I’ve been to many worlds at this point.
I have seen many things; I have done many things. Even in my previous life’s memories, there was so much that I explored and did that not much can really make me, well…surprised.
Sure, I’m a person; I get surprised every now and then.
But something that genuinely makes me pause and consider the sheer unlikeliness of something happening.
Like, finding my apparent doppelganger in a random world—not even Earth—that I went to for fun.
This Jean woman and Artoria looked similar enough. But that’s where it ended; they looked similar enough to pass as siblings if they wanted.
I could easily see why they could be mistaken for the same person if you didn’t get a good look or you didn’t know the person well enough.
A random person on the streets? They see Jean here walking down the road and turn down an alley; if they saw Artoria walk out a second later, they would probably assume it was the same person.
And it’s obvious to say that she was beautiful. If she looked similar to Artoria, then nothing but beautiful could be used to describe her.
I think what really made it was that sort of soft yet authoritative expression that she defaulted to.
And she sort of had that noble air about her, same with Artoria.
There were differences up close, of course. Facial features differed here and there, like her eyes were blueish purple in the candlelight, while Artoria’s were green.
But all that paled in comparison to me and my doppelganger.
He looked at me; I looked at him.
Klee’s comment startled them, but they refocused on me and Artoria now.
He raised his hand up to point at me, looking like he wanted to say something.
I may have copied him.
He waved his hand, and I waved my hand.
He put both arms up, and I mimicked him again.
“Stop that!” He demanded.
“Fine, fine.” I relented.
He crossed his arms, and I did so too.
That made him scowl.
“Listen, I’m going to need you to stop trying to seduce my girlfriend here.” I gestured to Artoria.
Artoria let out a small noise while Diluc’s eyebrows shot up.
“What?”
“Seducing my girlfriend," I reiterated.
“I am not—" He shook his head. “What could I possibly be doing that makes you think that!?”
“Look at that pouty face. Those handsome features. Those deep eyes. That meticulously cared-for hair. How do you think she fell for me in the—"
Artoria pulled on my cheek. “Please excuse him; he was using this situation as an excuse to praise himself.”
I’ve been seen through!
It’s not conceited if I’m complimenting someone else, and they just so happen to be my near twin!
“I demand to know what’s going on.” He finally commanded.
“Klee thinks this Diluc is too grumpy. This Mr. Diluc should smile like other Mr. Diluc.” Klee added her two cents.
“Klee, come here.” Jeanne squatted down slightly, and Klee walked over to her as Jean picked her up into her arms.
“Klee is tired, Big Sister Jean. Is it time for Klee’s bedtime?”
“It’s very much past your bedtime." Jean kept a polite smile, but it was somewhat accusatory towards us.
I didn’t take offense, and I don’t think Artoria did either. We were both adults and could understand how it looked from their end.
“I can provide an explanation if you wish.” Artoria spoke up.
“Please.” Jeanne replied, with Diluc still staring a hole into me.
“Wilhelm and I—" She gestured to me and herself. "—were traveling the road towards the city when we discovered Klee here. She was a young child out by herself, so we were concerned about her safety.”
Jean’s expression softened. “I see, you must be new to the city.”
Diluc scoffed. “Of course, otherwise I would have heard about someone impersonating me before. And get out from behind my bar!”
I put my hands up and walked out from behind it to Artoria’s side.
“She was apparently fishing.” I added to Artoria’s explanation.
That got a reaction from both of them.
“Is that so?” Jean’s eye twitched, and Klee had the picture of innocence on her face.
Something tells me that they are more than aware of Klee's habits.
“We were new to the city and did not know where to send her, and she led us to this establishment, thinking it was…” She looked at Diluc. “Your home, I believe. Mistaken Wilhelm here for you.”
Diluc grunted.
“We walk in, your bartender thinks I’m you, tosses me the proverbial keys, and heads on out. I felt bad leaving your bar unattended, so I have been playing bartender for the past how many hours. The money is in the safe under the counter, by the way.” I helped along.
Well, it looks like their guard was slowly lowered.
It was, admittedly, a wild story, considering. But it was also a logical sequence of events that explained everything clearly.
“Charles just handed the tavern over to a stranger?” His eyes twitched.
“In his defense, he was apparently expecting you and, well…” I gestured to myself and then to him.
“That’s not the point. I have a reputation; my bar has standards.”
“I actually have experience in mixing drinks, and the recipes are written down under the bar.” I told him.
He paused for a moment. “There were no complaints?”
I shook my head. “Your recipes aren’t exactly complicated. And they were fairly well detailed and had a few good tips written alongside them.”
