Wings of the Stars

Fifteen Years Later

Fifteen years have passed since the war.

Teyvat, once scarred by conflict, has fully recovered, its cities thriving once more.

Snezhnaya, however, still bears the wounds of the war. Though rebuilding efforts have been ongoing, the scars of devastation run deep. Entire regions remain in recovery, and the echoes of battles long past still haunt its skies and streets.

Yet in those Fifteen years, everything changed.

Some things evolved, some traditions remained, and some legacies only grew stronger.

A New Era for Teyvat's Finest

The 405th Squadron of Charybdis Air Force Base, the unit where it all began for Furina, no longer exists as it once did. It has since merged with the 1013th Squadron—La Waltz.

At the same time, the Teyvat Strategic Strike Group's two legendary squadrons returned home to their native nations.

Primordial Squadron relocated back to Windrise Air Force Base in Mondstadt.

Waltz Squadron returned to Charybdis Air Force Base, Fontaine.

Even with the passage of time, the heart of the teams never changed.

If anything, they grew.

The Legacy of Primordial Squadron

Under the ever-resilient leadership of Jean Gunnhildr, Primordial Squadron continued to solidify its legacy as one of the deadliest and most elite air combat units in history.

Jean herself had seen her share of trials. Her original F-15E Strike Eagle, the aircraft she had flown through countless battles, was lost during the Battle of Morepesok. In the heat of the conflict, stranded near a makeshift base in the flooded regions, she had stolen an F-14B Tomcat just to stay in the fight. That same F-14B, battered but victorious, would go on to be retired and placed in the Mondstadt Air Museum, a relic of history and testament to its pilot's resilience.

Over time, as the skies demanded more advanced weaponry, Primordial Squadron underwent a fleet-wide upgrade.

Amber's F-15E was retired in favor of an F-22 Raptor.

Ningguang, Ei, and Mavuika followed suit, each transitioning to F-22 Raptors.

But Primordial Squadron wasn't just staying the same. It was growing.

Elite combat pilots from across Teyvat, battle-hardened by conflicts across the world, joined their ranks. Each of them brought a story, a war, and a reason for standing among the best.

Mika Schmidt — joined three years after the war.

Noelle — the youngest recruit in squadron history, enlisted at just 20 years old, six years after the war.

Xingqiu — joined eight years after the war.

Sethos — the most recent addition, ten years after the war.

Only the finest pilots ever made it into the Teyvat Strategic Strike Group. Every one of them had survived real aerial combat. Every one of them was an Ace.

Primordial Squadron had become a force beyond legends.

Waltz Squadron: The Evolution of an Ace

If Primordial Squadron was the hammer of Teyvat, then Waltz Squadron was its razor-sharp spear.

Leading the squadron was none other than Captain Furina De Fontaine.

Fifteen years had passed, but she remained at the helm, undefeated and unstoppable.

She no longer flew 1013-FF, the Rafale M that had carried her through hell and back. That jet was enshrined in history, displayed proudly at the Teyvat Air and Space Museum.

Instead, she now flew a new machine—an even deadlier evolution.

A Dassault Rafale M Evolution, a machine built for a true Ace of Aces.

Unlike her original jet, which had been adorned in a distinct one-off paint scheme, this new Rafale bore the standard military gray. But on its vertical stabilizer, a single emblem stood out—a golden crown.

Her aircraft carried a new registration: 1310-FF.

Her birthday—October 13th—but in reverse.

The squadron she commanded had changed as well.

Eula Lawrence and Collei had originally served in Primordial Squadron but transferred to Waltz Squadron upon its formation.

Both had once flown F-15E Strike Eagles, but their aircraft were retired and replaced with Dassault Rafale M Evolutions.

But Waltz Squadron saw the biggest influx of new blood.

Over the years, seven new Aces joined its ranks.

Navia Caspar (Fontaine) — joined two years after the war.

Yelan (Liyue) — three years after the war.

Dehya (Sumeru) and Keqing (Liyue) — four years after the war.

Shenhe and Beidou (Liyue) — six years after the war.

All of them flew Dassault Rafale M fighters.

Their fleet was unified. Their skills were unmatched. Their legacy was undeniable.

The Legend of Teyvat's Deadliest Ace

If there was one thing that never changed in Fifteen years, it was Furina herself.

Teyvat's Deadliest Ace.

