(3RD POV)
[Now, The City Of Monstadt is at peace. The townspeople are active and work happily. Children play together without any fear. The Knights Of Favonius continued to carry out their duties as usual, but in a pleasant atmosphere. And, that brings a sense of satisfaction to our two heroes and their pixie friends. And speaking of those three...]
Musashi: "You know, Lumine... I think i'm gonna miss this place."
Lumine: "I feel the same. For some reason, I feel reluctant to leave this city."
[Currently, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon were looking at the city of Monstadt from the top of the tower of Knight Of Favonius's HQ. It was obvious that Musashi and Lumine were a bit sad about leaving Monstadt and going to Liyue. However, Paimon always found a way to lighten the mood.]
Paimon: "Moou~ You two don't be so sad, please! It's not the end of the world, you know!"
Musashi: "Eh? What do you mean by that, Paimon?"
Paimon: "We can come back here and meet the others after it's all over! We might even be able to return here after our business in Liyue is over!"
[Thanks to Paimon's short words, Musashi and Lumine got a little more excited, even Musashi pinched Paimon's chubby cheeks.]
Musashi: "Whoa~ Turns out you're wise too, Paimon. I thought you only knew how to eat."
Lumine: "Hehe~ Completely befitting the title of "Emergency Food"."
Paimon: "Hey! You two are the worst! Paimon is not an Emergency Food!"
[Musashi and Lumine laughed softly towards the annoyed Paimon. Well, it's their routine, after all.]
Musashi: "Hehe~ Sorry... As an apology, how about we go have a drink at Angel's Share? Well, count it as our last drink before going to Liyue."
Lumine: "I guess there's nothing wrong with that. Besides, I'm in the mood for some juice."
Paimon: "Hehe~ Paimon wants those drink some juice! Especially that been made by Master Diluc!"
Musashi: "Alright then! Let us go!"
Lumine/Paimon: "TO ANGEL'S SHARE!"
[And... They decides to go to "Angel's Share" Bar.]
(Opening : PERIOD - Chemistry)
(As song start... It shows the whole view of Moonstadt City and it's people, and then the screen shows, the title "Genshin Impact : Shattered Void".)
Owari naki tabi no tochuu
(Lumine is standing on the tip of the peak of hill of a mountain to see Moonstadt.)
Tachidomari sou na toki
(Paimon is floating around Lumine, and smiles to each other.)
Fukai tameiki kobosu bokura wa
(On the other side, Musashi is training her blade with Acting Grandmaster Jean in Training Field and both of them are smiling as their swords crossed. Lisa is looking at them from a far as she is reading her book.)
Tsukami kakete wa mata hanarete itta
(Diluc is doing his paper work at Dawn Winery, while Kaeya is patrolling around the city, along with Eula and Amber.)
Demo ima wa mou nani mo osoreru koto wa nai
(Venti is playing her Lyre in front of the kids, near the Giant Barbatos's Statue. They are playing, dancing and singing together.)
Kokoro wo tsunagu
(The screen shows Musashi and Lumine is killing so many Hillicurs.)
Tsuyoi kizuna wa
(A Giant Mitachurls tries to attack Musashi, but it was blocked by Eula's Claymore. As Musashi and Lumine keeps running forward.]
Keshite hodoke wa shinaisa
(Diluc is using his Pyro Claymore, and kills some of Abyss Mages. As Kaeya is using his Cyro Sword and freezing some of Hillicurs.)
Sagashi tsuzukete
(Jean is standing proudly, as she readies her sword, and the enemies is upon them.)
tadori tsuita
(Suddenly, a thunder struck Hillicurs near Jean's location, turns out, Lisa is using her spell behind Jean.)
Kono basho de Period ni
(Lumine's brother, Aether is standing on the top of the hill of a mountain, looking at the battlefield, accompanied by his Abyss Mage. Then, he is looking at the sky, with StormTerror flies on the sky.)
Kanashimi ikari
(Lumine is standing near the front gate of Moonstadt.)
Chikara ni kaete
(Musashi stands beside her (holding her sword), and Paimon is floating around them.)
Unmei wa sugu soba ni
(Both Lumine and Musashi are doing fist bump, and they are ready for their adventure!)
-------------------- Chapter 12 -------------------
(Still 3RD POV)
(Angel's Share Bar) (16.00)
[Three of them have arrived at the bar just drink to their fullest. But, when they got there, they meet Master Charles, not Diluc.]
Musashi: "Yo, Master Charles!"
Charles: "Oh, it's you three. It's so rare to see you three all here together."
Musashi: "We just had a small party for the three of us."
Charles: "Well, suit yourself up. So, may i take your order?"
[After 2 minutes of drink, they decides to order.]
Musashi: "I order Brightcrown, please. Just for a change for once."
Lumine: "I want Sweet Cider Lake, please."
Paimon: "Paimon wants Gray Valley Sunset!"
Charles: "Haha! Coming right up!"
[Master Charles went back and Make drinks for the three of them. Well, and 10 minutes later...]
Charles: "Alright! Brightcrown, Sweet Cider Lake and Gray Valley Sunset for Heroes Of Monstadt!"
Musashi: "Thanks, Master Charles!"
Lumine: "Alright! Let's drink it!"
[All three of them are enjoying their drink. Master Charles was very satisfied serving three of his favorite customers. And, suddenly, Master Charles remembered something.]
Charles: "So you've got a taste for adventure too, huh?"
Musashi: "Hmm?"
Charles: "I must say, the patrons have been in a bit of a buzz lately."
Lumine: "What kind of buzz, if i may ask, master Charles?"
Charles: "Though the topic on everyone's lips is more of an urban legend than actual news. Even minding my own business I still end up hearing all about it."
[And for some reason, Paimon was a bit frightened by the story Master Charles was about to tell.]
Paimon: "Uh-oh... It's not one of those scary urban legends, is it? If so, Paimon needs to take a deep breath first!"
Charles: "Hahaha, it's not a particularly scary story, no... At least, not for most people... It's the tale of... the Darknight Hero!"
Paimon: Aarrgh!!!"
[Paimon suddenly yelled and hid behind Musashi. Lumine just giggled softly after saw Paimon's reaction.]
Lumine: "Come on, Paimon, he literally just said it's NOT a scary story."
Paimon: "Huh? Did the bartender just say something?"
Musashi: "Well, we just have to hear what he wanted to say."
[Master Charles cleared his throat and began to speak.]
Charles: "Anyway, the Darknight Hero... It is said that he appears in the middle of the night to fight evil and uphold justice."
Musashi: "So, he's kinda like a superhero, huh?"
Charles: "Maybe. But to be honest, I don't have much interest in such rumors. Unless of course he can help take care of the more belligerent patrons after they've had a few too many... I would happily take that as proof of his existence."
[Lumine tilted her head in confusion.]
Lumine: "Um... Has anyone ever seen him?"
Charles: "I'm told that there have been a handful of sightings. But in the depths of night, no one can get a good look at him. Perhaps that's why he only appears at night. Nevertheless, the sightings confirm that the Darknight Hero is more than just a groundless rumor."
Musashi: "Unless he's hiding his own identity. Sometimes, superheroes like to hide their identity."
[Sometimes there are heroes who prefer to hide their identities. Well, for Musashi... having a lot of weird fans, it's quite troublesome.]
Lumine: "But, Why would he hide his identity?"
Musashi: "Perhaps, he's trying to stay away from his fans."
Charles: "I doubt anyone knows but him. Maybe he enjoys being a man of mystery. After all, it's a good way to get the ladies' attention."
