To Melt a Frozen Heart

Chapter 5: To Protect Those You Care For

(I know what the actor did was horrible, but this story doesn't feature that character. However, please take a break for yourself and be patient with how everything is going. They'll replace the character's VA, but if you need a break please do. This story doesn't feature the character. Please enjoy and take a break)

         As for the rest of the knights, they were doing their best to help their people keep warm. Anyone with a pyro vision was working the hardest and making sure there were places that held warmth. However, this also tired them out. Amber and Bennet had collapsed on the floor of the headquarters.

"Please take a moment to rest" Barbara said with concern as she used her powers to heal them.

"But there are others who will need our help" Amber said as she struggled to stand up, "We have to keep the people warm. Ah"

She collapsed on her knees as Eula helped her sit back. Eula motioned her to sit back and take a moment to relax.

"Then let me do more of the hard work" Bennett said determined as he struggled to get back up on his feet.

He could barely stand as Razor and Fischl caught him before he could crash into anything.

"I'm sorry... I want to do more..." Bennett said in defeat.

Jean was worried as she looked at her friends and knights. They were overworking themselves to the point of exhaustion. She gazed out the snowy window and hoped the Traveler, Paimon, Sucrose, and Klee were closer to reaching Albedo. The sooner they reached him, the sooner Mondstadt would be free from this icy prison.

"Master Kaeya is back!" Amber said in relief.

Jean looked up to see him returning with an exhausted expression. She rushed to him as he waved her off.

"I will be fine, but things are getting colder by the minute" Kaeya reported to her, "I am just running from one end of the city to the other. Those with a cryo vision are running all the errands we can to help others"

Jean knew that was true. Rosaria and Diona were helping their people by giving supplies since they would be able to withstand the cold. Eula was also running around and helping the people. She was taking a break after running a few of the more grueling errands.

"We can't keep going like this. We need more help" Noelle said tiredly.

Jean knew this too and realized someone could help them keep back the cold. She glanced to Lisa who was working with Mona to find a possible solution. Kaeya noticed her thinking expression and nodded.

"Go out and do what you need to do" he reassured her, "I can look after everyone here"

"Thank you, Kaeya. Please let me know if you or anyone needs anything" she said as she picked herself and ran out of the headquarters.

She exited the room and rushed to search for Venti as she heard someone call out to her.

"Jean" Diluc said simply as he was standing to the side of the headquarters with a serious expression.

"Master Diluc, what are you doing here?" Jean asked surprised.

"I had opened my tavern to those who need warmth" he answered simply as he approached her, "However, I was trying to reach for a certain bard who hasn't appeared at my tavern"

Jean was surprised that Diluc had come to the same conclusion as she did. They were sure their Archon could do something about this cold and help their people.

"I am sure he is around here somewhere" Diluc answered seriously as he prepared to depart, "But I was sure you want to come with me and find him"

"Yes" she replied, "I believe Venti might be able to do something about this cold until the Taveler, Paimon, Sucrose, and Klee return with Albedo"