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Chapter one: Morax shouldn’t get a haircut

Venti was so tired of this.
 
Thousands upon thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, cycle upon cycle: all leading down to this moment. To finally bring down Celestia and the Heavenly Principles. And the Anemo Archon had been waiting for this ever since the first time he’d woken up after watching everything he loved be destroyed.
 
The first time it had happened had been such a shock. Watching as his father figure had his head severed from his body. He’d been the same as the other Archons in thinking that Rex Lapis, Morax, the Geo Archon and the oldest of them all, was unkillable. It had caused everyone around him to jump up on offense, trying to fight the beings that had decided they were nothing more than toys.
 
Venti proceeded to watch his beloved Xiao finally lose himself to the darkness they’d worked so hard to subdue. Watched as, one by one, his fellow Archons were struck down, until he was the only one left. 
 
He’d been too shocked to do anything more than go and pick up the severed head of Morax and watch everything with wide eyes. He’d been way too young that first time, barely 1,500 years old.

“Our dearest Barbatos…”

The voice still haunted his dreams to this very day. Celestia, turning to him with that look as if they had only been reprimanding their children.

“So obedient. Didn’t dare to lift a hand against the ones who had blessed you. Do not fret…we will try this again.”

And seared into Venti’s memory was the way the entirety of the skies of Teyvat cracked and crumbled, the pieces coming down, hurling towards him-
 
And then with a gasp, Barbatos awoke in a room of Old Mondstat. He made a small sound of distress as he moved up, taking entirely too long to realize he was merely a tiny wind sprite. And it was only when a familiar face walked into the room with some apples that he realized where he was. “Himmel…?” He’d asked, eyes wide as he tried to make sense of everything…
 
——-
 
At first, he thought it was a good thing. Maybe…maybe this was another chance to make things right! Maybe he could save Himmel and others that had fallen against Decarabian. He’d tried, so very hard. Tried to lead them away from potentially dangerous areas. Tried to keep the tyrant god’s attention solely on himself. 
 
But…
 
Decarabian fell and with him….did Himmel. With that, came the ascension to Celestia. With that came the gnosis and the title of Archon.
 
Venti willed it to go by quickly, wiping away his tears at losing his friend again, of being unable to change anything that had happened. But if he remembered…he just had to find Morax! That would make things easier. Having a friend would make him feel better too. And Morax could make some sort of plan. After settling things with the people, (And gaining the trust of Andrius and finding little Divalin), he turned to head to Liyue, with the promise of a new friend.
 
The scenery of Mondstat gave way to the mountains of Liyue quickly. It was strange…the first time had been so slow…but the wind felt so familiar. Was it the memories? Was it whatever this new chance was? He would question it with Morax when the time came. It would work better with the older Archon anyway.
 
Though…where

would

Morax be at this point? Venti paused as he thought it over, hovering high in the sky as he tried to see if he could either see or hear the other. The wind never led him wrong. He just had to focus. Slowly, the wind around him stirred as he listened, the tips of his braids and his markings glowing with his Anemo power.

“Did you hear? Some other creatures seem to be coming from outside of-“

“-seen the newest ship that reached the Harbor? I hear it comes all the way from-“

“-the Adepti have done so well in the transferring of-“

No no no! None of that would help. He closed his eyes to focus more. He just needed a clue…

“-this one merely believes that it was rushed. Was there something of that importance that-“

Ah! That speech pattern screamed adeptus! Maybe if he focused a little more he could-
 
 Venti heard movement and his eyes shot open immediately. The sight before him was enough to freeze him to the spot. After all, the last time he’d seen Morax…well…
 
It was great to see him in one piece. 
 
“M-Morax!”
 
Eyes the color of cor lapis narrowed slightly at the name. “Such informality from one who has yet to be properly introduced. Do you speak so rashly to all who come before you?”
 
Venti blinked a few times. “H-huh???? Wha…That’s not funny Morax…” No…certainly the Heavenly Principles…they were cruel but not

this

cruel right? To make it… “You know me…Barbatos…” He couldn’t be the only one that remembered. 
 
“Barbatos? And how does this one know you?” Morax asked as he watched the other carefully. As if he expected him to attack or something. And wasn’t that…just…
 
Venti was staring for a moment. He just…didn’t know what to do and…he could feel the sting of tears as he realized he just…it was just him. No one remembered. Why? Why was it just him? And once the tears started to fall, they didn’t stop. He wasn’t sure how long he was crying, but at some point, Morax had moved closer in alarm and tried, very awkwardly, to comfort him. 
 
Eventually, the younger god finally calmed, hiccuping a little as he finally stopped crying. Morax looked rather concerned at him, looking more like the Morax that Venti knew. “S-sorry. I just…hic…this is a lot.”
 
Morax sighed softly and patted Venti’s head softly. “It is alright. I don’t understand what has upset you so much, but you are not in any danger here.” His voice was rather gentle, and Venti wiped at his tears and gave a small nod. 
 
“Thank you, Morax.” Venti wasn’t sure what to do. On the one hand, he could tell the other about what he knew. But what would that lead to? Would it even be helpful? To stop Morax from-

The image of the shattering sky as Venti held Morax’s head in his hands flashed through his mind.

The Anemo Archon visibly flinched and shook it off. “Sorry! I…I think my new powers are messing with my head! Ehe!” Venti put on his usual grin, “I’m Barbatos! The Anemo Archon over Mondstat!”
 
Morax paused before giving a small nod. “I see. A new Archon with powers still beyond his control. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Barbatos.” He gave a hesitant smile. “I was not aware that Mondstat had a new god. Was that the outcome of all the fighting from the other day?”
 
Venti nodded. “The people asked for freedom and I answered their call. I am the god of Wind and Freedom. And as a gift from the Heavenly Principles, I can see the future! I got some things confused and thought we’d met already.” There was no other way. If he told Morax…there was the possibility that Celestia wouldn’t appreciate it. But if he could try and figure things out through this…with the memories of what had happened before…maybe he could change the outcome. 
 
Just because he couldn’t save Himmel, didn’t mean he couldn’t save Teyvat.
 
Right?
 
He swallowed down his fear as Morax took in the information. It seemed to satisfy whatever curiosity the older Archon had of Barbatos’s strange reaction. He gave a small smile and motioned slightly with his hand. 
 
“Well then, shall we speak of a contract? You seem to know much about what I am.”
 
Venti blinked before giving a nod. It would probably be better to get the contract out of the way anyway. It would make it easier to survey Liyue for anything out of the ordinary…keep an eye on Morax and-
 
The Anemo god suddenly perked up a bit. Xiao! Oh he could see Xiao alive and well…he could feel tears in his eyes again but shook it off. Now was not the time, Venti!

You can fix this! You just have to focus and make sure to find where it all went horribly wrong!

“Is there something occupying your time? Did you need to return to Mondstat?” came Morax’s voice.
 
“Ah! No no I was just in my head again! Ehe! A contract among new friends would be great!” Venti’s reply was definitely different from the first time he’d met the Geo Archon. But how could one be wary of the man they’d seen tumble down Starsnatch Cliff trying to pick out a Cecilia for their love? Rex Lapis may have been a warrior but he was a softie at heart as well.
 
———
 
It was definitely nostalgic to be introduced to the adepti and the goddess of salt after he and Morax signed their contract. To be honest, it was nice to see the departed once more. After being successfully convinced into having a meal with them, to try the local cuisine of course, he decided to wander around the Guili plains to clear his head a bit. There was so much to think of.
 
Morax didn’t remember anything of what Venti did, not meeting, not being an emperor- not even questioning Celestia and the Heavenly Principles! He didn’t even know about…about…

“These Seven Archons have been loyal servants to Celestia and the law of the Heavenly Principles.” Zhongli was being so respectful. It was so strange to have the Emperor speaking like that to someone else. Venti knew it was necessary, even he was subject to the Heavenly Principles.

“As such, we feel we are owed an explanation on why the Principles have decided to put our people at risk-“

The sound that rang through the air was that of a

crack

. Venti felt his eyes slowly widen as the jewel on the pin holding Morax’s hair up split in two. And suddenly, his head and his body were falling in

different

directions. It was silent for merely a second before he felt movement around him: the Anemo from Xiao rushing forward, the Cryo from its Archon, Hydro moving alongside Dendro for a reaction-

But he couldn’t move, couldn’t be bothered to

breathe

. “…Morax…? Morax-“

“LAMENT!”
 
Venti felt himself suck in a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been halting and turned. That voice on the wind was too familiar, too loud to be in his head. He let his eyes go over the plains as he tried to calm himself, until his gaze fell on the familiar figure in the distance. “Xiao…” 
 
The Yaksha had his mask on as he tore through the unfortunate spirit that had dared to try and come back. Venti watched as the other leapt up into the air, the power of Anemo that he’d been blessed with surrounding him as he plunged down in his attack. Xiao was…
 
Absolutely gorgeous.
 
The fear and panic that had been suffocating the Archon seemed to bleed away as he watched his beloved finish off the enemy. Oh, he didn’t have to wait did he? He couldn’t. Not after already waiting this long with being trapped in old Mondstat.
 
Before he could actually put more thought into it, Venti found himself fluttering over to the other. “You’re so impressive!” He called out, startling Xiao and causing him to spin his spear at him. “Oh! Ehe, there’s no need to worry! I was just passing by when I happened to see you!”
 
Xiao narrowed his eyes for a second. “Who are you?”
 
“Barbatos! The Anemo Archon from Mondstat!” Venti couldn’t help the smile that pulled on his lips. He knew how Xiao would react upon hearing the title.
 
And his silly little bird didn’t disappoint. His expression immediately became one of slight panic and fluster. “Lord Barbatos?” Xiao moved to give a respectful bow, “I apologize. My lord has already explained of the Anemo Archon…”
 
“Oh no, no, no! You don’t have to be so formal! I wanna be your friend!” Oh…he’d have to start all over…but it would be worth it to watch Xiao relax again. “If I remember correctly…you’re one of the Ya…Yaksha right? Am I saying that right?” He put a hand to his chin to feign thought. After all, knowing things like this all the time wouldn’t do.
 
“That is correct, Lord Barbatos. This one is General Alatus.” Xiao said, trying to hide his confusion. It was cute, the way genuine affection could confuse or fluster him. 
 
“Alatus. It’s so nice to meet you!” Venti felt his wings twitch the slightest bit as he tried not to let all of his soft emotions show on what Xiao knew was their first meeting. “Morax mentioned the Yaksha when giving me some explanation about the adepti. You look just as interesting as I thought!” 
 
That made Xiao sputter a bit, seeming flustered at what Venti had said. With a soft little giggle, Venti leaned closer to him. “Sweet.” He said with a soft smile…and he seemed to realize how much that showed and pulled back. “Sorry. Is that too much?”
 
“Sweet…is not something people typically say of a General. We do not abide by emotional reactions.” The words were meant to be harsh, but the pink that spread across Xiao’s face gave away his fluster. “…but if Lord Barbatos is insistent, he may call me as he wishes.” 
 
“Oh is that how it works~? Well, don’t worry. I can keep a secret.”  The Archon gave a wink and Xiao gave a cough to cover up his fluster. “I suppose I should head back then. Divalin needs special attention or he might rip up some trees.” It was cute to see his old friend as a young dragon again.
 
Xiao paused before nodding. He was silent a second before, “If you are ever in need of assistance, merely call for me.”
 
