Edited: 17/03/23
Act I
CHAPTER I
Broken Promises
Jean couldn't help but squeal, "Y-you're a knight!"
Was, technically, but the dilemma before him made Aether freeze in his tracks. He knew he was caught red-handed and felt like a rabbit snagged in a trap, one of which two ways that would happen. He was faced with two options: either he could attempt to escape or take the risk of trying to talk it out. Both choices were difficult, especially since the person he cared about was standing before him, pouring out their emotions.
It was hard to even ignore the look of admiration and delight on Jean's young face.
As a young girl, she had always dreamed of meeting a brave hero and knight who would save her from the Hilichurls, monsters that lurked in the shadows of her imagination. So when she found herself face to face with a real-life hero, she was awestruck.
As a squire in training, Jean had always known that she would have to face her fears of the monsters that roamed Mondstadt and beyond. But as much as she tried to prepare herself, she couldn't shake the feeling of terror that overtook her every time she thought about it.
That is, until the day that the knight came to rescue her and the other children from a band of marauding Hilichurls. No matter her mother's stern teachings, her father's calm wisdom, and the knight's harsh training, Jean was always haunted by a burden she could only barely comprehend. Lisa warned her, Diluc and Kaeya pitied her, Barbara was sad for her, her father will weep for her, and her mother will look unto her.
For Mondstadt, as always.
Jean, she knew in her heart, would find that courage sooner or later. But at what cost? On whose lives will be wasted on her hesitance? On her weak heart?
She watched in awe as he fearlessly battled the creatures, his sword flashing in the light of the fading sun. In that moment, she knew that she wanted to be just like him, brave and strong in the face of danger. From then on, she trained harder than ever, determined to become a knight like the one who had inspired her to face her fears and protect those in need.
A Lion-Hearted Knight, she is the Shield of Mondstadt. Jean could see herself now!
Why wait for years for her to earn her warrior's resolve, when Jean could shadow this living-legend before her. Just the idea of his heroic gaze upon her made her feel funny.
The look of pure delight on Jean's face was infectious, spreading to those around her like wildfire. The other children, who were done cowering from the lack of violence, poked their small heads towards Aether's radiating form from the ebbing-sun on the horizon. It was impossible to miss the joy radiating from her, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The other children, too, felt the hope that radiate from the calm winds around them.
The situation was made worse by the presence of a man whom Aether deeply admired: the Grandmaster of the Knights himself, Varka. A familiar grin was plastered on Varka's face, which filled Aether with both palpable excitement and terror. When Varka smiled, one never knew whether he was amused or angry. Aether hoped it was the former because facing the man at his prime would be a mistake. Though Aether was confident in his abilities to hold his ground if need be, Varka had not earned the title of Knight of Boreas by letting his foes breathe another second. Varka's might and character were widely known across the seven nations, and it was precisely because of his constant vigilance over the land that Mondstadt was never easily threatened in the first place.
Aether couldn't find his voice anyway, as the pressure and the grasp of his current situation hindered his ability to utter a sound.
He fucked up, badly.
And this time there was no replay button to press...
He felt a cold sensation in his chest pocket, and he knew immediately what it was - the Pocket-Watch that had brought him to this place in the first place. The very same watch that had changed his life forever. As he tried to reach for it, memories of the events leading up to this moment flashed through his mind. The weight of the watch felt heavy in his hand, a physical reminder of the immense responsibility that rested upon his shoulders.
The world counted on it. Paimon counted on him. He must never fail.
"Oi, are ya alright?" Varka asked, a little concerned for the young man's ashen face. "You look a little pale there, buddy."
Varka was right, as he felt every blood in his face disappear.
The scenery, with the fading sunlight shining on this moment, made it even more daunting. He could feel the weight of expectant eyes upon him, waiting for his word. This wasn't like convincing a faceless crowd to leave. No, these were the two most important people in Mondstadt - or at least, they would be in the future. That fact alone made this moment even more significant. He had to choose his words carefully, knowing that the outcome of this conversation could change the course of their lives forever.
Shit! Aether inwardly cursed as Little Jean stepped forward, her gray-blue eyes scanning him with concern as she peered into his soul. It was always her, it was always Jean who peered into his heart. A pang of regret and uneasiness struck Aether, of a life different and not cruel. Of a life that would be, but never will.
Jean's heart sank as she took in the sight before her. Her hero, the one who had saved her from the monsters, was hurt and disheveled. His once pristine foreign clothes were now scorched and damaged, and his face wore a look of panic and fright.
Jean couldn't help but feel guilty for the danger he had put himself in to save her and the other children. She realized that the fight must have been brutal for him, and that he too was scared.
Her admiration for him grew even stronger as she saw firsthand the struggles he had faced in rescuing them all. Jean's eyes grew determined anyway, to better herself faster so the sad beating of her heart would cease- longing for a softer look on the stranger's face.
"Look, kid," Varka addressed the boy gently, fearing the man before him might run away. "You did well, the captives were not hurt, and the hilichurls were defeated. It's over now. Hey, maybe we could have a drink with my boys? What do ya say? Eh, it's my treat!"
Aether mumbled, both Jean and Varka didn't hear it, as the wind carried it away.
"It's never over. It never was..."
dammitDammit!Dammit!dammit! How could this happen!?
All the pain, suffering, and hardship Aether had endured was for nothing. Was his attempt to turn back time a failure? Was it yet another mistake?
The answer was painfully clear. Aether's destiny was to die in that throne room, along with his friends and lover.
The nightmare would end, and this cruel joke of an attempt would finally be over.
What was the point of it all? Why was he still here? Was it just to suffer? Was the world so cruel as to give him a glimmer of hope, only to shatter it in front of him?
He felt like a joke to the universe. Aether's heart ached with despair as he grappled with the realization that his fate was beyond his control.
This was not his world, his time. The people before him were strangers of the worst kind, as this was not his Grandmaster, this little girl before him with hope and growing strength in her eyes was not his Jean. His heart cried out, for another lost chance.
Emotions welled up inside him, threatening to spill over. He wanted to cry, to laugh, to go mad with insanity. The weight of saving the world felt crushing, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was all doomed to fail.
