A/N: Apologies for the long wait, a bit of a longer chapter to make up for it~

Do enjoy~

Struck Down

Chapter 7: Nyx

The Abyss.

He'd had his run-ins with the dark force more than a few times over the preceding year or so. From the likes of Abyss Mages that he countered fairly often to the more elusive but ever-dangerous Lectors, to even less sentient but still dangerous forces like the black muck in the Chasm or elsewhere – the point being, he was all too familiar with it by this point in time.

Which begged the question of why he could summon it. A question that loomed heavily over Aether's mind as he sat with his back against a tree, the fading sunlight long since having vanished and replaced by the silver gloom of the moon. Yet even after the initial panic over his act had subsided and Paimon's blubbering questions had ceased, none of them had a good answer as to why he could draw upon the putrid darkness, let alone with so little effort.

Aether swallowed, raising his hand. All he needed to do was focus on that hole in his chest, on the intangible but oh so real hole in his very being – and like a black, slithering mist it manifested in his hands, raw and primordial as it curled around his fingers or settled in his palm. It almost seemed to have a life of its own but didn't corrupt anything it touched, not even him. Or at least, he hoped so.

Clenching his fist he made the energy disappear and hissed out a slow breath, hand falling aside. ''Why...?''

Nobody answered him but the wind, coming in the form of a gentle breeze that tickled his cheek and ran through his hair, moving with such deftness it wasn't natural. He leaned into the intangible touch but his mind was too plagued for his thoughts to be cast aside so easily. Obviously the hole in his soul was the reason he could draw upon the Abyss, but why? The attack dealt by Asmoday wasn't some evil, corrupting attack, it was just a literal sword through his chest. Hell if anything he imagined any possible Abyssal corruption would've been purged from his body, considering she worked for Celestia.

Could he have picked it up at some point, then? Like a virus creeping into an open wound, had the Abyss somehow gotten into the wound in his soul, infecting him? Possibly, but the hows were far beyond his scope of knowledge. On top of that he hadn't fought anything with a particularly potent Abyssal affinity – sure he'd clobbered some Hilichurls and taken a few hits in turn, but while they were Abyssal it wasn't like they reeked of it. They were no more Abyssal than an Adeptus was Celestial.

Aether ran his fingers through the grass, the act keeping him grounded even as his thoughts wandered further, the dying light of their campfire gleaming over to his left – small smouldering embers that glowed in the dark, but far too dimly to light the surrounding area. Paimon snoozed under an earthen blanket Zhongli had amusedly conjured for her whilst the man himself slept soundly under the stars, features unburdened despite the lack of a bed. Aether could relate; after spending many nights out in the wilds while on commissions, you just learned to find a nice patch of grass or dry spot and get some sleep while you could. Comfort could come later.

The mirthful thought did little to dispel his worries, alas, and with a soft sigh he turned his eyes onto the stars above. They didn't provide any answers but they gave him something to look at if nothing else, his fingers tugging up cold blades of grass idly.

'...perhaps, that's where the energy went.' The thought struck Aether suddenly, pausing. 'It wasn't being destroyed, it was being absorbed by the Abyss?'

But if so, then why. Was he unintentionally feeding the Abyss? Or was it just a thing that existed in him and, by virtue of channelling Ley Line energy into himself, was just pouring it into the Abyss instead – with the effects ranging from empowering it to doing literally nothing.

Though that in turn still didn't answer the question of why the Abyss was inside of him to begin with. Assuming he hadn't been 'infected' by it, then the next logical conclusion was that Asmoday's attack had somehow caused it. Since she probably couldn't curse him with the Abyss, since the Abyss, from what he recalled, existed before even Khaenri'ah, meaning it likely existed outside of Celestia's domain at least to some extent. Plus it wouldn't make sense for her to curse him when she could just cut him down altogether.

So perhaps... rather than something infecting him, his ability to draw upon the Abyss was solely due to the hole in his soul. Like cutting through a curtain to see the window beyond, he was peering through a hole that shouldn't be there and thus, seeing the abyss that laid on the other side. The soul was a spiritual thing after all, so it wasn't obscene to think that the Abyss had some innate connection to it. Maybe souls went there after death, maybe it could corrupt from afar, who knows, but the more he thought about it the more he was beginning to believe his own theory.

