#plus we'd need another shooting guard

[the-physicality]

mercuries gm hat ON

obviously this means that you would take carter or atwell/harrigan. maybe you give bg more and meesseman/fa less.

[plumblossomcafe]

Ch.7: Tear collection, Crystal Tears and Reunion With the Dragon

Reader just being clumsy

Jean: I'm sorry Y/n but you can't come with us

Y/n: What why!?!

Diluc: You're injured, and it'll be dangerous for you plus the only reason me and Aether didn't bring you with us to retrieve the Holy Lyre was because there was a lot of Fatui and it wouldn't be a good idea to bring you there

Y/n: But I promise I'll help and I won't get in the way, am I really useless just because of this?

Venti: That's not what they're trying to say. We just don't want to see you get more hurt than you already are

Jean: *sighs* Alright, you can come with us

Y/n: Really!?! Yay!!!

Aether: Are you sure about this, Jean?

Jean: Yes, I have a feeling that Y/n will follow us even if we refuse her. Just don't do anything brash Y/n, okay?

Y/n: Okay!!!

They first head off to the Thousand Winds Temple and fought a Ruin Guard, which was troubling since it kept shooting missiles and making unpredictable attacks, but they managed to defeat it

Paimon: Paimon didn't think we'd find Dvalin's tears in a place like this.

Jean: As knights, we are taught to hone our investigative skills.

Paimon: Wow! Very impressive!

Aether: Did you find the crystal Y/n?

Y/n: No, hmm*looking through the chest and finally found the tear at the bottom of the chest* Found it!!! *takes the crystal out and gives it to Aether*

Venti: Alright then, let's head to our next stop, Eagle's Gate

While walking, they were chatting amongst each other

Jean: In my experience, the secret to finding what you are looking for is to never look for it in the first place. Don't think too much about it and don't search too hard... and before you know it, what you are looking for will appear right before your very eyes.

Paimon: What?

Jean: Don't worry about it too much. The more flustered you become, the less likely you are to find it. Pay attention to what you see in your peripheral vision, and you might just stumble upon what you're looking for.

Paimon: I don't know... It doesn't sound like that would work...

Jean: No, seriously, it does, though. In fact, it's how I used to find my tortoise whenever he went missing.

Paimon: ...Wait — you had a pet tortoise!?

Jean: Yes, why? Something wrong, Paimon?

Paimon: No, it's... uh, well, just surprising is all.

Jean: Why?

Paimon: Paimon can't imagine Jean having a pet tortoise. Surely you find it hard to imagine, too, Master Diluc?

Diluc: No, I don't. I had one, too, when I was a kid. What's so strange about it?

Paimon: What? You too!?

Y/n: I also had a pet but it left this world

Diluc: What are you talking about Y/n, I specifically remembered that I gave you a goldfish on your birthday, did you kill it?

Y/n: No! Kaeya did!!! I was busy helping out the sisters at the cathedral, and I let Kaeya take care of it, but he forgot to feed it the entire day, and since his office was cold, it died from starvation and the cold

Diluc: I see. If you want, I could buy you another one

Y/n: It's fine, I have bubbles, my pet dog that I made using my vision, so I'm fine with it as my pet

Paimon: Hey Y/n, what was the name of your goldfish?

Y/n: Goldie

Paimon: Oh..."Those are the simplest names that Paimon has ever heard"

At the Eagle's Gate, and after defeating the enemies like always, Y/n wasted no time in looking through the chest to find what they need

Y/n: "I can't find it. Oh! Never mind." *slips on a small rock and ends up falling into the luxuries chest, causing the chest to close on her*

Paimon: *sigh* We're done gathering! That was hard...

Diluc: It's too early to relax. We're still not done with Stormterror. Besides, the Fatui could also be planning something...

Aether: Where's Y/n?

Jean: She's finding the teardrop in the chest over - wait, where is she!?!

