Written by SentryForge223 (Prologue REVISED)

OUR CRUEL FATE

PROLOGUE - Beginning of the End


"Power is not what rules the land, it's wit and subterfuge. You may struggle to triumph in battle, but as long as the war is not won, individual victories will become meaningless. Revel in your success, wallow in your misbegotten sense of security, for in the end, only bitterness will await you.

Guileless child, drown in your despair and rue the world for its machinations. For it would not be so merciful.

Your naive rule has and always will be destined for ruin. Rejoice! For I shall show your precious subjects the true meaning of ABSOLUTE Rule.

A 'Noble' Death is meaningless, without someone to remember your deeds and name. It's all a matter of perspective, of course."


Aether and his beloved sister never believed in destiny. As powerful inter-dimensional beings, both siblings were spared the fate of many unfortunate souls. They have a home to return to, a loving family, and between the siblings themselves, each other is enough. But their beliefs were shaken on that fateful day, where a goddess deemed them a threat and dismisses their existence.

All for the sake of humanity's arrogance.

Both siblings were distraught, separated on their own time, not even a farewell was exchanged. Just fear and sadness. Horror fills their faces when each other was lost. Aether remembered that face, her sweet sister's golden eyes begged for safety, for reassurance, and none he could give would ever make her smile again. Then, she was finally consumed. The goddess' face was of satisfaction and disgust. Contemplation. Brief as it was, Aether couldn't care less what the unknown god believes. All he saw was red.

That was the final straw.

Gathering the celestial energy around him, he dashes behind his foe and unleashed a torrent of heavenly power. Equal to a falling star, the skies of that place shook with supernatural strength and determination. A powerful force, enough to shatter a mountain whole. But all was for naught, as the goddess foresaw it.

Deprived of his strength, Aether could only watch in terror as his body and soul was captured at last. He desperately cried out the name he most cherished. But none answered. And the darkness felt cold, the sensations in his soul was severely unpleasant. Aether couldn't feel alive any longer, but not truly gone. A state of limbo. Throughout the countless years, he endured it.

His soul was being consumed, and the darkness whittles away his last remaining light. Until he was nothing but a shell of his former self. An empty husk, doomed to live in this desolate world without his loved one, and might suffer a terrible fate.

All throughout the grim process of undying and living death, his thoughts echoed endlessly. His voice like a lost soul in an empty void. Just echoing. Only a single word, a name, that repeats itself.

Lumine.


He awoke with a jolt, and a piece of him was missing. Distraught and alone, he could only wander around his new home with sadness. A stark contrast to the times with his sister. For weeks, he wept and cried himself to sleep. The unfamiliar terrain and the alien sensation of his new 'home' did not help settle his emotions and thoughts. All incoherent and in complete shambles. Aether could not utter a word without stuttering himself into depression.

Foraging and fishing for food, the monotonous tasks he busied himself was the only thing holding him together. Not much he could do. With his powers gone, the lack of flight and the ability to properly defend himself was another point to remind Aether of his goddamn failures. Life seems to move faster than he had expected. Days gone by without contacting the locals of this world.

Aether was scared of what he might do if the wrong words were said. He never was much of a socialistic person, not unlike his sister. Who is a butterfly that attracts others easily. Aether was only a prop in the background, ready to assist his sibling if needed. It had seemed that his final days might be spent doing nothing but wallow in his despair. The bleakness of the cliffside shore were not comforting at all. That is until fate tested him again.

For he had found hope. And a new companion! Granted, not the best, but not the worst either. They got along fine, and with Paimon's help, Aether will find the light again. Listening to her advice, Paimon wishes to see one of the Seven's statues here in Mondstadt. The Anemo Archon's to be precise, and with his new guide, his path was much clearer.

"And we're off to the statue of the Seven!"

Her voice was more recognizable, even in a crowd. Paimon's endless smiles would see Aether through the day, and any other day after that. Such was the power of friendship, the bond between traveler and guide will be eternal.

In the end, Aether thought this was merely a nightmare, where he wakes up to find his sister safe, and the friends he made along the way were safe as well, content with the life he may have. He was right, though. Because one day, he will wake up to a horrible reality. One that will haunt him in his final days.


Aether struggled to open his eyes, only dust and empty wind greeted him. The world was dark, and the Abyssal Moon seemed to be the only light source. The cold floor was smooth, clear textured, and stained with blood. His blood. The Moon's rays pierced through the broken ceiling of the Fortress, as Aether tries to stand. Massive rubble came tumbling down to the floor where he barely stood. Despite the noise, no entity moved and no one called out to him.

The silence was dreadful.

Confusion threatens to hold his mind, but his will was much stronger than that. The Pyro Archon found that out the hard way. Looking around the room, trying to search for answers, but his battered form thinks otherwise. His throat felt dry, and his body felt much heavier than before. The pounding on his head was bearable at best, but the thuds in his skull felt horrible. And distracting. Jean would always remind him that distractions were just another step into doom.

