Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

8: A Mighty Frying Pan

Soleil struggled to wrap her cloak around her body while the winds howled. Making a steady path while waddling through the sands was just as difficult.

"I forgot how unbelievably cold it is in the desert at night," Soleil muttered. Cyno, on the other hand, was having no difficulty navigating the terrain.

"Would you have preferred to have visited during the day instead?" Cyno asked. "No," Soleil said, "I'm just surprised but I'm not complaining."

"You've only been away for a few years and you already forgot your way around the desert," Cyno sighed, "Step on my footprints. It will be easier for–Ow."

Cyno deadpanned at Soleil when her foot trampled on his. Soleil looked at him innocently, "What?"

"I said footprints. Not 'foot'," he said. "Ah, sorry. I thought I heard you say 'foot'," Soleil smirked.

"I should've left you where the vultures would get you," Cyno grumbled, walking ahead and ignoring Soleil's small giggles.

Aaru Village was bright due to the lanterns by the streets and the ones inside the houses. The winds died down by the time the pair walked into the village. The large canyon surrounding the village made sure the sandstorms were not too harsh on the villagers.

"Alhaitham said I could find him here, but I have no idea which house is his," Soleil said as she looked around.

"Let's ask Candace. She should have an idea," Cyno said. "Good idea," Soleil nodded. They remember where Candace lived at least.

To their surprise, Candace immediately answered the door when they knocked. However, her heterochromatic eyes were droopy and sleepy.

"Who is it...? Oh. Hello," Candace smiled at Soleil, "It's quite late in the evening. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Hello, Candace. I'm looking for the Professor. May I know where he lives?" Soleil asked. Candace looked at her warily.

"...You don't look like you're from around here. May I know why you're asking?" she asked.

"Huh?" Soleil blinked. Then, she froze in realization.

Shoot. I forgot I'm wearing a mask. Of course, Candace can't recognize me, Soleil thought. She smiled wryly.

"I'm...a close acquaintance with the Professor. Rest assured, I'm not here to hurt him," she said. Candace squinted her eyes.

"M-hm. I've heard that from the scholars at the Akademiya...all of them happen to be exiled in the Avidya Forest for their transgressions," Candace crossed her arms, her gaze now cold.

She's scaring me, Soleil wanted to cry. She turned to Cyno, her gaze pleading him to do something. Cyno cleared his throat.

"Candace," he said, catching the woman's attention. Candace blinked in surprise.

"Ah, Cyno. I didn't see you there," she said, her frown fading away, "Do you know this miss?"

"Yes, she's with me. We came to visit the Professor. Alhaitham said we could find him here," Cyno said.

"Ah, I understand now. Very well. But it's the middle of the night. I don't think he'll be entertaining guests," Candace said.

"It's urgent," Cyno said. "I see..." Candace said and yawned, "Please wait a moment. I need to get dressed."

She closed the door and Soleil let out a sigh of relief. Cyno crossed his arms and looked at her, "You really need to remember that you have a different face. Our friends cannot recognize you even if you recognize them."