An: I forgot to put this in the AN last chapter but in this story, Aether is a GARY STU IN FIGHTS.
So what does that mean? In every fight in the game where the traveler loses or can't do anything the traveler or Aether in this case in this story can win in nearly all the fights he's been in. He is smart. He is cunning and he is strong physically.
Now that does not mean he will always win. A fight against him one on one is a sure loss for the opponent. But if someone can outsmart his outsmartness they can win. His mentality is also weak in this story it will be explained in further chapters but what I can say in this AN is that if they offer him something that he absolutely wants he will give in and sell himself out And not only that politics can also put him to a stop cause of reason that I'm too lazy to put in here.
SOOO all of that in Razor talk:
Aether is strong and smart in fights but can be outsmarted and defeated. If the offer from an enemy is good he will give in. And politics cause politics
That is all now enjoy the dumpster fire
As the dragon disappeared from view, Paimon snapped out of her shock from witnessing the dragon and reacted the same as anyone unfamiliar with beings that are bigger than a house and could annihilate a city with ease.
"Um, Aether the huge thing in the sky it looked like it was headed straight towards the heart of the forest, how about we go a different way?" Paimon asked her tone filled with uneasiness.
She looked at her companion and saw him staring at the sky as if he were in a trance.
"Um, Aether?"
Aether who continued to stare at the sky suddenly shook his head. He turned to Paimon and gave out a kind smile
"Sure if it makes you uncomfortable how about w-" Aether was about to continue when he felt something pulse in the forest where the dragon landed in.
Paimon smiled when Aether seemed to agree with her but he suddenly looked towards the forest and bolted towards it.
"EH?! AETHER WAIT!"
Moving into the forest where I sensed the pulse I climbed up a tree and jumped from tree branch to tree branch. That pulse of power was filled with an energy similar to the VOID granted it was incredibly weaker than the voids maddening and insanity-inducing energy just the presence of it here in a planet and not in the far lands was worrying.
After jumping from another branch I saw a glimpse of the dragon. Balancing myself I climbed higher in the tree to get a better view of the dragon. When I reached the top of the tree I saw that the dragon had its head tilted towards a woman with hair that reached down to her lower back and two braids that reached to her shoulders she had her arms out as if reaching for the dragon.
With the powers, I got from the primordial gems I enhanced my hearing and listen to what the woman was saying.
"Don't be afraid. It's alright now I'm back" is all I managed to hear.
"AETHER! WHERE ARE YOU!?" I recoiled due to my enhanced hearing Paimons' shout was way louder than it normally was. But that wasn't what made me recoil. Due to her shout, the dragon let out a roar that nearly made my ears bleed. I managed to get a hold of a branch preventing me from falling off completely.
"Who's there!?" I hear the woman shout I took a peak to the side and saw her dodge a swipe from the dragon's claw. She looked at the dragon her expression filled with sadness she took a few steps back and began glowing until she disappeared.
I saw the dragon's eyes lock in my direction and opened its mouth and shot out a gust of air toward the tree I was in. I jumped to the ground away from the tree and was thankful since that tree I was in and the rest behind it were blown away even the roots of the trees were blown away. It let out another roar and flew away.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and walked towards where the dragon was and saw a crystal glowing. I put my hand in the crystal and felt that familiar maddening energy in the crystal I couldn't prevent the scowl that appeared on my face. It holds power that I could absorb but with that kind of energy, it's best if I play safe and not absorb it less I go insane again.
The crystal was transported to my pocket dimension. And just in time, I heard Paimons voice again but this time I could hear the fear in her voice.
"AETHER WHERE ARE YOU PAIMON SAW TREES GO FLYING!"
I walked towards her voice and saw her extremely pale and shaking as she floated. When she spotted me she immediately floated towards me.
She put her hands on her hips and glared at me it would have been adorable if she wasn't pale and shaking.
"What made you go in the forest after we agreed to go around it?!"
I gave her a sad smile "Sorry Paimon I thought I sensed my sister as it turned out it was just the dragon" I said.
That was a complete and absolute lie. I told her about myself not being from this world but I have never told her about my experience in the void. I will never let anyone know aside from those that have knowledge of that place about my experience in that cursed land.
