Chapter Text
Wanderer was sitting in Puspa Café, enjoying a cup of bitter tea. He wasn't usual to those kinds of places for obvious reasons, but given the early hour, the amount of people there was scarce enough to not bother him.
That was, until one very particular person showed up with a strange object in hand. Seeing the Traveler approaching from afar made the Wanderer wonder whether he should quickly make an escape but unfortunately for him he chose instead to amuse the blond this time.
– Wanderer! What a coincidence. – Aether said with his usual smile.
– Is it really a coincidence? Because something tells me you meant to find me. – Wanderer replied as he set his now mostly empty teacup on the table.
– Well…– The blond began as he sat opposite of the other – I meant to find someone, so the fact that it’s you is really just a coincidence. An unexpected one too. What are you even doing here?
The Wanderer shrugged.
– Exactly what you see me doing. More importantly, what is that? – He pointed to the object now sitting in front of the Traveler. It was obviously a book of some sorts, but in no way did it seem normal. There was a strange, magical aura surrounding it and the Wanderer could feel that it meant no good. Aether rolled his eyes at the puppet’s closed off demeanor and simply continued.
– Right… This book mysteriously found itself in the House of Daena. Its origin is unknown, and so are the contents as all the pages except the first one have been sealed with some sort of power.
– Huh… sounds like a nuisance – He sighed – So? Why do you need me for this?
Aether reached for the book and opened it on the accessible page, turning it around for Wanderer to see. He pointed at the visible text, which seemed to be an instruction of sorts.
– See this? It says here that two people are needed to be able to see the rest of the pages, and that’s exactly what I’ve been tasked to do.
– As far as I know I’m not the most helpful person around, and yet you decided to ask me for help, even though it’s a task even a dog changed into a human could complete.
– I don’t think that would count…– Aether said not commenting on the choice of example the other used – Besides it’s a magical book. It could be dangerous so no, in fact I couldn’t have asked a random passerby for help with this.
– Huh… So is it alright to put a “friend” in danger now? Who would’ve thought that’s the greatest hero of Teyvat’s morality – a small smirk appeared on Wanderer’s face as he reached back for his tea. The Traveler only crossed his arms.
– I wouldn’t be putting you in danger, I know you’re capable enough for that to not be a worry.
At that the other’s smirk fell and so he took a sip of his drink.
– Hmpf… if that’s how you want to make it look, then so be it. I guess I do have some free time on my hands anyway…
At that the blond lit up with that usual radiance of his.
– Great! Then finish your tea and we’re leaving.
· · · · · · · · · ·
– So who put you up to this? I mean, I’m sure you’re thrilled to help as always, but you get what I mean – the Wanderer asked as they found themselves outside of the city. They had to find a place where no one would get harmed if the strange book turned out to be more dangerous than it would seem.
– I wouldn’t say I’m thrilled. I don’t enjoy being an errand boy as much as you love to believe, but helping out once in a while isn’t so bad. Even you’re doing it now – the Traveler teased, at which the Wanderer only gave him a skeptical look.
– Anyway, it was Nahida who asked me to take care of this… or rather I told her I could when she told me about it as I visited the Sanctuary of Surasthana… – the blond said, seeming slightly embarrassed at that second part.
– Heh… see? You’re always the one who brings all those trivial tasks upon yourself, but I should’ve guessed it was her. I wonder if she hoped you would find me, as she was well aware I would be easier to find today.
Aether only shrugged, though he found the idea of Nahida purposely mentioning the book to him for this reason to be a little funny.
They walked a bit further out until Aether finally stopped and placed his hands on his hips, looking content with the spot.
– Alright, let’s get to it – he said as he turned around to face the Wanderer who walked behind him. They took out the book and held it open together.
– Now we need to place our hands on top of this magical seal – the Traveler said as he put his hand on the mark first. Wanderer gave him a look before reluctantly doing the same.
– This is foolish… Now wha–ah!
Before he could finish, their surroundings suddenly changed as they fell down into an unfamiliar room, hitting the wooden floor.
– Ugh… – the Traveler whined as he gripped his head – I’ve been sucked into a book before, but the transition was never this harsh…
– …Just my luck, I should’ve known it was a bad idea – the Wanderer nearly mumbled as he got up and offered the other a hand – So? It sounds like you’re experienced with this kind of thing, how do we get out?
Just as Aether was about to answer an unknown voice interrupted him.
– My, my! I’ve been waiting for someone to finally visit this world! – the voice announced happily.
Despite the lack of noticeable malice in the voice, the duo looked around a bit warily.
– How joyous for you, but you may want to let us go now. I don't have time to spend on meaningless games – the Wanderer said unamused.
– Let you go? Oh, I’m afraid I cannot do that even if I wanted to. This place has been designed in such a way that it will only release you once you complete a certain number of very fun tasks!
– Tasks…?
– Yes, exactly! Tasks or trials, whatever you want to call them. Oh, and don’t worry about time. It flows much, much slower here than in your world so even if you spend months in this book it’ll account for only minutes of time outside here.
