A Happy, Tragic, and New Memory

It was a beautiful day in Fontaine. The sun was shining, the birds are chirping, and everyone was going about their day. A perfect day, a Fontainian would say when asked about their day. Nothing could go wrong, right? …right?

We move to Poisson, where we see the Traveler and Paimon walking towards Spina di Rosula's headquarters to pay a visit towards its esteemed President. Odd, you may think, as they should still be in the Fortress of Meropide needlessly serving out their remaining sentences. Well you see, it was the day that they are released from prison. Thus, after finishing their business in the fortress, the famous duo thought it was a good idea to pay a visit towards one of their new acquaintances, specifically one that may have interested our dear Traveler…

"Aether?! Paimon?! Is that you?"

"Yep, it's us! Hi Navia!", Paimon happily replied, waving her hand for a greeting. Her companion followed along with his own greeting. Navia runs up to them, happy to see her new friends return safely.

"It's been a while, how have you two been? I hope that your time in the fortress hasn't been too rough on you both."

"Eh, it was an okay experience! …aside from the intense work, being with interesting people, and the random food that we eat on a daily basis. Right, Aether?"

"Sure, though it was mostly me doing the hard work. You just simply complain about the bad food that we would randomly get from time to time."

"Listen mister! Paimon likes her food yummy and tasty, not bland or yucky!"

"And this is why I still call you 'emergency food' to this day."

"Ohhh why you…!"

Before their banter could continue, a joyous laughter could be heard. Navia is clearly entertained by their antics, placing a hand on her mouth.

"Sorry, sorry! Just happy to see that you two are still the same even after getting sent to the Fortress of Meropide. I was worried that something bad would happen while you two were down there. Ah, please come aboard! You're just in time for some delicious treats!"

"Yay! You're the best, Navia! Let's go, Aether!", said Paimon as the Traveler stares at her with an amused look.

After entering the Spina's HQ, the trio held a tea party on the deck. They talk about various topics such as a continuation of the duo's stay in prison, Navia's recent activities, and other happenings within Fontaine. They are enjoying their time together, although Paimon notices that Aether and Navia are enjoying it too much…

"Ah, time really does fly by when you're with good company. Don't you think so, Partner?", Navia asks with a certain sparkle in her eyes. Aether was about to reply, when the earth suddenly began to shake…

*RUMBLE*

"Waaah, what's happening?!"

"Earthquake!"

"Everyone, hang on!"

The shaking could be felt all over Fontaine, although Poisson received the most damage. Small chunks of rocks began to fall from the ceiling, with few hitting the unfortunate residents. Some people began falling off into the waters below, possibly injured or worse. Others managed to stay put and protect themselves or each other from possible danger.

Back on the Spina's HQ, the trio barely managed to hang on…

"Woah!", exclaimed Navia as she fell off the ship's deck. Luckily, Aether managed to grab her hand and held his ground amidst the earthquake. Paimon flew to Aether and grabbed onto his cloak, trying to help him.

Once the earthquake ended, everyone affected slowly recovered. Aether somewhat struggled to pull Navia back onboard, so along with Paimon, Melus and Silver came to assist him. Afterwards, everyone took a breather, with Navia and Aether sitting on the ground.

"Demoiselle, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you Melus, Silver, Paimon... Aether…"

"No problem, Navia-", said Aether, but before he could continue speaking, he felt something warm on his cheek…

!

!

"Wh- HMMPH?!"

As Melus, Silver, and Paimon, who nearly made it awkward were it not for Silver's quick reaction, is astonished to see Navia acting intimately with Aether, the hero in question blushed with how close she was, opting to return with a hug. Navia happily did the same, resting her head on his shoulders.


Looking at the potential couple, Melus and Silver are reminded of a time when their beloved President was happy, with no care in the world. 'If only Master Callas and Lady Clementine were still alive, they'd probably be at a loss of words… though Master Callas might scold the young lady for her behavior.', thought Melus in amusement. Silver, on the other hand, simply stays quiet as he's happy to see his boss express her feeling of happiness.

'You know, I've never thought about Aether getting together with someone in an intimate way. Hmmm, I wonder…', Paimon thought, realizing that this is the first time she's encountered romance involving her travelling partner… well not exactly, but this is more of someone actually being physically intimate with him. How it will affect their journey, she leaves it up to future Paimon and Aether. For now, she'll just simply enjoy seeing one of their friends being affectionate towards him.

