Mondstadt is our home, where we sing and where we play. Hear our stories and heed our call, for danger is never far. We are the Four Winds, and we shall protect you all.
You return to your home country a little early and pay your darling Twilight Sword a visit, concocting a plan to spend the day with him
A/N: OK SO... The title is fancy for no reason other than this was GOING to be a multi-parter with angst at the end until I decided it best to just leave it as is with fluff. lest I ramble for 5k words about how I personally envision the land of Khaenri’ah and who our beloved Reader is. It is my first time writing for Dainsleif as well!
Warnings: Probably light spoilers dotted around here and there in terms of what is revealed as of now for the fallen country, warning for softer Dain because pain has not yet happened.
Pairing: Dainsleif x GN!Reader
“My sweetest Moonlight, it is time to wake up~” The weight of his mattress dipped at the front in response to another body clambering atop it. He grunted once but made no motion to leave the comfort of his blankets. It was early, likely too early as he heard a soft voice filter through his senses like a pleasant dream. Upon hearing such familiar cadences, there was always one of two explanations. Either he was dreaming of his life partner once more on a lonely night and yearning for their touch, or they were actually right here with him on the bed with gentle fingers threading through his light blond locks. Usually it was the former. A warm, weighted kiss under his eyelids beckoned him to finally open his eyes. The sight of his beloved daybreak, his Starlight, graced his vision for only a moment before he fell deep into the mattress as someone dived into his touch.
“Dain!” You cried gleefully, nuzzling into his chest affectionately as he caged your body in a loving embrace. “Welcome to the waking world, at last. I missed you so.” And in truth, he missed you too. So so much. However…
“We did not expect you back so soon, their majesties will be pleased. Though, is everything alright in Teyvat?” A wondrously brilliant glimmer overtook your eyes as your hand wrapped around his own and guided him out of his bed. You led Dainsleif to sit on a stool in front of his vanity, facing the mirror as you picked up a brush and dutifully combed the knots out of his hair. He could remember the first time you did this to him, practically begging him to let you do this, do anything for that matter as a display of affection. Only after serious convincing did he allow you to lift a finger in his name, but now he could never think of another way to go about your shared morning rituals. It was comforting, intimate, absolutely divine.
“That is precisely what I wish to speak to you about! My Moonlight, I found the most beautiful little city in the middle of a lake that is blessed by fair winds and kind people. I set up Waypoints nearby before racing back home to you and to Khaenri’ah.” Dainsleif’s lips quirked upwards at his partner’s enthusiasm, you always were fascinated by the world of Teyvat above. Perfect, considering your position in the Eclipse Dynasty required frequent travel to all corners of the world. And the city you mentioned…
“This city you found, is it perhaps Mondstadt, the city of freedom?” Recognition swirled in your eyes before you nodded quickly.
“That’s the one! Have you ever been?” You always asked this, curious and awestruck. And he always felt guilty when he shook his head in response. The act of saying no to you, in any capacity, seemed to feel almost wrong.
“I know of only what I have been told by their majesties and what I have read in the royal archives.” He looked into the mirror to gaze fondly at your reflection. You stopped brushing his hair to smile back at him.
“Then we will go together! The Mondstadt waypoints are charged and ready for travel, and it is your day off, correct?” You pleaded silently at his mirror image, puppy-dog eyes pulling out all the stops you could think of.
“Starlight… You know that I do not have the privilege to have a day to myself.” You huffed, putting down the brush on the vanity.
“Then I as the right hand of their majesties hereby decree Dainsleif, the Twilight Sword of the Eclipse Dynasty, dedicate all of his time on this day, the day I returned from my overworldly duties, to be my personal escort around our beloved city of Khaenri’ah! Besides, I have already spoken to her highness to recruit your services for the day and she agreed.” You dropped your professional royal servant voice at the final statement and shot a smile at your love, who wondered why he even questioned your carefully structured plans for today in the first place. He stood up from his stool and guided you to sit down next, wherein he took the brush he always used for your hair and began to straighten your own knotted locks with the same care you gave him moments ago. It was unspoken tradition to alternate like this, and you melted into his touch.
“If this is by your decree, then you must don your official garb, my love.” You crossed your arms and whined indignantly while pouting at Dainsleif’s face in the mirror. It seems, he has won this battle. He could not help but smile affectionately as he pressed a kiss into your hair and hear your garbled response. “We must make it official after all.”
~*~
While getting you into your official attire had always been a mission of its own, he unfailingly believed it only made you all the more breathtaking to behold. It was a modest set of clothes save for its lack of sleeves. This, however, was intentional. And while you wore everything without much a fuss, Dainsleif could never get you to wear the shoes that came with it. It was stifling, you had once said, before meeting him one-on-one and he had always wondered why. It was a secret you revealed in your own time, and he has never questioned it since. When both of you stepped outside the safety and intimacy of his quarters, everyone took note.
“The Heart of Daybreak has returned! They’re back!” It was still early but even still those that were out and about and living their day-to-day lives stopped to greet the one they called Daybreak, and Dainsleif was ready to redirect the gathering crowd when he felt you stiffen beside him. You loved your people, but he knew that sometimes large and growing crowds unnerved you. He lowered his defensive posture when you subtly squeezed his hand behind your garments and allowed you to interact with them.
“We missed you so much!”
“How is the surface? Are they really as kind as you say?”
“Will you tell us more stories of your travels?”
