Genshin Impact: A Fool

As the weeks flowed by like the gentle current of a river, Heins found himself settling into a rhythm of life in Mondstadt that he had never experienced before.

The days blurred together, each one filled with purpose and camaraderie that he had been lacking in his solitary existence within the Fatui.

Heins marveled at the passage of time, scarcely believing that over a month had slipped by since he first set foot in the bountiful lands of Mondstadt.

His days began with the eager arrival of Jean, her determination to master the art of swordsmanship never wavering. Heins watched with a mix of pride and astonishment as both Jean and Eula, who occasionally joined in, grew stronger, their skills honing under his rigorous tutelage.

The mornings were filled with the clash of steel and the sound of his own voice, raised in encouragement or admonishment as he guided the girls through the intricacies of swordplay.

Jean's natural talent shone through, her noble upbringing evident in her graceful movements and quick learning. Eula, too, proved to be a formidable knight-in-training, her solitary training in Dragonspine having forged a strength of will that few could match.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Diluc and Kaeya would make their appearance, their presence announced by the clamor of boisterous laughter and hearty backslaps.

Together, the three boys would venture into the wilderness, the two Mondstadt prodigies eager to learn from Heins' vast experience. Heins, in turn, found a strange sense of fulfillment in guiding them, in watching them grow and adapt to the challenges they faced.

The afternoons were often spent in the warm, inviting atmosphere of Dawn Winery, where Heins, Diluc, and Kaeya would while away the hours in camaraderie.

Over glasses of Mondstadt's fine wine and hearty meals, they would swap stories and tales of their adventures, their bond deepening with each passing day. Heins felt a sense of belonging, of being a part of something greater than himself, and he cherished it.

At times, the afternoons were also filled with the soft scolding of Jean and Eula, their voices rising in unison as they expressed their displeasure at Heins' absences during the day. Heins would listen, his heart swelling with a strange mix of guilt and affection, as the two girls made their disapproval known in no uncertain terms. Diluc and Kaeya, ever the mischievous pair, would watch with gleaming eyes and barely suppressed laughter, delighting in the spectacle of the girls' outrage.

As the sun began to set and the night crept in, Heins would make his way to the clearing right outside the walls of Mondstadt, becoming a regular for the guards, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and skill.

Under the silver light of the moon, he would pour over the ancient tomes he had recovered from the ruin of Yhers, his mind absorbing the secrets of philosophies, along with the mystery of the man called Kherzch. And, of course, he would train - honing his body and mind to the point of perfection, as he had been taught in the solidarity he underwent in the Fatui.

Through it all, Heins felt a sense of contentment and purpose that he had never known before. The months in Mondstadt had given him something that the Fatui never could - a sense of belonging, of being a part of a community that valued and accepted him for who he was.

Even then, Heins still found himself blankly staring at the moon.

As Heins sat alone atop the hill in Windrise, the gentle breeze carrying whispers of the meadow's secrets, he found his thoughts drifting to the past and the people who had shaped his life.

The moon hung low and full in the night sky, its silver light bathing the world below in an ethereal glow, as if the celestial body itself was a witness to the solemn vow he was about to make.

Heins' crimson eyes, as striking and intense as ever, stared up at the moon, seeing in its luminous surface a reflection of the woman who had become his guiding light and his reason for being.

Arlecchino, his beloved Mistress, the one who had taken a lost boy and molded him into the person he was today. She had been his rock, his sanctuary, his reason for pushing forward through the darkness and the pain.

Snezhnaya may have been the place where he was born, but it could never truly be called home.

No, the true home Heins sought was the one he would build with Miss Arlecchino, a haven of love and warmth that even the darkest forces of the Abyss could never hope to threaten.

Heins smiled at the thought, his heart swelling with a fierce determination to make this dream a reality.

Heins knew that the Fatui was a place of darkness, a shadowy organization that struck fear into the hearts of all who dared to oppose it.

But to him, it was also a place of resplendence, a shining beacon of power and purpose that had given him the strength and skills to protect those he held dear.

And at the heart of it all stood Arlecchino, his guiding star and the very embodiment of that resplendent darkness.

Heins' mind drifted to Jean's words, spoken with such conviction and sincerity. She was right, of course.

There was something undeniably extraordinary about Windrise, a quality that defied explanation and left him simultaneously humbled and awestruck. The gentle rolling hills, the whispering meadow, the silvered moonlight, the sways of the big, strong tree in the midst of this all - it all conspired to create an atmosphere of tranquil beauty that seemed to seep into his very soul.

