The Truth of the Lochfolk (Genshin Fanfic)

Chapter 4 - Changing

Back to present

Memories of the past flew back into my brain. To why my personality changed.

"I just remembered..."

Cheryle's eyes grew wide, intrigued for the answer

"I almost forgot... But it was the accelerated class that made me the person I am today. That teacher and those students were demanding and strict, vowed for nothing but the best. If I wanted to survive, I'd have to be just like them."

Cheryle then spoke up

"Then why didn't you change classes? If you didn't like it, you could've just dropped out, right?"

I shook my head

"That's not how it works. The only opportunity to drop out would be within the first day, but I was too naive and strived to work harder to even consider that option."

Cheryle's demeanor drooped, finally understanding my struggles to why I was like this. She broke me out of my shell, hidden with secrets. Because of that, I am forever grateful.

"Well... What will you do after you graduate then, still deciding to serve Focalors?

I shook my head

"Cheryle." I said suddenly. "Can you promise to stay by my side when I leave Fontaine, and for you continue to live your dream of becoming a star performer?"

Cheryle looked perplexed

"Wah- Why?! Is it something I said? Please don't leave meee!"

I smiled, a smile that would reassure her everything would be okay.

"No Cheryle, it's thanks to you that I discovered why I'm like this. I'll become an adventurer to find out the truth of the Lochfolk, while trying to find my true self on the way."

"An... Adventurer? But would you really want to sign up at the adventurer's guild? I doubt you'd like taking commissions and doing unnecessary work outside your peak of curiosity..."

Her usual happy demeanor vanished. Cheryle's face looked close to crying, face scrunched up. However, she tried her hardest to keep in her tears. We were childhood friends. The bestest friends. Having her best friend leave was unimaginable and sorrowful. I knew how she felt.

"I won't register at the adventurer's guild; I want to be an independent adventurer. I would never leave your side but asking you to come with me on my adventures would be selfish, knowing you have an ongoing career you love doing. But don't worry, it's not like I'm leaving Fontaine forever, we can still meet up y'know?"

I then tried my best attempt at a cute face, poking my tongue out. Cheryle started laughing. My face went red. I immediately stopped out of embarrassment, knowing I probably looked like the biggest idiot just now.

"It's alright Zepherlyn, I trust your decision to become an adventurer. But promise to write me letters every week, okay? I don't want to worry about you, y'know? Especially since you don't have a vision."

I looked to the side with a frown

That's right, having a vision with me on my travels would be helpful. However, with my mindset and constant beration of the vision, I doubt any god would bestow me with one. I'm unworthy.

I quickly looked back at Cheryle with a smile, hoping she didn't notice my sudden frustration.

"Anyways, it's only 2 weeks until we graduate Cheryle, we have all the time in the world to hang out before I leave. All I must do is study for my final exam, and then I'll be free."

She nodded. I could tell she was still uneasy about my sudden announcement of my departure, but I could tell she tried to look happy for my sake. We started walking to our intended destination, Fontaine academy. At this point, we were practically drenched. I could see the academy in the distance, but a constant feeling nerved me to the core. 'Was I being watched... But for real?' It felt like one beady eye was watching me from afar, disguised in the surrounding rivers and water. 'No... It can't be. Am I just being paranormal as usual?' Suddenly, Cheryle's face lit up.

"I know what we can do as a farewell celebration Zepherlyn! Let's celebrate near Lochmore Lake, the place where we hung out as kids! It brought us so many happy memories, so it's only fitting to have our final time together at that place before we go our separate ways..."

Her eyes were full of tears, running down her cheeks. At this point, I couldn't tell if she was crying constantly or if it were the raindrops on her face running down.

"Oh yeah... That's a great idea Cheryle!" I forced a smile, as I wasn't used to talking this positively around others now-a-days. "We can always meet up once a month, right? It may seem little compared to us meeting every day, but sometimes life gives you challenges if you want to live your life to the fullest."

Cheryle finally stopped sobbing and looked at me with hopeful eyes. It seemed like my speech of salvation had finally reached out to her.