Reaching into his golden blade, one where he and his sister had shared the same design, from the depths of his soul, and uses the tip to balance himself. His legs threatened to buckle, but toppling him was not an easy task. The hundreds of foes that knock him off his toes made sure of that. His eyes, golden hue, scanned the scene around him once more.

Was the struggle over? Did they win?

If so, where were Amber's cheers? Diluc's scoff? Kaeya's and Benette's voices of victory?

The blade he once held proudly became a glorified walking stick. His sister would've laugh at the sight. If only she were here. Regrets filled his aching heart as he recalled Lumine's final breaths. No, NO. Not now, especially at this predicament. He will grieve later, for now, he must find a way out of the ruined floor. Seeing a massive door towards a set of stairs, he slowly trudged forward. Each step brought an immense amount of pain. Reaching the massive door and forcing it open, his eyes caught a familiar shock of navy blue and gold.

"Xingqui!" he gasped, shock filled him as his voice seemed unfamiliar. For a moment, he couldn't recognize his voice. It was scratchy and broken. Aether shook his head, pushing on when his friend didn't answer. But he wasn't alone, as a young man with white clothing shared the same spot as Xingqui. His heart stopped, as he witnessed his friend's normally pristine white clothes was stained blood red. "Chongyun! Are you okay?"

As Aether staggered towards them, his own breathing was the only sound he hears. Nearing them, the blade he wields clatter to the ground, the noise of his sword falling was deafening. Falling to his knees, he crawled forward. The immeasurable pain in his body was ignored. And blood slowly bleeding out of his outfit stains the floor. Reaching out to them, Aether finally grabbed Xingqui's shoulder. He knew, even before he turned his friend over. Xingqui's body was cold, too cold. Those bright golden eyes, brimming with bravery and chivalry at first sight, now looked dull and empty. There was no light in them, no spark for adventure or justice. Blood stained his friend's mouth and chin smudged away and faded. There was a piece of metal lodged in his chest, between his own ribcage. A blade of a Ruin Hunter.

"No… please not like this." Aether's head honed towards Chongyun's form, seeing much the same. The young exorcist didn't move, didn't breathe, and despite the open eyes, he didn't perceive the world around him. Tears filled his vision and he pressed his forehead against Xingqiu's. "No, no, no. Please. I beg of you!"

Not again! But maybe…

A pulse! There had to a pulse. He could lend some of Sucrose's concoctions, to mend the bones and heal the damage. He just needed them alive. To still breathe, before using them. Aether's hands rushed towards his friend's throat, fingers prodding, and poking. When that failed he tore Xingqui's shirt open, ignored the blood, and pressed his ear against the young man's chest. They had been through a lot, and when Aether's days seem bleak Xingqui would always come to the rescue. Saving a lonely traveler from his own failures by watching his back and accompanying him through thick and thin. Like a hero.

Anything, he begged. There has to be something I can do. Don't leave me you two. I can't lose you like I lost Lumine. There was nothing. He moved to Chongyun, desperate, issuing an apology as he heats up his hands with pyro to light up the guy's boundless positive energy. He would wake up to Aether doing so, he'd scream in horror, hit him, and they'd both laugh about it later…

Except that they wouldn't because there was no heartbeat. The great exorcist would never wake up again. A broken sob escaped him. Just another person he wasn't fast enough to save. I wasn't there for him. Aether thought he ran out of tears for his sister, it seemed it hadn't. More flowed and he wept over them, drawing both bodies against his. Xingqui came to the rescue, like a knight in shining armor. Both facing their fate with an iron will. This… was this what they had fought and bled for? After doing long adventuring together, training and fighting, growing stronger. How could it end like this?

The sound of breathing ahead broke him from his grief.

It didn't come from Chongyun or Xingqui, but it was unmistakable - even it was weak. There was someone still alive. He picked up his blade once more and used it as a crotch, already feeling just a bit stronger. "I'll come back for you two," he promised, looking one last time to both his comrades. "You'll get a proper burial. I promise."

But for now, he had to see if someone else could be saved. He'd already lost too much and there couldn't be more. It just wouldn't be fair.

More bodies revealed themselves as Aether dragged himself floor-to-floor, through the ruins and wreckage. Some of them he realized, others he did not. Some wore Fatui uniforms, although ragged and old, torn beyond repair and lacking the terrifying flair they once had, all throughout the mess they went to, the badges that swore loyalty to the Tsaritsa were still proudly etched. Others were the knights of Favonius and those that survived the disaster of Mondstadt. More were unknown to him, brave and loyal all and here at the edge of reality to try and kill their enemy once and for all. Those who robbed them of their homes, and family.

And worse, some he knew. Those who he cared for. Razor stared at the ceiling blankly with his chest carved out. Bennett sat crumpled by a wall next to him. He'd likely given his best to try and buy them time. But as usual, his luck really turned on him. Before them, with a myriad of weapons and a claymore lodged in its form, was a mitachurl with a pair of blazing axes. They'd killed their foe, even if they succumbed soon after. There was nothing he could do for them.