Venti blinked before giving a bright smile. “Such a vigilant Yaksha! Thank you Alatus. I’ll be sure to bring you a gift next time we meet!” Before Xiao could process that, Venti was already up and off towards Mondstat. He sighed softly when he was far enough. He could still feel his heart going at a familiar yet flustering pace. 
 
“Ok…so we start again and work towards a better…ending? I think?” He mumbled, too low for anyone to really hear. “Keep Morax in one piece…that’s the goal.” He looked out over Mondstat and let out a breath, “Morax should never get a haircut…”
 
With that, he moved on to checking on his nation.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 2: It’s really not that deep!

“What do you have there, Barbatos?”
 
Venti blinked when he heard Morax’s voice. He’d been coming over to see how he and Xiao had been in the past few months while he’d been busy with the building of Mondstat…and Divalin had popped up randomly. Said little dragon was perched on the Anemo Archon’s shoulder, munching on one of the apples he’d gotten on the way to Liyue.
 
“An apple.” Venti said with a wink. He knew exactly what Morax was asking about. He’d asked the first time he’d seen Divalin too. 
 
“…besides the apple?” Morax seemed confused. As if he wasn’t sure if Venti was serious or not, or if he was seeing things perhaps? 
 
Venti laughed a little, “This is Divalin! I found him in the Whispering Woods.” He held the apple up to Divalin who made a happy little squeak as he leaned his head forward to take another bite.
 
“Found? Is that so?” Morax moved closer to inspect the little one. Divalin blinked and curled closer into Venti’s shoulder as he munched on his apple. 
 
“He was all alone. So I brought him with me back to Mondstat.” Venti explained as he reached up to rub Divalin’s head softly. “It’s ok. Morax is a friend. He won’t hurt you.”
 
“He already seems fairly attached to you.” Morax noted, “A being of the wind, perhaps?” 
 
Venti pulled another apple out of the satchel he had to munch on himself. “Yep! But he’s got a lot to learn before he can help me over in Mondstat. Right Divalin?” 
 
Divalin nodded. “

Learn more

!” Venti smiled softly at him before biting into his apple and turning his attention to Morax. “Mmm~ so sweet! Would you like one?” He asked.
 
“Perhaps later. It is good to see that you are so at ease. Things are going well in Mondstat then?” Morax was watching the younger Archon carefully. “It’s good to know that you have a way of making friends. Just don’t let it cause you or your nation trouble. Be wary of those that wish you harm, and do not hesitate to call for help if they attempt to bring you harm.”
 
Venti nodded. “Of Course! I know I can count on you! As for Mondstat, the city is abuzz with people just enjoying the freedom and the sight of the sky! It’s pretty, especially at night with all the stars and-“ he paused for a second as he remembered something.

“Morax!” Venti had rushed into the gardens, the wind flustered around him in his panic. “Morax you gotta come look! It’s the sky! I-“ How did one explain what was happening without sounding crazy?

Morax turned to him, setting down his tea from where he had been speaking with a certain Harbinger from Snezhnaya. Even Childe seemed a bit confused when the other rushed in. “What about the sky?”

Taking a few deep breaths to try and calm his rushing mind, Venti looked the Geo Archon in the eyes. “I just slammed into the sky.”

“-tos? Barbatos, is something wrong?” 
 
Venti could hear Divalin whine as he tried to butt his head into his cheek to snap him out of his flashback. Slowly, the Anemo god reached up to pet the small dragon in the head again. “Sorry…I didn’t mean to scare you.”
 
“Was it a vision? You were glowing the color of Anemo.” Morax had a concerned look in his eyes, seeming a bit shaken by the sudden little episode that Venti had had.
 
“Ah- sorry. Don’t worry about it. Ehe, it  happens sometimes! Some of the visions don’t really make any sense!” He twirled one of his braids on his free hand as he swayed slightly. When he saw Morax’s gaze look even more concerned, he hovered in place a bit, “Oh, but it’s not like I can just talk about it or anything! I mean, I don’t even know if it’ll come to pass! After all, the future isn’t set in stone y’know!” That was believable right?
 
Apparently, it was enough to get Morax to let it go, for now at least. “I suppose that is correct. Any small decision can change the outcome of so many things. I’m glad you understand that at such a young age.”
 
“Hey, I’m not a baby!” Venti gave a slight pout before grinning, “But I’ll tell you if it’s something I think you can help with, k?” He hated having to keep secrets from Morax, but right now, there would be no use in having him know about what wouldn’t happen in such a long time…
 
If it happened at all.
 
“Ah! I met General Alatus last time I was in Liyue!” Mentioning Xiao actually helped Venti’s nerves. He wished he could just go see him instead of having to play it safe.
 
“Ah, I do hope he left a good impression. He sometimes does not know how to..”
 
“Oh no don’t worry! He was quite the gentleman! I think he’s rather dashing.” A little giggle bubbles up from the younger. Oh he really was just…smitten wasn’t he? 
 
“Well, I’m glad he did not frighten you.” Morax nodded, “Shall we go and see how the Harbor is?”
 
——————
 
It just so happened that Guizhong was working on one of her musical projects when Venti and Morax’s happened upon her on the way to Liyue Harbor. Divalin seemed to warm up to her much more quickly than he had with Morax, which made the Geo Archon subtly pout, just a bit. Venti gave Guizhong a look that she returned. 
 
“Oh he’s just a baby, Morax. Don’t worry. I’m sure he likes you.” Guizhong reassured with a small smirk.
 
Venti laughed a bit and pulled Divalin into his arms. “You like Morax, right?” He asked his young friend. Divalin, being just a baby, blinked a few times as he looked at Venti. The Archon gave a reassuring smile and the dragon nodded. 
 
“

Like Morax! Morax friend!

”
 
Venti gave a giggle as he felt Divalin squirm a bit, he looked up at Morax who seemed to be pouting much less. It was cute when the older got all jealous. And to see him happy. He didn’t dwell on the thought, not wanting to have another memory resurface.
 
“He’s so cute~! You’re very lucky to have found him, Barbatos.” Guizhong said as she reached out to rub Divalin’s head. “He was all on his own?”
 
“Yep. Andrius had spooked him.” Venti gave a sigh, “I told him he should lighten up and be a little warmer to residents of Mondstat. But does he listen? Of course not! He’s such a grump!” 
 
The goddess smiled softly as she looked at him, “Sounds like you care quite a bit about everyone in your nation, immortal or not. That’s important for the leader of a nation to have.”
 
Venti hummed as he nuzzled Divalin a bit. “Leader of a nation…I don’t think I’m all that good at it…” If he were, he wouldn’t have had to lean on Morax so much…but even now, he was at a loss of what to do exactly… “But thank you. I love all the ones that are under my protection! And I’ll do anything I can to keep them safe.” 
 
Divalin squeaked happily, obviously very content in the arms of the Anemo Archon. Venti smiled a bit as he looked over at Morax. “Anyway, how are things on this end? Everything going smoothly or…?”
 
Morax raised a brow as he watched Venti’s expression. He could tell that the younger had a lot on his mind, but Venti knew that Morax would never

guess

what it all was. 
 
“As smoothly as it could go with so many gods attempting to overthrow leadership.” Morax put a hand to his chin as he continued, “Hopefully, you won’t have to go through such things. You are young and I worry that the world outside of what you had been used to will try to manipulate you to their liking.”
 
Manipulate to their liking huh? As if that wasn’t what the Heavenly Principles were doing with all of their lives?

Not the time, Venti! You don’t know what exactly they’re planning. Why they…even wanted to

try again

at all.

“Well, lucky me that I have such a great teacher right?” 
 
Guizhong hid her smile behind a sleeve, “If you believe Morax is good with people that is. Honestly, you are much more adept at reading others than our dear lord.”
 
Morax gave a huff as Venti laughed, “Oho~? Is Morax really that bad at people? I could never guess with how he carries himself. Is that all your doing then, Guizhong?” There was a mischievous glint in teal eyes. Venti did love to tease Morax. 
 
“There is no shame in needing assistance in speaking with someone.” Morax said as he crossed his arms and gave a slight frown. “I just so happen to need help…understanding at times.”
 
“Of course there isn’t. I’m merely trying to compliment the young one in this. He has a gift of understanding empathy.” Guizhong was unfazed by Morax. 
 
And honestly, it was fun.
 
“Ah! How is work on the bell going?” Venti asked, Divalin cocking his head to the side in question. Venti looked down at him, “Guizhong is working on a bell that can play music all on its own! It’s a rather impressive idea.”
 
Guizhong turned her attention back to the Anemo god and smiled again, “Rather well! I should be done with it fairly soon. Would you like to play along with it once I’m finished?”
 
“Sure! I’ll play a tune!” A playful smirk pulled at his lips, “I typically charge an apple, but I can do it for free for a friend.” 
 
“An apple for a tune from the Anemo Archon?One would hope it isn’t so cheap.” Morax said, giving a wave of his hand as if dismissing such a thought. The calm atmosphere made Venti forget himself. 
 
“Oh? And how much does Huangshang believe one of my tunes should cost?”
 
It shouldn’t have been a big deal. It was one word, and it shouldn’t actually mean anything to Guizhong or Morax. A slip of the tongue that should have been nothing more than a question as to what that meant.
 
Instead, Morax fell silent as Guizhong blinked. “Oh? Hmm,mountains above?. Did you hear it from one of the children around? They’re always coming up with new names for Morax. I believe it suits him very well, don’t you Morax?”
 
Venti, realizing his mistake, tried to take the way out easily. “Oh? It might have been. Sometimes I hear people speaking on the wind while I’m flying.” That should’ve been enough. It shouldn’t be a problem. This was just a small thing-
 
“Mountains above…? No…it means Lord Emperor. How-“ Morax turned his confused gaze onto the younger Archon, “-how do I know that of which you are referring to?” His gaze was sharp and Venti could feel the expectation that came with it.
 
Morax knew what it meant. But that couldn’t be possible if he didn’t remember his last life. So why? Why wasn’t he just laughing it off like Guizhong was? Why was he looking at him expecting an answer to something he shouldn’t be asking?
 
Divalin turned to look up at him, confused at how tense Venti seemed to have gotten after everything. With a small sound, he nuzzled into Venti a bit, snapping him out of the spiral. With a smile, Venti played dumb. “Eh? Oh I don’t know, I just heard someone say it on the wind and figured it was something you heard often? I didn’t even really know what it meant! Is it Mountains Above, or is it Lord Emperor?” 
 
He tilted his head, willing his body to relax, “Wait…Liyue doesn’t

have

an emperor right? So it’s gotta be Mountains Above! After all, you’re their Archon! It makes sense right?” 
 
With a slightly confused look, Morax seemed to ponder Venti’s response. “Is That so? Are you quite sure you don’t know yourself, Barbatos? Perhaps you could write it for me? It might tell us a bit more about the title.”
 
Venti scoffed, “You think I know how to

write

it? Come on Morax: I don’t even know how! Just cause I can pronounce it from words on the wind, doesn’t mean I automatically know the word inside out! Guizhong, tell him he’s thinking too hard!” He looked at the goddess and pouted, “If he keeps it up, we’re gonna see smoke coming out of his ears!”
 
Morax made an indignant sound at that last statement, “You speak as if I do not reflect on a regular basis.”
 
With a soft laugh, Guizhong patted Morax on the shoulder, “He does have a point. You are looking too deeply for a meaning that isn’t even there. Barbatos was only repeating something he’d heard. I still think it suits you rather well. Perhaps he and I should both begin to use it for you.”
 
Venti relaxed and smirked, “What do you think, Divalin? Should we call Morax Huangshang? Oh wait! I know what you can call him!” He leaned closer to whisper to the dragon who seemed to hesitate before speaking.
 
