To Cross(dress) a Country and To Find a Sister
Aether had no choice. He was desperate and he needed help. Turning behind his back the 11th Fatui Harbinger came back with a bag, his face beaming with happiness, but he could tell that behind that facade was a sadistic man that takes pleasure in seeing a person suffer.
Paimon also came in, floating by beside the Harbinger, her face grinning like a madwoman. He could tell that the fairy was enjoying this way too much.
The golden-haired Traveler looked at himself in the mirror. His old clothes were all but gone it was replaced with a white-blue dress, he wore a bra that was padded to make it look like he has the breast of a woman, his shoes were all gone and was replaced with high heels, his once tied braided hair was free from its restraints, and the necklace he wore was looked expensive, no doubt Childe's own mora bought it.
Aether winced at himself, wishing that this was just a nightmare, but even if it was, this nightmare would forever be carved into his psyche, continuing to haunt him for the rest of his immortal life.
The harbinger handed him the bag, as his face remained smug. The Traveler's right eye twitched in annoyance. Oh, if Aether wasn't so desperate, he'll beat his ginger ass a thousand times over. He grumbles as he forcefully takes the bag out of the harbinger's hand.
Reaching inside, Aether took out lipstick. He held the lipstick with hesitation, the look in his eyes full of doubts and regret. But he needed to do this. For her... For Lumine.
Aether had overheard from one of Ningguang's secretaries that they have information regarding the identity of the leader of the Abyss Order. The Traveler knew who it was, and it was non-other than his dear sister, Lumine. But he wasn't satisfied with just her identity alone, no, he needed more than that. Information on what her goals are, and what is her connections with Dainsleif. Speaking of Daisleif, he hasn't seen him since he went through that Abyss portal. He wonders what the Khaenri'ahn's doing at the moment, but he'll have to worry about him later.
The Traveler had planned to ask the Tianquan herself about the matter, but Paimon, the ever-annoying fairy that she was sometimes, suggested that he act as a foreign affair agency in Mondstadt named Edelweiss and infiltrate her office.
He tried protesting to Paimon about her plan, saying that it was foolish and idiotic, but she quickly shut him up and called Childe to help with the matter. Aether was shocked to hear what the fairy had said to him. Childe. As in THE Childe that tried to KILL the two of them, and not only that, almost DROWNED an entire city, all for a shitty chess piece.
The Harbinger was helpful, to say the least. He took care of most of the documents for a fake identity and bought Aether clothes and makeup just for his cover. But still, this is embarrassing. For him to dress up as a girl and infiltrate the office of the MOST important figure in Liyue, it's all idiotic. He thanked the Primordial ones that his sister wasn't here or else she wouldn't let it go for the rest of her life.
Aether could only sigh in frustration, once again, his face was full of worry and doubt. But still, this is what a brother should strive for. To protect his family, and he'll go to any extent just to save her. Even if it cost him his dignity.
"For Lumine," he said.
He opened the cap of the lipstick and applied it on his lips, carefully he stroked it until the lipstick was spread out.
Zhongli is taking his time with his life. The retired geo archon had been happier since his role as Archon was over thanks to the 8th and 11th Harbinger. Speaking of the Childe, he has heard that the Harbinger was back at Liyue Harbor, but his return was rather unpleasant, to say the least.
His return was met with cries from the people as he was tossed with rotten vegetables and stones. But knowing the 11th Harbinger, he wouldn't let it bother him, and besides, he can't blame them, he was a foreign person who attacked a nation under the banner of the Tsaritsa, and no one would easily forgive him.
The former Archon sighed. Perhaps he should find Childe and have tea with him, which may ease the Fatui Harbinger's mind.
He continued his walk around Yujing Terrace, he asked many citizens if they had seen the Harbinger. Some were kind enough to point out where he was, albeit begrudgingly, while some immediately jumped to the conclusion that he was a traitor, and that Rex Lapis should punish him for his association with the foreigner.
Oh, if only they knew.
But in the end, he knew where the Harbinger was now, Liuli Pavilion. Zhongli stood outside of the establishment, this was where he met the ethereal Traveler and the floating fairy Paimon.