Aether had seen too much pain and loss, watched his friends die time and time again. But there was no escaping the cruel joke of fate - the only way for the cycle to continue was for him to live it all over again.
The echoes of the Unknown God's mocking laughter played in his mind, a constant reminder of the daunting task ahead of him. And he hated every moment of it.
He- he... was just tired.
"I'm tired," Aether gave a long sigh. "Maybe Berthram might've prepared dinner early. Yeah, that's it. Maybe a nice cold drink might wash away the pain. Have a nice bath along with a soft bed... yeah." It was a long, very long, day.
Varka watched in utter fascination as the bloodied man just turned around and left without another word. What the hell just happened?
Jean had no reservations, and to his shock, poured her stunned frustrations to her uncle. "Uncle Varka! You scared him away. What the hell is wrong with you?!" Her eyes darted between glaring at her speechless uncle to sending her savior silent pleas.
He was already far ahead, too late for her weak voice to reach out to him. "W-wait…!"
The knight couldn't help but visibly flinch at Little Jean's curse at him. She was a polite girl, and was never prone to curse. Somehow, he still felt pride for that. Jean was growing up.
"Wha- HEY! What's that look for? Uncle Varka, do something!"
"I would, but-" He took a long glance at the retreating figure of the young man, and an even longer glance at the gathering knights with the kidnapped scions. Varka knew his duty. He hated it at times, but he should take responsibility. For Mondstadt, and for Jean. It is for her own good.
Jean did not take that well.
Varka was then reminded that Jean was still her mother's daughter, from her stern eyes and hard voice, he knew it was a losing fight.
Jean struggled to contain the torrent of emotions that threatened to spill forth from within her. She wanted to express her gratitude to the hero who had saved her and the other children, but Varka's stern demeanor and disapproving glare silenced her.
Varka too was torn between his desire to speak to Aether and his responsibility to protect the children under his care.
The two exchanged heated words, Jean's sadness and anger palpable in her voice. "This is unfair," she exclaimed,with sadness in her eyes.
Varka, resolute and firm, replied, "Maybe so, but duty calls, and I must answer, even if I hate it."
The bickering between the two came to an abrupt end, drowned out by the sound of broken winds howling down from the cliff above.
Only then, they realized the man was gone.
Jean felt a deep sadness in her heart due to the absence of her savior, but it only served to strengthen her resolve. She promised herself that she would grow stronger, not just to become a knight worthy of his presence but to fulfill the ambition that now burned within her.
Jean had never felt such hunger before, but now she yearned to become the Knight's Grandmaster.
No longer would she let others, no matter how worthy, take on that role. Though Diluc, a fellow squire who was stronger than her, came to mind, his image was quickly replaced by the handsome face of her hero, causing her to blush and feel her heart beat faster with a newfound sense of purpose and warmth, one that was unfamiliar to her.
Varka on the other hand, would only do his best to look for him later on. It is not like the kid would just up and disappear, right?
The kid was a hero now! Especially with the scions of a dozen noble houses being saved by his efforts, Varka knew the nobles would line up to kiss that kid's shiny feet. Now, that is an image that Varka likes!
For now, the wind was silent and contemplative on both souls.
As Aether continued his march towards Mondstadt, he found himself lost in thought and oblivious to his surroundings.
It was a fatal mistake, as unbeknownst to him, the curious eyes of the Abyss were fixed on his every move. The oppressive silence was unnerving, and Aether felt as if an immense weight was pressing down on his shoulders, threatening to crush him at any moment.
His heart pounded in his chest, and he quickened his pace, desperate to put as much distance as he could between himself and the unknown threat lurking in the shadows.
His heart was not in it, at least not now.
How many hours has it been, aimlessly wandering, at a slow pace towards Mondstadt? Reaching the city was a simple feat, as no creature or beast dared to cross his path. Even the slightest startle could unleash the man's already unstable aura and incur his wrath.
The bridge leading into the city was packed with hundreds of people leaving the premises, their looks of relief and joyful expressions did little to ease Aether's own discomfort.
He soon realized that these were not the familiar faces he expected to see, but instead, strangers from a different time and place.
There was no Dvalin, the Knights were still whole but fractured, and his friends were not even old enough to fight back.
He was stuck, and that revelation brought him to his ridiculous dilemma.
Razor is still a young child at the care of Andrius, along with Albedo accompanying his master across Teyvat. Both are out of his reach for maybe another decade if the sight of Jean's age showed him anything.
Sucrose, Barbara, Amber and Noelle are the same as well, but were here in Mondstadt.
Lisa might be still at the Academy of Sumeru, as they started teaching magic to those with young talent. She might be, or might not be.
Diluc- Oh, gods Diluc. Both he and Kaeya are at the Dawn Winery. And Master Crepus is still alive! He wouldn't get threatened until Diluc's year of manhood comes. Less than a decade, and still a long time to go.
As Aether crossed the packed bride, it was easy to catch the whispers all over the place.
"Have you heard? The knights actually did something useful for once."
"Nah, you're joking right? As if they could do something right, Captain Varka must've saved their asses in the process."
"I heard it was a foreigner, a warrior from another nation! He's the one who rescued those unfortunate souls, not the knights! I heard from the noble children tales of a knight cloaked in gold, and the wind at his beck and call."
"Did Lord Barbatos finally return?"
"No you fools! The children said he wields a blade, not a bow. He must be a champion of the Anemo Archon! Like those heroes of old!"
As whispers and chatter continued, Aether felt a growing sense of dread. The future held no hope for a "Champion of Barbatos," and he was certain there never would be one. He had made enough mistakes already, and he was determined not to add any more nails to his coffin.
Perhaps a new approach was needed, but he couldn't think of what that could be. The weight of responsibility bore down on him heavily, and the silence that followed only served to emphasize his uncertainty as he finally entered the city. The silence from a city on the verge of sleep, as the stalls and people wander with less vigor.
