Published: 02/16/22

A Tale of Two Travelers

(Original Aether - Genshin Impact)

"Traveler," whined Paimon, "Can't we take a break? Paimon's getting hungry."

The young man in question, Aether, was rather amused by his floating companion's mood for something to consume as usual. "Angel Share is the only store this time of night, Paimon. Sara closed Good Hunter a while ago."

"Don't remind me." The floaty fairy groaned in pure agony, as the two famous figures roamed the winding streets of Mondstadt. "Why is it the dumb drunks of this city take priority over delicious Sweet Honey Roast? Paimon can't eat alcohol!"

"Technically, you do, as drinking counts as eating."

"Well, I can't!" yelled Paimon. "Just thinking of the smell makes me sick." The little fairy pouted about her sad circumstance. "I swear, that bard must've done something, this city sometimes reeks of drunkards. No wonder Diona and Diluc are getting fed up with alcohol."

Aether shook his head, getting more and more amused by Paimon's near endless complaints. "I'm sure master Diluc can patch you up with a bar snack." If one counted a plate of chicken strips as edible, that is. Not that the cooks of Angel Share were any terrible, but it could be better. They prioritized drinks above all.

The midnight breeze within the comfy walls of Mondstadt was still a strange feeling, welcoming even. "How long have we been here, Paimon?"

"Huh, what do you mean?" The little fairy gave the Traveler a confused glance. "We've been here for like a month since Amber took us in."

"Feels longer than that," Aether sighed, "and we barely found any answers regarding my sister." He appreciated Amber's rather determined drive to help him find his family, but posters aren't going to help. No one in Mondstadt had ever seen a person like him, a strange person, with strange clothes, and weird fascination for anything in this world. "Lisa did say that I am the only one who does not know what Visions are, and my sister wouldn't either, so there is nobody in Mondstadt that doesn't. She isn't here, Paimon."

"Well, Mondstadt is now safe, and the roads to the south are now open," Paimon said. "Venti said that the Rite of Descension is coming soon! We could take an opportunity to talk to Morax, maybe he should know something about the unknown god you have talked about."

Aether nodded, but he really wasn't on the right mind currently, as his emotions are still swirling. Doubt fogged his mind every step of the way, but it was mostly placed on a backburner, as there were important things to do. Stormterror, Venti, and the Knights kept him busy, but now that the action was over, Aether could only continue to silently wallow in his uncertainty.

"Hey," called out Paimon, "Was that door ever there before?" Pointing towards an inconspicuous door in a narrow alleyway, Aether could recognize a glowing symbol. His constellation was glowing in the dark shadows, curiously inviting them in.

"I-I don't think so," Aether shook his head.

There was something off about it, as Aether noticed that they were the only ones staring at the alleyway, and the other folks at the streets did not even seem to look at it.

"We know every establishment, as Amber gave as a list, how could she miss this one?" Paimon was right, Amber, and even Kaeya gave both of them a comprehensive list of hotels, restaurants, and bars dotted all around the city. "Plus, how could anyone build a place in such an indistinct location?" His companion was rather curious, but nervous as well.

"Time to find out, I suppose." They were at the lower sections of the city, not even close to Angel Share yet. "It seems normal enough." Approaching the door, they noticed a wooden-framed black board hanging beneath a familiar symbol.

"Is this a bar?" asked Paimon, who was getting rather worried. "And your symbol! It's so pretty! Who made this?"

Aether wanted to know as well, as the thick crystal shaped into his constellation was crafted so flawlessly. "I have no idea. I never told anybody about my constellation before, so I do not have any clues to who would do this."

"I didn't either," Paimon waved her little arms in the air in protest. "This is so surreal. Wanna check it out?"

The curiosity was burning inside, making him forget for a moment about his troubles. "Yeah, why not?" Aether smiled in reply, grabbing the door's handle, and cranking it open.

The small chime of the bell, and the scent of relaxing aroma, greeting him.

