Published: 07/17/21
Act I - Chapter V
Part II
Dark Revelations II
Gently knocking on the door, Aether slipped in without delay.
The Grandmaster's office was as organized as ever, apart from the few books and scrolls messily laying about, it was as when Jean had left it behind to rendezvous with Grandmaster Varka to an expedition towards the nation of Sneznhaya.
"You wanted to talk to me, Grandmaster?" Aether spied the big man himself on the office table, writing letters and organizing paperwork. It ached his heart knowing that if Aether wasn't so useless at the time Jean would've lived, and Diluc would too. He had barely escaped with his friends, and was critically injured. Aether was stuck in bed when he had heard that Grandmaster Varka returned from his previous expedition to start a new one regarding the situation at the city of Sneznhaya.
Of course, being a stubborn person he is, Aether demanded to come with. Jean convinced him to stay, and Diluc assured him that nothing could go wrong. He had believed them, of course he did, both Diluc and Jean were strong individuals. There was nothing that could take them both on, whether it be Ruin Guards, the Abyss Order, or even the Fatui at times, but they stil stood tall. It was the last time he had seen Jean give him a gentle smile, and Diluc a final word of goodbye.
It was never the same again, as Aether's confidence within the knights dwindled. It was hard watching Barbara busying herself, not sharing a word to anyone, and worse, never giving out a smile since that night of their return. At least the Deaconess can busy herself with the rescued refugees from Sneznhaya, Aether had to spend another week in bed, agonizing over his decision to let Jean and Diluc go. It hurt him, knowing that he might've changed something.
Varka smiled and a tired one at that, "No Traveler, I called you here because someone else requested to. But I suppose this is a good time to officially introduce ourselves. Considering the few weeks of commotion, there would be no other time for us to interact."
"No, I suppose not." Aether wouldn't put it pass the Unknown God to provoke another struggle in Mondstadt. Not that it would help, as every knight and citizen walked the streets with a vigilant watch. Even the members of the Adventurer's Guild were more active, taking in more requests and commissions than normal.
"Good, good," Varka nodded. "Take a seat kid, we're gonna have to wait for her. Unusual since she is late, but this is an urgent matter." Setting aside the paperwork, the Grandmaster took all of his attention to the wary traveler. Stapling his fingers together, and resting his elbows on the table, Varka seemed more tense than usual.
Following the Grandmaster's request, Aether took a seat opposite of Varka. "Who wanted to speak to me, Sir? If you don't mind me asking, of course?"
Varka can only bark a laugh at the young man's polite gesture, "Nah, kid. I don't mind. And drop the 'Sir' act, it's getting tedious by the minute." The burden of leadership seemed to weigh on the poor man, but somehow Varka soldiers on, never missing a step in his leadership. Aether can see why many admired the man, and if Aether was in that position, losing people in his command, having so much trouble with a dangerous threat, and being responsible with hundreds of lives in his hands might destroy his soul.
Even strong men can only do so much before they fall too. Jean and Diluc were both a shining example of that cruel truth.
Aether could not help but flinch of the reminder, "Apologies, I'm still out of it it seems." It was hard. Though, his friends and companions tried talking to him, Kaeya distracts him by marveling Aether with tales of adventure and bullshit pulled out of the man's metaphorical ass, Bennett wanted to aid him in getting better but only made it much worse when he tried to cook, and Diona quietly brewing him a light drink to distract him. Every trial his friends did were unique to their own way, and it did help him for a time. But when Aether was dismissed at the Church, Aether felt more weaker then ever.
"Nonesense! In fact while we're waiting, let us discuss your involvement in all of this."
Aether perked his brow in confusion, "Meaning?"
"Your title of honorary knight, of course."
That caught Aether off guard. "I mean- I was not officially part of the knights, but was that really a problem?" He can't imagine that he had obscured the knights in anyway. Was having the title trouble for the knights? For Jean? Without even knowing about it?
"Of course not! Jean did the best she could've at the time, and in fact I am grateful for her to tie you with the knights." Varka saw the doubt in Aether's eyes, but his firm tone and confident stride made Aether think about it.
"Tie me? What did you mean by that?" Aether asked. Why did Aether receive such a title on the spot? Even Noelle said such a thing was rare for a non-official knight to gain an honorary knighthood. The former maid did admitted that some were bitter in his appoint of such a title, but it simmered down when Aether proved his prowess over the Dvalin incident. It helps that Jean was the one to appoint him, with self-assured confidence.
No one dared questioned Jean's decision. Not because she was a tyrant, because everyone knew that all she does was for Mondstadt. Always.
