Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Venti woke up startled, a desperate cacophony of prayers immediately invading his head—

“Barbatos, help us!”

“Barbatos, I don’t want to die.”

“Barbatos, please, please, we need you!”

He wasted no time in getting dressed, his chest aching with the desperation that dripped from these prayers and washed over him. Venti spoke to the winds, “Where are these prayers coming from?”

“The Unforeseen Simulation Joint,” The winds howled back, “ It is far from here. You will not make it in time.”

Venti cursed, gripping his keys the slightest bit tighter, “We will take to the skies.”

“Are you sure, Barbatos?”

“I can’t ignore the prayers of hurt children.” Venti opened a window, letting his feathery wings open from his back. They stung as he stretched them, rusty from disuse. Despite the pain, he whisked off into the sky, letting the wind guide.

He, of course, tried the door first— but when that wouldn’t open, he took to the skies again. With a clap of his wings, a gust of wind burst through the glass dome, providing him an easy entrance.

Venti’s heart dropped at the strong stench of blood. His glowing green eyes took in the situation—

The hobo man (— Aizawa? The winds whisper) he had met the other day got his head slammed down with a sickening crack. That was all it took to get Venti into action. He swooped down, summoning his familiar weapon as he fired off an arrow. The arrow exploded with a burst of anemo, spinning and spinning until a vortex was formed, sucking in every one of the assailants. 

“Who’s this new player?” He heard someone hiss; voice high and mighty— sentence that of a child.

Venti ignored the whispered translation in his ears, commanding the winds, “Round up all the children, we’re taking them out.”

“Yes, Barbatos,” The winds howl back, bending and twisting to his aid.

“— Smash!”  

Venti whipped around, the voice one he recognized all before. “Midoriya!?” Just as he was about to rush over, the massive hulk of a person grabbed Midoriya by the arm, twisting it unnaturally.

Crack.

Venti’s eyes widened, a wave of fury hitting him akin to a tsunami. 

“ Those that hurt children deserve no mercy,” The winds hissed, “Destroy that thing, Barbatos.”

Venti pulled the string on the bow back, an arrow immediately resting on his hand as he fired it off, hitting the thing in its exposed brain. The thing didn’t even flinch, much less drop Midoriya. 

“Fuck,” Venti cursed, bow glittering off into pieces as he reevaluated his plan. 

“Anemo is yours, you are still anemo,” The winds’ reminder  bounced in his pounding head.

That’s it! Venti tugged on the wind, watching as it flailed out of the hulky being. 

The hulky being didn’t even choke.

The Archon held his breath, releasing it when the hulky being collapsed. He looked away from the scene, knowing that the winds would guide Midoriya to safety. 

He was roughly grabbed by a hand twisting his two arms back, another one up next to his neck. 

“Move and I will kill him,” The person hissed at Midoriya.

Midoriya’s eyes widened, “V-Venti?”

Venti’s heart ached when Midoriya stuttered. His eyes softened, “Get to safety, Midoriya.”

One more finger down. They were at two.

“I can’t just leave you here!”

“Get to safety, Midoriya,” Venti repeated, a slight edge in his tone. He didn’t want to command the child, and he made sure to speak softly so as to not alarm Midoriya.

One more finger down. They were at three.

“He’s going to disintegrate you!” Midoriya hissed. “I can’t leave you here, I—” 

Just as he was going to take a step forward, another finger went down on his throat. “Move and he dies.” The assailant hissed.

Venti only did as much as chuckle. Disintegrate him ? One without a mortal body? Tough luck. “Midoriya,” He said, voice soft but with the undercurrent of the winds he was attempting to restrain. “Let the winds guide you. Get to safety. I will be fine.”

Final finger went down on his throat—

—Midoriya held his breath—

Nothing happened.

“What?!” The assailant floundered, looking around to spot Aizawa, who was still out cold.

The winds haven’t gotten to Aizawa yet? He’d have to rectify that later— 

“What…” Midoriya gazed, confusion clear in his gaze.

“Get to safety, Midoriya,” Venti repeated, tilting his head slightly as his eyes glittered with mirth, “I told you, I’ll be fine.”

“Barbatos, Barbatos!” The winds shouted, whisking the assailant away from him and wrapping around him tightly. “The heroes are coming!”

Venti nodded, walking over to Midoriya, “Get going. The heroes are almost here. I’ll tend to the wounded.” When Midoriya didn’t move, he frowned, “ Please listen to me this time.”

Midoriya breathed out shakily, “O-okay, Venti.” He jumped a bit when Venti placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Everything will be okay,” Venti reassured, “You and your classmates are okay. Your teacher will be okay.” He felt the child tremble under his hand in a way that awoke a deep sympathy within him. This world was supposed to be safer than Tevyat. And yet— here are these children, having to suffer with the memories of battle. Venti inhaled deeply, removing his hand from Midoriya before the simmering rage would make its ugly entrance yet again. Not even waiting for Midoriya’s reply, he turned, heading over to Aizawa and kneeling beside him. “Is he safe to be moved?” Venti muttered.

“Yes—! Injury quite severe….” The winds said, “Be careful… Heroes here!”

Venti gently placed an arm under Aizawa’s neck, and slipped the other one under his knee. He stood easily, the weight of the human making little a dent in his energy. He was a God, after all.

“I AM HERE!” Venti’s ears ring at the shout, head spinning as he tried to steel himself.

“Take it easy, Barbatos,” The winds soothe the pounding behind his eyes momentarily, “You have a life in your hands.”

I know, Venti replied, albeit mentally. He walked over, legs shaking to the heroes. 

“Little listener!” Someone immediately came over, lifting the weight from his arms, “What are you doing here?”

“I heard a cry for help,” Venti exhaled, shutting his eyes as the noise level increased. Heroes checking in with the students, commands being shouted, the prayers that assault his ears every second of the day— he was getting the slightest bit overwhelmed. His heart pounded in his ears, the clothes on his skin starting to itch and burn.

Breathe, Venti, breathe. He told himself to no avail. He felt himself stumble, a hand grasping his arm tightly and holding him up when he did.

Despite his efforts, the world spun— overwhelming to all his senses— and went dark.

“Barbatos, thank you.” The gratitude rang in his ears as he opened his eyes. He felt the gaze of many beside him. When Venti’s eyes finally adjusted to light, he almost flinched at the amount of eyes on him.

“You’re awake!” One exclaimed excitedly, “Barbatos, right? I’m Ashido Mina!”

Venti winced at the volume, headache returning in full force. Despite the pain, he smiled kindly, green eyes crinkling at the edges, “Nice to meet you, Ashido,” His gaze scanned over twenty bustling students in the room before asking, “May I ask what you all are doing here?”

“We wanted to thank you,” One of the students spoke up, nervously. “You saved us at USJ and so—”

Venti gently cut her off, “There’s no need to thank me. I can’t just let children get hurt.” He looked around, fully taking in the room. “Where am I?”

“Hospital,” A familiar voice answered.

“Todoroki!” Venti recognized, looking over at him, “Thank you.” Modern hospitals looked hugely different. There was a monitor he was hooked up to, but nothing was showing other than flat silence. “I appreciate you all being here.” He addressed the children again, “Let’s start off on a better note. I’m Venti.”

“I thought you were Barbatos—?” One asked.

“I go by Venti, here,” He said, “I would prefer it if you all refer to me as Venti.” Seeing the nods from the students, he continued, “Are you all doing okay?” Many enthusiastic affirmations assaulted his ears, Venti exhaled, “Please— be a little softer?” The winds gently blew through the room, soothing the dull ache behind Venti’s eyes.

“Sorry!” One of the students said. “We’re just excited.”

Venti smiled, “I understand. Everything is just the slightest bit overwhelming right now.” He adjusted, sitting near the edge of the bed to be closer to the students, “May someone tell me a recap of events?”

“Of course!” Someone spoke up, “I’m Yaoyorozu Momo, and it’s nice to meet you.”

 Venti nodded, letting the winds whisper his response, “Likewise.”

