyes narrowed. "You don't get to decide that."

Subject Two's smile crooked, hidden rage visible on his eyes as he stared at the face he claims. "... Still defiant. How inefficient."

Subject Two's gaze then settled on Mini Durin, and his smile twisted once more. "... Ah," he said almost too softly. "You came anyway."

Durin's wings flared wide, snow scattering beneath his feet. "You're not keeping him."

Subject Two laughs. "You think this is about keeping?"

Traveler lunged first, a bit too fast. Durin followed half a second later, sword tight in hand. Albedo's Solar Isotoma rose between them--

--and shattered under overwhelming force.

Albedo grits his teeth, slamming a palm down the snow, trying to reach Subject Two by alchemy lines that move hastily, and Subject Two easily avoids them as he parried Traveler and Mini Durin's attacks. Paimon shouted warnings that came just a breath too late, fear clear in her voice.

Subject Two moved with effortless adaptation, sidestepping a strike and countering in the same motion. "Poor coordination," he observed calmly, deflecting Traveler's blade. "Emotion degrades efficiency."

Subject Two shifted his stance, movements suddenly sharper. And then, with a burst of corrupted force, he drove Traveler and Durin back at once, a shockwave tearing through the clearing. Snow exploded upward as both were flung aside-- Traveler skidding hard across the snow, and Mini Durin barely managing to twist midair before crashing down, shoes carving deep lines through the snow.

Subject Two didn't pursue them, his gaze locked onto Albedo instead, knowing grin curved across the borrowed face. "... You're done for, 'Cretaceus'," he said with glee, snapping his fingers.

Albedo's breath hitched as the ground beneath him trembled violently, alchemical senses screaming warning as something massive surged upward through the snow. He barely had time to look down--

"ALBEDO!!"

Durin slammed into Albedo from the front, shoving him clear just as jagged ice structures erupted from below, lancing upward in a brutal spray.

The impact caught Mini Durin instead, the force hurled him skyward before smashing him back down, his body striking the edge of a towering stone ridge with a sickening crack. A raw, broken gasp tore from Durin's throat as he tumbled, rolling helplessly down the frozen rock face before finally slamming into the snow below.

Albedo gasped, eyes widened in terror. "Durin!!"

Durin lay crumpled, breath shuddering, wings twitching weakly as pain ripped through him, every inhale a struggle.

Subject Two froze for a second or two before he laughs, sounding almost too pleased. His eyes gleaming as irritation bled away, replaced by something far more delighted. "... How fascinating," he murmured, gaze settling fully on Durin now. "You never fail to disappoint, little dragon."

Traveler snarled and surged forward again, Geo flaring instinctively--

Subject Two struck first, the blow hurled Traveler back, slamming them hard into the ground, Geo energy sputtered. Paimon screamed as she flew and floats worriedly by their side.

Subject Two watched with interest. "... So fragile. I must have misjudged. That looked decisive."

He turned back toward Albedo, watching the alchemist froze on his knees, eyes wide.

Shock, Subject Two concluded. Finally.

"And Echo...?" he continued with a hum, stepping closer to Durin. "Absent. Predictable."

Mini Durin forced himself up on shaking limbs, one wing visibly limp, vision swimming--

And Subject Two kicked him hard on his stomach without mercy.

The force sent Durin skidding again, landing hard between Albedo and Traveler some steps away, breath knocked clean from his lungs. He didn't move, body convulsed and shaking. Paimon shrieked at the sight.

Satisfied, Subject Two raised one arm up, the ground trembled below them. "... Brute force. Emotion-driven. No formation. You lot fight a losing battle." He grinned. "I've already won."

Subject Two, in his confidence, didn't see what he couldn't conceive.

Albedo was not fully in shock. His eyes wide still from the harsh attacks Durin received, but they were also counting every step, strike, and adaptive shift.

Alchemy circles bloomed beneath the snow, overlapping as its faint shine buried by the neverending snow. Lines etched earlier through movement and retreat snapped into alignment, feeding one another like a silent equation finishing itself.

Traveler's fingers dug into the ground, Geo surged downward, syncing with the lattice Albedo had laid unseen across the battlefield.

Before Subject Two could snap his fingers, Albedo slammed his hands to the ground.

"NOW!!"

Alchemy circles flared into blinding brilliance, snapping into full alignment all at once. Stone, light, and law clamped shut, freezing Subject Two mid-motion.

"What the--?!" Subject Two snarled, struggling to move, but the alchemy circles seems to focus on keeping him frozen mid-motion. "Impossible!"

Albedo's head snapped toward Durin. "Careful!" His voice broke sharper than intended-- for he worries, never expecting Subject Two to strike Mini Durin too heavily in the process, each blow driven with calculated intent. For a short moment, the alchemist's composure fractured, concern flashing across his face before he could rein it back in.

