𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 (𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐱𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

Chapter 9: When I Moved On..I Think.

Waking up, the first thing you felt was a dull, aching pain inside. "What's happened has happened," you concluded mentally, "but I must keep going."

"We aren't frozen in place after all," a voice remarked. You immediately jumped, and then cursed your mind for hearing his voice - it was currently unwanted. Shortly after you had your realisations yesterday, you had travelled around the HQ confusedly, before eventually finding yourself outside Jean's office. Fortunately she was in her office - it was a chaotic storm of paperwork - and you had spoken with her. Upon first glance, you had recognised her as the blonde, tall woman who was at your bedside that morning. The two of you had discussed your accommodations, and you had expressed to her your past, your inner thoughts, and the urge to take control of your life and turn it into something meaningful.

Today was the commencement of your training to become a Knight of Favonius.

After getting ready, you made your way to the courtyard, speedily strolling in anticipation. You wondered what you would learn today - to fight? To deceive? You were so excited! You simply could not hide the childlike excitement on your face!

Before it faltered, and was instead replaced with shock.

This couldn't be. No.

Standing before you with his back turned was a tall man in a navy blue cape, dressed entirely in the shadows of the night. Upon hearing your rapid steps and then your gasp, the blond man spun around, wielding a sapphire-blue sword - it matched his merciless eyes perfectly. He smirked at the colour draining from your face, before maintaining an offensive stance.

"The victors will burn bright, whilst the losers turn to ash. You, who has set foot in this courtyard, commence your training from today," the man declared as his icy eyes bore into you. You shivered in response, before taking a breath and picking up a dull blade from the ground, maintaining position. And the battle had begun, although the merciless hunter was scarily fast. He was rapid in his attacks, yet adrenaline had driven you to block every blow. As the fight went on, you could sense the increasing ball of anger festering inside him, as his attacks became aggressive and hateful, causing minor slashes upon your upper arms. You winced in pain but did not want to surrender to this...ugh. Eventually, you grew fatigued and your movements became sloppy; the man pounced on the opportunity and grabbed your arm, pulling you against him, his sword against your throat.

"I see you have been silent regarding our last encounter - has Alberich abandoned you?" the man whispered menacingly. You were about to silence him with a few well-chosen insults, when both of you heard clapping across the courtyard.

"Excellent battle Y/N and Dainsleif!" a short, blonde girl in a white dress exclaimed. Part of you wondered where all these people were appearing from, nevertheless you appreciated kind company. You smiled at the stranger as she approached, managing to fidget out of the hunter's grasp - ah, Dainsleif is his name, you noted, smirking at the unintentional identity reveal.

"I'm Lumine," the girl introduced.

"How did you know my name was Y/N?" you asked, curious. Lumine chuckled.

"Jean told me about a lovely girl who wants to become a Knight!" she spoke pleasantly. You nodded in response.

"Y/N can be deemed as the victor for today's battle, nevertheless I am certain that I will win the war." Dainsleif stated, revealing nothing of his true thoughts. You thought for a moment about Kaeya, but decided to push his memory out of your mind - he was simply a high-ranking Captain, and that was all. You were in Mondstadt to live a peaceful life, nothing more.

As the weeks turned into months, you found yourself catching onto the responsibilities and tasks that the Knights were delegated; from clearing hilichurl camps, to liaising politically with the Fatui and keeping them at bay, your life became lively with these never-ending moments. Even more remarkably, you were often sent to Snezhnaya for Fatui parties, where you would often masquerade, drink, and extract information from the subordinates of the Harbingers, whether it required seductive, wily smiles, or...less stealthy methods. At first, you felt extremely self-conscious entering such environments alone, but Jean, Amber and Barbara believed in you - that's all you needed. During your training, you had also gotten to know a fellow trainee who was also the maid of the Knights, called Noelle. She possessed a strong determination to be knighted, and so you often took inspiration from her. As for Dainsleif, your regular duels in the courtyard had acquainted the two of you. Both of you connected well over the pain of losing your home, as well as the comfortable silences that often accompanied both of you. Although you never questioned him on his enmity towards Kaeya, he had apologised to you for that night, and you had forgiven him - what was the point of such hatred? You felt he was a good person overall, he merely was looking for an answer.