"WHAT!? Why would that dragon feel similar to your sister do you kno-" I stopped listening to Paimon as I observed her the poor thing was shaking and her eyes were filled with so much fear.
I walked towards her and grabbed her mid-sentence where she let out an eep and gave her a hug while stroking her hair she stopped speaking and just hugged me back I could feel her shaking and my chest suddenly feels wet I hear a muffled cry from her.
Great now I feel horrible.
A few minutes passed by Paimon was no longer shaking so I let her go she clung to me for a few seconds but she also let go.
"You okay now?"
She nodded.
"Sorry, Paimon was just really worried. When Paimon heard the roar and it was followed by a bunch of trees flying Paimon thought you were really hurt" Paimon explained as she poke her fingers together.
O Kawaii Koto
A Few minutes before Dvalin tried to kill Aether with his roar
POV Change
'Jean really needs a rest' I thought as I left Modstadt to clear the Hilichurl camps that were getting closer to the city. 'Seriously the bags under her eyes are getting really concerning and Captain Kaeya might just ask miss Dawn to force Jean to rest' I shook my head and ignored Timmies annoyed groan as the birds he was feeding suddenly flew away when I approached.
Get yourself together Amber. Lisa and Eula are there to make sure Jean doesn't overwork herself, so focus up less you get hurt. Pumping myself up I ran towards Whispering woods. As I near the Forest I heard a large roar followed by a couple of trees being blasted up in the air. After that, I saw Stormterror suddenly fly away from the woods.
... Well I guess it best if I add this to my report later, sorry Jean for the additional work I might add to your already large pile with this. I turned to head towards the camp when I saw people wearing mask run away from the woods their expressions full of panic.
Great the treasure hoarders are here again well at least Stormterror helped us chase them away from the Whispering woods. But might as well take care of them sooner than later.
Closing my eyes I felt the arrows stored within my vision change from sharp Pyro-enhanced arrows to Pyro-enhanced blunt arrows. I'll use blunt ones to not kill them but just hurt these ruffians. I chased after them Aimed and began firing.
.
.
.
Well, that was easy I thought. As I tied another unconscious Treasure hoarder to a tree they were so panicked by Stormterror's roar that they ignored me and just focused on running but hey what makes things easier is always welcomed. Checking again if the ropes that tied these ruffians are secured I left to do my assignment. I'll tell Kaeya where they are tied to after all she is better at escorting ruffians than I am.
Heading to where the Hilichurl camp was said to be settled up I spotted someone exiting the forest. Strange why are they leaving the forest just now? I'm sure Stormterror's roar made all the animals leave the forest and anyone in said forest run away the treasure hoards are an example of that. Oh well, might as well make my introduction good.
"Hey! You Stop right there!" I shouted out jumping down I nearly tripped but managed to make a recovery by rolling. When I stopped I turned and observed the stranger. I felt my eyes widen for a second
HE'S SO HANDSOME!
Golden eyes. A face that dances the line between cute and handsome. Blonde hair tied to a braid that reaches down to his waist and what's this? Abs is that a six-pack or an eight-pack I can't tell.
Calm down Amber he might be good looking but he might be another treasure hoarder. So stop ogling him and introduce yourself first. Plus anyone that keeps their doll on their shoulder instead of keeping it in a safe place is already a bad rep. KEEP YOUR DOLL SOMEWHERE SAFE! It might get damaged.
"May the Anemo goddess protect you, stranger. I am Amber outrider of the Knights of Favonious" I gave the salute and um... What comes next Oh right!
"Both of you don't look like citizens of Modstatd explain yourselves"
Then the thing on his shoulder moved and began floating. Ok, not a doll Mascot maybe? She opened her mouth but handsome beat her to it.
"We aren't looking for trouble. I am just a traveler that wants to gain an audience with the goddess of the wind regarding a question that I wish to ask all the currently known Gods"
I felt one of my eyebrows rise. Does this guy know that Lord Barbatos is asleep or went on her way away from Mondstadt so the city won't have a god to rule over. I'm not really knowledgeable about anything regarding Lord Barbatos. Well if he has a question for Lord Barbatos I should bring him to the church, they are much more knowledgeable about Lord Barbatos after all what member of the church isn't knowledgeable regarding the one they worship.
