With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 6: The Vision Hunt Decree

(A/N: sorry for not updating for about 10 or so days. I haven't had a lot of free time recently, which is when I write. However I still plan on continuing this, so don't fret! That's all I have to say other than I hope you all have had a good day so far!)

"Paimon really likes how the islands of Inazuma aren't as treacherous to walk on as the mountains and hills of Liyue."

Aether was suprised by his traveling companions remark.

"And what makes you say that Paimon?"

"Walking long distances and climbing high is really tiring."

Aether let out a soft chuckle as they both approached Konda village, where one of the visionless stay.

"You don't even walk or climb, you fly!"

"Hmph!"

Paimon turned the other way and pouted. Until commotion came from an elderly couple in Konda village. They seemed to be arguing with someone.

"Why are you doing this? Why leave all of a sudden after all these years?" An elderly lady said as sadness quivered in her voice. She seemed to be washed over with great concern.

As Aether walked more down the path, he could see a third person, whom both the elderly couple was talking to. This man also appeared to be old, but also young at the sametime.

He had a strong posture and a slender body. His body screamed of a middle aged man who still had many years ahead of him; but, his face was filled with aged wrinkles and a grayish-white hair. Only few small strands of black hair remained.

"Percisely, it's much to sudden. We've had no time to prepare...
The children are desperate for you to take them out and play; please, we urge you to reconsider!" Emphasized the elderly husband, Kenjirou.

Aether and Paimon exchanged glances quickly as for both of them were uncertain on what they should do.

Would helping be intruding? If so then certainly, listening to the conversation was not much more admirable.

The elderly women, Mahiru, noticed the traveler and Paimon as for they were not far from the three that were so engaged in conversation.

She beckoned Aether, who stood openly in the dirt path over to the mossy stone walls.

"Ahh.... you must also be here to try and convince Tejima to stay?"

Tejima? Aether thought of the man who stood before him. Surely this Tejima would be of significant importance if the elderly couple were so adamant about him staying. If not then, he was special to them at the very least.

Aether felt the urge to help, as he has so many times through out his life on Tevyat.

Aether smiled.

"What's happened?" 

The elderly women responded back with pride and strength in her voice.

"Tejima here..." she waved her hand towards the man behind her "... has protected this place ever since he arrived here 30 years ago."

Aether thought very carefully. The man who's body is fit, yet also has an aged face was indeed not middle aged; being confirmed by Mahiru. He began to think this man might have once been apart of the Shogunate's army.

Which would mean that he may be one of Ayaka's three wishes of aid. She did say one of them would reside in Konda village, but it wouldn't be the best for Aether to assume this is the man he's looking for.

"30 years ago?"

"Indeed! He's done us a tremendous service: keeping out the Treasure Hoarders, fending off any monsters that draw near, resolving quarrels between the villagers... he has put an enormous amount of work into looking after this place, and we all think the world of him."