“

Bofu?

”
 
Morax’s eyes widened and he looked at them, seeming to let go of his questions. “Ah, I would not mind that. I suppose considering me as the older brother of Barbatos is rather natural with how we interact.”
 
The tension left Venti the rest of the way as Guizhong waved her sleeve at him. “Well, isn’t that sweet! It’s good to see you both having such a good budding relationship! Morax is growing up Isn’t he?”
 
Venti let the two banter back and forth for a bit as he calmed from the panic of the previous situation. Hopefully, Morax wouldn’t question this anymore. He was lucky that Guizhong didn’t think much of the name. And because of her, well, if it slipped again, Morax shouldn’t question it.
 
Now he could focus on other things…like perhaps…
 
“Guizhong? Would you be able to make me a flute?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 3: Finding Sin

Some things were just meant to happen.
 
That seemed to be a running theme for Venti’s life. And the frustrating thing was…he couldn’t even share his frustrations with anyone. Because no one could know about the outcomes. It repeated, time and time again with each fall: the Yaksha, Guizhong, the fall of Khaenri’ah and the deaths of the other five original Archons…all while he watched Morax rise again as Emperor, which was rather impressive now that he knew more about it than the first time.
 
Not to say that Venti wasn’t trying to figure things out. In fact, he happened upon an entrance through one of the domains, two actually: one in Mondstat and another in Sumeru. And that in and of itself was interesting to him. He didn’t realize just how close it was…so first he went to look through the one in Mondstat.
 
Venti had been careful, deciding to switch into his sprite form to keep from being seen there. After all…he knew that sometimes the people from the fallen nation were down here…and he wasn’t exactly

popular

with them. Not that any of the Archons were. He found a winding, maze like place filled with machines that Khaenri’ah had been known for.
 
But besides that, nothing of interest.
 
So he came back out and hummed. Maybe the one in Sumeru would bear more fruit?
 
After letting Divalin and the other winds know he’d be off on a trip for a bit, he headed for the nation of wisdom. The way through to the domain was simple enough, even if Venti had to hide from some Hilichurls here and there. He didn’t want to cause too much of a ruckus in his little recon mission. If this was just as barren as the other way in, then he’d have no reason to disturb the beings here.
 
What he found though, was rather strange. The Hilichurls seemed to be bowing? As if in reverence? And wasn’t that strange in and of itself. The Anemo Archon was curious now: hadn't the Khaenri’an people been godless? It had been a big part of why the Heavenly Principles had decided they needed punishment. To be made an example of. 
 
His curiosity led him deeper into the area, moving behind stones and walls, a few crates. More Hilichurls and a few Mages seemed to be around. Was that…an Abyss Lector? He tried to listen in on the words. The Hilichurls and Mages he didn’t understand…but the Lector spoke in common tongue.
 
Slowly, he moved closer to where it was, hoping to find any information that might help with…well

anything.

Into view from above, Venti could see a large crystal, the color of dark violet. It was…strange. The feeling was one that Venti seemed to recognize but he couldn’t pinpoint why. He didn’t remember coming down here from his previous life…so why did it feel like something he knew?
 
“

Little Venti.

”
 
The sprite backed up at the mention of the name. What-
 
“

Oh don’t worry. I remember you. And you…are a friend. Are you not? God of Anemo and Freedom, having always kept a close eye on the ones you cared about. Come closer.

”
 
The voice was…not familiar. But it spoke as if it knew him. Why? How? Well, he was already this far, where was the harm in getting some answers? He shifted into his regular form and moved closer. “Who…are you? And how do we know each other?”
 
A chuckle came from the crystal as the Archon floated a bit further to look at it. “

I guess I do look a bit different from the last time we saw each other. But I remember you well. And for you to have come this far without any real screwups is rather impressive. You remember the last life, don’t you?

”
 
Venti huffed and crossed his arms. For some reason, this being didn’t

feel

like a threat. “What if I do? Are you going to tell me there’s something I’m missing? Cause I don’t remember talking to a giant crystal in a domain so deep down. Not last life or this.”
 
The crystal gave a laugh, “

That’s quite fair. We didn’t speak in this form before. But where’s the fun without the mystery, friend?

” 
 
Venti tilted his head to the side, still trying to figure this whole situation out. “Well? Are you going to tell me who you are or shall we sit here? Because if we’re sitting here, I’d prefer not to be in silence. I could always play a tune?”
 
“

Wouldn’t that cost me an apple?

”
 
Venti went still for a moment as that sunk in. This was someone that knew not just Barbatos the Anemo Archon, but

Venti the Bard

. And that was a bit… “…who are you?”
 
“

Come now friend, you don’t have to be so tense. I’m merely a Sinner. A Sinner in the eyes of Celestia. Just like Morax is.

”
 
Venti felt himself go completely numb at the words, things flashing through his mind as he began to shake.

The flash of bright light piercing through flesh.

Crimson flowing freely, like a river overflowing.

“No more! This one begs!”

The sight of one he held to such high esteem crumpled in pain and begging for mercy. Mercy where there was none.

“

Your crimes are no different than that of the Godless Nation. Repent.”

The feeling of the arrow leaving his fingers.

The look of betrayal from the one he held most dear.

“VENTI! RELEASE ME!”

“

-breathe. VENTI BREATHE!

”
 
With a gasp, Venti was dragged back to the present. He fell to the ground, arms wrapped around himself as he continued to shake. He felt sick. Sick just as the day it had happened. He slowly looked up at the crystal once more.
 
“

Forgive me friend. I didn’t think it would cause such a visceral reaction. But I shouldn’t be surprised.

”
 
Venti put a hand over his mouth, trying to keep the bile from rising as he continued to return from the past in his head. His mind was abuzz again before he slowly heard the voice from the crystal humming a tune. It was familiar. Very familiar. He took a deep breath and shakily pulled himself off the ground. 
 
“…there aren’t many who…would know that tune…”
 
“

No. There are not. I’m sure you can figure it out. But perhaps we should leave this conversation here for today. You have been through enough.

”
 
“Huh?”
 
“

You’re still trembling. You do not need to trouble your mind any more for now. Go and get some rest. Save this for another day.

”
 
Venti hesitated. 
 
“

I am not going anywhere. Besides, you are always welcome to come chat. After all…good friends are hard to come by.

”
 
—————-
 
Venti had taken a while in Sumeru, sitting in one of the trees as he tried to calm his trembling. It was…hard, and it took a while…but eventually, he was able to head back to Mondstat. He avoided Xiao, not wanting to have to hide that he was still shaken from remembering…
 
He wanted to figure out who this…Sinner was. Someone that knew him as Venti, but also knew about things with Morax….there weren’t many that knew that. But how could any of them actually be down there? Sealed by Celestia…who was it? 
 
It was night when Venti arrived back, and a storm going. Which felt good against his skin. “Alright…it’s gonna be ok. Let’s try to focus on something else for now.” He said softly as he glanced around at his surroundings. It was then that he noticed where he was.
 
 Ah, the Winery, so he was officially back. Wait…
 
Squinting, the Archon moved a bit closer. There was a figure hidden away among the grapes…small and shaky…was it… his eyes widened, was it that time already? Carefully, he moved closer but remained hidden nearby.
 
The sniffling was there now that he was focusing on the little one. He was already close to the manor…so Venti used the wind to start to gently push at the boy. The boy gripped his cloak a bit tighter and looked up, confused but starting to walk.
 
Slowly but surely, the boy made his way up to the manor as guided by the wind. When he didn’t knock, Venti sighed softly and sent a bit of condensed wind into the door, knocking for him. He stayed quiet as he watched, only a few moments passing before the door opened and the current head of the Ragnvindr house looked down.
 
Venti smiled a bit as he watched Crepus look around before leading Kaeya inside with a soft hand and smile. Good. Safe and sound at home.
 
Venti moved back into the sky, going over everything that had happened recently. So this Sinner was someone that knew him and what had happened. A person that knew about the

Heavenly Retribution

that Venti had watched happen, the second most helpless moment of his entire existence.
 
But

who

?
 
Morax and Xiao Didn’t remember anything, and when he spoke with any of the other adepti it came up fruitless. Even little chats with the Tsaritsa did nothing to take off any weight from his shoulders. One might even say that it was only because of his control over the wind that he wasn’t chained to the ground from his fear alone.
 
Why did he have to do this all on his own?
 
Even if he knew the answer, it didn’t hurt any less to be alone…he had to figure out more from the Sinner. First, find out who it was. It would tell Venti if he was actually friend or foe.
 
Taking a deep breath, Venti looked around Mondstat one more time for the night.

Alright Venti. No more freezing up. You can’t afford to panic so much anymore…not with how much time is left. So get your head out of the past and-

“You’re back. I was beginning to worry.”
 
Venti turned at the voice. “Oh! Xiao! You were so quiet this time!” He gave a bright smile, feeling better after helping Kaeya. “Were you trying to scare me?” He moved to take the other ‘s hands in his own.
 
Xiao seemed to relax a bit, “You typically come by to let us know you’ve returned…this one merely wanted to see you were well.”
 
“My vigilant Yaksha~ always watching out for me.” Venti felt his smile soften and he hummed. When Xiao looked puzzled at what he was pondering, Venti leaned closer to leave a soft kiss on his lips and pull back. “A reward for your wonderful protection.”
 
Xiao had gone completely red, pulling one hand up to hide in a cough. “…you have a strange way of showing gratitude…”
 
Venti gave a small giggle, “Xiaoxiao is adorable when he blushes! I just like to see it!” He let himself get a little more serious, “…how are you feeling? Did you need a song?” He asked gently. 
 
“That…I would like that…” Xiao said, squeezing Venti’s hand softly.
 
Venti smiled before pulling the other along. It would be ok. He’d be able to get through this. He had to. For all their sakes.
 
For now though, the bard would do what he did best and play to soothe his love as much as he was able to.
 
——————-

Of course, it was only a matter of a decade and a half before things became more…difficult. Venti could hear the Tsaritsa in the wind, and with her came the Harbinger arriving in Liyue. Which brought Venti to meet with his old friend, and draped himself over the table at breakfast one morning. 
 
“Just heard something in the wind, Morax. About a Harbinger in the imperial court of the Dragon Emperor.”
 
The statement originally had been followed with something about witnessing the birth of a new age. But this time, Venti merely smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “How could I ever resist the chance to watch a blooming love?”
 
Morax seemed taken aback by Venti’s bold statement. “Love? Are you so certain of such an outcome?”
 
“Come now, Huangshang~” the Anemo Archon’s voice still held its teasing tone as he plucked a cup of tea from nearby and took a sip, “Do you not believe that it could be possible? That perhaps you’ll actively find something there? Whether or not you do, I’ll just have to stick around and see. After all…” he let his smile drop as he looked into the teacup, “I’ll be waiting for Xiao anyway.” 
 
Morax raised a brow as he watched something he couldn’t quite place flashover Venti’s features. “…it is still Xiao’er’s decision. I refuse to order him to leave his home.”
 
“I never said for you to do so. But you and I both know…he needs it. I do my best in the small moments I am able to steal away…but if it comes down to it…” Venti looked up at Morax and huffed, “I will put his well-being on top priority. I just need you to speak with him. Ok?”
 
Morax seemed to consider the words before closing his eyes. “This one will speak with the general.”
 
The change was almost immediate, the serious demeanor that Venti had taken on melting into his usual, carefree smile, “Wonderful! Now…is he cute~?”
 