As the golden dawn stretched its' arms through your window, it brushed against your eyelids, and you awoke with a smile. Leaping out of bed, you danced excitedly and raced to your bathroom to get ready. Today was the day where you and Noelle would officially be knighted as Honorary Knights alongside Lumine, and would specialise in a specific department. For the special day, you decided on a maroon, silky shirt half tucked into black jeans, and finally your standard work-boots.
Having gotten ready, you rushed over to Noelle's room and practically banged on the door, unable to contain your excitement; Noelle answered the door, and instantly grabbed your hands as the both of you began to spin in a circle and jump.
"Today's the long-awaited day Noelle!!!" you exclaimed.
"I know Y/N!! It's finally here - we will be Honorary Knights! I cannot express truly how happy I am right now! And will be!" Noelle squeaked, overcome with emotion and joy.
The both of you left and made your way to the knighting ceremony, hand in hand.

Favonius Cathedral was beautifully decorated; the benches had chains of Windwheel Asters weaving along the backs, golden candles were swaying in celebration, and the chatter could be heard, from excited graduates, to the Knights that were stood along the back. You knew most of them by now, your eyes recognising Lisa, a few others, before pausing on the Cavalry Captain, whose stare bore into you. It revealed nothing, until his expression blossomed into a small smile of acknowledgment. You awkwardly nodded back in acceptance before turning away. During your journey, you had accepted that you just didn't know Kaeya at all, and had found that nobody truly knew who he was. So you forgave him and left it at that, you knew from your past that hatred could not cure anything, it would only destroy a person.
Your attention turned to the front of the Cathedral, where Jean stood in a regal jacket, hushing everyone.
"Welcome to this year's celebration! I would like to begin by sending my dearest regards to our new Knights of Favonius! On behalf of the Knights of Favonius, and swearing by this sword, victory shall be yours. You have our complete and full support, but if your path deviates from justice, we will not hesitate to point it out. Onwards!"
The cathedral boomed with applause and one by one, each graduate was knighted. You jumped with joy upon seeing Noelle finally crowned an Honorary Knight, and smiled as she was appointed to the 6th Company, Logistics, with Hertha. You briefly waved at her as Noelle and Hertha walked away.

"Y/N."
You walked to the front of the cathedral, head high. Tears of joy formed in your eyes; from scavenging and running away from your past, to safety and strength in Mondstadt, you had turned your life around for the better. As you were knighted by Jean, you promised to yourself to continue living such a purposeful life, especially for those dear that you had lost.
"May the blessings of Barbados forever be with you. You've done well Y/N. I am truly so, so proud of you." Jean held your hand and smiled widely. You sniffled, overcome with emotion, and again nodded, unable to speak. Jean's voice lowered, and she leaned in. "As for your department, you will be working in the Cavalry. All of the members apart from the Captain are currently on an expedition with Varka, so the two of you will be working together."
You vaguely acknowledged the rest of her statement, as your mind had a plethora of thoughts - how were you going to be treated? How were you supposed to act towards him? Should you bring up the outburst that happened at the tavern months ago?

A silky voice murmured behind you, and it sounded exactly as you had remembered.
"Congratulations on becoming an Honorary Knight, Y/N. Welcome to the Cavalry, I'm certain you will enjoy your time here. Shall we discuss more at the tavern?"

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Author's Note:
Hey fellow Kaeya mains (or stans lollll)!
I'm super excited to say that since my exams are over for the year (didn't do great but we move), I will be posting more often!
Do remember to upvote and comment, because why not 😭 Buss it down to the Knights of Favonius and show your support! lol
Take care :)
jaskidust