Durin was already forcing himself upright, rising on shaking limbs, breath uneven. One of his wings hung limply at his side; an obvious sign of what the sickening crack from moments ago was. He swayed, nearly lost his footing, but finally turned to Albedo after much struggle, opal-like eyes locking onto Albedo's blue ones as he nods.

Albedo inhaled sharply, steadying himself before he nods back and watches as Mini Durin closed his eyes, turning his back to Albedo.

Durin's body tensed, arching as a strangled sound tore from his throat before he managed to bite it back. Light bled through the seams of his form, unstable gold light flickering violently beneath his skin-- as if something inside him were being wrenched loose by sheer will.

Durin's knees buckled, and his body sagged as it collapsed backward into the snow. At the same moment, a flickering gold form of Mini Durin burst out from the fallen body. He coughs-- the sound horrifyingly fractured, his form flickering violently as he struggles to hold cohesion without a stable anchor, all-gold form blurring at the edges.

Mini Durin looked up, opal-like eyes burned in determination despite how his all-gold form flickered to transparency.

Without hesitation, the all-gold Durin flew forward, and slammed into Subject Two's immobilized body.

Subject Two screamed.

Silence filled Albedo's room, only the tinkering sound of the alchemist fixing the bright dandelion at the center of a compass-like device filled the room. Mini Durin stood near the table, hands curled loosely at his sides. Traveler leaned against the wall with their arms crossed, while Paimon hovered beside them.

"... I know why Echo is still alive," Durin said suddenly.

Albedo paused on what he's doing, looking up slowly. Traveler and Paimon looked at Durin as well, not interrupting.

"Subject Two told me-- or more like bragged, really," Mini Durin began. "He indirectly told me about how Echo Durin was still useful." His fingers tightened. "How he kept him trapped and anchored, feeding power from him and effectively made Echo like an unwilling core.

"He thought it proved he'd won," Mini Durin continued. "That Echo couldn't disappear as long as he was bound that way." He lifted his head. "But that's not it. Echo survived because he believed someone would answer. We heard him through the wind-- through prayers that shouldn't have reached anyone at all," A shuddered breath. "H-He sounded tired and all alone, y-yet he still believed..." His voice softened at the end.

Albedo's attention sharpened, while Traveler felt something cold settle in their chest.

"That belief is why Subject Two hasn't fully overwritten him," Mini Durin went on. "Subject Two was too confident the prison he made would hold. He never accounted for Echo persisting."

Understanding struck Albedo all at once. "... You want to reverse the anchor," he said quietly.

Mini Durin nodded. "If Subject Two can force Echo to exist by binding him, then Echo can do the same. He just needs something to hold on to."

Paimon sucked in a sharp breath. "W-Wait, you don't mean--!!"

Mini Durin nods, a confident smile on his face. "I can enter Subject Two directly."

Paimon let out a terrified sound as Traveler stepped forward, alarm flashing across their face. "T-...That's almost the same as--!!" They did not dare to finish the thought.

Mini Durin turned to them, expression gentle. "... Not quite. Echo and I have shared a body. We already know how to coexist." His gaze lowered, placing a hand over his heart. "If one of us is missing, then the other can act as the anchor."

"... If you enter," Albedo said carefully, "you won't have an anchor of your own."

Mini Durin didn't argue. "I know."

"However," Albedo continued, forcing himself to slow, "your body still carries residual essence from that coexistence, especially from what Echo left behind when you were affected by the curse-like corruption… It's weaker now. Echo used much of it to send us that warning signal."

Albedo's fingers dig into his gloves. "Still... If I mirror prior creation techniques and amplify them using the reinforcement method I employed at Nod-Krai during the battle with Rerir, that residue can function as a proxy." He looked up at Durin, worry clear around the edges. "... But only once. There simply isn't enough left to attempt this again."

Mini Durin met his gaze without flinching, and Albedo took in a sharp breath.

For a moment, the room felt too small. Albedo's hand tightened against the edge of the table as something sharp and unbidden surged up his spine, his mind recognized a loss before it could be quantified.

"... If you fail to reach Echo immediately," Albedo said, voice lowering despite himself, "your existence collapses; no return, no reconstruction."

The words are too blunt, landing harder than intended. Yet Mini Durin didn't look away.

Albedo's jaw clenched, breath leaving him in a quiet, uneven exhale before he could stop it. For a fraction of a second, his gaze dropped to the floor, as if looking anywhere else might keep the conclusion from solidifying.

Then he straightened, tension smoothed from his posture with deliberate precision, shoulders settling, expression returning to something composed and controlled. The alchemist reasserted himself, even if the unease lingered beneath the surface like a fault line.

Mini Durin's hands curled briefly at his sides before loosening again. Fear was visible around the edges, yet his expression was clear in resolve. "... It's enough," he said softly.

Traveler's face tightened, while Paimon shook her head. "T-That's NOT a plan!" she cried aloud almost desperately, her voice cracked.

