Seven Months Later
June 20th
The Mondstadt Capitolium – Legislative Building
The morning sun gleamed off the white stone spires of the Mondstadt legislative building. A stillness clung to the air—thick and heavy with anticipation.
Inside the grand Cabinet Chamber, silence reigned.
At the center of the vaulted hall stood a circular table, polished to a mirror sheen. Eight seats surrounded it—seven designated for the ministers of Teyvat's nations, and one at the apex for the President of Teyvat herself.
Today's session was unlike any other. It wasn't merely political. It was historic.
The long-awaited Teyvat Council Meeting had convened—where the long-shrouded truths of the Dawnfront War would finally come to light. Classified and top secret documents, veiled in bureaucracy and silence for nearly a decade, were now set for public declassification. The war, once believed to be a straightforward conflict between Natlan and Teyvat, was far more layered. Hidden agendas, provocations, and the quiet re-emergence of Khaenri'ah from the shadow of history were all about to be laid bare.
But for four particular figures, this meeting was far more personal.
Outside, ascending the steps of the legislative complex, four figures walked shoulder to shoulder. The glint of silver zippers and navy-blue fabric marked them—not as politicians, but as soldiers. Combat pilots.
Wearing the faded, rugged flight suits of the legendary Emberhowl Air Command Squadron, Captains Emilie, Mona, Mualani, and Ayaka approached the building where their war would finally be acknowledged.
Ayaka cast a side glance at her comrades, brow raised.
"Remind me again—why are we wearing our old flight suits?" she asked, fingers tugging slightly at the collar. "Feels like we're walking into a briefing for a sortie."
Emilie gave a sly grin.
"Because today, we're not just guests. We're the ghost pilots walking back into history," she replied. "We're officially revealing ourselves to the ministers of the Six Nations."
Ayaka tilted her head. "But doesn't Minister Mausau already know who we are?"
Mona nodded. "He does. But like everyone else who knows the truth, he's been under strict orders not to say a word."
"Exactly," Emilie added, smirking. "Today's our first step in stepping out of the shadows. And besides—wearing our suits makes a statement. This isn't just politics. This is memory."
Mualani chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
"So we're here for nostalgia?"
Emilie shrugged. "That… and because Imena told us to be here, at this exact time, in uniform."
Ayaka laughed lightly. "What, no helmets?"
Their laughter echoed faintly off the grand stone façade as they reached the top of the marble steps.
At the large brass-trimmed doors stood a stern figure—one of President Imena's personal security agents. He raised a hand firmly.
"Hold it. Citizens are not allowed entry during an ongoing high-level session. The Council is in closed session with the ministers of the Six Nations. Please vacate the premises."
Emilie stepped forward, unfazed, arms crossed.
"We're here for President Imena."
"She's unavailable. I'll need identification."
Emilie rolled her eyes. "Captain Emilie of the Emberhowl Air Command Squadron, accompanied by Captains Mona Megistus, Mualani, and Kamisato Ayaka."
The agent raised an eyebrow. "Emberhowl, huh? Alright then, prove it. What was the first cipher the intelligence vessel Capitolium intercepted during Operation Dawnfront?"
Emilie exhaled sharply. "Seriously?"
She lifted both hands. "Fine. The first cipher was numeric—coordinates embedded in an encrypted string. They pointed to the Veltrheim Mining Facility in Khaenri'ah. Only, it wasn't a mining site. It was a weapons manufacturing complex, disguised beneath the mountain—with a concealed airbase."
The agent cracked a small grin. "No need for more, Miss Emilie. Password confirmed. President Imena asked us to test you. She's playing her games again."
Emilie sighed, pinching her nose. "Damn it, Imena."
The agent chuckled. "That's our President for you. You're cleared to enter. Head down the hall—her representative will be waiting in the lounge."
Inside the marble-floored reception, warm lighting and towering Mondstadt banners gave the hall an aura of authority and history. A woman in a tailored navy suit stood waiting.
"Ah—our Emberhowl Aces. Welcome to the Capitolium."
Emilie stepped forward, shaking the representative's hand. "Glad to be here, ma'am."
"President Imena is currently mid-session. You're welcome to wait in the lounge. She's arranged for the live feed of the Council meeting to be shown there. I'll keep you updated."
"Thank you," Emilie said, nodding.
The lounge door opened with a soft click. The four stepped inside—and paused.
Ayaka blinked. "Whoa. This looks more like a presidential suite than a waiting room."
Mona chuckled, settling into a leather chair.
"If you've read the papers, Imena's approval ratings are through the roof. She's called the kindest and most transparent president in Teyvat's history."
Emilie smiled. "Let's save the political talk for later. Right now, we watch."
The flat-screen monitor on the wall buzzed to life. A wide shot of the Council Chamber appeared—showing seven figures seated around the table, each with stacks of documents before them.
Imena, President of Teyvat, presided from the central seat.