"I'll bury you, too," he promised them. His voice choked at the last word.

There had to be someone he could save.

When the goddess appeared at Sneznhaya, stole the Gnosis from the Tsaritsa, and butchered half the Eleven Harbingers, a rally was made. What's left of the Eleven were captured and tortured. Varka leads an expedition with the entirety of the Knights of Favonius. Jean had not survived. She had been killed by Tartaglia, who was brainwashed and enslaved by the goddess. Diluc fought and died with her, bringing Childe down with them. At the end of that battle, the goddess lost a valuable piece but gained an army of defected Fatui.

Only La Signora and a contingent of the Loyalist of the Tsaritsa remained, and later in the war joined the fight. She too died, freezing the army of the goddess during the siege of the Sumeru Academy. And now, during the assault, only the senior officers who never forsaken their badges of loyalty fought with them and died as well. They'd made their Archon proud.

Kaeya stricken with grief fought alongside the Tsaritsa of all people and brought down Celestia unto the depths of the ocean. With Kaeya's true power revealed, both the Cryo Archon and Kaeya uses their strength and freeze the structure along with them. Greatly reducing the strengths of the Archons, but the goddess was affected as well. It was an opportunity none of them could pass up.

And so, here they are now.

There were going to be so many graves. Was he going to have to dig them all? No. He could hear someone ahead. There was still someone with him. Yet, somehow that did not comfort him. Not one bit. Dread fell into his stomach of that thought. There was NO WAY I would accept that.

Aether moved on, hunting the labored breathes he struggles to take, even as he stepped over Scaramouche's dead body and moved ever forward. Prick, he couldn't help but lament the tragedy that was the Sixth Harbinger.

Victory had never tasted so bitter. Is this what it feels like to lose? He'd promised them a better world. A good ending. A grand finale. What Aether had given was ashes and blood. Maybe people in the future would reap the benefits of their actions, but that was untold decades away. The damage dealt could leave scars lasting centuries. There was a good chance people would destroy one another before that, and maybe humanity would perish as a result. It was hard to say. It was even harder to imagine living alone.

His feet carried him across the smooth floor, through a beam of moonlight, and towards a tiny figure crumpled at the steps leading up to a raised dais. The feathered outfit only used by the Investigator of the Adventurer's Guild seemed to melt into the blood that pooled around her, soaked and laying lank across her body.

"Not you, too," Aether cried, dropping his sword and rushing forward. "Fischl, please! Anyone but you!"

She lay on her side, one arm beneath her and the other limp at her side. Her face was tilted to the side, her once beautiful emerald eyes were closed, but her lips formed into a tiny smile. To her, it wouldn't matter if she died so long as she did being majestic whilst doing so. Fischl was unique like that, or perhaps a bit selfish.

His hands flew over his lover, desperately searching the rise and fall of her chest or the rhythmic beat of the heart, no matter how weak. Aether's breath hitched. His mouth opened, but no words came out. He tried to speak, and nothing came forth. Words were useless anyway. Fischl couldn't hear them. She was gone. His knees splashed into her pool of blood as he gripped his head between both arms. This wasn't possible, it just wasn't.

"My brave knight, allow me to assist you. Do you wish to learn about my beautiful garden that is Teyvat? Very well, for at the moon's peak, we shall ride upon the great Ozvaldo von Hrafnavines' back. To please the Sovereign of the Immernachtreich, the stars shall beseech you to treat she-who-is-committed with a grand oyster of mortal consumption!"

"I believe what mein Fraulein means is that expect tonight would be a date and one that is to remember."

"Oz, no! Hold thy treacherous tongue!"

"Also, bring dinner."

"OZ!"

"Dammit, Fischl. You can't leave me like this," he begged. "Please wake up. Please. Someone... anyone..."

"Hrgh- ..."

Golden eyes snapped open. "Fischl?"

"Hah... Hrk-"

It wasn't Fischl. She hadn't moved. Aether's eyes trailed up and over her, upon the dais itself and the seat that stood at the top. The crystal throne infused with abyssal magic, a symbol of dominion of the Abyss, and once sat upon by his sister during her rule as a princess. There, slumped across the throne was the monster who caused all of this. Her once-proud form now riddled with burn scars and blood. She was breathing rapidly, and it made his blood boil. It was her fault. He manifested his sword, but the Goddess made no effort to stop him. The arrows lodged in her stomach might have something to do with that.

"Ugh... do not waste your efforts... she is gone," she glared at him as Aether made his way towards her, desperate to tear her apart, limb from limb.

The woman, as if she was to be called like that, fixed her inhuman gaze on him. Her skin was once pale and smooth now dotted with blood. The orange glow in her eyes seemed fainter and faded. Though, her chest rose and fell, it was with a dry rattle and a bubble of crimson fluid that spilled out of the many arrows that were lodged between her breast and stomach.

"Heh, is this what you had wanted?" she whispered. Her voice was low, faltering, and she had to struggle not to pause between words. "This is... what you and your comrades were gifted... How does it feel to be alone once... more...?"

