บท 24: 23. Mondstadt: The Mysterious Traveler
The chaos around me was palpable. Knights were shouting orders, civilians were rushing for cover, and the air was thick with tension and the echo of Stormterror's distant roars. I stood there, watching in awe as Aether continued to weave through the sky, dodging the dragon's attacks and striking back with bursts of Anemo energy.
I wanted to help—I needed to help. But how? That was a whole other problem. Stormterror was high in the air, where only the most experienced gliders or archers could hope to reach. I didn't have a glider, and even if I did, it wasn't like I could suddenly fly up there and join the fight. I had strength and some unique powers, but neither of those would help me get off the ground.
I bit my lip, frustration and anxiety twisting inside me. I couldn't just stand here and do nothing. My gaze shifted around the square, scanning the chaos for someone who might have a plan. Then I saw her: Jean, in the midst of directing knights and managing the city's defenses. If anyone could come up with a solution, it was her.
I weaved through the bustling streets, dodging running knights and panicked civilians. The closer I got, the more the din of frantic activity surrounded me. Jean stood at the center of it all, a beacon of calm amidst the storm, issuing orders with the steady resolve of a seasoned leader.
"Evacuate the market district first," Jean called to a group of knights. "Then secure the city walls and prepare the ballistae for a possible counterattack."
I hurried toward her, pushing my way through a small crowd of guards and townsfolk. "Jean!" I called out, raising a hand to catch her attention.
She turned toward me, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she quickly composed herself. "Tayden? I thought you were at Windrise."
"I was," I replied, my breath coming in short gasps. "But I heard the commotion and came back. I need to help, but I don't know how. Stormterror's up there, and I don't have my glider"
Jean raised a hand, her eyes focused but filled with understanding. "Calm down, Tayden. I understand your frustration. Right now, that traveler is keeping Stormterror occupied. Our main concern is to prepare for a full-scale defense in case he's increases his attacks."
I nodded, trying to mirror her calm demeanor. "Then what's the plan? How can I help?"
Before Jean could answer, a familiar voice interjected. "Looks like our new friend is quite the showman, don't you think?"
I turned to see Kaeya approaching, that signature smirk of his firmly in place despite the chaos surrounding us. He moved with his usual ease, as if the city wasn't currently under siege by a dragon. For a moment, I couldn't decide if his nonchalance was reassuring or infuriating.
Jean's eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone remained even. "Kaeya, this is hardly the time for remarks."
Kaeya gave a casual shrug, his gaze shifting toward the sky where the traveler was still engaged in battle. "I'm merely stating the obvious. That traveler of ours is certainly catching everyone's attention—Stormterror included." He glanced at me, a hint of amusement in his expression. "And here I thought you were going to be the one to steal the spotlight today, Tayden."
I fought back a scowl. "If I could get up there, I would."
Kaeya chuckled, folding his arms as he watched Aether's graceful movements in the sky. "Relax. You're not alone in feeling a bit... sidelined. It's not every day someone swoops in and fights a dragon like they've been doing it their whole life."
Jean let out a soft sigh, her eyes scanning the skyline as if searching for an opportunity. "Whoever he is, we need to focus on how we can support his efforts. If he manages to lure Stormterror closer to the city walls, we might be able to set up a decisive strike."
I stepped forward, determination tightening my grip on the hilt of my sword. "Then let's do it. Just tell me what you need."
Kaeya tilted his head, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "Of course, that assumes our mysterious traveler can hold out long enough for us to implement anything. He's up there alone, after all."
A knot formed in my stomach at Kaeya's words. He was right, that traveler was fighting solo against Stormterror, and there was no guarantee he could keep it up indefinitely. If he fell... I didn't want to think about what would happen next.
Jean nodded, her face set in a stern expression. "Then we can't waste any time. I'll organize the knights to prepare the defenses around the market district. If we can't lure Stormterror closer, we'll at least be ready to counter any attacks."
Kaeya turned his gaze back to the sky. "And if our new friend can't handle it?" he asked, his tone deceptively light.
Jean opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly the wind around us shifted. It wasn't the furious, chaotic gusts from before—it was a soft, steady breeze, as if the very air had decided to calm itself. We all turned our heads skyward, staring in stunned silence as the thick, dark clouds that had loomed over Mondstadt began to dissipate.