As he sat there, lost in thought and memory, Heins felt a renewed sense of purpose and resolve.

He knew that his path forward would be fraught with challenges and obstacles, but he also knew that he had the strength and determination to overcome them.

For the first time in his life, Heins felt a sense of hope - hope for a future where he could build a life with Miss Arlecchino, a future where their love could flourish and grow.

Heins closed his eyes, letting the moonlight wash over him as he pictured Arlecchino's face.

He could see her pale skin, her black and red eyes, the way her hair fell in uneven waves around her shoulders. He could hear her voice, stern and commanding, guiding him through the darkest of times and filling him with the strength to persevere.

"I will come back to you, Mistress," Heins whispered to the night, his voice carried away on the gentle breeze. "I will come back stronger than ever, with a heart full of love and a spirit unbreakable. I will build us a home, a sanctuary where we can spend the rest of our lives together, untouched by the darkness of the world beyond."

"A home undisturbed by the Abyss, and free from the stringent chains of the world."

Heins knew that the path ahead would be difficult, that he would face trials and tribulations that would test the very limits of his strength and resolve. Heck, he doesn't even know what lies ahead, how... Utterly despairing the future obstacles he must face.

But he also knew that he had something worth fighting for, something that would give him the courage and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With a final, resolute nod to the moon above, Heins rose to his feet, his crimson eyes glinting with a newfound purpose.

When he's enough, he would return to Arlecchino, to the Fatui, and he would do so with the unwavering conviction that he could build a future where their love could shine brighter than even the darkest of shadows.

And he would stop at nothing to make that future a reality.

In the peaceful green meadow, a beautiful place called Windrise, glazed by the silver moonlight, a young mortal wanderer made a fateful vow. It will later be known as the Vow of a Fool, a vow that changed everything.

But that's a tale for another time.

On a fine morning of Mondstadt, Heins woke up. He was still in the inn room of the Angel's Share tavern, his daily wages paid by the salary Frederica had forced on him. He was still speechless when little Jean struggled to bring a hefty bag filled with gold from Frederica the day he received his salary back then.

After taking a good bath, he went down and had a breakfast with the tavern owner, the jovial bartender. Heins smiled, not realizing his growing popularity within Mondstadt, well, specifically the girls.

"A-Are you Master Fool?"

As Heins gulped down the steak, he blinked when a girl appeared before him and fidgeted. Behind her, an old man chuckled as he greeted, "Greetings, Master Fool. My granddaughter here, Amber, wants to have your autograph. Do you mind?"

Heins smiled, his boyish handsome face softened. He looked at the shy girl and asked, "So, Amber, right? Where do you want me to write the autograph on?"

Amber, a nine years old girl with hazelnut hair and golden eyes, had her eyes lit up. She searched her pants pocket and bring out an emblem. The emblem's detail... Was his face. The jovial bartender laughed upon noticing this and jabbed Heins's shoulder, "Aye, so popular now, huh? Young girls were crazy over ya! Tsk, tsk, handsome boys like ye always hagged all the attention!"

Feeling speechless inwardly, Heins emitted a little bit of his Electro Vision to the tip of his index finger and carved a simple character 'F' on the emblem's cheek.

"Do you like it?"

The little girl was brimming with excitement as she held the emblem close to her chest. Her little head nodded as she giddily replied, "T-Thank you Master Fool! I really admire you!"

Her grandfather laughed, "Well then, Master Fool, have a good day. This granddaughter of mine would be cheered up for the rest of the day, it seems."

Heins nodded softly as he watched them leave. Then, he turned to the bartender and asked, a clear puzzled look donning his face, "What's up with that emblem? Where did she even get it?"

The jovial bartender, a hearty man with a round belly and a thick beard, chuckled heartily at Heins' puzzled expression. He leaned in closer, his eyes twinkling with mirth, and said in a conspiratorial tone, "Ah, laddie, ye must be new to the fame game, aye? That there emblem be a wee memento made by the lasses of Mondstadt, a symbol of their... admiration for ye, if ye catch my drift."

Heins blinked, still trying to process the revelation of his newfound popularity. The bartender continued, "Aye, seems the young'uns and even some of the lasses about town have taken quite the shine to ye. They be makin' all manner of trinkets and emblems with yer handsome mug plastered all over 'em."