"Is this..." she coughed. "Everything you thought... it would be?"

Aether, in the grip of an emotional outburst, turned his grief into rage. "No," he gritted his teeth together.

"Hrk- such arrogance...! Human stupidity never ceases to amaze me," the monster laughed. Pouring the remaining vestiges of her power, and opened a massive rift above their heads. Unnatural cubes slithered into the floor, beneath the raised dais, and formed a massive giant being of otherworldly matter. Aether took only a few seconds to move out of the way and rearm himself.

"Victory... rarely is, boy. And this...!" she proclaimed, lifting her right arm towards the monstrosity. "This is the culmination of my eternal game. A long-winded tale of our destruction and defeat. Tell me, Outlander, how many times did we clash?"

Clash? The only times he knew where he battled the Goddess herself was when he and Lumine were trapped in this world and the brief conflict at Sneznhaya. Where they were supposed to meet the Archon, as Tartaglia promised so after the confrontation at Liyue Harbor. Aether remembered that day when his beloved companion turned into this monster and slaughtered the Harbingers. He couldn't believe it, Paimon was his friend. His guide, and the person who lifted him up from his depressive shell. The darkness that nearly consumed him. Not the one who took his sister away, killed countless people, and the reason why his friends perished.

"Heh, the same look as always..." she grunted, lifting her whole body up. "Why must you siblings be so annoying? All the times I had to reset..."

Aether had no clue to what she was rambling about, but he didn't care. Adrenaline pumped his body as he once again, and probably for the final time, manifested his blade. He would die here, but what worth is it to live? His sister is gone, his friends dead, and the world in shambles. It had seemed Aether underestimated his desire to perish as well. No matter, his princess was waiting for him, and the rest of his family as well. He just needed to deal with this bitch.

Drinking in every last bit of Sucrose's concoction, he immediately dashed forward, his foe awaiting Aether's demise. Sprinting in like never before, Aether prepared to strike. The monster anticipated this as it swung towards him. The boy slides underneath its arm, barely missing that hit. As he composed his form once more, he summoned a gale of wind. The power of Anemo answered his plea as a ball of pure wind energy manifested in his left hand.

Learning this trick at Natlan, where the Pyro Archon challenged his right to an audience with her. Infusing his blade with pyro energy, and combining it with his anemo, Aether has now accessed to an arsenal of death. The anemo energy unleashed a raging whirlwind of fire and destruction. He imagined Jean doing her move of thrusting her blade with anemo energy to launch her foes, now add that with pyro and multiply the power output by a thousand. The results were immediate, and highly effective. Hitting its unfortunate victim in a roaring strike. Flame and wind danced with grace. The Ultimate Tool of Destruction.

Human ingenuity and pure creativity.

The monstrosity seemed to acknowledge it though, as the inhuman howl of rage filled the room. Now enraged and beyond composed, the creature charged towards him. It might've been a bit startling if Aether had not planned beforehand. But he did, and the initiation of the battle favors him. Now, to take advantage of such. Strike when the iron is still hot. Glaring at the abomination, Aether couldn't suppress the urge to blast its master to pieces. But held firm, the battle was in his favor. He would not risk losing from a temper tantrum. He should know better.

Emotion. The one true catalyst of the Electro element. Beidou had taught him how to summon his inner rage and hatred, and how to contain and nurture it. The amount depends on the situation at hand. And the situation is kinda fucked up right now. As Beidou would always say, "Any time is the right time to be pissed off, just knowing when to unleash it is key." Knowing Beidou, her skill of Absolute Retribution could tear monsters apart, and shatter buildings in one swing. The captain of the Crux is something else entirely, and Aether could never live up to that hype.

Good. Because now, he will make her proud. The scenes of his friends butchered and lay motionless on the cold ground of this damn abyss really pissed him off. Grief, sadness, and regret were at the forefront of his emotions. Now, beyond that, in the heat of battle amongst monsters, his rage flowed like the wind. A raging maelstrom of hatred. Towards a foe, he really wants to rip to shreds, rending their existence to nothing, and shattering them into dust.

Never underestimate an angry man like him, for he felt the surge of Electro flow in his battered form, and manifested into a form of a gauntlet. A spikey one at that, enough to shatter tall structures to rubble in a single swing. Thunder rumble across the room, as the monster clashed with the Electro infused Traveller. His raging fist smashed the monster head-on, caving the stomach and splitting its massive form. Since the beast was still on fire, the Electro fused with the flames and exploded. Sending Aether flying back towards a wall. "Damn, is this what Bennett feels every time? Not exactly envious."

Struggling to even stand, he forcibly pushed himself from the ground. Leaning against the wall, he observes the battlefield. The smoke was still there, and a visible crater decorated the room. Squinting his eyes, he noted that the Goddess disappeared. Grunting, he pushed himself away from the wall. Taking small steps towards the mess he made, Aether did not see the monster from above.

A gasp only escaped him as what remains of the beast pinned him. Damn, the torso of the monstrous entity was still intact, and both of its arms hold him to the ground. He could only watch the Goddess from above, descend towards him.