As wholesome as the moment was, it was quickly disrupted by the ensuing danger…

*RUMBLE*

"Another earthquake?!", Paimon asked worriedly.

"No, this is something else…", Melus replied.

One of the Spina's Agents suddenly came rushing in, "Boss, we have a problem! There's abnormal activity somewhere deep in Poisson and something's coming…!?"

Awkwardly, Aether and Navia quickly stood up and dusted themselves; both can be seen blushing heavily. Melus, Silver, and Paimon looked at them teasingly, though were quickly reminded of what's to come.

"Umm… did I interrupt something?"

"Y-yes! Well, n-not really, just- AH, whatever! Let's just, come up with a plan of action", Navia replied, slightly angry that her moment with Aether was ruined. 'Oh well, there'll be more to come, Navia, so put yourself together!'

After getting into serious mode, the senior members of Spina di Rosula, along with its associates, came up with a plan to save and assist Poisson's residents. As groups of agents were deployed, Navia assigned Aether and Paimon to tend to the wounded, while she sent Melus and Silver to the lower areas to help any victims that they encounter.

"Stay safe, everyone!"

"Yes, Demoiselle/Boss!"

"Come on Aether, let's go!"

"Right!"

'… Stay safe, mon amour.', thought Navia as she sees her partner run off to help her people. She places a hand on her chest, feeling her rapidly-beating heart… after which she heads off with her own task to help the people of Poisson.

"Over there! Come on!", said Paimon as she spotted one of the victims, followed by Aether.

Once the travelling duo arrive to one of the affected areas, they began assisting and relieving the injured. Paimon, to the best of her ability, uses the first aid kit provided by Spina di Rosula, while Aether uses a combination of his Hydro and Dendro powers to heal and calm the victim.

"Ow!"

"I'm sorry, Paimon didn't mean to hurt you! Just calm down!"

"Ngh… I-I know, just… do it properly…"

"… Got it!"

"…Phew, t-thank you."

"You're welcome! Okay Aether, I'm gonna go to the lower areas and look around for people to help."

"Alright Paimon, stay safe!"

As Paimon flies to the lower areas, she encounters a group of people she didn't think she would see at this time, "F-fatui?! What are you guys doing here?"

"Hey, watch your tone, missy!"

"Ah, I'm sorry! It's just… Paimon didn't expect to see you guys down here."

"Hmm, I see. Well, we were sent here by The Knave to help the people of Poisson in cooperation with Spina di Rosula."

"I-I see!... Sorry, I'm just weirded out seeing you guys down here… and helping people… umm, no offense."

"Hmmph. None taken, I suppose. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"... Umm… okay?... Paimon will just… go ahead and see if anyone needs help."

"Hmm."

After splitting up with the Fatui, Paimon manages to reach the lower levels of Poisson. Spotting one of the Spina's agents, she flies over to help them. While doing so-

*RUMBLES*

"Ohhh, what now?!"

"TSUNAMI!"

"WHAT?!" As Paimon shouts in confusion, she sees one of the agents cries out and points at the incoming wave of water

"No…! ALL AGENTS, TAKE THE VICTIMS AND RUN TO SAFETY!" Paimon hears Melus ordering his group to evacuate the lower levels before the wave gets to them. She rushes to him to understand the issue.

"Melus, what's happening?!-"

"No time to explain, but we got to go!", Melus cries out and runs after seeing his group clear of the area. Paimon follows in pursuit. At one point, she decided to look back and see the water swallow up anyone who were unable to escape. When she couldn't see any bodies, she remembers the Primordial Seawater-

"SILVER, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"Sir Melus! Apologies, but I'm having trouble evacuating some of the injured. I don't know how-"

"Guys! The water is almost here!...", Paimon screams, seeing that the water is getting closer and closer… when suddenly-

*RUMBLES*

A crystallized wall of Geo came rising out from the ground, halting the incoming water. Aether landed in the middle of the troubled group.

"Thank you for the assist, Sir Aether!"

"No problem, Sir Silver. I've brought help.", Aether replied as a group of agents came in to assist Silver's group. However, the threat is far from over…

*CRACK* *SPLASH*

"Oh no, the wall is breaking! Aether-"

"I'm on it!"

