Aether, and Sying walked around the streets of Mondstadt to enjoy the morning sun and good weather. There had been no Stormterror attacks in the past week and Mondstadt had been peaceful. However, there were no signs of Aether's sisters. As the trio walked, they noticed Jean talking with a member of the Fatui.
"That's Jean, isn't it?" Aether said.
"No duh." Sying responded. The Traveler stuck his tongue out at the adeptus in response. "Seems like she's talking to someone. Let's let her finish, then go say hi." The duo hid behind a stone pillar to observe the conversation.
"...which has brought us to this point in the first place. If you are unable to promptly deal with the Stormterror threat, then leave the defense of Mondstadt to the Fatui. We can put an end to Mondstadt's dragon issues, all we need to do is bring that monster to the-" The diplomat stated but was angrily cut off by Jean.
"Monster?" She repeated the word angrily, glaring at the Fatui member in front of her.
"Yes. What's your point?" The diplomat asked. Jean let out an irritated sigh.
"I'd expect a more professional attitude from your diplomats. Yet here you are saying you want to "put an end" to one of the Four Winds of Mondstadt? I won't have any of this nonsense in front of the Knights of Favonius." Jean spoke.
"Heh...Hehehe...It's not as crazy as you make it sound. Fine. That's enough negotiation for today. At this stage, it's simply an amicable exchange of constructive opinions, no? I'll be sure to make thorough notes." The diplomat laughed and walked off. The trio came over to Jean and Sying felt himself smile. He went behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Boo." The adeptus spoke. Startled, Jean turned around to face Sying.
"Oh, Sying. You startled me." The Acting Grand Master admitted. The adeptus gave her a big grin. She looked over at Aether.
"I wanted to thank you two for your help. The elemental flow is finally stable. The aftermath of Stormterror's last attack is finally settled for the moment. However, the pressure from the delegation has become too big to be ignored." Jean stated.
"Delegation?" Aether echoed. "From Liyue Harbor or Inazuma City?" Sying tensed up at the mention of the Electro Archon's nation. Jean noticed and held his hand to calm him down a bit.
"Snezhnaya. They choose to follow the god of Cryo. Their envoys go by a particular name: The Fatui. Heard of them?" Jean informed.
"Oh, them. They are super famous. Well, infamous is more the word. Mr. Sying told me about them." The Outlander recalled.
"I don't think killing Stormterror is the right course of action. The Cryo god's Fatui have always coveted the Anemo god's power. I don't believe they have Mondstadt's best interests at heart." Jean explained.
"Speaking of power..." Aether began to speak.
"What is it Aether?" Jean questioned.
"There's something we need to show the Knights of Favonius." He finished, talking about the crimson crystal they found in the woods.
"Oh? Let us head back to headquarters then. We shouldn't discuss important matters out in the open." Jean suggested. She took the lead as the trio followed her. "Mondstadt and Snezhnaya are considered the same in status. Mondstadt is independent, and does not belong to any other nation. In fact, despite being referred to as a city, Mondstadt is a nation. Though, Snezhnaya's Fatui are known to be the most aggressive diplomats in Teyvat.
"Makes sense, given the tone of that woman just now." Sying responded.
The trio entered Jean's office where Lisa was. Sying pulled the crimson crystal out of his pocket to show the group.
"It's a crystal embedded with some kind of power... Lisa, are you able to analyze it?" Jean wondered.
"Let me take a look." Lisa said. Sying handed the crystal to the Librarian. "Hmm. I can see impurities in the crystal, but upon further inspection..." Lisa looked at Jean. "No, I'm sorry. I can't make a proper analysis at the moment. Give me some time. I'll take a look through the library's restricted section."
"Right. I'll leave the research to you then, Lisa." Jean told her.
"Understood. I'll notify you all if I make any progress. Though I wouldn't go getting your hopes up. They are incredibly ancient texts, not to mention-Ouch!" Lisa exclaimed, dropping the crimson crystal onto the rug. "Gosh, that hurt! The impurities in the crystal... It hurts when I get close. I see... It appears to react to Visions. The impurities and the elemental energy we embody repel each other. It's strange though. Sying was the one holding onto it and wasn't affected. Aether has elemental abilities as well, but doesn't seem to be affected in the same way either." Aether stayed silent while Sying shrugged his shoulders.
"I have a high pain tolerance." The adeptus lied.
"Anyway, the crystal would be better left in the hands of my cutie. It will just be a pain if left with us, both literally and metaphorically."
"Okay. I'll keep it." Aether agreed, picking up the crystal and placing it in his pocket.
"Fascinating. Do you know anything about what makes you special?" Jean wondered.
"I don't know." Aether replied.
"I do not know what to make of it either. Well then, Aether, Sying... The Knights of Favonius have another favor to ask of you both. Please accept the title of Honorary Knight and the gratitude of the Acting Grand Master." Jean requested.
"Honorary Knights of Favonius!?" Aether repeated the words in surprise as his eyes sparkled with excitement.
"We ask for your continued assistance in finding some answers. Stormterror's rage... and strange crystals... I know Mondstadt's peace hangs in the balance. May the wind open your eyes to the truth. We'll meet back here if you find anything." Jean stated.
YOU ARE READING
Meraki
Fanfictionthe soul, creativity, or love you put into something; the essence of yourself that is put into your work. In which the King of Khaenri'ah plans to overthrow the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
