The two of them have been traveling for so long now. They have seen the birth and death of stars, seen kingdoms rise and fall, saw species hunt another to extinction.
Clang*
They are so far from their home world. That if anyone from their world would look for them, they would give up and call them missing if they decide to look for them.
Clang*
Every time they are forced to fight, their power would always squash the opposition. Anyone who was brave or stupid enough to challenge them always learned how outclassed and how small they were compared to the two of them. No matter what species they were human, demi-human, devil, demon, angel, demi-god,s or gods it didn't matter what they were it always ended the same which is their victory.
Clang*
So when they entered a world called Teyvat and saw the destruction of that world, they immediately tried to leave. Because the last time the two of them were in an apocalyptic scenario they were separated. One of them lost their memory and another one was trapped in the void where they were nearly corrupted and we're on the verge of going insane caused of the nature of the void.
Clang*
It is a surprise to them when they encountered this God who, by the looks of it was toying with them as their struggle seem amusing to her.
Clang*
It takes a while for one of them to get angry, if someone were to steal from them they would be annoyed. If they were betrayed by an ally of theirs they would be disappointed. And most of the time if anything wrong befalls the two of them they would just be indifferent.
Clang*
But from the smugness of the god as they slashed at the cubes she sent at them. From the way, her body language told them that they were being toyed with and the two of them were nothing but cannon fodder or small fry compared to her. It really PISSED the two of them.
Clang*
A blonde male with a braid that reached to his waist and 6 aetherial wings was moving fast around the sky dodging the cubes that were behind him 'Ae above you' came a voice from his head he rolled to the left and dodged cubes that came from above 'Thanks Lumi' he thought back. He couldn't see her or hear her physically but he knows that his sister let out a sweet giggle even though they were in a dangerous situation. He took a glance at the unknown god and saw it 'Lumi an opening' he said in their shared mental link. The unknown god blinked and then her eyes sprang up from surprise at the two travelers who were so far from her. We're now so close to stabbing her that she barely had time to block the two blades.
If she wants to teach these two a lesson she has to look into their soul to see what scared the two of them. Because after all fear and experience are both good teachers, and she didn't need to look deep into their souls to see the two of them are terrified of getting separated. An easy thing to do now only one choice. Who to seal away forever and who to cast down. She looked deep into their soul and saw how easy it was to choose. The female one had her memories erased before. Manipulating a few of them to make her forget memories of spells used to find and communicate with her brother is an easy thing to do. The male one was what terrified the god. Inside the male was a darkness that everything even the abyss would turn tail and flee the area if they see its darkness, it was the darkness of the void. It unnerved her to see such a dangerous thing be so well hidden and so controlled. She rather seal this before it becomes a problem.
'Damn we nearly got her' I thought as she blocked our strikes she looked at me and I immediately let go of my blade as it was consumed by the cubes. Shame it was a gift from a good friend of mine in the smithing world. Oh well, I can always choose more weapons in my pocket dimension. I was preparing a spell that could hopefully beat the god when I sense panic from Lumine in our mental connection.
I turned to her and her expression was something I never wanted to see on her face ever again it was fear.
"Lumi!" I shouted as cubes that covered her hand suddenly covered her body and were absorbed by the cube the unknown god was holding in front of her. I felt something snap in my mind when Lumine was taken and I knew what snapped.
'Our connection! No, not again!'
The unknown god looked at the cube that held my sister with fascination. Taking the chance while she is distracted I clenched my fist and my power gathered around it until my fist was now covered by gold lightning making sure to hide the power of this spell so she wouldn't suspect anything I went behind her and with speed that can make a rift between time and space I speeded towards the gods back.
BOOM*
I felt the impact I know that would have either killed her or stunned her because those were the only things that could happen when someone gets hit by that attack when the smoke from the explosion cleared I felt my eye's widened as cubes seem to have absorbed the explosion and strike for that god. The cubes that protected the god from the explosion merged with the cube that my hand was trapped in. I tried pulling to get out but my hand wouldn't budge. The god's hand glowed and she seemed to have cast a spell. The cubes then quickly covered my body but not fully cause some parts weren't covered by the cube's my face was one part of the things that weren't covered.
But something tells me that wouldn't last long.
I looked at the god and can't help but grit my teeth "Give my sister BACK!"
...
Well well well. What do we have here?
...
I see you got yourself in quite the situation here.
...
What? Got nothing to say to your tenant?
...
Figured as much. Well, let me state the obvious here boss we're sealed.
...
Oh, so you're gonna break the seal? Well, hate to be the bearer of bad news boss. But that god the two of you fought is smart enough to not only seal you away. But your power as well-meaning you are as powerful as a mortal here.
...
Oh, so you're gonna wait till the seal break well every seal does break eventually. Whether it is by choice, by design, intentionally or unintentionally. The problem is boss since you are powerless you can't tell when this seal will break. But I can and do you wanna know how long this seal will last before it breaks?
?