Musashi: "Told ya..."
Lumine: "A-Ahahaha."
Charles: "Any guy in the tavern could tell you that. That's more or less everything I know."
[Master Charles just went into the other table to serve other customers. Meanwhile, Paimon seems intrigued by this "Darknight Hero".]
Paimon: "Darknight Hero"... seems like your standard cookie-cutter urban legend. But just a little darker."
Musashi: "Uh, Paimon?" Paimon: "Paimon wonders who it could be. Once you're ready, let's head out to the plaza and ask around!"
[Paimon was excited because she wanted to know who the "Darknight Hero" was. Musashi and Lumine couldn't help but smile dumbly at Paimon.]
Musashi: "Well, i guess we have another mystery to solved."
Lumine: "Yup. But, I don't think it's such a bad mission."
Musashi: "I think... I might know who we're looking for. But, it wouldn't be fun if I spoiled it, right?"
[Lumine just giggled at her future lover.]
Lumine: "Alright, Detective Musashi. Shall we go and investigate this "Darknight Hero" guy?"
Musashi: "Well, let us go and find this guy, Inspector Lumine."
(1 hour later...)
[And then, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon are exploring around plaza and try to ask people there about this "Darknight Hero". At first, their investigation were fruitless, until they meet Donna, the flower seller.]
Donna: "What's wrong with me... Why can't I get him out of my mind..."
Musashi: "Um... Donna?"
Paimon: "Ah, hello? We'd like to ask you about the Darknight Hero–"
Donna: "MY HERO!"
[Donna's shout had taken the three of them by surprise. Donna realized what she had just done, blushed and tried to calm down.]
Donna: "...Oh, sorry! Just hearing his name gets me lost in thought... Hang on, how did you know who I was talking about?"
Musashi: "Well, you're just talking about Hero or something."
Donna: "I-Is it that obvious?"
Lumine: "Well, kinda."
[Instead of calming down, Donna grew more embarrassed and blushed.]
Donna: "Oh no, what am I going to do...? If Master Diluc ever finds out–"
Paimon: "Huh? What's Diluc got to do with this?"
Donna: "Ugh... Well, I guess I might as well spill the beans then."
[Donna just take a small deep breath, and start talking about something that connected with Master Diluc.]
Donna: "I used to think Diluc was the one for me. But ever since the time I was rescued by the Darknight Hero... I-I just don't know anymore..."
Paimon: "Wowee, you saw the Darknight Hero? For real? What's he like?"
Donna: "It all happened so fast... I was so scared... But all I remember is seeing a flash of fire... but I felt safe. I only saw his silhouette but it felt so... familiar."
[Then, it seems makes sense for Musashi. But, Lumine is still confused about that and decides to ask Donna even more.]
Lumine: "A flash of fire... a Vision, perhaps?"
Donna: "Who knows? Now that you mention it, a Pyro Vision does seem like a good explanation. It lit up the whole area in an instant. I remember that very well."
Lumine: "Familiar? Could it be someone you know?"
Donna: "Hmm... That I really do not know. Perhaps it was... fate?"
Musashi: "Fate?"
[Donna just nods slowly to Musashi.]
Donna: "You know? When you meet someone and it feels like... like you've known them your whole life?"
Paimon: "Okay then! Well, thanks for the intel Donna. See you around!"
[And three of them decides to talk about the information they just gained just now.]
Paimon: "So, based on what we know so far... All we need to find is a wealthy, Vision-wielding vigilante who is not one of the Knights."
Lumine: "Perhaps you know about who is that person, Paimon?"
Paimon: "Hmm..."
[After a small yet silent thinking, Paimon just shook her head twice.]
Paimon: "Nope, still no idea. But we already asked so many people. Guess we got to see for ourselves.
Musashi: "You know what... Let's take a look around the city for now. Perhaps we can find this Hero."
Paimon: "Oh, you seems looking forward to look this Darknight Hero, huh, Slime's Lover?"
Musashi: "Well, just clear out both of your curiosity, that's all."
Lumine: "Alright. Let's explore this city for a bit. Let's hope we can find this man."
(18.00)
[And after one hour of exploring the city, all of them had found nothing in the end.]
Musashi: "Welp, i guess it's really just a myth."
Lumine: "Oh, poopie~"
Paimon: "Maybe it's just a mere rumor to attract customer, and-"
*BOOOM!!!*
[Suddenly, the three of them has just heard an explotion from the North Alley of the city.]
Musashi: "What was that!?"
Lumine: "An attack!? At time like this!?"
Paimon: "It must from the North Alley! Let's go!"
[And three of them runs toward the North Alley. There they saw Diluc is fighting against an Abyss Mage.]
Musashi: "Oh boy..."
Paimon: "It's Master Diluc!"
*WUSH!* *WUSH!* *CRASH!*
[That Abyss Mage using Cyro Element to attack Diluc, but he rolled to the right and evades it's attack.]
Diluc: "Hmph!"
[With fast speed, Diluc equipped his Claymore and dashed towards the Abyss Mage, and...]
*WUSH!* *BOOOM!!!*
Diluc: "....."
[Diluc manages to slay that Abyss Mage with one strong slash, causing those trio to be speechless.]
Lumine: "Holy..."
Paimon: "Moley..."
Musashi: "Jabroni..."
[Diluc re-equipped his Claymore, and took a deep breath, until he notices that the trio are approaching him.]
Paimon: "Hold on... The Darknight Hero is Master Diluc!?"
Diluc: "After managing to steer clear of the guards' patrol route... I never anticipated I'd run into you instead."
[Lumine cannot believe the Darknight Hero is Diluc. On the other hand, Musashi just smiles, thinking how correct she was about this Darknight Hero.]
Lumine: "Diluc!? YOU are the Darknight Hero?"
Musashi: (Hehe... Told ya.)
Diluc: "Hmm...? "Darknight Hero"...? Sounds awfully derivative to me. Please tell me you didn't come up with that."
Paimon: "How is this the first you've heard of the name? Every man and his dog in Mondstadt is yapping about the Darknight Hero!"
[Diluc just sighed at this "Darknight Hero" nonsense.]
Diluc: "I do not concern myself with idle chatter... Though, I suppose I may take the idleness of others as a sign that peace prevails."
Paimon: "Alright! The Great Mystery of the Darknight Hero of Mondstadt... Has finally been solved!"
[Paimon said it proudly, causing the other trio sweatdropped on the spot. And..]
Paimon: "Now then, Mr. Darknight Hero–"
Diluc: 'Please, stop calling me that. It makes me feels uncomfortable."
Paimon: "Hah, not surprised. It's the stupidest superhero name Paimon's ever heard. You should come up with something more original."
Musashi: "Oh yeah? Do you have a better name for it, Paimon?"
Paimon: "Like..."
[Paimon is thinking about the name for Diluc's vigilante name... And she got...]
Paimon: "Emmm... Captain Pie..."
Diluc: "Pie?"
Lumine/Musashi: "Pie?"
Paimon: "Captain Pyro!"
*PLAK!*
[Musashi just facepalmed after Paimon changes the name from Pie to Pyro.]
Musashi: (Oh My Archon!)
Paimon: "Now, Tell us Captain Pyro, what happened here today?"
Diluc: "...It was the Abyss Order."
Paimon: "Them again?"
Diluc: "I don't know what those devil they're plotting this time. It seems they're performing some initial reconnaissance. Considering that I've proven myself to be one step ahead of them on countless occasions, their persistence is... unusual."
