"You know, we're kind of similar, me with my brother, you with your sister."
"Sometimes, I feel like I can relate to the determination you must have.. to get your sister back."
"Family bonds are inseparable — no one can break them... They are the most important roots we have in this world."
*Drip* *Drip*
Coming too with a massive headache, Ayaka woke to the sound of dripping water. Moaning in pain, she raised her head and shook her upper body to get her bangs out of her eyes. Blinking twice and becoming more alert, she slowly realized that her arms and legs were tied down to the wooden chair that she was seated in. Panicked, she quickly began to fiddle and move her arms in an attempt to get herself free from her bounds.
After a few minutes of fiddling with her arms and legs, she realized that it was fruitless to attempt to get herself free.
Okay, deep breaths. These knots are expertly tied and clearly, I'm not going anywhere…..but where am I….and what happened?
Collecting herself, she recalled her last memory before fainting, that being on the ground in front of what appeared to be Aether's sister. Being defeated by The Abyss forces was one thing, but something else was on her mind.
Was that really his sister? …..That can't possibly be….she was nothing like how he described her….but where is she and Aether now?
Not wanting to be fully lost in thought on the events that had just happened, Ayaka looked up and began to survey the room she was in. A quick look at the walls and the damp atmosphere quickly told her that she was currently in some forgotten ruins of some sort. Looking for an exit from the room she was in, she could see that an Electro Barrier was blocking the entranceway, preventing anyone from entering or exiting without a flouting Electrograna summoned beforehand.
These etchings and carvings look awfully familiar. I'm sure I have read up on them at some point. …..Let's see….. There are only 1,693 or so officially documented and protected ruin sites in Inazuma, and looking at this style of drawings and the stone molding on the pillars…..Ah!
Thanks to Ayaka's in-depth reading habits and previous research, Ayaka hypothesized that she was most likely at the Araumi Ruins, at the north point of Narukami Island. And thanks to the damp and wet atmosphere, she could tell that she was in the underground part of the ruins.
Relatively clever…..close to where our encounter happened, but out of the way enough to avoid immediate suspicion. They would have been able to set up here without drawing the immediate attention of the Tenryou Commission…
As Ayaka continued to look around the room for anything that could help her, she couldn't help but recall Aether's tale about how he managed to solve the puzzle that was located here at the Araumi Ruins, and managed to drain the flooded parts. What he found was lots of lost treasure and a Perpetual Mechanical Array for his troubles.
During that story over tea, he had also told her about the general layout and passageways that he had explored. Ayaka, doing her best to remember what he had told her, began trying to work out a possible escape route in her head using what she knew and what Aether had told her.
"Oh. You're awake."
Hearing a female voice, Ayaka quickly turned her head towards the direction of where the voice had come from. Looking at the entranceway to the room, she saw that a girl with blonde hair had entered the room. Looking at her white dress and Outlander accessories, it was without a doubt that this was the same girl from before.
Aether's sister, Lumine.
Ayaka remained quiet as Lumine made her way over to her from the other side of the room, the two of them simply gazed at each other. Ayaka, knowing that she was in the duress position, couldn't help but feel a little scared. Putting on a brave face, her heart beated wildly as Lumine made her way over to her. Stopping just a few steps from the tied-up Ayaka, Lumine simply looked at her with a look of indifference.
Lumine spoke first.
"You're the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan. The de facto leader of the Yashiro Commission in the absence of your brother. One of the first people to meet my brother when he arrived in Inazuma. The girl that has finally caught my brother's eye. And the feelings between you two are mutual."
"Is all of what I said correct?"
….
…
..
.
"...I beg your pardon?"
Not expecting a question like that to be the first thing to come out of Lumine's mouth, Ayaka looked at her dumbfounded. Lumine simply raised an eyebrow of amusement in response, before continuing.
"I apologize. I didn't introduce myself. My name is Lumine. Sister to the Great Traveler that is to journey across Teyvat. I assume you already know this?"
"Y-Yes, Aether's sister. Your brother speaks highly of you and misses you dearly. A-And he would do anything to have you back-"
Lumine raised her hand, stopping Ayaka's speech dead in her tracks. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply before responding to Ayaka.
"...I know."
….
…
..
.
"However, my brother must go through with this, and if it means that I-"
Ayaka snapped. "He misses you dearly! How can you say that?! He has told me countless stories and happy memories of the two of you, and he would do anything to have you back! Do you know how many times I have comforted him in tears when he felt lost without you?!"
