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"In every journey, the road less traveled often holds the most unexpected adventures."
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As the sun rose over Mondstadt, the city came alive with a soft, golden light that caught on the edges of rooftops, flickering gently on the buildings as you, Aether, and Paimon prepared to depart. The bustling streets had grown familiar over the last weeks, each corner holding memories of friendships forged, battles fought, and mysteries unraveled. Yet now, standing at the edge of Mondstadt with bags packed, you felt a pang of nostalgia, a reluctance to say goodbye.
Aether stepped up beside you, his voice warm and steady as he glanced at you. "You've really made a mark here. I bet they'll miss you." He flashed you a small, reassuring smile. There was something in his gaze that made your heart flutter, though you quickly shook it off as nerves about the journey ahead.
You laughed softly, nudging him playfully. "It feels strange leaving it all behind... but I'm ready. Besides, we'll always come back, right?"
Paimon floated between you both, hands on her hips. "Yeah, Mondstadt will be fine! After all, it has two amazing heroes to protect it!" She nudged you both with a playful smirk, winking dramatically before flipping through the air in a delighted twirl. "Now, let's get going to Liyue!"
You all started down the road, the winding path stretching into the hazy distance toward Liyue. The land was vibrant, painted with hues of green and gold, and as the landscape shifted, so did the air, growing warmer with each step.
The three of you chatted about Liyue, the thrill of discovering its culture, the rumored adepti that roamed its mountains, and—according to Paimon—the delicious food that awaited. You mostly listened, amused at Paimon's enthusiastic recounting of tales she'd only half-heard herself, but Aether's occasional glances seemed to linger longer than usual, as if he was trying to say something without speaking.
At one point, Paimon zoomed ahead, her curiosity for every unusual flower and tree pulling her along faster than either of you could keep up.
"Maybe we should tie a rope to her," Aether joked, grinning as he watched her dart around.
You laughed, watching her flit in excitement. "I'm surprised she didn't bring an entire bag of snacks for this trip."
Aether chuckled, and the two of you walked in silence for a while, but it was a comfortable kind of quiet, one filled with a gentle warmth. After a few minutes, he slowed his pace until he was walking right beside you, close enough that your arms brushed.
Without thinking, he reached out, his fingers barely grazing your hand. He hesitated, almost pulling back before you caught his glance.
You felt a bit flustered but gave a soft smile, allowing your hand to remain close to his. "You alright?" you asked, noticing his slight nervousness, something rare for him.
His cheeks took on a faint pink hue, and he quickly looked away, his hand still close enough that his fingers brushed yours every few steps. "Yeah... just thinking about how different it'll be in Liyue. It's exciting... but it also feels like we're leaving something behind here. Like... a chapter closing."
His words struck a chord with you, and for a moment, you saw something unspoken in his gaze—a softness, a quiet longing that seemed almost unfamiliar in the usually collected Aether. You offered a gentle squeeze of his hand, smiling a bit shyly. "Well, Mondstadt will always be here. And we've got new places to see. New adventures to experience."
He turned his head toward you, his eyes filled with that same warmth, but just as he seemed to be about to say something, Paimon zipped back with a triumphant yell. "I found a *berry bush*! We should stop for snacks!"
The moment between you and Aether dissolved into laughter, and he quickly let go, brushing a hand through his hair as if to play off his flustered expression. You couldn't help but feel a little bewildered at the fluttering feeling lingering in your chest, but you brushed it off as excitement for the journey.
As you continued onward, Paimon chattered excitedly about every little thing she spotted, her lively commentary filling the air around you. "Oh! And did you know that Liyue has mountains that touch the clouds?! Imagine the views!" she said, clearly trying to make the trip feel even grander than it already was.
Glancing over at Aether, you saw him watching you with a subtle smile as if he enjoyed seeing you lost in thought. You gave him a curious look, wondering what he found so fascinating. He only laughed softly, shaking his head as if to dismiss the question.
You nudged him lightly. "What? Do I have something on my face?"
He shook his head, still smiling. "No, nothing like that. Just thinking that... it's nice to be traveling with you." His voice was so sincere that you almost lost your balance, not quite used to this straightforward side of him.
The faint blush on your face deepened, and you quickly looked away, playing it off with a laugh. "Well, it's nice traveling with you too, I guess."
Paimon's face lit up in an exaggerated smile, her eyes flicking between you and Aether as if she was trying to solve a puzzle. "Paimon thinks you two are acting a little too cute! Are you sure you're not hiding something from Paimon?"
Aether's flustered look returned, and he hurriedly glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nothing's going on, Paimon... really."
You couldn't help but laugh at the scene. "Yeah, Paimon, don't go making things up. We're just friends."
Paimon rolled her eyes dramatically, clearly not convinced. "Mm-hmm, sure you are," she teased, her grin mischievous as she zoomed back ahead, leaving you both chuckling in her wake.
As Mondstadt disappeared beyond the hills and the path to Liyue stretched before you, your thoughts flickered between the memories you'd made and the unknown adventures waiting. But for now, you simply enjoyed the warmth of Aether's presence beside you, the easy companionship between you both, and the hint of something more that neither of you dared to say out loud... at least not yet.
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YOU ARE READING
The Forgotten God | Genshin x Fem!reader
Adventurea girl who just wants a good life with his little sister gets hit with a speeding car and got isekaid in a game called genshin impact, what's her true power in this world? will she go back to her own world again and find her sister? lets find out! g...