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chocoenvy · 2 years

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Say My Name Part Two

Part one

THANK YOU FOR ALMOST 3K FOLLOWERS since so many people liked Say My Name part one, I hope this is an adequate Part Two and that everyone will enjoy it! Thank you for making my life brighter, without such a nice community I don't think I'd be able to handle everyday. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I hope this will convey just how much all of you mean to me

Warnings: Cult-ish behaviors (not directed towards reader) fluff!!!!!

Characters: Venti, Bennett, Fischl, Oz, Noelle

Words: 8.2k

"It's the second time the both of us have broken into a church before, so we should be good." You muttered to Venti.

"You've broken into a-" He was cut off as you slapped your hand over his mouth, pulling him into your chest.

The two of you stopped breathing as footsteps resounded in the empty church, Barbara finally leaving with a yawn. She sent a longing look to the shrine, her blue eyes swimming with emotions that could swallow you deep into the sea.

You pursed your lips, unconsciously holding onto Venti tighter. Yet another affirmation that you did not want to get labeled as a god.

The large doors shut with a boom. Even still you and Venti remained still as statues, shallow breaths and rapid heart beats the only sign of life in the church,

After about a minute of sitting there in baited breath, Venti wiggled out of your grip. He did a once over of the church before gliding down from your spot perched on the rafters.

"Vent-!" You nearly shouted but cut yourself off, "Dumbass bard." You whispered under your breath, but you couldn't help the affectionate smile tugging at your lips.

Venti looked back up at you innocently, and then the smile was wiped off his face as he realized the same thing you had. You’re stuck.

It came back as soon as it disappeared though, a soft giggle escaping his throat. He held out his arms, "Jump." He mouthed.

"What? No." You whisper yelled back.

He pouted, "Trust me! I'll catch you!" He whisper screamed right back up at you.

"Nah man you're tripping ain't no way I'm trusting those skinny ass arms to catch me." You dangled your feet down, glaring down at the bard with his outrageous plan.

Venti huffed, "(Y/n), I'm the god of wind I'll catch you. Fall before I push you."

"If you push me so help me god-" You pulled your feet back up onto the rafter with you, but a soft gush of wind off put your balance and you fell backwards right off the rafter.

You swallowed the scream that tempted to tear through your throat, the only thought going through your head was that you were gonna beat that damn bard.

"See?" Venti huffed as you gently fell into his arms, "I caught you." He giggled charmingly.

You crossed your arms, unimpressed, "Your arms are shaking-"

He dropped you without a moment’s hesitation and sighed, “Ah, you’re right, that feels better.”

It took everything in you to not shout at him, but the glare you gave him was enough to kill.

He opted to look away from you, "Come on," He whispered, giggling nervously, scurrying away from you.

Sadly, you couldn't be mad at him forever, a lighthearted grin lighting up your face as you went after him. He was a charming bard after all, even if he was annoying.

When you caught up to him, your jaw hit the floor. In front of the two of you was a mound of expensive items and luxurious food.

“There’s so much…” You whispered in awe.

Venti nodded, “All for our god. The all-powerful and gracious (Y/n).” He smiled wistfully. It sent an unpleasant chill down your spine at how rehearsed he sounded.

"Eating this would be a bad idea," you changed the topic, pointing at a sweet dish on the offering table.

"It would be," Venti agreed, eyeing your wandering hand, "So don't do it."

You put your hand back at your side with a pout, your eyes drifting over to the other items (that weren't edible).

It was all quite extravagant and unnerving. They dedicated so much to this god of theirs even though they were never present. Or… perhaps you should be saying: since you were never present…though you had no wish to be bestowed with the title of god.

If… if they worshiped them (you) like this… how would they react when they realized you are this god they so love?

You were snapped out of your spiraling thoughts by Venti tugging on your sleeve.

He presented a bouquet of flowers to you with a sly smile, "For you, my liege."

You blinked at the pretty bouquet with many different types of flowers before a wide smile broke out across your face, "Thank you, Venti." You grabbed it gently, gently touching the petals, "There's flowers from different nations here… they traveled a long way for this bouquet…"

Admittedly, the thought frightened you. Despite the gift being fairly simple, it must've taken forever to put together for a regular person. To collect flowers from many nations just for you. Despite yourself, a frown tugged on your lips.

Venti noticed your frown, his own smile dying down because of it. "The Church of Favonius is probably the most prolific church, and are known to be the most devout to y- the god."

Your brows drew together and you softly sighed, "I can't stay in Mondstadt then," You muttered.

Venti's eyes widened, "What-" He nearly shouted, "Why?"

Your eyelids fluttered in surprise, a small gasp exiting your throat at his sudden outburst, "…because they're so obsessed with the god." You pursed your lips, you voice dropping even lower, leaning closer to Venti, "If they find out about me everything I'm wanting to avoid will become my constant reality." Fear flickered in your eyes, "There will be nowhere for me to escape."

Venti's blood ran cold at how scared you were, your eyes widened like a frightened deer's at the mere thought of someone knowing about your godhood.

So, despite Venti's objections, he nodded, his eyes downcast, "I understand." He couldn't say more.

You smiled softly, "Thank you Venti." You patted his head and he broke out of his somber mood just as quickly as it had come.

