Authors Disclaimer: I do not own Genshin impact. Hey everyone don't generally do fast updates like these so short between one another. But woke up very early today and had energy to go and finish this chapter. Plus, since I am not doing 30 pages for this story, unlike the others as I don't feel like this story needs every chapter being 30 pages long and it is made for fun. I don't have to stress out on making sure everything plays out alright or missing a single detail within the chapter too.
Anyway, not much to say but I did had little fun writing this chapter. especially with Diona making the cocktails lol. So yeah, hope you all have fun and enjoy the chapter. Also please remember any females who are age as a child, are only 'companions' nothing more nothing less. I do not want to step boundaries here on this website. So yeah hve fun and hope you all enjoy.
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Chapter 5: The Cat's tail wine maker Diona! Being "The Honorary knight" part 2.
It has been a couple of days since Devallin attacked Mondstadt. The city was slowly being back together and repaired from all the damages it had taken, rooftops, walls and the city walls were being brought back to repairs and will be almost done in the next few days. Aether- along with Sucrose and Amber, have been busy doing commission work for those around the city and outside of Mondstadt. Helping people out with their problems, clearing away any left over debris or garbage that hasn't been picked up yet. To even repair the housings in the area.
The trio were definitely busy and doing everything they could to help out the city and its people. Amber and Sucrose- during the times they were free and had free time, went and hung out with Aether and helped him out with any work that he was personally doing. Getting closer with the traveler and having a good time with the boy too. Learning a little more about him but also each other, whenever they head out and go to towns that need support outside of the city or take care of monster attacks nearby. It truly was great and saw how happy Aether would get whenever the two girls reunite with him or help him out with a commission.
Even getting better with their fighting skills too- though Sucrose made sure to be back up and support, considering that her Hypostasis bottles with her vision still takes out a lot of stamina out of her and would make sure to rarely use them during combat. Considering what happened with her previous commission with Aether, dealing with those monsters and having to break those debris blocking the road. She even made sure that her clothes wouldn't get ruined either this time around, yeah she was fine for awhile during that time- because of not having much spares with her for the trip. But this time around, she made sure that she had spare clothes to wear during these monster liberation missions.
That can't be said for Amber, as the hyperactive and go-getter girl took her job as an outrider serious and knight duties- that she wouldn't let something like ruined clothes or tattered clothes stop her from performing her job at full capacity! Something that both Aether and Sucrose wish she took seriously, considering one of the monster hunts they did had them once again be up against slimes. And let's just say, Sucrose now understood the meaning of having spare clothes with her now, as well what Amber means now about the slime monsters being 'frisky' with female travelers or knights or just citizens who come across them. Sucrose watched in slight horror but also fascination at the sight of Amber being molested and forced to be subdued by the Slime's perfected ways, as they played and used her body for their enjoyment and even tore away at their clothes.
The alchemist even looks to Aether wondering if this was riling him up only to twitch her ears and see him looking miserable and annoyed by what was happening in front of him. The blonde hair boy looks to Sucrose and shrugs his shoulders with a defeated sigh, saying how it feels wrong to say he's used to this by now, then proceeds to approach the slime and kill it before the scene gets any worse with it and Amber. Having the blushing Sucrose to hum curiously of what he meant, wondering if he has seen this happen before with Amber around. In which she got her answer and had her giggling softly in embarrassment, after he freed Amber from the monster saying 'It happens a lot." to Sucrose. The girl giggled lightly and then turned red, beginning to wonder exactly what would happen if she too- let a slime play with her body like it did to Amber? And curious if they really are soft like the Outrider described?
But today Aether was taking a small break from all the commissions and helping the people out and decided to take a nice stroll around Mondstadt and see what it has to offer. He never got the chance to look around the beautiful scenery or buildings it has, so he figured this will be a good small break from all the work he's done. And since Amber and Sucrose were on personal missions for the knights, what better chance and see the sights. He was walking through the west side of town, figuring out what was over here in the western district and what they had to do. When he reached a couple of housing and shops and pubs, he came to a stop near one of the pubs and heard what sounded like arguing going on and followed by the door of the pub opening out and a customer came flying out and hitting the alleyway streets, with a very ticked off waitress. Who clapped their hands and headed back inside the pub.
Aether hummed and looked at the drunkard who was tossed out and began gathering themselves up to their feet and hiccuped. As he stared towards Aether and chuckled, "Cat's are hic, so cute." and began walking away with wobbly steps. Aether turned towards the pub and looked up towards the sign that was hanging from the top of the doorway.
"Cat's tail pub?" He read outloud and hummed and decided to check it out and see what was happening inside. Granted, he wouldn't be able to drink any of the wine because of his age, even though he's a traveler and such, let alone is mature for his age. People no matter what world he or his seeker set out to do. They get treated like kids. But, he also guessed it is a good thing they don't drink. Seeing how bad it looks when noticing drunks and all, you don't want to be addicted to the culinary drinks and become a drunkard yourself. He looked at the white and brown decor and design of the building, walking up the white pebble stone like steps to the front door and saw the sign up close. Having a cat design above the sign and it's tail wrapping under the words.