Although exhaustion weighed heavily on him, Aether knew he had to act with urgency. He had to leave immediately before the situation became more complicated. Varka and Jean had already seen his face, and if anyone else started asking questions, he would be long gone, unwilling to bother with that mess. Whether he was labeled a hero or a rogue element, it wouldn't matter. Either way, his mission to steer the world away from chaos would be hindered, and that was not an option. As if things weren't already messed up enough.
As Aether entered the city gate, he let out a sigh of relief. The entrance was heavily crowded, with merchants and their wares lined up with carts, families and groups of friends also ready to leave. It was a scene that reminded him of the war's desperate times, with people panicking and rushing to evacuate, their faces etched with grief and terror.
In the chaos, many small children who lost their way were trampled beneath the sea of fear. But here in Mondstadt, things were different. The people had nothing to worry about...yet. Aether couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him. He hoped that the peace would hold, but deep down, he knew that no city was truly safe in these uncertain times.
Especially with a dark future that awaits.
Unfazed by the sea of bored or excited faces, Aether decided to abandon the plaza. He still had things to attend to before he left tonight, and he needed to do them quickly before Varka decided to throw a party or something equally unpredictable. Aether knew the Grandmaster's hysterical nature all too well, and he didn't want to risk him personally searching for him. The thought of dealing with Varka's stubbornness and persistence made Aether uneasy, even though leaving little Jean's worried face behind was already difficult enough.
Aether was anxious about what he might say if he was confronted by Varka, and so he hastened to finish his business and make a quick exit.
After an extensive search, Aether finally found Vorsiti's workshop at the outer edge of the city. The structure was nestled near the walls, in an area mostly populated by small shops and vendors. If one continued northward, they would eventually encounter the bustling Angel's Share and the imposing North Gate. Aether knocked politely at the door, but was caught off-guard when the enchanter's irate voice boomed from within. "WHAT IS IT THIS TIME, WAGNER? CAN'T YOU SEE-"
The bemused look on Aether's face cut off Gunther's rant, the man's lilac eyes blinking in surprise. "...I am busy?"
Aether cut him off, feeling embarrassed for interrupting, but also anxious to explain the situation that had brought him here. "Am I interrupting?"
"N-no, not really."
"I can see that, I was just wondering if my order was ready," Aether huffed, already tired to take any exchange in conversation.
"Ah, it's just you kid, good to see you. Sorry for the sudden outburst, I had a rough morning. Sometimes it's better to have no friends to bother me all day."
"Same," Aether replied nonchalantly. "Can I come in?"
"Sure, sure!" The enchanter gestured for Aether to enter, and as he stepped inside, his attention was immediately drawn to the workshop. The rest of Gunther's home was simple at best, but the workshop was a treasure trove of expensive tools and hard-to-find materials, filling every corner. The enchanter noticed Aether's gaze and asked with a sly smile, "Oh, see something you like?"
Aether ignored the amused tone the enchanter had, and replied, "You can say that, as I had a friend who was interested in Astrology. Her meager funds would always go to her research, as her passion was a priority rather than her appetite."
"Ha! She must've been a little too indulgent in her work, then. I mean, I'm not that kind of guy to just blow all your cash into a single passion. I sew and craft outfits without enchanting them at times. With my own materials I saved and gathered. Much more effective than buying them."
He actually wished that Mona could handle her finances, so she wouldn't "accompany" Albedo and Klee to lunch every now and then. Gunther immediately proceeded to hand Aether a crate, along with a contract.
"Here, just sign this and the package is yours," Gunther handed down a small wooden crate, opened it and revealed its contents. Aether gasps at the craftsmanship, and the delicate features it brought. "The motifs and symbols were a little rough to handle, but it came out perfectly. So, what do you think?"
Aether gave a tired smile, "It's perfect."
It had seemed Klee's little heroic fantasy of Aether might become true.
"Do you have room for me to change? I'm a little roughed up, and might need a change of clothes."
Gunther noticed Aether's torn outfit, an outfit that intrigued him. No matter, he was already on time. And the little brat, Vile, was so damn pesky when she felt insulted by his late arrivals. He hated dealing with informants, it reminded him of the dark days of his childhood. "I was gonna leave anyway, I'll change from my room and the workshop's yours."
Aether nodded gratefully, relieved to have a moment's respite and a chance to change his clothes. He watched as Gunther ascended the stairs and set aside his old, worn cloak in favor of a new one. Although it held no sentimental value for him, Aether knew that a change of appearance was necessary, especially now that all eyes were on him. The new cloak was pristine and clean, emphasizing Aether's transformation from a tired and weary traveler to a refreshed and capable adventurer.
It was white, and pristine. A new start to this unfamiliar world and time.
Minutes passed, and Aether felt fresh. Sure, he was still tired from today's shenanigans, but having to wear a new outfit was revitalizing to his spirit. Even if it was just a little.
"Hey, did you sign the paper?"
Gunther descended from the stairs looking good in a new outfit. Aether wondered if it was a social call, but the look of annoyance on the enchanter's face made Aether think that was not the case. "Yep, and here's the rest of the bill as well."
The man accepted the pouched mora, surprised by the brief but quick payment. "Were you rushing or something? Nevermind, thanks for the bill. Also..."
Aether was ready to leave, but hearing that Gunther wanted to say something made him stop half-way. He pursed his brow, "Uh, yeah?"
"I never got your name, kid. And it's better for me to call your name the next time you drop by."
It made Aether think his name, if used well, would be well known. He doesn't know what to call himself. Aether was the name he was given at birth, and he wouldn't know any other. But he trusts this man, he made a perfect outfit, for disguise and use. And maybe Gunther deserves a little credit.
"My friends call me Aether. Just Aether."
"Aether it is then," the enchanter chuckled. "You are leaving right?"
Seeing Aether nod firmly, Gunther decided to help the kid out. "There's a caravan out by the main road, just by Springvale. It usually would take them to Quingce village or the Wangshu Inn. Maybe you can start there." Gunther doesn't know what bothered the kid so, but helping the guy out might come to reward him later. Plus, the guy was interesting as heck. He couldn't wait to know more. But for now, it's best to leave the kid to his worries, and let him settle it.
"Thanks, Mr. Gunther. I might return one day, considering the quality of your work, I might order another one."
"Consider it a deal, Aether."