The bartender guffawed, slapping Heins on the back good-naturedly. "Ye should feel honored, lad. It ain't every day a strapping young fella like yerself catches the eye of so many fair maidens. Why, I reckon half the lasses in Mondstadt be swooning over the very thought of layin' eyes on ye."

Heins felt a blush creep up his neck at the bartender's words, still finding it difficult to believe that he had become some kind of heartthrob among the girls of Mondstadt.

He had always seen himself as a warrior, a servant of the Fatui, and a future husband to Arlecchino - not as a romantic figure for young girls to admire.

The bartender, noticing Heins' discomfort, let out another hearty laugh. "Ah, don't be gettin' a big head now, lad. It's a right fine thing to be admired, but don't let it go to yer head. Just keep on bein' yerself, and I reckon those lasses will be swooning for a long time to come."

As if on cue, a group of giggling young girls burst into the tavern, their eyes immediately drawn to Heins. They whispered and pointed, their cheeks flushed a delicate pink as they tried to muster up the courage to approach him.

Heins felt another blush rising to his face, suddenly feeling the weight of his newfound popularity.

He knew he would have to navigate this new reality with care and grace, ensuring that he remained true to himself and his ultimate goal of returning to Arlecchino.

With a deep breath, Heins stood up, a friendly smile on his face as he turned to greet the young girls. "Good morning, ladies," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "Is there something I can help you with?"

The girls squealed with delight, their eyes wide with excitement as they realized that the object of their admiration was speaking to them directly.

They huddled together, whispering and giggling, before the bravest among them stepped forward and held out a small, handwritten note.

"M-Master Fool, w-would you sign this for us, p-please?" the girl stammered, her voice trembling with nervousness and anticipation.

Heins took the note, a soft smile playing on his lips as he realized that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life in Mondstadt.

He would have to adapt to this new reality, embracing the love and admiration of the people while remaining true to his ultimate goal of returning to Arlecchino.

With a gentle nod, Heins took the pen and signed the note with a flourish, his signature a testament to his newfound status as a beloved figure in Mondstadt.

As he handed the note back to the delighted girl, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude for the people of Mondstadt, who had welcomed him with open arms and made him feel at home.

However, fame always has its drawbacks. As soon as Heins stepped out of Angel's Share to train Jean, more and more girls appeared before him. Their little faces and big eyes were all lit up as they gathered around him.

Heins was truly puzzled now. Is he really that handsome?

As Heins found himself suddenly surrounded by a gaggle of giggling, starstruck young girls, their eyes wide and cheeks flushed, he couldn't help but feel a mix of flattery and unease. He had always seen himself as a warrior, not a heartthrob, and the sudden attention was both unexpected and somewhat overwhelming.

Jean, ever the diligent and focused knight-in-training, stepped forward with a stern expression etched on her youthful face.

She grabbed Heins by the arm, her small hand gripping his bicep with surprising firmness. "Alright, everyone, that's enough! Master Fool and I have training to attend to, so please, let us pass."

The girls parted reluctantly, casting longing glances at Heins as he was led away by Jean. Eula, her sectoral heterochromatic eyes flashing with a mix of amusement and disdain, took Heins' other arm.

Together, the two young girls ushered Heins out of the growing crowd, their grip on his arms unyielding.

As they walked away, Diluc and Kaeya watched the scene unfold from a distance, their expressions a mix of mirth and incredulity.

Diluc, with his fiery red hair and confident smirk, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease his comrade.

"Well, well, well, look at you, Fool. Seems like you've become quite the sensation among Mondstadt's little ladies," Diluc said, his voice dripping with playful mockery. "Careful, all this attention might go to your head."

Kaeya, on the other hand, let out a loud, boisterous laugh, slapping his knee in delight. "Hahaha! I never thought I'd see the day when our dear Fool would be the talk of the town, so to speak. You should be flattered, lad. Not everyone gets to be the darling of Mondstadt's fair maidens."

Heins felt his cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief at his friends' ribbing. He knew he would have to learn to navigate this new reality with grace and humility, ensuring that he didn't let the attention go to his head.

As they walked, Jean turned to Heins, her blue eyes serious and concerned. "Fool, I had no idea you were so... popular. But please, don't let it distract you from your training and your ultimate goal. You have a duty to train me, remember?"