The most feared pilot in the world.

Over 400 confirmed kills.

The woman who shot down the Sepharis Birds and ended the war.

She had been offered promotion after promotion.

She had every opportunity to rise in rank, to move beyond the cockpit and command entire divisions of pilots.

But she declined every single one.

Her reason was simple.

"I don't want to be a General. I don't want to be a Commander. I want to be a pilot. I want to fly alongside my squadron, not above them. I want to train them in the way of the sky—not from a desk, not from a war room, but from the cockpit. If I take a promotion, I stop flying. And if I stop flying, I stop being me."

To Furina, rank meant nothing.

What mattered was the sky. The battle. The people beside her.

She had survived everything. She had watched war rip apart nations. She had bled for her country, for her squadmates, for the world.

But she was still here.

Still fighting.

Still leading.

Still training the next generation of Aces.

She had carved her legacy into the sky itself.

And Fifteen years later…

That legacy wasn't just history.

It was still alive.

And it would never fade.

New Eridu, Inazuma

January, 2XX4

10 Months Before the 15th Anniversary of the End of the Snezhnayan-Teyvat War

The hum of an idling aircraft engine mixed with the rhythmic clinking of tools. The air inside the small hangar smelled of aviation fuel, grease, and aged aluminum—scents that had become second nature to Grace Howard.

She leaned into the engine bay of her Beechcraft Bonanza V-Tail V35B, wiping a smudge of oil from the casing of the Lycoming IO-540B engine. With a practiced motion, she twisted her wrench, then pulled out a spark plug from its socket. Inspecting the tip, she sighed in frustration.

"Ugh... Carbon deposits. No wonder she's sputtering during the run-up yesterday..."

She reached for the next spark plug, but before she could loosen it, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed across the hangar floor.

Without turning around, she called out, "Hey. If you're looking for the business jet hangars, it's the next one over."

A smooth, confident voice responded, "Oh no, sorry. You're mistaken. I'm actually looking for Grace Howard."

Grace paused, lowering her wrench. Stepping off the small ladder, she wiped her hands with an old rag before turning around. Standing just a few feet away was a red-haired woman in a sharp, well-fitted suit.

"Yeah, that's me. May I help you, ma'am?"

The woman smiled and extended a hand.

"Apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Himeko. I'm with Dassault Aviation."

Grace blinked. Dassault? What the hell would they want with her?

She crossed her arms. "Dassault, huh? Why's a big-name company like yours bothering with a small-time mechanic like me?"

Himeko chuckled, stepping forward. "I know you're not just 'some mechanic,' Ms. Howard. I know you restore planes—old and modern alike."

Grace nodded slowly. "Yeah, sounds about right."

Himeko smirked. "And I'm pretty sure you've restored a fighter before, haven't you?"

Grace sighed. "Yep. An F-16. It was a job for the Mondstadt Air and Space Museum."

Himeko nodded approvingly. "Well, I've got a new opportunity for you. One that involves restoring a truly legendary aircraft."

Grace raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "I think it's best we talk about this in my office. Not out here."

"Right," Himeko agreed.

The two women stepped into Grace's small but well-kept office, just to the right of the hangar. As they settled into their seats, Grace grabbed a pen and notepad.

"Alright," she said. "Let's hear it. What plane are we talking about?"

Himeko leaned forward, resting her arms on the desk.

"Dassault Rafale M."

Grace nodded, scribbling it down. "And the registration?"

Himeko's expression didn't change. "One Zero One Three. Foxtrot Foxtrot."

The pen in Grace's hand froze mid-stroke. She slowly looked up at Himeko.

"One Zero One Three Foxtrot Foxtrot?"

Himeko nodded, a small knowing smile on her lips. "I think you know about this plane."

Grace scoffed. "Yeah. That's Teyvat's deadliest ace's Rafale. Furina de Fontaine's aircraft." She narrowed her eyes. "Isn't that plane supposed to be in the Teyvat Air and Space Museum?"

Himeko let out a sigh. "It was."

Grace's brow furrowed. "Was?"

Himeko leaned back. "The businessman who owned the museum was caught using it to launder money. Ten years ago, it shut down. Its assets were auctioned off, including Furina's Rafale. It was bought by a retired air force pilot and... disappeared."

She leaned forward again. "Until now."

