Life was chaotic enough.

You were just a high school senior named Paris, fawned over by half the girls in your grade simply because of your looks. Your mother, Meryl, had a successful job that involved a lot of work---but hey, at least there was money. Your brother, Zachary, was very introverted.

One thing you and Zachary had in common, though, was that you were both Genshin junkies. Not over-the-top junkies, but to the point where you'd review each other about not-so-widespread facts, like how Albedo was a synthetic human and how Xiuhcoatl mimicked previous Pyro Archons' voices upon killing a character.

And today wasn't any different. At least, you thought it wasn't. It started with a quick breakfast, then a quick dash out the door. Right as you took that first step out the door, Zachary called after you.

"Stay safe for me, alright, Paris?"

You nodded, before taking your usual route that, as always, cut through the woods. Halfway through the forest, however...

You stumbled upon a locket.

It didn't seem too special, just a regular silver locket with a picture in it. You took one look at it, shrugged, and threw it on. Just a second later...

You were struck with intense discomfort. Your hair grew, turned blonde, and twisted into a braid. Your eyes glowed a million colors, slowing to a halt on golden yellow. And your clothes... they just twisted into something exotic. You passed out from the pain.

When you came to, you took one look at your hands... and almost passed out again. You looked exactly like... no, you were Aether. And, unfortunately, it looked like the only thing that changed. You were still in the woods (and still on Earth, as far as you knew). So you were a bit disappointed.