(Outside)

We sat down on a few benches facing the giant statue. We had to try again with the reunion.

Kiana: Everyone, this is my aunt, Theresa Apocalypse. She may be a child but is actually older. You see, this evil man lost a loved one and wants to bring her back from the dead. So he created Theresa as her clone that can't get any taller. He pretended to treat her like a granddaughter then he showed his true colors and murdered billions of people. So now we're fighting against this evil man.

Paimon: Murdered billions? Thats really evil.

Kiana: I know. Not only did he kill a lot of people. He killed my mother while trying to kill my father.

Paimon: *gasp* That is terrible.

Kiana: I know! Patrick here wants to kill him to get revenge!

Patrick: I think you've said enough Kiana. Now let Theresa introduce herself.

Theresa: Thank you Patrick.

Theresa stood up then faced everyone and began introducing herself.

Theresa: Greetings. My name is Theresa. I am the world's #1 cutie! And I'm also a priestess. And I'm also a principle of a school.

Aether: You're a principle?

Theresa: I am. I go by a few nicknames like Teri Teri and TeRiRi.

Venti: And what about your weapon? What is it?

Theresa: This is my Oath of Judah. It's a Divine Key.

Paimon: What's a Divine Key?

Patrick: Legendary weapons forged to fight against monsters called Honkai and their deities called Herrschers.

Paimon: Legendary weapons? How strong?

Kiana: Strong enough to match a God's power.

Venti: Really!?

Theresa: Yes.

Paimon: So what is it you do at your school?

Theresa: At my school St. Freya we train our girls to fight against monsters. And are given the title of Valkyrie.

Patrick: Since It's supposed to be a place where only girls go. I had an acceptation and while girls are given the title of Valkyrie. Boys are given the title of Knight.

Paimon: And how is it being the only one?

Patrick: In the beginning I was uncomfortable but after a few months I got used to it and the girls here were able to accept me.

Mei: That's right. We were able to accept him.

Bronya: And he helped me reunite with Seele after being separated for so long.

Seele: Big Brother Patrick was able to comfort me and help me get back together with Big Sister Bronya.

Kiana: Where are Auntie Himeko, Fu Hua, and the Captain?

Theresa: We were in Liyue but then we heard the news of your heroic deeds of saving Mondstadt and helping with arresting a lot of criminals with the Knights of Favonius. So Himeko and I had to find you in Mondstadt but Fu Hua and the Captain wanted to stay in Liyue. When walking through the gate of Mondstadt so we split up to search for you and now I finally found you.

That reminds me, Himeko said to use my Oath of Judah to signal her if I found you.

Theresa used the Oath of Judah then she sent an energy chain up into the sky then is dispersed after a few seconds. Then from the steps came a red haired women in black and red adventurer clothing. She also had a Pyro Vision over her chest.

Himeko: Everyone!

Kiana: AUNTIE HIMEKO!

Kiana jumped from one of the benches and embraced Himeko.

Patrick: Here we go again.

Himeko: There there sugar. I'm here.

Patrick: That's our teacher, Himeko Murata. Kiana likes calling her Auntie because to Kiana, Himeko is like an Aunt to her like Theresa.

Theresa: Even though I'm her real Aunt because we're blood related.

We cut over to a cut away where after Himeko Introduced herself to Aether, Paimon, and Venti.

Paimon: So you girls are called Valkyries?

Himeko: Yes, little fairy.

Theresa: We've fought a lot of battles together for years now.

Patrick: We better introduce you to Amber, Kaeya, Jean, and Lisa. I'm sure that they'd be interested to see you.

Patrick in mind: And it will give us something to do before coming back to the Cathedral tonight.

(Knights of Favonius Headquarters)

Jean: Ehhhhhh...

We presented Theresa and Himeko to Jean, Lisa, Amber, and Kaeya. Venti, Aether, and Paimon stayed at the giant statue.

Patrick: I know. Surprising, isn't it? A little girl who is actually older than us is actually our principle and is Kiana's blood related Aunt. And while I hold the title Knight, the girls hold the title Valkyrie.

Jean: It's really hard to believe that you were created by an evil man because he lost someone he loved.

