"- Do you really want to go on a quest with me?
- Yes, why not, I just came back from Sumeru where everything was exhausting, so why not do an good old quest of Mondstadt with you, Bennett?
- Thank you Aether, for once someone wants to help me. Lately, my bad luck has gotten worse for some reason, but I don't know that with you, it's going to be fine!
- I hope so as much as you do, I don't want it to end like the last time, stuck in this dungeon and you sacrificing yourself to get us out.
- Don't worry, I took more care.
- If you say so."
Aether had returned to Mondstadt for a few days to rest, feeling that he could no longer deal with all the problems of each person he encountered along his journey. When Bennett, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, asked him to go on a quest with him, he accepted without complaining too much, thinking that the missions in the city of freedom were much easier than in the others country, and that even with the misfortune of the white-haired adventurer, they would manage to get by.
But not everything went according to plan, and Aether already being on edge for a while, it irritated him very quickly when things didn't go according to his plan. What was going to take less than two hours took more than half the day, and the whole way they were in dead ends, defeating more monsters than expected, and the storm suddenly arriving, they almost got electrocuted several times, and that was just the tip of the iceberg.
They both saw again, accompanied by Paimon who had not left them, but who had also been touched by Bennett's misfortune, when the night had come, with wounds everywhere, and the traveler could have sworn that he had had fewer injuries while fighting Scaramouche in Sumeru.
Arrived at the reception of the guild of adventurers, Katheryne was shocked to see them in a rather chaotic state, even more when it came to the traveler, who never arrived with so many wounds in front of her. She asked them if everything was okay, and for the first time since their return, Aether spoke up to tell her that he could have been better, with no further comment from Paimon and Bennett, who knew he was irritated and that he was on the verge of imploding.
He took the reward and gave the equal share to Bennett without saying a word, the adventurer gently thanking him, before they both saw a female figure arriving, who was none other than Bennett's longtime friend, Fischl, accompanied by her faithful partner, Oz.
"- Good evening, brave adventurers!... But what happened to you?
- It's nothing Fischl, you know it's just my bad luck.
- I want to believe you, but a cataclysm of this kind has never happened, as long as the sun rises in the city of freedom, moreover with my faithful assistant...
- Shut up!"
Paimon, Bennett and Fischl were surprised by the traveller's sudden speech, who normally never said such things, but it must be said that lately everything had tended to annoy him slightly, and he kept his facade of noble and kind person more and more badly, and the fairy had noticed it. However, that kind of ineptitude never happened, and this so-called quick fling was the straw that broke the camel's back, especially when Bennett spoke up.
"- Aether, I know it went wrong but be careful what you say, Fischl just came to say hello.
- You..."
Aether glared at the user of the pyro element while holding him by the collar of his tank top.
"- What did I do to you to deserve this!
- What?
- I saved four goddamn nations, and I'm more torn about it than anything I've done before...
- Aether, calm down please..."
The traveler no longer thought distinctly, Paimon and Fischl moving closer to them in case it went too far. Aether didn't really care about Bennett, but about the events happening in Teyvat in general. However the boy in front of him served as a scapegoat in spite of himself, and that, Aether didn't care about that, he just wanted to vent his rage somewhere.
"- I told you shut up! I tried so hard for everyone, when I just wanted to find my sister... The more I progress, the more people are incompetent and lazy, and yet I continue to help them like an idiot... And that's how they thank me, I find myself in this lamentable state, all because of a little idiot like you!
- My dear partner, please remove your malicious remarks against our friend. He is not involved in any of the problems that you have reported in other nations.
- Fichl is right, Bennett has nothing to do with it, Paimon begs you, pull yourself together!
- Shut up you two!", Aether shouted at them in response, leaving the two girls speechless, surprised by this facet of Aether.
Bennett tried to pull Aether's hold on his tank top, and barely succeeded as he ordered the two girls to stop talking.
When the traveler saw him, he turned his dark gaze on him again, intending to continue to attack him verbally.
