《Into the Temples of the Four Winds》
Act I: The Outlander Who Caught the Wind

✦ • * * • · . °

As soon as the trio went through separated ways, (Y/n) sprint forward to the direction where the purple witch was. She wished to finish the matter as soon as possible so that she could go back to Aether and Paimon's side, making sure that no harm would fall upon the two.

Lisa was quite suprised at the sight of the Huli Jing, who seems that she didn't had ran all the way from the city to the Temple of the Lion just to reach her. "Oh my. To think that you adorable little cutie would split up with your companions like that. Just to help me out? How kind of you."

"Aether insisted that we would go on separated ways to assist those other two with the raid." (Y/n) smiled at the taller woman. "That way could have wasted more time and energy if we all headed to the same temple."

"I see. That is a good way to make the job done fast." Lisa cooed, before leading her towards the domain's doors. The witch placed a hand on a mechanism attached to the stone door, allowing the once glowing red light around the temple to change into a bright teal. A rumble soon followed, causing the nearby birds to fly away.

Lisa glance at the hydro user with a small smile before gesturing towards the now open gate, swirling with Ley line energies forming a galaxy like portal. "Are you ready, sweetie?"

"Ofcourse." (Y/n) returned the gestured. "I trust you to have my back, Miss Lisa, As I will do the same with you. You will not get hurt under my watch."

The witch stared at her in shock, before giving her a fond smile. She didn't have to say anything, seeing the adeptus' eyes she could clearly see the reason behind it all.

The unwavering will to protect anyone who are willing to ask for her. Seeing this, Lisa made no move or talk to question her words. (Y/n) didn't lie after all.

As soon as Lisa entered the portal first, her once (f/c) eyes glew a ominous purpleish pink, revealing her adeptus power.

✦ • * * • · . °

"It had been such a long time since I have entered a domain..." (Y/n) sighed following the librarian around, as she tried to locate where the source of Stormterror's powers are.

The domain was full of mechanism and monsters. Luckily, With Lisa's knowledge, she was able to understand how to activate those said devices, scattered around the domain.

With her hydro elemental coated attacks, combined with Lisa's electro catalyst, they were able to do a all range attack around the Hilichurls loitering around.

"I say, we make a really good team back there, sweetie." Lisa complimented. Like what (Y/n) had told her, she was infact true to her words.

They were already halfway across the Temple's domain yet Lisa recieved no scratches from every monsters they had encountered.

She barely lifted a finger on her catalyst. (Y/n) successfully defend her at every attacks with her hydro shield and polearm, Attacking everything around her with huge tidal like waves of Hydro with adepti energy infused attacks.

But Lisa didn't know that. All she sees was a capable young lady who was true to her words. But as a Scholar and a witch, she could sense the rather unique energy that (Y/n) carries around her.

"I suppose you are right. Both of our elements combined produced powerful results." (Y/n) gave her a smile before pulling out her polearm from a dissipating Hilichurl's abdomen.

Lisa could somehow see her discomfort. With how tense and agitated (Y/n) is currently, she couldn't help but feel worry. "Sweetie, is there something wrong?"

"Oh it's nothing." The hydro user assured her that she was alright. She tried so hard to hide what was she feeling, yet Lisa doesn't seems to accept that.

"Now now, Lying won't do you any good." Lisa cooed. "Be a good girl okay? Bottling up emotions isn't good for you. I promise I won't judge."

(Y/n) hesistate for a few seconds and sighed, avoiding Lisa's gaze, she decided to stare at a some nearby crates instead. "It is quite foolish but..."

"Ah...Perhaps it's about that cutie? That blonde one from earlier?" Lisa teased, seeing the widened eyes of (Y/n) once she mentioned the traveler. "How adorable~"

"Yes, It's him...The Traveler... I'm quite worried about him." (Y/n) admitted, Lisa raised an eyebrow realizing that it was not what she was expecting her to say at all. "The Temple of the Falcon is not that dangerous, right?"