"What do you mean by 'forever'?"

Fischl cleared her throat. "Well, I did mention that purchasing this establishment meant that it was yours forever."

Aether rubbed his temples. "And that did not mean I didn't have to make any further payments!"

"Well, you're not wrong, it just has some unintended effects."

Aether stopped rubbing his temples, his neck snapped towards her, piercing his partner with a questioning gaze. "Unintended effects?"

"Apparently so, something about souls or something." Fischl patted Aether on the back, then headed for the door. "I'm going to do some PR for the bar, see you soon! Save me one of your martini's when I come by."

Wiping another glass clean, Aether shook his head, grumbling under his breath as the memories replayed in his mind, and fondly thinking about choking his business partner to death.

Aether paused and tapped his chin. "What does she even mean by-ugh. No. Bad Aether! Bad! Now I need a drink."

Just as he was reaching for a bottle, the door to the bar opened, the little silver bell that Fischl had insisted on putting there giving a cheerful, clear, almost crystalline chime as her very first patron entered. Two voices reached his ears, and one of them was rather unmistakably familiar.

Aether decided to forgo his drink, making sure that the bottle was in place before quickly checking his attireâ€"a plain white blouse under a black waistcoat, a simple black tie, and a pair of dark slim pantsâ€"before forcing himself to smile pleasantly at his very first guest.

"Welcome to Aether's Isekai!" a voice said, sending a chill down his spine. Aether strolled around the tiny bar with Paimon, where a familiar figure was looking away from him, apparently replacing an expensive-looking bottle on the top shelf, right next to a neon sign of a cocktail glass with a crescent moon on the side that read "Aether's Isekai".

The other Aether across the bar twirled in place, grinning until he saw a reflection. A mix of feelings ran through that face. Excitement. Surprise. Dawning understanding.

"How is this possible?" Aether asked his counterpart in shock. His companion was in awe as well, her eyes widened in astonishment.

The Aether behind the bar blinked and shrugged. "Interdimensional Bar. I don't know what the actual chances are to have you—and your, um, flying companion—to be my first guests."

"Right."

There was an awkward moment of silence. "Um, would you like anything to drink?"

"Gin and tonic," Aether replied, relaxing back to an empty stool on the bar, and taking a second glance around. Even though the bar looked a bit worn, it was now clear it had opened really recently. The empty picture frames on the wall were a clear indication that Aether the other Aether intended to eventually fill the walls with memories that had yet to come.

So far there were only two pictures on it, and both were surprising images. One was of Aether and a slightly older-looking Fischl, both standing outside the bar. Different enough not to bother him, but it was still weird seeing the normally eccentric and well-behaved girl without her signature eye-patch and with a flirty smirk on her face, and the other one was a group picture of Aether and other strangers, outside a school building. The knights were in the group, but plenty of them were people Aether did not recognize.

A picture of what could have been. How strange.

"Um, do you have anything to eat?" Paimon asked shyly.

The other Aether on the bar smiled kindly, "I'm a good cook and this bar curiously has a large kitchen, but I don't have a menu yet. You can request anything you'd like, on the house of course, as you guys are my first guests."

His companion shook her legs in excitement, and Aether could not help but suppress his laughter. "We were looking for a place to eat for the night, but our usual place closed too early. She'll have a Sticky Honey Roast and apple juice. I'll just take the drink, thank you."

The other Aether nodded, and proceeded to brew his drink. "So, what made you guys roam late at night anyways?"

"Oh, we just finished a commission about a ruin guard that was wandering too close to the roads," Paimon answered, who was finally relieved to eat something.

"Commission? Ruin Guard?" The other Aether seemed bewildered. "This must be some sort of fantasy world. A familiar world is something good then."

"Are you a traveler too?" Paimon seemed more comfortable now that the atmosphere is more welcoming.

The other Aether chuckled, "I did, but settled down after I was done. I spent the last few years living as a high school student in Metropolitan Mondstadt. Not an easy retirement, but a fulfilling one at least."