“There is a gargantuan package by the plaza, more supplies from the surface? We will be able to stock our shops for many moons to come thanks to your tireless endeavors!” It was mostly the children who spoke over one another, seeking to give and receive affection. You were something of a hero to them all, bringing them all manner of trinkets and treats on top of your usual deliveries to Khaenri’ah, they adored you. Yet you straightened up as Dainsleif stood beside you. You were asked a question, and he always brought you back to the present when you needed it. You nodded once.
“Yes, that is correct. We should all hurry to the plaza before the goods we imported go to waste, shouldn’t we?” You directed the question playfully to the children, who cheered and scrambled ahead, leading you by wrapping their little hands around your wrists. And Dainsleif watched, as he always did, unable to tear his eyes away from you when the runes on your exposed arms flickered to life in a brilliant amber light. He remembered the day he first met you, and the events that led up to that fateful meeting.
The people of Khaenri’ah worked to be as powerful and independent as they could be in a country without an Archon, and so the royal families poured all they could onto creating what they needed. An army of automatons, a way to create life from just the essence of the earth below and the stars above, and living keys to activate these creations. All of this, in the name of progress and protection of the people. For years the most proficient practitioners of Khemia were commissioned to create these powerful keys, creatures that could live and breathe like humans but would not erode with time. Beings that could learn and experience emotion and strategy in order to plan the best ways to retaliate should war ever break loose. Dainsleif was already the sword of the royal family when the renown alchemist Gold stepped foot into their majesties’ royal chamber. Behind them was a dim-eyed individual wearing nothing but torn rags. ‘Homunculus’ is what Gold called it. A creature made from soil and stardust. There were faded white runes almost etched into the skin of two flimsy arms that could not be hidden by the rags. His ocean eyes met with dull and faded amber, contained and muted much like the person before him. Though when you stared back at him, your eyes flared to life with what looked like speckled stars in your irises that chased his gaze like stars chased the moon. Since then, he had never left your side.
Dainsleif had many reservations when he first met you, something created by Gold who was an individual he already disliked for their feverish ambitions and morally questionable methods of experimentation. Not only that, but it was you and you alone who commanded the automatons you affectionately referred to as ‘Graders.’ On a whim alone you could destroy half of the country, and the royal family knew this. So you were raised by the Eclipse Dynasty to be loyal to Khaenri’ah and not to your creator, he was the equivalent of your retainer upon that first meeting. And he treated you as such. Yet… somewhere along the line that professional relationship had dissolved. He would oft wonder how that happened but now, as he watched your favorite Grader approach you with relatively careful steps he can list but a few reasons why.
“Leaf!” You called, and Dainsleif still found your attempt at subtlety amusing. Though he could never call you out on it, nor would he want to. The sound of your voice was one reason. ‘Leaf’ extended a long arm to you, offering a beautiful crystal flower that you took in your hands and gently tucked behind your ear. Your kindness to even that which cannot feel was another.
“Thank you. Now, can you help me unpack this for the citizens?” At the request, both your runes and the Grader’s flickered in sync for a moment and the automaton’s hand came to rest on the ground before you. You hopped on without hesitation and allowed it to place you on its shoulder before it began to tear open the packages which you brought underground with your own strength. You looked back to him and blessed him with a smile, lingering for a moment before you turned back to face the others that had gathered with similar delight. That was his third reason. The biggest reason, perhaps, was how whenever you wanted to go exploring, he was always your first and only option.
“Are you ready, Moonlight?” You looked so giddy standing beside the sheer cliff that led you both to the surface. A powerful wind current that was used for gas exchange between the surface and the underground country was the only obstacle in the way. You, however, had a way around this. Dainsleif nodded, affectionately clasping your hand in his own. You almost opted to go home and just relish in his presence the rest of the day, but you wanted to share the experience of exploring Mondstadt together.
“With you? Always, Starlight.” You wrapped your arms around him once for a tight embrace which he returned instantly, pressing his face into the crick of your neck. There was an excited and quick sort of giggle that erupted from your mouth.
“Alright. Hold onto me. Count down from three?” Both of you counted down together.
Three. Dainsleif adjusted his position to wrap around under your arms, he faced the current.
Two. He felt something strong wrap around his waist, tufted at the end. Your muscles braced for what came next.
One. You both leaped into the wind current and he managed to look back at you just as he watched your arms transfigured before his very eyes. Feathers burst forth from your skin, taking on the colors of their home. Feathers glistened like starlight under the low light of their home and the current led you both to the surface. In moments like these as a transfigured tail wrapped around him to safe him should his grip slip and as your unique wings took the wind seamlessly underneath them, he remembered another thing he loved about you. Such a blatant disregard for Gold’s ambitions and principles, wanting to protect the country you both belonged to. You were no mindless creature. You had a curiosity for the world, and followed your own ambitions to explore it.
That you chose him to be the one you experienced the world with brought him a happiness he could never properly articulate, and he wished that you and he would always be together as you both watched the world of Khaenri’ah fade while looking up at the light from above.
A/N: A’ight so a good amount of you enjoyed the Traveler’s Familiar brainrot where I renounced canon and did my own thing. Or so I think since somehow it still circulates with a couple likes every week. As a treat, lemme just sprinkle a bit more here since I LOVE familiar AUs and all that jazz. This was written only because Teppei is holding me at large denying me Venti fanfiction rights until I write this. Here are some headcanons that are jingling around in my noggin, and the type of familiar our favorite squad leader is!
