Published: 02/28/22

Act I - Chapter VIII

The Brewing Storm

Familiar with the locales of Liyue, Aether still found the feeling of the unknown exhilarating. The smell of the salty waters that entered the Arsenal, and the scent of wood and oil, filled the quiet atmosphere.

It was unfortunately damped by dread that followed him here.

The thought of Ningguang hurt made his scars ache, churning and twisting, to remind him of his failures. A scar on his abdomen, as Aether unconsciously held that spot whilst looking around, was a grim reminder of failing a friend that trusted him. The phantom wound itched, yearning for a jaded blade that once pierced it.

A large scar on his back was also a reminder of the loss of his sister. It was Lumine who rewarded his naivety with that scar, nearly cutting off his spine, while he tried to save her from being consumed by her conquest against Celestia. Against the Unknown God.

In the end, he failed to reach her in time.

Then there was a sword wound to his chest. At the betrayal of his beloved companion, a child fell to the darkness once more, and never crawled back out again. The sizzling blade of the abyss still linger within his heart. Blue eyes, childlike and playful, lost to the void that was the Pillar of the End.

But Aether was not planning to get a scar, not this time, and not after what he already lost. Shaking the doubt, Aether could only march forward throughout the endless maze of wooden crates and ship parts. This world had never tasted war as he did.

A good reminder of what is to come might shake up his foes. If they want war, Aether is willing to teach them what is meant by declaring war.

The whole area had been silent after he had dealt with the latest batch of gang members at the back entrance. Now, Aether waited on bated breath to see what would come next. Arming his blade on one hand, his eyes furiously scanned the dark and damped Arsenal.

After what seemed an eternity, Aether finally saw a light source from above.

The warehouse was huge, and the shipyard in it only made the Arsenal a size comparable to the gargantuan docks for airships. Aether was fascinated at the sheer amount of materials gathered to construct a ship bigger than the Crux or the Pearl combined. It made sense that it would be a merchant vessel that can carry hundreds of tons across the seas of Teyvat, and Aether wondered, beyond it.

The massive gate leading to the outside streets of the district was huge, and wide enough to let a hundred people enter side-by-side.

There was only one man present, waiting by the gates, and standing firm like a pillar that stood against calm waves. His back was turned, facing only the gate, Aether knew that this man was waiting for him.

He was wearing a typical worn shirt, and dark pants, making him blend well with the many people of Liyue. One with a keen eye could be the only ones that could sense his presence. Aether certainly did, as the man before him felt wholly different from the other goons that were loitering around. His rippling muscles, and tall stature, could certainly tell.

It was the eyes that Aether curiously caught. Neutral, to the hardest of sense.

Qiqi was behind him, a constant presence, and a pleasant one throughout his morning of distress. This time though, to Aether's surprise, the little zombie girl was staring intently at the man, enough to make even Shenhe's cold gaze look like a light snow against a calm blizzard.

But it wasn't the man that Aether was not staring at, but in fact at the defenseless form of a child at the corner, unconscious and peaceful. His face was anything but peaceful.

Aether had seen many horrors in a span of a few years, yes, but it never got any easier. The image of innocent people laying cold to the ground in every city he comes to was a sight that he will never forget. It was War after all, and not even the children were spared.

Seeing Ningguang, young, peaceful, and tied-up like some sort of animal, awakened something primal within him. Aether's eyes burned, enough to melt gold. His glare turned towards the man that was just waiting to get pommeled.

The poor girl behind him sensed his fury, and backed away, emotionless and wary. Stowing his fury and anger, for the sake of his sanity and for both the girls, Aether could only shimmer in anger within.

"You must be the warrior that assaulted our smaller warehouse by the market? It was at least a pleasure to meet you, before things go out of control."

"And you must be Sheng," Aether stated blandly, never easing his glare. "I would say it is a pleasure as well, but you've caught me at a bad time." A terrible time, indeed. He hopes that Sheng would willingly give him the moment to carefully explain why.

Sheng could only raise his eyebrows, and responded gravely. "So was I, and the rest of my gang." The man sighed, "We've all come at a bad time, but what happens now only matters to what's gonna happen next."

Sheng gazed deeply into his golden eyes. Only for him to flinch when he saw the fury and madness that was buried beneath them. Aether's eyes seemed to glow in horrific gold, excited to unleash what he witnessed back in his old time. Death and destruction.