"The temples are designed much similar to one another." Lisa spoke up, continuing their walk around the temple. "The domain inside the Temple of the Falcon, has wind drafts and currents, wind gliders are nessary. Your cuties are in capable hand since Amber is with them."

"I see. That puts my mind at ease for a bit." (Y/n) sighed. "Yet I still couldn't help but still feel worried. What if they needed my aid, and I couldn't..."

"The blonde cutie look like he's a capable fighter, sweetie." Lisa cut her off, patting her soft (h/c) hair softly with a gentle smile. "If he knows that you'll be worried for him, wouldn't he be more careful?... With how I see it, he cares about you so he wouldn't dare to get himself hurt that easily."

"Would you be a dear and have more fate in him? That is how relationships lasts, by trust and faith." The purple witch of the rose, looked to see (Y/n) in deep thought. She smiled, knowing she was keeping her words in mind. "He is not a helpless little cutie if he survived facing Stormterror in the sky now, right?"

"I suppose you are right." (Y/n) finally sighed and gave the taller woman a smile. "Thank you, Miss Lisa."

"Don't mention it, sweetie. Now, we still have to find Stormterror's source of power."

The two females finally reached the end of the temple, infront of them was a rock filled with anemo elemental energies. Lisa paused, seemingly in deep thought. "Do you perhaps know Mondstadt's history, sweetie?"

"Only from the history books I read." (Y/n) answered, lying about how she learnt the history from books as she observing the source of Stormterror's power. "Stormterror was once apart of the four winds, yes?"

"You seems to know more than you are suppose to, sweetie." Lisa chuckled. "I won't pry, since you are helping us out."

"I wouldn't dare to think about any malicious act for your nation, Miss Lisa." (Y/n) interjected. "I am simply doing what I think is right and that is to aid the knights in their time of need."

"Well look like I can trust you after all, cutie." Lisa laughed. "But regarding to Stormterror, since you cutie is already aware, perhaps you could guess of what drove Stormterror, or with it's real name, Dvalin to go through such lengths?"

"I am no mind reader, Miss Lisa." (Y/n) sighed. "All I know is that, Dvalin is in pain that drove him into tears."

"Oh? How would you know this then, sweetie?" Lisa asked, curiously. Seeing how genuine the shorter female was, especially sensing even no hidden intentions, she couldn't help but wonder. Why would someone, judging with her style of clothing, Lisa obviously could tell that (Y/n) is from Liyue, would be willing to help another nation?

"I can just feel it." (Y/n) told. "I couldn't tell how, but the emotions I got when he was closer... were so intense that I could hardly breathe... It was a heavy weight."

(Y/n)'s hand made way towards the side of her chest, where she could feel the heavy beating of her heart was, clenching the cloth, recalling the silent cries of the once curious child known as Dvalin. "I can't just let it be... When I know deep down, I have the power to change it."

'It seems that I misjudged you, (Y/n)...' Lisa smiled, before pinching the in disguised Huli jing's face cheek, who flinched at the sudden affection. "You are so adorable... Quite the kind hearted too."

"Come on now. Let's destroy this." She then gestured towards the anemo energy coated rock. "The sooner we're finished, the sooner you can meet up with Kaeya. The faster we can save the dragon of the four winds..."

✦ • * * • · . °

Before leaving, the Librarian gave her a book, a copy of the history of the four winds for her to teach the Traveler with. She also mentioned of her possible theory of what droved Dvalin into becoming Stormterror. After the suppose to be talk, Lisa somehow became much more affectionate towards her. Even inviting her for tea once the situation had been solved.

"(Y/n)!" Now arriving at the Temple of the Wolf, the last location, she was greeted by the Traveler, Kaeya and Paimon who were waiting for her. The floating companion couldn't help but feel giddy at the sight of her as she floated towards the adeptus and hugged her tightly. "YOU'RE LATE!"