Both men went their own separate ways, and fate will finally play out its game.
Finding a ride to Liyue was easier than he thought, and much cheaper too. Traveling the world on foot was an experience that Aether always cherishes, no matter what world he is in. And Teyvat was no different, but recently his passion for such things slowly diminished. The war's effort and the endless conflicts made Aether prioritize some things, as wasting time on exploring and walking on foot was both inefficient and time-consuming.
Riding on horseback or traveling on a boat felt more effective, as having to rest and traverse to another was something that he was used to. Ancient ruins and old mysteries can wait, the very balance of the world's stability counted on their success was the mantra that Aether would always whisper to himself. A lie to incite his drive to save his friends and family.
Better a lie, than a hurtful truth.
The caravan was situated at the main road in front of Springvale, as Gunther claimed. He was late as the caravan started to move, but fortunately the last carriage to make the line did not move yet. Tugging the straps of his new outfit, feeling the tight form, and steadying the armor plating's curves, he readied himself for his next step. Wrapping around his newly stitched scarf, he climbs aboard the carriage filled with mostly adventurers.
Seeing his prepared attire, some of the more acquainted and experienced ones made space. Others blatantly ignored his presence, but Aether doesn't mind either way. The quieter the trip, the better.
The cold winds of the night beckoned him to sleep, but he was afraid.
His last "dream" wasn't exactly a nice one. Having to witness the conflict of his friends against the Goddess was distressing enough. At the very least the vision did not go into further detail, or else that morning would've been different.
But he needed the sleep, or else the fatigue would eventually catch up to him. And the day was exhausting, as having to abruptly wake up early, messing up his breakfast time, and fighting an army of hilichurls doesn't make anything better.
He also had to fuck up the timeline. Shit.
Aether's heart pounded as he looked around and realized he had screwed up. He was not supposed to be here, fifteen years in the past. He was meant to travel only five years back, just enough to fix the problems plaguing his world. But somehow, he had miscalculated and ended up ten years early. Aether felt a mix of emotions: fear, confusion, and even a hint of excitement. He had the chance to start anew, to make a different life for himself in Mondstadt and Teyvat as a whole. But first, he had to figure out how to get back on track and fix his mistake before it was too late.
He had saved Jean from the monsters of the Abyss, the one good thing he had done, but then he messed it up. He had fled from both Jean and Varka, of all people in Teyvat. Their first impression of him had gone both well and terribly wrong. Aether could only hope he had not messed up anything else, as his actions could come back to haunt him in the near future.
As he settled into the comfortable seat of the carriage, and noticed the peacefulness of the other passengers, he suppressed a groan before closing his eyes. Allowing the darkness to envelop him, he surrendered to the release of pent-up tension. Though sleep was often a chilly embrace, the silence that accompanied it was a welcome relief.
The sound of an explosion woke Aether from his sleep and made him jump out of his bed.
*KA-BOOM*
A powerful explosion roared through the air, rattling Aether's teeth and shaking the entire room. He quickly scanned his surroundings and saw that Amber was already suited up in her Outrider armor. Her expression had transformed from the usual kind and tomboyish one to something much more serious. Her brow was furrowed, and her gold eyes blazed with the intensity of a warrior ready for battle.
"What's going on?!" shouted Aether, as he shook off his weariness.
Amber could only give him a pained smile. "We're under attack, Aether, look alive!"
"Alert! All crew members to battle stations! Repeat! All crew members to battle stations! Sustaining heavy cannon fire from below!" The speaker's voice vaunted throughout the ship, stirring its already alarmed residents, crew and soldiers alike.
"They can't be serious," cursed Amber, "C'mon we're heading to the loading bay!"
As per Amber's orders, Aether made his way through the ship's hallways, dodging explosions that continued to shake the airship. The chaos around him reminded him of the urgent need to get out of the ship before one of the enemy's cannons landed a lucky hit. Suppressing the unpleasant thought, Aether focused on reaching their destination. Eventually, they arrived at the loading bay where the medics and knights stood assembled in disciplined rows, ready for orders. The Lieutenant, an older and gruff-looking man, paced slowly back and forth, his eyes scanning the loading bay for any signs of trouble.
"Listen up, we have a situation! The insurrectionists have gotten hold of our anti-airship cannons, and as a result they are now firing on us with our own weapons," he said with a grim tone.
"How come we didn't know about those, didn't we get communication about the takeover?" asked a knight.
"Communications are spotty with the ground forces, we're not entirely sure what's causing it, but suffice to say we missed the important stuff. This of course changes our mission. If the enemy has advanced that far into the streets of Fontaine then it means that the situation has only gotten worse, we have to assume that our landing site and route are compromised. We may need to turn back."
Murmurs could be heard among the troops, they had come all this way to give aid to their fellow allies and now they had to turn back?!
"I'm sorry Sir, but I think I speak for everybody here when I say that is not acceptable," argued Amber. Her eyes, Aether noticed, were much more fiery and determined than usual.
All the Knights and Medics turned to look at Amber; their Lieutenant raised a curious eyebrow.
"Pray tell, how would we go about it?"
"An Airdrop, Sir."
The old lieutenant's eyes burst in horror. "Airdrop?!"
"Yes Sir, we drop the supplies at the designated site. I and one other knight will accompany the supplies to the ground and protect it until you and others can rendezvous with us. We'll use a Source-Crystal to mark our position," explained Amber.
"You do realize that the only other trained glider user on this ship is the Honorary Knight? This is sounding like a suicide mission Outrider Amber; I can't order somebody to do this. It has to be his decision."
All eyes were fixed on Aether, and he could feel the mounting pressure to make a decision. As he weighed his options, he knew that this new plan wasn't entirely sound; the original plan had offered a much higher chance of survival. But then he looked up at Amber, and their eyes locked. Aether could feel the fierce determination rising within him. He had come too far to back out now and let all his efforts go to waste. He was determined to prove that he had what it took to be a Knight. With a deep breath, he stood at attention and saluted the Lieutenant, ready to carry out the new plan.
"Sir, I volunteer for the suicide mission, SIR!"
Almost everybody's mouths were agape at what he said. Amber merely smiled with gratitude while the Lieutenant smirked.