Forever and not as in the human expression of a long time. Now I know I just said that every seal eventually breaks. While that is true that every seal does break eventually there is just something different about this one that even I. A creature that should not exist cannot explain. When time is dead. Meaning has no meaning and the Void reigns supreme. You will be stuck here sealed, unmoving you will probably become conscious in a few mega-annum years but you will still be sealed and well I would probably last a millennium before I fade from the lack of sustenance. Which would result in you having no one to talk to meaning you would truly be alone and do I really have to say what being alone with absolutely nothing will do to you?
!
I see that got your interest. So how about a deal?
?
You give me access to a few of your-
!
HEY! Let me finish, look I know what I did is unforgivable and I'm not looking for forgiveness. And I'm fine with fading away but if I were to choose I will rather be alive sealed inside you than fade away. So look I'm not gonna ask for access to control your body cause we know the multiverse has a higher chance to stop expanding than you giving me access for control of your body. All I'm asking for is to give me access to all the five senses that is it.
?
Yes, that is it. No power, no spirit form, no physical form either just access to the five senses that is it.
?
Why? Look boss I'm gonna be blunt with ya. Being sealed inside of you is BORING I can't do shit. Which I won't blame ya. If I were in you're situation I would do the same thing. So to entertain myself I just want access to your senses. I won't be able to control those things I can only feel them. I can see what you can see, hear what you can hear, etc, etc. Basically, I would be living without living does that make sense?
...
Good so boss do we have a deal?
...
Oh? Sure what are your conditions?
...
Ouch, you drive a hard bargain there Boss. Oh well, better than nothing I guess deal.
...
Haha. Sure boss see you in a few years or a hundred.
'Bright' was the first word I thought as the sun kissed my face with its rays. Bringing my hand up to block the bright star of this world I sat up and looked around where I was. I was in a forest where some of the leaves of the trees aren't blocking the sun standing up I noticed that what IT told me was true. That god sealed away my power and its natural regeneration. I only have a few choices to gain my powers. The first is to find a way to break the seal, the second is to find Lumine and have her break the seal.
'LUMINE!' I thought as memories of what happened to my sister suddenly returned. I looked around hoping, praying to creation almighty somehow, someway she is here. Darting around looking for any sign of her I can feel my panic starting to rise. 'NO please not again WHY!? DAMMIT CREATION HAVE I NOT SUFFERED ENOUGH IN THE VOID' I thought to the almighty being that created the multiverse. Taking deep breathes as mother taught me I cleared my mind 'Right close you're eyes and sense her first before you go cursing the almighty'
I sensed the dimensions we have visited and not visited to for her presence. While my power has been sealed sensing my sister doesn't need power I can do it as naturally as a human breathes.
'There' I thought as I sensed her presence 'she is here and alive oh thank you creation' I tried to focus on her location to know where she is. But my senses told me that she was everywhere despite her presence being very far away from me.
'Well, this is a problem I thought as I was going to think of a solution to reach my sister I felt something make its presence known.
'GROAN' I don't need to anywhere to know where that sound came from I naturally know it and feel it. "Right have to eat first or else I won't be able to properly think" I closed my eyes to access my pocket dimension for the ingredients and food me and Lumine hoarded. When I looked inside I was shocked what used to be a dimension filled with food items and miscellaneous things was now empty.
'Well that's a problem guess I'm back to square one' I thought. Looking around the forest I saw an apple well it is better than nothing. After eating the snack I can feel my hunger be slightly satisfied.
As I roamed around the forest I heard some weird sounds coming from a distance getting curious I walked towards the sound and found a creature with a mask it was holding a club I climbed up a tree to further observe this creature. As I continued observing the creature my ears picked something traveling towards me at high speed I leaned my head slightly to the right and an arrow grazed my hair and lodged itself in the tree.
I looked at where the arrow came from and saw a similar masked creature this time with a crossbow It aimed at me again and fired I jumped off the tree and I hear more gibberish coming from where the creature was. I turned to its direction and saw there were 4 of them coming towards me with their clubs raised high. I got ready in a stance and when the first creature was near me I quickly grabbed its hand that was holding the club twisted it over me and stole the club from the creature. I quickly brought the club upward with my other hand for support I blocked the 3 incoming strikes. Pushing backward I was surprised at how easily I got them to tumble I hear another arrow coming towards me. I grabbed the creature whose club I stole and used it to block the arrow. Hey, it might be inhuman to use a meat shield but everything is fair in a fight at least that was what cousin Ares told me and Lumine before we left.
I hear the creature gurgle as the arrow pierced something I threw the creature to the side and saw the arrow piercing its neck. Ouch well gotta give credit where it is due that creature that fired the arrow knows how to shoot. I looked at the creatures and saw another one swinging rapidly at me with a flaming club. I ran towards it dodged a strike and hit the creature in its mask I hear something crack from its head. '2 down 3 more to go"
I twisted to the left and right dancing around the creature's arrows. I noticed something as I dodged the creature's arrows. It was shaking maybe from fear perhaps? After all, I did broke the club by swinging it from its comrade's body and beaten the other till it stopped moving with my hands. I grabbed an arrow from the creature's quiver and promised it something it probably didn't understand.