"You have no clue!?" Varka guffawed at Aether's cluelessness. "Are you seriously implying that you have no idea what she did? Man, I underestimated your naivety. But none of that. You see, with me taking majority of the knights, and most of its veterans too, I had left Jean with a paltry force behind under her command as Acting-Grandmaster. And with the threat of Stormterror on the loose, she was left with no choice but to take in the aid of a stranger like you. You had proved your worth, of course, and to make sure you were tied to her metaphorical hip in helping Mondstadt in its dire need, she had named you an honorary title of knight."
"That actually made sense," Aether muttered in disbelief. When he had arrived in the city of Mondstadt nearly a year ago, he was sure as to book it as far away as possible to continue in searching his sister. Of course, the knights had subtly encouraged him to help out a bit in turn of helping at finding his sister. That was when Jean had gave him a title not really worth to him, but still managed to rope him in their problems.
Of course, Aether did not mind at the time, as Amber's puppy eyes and Jean's polite begging managed to convince him to stay a little bit. "So, what does this mean now exactly? I mean, the title was just an honorary one and it seems that no one really needed me now."
Aether was just itching to leave Mondstadt, as he was stuck at the Cathedral for a month at the aftermath of Paimon's betrayal, and then was subsequently forced to fight the Unknown God's mercenary forces at Windrise. Aether getting fed up with the bullshit he had to put up to for a while now, and just wanted to unwind in an adventure, but it seems conflict was on the horizon and adventures are out of the equation with the looming threat.
"You need not worry," Varka dismisses the notion of actually declining Aether's hard-earned service, as the young man deserved every bit of his reputation. "Naturally, your services must be paid in full, as the title of honorary knight is no longer just a worthless title. You are officially a non-commissioned officer of Company Nine, a newly reformed company of mixed units. Kaeya is the new captain of that unit."
"I see... Does this mean I can decline as well?" Knighthood sounded nice before, but Aether doesn't know what to think of it. Does it really matter if he were to lend a hand? He had failed to contain the threat at Sneznhaya, as he hesitated when his close confidant and friend turned on him, and betrayed his trust. Jean and Diluc had lost their lives because of his mistake, and he had a chance to remedy that, but he failed to convince them anyway.
Did anyone really think he had worth? He only lived up to that title once, and no more. He was just a stranger, a Traveller, not part of this world.
"Of course, if that would be the case, we would give you honors of your service to Mondstadt and her people, and be sent on your way. This is your choice, but if you are willing to give the knights a second chance, we would happily welcome you. But considering the circumstances..."
War. Aether's tongue felt bitter in that moment. As if he had swallowed a lemon, a grain of salt, and a teaspoon of harsh truth. This conflict was getting out of hand, and Aether failed to stop it. Too many lives were already lost. How many more before it was over? Aether doesn't want to know. But maybe he can fix it? With this chance he might be able to end this terrible conflict?
"I have to know the situation first before I decide." It was non-negotiable at best, and with that request might make Aether see what kind of man Varka was if the Grandmaster was willing to share the situation of the conflict with him. For many, sharing your problems and burdens were a matter of pride. And it seems that the Grandmaster proved him wrong.
The Grandmaster hummed in thought, "I suppose I can, but this might be a hard pill to swallow." Varka gave Aether a serious look, one that had reminded him that there was no going back if Aether decided to help them. "As you know, Sneznhaya has officially had fallen, as the city was overrun and destroyed by the Unknown God."
Aether knew that, but it was at the time when he had to fight tooth and nail with the remaining Harbingers to escape that deathzone. Fortunately, he and his companions made out, but only La Signora was left of the Harbingers that tried to escape. The situation might have changed for the city in the months he had left desperately, and at the Liberation only a while ago might've drastically changed it. The struggle to free the city might've been hectic between the full-force of the knights and the Unknown God's forces.
That, and Tartaglia, the former Eleventh Harbinger, The Pillar of the End, the Bringer of Death. Jean and Diluc's killer.
Aether's heart ached at the reminder of the once empty but joyful Harbinger, as even if he was a Fatui he was still a friend. It was Ajax who had introduced Aether to his family before the audience with the Tsaritsa. He and Ajax went fishing, and had spent quite a time with his siblings. It was Ajax he had befriended in that short, but sweet moment of respite. Not Tartaglia, and especially not that monster who butchered his friends and took away Barbara's sister. No, Ajax died that day, oh that fateful day.
The day that had shattered his false reality. Paimon. Tartaglia. The Unknown God.