"Not bad," she commented. "A move I had never witnessed before, and even now you still managed to surprise me."

A soft chuckle escaped her vile lips and focused on an item she manifested out from one of her dimensional portals. A pocket watch. It was like any pocket watch that Aether has seen plenty of times, but when the Goddess opened it, the clock was merely a phantom on a sea of stars. As if alive, the motion of the device managed to cause him nausea.

"Hmph, it seems I can go for one more try," the Goddess scoffed as she fiddled with the clock. "Third time's the charm it would seem, and this time I did succeed."

Noticing his worried and confused expression, she gave Aether a disgustingly kind and ugly reassuring smile. "You always would wonder how I knew you and your sister's capabilities? Well, let me educate you on the wonders of time. It is never static, in fact, time always moves ever forward. And I, the Archon of Time and Space, studied and ruled it as my dominion. Until the Archon War that is, where my Authority over it was forcibly taken from me."

The Goddess held his chin up, "The humans who thought they could fiddle with my creation think they would get away with it. I made sure they didn't. The war on the heavens did not only take what is mine but those I cherish as well. Because of human intervention, the war for Teyvat escalated to extreme levels. One I was doubting they would recover from."

"And yet, they thrive now," she scoffed. Gazing towards the empty abyssal world, and taking a glance at the moon. "Like pests, they could never be exterminated so easily. So, I devised a plan to descend Teyvat into chaos once more. Five hundred years ago, I rattled the forces between the mortal realm and Celestia, and damning the unfortunate human souls below. The only problem was that two Outlanders interfered with my plans and rallied against the foes of humanity."

Her gaze landed on him, as confused as he was, Aether noted a look of mere annoyance towards his existence. "What did you mean two Outlanders?" he asked, now staring back at the Goddess. The look given back was more curious than anything, and the Goddess gave a pondering look. As if arguing herself with something.

"Would you believe me if the two Outlanders were you and your sister?"

What. How? He and Lumine never stayed behind to witness something like that. Unless...

"That's right, what if I never interfered with the both of you when leaving? At first, I never knew both of you even existed," she laughed as if recalling a memory a long time ago. "I was more curious as to why you would visit this world."

Wait. Before leaving this world, Lumine wanted to know if he was willing to settle down. To stop traveling, and live out their lives in this world. Of course, he was against it. Considering the general state of things before they decided to leave. But the doubtful look on Lumine's face said it all. It was then the Goddess interrupted them, and torn them apart. Could it be? If they had never left would they had helped the people below? It was a no-brainer for Lumine, she was kind and considerate like that. But then...

"...You turned back time, and tried to stop us, didn't you?"

The Goddess smirked, "Yes, I did. And I would have succeeded if not for your meddling sister. She had awoken much earlier than expected, whilst I was churning things at Celestia, and she managed to run off to Teyvat. Witnessing all that, and taking away her brother, she fought with a vengeance I had never seen before. In a blink of an eye, I was defeated and now reduced to a state of perpetual suffering. With you of all beings! The foods I had to stomach! Augh..."

That disgusted look seemed familiar as if his old friend was back. "Then what did you mean by 'Third time's the charm it would seem'?"

"The second time was the time I decided to accompany you through your adventures around Teyvat. But in the end, you reunited with your sister and defeated me. So this time was the charm. I had anticipated your arrival at Sneznhaya and took the opportunity when your guard was low. And now, here we are."

With a flourish of both of her arms, the monster pinning him grew two more arms. This time, with both blades armed, and ready to skewer him when the time has come. Aether could only watch in grief as the Goddess prepared to give the word. He would not be afraid, death seemed like an old friend, and nothing can stop this monster now. His sister was probably waiting for him, a little impatient. Along with the friends he met on his journey, they were waiting for him. Maybe these years were all he had. And even with the brief respite reuniting with his sister were all precious to him. Maybe that was enough. Let him rest in peace.

He would have closed his eyes, but he wishes to gaze back at the Goddess in his final moments. For one final defiance against what she stood for. A final spit at her face, and maybe some final words...?

"Paimon? Are you there?"

The Goddess narrows her sight, and demands, "Who are you calling, Outlander? The entity that is Paimon is gone."

"Regardless, I just wish to say goodbye. The sole reason for my journey was never at your manipulations, they were under my control. And Paimon was never you, as she was the light that pulled me out of my own darkness. I will never forget that."

Was it just him, or did the Goddess' eyes looked funny? Yes, those unnatural orange eyes became dull grey for a mere second. A blink is all that took to return to those baleful eyes, and yet those same eyes now felt doubt. She shook her head, feeling convicted now all of a sudden.

"Rejoice, Outlander, for your time of reckoning has finally arrived."

With a simple flick of her arm, the monster propped-up its new limbs and was ready to finish him off. Aether's eyes closed, waiting for that final blow... But it never came. Hearing pained grunts, he opened his eyes to witness something bizarre. Golden eyes met dull silver. Shocking him, as joy filled his aching soul to the brim. How could this be? Could it really...?