The roar of the dragon ceased, replaced by an eerie quiet. My heart pounded as I watched Stormterror's massive form turn away from the city, retreating into the distant sky.
"No way..." I breathed, my eyes wide. "Did he... did Aether actually drive Stormterror off?"
For a moment, none of us spoke. We just stood there, staring at the sky in disbelief. The tension that had gripped the city for what felt like hours suddenly lifted, leaving behind a strange, almost surreal sense of calm.
"He did it," Kaeya muttered, his tone no longer teasing. There was a rare note of genuine shock in his voice. "He actually did it."
Jean's eyes remained fixed on the horizon, her expression a mix of awe, relief, and something else—something thoughtful. "This changes things," she said quietly, almost to herself. Slowly, she turned to face us, the weight of her authority returning. "We need to speak with him. Find out who he is and what he knows."
Kaeya's smirk returned, though there was a sharp edge to it now. "A traveler capable of driving off dragons doesn't just wander into Mondstadt by coincidence."
Jean nodded, her decision made. "Tayden, Kaeya, I want you to bring Aether and his companion to the headquarters. I need to instruct the knights on damage control and assess the situation."
"Understood," I replied, the shock still lingering but slowly giving way to a sense of duty. Whoever Aether was, we needed answers, and I intended to find out.
Kaeya, ever the enigma, gave Jean a small bow. "Consider it done, Acting Grand Master." He then turned to me, his expression thoughtful. "Come on, Tayden. Let's go introduce ourselves properly."
I nodded, glancing once more at the sky where Aether had just performed the impossible.
---
Kaeya and I rushed through the cobblestone streets of Mondstadt, our footsteps echoing off the stone walls. My heart was still pounding from the chaos that had just unfolded. Even though the skies had cleared, the city remained in a state of bewildered excitement. Everyone was talking about the traveler who had just driven away Stormterror.
As we rounded the corner to the plaza near the Barbatos statue, I spotted a small crowd forming. In the middle of it stood Amber, her excitement practically radiating off her in waves, and beside her was... a floating creature? I blinked, taking in the scene. Aether had just landed with his wind glider, and beside him hovered what looked like a small, silver-haired fairy waving her arms around frantically.
"Aether! Are you crazy?!" the floating creature shrieked, her voice high-pitched and filled with both worry and frustration. "Paimon was scared to death up there! What were you thinking, fighting a dragon alone?"
Aether scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to answer, but Amber quickly cut in, her eyes wide and shining with admiration. "That was amazing! You actually drove off Stormterror! I've never seen anyone do something like that before. You were gliding around like it was second nature!"
The traveler, Aether, stood in the middle of this whirlwind of emotion, looking both sheepish and overwhelmed. "Uh, I just... did what I could," he said, glancing between Amber's admiration and the frantic gestures of the floating creature—Paimon, apparently.
"Oh, sure, 'just did what you could,'" Paimon huffed, crossing her tiny arms. "You could've gotten yourself killed! What if Stormterror had caught you up there?!"
Amber, seemingly oblivious to Paimon's scolding, continued to gush. "It was incredible! You have to show me how you handled the wind like that. I've been gliding for years, and I've never seen moves like yours!"
Aether opened his mouth to respond, his gaze flickering between Amber's eager admiration and Paimon's frantic concern. "I—well, it's not really something I can—"
I glanced at Kaeya out of the corner of my eye. His usual smirk was there, but his expression held that calculating, almost secretive look he often got when he was deep in thought. His single visible eye glinted with something sharp and unreadable as he studied Aether. It was clear he was trying to piece together this newcomer's story, and probably already had a dozen theories running through his mind.
The sight in front of us was almost comical, a mighty dragon-slayer looking thoroughly out of his depth amidst Amber's gushing and Paimon's shouting. Kaeya and I exchanged a glance, and he gave me a small, knowing smile before stepping forward.
"Well, well," Kaeya drawled, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. "Quite the commotion here. You'd think we'd just welcomed a celebrity."
Aether turned his head toward us, his expression one of mild surprise. Paimon, on the other hand, glared at Kaeya, seemingly ready to continue her lecture. Amber finally paused in her enthusiasm to glance our way, her eyes lighting up.
"Tayden! Kaeya!" she exclaimed, waving us over. "You have to meet Aether! He's the one who drove off Stormterror!"
Kaeya raised an eyebrow, his smirk never faltering. "Oh, we're well aware of his recent... accomplishments." His gaze shifted to Aether, who now stood up a bit straighter, regarding us both warily.
