Published: 12/01/21
Act I - Chapter VI
The Calm
The familiar sensation of the warm dawn was a comforting thought. But he still missed the Mondstadt air.
The Commander of the Outriders and his escorts entered the peaceful Qingce Village. The playful children were curious at his arrival, and Ignacio did his best to give a disarming smile. He always remembered children in the village did not receive many visitors.
The clopping of hooves certainly caught the attention of the whole village. He was amused that his men were a bit awkward around the attention of the young boys and girls. Outriders always worked outside the city of Mondstadt and even dared to live in the wilds. But as an old man himself, he had his fair share of children over the years. His stubborn daughter for one, and of course, his beloved Amber. Barbatos bless the sweet child. The child was still seven years of age, and yet she was already in big trouble in recent days.
Seeing that the rest of the paths were too small for the horses, and the bridges that led into the village were too fragile, he commanded his men to halt and tie the horses over to a bunch of bamboo shades. There were twelve of them, all handpicked by himself, and was tasked by the Grandmaster with a mission.
Amusingly, the Grandmaster only tasked him after Varka demanded to do so.
The balls on that man. But he couldn't deny it either, as Ignacio himself was curious. If Varka, the bull-headed captain of the Cavalry, wanted to meet the man, then Ignacio shall provide. It did help that the man in question also wanted to be thanked by several noble families as well. The Gunnhildr clan being the most prominent about it. How Curious.
"Sir, the horses are tied, and the men are ready to go," said his trusted lieutenant, and second-in command, Allister. The young lad was an eager one, as most young men are, but Ignacio couldn't deny the fire of passion within the boy's eyes.
The rest of the men approached him, ten Outriders in his presence. The two who volunteered to look after the horses stayed behind, as Ignacio fully knew the dangers of rising banditry in recent years. According to the reports, the largest and most powerful gang up and disappeared from the countryside, leaving the entirety of the regions in Liyue ripe for rising groups. Ignacio did not have all the details as Liyue seldom communicated with the Knights. A matter of pride between the Order and the Millelith.
A dumb battle of pride, in Ignacio's opinion. He blames Varka for that. The man's pride exceeded normal expectations.
"Good," Ignacio nodded. "Let Kent and Joffrey handle the horses, we have a mission to do." Affirmatives were shared around, and the group marched with a steady pace towards the village.
The closer they got, the more children left whatever they were doing and followed the Outriders closely. Most were just curious, and some were excited with the appearance of new visitors. Whilst there was a Millelith or two present, they didn't mind the presence of foreign soldiers much. All of Liyue knows the work of an Outrider after all.
It was the elderly that really were interested in the presence of the Outriders. Most of the elders were already gathered at the square of the village, where a small vendor and some houses were present on the hill where the main village was located. A few familiar faces, Ignacio lamented, but there was one that caught his attention. A familiar attire of an Adventurer.
"What brings you to our humble village, Outriders?" asked the most elder man in the group. He was old, older than Ignacio even. There was a sense of trepidation that he caught within their eyes. "Is there trouble ahead, good sirs?"
"No," Ignacio shook his head. "None at all, I assure you. We are just looking for a person of interest, as we heard he went to Liyue recently. It'll be a quick search, I promise." He always hated the lack of information. Varka was still adamant that the stranger wore foreign clothes. Ignacio tried not to yell at the man, reasoning that foreigners always wore foreign clothes. It was the excited input from the young Gunnhildr that changed Ignacio's outlook.
"He wears a dirty cloak, but underneath he has a noble-like attire. Gold and white alike! He was amazing! He must be a famous warrior from Natlan- or a son of a powerful noble at Fontaine and he-"
Thankfully, her exasperated mother and aunt stopped her from mouthing more words in a minute. But Varka was more than right, as the man saved Mondstadt's noble offsprings. He couldn't imagine what it was like if his beloved Amber was one of the unfortunate victims.
He withheld a shudder to that thought. Ignacio be damned if he ever let that happen. Little Amber always wanted to become a knight, an Outrider just like him. In recent events, though, he was rather hesitant to think about it.
Seeing that Ignacio and his men were no trouble, the eldest and the rest of the elders gave their permission to ask around. "Alright men, spread out, and keep your eyes peeled and your ears clean. We want no trouble with the man, got it?" Every member of the Outriders with him agreed, as they might face the wrath of the Wolf-Grim, Varka, if they scared off the guy.
As the men scattered throughout, some started questioning the elders already gathered. While he admires work ethics like that, he had a bigger fish to fry, and said fish was patiently waiting for him. There was also a child attached to his hip, watching Ignacio approaching with awe.
"I was starting to wonder if you would ever approach me, old friend." The warm sensation of comradery returned. If he did not become a knight, he might've become an adventurer. Sadly, his debt to the Order was still paramount to this day.
"As if I'd keep you waiting, old timer," Ignacio smirked in reply. The Adventurer was old, and Ignacio saw how frail the old bastard got, the old man was on his last legs. "And who's this handsome feller? I never knew you settled down this late, Bernard." He was joking, of course, everybody in the knights and the guild knows of this adventurer. Experienced and talented, and managed to go beyond what most adventurers even reached. He could've been Branchmaster of Mondstadt, but the old man was for adventure, not paperwork.
"This is my boy," Bernard scoffed. "My pride and joy, just you wait, he'll be the best this side of the north. I guarantee it."
Ignacio just smiled. He gazed upon the bright eyes of the boy, feeling that he was special. The pure drive and determination within them. "I see. I have nothing to doubt your wisdom, old friend. But I am here on official business. There was a massive case of kidnappings the other day, and the Grandmaster sent me here to investigate clues of a person of interest."
Old Man Bernard gave him a knowing look in his eyes. "Bennett," called Bernard, softly commanding the boy. "It's nearly lunchtime, prepare us old timers some seats, would you kindly?" He gave the young boy a gentle pat on the head, and a soft gesture with an arm towards a small stall on the main square of Qingce Village.
Bennett nodded enthusiastically, "You got it, dad!
Ignacio watched as the boy hopped towards the stall, and gazed at the old man's sad look on the boy's back. "Something to share, old buddy?"
"Nothing, I just realized something crucial, is all."
The Outrider led both to a clearing to the side of the cliff, overlooking the massive fields that was the farms of the village. Ignacio saw a pair of Outriders approaching a small shack further, asking inquiries and the such. Standard procedure, but nothing too effective. If the person they wanted to meet was here, Ignacio would have already seen the signs. It disheartened him of how easy he convinced himself to fool his troops, but it was a dishonor that he needed to do. The old man was here after all, and if there would be a reliable source of local information, it would be Bernard.
The adventurer was the most experienced, travelling all the way from Natlan to Sneznhaya on foot, finding all the local Domains within the Mondstadt region singlehandedly, and was one the few souls in Teyvat to have met an Archon in their lifetimes. An impressive feat, for a man that is nearing the age of sixty summers.