"Ah, hell, the route we were going on had a forty-seven percent chance of us getting killed anyhow. Let's set'em up and roll'em out!"
"SIR, YES SIR!" The Knights shouted as one. Feeling their strong resolve come alive once more, as in recent days news of victories seemed to dwindle by the hour with their foe getting more and more stronger.
"Corporal Judas Swift, tell the bridge we're initiating an aerial drop! Sergeant-Gunnery Thomas, get some bodies on the cannons, see if we can draw the enemy's fire! Well c'mon you apes, you wanna live forever!?"
"HOORAH!"
If everyone was scrambling before, they were now hustling at an even more frantic pace. The Knights worked with astonishing speed to fit the supply crates with parachutes, while the Nightingale deftly evaded any incoming fire. The starboard and port cannons continued to fire relentlessly at the ground below, targeting the muzzle flashes of the anti-airship cannons.
Meanwhile, Aether and Amber were busy gearing up for battle.
Amber had equipped a couple of sheathes, each holding a ten-inch steel blade. Her trusty wooden bow strapped to her back, a gift from her lost Grandfather.
Aether, on the other hand, opted to carry his sister's blade, the Sword of Descension. He could have used his own blades, but he wasn't sure if their enchantments would interfere with the Descension's powers.
The packages were finally loaded, and the loading door slowly opened to reveal a night sky illuminated by thunderous explosions of cannon fire.
Aether and Amber stood at the edge of the platform, gazing down at the besieged metropolis. The city was massive, spanning thousands of meters in each direction, easily dwarfing even Mondstadt and coming in as a close second to Snezhnaya.
Aether had seen pictures of Fontaine once before and had always dreamt of visiting the city, but now some parts were burning while others were shrouded in darkness. Mona had always cherished her memories of the city and shared stories of her time there. Aether couldn't help but wonder if it was fortunate that Mona had passed away before seeing her home destroyed or unfortunate that she was unable to help save it.
"You ready Aether?"
"Oh I'm ready, are you Amber?"
"I was born ready, how about you?!"
"I couldn't be more ready!"
There was a brief silence between them.
"We're procrastinating out of fear, aren't we," asked Amber, somehow in a moment of seriousness lost her determined look.
"Oh most definitely," agreed Aether.
Amber sighed, "Well, regardless of what happens, I'm glad to have met you, Traveler, and there's no other soul I'd rather do this with." The golden-eyed Outrider extended her hand to the young man before her. Forming a tight fist.
Aether grinned and fist bumped Amber, "Back at you, Outrider."
Both knights looked over the edge one last time to steel their nerves.
"It's a good day to die, Traveler!"
Wait. "What –!?"
"RELEASE!"
Following her command, the heavy crates were swiftly released from the airship and began their descent. Aether and Amber sprang into action, diving off the airship in pursuit of the falling cargo. Explosions erupted around them, but the two knights remained focused on the task at hand. With their gliders tucked tightly against their bodies, they angled themselves to align with the crates. The g-forces tugged at Aether's body as they descended closer and closer to the city. Cannon fire continued to burst all around them, and Aether knew that one hit could send them plummeting to the ground. He gritted his teeth and focused on the task at hand, determined not to let his guard down.
As the two knights finally caught up with the crates, Amber scanned their surroundings, weighing the best time to deploy the chute. When a cannon shot strayed too close, she signaled to Aether, and he quickly hit the button on the crate, releasing the parachute before them. They kicked off the crate, unfurled their glider-wings, and allowed the air to help reduce their speed. Holding onto either side of the crates, they aimed for a roughly defensible landing area. The sky gave way to towering structures of stone and mortar, and the air was thick with the heat from unattended fires.
"Get ready, Traveler, this is going to be rough," warned Amber, her voice faint from the rush of wind.
Aether felt his heart pounding in his chest as the ground rushed towards them. He braced himself and steadied his wings, determined to make a safe landing. Working together, he and Amber managed to bring the crates to a stop with little jostling. Breathing heavily, they both took a moment to catch their breath and calm their racing hearts.
As they looked up, Aether could see the Nightingale moving away from the city. It was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, they had completed their mission and secured the supplies. On the other hand, the danger was far from over, and they still had a long way to go to ensure the safety of their people. Amber glanced over at Aether, and he knew that she was thinking the same thing. They nodded at each other silently, then took off towards the Nightingale, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Well, the hard parts over, now all we need to do is –"
Amber's voice trailed off as she heard Aether's loud gasp. She turned her head to see what had caused it and was met with a sight that made her blood run cold. The Nightingale, the airship they had just jumped off of, was being struck by a blazing cannonball. The bridge exploded, igniting the balloon and causing a catastrophic explosion. The two knights watched in horror as the once majestic airship was reduced to a raining shower of fiery debris. Aether sank to his haunches, unable to process the loss of their comrades and friends. The crew, the brave knights, and the medics were all gone in an instant. Amber stood beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulders to offer what little comfort she could.
Amber withheld a sob, "Say a prayer, Aether. A lot of our brothers and sisters didn't get the chance to."
Aether was no stranger to death, but it always remained a painful reality to confront. He had lost loved ones before - grandparents, pets, and even peers who had met untimely ends due to accidents or illness. But the sight of these brave souls, whom he had only known for a few fleeting hours, being abruptly and violently taken from him was almost too much to bear. Their dreams and aspirations, snuffed out in an instant. Their families and friends left to mourn their loss forever. Aether felt tears prick at his eyes as a deep sense of grief settled in his chest, his teeth grinding with a mix of sorrow and anger.
Aether awoke with a keen sense of sadness.
The Nightingale…
Aether felt something wet trickle in his eyes. The Nightingale, a magnificent airship, was the pride of the wealthy merchant from Fontaine. The merchant had made a fortune through trading natural metals across Teyvat, but he was also a devoted follower of the Goddess of Justice. He believed in helping those in need and supporting just causes.
One day in the early days of the war, the merchant decided to donate his beloved airship to the Mondstadt Knights, who were nothing but a group of volunteers and refugees from the Fall of Mondstadt who had banded together to fight against the tyranny of the Unknown God. And maybe someday, with hopes in their hearts, be the flagship of its liberation.
