Untold Stories: A Genshin AU Tale

Chapter 5: Unexpected Reunion..?

-Back in Mondstadt-

Astreal entered the cabin alongside Katalia, the two of them sat down across of Werdach. "Astreal," Werdach spoke up. "You've been away for a while, hm?"

"Yeah, kinda got caught up with the new kid.." Astreal replies, meanwhile Katalia brushed her bangs, and yawned. "Anyways, what's our new task today?" Astreal asks, stretching as well. "Today, you'll be hunting down one of our long time targets.. you two, work together with reinforcements from Mondstadt guards. You will intercept a dealing in the outskirts, and you will bring him back, either dead or alive; which then the people of Mondstadt will decide his fate." Werdach discussed; Astreal nodded and took notes while Katalia started to daydream..

After the discussion, Werdach watches as a fleet of Mondstadt's best soldiers ready at the gate. Astreal, impressed, looked around and stood in front. "Alright, listen up! Our target today is known to befall hell onto anyone who is in his vicinity! I warn any soldier who fears death, leave now!" Astreal barked, and the soldiers all responded with stern faces, "No sir!"

Werdach and Katalia watched on the sidelines, Astreal walking around the soldiers.. "Alright.. be not afraid to die, be not afraid to lose a comrade! But what's important to make sure you and your mates come back in one piece! Understood?!"

"Yes sir!" The soldiers responded again, and the soldiers march towards the outskirts. Werdach and Katalia stayed behind.. watching as Astreal led the charge. "Do you think we should help him?" Katalia asked. "We shall wait and see, Katalia." Werdach responded..

At the entrance of a warehouse, where the dealing was held, Astreal signaled for the soldiers to get into groups. "Aravet, Vicque, Macros.. flank left at my command. Torev, Danlof, Serbyun.. flank right at my command. Petras, Fernus. With me." Astreal orders, and the soldiers took their places, hiding within the shadows.. Astreal acted tough, but his mind was flooded with the thoughts about this target.. he wondered if it was him.. the person whom turned his life upside down..

Within the warehouse was the mysterious figures and a strange cloaked man. The man exchanged his fortune for an item clasped within a small box. With this item, the man grinned, getting the desired object after many years. Astreal knew that chuckle, his mind affirming that it was him. "Get them!!" Astreal yelled, and the soldiers surround the men on all sides. The cloaked man, still grinning, unvield his face. "Long time no see.. kid." The man snickered.

"Enough of your tricks.. we're here to bring you in. Don't make this hard for us or yourself.. father." Astreal demanded, the soldiera raising their weapons. Before he could stop him, the man put on the item that was within the small box-a ring, filled with powers of all magic alike. A burst of energy surged through his veins.. the magic essence coursing through his body. Astreal, realizing the danger, orders the soldiers to retreat, but the attack had already begun.. the man swung his hand around, and the soldiers were swallowed into infernal pits. Trapped, and unable to wriggle free, the soldiers could only experience a painful, slow death. Hearing their screams, Astreal started to have a flashback, the many echoes of helpless victims being tortured in such ways, the voices ringing in his head. His pupils shrunk as he watched the soldiers were engulfed into the fiery pits, and he could do nothing.. but watch.

"You've really underestimated me boy.. you think your pathetic legions of soldiers can stop me, when i have powers of every known Archon in existence?!" The man cackled, as Astreal took a few steps back.. "You.. monster.. you never changed one bit.." Astreal mumbled, but the man never cared. Astreal tried to lunge at him, but the man disappeared in a cloud of dust.. leaving Astreal kneeling on the ground with his eyes fixated on whatever was remained of the soldiers. Severed arms, legs, and their weapons reminded him of what power he had in his hands now..