One's Own Freedom [Genshin Impact]

Chapter Eight - Outrider for The Knights

"So what are you exactly doing here in Mondstadt, suspicious travelers?" The Knight questioned as she continued to lead us down the original dirt path.

We passed by some shrubbery and got an enjoyable view of the lake that surrounded the large city. It was nice being near civilization for a change.

"You see, Aether and Rai got separated from their friend during a really, really long journey." Paimon pitched in. "Paimon is also their travel guide!"

"She's my sister and we traveled across worlds together," Aether commented as he followed besides me. "All three of us grew up in the same kingdom."

"Hmm, which kingdom exactly?"

"Ah well, we're not exactly... from this world," I said aloud awkwardly.

"Weird, how come you have a vision then?" Amber stopped to turn around and pointed down at my vision.

"That's what I'm wondering too," We continued walking as I started to ponder again, "Not only am I here to look for a friend, but also for some answers,"

"Well I know someone who might help with that information if you wish to know more about visions!" The outrider suggested. My face lit up with excitement.

"Really?" I questioned with elation.

"Yup! Once we're done here, I'll take you guys straight to her,"

"Finally... we're getting leads!" I praised aloud.

"But looking for family I see..." I noticed Amber's spirited demeanor changed to a more somber and lost attitude, almost like she missed something; or someone. She started to mumble shortly to herself, and Aether and I looked at one another in suspicion.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Paimon spoke up for the both of us. Amber snapped out of her solem state and turned around towards us, smiling.

"Ah, it was nothing! I was gonna say once I'm through here I'll help you put up some missing person posters around the city!" She suggested as she stopped in front of a fork in the paths.

"Words cannot describe how grateful your help is to us Amber," I thanked her and smiled, for which she returned the small smile.

"Anytime!"

"Wait, what exactly is your business here anyway?" Paimon cut in as she flew next to me.

"You'll understand in a bit. It's pretty simple," We followed Amber up the dirt path.

We walked for a little until a strange looking creature appeared from behind a rock, not seeming to notice us.

"Ah! A hilichurl!" Paimon exclaimed as she hid behind me. I looked back at the walking figure to see the wooden club it was clutching as it roamed around the area. I didn't see the features up close, but it looked like it had small floppy ears on the top of its head. Or at least that's what I thought it looked like.

"Here, watch this!" Amber pulled out a sturdy looking wooden bow and aimed it at the moving hilichurl. The end of her arrow started to gather fire energy.

After a little bit of concentration, she let go and shot the creature in the head. The hilichurl made a defeated sound, then collapsed to the ground and turned into dust as it started to fade away.

"That was spot on..." I commented as her aim was almost too perfect.

"Thanks, these monsters have been getting too close to the city recently, so I have to clear out the nearby camp" We hid behind some rocks in front of the hilichurl camp and peered over.