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The Traveler seemed off today.
Not that Cyno and she got to see each other very often. It took a lucky arrangement of fate to allow for them both to have time off at the same time, in the same place, which really only happened once or twice every few months. She made it a point to come by Sumeru when she could, to say a quick hello to her friends before she was off on another quest. Cyno himself didn’t make it easy, either. His duties as the General Mahamatra kept him as busy as ever; the after affects of the overthrowing of the Sages was still sending ripples though the nation, and he was the first step in solving all of those issues. Power struggles in underground crime rings seemed to be escalating, and while it was better for him that he was able to track down and serve Justice to these criminals, he longed for enough time off to make time again for his friends, and especially, for the Traveler when she returned.
Today was one of those lucky days, where he was able to take time off while he still could. He’d just finished a case in the deep of the desert, and no new ones had landed on his desk yet. So, knowing it would be little time before the next one made its way onto his plate, he took the day off, vowing to resume his efforts tomorrow. Despite being off, he’d made the most of his day. He traveled to Ghandarva Ville, and spent the morning with Tighnari and Collei. They shared a warm breakfast, and he was able to try out some of his new jokes, all of which were definite successes. So much so that he made sure to repeat and explain them to Alhaitham and Kaveh when he met them for a late lunch, to catch up on each others work in the weeks it had been since they’d last met.
That evening, as he walked down the path from Sumeru City in the direction of Caravan Rebat, his plans were suddenly and most excitingly interrupted by the sight of the Traveler and her floating companion walking in his direction. He could feel his face light up, even with the years of learned stoicism, and he quickened his stride to meet her at the fork in the road.
“Traveler!” Cyno called, drawing the two’s attention. “It’s been a while, it’s good to see you!”
“Cyno!” Paimon cheered. “It’s great to see you too, long time no see!” The Traveler nodded with a smile. “What have you been up to? You haven’t been working too hard again, have you?” She frowned.
“Not at all,” Cyno assured. “In fact, today is my day off. I was just going to walk to Caravan Rebat to meet Candice and Dehya.”
“Oh, that’s great!” Paimon said. “We won’t keep you, then. Hope to run into you again, soon.” The Traveler nodded and the two turned to leave towards the city.
“Ah, wait!” Cyno startled. “It’s not often the two of you are in town when I am. Let me treat you to dinner, at least.”
“But what about your plans with Candice and Dehya?” The Traveler asked.
“Nothing concrete,” he explained. “I hadn’t arranged anything formally with them. I was hoping to catch them in own and spontaneously join them for the evening.”
“Ahhhh, Paimon understands! Well, if you’re offering a free meal, of course we’ll join you!”
“Always thinking with your stomach, Paimon…” the Traveler sighs, ignoring the fairy’s protests. “If you’re sure, then, Cyno, lead the way.”
Her eyes were sad. He noticed this when she finally dragged them up to meet his. The light in them was dim, and they looked away a moment too quickly. Her shoulders were slumped, her clothes and hair a bit tousled - likely from a recent fight.
“Are you alright?” Cyno asked. “If you aren’t up to dinner, please don’t feel obligated for my sake,”
“That’s not it,” she raised her hand to her forehead. “I think we both could use a warm meal.”
“Alright,” he agreed, hesitant. “I know a quiet spot we won’t be bothered. Follow me.”
He led them through the city, down a side street, then two, until they reached a small food stall. It was plain, and the old man behind it welcomed them warmly as the only two customers at that time. Cyno encouraged them to order a few dishes, and the two companions indulged, the trio sharing several dishes between them as they shared recent stories. Cyno spoke about some of his recent cases, describing the artefact smuggling ring he busted, and the debt collector he busted for dealing with the Fatui. He spoke of the clues he found and the investigation he led, culminating to dramatic arrests and even a full blown fight.
“It’s not often a suspect dares to challenge me in a showing of force,” Cyno admits. “But this man was a competent fighter. No doubt his skills were how he was so successful in his schemes,”
“Wow!” Paimon chimed. “It’s not often you commend criminals you face. He must have been a tough fight…”
“Nothing I or the Matra couldn’t handle,” he assured with a dismissive wave. “Just surprising since it had been a while since my last good fight. In fact, I don’t think I’ve had such an exciting encounter since we last saw Sethos, at the Temple of Silence.” He mused.
The Traveler tensed, almost imperceptibly. Cyno noticed, since reading body language was his job, but this puzzled him. Why such a reaction?