But assuming he was right – a big if, considering his limited knowledge – then that meant the only way to cut off his access to the Abyss would be to seal his wound up.

And one possible way of doing that was to use the Abyss somehow to do it.

Already he could feel this was a bad idea, but what choice did he have? It wasn't going to be a long-term thing obviously, he wasn't stupid enough to trust the Abyss wouldn't be able to corrupt him, outlander or no, but he was steadily running out of options and when he suggested harnessing the Abyss to Zhongli earlier, he seemed reluctant but almost understanding. As if coming to similar conclusions that he himself had.

The Abyss was an unknown quantity. It existed outside the domains of Archons, of Celestia, of Man. As such it might also hold onto techniques or invokements that could cure him, even if only temporarily until a better solution could be found.

'Besides...' He tried to smile. It felt brittle. 'I can't wait to see the look on a Lector's face when I pull this out in front of them.'

The joke did little to ease his woes, but fatigue called him back to bed and so, with some effort, Aether eased himself onto the grass and gradually dozed off.

Unaware of the golden eyes peering at him from afar, narrowed with disdain.

X-x-X

The next morning came rather quickly, his sleep a dreamless one.

After a light breakfast consisting of some fruit and a couple fish Zhongli had acquired from a nearby river the second day of his 'training' was underway. A training regime that had been admittedly derailed with his newest discovery. Doubly so when Paimon learned of his suggestion on what to do next.

''Are you CRAZY?!' The fairy flew at him and battered his head with her tiny fists. ''You know what happens to people who use the Abyss! If you look at it, it'll look back! A-And probably eat you too!''

''I don't think the Abyss quite 'eats' a person, Paimon.'' Zhongli calmly interjected. ''It would more likely dissolve them from the inside out.''

''T-THAT'S EVEN WORSE!''

''Haha, I was only joking.''

''You call that a joke?!'' Paimon flew over to try and pummel some sense into Zhongli. Alas the ex-Archon masterfully prevented her by... grabbing the back of her dress, holding her at an arms-length.

Aether sighed. ''Paimon, heel.''

''Paimon's not a dog!''

''Paimon.'' His tone made her pause at least. ''It'll be fine, relax.''

''You don't know that.'' Though her shrill tone waned her disagreement most certainly didn't. ''We both know how bad and evil the Abyss is, so why use it? You're really strong already!''

He looked aside. ''Well... maybe I just need to get stronger.''

''...is this the part where you go crazy with power and want to take over the world?'' She asked in a small voice. ''Because Paimon doesn't think she's ready to be a villain yet. Maybe in a few more years.''

''Your loyalty to Aether is most humbling, Paimon.'' Zhongli's comment drew a blush out of the fairy. ''However, while I too am skeptical of utilising the Abyss, we cannot know for sure whether it will harm Aether here in the same way it would a regular citizen. Beyond being more powerful and mentally strong, he is also not from Teyvat itself. For all we know he can utilise the Abyss without consequence, or perhaps could even purify it much like he did with Dvalin's... tears, was it?''

''Oh... Paimon didn't think of that...''

''Understandable, it's not a trick Aether has used very often. Granted more due to situations not demanding it, but it is a noteworthy skill all the same.'' Zhongli unhanded the now-pacified fairy. ''Ultimately if he starts to be corrupted, we will just have to purify him through other means, simple as that. He is not in any imminent danger.''

''I guess you have a point... but if he turns evil you're... you're... you'll do something to pay for it!''

Zhongli wasn't offended, if anything he seemed amused by Paimon's attempt at threatening. ''Of course. Now, Aether...''

''Yeah.'' The blond young man nodded and focused. It was deceptively easy to tap into the hole in him, to draw that darkness out of him.

Misty black-purple energy weaved between his fingers as he brought it into being, ominous even to him as he gazed at it. Yet it didn't leapt and try to destroy his surroundings or anything like that, though he was mindful to not drop any of it, keeping it in his hand with nothing but his willpower. If nothing else Abyssal energy worked the same way the elements did, allowing him to draw on his months of experience doing so.

''So um... what are you trying to do...?'' Paimon nervously spoke up.

Mercifully it didn't require much concentration to maintain the energy – much like the elements, he needed to will it more than he did think about it. ''I'm just experimenting at the moment. Y'know, see what it does.''

