Kiana sat near the bonfire, legs crossed, with several kids lying around her like sleepy puppies. The little ones she'd been playing tag with earlier now resting beside her, lulled by the music and warmth of the flames. Her eyes were gentle as she absentmindedly patted their heads, letting the moment pass.
Hey… you there, other me? she called inward, closing her eyes. You've been really quiet lately. Even earlier, in the middle of all that Abyss nonsense… nothing. Not a single snarky line, not even a sigh. You didn't show up at all.
But the other Kiana didn't respond. Just silence.
...Really? The silent treatment now? Kiana smirked, leaning her head back with a sigh. Don't tell me you really got scared of Captain now. Did watching him crush the Abyss break you that bad?
Still, there was no reply.
Oi~ Pufferfish, time to wake up~ You've been napping too long. What now, turning into a NEET? Kiana teased again, grinning to herself. Ms. Pufferfish who's all bark but got totally scared by my amazing Captain~ Who is actually jealous and wanted to be pamper by him~
I AM NOT JEALOUS!!!!! the other Kiana finally snapped, her voice was so loudly inside Kiana's head that she winced and held her forehead.
Ouch!....so you are still there, Kiana muttered, rubbing her temples. But seriously, did you have to shout like that? That actually hurt.
"Hmm? Big sis, are you okay?" one of the kids asked, tilting their head.
"Did something happen? You look dizzy," another chimed in.
"Did we squish you too much while leaning on you?" a third added worriedly.
Kiana blinked and quickly forced a reassuring smile. "Ahaha, no no—it's nothing! There was just… a sneaky little insect. I had to swat it. All good now!"
"Are you really okay, big sis?"
"Should we call Big Brother? Or maybe one of the other big sisters?"
"Yes, yes, I'm totally fine!" Kiana quickly assured them with both hands raised. "No need to call the backup squad, okay? Just sit tight and enjoy the stars."
"Okaaaay~" the kids replied in chorus, though their gazes stayed on her a moment longer, clearly still worried.
See? Look what you did, Kiana grumbled inwardly. You made the kids worry.
Huh?! And why should I care about those brats?! the other voice fired back, defensive as always.
Kiana rolled her eyes. You really are a tsundere, you know that? Didn't you act all big-sisterly back in that facility? Always taking care of the little ones?
Don't bring that up!!! the other Kiana suddenly shouted. Why do you even know that?! Were you peeking into my memories again, you stupid tuna?!
Whaa?! What did you just call me ???!!!! you pufferfish?! Kiana growled, her brow twitching as she nearly shouted aloud.
"Big sis?"
"…Are you okay? Your face is doing weird things again."
The kids exchanged glances, watching Kiana's face cycle through disbelief, irritation, and confusion like a broken animation loop.
"Ahahaha… sorry about that," Kiana finally said, scratching her cheek. "It looks like big sis might be a little hungry."
"Ohh! Big Sis Witch said you love to eat when you're stressed!"
"…She said what now?" Kiana blinked, stunned.
"Shhh! That was supposed to be a secret!" one of them panicked, trying to shush the others.
"Ahh! Sorry Big Sis Dango!! We'll go get you food right now!!"
Kiana watched as the kids bolted off like tiny rockets, tripping over each other in their eagerness.
"…Those brats," she muttered with a small, amused smile, shaking her head.
She took a few steps to follow the kids, as she once again spoke to her other self.
Haa... just why are you so against me? she softly asked. Aren't we the same? Is it because of the Abyss?
The same?..Ahaha.....Ahahahaha! the other Kiana's voice cut in sharply, bitter and mocking. Don't joke around, container.
Kiana froze mid step.
You'll never understand!! You, who got all the love, the pampering, the care! how could you possibly know my pain?! OUR pain!! Her voice cracked with fury and something deeper. So don't ever assume we're the same. Because you know nothing.
"…you," Kiana whispered, but the voice had already faded into silence.
Kiana placed a hand over her chest as a storm of emotions surged within her. Pain, betrayal, despair, loneliness, helplessness. It was everything at once, crashing through her like a wave. Without even realizing it, her right eye turned gold, a few tears slipping down her cheek.
Then... silence. The presence of the other Kiana vanished. Her eye returned to blue again. However the faint ache was still there, the grief that wasn't hers. But within her, she can feel her sadness… and..Hope. It was small, almost indistinguishable but it was there.
"...Just what kind of life did you experience to feel all this?" Kiana whispered, her voice soft with sorrow.
