Lumine was walking around Inazuma when Sara approached her. She told her that she was needed at the Shogunate Estate immediately. Worried that she did something that might have offended the Electro Archon, Lumine made her way to the Archon's Estate. There, the Shogun was waiting for her by the entrance. She appears to be smiling softly, looking the flowers of her home.
"Shogun? You called for me?" Lumine said cautiously.
"Indeed, Lumine." She answered turning around to see her face. "Is about your brother."
"Did something happen to my brother?" Lumine wonders what did her brother do. "Did he do something wrong?"
"Well, he did something with his wife, but is not wrong." Ei walked to her side, placing a hand on Lumine's waist. The blonde followed her hand, widened her eyes in realization. "Go and visit them. The guards shall take you to them." She said.
Lumine hurried to the room where Aether and Ayaka are staying. The guard was kind enough to run by her side as he guided her. Once there, they knocked the door and a soft 'Come in.' Was heard. Opening the door, Lumine found Aether laying in a bed with Ayaka sleeping over his body. He used a finger on his mouth in a 'sshh' matter. Lumine nodded and walked to his side.
"The Shogun told me." She whispered. "Am I an aunt now?"
"You sure will be." Aether responded. "Ayaka came running to me a while ago, and told me the news. The Shogun declared that we will stay here during Ayaka's pregnancy."
"Really? She arranged that?"
He nodded. "To protect her and our baby." He said. They heard Ayaka murmuring in her sleep, cuddling closer to Aether. "And I share her decision. I know Ayaka can use the sword for now. But as her pregnancy progress, she won't be able to use it. And since word of this will spread quickly, Ayaka will stay here to avoid other people with bad intentions getting to her and the baby."
"It makes sense. Even the Archons consider us to be Gods."
Aether nodded, moving a piece of hair that fell over Ayaka's face. "What about you? How are things with Amber?"
"We are doing great. We also included in our relationship Noelle."
"Really? You'll have a threesome relationship?"
Lumine punched his shoulder. "Don't say it in that way!" She whispered. Aether chuckled.
"Hey, I just meant it to be that you three were together. You were the one that understood the other way around." At that, Lumine blushed while smiling.
"You are the worst." She said. Both laughed softly as to not awake Ayaka.
"But we did make love, if you are wondering."
"I knew it." He laughed quietly while Lumine rolled her eyes.
"So, any thoughts on which name you'll give the baby?"
"We haven't decided. Tradition says that the husband must decide the name, but I'd like to hear Ayaka's thoughts." He said as Lumine hummed.
"Have you visited her temple?" Lumine suddenly asked.
Aether looked away, knowing exactly who she's referring to. Paimon's Temple was founded a few years ago by all the nations and Archons. He visits it every year at least twice. He was about to visit it with Ayaka after their honeymoon, but with a baby incoming, he can't neither leave his wife nor avoid visiting the Temple.
"I'd like to go to visit, but I also don't want to leave Ayaka. Like me, you've also seen pregnancy process over the different worlds we've visited, and all were the same."
"And if I go with you, Aether?" Ayaka's voice startled both twins.
"Ayaka. You woke up." He said smiling.
"Yeah. Woke up when I cuddled closer to you." She said. "I don't mind going with you to visit Paimon's Temple. She was your friend, and the Goddess that saved us all. I'm pretty sure that she'd love to hear about our baby."
"Are you sure? Your pregnancy just started. You'll get exhausted more easily. Not to mention about-" Ayaka's lips silenced Aether.
"I know all of that, Aether. I'm touched by your concern, but I won't be alone. I have you, your sister, even Barbatos could be there. Also, not to mention that Zhongli offered a guard a year ago, The Shogun will mostly order a trusty guard to accompany me, if not coming herself, and the list goes on and on." Ayaka spoke. "I believe that, for nine months, I'll be the most guarded and protected girl in all of Teyvat." That made the three of them chuckle.
The next day, they talked to the Shogun about going to Paimon's Temple, at to which she accepted, saying that she'd go with them to also pay her respects. They scheduled the visit in two weeks time, both to prepare the visit and for Ayaka's baby to grow a bit more in a more stable ground. The Crux Fleet was hired to take them to Liyue so they can then travel to Mondstadt, the trip lasting a few days, but worsening Ayaka's mood. She was mostly clingy to Aether, while being irritated toward others, even to the Shogun.