"Come on," Venti grabbed your hand on his head, "We came here to take stuff that's rightfully yours." His voice was dripping with sarcasm, showing that he didn't think the statement was true.

Your heart fluttered unnaturally at his playful grin. You beamed bright enough to alert the whole of Mondstadt you were here, holding his hand tighter.

He didn't see you as a god, and that was the greatest thing in this church. *~

That night the two of you ran away to Windrise, the wind cradling your hair, and your hands cradling each other. You and Venti giggling with armfuls of stolen goods and collapsing under Vanessa's grand tree. Crystalflies fluttering out of the way of your excited forms, and the grass cradling your bodies.

Venti opened up his coat, dumping all of the trinkets the two of you had stolen onto the grass in front of the both of you and you did the same.

"Time to review these!" You clapped your hands together, grinning damn near evilly at your conquest.

Well, not really a conquest, if you thought about it technically.

Venti immediately picked up an instrument, he had been the one to pick it up in the church but hadn't been able to try and play it. His eyes were wide with wonder as he gently held what you recognized to be an ocarina.

He inspected it, and almost as though it was second nature, held it up to his lips and blew.

Unsurprisingly, a pleasant note rang out in the cold night air. The wind settled to let the note ring out without disturbance.

Venti pulled away and looked at you with an excited smile.

"Venti…" You pursed your lips and furrowed your brow in concern.

He frowned like a kicked puppy, "What?" He whined, as though he were about to cry.

You sighed, "You got onto me for wanting to try some of the food… but you didn't clean off the mouthpiece…"

Venti blinked in realization, you could barely see it in the moonlight but a tiny embarrassed blush dusted his cheeks.

"Oops…" He chuckled, using his sleeve to unprofessionally wipe the mouthpiece of germs he probably already had.

You didn't mention it though, you had no room to talk. You had actually snuck a bite of some particularly sweet smelling deserts while he wasn't looking. Though he didn't need to know that.

He continued messing with the ocarina, though he didn't play any more notes.

"We're very suspicious looking with all of this stuff," He reasoned, "Don't want anyone to find us."

You nodded and continued looking through the pile. It was fairly small, most of the offerings were food. However there were some interesting things of note that you and Venti had taken.

The ocarina - which Venti had silently claimed as his own- a fluffy coat, a wooden toy (a puzzle from what you could gather with something jingling around inside), some books, the flower bouquet Venti had presented you, some expensive looking earrings, a burnt and worn down weapon (no longer sharp and poses no threat to anyone), and finally…

You picked up the item, "This is… this is from those things in the chasm."

You inspected the item, carefully tracing over it with your fingers. You gently touched the spot where an eye was missing, your brows furrowed in confusion as to why this was left at a shrine for the god.

Venti leaned over to look at it with you, color draining from his face, his mouth clamped tightly shut. His green eyes colliding with the singular red eye on the statuette.

"Perhaps…" Venti's voice was clammy, "We should've left that at the church."

You hummed, "I think it was wrapped up in the coat or something. We were too high on the adrenaline rush to notice I guess." You shrugged, "It's fine, it's just a statuette." You carelessly set it down, though you did give it some distance from Venti. Poor thing looked like he'd seen a ghost.

Venti hummed, tearing his gaze away from the statuette.

You tilted your head, placing a careful hand on his shoulder, "Hey, you okay? I can put it somewhere else if you don't wanna see it?"

Venti looked at you with wide doe eyes, and you could've sworn they looked a bit glassy. Nonetheless he shook his head, his usual bright smile lighting up the night, "No, I'll be fine."

His smile was contagious and despite the anxious feeling in your stomach, you smiled back at him and let it be.

Venti picked up the wooden puzzle while you inspected the books. He shook the puzzle around, listening for what might be inside. Meanwhile you opened up the first book on the pile.

… You understood none of it.

You pouted, "Venti, do you know what this is? I can't read it."

Venti blinked, puzzled, "You can't read it?" He scooted closer to look at the text.

You shook your head.

Venti frowned and set the puzzle aside, grabbing the book to look at the cover.

A grin broke out on his face, a small chuckle passing his lips, "This is: New Chronicles of the Six Kitsune. Published by Yae Publishing House." He tilted his head with a curious grin, "Wonder how it got all the way here. The Sakoku Decree was only just lifted."

You snorted in laughter, "Perhaps the Yae Publishing House are doubling down on marketing now that the borders have opened up. Wouldn't surprise me with the sly kitsune running the place."

"You know the Guuji of the Narukami shrine?" Venti tilted his head, "Or perhaps I shouldn't be too surprised." He flipped through the pages with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming in mischief, "Would you like me to read this to you as a bedtime story?"

You scoffed, playfully pushing his head away, "Yeah right, 'in your dreams'." You mocked said Guuji of the shrine.

Sadly, the joke flew right over Venti's head.

He pouted sadly, shutting the book with a sigh, "If you insist. What are the other two books?" He inquired, picking them up after setting the other book down.

You looked over his shoulder, able to recognize one of the covers but not the other.

"Flowers for Princess Fischl," Venti said with a grin matching your own, "And…" His grin fell. He hummed, "Toki Alley Tales… never heard of that one before."

"Toki Alley Tales?" You echoed, gently grabbing the book from his hand.

"Yeah, have you heard of it before?" Venti asked, watching as you gently opened it up.

Your eyes fluttered in surprise.

