The Abyssal Mawsworn
A young, teenage-aged boy wakes up to the sound of birds chirping, bells ringing, and the merry chatting of the townsfolk already awake this early in the morning. He yawns and stretches, his body well rested after a previous night of hard work.

He looks at the other bed across the room, and notices that not only has its previous occupant already left it, but the bed is all nice and well-made, signaling to him that she's already been up for quite a while now.

"Uggh... she must be in the middle of making breakfast by now... I'd better get up right away and see what she's doing..."

He hops out of his bed and heads for the kitchen. As he expected, the "she" in question is in the middle of preparing something on the stove.

"La~! La la la, la~!"

"Morning, Barbara. I'd ask 'What are you making?', but from what I smell, and the fact you're so happily humming... I think can already guess."

Barbara: "Good morning, Markus! I'm making my special spicy soup! I'm almost done preparing it~!"

Markus: "I knew it." He groans, shaking his head in disappointment. "Really, do you need to be making that for breakfast? Again?"

Barbara: "Hey, don't be like that, Bro! It's good for you, and it's a nice, healthy way to start the day!" She responds with happiness contrasting Markus's, who's still feeling sleepy and groggy from just waking up.

Markus: "No way, you always go way too overboard with the spiciness! I wouldn't be able to taste anything else for the rest of the day if I took a sip of that!"

Barbara: "Oh come on, don't be so picky!"

Markus: "I'm not picky, I just don't have the tongue of a Pyro Whopperflower like you."

Barbara: "Whopperflowers don't have tongues, that doesn't make any sense!" She pouts, crossing her arms. "If it wasn't for your love of sweets, I'd think you had the tongue of a cat! Do you secretly have some Kätzlein blood in you, Markus?"

Markus: "Obviously not, because then you would too, Barb. Unless you're secretly adopted..."

Barbara: "Wait, why do I have to be the adopted one?!"

All of a sudden, a familiar face merrily comes bursting through the kitchen door.

"Yo! Morning Markus, Barbara! You two quarreling again?"

Markus: "No, we're not." He denies flatly. "Also, morning, Amber. You're here early."

Amber: "Yeah, I got up and came here as soon as I could, hoping you'd share some grub with me! You don't mind if I have a bite to eat with you two, right?"

Markus: "Sorry, you're too late, we already finished eating. Guess you'll have to starve..."

Amber: "Hey Markus, that's not funny, I can see you still in the middle of preparing food!" She narrows her eyes, noticing him trying to fight off a smirk.

Barbara: "Quit messing around, Bro." She says to Markus sternly, although while trying to stifle her own laugh. She then turns to Amber and says, "Anyway, of course you can eat with us, Amber. But gosh, you must've gotten up so early, you're already suited up and everything!"

Amber: "Of course, an Outrider like me is always up and at 'em in a jiffy!"

Barbara: "Unlike Markus, who's still in his PJs..." She says with a giggle.

Markus: He blushes lightly, rolling his eyes. "Yesterday was a long, tough day, okay? Leave me alone..."

Amber: "Don't worry Markus, I know full well how hard you worked! I'm so proud of my junior Outrider!"

Markus blushes even more, hiding his face.

Barbara: "Feel free to take a seat over there Amber, we'll make some extra food so you can eat with us."

Amber: "Thanks a bunch!" She happily sits down at one of the kitchen tables, watching Barbara and Markus prepare breakfast.

Markus: "I'll make some eggs and hash browns, I guess..."

Barbara: "Oh, I can help out with that..."

Markus: "No, it's okay, don't worry about it. You finish up with what you're doing. I'm mostly making this for me anyway, since I don't want to touch your dumb soup..."

Barbara: "Oh come on, at least have some of it!"

Amber: She laughs heartily at their arguing. "Gosh, I'm so jealous of you sometimes, Markus. It'd be so much fun if I had a younger sister to make breakfast with, too!"

Markus: "You only say that because you don't have one..."

Barbara: "Hey!" She retorts, pouting again.

Markus: "Relax, I'm only joking. Anyway, the food should be ready soon..."

After a few more minutes, Markus and Barbara finish preparing the food, and all three of them spend some time eating and chatting with each other. Markus makes sure to avoid eating as much of Barbara's spicy soup as he can, much to her chagrin.

Once they're all done eating, Markus goes back to his room to get ready, suiting up into his uniform and grabbing his bow as well, before heading out with Amber. They both walk out of Favonius Cathedral, where Markus and Barbara call home.