"And with the Liberation of Sneznhaya's failure and the Unknown God's damned retaliation at Windrise, every battle, every single engagement, and every fight took a massive toll on the Knight's forces." Varka grimaced at the untold number that was lost, and even Aether can't help but scowl at his failure on both situations. "The Favonius knights, are currently, at a period of decline. Many veterans are stepping down, and recruitment is at an all time low.
"The Initiation that was supposed to take at this summer was halted and bogged down by the recent conflicts, and no experienced Knight was able to commence the annual tests. In conclusion, the knights are at a downfall. A state of pure catastrophe."
"So we can't fight as effectively as before?" Aether asked in hesitation. The situation was more screwed than he had thought. "Isn't the Knights Mondstadt's fighting force? Why isn't there any other way to draw more abled bodies to fight?"
Varka sighed in exasperation, "The knights weren't built for long-lasting conflicts, if the battles that were fought a while ago were victories, we wouldn't have this long-term problem. We would've rebuilt and a few years time we would have the same strength as before." The Grandmaster wiped his tired eyes with calloused hands, and shifted his seat to look behind him, as the dim, grey clouds gave little comfort, but still has able to give a small reprieve. Even it was only a moment. "The knight's were formed as a defending force, to uphold justice and order in Mondstadt. The last time we had waged war at a massive scale was around five-hundred years ago. It nearly destroyed the knights, but we had held much better than most nations at that time."
"Indeed, Mondstadt was quite lucky."
Aether's neck snapped towards the door and immediately spotted the Librarian herself, nestling books beneath her arms, and a bag strapped to her side. "Miss Lisa?"
"Hey there, cutie~" Lisa greeted the young man with her usual sultry voice. "Thank you for arranging this, Grandmaster Varka. Apologies for the delay, I had to barter with the new Librarian for a few books under the Knight's collection."
Aether, of course, blushed at Lisa's teasing remarks. He caught himself before he could embarrass himself more, but he clicked at Lisa's final words. Barter? She was the Librarian, and what did she mean when there was a new Librarian? It was only a month, how much did he miss?
"I see that you were not notified of Lisa's departure," Varka said dryly, as Lisa gave an innocent giggle. "Of course, if there was any other problem with the new Librarian, tell him that you have my blessings, Minci. And Aether, do not worry, this was only yesterday as she had approached me with a proposition that might benefit our current cause."
"Don't be so sad, cutie, if you pout that much I might not resist the temptation to stay." Lisa sat beside him, as both Aether and the former Librarian faced the Grandmaster. "As he had said, the Grandmaster and I came to an accord that my uses are best used elsewhere."
"What do you mean?" Aether asked, worried that Lisa might be let go. "Did something happen? Why leave now?"
"Do not misunderstand her intentions, young man, she is still part of the Knights, but it is best for her to return to Sumeru."
"Indeed," Lisa replied alongside the Grandmaster, her face was with the look of remorse. But there was a determined glean within her eyes. "In this day forth, I am now part of a missionary force towards the Nation of Sumeru."
"Missionaries?"
"Yes, this is the only way that might benefit us," Varka nodded tersely. "Even if we can't reinforce the knights' forces, our allies with Sumeru and Liyue might be able to help our current plight. I already negotiated with the Tianquan. Lady Minci here is assigned to replace a former colleague of theirs, the former and late Grand Custodian, Professor Ambrosius."
Lisa narrowed her eyes at the mention of her late mentor. "Mondstadt wasn't the only nation affected by the Unknown God's retaliation last month. Liyue's Crux Fleet were struck with a mighty blow, crippling the defense of the nation, but the famous Captain Beidou stopped the Unknown God's forces from damaging anything else. Its trading power is still strong, and the Millelith's strength was barely touched, as the remaining Adepti rallied every force available."
"Ha! Those fools did not see those warriors coming! A dozen Adepti were already living in the city, using their powers again to defend the people of Liyue was as simple as summoning them. Heck, some of them Adepti were already living a civilian life, and if the reports were right, popped up from the crowds." True, Aether already had met many of them, as Madame Ping was adamant that Aether and Paimon knows them. Just in case, of course. "Unfortunately, there was a few casualties. Whilst majority of them were part of the fleet, two or three Adepti were eliminated during the ensuing chaos."
"What?" Aether gasped in horror. There was an Adepti casualty? "Who?"
Lisa gave a look of pity at Aether's horrified face and steadily replies, "Two were unnotably not that famous but they were still honored. It was a former veteran of the Archon War that took the most attention. Considering his brilliant final stand..." Lisa had heard the Adepti's daughter weeping, and that had caused a massive public outcry against the Unknown God. The Qixing will have blood.