"That's… odd…" Your brows furrowed.

"What is?" Venti questioned, glancing at the words in the book, "Oh…"

"This is my mother tongue." You flipped through the pages. They were all there, "And the pages of Toki Alley Tales are scattered all throughout Inazuma. There's no way they'd be in this pristine of condition…" You trailed off.

"So…" Venti sat by your side, looking over your shoulder at the words he couldn't understand, "Someone translated the entire book of Toki Alley Tales… for you?"

"I…" You swallowed the lump in your throat, "No way. No one in Teyvat knows my native language… right?" You turned to look at him, confusion and a twinge of fear in your orbs.

Venti frowned, "I… don't know… I don't recognize this and it's not one of the major languages of Teyvat. I don't know anyone that would know this… except… maybe…"

"Except?" You urged him to continue.

"Well…" Venti looked away in thought, "Maybe the traveler… since they're from another world."

You paused, turning the thought over in your head. "That… that would make sense." You put your hand up to your mouth, staring at the pages you understood with perfect clarity, "They're the only one that would have access to the pages we collected."

"Wait so," Venti tore his gaze away from the puzzling pages to look at you, "Does this mean that the Traveler knows you're here?"

You paused, the thought striking you hard. Before you shook your head, "No… no probably not. They translated the whole thing in less than a day and- and how would they even know I'm here?"

Venti frowned, "True I guess, though there's not really any other explanation."

You roughly sighed, shutting the book and setting it aside, "My brain's starting to hurt. Why must Teyvat be so complicated."

Venti giggled, "That's what I've been saying for the past millennium…" He sighed, "And everyone wonders why I'm such a drunkard." He yawned, his momentary somberness disappearing like the wind, "It's too late for this. I'm going to bed. You should too, (Y/n)."

You hummed, standing up and stretching.

"Oh! Hey! We could use this coat as a blanket!" You exclaimed, picking up the large and fluffy fabric, "It's as big as one anyways."

"We?" Venti echoed.

You nodded, "If you're okay with sharing that is."

Venti grinned, his embarrassment only lasting a moment, "Of course! Can't let you have it all to yourself! Although…" Venti placed his hands on his hips, staring down at the pile the two of you had created, "Where are we gonna put all this?"

"Uh…" You stared down at it blankly, the fluffy coat bundled in your arms "Good question…"

The two of you ended up hiding the items at the beach nearby. Far enough so if someone were to find them they wouldn't immediately attribute it to you two, but close enough to keep an eye on.

Meanwhile, the two of you slept up in the tree of Windrise. It was comfortable, you and Venti had ended up tangled in each other's arms with a large fluffy coat shielding the two of you from the cold air. Despite not having an actual bed, it was possibly some of the best sleep you'd ever gotten.

That morning, though, was not so great. The two of you went to go check on the stuff you had stolen taken as soon as you had woken up… only to find it all gone.

"What!" You shouted, searching the beach up and down, "Who- who-" You covered your face with the fluffy coat and screamed into it.

Venti was not much better, his and your form covered in sand, your faces red hot from the sun and anger.

Venti huffed, "Let's just go back." He sighed dejectedly, crossing his arms, "Some of those items were so cool!"

"They took the ocarina and the puzzle you were messing with…" You gasped, "They took the Toki Alley Tales! Shit!" You cursed, clenching your fists, "Who did this?"

Venti pursed his lips, "I'd assume treasure hoarders, they're always looking for something that's not theirs to take." He paused, "Though I suppose we have no room to talk."

You sighed roughly, "I don't really care about most of the items, but the Toki Alley Tales is important. Only the Traveler has a copy of it, I don't want it to land in the wrong hands." You buried your head in your hands, "This was a stupid idea."

Venti frowned, and was silent for a moment, "I won't deny the fact that it wasn't the best idea, and I certainly didn't help." He sighed, "That's my own fault. Despite everything you had said when you…" His eyes met yours, overflowing with centuries of built up emotion kept well hidden, "When I saw you… I could see no one but Teyvat's god and the one who had treated me so well. So I followed blindly in your irrational decisions and I apologize for letting things get out of hand.” He didn’t meet your eyes, his arms crossed uncomfortably, “Sorry this has been bothering me all night I just didn’t wanna talk about it… but it seems I have to.” He sighed, “You need to choose. Right now.”

You lifted your head to look at him, "What do you mean?"

"Things have gone too far.” He still didn’t meet your eyes despite yours desperatly seeking the emotions in his, “You wanted to steal things from the church because you were in a state of shock and you said that the things belonged to you so it'd be fine if you took them. Yet you don't want to be god." Venti frowned, "Right now, you need to decide: are you Teyvat's god or not? That way nothing will ever get this out of hand again, and I can treat you the way you want to.”

The question escaped your lips without a moment's hesitation, "I'm not."

Venti smiled and patted your shoulder, "Thought you'd say that. Again, I’m sorry for allowing your heightened state last night to fester and cause us all this trouble.” He grinned mischievously, “But since you said that, we didn't take the items, because they don't belong to you.Someone else must've taken them from the church. We'll go back to Mondstadt and pretend we know about nothing once we get there, and then we'll do nothing like this again. Okay?”

You slowly nodded, the full weight of his words hitting you. You sucked in a breath to keep the emotions in, "Okay. But what do we do about the coat?" You gestured over to where you had set it in a tree, your hands clammy despite his cheerful expression.