Lumine blinked twice, now clearly annoyed at Ayaka's interjection. "And the problem makes itself known, yet could also be the solution. Sigh You are holding my brother back. You good for nothing mindless slave of the "Almighty" Shogun-"
"YOU TAKE THAT BACK!"
Ayaka physically tried to jump up at Lumine's comment about the Shogun, but her restraints held her firmly to the wooden chair. Realizing that she wasn't going anywhere, she resorted to giving Lumine her best attempt at a death glare. Lumine simply continued to look indifferent.
Taking in a deep breath, Lumine continued. "The mind of Aether and the way an Adventurer thinks is quite different, Ms. Kamisato. You understand where I'm coming from right? You have a sibling too. A brother that you love dearly, and the same is for me as well. At the end of the day, we only want the best for our families."
"You are part of the Tri-Commission, executing the Shogun's will. You are as guilty as the Shogun herself from all those years ago. Slaving away at all of the work you do, in the name of your "Almighty" Shogun."
Lumine looked down at the ground, before raising her head again and making eye contact with Ayaka.
"My brother is changing Teyvat as we know it, and at this point, may do more than me. All of the nations he has touched, including Inazuma, have changed. He became the Honorary Knight of Mondstadt, the Savior of Liyue, and is now known as the one who has Defied Eternity in Inazuma. And that must continue. If he becomes too attached, then the shining light he is becoming will simply be all for nothing! I thought this world was so bright, but in reality, it's full of darkness."
"Certain stars shine brighter in the darkness, and their powers combined have the ability to change constellations. YOU are one of them. However, you are a star that threatens the progress that my brother has made on his journey so far! Despite the benefits, your so-called feelings for each other will simply hold the two of you back. Both in Inazuma and my brother's affairs."
"There may be no right or wrong choice, so it would be better if I simply made it for you. You must-"
"YOUR WRONG!"
Ayaka suddenly interrupted Lumine's impromptu speech. She could not believe some of the words that were coming out of Aether's sister's mouth. Her mind racing, she quickly thought of anything to respond.
"I-I don't really understand what you are t-talking about, but I know that y-your right on some parts. Aether is indeed changing Teyvat as we know it. I agree, for the greater good! And I think you should be proud of that! But he only does it for you! He desperately wants you back! And I am not a slave to my work. I am independent and can hold my own. I don't threaten Aether in any way-"
"Do you know what I wish for, Ayaka?"
Ayaka was abruptly interrupted by Lumine, caught off guard by her using her first name. It was the first time Lumine had used it. "When my brother first arrived in Inazuma all that time ago, the two of you went on that date to that festival. You asked my brother what he wished for the most. Do you want to know my wish?"
The directness of Lumine's question caught Ayaka off guard. Deciding not to challenge Lumine on how she knew about their "date" at the festival, Ayaka sat in silence as she disgusted Lumine's question. Right now, she was in a war of words with Aether's sister, one that she knew she could not afford to lose. Unsure of what the right answer was, Ayaka ultimately decided to go with her gut feeling. After a few short minutes of silence, Ayaka spoke the first thing that came to her mind.
"I do. What do you wish for?"
Lumine nodded. "….I wish for an answer. I want you to make a stand, and become your own person. Being tied down to the Archon's order is something that must be dropped. There is also something deep inside you, between you and my brother. What is that thing? And does it threaten my dear brother? That is what I wish to answer, Ayaka."
"The two of you still have great roles to play, here in Inazuma and afar. His story will end when he manages to complete his first desire. Will you be there for him when he looks for his second desire?"
"Ayaka, you know that he means a lot to you, and I'm willing to bet decent gunpowder on the fact that the same is for him. There is clearly a spark between the two of you, ready to light a firework if you get what I'm saying."
"I have no say in what will happen, but you do. Answer me this, You're positively smitten with him, aren't you?"
At Lumine's reply, Ayaka couldn't help but recall the things that people had talked and told her about during their entire adventure so far in executing the Dango Milk Decree.
I have a say in what will happen….That's what I desire… I have a say and I want to be with Aether, and never leave his side!
Unsure of how to articulate her thoughts to the girl in front of her, she returned to looking back up at Lumine, who was still standing in front of her with her arms crossed. Lumine looked at her in deep thought, perhaps wondering what Ayaka's reply or response would be to her wish.
Collecting herself, Ayaka decided to reply with feelings that were deep in her heart. Being told it time and time again, and quite not believing it every time she was told or thought about it, she decided to finally openly admit her feelings. And she was about to do so to Aether's family, his dear sister.