[As always, Abyss Order is trying to cause a mess around the continent of Teyvat. But, until now, the humans doesn't know why are the Abyss Order did it.]
Musashi: "Let me guess... You've been dealing with them alone the whole time, haven't you?"
Diluc: I assume so, unless you're aware of any other "Darknight Heroes" around these parts."
Lumine: "Then, why don't you get the Knights of Favonius to help?"
Diluc: "Hmph! Who would be helping whom is debatable. After all... The Knights are, for the most part, an utterly incompetent bunch. So, I cannot trust them to take this matter over."
[Musashi sighed slightly, she knows very well, something happened with Diluc in the past that caused him to hate those Knight Of Favonius.]
Lumine: "It seems you have history with the Knights, Master Diluc."
Diluc: "What's past is past. I would prefer not to discuss it."
Musashi: "But, come on, Master Diluc. You should give those Knights some credits. After all, they're trying to protect the city of Monstadt with all they have."
[Diluc sighed for a moment. For a bit, Musashi feels guilty as she just opened up Diluc's old wounds in the past.]
Diluc: "You can say that because you didn't know, Musashi."
Musashi: ".....What?"
Diluc: "You have absolutely no idea what happened to my past. Something terrible happened that made me lose hope and trust in Knight Of Favonius."
Musashi: "Does that mean... You also lost your trust on Jean?"
[This time, it's Diluc's turn to fall silent. Both of Musashi and Diluc are glaring at each other. But, before Musashi could continue, Lumine holds tight Musashi's hand and shook her head twice, signaling Musashi to not to continue this conversation. Slowly, Musashi just backed down and obey Lumine's request.]
Musashi: "....."
Diluc: "....."
Lumine: "Sorry about that, Master Diluc. We have no intention to talk about your past."
Diluc: "It's fine. I hope this conversation has been of service to you, because I would like to ask for a favor in return."
Paimon: "Ooh, what is your request Master Diluc? Your wish is our command~"
Diluc: "You must keep my identity a secret. Above all, it is crucial that you do not let the Knights of Favonius know I am connected to any of this."
[Suddenly, a bunch of Hilichurl suddenly appeared from outside of the gate.]
Paimon: "Yikes, have the Abyss Order sent backup already?"
Diluc: "They appear to just be small-timers. You should have no trouble dealing with them. After all, I cannot afford delays on account of a few lackeys. I shall have to let you take care of them."
Lumine: "B-But-"
Diluc: Remember – don't tell a soul!"
*WUSH!*
[And... Diluc just left without a trace. Leaving the trio to handle those Hilichurls.]
Paimon: "Hey! You're just gonna leave us like this!?"
Lumine: "At this rate, we have to fight them before they entered the city!"
[Lumine equips her sword and ready to repel those Hilichurls, but before that could happen...]
*SLASH!*
Lumine: "!!!"
[Surprised, Lumine and Paimon saw Musashi instantly finish off all of the Hilichurls with one slash and without a word.]
Paimon: "S-So Fast!"
Lumine: (I-I can't even feel the aura of her movement.)
*CTAK!*
[Musashi put his sword back in. He let out a short breath. And, smiled sadly at Lumine and Paimon.]
Musashi: "I'm sorry. Rather than all of this being seen by other people, so I thought it would be better if this was resolved quickly."
Lumine: "I-I'm fine with that... But next time, wait for me, okay?"
Musashi: "Hehe... No promise."
[As they finished with those Hilichurls, they were approached by a Knight named Huffman.]
Huffman: "Greetings. I thought I heard something, so I came to check it out."
Musashi: "Oh, it's nothing special, really, Mr. Huffman."
Huffman: "I see. By the way, did you see anything out of the ordinary?"
Paimon: Nope. Nuh-huh. Not here. Nothing... Unless you're looking for the Darknight Hero, in which case–"
*BLETAK!*
[A hard smack from Musashi landed on Paimon's head and left a big lump on her head.]
Paimon: "ITTE!"
Lumine: "P-Paimon!"
Huffman: "Huh? Darknight Hero!? Did you meet that person!?"
[And, thanks to Paimon's sudden blurt, both Lumine and Musashi are panic. But then...]
Paimon: "Oh, ahh... The Darknight Hero, is ahh... her!"
[Paimon points her finger towards Musashi, causing all of them to be left speechless...]
Musashi: "....."
Lumine: "....."
Huffman: "....."
*BLETAK!*
[Another hard punch by Musashi!]
Paimon: "ITTE!!!"
Musashi: "A-Ahahaha! It's nothing, Mr. Huffman! In fact, we didn't met anyone here."
Lumine: "Y-Yeah! It's just three of us all along!"
Huffman: "I see..."
[Fortunately, Huffman believes Musashi and Lumine's lies. However, regarding Darknight Hero, it seems Huffman knows something about it.]
Huffman: "You don't seem like bad folks. But I do hope you will visit the Knights of Favonius soon, where we can discuss the Darknight Hero situation in more detail, because some things are best not discussed in public."
Musashi: "W-We'll be there, Mr. Huffman! Right, Lumine?"
Lumine: "Y-Yeah! We'll be there!"
Huffman: "Alrighy then! Duty calls. I must be going. Stay safe, Traveler!"
[Huffman just left the North Alley to continue his patrol. Both Lumine and Musashi just sighed a in relief. But, Paimon was angry, thanks to Musashi's double punch.]
Paimon: "Oi! Why did you have to hit me that hard, Slime's Lover!?"
Musashi: "If I don't do that, you will leak Master Diluc's secret to the Knight Of Favonius, you idiot!"
Paimon: "Paimon's lips are sealed, you know!"
Musashi: "Oh yeah? You even mentioned Darknight Hero, you Emergency Food!!"
Paimon: Grr... Slime's Lover!"
[Lumine couldn't help but giggle nervously at the argument between Musashi and Paimon that had become common between the two of them. And, after 5 minutes of arguing between the two of them...]
Musashi: "We... should stop this... Right here... Right now."
Paimon: "Paimon... Agree."
Lumine: "Alright, you two... Then, should we go to the Knight Of Favonius Headquarter?"
Paimon: "Seems like Huffman has something he really wants to say to you about the Darknight Hero. Well, instead of being here doing nothing, we better head over to the Knights of Favonius and see if you can find him."
[But, for a sudden, Musashi just went out of the city, and sit at the edge of Monstadt Harbor.]
Paimon: "Eh? What's wrong with her? D-Did Paimon just say something bad to her?"
Lumine: "I think... That's not the case, Paimon."
[Lumine knew very well why Musashi was suddenly so gloomy. And, instead of going on like this, she decided to do something.]
Lumine: "Hey, Paimon... Can you buy us something to eat?"
Paimon: "Eh!? You don't usually ask Paimon to buy food!"
Lumine: "It's okay... You just buy what you want to buy."
[Paimon received money from Lumine. And, Paimon is very happy.]
Paimon: "Hehe~ Wait for a moment, okay!? Paimon will be back with Monstadt's signature grilled fish!"
[Paimon floated up and went to Good Hunter. This is Lumine's chance to cheer up Musashi. He sat down beside Musashi, with their fingers intertwined.]
Lumine: "You okay?"
Musashi: "Lumine... Did my words just now, is a bit too far? About Those Knights..."
Lumine: "Well..."
Musashi: "I really don't know what Master Diluc had problems with the Knight Of Favonius in the past. However, I just want Master Diluc to appreciate the efforts and performance of those knights a little."
[Lumine held and patted Musashi's hand.]