Now, it was both their turn to be confused. "High school? Metropoli-what Mondstadt?" Aether shrugged at Paimon's questions. "Hey, uh, Aether-'' Both heads turned towards her. "Nevermind! It's so confusing, Paimon's head is spinning. One Aether was enough, but two? Maybe we should have other names than just Aether, or the Other Aether."

"If it helps, you can just call me the Bartender."

That made his companion happy, and Aether could not deny the opportunity to make this situation less confusing.

"Sounds like a great idea!" Paimon cheered. "And we'll call Paimon's Aether as the Traveler."

No objections were made, as it was easy to agree. Less confusion on the matter.

"So, if you're from another world, how did you get this bar?" asked the Traveler, sharing a familiar gaze with the Bartender.

"Blame my business partner," muttered the Bartender, as he placed a couple of ice cubes and a slice of lemon on the clear glass of Aether's drink. "I thought she meant to give me a normal establishment, not a magical one! Oh, and enjoy your drink." The drink was finally mixed with simple ingredients, and was served with care.

Gently, placing the glass on the smooth wooden surface of the bar, the Bartender dried his hands, and proceeded to enter the kitchen to prepare a meal for his little companion.

Taking a curious sip, the Traveler found it rather soothing. "Hmm, this is nice." It wasn't everyday a drink like this was available to him.

Going back into the bar, the Bartender smirked at the impressive look on the Traveler's face. "Establishments aren't serving you, huh?" The Bartender seemed to hit the right spot on that, Aether admits. "Must be the young look we share."

As the Traveler nodded, Paimon was rather confused. "Are you guys far older than you look?" Sharing a gaze with one another, both the Bartender and the Traveler nod. "Wait, seriously? This is huge! No wonder you were disappointed in Charles' insistence on non-alcoholics."

"Charles? Is he a bartender too in this world?"

"Yeah, one of Diluc's employees on the Angel's Share." Taking another sip, the cool texture of the gin made his tongue melt in the light flavors of alcohol. The Traveler sighed happily, having to finally drink that was not from any fruit or wine.

"Diluc-senpai?" The Bartender perked his brow. "So he's in this world too? To think he is a bartender... I thought he despised alcohol." He made a grim frown, remembering the upperclassman that was seldom happy.

"Well, he does," the Traveler replied carefully. "Angel's Share is a family business, so I wouldn't know why he does what he does. Diluc just keeps moving forward."

"True," chuckled the Bartender. "You are not from this world either? I can tell that you seem to explore everything you see."

Setting the half-empty glass down, the Traveler thought of his journey, how early it still was. "I'm looking for someone."

"Ah." The Bartender was confused, but let the man swirl in his thoughts. He seemed to need it, the Bartender mused. "How long were you looking for them?"

Paimon wanted to say something, but kept quiet, as the Traveler gazed at the side longingly. "Too long, and it was never this bad. I kept hope, but I seem to only feel diving deeper and deeper without sight of what's beneath. I thought that diving down the depths, and brave the unknown, I could one day find satisfaction. Instead, I was only drowning, and I can't keep holding my breath."

"Aether..." Paimon, feeling the melancholy of her Traveler, wanted to comfort him. "Didn't we promise to find her, and never give up, so we could treat her with delicious Chicken-Mushroom Skewer together?"

"How could I forget?" The Traveler gave a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Maybe we could, maybe we could not."

The Bartender gave a thoughtful look towards his other self, and smirked. "Tell you what, if you finally find them, bring them here." The Bartender took a small, translucent card, the same one that Fischl gave him, but with its own design out of his vest. "I'll treat you guys, on the house, and anything on the menu when I make them." The Bartender gave a cheery smile, "Your friend is right, don't give up yet."

Swirling the drink in thought, Aether took another sip before he nodded with renewed determination. "I won't."

"Yay!" Paimon cheered. "Mondstadt may not be the city that has the answers, but maybe the next one would."