Aether then opens up the door and steps inside- when closing the door behind him. The boy widened his eyes and blink his golden pupils at the sight of the place, having actual cats! "Whoa." he chuckled out and smiled at the many different types of cats that were in here, behaving well and looking to be quite comfortable. Especially around the customers- who are pretty fawning over said cats. The blonde hair traveler began walking forward and looking around, then stopping in front of the desk. Seeing a black cat looking at him with its green eyes and having a semi-serious expression on their faces. Swishing and wagging their tial intimidatingly to Aether who feels a little unnerving with how the cat is looking at him so sternly.
"Welcome to the cat's tail! How can I- oh! You're a new face around here." Came a womanly voice came in front of Aether, who turned to face her and saw her smiling. "Hi there! My name is Katie, the owner and caretaker of the Cat's tail pub. How can I help you," then giggled when raising a hand up to her chin. "And before you ask, I know my name can be a pun to the pub. But it is my real name so don't worry."
"I was actually curious about the place so…" then Aether laughed softly and thumped behind him. "That and saw someone being thrown out into the alleyway." He said, getting the woman to giggle at this and nodded with a sweatdrop.
"Ah…you…you saw that huh." Katie asked and saw Aether nodding. "Right, well despite any rules or regulations we have here and like most pubs or bars. We do get our fair share of annoying customers or rowdy customers once in a while." She said and adjusted her uniform and smiled. "Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. All our customers are very friendly and calm, they may drink a lot or very little and can be lightweight. But they are truly kind hearted folks who make sure to not step over their boundaries."
Aether nodded and looked at the cat on the counter, having Katie look as well and giggled. "Ah yes, he is one of many cats who lives here or resides in the pub. See the cat's tail, even though we are a pub and serve drinks and food. Also have cats living here and hang out with the customers. To help either relieve their daily stress or long work hours, or just having people come and pet the cats." She then pets the cat's head who began purring. "He's considered the welcoming cat to the customers. As he rarely leaves this spot and loves being greeted or petted by people who come in and wait for a table."
"If you ask me, he just wants and loves getting attention and food. Because customers always bring him treats." A voice came in the kitchen from the back, alerting the woman and smiled brightly when they saw it was. A young girl with pink hair began approaching the countryside, wearing a blue hat and had emerald colored eyes. Wearing a small jacket vest and blue shorts, her yellow and brown stripe cat ears twitch and her tail sway left to right. Having a bit of an annoyed expression, but tilted her ears upwards and widened her eyes at the sight of Aether. "Oh hey it's you!" She said and looked annoyed, "What are you doing here, wanting to get drunk or something…" she growled irritably.
"Diona, come on now that's not very nice. Not everyone comes here to get drunk or constantly drink wine." Katie explained and watched Diona, grabbing a stool and pushing it close to the counter and hops on top of it. "Although, have the two of you met?" She asked which Aether was about to answer, but Diona beat him to the punch.
"No, but I saw him during the dragon attack and coming back with Sucrose during one of her commissions." Diona grunted out when she climbed onto the stool and sat down. Swaying her tail to and fro, while then crossing her arms. "Especially with her and him barely wearing much clothing when they got back. Making me wonder if-" then yelped when Katie bopped Diona's head, having the young girl whine out and hissed out, "The heck that for!"
"For being rude," Katie laughed and crossed her arms. "I know which commission you're talking about. I actually put that as a request because our shipping route was being blocked from Springvail to here. And what I heard when Katheryne delivered the news. Sucrose and Aether here-" She said pausing and pointing her open hand at the blonde traveler. "Got into a scuffle against monsters during their mission and had to fend them off while preventing the Pyro slimes from burning the nearby forest." KAtie then looked back to Diona who blinked her eyes and looked sheepish and muttered out.
"O…oh…um." Then humphed and looked away with her back turned, swishing her tail roughly. Getting Katie to shake her head and chuckle. "Well-well…then it is good to hear that you both were safe then." Diona said and sighed roughly, then spun around to face Aether again. "So, what and why are you here anyway?" She asked curiously while twitching her right cat ear.
"So, this is Diona?" Aether thought to himself and stared silently at her but made sure to look around so he wasn't exactly focusing on her. "She looks like a very young kid? How and why would Venti want me to have her as a companion?" Aether thought to himself, but blinked his eyes when he spotted a Vision around her belt and saw it was the Cryo vision too. "She has a Cryo vision?! At this age too wow…"
"Hey! What's the look for!" Diona hissed out with a bit of venom and saw Aether blinking his eyes. "Have something to say buster!" She growled out and thrash her tail, then blushed lightly when Aether chuckled and shook his head and said.
"Oh no nothing like that," then points to her vision. "Was actually surprised to see you having a vision there. Especially for someone of your age." Aether said and then crossed his arms, while placing a hand on his chin. "Actually, I don't know much about this world and how the visions work. But, children of your age get them?"