Venti hummed, his hand on his chin, "Hm, we could throw it somewhere, say whoever took it must've dropped it."

You nodded, taking the fluffy coat. You gently pressed your face against it one last time, "Goodbye fluffy coat, you were very comfy."

Despite the ache in your heart, you bundled the coat into as tight of a ball as you could and flung it. You weren't sure where it landed, you turned around and pretended you never knew the coat.

Venti grabbed your arm and whisked you away, though it wasn't as fantastical as you'd thought. He jerked you by your arm, wind hit your face at alarming speeds, and then all at once it disappeared leaving you a rugged mess.

You caught your breath, pulling your arm out of his to straighten your clothes and hair. Once you were done cleaning yourself up, you looked around.

You were at the gate that led to Mondstadt, and you noticed on the bridge a very familiar figure. You couldn't help the grin sneaking onto your face.

"Oh dear." Venti put his hands on his hips, frowningly worriedly, "Why are you grinning like that?"

"I'm on my villain arc, Venti."

"Your what?" He blinked dumbfounded.

You didn't answer, only grabbed his hand and sprinted right onto the bridge. And right onto Timmie's birds.

"Hey!" You heard the little boy yell after you two.

"Sorry!" You giggled, running right through the gates of Mondstadt.

The guards let out amused sighs, "Looks like there's another troublemaker in Mondstadt." Lawrence mused, looking after you two.

Meanwhile you had stopped dead in your tracks only a few steps into Mondstadt's gates.

"Hey," Venti squeezed your hand that he was still holding, "You okay?"

You couldn't tear your eyes away from them, but you were glowing with excitement, "Look, it's-"

"Hark! Tis on this sunny day I and my retinue graciously descend from the great palace. Thundering retribution shall befall all those that dare to besmirch this great land! Katheryne! A dear friend of the Immernachtreich, pray tell, what troubles thou's great land."

"Hey Katheryne, what's the commission for today?" Bennett and Katheryne fist bumped, the latter retaining her usual friendly smile.

"Great to see you Prinzessin and Bennett, we have a special commission only top level adventurers can take on. Would you like to hear it?"

"Oh…" Bennett shuffled nervously, "Uh… I don't know about-"

"Oh but of course!" Fischl put a hand on her hip and used the other to gesture grandly, "I and my retinue will be able to handle it with perfect ease! Isn't that right Sir Bennett?"

"O-oh uh- o-of course!" He nervously replied, doing his best to give a good smile… and failing.

Nonetheless, Katheryne continued, "Very well- oh." Her eyes caught onto you and Venti on the sidelines, watching them… kind of creepily. "It seems we have some guests. Would the four of you like to team up? After all this is one very important mission." She beckoned the two of you over and - after a quick glance at Venti - you eagerly joined them, a dumb grin tugging up at your lips.

"We would've normally gotten the traveler on such an important commission such as this one," Katheryne said, "However we couldn't seem to find them anywhere."

"That bad of a commission?" Venti hummed, "What is it? We might be able to help."

Katheryne nodded, "I trust in Y/n's abilities."

Venti gave you an odd look as she said that but Katheryne continued, "Basically, the Church of Favonius has noticed a few items missing from the church." You froze up. "These items were of great importance and were a part of the altar to Their Greatness. The commission is essentially to find these objects and bring them back to the Church. The items missing are an ocarina, a large coat from Snezhnaya, a puzzle from Sumeru, earrings from Liyue made from expensive gemstones, an old weapon from Natlan, a statuette, as well as some books and flowers."

"Oh no, that's real bad." Bennett's face twisted in nervousness, "Are there any leads?"

Katheryne shook her head, "I'm afraid not. However the rewards are hefty, and you're probably the best people for the job. So, will the four of you take it?"

You didn't have to think twice, "I'd love to!"

You saw Venti's curious gaze from the corner of your eyes.

"If Y/n is doing it I'll do it to." He grinned and gently elbowed you, "Hey, maybe you could be my bodyguard."

You scoffed, "Yeah, you'll need it."

"Well then of course your Prinzessin shall rise to the occasion as well and shed some light on this desolate land!" Fischl did a grand sweeping motion.

You gave her a tiny clap to which you swore you saw a sparkle in her eye as she looked at you. Though she quickly composed herself and giggled confidently.

"Of course I'll take the commission as well," Bennett said, "Though I'm not sure how much help I'll be… sorry." He scratched the back of his neck with an apologetic smile.

You patted his back firmly, "Aw come on Benny don't apologize for something you haven't done. Plus, you'll do great. You're really experienced aren't you?"

"W-well… I mean…"

"And even if you weren't, we'd still want you to come along." You grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

He chuckled, "Th-thanks. Oh by the way, how did you know my name?"

Shit! You cursed in your head, meanwhile Venti giggled behind you. You've fucked up again.

"Well, you're a well known adventurer and uh… I uh… heard them say your name." You waved towards Katheryne and Fischl, unsure of who had said his name (or if they even had said his name)

"Oh! I see!" Bennett grinned, placing his hands on his hips, "Well, either way, I'm Bennett, an adventurer here at the adventurer's guild." He held out his hand for you to shake, "The both of you are…?"

"(Y/n)." You shook his hand.

"Venti." He did the same.

