Experimental Genshin Oneshots

Recovery Part 2 (Aelou)

Side: Aether

_________

"I'll be here for you, Nilou. Every step of the way."

The bright afternoon sky had now transitioned into a starry lit expanse. Yet Aether's gaze never left her. The room was shrouded in a peaceful silence, save for the soft sound of Nilou's steady breathing. Despite the serene smile on her face, he knew that she was suffering inside. 

The burden of being the host of the Samsara had left her physically and mentally fatigued, and Aether couldn't bear the thought of enduring alone. Nahida had already said that she would be working to untangle the thread of visions of dreams in her mind. All he had to do was keep her company, to make her feel safe, so that the thread would not complicate itself even more.

So that was he was doing. Sitting by her bedside, eyes locked on the sleeping figure, and his hand locked tight with her's.

As he sat there, staring at the sleeping beauty, Aether's mind started to wonder to other places. The weight of the knowledge and visions she had experienced weighed heavily on him. He had seen the toll it had taken on her, the pain etched in her features, and he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of responsibility to comfort and support her.

Little by little, his thoughts would descend into a whirlpool of memories of memories he had shared with her. The two hadn't known each other for long, and they didn't really had many opportunities to hang out together.

Despite that, the little conversations he had with her were some of his most treasured memories in Teyvat. From the times she had confided in him when she was low on inspiration, the enthusiasm she radiated when she had a new dance she wanted to show him. Most importantly, when she had told him that he was a shining oasis that brought her happiness.

   
Somehow, Nilou had become an irreplaceable part in his life.

 
"Aether..."
 
Suddenly, his whirlwind of thoughts were interrupted by a weak voice, and it came from the sleeping beauty herself. When his eyes landed on her face, he couldn't believe the sight.

She was breathing heavily, her face was tensed up, and gallons of sweat were streaming down here forehead. It was evident that whatever torment she was experiencing was getting even worst. Aether's heart clenched with concern, as he wiped down the sweat from her forehead.

"Is there anything I can actually do....."

Suddenly, the words of a certain someone echoed in his mind.

"Those who have the ability to resonate with Dendro are able to amplify the presence of their dreams..."

Aether's eyes widened at the sudden memory that had resurfaced. He had a way. It was uncertain whether or not it would work, but he would be damned if he simply did nothing and watch her suffer. With that, he closed his eyes, and slowly channeled Dendro energy from his hand. The room was slowly illuminated with a bright green hue, yet his hand never let go of the one it was holding.


   
"I'm not letting you face this alone. Instead of comforting you with words, let me share some of that burden."