“
Eavesdropping on private matters is punishable by law in my country.” Oh, that was a familiar glare. One that said Morax was almost flustered.
 
“Ehe~ I don’t control what words are carried on the wind. Besides…it’s so scandalous! Our diligent Morax? Taken with the Snezhnayan diplomat? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had butterflies~” Venti gave a wink and heard Morax growl from deep in his chest. He scoffed.  “Three thousand years ago that might have scared me but not now. I’m like, your best friend,

and

I know for a

fact

I am the only person in all of Teyvat allowed to sit with you like this. So suck it up, your majesty.”
 
Pulling back to sit in his seat, Venti smirked a bit more. “And you know I can keep a secret. So don’t worry~ I’ll be here to help as you stumble around in your first love!” Before Morax could respond to the statement, Venti was already headed out, “I’ll take my leave before I get scolded and lectured! I await your good news Morax!” 
 
With that, he was out the door and off to see about how Xiao and Childe were doing. The beginning had been rough for the two, he remembered. Xiao was very defensive around Childe, and the Harbinger loved to bait the Yaksha into any little spat he could.
 
At least he knew some parts he could ease over. It would be nice to see everything fall into place…even if it just meant that the sands of time were falling ever quicker. For a second, Venti’s gaze moved up and over towards the floating palace of Celestia in the sky. 
 
He had to make sure this went well.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 4: The Sweetest Blessings

Venti was wandering around the Imperial Palace later on that day. If he remembered correctly…his face brightened as he thought, Today is the day when Xiao recites the poem! Oh he felt giddy just thinking about it, spinning in place as he hummed the melody that he’d worked on for the sweet words his silly bird was so shy to say to him. Keeping an ear out for his cue, he made his way down the hall. When he happened to hear Morax speak, he almost bounced in excitement. “ Send for Lord Barbatos. Have him join us here in the gardens. ” With a grin, Venti turned to head towards the gardens. He was practically bouncing in the air with each step, and probably should reign in his emotions before his braids started to glow. Taking a deep breath, he caught sight of Xingqui. “Let me guess, Morax?” He asked with a knowing smile. The boy blinked and gave a small nod. “Yes, Lord Barbatos. Huangshang wishes for you to join him and General Alatus in the gardens.” With a playful salute, Venti went off in the direction Xingqiu had come from. “On my way then~ thank you!” 
Ok Venti, keep your head about it. Morax will tease you relentlessly if he notices…even if you do get butterflies with how cute Xiao is!
 As he arrived at the gardens, he caught sight of Morax and Xiao. He played oblivious for merely a second, “You called for me Mor- Xiao!” Venti moved to sit on the banister by the general. It took a moment before he glanced at Morax and waved him off with a chuckle, “Don’t worry, I sent the boy back to his books.” He knew Morax tended to forget that he could hear his name on the wind. And he would never just let Xingqiu wander around on a wild goose chase. “All is well then. Lucky for you to join us, Venti. Xiao was about to recite a verse for us.” Morax said, an expectant look in his eyes. Venti felt his smile soften as he returned his attention back to Xiao, who was now bright red. And didn’t that just send a warm feeling into his chest?  As Venti watched, Xiao cleared his throat and let his gaze move over to the Anemo Archon as he began. “ Clouds remind me of her apparel,
Flowers of her countenance

The spring breeze blows against the banister,

The dew splendidly lush.

If we cannot meet on the Jade mountain

Then we will surely meet on the Jade terrace
Basked under the peaceful moonlight. ” Venti sighed softly, eyes full of emotion as he kept his focus on Xiao. Oh, he was so sweet. How could he not fall in love every time? If only this moment could last forever… Venti barely registered Morax’s words. About the Book of Songs. “Short, but does not fail to move the heart for the speaker’s longing for his lover.” Morax opened his eyes and gave Xiao an approving smile, “I think it suits you well, Xiao’er.” Venti gave a soft sound of content as he summoned his Lyre Dee Himmel to play the familiar tune. “It’s such a pretty poem! In fact, it would go really well to this tune!” He gave Xiao a soft smile, full of adoration, “Would you sing for me if I play it sometime?” “S-sure-“  Xiao cleared his throat, trying and faking to calm that adorable blush, “Sure, I guess.” He moved to shove a bite of Almond Tofu into his mouth and Venti held in a giggle. Just adorable. His heart felt so full. He plucked a few more notes of the tune with a hum. “Tell me, Xiao’er, who is it that has captured your heart and aroused your mind?” Leave it to Morax to make Xiao choke on his food. Venti came down from the banister and patted on Xiao’s back as the general tried to calm his coughing down. He was able to choke out, “What.” Before he continued to cough, trying to wave Venti off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Yea right. As if. Venti didn’t stop, also letting his wings fan the other gently. But he smiled softly and gave a giggle. “Our Vigilant Yaksha is all nervous. Just goes to show that no one is immune to the terrors of the heart~” Venti loved to tease Xiao, he always gave the sweetest reactions. “Men trip not on mountains, but on small stones.” Morax shook his head and gave Xiao a stern look. “You know my philosophy on affection. It is better to confess than to play this game. You are the General Alatus of the Forbidden City, the Vigilant Yaksha, Conqueror of Demons, and ward of this Yanwang Dijun. How is it that a man of your status and renown is shy to confess?” Venti could see the gears turning in Xiao’s head. Oh the silly Yaksha. He was so shy to admit his feelings even with Venti showing him affection whenever he could. He softened when he saw Xiao looking between him and Morax a few times before trying to speak. “I um- I mean- Lord- Venti I-“ Venti could see that Xiao was about to pull back. So he leaned closer and gave him a soft kiss instead. He pulled back and smiled, seeing Xiao’s bright red face staring back at him with wide eyes. “My lovely General Alatus, do you know how dear you are to me?” “I-You-“ Xiao seemed to be at a loss for words. And it was just the sweetest thing. “Ehe~ That should answer your question, Morax!” Venti said simply as he turned to look at the other Archon.  The older set his tea down, a serious look in his face as he took the two in. Morax then let his gaze fix on Xiao. “Alatus? Is this true?” He asked, “Do you harbor feelings for the Anemo Archon Barbatos?” Xiao, face as red as possible, cleared his throat. “The…that’s…correct.” Too embarrassed to look Zhongli in the eyes, he instead chose to look at the flower that was in Venti’s hat. “…Lord Barbatos…is the one I hold most dear…” Venti smiled softly, remembering the day that Xiao had gifted him the Cecilia centuries before. It had been a rather normal day, beautiful really. Sunny, breezy, and the two of them were seated on Starsnatch Cliff. Venti was playing his flute for the other when Xiao had brought up the Cecilia and slipped it into the Archon’s hair.  So of course Venti had never let it go. Using a bit of his power, he kept it looking as it was when Xiao had given it. Venti was brought out of the memory when Morax turned his questions to him. “And you, Barbatos?” Venti blinked and looked at him, “Your feelings are true?” Venti wanted to be offended by the question. Of course his feelings for Xiao were true! Why else would he be so insistent on treating his ailments? But he also knew that Morax was just being protective of Xiao. As he should be! Xiao deserved all the love and care in the world! “My feelings for Xiao are true. The one person that holds my heart in his hands.” With a smile, Venti reached up to run a hand through Xiao’s hair, as gentle as possible. “I would never want to be in a world without you, Xiao.” If the general could be any redder, Venti would honestly be impressed. It was adorable just how flustered he was by the confession.  After a moment of quiet contemplation, Morax nodded, seeming satisfied by the answers. “Then let it be so. May you a harmonious union that lasts until the mountains fall.” Venti didn’t let show how terrifying that thought was to him. Until the mountains fall… to keep from having a flashback, he instead smiled and wrapped his arms around Xiao with a giggle. “Hear that? We have Morax’s blessing!” Xiao hid his face into Venti’s neck as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around the other in return. Venti’s smile softened and he started to run his hands through the Adeptus’s hair again. “Mein Süßer…no need to hide.” He kissed his head, letting the other calm from the confession and the situation. He looked at Morax, still happy to just hold Xiao, “Mind if we have a moment alone?” He said, giving a wink. If memory served…well, there was somewhere else that Morax had to be anyway. “Come on Xiao, let’s go somewhere you can calm down.” Gently, he pulled the other away from the gardens.  ———————— For the next while, Venti was happy to just chat with Xiao and help him calm down from everything. It was nice, not being nervous about telling his love how he felt, and being able to enjoy this finally. Celestia, he’d been holding back so much this entire time! But now…now he could give him more kisses and affection! In fact, it was what he was doing when they were interrupted later on by a voice on the wind. “ Shigong! Shigong, are you ok? ” Whoops! Venti knew exactly what was happening at this point. He stood and grabbed Xiao’s arm, gentle but stern. “Go get Baizhu. I’ll go and check on Morax. I’m faster.” He gave a reassuring smile and a wink, nudging Xiao in the other direction. “Leave it to me, Xiao.” When he was Sure Xiao wouldn’t just rush off to Morax’s side, he turned and headed to where he knew the emperor was. Sure enough, the view before him was of Morax and Childe, the former held in the latter’s arms, carried bridal style. Venti sighed softly as he moved closer. “What trouble are you getting into now?” He asked teasingly, “Also, you might wanna put Morax down before Xiao gets here. He really won’t like the sight of this.” And they didn’t want a fight breaking out. Yaoyao looked at him, “Lord Barbatos!” She paused when they heard Morax coughing…and she gave a sound of horror when she saw blood. Venti patted her head softly before raising a brow at Childe, “Well, aren’t you just a whirlwind of trouble?” The Snezhnayan gave a slight grin as he gently set the other Archon down. “Perhaps I am, comrade. Though I am sure I’m all the more entertaining for it. And you seem to be one that enjoys a little bit of chaos.” Venti gave a slight smirk as he went to check Morax, hearing the arrival of Xiao and Baizhu. “It’s just an accident.” He called out, looking over and seeing Xiao glaring at Childe, who had the Moon Hare in his arms now. Venti moved over to the general and put a hand on his arm, “I promise, he didn’t do anything to harm Morax.” Xiao looked from Childe, to Morax, to Venti, seeming skeptical. But he didn’t move to do anything rash, much to Venti’s relief. They didn’t need him to hurt himself for no reason.  “It would seem that Huangshang’s injuries are internal…and rather severe.” Baizhu spoke calmly as he made the diagnosis, “His body will prioritize internal injury before external injury, and there is no sign of bruising, meaning whatever has broken Huangshang’s ribs and punctured his lung was caused by a spiritual fist strike or-“ the doctor adjusted his glasses and fixed the Jade Rabbit with a look, “-a rabbit foot.” Venti hummed as the Moon Hare lowered her ears sheepishly, trying to hide away in Tartaglia’s arm. The harbinger laughed softly before the small bunny bit him. “Ah, hey now!” He gave another small laugh, running one hand over the Moon Hare’s head softly. “I suppose I did scare her. It was only a game, comrade. I didn’t mean it at all.” “See? An accident, Xiao. No need to be so tense. Let’s focus on getting Morax inside so he can heal properly.” Venti said, giving Xiao a smile.  After being sure that Morax was settled, Venti was seated on the windowsill, playing his lyre as he thought this all over. He’d been able to keep Xiao from over exerting himself here…it was a positive thing. Things could change, even if it was small. He knew he was running out of time… He heard Morax try to shift, and make the slighted sound of discomfort. “You really shouldn’t push yourself so hard when you’re recovering.”  Venti said softly, plucking a few more notes. “It is nothing I cannot handle, old friend. You need not be so worried. After all, it would take much more than this to keep me down.” Morax said. Venti paused, finger against a string as something flashed through his mind. The sight of Morax, dragging himself across the ground, painful and slow. Blood was pooling all around him as he continued, with Venti and the others trying to get him to stop. The look of absolute anguish in the amber colored eyes…before they went blank with numbness… “…of course…it would take way more to keep you down…” Venti said in a quiet voice before blinking and letting his usual carefree demeanor return. He plucked a few more notes, “I suppose if you say you’re alright, then who am I to say you’re lying.” Morax frowned a bit, seemingly noticing the huge change in Venti for the brief moment it had passed. Though…the Geo Archon couldn’t find it in himself to question what his friend had seen. The future wasn’t set in stone. Venti knew this. So Morax would let whatever vision had plagued him go into the back of his mind.  “So, you seemed to have had fun tonight.” The Anemo Archon smiled, that playful glint in his eyes once more. “If I didn’t know any better, I would say that you have taken a great liking to the Eleventh Harbinger.” Morax’s brow seemed to twitch and Venti took great pleasure in such a response. It took a moment for the older Archon to respond, “This one has yet to have decided on what I think of Tartaglia.” “Oh, is that what you’re going with? I see, I see.” Venti could feel the disapproving glare that the other sent his way. “Ehe~ No worries dear Morax. I would never reveal your secrets. I’ll let you run your little test.”  Venti glanced at the other and could see the question in his eyes. Would this go smoothly? Of course, even though the Anemo Archon knew the answer… “You’ll have to find out for yourself.” “I know not what you’re speaking of.” Morax said as he closed his eyes. “Of Course you don’t.” Venti smirked and continued to play his lyre, “We should enjoy our moments of tranquility. For we never know when they will end.” He sure was going to enjoy the extra time with Xiao as much as he could.  If there was one thing Venti knew…it was that the calm always came before the storm.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 5:You’re asking Me?