This had Diona humming and nodded her head and smirk, "Yeah, surprised huh! I got the Cryo vision when…well." Then looks down, not ready to say and then turns slightly red when Aether smiles softly to her and tilts his head with closed eyes. When he said…
"If it's a touchy subject you do not need to answer." Aether told her and smiled. "Did it protect someone right? That I did know from what Amber and Sucrose told me about how people acquired visions." He said and saw the young girl twitching her ears and humph and shook her head.
"Ugh, those two should really mind their own business." Diona said, but still had a smile on her face, "Anyway- are you here to order something or just here to loiter, cause we don't take loitering likely." then hisses when Katie bobbed her head, "HEY!" She growled out while whipping her attention at her.
"Diona we have no problems with people wanting to sit and relax in the pub or just hang out." Katie said and laughed when the girl growled at the black cat next to her who meowed at her. "Even Roul here agrees." She giggled and saw Diona pouting and glaring lightly towards the owner.
"Don't pretend like you know what he is saying." Grumbled the girl and faced Aether. "By the way he actually says you feel comfortable to be around Traveler. Which is weird," she said and twitched her ears.
"Considering that Roul here don't generally get along with those outside of Mondstadt." Diona said and sighs and faces back at Aether. "What is your name by the way? My name is Diona, though," then twitched her tail. "Katie already said my name, but figured proper introductions are in order."
"Oh my name is Aether," The blonde hair traveler responded and smiled. "Nice to meet you Diona." He then hummed and stared at the two girls. Finally having the question bubbling up inside of him making both girls stare and blink confusingly, to then Diona twitching and having a bit of a 'why you bring that up' expression when Aether asked KAtie. "So- I know it will be weird to ask. But how is Diona working here?"
"Oh, it's because I hired her and thought she would be cute working here at the cat's tail!" Giggled Katie, making Diona mumbling and opening and closing her mouth in a mocking way. "That and she actually makes really delicious wine, even though?" Then chuckled sheepishly. "Some of the ingredients she uses are unorthodox- they actually come out great!" She said with a smile.
"Please!" Diona hissed and stood on the stool. Thrusting her arms down and leaning forward at Katie. "Those ingredients should be destroying the wine industry! I am making horrible disgusting cocktails, wines and booze aso people will hate the alcohol industry!" She shouted and heard other customers laughing and giggling about, having her turn her head over her shoulder and spun around. "Oh shut up! You don't know, a bad taste when- whoa…whoa!" Diona yelped out as the stool wobbled and shook underneath her, having her fall towards the side, but Aether quickly reacted and moved closer to the counter and managed to catch Diona by the underarms.
"Gotcha!" Aether said and both he and Diona let out relaxing breaths, as her hat fell onto the countertop. The boy then lifted her upright and sat her down on the counter. Watching the girl's face turning red and swiping her hat from the side muttering softly thanks to Aether. Who sat down on the stool and smiled. "Any time, but…" He then opened a hand and saw Diona looking at him, holding her hat on her head and blinked her eyes. "If…you make wine, do you drink it?"
"Oh heck no!" Diona then blew some raspberries and crossed her arms. "Why would I drink that drivel and disgusting wine in the first place? It;s what caused my fa-" then stops right there, freezing in place and almost blab out the reasoning for her hatred of the drinks, and the reasoning for them breaking her family. "I-I mean, I am only eight. Why would I drink that stuff?" She huffs and wags her tail.
"But…then who taste tests your…drinks if you're trying to make them terrible?" Aether asked and saw Katie smiling and waved her hand, being quiet this entire time and enjoying how talkative Diona is with this newcomer. It was nice to see the girl being quite well spoken to someone for a change.
"No worries, we have taste testers here in the pub. Who will taste any new drinks that Diona makes or creates here at the cat's tail." Katie said and adjusted her brown hair. "Speaking of Diona, I believe we're starting to run out of ingredients for drinks. Do you think you could head into Dawn's Winery to bring back some more?" She asked, and heard the girl growling in her throat and bared her fangs.
"SERIOUSLY?! You want me to head into my arch nemesis territory and get YOU ingredients for the wine, to sell to more drunkards and alcoholics in this town!?" She growled and then whimpered lightly and suddenly turned skittish when Katie pressed her forehead against Diona, having a challenging smile.
"May I remind a certain cat-girl here of the amount of missing sweets and ice creams that suddenly disappeared in the freezer this morning. Because a certain 'cat' scraped her knee and begged to have Ice cream to make her feel better." She chuckled out and had Diona ears fold against her head and laughed bashfully, as Katie moved back and smiled. "Thought you will see it my way, besides." Then giggled. "Isn't it this week your daily routine to gather ingredients for your plot to destroy the wine industry?" She teased out and had Diona huffing and looking away.
"Ugh hate it when you're right," Diona then sighed, "alright fine- I will get your horrible ingredients." Diona then swung her legs around the counter and hops down onto the floor. "Anything else you wish for, ol' scrutiny of the wine business." She cockily proceeds to head towards the door and grabs the knob, only to feel her entire body shivered and fur sticking out in anger when Katie, who crossed her arms and raised a hand.