Albedo couldn't answer-- not without saying something he wouldn't be able to take back.

Mini Durin stepped closer to Albedo, fingers reached and hold onto Albedo's little finger gently-- like an unsure child trying to keep a promise.

"... He'll understand," Mini Durin said quietly. "Echo always does."

Albedo stiffened at the name, fingers curling reflexively as though to steady himself against something unseen. "... This relies on trust," the alchemist said at last, moving his fingers so it held Durin's hand in a gentle yet firm grip. "Not theories, or calculation."

Mini Durin nodded, giving his alchemist brother a reassured smile. "That's why it works."

Traveler turned away first, gaze dropping to the floor. Paimon didn't protest again as she couldn't find the words, face crestfallen.

And so, the plan was set.

Albedo didn't look away.

Subject Two's body twitched, wrong motions jerking through it-- as if something inside was being pulled in opposite directions. The alchemy circles shuddered in response, lines of light wavering under the strain. Traveler dug their fingers deeper into the ground, Geo flaring as they reinforced the formation, jaw clenched and breathing measured.

Albedo's hands shook-- not in fear, but care.

Somewhere along the way, without marking the moment, Albedo had accepted it. Mini Durin had never asked him to be a brother. The alchemist had simply stepped into it, correcting posture when the dragon forgot his own strength, monitoring stability, and watching for fractures no one else could see.

And Echo Durin--

He had been the first to say it. It had slipped out once, quiet and unguarded, in a moment when the tension between them had finally eased.

"Brother Albedo--"

They had both frozen.

Echo had spluttered immediately after, stumbling over his words, trying badly to wave it off as nothing-- to act nonchalant about the mistake. As if Albedo hadn't heard it.

But time had passed, and Echo had stopped correcting himself.

And now, before he ever looked up, Albedo knew who held the body by the way he was addressed. Mini Durin still said Albedo, earnest and steady. Echo always said Brother Albedo, warmer and soft around the edges.

Both Durins looked at him as family, much like how his little sister Klee was. They simply chose different words to say it.

Albedo exhaled slowly, grounding himself.

Durin trusted Echo. So Albedo trusted Durin.

Albedo tightened his grip on the alchemy circles, binding the circles together. "... Hold," he muttered, watching as Subject Two spasmed.

.........

......

...

Echo thought he was hallucinating.

A thin streak of yellow light cut through the endless dark prison like a falling star, too brief and too soft to be real.

He almost laughed at himself. ... I really have gone insane, it seems, Echo thought.

Then the darkness rippled as a foreign pressure surged through the void violently, as if something had forced its way into a space never meant to be entered-- an intrusion that anchored itself to him without consent.

The emptiness shuddered, and then--

A loud scream-- sounding so familiar yet wrong-- tore through the dark.

Echo Durin froze, his heart dropped. "M-...Mini Durin?!" Because there is no one else but him, and yet, he hoped so dearly he was wrong.

The voice fractured as it echoed, strained and unraveling at the edges. Echo's eyes flew open as gold light flickering to life within this endless dark prison. The gold unstable form dragged forward through the dark, slow and uneven, every movement visibly costing him.

Horror settled in Echo's chest as the gold unstable figure drew closer, barely holding together, the shine flickers violently to transparency.

"N-...No," Echo whispered, shaking his head, watching what he wish not to see drew closer.

Mini Durin staggered into view, his form half-transparent, edges dissolving into sparks of gold with every step. His body flickered violently like an image struggling to remain in focus, but his opal-bright eyes still burned, stubborn and alive.

Disbelief crashed into Echo so hard it hurt. "M-Mini Durin?!" His voice broke. "No no no no NO!! Y-You can't be here! T-This place is-- T-This is too dangerous for you!!"

Mini Durin tried to answer, but couldn't and coughs instead, the fractured and broken sound made it clear it costs him his own vulnerable existence. Every fragment of him resisted collapse as the prison rejected what did not belong, the sound warping the void around them.

"I-I'm fine," Mini Durin forced out at last, voice cracking. "J-Just--"

He reached for Echo, and failed as something unseen repelled him; like glass between them. Mini Durin staggered, his glow dimming, knees buckling as he fought to stay upright.

N-...No, Mini Durin thought, almost terrified, his all-gold form flickered more as the glow dimmed. No no no no NO--

Durin felt it then, and was reminded harshly that Echo wasn't unreachable-- he was anchored.

Mini Durin's breath hitched as his eyes snapped to the uncountable black restraints that both pierced and wraps tight around Echo Durin's all-magenta form, living chains humming with stolen power, binding him to the prison's core.

"T-...That's it," Mini Durin whispered.

Echo followed his gaze, and his eyes widened in horror as realization hits. "D-Durin, DON'T--!!"

Mini Durin lunged, hand closed around one of the chains--

--and it drove straight through his chest.

