Chapter Text
The Traveller and Paimon's journey across Teyvat had come to a conclusion at the last nation: Snezhnaya. The land of Cryo ruled by The Archon of love— Tsaritsa. It's not what people expect, given that love is usually described as 'warm'.
However, even after melting through the barriers of ice against all odds, it ended with the same results as every other nation: No sister, no reunion... Not yet.
Travelling across seven— no, eight whole nations with the addition of Nod-krai, while knowing that his sister is deliberately ignoring him so he could "See the world for yourself." definitely took a toll on him. He still didn't understand. What is she trying to prove? What is the point of letting him roam around from nation to nation when she could maybe just... tell him?
He had helped everyone that came in his path needing a hand. Yet, when he's the one that needs help? Nobody. Maybe that's what she meant? Maybe she wants him to realise that the heavenly principles are actually evil, the archons and are actually villains, Maybe his whole life was a lie like the sky of Natlan!?
Everytime he walked from one nation to another for more information about Lumine, only one question rang in his mind: Can't I and my sister travel among the stars like we used to again?
The Traveller stepped into the snow with a weary expression, Paimon floating on his left, leaving footprints on his way. He didn't have a destination, didn't know where to go, didn't know what to do next. Just... walking. Walking wherever fate might eventually lead him to. The route was silent and Snezhnaya's snowfall was heavy. Especially tonight— as if the whole world was feeling the heaviness in his heart.
Though he didn't utter a single word, Paimon could clearly sense his disappointment and saddened heart.
After a moment of contemplation, Aether finally broke the silence with a deep sigh, his fists clenching.
"So... that's it? This is what I get after everything? Returning empty-handed all over again?"
Paimon slowly turned to face him, her brows furrowed in concern.
She hated to see him dull. He was a man that ended the misery of thousands of lives, yet he feels like he can't find happiness...
"W- well..." Paimon hesitated, not knowing what to say.
"...Paimon thinks that it was worth it."
The Traveller raised an eyebrow, looking at her with confusion.
"What makes you say that, Paimon?"
Paimon's response was immediate, yes! This is an opportunity to cheer him up!
"Well, Paimon got to meet sooo many new amazing friends, taste aall the yummy foood..."
Aether couldn't help but suppress a smile. Of course Paimon would say that. Who would be Paimon without her food?
"Oohh they were soo delicious!" She exclaimed, letting out a dramatic mwah sound.
Aether finally let out a soft chuckle, his stiffness loosening and the tension slightly easing in his mind.
"Paimon and food are inseparable, huh?"
Paimon crossed her arms, her cheeks puffing in defensiveness.
"Hey! Don't act like you don't enjoy eating with me!"
Aether laughed heartily, feeling the weight easing on his shoulders. There's never a dull moment with Paimon by his side.
As Paimon's rambling continued while they navigated their path, Aether's mind started wandering. The memories and nostalgia of years of their journey washing over him. From 'Honorary Knight' to 'The hero of Natlan'... he has seen it all.
The reminder that he had overcome every challenge despite the impossible chances gave a small hope in his heart.
It's not over, not yet. Not until my bond with my sister becomes what it used to be again.
And of course, we can't forget Paimon. Without her, her mischief, her playfulness— and her mildly infuriating high-pitched voice... he definitely would've been lost in life ages ago. After all, she did majority of the talking.
"I still don't forgive you for introducing me as emergency food to Am— Hey! Are you even listening!?"
Paimon's scream snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Oh. uhm. yeah, yeah..." Aether laughed awkwardly, yeah... He was totally not zoning out.
"Really? Paimon is putting all her energy into talking while trying to breathe in this stupid scarf and you're not even paying attention!" Paimon retorted, pointing out how oversized the scarf wrapped around her neck (to keep her warm) was.
"Alright alright, I'm sorry! Go on." Aether replied, chuckling softly with amusement.
Paimon let out a 'hmph' before she began to ramble again.
"Where was I...? Right, Paimon still can't believe that—"
"That I called you emergency food?" Aether raised an eyebrow. "But it's true, Paimon will always be my favourite emergency food." Aether said, a small grin on his face with a layer of affection.
"Awww! That's sweet... Wait a minute!" Paimon's response was immediate at the realisation.
"Of course. What else could be better than a flying pixie as emergency food?"
"Flying Pixie!? What does that even mean!?" Paimon yelled, anger puffing in her cheeks.
"Who knows? But that's what I'll call you if emergency food isn't good enough for you." Aether joked, his grin widening.
"That's even worse!!" Paimon ranted, trying to save her dignity while Aether was laughing openly now.
Who knew that a fairy kid with a food obsession and a bad temper would be the one true companion of the legendary Traveller?
"Speaking of our first encounter..."
Paimon gazed upwards, then back at the traveller, her voice suddenly thoughtful.
"...Why don't we pay a visit to Mondstadt?
Aether paused in his steps, standing silent for a moment before replying with curiosity.
"To Mondstadt, you say?"
Paimon nodded, her voice filled with interest now.
"Yeah! Maybe it could be a good remembrance of how far we've come!"
"That's true but... You do realise that it's thousands of miles away from here, right?" Aether said, placing a hand on his chin.
"Of course I know! Paimon is not that dumb! But come on~ it will be fun!" Paimon leaned in close with puppy eyes, trying to coax him.
"Why not somewhere else that's nearby? Maybe Nat—"
"Mondstadt!" Paimon interrupted.
Aether raised an eyebrow at that.
"Fontaine?"
"Mondstadt!"
"Sumeru?"
"Mondstadt!"
"Liyue?"
"Mondstaaadt!!"
"Alright, alright! We can go." Aether finally agreed, shaking his head with an exasperated sigh.
"Yaaayy!" Paimon squealed with joy, practically jumping in the air.
"Don't get too excited now, you'll be complaining about the distance in no time."
"Don't care~ Off to the land of wind and freedom we go!"
So there it was— the hero of every nation he had set foot in, now walking to the land where it all started with his loyal companion.