As Aether rushes to the wall that he created, Melus and Silver looked at the wall and their group. There's not enough time to evacuate everyone… unless…

Melus and Silver looked at one another, silently communicating their intent. After agreeing on their decision, Melus looks to Paimon…

"Paimon, stay here. Silver and I will go help Sir Aether.", says Melus as he and Silver then ran toward Aether's position.

"H-hey, are you two crazy?! Come back!", Paimon calls out to them. She doesn't know what they're planning, but she can't help but think that it will not end well.

Aether is using a lot of his elemental power to strengthen the wall. Unfortunately, some of the Primordial Seatwater is starting to leak through…

'Grr… can't… hold it… any longer…! If I can just… recover-!'

"We got you!"

"H-huh- Sir Melus?! Sir Silver?!"

"Don't worry about us, just keep holding the wall!"

"R-right!..."

The three of them did their best to uphold the wall. Though they do not have elemental power, Melus and Silver are using Construction Specialist Meka utilizing Cryo to strengthen the wall. Unfortunately, it's not enough to hold the Primordial Seawater at bay. As Aether nearly loses all of his strength…

"S-sir Melus, please take Sir Silver and leave me. Y-you two are n-not s-safe here!..."

"I'm sorry Sir Aether, but we're not leaving you!"

"But…!"

*CRACK*

"You've done enough! You can-"

"N-no! Not yet! I can…!", he stopped himself. He suddenly feels dizzy.

'No! No yet! I can't… I…', he doesn't want to give up, not when Melus and Silver are here! He howls, and with one last push, strengthens the wall with all of his might… resulting in his power fully spent.

As Aether drops to the ground, Silver grabs on to him. Without him, the wall that he created slowly starts to crack…

"… We'll forever remember what you've done for us, Sir Aether. Silver, let's go!"

"On it."

With Aether in tow, Melus and Silver rushes towards higher ground, where Paimon and a handful of agents are waiting for them.

"Come on, hurry!", shouts Paimon, when the wall suddenly shatters, with Primordial Seawater flooding rapidly.

"They're not going to make it!", one of the agents cry out. A pair of them held out their hand, anticipating for Melus and Silver to take it. But unfortunately… another tragedy has struck.

"NOOO!-"

'… we have no regrets. Please take care of Boss for us-'

*GASP*

As if waking from a nightmare, Aether suddenly regained consciousness. He's gasping for breath and tried to get up, but his body refused to respond. He struggles…

"T-traveller, calm down!", Paimon calls to him. However, the tone in her voice is concerning. It's as if she's holding back the urge to cry- wait…

"Paimon… what happened while I was out?", Aether asked. He had a bad feeling about this…

… and he's right. Paimon does not respond; instead, her face shows pain. Caused by Sadness. Loss.

"… where are Sir Melus and Sir Silver?", he continued to ask, looking around in concern for the pair that he mentioned.

Silence.

"Paimon… don't tell me they…"

Paimon still does not respond. But unable to hold in her sorrow, she began to cry. Realizing the tragedy that had occurred, Aether pulls Paimon in for a comforting hug, tears slowly running down his face. Meanwhile, the small group of agents that was waiting with Paimon mourn for their losses. Some did their best to not break down; others couldn't handle it, with one of them in tears.

"… why…?!"


"We'll take care of everything from here. If you need anything, please feel free to approach any of our members."

"Understood… thank you, and I'm truly sorry for those you've lossed.", Aether said solemnly.

"… You're welcome. We'll… manage somehow and continue to do our best.", one of the agents nodded and salute, then walked off to follow the others.

After separating from the group of agents, Aether and Paimon head back to Spina di Rosula's headquarters. They wanted to check on Navia after all that has happened so far, worried that the pressure is getting to her.

When they get to the entrance, they see Navia looking out at the state of Poisson. She's not doing anything other than standing in place. Her eyes look strange, distant…

"Navia, we're back. Is everything alright?", Paimon asks worriedly.

"… Yeah", Navia answers… brokenly, as if the world around her shatters into pieces.

"…"

"…"

"…"

The silence is uncomfortable. Paimon wanted to say something, but Aether stops her. Through hand-signals, he told her to keep quiet and leave everything to him. Though hesitant, she agrees and decides to disappear and enter her dimensional pocket.