He tried to stow the fury, Aether really did, but the urge to unleash emotions that he had been burying was too strong. Unless something were to happen, Aether could only pray that Liyue would be left unscathed if he were to let go.

"You may try to understand," Aether said, as golden light glowed in his palms, revealing a new blade. Using both blades in each arm, Aether dared not to hold back anymore, the wind and earth shaking around him. "Your gang may have landed in a rough spot." Gritting his teeth in anger, Aether could sense the wariness of Qiqi grow tenfold. The little girl wisely moved away from him. "I've lost friends and family. Pray that I don't finish what I started with the rest of yours."

Crossing his blades, Aether went for a low stance. "Because of how many horrors I am truly willing to commit, depends on your actions right now."

The criminal boss also readied a stance, his calm posture now gone, after sensing that this adventurer was a bigger threat than he had hoped.

"The warehouse was a fluke, using tricks and tactics to quickly get rid of those scum. I won't repeat the same mistake." One blade was coated in Anemo energy, pure in essence and fury. The other, seemed to shake and rumble, waiting to be unleashed. "My mercy has unfortunately run out."

Two titans were prepared to clash, until a mad cackle echoed throughout the warehouse.

"My, oh my," giggled a mask figure at the top of the warehouse. "How splendid of you to join us." The white, blank mask stared smugly at Sheng, who was trying not to sweat in the presence of a foe that was pissed. "What did I tell you, little drake? The predator smelt the bait, did he not? And to think you hesitated."

Aether perked his brow curiously at the criminal warlord. Was this true? And who was this figure? Sensing something off about the figure, and what he claimed to be responsible for an act he finds outrageous, Aether turned his empty gaze above.

Sheng, noticing that Aether dropped his stance, relaxed too. "It was dishonorable," he grumbled. "Taking from the poor and innocent was one thing, but snatching a child from her home at night is a distasteful act." It seemed to taste bitter, Aether noticed the man, looked away in shame.

Aether could sense Sheng's hesitance too, feeling a bit relieved that he did not truly let his anger out. He nearly became a monster he swore to slay.

Looking up above, his malice burned away, and only what remains is something akin to curiosity and soundless fury.

There was an indescribable feeling in relishing on the fact that Aether finally found who he had sought after. Sure, in recent days, he felt rather at ease with everything in this past timeline. He was a fool.

He won't make the same mistake twice.

"So, you must be the fool that dared challenge the might of the Serpent?" The Mist Guard sneered at him. "What a ludicrous endeavor. There is nothing in the world that could challenge me, nor the might of the Serpent's Will!"

"You were so easy to fool," the Mist Guard cackled at Aether. "With just a note, I saw you walking around in a frenzy, looking for your little friend. Oh! The furious look on your face! It was glorious."

"My ingenious scheme was too perfect for any mere mortal to see through." Every word uttered out his the man's mouth, Aether could only wonder where it would end.

He was rather nonplussed about it. Still, his gaze turned to Ningguang at the corner. Giving the zombie at a distance away a knowing look, and an intent nod towards the unconscious Ningguang. Aether was relieved that Qiqi understood, and rushed off towards Ningguang.

The mad man was still spouting nonsense towards Aether, until his reverent gaze went towards Sheng, who immediately froze, feeling the presence of oppression press against him. Aether would have pitied the guy, if not him being part of the bastard's "brilliant" schemes.

"You are strong are you not, little drake?" The distasteful name made Sheng bristled in anger, but only closed his eyes to ignore it. "Oh wait," chuckled the Mist Guard, "The Powerful Dragon of Minlin got humbled by a foreigner, one that was too powerful for the Bandit King to overcome."

"You hear that, fool?" The Mist Guard asked Aether, mocking him. "This would be easy prey for you, I'm afraid. I'm sure that this wounded beast needed to be put down, don't you agree?" There was something sick about the blank mask gazing at him. Aether knew that the twisted bastard was having a little too much fun with this.

Turning his fanatical gaze towards Sheng, the Mist Guard hissed expectantly. "You know what must be done, slave."

Gazing at the man, Aether was sure that Sheng shrugged helplessly.

"Now, retribution shall descend and the Serpent's Maw shall devour your heretical soul." Preaching was something Aether did not expect from anything criminal. Was the Syndicate a religious cult or something? "The Dragon, chained by the Serpent's Will, shall be the catalyst to bring down this poor and unenlightened soul." Beneath the mask, the Mist Guard grinned madly. "Deal with him."