"Ahh! Big sis!!"
"Dango sister! Dango sister!"
"Kiana, oii Kiana~ hurry up!"
"Kii-chan, we're here~"
Kiana turned at the sound of their voices, blinking away the last of her tears. She spotted the kids running toward her with Elysia and Miss A following close behind, both balancing plates overflowing with food.
She let out a breath and smiled. "Coming!!" she called out, jogging to meet them.
Other me… I promise you this. I—no, we—will reach you. No matter how long it takes, no matter… we'll save you.
Deep within her heart, the other Kiana—the Herrscher of the Void—Sirin heard Kiana's words.
"…Don't promise something you can't keep," she whispered, her voice trembling.
She clenched her fists tightly, tears silently falling.
"…The last person who told me that… died along with me."
----------
Two days later, Noah and the girls were packed and ready for their trip to Liyue. Near the Mondstadt gate, the group stood together, bidding their farewells to the people they'd met during their stay.
Elysia, as expected, was completely surrounded. Young folks tugged at her sleeves while elderly townsfolk gently held her hands, voices overlapping as they said their goodbyes.
"Miss Elysia, thank you for the magical portraits you gave us!"
"You're the prettiest lady I've ever seen!"
"Please don't forget us, okay?"
Elysia faces each of them, her smile as radiant as ever. "How could I forget such sweet hearts? You've all left marks not just in me but for the rest of us." She gave each of them a final gentle hug, whispering, "Keep smiling, okay? We'll be cheering for you even from far away."
A few of the older townsfolk nodded in approval, one of them patting her head fondly. "You've got a kind heart, miss. May the winds guide you safely."
Lumine, meanwhile, was saying her goodbyes with the same group of young women who had danced with her during the celebration. They stood in a close circle near the gate, some holding small flower crowns they had made together.
"Promise you'll visit again?" one asked, eyes misty.
Lumine nodded with a warm smile. "We will. And next time, we'll dance under again in the Windbloom Festival instead."
"You better not forget the steps!" another teased, wiping her eyes.
The girls laughed together, and one of them suddenly hugged Lumine tightly. "You really felt like one of us… thank you."
Lumine's expression softened. "I should be the one saying thank you. You made this land feel like a second home."
And Kiana? She was practically drowning in hugs surrounded by crying children clinging to her like she was their last candy on the planet. One tugged at her arm, another buried their face into her side, while a third outright sat on her lap, sobbing.
"Big sis Dango, Whaaa!!!!!"
"You promised to teach us how to flip pancakes!"
"And you still owe us a rematch in tag!"
Kiana's arms were stuck mid-air, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "Ahaha… I get it, I get it! I'll come visit again, okay? I'm not disappearing forever!"
Floating beside the chaos, Miss A giggled gleefully atop her staff. "Pfft~ That's what you get for being too lovable, Miss Dango Queen!"
Kiana shot her a helpless look. "Aren't you gonna help me out here?!"
"Whaaa!! Don't leave us too, Big Sis Witch!!"
"You still haven't told us the story about the hyper-something ship that sails across the sea and saves entire worlds!"
"Yeah!! And what about Capsan?! The one who uses love to rescue the herseys! You promised!"
Miss A had barely turned when the kids swarmed her.
"Waaah?! Wait—hey!! Don't just jump on me all at once! We're gonna—nooo!!"
She toppled over with a dramatic squeal, arms flailing as her staff clattered to the side. Laughter exploded as the children dogpiled her without mercy.
"My precious staff!! Someone save my beloved ride!" she cried, peeking out from under the giggling chaos.
"You're not escaping, Big Sis Witch!" one of the kids declared triumphantly.
"You still owe us a story and snacks!"
From the sidelines, Kiana laughed while lightly shaking her head. "I warned you, didn't I?"
Miss A groaned, her voice muffled under a pile of limbs. "This is betrayal! You're all traitors! Especially you, Dango Queen!"
Noah stood with Rostam and Arundolyn near the outer gate, exchanging words amid the sounds of farewell laughter behind them.
"Time sure flies fast," Rostam said, placing his arms on Noah's shoulder. "Feels like you guys just came yesterday and now you're leaving."
Grand Master Arundolyn nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Indeed, you and your companion's presence brought some fresh wind here. Thanks to that, the city became vibrant."