''That sounds dangerous!''

''Probably.'' Aether remarked, ignoring Paimon's outraged squawk.

Turning his attention back onto the miasmic energy he flexed his fingers and tried to channel it much like he did his Anemo orbs. The energy obeyed and formed the shape he desired, though it didn't have the properties of Anemo... unless...

Focusing more intently he willed the energy to change, to not just exist as an orb but to do the same thing Anemo did. The energies shifted but didn't quite do what he desired so he concentrated more; envisioning it not like a muck of Abyss, but as Anemo. As a vortex that sucked in all that was near through the power of the wind. It brought forth memories of wielding Anemo itself; of the freedom it brought, of the gales he could form, of the speed it granted.

And the Abyssal energy responded, seeming to contract then expand – and then suck in the air around it.

Paimon clutched onto Zhongli with a yelp and the man himself grounded himself with Geo, surprise lighting not just his features but Aether's own as he recreated his own vortex trick – the black-purple energy becoming a swirling black-white maelstrom in his palm that vacuumed up leaves and sticks, until with naught but a thought he ceased it, causing it to explode in a blast of air and send the gathered objects flying about helplessly.

''Interesting...'' Zhongli didn't mind the leaf that stuck to his cheek, one hand simply peeling it away. ''Abyss Mages are known to use elemental magic, so this is not unprecedented, though I don't think I need to emphasise how surprising this is regardless.''

Aether nodded, mind racing even as he stared at his open hand. With this... he hadn't lost his elements. Not truly, anyway. No, he shouldn't get too excited so soon, but there was no denying that there was a good chance this could, in a sense, return the elements to him. They may not be the same elements he was familiar with but they'd be a good enough substitute. For now, he reminded himself.

However as he inspected his fingers, noting the lack of corruption or anything, he was reminded of the two elements he had yet to gain. Pyro and Cryo.

Turning Aether aimed his hand out towards the distant mountains, assuring nothing was in the way even as he called upon the feeling. He hadn't used them yet, yes, but it wasn't hard to envision. The burning, blistering heat of a fire. The warmth of a campfire. The soaring embers in the wake of a Pyro user's attack. It brought forth images of a blazing amber, feelings of tingling heat, of destruction. Of a raging, baleful force that shrieked and roared, defying the winds and cold that sought to extinguish it.

And within his palm Abyssal energy converted, convulsed and ignited; morphing into a baleful black flame tinged with white. It shrieked at ignition and rumbled in existence, flaring and flickering but never burning him even as he willed it forth. It shot out in a stream, embers falling but never touching the ground as the main beam soared in a long arc, cutting off at a certain point once it ran out of steam and never hitting anything.

Small mercies, that. He wasn't willing to deal with an Abyssal forest fire right now.

With excitement shaking him he tested it further, drawing upon old feelings or what he could best compare them to. And from his hands he brought forth bolts of black lightning that scorched the grass, summoned winds of darkness that sliced a branch from a tree, manifested dark water that formed bubbles at his will, spawned up onyx plants to curl around an old totem like a prison, created shards of black ice to bury into the side of a mountain.

Last but not least he clenched his fist, lifting up a tower not of Geo, but of its Abyssal counterpart – stone black and rife with veins of glowing white.

Zhongli hummed, looking annoyed by it – unsurprising given he was the Archon of Geo – but he didn't protest its presence. ''Impressive. I can't seem to sense it corrupting its surroundings either.''

''R-Really? Paimon would've thought it'd be like poison.''

''As would I. Clearly not, however.'' Zhongli mused, uncrossing his arms. ''Perhaps it is due to Aether himself manipulating it, or perhaps due to it no longer being in an energy state – akin to trapping a viper's venom in a vial, it can no longer harm the holder. Likewise, it cannot poison the earth whilst in this state. Or if it can, it may take longer than traditional Abyss energy does.''

Aether nodded, a light laugh escaping him. ''I'm kinda surprised it's this easy...''

''As am I. Then again, you were always a quick learner.'' Zhongli smiled, making Aether chuckle sheepishly at the praise. ''I find myself curious though. Considering they are distinct both in appearance and origin, from the elements, will you call them by their current names?''