Lumine: "Musashi... I don't think what you did just now was wrong. However, regarding the matter between Master Diluc and the Knight Of Favonius, it is not our right to interfere."
[Musashi just sighed a bit.]
Lumine: "I know you have good intentions. However, your method is not necessarily able to make Master Diluc 100% believe in Knight Of Favonius."
Musashi: "....I think you're right, Lumine. Looks like I'll have to apologize to him later."
Lumine: "Hehe~ I always knew that Musashi would do her best for everyone."
[Musashi was no longer gloomy. She smiled at Lumine. Lumine also smiled at her.]
Musashi: "Thanks a lot, Lumine. Looks like I still have a lot to learn from you."
Lumine: "I'm glad I could help you, Musashi."
[And, for a while, there was silence between the two of them. Lumine also smoothed her blonde hair, closed her eyes and her face approached Musashi.]
Lumine: "....."
Musashi: "....L-Lumine?"
[Musashi knew what Lumine wanted to do. But, instead of trying to stop Lumine, Musashi also closed her eyes.]
Musashi: "......"
Lumine: "....."
[Lumine's face drew closer towards Musashi. The two of them blushed slightly. 3 centimeters... 2 centimeters... 1 centimeters... And...]
Paimon: "EHEM!"
Musashi/Lumine: "!!!!"
[Suddenly Paimon appeared from behind. And, thanks to her fake cough, Musashi and Lumine immediately moved away from each other while blushing.]
Paimon: "....."
[Paimon is smiling sheepishly at both of them after seeing Lumine's act to kiss Musashi, but failed.]
Paimon: "Hmm... Paimon understood now. Paimon understands that you two are already dating."
Musashi: "What!? We're not!"
Lumine: "We're not, Paimon!" (YET!)
[Paimon just giggled softly at them. He also took out 6 stick of Monstadt's Grilled Fish.]
Paimon: "Hehe~ Okay! Before we head to the Knight Of Favonius headquarters, let's eat... 2 stick for one each."
Musashi: "W-Well, thanks, Paimon!"
Lumine: "Y-Yeah! T-Thanks."
[And, the three of them ate while enjoying the sound of the sea. Well, although Lumine failed to kiss Musashi, but at least this situation is totally worth it.]
(25 minutes later...)
[And now, all three of them have arrived outside the HQ, and they saw Huffman is standing in front of the gate of the HQ.]
Musashi: "Hey, Mr. Huffman!"
Huffman: "Oh, it's you two. Thank you for coming. So, about this Darknight Hero. Do you have anything else you're able to share with me?"
Musashi: "Sorry, we've got nothing."
Huffman: "Is that so... That is a pity indeed. The situation is... here. Take a look at this."
[Huffman gives Paimon an old letter. And when all three of them read the letter, they were confused to the point of scratching their heads.]
Lumine: "Uh..."
Musashi: "Is this... a letter from Abyss Order?"
Paimon: "Hmm... It is said : To the "Darknight Hero"??? ????? ????? has endured too long your self-proclaimed ????????????? and hypocrisy. We hereby ????????? you:We shall ??? ?? ??????? ??? march full-on onto Mondstadt's front gate at ?? ???. If you wish to cling to your so-called justice, don't sit idly by ?? ??? ???????, step up and accept ??? ?????????. Otherwise, Mondstadt's ?????? ???? shall take the fall in your stead."
[The three of them really did not understand the contents of this letter.]
Paimon: "Geez... what horrible handwriting! Some parts of this seem to be complete gibberish!"
Huffman: "Indeed. Although this is written in the common tongue, it appears that a cipher has been used in many places. Nevertheless, one can grasp the general message from the non-ciphered portions alone... This is a war declaration from the Abyss Order to the Darknight Hero."
[That means... this is a challenge letter from Abyss Order to Diluc.]
Paimon: "Does that mean... the bad guys want the Darknight Hero to go away forever and ever?"
Huffman: "Something like that. Thus, we are hoping to contact him as soon as possible so that we can attempt to coordinate a response. After all, this matter no longer concerns merely the Darknight Hero himself. It impacts the entire city of Mondstadt."
[Thanks to the information from Huffman, they already understood about the matter of the Darknight Hero that the Abyss Order was aiming for.]
Lumine: "Thanks for the information, Mr. Huffman."
Musashi: "We'll try something."
Huffman: "Your welcome. If you find out anything at all, come and find me."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon just left the HQ, and thinking about their next move.]
Paimon: "A war declaration sent by the Abyss Order..."
Musashi: "We should tell Master Diluc about this. He must know about this challenge."
Lumine: "Alright then... Let us go to the Dawn Winery and meet him there."
[And all of them agrees to meet Diluc at his Tavern, Dawn Winery. And after one hour of walking... They finally arrived at Dawn Winery and meet Diluc inside.]
Musashi: "There he is!"
Diluc: "Hmm?"
Paimon: "Master Diluc! Just now we were at the Knights of Favonius and, and–"
Diluc: "I take it you're about to inform me of the war declaration from the Abyss Order?"
[Paimon is shocked about Diluc that already knows about Abyss Order's challenge.]
Paimon: "Wait? You knew?"
Diluc: "I am aware of it. Though, I appreciate you for taking the trouble to come all this way."
Paimon: "What?"
Diluc: "The Dawn Winery's intelligence network extends beyond commercial matters."
Paimon: "Great! So, what's the plan, Master Diluc?"
Diluc: "I'm open to suggestions..."
[Then, they all thinking hard to find a good plan. And... Both of Lumine and Musashi have just got an idea.]
Musashi: "Perhaps, you should join forces with Knight Of Favonius."
Diluc: "No. That would be playing right into the hands of the Abyss Order. They know full well that we don't exactly see eye to eye. They're using this as a means to force me into making an appearance."
[Musashi scratches her hair. She knows Diluc is right.]
Diluc: And, If my identity were exposed, all my future activities would be subject to some degree of interference from the Knights. After all, no powerful organization wishes to be outdone by someone from the outside."
Musashi: "Well... Um... You do have a point, Master Diluc."
[Musashi just laughed nervously. Diluc just smiles slightly at her, knowing about her plan that is good but not effective. And..]
Lumine: "Then, how about we stay at the winery until this blows over?"
Diluc: "That would be tantamount to handing this over to the Knights. Had they been worthy of this task to begin with, things would never have escalated to this point."
[And Lumine's plan was also rejected. It caused her to sighed a bit.]
Diluc: "In any case, circumstances are not dire enough to warrant me going into hiding and leaving the Knights to deal with the consequences."
Paimon: "Whew... the Abyss Order has really dealt you a tough hand this time. What a sneaky little bunch those guys are!"
Diluc: "There is a way. But for it to work, I need some more information. Specifically, I need to decipher the obscured portions of the Abyss Order's war declaration."
Paimon: "Obscured portions? You mean the bits Paimon can't read?"
[Diluc just nods at them.]
Diluc: "It must be a cipher only understood by members of the Abyss Order, used to spread messages within the organization."
Musashi: "Then, why would they send you a written message that only they can read?"
Lumine: "After all, if they knew we can't read it, why did they write it in the first place?"
Diluc: It's not simply a war declaration, but also a notification to their own. When you take a stand that makes you a hero to one party, you also become a villain to the other. And since I've been the Abyss Order's enemy for so long... They've made me the target around which they can rally their troops and unite their strength."
[Paimon was stunned to hear Diluc's explanation, and Paimon didn't seem to understand at all.]
Paimon: "Wow... Seems like it takes a lot of brains to be a superhero, huh?"