"Yes, why don't you take Aether here along with you." Katie then giggled as Diona whipped around and ready to yell in pure anger and go red. "So this way, I KNOW- you are actually going to Dawn winery to get the ingredients." Then softly says. "But also to be sure that you have someone to be with you, during your trip over there." Then look at Aether. "You won't mind? Considering the recent Stormterror attack, there have been increased numbers of monster activity."
"You DO know I can handle myself right?!" Duona squeaked out and stomped her foot cutely. "My dad was a hunter ya know, his talents rubbed off onto me! So, I am not defenseless!" Diona argued and then sighed irritably, when Katie turned to her and said.
"Even so, you are still a child. The trip there and back always exhausts you and if you're tired when a monster attacks. I am going to be terrible at getting you hurt and injured." Then look at Aether once more, who happily nodded and got up. "Thanks again, I will make it a commission for you if ya want?" Katie asked with a smile. Then giggled when Aether shook his head no.
"Nah that is quite alright, funny enough. I am taking a break from commissions." Then the blonde hair traveler approaches Diona and smiles down at her. With the girl looking up at him and then smiling softly at him. "I have no problem heading there with ya. As well, protect you from the monsters even if you are skilled." Then jokes out.
"And trust me, with how active the slimes are lately- I rather come with you just to be sure." Aether explained as Diona, snickered and opened the door mockingly teased out.
"What afraid this pure body of mind will be defiled by some slime monsters?" Then scoffs, "please I heard way worse stories than slimes molesting girls." She said and headed out having Aether to stand there and shakes his head. "We will be back in twenty minutes, Katie. Diona shouted and headed out with Aether.
"Okay, see you in forty minutes." Katie laughed and wink to Aether who stared at her briefly and smiled, noticing the wink and figured Diona was going to be gone longer than twenty minutes and closed the door behind him. Roul meows lightly and wags his tail as KAtie sighed and leans her elbow on the counter, looking at the cat. "Knowing her, she is roping the traveler into her schemes to destroy Dawn Winery." The feline meowed once more and began purring when she began petting him.
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After leaving and heading out of Mondstadt Diona and Aether began heading eastward and past Springvail where Dawn Winery is located. Beyond it and towards a riverside. While they were walking and heading in the direction, with Aether being sure to keep an eye out for any monsters or the Abyss out and about- so he can protect Diona. Who sighed roughly and flicked her tail saying, "You know I can handle myself. I know how to fight and I can use my arrows to freeze my enemies." The young girl said, while turning her head to the right and leering at Aether. "So, I ain't some stupid or dumb damsel in distress."
Aether looked at her and chuckled, "I know, but considering how active they've been lately and growing in numbers. Especially with the knights being thin…" then raised an open hand and said. "Best be prepared, all the whales being safe, then sorry." He told her as she hummed and blink her emerald eyes at him and then faced forward. "But…I am surprised to hear someone of your age is able to fight back."
This had Diona laughing softly, "Of course- my dad used to be a skilled hunter and taught me everything there is about wilderness and such. Someone like me wouldn't dare not learn from her father and the best hunter."Diona said proudly while crossing her arms, swishing her tail left to right. "Besides, if I couldn't fight I wouldn't be able to gather ingredients to make the most disgusting cocktail in the world! And ruin the Winery industry!" Then began cackling and rubbing her hands together. "I will be sure to do so today, as KAtie gave me the opportunity to do so!"
This had Aether humming lightly and rubbing the side of his face cheek, "Well I can understand not liking wine or alcohol, since you're a kid. But…why do you have so much disdain for it?" He asked curiously as they continued walking forward and getting closer to the more hilltops and mountains where the winery will be at.
Diona sighed lightly and twitched her ears and flicked them about, wondering if she should tell him or not but figured to stay quiet. Aether, who saw the girl being silent, began recalling what Sucrose told him a couple days back- where they found a man in Springsvail by the name of Draff and how drunk he was. Sucrose informed him how he is Diona's father. This had the boy letting out a low oh, "sorry actually- don't need to answer the question." He said and had her sighing and chuckled.
"I might as well, considering Sucrose probably gave you an idea of why I hate wine." Then turns around and begins walking backwards, being very careful where she is stepping and walking. 'It's because of my dad- my dad after an incident that happened to him which I ran and tried saving him. Had lost all ambition to continue as a hunter, that is when I rescued him and brought him home- and after gaining my vision. He became a shell of himself and started drinking and becoming a drunkard." She then turned back around and faced forward, Aether seeing the girl's ears folding and her tail drooping. "Since then all he ever does now is go out and waste his life on drinking and drinking…" then harden her expression. "Which is why I need to destroy the winery industry!"
Aether hummed and scratched his chin, "Diona, I know you already know this but…you do know that it won't really bring your father back right?" He asked and saw the girl just nodding her head. "But…" then smiled. "I understand your feelings and where your heart is coming from." Having her look over her shoulder and stare at him. "It's a way of hoping that he will snap out if right?" He asked and saw the girl looking down at the grassy road and then sighed. "But, if you want to get him back, why not give him the disgusting drinks?" He chuckled, but stopped when Diona hung her body down and shook her head.
