A/N: Welcome back~
Time for some more wholesome, not-at-all-angsty story fluff, huh~
Enjoy~
Struck Down
Chapter 5: Thanatos
''You're dying, Aether.''
The words echoed around Aether's skull like a rampaging Mitachurl, such was its violent presence. There was no ignoring it, no avoiding the prospect, no pretending it was just a mishearing.
Just thinking about it made it impossible to breathe until he consciously made himself do it, the afternoon air warm and, in that moment, almost suffocating. Sure, he knew he'd die one day – he'd thrown himself into so many situations that quite frankly he was surprised he hadn't died yet. But the knowledge that his fate was now written in stone, that his soul was an hourglass that was steadily losing its sand-
It hurt.
He had so many things he still wanted- needed to time with trusted friends and beloved comrades. Aiding the people of Mondstadt, helping those in Liyue, uplifting Inazumans and guiding Sumerians through their vast homeland – to say nothing of supporting the Fontainians as they arose from their great flood. Sure they didn't depend on him exclusively, but when there was a dangerous quest to be had, he was often called to sort it out due to his prowess.
Lumine too. He still hadn't saved her from the Abyss – hell, he hadn't even visited Natlan or Snezhnaya yet. He hadn't reclaimed the elements of Pyro and Cryo, and because of the hole in his soul never would. Nor would he ever get to face down the Tsaritsa and make her answer for all the suffering she had caused across Teyvat, all the seeds of doubt she'd planted in the populaces of the world and all the chaos she'd sewn, all for her enigmatic plans.
He couldn't do any of it anymore. His time was running out.
How long neither he or Venti knew – days at the very least, mercifully, so he wasn't going to keel over suddenly. But even then knowing he had just a few days minimum was a heart-wrenching thought. He doubted he could even travel around and tell all of his friends about it in time before it happened. Granted he might have months left, maybe a year at absolute max, but even Venti seemed doubtful about him living more than a few weeks. Even a month seemed like too big an ask for his crumbling soul.
What did he do in the face of it? Just sit back and let it happen? Go out in a blaze of glory on his own terms? Hell, what did he tell the others – keep it a secret and pretend he was just healing from his wounds? Tell them of his imminent demise, knowing what their reactions would be like? Just thinking about it made his throat burn, remembering how sorrowful Paimon had been that morning. How frightened she was that he might headed out into battle and end up dead.
Turns out she wasn't far off the mark, even if the source of his death was, ironically, at his own hand.
Just another reason to let the guilt fester in his chest. This was all his fault. If he hadn't scaled Dragonspine and raged at the heavens, he wouldn't have been struck down like the mortal he truly was. Part of him protested that, citing his pent-up emotions at the time, but even then he couldn't evade responsibility. This was karma for what he did. If nothing else, he supposed, he could go out knowing he destroyed a small part of Celestia at least. They were probably pissed about that.
But was such a meagre wound worth his life? He certainly didn't think so.
Exhaling Aether reclined, his back touching the cold stone of Windrise. Small mercies his ability to teleport wasn't impacted by the loss of his elemental powers, though in that moment it didn't lift his mood much. He felt bad about leaving Noelle behind but he needed some time to digest... everything, really. Venti had gone ahead to tell her so she wouldn't be worried, but even then the guilt nibbled at his heart. He'd whisked her out of the city just to leave her behind so quickly.
''...I really am an idiot...'' Aether exhaled, eyes drawn up to the great tree above.
The leaves rustled gently and an Anemo-rich wind brushed against his cheek – Venti's handiwork, no doubt. It almost made him smile but he couldn't muster the energy in that moment, the hole in his soul draining even his merriment in that moment. For how could he smile knowing his death would be mere days to weeks away?
''...if you were here Lumine, what would you do?'' Aether found himself asking.