It was a pipe-dream, of course, as Noelle's own attempt with Mondstadt's former battlebarge airship, Avalon, desperate attempt ended in tragedy. The airship was retrofitted with the latest weapons and technology, and became the flagship of the Mondstadt Liberation Group after the destruction of the Avalon.
The Nightingale quickly became a symbol of hope for the people of Mondstadt, who had suffered under the Unknown God's rule for too long. Its swift and silent flights across the sky brought supplies and reinforcements to the beleaguered troops on the ground, and struck fear into the hearts of the False God's soldiers.
Armed with the Tatsarasuna crystal-laced cannons, it brought forth Freedom everywhere it flew. A beautiful song of justice and liberty, a fitting airship name of Nightingale. With its iconic winged designs on its sides, golden motifs and snow-white paint, it pictured a guardian of the skies.
The merchant from Fontaine had never seen his airship put to better use. He was proud to have played a small part in the fight for freedom and justice in Mondstadt. And as the Nightingale soared high above the clouds, he knew that his donation had helped to turn the tide of the war. At least for a short time.
Wings of Freedom, Nightingale.
So, why did he dream of it now?
First, the bizarre dreams that continue to haunt his battered soul and the countless voices that torment him. Lisa, Ningguang, and even Signora. He was never even particularly close to any of them, at least as close and bonded as with his team from Kaeya's newly formed squad.
Amber, Kaeya, and he were the only official knights of the group. Bennett and Fischl were volunteers from the Adventurers Guild when it was disbanded after the declaration of war. Xingqiu and Chongyun were recruited later after they arrived on Liyue, and on the way recruited Razor. Qiqi was left behind in Liyue, presumed truly dead after hearing the news from a grim Keqing of Liyue Harbor's burning.
It was Aether's greatest regret and fatal mistake, when he believed the little zombie was more safe in Liyue and left her there.
Eula then joined, after losing her whole squad when the Unknown God personally fought in the battle for Natlan. Not that they were particularly close even after those tragedies, but with Amber being their bridge, Aether grew to respect and admire her callous nature, born from even more grief of loss. Just another mask to put on for a braver front, with the exception for Amber and Aether.
Knights come and go, even some Fatui soldiers Aether bonded with was more emotionally connected with him than those three ever were.
Lisa was a good friend, someone he puts his heart to but was always teased.
Signora was even worse off from those three, as they were enemies. Even when things were getting better between them from bare-bones interactions and grunts, Signora died off along-side Lisa and Ningguang. All on the same fateful and dark day of the Sumeru Academy.
Was there a connection? Did their tragedy slip through time and followed him here? He had many regrets, but for Signora, there was none. At least, not yet until he dreamed of her thoughts and life, and her end. Did that really change anything for Aether? Not really, except for the other failure that haunted him.
Ningguang was another regret he had, as he grew to learn her honest nature behind closed doors. If the war never happened, and if Aether settled in Liyue for some time, he might've grown close to the Liyue Tianquan. And maybe something more, as without the war Aether had no reason to seek his sister out with more desperation than needed.
He would have given up, and settled in this world long ago, but his naive outlook and loneliness drove him forward to search for his sister- doing anything necessary to look for her. Anything enough for Paimon to convince him to accept Childe's invitation to see the Tsaritsa after barely dealing with Liyue's problems and was prepared to leave for Inazuma. Paimon filled the heart of emptiness from his sister's absence and complied.
Which led him here, throughout the five years of war, the loss of his friends and family, and even Lumine. Whose life slipped through his fingers, which were drenched in her blood. And the mad cackle of his former friend, now a monster he thought he would never see.
He and Paimon had the last laugh, as in desperation won over control over the damnable watch of the Unknown God. He was given a chance, from the blood of his friends and Lumine, from the martyr of his comrades and allies, from the sacrifice of the whole world, Aether was given a second chance.
And he blew it.
He was arrogant, desperate, and absolutely stupid, as Aether screwed up the timeline.
Severe consequences were ahead, and he was unnerved of what would come next. Paimon won't show up for another decade, and all the people he knew were different. His friends, all children. Lumine, once again, lost to the Abyss.
Aether knows his sister will never crawl out of whatever hole she was hiding unless it was Celestia or Gods that would stir her crazy. It hurt, admitting that his own sibling showed up not for him, but against her enemies. Not theirs, hers.
It felt crazy, like a dream. Seeing a child that looks so much like Barbara, but in his heart Aether knew that the child was Jean. Young Jean, not the brave Dandelion Knight that he also held in his heart to fill the gaping hole left by Lumine. Aether felt a heavier heartache than when he had to confront himself for his adoration of Jean, as he was aware of her deep admiration for her former colleague, Diluc. He never approached, never yearned for anything but friendship. Aether wholeheartedly compliments Jean, and admires her courageous heart, but at a distance.
It was never meant to be, and Aether could only smile quietly.
And wept silently when he heard she died alongside Diluc. Aether remembered her last smile towards him, regret perhaps? Or was it just his heart believing so? Aether will never know, and with a young Jean's face replacing the Dandelion Knight's, Aether snapped and ran away.
Even at a second chance at life, a new start of his regrets and yearning love, Aether will never know what made Jean smile sadly that day.
For Barbara? For Diluc's stubbornness to go along with? Or for Mondstadt? His embittered heart believed that her beautiful smile was never meant for him.
Those early days after Varka's army left to Liberate Snezhnaya with Jean and Diluc, Aether's thorny heart fabricated an image that ruined his memories of Jean. Images that sullied his friendship with her in his broken and confused heart.
Aether grimly wondered if she and Diluc bonded, made-up, and even enacted intimate acts before the battle? Before their unknowing deaths?
He never hated himself, not since he was too weak to defend his sister from the Unknown God, but hated himself so much more since thinking of Jean's memories with ill thoughts. But his mind and rationale made his heart decide for him, that whatever the outcome, victory or defeat, Aether will never sully his memories of her ever again. They were friends, her Honorary Knight. Nothing more, nothing less.
