A Curtain Call for a Colorful Summer Night!

Morning 旅行者, morning Paimon! Thought I'd come over and say hi, puffer floaters and all!

Morning, Mualani! How are you so full of energy? Weren't you the one partying the hardest last night!?

That was last night! I got a good night's sleep, and now I'm good as new!

Here, take this. It's your prize for completing the album — I picked yours up too, to save you the trip!

Wow! Thanks, Mualani! That was so nice!

When it comes to helping people, a good guide always thinks one step ahead, right?

Oh, and speaking of work, I guess our vacation's almost over, huh... Probably for the best. If I don't head back soon, I'm worried my little doggie won't even remember me.

And after talking to the others, it seems like everyone is just about ready to get back.

Some are missing their families, others are going through Dandelion Wine withdrawal, I guess...

Even Chasca seems to be feeling it. Not that she'd ever admit it, but I have noticed her gazing back towards the Flower-Feather Clan at night.

I completely understand...

But summer's not over yet! So I say... we squeeze a few more unforgettable moments into the time we've got left!

Like another group photo!

Hey, how about taking one right here? After all this time, Paimon's grown kind of attached to this place.

Great idea! Why don't you spruce up this wall, and I'll go gather the others. See you over at the plaza!

Wow, that looks amazing!

Guys, over here! We're gonna take a picture together!

Not bad, not bad! You're all looking full of energy this morning — not a trace of bed head or dark circles in sight!

Whoa, you even look out for stuff like that?

Well, what kind of guide would I be if I didn't pay attention to the details?

Yeah, and what kind of bard would I be if I didn't appreciate a good drink?

...What's that got to do with anything!?

Hahaha! Somehow, though, I know exactly what he means!

Friends that talk nonsense together, stay together.

Do you really think that? Or are you just playing along to keep Tone-Deaf Bard happy too?

I see no harm in a bit of nonsense.

Here, put on this Asha headband. It's a souvenir from the rest of us!

Oh, thanks!

It really suits you!

Alrighty then...

Three, two, one...

...

Paimon?

...Sorry, all that nonsense has got Paimon's head muddled. Her mind's gone completely blank...

Don't want it all to end, huh?

Are you worried, once you say those words, the vacation will officially be over?

How the... Paimon thought Peacemakers couldn't read people's minds!

Haha, Paimon...

Don't worry, Paimon.

Summer's sure to come again, just like you said when you made that wish to the Pyro Archon.

Even though we'll all be going our separate ways, as long as we cherish each other's friendship, I just know that our paths will cross again.

Bennett's becoming quite the talker, huh, Professor Venti?

Ah, well, I wouldn't dare take credit for something like that...

Your tone would suggest otherwise... C'mon, Paimon was just starting to feel inspired...

Why don't we just give it another try?

Yeah, let's do it all together this time!

Huh. What should we shout?

Lucky star?

Sounds good!

Three, two, one...

Lucky star!

...So, what are your plans for the future, Bennett?

If you're having trouble deciding, you can always park it in the People of the Springs for a bit, or however long you want, really.

Thanks for the kind offer, Mualani.

I actually went to see the Pyro Archon to tell her how grateful I am for everything she's done for me.

She told me that the Domain we entered was an Abyssal simulation of the Mare Jivari. It was extremely unstable, and now it's completely gone.

Later, when we got onto talking about my future, she said I was more than welcome to stay here in Natlan... but also that she would respect my decision, whatever it turned out to be.

And after thinking it over, long and hard... I've decided to return to Mondstadt.

You miss your dads, don't you?

That's definitely part of it. I promised to tell them everything that happened on this adventure, and I can't go back on my word.

But also...

When I said goodbye to my mom and dad, I promised them I'd become the most legendary adventurer in all of Teyvat someday.

And no adventurer should stay in one place for too long.

Bennett...

What if your luck starts going downhill again the moment you leave Natlan?

Haha, it's fine.

The warmth and kindness I've experienced on this adventure is enough to get me through all the challenges that lie ahead.

As I attempt to shape my own fate, I want to take that same kindness and pass it forward. That's something I've always believed in.

Hear, hear! To our leader!

To our leader, Bennett!

Cheers!

Uhh... This is gonna be another all-nighter, isn't it...

Hehe, the fun never stops! Who's up to perform next?

Bennett's almost fallen asleep several times now...

No, no... I can still... keep going...

Go get some rest now, guys. And seeing as you've still got the energy, I'll leave the clean-up to you, Mualani...

Huh? Why me...?

旅行者, perhaps you could join me for a walk?

I know a great spot.

You might be tone-deaf, but you sure know how to sniff out a good view...

Haha, glad you like it. Some stories aren't meant for the birds — only for the stars high in the sky.

Time for a bedtime story?

Haha... More like a story that begins with "Time" itself.

Long, long ago, "Time"Istaroth began to write the story of this world.

To her, all living beings were equal, both in their value and insignificance.

Like an ancient scroll, she engraved upon her memory all people, all events, all encounters, and all farewells.

Back then, as an Anemo spirit, I had a chance encounter with "Time" at the Thousand Winds Temple.

Hearing my wishes, she entrusted me with fragments of her power and authority...

Sounds like you've heard the story of "Time and the Wind" before.

Charming, isn't it?

Through the memories engraved in rituals, poems, ruins, and ancient texts, the same beings she considered so insignificant have met her... time and time again.

So this is the story you wanted to share?

Mmm... More like the prologue.

The corruption of the Mare Jivari is tied to time itself. To put it another way, it is a calamity present in every moment that will ever be.

Unlike "Time" herself, I have always cherished many wishes in my heart.

Five hundred years ago, to prevent the corruption of the Mare Jivari from spreading beyond Tenochtzitoc...

...I blew it off the timeline, turning it into the "Windless Land."

So that's the truth behind the Mare Jivari's disappearance?

Oops, seems like I may have confused you...

If you're asking about how the Mare Jivari disappeared from Tenochtzitoc two or three decades ago, there may be someone else better suited to tell that story.

The Mare Jivari has been the bearer of too many stories that weren't meant to be its own... I merely played a part in one of its chapters.

And the choice I made five hundred years ago came with a price.

Some souls were unable to return to Mondstadt as a result... while others stayed to settle in this land, merging with the Monetoo to become the Asha we see today.

So the reason you're here in Tenochtzitoc is because...

Correct. I'm here to collaborate with the current Pyro Archon, Mavuika.

You mean when we lit up that candle...?

Correct again. The flame was our signal.

Only by having Mavuika open a rift between that space and the true Mare Jivari could I sneak in and bring back all the souls who wished to return.

As for my little trick of bringing back memories as well... Heh, it's not the first time I've pulled that off.

Mavuika also mentioned that you were planning to introduce us... Looks like I beat you to it, huh?

I was glad to discover that she shares my love for fine wine and freedom. We got along great.

Well, it really took it out of me for a few days... In fact, I still feel pretty dead on my feet even now.

Oh, really?

But, thinking of all the Aphimead and Dandelion Wine still left to drink... I suppose I can hang in there a little longer.

You don't look that tired to Paimon, so don't think you can just pull out that little excuse and we'll suddenly foot all your bills!

Oh how you wound me, Paimon.

Venti...

You'll hook me up with some good liquor, won't you, 旅行者?

...

I suppose... to protect Mondstadt, and that everyone who wishes to stay there has the freedom to choose their own path.