The scream that tore from Mini Durin was almost inhuman. It distorted the prison itself, sound splintering into something raw, existence tearing open as light exploded from the wound. His form flickered violently, unraveling faster by the second.

"MINI DURIN!!" Echo screamed his name, terror drowning the relief. "S-...STOP IT!! Y-YOUR EXISTENCE MIGHT PERISH!! P-PLEASE STOP...!!!"

Mini Durin barely heard him, gasping an inhuman sound as he keeps grabbing more chains, each one either pierced or wrap tight around him. Tears visibly rolled down his now-pale opal eyes as pain rose without mercy around his being, his presence destabilizing as the prison fought to erase him.

Echo Durin tried to scream again, the unforgiving sight drills painful worry for his other self... Until he felt something changed.

Echo felt it through vibrations, and it isn't draining like what he's forced to get used to in this void.

It's...a resonance.

"... Wait," Echo Durin whispered, almost in disbelief.

The chains-- his chains-- were no longer pulling in a single direction.

They were...shared.

Mini Durin gasped, body trembling as the bindings synchronized instead of dominating, flickering all-gold form sagged against the chains bound tightly around him. "E-...Echo," he panted, opal-like eyes dimmed along with his body. "I-I can't...h-hold...much longer."

Echo's fear snapped into clarity.

He understood instantly; how this is all about trust.

Echo Durin reached for Mini Durin through the chains, locking onto the shared frequency, choosing him as the anchor.

The chains screamed as the connection between them locked.

Mini Durin let out a shuddered breath, the chains slowly slackened around him. He took a few steps closer to Echo before finally collapsing to his knees. Echo caught him instinctively, arms shaking as he pulled his other self close.

"I-I've got you," Echo Durin said hoarsely. "I won’t let you disappear, Mini Durin."

Mini Durin laughed weakly, pale opal-like eyes softened. "I-...I knew you'd understand." His voice, though low, returned to normal once more, making relief trembled through Echo's chest.

The prison shook not long after. And the chains-- now shared-- finally slackened around Echo.

He felt it first as absence. The pressure crushing his ribs eased, and the force pinning him like an anchor on this absolute darkness simply let go.

Mini Durin's light flickered violently as he let out a choked sound, his all-gold form dulled as his consciousness slipping like a guttering flame. Echo Durin pulled him closer at that, holding him tight-- as if that alone could keep him from fading.

The chains did not tighten or reacted at all.

Carefully, Echo slid an arm beneath Durin's shoulders and another under his knees, lifting him with effortless ease into his arms. He grits his teeth then, looking up to the endless darkness.

... Enough, Echo Durin thought in rising fury, wings unfurled with a violent snap as gold and magenta cracks spread around the prison. With a roar torn from his chest, he surged upward--

💥

--and burst out of Subject Two.

The world slammed back into existence as Echo tore free of Subject Two in a violent surge of force and light, his full form snapping into being above the white clearing, wings unfurled and his all-magenta form stable. There was no flicker in him as he holds himself together through sheer will, presence absolute as he hovered through the neverending snow of Dragonspine.

Below him, Subject Two staggered.

At the same time, something gave in Echo Durin's arms.

Mini Durin's humanoid form, glowing dim gold, flickered violently. His edges blurred, light stuttering in and out as if the shape itself could no longer be sustained. He let out a choked gasp, one trembling hand weakly raised to reach for Echo. But it never did, the hand fell as his glow collapsed inward all at once.

What remained was small; a star-like core, opalescent gold and painfully fragile, cradled against Echo's grasp. Its light flickering unevenly, pulse faltering as if it might burn out at any second.

Echo reacted on instinct, fine filaments of magenta light bled from his form, threading into the flickering gold star gently but insistently as they wrapped around it in stabilizing arcs. Echo Durin anchored himself around it, holding steady so Mini Durin wouldn't have to.

For a breathless moment, nothing moved.

Subject Two steadied himself, movement jerky as he froze mid-motion again, still under the effect from the alchemy circles all around. Echo stared at him for quite long before he lowered his gaze.

Below, half-buried in the snow, lay the humanoid body he and Durin shared, eyes closed and unmoving. To his horror, Echo felt almost nothing from the body, only a thinning thread that threatened to vanish at any moment.

Understanding struck Echo Durin with brutal clarity.

Mini Durin had imperfectly copied him. Where Echo had torn himself free and left behind a fragile residue only enough to return briefly, Mini Durin had done the same thing with far less to spare.

It must have been done with everyone's reluctant agreements, knowing how stubborn Mini Durin can be, and finally executed after careful preparation with no room for error.

Durin had taken the last traces Echo left behind and burned them as a single-use key, forcing open a path that could only exist for moments. A desperate gamble, built entirely on trust-- on the belief that once the plan was set into motion, Echo would understand what had to be done.

There had been no anchor prepared for Mini Durin. He had bet everything on Echo Durin, knowing full well that the cost could be his own erasure.