Amber: "Even after all this time, I'm still amazed at the size of our city's cathedral. It's so cool that you live in a place like this, Markus!"

Markus: "Really? I'd like to move out already, and get some sort of place of my own, like you. Especially so I can finally not have to share a room with my sister anymore..."

Amber: "Aww, don't say that! Barbara would be so lonely!"

Markus: "She's already 14 now, and will still have all of the nuns to keep her company. She'll be fine." He shrugs.

Amber: She shakes her head with a small smile. "You always say that, Markus. I know better than anyone that you'll never really abandon Barbara like that, right?"

Markus: "Hmph."

Amber and Markus leave the cathedral and head to the lower district of Mondstadt, Mond's main city. The wind rustles through the streets, carrying the scent of the freshly made food from Good Hunter. The sun is shining brightly and there's barely a cloud in the sky.

Amber: "It's such a great and beautiful day for a patrol!" She says as she cheerfully waves at the passing townsfolk. "Let's do our best to keep everyone safe! As the best Outriders in all of Mond, we have a lot of people counting on us!"

Markus: "We're the only Outriders in all of Mond, Amber..." He reminds her, shaking his head. "But... yes. Of course. I'll do my best, as always."

As they're about to head out of the city, they're both stopped by someone shouting behind them. Definitely a familiar face, but not one they expected to call out to them like this, especially so early in the morning.

"Excuse me, Outriders Markus and Amber! Don't leave just yet!"

Amber: "O-oh, it's... Miss Jean! E-er, I mean... Master Jean!" She corrects herself nervously. "Sorry, I still haven't gotten used to that yet..."

Jean: "That's alright, Amber. I've only been the Acting Grand Master for a few weeks now, don't worry about it."

Amber: "B-but that's a really big deal though, it's not something to be taken lightly! Isn't that right, Markus?"

Markus: "U-uh, yeah... O-of course..." He looks away from Jean, feeling even more nervous than Amber.

Jean: "But enough about that, there's something important I need to discuss with you. Some travelers spotted a strange creature near the mountains. They said it's massive and very dangerous."

Amber: "W-what?! No way!" She says worriedly.

Jean: "I'm planning on sending a group of knights there to investigate further, and hopefully stop it from potentially harming any nearby villagers. I was hoping you'd accompany me, Outrider Amber." She says to her, a stern and serious look on her face.

Amber: "M-me? Really? Gosh, I'm flattered that you think I could be of assistance!"

Jean: "Don't say that, Amber. Your work as an Outrider has been very helpful to the citizens of Mond, and I'm sure it'll be a big help to have you along for this mission as well."

Markus: "U-um, uh, what about... me?" He utters uneasily.

Jean: "E-er, oh right. Markus, um..." She pauses awkwardly, glancing away from him.

Markus: "U-uh, if it's okay Si-... er, Master Jean, I'd like to also..."

Jean: "I apologize, Outrider Markus, but I request that you stay behind and head off on your normal patrol, as you were." She says more sternly, suddenly cutting him off.

Markus: "H-huh? But why?!" He exclaims, his nervousness replaced with slight annoyance.

Jean: "W-well, you see..." She clears her throat. "This could possibly be a very dangerous mission. I'd rather not... risk putting you in danger like that."

Markus: "But I'm an Outrider, too! If you're fine with sending Amber, then it should also be fine to send me as well, Sis! E-er, Master Jean!"

Jean: Her expression softens slightly. "I-I... understand what you're saying, but I must insist that you remain here. Amber's further experience as an Outrider and her special training make her better suited for this task." She explains firmly. "Like I said, please head off on your normal patrol, and leave this situation to us."

Markus: "You... just don't think I could be of any help, do you?" He says sourly, turning his head away from the both of them.

Jean: "N-no, that's not...!"

Markus: "I-it's fine... I get it..." He turns his head slightly towards his senior Outrider as he slowly walks back into the city. "Good luck on your mission, Amber..."

Amber looks at him sadly as he leaves, while Jean continues to call out to him, to no avail.

Markus: "Figures... Even after all this time, Sis doesn't think I'm capable enough to help out on any special missions..." He thinks to himself, as he continues to plod through the city.

Passersby notice him and are concerned about his bitter mood, but he pays none of them any mind.

Markus: "But I won't just spend all day sulking and do nothing about it. Not this time."

