Chapter Text
(Y/n)’s POV
The biting cold of the snow-laden terrain seeped through your clothes, sending shivers down your spine like never before. Your teeth chattered uncontrollably, and your body trembled with each step as you were mercilessly dragged by a tall masked man. His grip on your arm was vice-like, and he showed no mercy despite your feeble attempts to resist.
He grumbled in annoyance, muttering about how he had to clean up after his team's mess. The sheer force with which he pulled you towards a cabin buried under the thick layer of snow was overwhelming. You stumbled, your legs numb from the frigid temperatures, and your breath came out in frosty puffs as you tried to keep up with the masked man's relentless pace.
As you reached the cabin, the interior was dark and had a strange clinical smell, a sharp contrast to the freezing cold outside. The masked man dragged you into a chamber and locked your hands and feet against the wall, leaving you utterly helpless. Panic rose within you as you squirmed and struggled against the restraints, but they held firm, trapping you in this nightmare. The sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber, and your heart skipped a beat. A masked man with blue hair entered, his curious expression sending a chill down your spine. You couldn't see his eyes, as they were hidden behind the mask, but his sinister smile sent a wave of dread through you.
The blue haired man turned to his subordinate. “Well done, Pyotr. Well done indeed.” The man stands right in front of you, looking at you, examining you. “The subject seems strong. She will serve me well.” Your heart sank as you realized the dire situation you were in. He grinned at you. “This might hurt a bit, little one.”
A sharp pain seared through your arm, and you gasped, feeling the darkness of unconsciousness closing in.
With a sudden jolt, you snapped awake, your heart pounding in your chest, and your body covered in a cold sweat. As your eyes adjusted to the dim light of your small cave in Dragonspine, you realized that it was just a nightmare, a haunting reminder of your past. You took a few moments to calm your racing heart and steady your breathing, reassured that it was not real. You quickly extinguished the fire in your cave, shivering as you stepped out into the familiar yet distinctively different winds of Dragonspine. It was a cold that you had never experienced before, different from the icy winds of Snezhnaya, where you had spent most of your life. As you ventured out into the snowy landscape, you couldn't shake off the unease that lingered from the nightmare. Your thoughts were filled with memories of your time as Fatui and how you abandoned them to live your life on your terms. You had been constantly on the run from Fatui and had been searching for a place to call home ever since.
The bitter winds of Dragonspine whipped against your skin, stinging like a thousand icy needles as you trudged through the treacherous terrain. The cold was relentless, gnawing at your bones, but you pressed on, determined to reach your destination - the City of Mondstadt. It had been a long and perilous journey across Teyvat, never staying in one place for too long, always keeping an eye out for any signs of the Fatui.
As a child, you had read stories of Vennessa, the flame-touched Muratan who had risen up against the aristocracy a thousand years ago and established Mondstadt as a city of freedom. Her tale of bravery and defiance had inspired you, filling your heart with a burning desire to fight for your own freedom. Her legacy had become your guiding light, keeping you motivated even in the darkest of times. With each step, you recalled the stories you had read about Vennessa, how she had fought against oppression, how she had stood up for the weak and downtrodden. Her courage had been legendary, and her name had become synonymous with freedom in Teyvat. You longed to see the city that she had founded, to witness the fruits of her labor with your own eyes.
Dragonspine was not an easy path, but you had chosen it deliberately to avoid drawing attention to yourself. The dangerous terrain limited human activity, making it a safer route compared to the well-traveled merchant roads. The sheer cliffs, freezing temperatures, and treacherous blizzards tested your resolve and survival skills to the limit, but you persevered, fueled by the hope of reaching Mondstadt. The snow-covered landscape stretched out before you, the frosty air burning your lungs with each breath. Your body ached from the cold, and your fingers were numb despite the gloves you wore.
As you trudged through the snow-covered landscape of Dragonspine, your senses were heightened, always on alert for any sign of danger. Despite the treacherous terrain, you had noticed Fatui camps littered across different places, a clear indication that they had a presence in this area. You knew that they were stationed here due to the peculiarity of Dragonspine, and you made sure to sneak past them successfully to avoid any unwanted attention. But as you took a brief break to catch your breath, you noticed some movement in the corner of your eye. Turning around, you saw someone fighting in a nearby Fatui camp, all alone against seven agents. Despite your initial reluctance to engage with the Fatui, the fight didn't seem fair, and you quickly made your way towards the scene.