"...Emergency food?"

Huffing in annoyance, "For the last time, Traveler, Paimon's NOT EMERGENCY FOOD!"

Her voice seemed more mature, but the immaturity is still there. He couldn't believe his luck, his friend came back! Wait. Now he noticed Paimon, in the Goddess' form, was holding both her hands in the air, like she was halting something. Not feeling dead, he looked up to find the monster struggling to pierce him. Her grunts increased as the beast slowly lifted both arms pinning him. Now freed, he concentrated his Electro and Anemo energies into one swift move, he casted Wind Blade. The bastard never stood a chance, as a million particles blasted off of him.

Standing up once more, he could see Paimon from the other side. He quickly made his way towards her, now worried for her state. "How did you do that? I thought you were gone, I thought I had lost you too." Aether couldn't contain his joy, but a small part of him was scared. Was he going lose her again?

Coughing from the blast, she replies, "Nevermind that, the Requiem must be taken away!"

Requiem? Ah, the stopwatch. Looking back down at the bottom of the dais, he can see the device laying there. Paimon must've dropped it when he engaged the beast one last time. He picked it up, and found it surprisingly light. A pained gasp tore his attention away, as he sees Paimon struggling from something. It must be the Goddess! Damn her.

"Paimon! Are you okay?" he asked. Noted that the Goddess' body was still injured from the fight with Fischl. "Does it hurt?"

"No. Paimon is... fine," she seems to struggle at her words. "But you must use it! The device could only be used once. It would be the last, and Paimon must not fail...!"

Words escaped him. Why would she do this? "Please let me help you-"

"NO! You must do it, I can't hold her for long. She would- yOu WilL NevEr StOP mE! DamN YoU maScOT!"

Shockwave filled the room as tremors shook around her. Aether can barely stand his ground, but he must not give up on Paimon! Damn this, he could not bear to lose another.

"Aether, PLEASE," Paimon begged, her eyes burned with orange light. Instead of pure malice it was steadfast determination. "Let those mistakes be fixed! Save your sister. Save EVERYONE!"

Quickly gazing back to the device, he willed it to turn back time, to the past where he could render his mistakes into virtually nothing. The device seems to hum as the hands of the clock stopped moving, and suddenly the hands rapidly turn counter-clockwise.

"yoUR PoweRs ShalL bE TaKen aNd yoUr bIRthRigHt wILl NevER Be YOurS AgAIn!!"

He ignored her, more focused on the endless turning of time. "Paimon, will you be alright?"

"Hehe, just save a meal for me won't you...?"

White filled his vision as the world flashed in his eyes. And he knew no more.


Aether woke to familiar surroundings.

Nostalgia hits him much harder than he would have expected. The smell of the salty waters, the splashing of the blue coast reflected by the bright moon above. It was night time. Aether withheld a shudder, remembering those moments awhile ago. Those dead and soulless eyes of his friends. The death of his lover. And the final confrontation between him and the goddess. Paimon's final request. And time-travel. Shaking his head, Aether pushed himself from the ground, now with renewed vigor.

The familiar silhouettes of the cliff-side spark the dying embers for adventure. When was the last time he set out for a simple journey with friends? The stories shared between comrades in front of a campfire was an experience he would cherish forever. The sensation of fear threatens to grab hold of him, just thinking of failing again.

Calling towards his blade, his unresponsive weapon was now gone, traces of its existence was forever dead. Not much of a shocker really, as for you to count one thing on the goddess, it was her word and promise. Along with his powers, he could never fly again. But that is a price he was willing to pay. If his angelic persona and the only thing which connects him with his sister gone, for the chance to let those close to him live again, it was a no-brainer for Aether.

Once again depressed, and alone. He wandered off into the distance, where the Teleport Point patiently settled as if waiting for his arrival. Walking up to it, he can hear the gentle twinkle it emits. Calmly touching the object, it unleashes a flash of light. Now, at a more leveled position, Aether can feel the thrums of power course through him once more.

The goddess may have taken his powers again, but that doesn't mean she can take his most valued piece, his soul. Which is fundamentally different from those who live in this world.

Satisfied, he walked forward. Whatever lies in his path, he will not waver. For this time, for sure, he will make things right. He could only hope Paimon would forgive his tardiness. Knowing she won't show up for a month or two. Being soul bonded, he can feel her presence anytime and anywhere. He pleads to himself not to let Paimon drown.

He has a feeling she won't forgive him if he did.

If so, he'll treat her to dinner, all you can eat. Aether hopes that would be enough.


The silent wind is telling.

Such are signs of things to come. Plenty of people in Mondstadt are very superstitious, even if half the population does not believe in their Archon anymore. But living with dangerous monsters that prowl freely in the wild, witnessing powerful spirits roam the lands untamed by man, and the mere existence of elemental powers across the seven nations of the world can really give a good perspective on what goes on daily in the lives of the common folk. Varka only wishes the world to be a simpler place.