"I'll make it painless" and jammed the arrow on the neck of the creature it shook for a second and fell to the ground with a thud. Dusting my hands I think of what category this fight(?) would fall into and found where it belonged "subpar" not challenging but not boring either just disappointingly easy. I looked at a hut where these creatures might have lived in. Might as well take what is left inside after all the dead can't use items.
When I got inside I felt my eyes widen as a woman was tied, gagged, and was struggling with tears spilling from her eyes. Thankfully it looks like her clothes weren't damaged meaning those creatures haven't done anything to her (probably) When she saw me her eyes widened with what looked like relief. I walked towards her and untied her binds. When she was free she enveloped me in a hug which was very surprising and very very uncomfortable for me for some reason.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much" while the situation is uncomfortable I still can't help but pity her so I ignored that feeling and patted her shoulder to ease her or bring her comfort I do not know. After a few minutes of whatever I was doing to the lady's shoulder, she was no longer shaking when she was hugging me. So I took it as an indication to stop patting her shoulder. I brought my hand down I noticed she was still hugging me. Maybe she still needs comfort so against the uncomfortable feeling again. I let her be.
.
.
.
'Ok this is getting ridiculous' I thought as It has been a whole 5 minutes and the lady still hasn't let go of me.
"Um excuse me," I said
"..."
"Um, Ma'am?"
"..."
"Miss can you please let go of me"
"...zzz"
'Seriously she fell asleep' I thought I brought my hand towards hers which was wrapped around my neck and it off my neck. Gravity did its thing and made her fall. But before a painful impact could happen I caught her and sat her down against the wall.
I walked around the hut and looted the things that I can use. I found a few vegetables, a surprising amount of meat. blankets made from what looks like wolf skin, and a large fabric. 'items to make a camp from the very first day? Jackpot' After looting that side I looked at a wooden chest that was in a corner opening it I found a sword that looks rather dull 'Well at least I have a weapon' I thought as I put the sword in the pocket dimension. You must be thinking why do I wield a weapon when I can fight things with my bare hands well the answer is simple it is too easy bare-handed and with a weapon I can at least give my opponent a chance to win. Looking back at the chest I saw 2 star-shaped gems that were leaking power it was minuscule but power exists in those gems.
I took hold of those gems and looked at them. Something about these gems seems very familiar. After thinking of what these gems could be it suddenly clicked when I clenched my hand on it.
A Primordial Gem! Creation Almighty. Did I really lose THAT much power to the point where these gems start to appear in order to help me? If so that is terrifying. I looked at the two gems and crushed them to fine dust. When the gems where now dust I feel some of my power returning although really small.
After looting the hut I walked towards where the woman was to see that she is still asleep I looked outside and noticed the sun was setting. I was thinking of leaving and finding a nice place to camp cause my gut is telling me I can't stay in the hut overnight and was debating to whether to look for a village where I can leave this woman to the locals or bring her and gain a mouth to feed.
Thankfully the world seems to answer for me as I see 2 men wearing armor rushing towards the hut with swords drawn. I looked at them and prepared to bring my sword out if they showed any signs of hostility. They stopped running when they saw the corpse of the creature I had beaten to death. One of them was green on the face and looked ready to vomit at what he saw. 'Probably a newbie for whatever force they are' I looked at the other one who looked far better than the other one but was slightly disturbed based on his expression.
A few hours ago
It was just supposed to be a normal day for the gate guards Swan and Lawrence greet citizens that pass the gate check the papers of merchants that wish to trade within the city walls. It was business as usual until the two of them were called by the cavalry captain. "Swan, Lawrence I have an assignment for you two" The two of them looked confused but also slightly excited. While the two of them don't mind guarding it can certainly get boring. So getting action outside the city the two of them couldn't help but get a little excited.
"Miss Margaret owner of Cat's Tail went out for a stroll outside the city this morning and she hasn't returned and her workers are getting worried about her so they asked the knights to go look for her I was about to send out Adler and Belinda but. I heard the two of complaining the other day about how two of you are getting bored from constant guard duty. Haha, no need to look scared I know I would get bored from constant guard duty as well. So Instead of the two of them going out how about the two of can finally stretch your legs instead of tiring them? And if you two are concerned about who will be guarding the entrance both Alder and Belinda agreed to guard while the two of you are gone for this assignment"
Lawrence and Swan both looked at each other nodded and smiled at the Cavalry Captain.
"Ahh finally a chance to move my legs," Lawrence said as he and Swan moved towards Springvale. The first location where Margaret usually goes to walk on.
"What? I thought you liked guard duty"
"Yeah, I do like it. But come on Swan don't act like you're not bored too."