Musashi: "That's a superhero for you, Paimon."
Diluc: "I understand my enemy well is all. As the saying goes, heroes and villains are two sides of the same coin."
Paimon: "So, what're we gonna do about the intel that's written in gibberish then? How do we... ungibberishify it?"
Diluc: "Simple. When you don't understand something, you ask. And now... I've already tracked down one of their strongholds... If you're interested, feel free to come along."
[And, Diluc's invitation put a smile on Musashi's face.]
Musashi: "Oh~ Of course, we're coming along. After all, I can't wait to kick that Abyss Mage's ass!"
Lumine: "If Musashi is in, then I'm in, too!"
Diluc: "Well, suit yourself then. Now, follow me."
[And, they agree to help Diluc to find out Abyss Order's plan.]
(1 hour later...)
[And after an hour of walking, they have arrived in front of the stronghold of the Abyss Order, that turns out to be One of Four Wind's Temple.]
Diluc: "This is the place."
Musashi: "Here? Damn... Using one of Four Wind's Temple as their stronghold."
Diluc: "Abandoned ruins like these are precisely the kind of place the Abyss Order likes to camp out."
Lumine: "That's something."
Diluc: "Come on. We have no time to lose."
[Musashi and the gang goes deeper. They passed every obstacle inside that stronghold, defeating some Hillichurls on their way to the deepest part of the Abyss Order's stronghold. And, they also manages to rescue some Slimes that being trapped. And now... They finally reaches the deepest part of the cave and meet... Hydro Abyss Mage!]
Musashi: "There it is!"
Diluc: "Get him!"
Hydro Mage: "GRAH!"
[The Hydro mage cast his water magic. And he is attacking the group.]
Musashi: "Watch out!"
*WUSH!* *WUSH!* *BOOM!*
[They're dodging it's attack.
Hydro Mage: "Grr~ Damn you!"
Diluc: "So, this is the one that tries to lure me out? Pathetic."
Cyro Mage: "Grr! Eat this!"
*WUSH!* *WUSH!*
[The Hydro Abyss Mage has launched his water attack, but...]
*SLASH!*
[Master Diluc split the enemy's water attack with his Pyro Claymore's slash.]
Diluc: "GO!"
Lumine: "Alright!"
Musashi: "Let's do this thing!"
*WUSH!* *WUSH!*
[Lumine and Musashi just runs in sync. Hydro Mages seems scared shitless.]
Hydro Mage: "W-What the-"
Lumine: "YAH!"
*KHIING! *BUAGH!*
[Using her Anemo power in her hand, Lumine gives a hard hit to the Mage's back. He bounced, but it wasn't over yet.]
Hydro Mage: "URGH!"
Musashi: "MY TURN!"
Hydro Mage: "HUH!?"
*SLASH!*
[Musashi just slashed her enemy and causing a heavy injury on his body. And thanks to that attack... That Hydro Mage decide to surrender.]
Hydro Mage: "How did you find me here!? Favonian scum!"
Diluc: "I am no Knight of Favonius. Now, start talking! Your plan, what is it?"
Abyss Mage: "I see you received our letter... But if you think I'm going to let you in on our secrets, I'm afraid you're quite mistaken!"
Diluc: "Hmph. You appear to have misunderstood the situation you are in."
*WUSH!*
[Diluc is burning the Mage with his Searing Hand!]
Hydro Mage: "D–Did you just use a Pyro Vision to shoot f–fire from your hands!? ...Ah! It burns!!"
Diluc: "Let's see how long it takes for you to crack..."
*WUSH!*
[Diluc just burned the Mage with his Searing Hand again!]
Hydro Mage: "Stop! Stop! P–Please, the pain– I beg you... make it stop!"
*WUSH!*
[And Diluc decides to burn him again with his Searing Hand for the third time, and that Hydro Mage seems passed out.]
Hydro Mage: "Ugh..."
Diluc: "Hey! You sleep when I say you can sleep!"
Hydro Mage: "Aah! It burns!"
[And They Hydro Mage decides to talk after being threatened.]
Hydro Mage: "I'll talk, I'll talk! Ow ow ow... P–Please, stop! I'll tell you everything!"
Musashi: "Now, talk!"
Hydro Mage: "Th–The Abyss Order, we've amassed a force bound by a shared hatred for the Darknight Hero. They... They will march on the Mondstadt city gates at 10 PM tomorrow night. That's everything I know... Please... Don't make me suffer those flames again..."
*SLASH!*
[Musashi just executes that Hydro Mage with her katana. She took a deep breath as she sheathes her sword.]
Diluc: "That's it? Well, I doubt you'd be foolish enough to keep anything else hidden."
Paimon: "Well, let's get out of this place and think about our next move!"
Lumine: "Yes! Let's leave this place!"
[Outside the stronghold...]
Diluc: "Now that I have the information I need, I must prepare. I would be grateful if you could keep me updated on how the Knights of Favonius respond to this matter."
Paimon: "Yes, Master Diluc sir! Anything you say, Master Diluc sir!"
[Musashi, Lumine and Diluc are confused by Paimon's sudden behavior change.]
Musashi: "Um... Paimon?"
Diluc: "...Why are you acting so strange all of a sudden?"
Paimon: "In... in light of what just went down here a moment ago... Master Diluc has officially reached No. 1 on Paimon's "people not to tick off under any circumstances" list..."
Diluc: "..."
Musashi: "A-Ahahaha! Just let her be, Master Diluc!"
[Then, they decides to split up. Diluc went back to Dawn Winery, while Musashi, Lumine and Paimon went back to the Knight Of Favonius's HQ. And there... They meet Huffman again.]
Musashi: "Mr. Huffman!"
Huffman: "Ah, it's you three. I must admit, this issue of the Darknight Hero is proving to be something of a headache. We've just held a meeting to decide on an appropriate course of action. Can you guess what it is?"
Lumine: "Uh... Bury our heads firmly in the sand?"
[Huffman just laughed at Lumine's joke. And then...]
Huffman: Haha... Good one. But no, the Knights cannot afford to simply stand by and watch while there is even the slightest inkling of a threat facing Mondstadt.
Huffman: "If that were the case, more and more people would start to rely on the Darknight Hero instead of the Knights of Favonius."
Musashi: "How about Join forces with the Darknight Hero?"
Huffman: "No. That would send a signal that the Knights are in favor of the Darknight Hero's continued presence in our city... which we are not."
Musashi: "I see."
Huffman: "Encouraging this kind of individual heroism undermines the Knights' authority."
Paimon: "Oh. Well, what's the plan then?"
Huffman: "Find out the Darknight Hero true identity, and offer him our protection."
[All three of them widened their eyes after hearing Huffman's plan.]
Musashi: "Wait, what?"
Lumine: "Find out the Darknight Hero's true identity?"
Paimon: "And... "Protection"? He seems to be doing just fine without your protection so far, y'know..."
Huffman: "Well, since you've aided the Knights in the past, I might as well just tell you.
[Huffman took a small deep breath, before he tells them his plan.]
Huffman: "The offer of protection is just a ruse, in order for the Knights of Favonius to take over full – and exclusive – responsibility for this matter."
Paimon: "You aren't gonna let the Darknight Hero be all heroic and stuff? Why not?"
Huffman: "Firstly, to show the might of the Knights of Favonius — to prove to the people that without the Darknight Hero, they can still rely on the Knights to maintain peace and harmony."
Lumine: "I see. And then?"
Huffman: "Secondly, the Abyss Order have no mercy in their hearts. If anything happened to the Darknight Hero, It would only serve to further their nefarious ambitions."
