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

Arc 6 - 4: Hidden Grotto of Memories Part 2

Rather than landing on his ass, Aether found himself in familiar arms, staring into luminescent sky blue eyes.

"Hello again." Shenhe greeted, ignoring as Reona and Paimon floated down after the fact.

Aether looked around and saw Yanfei had landed on her book and clipboard, while Yelan had unfortunately landed on her rear.

"Putting my books under me did not help break the fall." Yanfei complained, rubbing her butt.

Itto stood up in a daze, rubbing his horns, "Sure gonna feel that in the morning..." He blinked his sight back, "Hey, Shinobu, Traveler? My savior?! Is everyone okay?" He asked with concern.

"This is an unfortunate turn of events." Shinobu sighed upon regaining her bearings.

"How far down did we fall...?" Aether looked up at the hole above them, but couldn't see any sign of light.

"I'm unsure. I merely arrived to catch you." Shenhe answered.

"It seems the ground collapsed during our little confrontation up there. Perhaps because we triggered the elemental forces..." Yelan deduced.

"Don't look at me. If you weren't so rude, maybe I wouldn't have gotten mad. Who can put up with that kind of 'tude?" Itto deflected, crossing his arms and looking away.

"It's my duty to stop intruders from breaking into important places. If telling the truth sounds rude, then I'm afraid you're just too fragile." Yelan clapped back, with more bluntness than before.

"Hey! Life's too short to give in all the time!" Itto reasoned for his behavior.

"Boss, I'm afraid you're not gonna win this argument. I say we stop provoking her." Shinobu commented, prompting Yelan to walk away.

"Hey, who's side are you on here?!" Itto asked in annoyance.

"I'm simply pointing out the facts! I understand how you feel, but you're making my life difficult by starting random fights with everyone." Shinobu complained.

"Yeesh. That guy just can't win." Reona whispered. "He's in over his head..." Paimon whispered back.

Aether continued to lie in Shenhe's arms, since she hadn't done much about putting him down.

While Yanfei disclosed that she was after something called the Fantastic Compass, written in someone's will from years ago, Aether was arranging his pocket dimension to prepare food for the long haul.

He took out a grilled tiger fish skewer, and handed one to Reona and Paimon. And, knowing Shenhe's diet, Aether summoned a mixed salad with Qingxin base.

Aether hopped out of Shenhe's arms so they could eat, and he stretched his arms, bringing out the blue gem lantern from before, making the area much brighter.

Yanfei, Itto, and Shinobu were impressed by his survival prowess, but Yelan was more intrigued by his party.

"There seems to be an entrance up ahead with a path inside." She pointed out after returning.

•

Aether and the group were standing before a warped black portal with dark energy seeping out, while air seemed to seep in. It was a domain portal, which meant it harbored a plane untouched by many for years.

"Hmm..." Aether hummed as he felt the presence of a few elements on the other side, but he couldn't pinpoint which ones.

"Well, if there's a way in, there's a way out. Let's take a look." Itto suggested.

"These rock formations are old Liyue mountain rocks, so this place has existed for years now." Yanfei commented.

Aether and Yelan suddenly turned around to see Xiao appear, arms crossed.