The question was somewhat surprising, though after a second of introspection he supposed it wasn't really – Zhongli probably wasn't keen on having the Abyssal counterpart of Geo named the same. Maybe it was just a pride thing, maybe it had some real purpose, but ultimately Aether found himself agreeing that he couldn't just call the elements the same. They acted similarly, yes, but there was no ignoring the black-white tint they all had. They were mimics of the true elements, nothing more.

As he pondered he recalled the gemstones he'd worked with in the past, most commonly collected after slaying Regisvines and whatnot. They sold for a hefty price and were good for alchemy stuff he wasn't really interested in, but it wasn't their use that stuck in his mind, but their names. One for each element.

Summoning a baleful black flame to his hand Aether eyed it, the white core amidst the flickering black tongues faint but still present. ''Agnidus.''

The flames warped into crackling bolts of onyx. ''Vajrada.''

''Varunada.'' The lightning became a bubble of black liquid, then dissolved into a swift, biting wind. ''Vayuda.''

The dark winds coalesced, forming black ice around his hand. ''Shivada.''

A clench, and the ice shattered – reforming instead into a solid, if miniature stone totem in his hand, the rock cold to the touch. ''Prithiva.''

''Hm. I see.'' It was hard to gauge whether Zhongli necessarily approved, but he did seem pleased that Geo and Prithiva were now distinctly named.

Aether glanced towards Paimon then. The fairy looked understandably wary of the blackened elements but mercifully didn't seem ready to start whacking him for doing this, though it wasn't hard to see how much this troubled her. Paimon had always been bad at hiding her feelings and right now there was no ignoring the open uncertainty that pursed her lips, her eyes more on the flames in his hand than he himself.

Dispelling them he rolled his shoulders a little, getting the blood flowing back into them. ''Honestly, I kinda wanna try testing them out in a fight, aha...''

''Paimon does not volunteer as tribute!'' Paimon crossed her arms immediately.

''I will abstain as well.'' Zhongli chuckled and crossed his arms, gazing over to his right – seeming to stare at nothing in particular. ''If you are so eager, you may be delighted to know I sense a Ruin Guard not far from here.''

''Huh? Just like, wandering about?''

''Indeed. Presumably it was dormant somewhere nearby when it was disturbed – either by Hilichurls or perhaps wayward adventurers. Though not common, you'd be surprised by how often this happens over the years.'' The Archon sounded remarkably unphased by the wayward death machine. ''I do not detect anyone fighting it nor does it seem to be moving on a set path, per se. You are free to engage it should you wish.''

''Sure.'' A Ruin Guard wasn't exactly a pushover, probably around the same level as a Lawachurl give or take a bit, but he felt confident enough he could take it, especially if he got the jump on it.

''This is gonna end badly, Paimon knows it!'' Paimon protested.

Aether chuckled. ''You stay up here with Zhongli, I'll be back in just a few minutes.''

''You promise?''

He paused near the edge of the mountain, then smirked. ''Yeah. If worse comes to worse, Zhongli can just drop a mountain on it, right?''

''Well, you would be caught in the crossfire, so a meteorite might be a better method of execution.''

''P-Paimon is pretty sure meteors are still really big!''

''Meteorites, dear Paimon. There's a difference.''

''Like heck there is! They both fall from the sky! And last time I checked, hurt!''

Aether just grinned, backing up to get a running start. Paimon was too busy whining about the difference to notice – and by the time she did he blitzed past the duo, a strong leap sending him airborne and over the edge of the cliff.

Weightlessness overcame him even as gravity pulled him down, his arms out to slow his fall somewhat. He called upon the Abyssal energy he now commanded and morphed it into Anemo – or rather Vayuda, the black winds barely glimpsed but propelling him forwards more, evading the rocky outcrops that lined the edge of the cliff and funnelling him straight towards the Ruin Guard. The towering giant was impossible to miss in such a green valley, its rusted bronze form marching unaware even as his dark winds sent him flying like a missile straight for it.

Prithiva gathered around his hands, the obsidian stone encasing not just his forearms but also the Dull Blades he summoned into each hand, turning them into hardened, colossal black weapons closer to greatswords than straight swords. The added weight did little to slow his momentum though and as he neared he drew his knees up, wind rushing past his ears, his target lurching forth as he brought his weapons to bear-!

And then Aether crashed into its right arm, blowing the entire joint clean off.