Their meeting was of chance, originally, they weren't even supposed to be part of the plan for faking his death, but it seemed like fate said otherwise. But from what he overheard from the Tianquan and Qixing, things could've turned for the worse if it had not been for the two.
Maybe he'll treat them one day if they come back to Liyue that is.
Zhongli smiled at the thought, as he entered the establishment. Entering, he saw the harbinger chatting away with a woman.
The former archon's eyes widen, and his voice hitched as tears were threatening to fall off. It couldn't, she died, she died in his arms. He had buried her body in Guili Plains, she always loved the Glazed Lilies they planted. There she sat beside the Harbinger.
The woman in question wore a long white dress that reached through her knees, her long golden hair all down, golden-colored eyes piercing through the souls of those who are met by it, and sadly he was one of them, expensive jewelry was decorated on her body, especially the diamond and gold necklace on around her, and her luscious lips looked tempting.
"Guizhong?"
The Archon's voice alerted the two occupants, the Harbinger smiled at his presence, while the woman tilted her head. Guizhong was always curious whenever she sees him.
"Uhm, yes hello Childe, it is good to see you again. I assume you're here to conduct a business ordered by the Tsaritsa, correct?" Zhongli asks, slightly nervous.
''Haha, you guessed it! I received orders from the majesty herself that I should make amends to the people of Liyue.'' Childe said, chuckling nervously.
The Archon hummed in response. It was a logical solution, Snezhnaya did try to sink the harbor.
His eyes turned to the woman, his face blushing slightly. Childe seemed to take notice of the retired Archon's action, and taking the opportunity, he put his arms around Zhongli's neck and walked him towards the table where the crossdressed Aether sat.
''Zhongli, I would like to introduce you to one of my comrades from Mondstadt, Edelweiss, Ms. Edelweiss, I would also like to introduce you to Mr. Zhongli, who is one of my confidants,'' The Harbinger said, giving a grin to the ''woman''.
The former Archon's hope and expectancy died down. Of course, it wasn't her... In the end, he was a fool in believing he would ever see her again.
''Uh-Uhm, y-yes, just like my friend Childe here said, I am one of his benefactors here in Liyue. It is my pleasure to meet you, Ms. Edelweiss.'' Zhongli said, stuttering as he tried to keep his usual poker face. It took all of his willpower to not pounced at the woman and hugged her tightly. She just looked all too similar to her, no matter how many times he tried to reassure himself that she was dead.
The ''woman'' smiled warmly, ''Likewise Mr. Zhongli.''
The Harbinger invited Zhongli to the table, which the Archon excepted.
Their lunch was great, to say the least. The former Archon was able to catch up to the Harbinger, although he kept taking glances at the woman beside Childe.
Childe noticed the way Zhongli was looking at his dear comrade, he was honestly quite jealous of Zhongli if he was being honest. But if he had not known of Aether's crossdressing plan, or rather, Paimon's crossdressing plan, he would've grabbed the opportunity to ask this beautiful dame for dinner.
After their lunch, the three of them walked through the streets of Liyue harbor, their walk was filled with glares and perverted stares. The glare for the Harbinger, while the perverted stares for the damsel.
The glare from the people was understandable for Childe. The effects of the Fatui reawakening Osial caused a huge distrust among the populace when it comes to Snheznayan foreigners. But as for Ms. Edelweiss's audiences of degenerates, they tried to approach her casually and ask her out on a date, some were bold enough and asked her to marry them. Which Zhongli didn't like. Not. One. Bit.
The situation for the ''woman'' got so bad that one idiot decided to grab a handful of ''her'' ass. The ''woman'' let a yell of distress to which Zhongli and Childe quickly came to the rescue. And as for the pervert... let's just say that he'll forever be needing a cane when he gets out of the hospital.
''Thank you for helping back there Mr. Zhongli,'' said Edelweiss with a warm smile.
The person smiled back, ''It is no problem Ms. Edelweiss,'' but Zhongli's smile quickly turned into a frown, ''I am also sorry for the trouble that person gave you. I am ashamed that a person such as that was able to roam the streets of Liyue.''