"I know-I know, considering Katie and those in the cat's tail tells me the exact same thing. But everytime I make something or create a cocktail, IT IS FOR SOME REASON!" She began screaming while grabbing her hat and clawing it. "EVERYTIME I USE THE MOST DISGUSTING INGREDIENTS TO EXIST, IT ALWAYS TURNS OUT DELICIOUS!" She yelled and threw her arms forward, "I mean for crying out loud! I even used droppings of a slime monster, frog stomach and even spicy juryan berries and they still come out delicious!"
"Droppings of slime monsters?" Aether repeated and then got sick to his stomach after hearing the ingredients. "I…mean the ingredients themselves would make anyone sick." He muttered out and shook his head. "But how…is that possible?" He asked the girl who spun around and widened her eyes and threw her arms forward!
"Tell me about it!" Then thrust her arms down. "How can something like those being the most disgusting things ever be blended together. Become so delicious!" She huffed and then yelped when she hit a log and fell backwards and over it. Groaning lightly and feeling her legs going between her head and touching the ground. Then just plop her arms down to the ground and huff, "I just don't understand it. Everytime I blend them and mix them into a drink, it just…yeah." then crossed her arms and stared up at Aether who looked over the log.
He then hops over and helps her up onto her feet and dust herself off, with the girl doing the same and then grabbing her hat from the ground. Dusting it and placing it onto her head. "So…everything you make just becomes delicious?" Aether asked, having her sigh and nodding her head. The blonde traveler hummed and looked around and then saw some shiitake mushrooms next to the log and grabbed them. "So, if you add these into a drink it will be delicious?" He asked and saw her humming and looked at the mushrooms.
"Well, I haven't tried Shiitake mushrooms yet, so I don't know." Diona says and grabs her pouch and unzips it. "I have spare ingredients from my last attempt, so I am willing to give anything a shot." She grinned and had Aether placing the mushrooms inside her pouch and then the two looked around some more. "Oh, can you grab some of the moss there!" She said with a giggle and saw Aether looking over his shoulder and saw the moss on the log. He gets up and grabs his sword and sees Diona rushing over and grabs an empty jar, then watching him scrap it into it.
The girl then looked around and smiled, "Oh those fire flowers will do great for the drink too!" She giggled out and pranced over it and then shot it with her Cryo vision arrow and had it drop the flower bulb. Then picks it up and adds it onto her ingredients and snicker, "and that lizard tail will be good too!" She laughed and quickly pounced at the lizard and lifted it up and gently cut the tail and released the lizard. Then drops the tail into the bag and zips it up and faces Aether, "Yeah this will definitely make a disgusting cocktail indeed." Though huff as Aether raised a hand and chuckled.
"Yeah, but Katie did ask you to grab the ingredients she wanted. So, best not get her angry or upset." He told her and reminded her why they were out here in the first place. Having Diona roll her eyes but still smile at Aether and walk back over to him, then grunts lightly when he rubbed her head and had her swatting his hand away, but smiling with a blush.
"I know, I know, I won't forget- but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy it." Dina said and then both of them faced forward and saw the Dawn winery in the distance along with a Statue of seven nearby. "You're part of the adventurer's guild right?" Diona asked and saw the boy nod his head. "Well then we better go and touch the Statue of the seven. Not only does it heal injuries, but it also fills out your guild map with more locations." Diona said while swishing her tail. "Whenever you see one in the field and have a red light shining up into the sky. It means you haven't discovered it and revealed more locations on your map."
Aether hummed as Diona told him that, "I did not know that-" then opened his map and then widened his eyes seeing how he and Diona are in an empty black space showing their location. But no details or descriptions of the current area they were in. Then looks to Diona, "Thanks for the info! I will definitely remember to do so." He said and had her blushing and quickly looking away quickly.
"Y…Y…Your welcome, not like I am doing it out of concern or anything for you." Said the cat girl while then shaking her head and placing her hands on her hips. "Now come on, we're almost there and with the seven being there too. We can add more detail for your map. Let's go and get this over with before I stay any further than I need to here!" She growled out and began walking ahead of Aether, then lightly bit her lips trying to keep herself calm down and rested her hands against her chest and let out a quick breath of air, "Gosh darn it Diona, get a hold of yourself. Need to do better with these praises!"
Once they got the statue of the sevens and Aether activating it and having more of the map to be revealed. He and Diona went ahead and headed towards the large mansion and open farm fields that were ahead of them. Being welcomed by some of the workers who were outside, to also some butlers and staff here and there- that once they've entered inside the building. They will greeted by some maids who were waiting for them and handed Diona the ingredients and food that KAtie ordered. Too even giving Diona a small candy apple to eat, making her blush and look away shyly as she gently suckles and eats the apple. They even gave one for Aether and said their goodbyes.