"Oh I am bored most of the time but the handbook specifically sa-" Swan wasn't done speaking but he was interrupted by Lawrence
"Stop it man I know you're a stickler about the rules in the book. But come on man even when it's just the two of us can you not stick to what the book say?" Swan let out a sigh. "Yeah sorry habit"
An hour or two has passed in Springvale and Margaret wasn't there so they moved to Starfell lake. They patrolled the area for another hour looking for Margaret so far they have come empty-handed. They were ready to move to another location. "Movo movo!" they hear a shout they turned ran towards the sound and saw 3 Hilichurls.
"Swan, what are their classes?" Lawrence asked his partner Swan being the bookworm of the two looked at the mask and told his partner what type of Hilichurls they were seeing.
"The one in front is a pyro berserker the other 2 are normal fighters"
Getting the information Lawrence turned to his friend "Ok here's the plan we ambush the berserker take it out then we each take normal fighters assist the other if we're the first one to kill our target" Swan nodded the two then advanced to find a perfect place to ambush. Spotting some trees near the path the two agreed it would be a good ambush spot. Climbing up the tree the two spotted a hut up ahead.
"Swan after our round with those Hilichurls we should check out that hut over there. Reports have been saying that the hilichurls have started bringing victims back to their camps" Swan nodded at his friend's suggestion and then they waited.
The two didn't need to wait for long as they saw the 3 running towards the hut. Swan looked at Lawrence who gave a signal with his hand. And the 2 fell from the tree they were waiting for. They landed on the berserker before it had a chance to react and stabbed it through its neck and back. "YAYA IKA!" the two Hilichurls screamed and began swinging at the two knights who blocked the incoming attack and retaliated.
After the scuffle and beating the two Hillichurls. Both Lawrence and Swan ran towards the hut hoping they can find Margaret and call it a mission complete they suddenly stopped their charge as they saw corpses of Hillichurls. Two had arrows into their necks. Two whose masks were very cracked leaving their faces nearly visible. And one who had its face revealed to the world but it was caved in and has arrows stuck to all 4 of its limbs. The last one nearly made Lawrence puke his lunch out, while it only made Swan uneasy. The 2 sheathed their weapon's noticing that there was no need to fight then. A stranger came out of the hut both of them looked at each other and nodded.
Approaching the stranger cautiously Swan was the one who greeted him "Greeting's strange yet respectable traveler" the man's eyes rose up as if he was questioning the way he was addressed but they could see the man didn't care as it quickly returned back to the bored expression. "We of the Knights of Favonius would like to ask a few questions?" The man looked at them and nodded.
"Are you perhaps responsible for the reason why these Hillichurls are now deceased?" The strangers' eyes briefly shined with interest and they both heard him mutter "So that's what they are called" before they could ask that strange sentence from him. He nodded seeing his confirmation Swan asked the second question written in the rulebook "Are you injured by any chance or do you need medication?" The stranger shook his head negatively. With the rulebook questions done Swan nodded at Lawrence indicating for his turn to ask questions. "Very well then have you perchance seen a Woman with a red dress, has a hat and brown hair" the strangers' eyes shined with recognition and nodded.
"Really?! Then can you please tell us where she is" Swan suddenly asked the man answered their question with his own "Before I tell you" His voice was very surprising to both Lawrence and Swan it was very beautiful it was as if an angel descended from the celestial and began singing to them. But the two of them snapped out of the trance they were in to listen to the strangers' question.
"What are both of you going to do to her if you find this woman?"
Glancing at each other at the strange question "We of the Knights of Favonius have been assigned to look for her because her workers are concerned for her safety as she didn't return from her walk this mourning" the stranger looked at them with sharp eyes. Which suddenly made both of them feel very uncomfortable as if the stranger was looking deep into their soul.
Then the uncomfortable feeling disappeared as the strangers' eyes turned back to their bored expression "Hmm very well I believe the 2 of you she is inside the hut asleep" the 2 entered the hut and saw Margaret who was indeed asleep. "Is she the one both of you are looking for?" the stranger asked.
"Yes we are very thankful for your cooperation and help traveler" the Traveler just nodded going back to being silent again. As the 2 knights were leaving they forgot to ask something to the stranger. "Ah, Traveler would it be no trouble for us to know your name so that miss Margaret can know who her savior is" the Traveler didn't turn to them but they heard him answer "Aether."
'Huh, what a strange name' both Swan and Lawrence thought.
Aether's POV
As those two Knights left I was left alone again well at least I know that there is a huge town or city nearby if they have enough manpower to send authorities to look for civilians it would mean that it would be a pretty big place. I left the hut and continued wandering looking at the sky it would be night In an hour gathering sticks to start a fire I'm thankful for the things I got from that hut. And with the amount of meat, I could probably last a month with these. After a few minutes, I have a fire I put the meat I got over it. With dinner set I tied the cloth I got in a bark of a tree and tied the other in another tree I made a hammock. After eating dinner I lied down on the hammock and looked at the sky I only have one thing on my mind.
