The skies over Mondstadt were painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. Excitement buzzed through the city in anticipation of the annual Fireworks Festival, a celebration renowned for its breathtaking displays that lit up the night sky. However, amidst this festive atmosphere, a rather different kind of tension was brewing.
In a quiet corner of Mondstadt's plaza, a gathering of remarkable figures was taking place. Amber, Eula, Keqing, Ganyu, Shenhe, Hu Tao, Raiden Shogun, Ayaka, and Furina stood together, their faces set in determined expressions. At the center of this gathering was Aether, the Traveler, who was blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama.
"Alright, let's get this straight," Amber began, her fiery red hair catching the last rays of sunlight. "We all want to take Aether to the Fireworks Festival. But only one of us can go."
Eula, her icy demeanor contrasting sharply with Amber's warmth, crossed her arms. "Indeed. It's only fair that we decide who gets to accompany him. We can't just all go together."
Keqing nodded in agreement. "We should come up with a fair method to decide. After all, it wouldn't be right to just pick randomly."
Ganyu looked between her competitors with a soft smile. "Why not a game of chance? Something that would be both fair and fun."
Shenhe tilted her head. "What kind of game are you suggesting?"
Hu Tao, the ever-mischievous 77th Director of the Wangshu Inn, grinned. "How about rock-paper-scissors? Simple, effective, and leaves no room for disputes."
Raiden Shogun nodded in approval. "Rock-paper-scissors sounds appropriate. It's a test of luck and strategy."
Ayaka clasped her hands together. "I agree. It seems like a fair way to handle this."
Furina, the new face in Mondstadt's social scene, raised an eyebrow. "If it's a game of chance, then I'm all for it. But let's make sure we play it properly."
The group, now in agreement, arranged themselves in a circle, their eyes focused on one another. Eula, Amber, and Keqing prepared to start the game.
"On three," Amber said, her tone brimming with anticipation.
"One, two, three!" they all called out in unison.
Amber threw rock, Eula chose paper, and Keqing went with scissors. The results were in, and Eula's paper covered Amber's rock, leaving her as the winner of the first round. Cheers and groans echoed among the group.
"Round one to Eula," Keqing said, giving her a nod of approval.
But just as the second round was about to begin, a powerful gust of wind swept through the plaza, and with it came an aura of divine presence. The Unknown God appeared before them, her ethereal form glowing with an aura of authority.
"Stop!" she commanded, her voice resonating with a celestial authority. The group fell silent, their competitive spirits momentarily eclipsed by the arrival of such a formidable figure.
"Y-you!" Amber stuttered, her eyes wide with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
The Unknown God's gaze fell upon Aether, who had just arrived with Paimon at his side. "I have already laid claim to the Traveler," she declared with a hint of finality.
Paimon blinked in surprise, her mouth hanging open. "Wait, you're saying you're already...?"
Aether, looking slightly uncomfortable but resigned, nodded. "Yes, it's true. The Unknown God is... well, quite determined."
The other girls were stunned into silence. Their plans and competition seemed to dissolve in an instant as they processed the unexpected declaration.
"How could we have not known?" Hu Tao muttered, her usual playful demeanor subdued by the revelation.
Ayaka sighed, her face reflecting a mix of disappointment and understanding. "It appears we were unaware of a pre-existing arrangement."
Ganyu, with her usually calm composure, looked at Aether with a gentle smile. "I suppose this is a matter beyond our control. The Traveler's fate is not for us to decide."
Shenhe nodded, her expression serene. "Perhaps it is for the best that we respect the Traveler's existing commitments."
Raiden Shogun, after a moment of contemplation, offered a small, respectful bow. "I believe we should honor this claim and allow things to proceed as they are."
Eula sighed, crossing her arms. "Well, it seems our game was in vain."
Amber, though disappointed, gave Aether an apologetic look. "Sorry, Aether. I guess we should've known."
As the Unknown God's presence faded, leaving behind a lingering sense of wonder, the girls gathered around Aether once more. Despite the tension, there was a collective sense of acceptance in the air.
"Since we can't change things now, why don't we all enjoy the festival together as friends?" Keqing suggested, her tone hopeful.
"That sounds like a great idea," Aether said, relief evident in his voice. "I'd love to spend time with everyone."