After listening to Lumine, Ayaka was now sure of her feelings for Aether.
"Aether. Your dear brother. I-I-I love him dearly. I'm willing to openly admit that now. Outside of my family, he is the only person to treat me as just Ayaka, and not as the so-called Shirasagi Himegimi . He cares deeply for his friends and is willing to do anything to help someone in need. His eyes show that. When you look at him through his eyes, you can see the adventures he has gone on and all the work and pain he has suffered."
"When I first heard of his exploits and stories from across the ocean, I couldn't help but wonder just what type of person he actually is. And when he arrived in Inazuma, he definitely lived up to the stories. He changed everything in my eyes, and I admit that I may have fallen for him at first sight."
"I want to be there for him, and I'm sure he would say the same about me. I deeply value the time we have spent together, and will never forget it for as long as I live. Despite that, I know for sure that I won't hold him back. I'm not a damsel in distress, I make sure of it. "
At Ayaka's heartfelt confession, Lumine's face of indifference finally had an expression change. Her mouth curved up slightly into a small smile. Ayaka, cringing at her heartfelt confession to her crush's sister, looked back up to notice it just as Lumine caught herself and quickly returned her face to the way it was before. It appeared that the heartfelt confession was just the thing that Lumine was looking for.
"Very well. I understand. Indeed, perhaps you will do so after all."
Lumine looked at Ayaka with what could only be described as a heartfelt stare. Her expression was now much softer than before. "Do not go back on your word, that is all I ask for. As long as you don't, then perhaps this will work after all." Lumine suddenly turned away, facing away from Ayaka. "The two of you will indeed affect more events to come, so it's good that you have finally confirmed your feelings."
Lumine paced a few steps in front of Ayaka as if debating something in her mind. She suddenly stopped and looked Ayaka in the eye.
"My brother…..has been doing well, he needs to form his own opinions on this world. But he risks forming the wrong ones. He is already doing so."
"The empty darkness of the Abyss after those events…from hundreds of years ago….is something that drains everything from you…your mind…..your soul…..your heart…I know that personally. And my brother has only seen a fraction of what I have experienced for all these years. You risk losing sight of the big picture and becoming tunnel visioned…..I know I was."
Ayaka simply remained quiet as she listened to Lumine's words and confession. Insight into the Abyss and Abyss Order was something that Ayaka knew that she had no hope of understanding, but she would do anything to try and reunite the two siblings back together.
"...Having a partner with him will allow him to keep sight and understand the big picture, keeping him grounded in this world. That's what helped me, to a degree. But newfound feelings of love and friendship also risk you going down the wrong path of overattachment. You can see a bit of that in how my brother sees me."
"However, how you described my brother..…and what you like about him..…those qualities are what make him special, and those need to stay with him."
At Lumine's pause, Ayaka looked at Lumine and noticed that a small tear had formed around her right eye. It appeared that she was on the verge of crying, but just managing to stop herself.
"...Please, just keep your eyes on him."
At her final comment, Lumine turned away from Ayaka, no doubt getting emotional with those words. Ayaka fully understood the weight of the words that Lumine had said. After all, she was paraphrasing what Ayaka had asked Aether at the end of the Festival all the way back then, asking him to keep his eyes on her for her performance.
'Family bonds are inseparable — no one can break them... They are the most important roots we have in this world.'
Perhaps that is the key…Having family in this world? In that case-
*Boom* *Boom*
A sudden rumble shook the stone room they were in. It almost felt like a small earthquake, but on a much smaller scale. Ayaka immediately recognized it as a small explosion going off. And based on the sound, it appeared that it had happened quite close to where they were.
"Impressive, my brother, and that General approaches. I was hoping that I would have a bit more alone time with you."
At her blonde girl's sudden change in tone and voice, Ayaka looked back at Lumine, who was no longer the emotional girl that was just in front of her. As if on cue, all the emotion that she was wearing had simply vanished and was replaced with a stone-cold look. At the same time, a dark haze began to surround the Abyss Leader, as if it had just replaced the girl right in front of Ayaka's eyes. Noticing the sudden change and hesitant to say anything, Ayaka finally decided to call out to her.
"Ummmm hey….are you okay? You were crying just now….?"
At Ayaka's comment, the dark aurora that had surrounded Lumine suddenly vanished, as if being absorbed by the Abyss Leader. Lumine simply stared at Ayaka with a new look of complete indifference and uncaringness. "The Abyss has no need for emotions!"