Markus heads towards a small building across from Good Hunter, clearly with some plan in mind.

Markus: "I'm going to need more information, though. If the creature was spotted near the mountains, there might be one person who'd possibly know more about it..."

He heads into the newly built Alchemy Lab, to inquire with his... "close friend" about the massive mountain creature. Inside, he slowly approaches one of the lab doors, taking a deep breath and calming himself as to not make his still rather sour mood obvious. He then immediately opens the door, barging in to see the person inside. The person jumps a bit in surprise, startled by his unexpected guest. He is surrounded by flasks and beakers, and seems to be in the middle of some tests. He turns his head to look at Markus, slight annoyance on his face.

"I should've guessed it was you. Only you would barge into this room like that. How many times have I told you to knock, Markus?"

Markus: "Sorry Albedo, didn't mean to startle you." He utters, scratching the back of his head a bit nervously. "I... just wanted to talk to you about something."

Albedo: "Yes, I'd assume that's why you're here, especially this early in the day. You're normally on your morning patrol around this time, are you not?"

Markus: "U-uh... um... never mind that. So... I heard that some travelers spotted a strange, massive creature near the mountains. Would you... know anything about that, perchance?"

Albedo: "Ah yes, Master Jean asked me about the same thing not too long ago. Apparently it was spotted somewhere north of Dragonspine."

Markus: "That's what I figured. I thought you might know something about it, as I'm well aware of how much time you spend around that area."

Albedo: "Hmm... and you wouldn't be wrong about that. But... how strange."

Markus: "Huh?"

Albedo: "Like I just said, Master Jean inquired about this already. I was under the assumption that she and some of the other knights would be handling that situation." He eyes Markus suspiciously. "Now, why is a mere Outrider like yourself in need of this information?"

Markus: "'Mere Outrider'? I'll have you know that Si-... er, Master Jean asked Amber specifically for her aid in this matter as well." He says with a huff.

Albedo: "But... not you?"

Markus: "... N-no. Not me."

Albedo: "So... why do you wish to know about it, then?"

Markus: "Uh... morbid curiosity?"

Albedo: "..."

Markus: "..."

Albedo: "Do you really expect me to buy that excuse?"

Markus: "I don't know... probably?"

Albedo: He sighs. "Very well. I'll tell you."

Markus's eyes light up, happy that Albedo actually decided to humor him.

Albedo: He pauses for a bit, seeming to contemplate something, before he says, "Have you ever heard of the Abyssal Mawsworn?"

Markus: "... Huh? I'm sorry, what?"

Albedo: "The Abyssal Mawsworn." He says again. "That is the 'creature' that was spotted near the mountains. It has the appearance of a giant black-armored knight, and it rises from the depths of the abyss to..."

Markus: "You're just messing with me, aren't you? You totally made that up just now."

Albedo: "... No, I didn't."

Markus: "You hesitated when you said that."

Albedo: "I'm telling you the truth. Whether you choose to believe me is up to you." He smirks at him. "But it's not like it matters, as you wouldn't be foolish enough to try and challenge such a creature, would you?"

Markus: "Mmngh..." He looks away from him nervously.

Albedo: "Surely you aren't thinking... 'If I manage to find and defeat the Abyssal Mawsworn, then Big Sis will surely shower me with lots of praise!'"

Markus: "It's not praise that I'm after!"

Albedo: He grins, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Markus: "U-uh, I mean... I'm not thinking that at all! Obviously!"

Albedo: "Right... okay then."

"... Um... Albedo, are you there?" They both suddenly hear some light knocking from the other side of the door. "I hear you talking to someone."

Albedo: "Oh, Klee. You can come in."

Mond's "infamous" Spark Knight, and Albedo's younger sister, opens the door happily. "Ooh, Markus is here, too! Hello!"

Markus: "Good morning, Klee." He waves hello happily to the joyful young girl.

Klee: "Are the both of you not busy today? Will you please play with Klee? Pretty, pretty please?" She practically begs.

Albedo: "Sorry Klee, I'm actually in the middle of something at the moment." He answers apologetically. "Unlike you, a certain someone doesn't know how to knock."

Markus: "I already said I was sorry, geez..." He grumbles.

Albedo: "Speaking of Markus, he happens to be free right now. In fact, he was just telling me how he'd like to spend some time with you."

Markus: "H-huh?!"

Klee: "R-really?!" She says excitedly. "You'll play with me, Markus?"