A veteran of the Archon War? Was it Ganyu? Was it Xiao? Aether hoped not. Those two were his friends, even if Xiao might scowl at the notion. "Was there a funeral at least?"
"Yep, the Wansheng Funeral Parlor was getting a profit at least," Lisa mirthlessly chuckled, but Aether knew that Hu Tao would never take pleasure at a loss of life. "It was a solemn affair, and to think that their god had perished recently. What bad luck."
Aether knew better than to object to that, even if the man in question was still alive, Aether wonders what did Zhongli think in all of this?
"Sumeru proved no better sadly," Varka shook his head at the thought. "The Academy itself was attacked from within as dozens of students sided with the Unknown God. Many teachers were unfortunately put down, having its staff cut in half. It was more than a crippling blow, it decapitated the entire elder council in one blow."
"Indeed," Lisa scowled at the reminder of her traitorous colleagues. "Without a doubt, it will take another century for them to recover."
"If we win, that is."
Varka is right, there is no point in planning for the future if there won't be any. "Does this mean we are allies to both of them?"
"We just need to hash out a few details with the remaining Elders of the Academia," Varka replied, pulling out a stack of papers towards Lisa. The former Librarian accepted it, as if waiting on it the entire time. "That is where Lisa's job begins, as the Elders accepted the delegation, and under one condition. Lisa Minci must be the one to deliver it and represent us."
"Don't you remember, cutie? I'm quite the influential figure at the Academy, I'll have to do my best in pleasing their demands if we are to have this triple alliance."
"Should there be really an alliance?" Aether asked, desperate to find another way. "I mean, we really need you here, Lisa. Without Jean I... We..."
Lisa's eyes soften, and placed a gentle pat on Aether's head. "Oh, don't be such a downer. If you weren't as cute, I might find that less endearing. But you must understand Aether, I am not only going to do delegation work, I am also going to continue where I left off with my research."
"Research?"
"Yes, about that..." Varka was hesitant to continue, but seeing the confident and determined look on Lisa's face convinced him to do so. "Yesterday, whilst I was discussing the deal with the Academy, Lisa wanted to share what she had learned before she set off in joining the knights."
"Have you ever wondered how I got my Vision, Aether?" Lisa gently asked, easing Aether into the fold. "You see, I was a young girl back then, always curious, and never afraid. My mentor would always warn my misgivings, but what good did that do me when I never had listened? Curiosity killed the cat, after all."
Aether does not know what to make of this, but listened intently anyway. There was a gut feeling within him, though, and it only happened twice. Once, during the audience with the Tsaritsa, when he observed Paimon being more quiet than ever. He thought that his companion was just hungry, but he underistimated his trust on a dear friend, especially when that 'dear friend' showed her true colors.
The second time was only a short time ago, during the peak of the Battle at Windrise. A calm before the storm settled, then the encampment was struck by the enemy, and Aether and his friends were too far away to intervene.
This time though, it felt much more ominous.
"I was curious with Visions," Lisa admitted, her eyes were staring a thousand yards ahead, as if recalling a memory that haunted her. "The foolish girl I was, I did not even questioned it. At first, my fellow colleagues congratulated me, then my teachers gave me trickles of wisdom pertaining on Visions. It was a silent night, I was reading multiple editions and books on any information about Visions. I had wished, a simple wish, that I was given a Vision. I did not beg, I did not ask, I just wished. A wistful thought, nothing too special. Then the light shimmered within me, and outwards came a gem of brilliance."
Aether can picture it in his head, about Lisa's surprised look, and the gem in her startled finger. "What happened next?"
"Arrogance." The pained look on Lisa's face was enough to unsettle him. Even Varka, the hardened warrior he is, looked perturbed as the rest in this room. "At that point, I thought that no knowledge in this world can escape my sight," Lisa whispered. "I thought, just like the rest of the people in Teyvat, that I was acknowledged by the gods by my brilliant intellect. But I was wrong..."
He wanted to comfort her, to say words that might make Lisa feel better, but how could he? Aether too, was speechless. What did she meant by her being wrong? "That can't be right, you are one of the smartest people in the world."
Lisa smiled beautifully, but Aether saw through that ugly smile. It was as if the person Aether praised was another. "Do you remember my question to you at the temple back then? Of why and how you can control the elements without one? I was curious because I had learned the truth of their purpose. And to see a stranger like you bear no semblance of power gifted by the gods, and yet you mastered it without years of doing so was very unnatural to the world."
"She's right," Varka nodded. "Even Jean was perplexed on your abilities, but questioned no further unless it might alienate you towards us."
"As you know now, I am a Outlander."