Caught off guard at Lumine's sudden change in dementor and emotion, Ayaka was even more surprised when Lumine drew out her sword and placed the edge of her blade right up to her throat.
"You have one more role to play today, along with that pesky General of the Shogun's army. When they arrive, you will remain quiet, you understand?"
Before Ayaka could answer, her mouth was suddenly stuffed with a rag, stopping her from saying anything.
Aether's sister…is this really what The Abyss can do to someone? She seemed so emotional, but less than a second later she is completely different…..
"MHHmmmm, MMHHH!"
"The Abyss thanks you for your timely cooperation."
Lumine withdrew her blade from her throat, and Ayaka couldn't do anything but remain silent as her words were muffled by the gag in her mouth. Listening, she could hear the sounds of the fighting and Elemental Reactions happening not too far away. If she had to guess, the fighting had reached the hallway where their room was.
Oh no….She is using me as bait. The second they breach and enter this room, Lumine is going to use me as leverage on her brother…I have to warn him somehow.
But…..what does she want exactly with him?
As Ayaka's head raced on how he could possibly warn Aether about the situation, a sudden explosion ripped into the archway leading into the room they were in. Just as quickly, the Electro Barrier blocking the entranceway faded away, indicating that way was clear. As the dark smoke cleared, she could make out the distant purple glow of Electric Energy on the tip of an arrow.
Aether entered the room first sword in hand, with Kujo Sara following closely behind him, her bow fully loaded and charged. As they scanned the room, they spotted Ayaka in the middle of the room, tied up in a wooden chair.
"Ayaka!"
Aether and Ayaka made eye contact. Ayaka desperately shook her head, trying to communicate to Aether to not come any closer. However, as Aether began to make his way over to her, he was suddenly stopped by a blade appearing over Ayaka's throat.
"Not. So. Fast."
Lumine had reappeared next to Ayaka and had her blade over Ayaka's throat once more. Now in a battle stance and with the upper hand, Lumine looked her brother directly in the eye, daring him to take another step closer.
Aether took a step back in surprise and tightened his grip on his sword. He was about to call out to his sister before Kujo Sara interjected. "By order of the Almighty Shogun and the authority placed with me, unhand Ms. Kamisato at once!" Kujo Sara suddenly redrew her bow and aimed it directly at Lumine's head.
"One move and Ms. Kamisato dies as well. Either from my blade or the crossfire of Elemental Energy from your arrow. I'll make sure of it, Kujo Sara. "
Kujo Sara flinched ever so slightly at Lumine's comment. In the end, both Aether and Kujo Sara knew that Lumine had the advantage as long as she held Ayaka captive. Even if she was to fire her arrow, Lumine was right that she couldn't guarantee that Ayaka would not be caught in the crossfire.
"As far as The Abyss is concerned, your authority holds no value."
Lumine simply stared down both Aether and Kujo Sara, daring them to make a move. Her sword was still over Ayaka's neck, while Kujo Sara still kept her bow drawn. A moment of fierce, tense silence came over the room.
Aether, noticing the dark aurora around his sister, decided to call out to her. "Lumine! What is it that you want? No one else needs to get hurt. We can talk this out somehow, I'm sure!"
Lumine let out a chuckle at her brother's comment. "Talking? Now? That's what you should have done beforehand…..This whole ordeal would be much easier if you hadn't told Kujo Sara and had simply told this girl instead." She motioned to Ayaka, still tied up in the chair. "Now we must deal with the Shogun's army. Do you simply trust Kujo Sara more than Ms. Kamisato?"
Aether countered. "...What does that matter?! All I see is that you are snooping down to the level of taking pure hostages, and using them are bargaining chips! No matter what I do!"
"Deep down, dear brother, you knew that I and The Abyss were up to something here in Inazuma. And you knew that it would affect your dear Ayaka. And yet you didn't tell her a thing. What does that say about you?"
…..his dear Ayaka? …Oh, Aether please don't make any rash decisions! This is bad, bad, very bad….
Lumine's eyes suddenly narrowed. "Aether, if you had to pick one between these two harlots, who would choose? Kujo Sara or Kamisato Ayaka? I'll kill the one you don't pick."
It was at that moment, a blast of dark energy along with a flash of light suddenly engulfed the room, blinding everyone. Aether, recognizing what was happening, called out to Kujo Sara. "Sara! Move quickly! Or else-"
As the flashbang of light dissipated, it became clear what had happened as Aether and Kujo Sara recovered. In the midst of the blinding light, an Abyss Herald had appeared and was now directly behind Kujo Sara. Its Hydro Blades drawn, it was in the perfect position to execute Kujo Sara in one hit from behind.