“That’s right, it’s been a while since that all went down,” Paimon agreed. “Have you heard from Sethos since?”
“Yes,” Cyno said. “Progress in collaborating with the Temple of Silence is slow, but ongoing. Alhaitham is one of the lead representatives in the matter, actually. We’ve been negotiating access to the Temple’s archives and a few chosen members of the Akedemiya have already been permitted access to the grounds.”
“That’s great,” the Traveler hummed. “How is Sethos doing?”
“As well as could be expected, I’d say. Very resolute in his leadership. I am impressed by his command of the situation despite his doubts.”
“I’m glad,” she smiles. “I was worried, I’m relieved to know things are well.”
“What about you two?” Cyno asks. “Where are you coming from nowadays?”
The Travelers face shutters, and Cyno worries he’s asked the wrong question.
“Oh, we’re actually coming back from Natlan!” Paimon sings. “Have you ever been? It’s amazing, so much culture and beauty in the landscapes! And the food, mm-mm-mmn! So delicious, Paimon couldn’t pick a favourite yet!”
“We recently visited the Scions of the Canopy tribe,” the Traveler interrupts. “We participated in one of their most sacred traditions.”
“That’s right! It was so stressful, if we did it wrong we could have been burnt to a crisp!” Paimon worries, and Cyno’s eyes raise.
“Yet again, you find the dangerous paths.” Cyno muses, and meets the Travelers glare. “Seems everywhere you go, you find it.”
“Yes,” the Traveler agrees. “It seems that way.”
An uncomfortable beat of silence overtakes them.
“Tell me about this ritual,” Cyno clears his throat.
Paimon jumps to explain it all, much to Cynos disbelief. The Elder who wanted the King dead in revenge for his loss. The Chief who wanted the King saved, despite the cost. The Saurian-Hunter for hire, who sent a pang of jealously through Cynos stomach as Paimon described his wit and fighting abilities.
“So in the end, the two of you were able to free the King?” Cyno asked. “Or at least free his mind… the idea of these Ancient Names is a fascinating one to me. Perhaps one day I’ll have to visit this nation and learn about its history.”
The Traveler was quiet, as Paimon rambled on about Saurians, this “Kinich” guy, and their adventures. Soon the meal was over, and the conversation continued as they walked through the city, up its steep sloped paths to the top of the tree - hopping up onto the branches of Cyno’s favourite spot to sit and watch the Sun set over the horizon in the distance.
“Traveler?” Cyno said, after several minutes of companionable silence. “Are you… well?”
“I’m fine,” she smiled, tiredly. “Just a lot on my mind recently. I’m sorry if I’m bad company, today.”
“Not at all!” Cyno was quick to assure. Her wry smile told him she wasn’t eager to believe him. “I’m just concerned. I can tell something is on your mind. I’d be glad to listen, if you need to talk about it. I told you before, if you need anything from me, you need only ask.”
That seemed to be the wrong thing to say, as the Travelers face twisted in a way he didn’t understand.
“That’s exactly what I’m-…” she cut herself off. “Sorry Cyno. Thank you.” A snore from behind them turns both their heads, and they both chuckle at the sight of Paimon, sprawled flat on her back, snoring away in the food coma she’s no doubt found herself in.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better guide,” she mused. “Even if she’s obsessed with food, I trust Paimon with my life. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without her.”
“She seems like a great friend,” he agreed.
“We’re friends, aren’t we, Cyno?”
“Of course,” he says immediately. “I hope nothing has happened to put that into doubt?”
“Not at all,” she said, than paused. Cyno let the silence hang between them; often times, giving someone a few minutes of silence to form their thoughts would yield better results if you wanted them to talk. H was more than patient, in this sense.
“You said before, and just now, that if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask, right?”
“Yes,” he nods. “You’ve fought at my side and helped me and my friends more times than I can count.”
“See that man?” She points down, at a man standing at the railing below them. It reminded him of the last time they were here, after the crisis with his Professor was resolved. He looked at the man below; he was unremarkable. He wore regular scholarly uniforms, a medium build, dark hair. Nothing out of the ordinary. “I want you to kill him, right now.”
~
It occurred to her, on her walk back to the Scions of the Canopy, what Kinich’s words really meant.
She had been travelling for years. Through six nations, meeting hundreds of people, befriending dozens, each unique and powerful. Each promising her their strength and their loyalty. Each owing her a life, an honour, a debt too large for Mora to pay. Everywhere she went, she meddled, she fixed, and she was owed. Brushing off a debt in favour of a friendship was getting old.