I took a step forward, giving a small nod. "I'm Tayden. This is Kaeya. We're with the Knights of Favonius." I offered a hand to Aether, who took it hesitantly, giving it a firm shake.
"Aether," he introduced himself simply, his voice calm but cautious. He gestured toward the floating creature. "And this is Paimon, my... companion." for some reason, he looked like he wanted to say something else.
"Paimon is Aether's guide!" Paimon corrected, puffing out her chest and crossing her arms. "It's Paimon's job to keep him out of trouble. Not that he listens..." she added with a huff, shooting Aether a glare.
Aether glanced at Paimon with a mixture of exasperation and fondness. "I listen... sometimes," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
I stole another glance at Kaeya. His smile widened slightly, but his eyes were still sharp, analyzing every detail of Aether's posture, tone, and words. I could practically hear the gears turning in his head.
"A pleasure to meet you both," Kaeya said smoothly, his voice tinged with a slight, mocking politeness. "Quite the display of heroics you put on out there, Aether. Not many people would take on a dragon so... fearlessly."
Aether didn't rise to the bait, merely meeting Kaeya's gaze evenly. "I did what I had to. Stormterror was attacking the city."
Paimon nodded vigorously. "Yeah! Aether couldn't just stand by and do nothing! He's a hero, after all!"
Kaeya's eyes flickered, the calculating expression deepening for a moment. His voice remained light, but there was an edge to it now. "A hero, indeed. The kind Mondstadt has been lacking for some time." He paused, glancing at the skies before looking back at Aether. "So, tell me, are you here as a new ally... or a new storm?"
I stiffened slightly at his words. Kaeya always had a way of wrapping his suspicions in riddles, and this was no different. Aether held Kaeya's gaze, his face remaining calm, but I could sense the tension in the air.
"I'm not here to cause trouble," Aether replied, his tone measured.
"Hm." Kaeya tilted his head, clearly not fully convinced. "Help is always appreciated... when it's offered without hidden motives."
"Kaeya," I interjected, sensing things getting a bit too tense. I turned to Aether, offering a reassuring smile. "Jean, our Acting Grand Master, would like to speak with you. She's coordinating the city's defenses and handling the aftermath of the attack. She wants to thank you, and hear more about what happened out there."
"About how you managed to drive off a dragon!" Amber added excitedly, her eyes practically sparkling as she looked at Aether. "You have to tell her how you did it!"
Paimon hovered closer to Aether's shoulder, her expression still a bit wary. "Is she... nice?" she asked, glancing at Kaeya with suspicion.
I nodded, ignoring Kaeya's amused smirk. "Jean is fair and kind. She just wants to understand how you managed to help us. We all do."
Aether sighed, looking around at the still-bustling city. "Alright," he agreed, his voice firm yet calm. "Lead the way."
Kaeya's smirk widened slightly, though his eyes remained cold and calculating. "Perfect. Follow us, then. I'm sure Jean will be most interested to hear your... story."
As we turned to lead Aether and Paimon toward the headquarters, I kept an eye on Kaeya. He was still wearing that look, the one he got when he was turning a puzzle over in his mind. He had more questions than he was letting on, and I had a feeling he'd be keeping a close eye on Aether for a while.
"Quite the mystery you are, Aether," Kaeya murmured quietly as we walked. I wasn't sure if Aether caught the comment, but I did. "I wonder... are you a fleeting gust of wind, or a brewing storm on the horizon?"
Aether glanced at him briefly, but said nothing, his expression calm. Paimon, however, seemed less thrilled with Kaeya's cryptic remarks, huffing and crossing her arms.
As we continued through the streets of Mondstadt, I couldn't help but feel that Kaeya's suspicions weren't entirely unfounded. Who was Aether really, and what had brought him here? The questions circled in my mind as we approached the headquarters. One thing was certain: this meeting with Jean was going to be interesting.
We arrived at the Knights of Favonius headquarters with Aether and Paimon trailing slightly behind us. The moment we crossed the threshold, the hustle and bustle inside the building hit me. Knights dashed through the hallways, carrying reports, bandages, and weapons.
Shouts and hurried conversations filled the air, creating a chaotic symphony that was almost dizzying. The air felt charged, not just from the tension, but from the lingering presence of elemental energy that had surged through the city during Stormterror's attack.