"indeed you are, but Aether, but there are Laws in this world. And you basically broke plenty of them."
"Laws?" Aether was sure that he had followed the rules according to the cities he was in.
"No, not hat kind of laws, Aether," Lisa laughed at the perplexed man in question. "I had read a few books when I had obtained my Vision, it was scribbled that the folks at Celestia, the Archons and the Administrators are those who had placed the fundamental structures in this world. Its elements, the nature, its creatures. Humans. They are all functioning as one machine, but you? The Traveler? Your piece was never meant for the machine."
It made sense, in some way, as he can interact with objects that others can't. Aether can even remembered Dvalin's tears, no Vision wielder can hold it for long, and yet he stood his ground and kept it without problems. He can store objects within his own tiny space, he can summon materials, Aether can learn faster than any normal human as Albedo was impressed with his progress in learning Alchemy.
And yet, it was much different for Vision wielders. Yes, they are much stronger, faster, and even talented at what they do, but there are people that Aether faced that are strong without them. Why are Visions so special? What made them special?
"Have you noticed the patterns within your companions, Aether? Of how they got their Vision?"
Yeah, now that Aether thought about it very hard, he can see a dangerous pattern. Fischl... Didn't she get her Vision at her most lowest point in her life? What about Razor? Yes, before the wolf boy caught the attention of Varka and the tutelage of Lisa, Aether remembered Razor saying that he got his 'shiny rock' when his pack mates were being attacked. He was desperate to help, and Razor got his help within recieving his Vision...
Does this mean...?!
"Yes," Lisa solemnly nodded at Aether's aghast look of revelation about his companions. "Most Visions come to those without power, without the necessary strength to overcome their fears, and the gods would gift them their treasures of paradise, Visions."
At their most lowest? That's just sick! "What sort of twisted sense were they thinking?!" Kaeya. Bennett. Kazuha. Fischl. Rosaria. Razor. Even Diluc, who was given a Vision when his father didn't. And in some way, Crepus was happy for Diluc, which made the man happy as well. What a sick and twisted thought. In their moments of agony, did they beg? Were they really not strong enough?
"We'll never know, I'm afraid," Lisa frowned. "I never had continued my research when I had learned of the recent patterns of new Vision users. I left the Academy with good terms, but I was haunted of what I learned and what kind of trouble my talents led me to, I decided to join the knights for a comfortable living."
"Comfortable living?" Aether asked, he was befuddled at her thought process.
"You have no idea how valuable the position of Librarian was," Varka groaned at thinking of the trouble the position brought. "Whilst most knights are battle hardened, positions like the Librarian wouldn't really need any fighting experience. But it pays very well considering the hard task of organizing the information gathered by the knights in over the past few millennium. They have to be hard-working and diligent in paperwork and cares a lot about books."
"I took the position much faster than others." Varka's eyebrows twitched in annoyance when Lisa had giggled. "It was quite easy too, since my late mentor was a person that the knights regarded highly since he had assisted them a few decades ago with the Delusion Uprising. He was the one to convince me to join the knights anyway, he even had a letter of recommendation towards Grandmaster Varka prepared."
"It's not that we would ever deny the man's words," Varka grumbled. "And yes, our resident Librarian back then was more amused than angry, but he was very accepting than most considering Lisa's love for the Library's books."
"Indeed, I then spent the next few years living the best days of my life." Aether nodded at that, it seems even with the boring task of overlooking the Library, Lisa seemed to enjoy it. Especially with friends. "What's ever left that is."
...Huh? "Say that again? I didn't hear you clearly."
"I'm dying. There's no way around it I'm afraid." The sad smile that Lisa had given was enough to shatter him once again. First, he lost Paimon. Then Ajax, Jean, and Diluc. Now this?! Why?
Lisa was silent as the grave, carefully observing Aether's inner mental breakdown. "Tell me, Aether, if you were greeted by a merchant that had saved Paimon, Jean, and Diluc, would you be grateful? Would you call it a blessing?"
It was too good to be true, but if so, then Aether wouldn't hesitate. "I will." Aether's determined answer only seemed to amuse her.
"Indeed, so did the rest of the world. So did many of your friends. They're indebted to Celestia. And now, we only have to wonder the price needed to pay that debt back."
...
"Just think on my words, Aether." Lisa suddenly got up and tightened her hold on her bag, and flashed Aether a sad smile. He had a feeling that would be the last time he would ever see her. "...I spent every waking moment of my life as a Librarian supporting my friends, because one day, I don't know when will it end. Goodbye, Traveler."