The eyes of the students grew as wide as saucers. Faintly, Venti could see one student particularly shaking the other one, clearly enthused. A small smile made its way onto his face, amusement in his eyes. 

“After you passed out, the police showed up with the heroes. We all went to the hospital and I believe most of us have had interviews with a detective. It’s only been a couple of hours.”

“I see,” Venti replied, “Thank you.”

“Tsukauchi is the name of the detective. He has a lie detector quirk,” The winds whisper in his ears, “It would be unwise to come up with a cover story as you have so many witnesses. The truth is the most efficient.”

Indeed it is, Venti agreed with the winds. These children all know he’s Barbatos, after all, it was their prayers for safety that he came to answer. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he muttered, “How long until the detective comes?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

Great. Venti looked back over at the children who were watching curiously.

“Is it okay if we ask questions, kero ?” The student who asked had huge eyes— faintly reminding Venti of a frog— and dark green hair.

Venti nodded, “Softly, but go ahead, after you tell me your name.”

“Asui Tsuyu.” 

Venti nodded at that, and the room fell into silence.

“So you’re a God, right?” It was Midoriya that finally spoke up, “One of the ancient Seven?”

Venti hummed, “Yes. I am one of the Seven. Barbatos—”

“—God of Wind and Song,” Todoroki filled in the rest. Venti nodded in agreement.

“Do any more of the Seven exist?” Midoriya asked, on the edge of his seat like many of his friends as he waited for Venti’s answer.

Venti let his eyes flutter closed, deep in thought. Do the other Seven exist? By the time Celestia had been taken down, Buer or Nahida had been ruling over Sumeru. Morax or Zhongli had been ruling indirectly. He wasn’t close to the rest of the Seven— Celestia’s takedown had fractured them even more than it made them closer. The edges of his lips tipped downwards, “I’m unsure, truly. I haven’t spoken to any of them in millennia.” He’s sure that if he tried, the winds could locate them, but he hadn’t so far.

Midoriya frowned, but seemed to take the answer. “Why did you show up?”

“Someone prayed,” Venti replied easily, “I heard. That’s all.” 

“You heard?” One asked, her mouth slightly ajar.

Venti nodded, “If you say my name, no matter where you are, the winds will guide your voice to me.” He twisted a strand of his curls around his fingers, noting that his braids had come undone. “There were a lot of prayers from your class, actually.” His eyes landed on Todoroki, “I’m assuming this was your doing?”

Todoroki nodded, “I figured you would hear us and be able to help.”

Venti nodded at that, turning back to Midoriya, “Any other questions?”

“What’s your quirk?” Someone asked.

“What’s your name?” Venti asked, genuinely curious.

“Oh! It’s Kirishima Eijirou,” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

“Nice to meet you,” Venti smiled, “I’m quirkless, legally. And genuinely as well. I don’t have a quirk.”

Kirishima’s eyebrows furrowed, “So all that power—?”

“Is not from a quirk,” Venti affirmed, “I am the wind and the wind is me. I am non-human, and thus, I don’t have human qualities.”

“So those wings were real ?” Ashido asked, on the edge of her seat— voice a little too high.

Venti exhaled, letting the familiar limbs reveal themselves. He stretched them, although not to their full wingspan lest he knock over expensive medical equipment.

Ashido’s eyes glittered, “Can we touch them?”

Venti hummed, debating. It wouldn’t hurt… They are just children. “Be gentle.” He said, nodding. It was like a dam had broken. A wave of curious children stood, heading his way and crowding Venti. The touches on his wings were more akin to light grazes, feathery and barely felt. Venti sat there, amused as the students whispered amongst themselves.

“Very curious children…” The winds cooed, fond, “First time meeting a God.”

The door opened, spooking half of the entranced class. Venti tried looking over Kirishima’s shoulder to see the newcomers but was unable to.

“The detective…” The winds whispered, “And the principal of the hero school.”

Venti retracted his wings from the curious onlookers, speaking softly to the children, “I’m assuming the detective wants a chat with me.” His heart almost exploded with how some of them deflated, finding the children absolutely endearing. They remind me of… Mondstadt. Mondstadt’s children had always worn their hearts on their sleeves, and Venti would stop at nothing to protect them.

“You would be correct,” said the detective. “Privately,” He added soon after.

“There you’ve heard it,” Venti said, “Shoo.” He waved his hand, amused at the disgruntled students. 

The detective didn’t wait a beat after the students filed out to sit down with a few others that had entered— only two that Venti recognized as his neighbors— “I’m Tsukauchi Naomasa, and I’ll be conducting your interview for today. With me I have pro hero Eraserhead, pro hero Present Mic, and Yuuei’s principal, Nedzu. This interview will be recorded for police records. Would you provide me your name and quirk?”

Aizawa looked worse for wear, like he wasn’t even supposed to be moving. He was wrapped up head-to-toe in medical bandages. Venti’s eyes fell to Present Mic, whose hair was getting frizzy— most likely from stress. When he glanced over at Nedzu, he really couldn’t tell what exactly the man was— or if he was a man at all. Tsukauchi cleared his throat, to which Venti nodded, “Dae Venti,” He said. He had made up the surname a while ago with the help of the winds. “And I’m quirkless.” Now usually, he would go with a weak wind quirk, but considering the circumstances, it was best to be honest.

The two proheroes looked over at Tsukauchi, who merely nodded before continuing, “How did you hear about the attack?”

“I heard prayers,” Venti replied, curling a strand of his hair around his pointer finger.

“Prayers?” The small bear? rat? person spoke up —Nedzu, the winds whispered, amused— a glint in his eyes, “So you are a God, yes?”

He nodded, “Yes.”

There was a pregnant silence in the room before Tsukauchi broke it, “What is your Godly title?”

Venti paused, he had many of those. “In general?”

“The most common ones.”

He hummed, “I don’t know what I am called nowadays, but I was Barbatos, the Archon of Freedom or the God of the Wind and Song.”

“One of the old Seven,” Nedzu mused, “Where are the rest of the Seven?”

Venti shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Now that we have background information out of the way, will you recount the events from your perspective?” Tsukauchi asked.

Venti nodded, “I was woken up today to desperate prayers. Being unable to ignore them, I flew to investigate.”

“How did you know where to investigate?” Tsukauchi interrupted.

“The winds told me.”

“The winds?”

Venti nodded, “The winds.”

“What are the winds?” He asked.

The edges of Venti’s lips quirked down, “The souls of the forgotten— of those unable to pass on. They’re carried by the wind, merge together and become in wind in due time.”

“I see,” Tsukauchi nodded, “You may continue.”

Venti exhaled, “Well, as I was saying, I flew over to investigate. The door could not be opened, so I broke into the dome. Within the dome, I saw around thirty assailants— one of which was definitively not human.”

“How can you tell?” 

Venti’s lips thinned into a line— How could he tell? It was just an assumption of the moment. “I realized it later.”

Tsukauchi seemed to accept that as an answer, “Continue.”

“I asked the winds to round up the children and guide them to safety. I shot an arrow to round up the remaining assailants.”

“You have a weapon?” Nedzu’s eyes gleaned with interest.

Venti nodded, summoning his familiar bow, “Skyward Harp.” The strings glimmered with latent anemo energy, “The arrows were anemo.”

“Anemo?” Tsukauchi asked.

“Wind,” Venti translated, letting the weapon vanish into glittering particles. “Pure wind.”

He nodded. “You may continue your story.”

“Midoriya was fighting the nonhuman and eventually was grabbed. The nonhuman twisted his arm and broke it. At that point, I fired an arrow at its exposed brain but it did not die,” Venti knitted his hands together tightly on his lap as he recalled the event, “And thus, I stole its wind, asphyxiating it, essentially. At that point, it collapsed but I was grabbed by an assailant. Despite my objections, Midoriya did not want to join his classmates or get to safety.” He sighed, it pissed him off, honestly. “But that is to be expected. The assailant had a disintegration quirk, I believe. Midoriya knows the specifics, but it didn’t affect me, and thus the winds wrapped around him and kept him until the heroes arrived.”