Eula, her voice as cold and sharp as always, added, "Indeed. The path of a warrior is not an easy one, and it certainly isn't paved with the admiration of young girls. You must remain focused and true to your purpose, Fool."

Kaeya then nudged Heins and whispered, albeit it was a bit too loud, loud enough for others to hear, "Careful Fool. You have... Two closest admirers here. Even if you end up picking one of those starstruck girls, make sure to keep it a secret from them!"

He then continued mischievously, "If you have a person in mind, you can tell me. Do not worry, I am the best at keeping secrets! Diluc could vouch for me!"

Diluc played along as he nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with mirth as he noticed the two closest admirers Kaeya mentioned gradually turned embarrassed, "Indeed, my friend Fool. If you truly have someone in mind, you can tell him. My brother Kaeya is very trustworthy!"

The boys chuckled at themselves before they were chased by the 'two closest admirers'.

Heins felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow as he watched Jean and Eula storm off in pursuit of Kaeya and Diluc, their faces etched with a mix of embarrassment and barely contained fury.

He knew he would have to tread carefully when it came to his newfound popularity, lest he inadvertently cause strife among his friends and comrades.

As the sound of playful shouting and the pounding of footsteps faded into the distance, Heins couldn't help but let out a sigh, realizing the delicate nature of his new situation.

He would have to navigate the delicate balance between his duties, his ultimate goal, and the expectations of those around him with the utmost care and discretion.

Heins knew that Kaeya's words were meant in jest, but they also carried a kernel of truth. He would have to be cautious about how he handled any potential romantic entanglements, lest he hurt those closest to him in the process.

The last thing he wanted was to cause pain or heartache to Jean, Eula, or any of his friends.

As he stood there, lost in thought, Heins couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

He glanced around, his eyes landing on a group of girls huddled together, whispering and giggling as they pointed in his direction. Heins felt another blush rising to his cheeks, suddenly feeling the weight of his newfound popularity once again.

With a deep breath, Heins squared his shoulders and set off in the direction of the training grounds, determined to focus on his duties and his ultimate goal.

After Jean and Eula came back from chasing both boys, who ran to the wilderness to train, they immediately went to the training ground where Heins trained his sword.

Since the training ground had been cleared up by the request of Frederica Gunnhildr for Jean's training, the boy had no need to fear that anyone would be affected.

Both girls momentarily fell into a trance as Heins exuded his full murderous intent. His Electro Vision thundered as his sword resembled a flurry of motion. The vast training ground was easily crossed each time he made a move. It was truly a spectacular sight.

After taking a deep breath, Heins sheathed his sword and his murderous intent dissipated, along with the intimidating thunderous currents of his Electro Vision.

He noticed the two girls and smiled, "Ready for the training?"

Jean and Eula blinked rapidly as they snapped out of their momentary daze, the intense aura of murderous intent and crackling Electro energy fading from their vision.

They had seen Heins wield his sword with such ferocious abandon and breathtaking skill before, and it always left them momentarily stunned.

Jean, always eager to learn and grow as a knight, quickly regained her composure and stepped forward with a determined nod. "Yes, Master! I'm ready to begin our training session. I've been practicing my forms diligently, as you advised."

Eula, her eyes glinting with a mix of admiration and competitive spirit, joined Jean at her side. "Indeed, Fool. Your demonstration was... impressive. But don't think you can catch me off guard so easily. I've been honing my skills in the Dragonspine's harsh conditions."

As the two girls assumed their starting stances, Jean turned to Heins with a look of concern etched on her youthful face.

"Master, I couldn't help but notice the commotion earlier... Are you alright? I know the sudden attention can be overwhelming at times."

Eula, her voice as sharp and direct as always, added, "Indeed. You mustn't let it distract you from your training and your ultimate goal. The path of a warrior demands unwavering focus and dedication."

Heins smiled warmly, appreciating their concern and support. "Thank you both for your worry, but I assure you, I'm fine. I know the importance of staying focused on my duties."

He then turned to Jean, his expression growing more serious. "Jean, I want you to attack me with all your strength and skill. Don't hold back, understand? I need to see the full extent of your abilities."

Jean nodded solemnly, gripping her practice sword tightly. "Yes, Master! I won't hold back, I promise."

Heins then turned to Eula, a glint of appreciation in his eyes. "And Eula, I want you to observe Jean's attacks closely. Analyze her techniques, her form, and her timing. I want you to find any weaknesses or areas she can improve upon. Take it as your lesson."