The wind, alas, didn't bring words from afar, but he mused on what they might be all the same. With how stubborn she was... she'd probably fight her fate. He still recalled days long gone when she got into sticky situations; how she'd bargain, argue, and when all else failed turn to raging against the issue until it resolved itself. Never let it be said his sister couldn't strike fear into someone through sheer refusal to die, even after being pounded into the dirt by a cosmic being or otherworldly warrior.
But how did you fight against something like this? There was no opponent to beat down, no poison to overcome, no prison to break out of. He had a hole in his very being. Who could fix such a wound, if even an Archon like Venti had no clue on how to? Last he checked there wasn't an Archon of Healing after all.
Ahead of him Paimon floated about, gathering up Windwheel Asters to give to Venti as a present – he had a fondness for them, last he remembered. Still even that was more to keep the fairy busy, his own thoughts kept from her – as was his fate.
He didn't want to imagine how she'd react if she had been present when Venti delivered the news.
Just thinking about her reaction when she'd learn of his fate... the guilt may as well be a second hole in his soul with how empty it made him feel.
''Hm...?'' Paimon's lilted voice drew his attention then. ''Oh Sucrose! Are you here to pick flowers too?''
''A-Actually I was here to collect some water samples. It's nice to see you though, Paimon.''
Aether lowered his gaze from the tree canopy, laying eyes on the skittish researcher as she passed Paimon, her eyes drawn to him as if he was magnetic. Warmth coloured her cheeks and he managed a smile, but it felt empty – and she noticed, as her brow dipped somewhat.
''Aether...? Are you alright?'' The mousy girl shifted. ''I-I heard about what happened but wasn't able to assist, unfortunately – Barbara was insistent on taking care of you the whole time.''
'Another person I've burdened.' He noted in the back of his mind, his heart clenching. Not only would he die, but he'd drag others into despair with him.
''I'm doing better, just a bit fatigued from a commission earlier.'' He hated how easily he lied. ''I'm more out of it than I realised, I guess. Needed Noelle's help to take down a Mitachurl.''
''Oh. You were only out for a day or two, right? So surely it's not your muscles deteriorating?'' Sucrose wondered aloud, eyeing him curiously. ''I-If you want I could give you a potion or two that could help?''
''It's fine Sucrose.'' He waved off, rising to his feet. ''Thanks for the offer though.''
Sucrose looked concerned, fidgeting and pursing her lips, seemingly wanting to say something but not having the confidence to do so. Even in his current state it tugged on his heartstrings, tempting him to stop by her side, her eyes glued to him as he laid a hand on her shoulder.
''Relax. It'll all be okay.''
The words felt bitter on his tongue, and he wondered, deep down, whether they were truly meant for her in that moment.
''Aether.'' Her right hand laid over his left. ''I-If there's anything – anything I can do for you, please... just ask. I'll do my best, whatever it is you need of me.''
The admission took him by surprise, the sincerity in her eyes doubly so. It made him smile even as he looked aside.
''Thank you.'' He whispered. ''I'll be sure to remember that.''
Sucrose smiled shyly, chin dipping but eyes not leaving him, her grip loosening enough that he could pull it away. The winds blew upon him coolly, soothing him somewhat, and he knew Venti was to thank for it. A distant but gentle reminder that the winds would always follow him, and always be there for him, even in his darkest moments. Perhaps it was fate, then, that an Anemo user came to his side. As if the consoling winds brought her here, just to give a few words of kindness.
Aether drew in a slow breath, but he couldn't taste the Anemo in the air – that slight, indescribable wisp to the air, like a cold breeze on a hot summer's day. Its absence hurt, but sitting there wouldn't help anyone. If his time truly was as limited as he feared, sitting about moping was worse than useless. If his friends knew of his predicament, they would do everything in their power to help him. If Nahida and the Akedemiya knew, they would use what research they could to find a cure, a solution.
If Lumine knew- if she faced the same predicament he did...
She would rebel.
She would fight against her fate, resisting Death's outstretched hand kicking and screaming, fighting tooth and nail to live. It didn't matter if it was her own fault for her fate, it didn't matter if her fate was perhaps inevitable – she would fight.
