Ceres P.O.V

As we leave the city of Mondstadt, I started leading both Aether and Paimon towards Windrise where I believe Barbatos is

'If my memory serves me right, the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero should be a little down south from Mondstadt, and I need to be careful not to call Venti by his true name while around Aether or Paimon. Barbatos should be the one to tell them when he's ready' I thought to myself. As we continued walking down the road, Aether spoke up

"Hey, Ceres" I turned to look at Aether "Can you tell me a bit more about your life before you went to slumber?" Aether asked

"I don't mind. What do you want to know?"

"What were you like?" Aether asked

"What was I like? Hmm... I guess you could say I'm a devoted follower of the Seven Archons, I even followed the rules that they had" I said

"Rules? What kind of rules?" Aether asked

"Never interact with people outside of the temple, never make friends, never wander by ourselves unless its for gathering medicinal herbs, never show any emotions and never fall in love" I listed

"What kind of rules are those?! Paimon thinks the rules that the temple had are really dumb!" Paimon said and Aether nodded in agreement

"Even so, we must follow them" I said

"But why would they have those kind of rules?" Aether asked

"They wanted the priestess to stay pure. While growing up, I never had friends or did other things that everyone did in their childhood" I said

"What about your parents? Don't they say anything about it?" Aether asked

"I don't have any parents. I was found by the priestesses and priests at the top of staircase at the temple" I said

"Oh... I'm sorry..." Aether apologized

"It's alright" I said as we talked, I noticed we were almost to the spot "Looks like here"

"Woah! That's one huge tree!" Paimon exclaimed

"That's the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero. Venti should be there" I said

"We got here pretty quick. It was nice talking to you Ceres as we make our way here. Is it alright if I ask you again? I want to know more about you" Aether said

"I don't mind" I said with a smile as we now approach the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero. When we got to the symbol, we walked up the small hill and we saw Barbatos. He turned around and looked at us

"Oh? What are you doing here? Though I was just wondering if you happen to follow me" Barbatos said

"I want to know more about the Anemo God" Aether said

"You speak of the God of Anemo, Barbatos? He already disappeared from Mondstadt a long time ago. Liyue and Inazuma's respective gods of Geo and Electro are still present, but Mondstadt has seen many a moon since they last saw their own god. Why do you wish to know about the God of Anemo? Does it have something to do with Dvalin?" Barbatos asked

"Oh... ahhh... it's because gods..." Paimon has no words to say

"Yes, someone told me about Dvalin's past" Aether answered

"Just how is it that everyone sees Stormterror? I'm quite curious. That said, there's no need to rush..." Then I felt the wind blowing from behind, I turned around and saw the Eye of the Storm and Barbatos let out a sigh "I have not been back in a while, it seems there are few who are unhappy with my arrival"

Aether pulled out his sword charged towards the monster, but the wind it circulated is too strong, we couldn't even open our eyes. The Eye of the Storm was absorbing the wind around us and I pulled out my spell book casted my spell that works when I'm using the power of Anemo

"Gale Arrows!" I shouted as arrows fired at the monster, and it fell to the ground when I hit it's weak point "Aether! Attack it now!"

"Right!" Aether then charged towards the Eye of the Storm. As Aether attacked the fallen monster, I helped him by casting the same spell at the monster. After a couple of attacks, we finally defeated the Eye of the Storm

"Seems the dragon wasn't the only thing affected by this in the wind..." Barbatos said as he approached us "Now then, you were saying someone had told you about the dragon?"