His Geo-like armaments shattered in the impact, the blow jarring his bones, but it spoke to his endurance that he blew past the mechanical monster and skidded harmlessly across the grassy ground without injury – fingers digging into the dirt and soon bringing him to a full stop. The Ruin Guard made a string of unintelligible clanks and beeps, staggering and wobbling dangerously with only one arm, but alas it wasn't so easy to take them down – if it was, then ordinary villagers could probably destroy them with enough strategy.

Rising to his full height Aether flexed his fingers, relieved that nothing had broken – he'd hate to revisit Barbara so soon. The thought made him smile and he held his right hand out, the motion reflexive even as he summoned forth a twisting, swirling orb of Vayuda, the vortex quick to kick up a strong gale around him as small objects became sucked into it. He held onto it for just a moment, eyes narrowing as he compressed it, turning the orb pure black as the Abyssal construct concentrated itself.

And then with a flick of his wrist, he lobbed the orb forth.

Despite his casual toss the Anemo-like construct flew straight and true, crossing the distance like an arrow and imploding against the Ruin Guard's back, sending it stumbling forwards from the gust. It did little more than dent some of its armour plating, however – winds alone would not be enough to break its metal body, not without a lot more effort. That was fine by him though; he just wanted its attention.

He got its attention alright; the mechanical construct tuning its torso first then its legs, rearing around to face him. Even from afar he could see the change in its body language; its shoulders – or rather, shoulder – rising up and jerking back, its eye glowing a bright hue and its posture overall becoming more reactive. The motions were far too familiar by this point and he remained unphased, simply flexing his fingers as he watched the steel beast, awaiting its attack.

'Missiles or charge, which will it-'

The Ruin Guard lurched forth and twisted its torso around, baring its back his way and revealing the numerous missile pods on it. Pods that blazed to life as it launched a flurry of missiles that locked onto him and roared his way. With confidence Aether raised his foot, channelling Abyssal energy into the sole right as he brought it slamming down – causing a wall of black Prithiva to jut up out of the earth ahead of him, forming a wall.

The missiles exploded against its sturdy exterior but it ultimately broke apart under the bombardment, crumbling – but by then only a tiny handful of missiles remained, so few in number that Aether side-stepped them without much issue, though he enhanced his movement with Vayuda to be on the safe side, dancing around to the right. Two hops slowed him down and the flat of his foot touched a boulder, holding him still.

And then he was off, launching forth with a speed granted by the winds. The Ruin Guard showed no fear and brought its sole remaining arm up as if to mush him the moment he drew near, the segmented limb creaking as it descended down.

It never hit; a burst of Vayuda altering his trajectory to the left. With little more than a thought he made a boulder of Prithiva surge up from the earth itself, his feet landing upon it and letting him kick off, launching Aether up towards the Ruin Guard before it had a chance to retract its arm – a swing of his leg releasing a slash of Varunada, the dark water impacting with enough force to stagger the titan – leaving it incapable of stopping Aether from spinning with his momentum, his right hand thrown out and launching a shard of Shivada out.

The shard embedded itself into the Ruin Guard's armour, making contact with the water and rapidly freezing it over – chunks of black, glossy ice bursting out where the two Abyssal elements made contact. The mech though barely seemed bothered, only a whine of its motors to show its strain even as it raised one leg, primed to stomp down on him – and with speed unbefitting of such a titan, it did; its mechanical boot mashing the dirt and rock underfoot.

Aether, however, leapt away with a grin and landed in a low crouch, fingers brushing through the grass. A gentle impulse was all that was needed.

Not a second later thick black vines lurched forth from the dirt and ensnared the limb, winding tighter and tighter even as the machine tried to yank its leg back, the groans of its mechanical body only growing as the black ice spread further, following the trickling trails of Varunada that dribbled down its form. Had it still had both arms it could probably just break free, but with only one it seemed to be struggling; the elements taking it over faster than it could remove them.

Aether didn't let the opening go to waste; his sprint accelerated further with the dark Vayuda, his steps like that of the wind as he blitzed across grass and leapt with a Prithiva boulder being his springboard, launching him up onto the Ruin Guard's shoulder. He clutched onto a ragged piece of metal to hold himself on, wobbling for a second as the Ruin Guard lurched, its one remaining arm trying to reach up and grab him but unable to make the angle – grasping helplessly either above or behind him.