And how could he call himself her kin, if he didn't do the exact same?
He smiled. It wasn't a happy smile, but a resigned one. A smile of knowing his fate, and knowing he was unlikely to beat it-
But knowing that if nothing else, he must try.
No matter the cost.
How else, after all, would he bring Lumine back to the light, if he was to keel over in the middle of the woods like an idiot?
''Aether?'' Paimon's unsure voice drew his eyes onto her, noting the half-dozen Windwheel Asters in her hands. ''Are you okay?''
''Mm. Let's go, Paimon, we've got things to do.'' Accepting the Windwheel Asters he laid them before the Statue of the Seven – Venti would know who left them, he was sure. ''It was nice seeing you Sucrose. If you see Noelle tell her I'm sorry for ditching her so suddenly, things have... come up.''
Perhaps it was his tone, or perhaps his expression, but Sucrose hesitated before nodding. ''O-Okay. Come back soon, alright?''
''...yeah. I'll be sure to.'' He smiled her way, one hand coming to hold onto Paimon.
And then in a flash, they were gone.
X-x-X
Fontaine was still recovering from the near-disaster that had swept the nation.
It was to be expected, really. Repair works didn't happen overnight and monsters weren't slain so easily, especially when their forces were stretched to begin with – thus, it was taking time to bring Fontaine back to the picturesque beauty that it held before Furina's deposing as Archon and the rightful empowerment of Neuvillette.
Despite that the issue the aforementioned Dragon had been facing had nothing to do with Fontaine itself, not directly anyway. Rather, it had to do with the girl sitting opposite him. The girl who he had tasked himself with caring for after her removal as Archon. Furina.
''Miss Furina, you mustn't-''
''Why not?!'' With a rare assertiveness Furina planted her hands down on his desk – her confidence wilting immediately at his stern look, but she pressed on regardless. ''Please Monsieur Neuvillette, you saw the letter too! Aeth- the Traveler, his condition-!''
''-remains unknown, and the Knights of Favonius have not made further mention of it to our diplomats.'' Neuvillette finished simply. ''The fact they have not announced his death – which they would have little reason to hide – should assure you he is fine and recovering.''
Furina's distress didn't dim despite that. ''Yet why must I remain in Fontaine then? Surely it wouldn't be unbecoming of me to go visit him?''
''Miss Furina, it is not yet safe to make such a long journey.'' Neuvillette countered. ''Even should I dispatch guards to escort you, the risks you would face-''
''-are worth it!'' Furina protested, pacing before his desk. ''The Traveler has been invaluable to Fontaine and put his life on the line many times to help it, be it the citizens or I myself! What kind of friend would I be if I couldn't even travel the lands to confirm his well-being? How can I stand by his side and have him trust me to protect him, knowing I would not undergo such a meagre hardship for him?!''
Mismatched blue eyes glared at him. ''I endured for so many years for Fontaine. Do not tell me I cannot endure such a journey, one so brief in comparison!''
Neuvillette's countenance remained stoic, unyielding even in the face of Furina's determination – hesitation, even if only for a moment, cast aside and granting her the audacity to speak so openly. Her words cut but he didn't let the wound sting, closing his eyes as he drew in a slow breath. She was right, of course. Her service to Fontaine was far more arduous than any journey across Teyvat. More than that she was, while hardly a master, not new to combat. She could handle herself, and with some guards to escort her-
''Um... is this a bad time?''
Neuvillette's thoughts were interrupted by the sheepish voice coming from the doorway, his eyes flitting over just as Navia slowly slipped inside, the door thumping closed behind her.
''To what do I owe the pleasure?'' Neuvillette spoke up, hands resting atop one another.
''I was actually looking for Furina; one of the Melusines directed me here.'' Navia smiled apologetically, umbrella held over her shoulder and twirled idly. ''As it so happens, Monsieur Neuvillette, I was preparing to venture to Mondstadt myself alongside Chiori – would our presence, perhaps, entice you to allow Furina's travel?''