Then we explained about what Lisa told us

"Is that so? Quite the scholar I must say, that Lisa. She's not wrong. The conflict has reached this point only because both sides have resorted to the use of force. His hate, however, did not arise from the people not making tribute to The Four Winds. Nor was it born from his own nature, but instead came about as a product of his own degradation" Barbatos said

"Degra...dation?" Paimon looked confused

"The black blood flowing through his heart has been torturing him for years. That's what has allowed him to be led astray by the lies of the Abyss Mage" Barbatos said and my eyes widen

'Abyss Mage?! How could they?!' I thought while looking upset

"Abyss Mage? Never heard such a name" Aether said

"They are from the Abyss Order, an organization comprised of non-human beings. They despise mankind. I don't know where they come from. All I know is that they hold deep hatred towards the human world. Many hilichurls out in the world take orders from them and act as their weapons. Before arriving here, I too was like Dvalin, cursed and left to waste. But now, before us stands the Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero, the place from which Mondstadt rose. The wind amongst the branches is good, I love the way it smells... Being here with you beneath this great tree feels like when the tear was purified earlier. Like the poison is leaving my body..." Barbatos said as he took a moment for himself "Mmmmmmm... Feels much better"

"So... how exactly did you get poisoned?" Paimon asked

"Ahh... that would be because I tried to communicate with Dvalin earlier, but was... interrupted... As a result, not only did I not manage to help Dvalin break his curse, but instead was also infected myself!" Barbatos said and I recalled that time

'Oh yeah! That was back when Aether had some trouble controlling his Anemo power. So, Barbatos was poisoned during that time...' I thought as I looked at Barbatos with a sad look

"Oh, ah... that..." Aether looked embarrassed

"Yes, it was you!" Barbatos glared at Aether who went wide-eyed "So, to make-up for it, you're coming with me to the Cathedral!" Barbatos said

"The Mondstadt Cathedral? To do what exactly?" Paimon asked

"To claim a certain Holy Lyre der Himmel" Barbatos said and I looked at him with a surprised look. Then, when Barbatos was about to leave, but I tugged on his sleeve "Is something wrong?"

"About the Abyss Order, do they also harbor hatred for me as well? I remember I was almost captured by an Abyss Mage when Kaeya and I were at the Temple of the Wolf" I said and everyone looked at me with their eyes widen from shock especially from Barbatos

"What?! Are you okay?!" Aether asked as he checked on me for any injuries

"I'm fine. I was glad to be saved by my new friend before I was captured" I said

"A new friend?" Paimon asked

"Yes. His name is Diluc" I said

"Oh! I know him, I see him at the tavern when I perform one of my songs for the people to hear" Barbatos said "You should try some dandelion wine, it's one of my favorites"

"I apologize, but I can't drink any alcohol" I said

"Aw... really? I would've love to drink with you" Barbatos pouted

'He shouldn't be that cute while he pouts' I thought as I felt my cheeks turning pink

"How about we head back to Mondstadt? I do need to make up about what I did" Aether said as he grabbed my hand and he immediately started to drag me away

"Woah! Aether, don't pull my wrist like that!" I exclaimed

"Sorry..." Aether apologized as he slowed down on his speed walking

No One P.O.V

As Venti watched Aether drag Ceres away, he started thinking about what Ceres said earlier about what she said

"An Abyss Mage tried to capture her? What is the organization thinking? Why did they try to capture her?" Venti asked, but there is no one there to answer his many questions "Whatever the case, I'll make sure to protect her" With that said, Venti teleported himself to the Mondstadt Cathedral

Mondstadt Cathedral

When Aether, Paimon and Ceres got to the Cathedral, Barbatos was already standing by the doors

"So this... Holy Lyre der Himmel is..." Paimon tried to remember about the Lyre

"The Holy Lyre der Himmel is one Mondstadt's treasured items. The lyre once belonged to the Anemo God, Barbatos" Ceres said

"Yep, that's right! With it, perhaps I can help Dvalin draw his gentle nature back out of his nightmare he's going through" Venti said

"Will it really stop Stormterror from causing more damage?" Paimon asked

"Let's trust in Venti. I'm sure he knows what he's doing. Besides, I'm sure his gentle melody will calm Dvalin down, he is the best bard" Ceres said and Venti's cheeks turned red

"Like Ceres said, there's not a single song I do not know, no matter if it's from the past, present, or future" Venti said

"So, how can we get the Holy Lyre? Do you know how, Ceres?" Paimon asked Ceres

"Hmm... If my memory serves me right, it should enshrined deep within the Cathedral. They put it somewhere safe, that way no thieves could try to steal it" Ceres said