"I heard a massive commotion that took place within the afternoon of our departure a day before yesterday, as Bennett was always awed with childish tales."
"Not as childish as it seemed," Ignacio grunted at the memory. A drunk Varka was a troublesome Varka, but the man would never lie, let alone at the loosest of lips that night. "...Apparently, an outsider intervened before the Cavalry Company arrived, and saved the unfortunate victims. Powerful skills and magic, and more."
"So is it true then?" Bernard gasped in wonder. "Barbatos sent a champion in his stead? Were there really any signs that He returned?"
"Whilst I do agree that the unnatural weather of Mondstadt at the time was unusual, the folks at the Church would have seen the signs of the return of Lord Barbatos."
"Bah!" Bernard sneered at the image. "Those con men would rather find profit than at the thoughts of our Lord returning. I imagined that the commotion was a good haul for them? If so, I'm not surprised."
Ignacio tried to suppress a groan, but held himself firm. There was trouble at the Church, but the Grandmaster wanted no role to play at the riot outside the cathedral. Varka convinced him, though. Varka would be a better leader, the aging Outrider thought. It was a common consensus among the lower ranks of the Knights that the current Cavalry captain was a much better leader, unfortunately the guy in question was still hesitant. Too many factors risked it.
"Not exactly," Ignacio tersely replied. "There are those among the silent groups that spoke aloud today, against the wisdom of the church. He spoke that it was a sign of Barbatos' displeased desires of the current state of Mondstadt. A slight return to the dark ages that Barbatos' and Vanessa worked tirelessly to get rid of. All but accusations, of course. Without our certain quarry, we will never know."
Bernard gave him an amused smile, "And this quarry of yours? Still haven't managed to catch him yet?"
"No," Ignacio sighed. "It was too fast, everything that happened on that evening. I only returned from informing Lord Ragnvindr about what had happened with the recent disappearances of the children, warning him to look after his own." He felt much older these past few days, if the greyed-out hair was any indication. "They were really good boys, though, and talented. But they are still kids. I keep imagining Amber, whatever would happen if she was-"
"Hey, don't talk like that. She is safe, she is fine."
"I know, because she wasn't a target, a noble child." He knows that it was an irrational thought, but if the Gunnhildr Heir, a new and recent addition of the knights, was kidnapped so easily and without warning, what could his son-in-law and daughter do, but watch as she disappears?
Bernard did not say anything else, only had that contemplating look. "With you finding this man, will it solve anything?"
The Commander straightened up, hearing the curious tone of the old adventurer. "What do you know?" Ignacio asked, feeling relieved that he came all the way here for something worthwhile. "It might not solve anything about the church and the current upheaval, but it will make certain hearts feel light, knowing that the person responsible for their lives is safe and congratulated."
Bernard still won't budge, his eyes looked uncertain, and hardened. "Then I will ask this as well; what do the knights plan to do with him?"
"W-well, um, Varka could handle the potential fallout-" Igancio stopped when he saw the unimpressed look Bernard gave him.
"I said the Knights, not you or Varka." It was final, no more deflections on his part. Ignacio wanted to curse, but the old adventurer had a point. "I need to know what intentions the Order has against the boy, if not, better look elsewhere."
Ignacio did not say a word of reply. The old adventurer gave him another long look, before turning his back and leaving. Figures that the commander of the Outriders still doubts the Order's vanity. He wanted to deny it, but the Order he respected died the moment the man who saved him perished. Ignacio felt betrayed, and everything he stood for was stained by the greed and wants of greedy souls.
There was a time, young Leone du Bard, a kind and flourishing knight, did simpler things. He also died the moment the Order faltered and the Grandmaster perished, replaced by a spirited but misleading man. Grandmaster Leone was a different man that Ignacio remembered.
Prideful, yes, but humble within regards. That changed when the nobles, especially those from the Lawrence clan, saw a moment of weakness. One of the Lawrence ladies captured the heart of young, and vulnerable, Leone.
If there was one thing that Leone wanted in life, it was to be loved.
Ignacio can relate to that feeling, the eternal yearning for companionship. It was just a shame that the woman Leone swore eternal love for was a person that never shared the sentiment. It saddened him of how easy it was to control a desperate soul.
He has many regrets, but joining the knights and giving faith to them, that was never something he would ever regret. Not with Varka fighting desperately back against the current dogma, not with such bright youths joining the ranks of the Order, and especially when he saw the doubt in Leone's eyes.
"The knights are sadly not in power here, but that could work to our advantage."
Bernard stopped in his tracks. "What do you mean?" he asked, wondering where Ignacio would lead him to. "You say the knights are not in power, then what could you hope to accomplish?"
"We may not stop the demand of the knights, and especially the Grandmaster," Ignacio sighed, but his eyes burned in bright amusement. "But that does not mean he is an enemy either. The 'boy' you called just made a lot of powerful friends. Half a dozen of the noble families wanted to treat him in person, a blood debt, and one of the ancient clans of Mondstadt owed a great debt as well. In fact, if the knights dared even insult him in their presence, you can bet that funding would drop considerably lower than last year."
A clear threat to the Grandmaster, who depends on most of the nobles' generosity.
Bernard did not say anything, protest or otherwise. He was intrigued, but not yet satisfied on the matter. "What makes you think I can risk that? I may have met the boy a little while, but I do not think he is desiring riches or power. He was kind to little Bennett, even laughing off in amusement when the boy accidently dropped breakfast on him. I owe him for that simple interaction, I never had seen the boy so happy, even in my presence. What makes you think I would insult that debt that I too have for him?"
"Well," Ignacio smirked. "It helps when young Jean demands him to be her mentor, and as his squire."
"What?"
The commander laughed at the old man's shocked expression. "In fact, she threatened to resign and never join the knights again, until of course, we bring him home and be thanked and celebrated. And offered to be a true member of the knights, so just she could be his squire." Bernard couldn't believe it, so did Ignacio at the time.
Ignacio faced a lot of enemies, but the pouting session from young Jean was both adorable and scary. The child knows how to get what she wants, and Ignacio knew she never used that sort of action against anyone, especially her mother.
"Childish, I know," Ignacio chuckled. "But you have no idea how horrified the matriarch of the Gunnhildrs were in how serious the child was. Let's just say, pressure from the nobles, and the threat from one of the most powerful families in Mondstadt, Leone would have his head on a silver platter if he even lays a hand on that 'golden warrior' Jean practically worships at this point. Varka and I even saw her copying his moves once, and let me tell you, the young girl has it bad."
Bernard was speechless.
It was sad how far the Order has fallen, but it could be used against them. Ignacio was right, with the overwhelming support that the boy had gathered, he was practically invincible. There was still something that Bernard was bothered about, and he caught a curious thought. "What about the Lawrence Clan?"