Bennett hummed, "Huh, your names sound familiar…" He snapped his fingers, "Oh! Venti the bard! I've heard you by the taverns!"

"(Y/n) as well," Fischl said, "That name is awfully familiar for someone I have supposedly just met."

"Oh well uh…" You faltered, scratching your face nervously.

Oz cut in, "Mein Fräulein, are you not aware? Ever since Lord Barbatos resigned as Mondstadt's archon, the church has majorly been worshiping the now overarching god of Teyvat. The one with a gentle and warm embrace, one you have felt yourself. Their graciousness, (Y/n)."

"Oh! Why of course I remember it, Oz!" Fischl's face dusted with pink, "A prinzessin must know of the land she is visiting."

You chuckled, "Yeah, I was named after them. It's been kind of embarrassing especially while visiting Mondstadt. But still, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Same goes to thou," Fischl hummed, "From now on thou shall be my… royal secretary!" She snapped, smiling self-content.

You chuckled and bowed, "It'll be an honor to serve you, my lady." You grinned, standing back up.

Fischl was smiling brightly, a stark contrast to her dark and mysterious persona, "Very good!" She clapped her hands, "And then thou shall be-" She turned to Venti, "The bard!" She snickered.

Venti grinned, crossing his arms, "It would be an honor to be royal bard, your highness." He did an extravagant bow, taking off his hat and all.

Fischl was practically glowing and you couldn't help but feel happy at her smile. After all she was just a child at heart.

"Well then, let's head off!" Bennett exclaimed, pumped from the positive atmosphere, a large grin on his face.

"Yeah! Let's go!" You shouted, giggling as the four of you marched out of Mondstadt.

You learned very quickly that Benny's luck was a lot worse and unpredictable than the game had described it. You almost felt offended. This entire time you thought Bennett was just playing it up in his head to be worse than it was.

Nope. His luck was just as bad as he had said.

As soon as your little party had exited the gates of Mondstadt, a pleasant breeze had brushed past all of you… and Bennett had accidentally inhaled some dandelion seeds the wind was carrying along.

Fischl patted his back firmly, without a hint of panic or hesitation.

"Benny?" You floundered around, looking between his red face, Fischl's calm demeanor, Venti's slightly disturbed face, and Oz, "Is he okay?"

"He will be," Fischl said, going around behind Bennett to perform the Heimlich maneuver.

He let out one last good cough before calming down and clearing his throat, "Thank you Fischl," He rasped.

She sighed, but softly smiled, "It's no problem Benny." She clapped her hands, "Now, let us set off my entourage! To recover that which has been so brutally stolen!" Fischl giggled, starting across the bridge.

You and Venti cringed at the same time, sharing a look before giggling.

"Yes, what barbarians." Venti muttered under his breath to you.

You snickered and elbowed him, "Shut up."

The two of you childishly giggled while the others walked ahead.

"Hey," Bennett called back, "We better hurry along if we want to cover more ground. There aren't any leads so we need to be quick."

Fischl nodded, "Yes! We'll need to be as swift as the wind that billows through Mondstadt, and find which ever way the wind leads. That is where we shall begin our journey." She grinned.

"So…" You hummed, "Go whichever way the wind is blowing?"

Bennett shrugged, "Why not? There's no other leads."

The four of you (five including Oz) stopped at the end of the bridge. Fischl and Bennett stood stock still, waiting for a gust of wind.

Ever so slightly, the ends of Venti's hair lit up, and the wind gently blew in the direction of Windrise.

Bennett pointed, "That way it is. Here's to hoping Lord Barbatos hasn't led us astray!" He grinned.

You and Venti shared a look. He grinned, giving you a thumbs up. You frowned.

"Nothing up here!" Venti called down from the top of the Windrise tree, jumping down to join the rest of you at the base.

Fischl sighed, plopping down on one of the roots, "Ugh! We looked everywhere on the way here and then everywhere at Windrise! Maybe the wind led us wrong this time…" She huffed, glaring at the dirt as though it was the cause for all their problems.

"Well the wind has led us wrong before mein Fräulein." Oz comforted her, settling beside her on the root, "We didn't have any leads before anyways. Can Lord Barbatos really lead us wrong when we had no clear destination in the first place?"

"Yes!" She huffed.

Oz sighed and hopped closer to his princess, he extended a wing and patted her back. Her face visibly relaxed at the action and she sighed.

"Right, I'm a prinzessin," She muttered to herself. She sat up straight and cleared her throat, "My retinue! It is in our best interest that we make haste and continue searching." She stood and Oz fluttered onto her shoulder.

"Should we follow the wind again since we don't have any other leads?" You asked.

Fischl thought for a moment and then nodded, "If Lord Barbatos of Mondstadt wishes to guide us with the wind then thee shall follow. It is the unspoken law of such eminent sovereigns such as I."

"It's what the Adventurers at the guild do when there are no leads." Oz said.

Fischl gave him a sideways glare, "Oz…" She pouted.

Bennett took his glove off to reveal a scarred hand, he licked his pointer finger and put it up in the air. Venti hung around your side, looking at Bennett curiously. Ever so slightly, from the corner of your eye, you could see a small glow coming from the ends of his braids.

Bennett snapped his fingers, "It's going that way- ow!" He pointed east, but as soon as he did a rock smacked him in the back of the head. He cradled it and looked around, "Where did that come from?" He shrugged.