Thinking that the masked moron was crazy, Aether knew that Sheng was the sane one in this conversation. Still, he was a criminal that must be dealt with. And a threat against his progress. He wasn't delusional to think that Sheng was weak, in fact the sheer amount of seismic energy the ground around the Vision user was astounding.

Aether flexed his fingers around the loose grip of his blades, staring down the bandit king of Liyue.

Sheng made the first move, stepping a foot forward, an act that Aether realized to be a ranged attack. Feeling the slight tremor beneath him, Aether hopped back in time from being impaled by a bright, glowing geo spike. Locking eyes with his foe, he sees Sheng charging in.

Using his right blade to pierce his charge, Sheng surprised him by diving low to the right. Aether blocked a counter from a fist, which only struck his other blade, coated in Geo.

Caught off-guard with Aether's rock-blade, Sheng tried to give space. Aether was kind enough to help him do so. The blade that missed Sheng suddenly burst with Anemo, blasting the man backwards.

Knowing that he could not back off in time, Sheng crossed both his arms to absorb the blow of the furious wind. Dust blasted around them, the ground shook in their brief clash.

"Heh, I suppose even a beaten dragon has a few surprises." Aether quipped amusedly, seeing that his wind blast did no damage at all.

The dust and wooden debris cleared, revealing a sight that even astonished Aether.

Both of Sheng's arms were now coated in Geo, making it look like armor made of crystals were glued to it. His arms, fingers, and all the way to the shoulder, was coated with sharp geo constructs.

"I could say the same," Sheng grunted in pain, "How curious for you to wield two elements, and at once even. I knew you were bad news." The man narrowed his eyes towards Aether's guarded form. "You don't even carry a Vision."

Bringing up another low stance, Aether replied, "So do you. I don't see one either." There was no gem on his hips, arms, or even legs. That is why Aether was a bit wary about Sheng, hearing him being a Vision-user, and even feeling the untapped energy when they first met, but never wore a familiar gem anywhere.

"On the contrary," Sheng grinned, a first time for Aether. "I do have one."

Aether suppressed any looks of surprise as the man tore open his shirt. What shocked him was that there was a gem. Embed within his chest, there was the familiar glow of a Geo Vision, both gem and flesh woven into a near hideous state of a symbiotic image.

It looked gruesome, pulsing power in-between veins of geo, but it did explain why the man was easily linked with the elements to his skin and flesh.

"Not a pretty sight, but one that proved my strength." In an instant, the chest that once was flesh, now covered in Geo. It certainly protected his Vision, Aether could begrudgingly admit.

This fight certainly proved interesting.

Aether decided to go on his own offensive, using both his blades coated in elements too. Spinning, dodging, and striking, Aether twirled and danced around the hard-hitting fists of Sheng. Unrelenting, Aether dropped one of his blades and punched the ground, making the cement floor crumble, a battlefield uneven for both sides.

Or so what anyone would think.

His movements were light, as if flowing with the uneven ground like running through the surface of water. Aether's strikes were swift, managing to hit Sheng's face, legs, and neck. The man was fast, as Sheng grabbed Aether's leg and threw him to a mess of crates and supplies. Wind blasted clear of the debris, just in time for Aether to dodge a crushing blow from above.

This dance between mountain and wind continued, neither letting both sides have a moment of respite, trading sword strikes for quick blows.

It would only be a matter of time until either of them gives, as there could only be one victor.

Everything was dark.

It was a blissful existence, and Ningguang sought comfort in it. As the swirls of colors, green, gold, and brown danced around the darkness, she could only embrace it. She wanted to, as the nightmare seemed to disappear.

Ningguang could only remember the terror, dancing within the shadows beneath the moonlit skies. She screamed, but barely heard it. She jumped, but barely felt it. She ran, but barely shift it.

It was a nightmare, she rationalized.

So, Ningguang went back to sleep, and ignored it, and everything around her.

She wants to wake up, but the numb feeling within held her back. She wants to breath, but the world suffocated her.

It sounded nice, to sleep and never wake up.

But then, how could Ningguang see mister Aether again if she stayed in bed all day? That would be embarrassing, as she owed the man too much.

As she slowly stirred awake, her thoughts went to the gratification of one person that showed her a world she could never imagine. Good food, opportunity business, and a sense of companionship. A stir within her told a different story, one that she had been denying for a little while.