There was a slight mirth to Navia's smile, as if daring him to refuse. Had he been a lesser man he might've been irritated by such a look, but with a slow breath Neuvillette cleansed such emotions. For in the eyes of pure fact and even judgement, he had to concede.
''You would be correct, Miss Caspar.'' He straightened up. ''Should you swear to protect Miss Furina with your lives, I shall allow her travel.''
''You don't need to ask; we would've done so anyway.'' Was Navia's to-the-point counter.
One which Neuvillette hummed at. ''Very well. Furina... you may go.''
''Yes!'' The ex-Archon perked up – only to shrink in on herself just as quick, laughing sheepishly. ''I-I mean, ahem... thank you, Miss Caspar, let us be off post-haste!''
Navia smiled wryly but didn't poke fun, simply chirping a polite thanks to Neuvillette before leading Furina out of the room. The second the heavy door thunked shut both girls relaxed; twin sighs of relief escaping them before they exchanged looks; a giggle escaping Navia and a shy smile lighting up Furina's visage.
''That was quite the speech back there.'' Navia complimented as they started to walk.
''E-Eh?! You heard that?''
''Hard not to. You're lucky nobody else was in the corridor but me.'' Navia teased, smiling as Furina's cheeks darkened. ''Don't be like that; I thought it was rather sweet.''
Furina just kept her eyes ahead; a firm cough clearing her throat. ''B-Besides that, I'm surprised you decided to go visit so suddenly?''
''Well when I heard the news that Aether got himself hurt, it just felt right to, you know?'' Navia said with a smile, eyes drifting overhead. ''Given how far the rumours have come, it must really be bad...''
There was a slight undercurrent of fondness to her tone despite her words, as if the mere idea of Aether made her happy. Furina wasn't blind to that and had she less composure she might've stumbled, the realisation that Navia had feelings for Aether suddenly becoming apparent – and with it, making her own heart skip a beat. Because it reminded her that Aether, her valiant knight, was popular with women. And he knew a lot of women.
Compared to them how did she, a false Archon, stand a chance at gaining his affections?
''Oh! Also forgot, but Chiori is paying for everything, so we should probably hurry before she leaves be behind!'' Navia laughed sheepishly as if suddenly remembering. ''Girl doesn't like to be left waiting.''
''E-Eh?! We best hurry then?!''
Navia just answered with another sheepish laugh, the pair of them fleeing down the halls before Fontaine's resident fashion designer left without them.
X-x-X
Collei was known to wander sometimes.
Tighnari didn't let it bother him too much; he knew the archer didn't do it out of dislike or aversion to him and the others, just that she felt more comfortable out in the forest. Especially in the last few months she had become very keen on working hard to better herself, be it improving her forestry skills, her writing ability and especially her combat skills; anything that constituted as 'self-improvement' was something Collei undertook with borderline ravenousness.
At first he didn't quite understand the sudden drive, but it didn't take much introspection to join the dots. Aether. The same young man who had come to Sumeru and helped save their Archon, who had changed the lives of many, was also the source of Collei's determination. Not on any sort of request or mission, but in order to impress him – a fact proven during his last visit, when Collei eagerly told Aether about all the things she had done and practically melted under his praise, even if the boy seemed oblivious to it. It was almost comical, and had his reactions been slower he wouldn't have been able to stop Cyno from cracking an inappropriate joke.
Let their romance flourish on their own without their interference, that was his sentiment. One Cyno obliged without much protest.
Then the letter came through, speaking of Aether's grievous wounds.
It had come from a friend back in Mondstadt, who he had asked to keep an eye on Aether when possible. Not out of any fear of Aether becoming a megalomaniac or anything, but just out of concern the swordsman would one day get in trouble and need Sumeru's aid. For the first time that friend sent a letter that wasn't telling of their sales or things they'd seen in the countryside, but pertained to Aether himself – and his recent injuries.
