A Former Enemy

3

*The Traveler and Paimon felt uncomfortable because of the current situation and Ato's questions. They quickly tried to come up with answers...*

Traveler: Um... we have proof!

Paimon: Yeah! We can prove that he isn't up to anything bad!

Ato: Then go ahead. If you have proof.

*The Traveler and Paimon both tensed and stared at each other, not knowing exactly what to show or tell him to prove their point...*

Traveler: Well, um... he... he helped us a-and other people... several times...

Ato: *It sounded like sarcasm coming from him*. How convincing... Such a person as the harbinger of Fatui.

*The Traveler looked at him irritably, annoyed with sarcastic comments...*

Traveler: Look, it's the truth! Why don't you believe us?

Ato: And who will believe this nonsense? Moreover, everyone knows what kind of person he is.

*The Traveler's irritation was growing and she frowned. Paimon was trying to think of something to calm things down...*

Traveler: He's really changed..!

Paimon: Yeah! Besides, he's not a Fatui harbinger anymore! He's just… a Wanderer! Wanderer who helps people! He's completely different now...!

Ato: Then show it to me? Has he really changed? Do you think I'll take your word for it?

*The Traveler and Paimon became nervous and exchanged worried glances...*

Traveler: That is... difficult...

Ato: And why?

*The Traveler and Paimon realized that they were stuck in this situation and couldn't figure out what to say...*

Paimon: He... um... he's just... currently busy...

Ato: About... So you're on his side. Clear. Busy... What is it exactly?

*Traveler's irritation rose even more...*

Traveler: Hey, I'm not on his side!

Paimon: Yeah, we're not on his side! And... well... we can't really say what he's busy with right now...

Ato: Then why are you defending him?

*Traveler and Paimon were starting to run out of arguments... and they really didn't know how to explain it... Traveler tried to collect her thoughts...*

Traveler: L-Listen... we're not defending him, alright?

Ato: Hm... But it looks like it from the outside.

*Traveler sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, frustrated that she had to explain...*

Traveler: Listen... yes, we are now on... sort of good terms with him, okay?

Ato: So you're friends with him now, huh?

*Traveler exhaled again, her expression getting even more irritated, and began to explain...*

Traveler: Look... it's not that simple, okay? We're not exactly friends... it's just... we're not enemies anymore.

Ato: But this already means that you are friends now.

*Traveler gritted her teeth and exhaled angrily through her nose...*

Traveler: No, it doesn't. We are not friends. We're just allies right now, okay?

Ato: It's practically the same thing.

*Traveler was getting more and more annoyed by this...*

Traveler: No. It's not the same thing, okay? Can you just forget about it? Stop asking me about him!

Ato: Oh. What's the matter? Don't you want to talk about your friend-ally anymore?

*Traveler was already getting so pissed that her hands clenched into fists on the table and she wanted to tell him more, but Paimon quickly interrupted her and cut into the conversation...*

Paimon: Enough! Can you guys just stop it already?

Ato: Fine. It's obvious that your friend is already furious.

*The Traveler took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.*

Traveler: Good. But don't bother me with questions about him anymore.

*Traveler and Ato were now silent, both being angry for their own reasons... Paimon was sitting between them, just listening to this...*

Paimon: *whispering* Geez... I knew it would end badly...

Ato: Why are you so upset? It's like the end of the world.

*The Traveler had her arms crossed and was not looking at him...*

Traveler: Whatever. Forget it. Besides, why are you interested at all? How did we even start talking about him?

Ato: So you started talking about him yourself.

*Traveler was irritated by this fact...*

Traveler: Well, I can't argue with that...