Beneath the Symbol of a Hero (Past)
The wind moved gently through the leaves of the great oak known as the Windrise Tree, the living Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero. Sunlight filtered through its ancient branches, scattering golden patterns across the grass below.
Standing beneath it was Venti.
The bard's expression was not playful today. His emerald eyes reflected something rare—resolve.
A sharp click of heels against stone echoed softly.
"La Signora," Venti said without turning.
The tall Harbinger of the Fatui, clad in white and crimson, stepped into the sunlight. Her gaze was cold, assessing.
"You summoned me, Anemo Archon," she said calmly. "I hope this is not another one of your… performances."
Venti smiled faintly. "Straight to business, then."
A brief silence lingered between them.
"I know what the Tsaritsa wants," Venti continued. "You're collecting the Gnosis of the Archons."
Signora's eyes narrowed slightly.
"And you intend to resist?"
Venti shook his head.
"No."
The wind stilled.
"I will give you my Anemo Gnosis."
For the first time, genuine surprise flickered across Signora's face.
"In exchange," Venti said, his tone sharpening, "you and your forces will defend Mondstadt during the upcoming Abyss invasion."
Signora studied him carefully.
"You would surrender your divine authority… for mortals?"
Venti's voice softened.
"For my people."
The silence stretched long.
Then Signora gave a thin smile.
"Very well. The Fatui will defend Mondstadt."
She extended a gloved hand.
Venti took it.
The deal was sealed.
Return to the Present – Starfell Valley
The wind roared violently atop the cliffs of Starfell Valley.
Dvalin circled overhead, corrupted energy pulsing along his back.
Below stood Jean, Diluc, Kaeya, Lisa, Albedo, and Venti.
"You made a deal with the Fatui?!" Diluc's voice carried sharp disapproval.
Venti raised his hands defensively. "Yes, yes, I know. Not my most popular decision."
Jean's expression was tight with concern. "You should have consulted us."
Venti bowed his head slightly. "You're right. I acted alone. I'm sorry."
He looked toward the city in the distance.
"But Mondstadt's safety matters more than pride."
Diluc crossed his arms but said nothing further.
Venti turned to them.
"Please. Stand with me."
Jean stepped forward first.
"For Mondstadt."
One by one, the others nodded.
Venti inhaled deeply.
Then—
The wind exploded outward.
In a blink of emerald light, the entire group vanished.
The Battle Over Mondstadt
Aether cut through the sky like a comet, his golden wings slicing through clouds.
Below him, Mondstadt burned with chaos.
The Knights of the Favonius and Fatui soldiers fought side by side against the advancing Abyss Order.
Above the cathedral spire—
Venti faced Dvalin.
Wind collided against wind.
Aether slowed midair.
Which side do I join?
His eyes tracked the battlefield.
Then he saw it—
Dvalin lunged toward the city's rooftops.
Without hesitation, Aether ascended higher.
He joined the battle in the sky.
Venti glanced toward him.
A small nod.
A silent thank you.
Wings Against the Storm
Dvalin roared, sending shockwaves through the air.
"Aether!" Venti called. "Target the corrupted areas on his back!"
Aether gripped his Dull Blade.
He accelerated.
Wind screamed past his ears.
He closed the distance.
With a powerful swing, he slashed across Dvalin's flank.
Blood and corrupted wind scattered.
Dvalin roared in fury.
His massive eye locked onto Aether.
And then—
He chased him.
The Chase to Brightcrown Mountains
Aether flew beyond the city walls.
Over forests.
Across cliffs.
Toward the towering peaks of the Brightcrown Mountains.
Dvalin unleashed violent wind cyclones.
The sky twisted into spiraling vortexes.
Aether struggled to stabilize.
His wings trembled.
"Steady…" he muttered.
But Dvalin pushed harder.
A cyclone struck him directly.
His balance shattered.
Dvalin seized the opportunity—
A massive claw slammed into Aether.
He plummeted.
He crashed into stone.
The mountain trembled.
Dust rose.
Aether lay still for a moment.
No broken bones.
But the pain surged through him.
He pushed himself up.
Dvalin dove like a spear.
Aether rolled aside.
The ground exploded.
The chase resumed.
The Arrow of the Archon
Aether sprinted across jagged terrain.
Dvalin lunged behind him.
Then—
A sharp whistle.
A brilliant arrow of condensed Anemo energy pierced one of the abyss-corrupted clots on Dvalin's back.
The dragon screamed.
The corruption shattered.
Dvalin turned.
Far above—
Venti hovered.
Bow drawn.
Dvalin's eyes burned with betrayal.
"You…!"
He launched toward Venti.
The Final Clash
Venti remained motionless.
Unflinching.
Aether leapt skyward again.
He followed Dvalin.
Slash after slash after slash.
Relentless.
Dvalin ignored him.
Laser-focused on Venti.
Closer.
Closer.
Just as Dvalin opened his jaws—
Aether surged forward.
And punched.
The impact detonated the air.
Clouds burst outward in a fifty-meter radius.
The sky itself fractured with sound.
Dvalin's body went limp.
He fell.
Healing the Dragon
They descended beside him.
Venti placed a hand upon Dvalin's head.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Wind flowed gently.
He purified the remaining corruption.
Even unconscious, Dvalin trembled.
"I wasn't there when you needed me," Venti continued softly. "Forgive me."
Silence.
Then Venti turned.
"You fight well," he said to Aether.
Aether folded his wings.
"You're not just a bard, are you?"
Venti smiled sheepishly.
"I suppose introductions are overdue."
"I am Barbatos… the Anemo Archon."
Aether blinked.
"…You're a god?"
"Formerly more active," Venti corrected playfully.
Aether nodded slowly.
"I'm Aether. Just an adventurer."
Venti laughed softly.
"Hardly just."
Return to the City
"Please," Venti said. "Check Mondstadt. I'll care for Dvalin."
Aether nodded and took flight.
The Rescue
The city was stabilizing.
The Abyss was retreating.
But near the plaza—
A blazing axe descended toward Amber.
She was pinned.
Frozen in fear.
Aether dove.
Steel met flame.
He blocked the axe.
Amber's eyes widened.
"Aether?!"
He pushed the Mitachurl back.
Then—
Twelve consecutive aerial strikes.
No pause.
No mercy.
The Mitachurl froze.
Then disintegrated into dust.
Silence followed.
Aether landed and extended a hand.
Amber stared at him.
Golden wings.
Wind swirling softly.
He looked almost unreal in the fading sunlight.
She accepted his hand.
"Thank you…" she breathed.
In her eyes—
He wasn't just an adventurer.
He was hope.