Markus: "H-hey, wait just a minute! I...!"

Albedo: "It's no trouble, surely? After all, you took the time to pay me a visit to ask about the Abyssal Mawsworn, which you absolutely aren't planning on searching for, correct?" He teases, getting a sharp glare from Markus in response.

Klee: "Abyss... Worm?" She says, looking confused.

Markus: "U-um, it's nothing. Don't worry about it..."

Klee: She notices his bitter mood, and her joyfulness lessens. "What's wrong, Markus? Do you... not want to play with Klee?"

Markus: "N-no! Uh, I mean... yes! Of course I do!" He laughs nervously.

Klee: "Yay!" She bounces up and down happily, taking Markus by the hand. "Then let's go right now!"

Albedo: "Have fun you two!" He waves to them happily as Klee practically drags Markus out the door, Markus giving Albedo one more angry glare before he leaves.

--

Markus: "U-uh, so, Klee..." He utters, his mind still on what Albedo told him earlier. "What do you want to do today?"

He asks her, as they both walk towards the city's main gate.

Klee: "Klee was thinking we could find a big lake and do some fish-blasting! It'll be so much fun!"

Markus: "But weren't you sent to Solitary Confinement the last time you did that...?"

Klee: "It's fine... as long as we don't get caught! You won't tattle on me, will you, Markus?"

Markus: "U-uh..."

Klee: "Please don't! Please don't tell Miss Jean about this..."

Markus flinches at the sudden mention of his older sister.

Klee: "Please keep this a secret, Markus..." She looks up at him with innocent, teary-looking eyes. "Pretty pleeease?"

Markus: He sighs, really not in the mood to say no to Klee's antics today. "Okay... I'll keep this a secret. Let's go fish-blasting, Klee."

Klee: "Yay~! You're the best, Markus! Has Klee ever told you you're the best? Because you are!"

Markus: He chuckles nervously. "Thank you, Klee. Now, let's get going..."

--

They decide to head to a lake south of Springvale to do their "fish-blasting"...

... Well, mostly Klee to do her fish-blasting, really.

As Klee takes her special "Jumpty Dumpty" explosives out of her bag, Markus is still unable to take his mind off of the special mission that Jean assigned Amber to assist with... but not him.

Markus: "Ugh, I want to go help out too, and prove I can be useful to Sis... er, and the other knights! I can't be wasting time here, playing with Klee! I feel bad for thinking that, but..."

Klee: She notices his dour expression, and frowns. "What's the matter, Markus? Do you not want to play with me anymore?"

Markus: "O-oh no, that's not it! I just..."

Suddenly, they spot something rolling towards them, and "the something" ends up falling into the lake.

"Bennett!" Someone exclaims as they sprint towards the lake where "the something" (apparently Bennett) fell into. The scruffy boy jumps into it immediately to try and save his friend.

Klee: "Oh no, Bennett fell into the lake! Good thing Klee didn't start fish-blasting yet!"

Markus: "... Really, Bennett? Again?" He sighs, not nearly as alarmed as the others, as he's gotten used to seeing this kind of thing happen to him. "Razor, what the heck were you two doing for this to happen?"

Razor: "No, not me." He responds as he manages to pull Bennett out of the lake. "I saw Bennett get launched out of domain near Wolvendom, and I follow him all the way here."

Markus: "All the way from Wolvendom?! But that's... How...?" He sighs again, shaking his head. "... No, never mind, I shouldn't be surprised. This is Bennett we're talking about..."

Lying down on the ground, Bennett wakes up, spitting up some lake water.

Klee: "Bennett! Are you okay?" She asks worriedly.

Bennett: "Y-yeah, I'm okay. Thanks... Klee? Oh, Markus and Razor are here, too! What are all of you doing here in Wolvendom?"

Markus: "We're in Springvale, Bennett."

Bennett: "W-what, really? How'd I end up all the way over here?"

Markus groans and places a hand on his face, not knowing how to even respond to that.

Bennett: "Well, anyway, I was exploring a domain earlier. Let me tell you guys what I saw while... ow!" He suddenly clutches his arm in pain as he sits up.

Markus: "Don't move around so much, you got a big gash on your arm after falling into the lake." He tells him, using his Anemo abilities to heal his arm, and dry him off as well.

Bennett: "Gosh, thanks Markus. I'm so glad you happened to be here!"