And so, seeing the defeated Grandmaster returning with the Snezhnayan refugees, its loyal Fatui, and the Tsaritsa in solemn tow, Aether felt his heart clenched in horror.
Jean and Diluc never came back with them.
Whilst the carriage quietly rode through the mountain pass, the border between Liyue and Mondstadt, Aether sobbed silently. His new scarf is a shield from the cold without, but not the cold within.
Aether did not register the soft curses from Kaeya, whose eyes were empty and dull. Aether could not see or hear Amber's wailing behind him. Aether ignored the screech of horror and anger from Barbara, as she received her family's blade Aquila Favonius- still fresh with her sister's blood.
No, Aether silenced the world. There was no worse abyss in existence, except within. He did not notice the world around him, not until Fischl's worried voice, her abnormally normal tone, awoke him from limbo.
It took days, weeks even, since the Grandmaster's return for Aether to even conceive sentences in his ears. Throughout that darkness, Fischl was always beside him. He was blind to her affections then, but he was still trying to dig himself out. Aether was dead to the world, as it churned and turned with or without him. He lost his sister, betrayed by his companion, now lost Jean too? A chance of happiness, gone to the ashen wind.
Dead to the world, except for her. Except for Fischl.
Fischl never gave up, dug him out of his hole, and cheered him up. She brought him life and purpose, at least enough to bring Aether to the Grandmaster for their next move.
The world moves on, but Aether be damned if he was left behind. He was sorry for himself, but even more so to the people that depended on him still.
Amber.
Kaeya.
Lisa, before she left for Sumeru's aid.
Varka.
Sucrose.
Klee.
Albedo.
Razor.
Bennett.
Qiqi.
Xingqiu.
Chongyun.
And Fischl.
They depend on him, to be their light in their darkest moments. Aether resolved that he will never leave his friends alone. Never will he stand by others in the sidelines helpless, and Aether will not let them die. And so, he met with the Grandmaster.
Aether was assigned to Kaeya's new squad, and was tasked to meet up with Noelle who was on her way to Natlan to parlay with the Goddess of War. Lisa then left for Sumeru, whilst he and Kaeya's squad traveled on foot to Liyue, Fontaine, then to Natlan.
It was by the request of Grandmaster Varka, the strongest knight alive. Aether met the old and beleaguered man instead, not the once boisterous warrior, but one old man filled with loss and regrets as Aether did. Even more so that regret was by his own sins and hands.
They bonded by the loss.
Maddening it was, just seeing a young and even more care-free Grandmaster Varka. If Aether thought seeing Jean was a joke or a disguise, seeing Varka young and more different solidified his horror.
He messed up, royally and utterly fucked the timeline. It was never easy, was it?
Haunted by more than just strange dreams, Aether felt the weight of his failure crushing down on him after activating the device. He had hoped for a fresh start, but instead, he had failed his friends and family. As he rubbed his cold, stinging hands, he couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling of guilt that was always present. The device had promised to solve all of his problems, but it seemed to have only made things worse.
Maybe he should have just died alongside Paimon instead. Wouldn't that be the easier choice? As long as the Unknown God is done for, Aether feels happy. Even if he would perish in finishing off the monster that started all this, a small ray of hope clung to his heart.
From the words of Paimon, her belief in his ability, from her expectant eyes. Paimon trusted him, trusted Aether to succeed where they failed.
He thought at the beach, right after he woke up from his attempt to rewind time, seeing those familiar cliffs made his heart feel at home. Aether truly believed that the blood that he was stained, all the sins of his arrogance and mistakes, was washed away from the warm waters of the beach.
Instead, being huddled in the carriage with cold-looking strangers, in a cold-like world of uncertainty and looming tragedies that await, Aether felt cold. Truly cold, never did the powers of the Tsaritsa, Eula, or even Signora made him this empty and dull inside.
The Nightingale.
It had been three long years since he had heard that name, three years since the Liberation of Fontaine, one of the greatest victories of the war, and the last time he had been with his comrades. Together, they had fought back the darkness that threatened to engulf the world, and he remembered it all vividly. He and Amber had been deployed to assist the soldiers at the front lines, landing supplies safely in the coordinated zone. As he reminisced on those days, he couldn't help but wonder what had become of his comrades from the Nightingale if they had survived?
Nothing much, then. Aether realized they would have perished on another battlefield. On a never ending war, a broken world that was long lost.
Fontaine, though, was just another collection of ruins in the aftermath of the Liberation.
The city had become a battlefield, with the scale of the siege rivaling that of the Battle of Windrise. Every street corner and lane was the site of a skirmish, and each building and plaza had become a small battleground as both sides fought for control. It was a tragic sight to see the amount of bloodshed spilled over just a few city blocks.
After what had happened at Windrise, Aether was heavily reluctant to continue fighting. But with the encouragement of his friends, he managed to get back up and continue fighting the war. At least to see it from the very end with all them intact. It was a promise made for himself, and for his benefit, as a coping method from his loss of Jean and Diluc.
To move forward, no matter what, he must keep on living. For Paimon's benefit. For his selfish desires to fix the future, whatever shambles it might be.
A loud crash and the sound of stumbling jolted Aether out of his drowsy state, and he realized that he had slept enough. Curious to see what had happened, Aether climbed down from the carriage where he had been resting and made his way towards the line of carriages ahead.
The strange scene before him gave Aether pause about traveling with a caravan. Perhaps it would be wiser to journey alone, but he wasn't willing to take any risks. As an elderly man hopped down from one of the carriages, Aether hummed thoughtfully. The owner of the broken wagon appeared unfazed by the situation, his weathered face betraying neither surprise nor annoyance. It was clear that such occurrences were a common part of their travels.
Aether blinked in surprise as the old man suddenly produced a blade seemingly out of thin air, twisting its handle with ease. The sword was instantly recognizable to any seasoned adventurer: the Traveler's Handy Sword, perhaps the most unusual weapon Aether had ever seen. He couldn't help but watch in awe as the old man, seemingly nonchalant, extracted a wrench from the hollowed handle and silently set to work fixing the broken axle of their carriage.