Lisa: A lot of stories told about people trying to bring their dead family and friends back from the dead by committing evil acts.

Theresa: First he took my best friend Cecelia away then he took my niece away from me but I managed to get her back from Grandpa. He was using me from the beginning like I was his doll.

Kaeya: What about your Oath off Judah? Divine Key as its called.

Theresa: There are a lot of these weapons back where we come from. Most of them have been destroyed while some are still in one piece... We thank you for looking after our students. Especially my niece.

Amber: I suspected them at first but after helping me clear out the hilichurl camps I trusted them.

Kaeya: And after they saved Mondstadt from Stormterror.

Lisa: Your cutes are a real big help to us. Especially Bronya when she's helping me in the library.

Jean: Your Valkyries and Knight helped us arrest a lot of criminals.

Himeko: We've trained them and now they've gotten this far.

Theresa: And thanks to them I was able to rebel against my grandfather and take back a lot of things he's stolen from me.

Patrick: Amber, you should give them the gliding exam when you feel like it.

Amber: I suppose I can do that.

Patrick: And don't give them wind gliders yet till they take the exam and tell every member of the Knights of Favonius that someone is taking the gliding exam.

Amber: I'll do that next time.

Patrick: And try not to provoke Theresa. She could use her Oath of Judah on you if any of you provoke her.

I stared at Kaeya

Kaeya: Oh I wouldn't dream of provoking a little girl.

Lisa: Neither would I. I would never provoke a cutie who is as cute as your Theresa.

Theresa: I'm not just any cutie. I am the world's #1 cutie!

Patrick in mind: Now we have two more members in our party. More people are going to get jealous of me and Aether.

Theresa: You come up with a party name yet?

Patrick: Not yet but now I think I have one. Let's say it at the same time.

Me and the Valkyries: 3 2 1!

Then we held our fists up in a freeze frame.

Me and the Valkyries: The St. Freya Knights and Valkyries!

(Night)

We went back to the Cathedral and met up with Aether, Paimon, and Venti. Theresa and Himeko decided to go to Diluc's Tavern because Himeko wanted to try Mondstadt's beers and because of what we knew was gonna happen.

Patrick: Ok, so we know the plan. Aether and Paimon will sneak in then get the Holy Lyre then meet us back here.

Kiana: And then we make a run for it.

Venti: Then we find a place to call to play the Holy Lyre to summon Dvalin and to break him from his curse.

Aether and Paimon went in while the rest of us stayed outside.

Patrick in mind: The Fatui are doing dirty tricks on us and can teleport away. It would have been better if Kallen was here but we can't violate the game's storyline. But maybe I can at least try and do something that doesn't change anything.

A few minutes went by then the doors burst open then Aether and Paimon ran out.

Paimon: Oh nooooo... We're busted! Run!

Venti: What!? Follow me!

Venti ran then I shot myself up into the air with fire, Kiana and Bronya created an ice slide to get away like Iceman, Mei used her Electro magic to go super fast like Killua, and Seele used water to get away faster like a water bender. Aether glided with his wind glider while Paimon flew. We ran all the way to Diluc's Tavern.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Diluc: Hmm... The disaster has greatly affected business.

Charles: Bartender, Angel's Share: Well, let's hope it all ends soon.

We rushed in then shut the door.

Venti: Hi, we'd like a seat at your ahhh... least conspicuous tables.

Diluc: Umm... The second floor has fewer customers, you'd be less conspicuous up there... But aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center?

Venti: Hahaha, let's save the paid performance for next time. We'll be heading up now, see you in a bit!

Venti cartoon rushed up.

Kiana: Yeah! See you in a bit!

Then the rest of us cartoon rushed upstairs.

Patrick in mind: So that was Diluc. The owner of Angel's Share. The one who hates the Knights of Favonius.

Diluc: Hey, keep an eye on them. There's something strange about that bard. I'll go ask around.

Charles: Bartender, Angel's Share: Ask who exactly?

Diluc: The "protectors" of Mondstadt...

At one of the tables on the second floor were Himeko and Theresa. We sat down with them.

Himeko: Being in a fantasy tavern is really... great... The beers here really give you a kick...