Genre: Headcanons
Warnings: none, no beta we die like rex lapis, first headcanons I ever made please be gentle
Link to the first fic I wrote about Familiar Teppei here {x}
After the initial shock of seeing your once-gone partner in the resistance, you both made the trip up the Sangonomiya shrine in hopes Kokomi could help shed some light on the situation at hand.
Neither of you had seen the divine priestess so flustered than in that moment, she could only the words “Orobashi” and “Disciple” as if in reverence. Kokomi hypothesized that Teppei’s new form was in the likeness of the deceased Watatsumi no Omikami because he was given this second opportunity at life by the spirit of said god. The priestess then asked if she would be so bold as to employ both your services to prepare offerings to the protector of Watatsumi before returning to your adventures.
While Teppei shares a likeness to the sea serpent Orobashi, he resembles another creature of the sea more; The Oarfish. Two large whiskers and a head of soft, flowing hair that resemble the flowing fins of a fish are the two features that stand out most from a distance. You and Teppei are still trying to figure out if his hair would do better loose or braided, but he loves it when you thread your fingers through his hair in an attempt to style it.
Teppei’s ears are frilled at the tips, though they are easily hidden by his head of hair. From a distance the scales littered across his upper body in patches reflect the light and give off the illusion of flowing water. And while he does have a tail longer than he is tall, he was able to learn very quickly how to hide it behind magic to make himself fit in just a little easier with the masses. he loves to wrap it around your body when he wants attention or walks the streets of Inazuma with you. He just loves to always hold you in some way at all times, he missed you so much!
It took Teppei a few days for things to sink in, and for him to at last try and sleep. He was too frightened to close his eyes, lest the peace he longed for so dearly slip right through his fingers. It was only when he lay beside your sleeping and peaceful figure that everything clicked. This was real, both of you were alive and the Vision Hunt Decree was abolished for good. In that moment he silently offered up his life to keep you safe, always. And in his hands he suddenly felt a weight after his silent declaration, a vision to call his own. Never will he fall victim again, never will you face the world broken and alone. He would follow you to the ends of the world.
Your familiar is extremely touchy, he will hold you in some way whenever possible, in public or not, if you consent to it. If you don’t, that’s okay too! He respects your preferences and would only ask if he can at least walk by your side to keep you close.
On the other hand, because your comfort and consent are the most important things to him, he has a tendency to get incredibly protective of you if someone approaches and you either do not know them or show uncomfortable body language in any way. And if such advances continue without your approval, Teppei WILL hiss. It sounds like the warning hiss of crocodilians and if that does send any potential enemy running, he will find other means to do so.
He has a distaste for closed spaces where he cannot stretch to his full length, and this extends to your waverider. He will dive expertly into the sea and follow you like that, his sea of scales glimmering underneath the waves as he trails beside you. If you ask him to take you from island to island though, he will be SO happy to oblige. His abilities and vision allows you to breathe for a few minutes underwater and he will excitedly show you every magnificent coral reef he knows of. When you swim with your familiar it feels like you’re being whisked away by a siren song in the comfort of the kelp beds. A world just for you and your beloved familiar.
At the conclusion of the Vision Hunt Decree, the traveler must adjust to a wholly different Inazuma than when they first arrived.
A/N: Listen I finished the new Archon quest and I once again have THOUGHTS.
Warnings: This entire fic is a big SPOILER. Please don’t read if you don’t want to be spoiled. Also not proofread, we perish like those witnessing the Musou No Hitotachi.
Characters: Most of Inazuma, Teppei, Traveler is gender neutral on purpose, can be read as Lumine or Aether.
Word Count: 1.4k
“When our Uniforms are ready, grab mine for me. Bring it back here… and we can change together…”
The vision hunt degree had at last been abolished, the battle seemed to last an eternity and a single moment all at once. Truth be told, the final days of it all passed by in such a blur that the lines between the past and present seemed to overlap. All they could remember at the end of it all, were those that had suffered in the aftermath. The Raiden Shogun at last appeared before her people not as a puppet, but herself. Demanding those under the tri-commission to pick out the stolen visions and return them to their rightful owners. It would be a long process, but the traveler and savior of Inazuma was there to offer a helping hand.
They had become somewhat of a face for peace, freedom. When the blond-haired golden-eyed traveler would descend, all would stop to face them. To thank them, to love them. And for an Outlander to be so beloved in a country whose borders had shut, The Raiden Shogun felt grateful and as each day passed, another sliver of trust and hope for her people latched onto the shadows of her doubt. Ei could not find their sibling, or do much outside of the reach of Inazuma, but perhaps there was something only she as an Archon could do. And so she confided in her familiar for advice.
Yae Miko laughed, warmth spreading across her face as what once used to be a shell of her best friend slowly refilled. There was life at the edges of those eyes now. “They protected the Resistance with all they had, you would know from how they speak praises and offer condolences for them.” Ei blinked, Amethyst eyes brimming with interest.
“Condolences?”
“Yes, one of their beloved had perished indirectly at the hands of the Fatui. They who anonymously offered support in the form of life-sucking Delusions. Many of the most ambitious fell victim to the devices.” There were stories spread across Inazuma, whispers at first, of the silent cruelties the resistance had faced, and of their unbridled determination. Ei felt that such unnecessary trials were proof of the danger Visions possessed to her people, at least that is what she believed at first. Somehow, while such a declaration was not false, it was those very Visions that could unite others under a similar cause.
