Beyond the Stars

Prologue: Act II - For A Tomorrow Without Tears (Let The Wind Lead)

I followed Venti all the way to Windrise and just as I expected he was there by the big tree.

"Oh? What are you doing here? Though I was just wondering if you would happen to follow me..." he said.

"We want to know more about the Anemo God." I said.

"You speak of the God of Anemo, Barbatos? He already disappeared from Mondstadt a long time ago. Liyue's and Inazuma's respective God of Geo and Electro are still present, but Mondstadt has seen many moons since they last saw their own god. Why do you wish to know more about the God of Anemo? Does it have something to do with Dvalin? " I think he's starting to catch on to us.

"Oh... ahh... it's because gods..." Paimon stuttered.

"Yes, someone told me about Dvalin's past." I said.

"Just how is that everyone sees Stormterror? I'm quite curious. That said, there's no rush... I have not been back in a while, it seems there are a few who are unhappy with my arrival." We looked to the side and we saw a big glowing teal orb that was radiating Anemo energy. I didn't know what this thing was but I can tell that it wasn't friendly.

If I wanted answers then I'm gonna have to get rid of this thing first. I tried to get a good hit on it but it was too fast for me. Sometimes it would also charge at me before I had the chance to think of an attack. I managed to hit the thing but it blew a powerful Anemo attack at me and I was knocked back. The impact knocked me out.

...

"Again."

I got up from the ground as I sparred with Aether. We've been at it for about like an hour maybe even more and I still haven't won against him. I think I'm starting to get the hint that I suck at fighting. 

Just when I thought that I was gonna win, I felt Aether trip me from behind, I fell on my back, and felt his wooden staff pin me to the ground. 

"No fair! You're older, stronger, and faster than me. How do you keep winning?"

"It's not always about brute strength, Lumine. Don't worry with just a little more practice you'll get better in no time. Want to go again?" 

"No, I'm good..." I resigned myself to sitting on the bench.

I sighed. There was no way that I was gonna be like Aether. Everyone says that he's so dependable.

Ooh, Aether you're so strong. Ooh, Aether you're so brave. Ooh, I wish I could have such long golden hair like you...

That's all I ever hear from everyone. Aether's the golden child of our homeland. What am I known for?

My beauty and my clumsiness. For once I want people to see that I can be strong and brave too.

"Hey, are you okay?" Aether said as he sat next to me.

I stayed silent. 

"I know how you feel... Wanting to be heard? To be seen for who you truly are? I get it. I completely get it. But, let me in on you with a little secret. To tell you the truth I'm facing the same thing you're going through. Everyone looks at me as the one to go to when all goes wrong and they view me as this brave, strong warrior when really I can get scared and nervous like the next person... Listen, you can't always solve your problems by recklessly charging in with no plan. It's all about strategy. You gotta see the thin line point to your enemy's weak spot. Come on let's try it again."