He grunted, crossing his arms again. “I wrote those.”
Well, I wasn’t just fucking around. I mean, I was, but not to the detriment of the business.
I have a sense of propriety. When I fuck around, I do it in a way that doesn’t screw over other people, usually.
Jean cleared her throat. “Perhaps introductions are in order?”
Artoria nodded politely. “I am Artoria Pendragon.”
“Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg," I said politely as well.
“Diluc.” My doppelganger just grunted.
“I am Jean Gunnhildr, Acting Grandmaster for the Knights of Favonius.” Jean was much more polite in comparison. “I apologize for the…um, odd welcome to the city. Mondstadt is welcoming to everyone, and I hope you enjoy your time here.”
“Nay, I understand the confusion. Your reactions were understandable.” Artoria responded.
Well, the two of them reached a conclusion rather easily.
Artoria seemed interested as well.
Was it because Jean here was a Knight?
"Acting grandmaster," she called herself too. That meant she was the head of the Knights, if I was guessing correctly.
“No, I should apologize. It’s been hectic after the Storm Terror situation was resolved. The security has been lax due to celebrations, and I came in here more aggressively than I should.” Jean sighed helplessly.
“I understand coordinating many Knights can be an arduous task. I have experience with that myself as a knight."
“Ah?” Jean’s eyes lit up. “You’re a knight as well?”
“Yes, I would summon forth my armor, but I believe it an inappropriate setting.” Artoria smiled faintly.
Both Diluc and I were watching the two of them and how easily they slotted into polite conversation.
Jean cleared her throat. “It seems that the misunderstanding has been cleared up. I need to take Klee home, she's—" Jean glanced down and saw that Klee was already asleep in her arms. "– far past her bedtime."
“The misunderstanding hasn’t been cleared up.” Diluc looked at me. “Why do you look like me?”
I blinked. “Well, when two adults love each other very much, they –”
Diluc held his hand up. “You know what I mean," he accused. “I’m asking why you look specifically like me, not our similar looks.”
“You both really do look alike.” Artoria seemingly agreed. “Your hairstyle, your style of dress. Even the way you stand is very similar.”
Jean nodded. “It’s almost like it was intentional.”
“I can confirm that this is how he normally dresses.” Artoria spoke on my behalf.
“Diluc is the same.”
“He spends a lot of time to make sure he looks well dressed.”
“Ah, Diluc is the same. Kaeya says how Diluc spends most of the morning taking care of his appearance.”
“It’s called style and class," I huffed.
“First impressions are decided foremost on appearance. I am a business owner; I must look my best every day.” Diluc let out a small scoff.
Jean and Artoria just giggled as if it were some inside joke between them.
Standing next to him, there were differences that became more obvious. My shoulders were just a tad broader, and I was a bit taller than him too. I think his hair was just ever so slightly darker than mine.
And he wore his ponytail lower than I did.
I think I was more muscular than him as well, even if neither of us were of the bigger sort of builds.
If I had to guess, I train more than him, and it was showing a bit.
Diluc seemed to relent, letting out a sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I suppose that no harm was done. Other than to my reputation. I’m going to have to deal with rumors now about the acting grandmaster and me dating."
Jean has the embarrassment to flush at his comment.
“Can I give you some advice?” I responded.
He raised an eyebrow. “Advice?”
I put a hand on his shoulder. “You miss all the shots you don’t take.”
It took a moment, but Jean let out a noise not dissimilar to Artoria when I get a rise out of her.
Diluc gave me a flat look. “I want you out of my tavern."
“Noted.”
Artoria took my arm. “Acting Grandmaster, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
Jean smiled in return towards Artoria. “Welcome to Mondstadt; I hope to see you around more.”
We were about to leave before Diluc stopped us. “Wait.” He called out, rummaging behind the bar. “Your payment for working tonight.” He set some Mora out on the counter. “Despite my misgivings, you…performed adequately, it seems, and upheld the standard of my establishment.”
Well, I wouldn’t say no.
I scooped the money off the counter and slipped it into my pocket before depositing it into my storage.
We didn’t have any local currency here, so it was appreciated.
“I’ll come back for a proper drink later then.” I said my goodbyes, and he didn’t reject them.
So… Yeah, all's well that ends well.
But I was definitely going to come back and mess with him.
I couldn’t help it; it was too much of an opportunity to pass up. When was I ever going to find a nearly identical, grumpy version of myself?
@***@
“Well, that was interesting.” The sun had already set by the time we left, but there were enough lights around that it wasn’t too dark.