“What was the soldier’s name?” Underneath the shelter of the Sacred Sakura tree’s leaves, a single drop of dew descended and splashed on the tip of Ei’s nose.
That one drop carried the salty tang of tears.
~*~
“General Gorou?” The traveler turned from the cup of tea in their hands at Thoma’s words to face none other than the Geo archer himself.
“Come on Thoma, you know you can drop the title now that we are no longer doing battle with Raiden Shogun’s army.” Gorou replied, a pleasant smile on his face that crinkled the edges of his eyes. He was tired, but so happy to walk the streets of Inazuma free of the fear of having his ambitions revoked by force. The ex-general’s ears perked at the scent of the food set at the table. His tail even gave an involuntary wag at the sight of some favorites he hadn’t had the luxury to feast his eyes upon since joining the resistance. “So… what’s the occasion? There’s so much food here!”
“A celebratory hot pot! I had missed these since going into hiding and finally I managed to convince miss Kamisato and our traveler friend to partake in it with me again. Care to join us?” There was a far-off starry look in Gorou’s eyes for a moment before he shook his head firmly.
“Maybe next time. I actually came to deliver something straight from the hands of The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island and into yours, traveler.” He handed a delicately wrapped parcel to the blond traveler, who took it gently in their own hands. “She also wanted me to apologize on her behalf. She wanted to deliver it herself, but she is to entertain guests from the tri-commission on important business.”
“I see… what is contained in the parcel, traveler?” Ayaka asked, regarding the package curiously. Unwrapping it, there was a sharp gasp before the traveler stood from their seat. They turned to face Thoma and Ayaka with a small bow. They could make out what was in their grip and their smiles faded.
“Please forgive me, I have some important matters to attend to.” Gorou nodded, knowing the importance of the garment in their hands, and made their way to exit the Komore Teahouse.
“Allow me to escort you, I wish to do my part as well for him. He was important to all of us.” The traveler smiled softly.
“Thank you.”
The walk towards the nearest dock in Inazuma city was almost surreal. People from all over approached the duo softly, presenting their own offerings to them. They all knew what was next, almost instinctively.
Yoimiya offered a sparkler and incense, Ayaka had caught up to them just in time to offer a fox mask just like the pair she and the traveler shared from a festival they visited, Thoma a bottle of sake. And perhaps strangest of all was when Yae Miko herself awaited them in front of their boat. An Omamori much like the one the fox spirit had given them before their second encounter with Ei.
“Make sure to impart a prayer into it before you offer it up, alright?” The traveler merely nodded. The trip to Watatsumi Island, too, felt like an eternity and a single moment together. Gorou follower them until the entrance to camp, to which he offered a memento of his own, the tasseled rope of a captain in what once was the resistance. Once reaching the home of their friend who left this world too soon, they placed the uniform down first. New uniforms ceased production in the final stretch of the rebellion, to allocate more resources to the front, so they never did get to share in the final wish of their friend. However, as a personal favor for the traveler who did so much, one pair of captain uniforms were created. One of which they wore, the other which was folded neatly in the center of his offering, Teppei’s offering.
“The uniform matches your eyes, my friend. How I wish you would be here to try it on with me.” They started. And so, mechanically, the traveler began to set up the offerings of all their friends. The tassel was neatly tied and placed atop the uniform, Yoimiya’s incense burned softly, and a cup was filled with Thoma’s sake. At last was the Omamori. They didn’t know where to put it, so instead they held it in their clasped hands to pour their wishes into in hopes that wherever Teppei was… that he could hear it.
“The fight is over, at last. The Vision Decree abolished, Inazuma is recovering more as the days pass. How would you feel about all this, I wonder, if you were here to witness it with me?” They closed their eyes and clutched the amulet tighter. In the air, one could smell the scent of the sea. Sharp, distinct, enchanting. These moments would be what they miss the most after leaving Inazuma. Peace.
“My friend! I thought I told you we would put on our uniforms together, and here you are already dressed, this almost wounds me!” The traveler whipped their head back so quickly, so shocked, that they almost yelped when coming face to face with who was behind them. Vibrant golden eyes with serpentine pupils smiled at them. Beautiful iridescent scales decorated the side of his cheek, his ears were finned. And behind them a long tail curled around his legs. The scales on the tail were smooth, brightly-patterned ridges rose from the scales that matched the ones on his face.
“T…Teppei?” A simple nod was all it took before the traveler flung themself into Teppei’s open arms. “It’s really you! What… what is the meaning of this?” Teppei pulled away to calm his friend.
“An act of gratitude from a powerful force.” Was all Teppei said.
“What friend?” Serpentine eyes gently gestured downwards, to the object nestled in the traveler’s hands. An Electro Vision had replaced the Omamori that once nestled safely in the traveler’s hands.
“When you thought of me so fervently, you summoned me to your side.” The confusion evident in their eyes just made Teppei chuckle softly. “As a gift from the Electro Archon, or perhaps something greater. My soul has been given second purpose. One where I travel with you as your familiar and confidant.”
Sister Grace asks for help in preparing an offering to Barbatos, and he so happens to be there at the end.
Pairing: Venti x Traveler (Reader)
Warnings: Some crying
Note: I happened to unlock this quest and complete it while Venti was still at the usual place and I really just wanted to give him a hug, and then this happened.