Eula smirked confidently, her own practice sword at the ready. "With pleasure, Fool. I look forward to seeing what you've taught her... and where she falls short."

With the scene set and the participants ready, the training session began in earnest.

The clashing of swords and the occasional crackle of Electro energy filled the air as Jean and Heins engaged in a fierce, yet controlled battle, with Eula watching intently from the sidelines, ready to offer her keen insights and critiques every time they ended their exchange.

Throughout the training session, Heins remained ever the patient and dedicated teacher, pushing Jean to her limits and beyond, all while ensuring her safety and well-being.

He knew that the path to becoming a true knight was a long and arduous one, but he was committed to seeing Jean and Eula reach their full potential - no matter the cost.

As the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the training ground, Heins called a halt to the day's lessons.

Jean and Eula stood before him, breathing heavily but with smiles of satisfaction on their faces, eager to hear their trainer's thoughts and guidance for the future.

Heins's handsome face donned a gentle smile as he said, "As you know, I am not really proficient in the swordsmanship you guys are using, since my sword is basically a weapon of death, unsheath to kill, so I cannot be of any help when it comes to your swordsmanship. However, I do have some points you need to fix from the observation I conducted over the past month."

"Jean, your form is honestly perfect. I have no comments on that. But your intent, your will, they are severely lacking. Your forms are beautiful but meaningless. If you move that way, I doubt you could kill your enemies. You have to be more willful, more intentional, more... Proactive. Make your intent clear as you wield your sword. To protect, to escape, or to kill."

"Eula, your movement is quick, agile and graceful. I always like the way you elegantly thrust your lance," At this comment, Eula blushed slightly, receiving a disgruntled look from Jean.

Heins continued, "However, perhaps because of your solitary training, your instinct is rather dull. You are severely lacking in combat experience. I fear that even a hillicurl could easily overwhelm you with its chaotic assaults. You must build that sixth sense that will keep you safe in perilous situations. It's what save me countless times in the wilderness, so it's very, very crucial."

Jean listened intently to Heins' words, her brow furrowing as she processed his critique. She knew he was right - her forms were polished, but her heart and intent were lacking.

She needed to channel the same ferocious determination she had seen in Heins' demonstration earlier.

"I understand, Master," Jean said, her voice filled with newfound resolve. "I'll focus on pouring more of my will and intent into my strikes. I won't just go through the motions - I'll fight with everything I have, no matter what. I won't let my enemies catch me off guard again."

Eula, still slightly flushed from Heins' compliment about her graceful movements, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Fool. My instincts have grown dull from training alone in the cold, empty expanse of Dragonspine. I've lost sight of the true essence of combat - the need to stay alive and protect myself from real threats."

She gripped her practice sword tighter, a newfound intensity burning in her heterochromatic eyes. "I won't let my guard down again. I'll train myself to be more aware, more attuned to the dangers around me. I'll build that sixth sense you speak of, so that even a hillichurl won't stand a chance against me."

Heins smiled warmly at the two resplendent girls, seeing the determination and growth in their eyes. "That's the spirit, both of you. Remember, the path of a warrior is not an easy one, but it is a path of constant growth, constant self-improvement. You must always strive to be better, to push yourselves beyond your limits."

He placed a gentle hand on Jean's shoulder, then turned to Eula with a look of encouragement.

"Jean, I want you to practice your forms with a new sense of purpose. Envision your enemies before you as you strike. Feel the weight of your intent in every blow."

"And Eula, I want you to seek out more opportunities to train with others, to test your skills against real opponents. Only through experience can you truly hone your instincts and stay sharp."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the training ground in a warm, amber glow, Heins couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for his two dedicated disciples.

They had taken his words to heart, and he knew that with their newfound determination and his guidance, they would grow into formidable warriors.

"Remember," Heins said softly, his voice filled with warmth and conviction, "the path of a warrior is not one of perfection, but of constant growth and self-discovery. Embrace your weaknesses, learn from them, and let them fuel your desire to become stronger. And always remember, you have a friend and mentor in me, now and forevermore."

With those parting words, Heins dismissed Jean and Eula for the day, eager to see the fruits of their labor in the days and weeks to come.

He knew that with their dedication and his guidance, they would become the pillars of strength and courage that Mondstadt needed - and he would be there to support them every step of the way.