"I suppose you're right, Paimon. But for tonight, maybe we can relax."

"Indeed," nodded the Bartender, moving back to the kitchen to finish cooking Paimon's meal. "No need to worry about anything when you are here. In fact, just live a little and wind down a bit from your adventures."

A soft tune played in the background, as the machine on the far corner near another door started to let out a few soft notes.

"What is that?" Paimon asked in wonderment, staring at the machine that Aether thought to be familiar. "That glowing box over there is playing a song! It seems too large to be a gramophone."

"That's a jukebox, Paimon." Aether sipped whatever was left on the drink, savoring the taste. "It's a machine that plays a variety of music. It seems peculiar, though. Like some queer and magical item."

He can't deny that he was curious, but it would be rather rude to mess around with his counterpart's bar. "Do you want to come back here, Paimon? Seems like a cool place to hang around."

"Yes! This place can cook!" Of course that's what Paimon wants. "And there's another you! Though, I wonder how different you could be? He looks at the same age as you, but older and somewhat wiser. I can feel it."

"Feel what?"

Paimon shook her head, "I don't know. There's something off about him, but I can't put it into words. He seems to know some of our friends in the knights, the weird-talking adventurer, and isn't it weird how understanding he was? I mean, you lost your sister, and he seems confused about who we are talking about."

Aether frowned, but let it drop, "Maybe he found Lumine, or never really lost her in the first place. And yet, he does seem lonely."

Unlikely, considering the amount of friends he had in one of the pictures. Gazing back at the massive wall, the frame where one of his other self had a lot of friends, but there was someone missing.

"One Sticky Honey Roast, coming right up!" Twisting his neck towards the kitchen entrance, he smells the scent of cooked meat. Seeing the other Aether bringing a round metal tray, with a plate of sweetened meat and a cup of apple juice. "Here's the meal. This one was a peculiar one, as I don't think we share the same recipe on both worlds. But hey, the new oven works at least."

A plate of fine service, Aether thought, as he can smell the delicious scent from where he was sitting. Maybe he should have ordered too. Regret has no place on the table, but Aether would let his companion enjoy this one.

Paimon on the other hand was absolutely drooling. He could blame her, as the sweet sauce smells way better than his or any other cook from this world. Curiosity struck him again, and he pondered on the words of the Bartender. How different are their worlds anyway.

As the small fairy was unleashing her wrath on the plate, the Traveler deigned to ask, "Are both our worlds too different?" The Bartender thought of a reply, and gave the pictures on the frame a good look.

"It is, and it isn't." The Bartender shrugged, picking up the Traveler's glass, and started wiping it clean. "I traveled many worlds as you have, but I never really delved into alternate realities. It is just beyond our capabilities. It was only luck that Fischl managed to wind up in my world, looking for a reality where she does not exist, and even more luck in encountering her in the middle of the street at night. Call it fate or destiny, maybe we are meant to meet, or aren't.

The Bartender smiled sadly, "What do I know? I'm just a retired explorer, a high school student, and a bartender."

The Traveler said nothing, and kept thinking of the words his other self shared. "Does it get easy? Having a simple living, I mean."

The Bartender scoffed, "Nah, I hunt monsters in the night, and solve mysteries of magic in the day. What more could I ask? But yes, I do yearn for more, beyond the confines of the city or this bar. It's what I get, I suppose. There's no point in asking more."

"I wouldn't consider settling down, to be honest." Aether laughed at the thought of him staying somewhere till the end of time. Maybe when he finds his sister, he and Lumine could ponder it as long as they have each other. "Maybe someday, in this world or the next. I have yet explored what is beyond."

"I envy you." The Bartender smiled. "I have done what I could, and now I am rewarded with some quiet life. I have friends I call family, and I have a purpose, no matter how small it might be. Sharing a drink with another person doesn't sound too bad." Preparing a pair of clean glasses, the Bartender mixed another drink, and poured both of them.