"- Where do you think you are going, it's your fault Bennett! If I had known, I wouldn't have left with you!"
Bennett go and reply something to justify himself, but when he said this sentence, hot tears automatically ran down his cheeks. He certainly didn't expect the traveler, the person he respected most in Mondstadt, his mentor and his friend, to speak to him in this way. He was so happy when he told her that he could become a great adventurer if he really wanted to, and seeing that same person shouting at him as if he was responsible for all the troubles on Teyvat upset him deeply.
When they saw Bennett crying, Fischl came out of her princess character to speak frankly to Aether:
"- You have gone too far, Aether!"
Aether was not in was listening to anything, but was surprised just like the two girls to see that Bennett, while continuing to cry, began to shout:
"- How is it my fault? I didn't do anything you said! I just asked you to come with me because I wanted to have fun doing a mission with you! I know I'm unlucky, you think trouble only happens to you?
- No, but I've had more than enough of taking the damage for others, do you think that amuses me? You can't understand that, you don't have all these problems!
- What you received today is only part of what I receive every day! I hurt myself so horribly for a few moras, and each time Barbara heals me by telling me how long I'll last like this! I thought you would help me, as an honorary knight, but you're spitting in my face!
- Again with this story! Under the pretext that I am an honorary knight, I have to help everyone all the time and be selfless all the time! You're like the others, always expecting something from me, and when I just want information about my sister, no one is there!
- No that's not true! I didn't mean it like that, but as a friend I thought you would support me! But you too want to leave me like the other adventurers in Benny's adventure team!
- Please stop!
- Yes stop, Paimon doesn't like to see you fight!"
Fischl and Paimon tried in vain to keep the conversation from getting out of hand, but it looked like the two boys wanted to dot the i's and settle their differences. Bennett had a lot on his heart and wanted to get rid of what he was carrying on his shoulders.
"- I never said that!
- If you think I'm going to accept this, you're wrong! I would have liked to be in your place!
- How so? You say that because you don't know how boring it is, of course on paper it looks cool, but it's far from it!
- No, and you're wrong and I'll tell you why! Knowing that everyone likes you and adores you like a god, the children see you as a legendary hero, and knowing that everyone wants to be your friend, accompany you where you will go, if only for a few moments, or even just talk with you! All the knights respect you and you have countless girls who love you! All this, in addition to being super strong and resourceful! And what's more, you don't even need vision to control the elements, you can even control several of them, while there are some who would give a lot to receive this strength! That's why I would have liked to be in your place!"
Bennett cried out those last words with all he could, the drops coming out of his eyes more heavily, spilling onto the floor as he crouched down. Aether, seeing him in this state, and with the words that had told him, began to calm down, he again paid attention to what he had done. Aether was starting to feel remorse seeing him in this state, he who was always smiling and had his thumbs up, no matter how hard it was.
Fischl approached Bennett and helped him wipe away his tears, trying to calm him down a bit, while Bennet tried to finish what he had to say to the traveler.
"- Aether, that's why I've always admired you... That's why it hurts... However, I understand, it's true that it's not a gift to have me as a teammate , even a person as tolerant and brilliant as you ended up cracking... Sorry... I got a little carried away, but I wanted to tell you this so thank you for everything..."
Bennett got to his feet after his monologue, and wiped away as best he could the drops of water that poured down, as the traveler, accompanied by Fischl and Paimon, watched him walk darkly inside of the city and when Paimon shouted to wait to help him, Bennett turned around and still displayed that smile which characterized him so much, even if it was false, and once again showed the thumbs up, and the quivering lips, he said:
"- Don't worry Paimon, life is like that, it was just my bad luck that caused this! Anyway, thank you!
"- Bennett,...", the fairy replied sadly as he moved further and further away from them, until he disappeared over the horizon.
Aether said nothing more, when he saw the face of his friend, of someone who almost considered his disciple and a kind-hearted adventurer leaving in agony, but it was his turn to feel something wet on the cheek, then a second. He knew it wasn't his style to cry, but he felt, and he knew what he had just done was wrong, not only for Bennett, but for him as well.
