DRAGON BALL IMPACT: AB

Chapter 1: The Final Accusation

**Narrator's POV**

Five years. Five long years had passed since Aether arrived in the world of Teyvat, his heart set on one goal: to reunite with his sister.

In those years, he had faced countless challenges, enduring everything this world had to offer. Yet, despite every attempt to break his spirit, he chose to rise above it all, pressing forward with unwavering determination.

But in those five years, Aether had grown into a man who placed little to no trust in anyone, save for those who truly cared about him. Trust-something he once believed would bring him closer to his goal-had instead become a void in his heart.

"I thought trust was supposed to be a bridge, something that connects us... But now, it feels like nothing more than a chasm," Aether muttered under his breath, his eyes clouded with the weight of his experiences.

He vividly remembered his sister's words-her promise that if he trusted her, she would never leave him alone. But even as he sought her out, hoping to find the bond they once shared, she chose to walk away when he finally encountered her in this strange world. Her parting words, cryptic and cold, left him questioning if he could ever trust her again.

"It's funny," Aether said with a bitter smile, "how the person I searched for, fought for, could just... turn away."

All he had ever wanted was information about his sister, making friends along the way in hopes of easing his journey. But instead of camaraderie, he was met with betrayal and accusations-blamed for things he could never have done.

Yet, through all the pain and heartache, Aether clung to one hope: reuniting with his only family, alongside the one person he still trusted-Paimon.

"At least I still have you," he whispered, glancing at his floating companion. "You've been by my side since the beginning... when no one else was."

Paimon hovered closer, her usual cheer subdued by the solemnity of the moment. "Of course, silly. I'd never leave you. We've been through too much together."

Over the years, Aether had grown close to her, feeling a bond that went beyond mere companionship. He couldn't imagine a scenario where Paimon would betray him. She was his constant, the one who had seen him at his lowest and never wavered.

"I'm confident in one thing," he continued softly, "that you're the last person I can trust in this world."

Paimon blinked, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. "Aether... I'd never do anything to hurt you. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, I know," he said with a faint smile. "But... trusting anyone else? That's become impossible for me."

Paimon felt a pang in her chest. She wished she could ease his pain, to take away the burden he carried. But there was something she hadn't told him-something she had kept hidden for so long. And as they sat together, the truth weighed heavily on her heart.

"I... I need to tell you something," Paimon started, her voice trembling slightly.

But before she could continue, Aether's gaze drifted off into the distance. They were sitting on a bench in Fontaine's main city, reflecting on everything they had been through. The city was bustling around them, but Aether's thoughts were miles away.

"Why are we here, Paimon?" Aether asked, his voice laced with uncertainty. "After the Knave... after that fight, I've started doubting everything. Not just my power... but everything."

Paimon's eyes widened. "Aether... you're strong. Stronger than anyone I know."

"Strong? How can I be strong when I can't even defeat the Knave?" Aether clenched his fists, the frustration evident in his voice. "I've traveled for five years, faced gods and monsters, and yet... I'm still not enough."