Surprisingly, the Traveler was served with another glass of gin and tonic. Smiling happily, Aether took a big sip this time. "Cheers to that."

"Cheers," the Bartender clinked glasses with the Traveler. "Also, you're gonna have to pay for that."

Aether chuckled in embarrassment, "Uh, is it fine to pay in Mora?"

"Mora?" the Bartender asked, curious on how this reality's currency works. "Is this a form of currency?"

"Sort of," the Traveler shrugged. "It can be used for crafting properties, as it is a catalyst that can form anything, from weapons to potions."

"Interesting." It certainly will prove useful in his never-ending battle with his monster on his world. He already began thinking about the benefits of such a reliable material. "What is it made of?"

"Gold." The Traveler replied nonchalantly.

It was a good thing that the Bartender already took a sip, else he would have spat out his drink. "G-Gold? How valuable is it?" There was something terrible in knowing, but he was curious.

"Eh, in this world, the value of gold is weighed down by the sheer amount of it. A single apple might cause around two-hundred to four-hundred Mora, single coins each."

The Bartender was stumped. "Are you seriously telling me that gold is basically worthless in this world of yours?"

"Technically, not in a sense." The Traveler pondered on it seriously. "It is still seen as valuable, apart from Mora, and used in decorations and a show of wealth. But most rich people like Diluc in my world do not need to show off gold to his patrons, they already acknowledge his wealth in other ways."

"So, useful in some ways, but not in others?" Seeing that the Traveler nodded, the Bartender accepted his answer. "How are they minted? That is some serious downturn of value for gold, how are they processing that much for such a low valued currency? Do they have thousands of mint factories or something?"

"Just one." The Traveler took another sip, making sure to lick the citrus flavor off the glass. "They call it the Golden House. I'm not sure, as we haven't visited the city of Liyue yet."

"I see," muttered the Bartender, taking a much bigger gulp of his drink, to help him process it. "Are you leaving the city soon by any chance?"

"Yeah, as we have no other work around for a while." The Traveler nodded thoughtfully. "Taking this time to explore the southern parts, maybe even reach the gates leading to the rest of Liyue. Would this be a problem?"

The Bartender grinned, "Remember that card I gave you?" Both the Traveler and his roast-filled mouth companion nodded eagerly. "Well, that is a card that once activated, by pressing a finger to it, will make an entrance appear whenever you wish. Just make sure you are in cities, as my business partner explained that it would be more obscure in the wilderness. You would feel it when it is near, don't worry."

As the Traveler confirmed it, a comfortable silence descended on the three, and the soft tune of the jukebox filled the air with certainty.

Paimon, who was stuffed with an otherworldly dish, satisfyingly patted her stomach. "It was delicious, Paimon has never been so full before. That was only one dish! It was like eating magic in Paimon's hands."

The Bartender laughed with mirth. "I'm glad someone from another world loves my roast."

"Maybe you could share a thing or two about cooking," jest the Traveler.

The Bartender chuckled. "I'll happily write you some recipes the next time you come by. My door is always open."

The Traveler acknowledged his offer. "I'm more than happy to, as I have a feeling Paimon might pester me to cook the same meal. I doubt I could reach that form of experience."

"No way!" Paimon argued. "You totally will! For the sake of Paimon's sanity, the Traveler must learn to create such a fantastic dish. I'll never forget this first date between me and heaven." The little fairy drooled once more. It was a hilarious thing to watch, as the Bartender wondered if he had a Paimon in his world.

"Alright, alright," the Traveler conceded. "The next time we come back, we'll order again, and I'll get the recipe. Deal?"

Paimon nodded voraciously, "Deal!"

"You two are amusing," chuckled the Bartender. "How about a picture? To commemorate this occasion, as my first guests, and fellow travelers of the stars. What do you say?"

"Sounds interesting," the Traveler agreed, as well as his companion who nodded in excitement. "Does this mean it would be framed on the wall?"