"Bow Before the Abyss!"
"Bow Before Us Indeed." Lumine looked at her brother once more as Kujo Sara and Aether grimaced at the situation the Tenryou Commission General was now in.
"So dear brother, what decision do you make now?"
With a look of pure panic on his face, Aether looked back and forward between Ayaka and Kujo Sara, both of whom were in bad positions. His sister was holding Ayaka at bladepoint while a newly appeared Abyss Herald was in the perfect position to simply one-shot Kujo Sara if she were to make a move and fire her arrow.
The fate of these two girls was now in Aether's own hands.
….
…
..
.
"Whatever your plan is, it will not work! As we speak, The Tenryou Commission has these ruins fully surrounded and covered. You will not get away with this!" Lumine simply ignored Kujo Sara's comment and continued to stare at her brother. Wavering slightly, Kujo Sara looked at Aether for some help.
….
…
..
.
"Well dear brother, what is your choice? Who do you value more for the greater good for yourself, and for Inazuma and afar?"
…for yourself, and Inazuma and afar…Those of the words of the Shogun…..that's it! Aether! You have to pick-..!
*Boom* *Boom* *Crack*
As the tied-up Ayaka had a lightbulb moment and realized what Aether's sister was after, the room they were in suddenly buckled as a large explosion and lightning strike hit the very center of the room. The heavy concentration of Electo Energy, combined with the dark purple color and intensity of the lightning caught everyone's attention. There was no mistaking it for what it was.
The Raiden Shogun was making her will known.
The Abyss Herald holding Kujo Sara hostage spoke. "...Your Highnessss, it appears that-"
Lumine simply raised her free hand, stopping the Abyss Herald from speaking. "Yes, it seems that we have more guests. No matter, we have accomplished what we have set out to do."
Lumine removed her sword from Ayaka's throat and holstered it on her hip. As she did so, the dark aurora around her began to dissipate once more. "We make our leave." Lumine looked at her brother one last time, who had a look of disbelief on his face. "Remember this situation and the outcome. Mortals often have no say in the actual final outcome."
At Lumine's final words, another flash of light suddenly engulfed the room, blinding everyone. This time, however, it was a flash of purple light. The entire room was suddenly consumed in a massive Electro storm. Damaging everything in its path, the Electro Storm destroyed the scattered wooden crates, pots, and other ancient debris that littered the sides of the room. Despite covering and damaging the entire floor and ceiling, Aether, Ayaka, and Kujo Sara were unaffected, having Elemental Electio shields appear around them just as quickly.
As the Electro Energy engulfed the room and began to dissipate, two new figures appeared in the center of the room. Their trademark purple and pink made it clear who they were. The Almighty Shogun and The Overseer of Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko had arrived.
The Almighty Shogun took a single step forward and surveyed the room. Ayaka was still tied up and gagged in the chair. Meanwhile, Kujo Sara and Aether were standing a few steps in front of her. All three were unharmed by the Electro Storm that the Shogun had just summoned, thanks to the Electro Shields that she had summoned. The two targets she was hoping on hitting and destroying, were gone without a trace.
"It appears that might have been a bit too hasty. They got away."
"~Hmmm, well the three heroes are still here and look alright. That's what counts, right?"
At Yae's throwaway comment and understanding that it was now safe, Kujo Sara quickly came to her senses and rushed forward to Ayaka, cutting the rope that held her down the chair using the sharp end of her arrow.
Removing the gag from her mouth and standing on her feet, Ayaka quickly thanked Kujo Sara and ran over to the Raiden Shogun bowing deeply before her. Kujo Sara, realizing what Ayaka was doing, quickly followed and did the same.
"Your Excellency. I wholeheartedly apologize for this situation and thank you dearly for your assistance. If not for your actions, then I fear only the worst could have-"
The Raiden Shogun raised her, stopping Ayaka's speech in the process. Ayaka and Kujo Sara's eyes were on the Shogun, but Yae interjected.
"...Might not be the worst like you were thinking, but I think the little one over there needs a hand, hmmm~?"
At Yae's comment, Ayaka and Kujo Sara turned to look at where she was pointing. Aether was leaning on his sword which he had stuck into the ground, desperately trying to stay upright. But just at that moment, Aether lost his balance and fell to the floor.
"Aether!"
"Traveler!"