'Lumine I will find you'
-One Month Later-
It has been a month since I was trapped here in this world. I managed to build a fishing rod which was very helpful if I get tired of meat I can get fish and some apples and a strange fruit called sunsettia, my first time tasting it was... Let's just say it was interesting.
I've also been learning a lot of things. From how animals in this world act to finding Interesting flora. I've also met some people like the strange girl named Ella musk who I had to save when the hillichurls she was talking to attacked her. Yes talking she was talking to them apparently you can communicate with them.
Normally humanoid beings that aren't demi-humans could not be communicated with. So this is definitely a first in my long world hopping travel, hope I could learn to communicate with them. When I mentioned that to Ella her eyes practically shone with excitement. Now it is a daily tradition for her to look for me so she could share some information with communicating with the Hillichurls. That was my first week in this world.
The second and third weeks were boring aside for Ella looking for me nothing much happened. Until this morning.
{BREAK}
I sat down by a log that I dragged on a beach I was in a mood for fish so I had my fishing rod out and was playing a relaxing game called the waiting game.
TUG*
I looked at the line and reeled it fast to make sure this one doesn't get away.
TUG*
TUG*
'A fighter are you?' I thought as I continued pilling the rod determined for my meal to not escape me.
'NOW' With a burst of strength that probably surprised the fish, I pulled. With my quarry finally out of the water, I run towards where it landed to hopefully not make that fish suffer by making it live more.
'Well, this is interesting' What I pulled was definitely NOT a fish it has white hair and is probably above my knee in height. Staring at the creature I let out a breath 'Something tells me my journey on this world is close to starting
-The next day-
It is already a new day and the creature is still asleep. I spent all my time yesterday observing the creature and making sure that it wouldn't get injured. And from my observation, I deduced that the creature is harmless for now at least. I glanced at the creature again for a second. My mind still not comprehending that such a thing is a sea creature...
WAIT I MIGHT HAVE UNINTENTIONALLY KILLED IT!
As I was beginning to panic I hear a yawn. I turned to where it was and my panic quickly disappeared as the creature sat up from the log I placed it on. 'YAWN' "Hue Paimon thought she was completely done for" I hear the creature speak then after that I hear an inhuman groan that was probably a monster I quickly summoned my sword from my pocket dimension and looked everywhere for an ambush.
GROAN*
There it is again I turned to where the sound came from and I feel some of my brain cells commit suicide. 'How can a sound such as that come from a creature that small.' I returned the blade to the pocket dimension and approached the creature slowly to not alarm her.
"Oh hello can you tell me where Paimon is?" The creature asked 'must be a friend of theirs' I thought.
"Sorry little one when I caught you. You were the only thing that came out but I can assist you in finding your friend?" I offered. The creature shooked her head. And jumped off the log she was sitting and instead of going down, she went up. "You can fly?" I asked surprise evident in my voice. The creature gave a smile and placed her hand on her chest.
"Paimon is Paimon" she said. A third-person speaker well it is not the first time I've encountered things and people that speaks in third person. "Well, Paimon from what an acquaintance (Ella) told me we are at Starfell valley near a Statue of the Seven." Still don't know what the Seven are. Paimon was about to say something till.
GROAN*
Paimon face turned red as she rubbed the side of her face embarrassment clear in her body language. I chuckled and stood up. "Come here let me fix up something to eat then we can continue chatting"
3RD PERSON POV
Aether sat by the fire and Paimon sat across him as they stared at the meat that was being cooked in the fire. Aether flipped the meat with a stick and nodded.
"Here you are. I don't have that many herbs and spices to make it delicious but I make do with what I have so hopefully it tastes good" Aether said as Paimon took I bite into the meat. Paimons eyes were closed as she savored the food then it sprang up with stars where her pupils should have been.
"This is the most delicious food Paimon has ever eaten! Thank you Aethor" Paimon said mispronouncing Aether's name. Aether smiled at her "Thank you for the compliments. Oh, and by the way Paimon it's Aether, not Aethor" Paimon nodded her head but Aether can kind of see smoke coming out on the top of her head embarrassment filling her whole body as she mispronounced the kind man's name.
Paimon let out a satisfied breath as she finished her food but she feels something is still wrong.
GROAN*
Archon's strike her now she wants to bury herself in a hole where even the abyss can't find her as mortification, embarrassment, shame, and other words to express this feeling filled her. She covered her face with her hands too ashamed to look at Aether in the face. That was until she felt something nudge her hand she took off her hand from her burning red face and saw Aether holding out his part of the food at her.
"B-but what about you?" Paimon asked. Aether shrugged his shoulder "I lost my appetite and from what I heard you are still hungry" Paimon not wanting for food to go to waste hesitantly took the food. Looking at Aether for confirmation he just chuckled reach out his hand and patted her head. Which was very warm and comforting when Paimon felt it.
After eating what was probably the most delicious meat in her life and letting out a satisfied sigh. "I'm happy you like it know that you're hunger is satiated is it possible if I ask a couple of questions?" Aether asked. Paimon nodded instantly.