To her left and right sat:
Varka, Minister of Mondstadt
Zhongli, Minister of Liyue
Makoto, Minister of Inazuma
Nahida, Minister of Sumeru (appearing as an adult)
Neuvillette, Minister of Fontaine
Mausau, Minister of Natlan
The atmosphere in the chamber was intense, papers rustling quietly, pens scribbling, eyes scanning page after page of classified material. The thick files held the secrets of a war hidden in plain sight—the Dawnfront War.
From hidden Khaenri'ahn operations…
To the destabilization of Natlan…
To the unauthorized air missions and ghost operations led by the four aces sitting in the lounge…
The truth was about to be released.
And the world was about to remember who they were.
The six ministers gently placed the stack of papers back into their respective folders.
The first to speak was Neuvillette.
"All this hatred toward one another... all caused by a loss from fifteen years ago."
Nahida slowly nodded, still leafing through the documents.
"Yes… It's absurd. All of this—just to reunite the two Khaenri'ahs."
Varka leaned back in his seat, arms crossed.
"Yeah. Look at this—fifteen years of covert operations. They even continued work on rebuilding the MIRV ABYSS in secret. Sabotaged the Skywarden project. And worse… they tried to restore the abandoned Judgement Fang Orbital Linear Gun."
Makoto spoke next, her voice sharp with focus.
"The carrier Arkhe, though—it hosted the former VFA-28 Fighter Squadron. Then later on, the Emberhowl Air Command Squadron."
Zhongli nodded in agreement.
"And these rumors we keep hearing… that the Aces of Emberhowl are the same pilots from the Wolfsbane Squadron stationed on Petrichor Island."
He glanced around at his fellow ministers—and then to President Imena.
"Are they truly the same people? And if so… why were they marked as dead and labeled traitors?"
Makoto flipped through her folder and stopped at a page labeled Wolfsbane Squadron.
"It says here they were classified as Khaenri'ahn spies. But that can't be. These records clearly show they had no connection to Khaenri'ah—except for one man. Kaeya Alberich."
Varka tapped a section of the dossier in front of him.
"Says here Kaeya was their chief mechanic. Defected to Teyvat during the Khaenri'ahn War. Shot down by a mercenary pilot they refer to as The Knave."
He turned a few more pages.
"Also says he went down alongside Wolfsbane during a failed operation."
Makoto raised a finger, reading further.
"It also states they were only presumed dead. No bodies recovered. Their aircraft likely went down over open water."
Varka gave a low hum.
"Still doesn't explain how—just days after their presumed deaths—the Emberhowl Squadron is suddenly formed."
He flipped to another entry, eyes narrowing.
"Well, this confirms it. Right here—it states that the Emberhowl Air Command Squadron was officially formed by President Imena aboard the Ousia-class carrier Arkhe. The squadron was comprised of three surviving pilots from Wolfsbane… and one from the VFA-28 squadron."
Makoto nodded, her tone steady.
"It mentions their TAC names—Raven, Starseer, Soumetsu, and Tempest.. But all names are redacted. No official photographs, apart from a few taken by Mr. Houallet during the war. Even then, Wolfsbane's flight photos were made public, but Emberhowl's were withheld. No face shots at all."
She turned to face the President.
"President Imena?"
Imena gave a faint smile.
"These documents… do you believe the public is ready to learn the full extent of the Dawnfront War?"
The ministers exchanged glances, the room thick with unspoken understanding. Then, one by one, they nodded.
Mausau was the first to answer.
"Yes."
Makoto followed.
"We all agree. It's time."
Imena gave a confident nod.
"Then it's decided. An Aces Press Conference will be held tomorrow…"
She looked at each of them in turn.
"Would you like to meet them now? The Aces of Emberhowl—the ones who brought an end to this cursed war?"
In unison, the ministers responded:
"Yes."
Imena's expression warmed as she tapped a message into her device—a prewritten signal.
Inside the Lounge.
Emilie rose from her seat, brushing imaginary dust off her flight suit.
"Well, I think that's our cue."
She turned to her comrades.
"Look sharp, everyone. Our identities are about to go public."
Mona stood and adjusted the cuffs of her sleeves with a calm smirk.
"Of course I'm ready."
Right on time, the door opened. The same representative from earlier stepped in.
"Aces of Emberhowl," she said respectfully, "please follow me."
Ayaka and Mualani stood without a word, joining Mona and Emilie as they followed the representative down the corridor.
Ahead, the doors to the Cabinet Meeting Room waited—heavy with significance.
The representative stepped forward and gave a sharp, echoing knock on the double doors.
Imena rose from her seat with a calm smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen... I believe our guests have arrived."
She walked to the doors, then turned to face the ministers once more.
"Ministers of Teyvat—please welcome the Aces of Emberhowl."
With a dramatic sweep, the doors swung open.
Standing tall at the threshold were four pilots.
Emilie. Mona. Ayaka. Mualani.
They entered the room in perfect step, backs straight, hands clasped behind them in parade-rest posture. Their presence was quiet, but commanding.
The ministers rose from their seats—offering not just recognition, but a standing ovation.
Emilie allowed herself a small smile. For the first time in years, it wasn't forced. It wasn't for show. It was real.
A hero's smile.
