[ The Hidden Archon ]

「 1 」

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『 Her smile screams sadness 』
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⪻ Aether ⪼

" She seems to be recovering now, but Paimon is curious to why she was there in the snowy mountains? " Paimon said as she floats around the unconscious girl we saved earlier. Though I could agree with Paimon, why was she even in that cold region without a proper clothing?

As I was cooking some soup for her to eat once she woken up, I noticed a (F/C) butterfly flying around the mysterious (H/C) girl like how Paimon does. I was curious because butterflies don't appear at night that often and especially circling a girl.

" Huh? The butterfly is glowing!? " I looked at the butterfly and what Paimon said is true. The butterfly glowed in a bright (F/C) color and faded like dandelions being blown by the wind.

Groans from the girl was heard as we both looked at her. She has a nice shade of (E/C) eyes that I could get lost in- wait what was I saying?

" Ah! You're awake! Paimon is glad to see you woken up! "

The girl looks at Paimon then to me. Her curious eyes wanders around until she slightly looked down. Her expression seems neutral but why does it radiate sadness? Has depression gained controlled of her and tried to end herself on the cold snow?

" Where am I? " I froze on the spot as I heard her voice. Why does it feels like home? Why does it feel like mom and dad's warmth? Why does it feel like I'm with my twin?

I stayed quiet for a minute as Paimon introduce the two of us.

" Well, you're in Teyvat! Paimon's name is Paimon and this is Aether! We're traveling buddies! "

I tried to hold my laugh when she said traveling buddies. I still consider her as emergency food though, just in case I don't have any supplies anymore.

The (H/C) haired girl smiled as she sat up and wraps her body on the cloth we found nearby for warmth.

" I'm (Y/N), nice to meet you two! " Her smile. . . it's pretty in all but it's so sad. Her smile didn't radiate the usual happiness that smile brings.

" AETHER! THE SOUP! "

" HUH!? "

" Eh? "

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⪻ ❃ ⪼

" Barbatos! Give it back! " A young (H/C) haired girl complained to her dark blue haired friend. The boy proceeded to use his powers to raise the girl's precious flower crown while the girl tries to reach it.

" Not until you give me one~ " the girl pouted and went to look for more flowers for her friend who still won't give her flower crown back.

Under the shining sun, the two of them stand on a vast green field. The wind engulfing their figure, fragrance of the flowers whiff through their nose and the sun giving them light.

The boy then heard footsteps, his mischievous smile formed once again.

" Did you fini-! " As he turns around, a sight he didn't want to see happened infront of him.

There stood the girl he cared. . .

Blood. . .

Tears. . .

Broken smile. . .

" yOu dID tHIs . . ."

" GAHH!! " Venti woke up from a nightmare or is it?. As the anemo butterflies flew around the huge tree at the middle of Windrise, Venti looked up the moon and smiled sadly as teardrops gush out his aqua green eyes.

" (Y/N). . . I'm sorry. . " It was his fault or is it? . His fault for letting her go, for being selfish of her flower crown and letting her roam without checking the surroundings.

' How is she now? Is she still asleep? When will I see you again? '

Howls of the wolves, sound of critters, presence of the wind yet he cannot hear nor feel the one he longed for.

" I'll help you again. . . I promise. . . "

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⪻ ❃ ⪼

(Y/N) lightly giggled at her newly found friends. It's been a month since they found her. She's getting along with them as the three of them venture out to find the Seven Archons as Paimon said that it could help Aether find his twin.

" For the last time! Paimon cooks better than you! "

" Last time you cooked, you almost got (Y/N) sick "

The bickering goes on and on, not noticing their female companion stop near a single (Favourite Flower). She suddenly remembered her past, on how she was forgotten that easily or is she really forgotten?. Her lips now decorated with a smile of sadness.

The flower reminded her of her hometown; Sakurai. It's quite far from Monstadt as you have to travel by boat to the east. Although it's considered as an unknown civilization since their Archon, Sakuya, is unknown all throughout the nations but they remain faithful to their Hidden Archon as she managed her nation well.

" (Y/N)? " Her thoughts were cut short as she heard the voice of her fellow companion.

The (H/C) haired girl merely looked at her companions before walking to where they are.

All of a sudden a hydro slime came out of the water, nearly attacking the girl not until Aether killed it as it disintegrate into a smoke.

" Thank you Aether "

" You're Welcome "

" Hey enough lovey dovey here! Let's go! "

They both rolled their eyes and followed Paimon.

" The path ends here- guess we'll just have to climb " Aether went climbed first as (Y/N) trails behind him. She latches her hands and feet unto the wall and slowly climbed up. As she was nearing the top, Aether held out his hand which she took and pulled her up.

She quietly thanked him once again and went off the path.

" We're off to. . . A Statue of the Seven! " Paimon cheered.

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