After that was done the two went and opened Aether's map and touched one of the way points in Mondstadt and teleported back to town. Then made their way towards the Cat's tail and entered inside, where Diona went ahead and placed the bag of ingredients onto the front counter and then turned around and smiled at Aether, "Alright traveler! You are going to help me go and make this disgusting cocktail! As a reward for helping me to pick up the ingredients." She cackled out and began skipping around the front counter and heading inside the kitchen!
KAtie had to step aside when she saw Diona skipping in and approach the counter and look at Aether. "Let me guess, he just asked you to come to the kitchen and start making some disgusting cocktail?" She giggled out and saw Aether nodding his head sheepishly, then saw her opening up the bar connecting the counter to the kitchen. "Just please don't make a mess okay?" She giggled and allowed Aether to walk on in and to the kitchen, thanking Katie and laughing when he saw Diona moving about and wiggling herself in cabinets and drawers as she began grabbing multiple tools and utensils for mixing the ingredients they had gathered.
"Come on, what are you waiting for! Get your butt in here" Diona called out to Aether and watched him entering into the kitchen, seeing the young girl moving a stool over towards the counter and then grabbing all the bowls and such to place them on said counter. But was thankful when Aether, with reflexes, quickly grabbed onto the tools and placed them on the counter for Diona and watched her hopping onto the stool. Swaying her tail about and began cackling very wickedly, "Heh time to make the worst drink ever to conceive!"
Aether chuckled lightly and felt like he was helping make a Frankenstein monster with this girl. "Alright!" Diona then goes cracking her knuckles and gets things set up and throws her bag on top of the counter. "Alright, give me the Shiitake mushrooms!" She demanded and watched Aether humming and moving his hands through her bag and felt around for the mushrooms and found them, then handed them to Diona.
Who proceeds to place them next to the bowl by slicing and cutting them up into pieces, then scoops up the chopped pieces and places them inside the bowl. "Alright, next give me three lizard tail!s" The pink-haired girl asked next while stretching out her hand, accepting the tails from the bag and began squeezing them hard and roughly between her hands and dumping them into the bowl, "Alright, the next ingredient!" Diona giggled out and there and from then on, Aether began following her orders and handing the young cat girl the ingredients she needed to make a disgusting cocktail. It definitely began looking weird towards Aether as Diona continued adding each ingredient, while combining them and forcing the items into a drinkable essence and such- she then goes grabbing the blender and dump it all inside. "And one last piece!" Then she hops off the stool and heads to the fridge, "There's some five year old cheese slices here, that I purposely hid." then nearly hurled and choked in disgust from the smell it emitted from being opened from the container.
She quickly ran back and dumped the cheese inside the blender, seeing Aether nearly throwing up and holding his mouth at the horrible smell and feeling like he was going to lose his lunch. Then heard the blender being turned on and blending all the horrible ingredients together, looking quite pleased herself from the mixing and making the cocktail before him. When the blender stopped- Diona then opened the lid once more and grinned. "And I should add one more ingredient to spice it up!" Then looked around for a bit and hummed, "but…" then hummed and rubbed her chin. "What will be a good last addition to this ingredient to make it horrible?"
Aether hummed and looked around and then snapped his finger, then walked over to a random cabinet and found what he was looking for. Having Diona stare and watch him come on back and show a jar of jelly. "OOOH! Yeah, it will make it sticky and unbearable to the mouth, it will force anyone to leave and hate cocktails for good!" Diona laughed maniacally and pumping her arms happily, as she grabbed the jar of Jelly. Then opens it up and starts scooping a good handful of it into the blender and closing the lid and blends it once more. "Heh, yes, be the most disgusting drink ever!"
Aether sighed and began thinking to himself, "How the hell did I get involved with this?" Chuckled the boy and saw the girl finishing up with the blending and then poured it into the bowl and started mixing it up some more, showing proficiency and expertise with her hands and movements. Standing on her toes to reach and see what's going on in the bowl and look greatly focused. Surprising Aether greatly on the girl's skills, showing that she has been at this for a real expert in the kitchen and no doubt, gotten like this with everyone's help here in the Cat's tail bar. He even raised his hand and hummed, watching the girl looking to be enjoying mixing and making the drink in the bowl- despite having quite the hatred for cocktails and wine or drinks in general. Even seeing her tail wagging happily and twitching her ears, her eyes shifted to Aether once in a while and looked back to her work, blushing lightly but smiling as she continued making the drink.
After five minutes of mixing and combining the ingredients for a new drink and started pouring it into a couple of wine glasses and cups. Although and may have been Aether's imagination, but as the drink was being poured into the glasses and cups. He…didn't understand what was happening but the drink looked like it was fluid and smooth, but not disgusting or looking muddy at all like he originally thought. Not only that but there was no bad odor at all! Making him wonder and confused what exactly just happened? "Uh Diona." Aether tried to call out, but saw her jump down from her stool and grabbed the edge of the tray and carefully slid it off the counter.