Venti: *panicking* Y/N!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?! "I can't let her go after being separated from her for so many years"

Aether: "Where is she!?!" *passes by the chest*

Y/n: Hey!!!! Can someone let me out!?! *banging on the chest*

Aether: *quickly goes to the chest* Guys, I found her!!! She's inside the chest!!! *unlocks it using the tip if his sword*

Venti: *harshly pushes Aether away* Y/n!!! You're safe!!!! *hugs her tightly*

Y/n: Venti... please let go, I can't breathe

Venti: Right, sorry!!! *let's go*

Diluc: *helps her get out* How did you get yourself locked in the chest?

Y/n: I slipped on a pebble

Paimon: You're really clumsy Y/n, you know that?

Y/n: I know, anyways here you go Aether *hands him the crystal*

Jean: Alright, let's head to our last stop

Once they made it to Dadaupa Gorge, they defeated the enemies and got what they needed and headed off to Dawn Winery to discuss their actions(I wasn't able to find any dialog for this part, I even looked at the website for the Archon Quests so I summarized it to the best of my ability)

Paimon: Woohoo! Dvalin Protection Squad! Assemble!

Venti: Let's put our crystals together.. Oh... The color of these crystals looks... muddy.

Y/n: Dvalin... You're going through so much pain...

Venti: ...Let's start purifying these crystals first. Please, Aether.

The red Teardrop Crystals are restored to a green color

Jean: It is hard to believe such a thing is possible until you've seen it with your own eyes.

Diluc: Interesting. It's like filtering wine. The process is... refreshing.

Venti: I think we should have enough tears now. So next we... Use the crystal on the Holy Lyre like last time.

Aether: Let me give it a try...

Aether dropped the tears onto the Partially Repaired Holy Lyre der Himmel, repairing it back to its original state

Paimon: It worked!

Jean: It seems completely different from before.

Venti: The lyre's Anemo power seems fully restored. We should be able to use it now. It's all thanks to you, Aether.

Jean: Now, where should we summon Stormterror? It must be away from the city, or else there will be casualties should we fail. Perhaps here at the winery...

Diluc: If the winery was destroyed, it's not something I couldn't eventually fix, but... I'd still rather not go through the hassle.

Y/n: "Wow...Diluc is rich rich!!! As expected of the unamed/uncrowned prince of Mondstat!!!"

Jean: ...

Venti: The wind that blows at sea or in high places should be able to carry a bard's words far away. It's never going to work if the air is too dry or suffocating.

Paimon: Paimon understands. Sea or high places, right? Then the best location to play the lyre would be...

Aether: A cliff near the sea, maybe?

Diluc: If you go east from Starfell Lake, there are mountains south of the beach.

Paimon: ..Oh! You mean that beach you were snoring away on, and Paimon had to wake you?

Y/n: Oh! I know that place, I always go there whenever I have trouble sleeping. If you head to where the cliff juts out — that place is known as Starsnatch Cliff.

Diluc: What do you think, bard? Meets the requirements, no?

Venti: Lemme think... Starsnatch Cliff......Alright, let's do it there.

Y/n: It'll probably work best if it's at night since, by that point, everyone is asleep, so no one will bother us, plus the quietness of the area and night is relaxing

Jean: Very well. Then let's meet at Starsnatch Cliff when we are ready. Please don't be late.

Paimon: Hee-hee! Yes, Ma'am!

Jean: Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to...

At night, everyone met up at Starsnatch Cliff

Diluc: Everyone is finally here.

Paimon: What a view...

Venti: Lovely for a fated reunion, isn't it? Well, we must be prepared for a fight.

Jean: Regardless of the outcome, things finally seem to be taking a turn for the better. Mondstadt has really been going through so much recently...

Diluc: Huh! In the end, the solution to our problem was as simple as a traveler and a song. I suppose the Knights of Favonius may have played a part in it, too...