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The green-clad figure is uncharacteristically silent. Sometimes even the lissome winds grow heavy in their grief… But not that mortals could ever see a moment oh so brief. The urge to embrace Venti from behind is almost overpowering, but you relent. The painful memories he holds for the past, for his friend, it is enough to forget all else. To forget that even in the present, there are people who care for the bard as he cares for them. The city of Mondstadt was filled with so much love, but it can do little to ease a broken heart. Perhaps… it would be better to give him some space. With a final gentle glance, you descend behind the statue of Barbatos so those who gaze upwards in delight as your glider falls would not see your friend grieve above.
“Traveler?” Sister Grace rounded the statue, eyes squinted softly in a smile as she spotted you turning back. You lowered your head briefly in greeting.
“What are you up to?” She hummed thoughtfully as you closed the distance between your bodies.
“I was praying to Lord Barbatos. It was and always has been his protection that has kept Mondstadt, the knights, and the adventurers safe.” Your face broke into a half-smile.
“Yes… How hardworking of him.” Sister Grace turned towards the pre-dawn horizon, when had it gotten so late? Truly, even if he favored wine just a bit too much, Venti would try his best to ensure the happiness of all those who called the City of Freedom their home. The silence was companionable, soft, until she spoke up softly.
“Traveler, if you have some time, could you do me a favor?” Noticing your attention was still on her, she continued. “May you bring me a batch of Dandelion seeds to spread on the winds atop the statue of Lord Barbatos?” Strange as the request sounded, you pulled out some seeds from your pouch. You had picked them earlier in your adventures with Venti, Jack, and Stanley. Venti even offered to make a wish with you over wine once you’d all returned safely, saying that it would surely come true as long as he was with you. You unwrapped them from the dainty cloth they were kept and offered them to Sister Grace.
“Will these do? I picked them only a few hours ago with a dear friend.” She beamed in return, nodding.
“Perfect. May I see them for a moment?” You placed the floaty seeds in her outstretched palms, and she gently curled her fingers around them. “…Lord Barbatos, please hear me…” Her prayer was gentle, grateful even. Thanking the Anemo Archon for the prosperity of the Knights of Favonius, the Adventurer’s Guild, Mondstadt, and she even offered a quiet prayer for you hoping it would grant you safety along your travels. Spending so much time helping the people of the city, everyone had learned of your journey and your name. It was humbling to imagine those that send wishes along the seeds of a Dandelion also wished for your safety and health in some way. Once finished in her prayers, you were handed back the seeds with the utmost care.
“I will spread these on the wind.” You spoke.
“Thank you ever so much.” Out of the corner of your eye, Paimon had finally returned once Sister Grace retreated into the walls of the cathedral to begin her duties. She was disgruntled and more than a little annoyed but carried a bundle of apples with her.
“Here are your STUPID apples! Paimon still doesn’t know why you sent her so far away like that!” You laughed gently.
“Thank you Paimon. And Venti wasn’t feeling well, I thought some food would cheer him up. Let’s see how he’s doing now, shall we?” The climb back up to the hands of the statue was swift and painless, you had nearly perfected it with how often you and Venti would abscond with the wind to have a moment to laugh together. Carefully treading over the arms of the statue, Venti was still observing the city below in silence. Turning to Paimon, you placed a finger to your lips before walking forward. He didn’t even budge when you crouched behind him, and you firmly believed he didn’t even sense you. So, you quietly unraveled the blessed seeds and blew against them. On your breath, the Dandelion seeds danced off into the wind. And that, Venti noticed.
“Dandelions?” He murmured, a croak in his voice that made your chest constrict in sorrow. Had he been crying? Suddenly, the hunched figure of the Anemo Archon straightened, and he looked back at you. His eyes were red and puffy, and they threatened to spill all over again when an apple was offered in front of him.
“Did you hear them? The voices of Mondstadt?” You asked as his teeth dug into the flesh of his apple. He sniffled once and swallowed with difficulty, but he nodded. You held out one more dandelion seed in your free hand, and with a smile you spirited that one away with the others. A wish you made, one that was spoken to Venti through a single wind. The dam broke and he flung his arms around you, sobbing. You returned his embrace as tightly as you could. It was a wish of happiness and love, and it danced along to the bright skies of a new morning that bathed the city in colors of blue and gold.
I only started playing Genshin Impact this week but I HAVE FEELINGS and I WILL share them. In fan-fiction form B)
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Pairing (If you squint): Venti x Traveler
Warnings: It’s a tad bit melancholic but the ending isn’t!
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"Dandelion, Dandelion, ride the wind to a faraway land," The story began, as it always did, and the memories of your favorite story flooded back once you turned the page. It was evening in Windrise, underneath the titanic oak tree the people of Mondstadt associated The Falcon of the East with. Its broad leaves had become something of a comfort for you whenever your travels brought you back to your first home, where you had awoken in Teyvat. You paused from rereading the anthology clutched in your hands to laugh. No, calling Mondstadt your first home would be doing it a great injustice. It has, and always will be, your only home. It sounded ironic, calling this place your home when Barbatos himself declared this the city of freedom and never remained so rooted to one spot, one home. Or that’s how you saw it, anyway. You called this your home, but it and your entire life remained a constant and forever.