– …Months? You have to be joking. – the Wanderer said, his annoyance visibly rising – Even if time passes differently in here there’s no way I’m doing a month's worth of “tasks” with him on top of that.
– I think it’s more fair for me to say that… – Aether commented, crossing his arms as he side eyed the other man – What kind of tasks are we even talking about? – he said, addressing the voice this time.
– Oh nothing too serious or difficult, you’ll see for yourselves. I don’t want to spoil the fun!
– I’m sure it’ll be fun… – the puppet added, making the sarcasm very evident in his voice.
– Anyway, before each task you’ll be presented with a list of requirements that have to be met in order to complete it. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. That’s all, I hope you’ll have a blast! ...At least I sure will.
With that the voice’s presence seemed to disappear and the two were left alone once more.
– I can’t believe this is happening. I agree to help you one time and this is what I get?
– I feel like she was exaggerating when she mentioned how long it will take, but this isn’t what I expected either… – Aether said, sounding a little awkward.
The Wanderer sighed and looked around the room until he found a piece of paper lying on a desk. It seemed like it could be the list the voice was talking about so he picked it up in order to read it.
– Whatever, it seems that all we can do is get it over with – As he said that he began to quietly read the note.
…
The Traveler looked curiously as the Wanderer’s face took on a confused look.
– This… sounds simple. Too simple. – he said after a moment, sounding sceptical.
– Hm? Let me take a look.
The Wanderer wordlessly handed the blond the piece of paper and waited for the other’s reaction. Without any further ado Aether took a look at the note.
“Your intuition was right, the first task is explained exactly in this note! ♡
Sleep is essential for most beings, and even for those for which it’s not, it is still a comforting thing no? Although you may not realise it as there is a lack of any windows in this room, night is very close and rest should be taken. As such, you should go through the only door you can find in this place and in the next room have a good night’s sleep.
Both of you are required to sleep in a bed, no excuses!
Good night
S.”
– This doesn’t make any sense… I thought we’d have to do something at least remotely useful or challenging.
– I thought so too. There must be a catch, we should stay careful. – the Wanderer said as he looked towards the before mentioned door.
The Traveler nodded and they both made their way towards the next room. Without glancing at the other the puppet carefully, although without hesitation pulled on the handle and the door slowly opened.
…
No sound could be heard for a while as the two simply stood in the entrance of the room, seemingly dumbfounded.
– What… What is this? – the Wanderer said, irritation slipping into his voice.
The Traveler had no response. Not because he didn’t know, the answer was pretty clear after all.
What was before them was simply a singular bed.
“Both of you are required to sleep in a bed, no excuses!” The note said…
– Well…– Aether started, feeling slightly bashful.
– Are we in that damned kitsune’s novel? Or does the person who keeps us here want to recreate that trash? – the puppet interrupted as his face seemed to be taking on a reddish hue. The blond was not sure whether it was caused more by anger or embarrassment, but if he had to guess it was both.
– The Yae Publishing House does have some good titles – Aether commented, which earned him a look from the Wanderer – That’s what some of my friends say anyway… – he then added after clearing his throat.
The puppet only sighed and finally stepped into the room, with the other following suit. There was nothing particular about it. The furnishing seemed to be made out of fine wood, the decor was there although it was subtle, perhaps so that it would suit most tastes. The fact that the task was exactly as it presented itself to be (aside from the lack of sufficient amount of beds of course) was really downing upon the duo.
The Traveler yawned as he looked around the bedroom.
– Hm… I wasn’t really tired before we walked in here…
– As the voice said, time flows differently in this world. Maybe the same rule applies to individual rooms, but I wouldn’t really know. – the Wanderer mused.
The two continued to aimlessly inspect the room, as a way to kill time and delay the inevitable.This kept on going until the Traveler could barely stand without falling asleep right where he was. Seeing that, the other crossed his arms and clicked his tongue.
– If you need to sleep, just do it.
Aether groaned as he stretched out his arms.
– yeah, I guess you're right. It's not like there's much to find in this room anyway – he then turned to the puppet with slight hesitation – Well...you should probably also get some sleep.
– You know I don’t need that.
– Maybe, but the note clearly states that you have to, so don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about. – the Traveler stated, at which the Wanderer simply huffed and looked away.
– Look, I get that maybe this is not something you're used to – he continued – but there's nothing strange about it. I've slept with plenty of different people– I mean, shared a bed with them! – Aether quickly corrected, though given the smirk that appeared on Wanderer's face it didn't really help.
– Believe me, neither of what this could implicate would surprise me in your case – the puppet said, amusement clear in his voice.
– ...What’s that supposed to mean? – the Traveler’s brows furrowed slightly as his embarrassment grew.
– Oh, nothing really. It’s just that the almighty hero of Tayvat must have lots of fans. Would it be so strange if any of them caught his eye? – he teased.
– …What? I wouldn’t… – sensing that his effort would be futile, the blond gave up trying to explain himself further – ...Whatever. My point was that I’m no stranger to this kind of situation, and even if you are, there's nothing weird about it so let’s just get it over with.