Grace nodded, jotting it all down. "Go on."

Himeko continued, "The owner's son contacted us after his father passed away. He wants to donate the aircraft to the Fontaine Air and Space Museum—on one condition: it has to be restored to flying condition."

Grace frowned. "I saw the war documentaries. That plane's bent to hell. Isn't it beyond saving?"

Himeko exhaled. "It's damaged, yeah. Wrinkled, fatigued. But not everywhere. Only in the parts of the fuselage that weren't reinforced."

Grace tilted her head. "Reinforced?"

Himeko nodded. "Furina's Rafale wasn't a standard model. It was an experimental prototype—the Rafale Evolution. It was built for extreme maneuverability, meant to rival the F-22 and Snezhnayan jets like the Sukhois and MiGs. You've seen the footage—you've seen how Furina flew that thing."

Grace smirked. "Yeah. Cobras, Pugachev's.. she made that thing dance."

"Exactly," Himeko said. "Along with enhanced flight controls, Albedo—our 'aircraft alchemist'—requested structural reinforcements. But since it was still a prototype, some parts of the fuselage were left standard."

Grace leaned in, intrigued. "But how the hell did an experimental prototype end up in Furina's hands?"

Himeko sighed. "A mix-up. We accidentally swapped a standard Rafale M with the Evolution and sent it out for painting. By the time anyone noticed, it was already delivered to Charybdis Air Force Base—just weeks before the war started."

Grace shook her head. "Why not take it back?"

Himeko smirked. "Because it was the perfect field test. Fontaine's Royal Air Force Academy's top graduate, going into battle with an experimental prototype? That was an opportunity we couldn't pass up. Every maneuver, every dogfight—her telemetry was priceless. After the war, we recovered the data from the Ousia-class carrier, Focalors."

Grace nodded. "I see. So why restore it now?"

Himeko leaned even closer. "Because we want it airworthy for the 15th anniversary of the war's end."

Grace scoffed. "I wish I could get it done in two years, let alone less than one. With a handful of us, that's at least two to four years of work."

Himeko smirked. "Who said it's just you?"

Grace blinked. "Huh?"

"The restoration site is at Dassault's Final Assembly Plant—Elynas Air Force Base. We already have a full team assigned to the project."

Grace slowly nodded. "Oh. That changes things."

She set her pen down and leaned back in her chair. After a moment, she looked at Himeko and grinned.

"Alright, Ms. Himeko. I accept your offer."

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on Furina's plane."

Himeko smiled. "Glad to hear it, Ms. Howard."

She stood up. "Pack your things. We're leaving today."

Grace raised an eyebrow. "Wait, today?"

"Yes. We're on a tight schedule. Less than a year to get this plane back in the sky."

Himeko smirked. "Oh, and Dassault's covering all expenses."

Grace chuckled. "Well, can't argue with that. I'll see you back here at 2:30 sharp."

Himeko nodded and walked out of the office, leaving Grace alone.

She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling. "Well, damn. That's one helluva way to hire someone to restore a plane."

She glanced toward the hangar, where her Bonanza sat waiting.

"But of all planes… Furina's plane?"

Shaking her head, she got to work—buttoning up her aircraft before heading home to pack.

The next chapter of history was about to begin.

Elynas Air Force Base, Fontaine

The Next Day – 10 Months Before the 15th Anniversary of the End of the Snezhnayan-Teyvat War

The journey from Marcotte International Airport to Elynas Air Force Base had been a long one, but for Grace Howard, the real work was only beginning.

She leaned against the window of Himeko's car as they drove across the base, eyes narrowing as they passed an old, isolated hangar on the north side—its weathered exterior standing alone across the runway, a forgotten relic of another time.

"Huh. So that's where it's located?" Grace murmured.

Himeko, focused on driving, nodded. "Yeah. The team's already inside, waiting for you. Remember, you're leading this restoration. It's up to you to manage everything."

Grace exhaled, nodding. "Right."

As they stepped out of the car, Himeko clapped her hands together.

"Alright, team! Gather around!"

Grace watched as a group of nine people approached. Nine wasn't much for a full aircraft restoration, but if they worked efficiently, it would be just enough to get the plane flying in under a year.

Himeko gestured to the first three. "These three specialize in avionics: Alhaitham, Asta, and Serval."