You got a massive wave of déjà vu, "Are you okay?"

He waved his hands dismissively, "Oh yeah I'm fine!" He cleared his throat, "Anyways, it's going that way." He pointed there again… right towards the beach where the items had been buried.

"Then let's go! There's no time to waste!" Venti grinned, grabbing your arm and leading you away.

You really hoped "Barbatos" knew what he was doing.

He did not, in fact, know what he was doing.

The five of you - including Oz - arrived upon the beach. Searching everywhere as you went along. By the water, in the sand, until you arrive at the place where the small patches of sand became a beach and the five of you were overlooking an ocean.

Fischl moved a rock in the sand with her foot, "Not it either," She sighed.

Meanwhile Bennett was choking on bits of sand.

"I'm okay!" He gave a tired thumbs up.

None of you were convinced.

Venti was loitering around as usual, casually looking around at a leisurely pace as though this was a nice vacation.

After digging through another patch of sand to no avail, Fischl huffed, "Bard! Are you just going to stand around doing nothing all day?"

"Mein Fräulein! Watch your temper!" Oz said, settling on Fischl's lap.

Fischl instinctively reached up to pet Oz's head. She sighed indignantly, "There's no trails! This commission was a lost cause and a huge waste of time!"

"Hey, Fischl…" You frowned and stepped towards her, but stopped yourself.

"It wasn't a waste of time," Venti said confidentially, "Because you're spending it with people you like. Nothing is a waste of time in the end so long as you're having fun."

"But I'm not having fun." Both of her hands were on Oz now and the raven was silent.

You pursed your lips and carefully approached her, putting your hand on her head gently, "The sun's probably getting to you. It's been tiring today, we should probably rest."

"Yes," Oz said, "That is a wonderful idea." He looked up at his charge, "Mein Fräulein?"

Fischl cleared her throat, "Why yes, a recuperation period during this slow hour of afternoon would be just what the royal court needs. After all, mortals are weak things. This would be most beneficial to you, my retinue." There was an odd lack of her usual exuberance in her tone, and her eyes nor hunched and small posture matched her grandiose words.

You smiled, and gave her a final pat on her head, "Good. You can have some alone time if you want. Just come to us when you're ready to leave or rejoin the group."

Fischl looked up at you with a wide eye. She nodded and remained silent.

You helped her up and she went to separate from the group temporarily with Oz still in her arms-

"Shoot-!" Bennett screamed, being cut off at the end by his face being shoved into sand.

He hoisted himself up, spitting out the sand that got in his mouth.

"Are you okay Bennett?" Venti called out, going over to help the poor boy up.

"Yeah, I think I just tripped on something." He chuckled, dusting himself off.

Venti looked over in the sand and kneeled down to pick it up, "Wait…" He looked over his shoulder and showed everyone what it was, a huge grin on his face, "Lookie here! Weren't we looking for a statuette?"

Fischl gaped, "We were! So we're close!"

Oz cleared his throat.

"Oh- Hark! The clouds part for the sun to beam through! And it is through my and my charges' hands that the first item has been recovered! And where there is one treasure there are bound to be more afoot. Stay alert my retinue, for we shall soon have the church groveling at our feet with thanks!" She giggled, seeming to have brightened up after seeing the item.

Bennett chuckled giddily, pumping his fist into the air, "Let's go!" He cheered, a massive grin on his face.

Venti tossed the statuette up into the air before catching it with a satisfied grin.

You grabbed the item from him playfully, "I don't think you should be the one to hold onto this."

He put his hands on his hips with a pout, "Oh? And where are you going to put it?"

You opened your mouth to respond but realized that… you didn't have a bag. Or that good of pockets. The best you had was your pants pockets but who knows if it'd fall out.

You smacked your lips together and grimaced, not responding.

"I could hold it! I have a bag!" Bennett exclaimed, stars in his eyes.

"Sir Bennett…" Oz said, "With all the care in my heart, I do believe that you would somehow end up losing it…"

Bennett's eyes widened and he deflated, "Oh… Yeah you're right. Sorry I was just over-excited."

"No, you're fine!" You said, "We just don't want you to lose it. If you have a bag I could borrow then I could carry it?"

He hummed and checked his bags, the one with his vision first and then checked the small bag on his back.

He unhooked it, "You can carry this if you want. I'll need it back though, if you don't mind."

"Oh, of course, thank you Bennett!" You smiled as he handed you the bag.

There wasn't much in there from what you could feel, just the map (that you doubted any of you needed), and a few bandages and peroxide. He put the health items into his other bag that had his vision, and helped you tie it so it'd hang off your hip.

"All done." Bennett pulled away, his hands on his hips, "Should be all good to go."

You moved around a bit to make sure it wouldn't fall off, and sure enough it remained attached.

You put the statuette in the bag, "Thank you Bennett!"

"Anytime, (Y/n)!"

"Now! Where to next my motley crew?" Venti clapped his hands and grinned.

The five of you thought for a moment, looking around the area for any clues.

If we found this statuette here… and we had buried it over there… then they should've gone… "Son of a bitch." You muttered.

Venti came up beside you, "Something wrong?" He whispered.

"I think they went towards the cryo regisvine."

He stifled his laughter, "There's no way they're stupid enough to do that. Everyone knows not to go that way."