"What about them?" Ignacio frowned at the name. He never liked the archaic way they treated anybody, but he was good acquaintances with one of the young boys of the family. The boy was young and impressionable, but his daughter was his saving grace. Eula was a sweetheart that held her father's heart, but Ignacio wonders when the pressure from the rest of the family comes crumbling down on them? Especially from that bastard older brother of his.
"How do they feel about the situation overall?" Bernard pressed further.
Ignacio was certainly unsure. "Honestly, nothing at all. They were not affected, just like the Ragnvindrs, and they certainly don't feel anything towards the boy savior either. It is a hard neutral for them, it seems."
"For now," Bernard groused. "It will certainly change, and not in a good way, now that the other families, including the Gunnhildrs, have a 'golden boy' in their midst. He is a potential threat, especially if he accepts the position within the knights. A threat against their puppet Grandmaster."
The Outrider couldn't deny that, but he won't budge either. "If he is a threat, then he is a beacon of hope."
"...What are you planning?"
"Not I," Ignacio smiled sadly. "Varka was always planning to go against the Order, but he never felt assured. He has a blacksmith friend that will supply us if the situation worsened, but he would rather not spill blood. Not on the streets of our beloved Mondstadt. But if he has a figure to go behind, a living symbol the people of Mondstadt, commonfolk and noble-alike, put their faith in, then there is nothing the knights wouldn't back down against. They would only look like the evil that the knights once stood against."
"So, he would just be your puppet?" Bernard scoffed, not exactly happy at the thought.
"Of course not," Ignacio shook his head, his eyes bright with hope. "We will not force him, if he does not wish to accept the offer, he could just meet with the families, be thanked, and convince Jean. Nothing more, nothing less. It wasn't like we were against him in the first place, I just need you to give me a chance. Please."
Those eyes were not desperate as Bernard had wished it would be, it may have been much easier to dissuade himself that this was a lost cause. But the burning determination continued to light up Ignacio's amber-brown eyes, and Bernard felt compelled to match it. But he couldn't, as he was too old, out of touch.
"Fine, I'll tell you were he might go. I had a gut feeling of where he was headed."
Passion on those eyes only continued to burn even brighter, and Bernard had a feeling he won't regret it. Not one bit.
Aether withheld a deep sigh, wondering where it had all gone wrong.
The good-mother, of her name escaped him, was blundering apologies left and right in front of him. It was made prevalent when little Beidou uttered that the scary armoured man in their doorstep was the man she "swindled" his Mora from. Aether was quickly ushered in without any problems.
He also noticed the number of children gathered in the main hall of the orphanage, or at least the largest room in the building. Aether would bet that most of the children actually slept here. Pity consumed him as he wondered how hard a life Beidou had in her younger years. She would always remember fondly, and always reminded him of where your roots are.
The starved look and the saddened gazes were very much prevalent throughout the orphanage. Aether felt guilty that they were denied the medicines that Dr. Tianshang had delivered them. All because they couldn't afford it, or at least the good-mother wouldn't accept the dues he gave to Beidou.
"You must understand, good sir," the good-mother begged. "That our brave trouble-maker meant no harm at all. Whatever she stole will be returned to you, just spare us any trouble."
"Why would you believe she has stolen Mora from me?" Aether asked, feeling a bit confused on the matter. He always knew that Beidou was a headstrong child, but she was as honest as her older counterpart. Aether held no contempt at all.
"She didn't?" There was a certain level of confusion to the good-mother's eyes, but the fear was still there.
Aether had to stop himself from really sighing. This charade of misunderstandings had to be dealt with. "No, good-mother. I had, in fact, asked for a favor. A favor she had earned earnestly. You see, I am a stranger to this land, and especially to this city." Not a lie, but the past was strange and different. Aether took no chance to bet against it. "Liyue was different than I had remembered, and I was fortunate enough to encounter young Beidou here."
Barring the fact that she greeted him by trying to steal his small purse, Aether was subtle enough not to let that sort of information slip, lest he endanger the civility that was taking place right now.
"So… she did not steal from you at all?"
Aether gave a gentle smile at the confused woman. "No, she did not. A rowdy lass she may be, but she still kept her word."
Beidou, who was quiet the entire time, finally gave a big whoop. "Yes! And now, the good-mother has no reason to deny doc's medicines-"
"We still can't afford it, Beidou." That definitely shattered any hopeful look from Beidou. "Even with the money you earned, and your big brothers' hard work, the specific medicine for curing Little Xingxing and Hua is not part of the deal, as I already spoke to the Doctor about it. The box that mister Aether delivered was just the monthly supply for common sickness and any illness." The young woman shook her head in sadness, and unshed tears were ready to burst. "The good doctor explained that the local gang took most of her supplies on their way here, a month ago, including the medication that was ready for stock. Medication that the little girls need."
He recalled Dr. Tianshang was troubled by something when he arrived, and Aether knew she held some sort of contempt for "Sheng's Gang" when he was fishing for information about the current factions that seemed to be roaming around the city unchallenged.
"If the gang holds the items Dr. Tianshang doesn't have, I'm afraid that the price would be too high to pay." Aether felt anger bursting through him as he saw the fear and loss in the young woman's eyes. Desperate, scared eyes that told the price she might have to pay for the young girls' falling health.
He always wondered why Beidou held her crew more fondly and was very protective of it. Aether got her vague answer then, on his long journey to Inazuma. "I failed my family once. I'd rather die in the attempt than witness it again." Beidou was fierce in her love for her crew, and held them in high esteem; like family.
The haunted and broken look of the woman already told Aether of her last attempt. "What did they give you?" Aether growled.
The good-mother was startled, but gave a hollow and unconvincing smile. "They did give me the medicine, just not the specific one that I should have asked for. It was my part to blame, thinking they would honor their word. It wasn't worth the effort by any stretch, that's for sure."
Beidou was confused at the good-mother's attempt at laughing it off, but the little girl did not notice her older brothers shaking in outrage. Aether was frozen still as Kazuha when he was meditating for more poetic ideas, but within Aether was silent as well. Silent in anger.
The price is too high, indeed. Aether bitterly thought about what horrors and hardship the young woman had to face, and how she was swindled in kind. Aether did not blame her hesitance, any person would after dealing with scum like them.
"I see," Aether nodded, understanding just how deep the gang would be after he is done with them. "I must be on my way, I fear that I have a friend that waits for me. I made her wait for too long."
The good-mother, no longer fearing any reprisals from him nodded in thanks as well. "Thank you, for delivering the goods for us. And thank you for giving our little Beidou a chance."
Beidou was still confused at the good-mother's hesitance and was angry for no reason, only giving Aether a quick acknowledgement before sundering off to what Aether thinks was her room. "Let her wallow off on her own, I fear she doesn't understand the situation yet." Aether was held back by the good-mother with a gentle hand after the woman saw Beidou running away without saying anything to him.