"What exactly are you Paimon? Clearly, you aren't human or fully anyway so what are you?" Paimon brought her hand up to her chin to think about Aether's question. After a few moments of thinking, she sadly looked at Aether. "Paimon is sorry but she can't remember what she is exactly. There are things missing in Paimons memory." Aether let out a sigh of disappointment but decided to let it go.
"But. Paimon does remember something from her past " Aether motioned with his hand for her to continue so she did. "Paimon remembers feeling really hurt and weak, and there was something that go-" Paimon was about to continue on her explanation when she suddenly doubled over clutching her head and started screaming and crying. Aether's eyes widen and quickly got to her.
When he got near her he could hear her whimpering and sobbing. "Please whatever Paimon did she is sorry, she is sorry please stop, PLEASE FORGIVE PAIMON!." concern filled Aether, and then Paimon suddenly stopped and completely passed out with blood leaking from her mouth and eyes.
Aether's POV
'Well that was eventful' I thought as I tucked Paimon into the hammock after I wiped the blood off of her. Poor thing. Something must be forcefully suppressing her memory I better not ask more question's regarding her past. I remember there is a spell that can kill someone if they try to forcefully remember something and I don't want to kill her. I grabbed two blanket's from the pocket dimension and put it over her. After making sure Paimon was comfortable I climbed up a tree and slept on a branch.
-The next morning-
I woke up from my sleep with my internal alarm clock I look at Paimon who was still asleep in the hammock. I got down and started preparing for our breakfast looking at the amount of fish, meat, and vegetables I have left I could probably last a week until I need to go and hunt for food. After a few minutes, breakfast was ready and as if fate planned it I hear a yawn from the hammock indicating that Paimon awoke from her sleep.
"Good morning" I greeted her as she rubbed her eyes. "Morning something smells delicious," Paimon said as she floated away from the hammock and went to where I was.
"Today's menu is fish hope you'll enjoy it the same way you enjoyed yesterday's steak," I said as I gave Paimon her part. The two of us ate silently enjoying the meal. After the meal, I turned to Paimon who let out a large burp. She turned to me face all red again. I chuckled again. Her actions remind me so much of the seaborn children in Aegir in the neighboring dimension of my home world.
Deciding to stop reminiscing about a world that has probably fallen I asked Paimon a question this time something not involving her past I don't want to make her go unconscious again, and I am not taking the gamble of risking her life. "So Paimon have you seen anyone who looks, like me but is a girl?" Paimon thought for a moment and shook her head no.
Well, I guess that is kind of expected because her presence is literally everywhere despite not being anywhere. Paimon probably saw my disappointment and tried to cheer me up. "Hey now don't go feeling down, how about this Paimon will stick with you until you find your sister, and believe it or not despite Paimon not remembering her past" I flinched when she said that afraid that what happened yesterday might repeat itself but to my surprised, she continued. "Paimon for some reason knows lots of things about the seven nations, and since she doesn't have any place to go to she will help you," she said proudly and then her mood dropped slightly
"Of course, if you only agree because Paimon is not forcing you to agree," She said as she suddenly began twiddling with her fingers her tone getting sad at the end.
I pondered a bit. It would be nice to have someone that knows thing's about this world no matter how suspicious they are. I looked back at Paimon who was still twiddling her fingers when she noticed me looking she smiled at me.
Well, it's better than nothing I suppose.
"Well Paimon your help will be very appreciated," I said accepting her proposal. When I said that Paimon smiled at me but I can tell that it was forced. Before I got the chance to ask her why her mood dropped she interrupted me.
"Aether since Paimon is going to join you can you promise Paimon one thing?" I nodded not needing to think deeply into it.
"Please promise Paimon that you won't ask her about her past" I hoped that what I heard from her a few moments ago were due to my drowsiness. But she does remember what happened yesterday.
"Ok, I won't ask about your pass. But can you at least tell me what you felt?"
Paimon looked down on the floor.
"Paimon felt. Panic. Fear. And regret" Paimon answered.
-Two Months Later-
Two whole months have passed since me and Paimon have met and the two of us have gotten really close. And while I did stay in the world for a month alone. There are things that are supposed to be common knowledge in this world that I don't know.
And Paimon while simple-minded can be really perceptive if push comes to shove. This is why I'm back at the beach where I first met her explaining my situation.
"So let Paimon get this straight. You came here from another world? But when you tried to leave and go to the next world your path was blocked by some unknown god?" Paimon asked.
I nodded " And just like that I was separated from my sister. The god also placed some kind of seal on me. So while we used to travel from world to world, we are now trapped here. I was put into a deep slumber and I lost my power. How long did I slumber I don't know it could be a day or a year. But I intend to find out" I looked at Paimon who gave me a smile "After I woke up I was alone right until I met you two months ago"
"Again Paimon really owes you one for that, otherwise Paimon would have likely drowned" She then floated up and sat on my shoulder. And as expected she is as light as a feather. "So Paimon will give it her all and be the greatest guide ever" I smiled at her and ruffled her hair while she giggled.