''You really like to shoot fire at people, huh?'' Aether dared to taunt, his grin growing a touch cheeky as black flames engulfed his right hand. ''Feels great to finally return the favour!''

And with a shout, he plunged that fist into the glowing eye of the Ruin Guard. The glass-like surface held firm for all of a second before shattering inwards, his baleful black flames shrieking out in all directions – the explosion forcibly contained by the Ruin Guard's own eye, the excess blowing up his arm yet not singing him even slightly.

Loosening his hold Aether yanked his arm out and leapt off, landing on the grass in a low crouch. He waited a moment, curious, but alas the mech was properly dead – only a final groan escaping its hull before gravity brought it forth, sending it crashing to the ground mere feet from him.

Exhaling Aether rose to his feet, eyeing the fallen mech. It hadn't been much of a challenge, but it was nice to finally wield the elements again... though, oddly, he felt somewhat disappointed.

He was expecting a better fight, he realised.

His lips drew into a thin line and he banished the thought with a sigh. Really, he was just getting his hopes up if that was what he had wanted – it was a Ruin Guard for goodness' sake. He could beat one not long after coming to Teyvat; why would they pose any more of a threat than they did before? Still his appetite for a challenge remained, though with some effort he tucked it away into the back of his mind.

Just in time too, as he sensed someone behind him – a voice putting a name to it. ''Most impressive. How do you feel?''

Aether rolled his shoulders. No stiffness. ''Good. Really good.''

''I see.'' Zhongli hummed and walked up to his side, eyeing the deceased Ruin Guard with interest. ''How did you find the elements, then?''

''They feel just like the normal ones, to be honest.'' Aether admitted freely, idly summoning a shard of Shivada and lobbing it at the Ruin Guard, accelerating the rate at which his black ice overtook it. ''I didn't exactly test them fully, granted, but a single Ruin Guard isn't exactly the sturdiest opponent.''

Zhongli chuckled as if told a joke. ''Many would envy such brazen dismissal of their might. That said, I do believe we should focus further on your 'training', for want of a better word. Though I cannot offer much knowledge, I can at least guide you in harnessing this... peculiar source of strength you know possess.''

''...yeah.'' Rubbing his chest he grimaced. Though having his elements back was great, there was still the issue of healing himself.

Such thoughts were put on-hold as Paimon descended, flying around him once before crossing her arms with a huff. ''Hmph! I knew you could do it!''

''Really? You seemed rather concerned mere moments ago, dear Paimon.'' Zhongli remarked with the barest hint of teasing.

The fairy spluttered. ''H-Hush you! Paimon wasn't worried one bit!''

Aether chuckled, offering a hand to the fairy. ''Not even a little bit?''

''...okay, maybe a little bit.'' She took his finger and squeezed it, blushing bashfully. ''Dummy.''

The blond just smiled, pulling the fairy onto his shoulders and not protesting as she held onto his hair – and in a flash they teleported back up to Jueyun Karst, the frozen Ruin Guard shattering into pieces moments later.

X-x-X

Night fell quickly over Liyue.

The rest of the day had been spent further exploring his newfound Abyssal connection, with admittedly limited success. Manipulating the dark energies into faux elements came naturally to him not just because of his skill, but because he'd already spent countless months wielding those same elements n battle. The instincts, the gestures, the sensations – every little detail he could desire he knew already, whilst Pyro and Cryo, the only two elements he hadn't obtained yet, were so plentiful in their natural states that he didn't need too much effort to form that unconscious connection.

Healing a hole in his soul, however, was much different. He had extremely limited healing talents prior to losing his powers and even less knowledge when it came to the soul, spiritual arts and all that fell under those branches of magicks. As such he had no groundwork nor basis to guide him, and even with Zhongli present there was only so much that could be explained through verbal explanations and, unfortunately, with the soul being what it was the Geo Archon couldn't exactly just perform a demonstration. Least of all with their current situation; they were in mostly uncharted territory after all.

By the time the sun had set and dinner was had they had made minimal progress. His elemental affinity was back to what it was prior to losing them, yes, but manipulating the Abyssal energy towards patching his soul up proved troublesome – and, in a sense, an uphill battle.