As we made our way through the stone corridors, I couldn't shake the strange sensation that prickled across my skin. It was faint but unmistakable, a static charge that intensified the closer I got to Aether.
I glanced at him, my curiosity growing. The Anemo energy around him seemed to be swirling and coiling, almost as if drawn to him. It was like watching an unseen force wrap itself around the traveler.
I narrowed my eyes, focusing on him as we walked. There was no Vision on his person—no visible source for his manipulation of elemental power. My thoughts raced as the realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. He's using Anemo energy without a Vision... just like me!
I'd thought I was unique in this world, an anomaly that didn't fit into the known rules of Teyvat. But here was Aether, seemingly bending the elements to his will as effortlessly as breathing. Who was this traveler? And how did he possess such abilities?
Kaeya walked a few steps ahead of us, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. I caught him stealing glances back at Aether every now and then, his expression thoughtful. I wasn't the only one curious about this newcomer, it seemed.
'Dammit I'm becoming like Kaeya"
Kaeya's mind was probably running a dozen different scenarios, plotting out how this new piece might fit into the complex puzzle of Mondstadt's troubles. I could almost hear the gears turning in his head.
We approached Jean's office, the tension thickening with every step. Lisa stood just outside, her eyes scanning a large book she held in one hand. She looked up as we neared, her lips curving into a mysterious smile.
"Well, well, look who's here," Lisa said in her soft, lilting tone. "Aren't you quite the cutie." Her eyes settled on Aether, studying him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Jean is waiting inside. She's eager to meet you."
Aether nodded in acknowledgment, his face neutral though I could feel his discomfort.
'I feel you man, Lisa scares me too..'
Paimon, however, bristled slightly, floating closer to Aether's shoulder. "Well, she'd better be nice to Aether after all he's done!" Paimon piped up, crossing her tiny arms defiantly.
Lisa's smile widened, a spark of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, don't worry, little one. Jean is always very... accommodating." Her voice had a playful edge to it, which made me glance at her warily. Lisa is still scary, even after months in Mondstadt.
Kaeya pushed the door open, gesturing for us to enter.
Aether stepped forward, his expression calm but wary. I followed close behind, my eyes flicking to Kaeya as we moved inside. He wore his usual smirk, but I could see the sharp glint in his eye.
He was watching, waiting, dissecting every move Aether made. Whatever conclusions he was coming to, he kept them to himself for now.
Inside, Jean stood at a table spread with maps, documents, and notes, her hair disheveled like she just ran a marathon. Her gaze lifted as we entered, and for a moment, her eyes locked onto Aether's. The room fell silent.
"Jean," Kaeya began smoothly, breaking the silence. "We brought them"
Jean inclined her head in acknowledgment, her eyes never leaving Aether. "Aether. On behalf of the Knights of Favonius and the citizens of Mondstadt, I thank you for your bravery in facing Stormterror." Her voice was formal, controlled, but there was warmth in her words. "Your actions today gave us time to regroup and avoid further casualties."
Aether shifted slightly, his eyes scanning the room before returning to Jean's gaze. "It wasn't exactly what I planned on doing, but I'm glad it happened" he replied modestly. "I just did what I could"
Jean studied him intently, her eyes searching his face for any hint of insincerity. After a long pause, she nodded. "Nevertheless, your intervention was... unexpected. Mondstadt has faced these attacks for some time, and we've struggled to hold the line against Stormterror's power." She stepped forward, her expression hardening. "Which brings us to why I've asked you here."
Lisa, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, finally spoke up. Her voice was soft, yet it commanded attention. "You see, dear, Stormterror isn't attacking at random. He's drawing power from three abandoned temples of the Four Winds scattered across Mondstadt's wilderness."
Aether frowned, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Temples of the Four Winds?"
Paimon floated forward, her eyes wide. "Ooh, Paimon's heard about those! They're supposed to be really ancient, right?"
"Indeed," Lisa replied, her gaze flickering between Aether and Paimon. "The temples were once places of worship for Mondstadt's protectors, but they've been abandoned for centuries. Now, they've become nests of corruption, infested with monsters"
Jean folded her arms across her chest, her expression stern. "We've known for some time that Stormterror draws strength from these temples. Unfortunately, we were unable to pinpoint their exact locations until recently. Thanks to Lisa's efforts, we've finally tracked them down, but we need to act quickly before Stormterror regains his full strength."