“Why didn’t it affect you? Do you have a theory?” Nedzu asked.

“You can’t disintegrate something that is not there,” Venti smiled wryly, “I may look and act human, but I am not. I am physical, solid, yes , but I do not have organs or anything of the sort. I am pure wind.”

Tsukauchi nodded, “I see. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Of course.”

“Now we must talk consequences.”

Venti blinked, “Consequences?”

“As it stands right now, you are in a gray area legally,” Tsukauchi replied, “You do not have a quirk, therefore, it is not illegal quirk use. However, you did use a power of some sort, and despite us not having the legal conduct for it written out, there are some precautions we must take.” 

Venti nodded, listening intently as Tsukauchi continued, “Additionally, you are stateless. You have no records that belong to any country, making you illegal within the country of Japan. And as it looks , you are a minor. And thus, also need a guardian.”

Venti’s lips thinned into a line, “I’m not a minor. I’m fifteen thousand years old.”

“That’s not something we can prove in court, little listener,” Present Mic said, “We believe you, yes, but until you age a little further, the law of minors applies to you.”

Venti sighed, “I don’t age physically.” This wasn’t even his body, nor his form. This body stays stagnant to time, unchanging of the tides. 

“That is an issue we can tackle at a later date,” Nedzu said, “Right now we have three main issues.” He held up three digits as he listed them, “Vigilante actions, your lack of documentation, and your lack of guardian.”

“Okay,” Venti said, “What should I do?”

“For the vigilante actions, we can let you off with a warning,” Tsukauchi said, “Which would require a certain amount of community service hours.”

Venti nodded, “That sounds reasonable.”

“For your documentation, Nedzu will take care of making you a legal resident,” Tsukauchi gestured over his shoulder to the principal, “Along with enrolling you into school legally.”

Venti paused, “Wait— school ? I didn’t agree to that. Isn’t highschool non-compulsory in Japan?”

“If you attended schooling for the past few years, yes,” Tsukauchi said, “However as it stands, you have no education.”

Venti’s lips quirked down into a frown, “Okay. I guess that makes sense. And for my lack of guardians?”

“We’ll be taking you in, little listener!” Present Mic said, “We are approved foster parents, allowing us to skip most of the process.”

Venti nodded, “Okay. Then everything’s good, right? Taken care of?”

“As it stands, yes,” Tsukauchi said, “It was just a matter that had to be discussed with you. Do you agree with the course of action?”

“Yes I do.”

“Okay,” He stood, turning off the recording device, “We will get started on the process. You should be able to be discharged today to go with Present Mic and Eraserhead.”

“Okay,” Venti replied, waving at the detective. “Uh, I’ll see you around then?”

The detective cocked an eyebrow, edges of his lips curling into a faint smile, “Perhaps.” The detective walked out.

Venti looked towards the proheroes who hadn’t left yet, tilting his head in question.

“You’ll be placed in UA’s general education course,” Nedzu said, “Along with a handful of remedial lessons to catch you up on modern Japan.”

“I don’t have to take an entrance exam?” Venti asked.

Nedzu shook his head, “Due to extenuating circumstances, it will be waived.”

Extenuating circumstances? Venti hummed, “Okay.”

“They want to keep an eye on you, Barbatos,” The winds gently blew through the room.

“You’ll start on Monday.”

Venti blinked, “Wait— this Monday?”

“Yep!” Nedzu nodded, clasping his hands? paws?

“Er…” Venti ran a hand through his hair, averting his gaze, “I work, though.”

“No need for that!” Nedzu replied, “I’m sure your guardians will be more than happy to allow you to use their money.”

Venti’s eyes widened, “I could never ask for—”

“It’s okay, little listener!” Present Mic interrupted, “Focus on getting settled in UA for now.”

Venti frowned, sighing, “Okay.” He was too exhausted to put up a fight, really. He’s no stranger to change— the winds switch direction, the tides raise and fall— it’s just a fact of life he is awfully familiar with. “I’ll start school this Monday… Then.”

“Great!” Nedzu grinned, sharp canines causing a shiver to go up Venti’s spine, “The teachers will also be debriefed about your special condition and circumstances.”

Venti nodded at that, to which Nedzu turned on his heel, headed towards the door, “Have a nice day, Barbatos!”

“ Venti ,” He corrected as Nedzu walked out the door.

Great. Venti brought his knees up to his chest, resting his head on his knees. He looked at the two remaining heroes— his new guardians— expectantly. They’re still here… They must want something, right?

“Little listener,” Present Mic said, “Is there anything you’ll want for your room?”

Venti blinked, surprised at the question, “Uhm, no. It’s fine. I’m an adult, you know, you don’t have to treat me like a child.”

Present Mic merely smiled at that, “I understand.”

Do you? Venti cocked an eyebrow before Eraserhead spoke, “You have a legal brother.”

That caught Venti’s attention, “Really? What’s his name?”

“Shinsou Hitoshi,” He said, “You’ll meet him soon. He’s in General Education as well.”

“Oh, okay,” Venti replied, “Makes sense.” He stretched his wings, careful to avoid the expensive medical equipment. “When will I be allowed to leave?”

“Let’s go sign you out, littlun!” Present Mic said, standing up and walking over to the side of Venti’s bed. He held a hand out for Venti, who gladly took it.

Venti lowered onto the floor gracefully, slipping on his indoor shoes. “Okay,” He said, “Let’s go then.”

Chapter Text

The home carried emotional weight and warmth in a way Venti used to crave carnally. It reminded him faintly of Jean’s office— trinkets of adventures and memories scattered about, the calendar filled with events and red bubbles Venti can’t even begin to comprehend. It made his heart heavy, his mind numb— he missed his children of Mondstadt oh so dearly, but it had been thousands of years.

Mondstadt is nowhere near Japan. It’s all the way in Europe. The realization caused Venti’s heart to ache just a little more. The winds’ voices overlap with familiar comforting words that have become all too common in this new world. Venti appreciated it, truly, but the words didn’t do anything to alleviate the grief that had settled in his veins just a few weeks after awakening. This world was amazing, truly and still astonished Venti to this day, but a part of him aches for home.

The same part that the Gnosis left a hole in.

He stretched his wings, letting them droop onto the couch soon after. His eyes trailed over to the kitchen in which Yamada ( Hizashi, the winds whisper, he said to call him Hizashi,) bustles around, cooking up a meal. The front door creaked open, causing Venti to jump the slightest bit at the sudden break in silence. He recalled his wings closer, revealing most of the couch yet again.

The person that entered had shaggy purple hair that Venti could only guess is actually secretly curly, and eyebags that rivalled Aizawa (Shouta, the winds correct gently,) himself. His eyes were a pale purple, his iris white. 

“Hello!” Venti greeted, standing over to greet the newcomer, “I’m Venti!”

“Hello,” The newcomer replied, shutting and locking the door behind him, “Hitoshi. You’re…”

“Your new sibling,” Venti smiled kindly, “It’s nice to meet you.” His eyes raked over Hitoshi’s uniform, “You just came from school?”

Hitoshi nodded, “Yes,” He said. “Although it ended a bit early due to… All the teachers calling out.”

“Ah,” Venti nodded, “I see. Yeah. That makes sense.”

Hitoshi said, “Sit down. I’ll be back and then we can talk.”

“Okay!” Venti replied, taking a seat.

Hitoshi nodded, walking away to what Venti could only assume was his room.

Venti picked up his phone— the tiny device was still something unfamiliar. He’s grown more accustomed to it the past few weeks, but often forgets to reply despite the fact. He scrolled through social media before Hitoshi came back, changed into casual pajamas now. “Welcome back,” Venti said, placing the small device down next to him. He patted the seat beside him, “Come sit.”

Hitoshi sat next to Venti, exactly where he had pat. “So.” Hitoshi said.

Venti chuckled, He isn’t the best at conversation, huh? “So. I’m Venti. Uh, I’m your new sibling, yes. Sorry it was so abrupt.” He ran a hand through his hair, averting Hitoshi’s gaze, “The decision was just made today.”