Aether doesn't mind at all. He has a friend waiting for him, and Aether fears that the world would act before he did.
The world was cruel after all.
"Oh, and before I leave," Aether turned to the distraught woman beside him, "Where can I gather delicate information about, let's just say, certain groups within the city?"
His reckless raid on the warehouse was a bust, and had no critical information of their reasons of operating within the city, nor any signs of the so-called Syndicate, as Aether had a feeling that they were connected. He may have coincidentally retrieved Qiqi, a feat which made Aether happy and confused, in the end there was nothing of true value.
"There is a person who owned an antique shop near the central district," the good-mother said. "That's where I got the information of where I can look for the medicine that the two little girls need before- well, after what had happened. Don't worry, he can be trusted. Old man Yunli was a former Qixing member, after all."
A Qixing member? Aether perked his eyebrow on that. He had yet to encounter one, but it was rather on purpose, as he did not want the eyes of the biggest fishes of Liyue on him. Too much trouble.
Also, an antique shop? He knew that the members of the Qixing are sometimes incentric, but this was still mild compared to Ningguang and Keqing's colleagues.
"I see," Aether nodded, taking a mental note of this antique shop that he might have to pass by. "Hmm? Where's Qiqi?"
"Qiqi?"
"A little girl that was with me," Aether replied sheepishly.
The good-mother smiled, "I believe she was left outside the door when you rushed in."
Ah, Aether was sure that the zombie girl had followed him closely. Maybe rushing in after seeing Beidou again was not a good idea. He best keeps a much better eye on her.
"Anything I should know about the old man?" Aether asked, worried for the implications that Aether might destroy in this timeline. Well, he already ruined it, but Aether did not want to escalate any complications on the way.
He still believed that if he limits his actions in the past, he might yet fix the stuff he did at Mondstadt. After all, who would remember a stranger that just interrupted an official knight's mission? They'd be cursing his name now probably.
"I don't think the former Yuheng wants trouble, I assure you, but he might need services like yours."
Aether wanted to laugh, but the thought of actually meeting Keqing's old gramps brought him grief.
Green.
That was the only thought she had, staring at the bright grass in front of her. She was left alone outside of the wooden house, but she didn't mind. It was too hot, but the seal on her forehead was cold. Qiqi was conflicted.
Hot or cold?
She missed the times she never remembered, but there was the yearn for it as well. Laughter of strangers she did not seem to be familiar with, the gentle smiles of two adults, and the happiness she has towards beings of her size. Black.
That was a color she remembers, after her dead eyes saw a massive stone in the distance. Darkness. It reminded her of something. Dark. Wet. Damp. Cold. Very cold.
Qiqi.
A word. A name. Those two syllables are the only remnants that remained of what she once was, or what she could be.
Gold.
It was nice, it was warm.
Too warm. Too nice.
"Qiqi, let's leave. I'm sorry for leaving you alone here, I thought you had followed me."
She did follow, or at least she tried to. There was a brown thing that stood in her way. There was a conscious action vibrating within her to swing her sword at it. But what was a sword? Why should she swing something?
In instinct, her little arm swung fast at the air, and at nothing in particular. Her face was carved like stone, showing no signs of embarrassment or shyness.
Gold only looked at her funny. "Ah. You remember how to swing a blade? Interesting. So, Baizhu didn't teach you how to?"
Baizhu.
Was that a plant she needed to harvest? If so, she must do so immediately. Bobbing her head, she marched forth in a direction that seemed familiar and strange.
"Huh? Wha- Hey, where do you think you're going?"
Strong arms held her tightly, and there was a conscious effort to resist. Kicking her legs in the air was futile, but her mind seemed not to care. Kick. Swing. Kick. Swing kick.
Nothing.
There was an audible sigh from Gold. "I still don't understand. But you can hear me, right?" There was a small nod, but she did not stop swinging her legs. "Okay. Your orders are to follow me, correct?"
Qiqi stopped swinging her legs.
"Good. You remembered. Can you speak?"
Her head twisted up, looking him dead in the eyes. Gold. Conflict was within them.
Sad.
Confused.
Angry.
Qiqi does not understand, but she was ordered. "…" There was an effort at least, or whatever she thinks was effort at all.
"Eh, good enough for me."
Gold.
She follows gold.
Gold.
Gold.
Gold.
Golden eyes stare at her, and make an effort to ask why the stranger in gold approached her at the counter.
"A zombie?" There was a pretty thing floating beside the golden stranger.
"…cocogoat."
Aether didn't know what to think.
Qiqi was rather acting weird, giving him hard, blank stares if she thinks he was not looking. Which might be a good thing, as it means her cognition is now coming back. It means she can finally think for herself. Aether won't risk it yet, and he'll think about it more when he and Ningguang rendezvous.
Speaking of the young girl, Aether was growing worried as he waited with bated breath on the same part of the pier that they parted ways last night.
He hated this feeling, of waiting on something or someone important to him. But he had faith. He got this far, didn't he? Aether was rather feeling confident lately, barring the depressing thoughts about the local gang that had been terrorizing the city for a while.
Aether got weird looks, as he leaned on the wooden railing, with a child staring at him. It seems, no matter what he does, and where he goes, there is always a force that seems to let others know he was around.
He did enjoy it for a time, only hoping to get the attention of others to help him find his sister. Now, without that desperation, he only felt naked upon their curious looks.
At least they thought him as a stranger, rather than the famous Traveler. He'd be happier with the weird looks than awe and disgust that came with his former title as Traveler.
His musings stopped when he spotted a familiar figure of an old woman approaching him in distress. Aether's heart dropped when she was about to burst in tears. Did something happen?
What happened to Ningguang?
"Lady Jun?" Aether asked, a worried look on his face. "What's wrong? Shouldn't you be at the inn?"
Qiqi shifted beside him, noticing his distressed emotions.
"I am so sorry," cried the old woman, "I did not know how it happened, but the inn was ransacked!"
Aether thought his heart dropped into the pits of the Abyss and never dared to come back when he heard what the old lady said. "What do you mean? Where's Ningguang?" This was what he feared, that the past that he swore to forget and move on came back to haunt him. It was the war all over again.
The old lady continued to weep, "H-her room was a mess! She disappeared off somewhere! The window was forced in, but I did not know when. Her room was still locked when I forced it open this morning wondering why the young lass was not answering my calls. T-this wasn't meant to happen! The neighborhood was kind! Who would do such a thing?"
A thought appeared in his mind, and the horror crawled in his spine, as he recalled the night he assaulted the warehouse to gather information, and he felt keen eyes on him. He dismissed it, of course, like the fucking idiot he was.
He let his guard down for one day, spending it happily with Ningguang, and this type of shit happens.
