Adult Content Warning

This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.

• Yes, Continue
• No, Go Back

If you accept cookies from our site and you choose "Yes, Continue", you will not be asked again during this session (that is, until you close your browser). If you log in you can store your preference and never be asked again.

1. What Does Freedom Really Mean, When Demanded of You by a God? by Dumpsterfire_Duck

   Fandoms: 原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game)  

   • Mature
   • Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
   • Gen
   • Work in Progress

   24 Apr 2023

   Tags

   • Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
   • Graphic Depictions Of Violence
   • Kong | Aether & Scaramouche (Genshin Impact)
   • Kong | Aether & Tighnari (Genshin Impact)
   • Kong | Aether & Tartaglia | Childe (Genshin Impact)
   • Kong | Aether (Genshin Impact)
   • Scaramouche (Genshin Impact)
   • Tighnari (Genshin Impact)
   • Tartaglia | Childe (Genshin Impact)
   • Fatui Harbinger Members (Genshin Impact)
   • Paimon (Genshin Impact)
   • 3.2 Update Spoilers (Genshin Impact)
   • Soft Kong | Aether (Genshin Impact)
   • Scaramouche is Bad at Feelings (Genshin Impact)
   • Angst and Feels
   • Scaramouche is Called Wanderer (Genshin Impact)
   • Fluff
   • Developing Relationship
   • Scaramouche is an Anemo User (Genshin Impact)
   • Hurt/Comfort
   • Other Additional Tags to Be Added
   • Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
   • Tighnari is a Little Shit
   • god this man has snark for the centuries
   • Mentioned Raiden Ei | Baal
   • Kidnapping
   • Written Before 3.3 Update (Genshin Impact)
   • Dreams and Nightmares
   • Dialogue Heavy
   • POV Alternating
   • Non-Consensual Drug Use
   • I treat canon like soup
   • but my spoon has holes in it
   • Which is to say I arbitrarily decide when I'm being canon-compliant
   • and when I do and say whatever the fuck I want
   • Like how I casually include or exclude Paimon from major events
   • depending on how convenient it is for me to remember that Paimon exists
   • Aether doesn't speak Teyvat's language(s) fluently
   • Fatui Harbingers (Genshin Impact)
   • Minor Cyno/Tighnari (Genshin Impact)

   Summary

   "I will give you a second chance," Aether announced, determination and softness mixed in his voice. "You went through much suffering. It would be unfair to kill you before you can see this world… with eyes that aren't clouded by hate."

   The little fairy floated closer, nodding along Aether's words. "We don't pity you – compassion is different from pity. We want you to live freely, in a way that you've never had the opportunity to experience before. Please trust us, Balladeer-"

   "Don't call me that." His voice was barely over a whisper, akin to the subtle whistle of the breeze among grass blades.

   The fairy gave him a reassuring smile. "What do we call you, then?"

   Aether took a step closer, kneeling by him. "Now that you're not a harbinger, not a villain, not a god… who are you?"

   —————

   Or: the moment that The Traveler defeated Scaramouche but decided not to kill him, leaving him with unexpected, newfound freedom, and a bitter recognition from the gods – a reminder of his past... A promise for his future.

   Series

   • Part 1 of I Never Asked for Your Forgiveness

   Language:

   English

   Words:

   34,778

   Chapters:

   10/?

   Collections:

   1

   Comments:

   69

   Kudos:

   423

   Bookmarks:

   58

   Hits:

   8,131