The Wanderer couldn’t argue much with that. There was no other choice even if it was something way out of his comfort zone… Though there was once a time when he used to share a bed with someone dear to him, that part of his life was long gone.
– Fine… then let us go to sleep and count sheep together while we're at it – he said with more sarcasm than necessary as he took off his hat and placed it carefully by the bedside table.
· · · · · · · · · ·
If Aether was to describe this night with two words only, long and awkward would be the ones he would choose. He expected it to be that way of course, but besides that, strangely enough he also found himself to be feeling a little nervous. He wasn’t sure why that was, as like he mentioned before, this wasn’t anything new for him… But perhaps the fact that Wanderer wasn’t exactly thrilled about this situation was what caused him to feel this way.
Regardless, he had a different problem now. Namely, he could really use the bathroom.
Normally he would just get up and do his business, but now his companion’s eerily still body was in the way. With the footboard also being blocked off by a shelf, the only way was to climb over the Wanderer and pray to not wake him up. That is if he even was sleeping. The Traveler couldn’t really tell, especially in the dark.
After mentally preparing himself and thinking between actually going and holding it in for the rest of the night, the Traveler crawled out of the covers and took the first step.
Would it be too much to ask for his trip in search of release to be an easy one? He quickly understood that the answer to that question was yes as he felt his leg get tangled up in the sheets.
– Ugh..!
While it was quiet before, now the silence felt much more intense, as the Wanderer’s cold eyes snapped open and met Aether’s golden ones.
They stared at each other equally startled, for quite a few long seconds before the puppet’s expression turned from shock to annoyance, yet he made no move to push the other away.
– …What in Celestia’s name are you doing?! – the Wanderer snarled.
– Sorry…! – replied the Traveler, a moment before having tried to quickly get off the bed and fumbling to the floor with a thud.
The puppet could only facepalm at the almost impressive display of a total lack of poise from the other. Then he too got up and reached out a hand for the blond to take.
– Here, you complete oaf.
– Thanks… – Aether took his hand while he could feel himself burn from embarrassment.
There was a short pause before the Wanderer spoke again.
– So? Care to explain why you caused this ruckus right in the middle of the night?
And now the Traveler would have to explain such a silly thing to the other man…The man who in fact didn’t have such needs– or…perhaps he did? Wait, he had to, right? Aether has seen him drink on plenty occasions… well that’s probably not something he should bother himself with anyway…
– …I sort of need to use the bathroom. – he simply said, preparing himself for the unavoidable mockery.
– …The bathroom…? Have we ever seen a bathroom in here? – the puppet wondered out loud as he put a hand to his chin.
…
– What?!
Was this a nightmare? What were they even supposed to do in this situation?
– Quit screaming! Ugh… I swear I’m never helping you with anything again.
– Well I think it’s in your interest to help me this time given how we’re stuck here together… – the Traveler reminded.
It seemed like there would never be a moment of peace during this entire ordeal, and the thought of that really did not please the Wanderer. He looked around once again, but just like he remembered there was no other door to be seen.
– …Archons, is the person who created this place a total imbecile or what?!
– Oh that’s right! Didn’t that voice say to call her if we had any questions? This may be the right time. – Aether said, visibly more calm at the growing chance of finding a solution to his problem.
– Hm, that could be true. We never got her name though, how do we even summon her?
– My my, I suppose it’s about time I reveal myself!
Before they could come up with anything, the now familiar voice could be heard once more.
– Speak of the devil… – the Wanderer murmured.
– …Were you here the entire time? Why didn’t you say so sooner? – the Traveler accused, which was not an easy deal with nothing physical to actually vent his frustrations on.
– Was that not evident? I’m very curious about your adventures in this world, so obviously I watch you most of the time. You can think of me as a guardian angel of some sorts!
– If you really are a “guardian angel” then how about you fulfill your duty and get him what he needs before it’s too late. – the puppet said, clearly unamused by the voice’s attitude.
– Alright, alright, there’s no need to scowl like that.
With that one of the shelves suddenly started to glow and within a blink of an eye it morphed into a door to what the two could only assume was the bathroom.
– Thank Archons, finally… – Aether released a sigh of relief and went for the door.
– I’d say it’s me who you should thank, but I’ll let it slide – the voice said, feigning hurt – Now that that’s taken care of, I hope the rest of the night passes peacefully for you cuties! Goodnight ♡
The voice’s presence disappeared and the Traveler returned to the bedroom.
– That’s much better.
– Great. – the puppet deadpanned – Let’s go back to sleep. Even I feel tired after all this, and I have a feeling I will feel so for the entirety of our stay in this godforsaken place.
On that note the duo lay in bed again. While it was awkward still, the unfortunate event seemed to ease the tension for both of them if only a little. With his nerves now calmed down, Aether felt himself drift off to sleep and hoped it was the same for the Wanderer. As he wondered about the voice’s reasoning for confining them in this world he finally lost consciousness.