Somewhere in the Favonius Catherdral a pale nun just let out a sneeze making the other sisters be concerned for her health due to her frequent visit to Dragonspine.
I folded my hands and looked at handsome I turned towards his floating mascot. "And this mascot what the deal with it? The mascot looked at me with annoyance it was about to open its mouth when handsome beat her again.
"This is Paimon my companion she is more knowledgeable about things so she is the one that mostly tells us where to go"
His explanation... is believable but I'm not done yet handsome. Controlling my expression I gave the two of them a smile "So to sum it all up, you're traveling partners right?" he nodded. "Well look sorry for being stern but there have been ruffians that have been harassing merchants around and there's also a large dragon sighted around Modstatd recently. The best for both of you is to get inside the city as soon as possible. Come I'll escort both of you there"
Then the mascot- I mean Paimon spoke for the first time "But aren't you here for some other reason?" I answered her with a smile "Don't worry I can do what I was going to do while keeping both of you safe" And from Kaeyas lessons I turned my friendly expression to a strict one "Besides I'm not too sure if I can trust you two just yet"
Paimon crossed her arms and gave me an annoyed stare "Hmph that's a rather rude way to greet guests"
Oh crap, I messed up the line again what was that line again...
"Oh ah, I'm sorry that's. Probably not something I should say as a knight. I give you my apologies um... Strange? Yet respectable Travelers." I winced slightly as I butchered the greeting. Paimon stomped her feet in the air and gritted her teeth "That sounded so fake!" Ignoring her I motioned for both of them to follow me.
On our way to the camp, Handsome spoke "So miss Amber what was the assignment your about to do? And if it involves a fight allow me to join" I gave him a nod then it clicked I don't know his name yet. I opened my mouth to ask his name but something else came out.
"So suspicious traveler what are you going to ask lord Barbatos? If you do get an audience with her?" WHAT THE HECK AMBER! Why did that come out of your mouth and not a simple what's your name?
Paimon answered for Handsome "Oh he got separated from his sister during a really, really long journey and as his reliable companion Paimon thinks that the gods might know where his sister is after all they are gods so they should know everything" It was subtle but the way Paimon ended her sentence there was a mocking tone as if she was mocking the gods for being omnipotent.
"Oh so looking for family huh" So just like me huh... Grandpa...
I shook my head to stop this line of thinking what are you doing Amber? Grandpa wouldn't want you to be sad and mopey so chin up clear the camp and offer Handsome some help.
"Okay! Let me finish my other stuff first and then I can help you put posters around the city." Handsome looked at me and smiled GAH my heart stay strong Amber.
"So what exactly is it you need to finish first?"
"It's simple you'll understand it in a bit" I said, and then I ran. "Try to keep up traveler" After that, I hear a squeak looking back I saw that the Traveller was holding Paimon like a baby as he ran. How precious.
When we arrived at the hilichurl camp I began raining arrows on them. The traveler arrived not a second later and when he joined the fray it wasn't even considered a fight anymore. With every slash from the sword he held a hilichurl fell, his stance was amazing I've seen a couple of stances from being a knight and I have to say that the Travellers stance was beautiful I see no openings or spots to focus on to make him break composure. It's a perfect stance.
When the camp was cleared I was going to complement him for a job well one when we heard a horn being blown.
And from out of nowhere came 4 Hilichurls, 2 Samachurls, and 1 Mirtachurl. Reacting quickly I threw a Baron Bunny at the center of the group. As I was readying another Fiery rain at them I noticed that the wind was getting stronger and stronger. I looked at where the group of churls was only to find that they were gone looking up I felt my eyes widen. The churls were a few meters up and they were all flailing their arms around trying to escape the vortex they were stuck in which was pointless. Not a second later the wind vortex suddenly began to burn. Huh looks like my Baron bunny finally exploded.
"Well traveler looks like the problem solve itse-" I was going to tell the Traveler that the problem solve itself when I noticed that he held one of his hands up and the palm of that hand was similar to the vortex that was keeping the churls suspended in the air. Slowly as if he was savoring what was to come he slowly closed the hand that was holding the vortex to a fist. I turned my gaze back to the vortex and saw the bodies of the churls being crushed against one another as if they were clay!