"I'll go take a look around. You can come if you want" Venti said as he enters the Cathedral

"We should follow him inside. Who knows what might happen" Paimon said, and they entered the Cathedral. When they got inside, they were in awe from the beautiful sight

"Wow. This is very beautiful" Ceres said

"Have you not been inside before?" Paimon said

"No. The Cathedral was in working progress when I became the new priestess" Ceres said

"I see. But I'm glad you finally got the chance to finally see the inside" Aether said

Up ahead, they saw Barbatos

"Oh, there's Venti. Let's go talk him about his plan about how he'll get the Holy Lyre" Ceres said as they started walking towards Venti. As they walked down, some of the nuns greeted Ceres, some even approached her and started a small chat with her

'Ceres sure is popular already' Aether said as he smiled at Ceres who is enjoying talking to them. She gave the nuns a small wave and walked towards Aether

"Sorry about that, Aether" Ceres apologized

"It's fine. It looked like you had a great time talking to them" Aether said

"Indeed. I've always wanted to talk to the nuns back then, but never had the chance due to the rules" Ceres said as they resumed their walking towards Venti

When they close enough, Venti looked at them

"Let me handle this..." Venti said and he turned his gaze at the nun "Hello there, Sister" Venti greeted

"May the Anemo God bless you, young bard. How can I help you?" The nun asked

"Actually, I know a secret that can save Mondstadt from its current predicament" Venti said

"Oh, what a blessing from the God of Anemo! But you should report that to the Knights of Favonius. Why have you come to me?" The nun asked

"Hahaha, because you, dear sister, are able to help! I'd like to borrow... the Holy Lyre. With it, I'll be able to help Stormterror-"

"Please see yourselves out" The nun cut off Venti's sentence

"What?"

"It's a vicious dragon indeed, but once the Acting Grand Master makes up her mind, nothing can stand in the Knights' way" The nun said

"That's simply not acceptable. Wouldn't Stormterror end up getting killed that way?" Venti asked

"That foolish beast betrayed the winds. Not even the God of Anemo themselves would forgive it!" The nun said with anger in her voice

"Wow..." Then Venti switched tactics "Please, I beg of you!" Venti begged

"I'm afraid not, little bard" The nun rejected his plea 'Strange... Somehow I feel so bad rejecting this sweet child...' She thought

"Then... I guess I'm left with no other choice. I cannot hide anymore! My disciples, rejoice! Behold, the God of Anemo, Barbatos has descended! Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the god you've been serving?" Venti asked

'I don't think she'll believe you, Barbatos' Ceres thought with a sweatdrop

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to handle the Cathedral's paperwork now" The nun said as if she blocked out the whole introduction

"Wait-!" Then the nun left, leaving behind the sulking Venti

"Venti, are you okay?" Ceres asked

"She didn't even bat an eyelid" Venti hugged Ceres's waist as he continued to sulk "But I have at least learned I wanted to know"

"And that is?" Aether asked

"She didn't deny that the Cathedral is enshrining the Holy Lyre" Venti said as he continued hugging Ceres and looked at Aether "Now, Aether, since you're the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius... Maybe you can give it a shot"

"I can try, but I can't guarantee it'll make a difference" Aether said

"It won't hurt to try" Ceres said, Aether nodded and walked towards the nun, who came from doing the paperwork

"Why don't we take a seat?" Ceres suggested and Venti nodded. They walked towards one of the free seats, when they both sat down, Venti layed his head on Ceres's lap and Ceres started to softly pat his head

"What happened to you? You suddenly vanished during the Archon War" Venti asked

"I'm not sure myself. I was preparing myself to leave the temple to pray as usual, but the war happened. I decided to help the people evacuate away from the battle. I wanted to go out and help in the fight, but then something or someone put me into my eternal sleep and next thing I knew, I woke up in this era" Ceres said and she noticed Venti looking sad