The letter, due to the time it took to travel from Mondstadt to Sumeru, was likely out of date by a day, possibly two, so the Traveler's condition was hard to predict. The letter simply said his wounds were bad enough to require constant attendance and that the boy himself was unconscious at the time of the letter's writing, with the Knights of Favonius being unresponsive to questions regarding his condition, presumably to not worry the public.
One way or another, however, Collei had seen that letter – and by the time he returned to his room to hide such an important letter, Collei was gone, only some tear stains on the parchment to tell of her presence.
For who else under his command would weep for the Traveler so abundantly?
Sighing to himself Tighnari slowed atop a tree, feet wedging him between the thick branches as he looked about, scouring the landscape for a hint of Collei. Her hair colour though made it hard to distinguish her from the landscape if she wasn't being obvious about it, and considering she'd ran off like this, it wasn't hard to guess her current mental state. So much so he worried that it might trigger her condition again, though he quenched such worries for now.
Just then, as if by pure chance, he heard a sob. Not from afar, nor over the nearby river or between rocks – but from right beneath him. Understanding dawned and his expression softened, his eyes closing as he just listened for a moment. Now that he was paying attention and his breathing had slowed he could hear it better; soft, hitched breaths that preluded the choked noises that followed.
Shifting to the edge of the branch he slid down the trunk of the tree until he came to rest at the roots – and between them he saw her, cradled in the hollow.
''Collei...''
The archer looked up at him with reddened eyes; one hand quick to wipe away the tears that had pricked at the corners of her eyes. ''M-Master Tighnari, I...''
She trailed off, a sudden hiccup threatening to shatter her fragile composure, so Tighnari just whispered a soft assurance – kneeling down and entering the hollow with her. She looked away, guilty, but all it took was a gentle hold before she all but threw herself at him, clutching onto him and sniffling into his shoulder.
''He'll be alright, Collei, I just know it.'' Tighnari soothed his apprentice. ''If it troubles you this much... what about visiting?''
''B-But, the forest...''
''I'll take care of it. Cyno can help me if need be.'' Tighnari assured, brushing her hair. ''Perhaps Nilou and the others would like to go with you too? I'd be more at ease if you had some protection on the way to Mondstadt.''
''I can handle myself.'' Collei mumbled.
''Still, better not to take risks.'' Tighnari whispered. ''You wouldn't want to upset Aether if something happened, would you?''
''I get it I get it...'' There was more fire to her tone this time – meek, but her sniffles had subsided somewhat. ''...when can I go?''
''As soon as you feel ready.'' Tighnari whispered. ''Let's get back to base and pack your things, I'll send a runner to Nilou and see what she says.''
''Okay...''
Tighnari smiled and, with a hand helping her up, the two departed the hollow.
Leaving him hoping Aether's condition wasn't as bad as the letter said – or worse.
X-x-X
'...the weather in Liyue is nice today.'
The thought echoed solemnly through Aether's mind as he gazed upon the port city of Liyue's capital; his eyes wandering across the bustling streets from his perch atop a nearby cliff. He still recalled the first day he had walked through into the city, navigating its busy streets and witnessing the collapse of Rex Lapis's draconic form – and then everything that had spiralled out from that point in time.
It felt like a lifetime ago. It was amusing in a way because of that; it felt like so long ago, but in truth was only about a year. In that time he had helped save the city from an imprisoned god, fought back a Fatui Harbinger and made countless friends along the way during and after the fact. From Keqing and Ganyu to Xiangling and Xinyan – there was so many he could name, all who he had come to the aid of and they him.
Which made it all the worse that they might be saying goodbye sooner than expected.
He drew in a slow breath. Even now he felt the winds by his side, a gentle encouragement from its Archon even over such a distance. Venti wouldn't be able to help him with what woed him; he simply didn't have the knowledge nor power to 'heal' such a wound. Likewise he doubted contacting Celestia – assuming the heavens would even heed Venti's call – would end up with anything other than the Sustainer coming to finish him off.
No, Celestia was a no-go, and his only real hope was maybe the other Archons and certain knowledgeable people. If that was a no-go, though...