"Aether! Where are you?" Ayaka would usually shout around the ship, with frustrated tears on her eyes. Aether would stop anything he was doing in favor of going with his wife, hugging her and walking back to their room, where he'd stay with her the rest of the day.
"I don't care if you need to talk to him! Aether is my husband and the father of mine and his child! He ought to be with me when I need him during my pregnancy!" She once said to Ei when she talked with Aether about their stay at the Shogunate and what he needed to do. Everyone saw it happen and were concerned that Ei would do something.
The former Electro Archon only dismissed those words that Ayaka sent her way when she and Aether walked away, saying 'Is normal for pregnant women to talk those kind of things during mood changes due to hormones. And after hearing about Ayaka's lonely life before meeting and marrying Aether, I understand her feelings.'. Ayaka stayed mostly on bed during the journey, feeling exhausted and breathless at times. The nurse they brought said that it was normal during pregnancy.
They arrived at Liyue near midnight. The Secretary of the Qixing received them, but was surprised to see the Electro Archon with them.
"My lady, what brings you here to Liyue?"
"Aether and his wife Ayaka want to visit Paimon's Temple. I came with them to both pay my respects to Teyvat's Goddess and as a guard for Ayaka." Ei explained.
"As a guard? Why would she need-" it is then that her Illuminated beast's sixth sense was able to detect new life growing inside Ayaka. "Oh… I see why. You are pregnant." Ganyu sated looking to Ayaka with a warm smile on her face. "Congratulations! Let me take you to an Inn so you can rest."
"Actually, I was thinking on continuing the journey to the Temple." Ayaka said. That earned a concerned look from Aether, an expressionless stare from Baal, a shocked look from Ganyu, and an eyebrow lift from Lumine.
"I'm not tired. I want to go to the Temple soon. Also, I can sleep during the night." She explained.
Before Aether could retort, the Shogun spoke. "I understand your devotion to go to the Temple as soon as possible, but you need to take care of your physical condition, Shirasagi Himigimi. You carry new life in your womb. You must not force yourself too much now."
"B-but… I don't wish to delay the visit…" Ayaka's eyes threaten to weep.
"My love, you are not delaying anything." Aether told her, taking her hands on his own.
"I'm pretty sure that if the small fairy was here with us now, she would tell you 'Paimon thinks that you should take care of yourself first, so that the baby can grow strong and healthy!'" They all laughed at Beidou's failed imitation of Paimon's voice.
"It's ok for you to rest. We can wait for a few days and go to the Temple once you've rested." Aether added.
"But you visit the Temple each year by this date!" She said, tears now falling from her eyes.
"I'm more worried about you, Ayaka. The Shogun is right. You need to rest. I'm pretty sure that Paimon would have wanted the same." Aether embraced his wife. She sniffled and clutched to his chest. "Besides, anyone here can tell how exhausted you are."
"Ok... Ok, we will rest tonight…"
After that, Ganyu took them to the hotel, saying that the Qixing will take care of the payment. They thanked them, and Aether helped Ayaka to the bed, bringing her water and all things she may need.
"I want to cuddle with you." She said, at which Aether complied. Soon, Ayaka fell asleep. The rest of them also went to sleep, already exhausted.
They spent three days on Liyue, with Aether showing her around and taking her to different places over the city, such as Wanmin Restaurant, where Ayaka continued having mood changes in which thing to eat, and Xiangling pleasing her with her many dishes. They even had a meeting with the Qixing, with them congratulating for their coming child. Ninguann offered them to stay their last night at the temporary Qixing building.
The next day, they continue their journey to the Temple. The Qixing Ganyu, Keqing and Ninguann came to visit them, offering them a transport to the Temple.
"Is for your comfort, Miss. You can't walk all the way there in your condition. The others can also stay inside." Ninguann said. "And don't worry for paying. Your husband helped Liyue and the Qixing a lot in the past." She added upon seeing Ayaka's face calculating the price she'd need to pay.
They nodded and entered the transport. It has enough space to move around, chairs, two beds and two bathrooms. Baal said that she'd walk by the transport, to watch over there is no threat that can be reached upon them. Lumine also offered to do the same. And both women ordered Aether to stay with his wife when he was about to go ahead of the transport to defeat any threat.