His adventures pushed him over the edge, and he couldn't redirect his frustration anywhere, so he buried all his emotions, until one day when Paimon warned him that it was coming to the surface, his remarks becoming more sharper, and his insults went faster and faster. Even his way of fighting began to change, and again the fairy told him when they were in Sumeru to break samsara and save Dunyarzard, and he ordered Dehya to leave with the young woman while he was going to kill all the Eremites who were blocking their way, projecting his anger by venting on them.
And now he felt guilty for blaming the poor boy for everything, when he was just trying to spend time with him like two brothers, and he resolved to look for Bennett the next day to settle things one last time, as he realized that living with his bad luck was not a gift, and marveled to know that he continued to smile once more in front of him.
Paimon and Fischl stared at him, his eyes almost blank and wearing a sad look.
"- Aether...
- Sorry girls, I don't know what got into me... I was exhausted, between everything that happened in Liyue, Inazuma and Sumeru. I got carried away when he had done nothing, and I risk breaking the confidence of this child through my fault, all because I was not myself.
- No, you can still change the future, even if all this is uncertain. I guarantee that by my presence, I, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, the valiant adventurer known as Bennett will give the mercy necessary to release the chains binding your doubts to your body.
- What my fraulein means is that it is not too late to repair the damage.", translated Oz to Paimon and Aether.
"- Yes, she's right. Paimon understands your behavior, Paimon has been telling you that for a while. Besides, we all know that you didn't really want to hurt Bennett, but the way you handled your emotions made us all shocked, including him.
- You really believe it, I hope it's not too late?
- My magnificence tends to agree that friendship, even if it is only a sensitive thread that can be cut at any time, can be repaired.
- My fraulein means that Bennett will understand if you explain to him calmly, he's not someone who holds a grudge so easily.", translated Oz, explaining that it was not too late.
Aether saw the support he had and smiled weakly, something he had forgotten to do for a while, and wiped the water marks from his face.
"- You're right, I can't let this get me down. I've always stood up until now, even when I learned that Lumine was the princess of the Abyss, so I can't afford to leave Bennett in this state. Thank you very much to both of you.
- You're welcome, Paimon will always be there as moral support.
- And I will not let the valiant hero of the city of freedom fall into the depths of darkness...
- Of course Fischl...", he replied, letting out a small laugh.
"- Also, I wanted to tell you something and it's not as Prinezssin that I speak, but just Fischl. I also wanted to help you because you are my friend and Bennett is too, and I I couldn't bear to see you arguing, when you usually get along well. I'm going to try to see Bennett and convince him to see you tomorrow, and that you can work out the problems.
- Thank you, Fischl, I owe you one. You're a great friend, whether it's to me or Bennett."
Fischl blushed, but continued to speak:
"- You're welcome. I don't know what happened during your quest, but it hurt me so much to see you both suffering inside. And you don't need to be indebted to me, that's what friends do after all. Besides, I haven't forgotten when you helped me recreate the Empire of Eternal Night in the Golden Apple Archipelago, so it was me who should owe you.
- No problem for that. We only have to say that we are even.
-You're right. With that, See you tomorrow and rest.
- Thanks and good night.
Aether and Paimon parted ways with Fischl and took over the management of a hotel, hoping that tomorrow would be a better day to establish solutions to the problems created.
The next day, Fischl was waiting for them at the Good Hunter, without Bennett as he was in no mood to eat with anyone. They sat down next to her and ordered breakfast while she explained to them what she had told Bennett. The Prinzessin der Verurteilung explained to them that Bennett was currently lying down at the edge of the fishing stand near the eastern exit of the city, and that he was still upset. However, according to her, he was willing to speak with the traveler and Aether found it brave enough that he agreed to see him again to refreeze the issues.
He was determined to see the smile shining on the boy again. He knew that until he found his sister, he wouldn't smile, but just because he couldn't he wasn't going to influence that on everyone he knew, and he knew that Paimon and Fischl were there to help him if anything went wrong.