His gentle smile, one that shared the joy in his beautiful golden eyes. Meeting him was normal as dealing with any customer that took their time for her wares. But knowing him, talking with him, and even sharing a meal!

Ningguang could sense the sadness, and there was an urge to move closer and comfort him. But he was a grown man, who did not need a mere child to comfort him.

And yet...

He listened intently to her every word, he never doubted her for a moment, and he treated her as a grown woman, worthy to respect and admire. She did not get it, none at all. People either treated her as a country bumpkin, or a street urchin.

Not mister Aether.

He treated her like a person worth his salt, a person that he took the time to hang around with.

It wasn't about the debt, mister Aether would say, but rather the chance to see something grow. He believes in her, in her abilities, in her qualities.

He gave her enough Mora to last her and granny for years, but instead he was confident that she would use it to further enrich herself. And she did, and he knew.

It made her happy, it made her day, her dreams come true.

And yet, he expected no reward, nor any form of expectation. Mister Aether believes, and he knows her success.

Ningguang knew his genuine drive for her success, it was because he was leaving that made her belief firmly stated. Mister Aether never expected Ningguang to pay him back, he just smiled and assured her success. But why would Ningguang want that? All that success, all that Mora, it did not seem as precious as the bag mister Aether gifted her.

Not because it was enchanted, nor was it because it already had tons of Mora in it, but rather the gentle gesture of trusting her with such an item was heartwarming.

It made her feel special, more than anybody ever did.

The only time he smiled was when she was around, the only time he laughed was when she tried to make him laugh. It was exciting, as the feeling of doing that again and again made Ningguang value her time with him more than any Mora would ever dream of making her value it.

If there was another person that gifted her a million Mora, she would be thankful and repay them equally, as that was the way of the enterprises across the world. That's how business men and women work.

Not mister Aether. He was giving because he trusted, he was generous because he cared, he was gentle because he was sure of her well-being first and foremost.

Another stir, another beat.

The stench of burning rubber and dust managed to provoke Ningguang's senses. Her eyes itched, forcing them open. She expected to wake from her soft bed, wondering why the scent of rubble was in her room, and prepare for the day to see Mister Aether again.

Eyes half-lidded, Nigguang giggled as she stirred from her slumber.

Everything hurts, though. Her muscles seemed so constrictive, a sensation she has not felt since she joined that hauling job at Wangshu Inn. Her wrists burned, and as Nigguang continued to stir, she suddenly felt trapped.

Red orbs snapped open, and the world felt darker once more. Instead of the sunlight bursting through her window, it was the dark and looming corners surrounded by crates that did.

That, and the curious eyes of a small child staring down at her.

Ningguang gasped in shock, before keeling over when she realized her arms were behind her back, and tied up.

Panic shot through her system, as she slowly processed where she was. And what the little girl was doing here with her. Ningguang began to struggle against her bonds, but no such luck, as it was too tight and her arms were too weak.

The girl was still staring at her, blinking and leaning her head in one side then to the other.

"Uhm, hello?" Nigguang greeted hesitantly, squirming on the ground. "Where am I?"

The ceiling, or what Ningguang assumes as such, was very tall. Enough to actually dwarf granny's shell house several times over. She could barely see the window ceilings.

According to the lighting on the window ceilings, it was midday.

Oh no! Mister Aether must be worried sick about her!

The flash of her previous nightmare came back, hitting her hard when she least expected it. A pit of her stomach churned in fear. She was kidnapped.

That was no dream at all, as her screams of terror were real, and the dread she felt last night was something fierce. Ningguang panicked, and tried to flee, but she was unfortunately too slow to react. As any child, Ningguang was sadly susceptible to such emotions, and to believe that anything scary isn't real.

How unfortunate that it was.

"..." the small girl staring at her tilted her head to the side, before nodding.

Qiqi summoned an ice blade and carefully cut the rope binds that gripped both her hands. Relief flushed through her veins, as Ningguang sensed the ease on her wrist. With a loud snap behind her back, and to her feet, Ningguang was finally free.

"Thank you," Ningguang smiled. "What's your name?" She was so small and cute, and the child's dull eyes seemed too adorable. Even if it was unnerving.

"I am Qiqi." The child nodded with certainty, and Ningguang saw a flicker of recognition within those purple pupils of hers. "And I'm a zombie. Maybe."

"Zombie?" Ningguang perked her brows. "You're not even sure?"