Hitoshi shook his head, “I get it. Their decision to adopt me was also made rather quick.”

Venti sensed a story behind his words, but a block within Hitoshi’s eyes and thus did not press further. “I see,” He smiled, “Well! It’s nice to meet you. I hope we can get along.”

Hitoshi nodded in agreement, “I do too.”

The conversation lapsed into a painful, awkward silence before the winds suggested, “Talk to him about school, Barbatos.”

“So, how was school?” Venti asked, “You go to UA, right?”

Hitoshi nodded, “It was okay. I’m in General Education, so it was overall very boring.”

“Oh I see,” Venti said, “I’m going into General Education too. How is it? Education wise?”

“Oh really?” Hitoshi asked, somewhat surprised, “It’s okay, very fast paced.”

Venti bit his lip at that, a sudden anxiousness settling in a pit in his stomach, “Ah, I see.” He wasn’t the best with academia. Nahida had tried to get him to try at least a singular course in the Akademiya and he just didn’t have the willpower to complete it. “That makes sense.”

Hitoshi asked, “Why are you not in the hero course? Aren’t you a God?”

Venti tilted his head, his bright teal eyes clashing with Hitoshi’s pale purple, “What does being a God have to do with the hero course?”

“You have strong abilities,” He stated, simply. “It would only make sense.”

Venti shook his head, “I don’t have any interest in being a hero.”

“I see,” Hitoshi said.

There was a brief silence before Venti asked, “Do you wish to be a hero?”

“I’m trying,” Hitoshi replied, “But a quirk like mine makes it hard.”

“What’s your quirk?”

“Brainwashing.” Hitoshi said, voice flat. 

Venti could see a glint of fear deep in his eyes, almost as if he expected backlash at the answer. “I see. I don’t see why you can’t be a hero. I’m sure you’ll make it someday.” His smile curled into something sweeter, softer. “You got this, keep striving towards your dream.”

“Thank you,” Hitoshi said, “I appreciate it.”

“Why aren’t you in the Hero course?”

“The entrance exam… Was a little unfair to non-physical quirks,” Hitoshi said vaguely, putting up a wall with his eyes.

Venti nodded and didn’t press further. His nose itched briefly, and he sneezed.

Hitoshi stared, somewhat shocked. “You can do that?”

Venti huffed out a laugh before sneezing again, “Yes? I might not be human but I am still affected by my — achoo — environment!” He inhaled sharply, looking around before spotting fur floating in the air. His eyes widened, “Do you guys have pets here?”

“Yeah, we have two cats.”

Venti swallowed, mouth dry, “Isn’t that just wonderful…” He trailed off.

“Are you okay, little listener?” Hizashi asked, entering the conversation.

“Yeah,” Venti replied, sneezing into his elbow again. “My stars.” He called upon the wind, the tips of his braids glowing lightly as he swirled the air under his nose in a desperate attempt to stop sneezing. “Sorry, I’m just,” He breathed out, “Allergic to cats.”

Hizashi’s eyes widened, “I’ll tell Shouta!”

“Sorry for that,” Hitoshi said, getting up, “I’ll move them into another room.”

“It’s fine,” Venti waved off the apology, “You couldn’t’ve known.” He shut his eyes tightly, an itch behind them that he couldn’t satisfy. “It’s more of a hindrance and not that severe.”

“Still, though,” Hitoshi said, grabbing the two fuzzballs and walking away with them.

Venti breathed just a little easier. He opened one eye, looking up at Hizashi whose brows were knitted tightly in concern, “Are you sure you’re okay, Venti?”

“I’m fine,” Venti insisted, unaccustomed to the concern, “I’ll be fine as long as I’m not in the same room as them.”

Hizashi nodded, “I’ll keep that in mind! I’m glad you’re okay.” Hizashi’s hand gently fell on Venti’s head, causing the boy to tense briefly before his hair was ruffled affectionately. 

The action caused Venti’s heart to swell. He hadn’t realized just how much he missed affection. Affection in Mondstadt was given out so freely— half-hearted hugs as greetings, holding hands with friends on the regular, cheek kisses as goodbyes— it made Japan’s lack of affection feel cold. Venti missed the warm touch of humans— his own body is rough and cold with the wind that takes over his veins. His feathers ruffled, portraying his satisfaction with the action.

Hizashi’s face broke out into a wide smile, “Do you like affection?”

Venti nodded, “Yeah. I’m a very touchy-feely person.” He admitted, “I prefer affection.”

Hizashi opened his arms for a hug, which Venti freely took, wrapping his arms around the man’s waist. Venti’s wings wrapped around Hizashi as well, the feathers tickling his guardian. They stayed there for a moment, Venti soaking in the warmth before separating. “Whenever you want a hug, just say the word!” Hizashi said, hands on Venti’s shoulder, “Okay?”

Venti nodded, “Thanks.”

Hitoshi walked back into the room, “You okay now?”

Venti looked over at his new sibling, nodding, “Yeah, I’m fine, promise.”

“If you say so.”

The front door unlocked, the doorknob twisting as someone walked in.

“Shou’!” Hizashi let go of Venti's shoulders, walking over to his husband and pressing a kiss to his lips.

Venti looked away over at Hitoshi instead of his guardians, not wanting to interrupt a possibly intimate moment. “So.”

“So,” Hitoshi parroted, “Awkward?”

Venti’s cheeks dusted with the slightest bit of pink at being called out, “Very.” It’s been literal thousands of years and yet he still gets embarrassed at witnessing humans in love. It’s one of his red flags.

Hitoshi cocked a brow, a slight up quirk on his lips. His eyes glinted, amused, “You’re a God , and you get embarrassed at people kissing ? Aren’t you hundreds of years old?”

“Thousands,” Venti absentmindedly commented, “And yeah? So?” He challenged.

“You wouldn’t be used to this by now?” Hitoshi’s voice lilted upwards, his tone borderline teasing.

“Come on, man,” Venti complained, “It’s just…”

“It’s just?”

“Cute or something! I don’t know. Humans are adorable.”

Hitoshi let out a chuckle, “Humans are adorable,” He repeated, “Of course you would think that.”

Venti raised a brow, What does that mea—

“Dinnertime!” Hizashi announced, walking over to the kitchen. “Hitoshi, set the table.”

Hitoshi nodded, replying, “Okay,” Before walking away to the kitchen.

Venti’s wings drooped slightly at the sudden interruption to interaction.

“You two are getting along well.”

Venti jumped slightly, attention snapping over to Aizawa (Shouta, the winds say, Shouta.) “Oh, uh, yeah!” Venti nodded, “Hitoshi’s nice.”

“Good,” Shouta said, voice flat but Venti could see the slight adoration and warmth he held for Hitoshi in his eyes.

He must really adore his kid, Venti absentmindedly thought. “Yeah.”

“How are you settling in?”

“I’m okay,” Venti replied. At the silence, he added after a beat, “Nice place you have here.”

“Thanks,” Shouta replied, resting a hand on Venti’s shoulder, “Let’s go eat.”

Venti smiled, elated at the slight affection before nodding, “Okay.”

Shouta nodded, leading the two over to the dinner table where Hizashi greeted them after placing down the container filled with rice.

“Feel free to sit anywhere, little listener!”

Venti took a seat next to Hitoshi as Shouta sat next to Hizashi, facing the two students. 

Family dinner , Venti’s mind whispered, You’ve never had a family dinner before. He’s never had a family to think of, much less a family to have dinner with. Of course, he thought of all of Mondstadt as his children but— it was a bit different. Venti’s always been held directly responsible for Mondstadt’s safety and direction, he’s never had someone directly responsible for him like Shouta and Hizashi were. It was different— not unwanted, but different.

“So, Venti,” Shouta said, “Is there anything we should know about you?”

Venti paused, the question making his thoughts whirl before he asked, “What do you mean?” He bunched up rice onto his fork, taking a bite of the food. His eyes widened, “This is so good!” The seasoning was absolutely perfect— he adored it. He’s always loved Inazuma’s cuisine, and Hizashi’s cooking has the familiarity of Inazuma with the refreshment of the new era.