Lisa spent a second to spare the Grandmaster one last nod and promptly left the office. Aether did not know what to say. The permeated silence of the room was suffocating for him, and Aether might've dashed towards the door as well if not for the Grandmaster's firm calls.
"Traveler. A word." Aether dared to look back at Varka, and saw the man aged in decades. He bet the old warrior felt old too. "Do not breathe a word of what was discussed here to anyone, got it?"
Inside, Aether was internally debating within himself to reveal it to his close friends, of how they might be potentially scammed into what they got into. Kaeya. Bennett. Kazuha. Fischl. Rosaria. Razor. Even Diluc...
"I know how much you care for your friends Aether, but revealing them won't exactly help in the situation. It might create more panic and tension, that Mondstadt's best warriors might be ticking time bombs. In Klee's case, it might be literally..."
Varka had a point, if he were to tell them, they wouldn't throw away their Visions. It would only cause more tension, tension that Varka and the knights do not need right now. But still, keeping it between them? This revelation was huge! But did it really matter in the long run? No, Aether thought it was worthless anyway. He'll end this war, then he'll look for his sister and find some needed answers.
"Fine," Aether conceded on Varka's request. "What else did you need me for? If not, my companions and I need to finish some urgent commissions." It was the only way to drop the burden of truth behind him, at least for a while. Doing some work and busying himself might distract him in all of this unneeded feelings of regret and worry.
"There is something alright, but before that, do you accept our last proposal?"
That's right, Varka's offer for a true role in the knights. "It is to be lead by Kaeya, right? Then I accept." There's no point in thinking it any further, all of his friends will fight in this war. He greatly disliked it, but Aether had been through worse. How long could this war last exactly? They still have Mondstadt, Liyue is still under the vigilance of the Adepti, the Academy still has experienced casters and the Elder Council were steady. If Aether helped, this war would be over soon, then he'll demand answers from Paimon and Lumine.
The truth would be revealed, but at what cost? Lisa payed the price, and she felt her time was waning. But he'll fixed that too. Aether was a free-spirited person, but when his friends needed him, he'll be there.
"Good, good," Varka smiled in genuine stride, happy to have some good news. "Then if you are done with your current affairs in Mondstadt, I want you to go ahead and join up with the delegation force at Natlan that was head by Noelle. Unfortunately, the folks at Natlan are a stubborn folk, and with the current lack of progress, we'll need a professional problem solver in the aid of Lady Noelle."
Aether was more than happy to accept. After signing a contract, and repeating after Varka by reciting the Pledge of Honor, the Grandmaster told him to kneel. Varka then briefly knighted him in short affair. Usually, there would be a cause of short celebration, but the crisis on hand was too much of a lenience. Noelle did not recieve it, nor would Aether.
He was then dismissed and instructed to meet with Captain Kaeya of the newly reformed Company Nine for a mission briefing as soon as able. Stepping out of the Grandmaster's office, Aether found himself surprised at the number of people waiting for him.
"Greetings, my errant Knight, I hast stood for an eternity, lingering within the white marbled walls for your esteemed audience."
As usual, Fischl was always there to greet him. Aether wondered why? The day he had returned from that disaster at Sneznhaya, the Prinzessin was there by his side. More so in recent days, curious. But the nonchalant sight of her, with her Vision proudly towed behind her back, gave Aether a dark reminder of where that came from. She wasn't alone, though.
Razor was patiently waiting near the entrance of the Headquarters, Sucrose was on her own corner fiddling with a flask or two, and Bennett himself was passing time by chatting up with the Knight assigned to the entrance of the Library.
"My thanks, Princess," Aether smirked when the girl would have a hint of blush on her cheeks. "Apologies, for keeping you waiting. But the Grandmaster needed me to discuss with him some matters that concern my overall role for Mondstadt."
"Oh?" Fischl playfully scoffed. "And pray tell, what important matters that should needed to be discussed? You are the Hero of Mondstadt, are you not?"
That title meant little in war, but he digressed. "If you must know, Princess, I am officially a knight in the Ordo Favonius. Non-commissioned officer of Company Nine to be precise."
"Wha-!?" Fischl was gobsmacked at the news. Razor, Bennett, and Sucrose was too if Aether were to go with their surprised expressions.
They were pleased nonetheless.
"Oh wow! You did?! That's AWESOME! Now, we have a knight for Bennett's Adventure team!" Good ol' Bennett, Aether wonders what the Adventurer would think on Aether's new assignment with Kaeya? Maybe the lad shall tag along for the ride, eager to prove himself fierce. Whilst Bennett's reputation within the Guild dwindled considerably in recent years, weirdly enough, the Unlucky Adventurer is on good terms with the Knights since there were times Bennett would accidentally stumble on a missing person in the woods or turn his luck against the local Hilichurl tribes.