Aether screwed up again.
Something tugged his scarf, and Aether looked down at the form of Qiqi. Her eyes still hold those blank, uncaring eyes, but the talisman was glowing bright on her forehead.
No matter, Aether will set this right. "Can I see the room?"
"Of course, young man," the old lady nodded hastily. "I sent for the Millelith, but no word has come from them yet."
He withheld a scowl that was threatening to burst from his face. Of course, they wouldn't, because they aren't able to in the first place. Whoever was sponsoring them, notified the Millelith of what was to happen in advance.
A gang like this one is not some sort of thuggish brutes like the treasure hoarders, as they seemed more bold within the city, and had a lot of connections.
Aether has faced this kind of organized crime before, as Kaeya explained that there are two faces of crimes within Teyvat. The visible kind, like bandits and treasure hoarders. And the hidden kind, the worst type of criminals.
He never dared to deal with them, of course, leaving such matters to Kaeya. Whilst they were scum on earth, their support to the war effort was invaluable. The underground disliked the disruption of commerce, legal or not, and the war ruined business opportunities.
Their information network was better than anything in Teyvat, as criminal informants, with a bit of Mora, can spot hidden cabals or even terrorist cells under the leadership of the Pillars. Thugs can keep the peace on more unruly parts of town, especially when soldiers are occupied with other matters.
It was gritty, and dark, but necessary.
All for the sake of survival. And Mora, of course. Business as usual, even in war. That is why Aether is intrigued when he hears about the Syndicate. If they were in Liyue, why? This may have been a city of commerce, but Rex Lapis kept a watchful eye, and the adeptus still lived among the mortals in the city, no matter how rare.
The inn that he and Paimon once stayed actually still feels the same, as it was in the much richer parts of the city.
It was a shame, as Aether feels dread entering the building. There was no Millelith in sight, of course, but Aether was rather thankful for that. There was no telling if he would stay calm in their presence.
The lobby was small, with only a wooden desk where the kind lady would receive visitors and a soft sofa on the other side. There were stairs leading to the second floor where the residency resides.
Qiqi was close behind him, flinching every time Aether felt angry or sad. There was no telling why, but Aether did not care at the moment.
Aether stopped at a particularly opened door, where the lock was forced in. It must be the lock that the lady said was locked on the inside. Then there was a possibility that whatever or whoever took Ningguang, they forced in on the windows.
Entering the room slowly, Aether took in the sights of the mess before him. While it was spartan and simple in nature, the many decorations were scattered on the ground, signaling a chase around the room. The bed was left untouched, and only the desk and window were broken. It seems that Ningguang woke up on some noise and tried to see what it was, only for her to be chased around the room before her struggle was over.
And they took her away.
Rage was boiling inside of him, but held firm. Nearby, Qiqi was peeking outside the room, pretty much avoiding him. He couldn't blame her, Aether was rather exploding inside. There was also grief and sadness.
He wondered how scared Ningguang was at that moment, being kidnapped and taken away. Aether can picture her teary Ruby eyes, begging at him, crying at his failure.
No.
Aether dared not think that way again. He felt the compelling loss of Amber weigh on him again. It was so long ago, at an early start of the war, and after the Liberation of Fontaine.
When he heard the news about what horrors the Pillars were doing to the people of Natlan, Kaeya's team and Aether's friend traveled back in haste. It was a trap for them, as the Pillars planned to get rid of the stain of their god's glory. Aether and his friends were a pain in the ass, of course.
The attempt failed, but the desperation and madness that followed was something that haunted Aether until the events after the fall of Celestia.
A bomb was planted on one of the Pillar's corpse, enough to blow the entire temple of Natlan and Aether's companions. There was one place that can shield the city and his friends on time, the Spear of Murata, a giant volcano near the temple.
One cannot simple throw the corpse over, as there should be a volunteer to make sure that the corpse and bomb would dive right on the center of the volcano, which was a near impossible for mortals.
Amber had faith.
She was a gliding champion after all, and if anyone can do the impossible task, it was her. There was an immediate response of protest, especially from Aether and his friends, but it only took Amber giving them a simple, and confident smile to convince them. And break them.
That smile was the thing that haunted Aether, not her subsequent death.
He never witnessed it, just in case the blast was too powerful, and Aether dared not. That smile was the last time Aether saw the proud Outrider. The last of her kind. The bravest of them all.
Kaeya was right when he predicted that the blast was too powerful, as the center of the city and the temple were immediately consumed, but no lives lost since it was mitigated by the volcano. Except for one, Amber's.
Shocked and awed at her valiant and heroic feat, the survivors of Natlan carved a statue on the center of their ruined city, a symbol of a brave girl that took a leap of faith and was rewarded with her friends' lives and an entire city. That statue was always looked upon in awe and reverence, especially from the children.
Who could have blamed them? They had a legend born in their time, a passionate spirit that carried on till the end. Someone to look up to when a person doubt's their capabilities.
Amber, an Outrider, and a spirit of sacrifice.
Aether was sure that no other friends of his would die on his watch. It seems he was right on the wrong way, as he may have never witnessed most of their terrible deaths, he still let them die.
He wouldn't let that happen to little Ningguang.
A gust of wind blew into the room, nearly blowing Qiqi away, and Aether felt their rage too. An injustice was done in front of him, and he would rather spill blood again than let his friends let their blood spill on him. Aether was exhausted from battles and wars, but picking up the sword again was something he was willing to do.
A flicker of white caught Aether's eye.
On the broken window frame, there was a note impaled with a needle. Taking it, Aether saw no words or letters, but a symbol.
Of gears and swords, etched in blood.
The loud cling of the bell wrung through the whole store, as Aether was greeted by a gust of dust.
He was itching to finally get some good info into this so-called Syndicate. The Good-mother had informed him of an antique shop that was around the upper-layer of the city. A well-known informant, and a former member of the Qixing resided here.
Apparently, the old geezer who owned the shop was interested in the mystery and history of unnatural origins, as Aether observed, the dusty bookshelves, and old figures from different cultures. He even recognized the language of the Hilichurl. The bastardization of the ancient language of Khaenri'ah.
It was fascinating to look at.
"It has been a while since I had proper guests."
For an old man, Aether was heavily impressed with his buff stature. Unlike many elders of his age, he was as heavily muscled as Wagner, and was even taller than Aether himself. It seems like old man Yunli was built differently.
"Apologies for the mess, my granddaughter had visited recently, and I have yet to pick up her mess." Instead of limping around his age, he was strode down the stairs with an air of confidence that even Aether could not replicate. "She's a bright star, indeed, but her drive can really be affecting others. So, what brings a stranger here?"
Qiqi peaked behind his legs, her dead eyes glancing at the old man before sneaking a long stare at the wooden floor.
"Two strangers then," Yunli chuckled as he curiously spied the child behind him.