[Paimon just pinches the bridge of her nose as she feels a headache after hearing Huffman's plan.]
Paimon: "Gosh... Paimon never knew the life of a knight involved so much untold anguish before."
Huffman: "But none of this will work if we don't establish the Darknight Hero's true identity in time."
????: "There's no need to despair, Huffman. Just follow my plan and everything will be fine."
[And from the inside of the HQ, there's a man voice, that turned out to be Cavalry Captain Of Favonius, Kaeya Alberich.]
Kaeya: "Yo!"
Huffman: "Ah, Captain Kaeya."
Kaeya: "Lately, Master Diluc has been working the bar at the Angel's Share every night. All I need you to do is keep him in your sight. Think you can manage that for me?"
Huffman: "Yes, Captain Kaeya! ...But, does that mean that... Master Diluc is the Darknight Hero?"
Kaeya: "Who knows...? It's just a hunch. I've been known to be wrong on occasion."
[And all three of them decides to leave the Headquarter.]
Paimon: "Wow, Paimon feels we saw a whole new side of the Knights of Favonius today..."
Musashi: "Well, that's the Knight Of Favonius for us."
Paimon: "But, Paimon doesn't understand, how is Kaeya so sure he knows who the Darknight Hero is?"
Lumine: "Well... I think we should report this to Master Diluc."
Paimon: "Yeah! We need to get to the winery and tell Master Diluc as soon as Paimonly possible!"
Musashi: "Alright! Let us go to Dawn Winery and find him there!"
[Then, they went back to the Winery. And Diluc is waiting for their arrival.]
Diluc: "Ah, you came."
Paimon: "Master Diluc! Paimon has something important to tell you—"
[Paimon tells Diluc about Knight Of Favonius's Plan.]
Diluc: "Yes... about Kaeya... I should have known he would see this as the perfect opportunity to get back at me."
Paimon: "Sounds like there's a bit of bad blood between you guys then?"
[And it seems, Musashi finally knows the reason why Diluc cannot trust those Knight Of Favonius so much.]
Musashi: (Could it be... Because of Kaeya?)
Diluc: "I shan't get into that now. More importantly, the Knights of Favonius are responding more or less as I had anticipated. All we need to do now is think of a counter plan."
Lumine: "Then, do you have an idea, Master Diluc?"
Diluc: "Well..."
[As Diluc is trying to find an idea...]
Musashi: "Actually, I do have one."
Lumine/Paimon/Diluc: "Huh?"
(Later... 00.00) (Angel's Share.)
[Now, the plan is in motion. Now, both Lumine and Paimon went back into the Angel's Share, to meet Diluc, and... Musashi is nowhere it be found.]
Diluc: "Greetings, Mr. Huffman of the Knights of Favonius. To what do I owe the pleasure at this hour?"
Huffman: "...Oh, erm, nothing... I'm merely procrastinating. I thought I might indulge myself with a beverage or two."
[Huffman saw Lumine and Paimon went inside the tavern.]
Huffman: "Ah, Traveler! Fancy meeting you here."
Paimon: "Oh, we were in the mood for an evening stroll."
Huffman: "Uh... Where is your friend? I thought-"
Lumine: "Uh... Ahahaha... She has a stomach ache. Right now, she is resting at the inn."
[Huffman just nods at Lumine's words, without suspecting a thing.]
Diluc: "What would you like to drink?"
Huffman: "I'll have a Dandelion Wine, I suppose."
Paimon: "Ooh, Paimon wants apple juice!"
Lumine: "Me too!"
[Then, Paimon and Diluc nod their heads at each other. Paimon decides to check her pocket, and...]
Paimon: "...Aw, but Paimon forgot to bring her coin pouch! Say, Lumine, do you have any Mora on you?"
Lumine: "Um... I also forgot to bring mine."
Diluc: "Then I must regretfully ask you to come back when you can pay."
[Hearing that, Huffman tried to treat them, but...]
Huffman: "Well in that case... let this be my treat."
Paimon: "No need! We'll be back in a jiffy~"
[Paimon and Lumine got out from the Angel Share and decides to check the north alley.]
Lumine: "Musashi, are you there?"
Musashi: "Over here!"
[And, right in front of the gate there was Musashi who was followed by her Slime friends.]
Musashi: "Alright! Everything is already on the place! Let's commence the operation "Darknight Hero"!"
[Paimon and Lumine nods happily and they went back to the tavern, to see Huffman is still there.]
Huffman: "...Captain Kaeya is no doubt a formidable knight, but he also brings us more than his share of hassle. No, this isn't right. I should not be talking about my superior in such a manner. If he were to overhear me..."
Diluc: "....."
[As the operation starts, Paimon and Lumine went back inside the Tavern.]
Paimon: "We're back! Are our apple juice ready?"
Diluc: "One moment."
*BRAK!*
[As Diluc seems want to prepare his order, suddenly one guard burst through the door, in panic.]
Guy: "Mr. Huffman, Mr. Huffman! A situation at the side gate! Everyone to the side gate!"
Huffman: "What!? What happened?"
Guy: "It's... Slimes, Mr. Huffman."
Huffman: "Slimes? You see them all the time, what's the big panic?"
Guy: "We do, but... Sir, there are more slimes out there now than all the slimes I've seen in my life added together!"
Paimon: "Ahh... Whoa..."
[And thanks to guard's report, Huffman begun to panic.]
Huffman: "Surely this couldn't be the Abyss Order's secret weapon. But... I have another matter to attend to here—"
Diluc: "Oh? The matter of your Dandelion Wine?"
Huffman: "N—No, I... That's not what I meant..."
Diluc: "Hmph. So this is how the Knights of Favonius conduct themselves in a crisis. The Abyss Order is encroaching on the city gates, and your response is to sit here... drinking wine?"
Huffman: "I... I..."
Diluc: "It's like I've always said. The Knights are not to be trusted."
Huffman: "I..."
[Huffman just sighed in defeat. After all, he got a job to do.]
Huffman: "Master Diluc is right, my conduct here has been below par. I shall set off at once. But first..."
[Huffman decides to approach both Lumine and Paimon quietly.]
Paimon: "Huh?"
Huffman: "Shh, keep your voice down. I presume you know what this is about. Please watch Diluc for me — do not let him leave under any circumstances!"
Lumine: "B-But why us?"
Huffman: "I must head to the side gate, but I'll be back shortly. I'm counting on you!"
[Huffman goes outside the city gate to fend off the slimes, that being brought by Musashi. Now, everything is according to plan.]
Diluc: "Good. That's him out of the way."
Paimon: "Everything's going according to plan!"
Diluc: :I must get going too. I won't have a second to spare if I'm to be back in time."
Lumine: "We're coming, too!"
[As Musashi is busy organizing those Slimes, Diluc just went through the main gate to meet his enemies that is running towards him right now.]
Diluc: "Ah. There you are."
[Diluc continued walking fearlessly.]
Diluc: "Dealing with you will be the easy part."
[The Abyss Mage orders those Hilichurls to attack, and...]
Diluc: "Hmph!"
*SLASH!* *SLASH!* *SLASH!*
[Diluc slashed three times with his Claymore and sent the Hilichurls flying far away.]
Diluc: "I'm not done yet!"
*SWING!* *BWOOSH!!*
[The fourth slash created a fire attack that hit the Abyss Mage and several Hilichurls.]
Diluc: "Hmph!"