"You need to stay with your wife now." Lumine said.
"I understand your intentions to eliminate any threats for your wife and growing child. But I think that your sister and I are more than capable of doing so. Stay with your wife, Traveler." The Shogun said.
Aether didn't have much to say, and while he was embarrassed that he was ordered, he was delight, as always, to spend time with his wife.
She was laying on the bed, her hands on her belly, a loving expression on her face. He walked to her and lays beside her. Their eyes found each other, and Aether embraced Ayaka, the way she likes.
It took them over 6 hours to arrive to the Temple. Upon arriving, they found both Venti and Zhongli speaking with Barbara over the entrance. The Temple's Deaconess was fully into keeping the Temple clean along with the rest of the animal-like adeptus, guarding and cleaning the Temple, as well as protecting it from hillchurls that may come.
They greeted them and entered with them. Just as it was founded, the Temple was a structure of awe, especially since all 7 nations and the 7 Archons took part on building it.
"May the Archons and Teyvat's Goddess bless you and your child." Barbara said hugging both of them before guiding them into theTemple.
Once inside, Aether cooked Paimon's favorite food and presented them on the altar. Both he and Ayaka talked about their incoming child to the statue representing Paimon. The Shogun and former Archons also payed their respects.
Zhongli, upon hearing that Ayaka was pregnant with Aether's child, made a contract that he would protect it from any danger. Venti also played some songs he just thought at the moment, making Ayaka to cry of happiness. It was night when they finished their visit. Barbara offered them to stay over Mondstadt this night. They agreed.
They spent three days in Mondstadt, with Aether showing Ayaka around while the Shogun talks with Jean. Amber and Noelle joined them with Lumine. They showed Ayaka the Wine Industry, the small towns around the big city, and even once-time Stormteror's Lair after cleaning it from any foes and dangers,
After their small vacation, they decided to return to Inazuma so Ayaka can rest in her home guarded by the Shogun herself and by her guards.
Upon arriving, Sara has made arrangements to receive them and bring them as soon as possible to the Shogunate Estate. As soon as they arrived to the Estate, Baal ordered Ayaka to rest with her husband for the rest of the day.
From one day to another, both Aether and Ayaka received letters from all the other 4 nations, congratulating them and wishing them good fortune. Even the Archons send their regards to them, and wish to visit them at some point. Especially Sumeru's Archon, who says that she'd like to check over the baby soon. Even the Tsaritsa wishes to visit them, writing that it's been a while since she saw them both.
Days later, Yae Miko, the Guuji, visited Ayaka while Aether was doing commissions. She came to express her well wish to their growing child, as well as blessing them as a family and their baby to have good fortune. After that, Miko and Ei spent time together as Ayaka slept over her room. Ayaka woke up soon after and had a mood change, crying Aether's name and being upset at everyone that tried to calm her. Ei went to search for Aether's, only for him to arrive just in time, and a clingy Ayaka hugged him and cried on his shoulder and demanded more time to spent the two of them. Aether chuckled, saying that he'd make preparations for him to stay with her more time during her pregnancy. Miko just laughed while the Shogun shook her head in amusement.
Thoma would visit Ayaka whenever he could as he helps taking care ini the meantime of the Kamisato clan and its business with her brother. Sadly, he can't come out just yet, but he sensed through Thoma his congratulations and that whenever he finds time, he'd visit them
Kokomi also visited a few days later after hearing about the news of Ayaka's pregnancy. She also blessed them and their baby, even offering Sangonomiya Shrine on Watatsumi Island to serve as the birth place of the coming child. That earned a discussion between her and Miko, the latter saying:
"Since Ei is hosting her on the Shogunate, I believe that Miss Kamisato's child should be born at the Grand Narukami Shrine under the protection of the Sacred Sakura Tree."
At which , Kokomi answered: "Sangonomiya Shrine is also a sacred place. It also has all the necessities to give birth to a baby. The baby in question will also receive the blessing of the Shrine."
Yae Miko and Kokomi chuckled at each other while the ambient was filled with tension and rivalry.
Ayaka smiled, ignoring the ambient while Ei and Sara tried to calm down both women. She walked to the window, a hand over the windowsill and the other over her growing belly.
"You are not born yet, and everyone is already loving you." She said, caressing her belly lovingly, happy of all the people their child will grow with.