Venti: Oh, we get it, Master Diluc... Everyone, please step aside! I, the best wandering bard of the mortal world, shall begin my performance with the Holy Lyre

Venti began to play the Lyre, and as expected, the wind grew harsher as Dvalin appeared

Dvalin: You have come... What has been done cannot be undone...

Venti: If so, then why do I see sadness in your eyes? Sadness that speaks of your yearning for this song...

Jean: They are... communicating... Huh?

Soon Venti is attacked, which caused Venti to drop the broken Lyre, and then a Cryo Abyss Mage reveals itself by Dvalin

Paimon: No! Tone-Deaf Bard!

Y/n: Venti!!!

Cryo Abyss Mage: Do not be fooled by him, dear dragon... He left you to rot alone... Now he attempts to deceive you once more...

Dvalin: Barbatos...

Cryo Abyss Mage: Let your wrath fester! Mondstadt has already turned its back on you!

Dvalin: *roars* You! You were planning this all along!? To have me slain by them!?

Venti: It's not like that!

Cryo Abyss Mage: The time has come for the dragon to serve its true master... While you bewail your pathetic selves, watch the world tremble with fear!

Dvalin soon left with the Abyss Mage leaving everyone present in shock

Venti: Dvalin...

Jean: Barbat— Venti, please, be careful.....

Venti: Hehe... You've known my true identity along for some time now, haven't you Jean? Though I thank you for continuing to use the name Venti.

Diluc: How's the Holy Lyre? Can it still be played? Or does it need to be repaired?

Venti: Wow...Unfortunately, I think it's beyond repair...

Y/n: I'm fine but.... Dvalin is in a lot of danger...

Diluc: No, we should make that Abyss Mage pay first! If we don't fight the evil at its source, then we can't save Dvalin at all.

Jean: In which case I shall call upon Outrider Amber to track it down...

Diluc: No need.

Jean: Why is that?

Diluc: I eradicated one not long ago, in one of the Four Winds' temples.

Paimon: What!? When...?

Diluc: If you want to track those monsters down, then I'll seek answers from my contacts. I've got other means for getting the job done.

Paimon: Diluc... Though he dislikes the Knights of Favonius, he protects Mondstadt in his own way.

Venti: Ooh? Why does our little Paimon sound so doting all of a sudden?

Diluc: Hmph. Wait for my word. I'll be sure to let the Abyss Order know that their blatant disregard for Mondstadt......will not go unpunished.

Meanwhile a certain blonde haired female is seen standing on a cliff overseeing ruins as two Abyss Mages bow to her. After Dvalin flies past, the Cryo Abyss Mage appears behind them as well.

Cryo Abyss Mage: Your Highness... Your humble servant returns. When your homeland returns to this world... We shall revel in its glory

Skit:

Y/n: *has her top half stuck in a hole and is not capable of seeing what's behind her* Help!!!!

Diluc/Aether/Venti: *stare with nosebleeds*

Y/n: *trying to pull out but her chest prevents her from doing so* Jean!!! Paimon!!! Aether!!! Diluc!!!! Venti!!!! Anyone!!! Help!!!!

Jean: *scolding them*

Paimon: *trying to help Y/n out*

[vishnuvenugopal]

Outside a Party

Girl: All these white people right?

Boy: (laughs) I guess you could say that. How have you been?

Girl: Good! Do you wanna grab a drink?

Boy: I'm driving :-/ You wanna go outside or something? Somewhere where we can maybe hear each other?

Girl: (she beams, it catches the boy off guard and it shows) Sure! But I'm definitely gonna grab a drink if that's cool.

Boy: By all means, lead the way.

She leads him to the kitchen and pours a drink, smiling to herself a bit nervous but we see the same thing on him. H e motions for the door and they go outside together.

Boy: So what's up? What have you been up to in the last what 8 months?

Girl: Better question: Why haven't you talked to me in that long?

Boy: Shoot. You're not pulling any punches.