"… Would you like to go out for some fresh air?"

"… That sounds lovely", she then extends a hand towards Aether, silently asking him to escort her. When he understood, he did the same but with his arm, allowing Navia to hold onto him, "May I ask you to please accompany me to my father's grave?"

"… Of course, Partner."

"… Thank you."

After informing Florent of their destination, they went to the gravesite near Poisson. It was nighttime, and there is not much sound other than the occasional insects. The sky is cloudy, indicating that rain will occur soon.

"… Not a lot of people around here, huh?"

"… It's understandable, considering the situation in Poisson. I don't think anyone would have the time to come here for a visit."

"Right… that's how things are now… the living are so exhausted that they have no strength to spare any words for the dead…"

Suddenly, Aether felt the grip on him tighten, and when he look towards the source, he sees Navia's body shaking. Her face is red as she fights the urge to breakdown and cry.

"… There's no need to push yourself so hard.", As Aether said that, Navia suddenly dropped to the ground. He did his best to keep her steady as tears slowly poured from her eyes.

"… Navia..."

"I'm sorry, I just… I… Melus and Silver… they won't ever come back here again!"

"… I'm so sorry for your loss."

"No! I should be sorry! I should have considered a better plan, but still… I was the one who initiated it. And because of me, you nearly got killed back there were it not for Melus and Silver! But now, they're gone too, just like Mama and Papa…!"

"Navia…"

"I've known them for so long… and I know that they weren't afraid… but… I could at least hold a funeral for my father. But for them?... they're just… gone… but had I lost you too, I... I just can't…!"

As Navia recalls a recent memory of her, Melus, and Silver tending to her father's grave and the thought of losing Aether to the flood, he gently pulls her into a caring hug. She closes her eyes and returns it tightly, as if he were her lifeline. They continue to hold on to each other as rain pours from the night sky, ignoring the world around them.

"… I had promised to let them rest in peace here… but here I am, breaking that very promise. I'm so sorry for letting you see me like this… I don't usually cry, really-"

Before she could continue to talk, she felt her mouth and chest warm up all of a sudden. She didn't know why, until her mind registered the sight of Aether being so close to her face…!

At that moment, her heart skipped a beat. She heard stories from various members of Spina di Rosula and its associates as to how her father and mother got together; a love that bloomed from a great partnership…

'Is this what it feels like?... because if so… I don't want it to end…'

Though their kiss comes to an end, Aether looks at Navia gently and full of love. She blushes heavily at his stare, but does not dare look away.

"… It's alright, Navia. I understand. But please, never doubt yourself. You're one of the strongest people that I know, and I've seen many look up to you. Even I… find myself looking at you from time to time…"

"…!"

"… now dry your tears, dear Partner. Sir Melus and Sir Silver would hate to see you so sad. I—well, we will stay with you for as long as you need", as he says that, Paimon pops out from her dimensional pocket. She does not say anything, but her face agrees with what Aether said.

"… Thank you, so much. Both of you do not know how much at means to me", says Navia, when a piece of paper falls out of her pocket. Paimon picks it up to see what it is; a list of victims from the tragedy that befell Poisson.

"So everyone else is safe… still…"

"It's okay, I know what you're thinking. And you're right – we lost some great people, but we were able to save more than we anticipated… I guess the overall outcome indicates that the cost was worth it.", says Navia, but then she felt her cheeks being pinched lightly. She sees Aether with a conflicted look on his face.

"… No one's sacrifice is truly necessary."

"Right! Don't think that way, Navia. One person might be saved at the expense of another, but that isn't something that we should ever consider as a 'trade'. For instance, Melus and Silver were not the 'price' for saving anyone. If anything, they're heroes!"

"… You're right. Thank you, Paimon. What you said just now was… pretty amazing, actually. I'll forever remember your words", says Navia. She then looks at Aether and silently thanks him for earlier. He nods with acknowledgement.

"Oh, uh… no problem!"

Before their conversation could continue, a calm, but cold voice suddenly chimes in, "Seems you all have become more eloquent in the time since we last met."

"Huh… The Knave? What are you doing here?"