"May I be of assistance, sir?" Aether extended a hand. Though he was a seasoned adventurer, he had plenty of experience as a handyman. Still, he couldn't help but feel that cleaning windows and replacing door handles were beneath a hero's duty. But then again, being an adventurer in this world came with its share of strange tasks. At least it was better than scaling towers to solve convoluted puzzles.
"Don't worry," the old man reassured with a smile as he stood up, his skilled hands quickly fixing the broken axle. "I've grown accustomed to these kinds of mishaps lately. But I don't mind; it's refreshing to get some exercise every once in a while. Though, with my age, I'm sure it won't be long before it starts taking a toll on me. Ah, if only there were more adventurers like you!"
Aether nodded, agreeing that it was often best to rely on oneself if possible. However, he couldn't help but be baffled by some of the ridiculously simple requests people made of adventurers. Despite this, Aether enjoyed lending a helping hand, and while the pay was often meager, he considered it a hobby. Unfortunately, not all adventurers shared his altruistic spirit; some were only interested in treasures and glory, ignoring the pleas of those in need. Aether couldn't help but feel that those individuals had terrible luck, missing out on the satisfaction of a simple act of kindness towards a fellow adventurer.
"You must have the worst luck if this happens so often."
"Not mine," the old man chuckled. "My name's Allard. Retired adventurer, just showing the ropes to my little boy here."
It was common for seasoned adventurers to pass down their knowledge to the younger generation, particularly to those who dreamed of becoming adventurers themselves. Fischl was no exception. She had been personally taught the tricks of traveling by her parents, who were also adventurers. Although Fischl's position as an investigator was earned on her own merit, she knew she wouldn't have been able to handle herself without her parents showing her the ropes.
It seems that this old man was the same, but he was worried that the old man before Aether would suddenly fall down. No matter how sturdy a person is, they will fall someday.
"Dad?"
A small voice called out from the carriage, it was young. A few rumbles and a quick clang of kitchenware dropped, as a small body tumbled out of the carriage's cloth.
"Allow me to introduce my grandson," Allard says with a proud smile. A bright-eyed and lively young boy of just five years old stands by his side. His vivid green eyes gleam with an untold passion that sets him apart from the rest. "This little adventurer is Bennett, always eager to explore and discover new things."
Despite his misfortune, Aether couldn't bring himself to blame Venti this time. Whenever Bennett was around, Aether's luck always seemed to take a turn for the worse. Despite this, the young adventurer couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of leaving Mondstadt. Seeing an old friend like Bennett lifted Aether's spirits and put his current struggles into perspective, especially after his recent breakdown in front of Jean and Varka.
"My, my, already started young, eh Little Bennett?" Aether couldn't help but tease the little adventurer.
"I'm not little! Just you wait mister, I'll grow strong and tall."
Maybe not tall, but brave enough to face the monsters of the Abyss with a bright smile on his face. "I have no doubt about that."
The line of carriages continued along the winding trail through the canyons. An hour later, amidst the breathtaking scenery, Aether found himself engaged in a series of conversations with little Bennett. The boy's boundless enthusiasm for adventure was infectious, but also exhausting. Aether knew that his old friend could talk for hours on end, but as a child, Bennett's curiosity and energy seemed endless.
While Aether enjoyed the boy's company, he couldn't help but feel annoyed by the other, less experienced adventurers who also filled the carriage. Nevertheless, Aether tried his best to be patient and enjoy the journey, knowing that the real adventure was just beginning.
Aether approached the old adventurer, Allard, and humbly asked for a favor. Not wanting to team up with inexperienced companions, Aether politely requested to sit with Allard and his son Bennett at the front. Bennett eagerly welcomed the new company, as he had been feeling lonely lately due to his reputation as a troublemaker and his difficulty making friends. Allard, touched by Aether's kindness towards his son, couldn't refuse such a request. He hoped that this adventure would provide some much-needed relief for his boy's recent troubles.
"Have you been to Liyue yet?"
"Yes."
"I heard the giant pillars across the lands were Rex Lapis' arsenal of weapons, is that true?"
"Sort of." Aether knew a slither of truth from the man himself, but some details were best left alone. Zhongli doesn't exactly have a good history with violence.
It was hard to accept that the old god used those massive mountain pillars as throwing spears, chucking them towards his enemies. Mostly the soldiers who were loyal to other gods during the Archon War, and the poor Khaenri'ah soldiers five-hundred years ago.
Such was a terrible conversation starter with Zhongli, Aether later learned.
"Can you actually eat silk flowers? I mean, it smells nice and I wish to know what the taste is."
Aether withheld a grimace, "Do you really want to test your luck, kid? I sure don't. Best not to try."
As the conversation continued, Allard felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that Bennett had made a new friend. He could already sense the boy's spirits lifting, and he felt reassured that Bennett would be okay for a while. Allard knew that someday he would have to leave this world, and his one wish was for Bennett to be able to handle things on his own. Fortunately, he had many comrades in the guild who cared for Bennett as if he were family. Allard prayed that the world would be kinder to the unfortunate child, who had already faced the hardship of being an orphan. He didn't want Bennett to feel any more lonely than he already did.
And maybe Bennett having a temporary friend might settle Allard's worries. For now, he is satisfied with this.
Allard was struck by the sight of a disheartened man trying his best to entertain a bright and joyful child. The stark contrast between their demeanors worried him, and he couldn't help but wonder if the poor soul was lost. With a heavy heart, Allard offered a prayer to Barbatos, asking for guidance to help the discouraged man find his way back to the right path.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey y'all! Sorry for the abrupt change of the story format. This should have happened last year, but things have been too complicated lately. Don't worry, the chapters will return on a weekly basis. I plan to rewrite the whole of Act I, changing the pacing format and chapter style. This is a big change, as I will remove tens of thousands of old words and add new words along the way.
I'll try to update the story every Friday-Saturday.
Too many flaws were evident, and I plan to rectify them. Too much focus away from Aether, too many plotlines or flashbacks that may be jarring. I'll also try to lessen the chapter's word count, as the large amount of words might be too intimidating for some.
I will explain more on my Discord server soon.
discord . gg / 9tt2WKRweP