Girl: Well, I did grab that drink for a reason.

Boy: Look, honestly, I don't know. I thought I made it pretty clear that I wanted to see you - like see you like date you or at least go on a date with you, but you blew me off a few times when I asked you to lunch - which I thought was the most casual thing I could do - and then when I asked you to dinner, you said yes but then it never happened because any time I tried to pin down a date or time you just didn't respond. I figured you weren't interested and I didn't know how to approach you platonically after that - plus I didn't know if I could. I just... I heard you sing in the hotel way back when and the idea of - the possibility of - you being someone in my life just made me so happy. But then having you seemingly reject me again and again just felt like - well it felt shitty. And I'm trying to do things that build my confidence and self-esteem, not destroy those things.

Girl: So if I had come up to you tonight and asked you to dance, what would you have said?

Boy: Honestly? I don't know.

Girl: It's a good thing I didn't then I guess.

Boy: No, not because of you, because of all of them. And the music. And all the alcohol. And the weed. Look I think you could be amazing. But I don't know you at all. All I wanted was a conversation that could maybe give me some insight into that person and maybe lead to more conversations that could maybe lead to us being something - anything to each other.

Girl: So did you not think I wanted to talk to you?

Boy: No I guess I didn't.

Girl: Because I didn't text you back or whatever?

Boy: That and the fact that, well, I'm not used to interactions being so performative. Do you know what I mean? It feels like everything we do at the office - or anywhere with these people - it just feels like they're going to be watching and then they're going to talk about it and that's just really shitty. Like I just want to be able to live my life and do what I want to do without feeling like I have to be careful of what I do or say or who I interact with.

Girl: What did you think they would judge you for talking to me?

Boy: (Long pause) Yeah. I guess I did. I guess I haven't really come as far as I'd like to think. I got bogged down by all the same bullshit that I thought I could avoid by being the person I had become in the last five years, but without having other people to tether myself to, I kind of lost whoever that person was.

Girl: (sighs) Well, is that why you wanted to talk to me outside? So that they wouldn't be able to see or hear or whatever?

Boy: No! Well, yes, but not the same way. I like you. Like I really like you. And I have no idea why because I keep being shown that I don't know you at all and you keep doing things that make me feel like there is absolutely no way anything could work here between us but I can't help but think that maybe there's a way that you and I could fit together and maybe you and I could be great together and maybe it could make this place seem so much less...shitty. I mean c'mon it's fucking beautiful. But I've never felt more alone than I have been in this past year and I -

Girl: You think I could make you feel less alone?

Boy: I think we could both help each other be ourselves - or better versions of ourselves that would feel less alone and would be more happy and could maybe make other people feel a little brighter about themselves and their lives even though we're in these awful jobs surrounded by mostly terrible people who -

Girl: You really need to stop talking shit about the people we work with.

Boy: Yeah. I do. But -

Girl: What don't you like about them?

Boy: It all just seems to fake. Everything feels like it's done in order to hopefully win someone's approval and hopefully get to a place where they don't hate ourselves when in reality our jobs are so terrible that -

Girl: Do you think maybe if you just accepted that the job isn't for you and that it's maybe a means to an end you could be a little happier?

Boy: I feel like I accepted that, but I haven't been able to be happy in a long time. I just feel like I'm wasting my time here. Like I don't have anyone and no one really cares about me and that I'm here on my own trying to do something that's actually not taking me anywhere near where I want to go. It's just a race up a ladder that I have no interest in climbing.

Girl: Then why don't you quit?

Boy: Because I don't know what I would do if I did.

Girl: Just apply for other jobs. You're smarter than most everyone I know here. It shouldn't be too hard for you to land something else.

Boy: But -

Girl: It's hard. Yeah. It sucks. It's awful and job hunting is awful but if you'd rather be somewhere you can be happy then you have to do it. Otherwise who is to blame for you being unhappy other than you?