Qiqi only tilted her head at the question, before sharp eyes gazed at the wall of crates ahead of them.

"What's wrong?" Suddenly, like a flash of thunder, the ground shook and a roar rumbled throughout the warehouse. The mere outcry of that noise made Ningguang act fast. Her Vision, which was hidden in the magic bag mister Aether gave, glowed like a familiar flame.

What was weird though, was that Ningguang could sense two souls vibrating within the gem. A sort of system that could detect fellow souls that can use Geo. It resonated easily with hers, and she could sense the rumble was no beast, but rather the ground beneath her.

Suddenly the ongoing explosions got nearer, and she had a feeling that it was best to move away.

Ningguang was scared, she grabbed Qiqi by the scruff of her neck, and fled.

A good thing too, as the crates around them went flying. She gave a shocked yelp as the rubble of wood and dust nearly blew her off. Ningguang could not see much, and resisted coughing from the large amount of dust that erupted from where they were standing.

One thing she was sure, as she saw the familiar figure of an armored adventurer that blurred through the ruins, that this day would be over soon.

Ningguang gave a smile, grabbing the child beneath her tightly. Qiqi did not protest, merely watching the destruction unfold.

The rubble of stone and rock managed to hit the ship that was under construction, making the frame of the ship collapse from the blow of debris that showered its way.

She resisted to cheer, fearing for any soul to see her free.

Mister Aether was here!

And he was going to save her. Ningguang knew that he always will.

Aether felt different.

As he dodged another round into his face, Aether backed off, twirled both his blades and countered. Steel clashed with rock, as the resounding blow noisily clanged across the ruined warehouse.

The bandit king did not relent to his blow, and Aether was nearly slapped away like a bug if not for his quick legs. The exchange continued for a minute, letting Aether think on his current predicament whilst he lets Sheng try his best to smash him to pieces.

It would only tire the man, but Sheng was enduring. Aether knew this battle would go on, until he either unleashes his full strength, or when Sheng would stop holding back.

Aether was not as arrogant as to think that he can easily beat the Dragon of Minlin quickly and deal with the masked asshole. He could, but since that day at Starsnatch cliff, and the subsequent foolhardiness and his curiosity at the fish market, made Aether think twice about his actions.

Liyue was not at war, nor was Mondstadt.

At the end of the day, Aether had to curb himself from thinking that the world was still in chaos, letting violence and destruction dictate his actions. No, this was not an era of war and loss, but rather a small conflict between two men, and was instigated by a madman.

Sheng could have gone farther, but he too knew better than Aether to let this farce go beyond the gates of this warehouse. It was that miniscule of an understanding that chained them from going all out.

Sure, Aether may have defeated corrupted gods, fallen Archons, and even the Pillars, but he was not alone on that front. He always had his friends to back him up. Now, he was alone, and just like against that Ruin Guard and the Unknown God, Aether was left without anyone looking after his back.

He got lucky on the Unknown God, as she was weakened by the Fall of the Celestial Throne, and was already injured against her bout with Fischl.

The Ruin Guard was a prime example to not face it alone, as Aether could have ended his journey abruptly, but Ningguang unlocked her Geo Vision, giving him enough time to finish it off.

Sheng was different, as he was not as powerful as gods or ruined Harbingers, nor was he as easy or weak as the Ruin Guard.

The Bandit King, and the Dragon of Minlin, was on a whole new level when it comes to strength and endurance. Admittedly enough, Aether wondered if Sheng was alive on the last timeline. Or maybe he perished as the result of the Qixing finally making heads without the leadership of Adepti or Rex Lapis. There was no mention of Sheng in Ningguang's memories, only this mysterious Syndicate, but he had a feeling that he still played a big role when it came to helping Ningguang rise from the ranks of the Qixing.

What Aether was sure though, was that the Vision-user was no one to scoff at. All Vision wielders were physically powerful and elementally empowered. His friends were powerful and skilled with their own styles and weapons.

Sheng had no such luxury with a weapon, but he was far more powerful than he normally acts. Aether got hit with one or two blows that he blocked with both of his arms. The impact was still painful, as he can feel his arms get slower and weaker with his swings. If any of his friends could face him, alone, they would be done in a matter of minutes. This was not a fight that Aether considers normal.