Epilogue:

After talking with Arlecchino, the trio went back to Spina di Rosula's HQ to rest up. They would have slept there, when Aether suggests that they sleep at the teapot. Paimon agrees, though Navia is confused…

"Just trust me, Partner.", he says with a wink, holding out a hand towards her. Navia blushes, but still unsure as to what he's talking about. So when she grabs it-

!

"Tadah! Welcome to my humble abode!"

It was a sight to behold. There is so much to see, and the atmosphere felt warm. Cozy. Comfortable.

Like home.

"… so THIS is where the famous Traveler and Paimon lives."

"Yep! It's a long story though…"

"It's okay, Paimon. It can wait another time."

"Right. *Yawn* Paimon is getting sleepy. I'mma hit the bed. Good night, Aether~", says Paimon as she floats to their bedroom-

"… are you telling me that Paimon is going to skip Dinner?", Aether asks.

"A-AH, I almost forgot! Sheesh, Paimon is so tired that… you know what, I'm just gonna stop talking and just wait for dinner."

"Don't forget to take a shower!~"

"G-got it!", Paimon says in embarrassment as she floats to the dining room.

"… Shall we?"

"… With pleasure~"

After having dinner, taking a shower, and changing into comfortable sleepwear, the trio then hit their respective beds. Though Paimon immediately dozes into slumber, the other two are still awake, with some thoughts in their mind…

"…"

Navia wants to sleep, but some thoughts are still disturbing her. Unable to sleep, she quietly gets up and leaves the bedroom, hoping to not disturb anyone. Aether notices this and opts to follow her…

"…"

"Mora for your thoughts?"

"O-oh! Phew, you almost scared me."

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it, it's just… I'm thinking about the conversation with The Knave."

"… what about it?"

"Well…"

Earlier …

"… the intel I just shared about the ruins could fetch a high price, but since the children consider you as family, it's only natural that I freely share it with you", The Knave states matter-of-factly.

"Got it! So all we gotta do is go to some ruins, right? We can handle that!", says Paimon. Aether nods in agreement.

"Excuse me, but may I tag along?"

"Oh? You wish to join, Miss Navia?"

"Yes."

"Oh but… are you sure you're up to exploring some ruins? You need to rest!", Paimon asks worriedly.

"I know, but… well, yes I'm sad, but I can't just go back and plop myself into a chair by the roadside and do nothing. There's no point in being depressed while we still have a disaster on our hands. As my father's successor, I must live up to the hopes he had in me. Besides, I'm also doing this for myself. I… need something to keep my mind off Melus and Silver…", Navia states calmly.

"Hmm… since you put it that way, I have no objections. What do you say, Traveler?"

Aether thinks about it and, after enough consideration, decides, "… we'll go to the ruins together tomorrow morning."

"W-what? But-"

"It's best that we rest before tackling this issue. After all, today is exhausting. And who knows what's in there?"

"But still—"

"Navia, please. I'm worried about you, and I'd feel better knowing that we have enough energy for the journey ahead.", Aether states kindly, wanting Navia to understand.

"… okay."

"Then we're in agreement. The ruins are to the south of Poisson – here's the map.", says The Knave as she gives the map to Aether.

"Okay, the three of us will handle it!... tomorrow, at least.", Paimon says awkwardly.

"Thank you, Knave.", says Aether with gratitude.

"No problem. We are working together, after all.", replied The Knave.

"I still think that we should be going to these ruins at this time."

"In due time, we will, Navia. But just for tonight, we need to rest."

"… I guess you're right. Sorry, I'm just a bit antsy from the lack of action."

"It's alright, partner. Now then, let's get to bed before Paimon notices. Shall we?", asks Aether as he extends a hand towards Navia.

"Of course.~", Navia replies as she takes his hand with her own. As the two walk back to bed hand-in-hand, another thought suddenly popped into her head. Somewhat embarrassed by it, she speaks her mind.

"By the way… do you see me as your partner?"

"Hmm? Oh… of course."

"… really?"

She doesn't receive a reply; instead, she's given a quick peck in the lips. She blushes from the affection.

"Does this please you, Demoiselle?", Aether asks teasingly.

"Gladly~", Though surprised, Navia manages to reply with a beautiful smile, followed by a wink. The two get closer for a hug and, with their newfound relationship, walk to their destination.

"… wanna cuddle together as we sleep?"