Boy: Damn. Look at you. Wise as fuck.

Girl: Imagine if you'd talked to me six months ago and we'd had this conversation. (Makes Mind Blown Gesture + noises)

They laugh.

Girl: Look I know it sucks. We're all doing it. And your job is suckier than mine. There's no question. But if you think you deserve better or that you're built for something different then find that thing. You can't just stay here and feel like this is going to define you for the rest of your life because you don't want to lose your income and have to actually put time and work into finding something you love. Plus if you end up loving the other thing then isn't it all worth it? (the Boy begins to speak but she stops him) And even if you don't love it, then at least you know and you've already found another job so you just have to do it again and it'll be at least a little easier then right?

Boy: I could kiss you right now.

The Girl smiles.

Girl: You remember the night we all sang karaoke at that bar by that hotel when we were in training? You sang

Boy: Senorita by Justin Timberlake and you screamed when I did the call and response thing at the end.

Girl: You could have kissed me then too. And I would have been yours. Shoot your shot kid.

He leans in to kiss her and just as their lips touch, the lights go out so all we can see are their silhouettes in the window of the door behind them.

(Scene)

[existentialstatesofmind]

Opening Up

Clare: raised an eyebrow at the mention of dark manga. “Thank you. I’ll have to download it to my tablet and check it out. But I will be careful. Especially when I read late at night.” She probably wouldn’t be able to sleep at all if she stumbled across the wrong manga. Clare laughed at Kota’s story. “One group of boys ruined it for everyone, huh. I guess the sewing and child development units would be worse especially if they didn’t choose to be there. I do want to learn how to cook. I can’t complain about getting my wish.” She shrugged. “She locked herself in a locker? If Nakashimi is so shy she was hiding from people not that long ago, I’ll just have to remember to be patient with her. Sounds like she’s trying to change.” At the mention of girls not wearing pants, Clare thought she was already experiencing culture shock. “I can’t win.” She grumbled. She smiled at Kota and playfully smacked his arm soon as he laughingly mentioned picturing her in Visual Kei style. “I already got the memo that I can’t pull off the Goth look from Eli! Okay, does this mean I have to freeze every time we go outside until Spring? I really can’t bring any pants with me?” She said in dismay. The leggings would be fine for school, they had to wear uniforms in the first place. The rest of the time was what concerned Clare. “Glad I found this out now. What if I pack all the wrong things? This is going to be a disaster. Are there other social norms to keep in mind while shopping?” Clare bristled at being called a Yankee. She’d mostly heard it in reference to New Yorkers usually with the word ‘damn’ preceding it and she was Canadian. “I was hoping you would. Dakota, if they think you slept with other girls before we started dating I won’t tell them differently. Not even Alli because it’s none of her business if my boyfriend’s a virgin or not. Sleeping in my room might make everyone at our new temporary school think we’re having sex. I don’t care. I can stop wearing my purity ring if we need to make it more believable.” She nervously twisted said ring around on her finger. Clare would do almost anything to keep from losing Kota the way she’d lost K.C especially since she was a lot more attached to her current boyfriend. However, she drew the line at having sex because you ‘were supposed to’. Wanting to because they loved each other was another story. “Japanese girls are lucky they’re not held to different impossible standards. However, I can’t just start having sex. Are you still okay with waiting? Whenever we are both ready, we’d have to take things really slow. There’s a lot to consider besides how I’m going to feel if I go against my beliefs. Birth control is out of the question for one thing.” Clare ignored Kota when he turned away. She had never spoken to a real celebrity before and she didn’t get to rehearse what to say. Who knew what would come out of her mouth if she wasn’t being guarded right now? Of course, it would’ve been far worse if he’d took her to meet Melanie Martinez backstage at a concert where she thought it was appropriate to jump up and down screaming in his ear and to ask for pictures and autographs. She shook Melanie’s hand. “I am so I know you’re not on tour right now. Are you here to shoot a music video or record a new album?” Clare asked still suspecting there must be another reason Melanie was in town. She listened the story about Johnny Depp with wide eyes. “You really did all of that, Kota? How old were you?” It was unbelievable, he knew all of these famous people and MB was blowing up. She smiled when Melanie mentioned bowling. It was very cool she did normal things though Clare wondered how she could without being mobbed. A disguise? Renting out a private bowling alley? “Yes of course you can!” She told Melanie. “Did Kota tell you about the exchange program we’re going on to Japan? I have to figure out what I need for about six months, and I had no idea what Kota was up to.” Clare said apologetically. She laughed glancing at her boyfriend. “He told me he’d give me a tour.”