What would he think, you wondered to yourself. Actually, he would have just teased you, the answer was clear as the stars above Teyvat. Barbatos… Venti seemed to have no greater pleasure in this world than popping as many of your veins as possible in a single sitting. You loved that though. No matter how turned around the Anemo Archon made you, how many jabs and jokes were played at your expense, they always seemed so soft and playful. He would sound of the softest wind-chimes whenever he laughed and you could never stay upset. And if you had the right mind to jab back at him his laughter only grew before both of you ended up in a fit of laughter. It reminded you of your sibling that still evades you no matter how far and wide you search for them. That is why you were here, underneath the tree and down on your luck. Zhongli may be a retired Archon, but even he couldn’t make the search instant and you understood that. His connections asked you to wait for more information, and thus you found yourself back in Windrise with a copy of your favorite book at your side.
“The Fox in the Dandelion Sea? How odd, I never considered that your type of read.” Lisa murmured one day while she approached your table with two plates of food. It was return day for the books lent out of the library, and she somehow always managed to rope you into tagging along. It was her turn to pay and you had taken to reading your book in the time you were apart. The witch eyed the leather binding, worn in places along the spine where you rested your palm against, but the foiled pages within were kept in immaculate condition. “But I can tell it is very beloved. That’s so hard to find these days.” You finally snapped yourself out of the passage you were reading to eye a beaming Lisa.
“Ah… about that, interesting story…” You trailed off, feeling a heat rise to your cheeks as your fingers drew anxious circles into the leather. Lisa immediately cooed and plopped down onto her chair beside you. There was no way out of this now. “It was a gift. Or, almost. A friend of mine showed me around the city one night. He kept raving about how he thought of me when recalling this story, but it just made me angry at first.” Lisa quirked her head to one side, almost frowning.
“Oh?”
“I skimmed the last book before reading the first ten. The ending left a sour taste in my mouth.” There was a resigned sound coming from your friend and you shook your head quickly. “I gave it a shot, nonetheless. And it changed everything entirely for me. The story is beautiful, and bittersweet. It’s hard for two worlds to collide, I mean just look at me. Mondstadt is what I know and love, no matter how much I travel it feels… strange to be away from home.”
You smiled softly as you came back to the present. Visiting past memories that are full of happiness and friendship is what you did most days. Everyone has a life, people they care about, and your life was pulled from normalcy, thrown off course, and shattered all your preconceptions. When you were with friends, that truth was easy to hide. When everyone was off with their responsibilities, the truth came crashing down onto you. And you felt much too imposing to ask to tag along. You sighed softly, looking at the spaces in between each leaf that hung above you as they rustled in the breeze. At least the wind was always there for you. Closing your eyes, you nearly fell asleep underneath the massive oak, but that was nothing new. You spent more time here than your own room offered to you by the Knights of Favonius during your stay.
“…?” You opened your eyes as something distinctly sounded like a voice with no words, finding a small wind sprite directly above you. You had spent many nights under this tree, but never have you seen this one. You offered a small smile.
“Hello there, I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” You spoke softly. The sprite floated upside-down, watching you with two small pinpricks of eyes. Something about the carefree floating spirit just made you laugh softly. “But it is lovely to meet you.” Satisfied, the sprite flitted down to sit on the book at your lap. “Ah! You’re wondering what I’m reading? It’s my favorite book, The Fox in the Dandelion Sea.” To clear the way for you, the sprite switched positions to rest atop your shoulder. It tilted its head just a bit and you were reminded of Lisa in that gesture.
“You want me to read to you? I…” A moment of pause came from you and you swallowed thickly. “I… I can’t. I’m sorry. The only person I’ve read to before, you see, showed this to me in the first place. And the night before I left to travel across Teyvat, I read the first chapter aloud…” Unable to control the sudden pain you felt in your chest and eyes, you clutched the fabric of your clothes and stop thinking about the book’s history. “I never saw them again and… I’m afraid someone else will leave if I dare utter another word aloud.” The first droplets of tears collided onto the parchment and you quickly closed the book shut before your unplanned show of Hydro could damage anything. The sprite’s little feathers drooped at those words, eyes looking down. The wind that had been quiet shook awake once again, lifting the droplets of tears into the air. You inhaled deeply.
“The wind amongst the branches feels good, I love the way it smells… That’s what we say when we’re down on our luck, right?” You spoke to the wind, wondering if it would carry those tears to Venti in some poetic manner. You wanted both for it to happen and not. Clutching the book close to your chest, you pulled your knees up to lean against. “I miss you so much Venti… Had I been born a fox, I could transform into a dandelion and float to you. I just want to see you.” The ground you were staring at stopped shifting, the wind had stopped. And then it suddenly blew harder than it had ever before. You could hear it howling against your eardrums, deafening, frigid, and powerful. You had closed your eyes, hugging your precious book close, the only physical memory you had of Venti. You could handle the sorrow of the universe, but not the possibility of losing him.
It was then that something squeezed your shoulders, urging you to open your eyes. Bright cerulean ones blinked back at you, braids that ended in an ombre blue dancing wildly around them. Your eyes welled up in more tears.
I wanted to preface this by saying THANK YOU to everyone who enjoyed my first little ficlet and to Professor Peach for liking it enough to write a little RP response to it! Like I mentioned in the first one, I’ve been wanting to write about my Pokemon OCs for the longest time but never had the spoons to do so. But all the love, follows, and reblogs made me nearly cry and inspired me to keep going with San and Sheva’s little misadventures. This one is a little detour from the established canon and characters of Dōtaku Island. Tomorrow after my writer’s workshop on my first official short story (I’m nervous!) I’ll actually get back to professors Peach and Grey and Sheva’s prosthetics. I’m super excited! This little chapter is under the read more <3
“I’m sure we can do something to help.” San already knew Professor Grey was committed to helping the tag team, but hearing Professor Peach’s affirmation hit San with a sudden sense of sobriety. They were on Dōtaku Island, truly and wholly. And the professors were here and they didn’t dismiss the two of them right off the Zubat. San reached out for her best friend’s face who eagerly accepted the affection with a content flap of its primary set of wings. San gently led Sheva’s head down and the two bowed respectfully at the lady of the isle.
