Burden of the Abyss: Internal Refraction [Genshin Impact x (O)OC]

Arc 4 - 1: Hidden Grotto of Memories

Slices of wind danced around an innocent tree. Seconds later, Mono slid behind the tree with a crystal sword in his hand. Soon after, the tree fell into branches and chips of bark, making Mono smirk with confidence.

He threw up the crystallized sword and it turned into Geo particles, soaring away in the wind. Standing a few feet away was Keqing, observing Mono trying to improve his combat instead of just throwing haymakers because of his raw strength.

"Man, that's so fun to do. I finally got down the stopping midair part." Mono said jogging over. "I can tell. You didn't crash on your face this time." Keqing said with a smirk. Mono rolled his eyes before looking at the poor remains of the tree.

"The Dendro Archon probably fucking hates me..." Mono said rubbing nape. "I would hate you." Keqing added. "Ow." Mono said walking away. "It was a joke, Mono!" She said following after him.

~•~

Mono was walking through the gates of Mondstadt with a yawn. It was just after sunset and the lamps of the city were already on, making him realize just how late he decided to teleport back. He stretched his back and walked over to Diluc's tavern.

•

"Can I get wine yet?" Mono asked, making Diluc surprised. "No." He answered anyway. "Is that how you treat Mondstadt's savior?!" Mono asked taking a seat beside him, Charles immediately giving him grape juice.

"One day I'll purge this city of all alcoholic beverages." Mono mumbled making Diluc chuckle, and a certain feline sneeze.

"What brings you back? It's only been a little over a month?" Diluc asked. "I saved Liyue from an ancient god. Needed a break, and some old friends. Surprisingly, didn't find Venti here." Mono said yawning again. "Actually, you just missed the bard." Diluc informed. "Damn. I'll find him sooner or later. I'll be here for a bit before going back to exploring what I can here on the continent." Mono replied with tired eyes.

"You mind telling me more of your tales? Defeating an ancient god sounds even more bizarre than defeating Stormterror." Diluc said making Charles nod. Mono sipped his grape juice and nodded as well.

"Well, details or no details?" Mono asked. "Eh... no details. Be blunt." Diluc said making Mono smile. "Aright. Basically, a Fatui plot to steal another Gnosis was the cause of Teyvat's mint to blow up, an ancient god to be released, and for me to become the Geo Archon as well." Mono whispered, flashing his yellow Gnosis. Diluc pondered the events he listed with a exasperated frown. "Just never a dull moment with you, huh..." Diluc trailed off.

"Of course not. With the ability to absorb the elements— I'm a phenomenon this world can't handle." Mono said with a smirk, before feeling a hand on his shoulder, the two looked back and saw a man with short, golden blonde hair, wearing odd, black clothing with blue accents that seemed to radiate a certain energy and aura. Over his right eye was a mask that didn't really cover his eye, but it still held the intimidation factor it intended to.

"Yeah?" Mono asked, but felt the man's hand grow weak, trembling under his gaze. "Is... it alright if I speak with you on the second floor?" The man asked calmly, yet his body language said otherwise. "Of course. I don't see why not." Mono said hopping off the stool. "See ya' later, Diluc." Mono said trotting up to the second floor with the oddly dressed man behind him.

'He caught his eye? I wonder...' Diluc thought with a skeptical stare at the second floor, but soon payed it no mind.

•

"So, what can I do for you?" Mono asked sitting across from the man.

"Do... you remember me?" The man suddenly asked. "Not at all." Mono answered immediately, a carefree smile on his face. "Hmm... That... is to be expected. It hurts, but I expected as such. Now, onto my next question. You. You're the first, in existence to have two Gnosi... why? Why are you able to?" The man asked.