*WUSH!* *SLASH!*
[Quickly, Diluc slashed and killed the Abyss Mage. And, even though he was surrounded, he wasn't afraid in the slightest, and in the end...]
Diluc: "....."
[With a swift movement and a few hard punches from Diluc, the Abyss Order's attack was successfully stopped by him, all by himself. And, it amazed both Lumine and Paimon.]
Paimon: "Classic Master Diluc — not a baddie left standing."
Diluc: "Nothing more than a few hilichurls. And... No time to chat. I don't know how long those slimes will keep Huffman occupied. Best get back to the tavern."
Paimon: "Whew, glad that's settled! Let's get back to the tavern — You think Huffman is back yet?"
Lumine: "Well, let's just hope Musashi is still make them preocupied."
[Lumine, Diluc and Paimon swiftly run back toward Angel's Share. And, when they got there, there's no trace of Huffman.]
Diluc: "It seems Huffman hasn't yet returned. We made it in time."
(5 minutes later...)
[And after five minutes passed, Huffman finally arrived at the tavern, tired.]
Huffman: "Finally... The situation is sorted now. I never expected that the Abyss Order's army would turn out to be nothing more than a few slimes."
Diluc: "That is a surprise. Perhaps the Knights' true calling is to be slime exterminators. Who knows, domestic pest control may turn out to be a more valuable use of your resources."
[Huffman just sweatdropped on the spot after hearing Diluc's bad jokes.]
Huffman: "Master Diluc, please, have you no respect at all..."
[And then, Huffman turned his sight to Lumine and Paimon.]
Huffman: "Uh... How come you're sweating so much? You didn't leave, did you?"
Lumine: "N-No, it's just really warm in here!"
Huffman: "Is it...? But if that's the case, why are you also out of breath?"
Lumine: "I... Uh... I just did some squats."
Huffman: "Is thats so? But why now of all times, for the love of Barbatos..."
[Huffman seems suspicious towards Diluc, Lumine and Paimon. So, he decides to ask the customer that drinks there.]
Huffman: "Excuse me, sir. Might I be so bold as to inquire..."
Patrons: "What is it?"
Huffman: "...Did you see Master Diluc... I mean, today's bartender... Did you see him leave just now?"
[Paimon is shocked for a moment. Fear that the plans went off.]
Paimon: "Yikes! He's asking other customers... We're done for!"
Lumine: "Calm down, Paimon."
[But, the answer... Is quite unique.]
Patrons: "Master Diluc? Why no, he's been behind the bar this entire time."
Huffman: "I see..."
[And then, Diluc serves Huffman with his Dandelion Wine.]
Diluc: "Mr. Huffman, your Dandelion Wine. And, it seems, You ought to get back after this. Send my regards to the rest of the Knights."
Huffman: "Oh... Never mind, I must be going, I should report back. Here, take this as a token of my esteem."
[After paying the tips to Diluc, Huffman left the tavern. And 5 minutes later, Musashi comes into the tavern.]
Musashi: "Hi, guys! Everything okay?"
Lumine: "Musashi. Everything fine out there?"
Musashi: "Hehe~ They're fine. They are quite understanding. So, they are ready to help us earlier."
[Paimon sighed in relief.]
Paimon: "Phew! That was too close! Paimon was sure we were toast..."
Diluc: "I foresaw this eventuality... So all the guests here tonight, save you two, are my own people from the Dawn Winery."
Paimon: "They're all in on it?"
Musashi: "I guess... not all of it."
????: "Or should I say, not all of us."
[Suddenly, Kaeya appears from 2nd floor and walks towards Diluc and the gang.]
Paimon: "Kaeya!? Where did you come from?"
Kaeya: "I just picked a good spot to quietly sit and watch the show."
Paimon: "Whaaa... You've been here this whole time!?"
Kaeya: "Correct. "The Darknight Hero's Alibi"... I think it's my favorite chapter so far. More intriguing than a fine wine."
Diluc: "Hmph... So? You plan to report everything to the Knights of Favonius?"
[Kaeya just laughed in amusement, causing Diluc to sighed.]
Kaeya: "Come now Diluc, you know me better than that. I have no interest in exposing secrets. In fact, I was just curious to see how far Mondstadt's Darknight Hero would really go. And you did not disappoint."
Diluc: "Sorry, but, I have nothing to prove to you."
Kaeya: "Hehe~ I must say though, one thing I didn't see coming is that the mighty Darknight Hero would actually need help from other people..."
[Diluc sighed once again.]
Diluc: "Sorry, we're closing. Please see yourselves out."
Kaeya: "Alright, alright... I have no further need of wine to entertain myself tonight, in any case."
[Kaeya just walks towards the door, but, he turned his back again.]
Kaeya: "Just one last thing before I go, Diluc."
Diluc: "It had better be the very last thing."
Kaeya: "I feel strangely comforted by the fact you now have an assistant."
Diluc: "..."
Kaeya: "Hehe~ I hope you all a wonderful night."
[Then, Kaeya left the tavern. Leaving Diluc and the gang behind at the tavern.]
Paimon: "What was all that about?"
Diluc: "Don't mind him. And... Thank you for all your help with this matter. This is a token of my gratitude."
[Diluc serves Lumine and Paimon with their apple juice.]
Paimon: "Woooow! Thanks Master Diluc!"
Lumine: "Thanks a lot, Master Diluc!"
[Diluc just nods at them. But, then, he looks at Musashi, who seems hesitant.]
Diluc: "....What is it?"
Musashi: "You know, Master Diluc... I... I want to-"
Diluc: "There's no need to apologize."
[This time, Musashi was taken aback by Diluc's refusal to hear her apology.]
Musashi: "B-But i-"
Diluc: "You say that because you don't know. So, it's natural for me when you say that."
Musashi: "So... I..."
Diluc: "No need for apologies. I don't need that."
*TOK!*
[Diluc put one big size milk tea, with bubble topping inside.]
Musashi: "T-This is..."
Diluc: "Your favorite drink. I made it special for you."
Musashi: ".....Hehe~ Thanks a lot, Master Diluc!"
[Musashi accepted the drink Diluc gave him. And, at the same time Diluc saw Musashi, Lumine and Paimon enjoying their free drinks... Instantly, it reminded Diluc of his past when he was with Jean and Kaeya.]
Diluc: (....Heh.)
(The next morning...)
[And, the next morning, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon would leave for Liyue. And, right now they were at the city gates.]
Musashi: "...."
Lumine: "...."
Paimon: "It's kinda sad to leave this city, you know."
????: "And it's hard to say goodbye, right?"
[They heard a feminine voice... And when they turned back, they saw Jean, Lisa, Amber, Eula and Kaeya.]
Musashi: "Everyone?"
Jean: "We can't see you guys leaving without saying goodbye."
Musashi: "....It's hard to say to goodbye, Jean. So, we-"
*BRUGH!*
[Amber immediately ran to hug Musashi and Lumine. She shed tears.]
Amber: "J-Just come back, okay!? P-Promise us that you will come again, okay!? Musashi!? Lumine!? Paimon!?"
[Musashi and Lumine hugged Amber back. They try to calm their first friend.]
Musashi: "Come on, Amber... Don't cry, okay? Remember... No more tears must be shed."
Lumine: "Yeah! We will come back here as we promised!"
[They break their hugs... Amber wipes away her tears. Today, as they gone away... No more tears must be shed.]
Jean: "We will miss you all... We, and the people of Monstadt will always welcome you back."
Lisa: "In fact, you all... are also one of us. You're the part of Monstadt."