"Order up! A 'new' fresh drink from yours truly!" Diona cackled and moved over towards the window opening that leads to the counter. Looking adorable with the tray being above her head and walking over to the open window and slid it on it, while even cutely jumping up and hitting the bell. One of the waitresses happily took it and delivered it to their customers. Aether then sees Diona turning around and cackling softly to herself and rubbing her hands together. Then winking at Aether, believing they will definitely hate the drink. Though her tail froze and her ears stood up when Aether's expression wasn't a good one. "...What?"
Aether then tries to say the drink did not look disgusting, but then both of them heard a commotion and had Aether approach the open window with Dioan, hopping up and grabbing the edges and peek through. As they heard excitement from some wealthy looking customers. "My stars! This is fantastic, never have I drunk something so delicious in my entire life!" The wealthy noble said, having Aether and Diona having purple lines under their eyelids, and pale faces. "Tell me, is…is this another 'Diona's special drink'!" Asked the man and saw the waitress nodding her head.
"Indeed, she just made that fresh today too!" Giggled the waitress and then turned towards the other customers, who were interested and began asking for the drink he was having and the waitress nodded.
"No..no! NOOO!" Diona screams and hops away from the open window and rushes over to the ingredient bowl and looks at it. "This can't be happening, not again! Not again!" then gets frantic and starts adding more into the ingredients having a desperate look, "Come on, this shouldn't be happening! These are such messed up ingredients I created and made, there is no way it can be delicious!" She began hiccuping as she went and poured it into the mixer and started mixing, with Aether standing there and watching the young girl desperately trying to make it as disgusting as possible.
After she got done pouring, she immediately grabbed the tray and rushed over to the open window and placed it, followed by hitting the bell and watched a waiter take it and give it to the other customers. Then Diona flinched and turned even more paler at the sight of everyone enjoying the drinks even more and cheered at 'Diona's special' as the girl fell to the floor and began shaking her head and ran back to the ingredients again, and again starts mixing it looking to having tears in her eyes as she began yelling out.
"Stop enjoying the drinks! Stop enjoying them!" She cried out and began tearing up. "Stop! This, this cannot happen why is it always happens whenever I make these driiiinks!" She howled out as more and more customers began entering inside the bar and ordering Diona's special drinks, making the girl loudly screaming "STOP ENJOYING THE DRINKS YOU DRUNKARDS!"
Xxx
It was evening in Mondstadt and Diona can be seen sitting and resting on top of the Cat's tail's rooftop. Sitting in a feeble position and staring down the streets of Mondstadt and wagging her tail left to right, leering and sniffling at the sight of people rushing and making their way into the bar and enjoying the new drink she had conducted. Her ears twitched and looked over to her right when she heard a plate being placed next to her, followed by Aether sitting down and joining her. "You alright?" He asked and smiled softly at the girl, who just looked away and sighed.
"No…" Diona meowed out and gently reached out to grab one of the slices of hashbrowns and began eating it gently. "Mentally that is…" then huffed and covered her face through her arms and shook her head left to right. "I just don't understand, no matter how hard I make or try having the ingredients being disgusting…they always turn out perfectly." Muttered Diona while eating more of the hashbrown and enjoying the evening with Aether.
"I see what you mean," The blonde hair traveler said and rested his hand on her shoulder. "How is it possible for something like that to suddenly become tasty." Then faces down at the the customers lining up to the bar. "It even smells disgusting and horrible while you were making it. However…" then says with a sigh. "When I noticed you pouring the drink into the cups. I noticed how smooth and fluid the liquid was when entering the cups, and how it didn't look horrible or disgusting. I tried to tell ya and warn you."
Diona sniffed and rubbed her nose and sighed, "Sigh don't be apologizing you idiot." She chuckled out. "You only helped me with the ingredients and even took time to help me make the disgusting drink." Then she turns to Aether and blush lightly. "I don't understand why you didn't leave when we returned?" She asked and swished her tail. "Granted, you don't drink or even like the idea of seeing people drunk. But…usually people just run away or leave me be, to do my own thing or see questionable ingredients." Then rubbed her eye and cleared away the tears.
Aether sighed and chuckled, "Well, I was tasked to watch you and make sure everything goes right." Aether explained while removing his hand from her shoulder and grabbed a piece of the hashbrown. "And well I got curious and when you told me how every drink you make turns out delicious and good. Despite the ingredients being questionable and…" He then chuckled and laughed. "Not desirable- still turns out great and amazing, which really confuses me how that's possible." Aether said and rubbed his chin.
Diona chuckled and faced back forward watching the customers, then sighed. "I wish I knew why that happens, but yeah." then swished her tail and then smiled. "But, I do appreciate you spending time with me." Then look at Aether. "Here I thought you were some kind of pervert and an alcohol loving freak. But, today…kind of surprised me." She then hops up and watches Aether's face contort to confusion about the pervert remark. Diona then crossed her arms and huff, "I saw you and Sucrose at the bridge, with her barely wearing anything and practically half naked around you. Whale then throws herself at you!" She growled out and then blinked her eyes as Aether looked confused for a brief moment and then widened his eyes.