Hizashi broke out into a smile that fluttered Venti’s wings, “I’m glad you think so, little listener.”

Shouta cleared his throat, getting Venti’s attention before replying, “Things you deem important for us to know as family.”

Venti hummed, “I will admit, I’m not quite sure what that means. I’ve never had,” He gestured around himself, “Any of this. So…” He trailed off, “I’m really confused.”

“And that’s okay, little listener!” Hizashi said, his warm smile feeling akin to the emotional blankets the winds wrap Venti in to soothe him, “Do you have anything you think we should know to be able to help you in general?”

Venti hummed before shrugging, “Not really? I mean… I’m allergic to cats. That’s all?”

Shouta frowned, “You’re allergic to cats?”

“It’s not severe,” Venti replied quickly, “I’m okay with them, promise. I just can’t be in the same room as them.”

Shouta hummed, “Noted.”

The silence was awkward before Hizashi launched into conversation about UA, asking Hitoshi’s experiences to ease Venti’s worries about attending. Venti, though he appreciated the effort greatly, was worried much more about different things. He wasn’t worried about his ability to get along with people, but about the sheer size of UA. UA as a school houses around the same amount of people that lived in Mondstadt City alone— and that fact made Venti’s head spin.

“I’m sure you’ll do well!” Hizashi said, “You’ll make lots of friends.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Venti said. “I hope to make friends.”

“You’ll be fine,” Hitoshi stated, flatly.

Venti looked between Shouta and Hitoshi, Is he actually adopted? “Thanks,” He said.

“You’ll love UA!” Hizashi confidently stated.

“Have a nice first day,” The winds whispered in Venti’s ears, tugging at his braids teasingly.

“Hey!” The Archon huffed, voice quiet, “Don’t be a tease.”

“Of course not, Barbatos.” The winds laughed— light and ringing with delight. The laughter of the winds reminded Venti of windchimes, his heart clenching at the reminder of Mondstadt.

Venti smiled, walking into the gate of the school. Almost immediately, he was greeted by two students. “Ah hello there,” His lips curled into a soft smile, “How are you all?”

“We’re okay!” One of the students replied, “Thanks to you.”

“Ah, you’re much too kind,” Venti’s cheeks dusted with the slightest bit of pink. “Also, I’m sorry but I didn’t catch your name last time.”

“Uraraka Ochako,” The student introduced herself, “Sorry for not telling you before, Barbatos!”

Venti waved off the apology, “It’s fine. And it’s Venti, at least when we’re in school.”

She nodded, her bob bouncing with the action.

“What class are you headed to?” Midoriya asked, looking over at the Archon.

“Uh,” Venti paused, pursing his lips, “1-C? It’s Hitoshi’s class.”

“Hitoshi?” 

“My brother,” Venti said, “And your future classmate. He’s aiming for the hero course.”

Uraraka’s eyes sparkled, “Oh really? What’s his quirk?”

“Let him reveal that, Barbatos,” The winds said, “Hitoshi is not very confident in his quirk yet.”

“That’s his information to say,” Venti replied, softening his words with a smile, “But I’m sure he wouldn’t mind telling you once you all are classmates.”

“Is there a way for him to even get into the hero course?” Midoriya asked, “School year has already started.”

Venti shrugged, “I don’t know. I’m the new student, after all.” He grinned when Midoriya sputtered.

“R-right, sorry.”

Venti chuckled, “I’m just pulling your wing, it’s okay, Midoriya.”

“Speaking of,” Midoriya’s eyes raked Venti’s figure, “Where do you put your wings?”

“Nowhere,” He replied, vaguely.

“Right…”

“You are almost late for class…” The winds gently reminded him, pushing his friends and him over with a lighthearted gush.

Uraraka’s brows knitted in confusion as she glanced around, gaze landing on Venti, “What was that?”

“The winds trying to get us to move,” Venti replied, dryly, “We’re almost late, that’s why.”

Midoriya’s eyes widened, “Ah, we better get going now. Aizawa hates when we’re late.”

“Oh, Shouta is your teacher?”

“Yeah, you didn’t know?”

Venti hummed, “I guess I could’ve put two and two together. I’ll see you two later, okay?” The two students nodded and quickly made themselves scarce.

Venti let the winds guide him to his classroom, selecting an empty seat by the window once all the students had sat down. The teacher entered, a hero that Venti didn’t quite recognize. Her outfit was quite skimpy, though, causing Venti to look away rather quickly. “We have a new student today! Would you like to introduce yourself?”

Venti nodded, standing as the beady eyes of overly curious and nosy UA students hit him. “Hi, I’m Dae Venti but you can call me Venti.”

“Great!” The teacher said, allowing him to sit back down. “Dae’s a foreign exchange student from South Korea, so I expect you all to be kind.”

Whispers rose within the classroom which Venti pointedly ignored. The teacher merely clapped in order to get everyone’s attention again before she launched into her next set of news, “On another note, in just a few days, UA’s Sports Festival will be upon us!” She wrote something Venti couldn’t read on the board, “If you want to become a hero, this is your chance!” She smacked the chalkboard harshly, making Venti wince at the sudden noise. “One of you can transfer in if you make it into the final round! So, I expect all of you to try your best!”

There was an outburst of noise within the classroom, cheers and laughter resounding. Venti’s head began to pound not even one minute in. He inhaled deeply, the winds swirling around him and gently rustling his hair in an attempt to soothe him. 

“Barbatos, I hope you have a nice first day today,” came a prayer from a familiar voice.

It brought a smile to Venti’s face, his heart swelling in happiness. He muttered a small “ thank you,” knowing that the winds would carry his words. 

The teacher trailed off-topic speaking about subjects Venti found generally disinteresting before class finally started, History being first.

The wind whispered translations to him when he was the slightest bit confused, and he followed along somewhat well despite his shock at just how much was covered in one class.

Just like that, classes blurred together. The end of the day was in sight. Venti had stayed in the classroom during lunch, not willing to face the noise of a bustling high school cafeteria. When his final class ended, he packed up quickly before making his way to the teacher’s lounge as he was told to do in order to locate his guardians.

“Little listener!” Hizashi greeted just as Venti opened the door. He opened his arms for a hug that Venti freely accepted, ruffling Venti’s curly black hair after, “How was your day?”

“It was okay,” Venti replied, humming at the affection. “Hitoshi was right. It’s boring.”

Hizashi huffed out a laugh, mirth shining within his electric yellow eyes, “Even more for you, I’m assuming?”

The edges of Venti’s eyes crinkled in amusement, “No, really? Who would’ve guessed?”

Hizashi merely laughed, ruffling Venti’s hair again.

The door opened behind Venti, causing Hizashi to look over the Archon's head. “Little listener?”

“U-um, hey?” It was Midoriya, “I was just looking for Venti.”

Venti looked over his shoulder at Midoriya before turning around, “Hey, Midoriya. Did you need anything?” He smiled kindly, to which Midoriya nodded.

“We were wondering if you wanted to hang out at all sometime this week?” Midoriya asked, “Or during the festival. The class has been wondering where you’ve been.”

Venti blinked, shocked as the winds giggled in his ears. He nodded, “Sure. Just send me a text when. I’d love to hang out with you all.”

Midoriya brightened, a smile stretching across his face, “G-great! I’ll tell everyone then and we’ll figure out a time?”

Venti nodded, “Sounds good. I’ll see you around?”

“See you, Venti.” The door clicked closed and Venti let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding.

“Aw, look at you,” Hizashi cooed, “Getting along with teens your age.”

Venti raised a brow, “I’m an adult.”

“Mentally?”

Venti’s lips thinned into a line. The most obvious reply would be yes , but Venti doesn’t know what habits would make him ‘mentally an adult.’ “I don’t get what you mean.”

“You may be wise beyond your years, Venti, but it seems to me you are still a little listener. And that’s okay.”

“I’m an adult,” Venti insisted.

“Okay,” Hizashi relented rather quickly, pulling Venti into another hug. “Let’s go home.”