“Thank you so… so much!” San watched Peach and her own pokemon partner leave and head off about their business. Where they walked they seemed to demand the respect of all other people and pokemon. Scary! But cool!
“Ok San, Sheva, you can settle in a bit first if you like, get food, have a look around, stretch your legs, or if you’re eager to get started, we can head to my lab right now, start the checks and routine stuff.” The ranger was eager to get started on helping her partner as soon as humanly possible, her mind was set instantly.
“Your lab! Please, if that’s okay.” It was easier to calm down from the encounter with Professor Peach when she had a goal in mind. San knew she looked a bit young, perhaps a little sloppy as her pants were hastily worn over her boots and her red overshirt was wrinkled to Kanto and back. Young hairs were fanned out of her Ponyta tail’s elastic band that gave her the likeness of a Flygon’s antennae. Sheva, the actual Flygon of the group, seemed displeased at its partner’s decision. The large pokemon’s claws clasped together and it cooed exasperatedly. No, Sheva did NOT want to go to the lab right away. San groaned in irritation.
“I told you already, don’t try and cheese your way out of this, Sheva! We need to get you fitted and everything else! We can explore after you get them on!” Sheva shook her head stubbornly and despite the halfhearted attempts to sway her Flygon, San already knew she couldn’t change its mind. The ranger relented with a sigh, managing a small smile.
“Fine. You win! I’m so sorry professor, Sheva is set on exploring it seems. I think we will get something to eat before reconvening at your lab in say, hour or hour an a half?” San couldn’t even wait for a response as Sheva lifted her into the air with a delightful trill and headed off towards some sort of direction. It wasn’t the cafeteria, and San could make out a signpost with an Oran berry painted on it. Berry fields, perhaps? And what a collection of berries the professors kept! Sheva slowed down just before entering the grove to place San back down onto the ground, and she was absolutely blown away. Every single berry bush she could recognize from her crash course on ranger survival was here, and a few incredibly rare subjects that were marked off from the general public were present and blooming just as beautifully. She didn’t think it would be quite possible, but shouldn’t have expected any less from a master in the field of grass types. And not just pokemon, it seemed.
“Purrnyan?” Oh? San blinked quickly and searched around for the source of the voice, only to look down at her feet when the sound was repeated again. A little Purrloin was the source of the inquisitive meow, and in its mouth was a freshly plucked Lum berry. San crouched down to the dark type pokemon’s level and grinned.
“You’re adorable little one, yes, but I know your type better than to think this berry is a gift for me.” San spoke to it, and the Purrloin frowned. Classic species behavior. However, what was unexpected was that it sat down, dropped the berry at San’s feet, and meowed again, different in pitch this time. Strange, it almost seemed like the offering was exactly that, a gift.
“Meeeerrrwoooww!!” San was lost on what to think.
“Do you mean it?” Another meow in affirmation. A hand reached out for the Lum berry. There were no scratches or bites when San picked it up. Another surprise came in the Purrloin gently head-butting San’s free hand as a demand for affection that the ranger freely gave. San had only seen such a delighted cat pokemon once before. “Thank you! And you wanna know something funny? Lum berries are actually my favorite. You have impeccable taste.” Purrloin purred in delight, it sounded like an agreement, and then it curled softly into a little ball to rest in the warm rays of the sun. Naptime after lunch? A dream. Sheva returned soon after that with a mountain of berries in between its claws. San exclaimed.
“SHEVA! Did you even leave any for the other pokemon on the island? Did you even ask if taking them was acceptable behavior from guests?” The ranger knew that berries, especially well-pollinated ones, grew back quickly in ideal conditions but this seemed a little excessive. Her worries were calmed when she noticed a trail of smaller bug and grass pokemon trailing behind her partner. Sheva sat down close to its partner and soon they were all overrun by excitable wild pokemon who reached for their favorites first, and even when they had their treats they didn’t shy away from the human in the group. There were several Treecko that found Sheva an exciting new tree to scale and San met the sweetest little Palm Turtwig who tried to take her Lum berry from her. With a laugh, the ranger instead offered a sweeter Pecha berry that it took to immediately. While lunch was enjoyed by so many of the friendly pokemon on the island, all the laughter and smiles soon wasn’t enough to keep her awake. The sleepless nights worrying over her partner pokemon’s health and safety had finally exacted their toll, San was yawning loudly and it created a chain reaction for the other pokemon around her to yawn as well.
“Gan?” It was a sound Sheva reserved only when calling its partner’s name, San responded with a drowsy smile.
“Hmm… Yes Sheva?” Sheva grinned triumphantly, settling on its back with wings outstretched and tail curling around a still-resting Purrloin. Sheva crooned, and San reached her arms out in front of herself lazily, trying to feel for her friend’s body. When the ranger found her target, San leaned against Sheva’s belly. A comfortable pillow, and a familiar position. Whenever the duo had to pitch a tent and sleep overnight on a mission, this was how they slept to keep each other in close proximity. Dozens of bodies surrounded them, all of their meal-mates huddled into the pile to recover their energy and rest.