That, and the moon and stars were out.
Well, not the real ones.
That fake sky was still a tad unnerving to me.
“I like it here so far.” Artoria smiled. “I very much am excited to explore more of it.”
Seeing her happy would make any complaints disappear. If I had any, that is, at this point in time, I felt rather similar.
The girls were right; I am the type that loves to wander around and explore.
“I have something I would like to request.”
“Yes?”
"Would you mind if I stepped away, just for a moment? There’s a certain Bard I need to go have words with.”
“Ah, the gentleman from before. He did not appear human. Did he do something to anger you? Artoria tiled her head.
“He stole my jar of peach wine." I felt my eye twitch.
She gently pated my shoulder. “Don’t cause any problems for the people here.”
I kissed her cheek. “I’ll behave.” I took out the Mora and slipped it into her hands. “Find a restaurant?”
Her eyes lit up. “If you take too long, I will begin my meal without you.” She warned lightly, but I knew it wasn’t an empty threat. “I saw a lovely restaurant on the main street I wished to try; you can meet me out there.”
I love this woman.
Shit, I just realized.
I forgot to take a picture; no one will believe us without a proper picture to go with it.
Operation: Take a picture of Diluc and me together is now at the top of my priorities list.
After I go kick a bard in the butt.
I watched Artoria move towards the main street before I closed my eyes and pulled on my Divine Authority of Hanuman.
Putting context clues together wasn’t hard.
Anemo Archon—strange wind—his divine authority probably has to do with wind.
So, I just tried to trace it back until I poked something again.
And almost immediately, I felt something react, almost startled.
“Found you, you little bastard.” My feet pressed against the stone ground, and I disappeared with a burst of Shunpo.
I didn’t know where I was going, except for the general direction. Heading to the north side of the city, ascending several flights of stairs.
I found a large cathedral with a massive statue out front of their god.
And just like that, I found my target.
Legs dangling over the edge of the roof of the cathedral, I saw a certain little god holding my jar of peach wine in one hand and his harp in the other.
I slid to a stop a few feet away on the overhang, making him yelp in surprise.
“Surprised to see you here. Lovely night we’re having, isn’t it?” I smiled warmly.
He sprung to his feet like a startled cat. “Haha, I can explain.”
“Can you?”
“Well…maybe? Give me…ten minutes? I think I can make an excuse that will satisfy you if I have that much time.”
“Yeah? Or is that enough time to finish off my wine?”
He paused, looking down at the wine jar. “...I didn’t expect you to catch on so quickly.”
“Wanna see something cool?” I changed gears in an abrupt way that he seemed taken aback by.
He paused for a brief moment. "Alright."
I took out my brick.
“...what’s that?”
“A brick.”
“Is there anything special about it?”
“I use it to hit people.”
He swallowed. “I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
“Did we?”
“If we sit down and talk things out, I think we can reach some sort of peaceful resolution.”
“How much of my peach wine is left?”
“Don’t focus on the small details—"
“Have you ever been hit in the face with a brick?”
“That’s a very specific question.” He took a step back. “I would, cautiously, like to remind you that you promised me a free drink.”
“A glass. I was going to offer you a very small glass.” I deadpanned.
“You can’t blame me; this is the best wine I’ve ever had!” He whined. “Take pity on me! I’ll pay you back. Do you like songs? I can play you as many songs as you want.”
I swung the brick through the air like I was practicing my swing.
"I…I'll owe you a favor?”
“What if I want to call in that favor for you to stand still?” I asked him in return.
“Hmm. It seems we reached an impasse.” Venti straightened up. "Unfortunately for you, there’s one thing I’m very good at.”
“What’s that?”
“Running away.” He gave me a cheeky grin as I casually tossed my brick at him.
I clicked my tongue because it went right through him, like a mirage made of wind as it dispersed.
I hummed as I stretched my legs and then my arms.
[That poor fool.] Ddraig spoke in my mind. [He has no idea what he’s in for, does he?]
I was going to go easy on him, just make him pay me back, you know? I wasn’t that angry about the wine; I was basically just going to get information out of him, maybe some local currency. Being in the good graces of a local god wasn’t that much of a loss, all things considered.
But now, he had to overstep upon my domain.
How dare someone claim they’re good at running away in front of me!?
I felt my Divine Lightning spark under my feet before I moved, leaving an arc of lightning that danced across the stone beneath my feet.
I touched the top of a house for a brief second before shooting down to the ground and moving fast enough that the people around me couldn’t even see me clearly.
To them, it felt like a gust of wind and blown through, nothing else.