Venti had been sitting in the garden when Xiao came over, the general seeming huffy. “Hmm…I can imagine you are not happy?” Venti said as he let his Lyre vanish so he could pull the other closer, “What makes you pout like that my sweet bird?” Gently, Venti placed a kiss on Xiao’s cheek and let him sit next to him. He knew exactly why his love was in such a mood. After all, Morax giving Childe a Sigil of Permission had been a shock the first time too. 
 
“Shifu has given…” Xiao almost growled out the next part, “

The Snezhnayan…

a Sigil of Permission. Apparently, he is going to allow the dog into the vault…” Just like the former occurrence, Venti saw the way Xiao was frustrated with the situation and hummed softly. 
 
“I suppose we just need to trust our dear Morax. You and I both know he is strong enough to handle it if it goes south…and we are both but a call away on the wind.” Softly, the Archon left another kiss on Xiao’s skin, and another. He let it go along the adeptus’s jaw softly to try and urge the other to relax. “If you’re that stressed, perhaps I can play a tune for you to sing to?” 
 
Xiao seemed to relax just a bit at the soft affection. “…I would like that.” His voice was soft as curled even closer to the Archon. “Whichever song you prefer.” 
 
Venti smiled and pulled back just the slightest bit. Xiao was so sweet. “Good. You don’t have to worry about what Morax is doing for now. Let me take care of you for a bit, ok?”
 
Xiao did seem to relax just the slightest bit as he made himself comfortable with Venti. And that was what the Archon wanted. Just to see his love relax. At this moment, nothing else mattered. Summoning the flute that he’d requested from Guizhong so long ago,, and with that soft,loving smile, Venti started to play. The tune was gentle and soothing, one he loved to play for Xiao in both this life and the previous one.
 
And to his delight, Xiao started to sing along after a moment. Oh, it made his heart soar to hear his beloved sing. It meant he was doing things right…

It wasn’t for a couple of hours that anything of note happened. Venti could hear Morax rush out of the vault and straight off. He didn’t let it stop the tranquil little bubble he’d made for Xiao, continuing to play even as he heard Morax leaving the city. Venti did

not

want to actually hear Morax again. But he knew that the other Archon was in no actual state to really stop it.
 
So Venti would have to keep himself distracted until Morax could seal himself off. “See? Gentle.” He said to Xiao, soft as he taught the other to play his Lyre. The Yaksha seemed rather calm as he took in Venti’s lesson, letting his fingers pluck at the strings so carefully. In truth, it had taken almost an hour to convince Xiao that it was alright to use Venti’s prized instrument. 
 
If the Archon trusted anyone with the Lyre Der Himmel, it was his beloved General Alatus. And the serene look on Venti’s face was all the proof of that. “You’re a natural.” He said, eyes full of adoration. The light dust of pink that spread across Xiao’s face just fueled the warmth that Venti could feel in his chest. Leaning closer, the Anemo god placed a soft kiss on the Yaksha’s cheek.
 
And then he could hear the sounds that the wind carried over from Morax’s…

activities

. Quickly, Venti flicked his wrist to summon his flute once more to play a soft tune for Xiao to mimic. Oh If Morax thought he wasn’t going to make all of the jokes and embarrass the abyss out of him later, he had another thing coming. He

couldn’t wait

until he could tell Childe about the

phases of the moon

. The smirk that pulled at the Archon’s lips was hidden behind the flute as he continued to play.
 
Letting his eyes go back to Xiao, he ignored any other sounds in favor of focusing on soothing his love for the remainder of the night.
 
———————————-
 
When morning came, Venti had the pleasure of waking up with his head in Xiao’s lap. He gave a soft smile and a small kiss to the other as he moved to get up. “Good morning my beautiful bird! Were you watching over me as I slept? Oh I should’ve shifted forms to make it easier on you.” 
 
Xiao blushed at the affection but gave a small nod. “I will gladly watch over your sleep. You need only ask. Do not worry about which form you take for such a time.” Xiao held out the other’s hat and Venti smiled as he took it and placed it back on his head.

“Do not what? Fuck the emperor? I’ll do what I damn well

please

with the emperor!”

Blinking, Venti hummed and stretched. “Let’s go get some breakfast before we go and see how our newest friend is doing in Morax’s absence shall we?” He grinned and pulled Xiao along to get some food. 
 
Xiao hummed as they went along. “Perhaps I should go on ahead and be sure it’s safe…who knows what…

he

is up to.” The distaste in Xiao’s voice made Venti giggle a bit. He glanced at him. 
 
“Alright alright. If you’re so insistent on making sure it’s safe, go ahead. But don’t overdo anything ok? I’ll go and see after I get a treat.” Reluctantly, Venti let Xiao’s hand go and the other vanished as he always did. With a soft sigh, the Archon moved to find something to munch on. 
 
After taking the time to listen as the Harbinger took to hiding in Morax’s room, Venti gave a smirk. Oh Morax, Morax, Morax. Always putting himself in such an awkward situation. Giving Tartaglia permission to go almost anywhere in the city? Placing him under Xiao’s protection? It was highly entertaining.

“There is no intruder XiaoJiang! It is only Gongzi looking for Huangshang!”

Ah, that was Ganyu. It meant that Xiao was going to come looking for him again in a little bit. Finishing up his apple, Venti hummed and thought about how this had gone the first time. Startling Childe had been rather dangerous…
 
A mischievous glint graced the wind sprite’s eyes. When had he ever let danger worry him enough to not tease a friend?
 
As expected, Xiao appeared next to him, almost pouting again. “Lo-Venti…may I ask for your assistance?” He glanced at the Archon for a second before looking away.
 
“Of course! I’d gladly help you. What is it you need? Or should I guess?” Venti knew Xiao Would never go against the rules of where he was to go. So going into Morax’s room without permission was off the table for him…
 
Venti on the other hand? Well, he went where he damn well pleased! He didn’t adhere to such rules. It was why when even Morax wanted something known, he called upon the wind.
 
“You want me to see what Childe is up to, don’t you?”
 
“If you would be so kind as to ease this one’s mind, it would be greatly appreciated.” Was the reply.
 
The General didn’t trust Childe as far as he could throw him. Well…that was probably rather far so maybe that wasn’t the right way to put it…Ah well, it wasn’t important. “Ehe, you’re being all formal about it, XiaoXiao! Don’t stress too much about it. I’ll go and see what the big bad Snezhnayan is up to.” Tapping Xiao on the nose lightly, Venti moved over to the Hall of Preserving Harmony. 
 
With as much security as there was for this part of the palace, Venti had always found it easier to just…go through in ways that weren’t the main door. The windows were more fun anyway. Floating above the bed, he found Childe snoozing away in the emperor’s bed, and almost snickered. He’d always found it entertaining, and also rather sweet, how Tartaglia seemed so at ease here, even before the relationship was official. 
 
Of course, it didn’t take a lot to wake the other, and Venti was floating just out of reach of the swipe this time. Maybe it was all the times Childe had tried to spur him into a fight before. Maybe it was having gone through the worst already. Or maybe it was because he knew the other really couldn’t afford to kill him…Venti just blinked as the hydro blade came to a stop mere centimeters from his face.
 
“Y’know, I suppose it

is

my bad for not knocking. But knocking on window panes isn’t really my thing.” A slightly wild grin spread across his face as he let his gaze move to meet Childe’s. It was fun to watch the recognition fill the other’s eyes.
 
“Barbatos…here to kick me out?” Childe asked, lowering his weapon before letting it dissipate.
 
“Oh no. I’m not here to kick you out. Xiao was worried you were doing some sneaky Harbinger work in Morax’s room. But I could hear you snoring from the other side of the city!” Venti’s grin became more playful as he floated above the bed. “I guess sleeping in Morax’s bed eases the burden of missing him huh~?”
 
Now

that

caught the other off guard, causing Tartaglia to blink a few times in surprise. Venti hummed as he spun so he was floating on his back, “You Harbingers are always

no fun

. Not even a blush.” Twirling one of his braids on his finger, the bard watched the confusion only increase in Childe. “If you’re done not only moping about Morax, but teasing my XiaoXiao, there are multiple officials that would

love

to see you for dinner.”
 
Moving over to lightly nudge Childe with his elbow, Venti continued, “After all,

everyone

wants to get on the future empress’s good side, no?” It was rather entertaining to watch as the confusion and processing went through Childe’s eyes.
 
“Empress? What are you talking about?” Scratching at his cheek sheepishly in his confusion, the Snezhnayan seemed to be searching Venti’s eyes for an answer. 
 
Oooh Venti loved this reaction!
 
“Well of course! The precious one that has access to so much and is protected by General Alatus himself!” Pulling his hand up, he flicked his wrist and let the Sigil of Permission smack against Childe’s cheek as the words sank in. Giving it another moment, Venti held in a giggle. “Ehe~ It would seem You have

no idea

of just how much you’ve affected with your presence! I mean even the fact that Morax left earlier than expected is rather interesting. Going into heat early? All because of you?”  
 
It was also just more fuel to use to tease the older Archon later. But he didn’t have to tell Childe that.

“The Geo Archon has a

heat

??? And

early

? What- you’re saying

I

triggered it? How? What? Why-“
 
Oh this was his favorite part! Twisting so he was upright and floating a little closer to the window, Venti held his hand up as if judging something. “See, our dear Morax is a dragon. Most of the time, he can choose when to go into heat. Which I mean fair, when you have that kind of power and can make it not be a hindrance why wouldn’t you? Other times though, it’s forced on him. And it’s all judging by the phase of the moon.”
 
Childe blinked at him silently for a moment before tentatively asking, “…so what…is it today?”
 