"I'm sorry, Paimon..." (Y/n) gently patted the companion's head. "Miss Lisa and I had a small conversation. I apparently lost track of time."

"You aren't hurt right?" She added, directly making eye contact with the Blonde Traveler. "How was the mission?"

"We managed to destroy the source of Stormterror's power." The Traveler gave her a smile, assuring her that he was unscathed. His eyes scan her whole before sighing in relief. "I'm glad you're alright. Paimon and I got a little worried since you were late."

"I apologize for that." (Y/n) faltered. She didn't mean to make anyone worried.

"Are you three ready?" Kaeya approached them. "The sooner we finish, the faster we are to go back."

The two nodded. Soon, they found themselves inside the domain. Kaeya stood there waiting for them with a small smirk on his face.

"Let me show you two how the Knights of Favonius conquer our adversaries."

And so the fight begun.

The whole Temple was infested with Hilichurls. Kaeya began battling half of the monsters, giving the rest to the two with him. Seeing the last of his opponents crumbled into dust, He then stood there in amusement, seeing how both (Y/n) and the traveller handle their side of the monster tribe.

The Traveler was on full offense, with (Y/n) right by his side, her trusty polearm out, dealing those who come near the blonde with ease. Their floating companion stood there by the sidelines, cheering them on.

"Yeah! You two are doing great!" She praised before screaming as one of the Hilichurls run towards her. By her quick reflects, (Y/n) summoned a Hydro sheild, protecting the small girl from the attack of a flaming club. As soon as the shield appeared, The blonde male swiftly run towards the Hilichurl, stricking it's side as soon as he passed. Flicking his sword without a word, watching the monster dissipated.

"Paimon! You're not injured anywhere, yes?" Worrying like a mother, (Y/n) fussed all over the shakened up white haired girl. "Here, It's better to check than be ignorance."

"Don't worry, I saw the whole thing. The Hilichurl did not land a single hit on her." Kaeya walked towards them. "But don't you think, you are exaggerating about the whole situation?"

"It's only natural to be worried, Captain Kaeya." (Y/n) told him, her eyebrows furrowed, holding Paimon closer to her. "If I hadn't noticed, she could have been critically injured seeing how the Hilichurl is twice her size."

"I suppose, but you are making a huge fuss about it." Kaeya smirked. "How long do you know her to be that protective?"

"Long enough to worry about her wellbeing." (Y/n) didn't like his tone at all. It was as if, he was observing her, the same feeling she felt with Lisa earlier. But with how Kaeya stared at her, she could feel goosebumps.

The Traveler stood there, not knowing what to do. He could feel the growing tension between the two of them. Kaeya's eye were swirling with suspicions. The suppose to be poised and elegant, (Y/n) seems to have nearly lost her composure. Seemingly knowing it herself, (Y/n) stood up, having Paimon tucked on her arms before clearing her throat.

"We need to proceed forward. We are wasting precious time." (Y/n) said, before walking ahead, sensing Kaeya's gaze on to her form.

It almost seems as if he knows that she wasn't human...

"So, Traveller. How long have the three of you been companions?" Kaeya asked, as they started up the mechanism. Him and the trio are now nearing the end of the temple.

"It's been months now actually, as Paimon remembers it." Paimon spoke up for the blonde male. "Before long, it was only him and (Y/n). Paimon owes them her life so she decided to be their guides now."

"Oh... So you two have been companions far more longer." Kaeya glanced at the two. "Interesting..."

"May I ask, why would you indulges with such questions?" (Y/n) asked, a visible frown on her face.

"Who wouldn't? You three are quite the interesting trio." Was Kaeya's response. After that he continues to ask more questions, with Paimon mostly answering them.

Soon, they finally reached the chamber where the anemo energy was the strongest. Kaeya stood infront, inspecting the strange stone that was emanating elemental energies. He then gestured to the two. With two strong hits from the Traveller's dull blade and from (Y/n)'s polearm, they were finally able to destroy the last source of power.