No longer hiding in the shadows.
No longer marked as traitors.
Now—officially, and undeniably—heroes.
With the documents laid bare to the council, their truth had finally been acknowledged.
Makoto raised a clenched fist high.
"Salute the Aces of Emberhowl!"
In perfect unison, the six ministers snapped into a crisp salute.
The four pilots exchanged a glance, then returned the salute with unwavering poise.
Imena chuckled, stepping aside.
"All right, you four. No more hiding in the shadows. Go on—say hello to our ministers."
The four broke formation and moved to greet the gathered officials. Warm handshakes. Hugs. A sense of long-overdue reunion filled the room.
Emilie approached Neuvillette, who extended his hand with a respectful smile.
"Our first Fontainian Ace—Captain Emilie."
Emilie blinked, caught off guard.
"Me? First Fontainian Ace?"
Neuvillette nodded.
"That's right. Other Fontainian fighter pilots from the old days never reached the official ace threshold. You, Emilie… you are Fontaine's first."
A faint blush rose to her cheeks as she rubbed the back of her neck.
"I… I was just doing my job, sir."
Neuvillette's expression softened.
"I know that, Miss Emilie."
Mualani chimed in with a chuckle.
"Say… where's the medal ceremony?"
Emilie glanced back at her.
"Relax, Tempest. They'll get to you soon."
Neuvillette exhaled, straightening his posture.
"On behalf of the nation of Fontaine—we offer a formal apology. To you, and your squadron. From us, the Ministers of Teyvat… and from the citizens of Fontaine. We are truly sorry. For branding you as traitors."
Emilie shook her head gently.
"You don't need to apologize to me—or to any of us."
She took a breath, steady but clear.
"The fact we found out too late about Mechshade, the 5050th Squadron, and the Khaenri'ahn agents embedded in our ranks… It was bound to unravel eventually. And part of the blame falls on us—we were the face of the war effort, boosting morale in a time of chaos."
Neuvillette hesitated, then spoke.
"But… Miss Emilie—"
She raised a finger, stopping him kindly but firmly.
"I'm not saying this because I hold a grudge. I don't. I've forgiven everyone who turned their backs on us. I had to."
She looked him in the eye.
"In the four and a half years since the war ended… I've chosen not to dwell in bitterness. I've chosen forgiveness—not as weakness, but as a way to move forward."
She looked away for a moment, then back again.
"Of course… the past doesn't just vanish. Some memories will always linger. Some people will carry anger until their dying breath. Others will simply… forget."
A pause. A beat.
"But me? I choose to move on."
Neuvillette gave a slow, respectful nod.
"I understand… Miss Emilie."
Emilie turned to Imena.
"So… when's our grand reveal to the public?"
Imena smiled knowingly.
"Tomorrow. Everything will be revealed."
Just then, an aide approached the president and whispered in her ear.
"Madam President. The reporters are ready."
Imena nodded.
"I'll be right there."
She looked back to Emilie, her voice softer.
"I'll see you in a bit, okay?"
Imena turned and exited the room with her aide.
Outside – Steps of the Teyvat Legislation Building.
Imena approached the podium set before a sea of cameras and microphones. The insignias of all six nations stood proudly behind her.
She took a breath, then addressed the gathered press—and through them, the world.
"Good afternoon, citizens of the Six Nations of Teyvat."
Her voice carried power and clarity.
"Just moments ago, I convened with the Ministers of Teyvat to address an issue that has haunted us since the end of the Dawnfront War. A matter that nearly tore our world apart… and brought us to the edge of civil conflict."
She paused, scanning the crowd.
"But also—a revelation. One that involved a so-called 'middleman,' as some have called it. A force hidden in plain sight."
She opened the folder on the podium.
"After thorough discussions, document verification, and internal review, I now stand before you to announce the full declassification and public release of all documents relating to the Dawnfront War."
Murmurs rippled through the press corps.
"These files—ranging from confidential, secret, to top secret—include everything. Written testimony. Photographs. Audio transcripts. Field reports. Every last detail."
She straightened.
"For many of us, the images of war are burned into our memories. The thunder of jet engines. The acrid smell of burning fuel. The contrails crossing our skies. Tracer fire. Missiles. Falling aircraft."
Her gaze turned solemn.
"These documents will also reveal the truth behind the mysterious 'Emberhowl Air Command Squadron.' Who they were. What they did. And what they were before they were called the 'Demons of Emberhowl'… or the 'Aces of Emberhowl.'"
She looked directly at the cameras.
"Tomorrow, these Aces will step forward—publicly—for the first time in four and a half years. A press conference and Q&A session will be held at Windrise Air Force Base's hangar three."
A rare, proud smile touched her face.
"And I, for one… look forward to seeing our Aces finally speak—not as ghosts of war, but as the heroes they've always been."
She nodded.
"Thank you."
This was it.
No more hiding.
No more secrets.
All would be revealed.
And for the first time in years…
Emilie, Ayaka, and Mona could breathe.
Truly breathe.
The breath of freedom.
The kind that only comes… after surviving hell.