"I wish we got to the temple sooner. Morax and I were devastated because you disappeared so suddenly, and the other Archons were very worried about you too. When you visit their lands, they'll be very relieved to know you're alright and well" Venti said

"I know. Again, I'm so sorry for leaving you all like that" Ceres apologized

"It's alright. Just promise me that you'll stay safe" Venti said as he held out his pinky finger

"I promise" Ceres said as she wraps her pinky around his pinky finger. Then they saw Aether heading towards them

"She didn't budge" Aether said

"It didn't work... I knew it" Venti said as he sat up

"You knew it?" Paimon asked

"I just wanted to know how influential Aether, the hotshot of the Knights of Favonius is. You see, the best warrior should always be presented with the best sword, and yet here we are... Does the story not make for a fitting ballad?" Venti asked

"So what are you trying to say? That we're not good enough?" Paimon asked

"I think he meant he wanted to see Aether's abilities as a warrior in front of his eyes. So, Venti decided to do some commentary on how things will turn out with his own eyes" Ceres said

"Ceres is right again! Well then, looks like borrowing it is not going to be possible. We're simply going to have to steal it" Venti said and Ceres looked at him with a shocked expression "Today, we stand for free for all! Any suggestions on just how we steal it?" Nobody said anything "Come now, speak up. That's what free will is for"

"I don't want to steal anything!" Aether exclaimed

"How about we let Ceres talk to the Sister? She hasn't had a chance yet. Maybe she might tell her where the lyre is enshrined" Paimon said

"I could try" Ceres said as she started walking towards the same nun "Excuse me, Sister" The nun looked at Ceres with wide eyes

"Oh! Lady Ceres, it's a honor to finally meet you. We heard rumors about your arrival here in Mondstadt" The nun said looking excited to meet her

"I like to ask you something" Ceres said

"Ask away, my lady"

"About the Holy Lyre der Himmel, I heard it's enshrined here. Is that correct?" Ceres asked

"Yes it is" The nun said

"I see. I want to say you all did a splendid job protecting it and if it's alright, may I have a look at it? It had been quite a long time since I last saw the Holy Lyre that Barbatos once held" Ceres said

"Well, if it's you, my lady, we don't mind. You may come whenever you want, but come at night. The passage leading to the Holy Lyre only opens at night, that way no thieves would sneak in" The nun said as she pointed at the wall in front of the grand stairs "When you visit, make sure to let me or the other sisters know, so that way we'll let the guards know about your visit"

"Thank you, Sister. When I have time, I'll let you know. May the Anemo God bless you, Sister" Ceres said

"May the Anemo God bless you as well, my lady" The nun said

Then Ceres walked back to her friends

"So? How did it go?" Paimon asked

"She told me where the Holy Lyre is enshrined" Ceres said and both Aether and Paimon looked at her with a surprised looks

"Seriously?! Then we should've just let you talk to the sister first then!" Paimon exclaimed

"Paimon, please keep your voice. You shouldn't shout in the Cathedral" Ceres said

"Oh, sorry" Paimon apologized

"Back to the topic at hand, where is the lyre enshrined at?" Aether asked

"See that wall where the stairs are?" Ceres pointed in the direction and all three nodded "There's a secret passage that leads to the Holy Lyre, but it's also guarded by many guards in different stations. And the passage only opens at night, right now, the sun is setting, so it won't be long until nightfall" Ceres looked out the window as the sun was now setting

"Ceres, you stay with Venti. I'll go get the lyre" Aether said

"Are you sure? I don't mind doing it" Ceres said

"Yeah. Don't worry, I'll come back with the lyre" Aether said as the moon finally rose to the night sky

"Let's wait for him outside, Ceres" Venti said as he grabs her hand, leading her outside of the Cathedral

"Stay safe, Aether, Paimon" Ceres said to them

"We will!" Paimon said as waved at them

And both Venti and Ceres left the Cathedral. Aether looked at the secret passage that started to open up and Aether started to carefully sneak inside without letting the sisters notice. Once he went through the passage, the challenge on getting the Holy Lyre has begun

To be continued