Aether was not worried, as some might find her dead-like attitude as shy. Dr. Tianshang was the clear exception to that rule, as whoever found her wanted them to bring Qiqi to the Bubu Pharmacy. Clearly, an astute member of the Alumni of the Sumeru academy, she was more knowledgeable than most.
He bets that old man Yunli was a curious person, and Aether knew not to test that curiosity. "The Good-mother of the orphanage sent me. She said that I can help in whatever mess the local gangs have made."
"Really?" Aether did not even flinch at the stern assessment of the man. "With an outfit like that, you bear the aura of an adventurer. Seems like a new fit as well. A few brunts and scratches, nothing special. What can an adventurer do exactly? Your kind isn't what I usually hold in high regard."
"Would you believe me if I say that I recently fought a Ruin Guard?" Aether smiled sadly, reminding of what is at stake if he was too late.
"And live?" Yunli scoffed. "I think not."
The height difference was really made prevalent when the old man suddenly tried to size up Aether. He had a feeling that the old man before him was no easy fight, but Aether has been through worse. He just doesn't want unnecessary attention.
"Most certainly don't, but I did." Bennett was a tough cookie, but even Ruin Guards are a tough gig for him, and Fischl had it easy with her bow, it still wasn't enough. Fighting a huge foe without support is suicide.
Good thing little Ningguang was there.
The guilt of failing a friend again resurfaced, as the thought of her being hurt made his heart clench in terror. Aether failed once in his past world, he'd be damned if he let himself fail again. This was a serious situation, as Ningguang was a child, not the reliable member of the Qixing that he can always count on.
I pledge with all my heart.
Aether promised, did he? He wasn't about to forget that promise soon.
Yunli, on the other hand, was very dumbfounded by the sheer determined look on the kid's face. There was something admirable about that, and the presence of a strong soul like his could be beneficial. Yunli had met many adventurers in his long lives, and most would be a hit or miss in terms of competence and value.
There was certainly more to this kid than what meets the eye, and so Yunli decided on something he will soon never forget.
"The shipyard, Wang's Arsenal, has been a host of weird stuff lately."
Aether was surprised that the old man was at least willing to humor him. "In legal practice, or something in-between?" He was surprised when Kaeya told him of how common crimes were in Teyvat, Aether wouldn't really see such things happening in broad daylight, as organized crime was something of a niche thing for professional criminals.
Treasure hoarders were one thing, but they don't hold a candle to an organization like the so-called Syndicate. Apparently, instead of robbing graves and people in the wilds, folks like those on the Syndicate were much harder to pinpoint, as they blend well in public areas like cities.
"Legality isn't the question here," Yunli scoffed, but this time it wasn't aimed at him. "I had a trusted associate of mine, a lawyer of sorts, to look into some things in the yard. Under the pretense of legal supervision. I still have some connections within the Qixing and the Millelith, but she found nothing at all. A week later, those weird and questionable activities happened again."
"Is this trusted associate of yours a sort of personal legal adviser?" Aether wasn't surprised at all, as Yanfei did explain that the law in Liyue was more strict and regulated than anywhere else, even the city of Justice, Fontaine. But of course, even in a place like Liyue, there will always be loopholes that people take advantage of. How else did the Fatui operate in such a well-guarded city unfounded? And so, legal advisers are a common thing and acted as a sort of go-between for the Millelith and the public.
"Not mine," the old man chuckled at the thought. "She is a headstrong lawyer, but not many would really give her a chance. She has been into many troubles for anybody to trust her judgement. A shame too, as she did not want to work with me officially, but it was a special case. Personal too."
There was something familiar about that, but Aether doubted it. This city was filled with too many lawyers already, and he doesn't really want to endanger another old friend.
"Well, what happens if a third-party would intervene?"
Aether knew that the old man approves, certainly obvious with the devious smile on the man's face. "It will certainly be an interesting situation, indeed."
Good, it means an opening. Usually, Aether would plan out the operation the whole afternoon, and strike them at night. This wasn't the case anymore, as a life was on the line. That, and Aether was getting tired of being subtle. The warehouse was a prime example of his subtleness.
"That reminds me, I haven't caught your name. As a sort of formality, of course, I can't exactly be confident in not knowing a person's name with delicate information."
What is his name?
Aether was meant to be his name when he arrived in Teyvat with his sister, and he certainly had not been too careful with it. He lost many counts every time a person wondered which part of Teyvat did a name like that originate from. To his absolute amusement, there were those who believed his name was of Khaenri'ah origin.
But Aether died on the Fortress, alongside the many brave souls that ventured there with him. There was no trace of Aether in this world, just a stranger with a borrowed name. He liked to believe sometimes that Aether had died peacefully with Fischl at his side.
He was a person that was not meant to exist.
A remnant of a bygone world.
"Efir. The adventurer, Efir Nyeba."
"The sky? In ancient Sneznhayan?" Yunli had originally believed for this adventurer to be from Fontaine or Mondstadt, but that far north? Also, the ancient dialect he had recognized was something that only the old families of Sneznhaya, even before the current Archon, only used to themselves. It was a bold move.
Gutsy too.
"Yunli, former Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. A pleasure." Yunli grinned as Aether accepted his handshake. A firm, calloused grip, and a scar in his palm to boot. "Shall we discuss the details upstairs? My study has a lot of interesting stuff to share from my associate."
It took a long while, but it was enough.
The shipyard was still the same as before, in the future, there was an arsenal where Liyue built its fleet of merchant ships. It was owned by another member of the Liyue Qixing. Suspiciously so. The old man was adamant that his younger colleague was the reason for the influx of concentrated organized crime in the recent months.
His lawyer associate also found no trace of any illegal activities or any trace of Sheng's gang. Yunli was also adamant to tell Aether that Sheng was a powerful individual that the Qixing had left alone for many years. In turn, the bandit king himself was more than happy to carve a small slice in the plains as his small kingdom.
He is fair, but harsh.
He is brash, but smart.
He was strong, but is now weakened.
Yunli wasn't sure, but there were rumors of a challenge. Bandit clans would rather settle with a showdown rather than a full-scale war. Keeping it quiet, keeping it clean. Aether was sure that the Dragon of Milin was injured, both in pride and in skill.
Aether did not want to dismiss the man as a threat, he had fought gods after all. But there is a clear reason as to why the man named Sheng was feared and respected before he mysteriously disappeared alongside a huge chunk of his bandit clan. Yunli had a gut feeling that he was in the city, but the old man doesn't know why.
And that is why he must head there now.
"Are you sure? She can stay here if she wants."
Qiqi was still waiting at the entrance of the shop when Aether had descended from the office.
Her reactions did improve by a large margin, especially after he freaked out when he heard the news of Ningguang's fate. Qiqi was sticking close to him, clinging even, and his orders seemed to easily register in her mind. She still wasn't able to say a word yet, but Aether was confident that soon Qiqi will.