San would have to formally apologize to both professors later.
-Laughs Nervously- What am I dooOIIIINNGGGG @prof-peach
Well Obviously I’m writing but like, I just....? Goodness I’m sorry. Small backstory, I’ve wanted to write about my pokemon ranger OC and her partner for a While now. And your blog inspires me a lot! So I wrote a tiny little something! Under the Read More!
With her legs leaning over and out of the ship, a grinning pokemon ranger observed as the sight of land drew ever closer. She inhaled the salty tang of the air deeply. “Ahhhhh…! Can you smell that in the air, Sheva?” She asked her Flygon who was leaning their upper body over the protective railing of the ship where its trainer was haphazardly perched. Sheva trilled back, making the ranger laugh. “Same here, I can’t smell ANYTHING other than the seawater!! This is nothing like where we’ve been stationed for the past six months! Johto is absolutely beautiful!” Breaking the peace and comfort of the ferry trip, she felt her pokemon partner press its face into her chest with a small whimper. She rubbed Sheva’s snout affectionately, carting her free hand through the soft fluff that decorated her Flygon’s chest.
“Rrrrrnnn!” Sheva protested, whining.
“I know, I know… It’s scary to think of the reason why we’re headed to Dotaku Island in the first place. But Sheva, Professors Peach and Grey will be able to help you get back into the sky again. And then we can fly across all of Orre just like we used to, we can be official partners again. Just promise me you won’t push them away out of stubbornness.” Before Sheva could respond, the pair heard the ferry captain’s voice on the speakers
“Now docking at Dotaku Isle.”
“Wonderful! Sheva, let's get down and confirm our appointment with Professor Grey!”
~*~
“Oh, San! You made it in person, that’s wonderful news.” San turned her head to the voice that called her, smiling wide when she recognized it was Professor Grey. The young ranger cantered over to the professor, happy that he recognized her so quickly. The two had been in contact over the last few weeks, trying to figure out the exact needs for Sheva and whether she would be better off with prosthetics or a regimen for therapy.
“Of course I did! When you offered to examine Sheva, I was overjoyed I couldn’t stop thinking about it in every waking hour I had! I would have come sooner too, if I wasn’t in a constant kerfuffle with the Orre Police Department trying to get official leave for this trip.” Grey offered a sympathetic smile to her.
“As I understand, you are one of the few pokemon rangers partnered with the Orre force that isn’t stationed in Pyrite, correct?” San exhaled harshly, shaking her head.
“Yes, I’m helping create and clear space for the new Pokemon HQ Lab by day, and in the evening it's usually only Sheva and I who can patrol the sun-parched dunes of the desert.” The exhaustion from San’s almost nonstop efforts to keep the region safe from the likes of danger must have permanently etched themselves onto the creases on her face and the weariness of her limbs by now. She couldn’t remember the last time she even did something for herself.
“I understand, I’m especially relieved you were able to make it then! Now, where’s your partner? In her pokeball?” San shook her head.
“Oh no! Sheva never goes into her pokeball. In fact I don’t even think I bring it with me on the regular.” There was a moment of pause.
“I see… So where is your partner now? You said she was grounded and unable to fly still.” A panic set into San’s body, shaking off her obliviousness to the world around her.
“Sheva? SHEVA?!” Sheva couldn’t have gone far, she felt the dragon pokemon’s claws on her shoulders just moments ago before she went to greet Professor Grey.
“Now, aren’t you the most curious thing I ever did see on a Saturday morning!” San and the professor quickly made their way over, the former of which placed a hand on her chest to calm her beating heart. Sheva was in one of the most capable hands on the island, Professor Peach was already eyeing Sheva with what seemed to be delight and fascination.
“Ah there you are, Sheva! Making friends? And here I was worried you’d be too apprehensive!” Sheva turned to San and crooned delightedly as Peach found one of her favorite spots to be scratched just under its chin.
“I see… You certainly have more wings than I was expecting to see on a Flygon, and you’re spotting some of the softest down I’ve felt on any dragon type I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Ataria descended, maybe? Not quite. Hmm, oh… No! One of your parents must have been a Volcarona!” San couldn’t help but smile as Peach affectionately regarded Sheva, and only snapped out of her stupor when Sheva placed its chin over its trainer’s head.
“H-hello Professor Peach! My name is San and I’ve travelled from Orre in search of some guidance and help for my partner Sheva. Do you think you can help us?”
~*~*~*~
Some small notes in case anyone was wondering:
San is a trainer originally from Unova but was stationed in the Orre Region after graduating from the ranger academy. Sheva is her Volcarona-variant Flygon because I’m absolutely OBSESSED with the idea of pokemon variants and I wanted to include two of my favorite pokemon that can actually breed in the games.
Sheva has more than one pair of wings, I can’t decide if she’d have four or six wings total, but two of them were torn from a bad encounter with Team Snagem who was after Sheva because she was a strange looking pokemon and fully evolved. Sheva also has some chest fluff like Volcarona does! Sheva loves to be petted on the chest and chin especially
Sheva cannot fly as of now, whether it is due to the trauma of the attack or because she’s not used to using one less pair of wings is what San is trying to figure out. That’s why she arrived on the island seeking help and counsel from Professor Grey who is the expert in prosthetics just in case Sheva might need some to fly again.
And I plan on writing a little more down the line too! I have a few ideas of San and Sheva on Dotaku island that I’d like to explore in time.