With your heart pounding in your chest, you swiftly moved towards the scene of the fight, determined to assist the mysterious person who was taking on the Fatui agents alone. Your training as a skilled assassin kicked in, and you moved with deadly precision, utilizing your agility and speed to your advantage. As you approached, you were in awe of the person's fighting prowess. Dressed in all black, with a mask covering their eyes and a hood concealing their head, they wielded a claymore that blazed with red flames. They moved with a grace and power that commanded respect, dispatching their opponents with ruthless efficiency. Quickly making your way towards the fight, you drew your weapon and engaged the Fatui skirmisher and hydro gunner. The battle was fierce, the sound of clashing swords and the screams of the wounded filling the air. You could feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you fought alongside this mysterious stranger, both of you working together to take down the Fatui agents.
The skirmisher tried to attack you from behind, but you were quick on your feet and eliminated him with a swift blow to the back of his head. The hydro gunner tried to create a shield, but you were faster, slicing through the shield and the gunner with one fluid motion. As you delivered the final blow to the hydro gunner, you turned to look at the stranger who had fought alongside you. The person you were fighting alongside was equally ruthless with the Cicin mage as he finished dealing with the mirror maiden. The mage tried to electrocute him, but he dodged the attack and countered with a devastating blow from his claymore, which caused the mage's body to collapse. On his final blow to the Cicin mage, his hood falls off, revealing a bright red ponytail. The Cicin mage grips his face as she rips off his mask, and he plunges his claymore into her, spilling her blood on the white snow. He drops her body on the ground, and when you look at him, you realize who the person was - Diluc Ragnvindr.
You were taken aback, seeing the infamous and wealthy owner of the Dawn Winery here in Dragonspine, fighting alongside you. As you looked at Diluc Ragnvindr, your heart pounded even harder, thudding loudly in your chest. The tales you had heard of him as a former Fatui were true, and you knew that encountering him in battle was not something to be taken lightly. His reputation as a formidable opponent had earned him a spot on every watchlist of the Fatui, and he was known to be a force to be reckoned with. Many had claimed that he was as strong as a Fatui Harbinger, and his prowess in battle had caught the attention of the Fatui, forcing them to take action against him. But he had managed to escape their attempts on his life, making him all the more dangerous.
You instinctively avoided meeting Diluc's gaze as you caught your breath, taking in the aftermath of the battle. The snow around you was stained with blood, and the bodies of the fallen Fatui agents and Cicin mage littered the camp. Diluc's red ponytail stood out against the white landscape, and his breathing was heavy from the fight. You could feel the tension in the air, and you knew that you had to be cautious around him. Diluc's reputation had preceded him, and you had heard stories of his skills and abilities. He was known for his exceptional combat skills, as well as his fiery temperament. You had seen firsthand how he wielded his claymore with precision and power, dispatching his opponents with ruthless efficiency. His control over the flames that danced on his weapon was mesmerizing, and you could tell that he was a force to be reckoned with.
You glanced at Diluc briefly, taking in his intense expression as he surveyed the battlefield. His eyes were sharp, and you could tell that he was always on guard, ready for any sign of danger. You could feel the tension between you, knowing that you were both skilled fighters who could potentially be a threat to each other. However, for now, you had fought alongside him against a common enemy, and there seemed to be a mutual respect for each other's abilities. With a nod of acknowledgment to Diluc, you kept your guard up, ready for any further threats. The snow continued to fall softly around you, and the air was filled with a palpable silence. You knew that you couldn't let your guard down. He was a wild card, and you couldn't afford to underestimate him. You knew that you had to be cautious and keep your wits about you, as you had no idea what his next move would be. But one thing was for sure – you had to appear less suspicious. He could not know that you were from Snezhnaya else your body would also stain the snow beneath you.
You watch Diluc take a step towards you, and your instincts kick in. You take a step back, keeping your eyes locked on him, analyzing his every move. It's like a dance between predator and prey, and you're determined not to let your guard down. Diluc clears his throat, and his expression remains neutral as he lowers his claymore, extinguishing the flames on the blade. He looks at you intently and asks, "You aren't from around here, are you?"