After eating, he left alone in the direction of the place indicated by the blonde girl, while he didn't pay attention that Fischl and Paimon were following him to see if everything was going to get back in order.
Arrived there, they were hiding behind the wall next to the entrance, while the traveler saw the white-haired adventurer, with dark circles around his eyes, and a face marked by the many tears he had created. Besides, he hadn't even bothered to heal himself, and was lying on the grass, looking at the cloudy sky with eyes that had lost a bit of liveliness.
"- Bennett?"
Bennett turned his face towards the traveler, and stood up in politeness, for despite everything Aether had said, his position had not changed and he still considered Aether a hero to be shown respect.
- Aether, Fischl told me you were coming.
- Well, I'm not going to try to beat around the bush. So... Sorry!
- What?"
Aether bowed in forgiveness before straightening up and displaying a sincere apology, to the surprise of the pyro swordsman, but also the girls who were hiding.
"- Aether it's not worth asking for forgiveness. It's my fault.
- No, and I'll explain why.
- Huh?
- Yesterday, I was on a bad mood. I assume you have heard of my actions in Sumeru. And the truth is that it made me very tired mentally, especially since it takes longer and longer to find my sister. However, what I said about you is inadmissible. I released all my anger, which I had towards all these inhabitants who asked me for help for not much and for a paltry reward, on you, when you had done nothing. I mean, it's not your fault you're unlucky, so why would I bother with you.
- But yesterday you said you didn't want to work with someone like me anymore...
- Like I told you, I didn't think well. I was under too much stress and as a result, I yelled at you for no reason. I'm not going to lie to you, this kind of outburst happens to me more and more often.
- It's true?
- Yes, to Inazuma and Sumeru in particular, but that's a story for another day. What I want to tell you is that you have no reason to think that because it's wrong, I don't hate working with you, on the contrary, it's you who should say that to help someone too unstable than me.
- No, never in my life, I don't find that you are unstable most of the time. You are very pedagogical and patient, especially with someone like me, who only does stupid things.
- Stop saying that, it's wrong.
- How so?
- At no time are you pathetic. I should even say that you impress me.
- But..
- Let me finish, Bennett. You are the bravest person in this fucking country, and I know what I'm talking about, the knights of Favonius are weak and cowardly, and on this point I agree with Diluc, except for a few exceptions like Eula or Kaya. But I don't want to talk about that now. You have the qualities to be a great adventurer, you do more things than most people in this country, and you always have a good heart to help others. But you know what impresses me the most?
- No?
- The fact that whatever happens to you, no matter your misadventures and the problems you have, you always keep smiling and I assure you that you are the one to do this. Even me it surprises me, I assure you. I would never have the strength to keep smiling after everything you've been through, I'm complaining because I lost my sister, when you have almost no family, you did this job to provide for the financial needs of your ancestors, and that you hurt yourself and are near death every time you go on an adventure. You lost all your teammates, and even after all the ups and downs of yesterday, you're still smiling, and I want to tell you that you deserve all my respect and my friendship, Bennett.
- Thank you,...
- One last thing, I say it one last time to make it clear. I regret all the bad things I said yesterday about you and of course going on an adventure with a teammate like you is cool. And I'm honored that you see me as your mentor, when I see that there are still people like you, who face adversity with panache, I tell myself that all the times I saved Teyvat will never be not in vain. I lost people on the road, be it Teppei, Kazari, Ruu, Arama, Zhiquiong and others. You don't know them, but it's also people like you in whom I have a deeper respect for them, and I don't want to lose again people who deserve to live and to access a better world."
The more Aether talked, the more Bennett couldn't contain his emotions anymore, he was once again close to crying, but didn't want to be in tears a second time in less than twenty-four hours in front of Aether, so he held them back as much as he could, as he sniffled. He knew he was telling the truth, and Aether displayed a serious and a little nostalgic look thinking of all the friends he had lost along the way, while continuing his monologue.