Noah gave a modest chuckle. "I could say the same thing. Mondstadt showed us something important as well. Even in dire situations there will be people who will be with you, there is also acceptance and this very city welcomes us, strangers as if we have always been one of your. It gave us a sense of home."
"I see." Arundolyn tilted his head, watching the others with a distant expression. "Still… you sure you won't stay just a bit longer? The taverns have gotten used to the extra noise."
"I'd be tempted," Noah smiled, "but the road calls. There is still a lot to see and witness in Teyvat. And the journey ahead won't wait."
Arundolyn placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then go with the wind, Honorary Knight. And thank you for all of what you have done for Mondstadt."
Noah nodded, clasping forearms with each of them. "Till next time, friends."
-----
Noah, Kiana, Elysia, Lumine, and Miss A crossed the bridge slowly, each of them casting one last glance at the people of Mondstadt who had gathered to send them off. Arundolyn led the Knights of Favonius in a formal salute.
The children, however, had no such restraint.
"Big Sis Dango, don't gooo!!"
"Come back soon, okay?!"
"Big Sis Witch! You still owe us stories!"
"Big Sis Elf, don't forget to visit, okay? We'll be waiting!"
"Big Sis Lumi, bye-bye! We'll practice dancing till you return!"
They waved frantically with both hands, some even trying to chase after them while crying.
Kiana turned, eyes brimming with tears, and waved back with both arms. "Bye bye!! I'll miss you all!" she called, her voice trembling but bright.
Lumine gave a small bow, her voice gentle. "Thank you, Mondstadt… for reminding me what home can feel like again."
"See you, Mondstadt. Until we meet again," Noah added with a soft wave, his tone filled with sincerity.
Elysia took one last photo of the city, her hands trembling slightly. "Smile, everyone…" she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek before she wiped it away and gave a final wave.
Miss A hovered behind them, unusually quiet, simply watching the heartfelt farewells unfold. She placed a hand over her chest and whispered, "We'll come back, promise."
With their last goodbyes said, the group turned toward the road ahead.
"…That one month flew by, didn't it?" Kiana murmured, tears forming as she glanced back one last time.
"Yes... I didn't expect such a warm welcome," Elysia murmured as she scrolled through the pictures she had taken during their stay in Mondstadt. Her eyes lingered on a photo of the children hugging her, her smile bittersweet. "It really makes leaving feel… a little harder than I thought."
"...Even I didn't think I'd miss this place when we first arrived," Lumine added, looking up at the sky, blinking rapidly as if holding back tears. "But now, even though we are still here… I already miss them."
Noah glanced at each of them, then turned his gaze forward. "I guess... this is what it means to be a Trailblazer," he said quietly. The others looked at him, their steps slowing. "We discover. We understand. And most of all—we connect."
He paused, then smiled faintly. "We meet all kinds of people. Whether they become friends or foes. From the day we found ourselves in Teyvat… to finding Lumine, Rostam, Rosalind, Ellyn, Arundolyn, Venti, Miss A, Dvalin… even the Abyss. All of them became part of our journey."
"We came to truly know them. We witnessed their joys, their worries, their struggles and hopes." As Noah spoke, memories flooded their minds—Rosalind's plans to leave for Sumeru, the troubles Mondstadt faced with monster activity, the pain Lumine carried from the Abyss, the truth behind Dvalin's suffering, and the chilling goal of the Abyss itself.
"And through it all… those experiences became part of who we are," he continued. "They left something inside us. Whether painful or warm, And we left our marks on them too."
Noah glanced back at the girls, his voice lighter now. "We ate with them, drank with them, and fought side by side. They weren't just strangers passing by anymore… they became a part of our story."
That made the girls smile those memories, even the painful ones, had become the roots of who they were now.
Elysia chuckled, scrolling through her camera with a fond look. "Our brave first steps became the footprints we left in their hearts."
Kiana blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Since when did you turn into a poet, Ellie?"
"Muu, can't you just let me have my moment?" Elysia pouted playfully, her cheeks puffed up as Kiana rolled her eyes with a grin.
Watching them, Noah, Lumine, and Miss A exchanged smiles before laughing softly. The lightness in the air followed them as they walked, a soft melody from a lyre drifting in with a breeze that swirled gently around them.
They turned toward the wind's direction—only to spot Dvalin soaring high in the sky, and sure enough, a certain lazy bard strumming atop his back with a carefree smile.
Chuckling, Noah turned to the others. "Shall we then?"
"Let's go!!" Kiana and the others cheered, stepping forward with renewed spirit.