Markus: "Don't mention it, although I wasn't able to fix you up completely. I'm not nearly as good at healing as Barb after all, so try to avoid injuring yourself anymore than you already have..."

Bennett: "Got it!"

Markus: "Do you really 'Got it!', though...?" He shrugs with a sigh.

Bennett: "By the way, what were you two doing before I... got here?"

Klee: "We were fish-blasting!" She says excitedly. "U-um, well, actually... we were about to go fish-blasting... Before you fell in the lake..."

Bennett: "Oh really?! Sorry about that!" He laughs nervously, scratching the back of his head.

Razor: "Markus... let Burny Girl fish-blast?!" He says, looking at him in surprise. "That is... not normal for Markus."

Markus: "U-um, well..." He starts to respond, stammering.

Klee: "That's because Markus is the best today, and agreed to play with Klee! And he even took me to go fish-blasting!"

Razor and even Bennett look at Markus strangely.

Markus: "W-wait... hang on a minute!" He suddenly thinks to himself, lighting up as a thought occurs to him. "Bennett and Razor are here now! If I could come up with an excuse to step away, I could just leave Klee with them, couldn't I?!"

Bennett: "What's up, Markus?"

Markus: "U-uh um... oh gosh, I just remembered something! I, uh... had a thing to do that completely slipped my mind! Whoops!" He gets up, slowly backing away from them.

Klee: "Awww... really? So you're not going to play with me today?" She says sadly.

Markus: "Um... no. Sorry, Klee..." He replies, feeling genuinely sorry for letting her down. "But Bennett and Razor are here! I'm sure they'll be happy to play with you instead!"

Klee: "B-but..." She still looks sad.

Razor: "Markus acting strange." He cuts in, eyeing him with suspicion.

Markus: "U-uh... no, I'm not! I really do have something I need to take care of. Something... Albedo asked me to do for him! Y-yes, that's it!"

Klee: "Albedo? Oh right, Klee saw you talking with him earlier today."

Markus: "Y-yes! Yeah. Exactly." He nods, more confident his excuse to leave will end up working after all.

Klee: "Is it about that 'Abyss Worm' thing you were talking about?"

Markus: "Oh no." He thinks to himself, practically freezing in place.

Razor: "'Abyss Worm'? What is that?"

Markus: "Oh no." He thinks to himself again.

Bennett: "Hey, I don't know what this 'Abyss Worm' thing is, but why don't we lend you a hand with it, Markus?" He suggests, after getting up off the ground finally.

Klee: "Yeah, that's a great idea, Bennett!" She cheers in agreement, and Razor nods as well.

Markus: "OH. NO." He thinks to himself a third time.

Bennett: "Alright everyone, it's decided!" He pumps up his fist in the air excitedly. "We're going to help Markus wi-..."

Markus: "Don't be ridiculous, there's no way I'll bring you all along for something like that! You're much too young and inexperi-...!"

Markus freezes, stopping himself as he looks at the three of them, who are staring at him silently in shock from his sudden shouting.

Markus: "I'm only 16. And both Bennett and Razor are two years younger than me. And Klee... isn't even 10 yet. Leading this group to attempt to find and face something so dangerous, is obviously something I shouldn't be doing... And yet..." He thinks to himself, feeling conflicted. "If I don't accept their help, I'll be treating them the same way Sis treated me..."

Markus sighs, sitting down on a nearby rock.

Markus: "... I'm sorry. I'll... tell you all everything..."

Klee: "What's wrong, Markus? You seem so sad..."

Bennett: "Is the Abyss Worm that dangerous?"

Markus: "Okay, first of all, it's actually called the 'Abyssal Mawsworn'... Assuming that Albedo wasn't just messing with me, that is..." Markus explains to them. "Anyway, Big Si-... er, Master Jean is leading a group of knights to go take care of it as we speak. She asked Amber to assist her as well."

Klee: "Really?! But... then why didn't you go with them, Markus?"

Markus: "Because, clearly Si-... er, Master Jean doesn't think I'm capable enough to help out with something like this..."

The other three are clearly shocked by this news.

Bennett: "H-huh?! There's no way! Why would Miss Jean think something like that?! You're one of the most capable people I know, Markus!"

Razor: "Yes, I agree." He nods profusely.

Markus: "I-I, uh... appreciate it, but..." He sighs again, burying his head between his knees. "To the Master of the Knights of Favonius... No, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius like her, someone like me is surely..."