She wandered for a while, slaying monsters to unseal the chests they stored and looting them of the valuables in a semi daze. The words he said running through her mind on repeat.
“I’ll do anything for you,” he said, eyes earnest.
He was handsome, and dangerous, and she could see the shadows of his knowledge behind his eyes. He was a man who knew too much, who was too smart for his own good. But he was also a man with principals that differed from hers. He acted alone, and while he chose to do good, he preserved his self interest. Brave, or stupid, the same thing if you asked her.
The others have offered her this promise before. She thought back to what she had endured, the trials she’d faced in the search of her brother. Was loyalty worth the cost?
Her body ached, always. She never stopped moving - stopping would disrespect her brother and her mission. If she stopped, she’d never find him, and that simply wouldn’t do. The only reason she fought so hard was to reunite with him once more, and fighting let her ignore the pain in her heart from his absence, and worse, his refusal to stay at her side.
He was determined for her to see the world in its entirety before he would find her. There was some lesson, some moral of the story she had yet to learn. It infuriated her as much as it pained her; what else could she do but fight, and help, and wander?
So she did. She, who fought dragons, Harbingers and Gods, delivered food to people. She slaughtered monsters upon request. She solved petty disputes. She helped write poetry, or find a mushroom, or find a cool rock, or ran quickly from one spot to another. She did whatever task she could get her hands on, so long as she didn’t have to stop.
She thought about stopping too much. About settling down, settling in. Resting her weary body if only for a moment, to enjoy what the world could offer. She had a dozen or two suitors, who’d be at her side in a heartbeat. She had a place in every nation, where if she truly wanted; she might even find a home.
As her sword collided with a treasure hunters, the impact so strong it knocked the blade from his grasp, she paid attention. She saw the shock and fear in his eyes. He tried to stumble back, to dodge her next strike as the last one standing - his so called allies all having disappeared in flashes of smoke - but he was slow, like they all were. Instead of twisting her arm so the flat of the blade would knock him out, she struck true, and cut the man down. It was quiet, save for the soft groan he let out as his life ended. She felt nothing, even after she gathered the loot and left his body there.
Maybe this was the lesson she had to learn. Maybe it all was for nothing. Maybe the people she helped didn’t matter at all. Maybe she needed to learn what selfishness felt like.
~
Cyno’s eyes went wide, and he got to his feet in an instant.
“You want me to what?!” He gasped.
“Kill him,” The Traveler said again, getting to her feet as well. “Drop down and end his life. That’s what I’m asking of you.”
“You can’t seriously be asking-,”
“I am serious,” she looks him in the eye. “You said if I needed anything, to ask. This is what I’m asking. Go down there and-,”
“I don’t understand, Traveler,” he shakes his head. “Where is this coming from?”
“You considered it,” she smiles, sad. “For a moment, I could see it in your eyes. You would, if I really asked you to. If I begged you to kill him. I could beg, if you want. If that’s what it takes to prove my point,” she laughs, unkindly.
“Traveler, just explain what’s going on. I am the General Mahamatra, I-I can’t just take a life in cold blood. And I’m your friend, I refuse to believe you would, if you were of sound mind, ask that of me!”
“How many of my friends would consider that, Cyno? How many of them would do it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve met so many people, all I do is wander around solving other peoples problems. And every time I do, sooner or later, I’m promised devotion. I’m promised loyalty, and kinship. And I’m so scared of what that could bring me…” she sniffs. “When I helped Kinich with that ceremony, you know what he told me? He told me that he ‘would do anything for me’. Anything! And I can’t help but wonder what that means to him. To you, to all of the others I’ve met. What am I worth, to them?”
“Traveler-,”
“If I told you that unless you kill that man, right now, than you will never see me again, would you?”
“I-,”
“If I told you that I was going to kill that man, and you’d have to use all of your power to stop me, would you?” She doesn’t let him speak. “Would you kill me, your friend you swore devotion to, to uphold your morals?”
“That’s an impossible question,” he tried, but she barrels on.
“When is the line drawn? Where is it drawn? Why do I have to give so much of me, and for what in return? My brother is still missing. I’ve been here for years, and no one has helped me get any closer to finding him. All I do is help other people, because I can’t help myself! And these people, drawn to me for my strength, and selflessness, and honour, promise me their loyalty.
“So I come here, and I run into you, one of the best fighters I know. And I can’t help but wonder; would he die for me? I’d have died for him, I nearly did once or twice. And then I wonder, would he kill for me? And I know what my answer is. And now I know yours.”
