Genshin: Aether Oneshots

Intertwined Fate Pt.1

        The breezes that brushed by always gave off a different vibe right when the sun disappeared to give way to night. Just a moment earlier than that and one might have found it pleasant. Yet, once there wasn't any light to guide the path ahead, the whispering winds became a traveler's most treasured company or an eerie addition to the darkening atmosphere. (Y/n) felt that this particular one was the latter.

        The sky was still bathed in warmer toned purples, but it wouldn't be long before she would have to use the moon's...did the clouds just cover the moon?!

        "Of all the times," (y/n) grumbled to herself with a bit of distress. If it came down to it, she'd have to rely on her vision to help guide her.

        It hadn't been necessary for her to have gone out to take a break at the Grand Narukami Shrine. In all honesty, she had been feeling stressed lately, so a trip to somewhere peaceful was long past due. Her time there was brief, and she hadn't lost track of time at all. By chance, there had been a little boy cowering behind a rock on her way back home. It had taken a little time to catch the easily scared child. Once (y/n) found out that he was lost, as she expected, there was no way she could leave him behind there.

        "At least he's alright. His parents were so worried." The joyful tears and fervent words of thanks that she got from the couple was more than enough to consider the detour worth it. Just the thought of reuniting the little family brought a smile to her face.

        Now, (y/n) had nearly made it to Konda Village. If she could just get past the stream of water ahead of her, then passing though to reach Inazuma City would be easy. The sound of laughing sent a chill down her spine stopping her dead in her tracks. She was not exactly afraid. It was just that she recognized this type of laughter.

        "As if I needed another problem to solve today..."

        The nobushi, brazen as they always were, began to come from their hiding places. Their swords were readied and their wicked grins varied from amusement to pure malice. (Y/n) counted four in total. They must have been waiting to ambush someone, and she just happened to be the unfortunate passerby.

        "You seem lost. Why don't you let us show you th-"

        "I'm not lost. Get out of my way," (y/n) warned. Even outnumbered, she could at least make her way past them to flee. Fighting all four of them at once was a bad idea, but she could do it if she really needed to.

        "We don't wanna hurt ya if we don't have to," another said. "We can do this the easy way if you just quietly come with us."

        (Y/n)'s patience was gone. Her vision glowed a bit brighter as she brought out her weapon to send the closest of them flying. The action triggered the rest of them into attacking, but (y/n) immediately rushed ahead to make it past the one that mainly blocked her way. He dodged her attack and left behind small fireworks behind that took her by surprise.

        Just as she shielded her face and crouched away, a stanger joined the fray. His shout was enough to convince her of such. The sound of battle rang in (y/n)'s ears as she rejoined the fight. In no time, the four nobushi were out of commission, and (y/n) stood near the newcomer with their backs facing each other.

        Just then, a mysterious flying girl, who had been watching from a safe distance, made her way over to the aftermath. "Take that you bullies! Hmph!" She crossed her small arms and gave the fallen enemies a look of distaste.

        "Are you alright?" His voice startled her just a bit. She had still been trying to figure out what the floating little girl was. "I heard what was happening and tried to get here before things got to this point." (Y/n) looked back at him to find herself locking gazes with him. He didn't give her any time to say anything since he quickly looked away and noticed something. "You hands," he noted with a slight frown.

        (Y/n) looked down at them and saw that the backs of her hands and parts of her wrist held proof that she had mostly blocked the tiny explosives thrown at her. "Oh this? I'll be alright. Nothing I can't take care of."

        "I'm sorry. If I had gotten over here sooner..."

        "Don't worry about it! I'm glad you even went out of your way to help." She got a good look at him and could easily tell that he was not from around the area. Perhaps not even from Inazuma at all which got her thinking. "Hmm...you wouldn't happen to be a traveler would you?"

        "Not just any traveler!" His companion flew over with an air of confidence. "He's the Traveler! The greatest adventurer in all of Tayvat!"

        He laughed at that. "That's a huge exaggeration."

        "Wait, so you're the one that went up against the Shogun and stopped the decree? That's amazing! I didn't think I'd run into anyone like that out here at this time of night." He offered a slightly prideful smile but kept looking around the area. "It's nice to meet you, I'm (y/n). Thank you again for helping."

        "It's alright. I was just doing the right thing. I'm Aether. This is Paimon. We just happened to be nearby." Aether's frown returned. "Can I walk you home? I'd feel bad if anything else happened to you on your way to wherever you're going." His face suddenly flushed. "I assume you're going home. I don't really know where you're going," he quickly added.

        "I was going back to Inazuma City, so yes. I was going home," (y/n) confirmed with a brief laugh.

        Paimon held up an index finger and flashed a bright smile their way. "We were going to Inazuma City too! It'll be right on the way. We can accompany you all the way there so those meanies won't even dare to bother you anymore!"

        "I'd appreciate that, thanks." She didn't see anything wrong with it afterall. At the very least, Aether had a reputation to give her a look at his character. Besides, if he meant her any harm, he wouldn't have helped her to begin with.

        "Alright, then let's get going!" Paimon was pretty excited for just a walk to the city. Was she always like this?

        "He's got such a good friend," she thought.

        At the very least, it was reassuring to have company for the rest of her trip, and the breeze felt nice now that she was no longer alone. Aether had plenty of tales to share along the way which only grew (y/n)'s curiosity in him.
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Part two is right up next, til then you spectacular readers!