And then, I could see him.
It was like the wind taking shape, a head turned around, and eyes widened like he was genuinely shocked to see me there as I reached out for him.
He was fast, very fast.
Honestly, I think he was faster than me, but he wasn’t going full throttle. Well, neither was I, but we both didn’t want to cause actual damage to the city from our little game.
Venti touched the ground gracefully between two people, pivoting and turning into a gust of wind as I followed right behind him.
Just as I was about to grab him, my hand went through him again like an afterimage, but made of wind.
I could hear him laughing behind me.
I called on my divine authority to smack into him. Not hard, just a foreign wind slammed down on him, and his laughing abruptly turned into a panicked yelp as he fell off a rooftop.
I dived right after him, and just as I was about to grab him again, he did a backflip and turned into another gust of wind, reforming some dozen feet away as he started running on foot through the streets with laughter that was still being carried on the wind.
He was having fun.
And I suppose I found myself smiling too.
Alright, you little bastard.
He was gradually increasing his speed in small increments, which is why he was escaping me each time.
Don’t think I wouldn’t notice!
So, if he wants to play like that, so be it.
He was like a gust of wind dancing between the people of the city. To my eyes, I could see him plain as day, his silhouette as he took bountiful steps between the passing people, careful to never bump into any of them.
Not a single person noticed his presence.
If he wanted to play in the wind, then I would be lightning.
I wrapped my legs in my Divine Lightning and shot at him again.
Once more, he was surprised to see me upon him again.
My lightning intertwined with his wind as we danced again, him barely keeping out of reach of me with each step we took.
But I was gaining on him.
A few more steps –
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a hand reach out and yank at Venti’s collar, pulling him to the side.
I slid to a stop, a burst of wind following me that jolted some of the people around us but, otherwise, caused no harm.
“Is this the one who stole from you, Wilhelm?” Artoria asked, sitting in a chair, at a table full of food, having casually snatched him from the air.
Like a cat being held up by the scruff of the neck, Venti looked defeated, even pouting.
“Fine, I surrender~” He continued to pout indignantly as Artoria set him down. “I was so focused on you that I didn’t notice the lady here.” He finished with a sigh.
I took a seat next to Artoria.
“You are welcome to join us, if you like.” Artoria extended the invitation.
“A free meal? Sure!” He smiled brightly, taking the third seat. “Ah, good choice; I love the Meatnado.”
“Meatnado?”
“It’s bacon wrapped in another type of meat, usually ham, sometimes beef, pan-fried until perfection, then finished in a broth.” He explained happily. “Mmm, and their sweet Madame grilled chicken here is to die for; what a nice spread. Thank you for the meal.”
He dug in without hesitation.
Artoria didn’t seem to mind. I’m sure she could have guessed that we weren’t really having a real spat, so she was being polite.
“You know, I wonder if there’s something good to drink with this. What do you think, Venti?”
“Eheh~”
“Stealing is wrong.” Artoria said very bluntly. “Return what you have stolen.”
Venti waved his hand, and the jar of win appeared in his grasp as the wind shimmered around it. "There's…about a quarter left?”
I felt my eye twitch. “Artoria, I’m going to get my brick.”
“Wait, wait!” Venti held his hands up. “I can, um…well, I don’t know what you would want?”
I rubbed the bridge of my nose.
“You know, I haven't had a game of tag like that in a long time. Not since I was still a wind spirit and used to play with the others, a long…long time ago.” He looked nostalgic.
“I’ll tell you what, give us some information, and we’ll call it square.” I relented.
He perked up. “I’ve traveled far and wide; there isn’t much I don’t know!”
“Yeah?” I respected his confidence at least. “What’s the deal with the sky?"
He spat out the food in his mouth, nearly falling out of his chair. “D-don’t just say something like that so casually!”
“What, is it supposed to be a secret?”
Venti looked away. “Really, don’t just talk about that in the open. And I, um…I really can’t talk about that. There are rules even I have to follow.”
Hmm, that’s interesting.
“Ah, I forgot introductions."
Venti perked up. “I am Venti, the traveling Bard!”
I knew already, but Artoria hadn’t been properly introduced. “He’s also the god of this city, the Anemo Archon, God of Freedom, Barbatos.”
Venti choked. “H-Hey, don’t just say that so casually too! Don’t ruin my disguise!”
Artoria smiled politely. “I am Artoria Pendragon; it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“No reaction? I mean, I don’t like to really show myself, but…”
“I live with several gods at home. I know many deities.” Artoria said plainly.
Venti just stared blankly. “You both really aren’t from around here, are you?”