"Razor happy. Razor wishes to know if more dinner will come from new knight?" There is no doubt that his good friend, and Lupical, Razor, would not pass up the opportunity to travel with him. Of course, both would have to earn the blessing of Boreas first since Aether would go beyond just the borders of Mondstadt. And since his companion was diligent to the end, Aether will spruce up a delicious meal for dinner later.
"EEP! ...Really? Oh my, I have to tell Klee and Albedo about this!" Sucrose is a person that Aether wholly trusts, but her responsibility truly lies within Albedo's supervision. A shame, as the talented girl would've been a valuable ally in the long road, and the journey ahead has plenty of flora for the shy scientist to uncover, making her genius shine more brightly on the field. She was an official knight already and is under the command of the Chief Alchemist, Aether doubts that their current interests align.
Fischl was speechless, and she turned around, trying to find her feathery companion, but did not find him. Damn that bird! What should she say? Congrats? No, too mundane for her tastes. What about a speech? No! That's embarrassing! OOOoooohhh, if she managed to get ahold of that traitorous scum, Oz will beg to his mistress if she had her way!
"Well?" Aether was waiting for her, specifically, everyone in the halls were waiting. Even the curious knight in the corner. "Is there something you wish to say, mein fraulein?" In recent days, it was fun to tease the poor girl, as gauging her reaction became a small game for Aether. It was always a pleasure to undermine her image sometimes. Heck, even Oz was along the ride. He couldn't imagine a world without her, beside him, in this beautiful garden of hers.
"Hmph! I shall remember this day! Mark my words, Outworlder! The deepest pits of the Abyss would be suited for your frail and sinful body!"
"Going for the Eula route? I vouch that."
Everyone shared a laugh, at her expense of course. But Aether saw a glimmer of a smile, and that gave him hope. He'll fight in this war, and end it too. As Aether and his companions head towards the entrance of the knights to leave the place, Aether wonders what bright future await them?
With a free arm to hold the handle, Aether pushed it with all his might and...
...Aether stumbled out of the Northland Bank, with having to finally pay the fee of the Storage Facility. At least, in the near future, when Aether needs it he'll make use of such a convenient thing. It was already late in the night, and he needed to find little Ningguang and eat dinner together.
Stretching his back, Aether felt exhausted. He had to deal with a Ruin Guard of all things, managed to find both Ningguang and Beidou in their younger years, then stumbled upon the frozen form of Qiqi whilst searching for answers. It was a long day, and Aether can't wait to put it behind him. He has plans to scheme, Mora to invest in, and a destination in mind.
He can spend his years here, taking his time picking off the so-called Syndicate, and look after Ningguang, but there must be other options.
As much as Aether wanted to settle down, he needed to find a perfect place to set up operations, find some allies, and more clues about the Unknown God. At the aftermath of the final battle, Aether learned a few things about his foe; she was a god of time, works for the folks at Celestia, and might've done something around five-hundred years ago. So, this means, he needs resources, abled-bodied warriors to fight his cause, and a place to research his findings.
The means to earn resources are a plenty, especially in the past era a decade early when Aether first arrived, as many mines that were put to use during the war might be still untouched. The abandoned mines at Mondstadt were prime examples of opportunity. All he needed was to start a company, which needed staff and people he can trust. Aether doubts he can immediately find such things, as he became more paranoid in recent years. But who knows really?
The second one was probably the hardest, as reliable warriors are pretty much lacking. Aether wasn't impressed at both the Millelith and the Knights, at least in this era to truly rely on them. It means he might have to start at the ground up. Aether has ten years until the fated day that Paimon would appear, so he had time on his hands. And he won't waste another second of it. He'll have to wait for his friends to grow up, though it seems that Aether has to let them be.
He doesn't want to ruin his friends' lives too much. It'll definitely bite him up his ass soon enough.
About Qiqi, Aether might have to return her back to Dr. Baizhu as Aether doubts he can care for a very volatile and half-dead zombie girl. He already has too much on his plate to do so.
And finally, a place to call home. Aether yearned for it too, but he can't call Mondstadt home. Or at least not yet. Same goes for Liyue, too much notoriety and he'll catch the attention of the Archons. He can handle Venti, but it was Morax Aether was wary of. The old god was too much of a enigmatic person to be comfortable with, and the archon carried to much baggage to be reliant on. That, and Aether doubts that Rex Lapis would listen to a madman talking about the apocalypse. Worse, if Aether would include the many personal things that Morax had shared with him to prove his point, he might anger the god more than it should. Especially if Aether spouses his knowledge of Guizhong.