He had to account for Sheng's nimble movements for his size, as if those rocks weighed nothing on him, and the resounding blows that could shatter a Vision-wielder in one or two hits. There was also his armor, not a single damage was done to the arms and chest, as the only places Aether knew he could strike was the legs and face, but they were much harder to approach as Sheng knew that he would strike there and wait for the opportunity.

Unlike his other foes, Sheng was wary of him.

Or hesitant. Whatever the case was, the fight could drag on, and Aether could already feel the heat in his lungs thinking about it.

There must be a sort of weakness to the system Sheng implemented on himself. The first thing that came to mind was the Vision. Embedded in his flesh, it would be hard to take it away. Coming up with a plan, Aether decided to go for the Vision instead of taking it. He heard many stories of what happens to Visions that were hit with another element, sometimes it would explode, burst, or even implode.

That did not matter, as Aether flipped back, letting Sheng's rock arms bury the ground where Aether once stood on.

Sheng, in a rage of fury, used both his arms to crush the ground beneath, unleashing a shockwave that shook the whole warehouse. But unlike Aether's blow, it was damning, as it sent Aether flying and lopsided himself in the process. Using the Anemo in his legs, he flipped mid-air and straightened himself, and launched his body to one of the hanging crates.

Up above, he can see the battlefield. Every raw material, wood, metal, and other items were scattered across the wide building. The floor was utterly grinded to dust. Seeing as he has the high-ground, Aether blasted his feet from the hanging crate, demolishing it, as he launched himself at Sheng like one of Yoimiya's fireworks.

This certainly caught the man off-guard, having his balance already waned with both his and Aether's attempts to change the battlefield. Hitting harder than a meteor, Aether coated both his blades in Geo and pointed them towards the chest of Sheng.

Using rock against rock, Aether pierced Sheng's chest, crumbling whatever armor he had. Switching to coating his blade with Anemo, Aether unleashed a gust of wind on Sheng's chest, making the man scream in pain. But he missed the vital spot.

The armor of Geo broke away, revealing to Aether that he missed by a few inches from the Vision embed on Sheng's chest. "Oh no, you won't." Sheng growled in fury, as he tried to grab hold of Aether with both his arms.

He was quick, as Aether let go of both his blades, and jumped away in time. In the attempt, both his blades were crushed by the sheer might of Sheng's strength.

No matter, Aether thought. He still had a few more to spare. Seeing as his opponent was getting weary and irritated, Aether planned to drag this fight longer.

His own strength did wane a bit, as he was saving that for a certain masked bastard. As much as he wants to unleash his full strength as he did with the Abyss Order, Aether would think that the citizens of Liyue won't be happy with the result.

Aether's Anemo strength was unusually strong, while his Geo powers were weirdly flimsy. Outmatched in terms of pure strength he once had, summoning rocks from the skies and commanding the earth beneath. Instead, he was limited to coating his blade with Geo and unleashing sharp, but miniscule shaped Geo constructs.

Unleashing a storm of Anemo this close to the city, and Morax, would bring undue attention Aether currently is failing.

Having failed to even travel properly to the past, made Aether's confidence plummet at his plan to save everyone he loves. He was supposed to travel five years earlier, prior to his travels as the Traveler of Teyvat, not fifteen. Aether overshot his chance, and he failed.

Trying to salvage the situation, Aether decided to run away from the mistakes he made at Mondstadt when he realized the error he committed.

Was he going to run away from this too?

He already convinced Ningguang, and he even convinced himself that he needed some time to think. To plan, to formulate. He had ten years, Aether basically had all the time in the world.

Instead, he let his guard down, got overconfident and curious, resulting in where he is now. Trapped to be an amusement for a masked psycho that Aether had no two-shits in caring about. Letting an innocent girl, not even his own Ningguang be dragged into his mistakes once more frustrated him.

She was just a peddler, a country bumpkin from the shoals, not belonging to the city. Not yet. Ningguang could have grown strong without him, she could have lived peacefully without his support, and she would have never been in danger without his stupidity.

Why? As the dust clears, and Sheng recovers, Aether keeps wondering why he keeps failing.

"Damn," gritting his teeth, Sheng shed some of his cracked and damaged crystals. "Why won't you just go down?" Glaring at the Traveler, he said, "I- I never fought an opponent like you before. How are you still standing? How is it that you still fight effortlessly while I struggle against you?"

Gripping his arm in anger, Sheng raged against Aether, glaring and gritting at the man. "How are you still alive?!"