Aether's jaw tightened as he processed this information. I could see the gears turning in his head "So, what do you need from me?" he asked finally.
Jean stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "We need to cleanse these temples of the corruption within them. Three of the four temples are now within our reach. We plan to launch coordinated efforts to purify them." She turned her eyes to Kaeya and me.
"I'm thinking of sending groups of two to deal with the temples quickly. " Jeans gaze bore into Aether "Im asking you as the Acting Grand Master, will you lend Mondstadt your aid?"
Aether nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You think I'm the right person for this?"
"You've already proven you can go up against Stormterror and live to tell the tale," Kaeya interjected smoothly, "That's more than most of us can say."
Paimon floated closer to Aether, concern clear on her tiny face. "But... these temples sound dangerous! What if it's a trap or something?"
Jean's face softened, and for a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of the burden she carried. "I understand your hesitation," she said gently. "These temples are filled with dangers. But cleansing them is the only way to weaken Stormterror and prevent further attacks on Mondstadt."
Aether met her gaze, his face calm but resolute. "I'll help," he said simply. "If it means stopping Stormterror and protecting the people of Mondstadt, then I'll do it."
Jean's eyes brightened, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Aether. Your assistance will be invaluable."
She hesitated for a heartbeat, then continued in a softer tone. "I know you're not from Mondstadt. And I heard from Amber that you're on your own journey... searching for your sister."
At the mention of his sister, Aether stiffened. A flicker of pain and determination crossed his eyes, and for a moment, the air around us seemed to grow heavier. Paimon floated even closer to him, her expression tense, eyes darting between Jean and Aether.
Jean took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "I cannot promise that we'll have all the answers you seek, but I assure you that once this crisis is resolved or settled down atleast, the Knights of Favonius will do everything in our power to help you find your sister. You have my word."
Silence filled the room, thick and tense. I could almost hear the pounding of my own heartbeat as I watched Aether.
After what felt like an eternity, Aether nodded, his voice steady but charged with emotion. "Alright. I'll do it. I'll help cleanse these temples."
"Yes!" Paimon cheered, pumping her tiny fists into the air. "We'll show those temples who's boss!" She paused, glancing around the room before adding nervously, "I mean, we'll be careful! Very careful!"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Jean's mouth, but she quickly regained her serious demeanor. "Excellent. We'll begin preparations immediately. Each of you will be briefed on the temples you are assigned to clear."
Lisa approached the table, unrolling a map that showed the locations of the temples. "These temples were once sacred, brimming with elemental energy," she explained, her voice taking on a more scholarly tone as her eyes scanned the map. "But now, they've become twisted. Aether, you'll likely encounter corrupted Anemo energy inside, similar to what you've faced with Stormterror. Be on your guard."
Aether studied the map, his eyes tracing the marked locations thoughtfully. "I understand," he said after a moment. "I'll be ready."
Kaeya, who had been leaning casually against the table, finally spoke up. "Well then, looks like we have a plan. I must say, this is turning out to be quite the adventure." His gaze shifted to Aether, eyes glinting with both suspicion and intrigue. "Let's just hope you're as reliable as you seem, Aether."
Aether met Kaeya's gaze evenly, his expression unflinching. "I have every intention of helping."
Paimon puffed up her chest, floating beside Aether protectively. "Yeah! Aether's gonna be the best hero ever, you'll see!"
Jean turned to Kaeya and me. "Tayden, you'll be grouped with Lisa. Kaeya, you'll be with Aether, and Amber will wait for whoever finishes first to attack the last temple together."
I the gravity of the mission settling in. Despite the danger, a part of me felt excited. This was our chance to strike back, to weaken Stormterror.
Jean turned back to Aether, her eyes softening slightly. "You're taking on a great risk by helping us, Aether. But know that you are not alone in this. We'll support you in every way we can."
Aether nodded, his resolve clear and firm. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."
"Good," Jean replied, a sense of finality in her tone. "Then let's not waste any more time. We'll move out at first light tomorrow. Rest up, prepare yourselves, and be ready. Aether, I will provide accomodations for you as fast as i can"
As we turned to leave the room, I couldn't help but glance back at Aether. His expression was calm, yet I could see the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface.
There was so much more to this traveler than met the eye, and I had a feeling that the journey ahead would be very interesting.
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'WAIT WAS I GROUPED WITH LISA?!?!!'
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