He was not a complex person, if you want to challenge him, then do so. If there is a person that disagrees with you, fight back. Given enough reasoning to be labeled as "decent" is enough for him.

Varka likes it quick and simple. Do not mistake his simpleness to be easy pickings. There is a reason as to why he is the current Cavalry Captain to the Ordo Favonius. His skill in leadership is valuable, and his fighting prowess? Unquestionable.

Give him a Hilichurl tribe to wipe out by himself? Easy pickings, indeed. Heck, he'd be done with it and eat breakfast after. Though, eating is a first. You can't conquer a nation on an empty stomach. He did try once, and it was a novel experience. The Fatui weren't exactly amused, and especially the current Grandmaster of the order. Well, fuck him. If he really wishes to bend over to foreigners who are obviously trying to subtly take over then do so. Just make sure to stay the fuck away from me.

"Damn, now I really want a drink." Varka groans as he continued his patrols across the streets of the city. Taking extra care to check the back alleys, the really shady ones. Most of the amateurish knights would not even bother, sticking close to the crowds. Not that he blamed them, sticky honey roast sounds very appealing right now. But having your eyes and ears to the most secluded spot tends to give results. Ha, suck on those treasure hoarders.

"I wonder if Angel's Share is still open?" his thoughts now wandered over his old friend, Crepus Ragnvindr. A shame, he is a good man at heart, but the standards for recruitment were high. And later in his age, Crepus already married the woman of his life and now focuses on the Dawn Winery business. Not that Varka blames him, a simple life like that can be fulfilling. But he thinks Crepus still wanted to be a knight. Ah, whatever, not really one to weep over spilled milk, Varka accepted his friend's choice.

Now having a son, Crepus should now focus on raising his only child. And the adopted one. What was his name again? Alebert- something. Or was it Kaeya? Weird name. But good eyes. Or eye, considering the medical bandage over one of the brat's eyes. The kid's demeanor can tell so much. Especially, of how he suffers. Those shouldn't be on a child's eyes. What kind of a fucked up place did he come from? Varka really wants to know, so he would trash the bastards who did that!

Varka is a betting man, he bets the Ragnvindr family will be safe. Considering their child is a damn prodigy with a blade. To think one day, young Diluc would surpass Varka. He'll be waiting on that. Though, concerning the recent health of Lady Ragnvindr had him worried. Nah, they would be fine. This is Crepus we're talking about here.

The dependable bastard, he was one of the few Varka trusts to watch his back. Not like a certain rigid ice queen of a woman named Lilia Gunnhildr. Such a bitch, he knew the moment he met her things were not going his way. Fate was truly cruel.

At the very least Lily's eldest daughter was polite and more than happy to hear his tales and achievements. Though, he bet little Jean only wished to pick out his bladework from the stories Varka would tell. A smart girl that one, and Varka knew talent when he sees one. That and a slap to her mother's metaphorical face was worth the effort of his stories.

Jean truly does her best, making sure to lessen the collateral damage when both titans would clash. Barbatos bless the lass.

As a knight, he must do his duty to the people first and foremost, the safety of Mondstadt comes next. He will do his home proud. If he had a little fun first, those hilichurls won't wait till the next week. And the mitachurls were callin' for a bashin'. And Varka never fails to deliver.

"Great, now I must convince the old bastard to change my duty from patrols to cleansing operations. You damn cunts better be worth it."


Aether opened his eyes, and for the first time in a while, he was greeted by sunlight. The piercing rays gave powerful sensations to his body, albeit still weak from his injuries. Speaking of injuries, it seems someone bandaged him whilst he was asleep. Usually, his paranoid senses would kick in, but his form was relaxed, and he felt much better. Aether's instincts told him he was safe. For now.

He must find and thank his savior, and be on his way. Time is at the essence, and Stormterror won't settle down until he was purified. Or else, Mondstadt will never feel safe. And he must deal with the Abyssal Order, and find his sister as he knows she was here during the confrontation at Stormterror's lair. With her help, Aether might have a chance to harass La Signora's forces at Mondstadt to prevent Venti's Gnosis from being stolen. He must locate Varka as well as the veterans of the Ordo Favonius, as they might prove a chance against any threat that the Goddess would dish out. And somehow he must convince the Fatui as well. That might take some time, but the aid of the Tsaritsa might prove invaluable.

Grunts escaped him as he tried to pry himself from the comfy bed. The room was simple in design and has little to no decor. Probably a guest room, or a spare. Mondstadt's commodity is actually homey, and the people make sure travelers or foreigners are given proper hospitality. Even from those of the Fatui.

Admittedly, his legs feel much better, and he can run at a normal pace now. Though, he wouldn't like to find out if he can sprint. Situations like those were never worth it.

Walking towards the door, he can smell a sweet aroma of a veggie dish and soup. As he approaches the kitchen where he originated the smell from, he can hear a melody of humming. A sweet voice greeted, if not a bit startled. "Oh! Young man, you are finally awake, for a moment there you worried me."