Venti held in the grin that threatened to spread across his face. “Submissive and breedable.” The sound Tartaglia made in surprise was too much and Venti couldn’t stop from bursting into laughter. Oh this was so much fun! He was so glad that Makoto and Rhukkadevata had been so

gracious

as to leave that gem for him to use!
 
After calming a bit, he righted himself once more as Childe huffed. “But wait, did I cause it or the moon?”
 
“Well, I’m no expert on the subject but Dr. Baizhu might know. Perhaps you should go and pay him and the girls a visit? Or you

could

always send a servant out to fetch him for you,

your highness

.” To accentuate his teasing words, the Archon gave a dramatic bow to the other and giggled.
 
Childe waved his hands to get him to stop. “Not necessary! Uh, I think I might’ve injured myself more than I had originally thought! Paying the doctor a visit would probably be the safest bet.” With that, the Harbinger turned and headed out of the room.
 
“A-Ge.”
 
Hearing the title still had Venti giggling as he observed the way Childe reacted. Floating over to Xiao, he leaned against his love. “Aww, don’t give that look XiaoXiao. He’s not as bad as you might think.” He reassured, giving the general a quick kiss on the cheek.
 
Xiao huffed, still unhappy with what was happening, but he and Venti led Childe over to the infirmary. Humming a tune, the Archon waited for Childe to ask Baizhu to speak before tapping on Xiao’s nose. “Stay here with Qiqi and Yaoyao?” He offered, leaning closer to whisper in his ear, “You don’t know what I heard of Morax earlier…or maybe you’d rather hear certain things from me later instead?” He pulled back, giving his silly, blushing Yaksha a wink before turning to follow Childe and Baizhu.
 
Venti was waiting as they settled in, Baizhu asking about Childe’s wound. The Harbinger waved the worry off as he went to ask his question. “I hear the emperor has gone into heat. I was not aware this was possible.”
 
Venti snorted a bit, amused at this. It was always funny to see Tartaglia going through his emotions. The way he tried to give off the air of not actually caring when he actually was

very

interested in what Morax was up to…especially how interested he was in Morax’s heat…it had been something that the Anemo Archon had always wondered…
 
Sure, he remembered the past…but seeing how certain people came together…well, perhaps that was a version of fate that he was never upset with. Venti blinked as he came back into focusing on the conversation happening before him.
 
“It means you have seen parts of him that no one ever has before. His horns to show that he is a powerful mate, his tail to flaunt his scales and form, fangs to seal the mating bond, talons to hold onto you, and areas of scales across his hips and thighs meant to protect him from another Longs talons during coitus. That you have seen this, even partially, means that the Exuvia is trying to mate with you.” Baizhu sounded so medical. So Venti wiggled his brows at Childe to lighten the mood.
 
The Snezhnayan seemed to have all the gears turning in his head as he tried to keep up with the information that Morax was trying to seduce him. “Wait if Morax wanted me to…do that, why did he run?” Venti watched in amusement as Baizhu shoved Changsheng down when she seemed to take Morax’s name coming from Tartaglia’s mouth badly.
 
The Anemo Archon listened as Baizhu explained how even if the

Exuvia

had accepted it, Morax wanted to be a romantic (in more elaborate terms anyway), and smirked. “That’s Morax for you. He wanted to see if you’d fall in love first~!” He gave the ginger a wink as he floated a bit higher in place. “You know~ wine and dine and get to know each other? Romance you a bit? He probably wanted to see if he’d fall in love too.”
 
Childe seemed to question a few things in his head before asking, “…well….did he?”
 
Tapping at his chin with a playful tilt of his head, Venti smirked, “Weeeellll~ you definitely caught his attention! Ehe~ Morax never wastes time on people he doesn’t like. And if you recall, he’s spent a

lot

of time with

you

!” He waited for a second as he tilted back and hummed, “That and he’s probably screaming your name right now.”
 
Venti almost burst into giggles when Childe covered his face to hide the blush that was threatening to spread over it. Baizhu gave a cough as if to show his disapproval of the statement and the Archon merely grinned, “You know I’m right!”
 
“This Yishen hopes he has been useful to A-Ge, but he’s afraid it’s time to put Qiqi and Yaoyao to bed.” Baizhu stated.
 
Venti straightened himself, grin not faltering. He’d gotten the Harbinger to be all flustered and that was all that mattered. 
 
After all, what did they

expect

asking him about Morax? Why

wouldn’t

Venti go for the most embarrassing things? He and Morax always teased each other about this sorta stuff anyway! 
 
Ah well, he moved to leave as Childe and Baizhu ended the conversation. It

was

getting a bit late. And his time was better spent with Xiao anyway. “Things only get more fun for a bit from here.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 6: The Wind Guides You

Venti was used to dreams. He’d always been the type to get lost in his imagination and such, even back when he’d lived in the Cradle of Clouds with his siblings. The term

head in the clouds

was a perfect way to have described him. So it wasn’t a surprise for him to dream at night. Especially when he was so comfortable against Xiao. The Yaksha always made him feel safe and at ease.
 
No, the dreaming wasn’t a surprise. It wasn’t new.
 
The dream itself? Well…

“You really thought you could hide from me?” His voice was the same, the feeling of the wind as familiar as one’s heartbeat. Though…his wings felt…different? Like his arms and wings were one? He hovered a moment before his arms seemed to shift to normal as he watched the shimmering portal below him.

It looked like a pool, vast and deep, swirling the colors of the Abyss…and yet Venti didn’t feel anything ominous about it. It didn’t feel like whenever he would wander into the Abyss out of the dream. It…almost felt like finding a friend?

“Oh, don’t act like I’m wrong!” Venti crossed his arms over his chest as he floated closer to the opening. “Or are you trying to get a certain snake with legs attention by acting as if I didn’t find you? Like if you want me to call him over you can just as-ACK!”

A clawed hand shot out from beneath the surface, grabbing him by the ankle and starting to pull. “OK OK OK! YOU KNOW I HATE THE WINDLESS VOID!”

A chuckle sounded as he was released and a figure came up out of the pool. He looked strange, humanoid with…Vishap features? Horns and claws and a grin filled with sharp fangs. His eyes mimicked the pool he’d emerged from, vast and endless with no light held in them. He reached up to shake some abyssal residue from his ginger hair.

“Bringing wind to the Abyss should be a breeze for you, shouldn’t it?” His grin widened as he looked at his friend.

With a huff, Venti was back in the air. “Don’t think you can just brush it off with a wind pun! How rude!” He gave a pout and the other gave a loud laugh.

“I know it takes more than that to really upset you! You were trying to provoke me with teasing after all.” Moving up, the hybrid(?) ruffled Venti’s hair.

“It worked, obviously. You’re out.” Placing a hand on his hip, Venti felt himself give a grin of his own. “Don’t worry, it’s not like he can hear us this far out. He’s doing some weird dragon things I think.”

“Ugh, they have so many weird things.” The other said with a scoff of disappointment.

“Aww, sad we can’t play with your favorite gift from the skies? Once he’s done with whatever…star rituals? I don’t know, he’ll come over later.”

“The stars aren’t out yet, friend.”

“The stars are always out. The sun is just too bright.” Another laugh left the other.

“Come. Let us find a place to chat more comfortably.”

“Venti?”
 
A small sound left the Archon as he opened his eyes. He’d been sleeping curled up to Xiao, but the general was now standing next to the bed, gently running his fingers through his lover’s hair. “Your dreams seemed restless. Are you alright?”
 
“Mmm…weird dream…” Venti leaned into the gentle affection before sitting up to yawn. He gave the other a smile, “I’m sure you have things to attend to. I’ll be with you in a bit.”
 
Xiao gave a small smile back. “Alright.” And with a swirl of wind, he was gone.
 
Venti hummed as he let his thoughts drift back to the dream he’d had. Who had that strange Vishap person been? Well…even if he didn’t have a name…the voice had been familiar… he had sounded like the Sinner from that crystal in the Abyss. Worshiped by the Hilichurls…
 
That made sense, seeing as the one in his dream had emerged from that pool of Abyssal energy…but…but why had he had a dream from that point of view? Who was that? It couldn’t be just a dream, could it? No…it felt way too real. But typically those types of dreams came from a connection to the person whose eyes he was seeing through…
 
Maybe he should pay the Sinner a visit?
 
Stretching, the Anemo Archon moved to make himself look less like he’d just been asleep and grabbed his hat. On the way to where he could hear Childe’s voice, he stopped to swipe an apple to munch on as he listened in for the day.
 
“

Greetings Gunnhilder, Ragnvindr. I’m sure you are aware of the proper way to greet the regent of Liyue.

”
 
Venti paused in his bite. After a moment, he finished his little snack quickly and headed over. Didn’t want Xiao to kill Diluc after all. All for a misunderstanding. 
 
“Starting the party without me?” Moving to hover before the throne, Venti gave Childe a challenging smirk, that knowing glint in his eyes. “Forgive Master Diluc for his hesitancy. It seems he wasn’t made aware of just who he was to be speaking with. Though, it shouldn’t be a problem.” He twisted a bit to give Diluc a knowing gaze before turning back to Childe, “After all, it’s not like you’d want to cause strain in your

fiancé’s

alliances.”
 
Childe seemed to shrink back at the implications. It wasn’t like Venti would burn this bridge, but it was amusing to watch the Snezhnayan fumble with his new position.
 
“Relax Comrade, I was only keeping in line with these new customs.” Tartaglia waved it off, “Welcome to the Imperial City, Seat of the Geo Archon.” After glancing at Diluc again, he grinned, “I see you have your Vision on you! How about we go  a round?”
 
With a roll of his eyes, Venti moved over to where Xiao was as Diluc responded with, “Only one?” 
 
“So, we just wont tell Morax about this? Right?” Venti said as he put his hand over Xiao’s, gently lowering the spear. “Diluc is at it again, much to Kaeya’s displeasure.”
 
Xiao frowned, but didn’t fight against Venti’s gentle push. “…if you say so.” He glanced at where Kaeya had a look that read of hidden irritation. “If it’s for you, then Shifu need not know.”
 
To be fair, seeing as this has originally been how Venti had tested Childe, it was rather silly to think too hard on it. He let Jean explain the gifts and such, let the conversation close and the Mondstat envoy head off to their rooms. 
 
Xiao still seemed rather tense and Venti smiled, “Apparently, Diluc and Childe have a history together. But fret not, Diluc wouldn’t try anything. He has priorities and his will to live back. Anyway~ I’ll go and keep an eye on Childe for you.” He gave the Yaksha a quick kiss before heading off after Childe and Xingqiu. 
 
Watching the ginger hesitate, Venti hummed, “Y’know, where you come from, if you didn’t keep moving, you’d freeze to death. Literally.” A smirk pulled on his lips as Tartaglia twitched. Venti

was

using his words after all. With a huff, the Harbinger headed for the Hall of Preserving Harmony, only pausing when Venti and Xingqiu followed him inside.
 
“I thought you weren’t allowed in here without permission?” Childe asked.
 
Smirking again, Venti floated about the room as Xingqiu cleared his throat. “Huangdi can give these ones permission, besides…I believe I speak for all of us when I say we

know

Wansuiye isn’t aware of his new fiancé.”
 
The way Childe’s face paled and he seemed to go through so many thoughts was funny. Venti giggled a bit as Xingqiu gave a knowing look. “Relax Huangdi, this Xingqiu knows Wansuiye very well.” With a wink and putting a finger to his lips, “Love cannot let go of the hand.”
 