Klee: "Miss Jean... didn't say something mean to you, did she? Klee hopes you didn't get into a fight! That would be really bad!" She says sadly, getting teary-eyed. "Family shouldn't fight..."

Markus: "H-hold on, calm down Klee, you've got it all wrong! That's not what I...!" He gets up, trying to comfort her. "I just... I suppose I still haven't done enough to prove myself to her yet, so that's why I..."

Bennett: "Well, then you just need to prove you can handle things just fine by defeating that Abyss Worm!" He interrupts, trying to encourage him.

Markus: "It's not that simple! And I just said it's called the Abyssal Mawsworn!"

Klee: "It'll be okie dokie, Markus! Because we're all going to help you~!" She says with just as much determination as Bennett.

Razor: "Yes. We be happy to help." He adds enthusiastically.

Markus: "Y-you three... I..." He shrugs, a small smile forming on his face as their determination rubs off on him. "Well, I suppose I was thinking about trying to head off to fight it myself, so..."

Bennett: "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

--

The four of them walk to the area north of Dragonspine where the "Abyssal Mawsworn" should be located. It takes them quite a bit of time to reach their destination... not because it's far from where they were before, but because Bennett ends up tripping down multiple hills and cliffs on the way there.

Bennett: "A-alright... finally made it!" He triumphantly and energetically raises a fist in the air, despite being covered in multiple cuts and bruises.

Razor: "I thought Bennett not make the trip." He utters, impressed by Bennett's lingering enthusiasm.

Klee: "Klee thinks he tripped down five or six cliffs!"

Markus: "Which is impressive, considering we walked uphill to get here!"

Markus sighs, trying his best to use his Anemo abilities to heal Bennett's injuries (again).

Bennett: "T-thanks, Markus." He says happily, scratching the back of his head. "Alright guys, let's go and defeat that Abyss Worm!"

Markus: "For the last time, it's called the...!" He pauses, as he realizes something strange. "Wait a minute..."

Razor: "Huh? What is wrong?"

Markus: "I don't know how I didn't notice this before, but we haven't run into a single knight on the way here... Is this not the right place?"

Bennett: "Maybe... they already started fighting it, but they ended up chasing it away somewhere?" He suggests.

Markus: "Oh, yeah, I didn't even consider that. They definitely should've found it before we did, so that does make a lot of sense..."

Klee: "But... where did they all go? How will we help fight it now? Klee is... getting kinda cold..." She whimpers, shivering a bit.

Markus: "O-oh, sorry Klee, surely we'll..."

All of a sudden, they begin to hear a loud swishing and creaking noise approaching them overhead.

Markus: "That sound... Is that...!?"

A large brown, mechanical being flies towards them at lightning speed, sensing their presence.

Bennett & Klee: "What is that thing?!" They shout in unison.

Markus: "That's... a Ruin Hunter! What the heck's it doing all the way out here?!"

Before it lunges at them, Bennett and Razor dodge in one direction, while Markus grabs Klee and dodges the other.

Bennett: "Is that the Abyss Worm?!"

Klee: "But that's not a worm!"

Markus: "Nor is it any sort of 'giant-armored knight'..."

The Ruin Hunter stops, and slowly turns around once it realizes that it missed hitting any of them.

Markus: "That being said... this is really bad..." He thinks to himself, while still holding onto and protecting Klee. "I'd have a hard time taking down one of these things even if Amber were here... And yet I'm suppose to defeat it with just this group...? What have I gotten us into?!"

Klee: "Markus, are you okay? You're shaking...!"

Markus: "H-huh?!"

He shakes his head vigorously, to calm himself down.

Markus: "What am I thinking, they all came here to help me prove myself! I can't just give up!" He thinks to himself again. "From what I remember, it's most effective to attack a Ruin Hunter's eye and... arms? I think? I've encountered one before with Amber, but the most we did is stun it and run away from it..."

The Ruin Hunter begins its charge again, towards Markus and Klee.

Markus: "No time to overthink this!" He exclaims, aiming and firing a well-aimed shot at its large eye.

That's enough to halt its charge just in time, causing it to keel back a bit and slowly fall towards the ground.

Markus: "Bennett, Razor, quick! Slash at its arms!" He shouts, ordering them to immediately attack it while it's stunned and unable to move.

They both nod, and waste no time attacking the mechanical being, hitting two of its four arms with strong slashes. Bennett with his sword, and Razor with sharp claws created with his Electro Vision.

