Taking over the Abyss

5- Just Git Gud

It seems like both Aether and Paimon got used to your presence a little too quickly. Mostly because the thought that you were still considered a dangerous creature had yet to hit them until they were standing in front of Mondstadt. Had you not spoken up about it, they probably would've just waltzed right in, with you in tow.

It had been Paimon's idea to have you pretend to be a stuffed animal. Although slightly offended, you agreed and let Aether carry you in his arms, doing your best to look as limp and dead as possible. Paimon had carelessly suggested that you 'try not to breathe too hard', but you ignored that one, in favor of not wanting to die.

Aether had decided that he may as well stop by Katherine to get his dailies. Katherine wasn't much of a threat to you, since she was a robot or whatever. You had no idea what Aether did with the rewards or where they went, and you really didn't want to find out. Sensing your discomfort, Aether gave you a small apologetic smile before making haste towards the Favonius HQ.

Squirming at the sight of the two knights standing guard, Aether squeezed you a bit tighter and walked right past them. They didn't seem to notice you in the slightest, although Aether was probably somebody they were used to seeing. Or maybe they just didn't care? The air inside of the HQ was frigid, which was definitely why you started to shiver. You weren't scared, okay? It was just the air conditioning. So you really, really, weren't scared.

Opening the door to Jean's office, Aether stepped forwards, seeing the Acting Grand Master in question working diligently. She did seem to notice that the door opened, but whatever she was going to say died as soon as she laid her eyes on you. Looking up at Aether for an explanation, you noticed that Aether had paled a bit. Had he really been expecting her to just 'oh, what's this?' with a smile?

"I can explain," is what Aether settled on. Jean nodded and gestured that he did, still speechless. Were you really such a sight to behold? Of course, but, c'mon. You were being held like a stuffed animal, what's so scary about that?

Seeing that Aether was probably going to butcher whatever introduction to you he could come up with, you went with your standard, "Hi. My name is (Name), and I'm a friendly Abyss Mage."

Aether nodded, confirming your words, "(Name) helped me to defeat some Cryo Slimes."

"You wouldn't happen to be the Abyss Mage that invaded Monstadt, would you?" Jean still seemed suspicious of you, rightfully so.

"Oh, yeah," you ignored Aether staring at you, "Sorry about that. I was in the wild, and Klee mistook me for another Abyss Mage- one that I think she might've blown up? So she ended up taking me into Mondstadt with her."

Jean set her elbows on her desk, lacing her hands together, "And you were the same Abyss Mage who was crawling around the ventilation system in the headquarters?"

"Um... I was being hunted down by an incredibly scary nun, so I blinked into the library, and hid in the vents," you explained. Aether's stare intensified, and you were worried he was going to start squeezing the life out of you if it got any worse, "R-really, I don't mean any harm."

Jean hummed in thought. That wasn't good. Farewell, Teyvat. It wasn't a very good experience, but at least you got to see a few of the characters you liked.

"Paimon really thinks (Name) doesn't mean any harm," It was Paimon who stuck up for you, although the floating guide shied up when Jean and Aether focused their attention on her. "Razor said that they fought together, and then (Name) helped out with Aether's final commission of the day... so Paimon thinks that there isn't really a reason to be suspicious."

Aether's squeezing ceased, as he stared down at you. You did help, right? It wasn't much, but you did try. Paimon might've had a bit too much faith in you though, since you did it mostly to try out whether or not you could control your hydro abilities... but you did still help.