You keep your composure and shake your head, not revealing anything about your origins. You know that revealing your true identity could be dangerous, especially in the presence of someone like Diluc, who clearly wants to keep his own identity concealed. He sighs and seems to relax a bit, but you can tell that he's still wary.
Diluc continues, "Look, we just fought together against a common enemy. I don't want any trouble, and I'm sure you don't either. Let's keep this between us, alright?" His tone sounds more like a command than a request, and you can sense the underlying tension in his words. He looks nervous, and you can't help but smirk, realizing that you have valuable information that could potentially be used to your advantage if you make it out of here.
You tried to appear confident, almost cocky, as you spoke. "Don't worry, Red. Your secret is safe with me. I have no intention of getting involved in your business. But what’s in it for me?" You tried to sound casual, but you knew that Diluc could see right through you. He was no fool, and you had a feeling that he was aware of your true intentions. Nevertheless, you kept up your act, hoping that you could keep him off guard for long enough to make your escape.
Diluc's piercing gaze follows you as you take a step back, and he seems to be contemplating your words. He glares at you, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, before speaking in a low voice, "Do you need Mora? I can pay you if that's what you're after."
You shake your head, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of getting something far more valuable than Mora. "No, Red. Money is not what I'm after. Information is far more valuable to me." You keep your voice low and steady, but inside, your heart is pounding with anticipation. You know that you're playing a dangerous game, but you can't help feeling a thrill at the thought of outsmarting someone as skilled as Diluc.
He seems taken aback by your response, but his expression remains neutral. "What do you want?" he asks, his tone guarded.
You smirk, knowing that you've caught him off guard. "You owe me one, Red. And when the time comes, I'll be sure to collect." You wink at him, feeling a sense of satisfaction as you turn on your heels and walk away leaving him behind. You notice that he makes no move to follow you and you are relieved. You pick up your pace and once you were sure that you were out of his sight, you make a run for it, trying to cover your tracks. The last thing you needed right now was a Fatui persecutor hot on your tail. You try to use the snowy terrain to your advantage but you also knew you couldn’t lose your way. You were determined to make it Mondstadt. You had hoped to make it to the city by nightfall but you decided against it. Chances of you crossing paths with Diluc were high. You make up your mind to spend a few more days in the snowy mountains of Dragonspine before making your way to Mondstadt.
As you continue your journey through the Dragonspine mountains, you can't help but think about the encounter with Diluc. You had managed to extract valuable information from him, but you also knew that you had made a dangerous enemy. You were now even more determined to keep your guard up and stay on the move, constantly watching your back and remaining vigilant. Despite the harsh conditions, you manage to find shelter and keep yourself warm by building a fire and setting up camp. You spend the next few days exploring the area, gathering resources, and honing your skills. You encounter a few monsters and hostile creatures along the way, but you manage to fend them off with ease, relying on your quick reflexes and combat training.
Eventually, you decide that it's time to move on and make your way to Mondstadt. You pack up your camp and set out once again, carefully navigating through the snowy terrain. As you travel towards Mondstadt, you notice the terrain slowly changing. The once cold and snowy mountains give way to rolling hills and lush green meadows. The warm breeze carries the sweet scent of wildflowers and the sound of chirping birds fills the air. The sky above you is clear and blue, with fluffy white clouds floating lazily overhead. When you walk through the countryside, you feel a sense of peace and serenity wash over you. The contrast between the harsh, unforgiving landscape of Dragonspine and the gentle beauty of Mondstadt is striking. The wind carries dandelion filaments, and you watch as they dance and twirl in the air.
As you approach the gates of Mondstadt, you can see the bustling city in the distance. The walls of the city are tall and imposing, but the gates are open, welcoming travelers like yourself. You pass through the gates and are immediately struck by the beauty of the city. The streets are lined with trees and colorful flowers, and the buildings are made of white stone with red tiled roofs. People of all races and backgrounds bustle about their business, giving the city a vibrant energy. You make your way through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. You stop at a small café and order a cup of hot tea, savoring the warmth and the taste. You can't help but feel awed by Mondstadt’ s grandeur. The statue of the anemo archon stands tall and proud, as if watching over the city and its people. Children run around and play by the fountain, their laughter filling the air. The sound of music and chatter from the shops and cafes adds to the lively atmosphere. You can feel the energy of the city all around you. The bustling streets, the vendors calling out their wares, the bards are entertaining the crowds. You pay for your tea and continue your exploration of the city, taking in every detail and soaking up the atmosphere. You can't help but feel grateful to be in such a beautiful and vibrant place. You blend into the bustling streets, relieved to be in a place where you can disappear among the crowds.