Hot rage burns even brighter in Echo's chest; because Subject Two had hurt Mini Durin twice.

First, by inflicting the curse-like corruption that forced Echo to leave in the first place. And again-- now-- by building a prison so absolute it trapped Echo Durin against his will, and nearly erased Mini Durin entirely by forcing him into a desperate, reckless imitation that nearly killed him.

The gold star flickered again in his grasp. Echo looked down at it, breath catching despite himself. Then he lifted his head, gaze locked onto Subject Two.

For a moment, Echo considered to unleash everything he held back-- to teach Subject Two a lesson for treating lives as tools.

Subject Two saw the restraint, and that made him caught somewhere between confusion and something dangerously close to unease.

With a sharp exhale, Echo folded his wings and dove down to the half-buried body, filaments tightening as he anchored himself harder to the fragile golden light in his grasp.

Albedo saw it all, his gaze snapping downward as Echo dove.

Durin's body lay half-buried where he had fallen, snow already creeping up along his sides, frost gathering around unmoving limbs. The harsh cold wind of Dragonspine gave no mercy, and Albedo's breath hitched as he realized that each passing second stole more warmth from the unmoving body.

His hands tightened around the alchemy circles without conscious thought, calculations still running as he forced himself to look back to the field-- to Subject Two.

But the image refused to leave his mind; of snow piling where there should have been heat, and stillness where there should have been breath.

Albedo shook his head sharply. If he shifted his focus-- if he let the alchemy circles falter for even a moment-- Subject Two could escape.

Strategically, the choice was obvious.

... But emotionally--

Albedo's concentration slipped with a shuddered gasp, gaze fully focused on the half-buried body of his humanoid dragon brother.

... He's getting cold, Albedo thought distantly, breath quickening. I-I have to go. I-I have to keep him warm and--!!

He froze, realization landed heavily in his chest. ... I misjudged, Albedo thought distantly. I failed as a strategist.

The alchemy circles trembled, the weakening pulse made Traveler glanced toward him in alarm.

"... I'm sorry," Albedo said too softly, and Traveler's expression shifted instantly to understanding as the alchemist let go.

In that instant, the alchemy circles lost its hold, formations collapsing inward as the lines dissolved. The pressure holding Subject Two loosened, but Albedo didn't spare him a single glance.

Instead, the alchemist ran straight for Durin's half-buried body. Traveler yelps as the stabilizing force vanished, falling into the snow from the loss of a stable hold.

Albedo never slowed, already dropping to his knees beside Durin's half-buried body, hands shaking as they dug snow away and brushed frost from chilled skin.

... Perhaps, Albedo thought faintly, being a brother has finally overwritten being an experiment.

And for once, he didn't regret the outcome.

Echo saw it on the way down.

Below, Albedo was already tearing through the snow around Durin's half-buried form, movements sharp and almost frantic, breath fogging in quick bursts as he worked.

The cold was winning. And for one fractured moment, Albedo's focus broke completely. "No no-- S-Stay with me," he whispered to the unmoving body, fingers fumbling as he tore something from his pocket and slammed it against the stone.

The Pyro potion shattered, heat blooming outward in a controlled surge. Albedo hastily guided the Element into the lingering alchemy lines, shaping it into a steady pulse. Snow hissed and melted, forming a fragile pocket of warmth amid the killing cold.

Albedo shifted closer, carefully drawing Durin's unmoving body into that space, cradling him against his chest before lowering the body fully to the ground. Slowly, he adjusted their position until Durin's head rested against his knees, and only then did his breathing began to steady.

Echo halted midair. Magenta filaments streamed from his form into the flickering gold star in his arms, but his focus had snapped back to the scene below-- to Albedo kneeling in the snow, holding their shared body as if it were something precious.

The irony struck hard-- because back then, like Subject Two, Echo Durin had once envied Albedo for being Rhinedottir's favored creation. The most perfect too, untouched by the failures that haunted so many of their Mother's works.

But now, Albedo had chosen care over strategy-- feelings over control.

... We really do care too much, Echo thought faintly, unable to stop his smile. Like brothers by blood.

Behind them, Subject Two staggered back as he finally freed from the alchemy bindings, watching everything unfold.

Something in Subject Two's expression faltered. For a fleeting moment, the scenes replayed in his mind-- of Albedo letting the alchemy circles fail, of Echo choosing to save rather than destroy, and a body treated not as a variable, but as someone who mattered.

Warmth over containment-- care over control.

All of that is just so...wrong. Inefficient. Unacceptable.

And yet--

Subject Two took a few steps back, face unreadable at the sickening sight of wrongfulness, and ran.

"H-Hey, wait!!" Paimon cried out, and Traveler lunged forward despite the ache screaming through their limbs, shoes crunching into snow as they tried to give chase.