"No need," Aether said, ruffling the hair of the little zombie girl. It only earned him a confused look from Qiqi, but she leaned into it. He also heard Yunli chuckling behind him. "She's more reliable than you think, and it'll be best if I keep a close eye on her."
Aether left her at the Harbor when they went forth to Natlan, and he felt bad for doing so, as Qiqi had grown to trust him dearly. He was horrified when he heard that one of the Pillars burnt down the harbor and chopped her off to pieces and scattered them throughout Liyue. Aether learned from the bastard himself, after Aether and his friends caught up to him. The Captain was bereaved of his head after Aether was done with him.
"I see." The old man had suddenly thought of something. "I know that you've been around Teyvat for what? Five years? Have you been at Fontaine recently? I have a good friend there if you plan to stop by."
Fontaine was a source of pride and sour memories. It was the first city they liberated successfully, and the fourth city they lost later on. Aether still had nightmares of that night, and the dark nights ahead of it. He could still hear the gunshots and explosions from a distance. The ocean waves of Liyue deafened it, but Aether could still hear the phantom battles far away.
"I might be planning to," Aether muttered. He was curious about this so-called Syndicate, and he was planning to investigate it soon enough. "It was a brief visit, but I was forced to continue my travels elsewhere. Why? Though, I am thankful for the favor anyhow. Shelter is shelter, I'd be grateful."
"Well," Yunli smirked. "The three big families in Fontaine, you know of them? I am good friends with the sole heir of the greatest house. I'm sure that you'll be treated as kings when you arrive. He always loved guests, but is sadly bereft of them lately. Damn that man, he just wouldn't let it go."
"What happened?" Aether was familiar with them, but never really met them personally. Such powerful individuals were way beyond his reach and only left it to Kaeya to deal with them. Sometimes he pitied the tired look on Kaeya's face.
Fontaine was a powerful nation that adhered to the true forms of justice, even if it was just a show, and the courts were a joke and a dangerous playground. Aether hated those types of places. The three families were older and more powerful than any of Mondstadt's nobility. In fact, he even heard Eula once stated that the Lawrence are a bunch of peasants compared to them.
He was curious as he was greatly cautious of that statement.
"Otto is a good man, and a hard working guy, but the man really needs to learn how to understand 'no means no.' Apparently, after the Lord of House Kaslanna died, the sole heiress broke the marriage deal between her and Otto. Let's just say the future Lord of House Apocalypse was not exactly happy."
Otto Apocalypse? Aether heard Kaeya cursing that name during their time in Fontaine. He once noted to avoid the guy if possible that time, but opportunities are quite bare for him this time. "Is he some type of trouble?" Still, if the baggage was too heavy, Aether would drop it. If the guy was too much, he'll leave him be and not get caught in the crossfire.
"He's a young and bright lad," Yunli shook his head in dismay. "But he is sadly a little too clingy and petty. He'll come around, I'm sure of it. I'll write a letter in advance, and take this as a favor from me. You're already risking life and limb, might as well compliment you to some folks of mine."
Yunli was oddly very confident that he would win. Aether was only here in the first place to ask for directions, not asking favors. But is this a sort of networking that Ningguang was always talking about?
Whatever it was, Aether was too impatient to deny it further and he just nodded his head in agreement. Whatever comes his way, he'll deal with it then. For now, he has his priorities straight. Ningguang is first in his mind, nothing and no one else.
"I appreciate that," Aether nodded. He gestured to Qiqi to follow him, the little zombie girl matching his wide steps as he exited the antique shop. "Oh, and is your associate gonna intervene?" Aether was not really amused if so, as he works alone. Risking Ningguang in the hands of another stranger was something Aether would not dare cross the line.
"You can count on it," Yunli sighed in exasperation. "Trust me when I say, it'll be best that you sneak in and pray she doesn't see you."
"Hey there, care to explain why a man as suspicious as you is sneaking around a warehouse? This is against the law, you know?"
Aether would have normally cursed Venti for this sort of dumb stroke of bad luck, but even he is getting tired of doing that. More so, Aether did not expect to encounter her so soon, as soon as he entered something off the legal field that is. The bleak wooden structure shadowing them has barely done anything to hide the fact that he was sneaking in such a high profile place with a zombie child in his arms.
Qiqi didn't seem to mind, by the way.
"I'd like to file this as a vigilante case, or a kidnapping," Yanfei pondered. "But that would only mean to acknowledge you as such. Are you a vigilante, mister? If you're a kidnapper, well-"
She was the same as usual, and Aether couldn't keep a soft smile off his face. "So, you must be the associate that Yunli warned me about?" There was something off about her bravado, though.
"That old man, I swear." Yanfei got a much better look at him, now that he has stepped out of the shadows. "I wasn't warned of your arrival. Apologies for accusing you of something unwarranted, that wasn't supposed to be nice."
"No problem," Aether dismissed it. Gently dropping Qiqi, he held out a hand towards Yanfei. "I'm Ae- Efir. An adventurer that mister Yunli hired."
Technically, Aether wasn't hired, but he would deal with the problem in exchange for getting Nigguang back.
Shaking back his hand in courtesy, Yanfei observed Aether's get-up. While he has been confident of the armor he got from Vorsiti, and fooling a lot of people, Yanfei was far more observant. Her heightened senses of sight and hearing was undeniably much more effective than a human, even as a half-breed like her. His fears were realized when her eyes bulged in surprise.
"Huh, your armor is new and unblemished. But that mark..." Aether then looks towards his right shoulder-pad to see a sort of signature on them. "Holy- that's the symbol of the Vorsiti clan! How do you have one of the most powerful judicial houses from Fontaine's symbol?!"
Aether's mind blanked at the word "judicial," and wondered where he had heard that word before. "I- Uh, replaced my old outfit and commissioned them from a talented alchemist and merchant. I think his name was Gunther Vorsiti?"
"Never heard of him," replied Yanfei, her cheer and excitement gone. "Or maybe I did? Something about an affair? Nevermind, I do not know why the old man let you in on this. It is a serious situation that must be handled delicately."
"Is verbally threatening poor dock workers and potential suspects called delicate?" Aether now realized this wasn't his Yanfei. After hearing the many complaints that Yunli moaned about this so-called associate, messing things up, missing a few laws, and even misinterpreting them, that sounded like the opposite of the second most dedicated person he knew in Liyue. The Yanfei he knew never makes mistakes like that.
Until he saw how different she was ten years prior. Didn't she once say that her passion for the laws of Liyue was only recent? Aether thought back then that "recent" meant a hundred years or so, not a decade.
"I apologize." It really doesn't seem that way. "I'm still studying for my license and rights, but I am a dedicated woman of the law, so no worries here!"