Markus: "That didn't seem to do much to it, but... As long as I'm able to stun it properly each time it begins to move again, and we keep hitting it with strong attacks, we should be able to defeat it!" He says as he feels a lot more confident about the situation.

... However, his confidence doesn't last long, as he hears another swishing and creaking noise approach from behind them.

Klee: "O-oh no, it's another one!" She cries out in fear.

Markus: "I didn't expect there to be multiple of them! I should've figured this wouldn't be that easy!"

As Markus sees the other one charge towards Bennett and Razor this time, he tries to aim another shot at it, but as it's further away he misses and hits the top part of its head instead. The arrow simply bounces off of it, not even making it flinch.

He barely has time to worry about the two's safety though, as he hears the first one recover and prepare another attack towards him and Klee.

Bennett: "Markus, what do we do?!" He frantically asks him, as Markus tries to think of what to do next.

Razor: "Markus!"

Markus: "I-I don't have time to prepare another arrow! And even if I did, there's no way I can hit both at once!" He thinks, panicking.

Klee: "A-aaah!" She desperately throws a Jumpty Dumpty explosive at the incoming Ruin Hunter, but it barely fazes it, and it continues its charge.

Markus: "Oh no, this was all a mistake! I wasn't prepared for this at all! And not only did I put myself in danger, I dragged the other three into this too...!"

He thinks as both Ruin Hunters get closer and closer.

Markus: "This is exactly why I was left out of this mission, I really wasn't ready to handle something like this... I shouldn't have been so stubborn..." He instinctively huddles his body over Klee's to protect her from the incoming attack. "Big Sis... I-I'm so sorry..."

As the Ruin Hunter's attack is about to hit the two of them, someone rushes in front of them, hitting the massive mechanical being with a strong wind attack, flinging it backwards.

Markus: "B-Big Sis?!" He exclaims, shocked to see Jean standing in-between them and the Ruin Hunter.

Jean slowly walks towards the once again dazed machine, glaring at it angrily.

Jean: "Gale Blade!" She hits it with a strong, Anemo-infused slash, slicing it in two and destroying it.

Klee: "W-whoa... Miss Jean is amazing, she cut it in half and beat it Markus!"

Markus stands there in silence, amazed by his older sister's strength...

... but then quickly turns around, remembering the other Ruin Hunter.

Markus: "Bennett, Razor!" He calls out in concern.

Bennett: "Don't worry, we're okay!" He waves at them, the other Ruin Hunter lying in pieces on the ground near him and Razor. They are now accompanied by Amber and the other knights, as well as...

Markus: "A-Albedo?!"

Albedo: "I thought it would be a good idea to return to this area, just in case a certain foolish Outrider thought to look for the massive creatures that have invaded this place, despite my warnings." He explains as he approaches Markus. "And it looks like my concern was founded, because not only did you drag Klee into your selfish search, you even involved Bennett and Razor as well."

Markus looks away from him, having nothing to say in response, agreeing with him wholeheartedly and feeling very guilty about the whole thing.

Klee gets up and runs to Albedo, hugging his waist.

Albedo: "Oh dear. Are you alright, Klee? You must've been really scared, I imagine..."

Klee: "Albedo, d-don't say such mean things to Markus!" She shouts with a sniffle, surprising both Markus and Albedo.

Albedo: "Hm?"

Markus: "N-no, Klee... As much as it pains me to admit it, I..."

Klee: "Markus was really cool! When the giant robot came flying at us, he shot it in the eye and stopped it! And then he told Bennett and Razor to attack it, and then he tried to hit the other one with an arrow, too... Without ever getting scared! It was really cool Albedo, you should've seen it!"

Albedo: "I did see it, actually."

Markus: "U-uh... did you now?"

Albedo: "Indeed. Including when you tried to shoot the second Ruin Hunter, and pathetically missed..."

Markus: "Mmmgh..."

Albedo: "... and when you shielded Klee with your body to protect her." He finishes, smirking.

Markus: "H-huh...?"

Albedo: "You may have selfishly dragged Klee and the others into a very dangerous situation, but in the end you at least put protecting her above all else. So, I'll let you off the hook this time."

Markus looks over at Klee, who Albedo is patting on the head comfortingly, and then at Bennett and Razor, who are being checked for injuries by the knights.