Geo light flared instinctively, but it dimmed in an instant as their footing slipped, exhaustion finally catching up as they fell to the snowy ground. Paimon shrieks as she quickly flew to Traveler's side, and the two companions look up just in time to see Subject Two's retreating form swallowed by the harsh snow and trees, erasing his path as if he had never been there at all.

Subject Two did not look back. As he ran, the scenes full of wrongfulness followed him like a fracture he could not seal, jaw tightening.

He reached inward, already feeling the diminishing power within him and the others all around Mondstadt.

Fall back, Subject Two's voice cut through the internal link he shares with the others. The conduit's gone. You'll be easily obliterated if you continue.

The command snapped into motion. Across Mondstadt, enemies froze mid-strike; blades hovering inches from flesh, claws suspended in the air, and corrupted energy stalling within half-formed attacks, faint magenta color began to bleed in to blue-- as if the extra power that enhance them slowly bleeds away to nothingness.

Knights, hunters, and defenders alike halted in stunned reflex, weapons still raised, bodies coiled for violence that never came.

For a moment, the battlefield stood locked in unnatural stillness. Then, the enemies lifted their heads slowly, and a pulse of brilliant blue light surged from their forms all at once.

It is blinding and quite overwhelming, washing across streets, forests, and frozen slopes alike. Cries of surprise rang out as everyone shielded their eyes, vision swallowed by the sudden glare.

And just as abruptly, the blue blinding light vanished.

When everyone opened their eyes, the enemies were gone. In their place, countless birds burst upward into the sky, wings beating in perfect unison as they surged toward Dragonspine, scattering into the distance like shards of living starlight.

Only then did understanding dawn; those were no birds at all, but the retreating remnants of the enemy force, dissolving and dispersing as they fled the battlefield.

All across Mondstadt, people stared upward, hearts pounding as they watched the last traces of blue energy fade into the storm-choked horizon.

Silence followed for a moment, and once they all felt the wind did not blew so coldly anymore and the clouds not covering the bright sky, cheers erupted.

Relief crashed through the city in a tidal wave of sound-- laughter, sobs, shouted triumph, and exhausted thanks. Knights sank to their knees, hunters clasped each other's shoulders, and civilians emerged hesitantly from shelter, disbelief and gratitude etched across their faces.

For the first time since the assault began, hope reclaimed the air.

Echo descended, landing and quickly kneeled down beside Albedo and the body. The small golden star clutched protectively against his chest, the magenta filaments binding them pulsed faintly.

Albedo looked up then, his blue eyes met Echo's red ones.

Neither spoke for a moment, before Echo Durin exhales, smiling warmly. "... Thank you, Brother Albedo. For taking care of us."

Albedo's breath hitched, before allowing himself a rare smile of his own. "... You're welcome," he said quietly with a nod.

Echo returned the nod, drawing the flickering star close as he leaned forward, and sank back into the waiting body.

The moment contact was made, the body convulsed.

Durin's body arched sharply, fingers clawing at the snow as breath stuttered painfully back into lungs that remembered what it meant to live. The body moves in unstable rhythm, resonance clashing violently.

Albedo reacted instantly, placing a hand over Durin's heart, his palm shone lightly to guide the body's resonance to a balanced rhythm. "Easy," he murmured, voice low and unwavering. "You're home."

The guide threaded through fractures, smoothing jagged edges as it eases two presences back into harmony. And slowly, the tremors faded as Durin's body stills, chest finally moving in controlled breathing.

Durin's eyes opened slowly, luminous opal threaded faintly with bright red. He blinked for a few times before his eyes fluttered close, head rolled to the side as he fell unconscious, breathing more calmly now.

Traveler and Paimon finally stepped closer, tension draining from their shoulders as Albedo carefully exhaled. For once, his expression was unguarded.

The alchemist looked at the two companions, smiling faintly as he gave them a nod. "... It's done. Thank you, truly." Carefully, Albedo slid an arm beneath Durin's shoulders and another under his knees, lifting him with effortless ease into his arms. "Let's go back home."

The others noticed immediately as Albedo emerged from the snowy mountain carrying Durin's unconscious body, with Traveler and Paimon followed close behind.

For a heartbeat, worry spiked through the group. D-Did something go wrong...?

Eula's hand tightened around her weapon, Amber leaned forward instinctively, and Mika looks unsure.

But Traveler then smiled, giving everyone a firm nod, which also copied by Paimon. Albedo let his gaze linger on the humanoid dragon in his arms, before looking up and also gave a nod, a soft rare smile visible on his face.

Relief spread quietly at that, person by person. The cheers could wait.

They began the walk back toward Mondstadt, meeting those who fought near the city's gates. Calm relief is shared as well to Jean and the other Knights, while Klee rushes forward and stops in front of Albedo.

"I-Is Big Brother Durin alright...?" Klee asked worriedly.

Albedo nods, smiling warmly to his little sister. "He's fine. And Echo as well."

The news made everyone's smile brighter, then Eula cleared her throat, asking carefully, "... And the one behind all of this?"