Venti summoned his lyre and hummed as Xingqiu moved to help Childe get changed. “So, for the next eight days, you’ll have to rely on us.” The Archon plucked a few strings and gave him a grin.
 
——————————————————
 
After the two had gone to sleep, Venti told Xiao he had to check on Dvalin before heading out of the Imperial City. He didn’t like lying to Xiao…but if he told him the truth, the Yaksha would insist on coming. And Venti didn’t want to put him in danger if he could help it.
 
Circling around silently, Venti made his way over to Sumeru and to the domain he’d found there. Pausing, he looked at the entrance for a good, long moment. That dream…just

had

to be connected to the Sinner…but would he answer his questions?

Deep breath Venti. He considers you a friend! It shouldn’t be a problem to go back down there…

“The windless Abyss sure is unsettling…” he muttered before pushing the doors open and slipping into the domain.
 
Even without sneaking around, it seemed as if the Hilichurl down here didn’t consider Venti a threat. It was strange…was it because they were busy praying to the Sinner? He didn’t have the time to really test the circumstances. Going through the various halls, Venti found himself in the wide open space that held the large, violet crystal up above. 
 
“You awake up there?” He called out, floating closer to the thing. It was quiet, well besides the Abyss Creatures muttering in prayer. “Are you ignoring me? Or are you hiding from me? I mean I already know you’re here, so don’t act like I’m wrong!”
 
The crystal seemed to pulse with power and the voice that came out gave off a feeling of being a bit dazed. “Anemoi?” 
 
Venti blinked. Anemoi? “Huh? It’s me, Venti.” He responded. Anemoi…if the Sinner remembered things…
 
“Ah, what brings you around here, friend?” The other seemed to come in a bit more focused, “Nothing too crazy happening out there, is it?”
 
Venti paused, crossing his arms for a second before waving it off. “ “Not at the moment. I just…” Should he really ask? He hadn’t even told Morax or Xiao about the weird dream… Venti shook the thought off and looked up at the crystal. “I had a strange dream. And typically, when they feel as real as that one, it’s from the past…but I don’t recall anything that happened. But…what I did take notice of was that one of the voices matched yours.”
 
“My voice?” The Sinner questioned, humming in thought, “What exactly was happening in the dream, Anemoi?”
 
Venti was about to correct the other, but something told him to just let it go. Wasn’t like it was a bad name or anything. “Uh…I was flying out over what looked like a pool? Or…a portal? It was…well thinking about it, it looked like something connecting to the Abyss.”
 
“Hmm…most of those portals have been sealed off at this point…” Sinner mused.
 
“Were there a lot of them at one point?” The question left the Archon’s lips before he really thought about it.
 
“Yes. It is a part of Teyvat, after all. As natural as the seas, and older than many other things. Older than the elements themselves.” 
 
Morax would probably be asking Venti why he seemed to take the Sinner’s words to heart. If he was here anyway. He’d be saying how they didn’t even know if Venti could trust him, how he could just be trying to manipulate the Anemo Archon into doing something he’d regret…
 
But Venti didn’t feel any malicious intent from the other. It was so strange…it kinda felt like chatting with Morax and the other Archons, in a way. And if the Sinner could actually explain some things… “Hey, you keep calling me Anemoi. So what should I call you? And don’t say

Sinner

! I mean an actual name!”
 
A chuckle reverberated through the cavern. “Alright, alright. You may call me Phanes.”
 
Venti paused. Phanes??? Why did that sound so familiar? “Phanes…ok then. So you’re old enough to know how things were a long time ago then??” He floated around the crystal, his curiosity piqued, “So, if it’s a portal, someone came out from it and they had your voice! I remember myself saying something about you being sad about not being able to play with a…gift from the stars?”
 
“Ah- is that really the first thing you bring back Anemoi? Must you always tease me?” Phanes said. If he had a physical form, he might have been blushing by the tone of his voice. 
 
Venti gave a grin. “Ehe! Oh I see! The gift is actually connected to your heart~! How sweet!” He floated onto his back and hummed, “Anyway…so you’re saying that the dream is from the past?”
 
“How about…a game? You come down when you have more of these dreams. And I’ll tell you something else about the past.” Phanes was amused to see the Archon relaxing around him.
 
Venti blinked and righted himself. “…alright! It’s a game then!”
 
They continued to chat for a small while before Venti headed back to Liyue. He made sure to go back around and come from Mondstat so he could meet up with Xiao from the correct direction. 
 
The next day would bring Ei, and Nahida the following one. At least there would be a little fun for a bit.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 7: Overwhelming

The dream started off peaceful.

Venti was happily chatting away with the other Archons during Lantern Rite, sipping on some wine as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere. The area was filled with laughter and chatter about their nations, drinking games between himself and the Tsaritsa, songs, stories- it was wonderful.

But then the screams reached the Anemo Archon, familiar voices crying out in anguish. With the next blink of his eyes, he was above Mondstat, face to face with the Nameless God as they reached down for a familiar figure, unhidden eye wide in absolute terror. As Venti reached out he heard more cries, the wind swirling around him harshly. It wasn’t his own. It wasn’t- the voices mixed around, feeling as if they were trying to suffocate him with each voice.

“Fall back! That’s an order!”

“

You little insect! You will pay with your life!”

“Ich werde dich töten, du herzlose schlampe!”

“

Such a weak little sprite.”

“Fuck! Boreas?! Boreas!”

“I said LEAVE ME!”

“The destroyer is here!”

“Lisa! LISA!-“

“Go, you have to-Klee!”

“Take care of them.”

“Where are you going!?”

“I’m sorry.”

“The city…has fallen.”

Venti turned and he was behind Morax.

“These Seven Archons have been loyal servants to Celestia and the law of the Heavenly Principles. As such, we feel we are owed an explanation on why the Principles have decided to put our people at risk-“

C R A C K

As Morax fell apart, Venti suddenly screamed-

“
NO MORE!
” He shot up in bed, breathing heavily and having broken out in a cold sweat. He gripped at the sheets hard enough that his knuckles were white, his braids and eyes glowing brightly in his panic and the room filling with wind that rustled everything within.
 
Suddenly, arms wrapped around Venti’s form from behind, pulling him back into another’s chest. “Venti. Please, come back to me.” The voice was soft and gentle; it took much longer than it should have for Venti to recognize it as Xiao’s. 
 
Slowly, he leaned back into the embrace, reaching a trembling hand up to grip at Xiao’s wrist as stray tears slipped down his cheeks. “S-sorry. Bad dre-dream.” Fuck. He couldn’t even begin to explain it to Xiao. If

they

heard, it would put his love in danger.
 
Venti was brought out of his thoughts when Xiao reached up to wipe away his tears. “It’s ok. You don’t have to apologize, and you have nothing to fear. I am right here.” The adeptus’s hands were so soft…when had he removed his gloves? 
 
Finally, Venti seemed to relax, closing his eyes and leaning into the other’s touch. Even if the clock was ticking, at least at this moment…at least right here in this room,  it was ok. The wind had settled into a comfortable breeze at last, and Venti gave a small smile. “Thank you mein süber.” He said softly.
 
The rest of the night, Venti couldn’t sleep, though he insisted that Xiao close his eyes and try to rest. So the Archon watched the other’s face for a while…
 
And then the sun was coming up and they had to get back to making sure that Liyue wasn’t going crazy while Morax was away.
 
Venti headed to the Hall of Preserving Harmony to meet up with Xingqiu to go and wake Tartaglia. The sound of the flute and a crash course of who would be showing up from Inazuma later, and Venti was floating about the Hall of Supreme Harmony, watching as Childe greeted Ayato and Ayaka. He was still sleepy, so he wasn’t paying too much attention, only catching bits and pieces of the conversation.
 
“My fiancé and I thank you for attending our union.”
 
“-the Kamisato clan to present Huangdi with gifts of Onikabuto-“
 
“It pleases me to see the Oni have arrived to-“
 
“-of the Empress’s will to become stronger-“
 
Boring. Venti could fall asleep right there. He glanced over at where Xiao was and debated on falling asleep on his shoulder. Maybe…but if he had another nightmare…
 
Waking up screaming as Ei and Childe were fighting was not the best thing that could happen. He’d probably freak everyone out, especially Xiao. So he continued to float about and pretend to be awake.
 
“Her eminence, the Raiden Shogun, has arrived.”

Blinking after a second, Venti noticed as the sky darkened and Ei came into the Hall of Supreme Harmony. She was so dramatic, all storms and lightning and thunder and such. It wasn’t long before they had moved over to the Gate to watch the Electro Archon and Tartaglia have their match. 
 
Venti blinked a few times when Ei had pointed her weapon at him and sent a glare his way. “You have passed your judgment already Barbatos, do not interfere as I pass mine.”
 
It took the wind sprite a moment before he scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Who do you take me for? I’m not gonna mess up your whole dramatic flair.” He floated on his back as he watched the battle, only glancing around to make sure the lightning wasn’t being too harsh on their surroundings.

A strike of lightning hit not too far from where Venti was floating and he yelped a bit as he scrambled away. “Hey! Watch it!” He called out as he saw Childe switch to his delusion. Watching Ei, Venti saw her hesitate for just a moment after he’d called out, obviously not having expected it, but the Raiden Shogun would not let that cause her to lose.
 
Childe was matching Ei’s strikes rather well, as expected. And Venti was starting to get drowsy again. It just wasn’t holding his attention as much right now. As he floated over where Xiao was, the general reached up and gently pulled the Archon down to hold him in place. 
 
“We don’t want a stray bolt of lightning to hit you.” Alatus said gently.
 
Blinking a couple of times, Venti made the decision and leaned into his husband. Or well, fiance he supposed? They hadn’t gotten married this life yet…that would be so fun though. To watch Xiao light up again, to see him in red…
 
The next thing Venti knew, Xiao was gently nudging him awake. “Venti? The Electro Archon would like to speak with you.” His voice was soft as he reached up to brush over the Archon’s face.
 
With a yawn, Venti looked up and waved his hand a bit to disperse the storm clouds still hanging over them. “Clearing the sky is the best part of watching you fight.” He said teasingly, “I mean, it had been so dull I fell right asleep!”
 
Ei rolled her eyes as she walked over to him, “And here I was going to see if you’d like to have a chat about what is happening. Some wine with Miko and myself? I heard you two are also to be wed?”
 
Venti gave a little giggle as Xiao’s ears turned red, then turned to Ei with a grin. “That’s true! Xiao and I even got Morax’s blessing~” Leaving a small kiss on his lover’s cheek, Venti floated closer to Ei. “Some girl talk sounds fun. Will Kuni be joining us? Or is he too busy with his guard~?”
 
“I believe that he has already gone off with Heizou. He is really in his rebellious phase…” Ei said as they turned to head back to one of their rooms to chat, Yae Miko joining them as they left the garden.
 
“Aww, so your little boy is already in his angsty years? That must weigh on your heart.”  Venti flitted around Ei and Yae Miko as he spoke.
 
Miko smiled, “Oh, he’s just trying to be a bit more independent. Ei just isn’t used to it. It’s rather adorable to watch them.”
 
Once they were seated in the balcony of the duo’s room, Yae Miko got a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, dear Barbatos: I need all the juicy details about this new engagement between Morax and this Tartaglia. And I know you have them

all

.”
 
Venti got a mischievous spark in his eyes. “Oh, of course I have all the details. You won’t believe the way Morax has fallen so hard.” It wasn’t a lie after all. Morax had even been startled by how quickly he’d become attached to Tartaglia.
 