''Breathe, Aether. Do not let haste cloud your judgement.''

Aether didn't bother answering but he did as his mentor instructed; a slow exhale cooling the tension from his muscles. The night air felt nice on his warm flesh and he listened absentmindedly to the birds nesting in the nearby trees, though in truth his focus was more inwards – towards the mental visualisation of the hole in his chest. As ever the illusion wisped and warped but he maintained it as best he could, focusing on drawing out the Abyssal energy.

When he felt like he had a metaphysical grasp on it he tried to coax it into healing his wound, into moulding around the rim of the hole like layering clay. It seemed to work but the moment his focus faltered the 'clay' crumbled immediately, reverting back to an energy state that took a conscious effort to contort back into a imaginary clay, fixing it to the rim of his wound and trying once more.

But like all times before it crumbled, the ambient energy dissipating harmlessly.

''...no luck.'' Aether groused under his breath, though he didn't dare open his eyes. If only because he knew the full moon's brightness would be blinding after having his eyes shut for so long.

Zhongli hummed, the older man silent for a long few moments. ''Perhaps it is our approach that is flawed. Have you considered bending it in the form of another material, perhaps? String, or a web?''

''Maybe... but that wouldn't block the hole fully though, would it?''

''Indeed. I was just curious, I suppose.'' Zhongli remarked calmly, his feet audibly shifting across the dirt. ''Let us call it here for now. It is getting late, after all, and it would be unwise to stay up too long considering how early we must wake.''

Only then did Aether open his eyes, blinking a few times to get the spots out of his vision and adjust to the light level. With how few clouds drifted about and the full moon it was surprisingly bright, the grass lit by the silver light of the moon and only the areas shaded by trees dark enough to hinder his sight.

''Sure.'' Aether ignored the stiffness in his legs as he stood, grunting as he stretched. ''Did Paimon go to sleep already?''

''She disappeared, but implied she would be doing such.'' Zhongli's lips quirked up into a smile, ''I imagine sleeping under an earthen blanket was not an experience she wished to repeat.''

Aether found himself chuckling at the idea. ''Yeah, sounds like Paimon to me.''

Zhongli shared his humour, his own chuckle light. ''Indeed. On another note, there is a spring nearby you may use to freshen up if you so wish – I will be nearby on a walk if you need me.''

Although he hadn't been too active physically the idea of a bath was much appreciated, and with a smiled thanks Aether ventured in the direction Zhongli had pointed.

It wasn't far, just over a bump in the mountain that led down to a small plateau. While it was somewhat exposed the nearest mountains were a good distance away and there was a few bushes around the rim of the pond, providing some much-desired privacy. It also overlooked the gorgeous Liyue landscape, Aether noted – fondly running his eyes over the verdant landscape for a moment from his position atop the bump.

A chilly wind though stirred him from his reverie and compelled him down to the spring's edge, the slow trickle of water the only noise besides the wind and his own movements. Almost idly his fingers loosened his cape and shed his top; both ending in a pile by the springside. The rest of his clothes soon followed, each deposited without much care for his nudity – it wasn't like anyone else would be around after all, and being seen naked by Zhongli wasn't exactly a great worry. The man was so old he'd probably seen naked bodies of all shapes and sizes. Both in the baths, and on the battlefield, dead or alive.

The grim though was chased away quickly though. Drawing a breath Aether strode into the spring, the water cool but not as cold as he'd expected, enticing him to ease down into it. The constant inflow of clean mountain water kept the spring fresh and free from stagnation, whilst it was also still deep enough for him to recline into it and let the water lap up to his chest. The chill was a bit more refreshing than he'd like but he kept such woes to himself, if only because he doubted there was hot water this high up a mountain.

In the middle of nowhere, on top of that.

The thought brought a wry smile to his lips and he leaned back, gazing up at the skies. The stars had come out in full and with so few clouds out and about he could appreciate them all aplenty, though alas they gave him little comfort in that moment. If anything the sight of the celestial bodies drew his attention back to his past, to what it was like to soar amongst them. To zip and dart between asteroids and visits worlds of all kinds.