That would be a slaughter waiting for Aether.
Venti was more amiable, but Aether has to play the emotions game. That, and buy the poor guy the most expensive wine available considering the things that Venti needed to hear. But Aether won't risk it, and Venti was reliable as a double edge sword. Too much was at risk if Venti were to ruin the plans too early or worse tell the other gods about it, especially the other Archons. Zhongli might listen, but Liyue was his top priority. Baal might be surprisingly easy to convince, but to prove Aether's point he has to prove himself first.
It was the rest he was unsure or worried about. Both the Pyro Archon and the Hydro Archon were surprisingly useless in the last timeline. The Dendro Archon was very suspicious, and Aether did not want to leak this escapade of his towards a potential enemy.
The Tsaritsa was the most ambiguous of them all. After the fall of Sneznhaya and the failure of the Liberation, the rescued Archon was silent the whole way as it was La Signora who delegated between the members of the alliance. It was only after the successful siege of Fontaine did the Cryo Archon finally speak, but only to Kaeya. Aether and the rest of his friends were obviously apprehensive, but Aether was put off by the calm demeanor of the god.
It wasn't the calm and calculating aura like La Signora had, but something akin to inner-peace and diminutive acceptance. It was seriously adorable, like if Qiqi and Eula had a sister.
Kaeya was put off too, and held his guard, but it fell after it got exhausting. The knights and the remnants of the Fatui grew closer in comradery, as joint operations grew more successful after that. After Sumeru fell, the Tsaritsa convinced Kaeya to rally what remains of the knights for one final push.
In the end, what had Aether witnessed that afternoon was horrifying and beautiful. The island that once stood proud over the massive lake of Teyvat, now plundered towards the earth. Aether then knew, that both Kaeya and the Tsaritsa perished.
Aether doesn't know wether to trust the Archon, but if push comes into shove, he'll do his best in convincing her.
The Central Streets of Liyue was as empty as the hour it presides. Apart from a few vigilant Millelith, there were only less a dozen people roaming about. And one of them caught his sight.
"Mister Aether!"
The sandals fit, definitely. Little Ningguang herself felt anew, as the bright and delighted look that greeted Aether was as genuine. Her outfit was a shell of its former glory, as many articles of clothing was still missing, but overall the gold and white quipao suits her greatly. Aether spotted the box of the child's wares missing from her hip.
"It was a mission success, I presume?" Aether smirked back at Ningguang's joyful nod. He knew he can count on Old Man Wu, even if the old man acted funny and started talking about Liyue's political situation at Aether and Paimon's ears off. Aether was starving already, and gazed at the high-end restaurant. Yep. No. He spent a lot of Mora already, and if he had remembered that Childe was requested by Zhongli to eat here, and whatever the consultant sees as quality is to much expensive for Aether to pay.
He saw Ningguang squirming beneath his presence. Aether was sure to drop his imposing presence a while ago, but questioned none of it. "Since it was a success, care to treat me for tonight?" Screw it, he was sure that Ningguang did not mind if Aether smooch off her for a little bit. He missed the old times.
"Really? Of course!" Ningguang replied back, happy to prove her friend of her progress. This was an opportunity for her to impress mister Aether, and an opportunity that the man willingly let because he was too lazy and missed the nostalgic times. But where should they eat? Looking at the fancy restaurant next to them, Ningguang felt herself intimated by the sight of the glamour it produces.
Remembering that Ningguang dislike fancy foods, Aether spotted a couple of food stands still open. Oblivious to the girl's true thoughts, Aether suggested somewhere much more convenient. "I miss some good ol' Jewelry Soup, maybe that stand over there might suffice?"
Ningguang eagerly nods, and led Aether towards the lower markets for a midnight snack. The night was still young after all.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is the final part of Dark Revelations, I swear!
Also, expect short delays as my first year of college finally started. Adapting into a new learning environment kinda sucks, and the pandemic isn't helping either. But no worries, as I am planning to finish Act I and start on other projects of mine. At least before 2.0 starts.
For more details on future projects, visit my server and drop a hello!
I just realized I had reached a hundred thousand words on this story, and while that might not be impressive to some, for me being new in writing fanfiction, this is a huge milestone! Seriously, I do not know if I had the courage to write something like this a few months if not for you guys' continued support. Without the praise and criticism, I might have given up writing this a long time ago. Probably at chapter 3.
Thank you for your strong faith placed within me! I'll do my best endeavor in delivering my Genshin Content to you guys!
Stay tuned for more!