Theresa: What happened?

Paimon: Someone else stole the Holy Lyre before we could then the thief teleported away then we were spotted and they thought it was us.

Venti: We thought that hiding up here will do us some good.

Patrick: And I see that Himeko got carried away. Here have this.

I took out a potion then I poured it down Himeko's mouth then after a few seconds she wasn't drunk anymore.

Himeko: Huh? What just happened? How did I recover from getting drunk so quickly?

Patrick: I used a potion that helps you recover faster after getting drunk. I bought a few of them for when you do get drunk.

Himeko: I suppose I could use that. Something I need to have more mugs of tavern beer and wine.

We heard the tavern doors open and heard two guards step in.

Otto: Ah, Master Diluc. Have you seen two thieves around?

Diluc: What happened? Why have you mobilized so many guards?

Miles: Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? Two thieves were trying to steal the Holy Lyre!

Diluc: Oh? How odd.

Miles: Isn't it? The Holy Lyre is a treasure that was played by the God of Anemo themselves. Such a precious piece of cultural heritage—

Diluc: Why would one want to steal something they can't sell off? Would pay better to steal from my cellars...

Otto: Huh?

Diluc: Sorry, off topic. Believe they headed that way.

Miles: Understood. Thank you, Master Diluc!

(Later)

We were downstairs at the bar.

Venti: Today I think I'll have a glass of...

Diluc: You can put down that bottle you stole from behind the counter.

Venti: ...something cold.

Diluc: Right, I want answers.

Venti: Lemme finish my drink first? I'll pay you — well, with a performance.

Diluc: It's not about money. You seem too young to be drinking.

Venti: No need to worry. When I started drinking, you were still—

Aether: How about answering my question first?

Venti: He is Master Diluc, the boss of... ah, the owner of this tavern. He's very famous. By the way, his dandelion wine is one of my favorites. Though most of the time I can only afford a bottle or two...

Diluc: I just heard about some thieves from the guards. For the record, I like your guts for trying to steal the Holy Lyre Der Himmel. Even if you are fools... but we don't often get to see people like you.

Paimon: It wasn't us that stole it! The real thief is still out there!

Kiana: Yeah, it wasn't them!

Venti: These are the hotshots of the Knights of Favonius. Why would someone so aspiring steal Mondstadt's sacred treasure.

Diluc: Hotshot...? Oh, so it's you people.

Patrick: It's us alright. Now our party has two more members.

Diluc: So, you people and the bard are close friends?

Aether: I've only heard him play once.

Patrick: And we just met earlier today.

Diluc: Well... Despite only being passing travelers, you still offered your help to Mondstadt in its time of need. A shame you joined the Knights. The Knights of Favonius... Inefficient right from beginning to end. And towards the Fatui? Weak and conservative. Forget it. I don't feel like talking about it.

Venti: Seems you don't really like the Knights of Favonius.

Diluc: Just differences in approach is all. I have my own hopes for this city. Now, answers. Why did you steal the Holy Lyre?

Venti: You sure you want to know? It could implicate you in affairs of the Knights of Favonius.

Diluc: That's fine. I somehow always end up implicated in their affairs.

Venti: If I tell you the story with a performance, will you believe me?

Diluc: It depends. I'll make my own judgement.

Venti: Then will I get paid?

Diluc: Your reward will range from anywhere between five Mora and the Holy Lyre. It all depends on your story.

Venti: Very well. Let me put on a show...

Venti began his performance.

Venti: (The story I want to tell starts at... the sky dragon heeding his grave calls...) (Brutal battle with the wicked dragon... ingested venomous blood and fell into a slumber... only to awake to be expelled in abhor...)

Diluc: What did I just witness... This is confidential information. Why did you let me know?

Venti: Why? Hmm... Perhaps the winds are changing. What say you, Master Diluc?

Diluc: Interesting. Give me some time. I'll organize some contacts. Outlanders, as some of the Knights it seems you're not a suspect. Blonde is the only description on the wanted poster. You should be safe.

Kiana: But we should still make Aether and Paimon disguises.

Diluc: As for the bard however, it'd be better if you stayed in the tavern.

Venti: Haha. No problem! I like taverns.