3rd PERSON POV
Leaving the beach and climbing up a couple of slopes Aether and Paimon left the gorge they were in and were greeted with a lush green valley with many trees scattered around. Aether looked into the distance and saw an island in the middle of a lake that had buildings in it.
'A city? Well, I should probably get supplies from that place' Aether thought. Paimon then floated off his shoulder and pointed towards another lake that was closer, it also had an island but there was something standing in the center of the island.
"That's a statue of the seven. There are a few of these statues scattered across the land to show the seven's protection over the world. Among the seven this goddess controls the wind. Paimon is not sure if the god you are looking for is the Anemo archon. But Paimon will take you to the Anemo goddess place first and there's a reason why" Paimon then floated on a path that would lead them down the cliff. She turned to talk to Aether again but found out he wasn't next or behind her. She looked at the cliff where she was explaining to him about the statue.
She spotted him still standing there but looking down the cliff.
'Oh no,' Paimon thought as she KNEW what Aether is thinking. She saw him back up a couple of feet. When he was a couple of meters away from the edge he ran towards it and jumped. Paimon watched as Aether fell and when he was close to the ground he just summoned his sword twisted it upwards and struck down.
And somehow defying the laws of nature and gravity itself he was unharmed when he stood up.
When he first did this it was around a month ago. The two of them were up at Starsnatch cliff looking for their meal for the day. When Aether spotted a boar below the cliff he refused to elaborate anything to Paimon and jumped off the cliff. Gave Paimon a heart attack and secured their food. (What a chad)
After floating for a couple of seconds and freaking out. Paimon floated to the bottom to see Aether hauling the dead boar over his shoulder. She chewed him out after they ate their meal and demanded an explanation of how he survived. To which he just answered with a shrug. Apparently, Aether can just do it and can't explain to Paimon how he can do it.
After the 25th time he jumped off of ledges Paimon got used to it and just watched.
She floated down to where Aether landed. He twisted his sword around and threw it away where it suddenly turned to particles she tried to ask him how he does it but his answer was the same as how he can fall from a tall place. Plunge when he is near the ground and survives. He just knows how to do it.
"You know if Paimon wasn't used to seeing you jump off of ledges she would be freaking out by now," Paimon said in a dry voice. "WAIT DIDN'T YOU PROMISE PAIMON YOU WILL WARN HER WHEN YOU DO IT!" and she then screamed at Aether who nervously rubbed his head while chuckling slightly.
"Whatever. Thanks to you Paimon completely forgot what she was going to say so let's just go to the statue" Paimon said as she floated towards the statue. Aether swam across the lake and got close to the statue. Paimon then perched on his shoulder again. Aether looked at the statue and placed his hand on the gold plating on the statue. When his hand met the statue the shape and the rings on the statue glowed an ominous dark color. Both Aether and Paimon's eyes widen for different reasons.
For Paimon is because she is sure the signature color of Anemo was teal green so this confused her. Aether on the other hand was panicking internally thinking he had accidentally let out the ancient evil that both he and his sister sealed within him. The dark glow of the statue lasted for about 2 seconds when it suddenly turned to teal. The glow then traveled until it was gathered in the orb the statue was holding.
The orb glowed and after that, it released another orb that had a symbol on it. The orb that was released is colored in teal dark that leaned more on the dark color. It circled around the statue 4 times. Then it suddenly shot towards Aether. Paimon let out a squeak of surprise as she was suddenly ejected off of Aether's shoulder due to the force the orb crashed into him.
Aether looked at his gloves which had just now started to glow a dark teal. He stared at his hands for a few seconds when a sudden wind came below him. The wind was calming. But not even a second passed the calm breeze suddenly turned into a raging storm that shot him upwards.
"GAH!" Aether grunted out as he was suddenly flung up around 30 meters up in the air.
"AETHER!" he heard Paimons concerned call.
"Don't worry Paimon you know I jumped off cliffs higher than this" Aether said as he waited until he was a few meters near the ground. He plunged with his weapon. When the dust cleared from his impact Paimon went to him eyes wide.
"That was amazing! Do you know what that was?" She asked excitement clear in her voice. Aether shook his head no.
"That was the elements of the world. Seems like all you need to do is to touch the statue and you got the power of Anemo" Paimon explained. Aether took the information and began thinking of ways to use the element. Paimon began talking again so he stopped thinking and listened to his guide.
"You know as much as they want it, people in this world can never get hold of powers as easily as you can"
"Maybe it's because I'm not from this world in the first place?"
"Yeah, that's probably the reason why you can do it" Paimon then brought her hand to her head as her mind was telling her she is forgetting something very important 'Bah Paimon will remember it if it is really THAT important.' Deciding to drop that thought despite her mind telling her that the information she is forgetting is really important she pointed to the west where buildings were visible in the distance.