Albedo frowns slightly, shaking his head. No explanation was given, but it was clear to everyone, all eyes focused to the humanoid dragon in the alchemist's arms.

Durin shifted faintly in his arms, and Albedo easily adjusted his hold. "... Thank you, everyone," the Chief Alchemist said at last, looking back up to everyone. "Durin and I really owe you a lot."

Warm breeze blew past them, brushing against their faces as it untangle tight breaths and carry away lingering fear.

"... Thank Barbatos," Jean spoke sincerely, followed by the others as well.

Dvalin descended at Windrise, wings cutting through the air in measured strokes before folding carefully beside the great oak. His massive form settled into stillness, eyes half-lidded yet alert, breath stirring the grass and fallen leaves.

Moments later, a ripple of green light shimmered near the tree's roots. The light moves as Venti emerged from it more slowly than usual, steps light yet tired as he crossed the grass before easing himself down beneath the ancient trunk. The green bard leaned back against the tree, exhaling as though only now allowing himself to truly rest. And for a brief moment, his eyes closed.

The wind whispered, and shortly after, a familiar hum of teleportation flared near the Statue of the Seven as two figures stumbled forward almost in unison once the light dissolved.

Rosaria caught herself on her spear with a low curse. "Ugh, I hate those things. It's really a wonder how Traveler can withstand and use them daily."

Dahlia, pale but still upright, pressed a hand to his mouth. "... Traveler wasn't exaggerating after all. And as for how they can handle it, no one knows, really."

Rosaria shot him a sharp glare that held no real bite. "... Nausea aside, why is it that Barbara and the other Sisters believe you so easily every time? You say 'the Wind called me' and suddenly no one questions anything. Meanwhile, I skip one church thing and get interrogated like I've committed a crime."

Dahlia huffed out a weak chuckle, adjusting his collar. "Occupational perks, I suppose. Being the Herald of Barbatos means I can claim 'the Wind called for me' whenever I need to disappear quickly. Saves a lot of explaining~"

Rosaria huffed. "... Convenient excuse, I guess, but still unfair." She then shifted her gaze to the side, and saw Dvalin huffing softly at their presence, while Venti closed his eyes still, not moving when he sensed them from the wind. His presence still stirred the air faintly, divinity not yet fully faded.

Dahlia followed her line of sight, his expression softening. "... Seems my assumption was right."

Rosaria dismissed her spear. "Guess I'm paying for my own drinks later."

They approached in silence, yet Venti already cracked one eye open, lips curling faintly as they finally stood not far from him. "... Hello there," he said simply, voice low and tired.

Dahlia frowns slightly. "... You really do push yourself far too hard, Venti," the deacon said gently. "While everyone, especially me, are thankful for your help, can't you hold back enough so you're not all spent like this at the end...?"

Venti chuckled weakly. "Old habits."

Rosaria can't help but sighs as well, leaning back against the big oak tree near the green bard, arms crossing. "... You're lucky everyone else in the city was either sheltering or knocked unconscious. Only Dahlia and I saw you like that... I can't even imagine how the Sisters, especially Barbara, would react if they witnessed your," she paused, thinking for a fitting word, "...serious side, I guess?"

A faint crease formed between Venti's brows, though he said nothing.

Dahlia exhaled softly. "Had it not been you and Dvalin, the damage across Mondstadt would've been far worse." His gaze sharpened with concern. "But even by looks alone, especially from up close, I could tell you pushes yourself far beyond what was safe."

Beside them, Dvalin lowered his head slightly, a deep, quiet rumble of agreement echoing through his chest.

Venti tilted his face toward the sky, eyes half-lidded. "... But everyone lived."

Rosaria huffs, while Dahlia kneels to Venti's eye level. "... It would mean nothing to us your children if it cost you dearly, oh Lord Barbatos," he replied quietly, voice having a rare sincerity.

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves overhead. Venti sighs deeply, shifting slightly against the trunk, shoulders easing as fatigue finally caught up. "Then...stay with me and Dvalin here, will you?" A faint, crooked smile followed. "I'd hate to accidentally nap for a few millennia again. I also wanted to join you two drink later, yeah...?"

Rosaria scoffed quietly, though she didn't move away.

Dahlia let out a soft laugh as he lowered himself onto the great oak tree as well, sitting between Rosaria and Venti. "... Rest well, oh great Anemo Archon."

It was evening when all is done. Fatigue and lingering tension made it clear rest is important for now, so everyone agreed to get to work the next day when they're fit and refreshed.

And as morning came, Mondstadt woke to the steady sounds of work-- so there could be proper cheers later.

The damage from the assault a day before was not catastrophic, but it was still visible. Knights moved through the streets in pairs for assistance, while some others stood guard while citizens repaired what they could themselves.

No one talks about celebration yet, as there was a feeling in the air like a storm that had chosen not to finish breaking. But for now, peace stayed.