There was no struggling happening as I watched what was happening with morbid curiosity. The vortex and the bodies that used to be churls began to shrink until it was now just a spec. I heard something snap from behind me and the spec disappeared.
I turned towards the Traveller his eye still fixated on the spot where the spec used to be. My mind then fully processed one Important detail that I missed because I was so focused on the vortex.
He can control the elements!
POV Change
As I made the vortex vanish with a command I turned to Amber to greet her when I noticed her expression agape.
"Hey miss Amber if you keep your mouth open bugs might go inside~" I said joking at the end after I said that she blinked rapidly and looked at me and asked.
"Who are you?"
What the? Did she really forget my name... Wait did I even tell her my name? Thinking back a couple of minutes I didn't really tell her my name all I said was I was a traveler who just asking for an audience with the goddesses. How fucking embarrassing.
"Oh right I didn't really tell you my name, huh well guess it's better late than never" When I said that I gave her a bow and a smile "Aether A traveler who seeks an Audience with the seven a pleasure to meet you, outrider Amber"
When I told her that her facial expression changed rapidly from happiness to annoyance to acceptance as if she had a monologue with herself and just accepted a result that she didn't like.
She gave me a smile "Well with that done come with me! A responsible knight must make sure to see you to the city safely"
Amber lead me and Piamon to the city as she passed the gate she was greeted by 2 guards she greeted them back and lead me to the center of the city she gave both of us a smile "Let me officially introduce the city of wind, dandelions, and freedom. Travelers under the protection of the knights of Favonious welcome to Modnstadt"
Paimon excitedly turned to me "Aether can we go sleep at an inn or a hotel? I'm tired of camping outdoors" I nodded at Paimon and she let out a cheer. Wind and Freedom the goddess that rules this place sure picked a good mixture for her element and philosophy. The wind an element that is bound to none and freedom. A perfect mixture for a free country!
I smiled at the thought, I turned to one of the citizens, and that smile immediately turned to a frown. There was caution and a hint of fear on his face, I looked at another person and saw the same expression visible on their face. I looked at the faces that were visible to me. From the patrolling guards, The smith that was hammering away, Merchants that were selling their wares, and citizens all of them had fear in their eyes while the guards and the blacksmith had fear but also caution.
"Say Amber did something happened? Nearly everyone is afraid or cautious?" I asked Amber who let out a tired sigh.
"Everyone's on the edge lately due to Stormterror. But don't worry as long as Jean is with us I'm sure everything will turn out fine"
"Jean, who's that?"
At that question, Amber smiled proudly "Acting grandmaster of the knights of Favonious. Jean, Defender of Modstadt. With her, on our side, I'm sure Modstadt will survive anything from Stormterrors attacks to a raid by churls with her leadership Modstadt will not fall" Amber turned to me her expression friendly but there was something I couldn't read underneath that friendly look "Ah Aether before I take you to the Favonious headquarters I have a present for you. A thank you gift for helping me clear out that hilichurl camp earlier"
"Hey how come Paimon doesn't get anything?" Paimon asked.
"Well, Paimon you didn't really do anything while the both of us were fighting you kinda just floated and cheered at us" Paimon looked at me her face looked at me like I was betraying her. "What do you mean didn't do anything Paimon gave you both emotional support" I let out a chuckle at that while Amber giggle at Paimons expense.
"The reason why you don't get one is because it is useless to you Paimon"
"How about this I'll make you a feast tonight because me and Amber probably wouldn't have cleared out the camp without your support Paimon" Amber then chipped in with her own reward for the little fairy.
"And I'll treat you to a Modstadt delicacy Sticky Honey Roast." At the end of our offers, Paimon was practically salivating. Amber turned to me and motioned me to follow her. "Come with me Aether I'll give you the gift where you can use it and we need a high place for that" She led me through the city and each citizen I passed had fear and worry in their eyes which is saddening. I hope whoever this Jean is can fix this situation.
When we stopped walking there was a huge statue behind us and a Cathedral of some sort.