"If we keep heading west from here we'll reach the city of Mondstadt, the City Of Freedom. It's also known as the city of the wind cause they worship Barbatos. The goddess of Anemo" Aether looked at the city. "And since you got power from the goddess of Anemo, you can probably find some clues there. Also, that place has lots of bards may be one of them has heard or even seen your sister" Paimon said.
"Sounds good. And even if you didn't suggest that we're still going there." Aether informed Paimon as he then motioned his hand up and a gust of wind suddenly blew away slimes that were hopping towards Paimon whose eyes widen when she saw how close the pyro slimes were to her.
"Wait how do you know how to use your elemental power so easily?" Paimon asked as Aether then summoned a tornado and threw it at more slimes that appeared. When those slimes were dealt with he turned to Paimon with a look that says's 'really?'
"Paimon I've had powers for a long time and traveled through worlds and dimensions. Do you honestly think that I wasn't, at some point in my travels have my powers sealed before and was forced to use other powers that I can get my hands on?" Aether asked.
"Well, how should Paimon know that! And also that didn't answer Paimons question" Paimon rebutted.
"I have experience in how to use nearly all elemental magic so does that answer your question?"
"Yup"
Paimon then floated across the water then she turned to talk to Aether when he wasn't anywhere near her again. She turned back to the island and saw him looking at his hand.
"Hey, Aether come on let's go!" She shouted and waved her hand to get his attention. Her shouting got his attention he then snapped his head towards her and nodded. She was expecting him to swim again but he just knelt down with both hands on the floor. She looked at him curiously and was about to ask what he was doing when he was suddenly propelled to the sky.
She should shout at him she really should. But now she just can't muster anything to even scold him as he sailed through the air like a missile. So she just opted to follow him as he kept sailing through the air with the use of wind bursting from his hands.
She was so busy looking where he was propelling himself too that she didn't notice her surrounding.
"PAIMON MOVE!" Aether suddenly shouted at her she barely managed to turn as an arrow wheezed pass her head.
"IKA KUNDALA!" Paimon panicked as she heard the shouts of a Hilichurl. She spotted one on a slope aiming its crossbow at her. Before it could pull the trigger something crashed behind it. It was Aether the force of his impact alerted other Hilichurls in the area they quickly surround him with Shield raised. Aether looked around him and he slowly spread out his arms and quickly closed them over his chest. The Hilichurls were then pulled towards him. Aether was then propelled a few meters in the air and quickly plunged. Before The Hilichurls could even stand they were again pulled by another vacuum but this one was visible in Aether's hand.
The palm vortex then exploded propelling the Hilichurls to fly off the slope they were in.
After dealing with the Hillichurls. Aether lightly dusted his hands and turned to Paimon. "I should probably not go off of own my own huh?" Paimon just answered him with a glare and turned away from him with a cute huff and floated away.
She then floated towards the hut where the Hillichurls used to stay. Cause she knows Aether wound want to loot things the dead no longer need. She just stood at the entrance of the hut and waited for the jerk to go in.
"Come on Paimon I'm sorry. How about this I'll make you Apple-Sunsest-" Before Aether can even finish his sentence Paimon was already in his face with her small hands holding his cheeks. It would have been an adorable site but unfortunately, the drool dripping from her lips ruined it.
"Paimon accepts your apology. Oh and make it extra large too"
Aether then went inside the hut and found more items that could be proven useful for their travels. He even found a chest that had 2 Primordial gems inside of them so he can't really complain. When he and Paimon left the hut. A strong gust of wind suddenly appeared it was strong that Aether had to hold Paimon lest she gets taken by the strong gust.
'Where did this gale come from?' Aether thought when he found his answer when a creature with wings suddenly flew above them. Each flap of the creature's wings sent gale after gale. 'Dragons exist in this world!' He thought genuinely surprised. A dragon from what he knows from his travel is strong enough to rival gods. A lesser drake is enough to kill a mid-tier god. So if creatures like dragons exist in this world it would mean there are more gods than just seven and that unknown god.
'Things are starting to look interesting now'
AN: Well that seems like a good place to stop. Heya thanks for reading this dumpster fire of an idea that I totally didn't take from other authors and a discord server I am in. :)
You probably read the summary and thought what degenerate would write and enjoy this. WELL I'm that degenerate who would write and enjoy this type of shit.
Oh and if you are here for tha horni cause. Everyone female Aether = SEGGSSSS. Y'all will have to wait cause SEGGSSS will not happen till Aether leaves Mondstadt. Cause this has a semi serious plot that you can probably tell I'm just writing on the fly. Oh and also I'm sorry to say that you are on the wrong site the horni ver of the story will be posted on AO3 cause that site is more degenerate than fancfiction the best you can get in this ver is uncensored HAND HOLDING
And if anyone has a question regarding that voice that talked to Aether in the middle part of the story ignore it for now I have a plan for it and It will be introduced in We Will Be Reunited quest of this story so that's that Review-Favourite-Follow whatever thanks for reading this mess