You find a small inn to rest and plan your next moves. You decide to lay low for a while in Mondstadt, keeping a close eye on any developments and staying cautious of any potential threats, including Diluc. You're still intrigued by the secrets and information he may possess, but you know that it's not worth risking your safety for. Days turn into weeks, and you start to establish yourself in Mondstadt, learning about its inhabitants, its customs, and its politics. You learn about the Fatui's "diplomatic" relations with the city. It's no secret that the Fatui are a dangerous organization, but they have managed to establish themselves as legitimate diplomats in many nations, including Mondstadt. You make a mental note to steer clear of any Fatui agents within the city, knowing that they are not to be trusted.
You make connections with different people, gathering information and keeping your ears open for any valuable intel. You signed up at the adventurer’s guild, to keep a steady flow of income for your time at Mondstadt. You find your step within the adventurer’s guild, taking on various quests and jobs to keep yourself busy. You're careful not to attract too much attention, keeping your head down and avoiding any unnecessary risks.
You've made a few trusted friends among your fellow adventurers, and one of them is Pallad, a reckless but well-meaning fellow who always seems to find himself in trouble. He's insisted on treating you to some booze at a tavern called Angel's Share as a way to repay you for saving him from a group of Hilichurls. “Come on, (y/n)! Let me return you a favor. I owe you one!” He whines.
Though you're tired, you agree, remembering the Snezhnayan saying that free alcohol is free alcohol.
As you enter Angel's Share, the atmosphere hits you like a wave. The tavern is packed with people of all kinds, drinking, laughing, and making merry. The bard in the corner is singing a tale of the wolf in the east, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. Despite the lively atmosphere, you can't help but freeze as you notice Diluc behind the bar, serving drinks to various patrons. Pallad, always oblivious to social cues, drags you towards the bar, calling out to Diluc with a booming voice. “Master Diluc, looks like it is your shift at the bar today, eh?”
Diluc looks up from his task and nods at Pallad, acknowledging his presence. You feel a twinge of unease, knowing that Diluc is a member of Mondstadt’ s influential Ragnvindr family, and his involvement with the Fatui is a cause for concern. However, you keep your composure and smirk at Diluc before turning your attention to Pallad.
Pallad orders a round of drinks for the both of you, and you take a seat at the bar. Diluc pours the drinks with practiced efficiency, his movements smooth and precise. He maintains a professional demeanor, but you can sense an air of tension around him. He was practically dripping disdain towards you and you knew he did not want you here. As you sip on your drink, you engage in light-hearted banter with Pallad, who regales you with exaggerated tales of his adventures. The atmosphere in the tavern is jovial, with the bard's song drawing in the attention of the patrons. You can't help but notice how diverse the crowd is, with people from all walks of life gathered in one place, enjoying the night.
Despite the merriment, you keep a cautious eye on Diluc, observing him as he tends to his duties behind the bar. He seems distant, lost in his own thoughts, and you wonder what burdens he carries as a member of Mondstadt's elite. You can't shake off the feeling that there's more to him than meets the eye. You wanted to unravel the mystery around him but you knew better. You had your own secrets and to be caught up with him would bring you nothing but trouble.
As the night goes on, the atmosphere in the tavern grows even livelier. The bard's song becomes more animated, and the patrons become more boisterous. You find yourself caught up in the energy of the moment, laughing and chatting with Pallad and the other adventurers around you. However, you can't shake off the nagging feeling of being watched. You knew who was looking at you or more precisely monitoring you. It felt like an itch you couldn’t seem to get rid of. The night comes to a close and you bid farewell to Pallad as you make your way back to your inn. Your mind is swirling with thoughts and you knew that you fucked up by catching Diluc’s attention again.
“Stupid Pallad.” You muttered to yourself.
“I’d say you’re the foolish one for associating yourself with him.” You hear a familiar voice behind you.