He banished the thought before it could fully form. Thinking about his doom wouldn't help, and as dark as his mind felt, he had to keep moving. Because realistically, the only other option was to drown his sorrows with Venti.
And frankly he'd rather die on the battlefield than his last memory being outdrunk by a financially-irresponsible bard.
The mirthful thought lifted his mood enough to compel him into motion; leaning forth and letting gravity pull him down. With a motion honed from months of habit he activated his glider and soared over Liyue, mindful to stay closer to the mountains so he didn't draw too many eyes – his descent slow but peaceful, his gaze wandering over the cityscape as he finally came to land atop a slanted roof.
One he hopped off of right by his destination; the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.
Testing the handle he found it was unlocked and pushed the door open, sweeping his gaze over the interior. It wasn't anything particularly special despite what some might think; wooden interior, some paintings on the walls along with portraits or old sketches of past directors, it was all fairly standard. Unsurprising considering this was a business, despite all the hush-hush about it. It even had its own front desk with a little bell for ringing.
The two Undertakers that usually worked the desk weren't there though, so without much thought Aether rung it – the ding echoing through the modest front office. He needed to wait only a few seconds thankfully before he heard motion in the background; the door behind the desk soon creaking open and allowing a familiar figure to stride out.
''Ah, Traveler.'' A smile curled at Zhongli's lips. ''I wasn't expecting you today here of all places. Were you looking for Director Hu? She just left for lunch.''
Aether shook his head. ''I was actually looking for you. Regarding... personal reasons.''
Perhaps it was his tone but Zhongli's polite demeanour stiffened; understanding flashing in his eyes. ''I see... please, come to my office.''
Aether obliged, circling the desk and following the taller man back through the door. The corridor beyond was fairly modest and led off into multiple doors, some labelled as storage and one marked as 'Director's Office', with Zhongli leading him into the opposing door marked as his own. As he expected the inside was fairly quaint; the shelves decorated with small gifts, trinkets or framed pictures of him and Hu Tao, the Undertakers or whom he assumed were old friends.
He didn't let his eyes wander for long though;s his gaze returning to Zhongli as the taller man locked the door and turned to face him; an expectant look in his eyes. Aether averted his own eyes at that, sighing deeply.
''Can you fix souls?''
The question, remarkably, didn't seem to phase the retired Archon. ''It would depend on the context, I would suppose.''
''How so?'' Aether prodded.
Zhongli hummed, eyes closing. ''The level of damage is what is important – you may think of it akin to the human body. Lose an arm and you may find a mechanical implement to replace it. Lose an organ and you may find a transplant from a willing donor, albeit at great risk from complications. However lose your head...''
''...and you're basically guaranteed to die.'' Aether finished with a wince.
''Correct.'' The older man nodded along. ''Likewise with souls if certain parts of it are damaged, nothing can be done to fix it, not even with the powers of an Archon. That said, considering you've come to me with such a question...''
Aether exhaled. ''I'm dying.''
''...I see.'' Zhongli dipped his head in sympathy. ''May I ask how?''
''I...'' Guilt welled up his throat once more, but with Zhongli it was easier to get out – to confess. ''I attacked Celestia, and the 'Sustainer of Heavenly Principles' attacked me.''
For the first time he had the pleasure of seeing Zhongli stiffen in genuine surprise – nay, shock. Had the moment been any different he might've cracked a smile at it.
''I-I didn't mean to, of course.'' Aether hastened to add, looking down. ''I just... got frustrated. About everything as of late. I was shooting some Electro arrows and, one of them actually hit and blew up part of Celestia. Then she showed up, we fought, I actually made her bleed and... then she stabbed me and sent me flying halfway across Mondstadt. I had thought I recovered, but I keep getting this pain in my chest and Venti said it was because I had a hole in my soul and-''
''Calm yourself.'' The hand on his shoulder was, somewhat ironically, as firm as stone. ''Take a breath.''