Home. Venti’s heart ached. Home where the wind blows without discriminating. Home where he could still see the way the stars twinkle back in reply to a prayer. Home in which he remembers the glitter and glow of someone’s ode— their vision. Home in which Cecelias bloomed and Windwheel Asters spun. “Y-yeah,” He replied, “Let’s.”

Hitoshi gently brushed over Venti’s feathers, “You get overwhelmed easily?” He asked.

Venti nodded, “I can’t take being around so many people for a long time.” It was horrendously overwhelming— again, UA’s easily the size and population of Mondstadt City. The fact makes Venti’s heart seize in fear, a familiar tight feeling settling and making its home in his chest. “I’m unused to it.”

Hitoshi hummed, “Have you ever been around so many people before?”

Venti shook his head, “No, not really. Where I’m from, there’s usually not so many people in a singular city…” He trailed off. 

“The Vision Era,” Hitoshi said, “Right?”

“Yeah,” Venti replied, his wings fluttering slightly, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“It’s fine,” Hitoshi brushed it off. “How was that era like?”

“It was okay,” Venti replied, “It had its downs but it also had its ups.” A wry smile made its way onto his features, “The people— Mondstadt itself— were precious. The flora was stunning, and the diversity in animals was beautiful. The landscape was amazing too— Mondstadt had many cliffs.”

“That sounds nice,” Hitoshi replied. He gently grabbed Venti’s other wing, starting the process over again. “When was the last time someone brushed your wings?”

Venti hummed, “I don’t think it’s ever happened before.”

Hitoshi cocked a eyebrow, “Really?” He questioned, disbelieving, “None of your family members did this?”

“I don’t — didn’t — have a family,” Venti reminded gently. “I’m nonhuman, Hitoshi. The closest thing I had to anything like this was well, my friends.”

“Right,” Hitoshi replied, “Sorry.” 

Venti shook his head, “No, it’s okay. It’s an easy thing to forget.”

“You never forget though, do you?”

Venti hummed, “Perhaps not.”

“Then it’s not easy,” Hitoshi said, simply. “Do you miss Mondstadt at all?”

“Horrendously,” Venti admitted, running a hand through his hair, “There’s not a day I go without thinking of Mond.”

“That makes sense,” Hitoshi said. “I’m sure there’s never a time they go without thinking of you.”

Does Mondstadt even exist anymore? Hitoshi’s comment caused the ugly question to rear its head in Venti’s thoughts. He shrugged, “That would be nice but I doubt it.”

Hitoshi merely hummed, “You can never be too sure.”

“That’s true,” Venti said. “If Mond still exists, I’d like to visit again someday.”

“I’m sure you’ll get to,” Hitoshi said, his voice soft in a way Venti knew was only reserved for family.

His heart really sang at the fact that Hitoshi’s family has been so accepting of him despite his weird quirks. He wasn’t even human for star’s sake and yet Shouta, Hizashi and Hitoshi accepted Venti with open arms. “Thank you, Hitoshi,” Venti replied, voice just barely above a whisper, “I appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Hitoshi’s lips curled into a warm smile, unbeknownst to Venti, “We can all visit together.”

“I’d like that,” Venti admitted, “I would like to show you all Mond. Even if it’s different than I remember.”

Hitoshi nodded, “Then I’m sure we’ll get to see it some day. Would you be giving us a tour?”

Venti laughed, “I think the winds would be giving you a tour rather than me.”

“You are the wind,” came Hitoshi’s gentle reminder, “Remember?”

Venti nodded, “I know, Hitoshi. How could I not?” 

“I don’t know, just reminding you.” Venti could hear Hitoshi’s grin through the lilt in his tone.

Venti rolled his eyes, “Yeah right, as if I— the God of Wind — needed a reminder that I am wind.”

Hitoshi chuckled, “Sometimes people could use a reminder of who they are.”

“Who are you, Barbatos?” He heard the winds traitorously whisper, “Are you anything other than a God?”

Is he? Venti’s lips thinned into a line, “You’re right.”

“When am I wrong?” Hitoshi replied, dryly.

“During Calculus.”

“We don’t talk about math.”

Venti laughed, his wings fluttering in delight, “Whatever you say, Hitoshi.”

“You’re not good at math either,” He huffed.

“I never claimed I was any good,” Venti replied, turning to stare at Hitoshi, “I just claimed that you were wrong during Calculus.”

“Smartass,” Hitoshi said, no heat in his words as he rolled his eyes.

Venti grinned, “What? Me?” He narrowly dodged the elbow jab to his ribs. “Rude.”

“Not as rude as you.”

“Even ruder.”

“Suck it up.”

Venti smiled, “Fine. But… You owe me a cookie.”

Hitoshi stared, “A cookie.” He repeated.

“A cookie.”

“What flavor?”

Venti hummed, tapping his chin in thought, “Chocolate chip.”

“Done.”

He grinned, “Aw, look at you being kind.”

Hitoshi cocked an eyebrow, “Don’t make me regret this.”

“It’s a cookie , Hitoshi, what is there to regret?” Venti asked, exasperated.

“I don’t know what effect cookies have on Gods,” He replied, dryly, “It might make you high for all I know.”

Venti huffed out a laugh, the comment catching him off guard with the utmost sincerity. “I can assure you it’s fine.”

“Right,” Hitoshi replied, gaze disbelieving.

Venti merely smiled in reply, letting the silence fester between the two. He dropped his head on Hitoshi’s shoulder, “Thanks.

“For what?”

“For being here.”

Chapter Text

[9:00] Midoriya

How do you feel about going to a cafe?

[9:05] Venti

That works. May I ask who’s coming?

[9:06] Midoriya

Me, Ochako, Shouto, and Momo. Is that good?

[9:10] Venti

Yes, of course ! :)

Was just checking.

Is there a specific café you have in mind?

[9:11] Midoriya

Yeah it’s [Location Sent]

[9:11] Venti

Great! I’ll see you all there.

What time?

[9:12] Midoriya

Noon?

[9:12] Venti

Okay ehe :)

“I’m going out with friends uh, later this afternoon,” Venti said as he washed the dishes. Hizashi had just entered the room.

“Aw!” Hizashi cooed, “They grow up so quick! Friends! You have friends!”

Venti cocked an eyebrow, placing one of the dishes on the drying rack, “It’s not as unusual as you make it seem. I’m a very social person.”

“Don’t doubt that, little listener.” Hizashi’s hand made its way into Venti’s curls, “Have you had any friends before?”

Venti nodded, “Very many, actually. It gets lonely if you don’t.” It still gets lonely if you do, His mind traitorously whispered. “I love meeting new people,” He admitted, “It’s why I was a travelling bard.”

Hizashi blinked in surprise, “You were a travelling bard?”

“Yep,” Venti affirmed, “I travelled all Seven nations and then some. Although granted, I couldn’t stay in the nation for long, I loved meeting the locals.”

“Why couldn’t you stay for long?”

Venti bit his lip, gaze looking onto afar, “Well… Each of the nations had their own Archon or God, and for an Archon to stay in someone else’s nation without explicit permission was taken as a contest of power.” He hummed, “I wasn’t very close with many of the other Archons. My closest ones were Morax or God of Stone, Buer or God of Knowledge and Baal, God of Eternity. I don’t know their modern Godly names… Nor mine. Maybe I should inquire about that one day,” He mused.

“Politics,” Hizashi groaned, “Even Gods have politics.”

“Well we had a governing body,” Venti said, “And with government always follows politics.”

Hizashi leaned closer, curiosity glinting in his electric yellow eyes, “Government?”

Venti nodded, “There’s a ranking of Gods. There were lowly Gods, then Archons, and then the Seven Shades. The Seven Shades ruled over Tevyat in ‘Celestia,’ before they were overthrown by various Archons banding together.” He shrugged, “That’s all of the past now, though, and technically the rankings do not exist anymore since Celestia got overthrown in a rebellion.”

“A rebellion?” Hizashi asked, “Were you a part of it?”

Venti shook his head, “At least, not directly. I was doing other things at the time.” He glanced at Hizashi before adding, “I don’t recall what exactly.”