"Unless they're not from Mondstadt and don't know the area that well." You scowled, your lips pursed in thought.

It clicked in Venti's mind, "Fatui?" He gasped.

You nodded with a dark grimace, "I think so. They could've seen the coat as well."

Venti put his hand to his chin, "Still… there's no way they wouldn't run away."

"But if they ran away," You said, "They might've left something behind."

Venti considered it and then slowly nodded, "I see your point. Fine, then we'll check the area out, along with the others. There’s no reason not to try anyways." He turned to look at everyone else, "Hey guys!" He shouted, "Me and (Y/n) think it'd be good to look over there!" He pointed down the beach to where the regisvine resided.

Fischl scoffed, "Bard!" She called back, "That is where the bearer of freezing icicle petals resides!"

"Yeah, we know!" He shouted back bluntly.

Fischl deadpanned and ran over to you two, "What do you mean you know? You're just going to walk up to the regisvine?" She grabbed onto one of Venti's shoulders and one of yours.

You grabbed her shoulders, "Think about it Fischl, if they went over there they could've left something behind in their rush to get away."

"Yeah but why would anyone want to go over there?" She scowled, frustrated, "You two aren't going to be stupid while we're on this very important mission."

"Mein Fräulein, please, watch your anger." Oz came up beside her.

Fischl removed her hands and frowned at the raven, "If my retinue will stop spewing such absurd ideas then perhaps I, too, will be more reasonable."

"If you don't want to go then we'll go by ourselves-"

"Absolutely not!" She shouted, "You two are not going by yourselves, I will not let two of my friends do something so stupid without me there to help."

Your heart melted, and your eyes visibly softened.

This is all you've ever wanted wasn't it? This little friend group you now have. Your heart swelled. To be loved in Teyvat, that's all you've ever wanted wasn't it?

Fischl saw the look on your face and glared, "Royal secretary, do not get ahead of yourself. I am still your prinzessin, and though thou's thoughts are unusual and barbaric, I must still protect my people."

"Thank you, Fischl." You said honestly.

The fondness in your words seemed to have thrown Fischl off. Her eyes widened and her jaw went slack. She sputtered but shook it off.

"…Thank you, (Y/n)." There was an odd look in her eyes that you didn't like.

Venti butted in, "Well now that that's settled, me and (Y/n) are going to the regisvine now! Feel free to follow if you want!"

He grabbed your arm and took off, Fischl frustratedly shouted something behind the two of you but you couldn't hear it over Venti's giggling.

"W-wait for me!" Bennett yelled, following after you.

Then the five of you were racing towards the regisvine, you and Venti unusually lax for running straight into a possibly early grave.

Though you were sure nothing too bad would happen.

The five of you heard the regisvine before you saw it. The sounds of ice shattering and breaking. You could already see your breath in front of your face.

"Is it… is it fighting someone?" Bennett questioned, speeding up ahead of the group a bit to try and get a better look at it.

"Wait so," You brightened, "Could the person who took the items be in there?"

Fischl blinked, bewildered, her hands on her arms, "Are they really..?"

Venti grinned, "Only one way to find out! Come on!" He grabbed you and Bennett by your arms, dragging you towards the regisvine.

"W-woah!" Bennett tripped but Venti and you helped him before he fell completely in the sand.

The three of you bolted ahead, mostly being dragged by Venti.

"W-w-wait! Guys!" Fischl yelled after you guys, running ahead to catch up.

"Mein-" Oz sighed affectionately, "Be careful you four." He glided next to all of you.

Then the four of you heard a distinct sound. The sound of someone fighting.

Venti grinned, "Looks like we've found our culprit."

He rushed ahead, towards an edge where there was a small drop off.

You heard Venti gasp.

"What? What is it, Venti?" You asked insistently.

The rest of you came up beside him. At the same time all of you gasped, "Noelle?" The three of you shouted.

At the sound of her name she turned to look at you. She was scraped a bit and scuffed up, but she still had her shield up. Her eyes were wide and confused, but she looked away as the regisvine reared up to land another hit on her.

"We gotta help her!" You shouted.

Bennett scrambled around, "What do we do?" He shook from uncertainty.

You pursed your lips and sucked in a steady breath, "Bennett," You looked at him, "Go break the circle thing with your skill, Fischl, Oz, do the same thing."

The three of them stared at you wide-eyed for a moment.

"Come on! She needs help!" You urged them to go, pushing Fischl forward gently, "If anything happens… I'll make sure you're okay." You held onto her shoulder firmly and then let go.

Despite their hesitation, their expressions hardened and they nodded. They jumped down and headed for the regisvine.

"Ah," Noelle looked up but nodded, "Thank you."

"Let's light it up!"

"Oz, reveal thyself!"

Venti and you stood by, watching as they chipped away at the shield.

"And what am I to do, (Y/n)?" The name came as naturally to him as breathing. His heart swelled at the notion.

"You come in after the shield is broken." You said, watching them carefully, "You won't be able to do much but help is help."

"Haah!" Bennett broke the shield.

"Venti, go! Do your skill."

"Got it!" He nodded, sprinting down to join the others. He spun, "Here we go!"

"Infused pyro, not ideal but it'll do…" you muttered to yourself. Your eyes caught onto Bennett's and Noelle's glowing visions, "Bennet! Burst. Noelle once he sets it down you burst too. Fischl, resummon Oz!"