You stop in your place, feeling Diluc's presence behind you, but you refuse to turn around. Instead, you fake confidence in your voice and say, "It's funny, Red. Didn't expect to run into you in a tavern of all places. Shouldn't aristocrats be drinking in a ball or some fancy soiree?" You mock him, hoping to hide your unease.
“Who are you? I won’t be asking this again.” Diluc conveniently ignored your teasing.
You take a deep breath and decide to reveal only your first name. “I am (y/n). It’s nice to finally address Master Diluc Ragnvindr.”
He steps closer to you, and you can feel the heat emanating from his body. "I don't appreciate your small talk," he says through gritted teeth. "And I don't appreciate being watched. Do you have any idea how many eyes are on you right now?"
You raise an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just a traveler passing through Mondstadt."
"You're not fooling anyone, (y/n). You’re trying very hard to mask the accent that reveals where you come from. But with alcohol in your system, your tongue is a little loose, isn’t it? That Snezhnayan accent may not be evident to a commoner but I sure am very familiar with it.”
Your heart races as you try to maintain your composure. You knew Diluc was a skilled detective, and he had a keen eye for detail. You had to tread carefully. You slowly turn around to face him. "I assure you, I have no ill intentions," you say, keeping your voice steady. "I'm just a curious traveler, interested in experiencing the wonders of Mondstadt."
Diluc scoffs, his eyes narrowing. "Curious traveler? I find it hard to believe that someone from Snezhnaya would travel all the way to Mondstadt for 'curiosity's sake.' What are you really after?"
"I'm not after anything," you reply, your voice a little sharper than before. You take a step back to keep distance between Diluc and you. “Red, I'd be careful about uncovering people's identities if I were you. We wouldn't want the Knights of Favonius to know the real identity of the Darknight Hero, do we?”
Diluc's expression turns cold at the mention of his alter ego. "You're treading on dangerous ground, (y/n)," he says, his voice low and threatening. He steps closer to you.
“Stay back” You take a step back. “One more step and I will scream out loud about the Darknight hero.”
Diluc studies you for a long moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty and anger. Finally, he takes a step back. “I’d be careful in your shoes, (y/n).” With that, he turns on his heel and disappears into the night. You let out a sigh of relief, glad that the encounter didn't end in a worse way. As you walk through the streets of Mondstadt, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. Your encounter with Diluc had left your mind reeling, and you knew you had to leave the city as soon as possible. The thought of what he might have planned next made you shudder. You rushed to your inn, packed your bags, and left the city gates, hoping to bypass the country and make it to a safe place.
As you walked towards Windrise, you were amazed by the giant tree that stood tall in the center of the city. It was the Anemo Archon's statue of the Seven, a towering monument that exuded power and awe. You paused for a moment to offer a few Windwheel Asters to the statue, hoping for a safe journey ahead. After paying your respects, you made your way to the beach, walking along the shoreline, with the sound of the waves crashing in the distance.
Over the next few days, you camped out at the Falcon Coast, trying to figure out your next steps while keeping your guard up. You knew that Diluc wouldn't give up easily, and you had to be careful. You spent your days exploring the surrounding area, gathering food and water, and scouting for any signs of danger. As the sun set each day, you would light a small fire and cook your meals, all the while keeping an eye out for any unexpected visitors. The nights were long and lonely, and the sound of the waves was a constant reminder of your solitude. You spent your nights huddled in your tent, listening to the rustling of the wind and the occasional hoot of an owl. Despite the fear and uncertainty, you found a sense of peace in the tranquility of the coast. The vast expanse of the sea was a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay ahead, and you knew that you had to keep moving forward, no matter what. You see a hawk circling above you. You assumed that it was interested in the fish that laid beside you for your meal tonight. You stop paying attention to it and focus on preparing your meal. The fire in front of you was warm and you began to clean the scales off your fish.
As you clean your fish, you hear a faint rustling behind you. You turn around quickly, but before you can react, you feel a heavy impact on your back, knocking you to the ground. You try to struggle, but the force of the blow is too much, and you feel yourself slipping into unconsciousness. As you fade into darkness, you hear the sound of footsteps approaching and a faint whisper in your ear. You can't make out what they're saying, but the tone is menacing and cold. "I told you to be careful, (y/n)," he says, his voice low and menacing. "But you didn't listen."