Hizashi nodded at that, “That’s fine, little listener.” There was a brief moment of silence before Hizashi changed the topic, primarily for Venti’s sake, “What are you up to with your friends today?”

The Archon shrugged, drying off his hands with a rag and the slightest bit of wind, “We’re heading to a café and just chatting, I’m assuming.”

“Sounds nice,” Hizashi smiled, warmly. “Have fun, okay?” He slung an arm over Venti’s shoulders, pulling him close in a half hug.

Venti’s lips curled up into a smile of his own. “I will.”

“Great,” Hizashi said, curling a strand of Venti’s hair on his pointer finger before letting the God go, “Go get ready. I’ll drive you there.”

“Ah— you don’t have to!” Venti said, “I’m sure I could get there myself.”

“Shou and I are headed somewhere anyway, it’s no biggie, little listener.”

Venti nodded, “If you’re sure then okay.” He looked back at Hizashi, “I’ll go get ready!”

“We’ll be waiting!” Hizashi said as Venti walked away.

Venti beelined towards his room, preparing his outfit before hopping over to the bathroom and taking a quick shower. His outfit for today was quite simple in comparison to what he usually wears— light brown shorts, and a white button up with frilly cuffs. Venti slathered gel all over his curls, expertly braiding his familiar front braids before plopping a beret on his head and pinning it. He wrapped a green ribbon around his neck akin to a bow in a way Amber had shown him a while ago before calling it a day outfit wise. 

“You look like you,” The winds cooed in his ears as he looked at himself in the mirror. “Excited, Barbatos?”

Venti’s heart ached at the comment— while he usually would reply sarcastically, he knew what the winds meant when they said that. He hadn’t felt himself in a while, much less looked the part— put together with freshly done braids and his signature bows. “Yeah,” He said instead, “Very excited.” He tried to ignore the way the winds chimed at his response, pleased beyond reason. Their reaction faintly reminded the Archon of Hizashi’s reaction.

He grabbed his cellphone, pausing for a beat before remembering why it was in his hands. He glanced at the time before pocketing the small device. He grabbed a pouch of money just in case— he didn’t want to end up like Zhongli, after all. Venti left his room, walking over to the living room to see the rest of his family waiting for him. “Oh sorry, I didn’t know you were wai—”

“Ready, little listener?” Hizashi interrupted with his usual warm smile and bright eyes.

Venti nodded in lieu of a verbal response, and the family filed out the door and into Hizashi’s car. Venti sat in the backseat with Hitoshi. The car had a few moments of silence before Hizashi dragged Shouta into an animated conversation (or well, animated from Hizashi’s side, anyway.) Venti glanced over at his brother, eyes practically glowing in curiosity, “What are you up to today?”

“Training,” Hitoshi replied, purple eyes flitting over to lock with Venti’s turquoise ones. His elbow was pressed on the window sil, his hand holding his face delicately. It made him look young— and made Venti consciously realize just how young Hitoshi is. The bags under his eyes a little too big and concerning to Venti— but Venti kept that fact to himself.

“Hero training?” Venti asked.

Hitoshi cocked an eyebrow, “For what else would it be?”

Venti shrugged, “People have many different reasons to train. So you train on the weekends?”

Hitoshi nodded, “Yeah. Weekdays are busy.” He said, voice flat as ever but Venti could hear the slight annoyance.

“I see,” Venti frowned, “That sucks… I guess.”

“Thanks,” He replied, dryly, a wry smile accompanying the words.

“Of course,” Venti chuckled. “What Hero are you looking to be?”

Hitoshi hummed, “I haven’t given it much thought.”

Venti nodded, “That makes sense. You have a lot of time to decide, after all.”

The car stopped and Shouta turned to look at the two in the back, “Venti, is this your stop?”

The Archon looked out the window briefly before nodding, “Thanks!”

“Of course, have fun, little listener!” Hizashi smiled at him from the rearview mirror as Venti left. 

The moment Venti reached the door, Hizashi gave a thumbs-up and the car sped off, leaving him alone. Venti didn’t waste a second before opening the door of the café knowing that if he waited even a second longer, he would psych himself out. Immediately upon stepping in, he was waved over by his table of friends.

“Hey,” Venti greeted as he dragged out the chair next to Todoroki and sat down. “How are you all?”

“I’m good!” Uraraka chirped cheerfully, “And you? You look cute today!”

“Thanks,” Venti replied, a smile stretching onto his lips. “I’m glad you’re doing okay.” He rested his head on his hand, his gaze trailing over to Todoroki, “What about you, Todoroki?”

Todoroki hummed, “My father got caught in a court case. I’m assuming you had nothing to do with it, right, Venti?”

The gaze of the other three students snapped to Venti. Venti’s lips thinned into a line— he doesn’t remember doing anything to Endeavor directly. He tapped the table, two taps, a question for the winds— he tilted his head, listening for the answer.

“We might have blown specific files into a certain order for a certain detective.”

Venti suppressed a grin, his eyes locking onto Todoroki’s mismatched ones, “Your assumption may be correct. This is the first time I’m hearing of this.”

“Really?” Uraraka asked, curiously, “I thought you would keep up with heroes.”

“They don’t interest me,” Venti said, dryly.

“Why would heroes interest a God?” The wind whispered, “Someone as powerful as you?”

Venti willed them silent, “Heroes are nice,” He clarified, “But not my personal niche. I have many qualms about the current… System.”

“So you stay away from it,” Todoroki stated.

Venti nodded, “I do.”

“Makes sense,” Midoriya said, “So you’re not participating in the Sports Festival?”

Venti raised a brow at that, “What makes you think that?”

The hero students all looked at each other— Yaoyorozu paled a bit as she spoke, “We learned the other day that if a General Education student wins, they transfer into the hero course.”

“Ah yeah,” Venti said. He had recently learned that too, thanks to Hitoshi, “Yeah, I have no interest in it. I was going to ask to be excluded anyway.”

Midoriya let out a sigh of relief, “That’s good.”

A grin stretched onto Venti’s lips, “Aw, why? Scared?”

Todoroki cocked an eyebrow, “You tell us, Barbatos. Should we be scared?”

Venti shook his head, “I know your limits better than I know mine.” The knowing glint in his eyes sent a shiver up the spine of the students. “I wouldn’t do anything. I’m planning to sit out anyway.” 

Yaoyorozu nodded, “That’s good then.”

“I wish you all luck in the Sports Festival. Although I do hope Hitoshi claps all of you.”

Midoriya gaped, “Betraying us? We invited you out today!”

Venti shrugged, “Hitoshi deserves to be a hero. That’s all. No betrayal at all.”

There was a brief silence before Uraraka spoke, “So he really is aiming for us…”

“That’s what he declared the other day,” Todoroki said flatly, “Did you think he was bluffing?”

“N-no!” Uraraka sputtered, “It’s just setting in now.”

Venti chuckled, “I get it. But yeah, I have a feeling the Sports Festival is going to be interesting.” Talking about the festival made him feel sick— from what he’s heard, it’s just a festival with barely any rules on sparring. There’s been numerous permanent injuries from these festivals in UA’s history, and it made his head spin. He doesn’t understand this world’s craving, its need for child soldiers. The hunger that it satiates by sending children onto battlefields, the need for violence instead of villain reformation.

“Anyway,” Yaoyorozu skillfully switched the topic in a way that reminded him of Jean, “The Festival is a good way to get internships.”

“Internships?”

Yaoyorozu nodded, “We get to intern under a hero for break.”

“Ah, that’s nice,” Venti replied, “Do you all have anyone specific you’re aiming for?”

Midoriya shrugged, “Anyone that’s willing to take me I’m thankful for!”

Venti nodded, “Makes sense. Not picky?” 

“Not really.”

There was a brief pause before Uraraka spoke, “So! Venti, what do you like to do?”

Venti hummed, “I play instruments sometimes. What about you guys?”

“Instruments? Like what?”

A devious grin spread across Venti’s face, “Every one.”

“What?”

“Every single one. I can play.”