Traveler, with Paimon always by their side, lingered longer than usual. They walked the streets, helped where help was asked, listened where words were offered. And when their part was done, they bid farewell for another round of Traveler's 'me time', as stated by Paimon.

"We'll come back," Traveler said quietly, more to themselves than anyone else. "When there's something to celebrate. But for now... We-- more like me, I guess-- need some time."

Paimon nodded at that, expression thoughtful. Albedo nods back with a small smile, saying gratitude to the two companions and a promise to meet in a more relaxed time as they part ways.

Albedo returned to the Knights' Headquarters after that, entering Durin's room next door to his, looking up once he closed the door softly behind him.

Durin lay where he had been placed, unmoving beneath clean linens and soft mattress. He hasn't woken up since yesterday, and while it worries Albedo still, he knew it was to be expected.

Albedo closes in and stood beside the bed, one hand placed over Durin's heart as he focused.

Everything is stable, and Durin's breathing is even. In wonder, Albedo adjusted his focus, and finally felt a faint warmth beneath, the link flows through his focus like a welcoming hug.

Albedo leaned back as he removed his hand away, exhaling fully for the first time since the incident began as he smiles warmly.

"... Take all the time you two need," the Chief Alchemist murmured, gaze fixed on his humanoid dragon brother. "Mondstadt and everyone will still be here when you both are ready."

...

......

.........

Somewhere deep within the humanoid dragon's body, the familiar Simulanka-themed stage shimmered back into being. Soft light spilled across painted skies and suspended platforms. Warm colors replaced the suffocating cold that had once sealed everything in silence. The air no longer burned with corruption or restraint.

Echo Durin appeared first. His form solidified fully, no longer flickering or frayed. Color bloomed across his body in vivid clarity, magenta hues settling into the darker colors of Durin's old outfit.

For a moment, he simply stood there, bright red eyes blinked a few times, stunned by the sensation of existing again.

Then the realization hit.

Echo drew in a shuddered breath and wrapped his arms around himself, shoulders trembling. The memory of that cold, absolute prison still clung to his senses, phantom frost crawling beneath his skin. Gratitude flooded him so fast it hurt, tears stinging behind his eyes as he bowed his head. "I-I'm...here," he whispered, voice barely steady. "I'm really here."

The stage remained quiet for a short moment, until light gathered once more at the far edge of the stage.

Mini Durin emerged slowly, his form stabilizing-- no more flickering gold, but warmth and brighter colors of his new outfit. He inhaled sharply, chest hitching as sensations rushed back all at once. For a moment, he too stood frozen, arms tightening around himself as if to confirm his own reality.

Both Durins lifted their heads at the same time, opal-like eyes met bright red ones.

For a long, suspended moment, neither moved. The world seemed to hold its breath with them, as if afraid to break the fragile truth standing between them.

Slowly, Mini Durin's arms loosened from around himself. His first step was hesitant.

Echo mirrored it, steps shaky as well.

Their pace quickened, uncertainty dissolving into desperate certainty. Fear faded into nothing as they crossed the space between them, breaking into a run and collided at the center, arms quickly thrown around each other.

Mini Durin buried his face against Echo Durin's shoulder, fingers fisting into the fabric at his back as he clung with everything he had. Echo gasped, arms locking around Durin just as tightly, wings curving instinctively around them both in a protective arc.

Both of them shook as their tears came freely, streaking down faces pressed close as they held each other in silence, grounding themselves in warmth, weight, and breath.

They did not let go for a long time.

When they finally drew back, both Durins gently knocked their horns together, foreheads resting against each other as their breathing slowly evened.

"... That was stupid of you, Echo," Mini Durin scolds softly.

Echo let out a weak, breathless laugh. "You don't get to say that, Durin."

Mini Durin glared weakly. "You almost stopped existing, Echo Durin," he muttered.

Echo Durin's smile faltered. "... You did the same, Mini Durin," he replied quietly.

They stared at each other for a long moment before Mini Durin exhaled, shoulders sagging. "... I know."

Neither of them apologized. Neither of them could; they had acted because they had to. Because trusting each other had always meant stepping forward first. There was no anger that could remain, only relief, warmth, and genuine feeling of being home together.

...

......

.........

Outside, Albedo waited. He sat beside the bed, watching Durin with the quiet patience he reserved for things that mattered more than answers.

Not long after, the harsh lines of strain had softened from Durin's features, replaced by something calmer and peaceful.

Albedo closed his eyes as a quiet breath escaped him, relief easing through his chest so slowly it nearly hurt. He hadn't realized how tightly he'd been holding himself together until now. "... Welcome back, you two," he murmured, barely louder than the whisper of the wind beyond the window.

Subject Two and the others with him are unreachable once again, but for now, this warm peace was enough-- for both Durins and everyone in Mondstadt.

And within that peace, two hearts beat in steady unison and finally at ease, resting beneath the same sky.