Kota: looked at Clare. "You can choose what category you read. If you have drama selected and find a story it'll also show what other categories it's in such as fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and more that way you have a warning. Plus you need to judge the manga by the cover, if the picture looks scary the book will be scary." he explained not wanting her to read horror before bed. "If you want I can teach you the basics. I'm not sure if they'll require you to use a wok or not, but I can teach you how to use that too." he offered. "Well, the locker was unlocked so she mainly hid, but yes please be patient and know when she yells it's not out of anger." he smiled at her and listened to what she had to say. "No you don't have to freeze, you can wear pants when we're out together. I've heard by guys they're really warm and I may have to wear them. They are allowing us to have a Cultural Festival a little later so we'd be able to experience it first hand. Right now girls are asking my kendo club do a Host Cafe, but it probably won't be allowed. Our class will be doing a reverse maid cafe and you don't need to ask for pictures, you'll already get them. It's required that the entire class take a picture in their costumes which means I get to see you dressed as a guy since you'll be in charge of the register and the host. It'll be easy since you'll mainly take the customers to their seat and sit them down and that also means you get to wear pants." he assured and listened to her mention her purity ring and kids at school, he automatically put his hand on hers. "Clare, remember we're staying with Yohio. He's one of my best friends and probably already thinks we sleep in the same bed, but knows I'm a virgin and he hasn't told anyone. No one in school is going to know about us sharing a bed even if they sleep over. Emi and I can stay in my room and you can stay in yours with whomever sleeps over. You don't need to even take your ring off. A lot of girls will probably just look at it as a regular ring. I don't care if it takes me a while to lose my virginity. I'm not ready to lose it either. I have Emi and like you said birth control is out of the question and condoms break so even if I were ready, I wouldn't have sex. The only thing one hundred percent effective against pregnancy is abstinence and I don't want to risk having an Emi of my own running around. I wouldn't be able to deal with a crying baby and one that's hyperactive during the day. We can talk more when one of us is ready to take that step, but right now we're on the same page." he assured and kissed her head. When Clare asked Melanie her question, he looked at Melanie too. "Well, I came here to get away. This is my home away from home and Kota and I don't end up in another American scandal when we're here." Mel shrugged honestly. "I was 13 and yes. We really did run away to the UK." he confirmed. "Besides it's not like I can runaway to another country anymore." he sighed. "You could always run to America and we can hang out for about a day until videos of you get uploaded to youtube or something. 'This just in Kota Anderson just landed in LAX. Paparazzi are already on scene." Mel said mimicking a fake reporter as she and Kota laughed. "Not to mention the mobs." he stated. "Yes, like when we went out to eat. 'Can we get pictures and autographs?' 'Are you two dating?' and then the scandals began." Mel laughed. "But we squashed them in about a week." he reminded. "He did tell me about going to Japan, but not as an exchange program. I told him not to tell you he's meeting me. I'm glad to see he kept my promise." she smiled. "I want a tour too. We can go have some fun." she smiled and Kota lead them out of his office leaving Melanie's dresses in there. "What do you want to see first? I can't take you into the place where everything is made though, it's too dangerous. I can take you to other offices and to Yohio's lab." he explained.