Aether had everything to worry about. If his old Yanfei was the one that greeted him now, he would not look back, go straight for the gang members, and know that he had his back covered by a person he trusted. It seems that wasn't supposed to be the case.
"Look," Aether sighed, "There's a friend of mine that got into this mess because of me. I feel guilty, I feel bad, and most importantly I feel angry because I let this happen. So, excuse me for being rude for a moment; just don't get in my way."
Yanfei looked like she took a massive blow, especially with how hard she cringed at what she said earlier. "Was there life at stake? I'm sorry, I didn't know..."
Aether would have not the heart to reject that apology, and it seemed real this time. This time, though, Aether had run out of patience and kindness. He vehemently reminded himself that this wasn't his Yanfei. Aether also reminded himself that the child he endangered was not his Ningguang as well. They were dead. Gone, ash to the wind. No longer existing.
It was a sad joke, giving Aether this much hope for a second chance, then making him look as it crumbles away.
A promise.
That's all he has at this point. To keep it, it's all he can do at this point. Move forward, never miss a step, and never crumble at the resolve to see this through.
Seeing that accursed note, and to feel it burn in his pocket, Aether was reminded of his mistakes that continue to haunt him this very moment. A shamed Yanfei, a scared Ninggunag, and even the curious zombie girl at his side. They were reminders of his mistakes, his failures.
Not anymore.
"As I said," Aether shrugged. "Just don't get in my way."
Yanfei said nothing. So did Qiqi, but the small girl wordlessly followed him anyway. It feels bad to admit, but having Qiqi on his side made him feel better, knowing that he can count on her. It was also sad that he couldn't count on Yanfei, even if he wished he did.
Bao'er hated being called "Little Sis," it was degrading as hell.
Then again, she was an actual runt of the litter. The weakest of the weak, the bottom of the proverbial pit, and the most obnoxious soul in the gang. And she wanted more.
She was stuck here, doing laundry and washing dishes instead of earning her rightful place within the gang.
It was her ambition to become big like old man Sheng, someone strong, reliable, and powerful enough to defend the group. Bao'er wasn't any of those, but she tries her hardest. Most of the gang are just content with the way things are now, but she wasn't, and for a fact she knows that Sheng doesn't either.
Hiding in the shadows, playing with some of the law, and even going legit.
That wasn't how the gang works, and Bao'er hated it, as it was the way of the Syndicate. Hide in plain sight, bribe the guards, and do lawful business on the side. No, she hated that type of crime, as if it was not a sort of crime type at all. More so when the damned Mist Guard loved to see the change happening before his very eyes.
Bao'er was young, but she was not as stupid. She was a criminal after all, she had to think smart if she had no brawn. Or so what Sheng always says to her. Play to your strengths.
The Mist Guard felt like he was enlightening a bunch of savages on the way it was done. It was really sickening to watch, as the fear and hate against him seemed to fuel his ego more.
Worse was that Sheng let all of this happen! Bao'er knows that Sheng was too much of an honorable man to back down on his agreement. Maybe a little prideful too.
Honor was the fine line that seperated the gang from other notorious bandits.
They rob merchants and let them go, a future sort of investment, and have a rule to never hurt an innocent. Women and children are an automatic part of that rule, and even men who won't hurt a fly, that's how it always was.
Stay out of the business of an adepti, never go close to the city, and leave important matters to Sheng.
It was a simple set of rules.
Sadly, it seemed that the world grew bored of watching us, and decided to set the terrible eyes of greedy assholes from Fontaine towards us instead. It was much worse when they sent a Serpent to do the deed.
Bao'er knows that Sheng was strong as he was smart, and during that time she was as faithful to her beliefs. It was, of course, shattered by the Serpent.
Like Sheng, the Serpent had a Vision. That would have been the ultimate equalizer, a battle between two individuals that caught the eyes of Celestia. Instead, the Serpent cheated and used a Delusion!
The fight was over before she could blink, and Bao'er had to witness the horror of watching someone writhe with agony. It was like Sheng was dying and living at the same time. It wasn't the struggle and pain of Sheng that scared her, but the hollowed and hissing voice that spoke to him. How do you like it, when your body shatters and rebuild itself in an instant? The sight was something that haunted her dreams for a little while.
After that horrific defeat, Sheng was forced to subjugate the whole bandit clan to the Syndicate. There were instant protests of course, it ended as quick when the Serpent bereaved those who opened their mouths off with their head. No one dared to voice their thoughts then, and even now with the company of a lower member of the Syndicate, no one was brave enough to speak out. Not even Sheng.
Months of hardship and complications later, here she was, right in the middle of the Harbor of Liyue, under the very nose of Rex Lapis, the Qixing, and the Adepti! The Mist Guard might have the confidence to say not to worry, Bao'er and the rest of the gang wanted to squish the man's ego for that comment.
If she wasn't turned to stone in an instant, she would have been at least crushed by a rock, impaled by an Adepti's spear, or worse, sent to an orphanage.
The most terrible part was wondering when that moment would come.
It might as well be now, as Bao'er froze at the sight of a dozen members of the gang knocked out on the cold stone floor, beneath the eyes of a human predator.
Gold.
"Hello there," Aether smiled. "Don't mind me and my companion."
"..." Bao'er was too afraid to let herself speak any words, as the pressure coming from the terrifying man before her was suffocating. He was much worse than Sheng!
"Where can I find your boss? Let's just say I have a long awaited appointment from him."
Bao'er did her best at not shaking her arm, but it was rattling like a snake. The dockyard was huge, enough for several levels beside the boat that the workers would usually work on. She pointed at the top levels, near the office rooms. It was wide enough for crates to be stored and to overlook the construction from a comfortable distance.
"Thank you," Aether nodded. "Come, Qiqi, let's be quick about this."
A small girl, much younger than her, nodded without complaint. Both of them made their way to the upper levels, and Bao'er had the feeling that she had just let the reaper himself pass by. She was entitled to protect her comrades, but the pure instinct within kept her mouth shut.
That, and the new bloods were assholes.
She can only wonder if she would witness something terrible once again today.
Bao'er hopes not.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
My funeral service is finally over.
Now, I can get back to the good stuff, making memes! Just kidding, I still need to reacquaint myself with my writing, as it has been a long while since I wrote anything noteworthy.
I can finally go back to schedule, especially with the recent stories that I am planning to update once in while. There's two new stories (again) that I want to at least publish, and update if I had the appropriate time for that.
Those who are worried for the next chapter from Vows of Eternity, there's a slight complication with the commissioner and I, but I am confident that it shall be resolved soon enough.
With my exam periods over, I can finally start again on my projects without any fear of education backhanding me, and the death kneel my parents are giving me these few days. Sheesh, give a kid a break.
I also extended the Liyue arc for two more chapters, then the arc will be finally done!
Anywho, I got nothing much to say here, as I have more stuff to do. Yay.