Diluc: ... Okay. Let's meet here tonight after the tavern closes.

Patrick in mind: Well, consider it is already night we have to wait till midnight.

Mei: Ok. I guess the rest of us should spend the rest of the night outside.

(12:00 PM)

We came back once the tavern closed.

Venti: You're here.

Jean: Wait, you're...

Everyone: ...Jean?

Aether: Why is the Acting Grand Master here?

Diluc: Well, first of all, I contacted more than one person. Secondly, she came here as "Jean" herself, not as the Acting Grand Master. A Jean you would never see, even as an Honorary Knight.

Jean: What a surprise. I heard about the Holy Lyre, but I never suspected it was you. So the sound of the Holy Lyre can purify Stormterror and return it to normal... Is that true?

Venti: That's right! You're Honorary Knights, The St. Freya Knights and Valkyries are putting themselves on the front line to try and resolve this Stormterror issue. Now that's the hotshots of the Knights of Favonius I'm talking about.

Paimon: Feels like we're breaking the law though...

Diluc: I understand this kind of absurd explanation is hard to believe. But we can ask the bard to play the song again to try and persuade—

Jean: I believe you.

Diluc: To persuade our stubborn common— Wait, what?

Jean: I can't think of any reason for Dvalin's betrayal, given it was once one of The Four Winds. However, if it was poisoned in the battle over Mondstadt all those years ago... And then corrupted by the Abyss Mage after it woke up — we can't really blame it. But as Acting Grand Master I obviously cannot make such a statement publicity. Diplomatic pressure from the Fatui makes it hard for us to seek a peaceful resolution to the Stormterror issue. People would think I've lost grip on the gravity of the situation. That's why I can only do this in private.

Diluc: Hmph. That's one of the reasons I don't like the Knights of Favonius. What surprises me I that you would believe outlanders so easily...

Jean: MY cautious and meticulous superior, even you trust them. Don't your, sir?

Diluc: I already told you not to call me sir... Never mind. We don't often get to work together after all.

Everyone: Sir?

Jean: ...

Diluc: ...

Paimon: Wow! Um... This is really awkward...

Jean: I have a rough idea of where the Holy Lyre Der Himmel is.

Venti in mind: Nice recovery! She's really talented at changing the subject...

Jean: The conflict between Mondstadt and Snezhnaya stems from the conflict between the seven nations and their respective gods. The Cryo God's Fatui seem to be after the Anemo God's power.

Venti: ... 

Aether: So they want to kill Dvalin?

Jean: Agreed. If the Knights of Favonius publicity prevented an attempt on Dvalin's head, then... The only other way to affect the Anemo God's power is to take the Holy Lyre.

Diluc: The number of Fatui that have come to Mondstadt is far from limited. I've already managed to... coerce a few reports out of them.

Jean: Diluc has determined that the Holy Lyre is not being held in the Goth Grand Hotel. I imagine they don't want to leave something stolen in a place where it could be so easily found.

Paimon: Paimon gets it. If too much of a scene gets made then it becomes a big diplomatic issue.

Diluc: Hmph, such is the diplomacy between the seven nations. Outlanders, ready to go?

Everyone: Let's go!

As we walked out of the tavern to find the Fatui's hideout to get the Holy Lyre back, Venti brought something up.

Venti: Jean just said the Fatui are trying to take Dvalin's power for the Cryo God... I fear this might fall short of their true intentions. I think they intend to use Barbatos

Venti: I fear this might fall short of their true intentions. I think they intend to use Barbatos' connection to the wind to draw him out. Just like Lisa traced the source of the storm to the temples.

Diluc: The God of Anemo? ...Hasn't been seen for more than a thousand years. What makes you think that's their intention?

Venti: Oh... ah...

Diluc: ... Forget it. I don't like having to pry. Aether, here. Take this.

Paimon: What is it?

Diluc: A disguise, to protect your identity. Put it on before you run into the Fatui. Unfortunately, they are still one of Mondstadt's allies. At least that's the facade we're maintaining... Our actions are going to get them stirred up. Better not implicate yourself on a personal level.

Kiana: And what about us?

Diluc: You people too.