A New Harbinger [Rewrite]

Prologue - Exhaustion

A/N; A New Harbinger was originally written by . I decided to rewrite the story with permission. I fell in love with it back around when chapter 5 was published, and wanted to give the story more. So thank you for this opportunity Amato, I won't let you down! I apologize if my formatting or anything looks weird, I write everything on Google docs, then paste it on Wattpad, so some of my formatting gets lost in translation for lack of a better word.

-Local

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  Aether wiped the sweat off his forehead, straightening his back and stretching out his shoulder. He looked over to his friends - Zhongli and Hu Tao - Who were kind enough to assist him with his commissions. He gave them a thumbs up before putting his sword away, walking over to them with Paimon following behind diligently.

  "That's the last one done. Thank you both for your help. I really couldn't have done it without you."

  Aether thanked his friends with his classic sunshine smile. The three soon embarked on their trip back to Liyue harbor.

  "It has been a pleasure Traveler. Although I am impressed, the commissions you've been getting have been harder. Do be careful not to take on more than you can handle."

  Zhongli looked down at the golden haired boy. He placed his hand on Aether's shoulder, gripping it firmly. Aether chuckled awkwardly, looking away with a sheepish smile.

  Hu Tao on the other hand was a good few meters ahead of the pair. Singing a song that sounded like a nursery rhyme as she walked. Though, her tone made it sound rather creepy.

  Rather than focus on the silence, Aether continued walking forward. Waving his friends goodbye as they passed Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As soon as they were out of sight, his friendly demeanor dropped.

  Aether slouched slightly, slowing down. He covered his mouth as he yawned. Giving his arm another stretch before he continued walking on.

  Soon enough, he drew closer to the Adventurer's Guild. Aether perked back up again almost instantly as he donned another smile. Paimon didn't really notice, or care if she did.

  "Ad Astra Abyssosque, welcome to the Adventurer's Guild."

  Katheryne's voice finally caught Aether's attention. Aether smiled at the attendant before collecting his reward for his commissions.

  "Well then Paimon, what else should we-"

  Aether was cut off by Katheryne clearing her throat slightly.

  "Traveler, if I may ask. We have received a new commission. We're a bit short handed at the moment, so it would be a pleasure if you could assist us once again."

  Internally, Aether groaned. He took a minute to mull it over. Aether really didn't want to do it. What he wanted to do was go down to Wangshu Inn and get some rest. But, before Aether could decline, Paimon spoke for him.

  "Of course Katheryne! What is it?"

  Aether considered yelling at Paimon right then and there. But he choked down his anger and just smiled. Katheryne pulled out a paper from behind the desk and passed it to Aether.

  "Someone's cat has recently gone missing. The millelith have been informed, but they have had no luck. So the commissioner contacted us, but nobody has been willing to take up the commission. The information provided is all we know about its potential whereabouts. In short, all we know is its last seen location and preferred places."

  Aether grabbed the paper as he nodded along. He quickly skimmed the paper and looked at the location notes. Once finished, Aether folded it up and put it safely in his pocket.

  He waved Katheryne goodbye and groaned as soon as he was out of earshot.

  "I'm so tired.. How do you manage to lose a Snow White cat?"

  Aether grumbled as he started towards the cat's last seen location, glaring at Paimon from the corner of his eye. But, she didn't notice.

  So, Aether sucked it up. Wanting to get this commission done as fast as possible so he could just get some rest. He had barely gotten any all month thanks to Paimon and her eagerness to help. Not even asking for Aether's own input.

  They scoured the entire harbor. Looking up and down. Even checking Northland Bank. But still no sign of the cat.

  "They couldn't have gone far. The notes said the cat doesn't like to leave the harbor.."

  Aether mumbled. He groaned, sitting at Wanmin restaurant, per Paimon's request. He rested his head on his arms, which were laying on the countertop.

  He glanced over to Paimon, who was eating happily. Aether wasn't really sure why Paimon didn't notice how he felt. They had been traveling together for such a long time. You would think Paimon would notice. But, to Aether's dismay, she never did.

  It was one of the qualities Aether disliked about her. She never seemed to care about his feelings. Only ever eager to help others even if it hindered their progress.

  He was beginning to hate her. While he could never be mad at Paimon for long, something about Paimon's disregard for Aether's emotional and physical state agitated him. But, for some reason, he stayed with her.

  Maybe it was because Paimon was all he had left. He was alone for so long, wandering. Paimon was his only companion that stayed with him. His friends.. Aether wasn't sure if he could refer to them as friends. Sure, they lightened his mood and made this world slightly more bearable, at the end of the day, all they did was take advantage of his helpfulness.

  What made things worse, was nobody told him a thing about his sister. The only one who helped the most was Nahida, but they never knew much at all. Even then, what was it all for? Lumine wanted nothing to do with him at the moment. She barely even spoke the last time they saw each other.

  How long ago was it.. Aether couldn't remember. He was so tired. Everything in his memory felt spotty. He glanced over to Paimon who was eating happily. Almost jealous of her.

  How could she be so happy.. When Aether was suffering. He hated this. He wanted it to stop so, so many times. Yet he kept coming back.. because it was all Aether knew.

  Aether shook his head, dismissing his thoughts. He sat up again and smiled at Chef Mao, Xangling's father. Aether pulled out his pouch of mora and began counting, leaving a pile of coins on the counter as he stood up.

  "Paimon, let's get going again. We need to finish that commission."

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  Word Count: 1,015

  Spelling and grammar was checked last on; 1/6/23