Serval, an older woman with sharp eyes and a confident stance, gave Grace a nod. "Nice to meet you, Grace."

Asta extended a hand, a warm smile on her face. "Pleasure working with you, Ms. Howard."

Grace shook her hand. "Likewise, Ms. Asta."

Next, Himeko introduced the structural team.

"Lumine, Aether, Gepard, and Ayato. They'll be handling all airframe repairs."

Lumine gave a small smile. "Nice to work with you, Ms. Howard. I heard about your F-16 restoration."

Grace chuckled. "Oh? Guess my reputation follows me."

Himeko then turned to the final figure in the group. Before she could speak, Grace raised a hand.

"No need for introductions, Himeko." Her eyes locked onto the blond man. "I know exactly who he is. The legendary Aircraft Alchemist himself—Albedo."

Albedo chuckled and shook her hand. "It's an honor to work with someone who specializes in restoring the old to new."

"Likewise."

With introductions out of the way, the team entered the hangar.

The air was thick with dust, clinging to the walls, desks, and rows of old storage compartments. Yet, in the center of it all, beneath a carefully placed cover, it stood.

Furina's Dassault Rafale M.

A time capsule, frozen for fifteen years.

Slowly, they peeled back the cover, revealing the Élégante et Efficace livery—the deep blue and gold accents that once dominated the skies during the war. The paint, still in surprisingly pristine condition, shimmered under the dim lighting.

Grace ran a hand along the dust-covered fuselage, feeling the metal beneath her fingertips.

"Did any moisture leak in here?"

Himeko shook her head. "No. This hangar is watertight—built to withstand earthquakes, typhoons, storms, and heavy winds."

Grace nodded. "That explains why it's in such great shape. No exposure to the elements… Even the paint is intact."

Her inspection stopped at the air intake. She frowned, running a hand over a series of small wrinkles on the fuselage.

"Here. Fatigue damage."

Albedo stepped beside her, inspecting the area. "Yeah… but it's not too bad. Doesn't look like a deep structural issue."

"Just some surface-level cracks," Grace agreed.

Lumine's voice called from the other side of the jet. "Another crack here!"

Grace and Albedo moved to the aircraft's belly, where Lumine was pointing at a thin fracture along the lower fuselage.

Aether knelt down beside them, running his fingers over the metal. "These will all have to be patched up."

Lumine pointed further up. "And what about these wrinkles?"

Grace ran a hand over them, shaking her head. "Not structural. That's just oil canning—normal for a jet that's been pushed to its limits."

They continued the first round of inspections. Despite the cracks, wrinkles, and aged components, the aircraft was in far better condition than anyone had anticipated.

As the sun reached its peak, the team stood before the Rafale, taking it all in.

A sleeping beauty.

Himeko turned to Grace. "So. Is it restorable?"

Grace crossed her arms, exhaling. "Definitely. For a plane that's been sitting here for fifteen years, it looks like someone was actually taking care of it until recently."

She listed the main restoration tasks:

Structural Repairs: Crack patching and reinforcement.

Engines & APU Replacement: The existing engines hadn't run in 15 years and would need complete replacement.

Avionics Inspection: The team would need to power up the systems to assess the condition of the electronics.

She turned to Himeko. "When are we pulling it out?"

Himeko smirked. "Tonight. Midnight. We'll move it when no one's plane spotting and sneak it into the Dassault Main Assembly Line."

Grace nodded. "Alright. Looks like we've got a long day ahead of us."

Lumine then asked, "What about Furina's paint scheme?"

Grace smirked. "The livery's well preserved. All it needs is detailing and a proper wash. Any new parts we replace can be repainted to match."

Himeko added, "We still have the original design drawings Furina submitted seventeen years ago."

"Perfect," Grace said.

Aether looked between them. "And does Furina know about this?"

Himeko shook her head. "Nope. She only knows that the Teyvat Air & Space Museum shut down and that her Rafale was auctioned off.

She doesn't know that we found it.

Grace grinned. "So we're planning to surprise her?"

Himeko nodded. "The goal is to have this plane airworthy by the anniversary. Its first flight in fifteen years will be during the airshow that week."

The team looked back at the Rafale, standing silent yet powerful in the dim hangar light.

Furina's legendary warplane—abandoned, but not forgotten.

Now, it was their job to bring it back to life.

Project Waltz 1013 was officially underway.