"I can actually explain that, you already know about us fighting the monsters no doubt fro KAtie telling you about it this morning." Then lean back on his hands on the rooftop. "We were actually fighting a lot of them, plus Pyro slimes. So, we were kind of overwhelmed but also trying hard not to let the forest catch on fire. That is when we completed the mission and the villagers of Springvail came to help us. We didn't have any spare clothes on us nor did we expect to be ambushed by a dozen monsters." Then raised a hand and saw Doina eyes turning from confusion to understanding and smiling.
"We had to head back to Mondstadt in our current conditions, thus why our clothes were shredded and torn that badly." Aether laughed soon after saying. "Not only that but Sucrose asked if she could become my companion and when I said yes. Well." then smiled when Diona giggled after figuring it out.
"Ah, she expressed her happiness and couldn't help but throw herself to ya." Diona said and then grinned. "Well then that explains a lot, and… then blushed and gently swayed her body. "Sorry." Having Aether to hum and saw her looking at him and smiling sheepishly. "I apologize for thinking illy of you. Apparently…and from today…" then looks down and taps her fingers together. "How nice you were and very caring and understanding, to even helping me make the failed attempt at a cocktail." Then folded her hands behind her lower back. "I misjudged your pessimistic opinion about you, without getting to know you." She said and had Aether smiling and raised his knee up, while placing his arm on it.
"It's alright, I was the same when meeting you too. But you proved me wrong today yourself and seeing how confident you were and not even worried about the monsters on our way towards Dawn winery, shows me you are quite confident in your traveling skills." Aether said and had Diona giggling and laughing.
"Well then! We're both even then, and also." Diona then proudly placed her hands onto her hips. "Since you are new around here and became part of the adventurer's guild and seeing Amber and Sucrose joining you as companions." Then proudly tilt her hat upwards and thumbs against her chest. "I also want to become a companion for you!" She gleed out and wagged her tail happily.
Aether hummed while rubbing his chin and thought it over. "You do know, I might do commission-" then paused when she shook her head.
"Well duh know about the dangers of commissions and being part of the guild." Diona began saying and then grinned, "but I also have been hearing how you're looking for your sister right?" Then points down to one of the building walls- where there were missing people posters. "Saw Amber placing them around Mondstadt and when I asked who was missing." Then look back to Aether. "She told me that you were asking for help from the knights. So!" Then happily rubbed her nose. "I will gladly help you out and assist you! And who knows," then wiggled happily and wiggled her arms with a big eating grin. "She might also be a fellow drink hater too! SO! What do you say!" Then stretches her hand out.
Aether thought it over and then looked towards the young girl, "What about working at the cat's tail?" He asked and laughed when she rolled her eyes and just shrugged her shoulders. Having Aether laughing as she then said.
"Please, much I do work there and watch over the cats and care for them. I don't actually serve drinks and the likes nor work at night. So, I am practically free." Then hummed and rubbed her chin while looking down in thought. "Plus," then snapped her finger. "Long you have waypoints active and I am free during my job. I can easily warp to wherever you go." Diona said, "so yeah. And since we got that statue of the sevens active and more of your map got filled. It will be easier for me to find you."
Aether then crossed his arms and closed his eyes thinking it over. "I guess that is true, but…I am a little worried things might be a little intense for her. But I also don't want her to accidentally get involved with something from the other girls. Or…get 'involved' by what happens with Amber and Sucrose to the slime monsters and other monsters near the area."
Aether then looked back to Diona who was getting tired, "Come on, do we have a deal or what? My arm is getting tired." She giggled out and folded her ears back when Aether then asked.
"Will you teleport back to safety if things become too dangerous? Or…something happens." Then leaned back when Diona shook her head and crossed her arms.
"And miss out on the fun, I don't think so!" Laugh the girl and then twirled her tail about. "So, do we have a deal or not?" She asked for the whale blushing lightly and then happily accepted Aether's hand after he stretched out and shook hands with her.
"Sure thing, just hope you understand that things may not always be exciting." Aether said and then chuckled as she sat back down and happily swung her legs off the edge. "Now come on, let's just enjoy one another company and eat the food." He said, getting her to smile and nodding her head as the two went ahead and enjoyed the evening night, "Want to hear some tales of my adventures?"
"Hm?" Then tilt her ears upwards, "Adventures in recent days?" She asked and then misled brightly when Aether shook his head and raised a hand saying.
"Nope, adventures me and my sister went on before arriving in this world." Then saw the girl's eyes widened and was now interested and began telling and explaining to the cat girl about him and his sisters adventures before arriving at Tevet, both enjoying the evening together and having fun telling stories as Aether gained another companion upon his group. Feeling a greater surge of power flowing through him, feeling like he could take on the world.
There is one more companion Venti had suggested and her name was Mona. An Astrology sorceress with Hydro powers. What kind of person will she be like and how will she behave around him? As Aether's adventures continue, the looming darkness of winds is blowing through the air.
To be continued…