“I do not doubt your ability to hear what you shouldn’t.” Ei said with a hum, “Though, I personally would prefer you not give

too

many details on the matter. Some things need to remain in the bedroom.”
 
Unable to keep a little giggle from leaving his lips, Venti twirled one of his braids around his finger. “Always the shy one, aren’t you Ei? Fine fine. We can talk more later, Miko.” 
 
It was nice to have carefree chats about Morax and Tartaglia’s relationship. Venti could almost forget about the ticking clock in the background. As the day came to a close with playful gossip and silly jokes, he went to see how his group of Mondstat officials were doing. He didn’t have to really interact, just listen a little from the shadows.
 
By the sounds of it…Diluc and Kaeya were having one of those nights of teasing banter…

“Why Master Diluc. I didn’t know that such food would cause such a look on your face.”

“Oh, don’t act as if you didn’t plan it. You always did love to watch me make faces when we were kids.”

“I have absolutely no idea what you mean. Here I merely wanted to see how you enjoyed some of the spices around.”

Venti smiled a bit as he had the thought of going to speak with Jean. But…eh he really just wanted to go and spend more time with Xiao. But maybe he should…go speak with Phanes? 
 
Floating up and out, Venti moved to sit on one of the rooftops as he debated on what to do. He needed to find something out. Morax and Tartaglia would only get closer as the time went on. And Tartaglia…

A flash of blank eyes glaring up from behind a mask hit the back of Venti’s mind.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the remnants of his nightmare the previous night. They could get through it this time. It didn’t have to end that way! The Anemo Archon took a deep breath, twirling his fingers to summon his flute. 
 
It wasn’t long before the calming tune started to surround him, to flow through the air of the palace. Venti closed his eyes to just lose himself in the music. He could calm himself and help others sleep. Right?
 
The music had been playing for a while when the wind rustled beside the Archon and he glanced over to see Xiao watching him carefully. “The wind has been restless.” He said softly.
 
Taking a moment to finish his song, Venti lowered the flute and sighed. “…I’ll be ok. Guess the nightmare bothered me more than I thought.” That was a way of twisting words that would make it more truthful. Venti hated lying to Xiao…but the fear of watching his beloved end up torn apart by Celestia kept the truth hidden.
 
“Will you be alright to sleep tonight? You were zoning out during the Electro Archon’s test.” With a gentle hand, the Yaksha rubbed along the god’s back. Ever vigilant, of course Xiao would notice.
 
A soft breeze passed as Venti leaned into the affection. “I should be fine as long as you’re there. Even if it comes back, I know you’ll bring me to my senses.” He gave a soft smile to his love and giggled when a soft blush dusted the other’s cheeks. “Shall we then?”

————————————————

“You believe we were trying to deceive Morax with this contract? Are you insinuating we are

unjust?

”

Venti recognized the place he found himself floating in, moving about on the wind in a slow flow around a familiar figure. That was…Morax? This was where…

He saw Celestia glaring at him, offended as if he had spoken out of turn. A contract? What contract? Venti’s own voice came without him meaning to, “You trapped him here on purpose, all with a contract that cannot be-“

A flash of red came before Venti, cutting his words off as something shoved into his chest. For a moment, all he saw was the look on Celestia’s face as they pushed deeper and around something in his chest.

And then it shifted, their face becoming that of a woman that the Anemo Archon did not recognize. Blonde hair and gray eyes burning with a hatred that Venti didn’t understand. Who?

“Should’ve held your tongue.” The woman said before yanking her arm back and pulling the object free from his chest.

“So…

this

is a gnosis?”

Venti felt himself crumple to the ground, panic bubbling up inside him like a scream until-

“YOU CAN’T!” Much like the previous night, the wind swirled around the room as the Archon shot up in bed, gasping for breath and clutching at his chest where he held his gnosis. He couldn’t see, eyes unfocused as they glowed along with his braids and even the tears slipping down his cheeks seemed infused with Anemo power.
 
Xiao pulled him back, taking his face into his hands. “Venti. Venti! Please hear me!”
 
Venti blinked a few times, his hands shaking where they clutched at his shirt. His vision started to focus on Xiao’s face and he stared for a moment before giving a sob. Luckily for him, none of his words were coherent as the emotions were too much. Bits and pieces left his lips, among them were the words “Gnosis-“ and “-ripped out-“ but nothing to really connect the dots.
 
Xiao, expression full of concern, held Venti close and let him babble. What else could he really do? Never had he seen the usually cheerful bard so distressed. 
 
Venti wiped at his face as he started to calm down. “So-hic-sorry…I…it…felt so real…I don’t know who it was but…” It hadn’t been anything he remembered. So why did he even

imagine

something like this? 
 
“If it's too much to talk about, it’s ok. You’re safe here. I will never let anyone hurt you.” Xiao placed a soft kiss on the other’s forehead as the wind started to settle again. 
 
“Thank you…I just need to calm down. It…it’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” Taking a deep breath, Venti finally got himself together. “I’ll…just rest against you for now.”
 
Xiao watched his face for a moment before giving a nod. At least he didn’t push for any more of an answer. Instead, the adeptus merely reached up to gently play with the god’s hair, trying to soothe him back to sleep.
 
Though Venti didn’t actually fall asleep again, he did start to feel sleepy as the sun came up. With a small yawn, he moved to cuddle Xiao a little-
 
A loud sound, reminiscent of thunder, started to ring in his ears. With a small whine, the Anemo Archon tried to hide his face in his love’s chest. As the sound continued to get closer, Xiao sat up. “That should be the Sumeran Envoy…”
 
Venti tightened his hold on the other. “Mmm…” he knew that they had to go, but he had just started getting sleepy again after that stupid nightmare…
 
“…do you want to come with me?” The adeptus asked softly, running his fingers softly through Venti’s hair.
 
After a moment, Venti nodded before shifting into his sprite form and hiding away in Xiao’s sleeve. And as Xiao went to see what was happening with Nahida and the others, as well as the mischievous Sumeran Elephant named Sita, the wind sprite started to drift off into a dream once more…
 
——————————————-

Venti found himself floating over what could’ve been Mondstat…before he’d cut down the mountains anyway. He was humming an unfamiliar tune, moving lazily with the wind before hearing the sound of thunder and coming to a stop. Lightning crackled and hit before him, two childlike figures appearing after the light faded.

He huffed, crossing his arms in annoyance, “What was that for?! You can’t just throw your sparks around like you own the place!”

The two figures were a pair of twins, a boy and a girl looking around the age of 8 or 9. Their eyes were the color of electro and their hair dark as a storm filled sky, though their skin was pale like moonlight. The boy scoffed as he met Venti’s gaze. “Sure we can. What are

you

gonna do about it? You’re tiny!” He gave a mean little grin.

A pang of anger flashed through Venti’s chest at the words, “Tiny?! You’re not that much bigger than me! I could send you flying!” The wind picked up in his little outburst and the boy gathered electro in his hand, the ends of his lashes and a portion of his hair lighting up from his eyes to his chin where it ended.

If these two wanted a fight, well who was he to deny them? At least, that’s the thought that went through his head as he shot out a blast of anemo to counter the attack the boy sent at him. He spun out of the way as the girl moved to try and grab him and pulled on her braid before bringing up wind to block another attack and she gave a shout and smacked at his hand.

Before the three could get more into this…weird little quarrel, a snowball suddenly hit the boy in the back of his head and he spun around. “Wha-“

“Hello little comrades! We were just wanting to get your attention!”

Turning to look, he caught sight of an older looking man grinning up at them as he bounced a snowball in his hand. White hair and beard, eyes the color of ice, a strangely muscular build…he also stood a good two feet taller than the one next to him.

And the smaller one seemed…different from the rest of them. Venti found himself floating over as he promptly forgot what he had been doing, much to the electro boy’s irritation. “Uh, we were fighting over here!”

Venti waved it off as he moved around the duo, “How come this guy has claws…and fangs…and scales…?”

The man laughed and patted the ginger hair on the smaller’s head, “This is Phanes! Go on go on!” He nudged him closer.

This…Phanes grinned and opened his mouth to respond-

————————————

Venti made a surprised sound when he was suddenly yanked out of his little hiding spot in Xiao’s sleeve. As Ei shook him a little, his shouts came out more like little wind chime sounds.
 
“Barbatos should be able to help lift her out with the power of the wind.” That was Ei’s voice?? Wha? “Surely with the help of an Archon, Sita can be lifted out.”
 
Making more distressed sounds at the way the Electro Archon was shaking him, Venti started to remember what was going on. A gentle yet firm hand came to pull him out of Ei’s grasp. “Perhaps you should let Venti change back first.” Thank the stars Xiao was there.
 
Looking up at his savior, Venti moved to nuzzle Xiao’s face before shifting back into his human form. “You didn’t have to shake me so hard, Ei!” Pouting slightly, he moved a little higher to watch as Tighnari instructed everyone on how to get Sita out of the river. 
 
A soft smile graced the Anemo Archon’s face as he saw the people talking and getting along well, just catching bits and pieces of the conversations.
 
“No no, I agree. He should know you by now. How could he not tell by just the look on your face?” Yae Miko said as she stood with Kaveh and Kunikuzushi off to the side.
 
“So you’re sayin that she can swim for how long?”Itto asked Al Haitham, “I mean, I know that’s what the kitsune guy said but seriously?”  The Scribe merely smirked a bit.
 
“Someone is already getting some rope to help with this.” Cyno told Tighnari, the other nodding. 
 
“You think one of us should get in the pool to tie it then?” He responded.
 
Soon enough, they were pulling Sita the elephant out of the river and the area filled with cheers. And Nahida and the others went off to get ready for the introduction. So Venti met up with Ei and Yae Miko to head to the throne room to await the Dendro Archon. 
 
Venti was floating next to him as he listened to the Kitsune writing things down from her spot next to Ei and muttering about one of her novels. “I’m sure Kaveh is just having a time with Nahida’s wardrobe in her Palace of Earthly Honor.” He said to calm Tartaglia’s restlessness. It wasn’t

exactly

the truth, seeing as the younger Archon was also preparing things for her test of the Harbinger, but Venti had to act like he didn’t know

everything

.
 
As Venti twirled himself above where Childe was, the ginger seemed to be trying to piece everything together. “Palace of Earthly Honor? So the Archon of Sumeru has her own palace in the Forbidden City? And one of Elevated status…”
 
“Duh.” Venti said, moving so he was floating upside down beside Morax’s

fiancé

. He gave his knowing smirk as he watched the confusion flicker in the other’s eyes, “Ooooh yeeaah, you don’t know the story, do you? Ehe~” Spinning himself upright, the Anemo Archon grinned at the other and stretched his arms a bit.
 
“The story?” Childe asked as he watched him, curious about what it was.
 
“You should ask Nahida about it. I mean, Morax

is

her hero and father figure for the most part. The whole city knows she’s the little darling princess of the Emperor.” Venti gave a mocking little curtsey as he explained. He then took his spot beside Childe as Cyno, Tighnari, and Collei entered.

Collei looks like she’s having a good day at least.

He thought as the girl took in the sight of the throne room with wonder. He had to hold in a giggle when he saw Tighnari gently prompt her to bow. Cute.
 
“That’s Collei.” Venti explained in a whisper to Tartaglia before he asked, “Tighnari’s ward. Mostly here to assist him with Sita, but also so he can watch over her due to an illness she has.” 
 
That was when Nahida bounded in to present herself and her retainers. Venti let the conversation flow as he waited for them to leave the throne room. 
 
Well…at least tonight would be fun.