A brown-haired woman ushered him towards the table of the kitchen, unable to protest much, and felt obligated to at the very least humor her, Aether followed her lead. Feeling pampered, he protested when he was offered some soup.

"Nonsense, you should be grateful to Barbatos that you still live and breathe. You were lucky to survive from such an injury!"

Aether does not know why he should thank the useless bard, but replies, "Well, I appreciate the meal. And the hospitality." His voice seems much better now. Untowardly, he noticed his voice felt much deeper as well. Probably from a growth spurt.

"Of course, my brother was worried sick when he saw you laying against a tree, limp and unconscious," the young woman fretted, and he now noticed a pair of ears from her. Huh, was it truly common around Mondstadt?

"Heh, yeah. Not my brightest moment, I assure you," said Aether, a bit embarrassed on just thinking at the sight. He was the Hero of Mondstadt, dammit! The Honorary Knight shouldn't be seen limp like that, Jean would have been embarrassed if not amused, and Kaeya would've laughed at that. Lisa wouldn't have minded, but he had the feeling she would just call it cute. Amber would just berate him, hug him, and tell him it's okay. All would share a laugh, and Aether would laugh with them. Where his absent sister was, the Knights were his family. And now they are dead.

Seeing the look on Aether's face, the woman spared him a kind smile, "A handsome man like you shouldn't have a look like that. I bet your lover would feel bad for herself."

Handsome? Nevermind. She was right, though. Fischl would feel disappointed in herself if she saw him like this. He bet, to make him feel better, she would say, "Fear not, my beloved prince. For I, Fischl the Prinzessin der Vertuilung shall commence the ritual of emotional bonding and the stars shall sing you a song to soothe your aching soul." Of course, with Oz around, "What she meant is that she is willing to cuddle with you."

Giving a bitter smile, he said, "Don't worry much, I understand your worries. But you are right, I shouldn't have to feel bad for myself." I will fix this, for Mondstadt. And for her.

Now, with the emotional baggage set aside, he wishes to address something. "Apologies, ma'am, I did not get to know your name. It must have slipped my mind."

She gave a hearty laugh, "Ah, it's no bother. The name's Madeline by the way. A pleasure to meet you, good sir."

"My name's Aether and the pleasure is mine to have."

A comfortable silence followed as Aether finished his meal, and Adelinde cleaning the kitchen. When was the last time he settled for a simple home-cooked meal? Probably in ages since. The texture was nice and simple, but the flavor it brings to the tongue was astonishingly done well. As a cook himself, Aether prided his skills with finesse and technique. But also filled it with love, as most of the meals he would make would go to his friends. It was made with passion, and none of his comrades would deny it.

"Thank you for the meal, Adelinde," he said, "But I must leave immediately."

She looked startled but calmed down when Aether approached her and offered a handshake. With a gracious smile, Madeline took his hands and firmly shook. Her calloused hands surprised him, but the skin was soft to the touch. A kind of personality like that could go a long way. Maybe he should visit sometimes.

"I might return to thank your brother, as he saved my life as well."

"Oh, he wouldn't return for a moon cycle I'm afraid," she lamented. "As it was only last night where they had started the hunt, they found you unconscious outside the village."

A hunt? Aether might return a month or two when he finally settled himself in Mondstadt. It's good to have connections when it is coincidental, and none better to have a hunter in Springvale when the time would come.

"Would you be alright? What had happened to hurt you like that?" Madeline couldn't keep the worry off her voice, but curiosity was there. Was it alright to lie? Well, it might not be a lie, but…

"I was traveling from Liyue as an Adventurer," he replied, a small embarrassed smile twitched at his lips. "My lover worked here as well, and I wished to work at the Mondstadt branch for a while. Unfortunately, I encountered a group of treasure hoarders."

Seeing the shocked look on her face, Aether quickly assured her, "Ah, there was a clash between a tribe of hilichurls nearby, and managed to turn the situation into a weird one. But I manage to escape on my own, I was just exhausted when I arrived."

Well, apart from the world-ending catastrophe, the rampaging Abyssal Order, and the untold clash to liberate a world from a tyrant, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. And Aether wishes to keep the details to himself, unless someone he doesn't want to know might change and alter his plan. It would undoubtedly sabotage this precoius chance to save his friends and sister.

"I see, and it seems you can handle yourself. It was merely bad luck on your part that you got hurt."

Yes, bad luck...

"I wish not to bother you any longer, Madeline," he said. "When I return, I will pay both of you the same kindness that you had shown me."

Madeline shook her head, "It was the right thing to do, and I did not regret it." She gave him a sly wink, though. "Not one bit."

Startled and embarrassed, Aether never thought he could rush through a door with such speed before. What was that? Wait, the bandage beneath his clothes was subtle, but they were there. Was Madeline the one to do it? Oh, and now he must make sure word wouldn't reach Fischl of this. He would not hear the end of it. The long-winded lectures... Even Oz would never survive such an encounter.

"Please, say hello to your lover. She is very lucky you know!"

Aether wished those words carried by the wind never reached him. Damn that bard!