Aether clamped his mouth shut. How indeed? Since his failure at Sneznhaya, his failure of letting Paimon down, Aether always felt so weak. His sister was right that he never had the strength, or the power, to save her. To save Paimon. To save his family and friends.

Amber, he was weak and a coward.

Kaeya, he was too short-sighted and a failure of a knight.

Lisa, he was too ignorant and too slow.

Jean, he was gullible and a quitter.

Ninggunag, he- Aether nearly choked in grief -he was too foolish to understand.

Everyone that trusted him, and every friend he made slowly died. Others were lost, as Aether was too weak. Weak and a coward. The words of his sister rang true. He was too hesitant, too afraid of the consequences that he had done nothing at all to redeem his mistakes.

And his friends paid for that price of cowardice. Chongyun and Xinqiu. Razor. Eula. The Knights. The Fatui.

Fischl.

"You're right," Aether said sadly. "I was not supposed to live."

Confused, Sheng listened carefully to what he meant. Both fighters laid their arms, but both of them locked eyes with one another, a different battle taking place. Gold clashed with black.

"I'm no warrior." Taking a look at his new gloves, now stained with dust and worn. "I'm no adventurer either." Aether gazed at the destruction around him. "Not even a hero."

"I'm just a survivor."

The man did not say anything, Sheng could not even say anything at all. Gone was the enraged expression. Now, all that Sheng saw was no threat, but a man that crawled his way out, survived, and lived to regret it.

Inwardly he gasped, as he remembered in their near confrontation early on. He lost friends and family. Sheng recalled the image of the poor girl that was forcefully brought by two of his best thieves, and the damn Mist Guard, to this Celestia-forsaken Arsenal. Guilt threatened to consume him then, but remained firm in his stance.

Aether understood that the man too was trapped in here with him, fighting a battle that was never meant to take place. He never really existed, nor Sheng had been present when the journey started on Aether's mission to find Lumine. He never cared about how or why the Syndicate was interested in Liyue, nor would ever learn how Sheng disappeared.

Sheng was right, Aether reflected, as whatever happened before, did not matter as to what is happening now. He'll save Ningguang, defeat Sheng, and move forward, as he promised the poor unfortunate woman at the forest, and to himself.

"I understand that we both are here against our will, from fate or from greater forces than ourselves." Aether said solemnly, sharing a nod with Sheng. "I may not begin to value your comrades, nor would you understand why I fight so hard for the girl. But know this, there would only be one victor."

Aether raised a blade he summoned towards Sheng, this time without the frustrations or enmity for each other. "I am willing to continue, and finish this, if you would be too."

A moment passed, as dust roamed the ruined battlefield, then an uproarious laughter echoed throughout the Arsenal.

Aether blinked in confusion, as he witnessed the terrifying man, covered in geo constructed armor, laugh at the absurdity of it all. A sight that both amused and irked him, as he wanted this over with sooner or later.

He had kids to look after.

The laughter died down, and Sheng gave Aether a deep look. "I do not wish to be defeated for a second time, nor would I ever forfeit my life." Aether too responded in kind, giving the man a leveled look of understanding. "But I am willing to come to an accord. If you win, spare some of my men, and finish off the mask bastard for me. Call for a man named Yumi, he'll understand that you are the true victor."

Sheng gave a kind smile, "I'll appreciate it, but I would too understand that you crave vengeance." He frowned, the image of the imposing beast that was known as the Dragon of Minlin wavered. "Most of the recent recruits, at the behest of that masked bastard," Sheng spat out that name in anger, "Were readily violent and greedy. Just spare my loyal followers, as they may return to the wilds after you take care of that bastard. They'll continue to raid caravans and other bandit tribes without intently harming innocents again."

Nodding in understanding, as Aether did hear that Sheng's original gang had tenants that ruled the hierarchy of the tribe.

"If I do win," Sheng said, the uncertainty of his voice was clear. Aether noticed the 'if' than the 'when' but he thought it appropriate that Sheng might have a chance if Aether were to hold back in blowing up the city. "I'll spare the child, and your other companion, and give them to the millelith myself if I had to. The bastard may have been a scoundrel, but he would never care about what would happen to them." He pointed a accusing finger at Aether. "He only wants the idiot that brought the attention of the whole harbor to our operation."

Aether had at least the decency to not blush. Still, that reminder stung, as he really berated himself for his rash actions and curiosity.