“Stop!” His voice sharp. “That’s enough.”
The Traveler does, eyes wide at his tone. Her hands are shaking. He can’t meet her eyes.
“I owe you my life. I owe you my power, my honour, my city and my people. I owe you more than I wish I did. But I have always been grateful that out of everyone in this land to whom I might owe this debt, it’s owed to you. Because you are one of the very few on this world who is inherently and entirely good. Were it anyone else, I wouldn’t offer ‘anything’ so freely. But it’s you, Traveler,” he steps closer to her. “It’s you. Someone I trust. Someone I care about.” Someone I love, goes unsaid.
“So I can’t let you ask this of me,” he continues. “Because if you do, if you truly ask, if you beg me like you threaten, then I’ll do it. And that scares me so damn much,” his voice fades to a whisper.
“Cyno-,”
“Please, don’t ask that of me.”
“And if I did?”
“Please-,”
“Because I might. Not now, I’m sorry, I promise I won’t ask again now. Not now, but later. In the future, when the lines are drawn. No matter what I stand against, or who I stand against, if I ask, will you be at my side?” She steps closer to him, now, until they are only a few inches apart. He wants to reach out a hand, to touch her, to embrace her, but he stands still, frozen, as her hand comes up to trace gently along the contour of his jaw.
“Yes,” he breathes, looking down in shame.
“Does that grieve you?”
“No,” he admits, meeting her eyes. Her fingers trace up to the base of his right ear, then down his neck and across his throat. He swallows heavily, and he knows she can feel it. His face burns hot. Her hand now cradles his face. Her thumb comes up to rest upon his bottom lip. He can’t move, can’t breathe, heart hammering in his chest. For all his years of training, he feels like a giddy schoolboy - for the first time in his life.
“I’m sorry for scaring you,” she says, after a moment. Cyno breaths in, slowly. “I think I just needed to know.”
“Know what?” He breathes.
“That you meant it. That the others might just mean it too, when they promise me these things. I wonder if I asked Kinich like this, if he’d do it for me…”
Cyno growls, low in his throat, and her eyebrows raise.
“I didn’t expect you to be the jealous type, Cyno,” her saying his name sends a pang through his chest, even as she her voice teases. Her thumb pulls down, and takes his bottom lip with it until his mouth has parted slightly. His breath is warm. “You know, when my brother and I would visit a new world, we’d agree not to meddle. We were visitors, nothing else.Tourists, even. We knew better than to get attached.
“But my brother has broken that rule. He has entrenched himself in this world, and its sins. But despite everything, I can forgive him for it. But I say, who says I’m bound by those rules anymore?”
“I’m not sure I follow,” Cyno admits.
“You are beautiful,” she hums and his face reddens. “But I can’t ask this of you. How would I know if you mean your yes, if I already know you are bound to me. I can’t use your promise to me against you; not to kill an innocent man, and not like this.”
“You’re saying…”
“You know exactly what I’m saying, Cyno. But I can’t ask you for this.“
“But I can,” he says quickly. “I can ask this of you. Without regrets.”
“Would you even know how?” Her voice is soft.
“I want to try.” He admits,
“Then show me what your devotion truly looks like.”
~
Far away, Kinich stops to catch his breath after the challenging fight. Ajaw is chattering away behind him, declaring his might or whatever brazenly as Kinich gathers the loot he was after.
The fight took longer than he’d meant it to. He had gotten used to fighting with a partner at his side, at least, one that wasn’t an annoying Saurian relic waiting for him to die. Fighting alongside the Traveler was as thrilling as it was enlightening. He was fascinated by her, and the stories that followed her.
He’d watched her go, that day after the ritual. He wasn’t surprised she came to see him, to check on him after, and was glad she herself was in good shape. When they spoke, though, there was something in her eyes he didn’t like.
He talked of debt, and gratitude, and she brushed him off with an offer of friendship, much to his surprise. He figured by now she must be used to those types of chats, where the debt between the two feels insurmountable, but she is so gracious as to refuse to collect upon it. And so he offered her what he could - his devotion - in a way that left nothing to chance. He offered her anything, freely, because he wanted to know what she would do with it.
She took him by surprise, though, and merely smiled, walking away to continue on her adventure. He stood there, a moment longer, before returning back to his tribe, mulling everything over once more.
And he was surprised, if but for moment, to realize that upon reflection, he really did mean his promise. His anything was truly anything. And that was dangerous.
He could only hope she never felt inclined to test that theory.