"Hmm, this should be a good place." Amber then extended her hand and something began to slowly appear. It looked like wings. "The present I want to give you is a wind glider! The people in Modstadt love using them. I brought you here so when I give it to you can use it right away!" Amber spoke with excitement in her voice and stars practically shining in her eyes.
"Wow, you're really excited about these gliders huh?"
"Well that's because the wind is the heart and soul of Modstadt" Amber turned her head towards me "Alright let's give it a whirl, it's pretty easy to use, and just follow my instructions"
.
.
.
I missed this I thought as I glided pass the building of Modstadt. These gliders feel so much like my wings the only difference is that my back is lighter without my wings I looked at the plaza where Amber was waiting. When I landed she approached me.
"So how was it pretty fun right?"
I nodded at her. "Thank you Amber I can see why the people of Modstadt love using these it's really relaxing"
"YES! I knew you would like them. This calls for a celebration Paimon mind if I give you, your reward now? Cause I could go for some sticky honey roast" Paimon hearing food predictably bobbed her head yes.
We all walked towards the food stall that Amber pointed at when I noticed something.
"The sky"
Amber and Paimon both stopped and looked up, the sky darkened and the winds began to turn violent. And In the distance, I felt the insanity-inducing energy approaching the area with rapid speed. l looked at where the energy came from and saw the same dragon from before. It passed by a couple of buildings. It circled the area and began to lower its flying and with its claws, it scrapped the ground the sound that was produced painful to the ear. My eyes widen when I saw where that claw was heading.
Amber.
Without thinking I tackled her to the ground the dragon's claws grazing my back. I stood up quickly and offered her my hand, as she was about to reach it she froze and so did I. From the distance I hear a roar, and from the sky 3 Tornadoes descended. 2 In the Area we gilded off from and one at the gate of the city.
Everyone began to stampede away from the gate. Ignoring her hand and going for her legs I brought one hand under her knee and the other on her back. Running away I hear the tornado getting closer and closer. And without thinking I squeezed one of my hands.
"EEP"
"Hold on tight Amber and you too Paimon," I told the fairy who was clutching my scarf the moment the tornadoes appeared. When the energy was enough I was launched upwards by an updraft I summoned beneath me.
"AHHH!" Both Paimon and Amber began to scream as we were launched high into the air. I can't really use the wind glider or else I'll be thrown away by the harsh winds so good old reliable is the only option. As we were getting close to the ground both Amber and Paimon began to scream even more and just before we touch the ground I let go of Amber's legs and hugged her close to my chest while summoning my sword and I plunged the ground.
Amber's mouth fell when she witnessed what I just did while Paimon began to breathe in and out rapidly. Releasing Amber from my hug and grabbing her Arms I lead both her and Paimon away from the tornado.
"Help! Please!" I looked at where the cry came from and saw a young girl hugging a lamppost... Creation damn my morality. Leading both Paimon and Amber to a wall I conjured a field made entirely of wind.
"Stay this wind field will only let things in and out if I want it. And don't worry about being sucked in by the tornado this thing is as stable as a mountain" after saying that I left for the girl. Looking back I saw that her feet were off the ground and her grip on the lamppost was the only thing keeping her anchored to the ground. When I reached her it was just in time because her grip slipped and fortunately I caught her hand before she gets sucked in completely.
When I caught her she was shaking like a leaf poor thing. But I had no time to comfort the poor girl, The tornado that tried to suck her was starting to suck me in too! I ran toward the barrier I created where both Amber and Paimon were looking at me with relief, then that relief quickly turned to shock and then horror.
"AETHER BEHIND YOU!"
Not thinking clearly I just threw the girl towards the barrier which allowed her through due to my command. When she was inside not a second later I felt something like a meteor pulverize my back. I let out a scream and not only did I got hit I was also sucked in by the tornado. When I was ejected I felt my eyes widen the dragon was rushing towards me. I crashed at the dragon's face and rolled up to its back where I spotted two black thorn-like objects stuck to the dragon.
VOID
From that brief second, something within me reacted to those thorns. It was brief but I felt it, a burst of power similar to my original powers. Quickly taking that familiar energy I felt the muscles on my back regrow and the skin reknit itself. But before it could fully heal the power disappeared.