The students blinked, looking at the immortal incredulously. Todoroki mused, “Well he is the God of Song.”

“Every single one?!” Uraraka gaped, “How?! How do you have the memory for that?”

Venti shrugged, “Infinite space in my brain.”

Midoriya’s eyes glinted, “That does bring an interesting question, though… How do you remember everything?”

“I don’t remember everything,” Venti denied, “Yes, naturally, I remember many things, but that’s only because the wind carries.”

“What do you mean?” Uraraka asked, “The wind carries?”

“Carries memories, people, emotions,” Venti explained, “The wind carries all.” The confused expressions of the students amused him. Children attempting to understand him are always so cute— humans are vast in their creativity but are limited in their thinking, “It’s much easier if you don’t apply rules to me as you know them. I will inevitably defy them.” He’s not human. He’s a God playing human. He’s only adhering to their societal rules because well, he has nothing better to do! The world he is in has fast progressed from the necessity of Gods and Godly powers alike, leaving Venti reeling with a lack of purpose.

“I see,” It was Yaoyorozu that spoke, “That’s intriguing. How is it like? Being a God?”

Venti hummed, closing his eyes in thought. The world was incredibly vivid to him in his mind’s eye— almost as if he could still picture the four students in front of him. The wind blew outside, the sky clouding before Venti opened his swirling green eyes again, “Lonely.”

Yaoyorozu frowned, “Lonely?”

“Lonely,” Venti affirmed. 

“Even when you choose to walk among mortals?”

“Especially when I choose to walk among mortals,” Venti replied. He’s witnessed everyone kiss life goodbye more than once, he’s felt it. He knew intimately how it felt when a mortal drew their last breathe— the familiar tug on anemo becomes just one less in such a miniscule way that if it were any other person, it’d be unnoticeable. But Venti — Barbatos— is not just any other person; any other God. He’s in tune with the wind to a fault. When a God draws their last breathe, Venti feels it all the same; but now, with Celestia gone, he hadn’t felt it in a while.

And he doubted he’d ever feel it again.

“Aw,” Uraraka frowned, “Well maybe we can make it less lonely?”

Venti smiled, “I appreciate the effort, but you are all training to become heroes, no? You should give it your all, being a hero is dangerous, after all.”

“Will we have you as backup?” Todoroki asked, “In case anything ever…”

“Always,” Venti said, firmly, his eyes glittering as he looked at Todoroki. “Always. Call me and I will be there.” He doesn't tend to involve himself in human conflict, but any conflict that sends harm’s way to children forces Venti’s hand.

Midoriya let out a breath before smiling, “That’s good.”

Venti’s lips curled into a smile that nearly mimicked Midoriya’s with scary accuracy, “Indeed. Call me for anything, it doesn’t have to be physical conflict. I’ll be there, that I can guarantee.”

“Thank you,” Yaoyorozu said, “You were there when it counted.”

Venti nodded, “Of course. No child deserves to witness… That.” Nor be in that situation went unsaid.

“I do hope you don’t shelter us, though.”

“You have freedom,” Venti said, “Again, I know your limits better than I know mine. I only intervene when asked.”

Yaoyorozu nodded, “Thank you.”

Venti shook his head, “No need to thank me. Just try your best, be the best heroes you can.” He twirled the end of one of his braids around his finger, “There are lives on your shoulders, people to save. Focus on them, hear them and their need. That’s all I ask.”

Save them in a way a God can’t.

Musutafu glittered under him in a way that rivalled the fake stars of Tevyat. The wind blew it laments towards the Archon, its sorrows, prides, and memories reflected in the breeze. The Archon perched atop a roof, wings drooped besides him as his eyes scanned the city below him. He could see every little movement, feel every little gesture made by every object— inanimate or otherwise.

He could hear a cat’s painful yowl from cities over; a mother crying for its unborn kitten and then the sorrow that accompanied, carried by the gust. He could hear the scolding of children all throughout the region, he could feel the fear wafting in certain houses when the punishment for the young ones was revealed.

He knew all of this. Intimately. He usually does not involve himself with human matters, but when children are being hurt, should he really do nothing?

Is it cruel to allow cruelty to happen? Is it cruel to stop the freedom of one over the freedom of others? Is there a limit of freedom that he should grant to ascertain the safety of all his children?

Barbatos had pondered these questions again and again, each awakening with more revelations and yet more questions. 

Does he have a right to mourn the lives of his children loss when he does nothing to prevent such?

“Venti,” Someone’s voice interrupted his musings. Voice flat, and the Archon immediately recognized it.

“Shouta,” Venti — Barbatos replied, his voice echoing in the winds unintentionally. 

“What are you doing up here?” Shouta asked, walking closer to the mourning God.

Barbatos hummed, the wind twisting and howling as his stomach did. The moon’s light reflected off of each individual feather of his wings, off of each individual strand of hair in a way that made him appear no less than holy. “Reflection.”

“Reflection,” Shouta repeated, “Of what?”

Barbatos looked over his shoulder at Shouta, his green eyes locking with the human’s black ones, “My duties, of course.”

“Your… Duties.”

Barbatos nodded, swinging his feet on the ledge of the building as he looked down at the city. “My duties to humankind.”

“Right,” Shouta replied, flatly. 

He didn’t understand— not that Barbatos expected him to. Barbatos hummed, turning back around. A flick of his wrist caused the wind to materialize a shimmering lyre— a staple in his repertoire of instruments. He felt Shouta’s gaze yet did not meet it. 

What did he owe human kind? He owed his children safety, yes, but Yaoyorozu’s words echoed in his mind, 

(“I do hope you don’t shelter us, though.”)

Is any amount of suffering just? Is it a God’s call to make that decision? Is it Barbatos’ right to make that decision? Had it ever been?

The wind picked up with his whirling thoughts, blowing quickly with an edge. It knicked at his wings and yanked at his braids, and yet Barbatos paid it no mind, eyes portraying a storm. Barbatos plucked at the strings of the lyre absentmindedly, a piece forming from his thoughts.

Bitter. Angry. Confused. And lost.

Barbatos let his eyes flutter closed, let his body breathe deeply and let his heart twist.

That’s what it was.

He felt lost. He was almost giddy at the realization, because he finally felt one step closer to understanding human kind. But does this mean that Barbatos is losing his divinity? What even is divinity?

The hole in his chest craves Celestia, sings to a Gnosis that doesn’t exist anymore. He is the wind and the wind is his, and yet— does that actually qualify him to be a God? To be divine?

“Venti,” Shouta’s voice was soft and hardly carried by the violent winds, “You’re spiralling.”

So I am, Venti thought, a twinge of bitterness creeping into his consciousness. He snapped his eyes open, taking a deep breath as his braids glowed the familiar teal—

— and the winds were once again calm. The night returned to normal, as if the Archon’s wallowing had never occured. 

“My apologies,” Venti said, standing on shaky legs. He dusted himself off, spinning on his heel and looking over at Shouta with a soft smile, “I’m assuming you’re here for something?”

Shouta shook his head, “No. Just curious.”

Venti tilted his head, “About?”

“You,” He said, simply. “You claim to be a God.”

Venti cocked an eyebrow, it’s not his first bout with nonbelievers, although he should have expected this from Shouta. “Yes? And what? Do you believe my claim?”

“Yes,” Shouta replied as if it were common sense, surprising the Archon who had clearly expected the opposite, “This does nothing to allievate curiosity.”

Venti’s lips curled into a wry smile, “Believe me, I know.” He hummed, lyre still in his hands as he absentmindedly strummed a tune, “Well allow me to allievate your curiosity. Go ahead, ask me anything and I will answer with full honesty.”

“What are your intentions with human kind?”

“Simply to watch you thrive.”

“And why is that?”

“It’s magical that you all are no longer fighting to survive,” Venti replied, “Fate has not been kind to humans.”

There was a heavy silence before Shouta said, “Who are you, really?”

Venti muttered a name long gone, only revived from recent encounters, “Barbatos,” He answered. “You will find what that means in due time. Once you leave time behind.”