[Musashi and Lumine smiles at them... They all are trying to hold their tears. Then, Lumine just shook hand with Kaeya.]
Kaeya: "Come back again, okay? We will wait for your return."
Lumine: "Of course, Captain Kaeya."
[On the other side, Musashi just go face to face with Eula, then.. Their fist bumped.]
Eula: "Come back safe, okay? So, i can defeat you!"
Musashi: "Hehe~ Of course, Eula!"
[And after a handshake with Jean and Lisa, they decides to go now.]
Musashi: "Alright! I'll see you again, Monstadt!"
Lumine: "We will back as we promised!"
Paimon: "See you all later!"
[And they were saying goodbye. But, they didn't notice that Diluc is looking from the top of city walls...]
Diluc: (We will always welcome you... This is also your home.)
[And Sucrose, who is hiding at behind the tree near the bridge of the city.]
Sucrose: (I hope we will meet again, Musashi-senpai.)
[They walked away from the city of Monstadt. And, at the same time, they remembered something...]
Musashi: "That reminds me... I didn't see Venti anywhere."
Lumine: "Oh yeah... I didn't see her among them. I wonder where she is."
Paimon: "How about we check Windrise? Tone-Deaf-Bard is supposed to be there when she's not in the city."
Musashi: "Alright, let's check it."
[They're walking towards the Windrise, and they were correct, Venti is there. They saw Venti is standing near the tree, while playing her lyre.]
Paimon: "There she-"
Musashi: "Ssh.."
[Musashi coded Lumine and Paimon to shut up. They saw Venti who closed her eyes, and started strumming her Lyre strings, and...]
Venti: "......"
(Song : Rubia - Venti)
(Real Singer : Zhou Shen)
Life blooms like a flower
Far away or by the road
Waiting for the one
To find the way back home
Rain falls a thousand times
No footprints of come-and-go
You who once went by
Where will you belong?
I feel your sigh and breath
In the last blow of wind
Not yet for the story on the last page
It's not the end
Life blooms like a flower
Far away or by the road
Waiting for the one
To find the way back home
Time flows across the world
There is always a longer way to go
'Til I reach your arms
A madder there for you....
Up against the stream
Waterways will join as one
Tracing to the source
No more strayed or lost
You will see petals fly
When lament becomes carol
Could you please hear my voice
That hungers for a duo?
Life blooms like a flower
Far away or by the road
Waiting for the one
To find the way back home
Time flows across the world
There is always a longer way to go
'Til I reach your arms
A madder there for you
Life blooms like a flower
Far away or by the road
Waiting for the one
To find the way back home
Time flows across the world
There is always a longer way to go
'Til I reach your arms
A madder there for you
----------------------------------------------------------
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon were very touched by the song that Venti had just sung. Even Paimon had tears in her eyes.]
Venti: "Oh! Hey, guys!"
Paimon: "Huee~~"
Musashi: "Of all the songs and poems you've ever given... This is the best you've ever gave to us, Venti."
[Venti just smiles sadly at them. She knows today is the day where they will leave Monstadt for Liyue.]
Venti: So, today is the day, huh?"
Lumine: "I'm afraid so, Venti."
Musashi: "You know, it's really hard to say goodbye."
Venti: "Indeed... Honestly, I can't say goodbye, you know? But, as the saying goes... Where there is a meeting there will be a farewell, and where there is a farewell there will be a reunion."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon just nods sadly. Venti tries to be strong and not to shed tears in front of them all, especially Musashi.]
Venti: "Since you're already here, there's something I want to give to Musashi."
Musashi: "Eh? Me?"
Venti: "Hehe~ Yep..."
[Venti approached Musashi. And from Venti's hand, appeared an object that looked familiar to Musashi.]
Lumine: "W-Wait, are you-"
Musashi: "Eh? What? Eh!?"
Venti: "Hehe~ No need to be so surprised. Here, I give you my Gnosis."
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon were taken aback by all this. They didn't think that Venti would be willing to give her valuable object to Musashi.]
Musashi: "B-B-But, this thing is..."
Venti: "Hehe~ It's fine, Musashi. I think you need this more than me."
Musashi: "B-But..."
Venti: "Take it.. From now on, The Gnosis of Barbatos is belong to you."
[Miraculously, the Gnosis passed from Venti's hand, to Musashi's hand.]
Musashi: "What?"
Venti: "Apparently, that Gnosis is already resonating with your body."
Musashi: "You mean... It accepted me?"
Venti: "More or less. But, seeing what you did to the Signora a while ago... It proves that the Gnosis accepted you as the new owner."
[Musashi shook her head twice. He approached Venti and tugged at his shirt's collar.]
Venti: "Eh?"
Musashi: "I will accept this thing... But, I will return this thing when our business in Liyue is done."
Venti: "Hehe~ You don't have to return it. After all, that Gnosis has already accepted you."
Musashi: "I will definitely give it back to you, like it or not."
[Venti couldn't help but chuckle, and...]
Venti: "Hehe~"
*CHU!*
[Venti left a small kiss on Musashi's lips. Lumine who saw that couldn't help but smile. Even though she feels jealous a bit, she couldn't help but smile.]
Venti: "Well, this is a goodbye."
Musashi: "This is not a farewell, but a goodbye, Venti."
Venti: "Yeah... We will meet again, My Love."
[And after that Gnosis's transfer from Venti to Musashi, Musashi along with Lumine and Paimon continued walking towards Liyue, leaving Venti behind...]
Venti: "....Hehe~"
[Unknowingly, Venti's tears spilled. But she still smiled.]
Venti: "It's hard for me to see you go, Musashi. If only i can go with you to Liyue..."
[But, she just wipes away all of her tears, then she look at the blue sky.]
Venti: "I'll see you again... My successor... I'll see you again, My Anemo Archon."
[On the other side, Musashi's eyes is wet by tears.]
Lumine: "Huh, Musashi? Are you crying?"
Musashi: "Eh?"
[Musashi swiftly wipes away her tears.]
Musashi: "Hehe... No, i'm not crying."
Lumine: "But, you just-"
Musashi: "Like i said... It's never easy to say goodbye to your precious friend. But, no more tears must be shed."
[Lumine couldn't help but smile, and grabbed Musashi's hand. Paimon also landed on Musashi's head.]
Musashi: "Alright, no more tears! Let us go..."
All: "TO LIYUE!!!"
-------------- End Of Chapter 12 -------------
[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 12 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, Rumors about Darknight Hero has been spread around the city of Monstadt. And just as Musashi expected, that Darknight Hero is none other than Master Diluc. Everyone from Knight Of Favonius is trying to find out about the identity of Darknight Hero. But, thanks to Musashi, Lumine and Paimon, they manages to keep his identity saves, but only Kaeya knows it very well. And after saying goodbye to everyone in the city of Monstadt, they meet Venti at Windrise, and she gives her Gnosis to Musashi, calling her The New Anemo Archon. What will happened next? Find out at the next chapter of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. You can vote the story if you like it, and you can ask me anything you want through comment.]
[P.S : Musashi's Current Relationship :
1. Lumine : Crush (One-Sided Love)
2. Paimon : Best Friend
3. Venti : Crush (One-Sided Love)
4. Jean : Crush (One-Sided Love)
5. Lisa : Crush (One-Sided Love)
6. Amber : Crush (One-Sided Love)
7. Kaeya : Friend
8. Diluc : Best Friend
9. Eula : Rival & Crush (One-Sided Love)
10. Raiden Makoto : Best Friend
11. Sucrose : Friend
[That's all folks, KeysOfVoid out!]