Well that was disappointing I was kinda hoping that the power would last longer but beggars can't be choosers. The dragon finally noticing that I was on its back began to thrash around trying to shake me off. But for some reason, I was stuck to its back like glue.
'I'm preventing you from falling with the power of a thousand winds. Please I don't know who you are but please help my friend'
Who was that? doesn't matter they asked for something but I have to deal with the Void first. Summoning my sword I coated it with the energy of the wind making it sharper than a razor. And with that, I began attacking the thorn that was emitting the most of that dark energy. it took me about 30 slashes before the thorn was completely cut off the dragon's back. The dragon let out a roar and whatever power that was keeping me attached to its back ran out making me taken by the wind.
As I plunged down the sky I looked for the thorn that housed the dark energy and from the corner of my eyes, I saw it. Closing my eyes I focused on the wind that surrounded me and I controlled it to bring me closer to the thorn. When I opened my eyes I quickly grabbed it and stored it in my pocket dimension. With that done I deployed my glider and began to descend back to Modstadt.
POV change
That jerk Paimon can't believe he would do something so dangerous like that. Can't he help himself first before jumping to help others? Honestly, Paimon worries about his health. Paimon looked at Amber who was comforting the kid that Aether saved. Amber lead us to the Cathedral when Aether's wind barrier disappeared. Which conveniently disappeared at the same time as the tornadoes and the dragon disappeared.
"Paimon you should go inside the cathedral Stormterror might attack again and the Cathedral has a basement that can shelter nearly everyone in Modstadt"
"No"
"What but Paimon it's dangerous you might get hurt"
"Paimon knows that. But Paimon won't go anywhere until she knows Aether is safe" Amber looked like she was about to argue but then she gasped. I looked at where she was looking and felt relief fill me. It was Aether he was safe. He spotted us and directed his flight toward us. When he got down. I just rushed towards him and hugged him as hard as I could. Amber also went near him and began patting his body.
"A-Are you hurt"
"Just a little" When he said that something inside me broke.
"LIAR!"
Both of them snapped their heads toward me clearly shocked by my outburst. "Wh-What do you mean Paimon?" this... This... This moron!
"Don't lie Paimon won't believe your just hurt by a little. You took a blast from a dragon directly in the back and you think you can just lie to Paimon that, you're just slightly hurt!" I began hitting him I know that my hits aren't hurting him but he has to know that Paimon cares for him.
Hide it all he wants but Paimon knows that he is suspicious of me. And despite us just being companions for 2 months I genuinely cared for him. And to see him throwing himself into dangerous situations frustrates me. I felt a tear go down my cheek but I ignored it.
"Please"
I don't remember anything from my past.
"Please"
The things I remember physically and mentally hurt me.
"Please" you have memories of your sister.
"Please" I'm not even sure if I have a family out there who cares for me.
"Stop hurting yourself" You're all I have.
"Paimon" Aether called my name and I looked at him my eyes blurry from the tears I shed but that didn't matter. "Promise Paimon that you won't just throw yourself just so you can help others"
I'm the worse
"Promise her if you see someone in danger make sure you can help them without putting yourself in harm's way"
But it doesn't matter I promise that I'll be the greatest guide ever and I'll do anything just to keep my companion safe.
"..."
I waited for him to speak it took about 10 seconds before he answered me.
"I'm sorry Paimon, I can't promise you that, It's my nature to want to help people. But I can promise you that I'll do my best to not get hurt"
I'm not happy with that but it's better than nothing.
I said nothing and just hugged him.
AN: YO as you guys might have noticed my version of Paimon is more attached to the traveler than the gremlin we know in-game. Going to be honest I have an Idea of what I'm going to do with this version of Paimon but I'm hesitant to put it in because it might ruin the whole story.
And before you, all might think No I am NOT GOING TO KILL THE EMERGENCY FOOD.
As annoying as she is in the game she is our precious guide (and emergency food) and I find her endearing as long as she keeps her mouth shut.
Well that's it for this chapter I'm not really sure if I can make this a weekly thing but dammit I'm sure going to try!
