adversaries | diluc x fem!reader ?

''We are about to leave for the mission shortly. Before that, I would like to thank all of you for putting your trust in me to be your captain for this and however many more missions I will lead you to in my time. It is an honor to be standing before you today.''

Diluc had been a Captain for about a week now, but today was the first time he would be leading the Cavalry on a mission. They were to make their way to Stormterror's Lair; a place that had been uninhabited for months, but a lot of Abyssal activity had been reported as of recent. Since they had the horses, it was easier for the Cavalry to go all the way there. 

There were some cheers from the troops, to which Diluc smiled and nodded, waiting until they'd stopped. ''Thank you, thank you. Now, Grandmaster Varka has allowed me to pick a Vice Captain, a person who would be my right hand and step in in the event that I can't be present. For this important role, I have chosen Y/n Kriegerdottir.'' 

Diluc gestured to Y/n, who he'd made stand next to him the whole time. Y/n bowed a little as the Cavalry clapped for her, too; not nearly as loud nor long as for Diluc, but she couldn't complain. She had to prove herself first. 

''Alright, now back to work. We need to get rid of the Abyss residing around Stormterror's Lair before they get too close to the city. There's been a few encounters that had been too close, so we have to put a stop to it before it escalates. Let's go!''

Y/n's horse was a white one with the name of Buchwald; he had been named beforehand and wouldn't answer to another name. She rode just a foot behind Diluc and his black stallion with the name of Vanessa, after the hero of Mondstadt who'd lived a thounsand years ago. 

Diluc looked at her once they were out of the city and on the path towards Stormterror's Lair. The Cavalry was a few feet behind them, so Diluc kept his voice quiet, though enough so she would hear. ''So? How did I do?'' 

Y/n shrugged. ''It was alright.'' She noticed Diluc's furrowed brows at her nonchalant answer and chuckled. ''Fine, fine. You did great, in my opinion. But those people would've trusted you even without a speech. You've got a good reputation around the knights.'' 

Diluc pursed his lips, then looked ahead and nodded. ''Thank you.'' Y/n could see the small smile playing on his lips. She bit back a smile of her own. There was a weird feeling in her stomach. 

The trip took half the day with minimal stops. The sun was right above the lair, shining down on them and reflecting off of their armor. Y/n and Diluc got off their horses first, looking ahead. There were multiple camps set around, with Abyss Mages, Hillichurls, Samachurls and Mitachurls. They definitely had some work ahead of them. 

Y/n shared a look with him. ''Divide and conquer?''

Diluc nodded, summoning his sword. ''You read my mind.'' He turned around, facing his troops. All were down with their horses secured, ready to fight. ''Non-vision holders, take on the Hilichurls and Mitachurls. Vision holders, get rid of the Abyss Mages and Samachurls. Squad one, to the north with me. Two to the east, three to the west and four to the south. Let's get this job done so we can go home and toast to success!'' 

The knights seemed pumped, raising their swords, wooping and cheering before dividing into their respective squads. Y/n summoned her sword as well, following Diluc's lead. 

Since they'd arrived from the south, their section was the furthest. They'd taken on a few monsters they'd passed, but there weren't as many; most were gathered at the edges, near the cliffs and caves. There were multiple groups of monsters gathered in the northern side, so Diluc told them to split up and clear the area out. 

He looked back at Y/n. ''Come on, let's get rid of the Abyss Mages, the others can't take down their shiels.'' Y/n nodded, raising her sword, ready to fight.