Albedo: "You tend to look down on yourself often, but you do have a lot of people who look up to you, enough that they may even trust you with their lives. Don't forget that, Markus."

Markus: "... Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry..." He sighs. "It's pretty humiliating to be reminded of something like this by you, though..."

Amber: "Markus, are you alright?!" She runs up to him in concern, after having finished checking on Bennett and Razor. "When we were fighting the Ruin Hunters, two of them managed to escape and ended up back here! And after everything we did to keep them away from any civilians, too!"

Markus: "W-wait, there were more than two?!"

Amber: "Yeah, there were five of them! Crazy, huh? Some adventurers or travelers must've attracted them over here somehow while on their way from Liyue!"

Markus: "That is... absolutely insane..."

Amber: "I know, right? No wonder the people around here were so frightened! But... it's all good now, they've all been defeated!"

Markus: "Y-yeah, thanks to the efforts of you and the other Knights of Favonius..." He looks down at the ground, sulking.

Amber: "Um, by the way, how did you even end up here, Markus? Today's patrol shouldn't have been anywhere near here..."

Markus: "Well, I... did something incredibly selfish. It's pretty obvious to me now why you were chosen to aid the knights on this mission, and I wasn't..."

Amber: "Markus?" She tilts her head, frowning.

Markus: He turns to Jean, and reluctantly approaches her. "U-uh, Big Si-... um, I mean, Master Jean?"

Jean is startled by his voice and him directly coming up to talk to her, and slowly turns her head to face him.

Markus: "I... I'm sorry. You had every reason to think I was too... incompetent to help you with..."

Before he can finish, Jean suddenly embraces him, holding him tightly in her arms.

Markus: "S-Si-... Sis?!" He looks up at her in shock.

Jean: "I'm... so glad you're alright, Markus..."

Markus: "N-no... It was my fault. I was too reckless, I shouldn't have... I-I'm sorry..."

Jean: "No, I'm the one who should apologize. I should've known this would happen, after what I said."

Markus: "W-wha?! What do you..."

Jean: "I'd never think you were incompetent. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. I know how hard you've been working, trying your best to help out the Knights and the citizens of Mond." She looks down at his face, smiling softly. "You must've been really upset that I left you out of the mission, and came here to try and prove yourself right? You did act very recklessly, but... as the Acting Grand... no, as your older sister, I shouldn't have put you in the position to want to do something like that in the first place."

Markus: "B-but, then why...?"

Jean's professional demeanor melts away as she gently places a hand on Markus's head, hugging him into her chest comfortingly.

Jean: "I... let my bias cloud my judgment. All I was thinking was that I didn't want my dear younger brother to get hurt... I should've treated you like the proper Knight of Favonius you are..."

Markus begins to tear up a bit, both from the tension of his earlier confrontation fading, as well as his sister's words.

Jean: "I-I'm so sorry..."

Markus: "S-Sis... I'm sorry..."

Amber: "Oh, Markus..."

Albedo: "This was certainly quite the ordeal, but at least it gave these two awkward siblings a chance to open up and genuinely share their feelings with one another... if only for a moment."

Klee: "Klee is so happy that they're not fighting after all!"

--

After a good while, they all make their way back home to Mondstadt.

Bennett: "All's well that ends well!"

Markus: "You're looking awfully enthusiastic, all things considered..."

Razor: "No need to worry, Markus. We both are okay." He assures him.

Markus: "Well... alright. If you say so." He sighs again, this time in relief.

Bennett: "I sure am glad those Abyss Worms were taken care of, though. I definitely didn't expect a second one to show up! I don't know what would've happened if the knights hadn't come and helped us..."

Markus: "Yeah, I'm sorry for bringing you guys to a place like that... We definitely weren't ready to deal with that kind of situation. Also, I keep telling you, it's not 'Abyss Worm', it's Abyssal Mawsworn... Although I suppose in the end they ended up being Ruin Hunters all alo-..."

He pauses, realizing something.

Markus: "Albedo."

Albedo: "Yes, my friend?"

Markus: "What you told me... about the 'Abyssal Mawsworn'... It was all absolute nonsense, wasn't it?!"

Albedo stares at him in silence for a bit, before bursting out laughing.

Markus: "Al-be-do." He repeats, glaring at him angrily.

Albedo: "You honestly believed such an obvious lie? Goodness, you are as entertaining as ever, Markus!" He responds, not being to hold back his laughter.

Markus: "ALBEDO!!!"

Chapter End