"- And don't forget, you have a vision, that means the Archons have found you worth wearing one. You know I thought about what you said about my situation, and that's true that I hadn't thought about the good things that had happened to me since I became famous. When I think about it, I understand what you meant by saying that, it's true that being respected and adored by all makes good, but you forgot one thing. There are also people who admires you Bennett, starting with these two clowns who are not very discreet.", he said, pointing to Fischl and Paimon, who understood that they had been seen for some time by the traveler. Bennett was surprised to see them, and they approached them.
"- How did you know we were here?
- I didn't know at first, but I felt like I was being followed, so I let you think I didn't see anything.
- Alright, Paimon sees.
- Bennett, what Aether said is true, who told you that there was no one who admired you? Me the first, how many times I have seen your exploits, and even when you are injured, you arrive saying "Everything is fine!". Your perseverance is a quality I admire in you, and you always had the courage to protect me when I was in trouble. So, yes, I'm happy to call you my best friend.
- Fischl, I...
- Paimon also wants to tell you something, even if it doesn't seem like, I always appreciate your help and in truth, Paimon would like Aether to learn from your state of mind. So Paimon is happy to be your friend.
- Paimon...
- You see Bennett, you were never alone, you were always respected, and what didn't were just assholes. In any case, you deserve all the attention we give you, you deserve to be an adventurer..."
Aether put a hand on Bennett's shoulder, and looked at him with something that surprised even Paimon, a sincere smile. Then Bennett saw Paimon and Fischl's equally honest and pure smile, before Aether concluded what he meant:
"- And thank you for seeing me as a hero, Bennett. I hope the Archons will guide you towards a glorious future, and that you will be a great hero, you deserve it."
Bennett couldn't stand the outpourings of compliments any longer and wept again, but this time of joy.
"- Thank you Aether, thank you all...
- Don't thank us, you deserve it, you've worked hard to be where you are, and I hope you'll be lucky in the future."
Bennett wiped away his tears as Fischl and Paimon hugged him and patted his back to help him feel better and he returned the hug, while Aether smirked crossing her arms, glad that the young pyro swordsman can gain self-confidence again.
After a few minutes, Bennett was wiping the last tears from her face before responding with a big smile.
"- I will do my best to be the best adventurer there is, word of Benny.
- It's the spirit, and I'll be there to see your progress.
- Thank you, Aether.
- You're welcome, after all, a master must see his disciple flourish and enter the big leagues."
Aether and Bennett banged their fists as if to seal their deal, as the two girls smiled happily upon seeing the two swordsmen who have now settled their issues.
After the four of them took advantage of the breeze and the clouds parted in favor of the sun's rays, they heard Bennett who was starving, because he hadn't eaten since the previous evening.
"- It seems that my faithful ally could not eat!", said Fischl who spoke again as she usually did.
"- Yes, I didn't eat last night and this morning.
- Luckily we left you a share.
- Thanks.
- But first, let's take you back to Barbara, so she can take care of you.
- It's true, I didn't pay attention. Sorry.
- No problem."
The group took Bennett for treatment and explained to the deaconess that they had not seen her the day before and that was why he had bruises from the start of the day, which she accepted and she healed the adventurer very quickly.
Once done, they all went back to the Good Hunter, and took back their table by adding a chair for Bennett, then took the opportunity to bring a breakfast for him too.
They chatted now like four friends in a cafe, with everyone's worries allayed.
"- If you want after that, the four of us will go on a quest, just to forget the one from yesterday.
- You're sure, I don't want this to end the same way.
- Don't worry, we took more precautions. Besides, I think today will be a better day. You have to believe in the future, right?
- Yes, my loyal associate is correct, what guarantee do you have to find yourself in a dead end? None, so let's take advantage of what we're given!
- Fischl is right, so what are we waiting for?
- Yes... You're right, IT'S ADVENTURE TIME!
- Well said!"
And after having finished discussing, they left in the direction of the reception to take a new quest, which for once met with total success for the young user of the pyro element, who could not smile with victory in front of the happiness of his friends to see him happy.