Aether did as he was told, only then conscious he had started to ramble a bit – his quiet apology heeded by a simple nod from the ex-Archon, his brow dipped contemplatively. For a moment his eyes closed and Aether could feel a strange sensation, not unlike an invisible wave rush over his chest, the sensation passing as quickly as it had appeared. By the time it did Zhongli released his shoulder and hummed.
''I can see the hole Venti mentioned.'' The former Geo Archon murmured, eyes opening. ''...and I am afraid it is not within my power to fix.''
Aether closed his eyes. ''...I kinda expected that, but it still stings.''
''I am sorry. Truly.'' Zhongli said quietly.
''Is there really nothing?'' He had – had to ask, opening his eyes to gaze up at the man. ''Surely there's a soul-healing trick or magic out there? If not, why not?''
''The soul is exceedingly complex, that is why.'' The ex-Archon informed softly. ''Humanity has only barely been able to study it, and even among the Adepti few have a true grasp on it. Akin to a fisherman understanding the bottom of the ocean, even Archons such as I do not fully grasp all of its intricacies. Such is the majesty of mankind as a result – biological machines powered by such a complex, yet often unseen thing.''
Aether frowned, a thought brewing in his mind. ''...what if I was to try fixing it myself?''
''I would advise against that...'' Zhongli said slowly, ''...but considering your predicament, I suppose you don't have much to lose, do you?''
''If I'm dying, I might as well try everything I can, right?'' Aether half-heartedly shrugged. ''...any idea where to start?''
''A question harder to answer than you might expect, but one answerable all the same.'' Zhongli mused as he folded his hands behind his back. ''You remember Jueyun Karst, yes?''
''What about it?''
''Meet me there this time tomorrow.'' Zhongli instructed simply, eyes closing. ''It is secluded enough for me to inform you of such... intricacies, risky that they may be, without any overhearing. Additionally, should you consent, I will convene with the other Archons to see if there is anything that can be done on their end. While I am doubtful, it wouldn't hurt to try every available option in your case.''
''...thank you, Zhongli.''
The Archon-in-disguise just hummed. ''It is the least I can do after what you've done for Liyue. I wish you luck, Traveler.''
Aether nodded his thanks and, in a flash, vanished.
'...what a troubling situation you've gotten yourself into, Traveler...'
Zhongli had only a minute to ruminate on their conversation, however, before he heard footsteps nearing down the corridor – and when he stepped outside, was surprised to see Hu Tao there.
''Oh, hey Mr. Zhongli.'' The Director greeted with a smile, though it lacked some of the same excitement it had less than a week ago. ''Are you done with the paperwork already?''
''Only partially. I was just speaking with the Traveler-''
''Aether?! He's here?!'' Hu Tao perked up, a life seemingly regained in her eyes.
One dimmed when Zhongli shook his head, a wry smile curling at his lips. ''He just left a minute ago in fact. You just missed him.''
''Oh...'' Never let it be said Hu Tao couldn't look like a kicked puppy when disappointed. ''What did he need to talk about?''
''A private matter, unrelated to our parlour's services.'' Zhongli brushed off discreetly. ''Speaking of unrelated matters, I apologise for this being so sudden, but I must take the next three days off work for personal reasons.''
''Hm? That's fine. You rarely take vacations anyway, so take as long as you need.'' Hu Tao shrugged, though it was clear her mind was still on Aether.
Zhongli murmured his thanks and made to move to the front of the shop, but stopped halfway. His lips pursed, parted, and then a soft sigh slipped past.
''Director Hu.''
''Hm? What is it?''
''...I am not at liberty to discuss private matters, but I would like to offer a token of advice.'' Zhongli didn't look back. ''Spend your time wisely, as there might be some who won't remain in this world forever.''
''What's that supposed to mean? M-Mr. Zhongli?''
Zhongli however did not answer and simply departed the parlour for his own lunch break, leaving Hu Tao with a number of questions – and a sinking feeling in her heart.
[END]
A/N: Surely this won't end poorly, right~?