''Ah, it's no problem at all,'' Edelweiss reassured him. Causing Zhongli to worry more about the woman.
''Nonsense Ms. Edelweiss. It is my fault that a lady like you had to experience such degeneracy in my city and to repay that, I will accompany you as of today,'' Zhongli said.
Edelweiss or Aether was at a loss for words. This shouldn't be happening to him right now. All he had to do was go to the Tianquan's secretary, ask for an appointment to Ningguang as a foreign affair agent from Mondstadt, get the information he wants and bolt the fuck out of there. But no, Childe had to take a fucking detour to Liuli Pavilion and order a fuck ton of food, which in turn caused Zhongli to show up. And of course, being the gentleman that Zhongli is, he decided to give him a tour around the fucking city.
In fact, that wasn't even the worse part this day had to give him. He had to suffer a lot of perverted stares directly at him, wolf-whistles upon wolf-whistles were given to him, and to put the cherry on top, someone decided to grab his ass in public. Aether wanted to cry and give up. Today, he was publically humiliated and feels dirty, but he is so close to his goal, just a few more stretches and he gets the information he wants.
Deciding to steel his resolve, he faced the former Geo Archon.
''Alright Aether, you can do this, just decline the Geo Daddy,'' He said in his mind.
Going back to his feminine persona, Edelweiss smiled brightly, ''Of course Mr. Zhongli, I would love that,'' The former Archon's face beamed brightly.
''FUUUUUUUUUCK. YOU FUCKED UP YOU MORON, YOU IDIOTIC RETARD!'' The voice in Aether's head screamed, ''YOU HAD ONE CHANCE AND YOU BLEW IT! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU GONNA DO NOW BIG BOY?! CAN'T THIS DAY GET ANY WORSE FOR US?! WHAT'S NEXT?! A PIRATE MOMMY IS GONNA WOO US?!''
Before the former Archon can reply, someone cuts between both Edelweiss and Zhongli.
Edelweiss looked at the person who was now in front of her, her eyes widening like saucers as she knows who exactly it was. A tall woman, who has long, waist-length dark brown hair. The top of her hair is tied up with an intricate gold hairpin with a pale blue tassel hanging from one end. Her fringe parts around her right eye, slightly covering her left. Her right eye is a deep ruby-colored hue melting into gold. Her left eye is covered by a red eyepatch.
She dons a black leotard underneath a bright red sleeveless qipao dress, with side slits going up to her hips and chest area cut out. In stark contrast to the rest of her primarily red ensemble, a vivid purple Electro Vision is chained below her left breast. This person's name is Beidou, and it seems that the voice in Aether's head is right.
''Ok Aether calm down, we don't know yet if she's going to try and court us. So let's just play it cool.'' The voice in his head says as his mind started to cool down a bit.
Beidou looked at Edelweiss like a hawk. The tall woman towering over her like she's prey, and the predator finding its next meal.
''I don't who you are. But I got a say, you look hot,'' Beidou said in a sultry voice, ''How about we ditch this old fossil and come back to my ship? I'll rock your world there.'' The Captain finished, as her hands got a handful of Edelweiss' ass.
Meanwhile, in Aether's mind, everything was on red alert. ''I FUCKING CALLED IT! I FUCKING CALLED IT! I FUCKING CALLED IT!'' The voice in Aether's head said, repeating the same words, over and over again.
''What did I do to deserve this?'' Edelweiss said in a whisper, as a tear fell down in her right eye.
Well, that came out of nowhere. Anyways, I made this fic cause I asked some people on discord to give me ideas, and in turn, I make it into a 100 words snippet. The idea was so good in fact, that I asked, RenaJet129 if I can publish the idea on this website. Thankfully he said yes. Also, I would like to give my thanks to Lily Maya, SentryForge, and RenaJet129 for their help, I couldn't have done it without them.
Also, if you're wondering where's the next chapter of The Dragon Slayer of Teyvat, don't worry I haven't forgotten about it. I'm still working on a couple of fics from different franchises such as Pokemon.