Feeling the storm dispercing outside, (Y/n) let off a small smile.

"Bravo. What a performance." Kaeya applauded seemingly amused with how synch their attacks were. "You two are, to my suprised some well trained knights."

"Thank you. I have years of experiences." (Y/n) merely smiled, recalling those days where she fought in the battlefield as a child. Meeting her fellow adepti who polished the skills she had mastered now, and ofcourse those times when her suppose to be family were complete.

Many had changed over the past decades yet she continues to live, honing the skills she learned to perfection.

"Thanks, that's nice for you to say..." The blonde male beamed, feeling slightly embarrased with the Cavalry Captain's compliments. He wasn't used to compliments just yet.

"I see you both already have the knightly virtue of modesty." Kaeya lightly laughed. "Stories of your heroic deeds to save Mondstadt from destruction shall be known throughout the City of Freedom, well into the future."

"Please, we are only doing what is right." (Y/n) told him. "I believe that it you knights who deserves such praises. Working hard to stop such crisis."

"Is that so? Then, would you care to share a few drink with this hardworking knight?" Kaeya suggested, a sly grin on his face. "I know a lovely tavern, that mighy suite your interest."

"I'm afraid I have to refuse." (Y/n) returned the grin, without giving the taller male a single thought. "If we are done here, then The Traveler, Paimon and I must take our leave. We have to report to the Acting Grand Master after all.."

"Please excuse us." Not sparing a glance, the Huli jing grabbed the traveller and their emergency food, leading them to the domain's exit. Startled, The outlander look back and gave an apologetic gaze towards Kaeya who merely smiled and waved.

Kaeya was quite amused. An interesting trio indeed. He would have joined them back to Mondstadt but he has one more work to do.

That was, the abyss mage who was watching them through out their whole time in the temple.

✦ • * * • · . °

"What was that all about?" Paimon complaint floating near the pair as they make their way back to Mondstadt. "You seems to be in such a rush? Kaeya was just being nice."

"I assume you aren't aware that he was interrogating us." (Y/n) told her. "Some are quite personal..."

'Does he perhaps know who I am?' (Y/n) thought. 'His eyes... It is somehow familiar...'

The images of the fallen nation came in mind. The adeptus remembers now, Kaeya's eyes reminds her of the people of Khaenri'ah. She recall when one of her travelling companions took her to the nation, seeing for the first time, how it's people live without the blessing of a god. Having no protection under a single deity. (Y/n) tried. The memories of the land nor the people in that nation, she can't see any of it with her fading ability. No matter how hard she tried, there was a clouding dark mist surrounding the memories regarding of the Cataclysm from 500 years ago.

Continuing to look through the mist and through history will only accelerate the time for her Oracle abilities to dissipate.

"Did...Kaeya made you uncomfortable?" The Traveler's soft and soothing voice broke her out of her trance. Seeing the outlander's worried gaze made her anxiety to melt away.

"He didn't. More like, I didn't like how he's prying over my personal life." (Y/n) sighed.

"I'm sure he didn't mean it that way..." He tried to assured her.

"Yeah! He may just wanted to learn more about you, about us!" Paimon agreed but then quickly changed the subject when she noticed that they finally arrived. "Hey! Look like we're here!"

"Come on..." A glove hand reached out towards (Y/n)'s field of vision. She could see the blonde giving her a smile field with so much warmth. A smile that drove all her worries away.

Seeing all of this now, she wondered if she would still be able to see this smile once he sees and experienced all the hardship, Teyvat, this world would put him through.

'Lumine... You really do have a kind brother just as you said...' (Y/n) accepted his gesture. Hand in hand, she and the traveller both entered the city with Paimon leading them infront. 'I really hope... Deep in my heart... Aether, that you will reunite with your sister in the end...'

'Until then... I will continue to clear a path safer for you to walk through...'