The Truth of the Lochfolk (Genshin Fanfic)

Chapter 3 - Remembering the Past

Flashback 6 years ago

"Rawrr, I'm going to attack you with my club!"

"Not if I can attack you with my sword, evil hilichurl!"

We collapsed on the freshly cut grass. We laughed until our stomachs hurt. The flowing river of Lochmore Lake was loud but created a nice, comforting sound. I wanted to suggest having a dip in the lake but remembered Cheryle's inability to swim properly. I laid the stick on the ground, but then Cheryle suddenly swiped it up.

"Ok, ok, it's my turn to be the adventurer now Zepherlyn!"

"Nuh, uh! You were the adventurer for way too long yesterday!"

"Aww, you know it was because I had a bad day that day!"

Cheryle suddenly went silent, to my surprise.

"Speaking of which... What do you want to be when you grow up? I know I want to be a famous performer one day!"

'What do I want to be when I grow up? I'm not really sure...'

Suddenly, as if an imaginary lightbulb appeared above my head, gave me an idea

"I know! I want to be an adventurer! They're not common in Fontaine, but I've read in various books about their super fun adventurers and the monsters they beat up! But also... I want to find out where the Lochfolk resides now. They haven't returned to Fontaine due to their disagreements with the Hydro Archon, but I'm still very curious about their species!"

"Woah, that's awesome Zepherlyn! I'm sure you'll find them one day!"

I chuckled, feeling the warmth of Cheryle's excitement.

"Anyways, are you excited for the first day of school tomorrow? I chose to study in the performing arts, as I'm not interested in the judicial system in Fontaine. I suggest you study the judicial system, however; it could be helpful in future quarrels. Plus, you're smart!"

Smart? Huh, well if Cherlye suggested it to me, it must be the right path to go down... right?

3 years later

"Woah Zepherlyn, you got an invitation to join the accelerated class? I knew you were smart enough to receive an invitation!"

I smiled, holding the envelope to my future. "Thanks, Cherlye! To be honest I wasn't expecting this either. But hey, some extra judicial knowledge won't hurt to help me in my future adventures! However, I'm still curious about the Lochfolk and where've they disappeared to. This new class shouldn't be at the top of my priorities."

Cherlye smiled. "As someone as incredible as you, I know you'd be the one to find out the truth about Fontaine's water creatures!"

Ring, Ring, Ring

"Oh, that's the bell. Well, I better be off to class now, have fun in accelerated Zepherlyn!" She waved to me like a hyperactive child. I jumped up and waved back with a big smile, excited to learn in a brand-new class.

I opened the door. The classroom was strangely large but was by far the most elegant classroom I've ever seen. The teacher was standing by the lector. She looked to be a lady in her late 50's. Her clothes were elegant, but she wore a big frown on her face. She didn't look like the friendliest teacher in the world. I was about to sit on a nearby chair when a tall, intimidating kid pushed me out of the way.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing? This seat belongs to me. Can't you see your name on the board?"

"O-oh! I'm so sorry. I didn't know there was a seating plan in this class..." I continued to studder. I've never met a person like him.

"What are you, are wuss? Stop stuttering already! It's making you look weak."

I then heard the click clacks of the heels of a truly angry teacher, walking up in my direction.

"What is going on here?! When class starts, I expect everyone to be in their seats immediately, no conversations or excuses. This is the accelerated class, the class for students expected for greatness. Not for the stupid students learning about the performing arts, the most useless quality of Fontaine's citizens."

I clenched my fists. How dare she talk to the other students like that, especially Cheryle!

I was about to speak up when she glared at me. I couldn't speak after I saw her eyes. My fear was overwhelming.

"And you. This is your first time in accelerated, yet you waste my time and your classmates for simply not reading the board of your seat. If that wasn't bad enough, you display a weak, helpless attitude in front of everyone. Are you trying to be a bad example towards everyone here?!"

I looked down, defeated. I lifted my head up, hoping to see some sympathetic expressions on my classmates' faces. However, all I could see were faces of disgust. Not one sympathetic person.

"This is not what I expect from you Zepherlyn after seeing your records. If you want to survive this class, you must be colder. Stop being some happy go lucky kid around here, you'll just be trampled by the strong. The smart. Don't distract yourself. Only focus on your studies. Only then will you achieve greatness in Fontaine."

For a minor quarrel, I was frightened all over. I couldn't even look back up at her.

"Now sit where you belong. Like the rest of the class."

I sat down, gloomy. I got out my books and pencils and started to write everything on the board, not one single word out.

In the end. I followed all her advice. I became colder. Studies were my number one priority. My dream of becoming an adventurer was slowly fading away, day by day. I often stayed in class to further study just to get ahead of my peers. Whenever I did have free time however, I would often hang out with Cheryle like usual. I would put up a fake smile to appease her and pretended to be interested in whatever nonsense she was raving to me about. I slowly stopped playing hilichurls and adventurer with her as well. This seemed to bother her, but she didn't mind as she knew I had to focus on my studies. Honestly, I just didn't find the game to be interesting anymore, just stupid and childish. 

Over time, I could tell she noticed my personality change ever since I joined the accelerated class. I tried to cover it up as much as possible, however it was either my emotionless eyes or monotonous voice that gave it away. 'Whatever, why would she care anyways? She has her own career path to get to, and I have mine.'