“Depends on what you mean by that statement.”
Venti scratched his head. “Well, I’ll just say this, I’ve met several people in my life that aren’t from this world.”
I raised an eyebrow, and even Artoria paused in her eating.
“Heck, there’s someone in the city right now that doesn’t come from Teyvat. The Traveler helped solve the problem that Mondstadt was having just recently with poor Dvalin!”
“Dvalin?”
“Mm, the locals call him Storm Terror. It was a pitiful thing…” Venti smiled sadly. “He had become corrupted by the Abyss and was causing havoc, wrapping the city in storms and wind. I joined with the Traveler and a few others to put a stop to it. Speaking of, I still need to return the Lyr. Jean had been giving me death stares while I was celebrating with everyone the past couple days…”
Huh.
“There won’t be any problems with Artoria and me behind here, will there?”
Venti gave a shrug. “Not from me; I realized you wouldn’t cause any problems. I’m a pretty good judge of character.” He puffed up his chest. “But from others, well, I can’t speak for anyone else. Just be careful, but the Traveler hasn’t really been secretive about his origin. He basically announced himself the moment he arrived.”
Huh.
Someone not from this world here?
Did that mean not from this dimension or not from this planet?
I would have to meet him then.
“If I had the impulse to cut the sky open, hypothetically, what would happen?”
“Ah…please don’t.” Venti tensed even as I said that. “Bad things. Very bad things will happen.”
I put my hands up, indicating I wasn’t going to push the issue anymore. It just…grated at me for some reason.
“Is it alright if I keep messing with Diluc? It’s not often that one finds oneself a doppelganger. ”
Venti let out a loud laugh. “You have my blessing to do so.”
I like him.
“Thank you for allowing us to remain within your city. I have been enjoying my time here so far.” Artoria, ever polite, thanked him for his allowance.
Venti’s expression changed, looking less playful. “Mondstadt is the city of freedom; I freely welcome you within our borders. As I told Wilhelm here, as long as you don’t cause trouble, I won’t reject your stay here. As far as I’m concerned, you’re just travelers from a bit further away.”
For a god, he was pretty nice.
Most gods…well, they weren’t this open and inviting.
“Now, about payment.” I tapped the table.
“I-I said I would answer questions! You must have a lot of questions, right?!”
“Yeah, I did ask you a question. How did that turn out?” I crossed my arms.
He slumped in his seat. “I don’t have any money!”
"...You're seriously poor?”
“Flat broke. I spent all my money on wine.”
I sort of felt pity for him at this point. “I think this is the first time I’ve met a poor god. And I’ve met a lot of gods.”
I think that made him even more depressed as he let his head hit the table.
“I do have some stuff stored away. Some things I didn’t want to just sell to the humans living around these parts, or things I couldn’t bear to part with for something as whimsical as money.”
“Yeah?” I perked up this time. “Like what?”
“Uh, old paintings, artwork. I have some weapons from some old friends, or some things I won in a few, uh…bets over the years. I have some rare minerals—"
“Weapons? Maybe some…swords?” I was interested.
His lips curled up. “You know what, I have some things I think you would like. Let me go find my stash; it’s only a bit out of the city, then I’ll come back and let you pick something. I’m sure it’ll make you satisfied.”
He disappeared in a gust of wind.
Along with several plates on the table.
And of course, he took the jar with him.
I rolled my eyes but didn’t say anything in complaint. If he was going to pay for it, then by all means, he was welcome to take the rest.
I reached out and took Artoria’s hand as she smiled warmly at me.
I had a feeling this was going to be a fun adventure.
@****@
A/N
Establishing the timeline that Wilhelm arrives, it’s like right after the Dvalin incident but before Venti got his Gnosis stolen. Like, the city is still in celebration mode, if that makes sense; the Storm Terror thing was literally like one or two days ago. I felt like it was the best time to slot in, letting the Traveler be an established entity so Wilhelm doesn't really usurp that role. But also early enough for Wilhelm to get involved in anything I want him to. But don't expect him to just follow the traveler around getting involved in every plot; Wilhelm will be doing most of his own thing.
Anyways, an update on myself.
I went to a checkup at my doctor for post surgery. Turns out I ripped all my stitches, which is fun. So I have the big open wound now that was getting infected, so I’m on some pretty powerful antibiotics. Basically, it’s had me in a perpetual sort of foggy head space, which is why this is a bit late and the weekend’s chapters were reduce.
I’m doing a bit better, the Antibiotics help, but I’m just a bit slower than normal at the moment, so chapters may be a tad later than normal.