"On my honor, whatever shambles it might be," Sheng closed his eyes in determination, "I promised that those children will be safe. I'll smash the bastard's skull if he would dare, even if I might get retribution again from the Serpents, I'll protect them with my life."

Readying his blade, Aether could only smirk at the man. "You wouldn't have to worry about that. I already spared some of your men that had the decency to answer my questions." They were quite vocal about it too.

Acknowledging that, Sheng went low on his stance. A burst of Geo energy erupted on his chest, signaling the second round. Growing quick, Geo constructs covered his skin and flesh once more, from his neck, chest, and arms.

"For what's it worth," Aether said, readying his single blade, "I think you're not a bad person, a criminal for sure, but a person trapped." He smirked when he and Sheng prepared to clash one last time. "I respect your strength, and I can see why the gods favor you."

"I can say the same." Sheng hummed, a rumbling roar heaved. "I haven't learned your name. You may not acknowledge yourself as a warrior, but I still ask for a small request." He gave Aether the most considering look there is. It reminded him of Varka's rather gentle nature with that terrifying visage.

"I'm..."

Did he really embrace that persona he boldly declared to both Yunli and Yanfei? Sure, he goes by many titles, but he never embraced them fully. At the end of the day he was still Aether, a brother looking for his twin.

But that person died along with Lumine.

Then should he be called the Traveler?

No, he was no traveler, not without a trusted companion beside him. The lack of Paimon's gentle presence aches his soul to the brim, an admonition that hurts and hits deeper than any scars could give.

The Traveler that Teyvat knew as a war hero died alongside his comrades for one final defiance against the Unknown God. He died peacefully, alongside his lover, stained with blood that was shed with whatever last flame of rebellion was yielded.

No, the person that rescued those kids at Mondstadt, the man that saved an ailing woman to the point of near death, and now the mysterious adventurer that challenged the threat of gangs and criminals has a name that would spread throughout Teyvat.

One that his sister won't recognize, a name that the Unknown God would dismiss, and a name that would shape this world's future.

Screw the past, this world was his new future. Instead of fighting a future that was lost, Aether- no, Efir Nyeba, the adventurer from Sneznhaya, would fight a future that was worth saving. For little Jean, for the woman he saved, and for the Ningguang that met a curious adventurer that shaped her world.

A future, a new world, without the Traveler, without Aether.

"...Efir. Efir Nyeba, adventurer, and wanderer." Aether smiled, feeling dauntless. "It is an honor to face the Dragon of Minlin."

A semblance of comradery was shared in that moment. "The honor is mine to have."

Both Aether and Sheng readied their stance, but this time it lacked the malice that it once brimmed the Arsenal that could have suffocated the weak-willed. This time, a clash between titans was settled.

Now, it was a fight worth clashing between two opposing sides, but shared the same unfortunate fate. There was no need for a victor.

Both fighters already won.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I will upload the chapter next Monday.

There is an important announcement that I have to make. It relates to the fic, don't worry, and I hope it'll be quick. I have been thinking for a long while about the future of this work, and decided to press into the effort more. Back then, the upload of the chapters would be irregular, in terms of size and frequency. It is best that I change this.

Starting now, a poll will start on FFN's poll system on my account, a vote at my Discord Server, and the thoughts of my AO3 readers. Until next Monday, and the next upload of the new chapter, the results would come in.

The poll is about the format I would change on OCF. It would not, will never, affect the plot in any way. My works usually have a nice quality to it, not great, but good enough for most readers to consume. My usual schedule is new chapters every 3-4 weeks, with the average word count of 7k to 12k.

The poll is simple, either I change nothing and let the format be, or I could adapt a more frequent format. If the latter is chosen, then the format would be a weekly update every Monday. Calculating my efforts, the average word count would change to 4k to 5k words. As I said, nothing will change in the plot, only the frequency. If most of you guys are not willing to change the status quo, then I have no complaints. But I was always curious on what you guys think.

I have another major fanfic I might be willing to add to the weekly schedule, but aside from those two, I have multiple minor projects that could be added to the weekly update. This poll is only for OCF, as those other works have a unique situation about them. This fic is a year old now, and I wish to change the format to spice things up. The other fics are rather small and new, nothing to add to the grander scale of my other works, especially this one.

Give me your thoughts, as a reader's opinion is a food pellet for authors like me. No, seriously, you guys' thoughts are the fuel of this fic. I would have not gone far if not for the criticism and reviews that you guys wrote.

I'll see you next Monday.