They all hesitated with the orders, but Bennett got over it before any damage could be done and set his ult down. Afterwards, Noelle was quick to slash at the fallen flower, and Oz was resummoned.

You sighed, shoulders slumping, silently praying you wouldn't have to do a second cycle.

Somehow, by some miracle, your ragtag team did manage to one cycle it. Just as the flower was coming up, and Bennett's ult had already disappeared, Noelle managed to get one more good swing in and finish it off. Her giant, geo infused greatsword disappeared.

She huffed, "Thank you."

You jumped down to join the others, a massive grin on your face, "Good job you five!" You clapped Venti and Fischl on their shoulders and gently patted Oz, "That was clean!"

Venti crossed his arms, "Didn't really feel like I did much."

"Well…" You mused, "You didn't really, but you do have four piece Viridescent on don't you?"

"U-uh," Venti sputtered, his face beet red. He grabbed your arm, "Don't mention it in front of everyone." He glared and then let out a massive sigh, attempting to rid himself of the red painting his cheeks, "But… yes… I do. Just, don't mention it in front of everyone again okay? I told you that in confidence."

"Oh… s-sorry…" You muttered, confused, "I-I got carried away…"

You had no damn clue what that was about, but from the reactions of the others you shouldn't have brought that up. They were seemingly politely ignoring what you'd just said.

"Well uh- n-nevermind then. Sorry again I got too excited."

"It's fine," Venti dismissively waved his hand, "You're bringing the mood down. Noelle," He smiled at the girl, "Are you okay?"

"Oh! Yes!" She clasped her hands and smiled gratefully, "I'm fine! Although I'm not sure if I would've been if you three hadn't arrived when you did. Oh, by the way," Her smile died down and there was a curious glint in her eyes, "Why were you traveling this way? If I may ask."

"Oh," Bennett put his hands on his hips and responded coolly, "We were tasked with a commission from the Adventurer's Guild to find the objects that were stolen from the church."

'There were items stolen from the church?" Noelle gasped, her hands going up to cover her mouth, "I suppose I've been out all morning and that's why I haven't heard yet…”

"Maybe,” You said, “but that's why we were looking this way, we thought the culprits might've gone this way. Have you seen anything?" You tilted your head with a kind smile.

"Well…" Noelle hummed, "The reason I'm here in the first place is because I noticed there were some Fatui members that were being attacked by the regisvine. I couldn't just let them be beat by it so I helped them out but they ran away." She furrowed her brows and frowned, "Do you think they might've been the ones to steal from the church?"

"I think so." You said, matching her frown, "Do you know which way they went?"

Noelle hummed, looking around, "I think I saw them go over that way. Follow me." She motioned for the rest of you to follow her and you did so without hesitation.

She turned and headed to the other entrance of the regisvine’s “cave”

“Unless they’re really good climbers or swimmers, isn’t this a dead end.” Bennett said, furrowing his eyebrows.

Venti grinned and pointed at Bennett, “Exactly.”

Bennett’s eyes twinkled with recognition and he nodded, his hands on his hips and a grin on his lips.

Sure enough there were Fatui members breathing heavily. In the middle of their little group were all the goods.

As soon as they had seen you they readied themselves for a fight and swung wildly and hard.

Out of instinct of scrambling to switch characters, you screamed, “Noelle-!”

“Leave it to me!” A shield encased all of you. Weak but effective.

“Bennett, Fischl, Venti, do your skills!”

“Yahoo!”

“Oz!”

“Hah!”

“Bennett! Ult!” You commanded.

He did so and it made the fight go so much smoother, especially once Noelle had ulted as well. The four of them effectively cleaned up the Fatui while Noelle’s shield protected all of you from Fatui members. Including you, which you were immensely glad for. You shivered at the thought of what they’d try on you if you didn’t have a shield.

“Good job all of you!” You stepped over the Fatui’s bodies.

Noelle and Bennett blushed, “Thank you, (Y/n).” Noelle smiled gently, “Are these the items that were stolen from the church?”

“I believe so,” Venti hummed, crouching down to inspect the items, “Ocarina, puzzle, earrings, the books, weapon, coat… I think this is everything.”

“Weren’t there flowers?” Fischl asked, leaning over to look at all the items.

“They probably didn’t bother with them.” You frowned.

“Still!” Bennett shouted, grinning ear-to-ear, “This is great! We found most of the items that we were supposed to! Looks like my bad luck isn’t that bad today!”

Just as he spoke those words, the cryo regisvine respawned.

“Shit!” You jumped back at seeing it reappear.

Noelle panicked, “How do we get past it?”

“No way we have to fight it again!” Fischl whined.

Bennett deflated, “I’m sorry everyone…”

Taglist (everyone who asked for a part two): @wifi-crusader @uchihaeirin @sophiethewitch1 @oxyotl @zuri-feather @edswordsman @eccedentesiast-sapphic @the-real-fandom-person @hikaru-exe @poweredbyghostadventures @thebeanofdoom @lumpywolf (i probably missed ppl but i need to go OKAY BYE LOVE ALL OF YOU <33)

#sagau #genshin impact sagau #self aware genshin #genshin cult au #venti #fischl #bennett #noelle #praying the taglist wasn't annoying i just...#i spent too much time on this i Will Not let it flop

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