"You bet," the Bartender grinned. "Lemme get my camera quick."

"Oh, you have a Kamera on your world too?" Paimon asked. "That's amazing! Maybe we could share pictures if the Traveler and I have our own."

"Maybe we'll find one on the way, Paimon, don't get too hasty."

The Bartender came back with a small and sleek black device. "Woah, it's much smaller than I thought." Paimon awed at the device, her eyes twinkled in curiosity. "Seems way portable and lighter too."

"Alright, just stand still and smile." With a click and a flash, a digital photo was taken of the first two guests. A Traveler and his little fairy. "Perfect. This will definitely go to the main frames." As he observed the photo, he gave the Traveler a curious look. "Say, what do you think of a drink named after you?"

"Eh? What do you mean?" The Traveler asked, but he was certainly interested. "Like, I get to name a drink?"

"Yep," the Bartender grinned. "Since you liked the gin and tonic, why don't I write that down on the menu for future visitors to order?"

The Traveler blushed, "Sounds embarrassing."

"Oh c'mon, Aether!" yelled Paimon. "When else is a drink going to be named after you? This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"She's right, you know?" The Bartender hummed in agreement. "Plus, no other chance could a person name a drink for customers from other worlds. Forget once-in-a-lifetime, more like one-in-a-million luck."

"I suppose I could." The Traveler was still unsure, but decided to go along with it, his fate was already sealed.

The Bartender and Paimon cheered. "So? What's your drink gonna be called?" Paimon asked, visibly shaking from excitement. "Is it; the Golden Star, or the Super-duper Honorary Knight's Honor?!"

"Seems a mouthful," laughed the Traveler. "I think I have something in mind. What about Traveler's Delight?"

"That sounds great. Simple yet catchy too." The Bartender obviously agreed, and was satisfied with the name. "You bet the other guests might like your simple taste."

The Traveler nodded, appreciating the kind gesture. "Thanks for the drinks. Oh, and Paimon's meal as well. How much do I owe you?"

"The meal and the first drink is on the house. You don't need to worry about the other drink, I'll just put it on the tab until I come up with a price for them."

Sharing a smile, the Traveler agreed. "Well, if you are confident that I'll come back, then I'll happily do so."

"It's not you I am worried about," the Bartender grinned, "you should worry more if Paimon would have a craving on your journey. You know where to find me if you do."

As the floating fairy protested, both Aethers shared a laugh in delight. "If she bothers me that much, I certainly will."

Waving a small goodbye, the Bartender watched as the door of the Traveler's world opened once more, revealing a cool, night sky, he could not help but yearn for the day the both would return.

"Oh, and about that promise you declared," the Traveler said, his eyes shining like gold in the night. Filled with hope, and determination. "I will not give up. I will find Lumine, and bring her here one day."

The Bartender blinked, but nodded slowly. "Of course, never stop moving forward, yeah?"

For one last time, the Traveler smiled, and closed the door behind him. The soft chime of the bell signaled his lonesome once more. "Maybe if I had more customers," sighed the Bartender.

Marching back to the bar counter, the Bartender assumed his responsibilities and cleaned the mess. Picking up the plate and empty apple juice glass towards the tray, Aether could not help but wonder about the person the Traveler was looking for. As a pair of empty glasses was hauled to the tray on his other arm, the Bartender dutifully started doing his chores.

And yet, a small voice in his head whispered in confusion and turmoil. A question that haunted his thoughts.

"Who is Lumine?"

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

The next chapter would be interesting thing to tackle, and the one after that, as they are characters from fanfics instead of the Official Media. It certainly would be fun to write. Sadly the next chapter would be delayed until next week, as I am posting the next update of Vows of Eternity on Monday as per scheduled.

Normally, the updates on this story depends on my busyness factor. If there was nothing important coming, it would be updated every few days. Maybe every four days or so.

Expect the next chapter to be wholesome as heck, and depressing as sin.

And yes, Bartender Aether never had a Lumine. What a twist.