A world far before the canon of modern civilisation, rife with wildlife and full of tribes so superstitious he and Lumine were seen as gods themselves. A world frozen over by a terrible tragedy, leaving just a cradle of what remained of humanity to fend back both the cold and the monsters it wrought. A prison planet on the cusp of rebellion, so close to freedom yet with a harrowing future laying before them. So many different worlds, each with their own unique brand of magic, rules and laws, some more similar than others. Teyvat was definitely was of the more unique ones but even then they'd seen stranger, and there was no telling how many weirder worlds remained out there, just waiting to be explored.

Aether pursed his lips and lowered his head. He didn't want to think about that – there was no point, really. Even if in the future he'd reclaim his powers or whatever, that was neither here nor there. When the time came he could think on it more.

Scooping some water into his palm he ran it over his other, the motion more idle than truly intending to wash himself off – a damn shame he didn't bring soap, but he made a mental note to wash up properly when he got back to Mondstadt. Just thinking about the city though brought a blush to his cheeks... not least because of everything that had transpired there just a few days ago.

Lisa had confessed her love to him. And he her.

And on top of that, apparently a good number of women also loved him.

It clogged his throat just thinking about it. Not out of any sense of fear – though he supposed a small dose of intimidation was natural given his inexperience with love – but how the hell he'd figure that dilemma out. In comparison fixing his spiritual injuries sounded like a cakewalk; at least that was, while not necessarily straightforward, there was at least a rough idea of how to fix the problem.

But love? That was a whole different issue. If he put some thought into it he supposed he could see some of his compatriots being fine with it – Amber, he imagined, might not mind a whole lot. The same could be said for Collei; she was always such a people pleaser she might not mind. But some like Eula? He suspected she wouldn't be so onboard with the idea. It'd take some convincing, probably, but he hoped in his heart she could get used to the idea. If nothing else she'd have fellow... lovers, to have as company.

He pursed his lips, staring into his rippling reflection. How many women, he wondered, truly had fallen for him. If he thought back to past incidents he could see the signs now – Collei always being so eager to please him, seeking his validation and praise, was probably a damn good sign. Nilou and her kindness that seemed so much warmer and intimate with him. Ayaka and the trust she expressed in him, how she seemed to look at him when she thought he wasn't looking, how she insisted on honing their swordplay together. Yoimiya with the smiles she gave, with the hugs and hand-holding she seemed to do by accident. Even Keqing, now that he thought about it, always seemed to perk up a bit when he was around, though he wasn't sure if that was a sign of love or just him projecting now.

He sighed. He couldn't exactly go around and ask them all if they loved him upfront; he liked to think he was more discreet than that. But by virtue of having a harem some might feel as if they don't have a chance, and the more he thought about it the more uncomfortable he felt. He wanted to express his feelings, his affections that he'd kept a tight leash on until now-

But how did you go about in a way that 'normal' people understood? How did he go about it in a way that made it clear he loved them all equally, that his heart yearned for all of them at once and couldn't make a choice? That the line between friendship and lovers was so damn thin he'd forgotten where it started and where it ended?

He drew in a slow breath, the cold night air helping cool his overburdened mind somewhat. Maybe he was just overthinking it. Maybe it'd all work out; the girls from Mondstadt all knew each other and would probably be fine with it, right? The same could be said for the other nations too and the girls he'd met there; they'd mostly be fine with one another. Hopefully. Maybe. Possibly.

Though that also begged the question of how he'd spend his time with them – he was already on a journey to find his sister. Throw in a love life with a dozen or more women... surely, that would unfair to Lumine? Or what if something happened and he wasn't there to save her, because he was too busy hanging out and being friendly with the women of this world? What if-

His thoughts, unknowingly increasingly tumultuous, halted as he heard motion nearby.

It was faint, little more than a shoe upon grass, but his ears had been trained after months of fighting sneaky Treasure Hoarders and other subtle opponents. In an instant Aether perked up, the water sloshing around his midsection as he rose partway out of the way, hand out to side and prepared to manifest a sword into it. For a moment, he waited, hearing a second set of breathing, faint as it was.

''Who's there?''

There was a brief moment of pause, then sudden motion – and with it, a voice.

''A-Aether? Is that you?''

Ganyu.

Surprise filled him, preventing him from speaking even as the footsteps drew near, soon revealing the goat-horned woman as she crested the sparse wall of bushes. She looked no different than when they last saw each other nearly a month or so ago, her expression adorably delighted and cheeks growing a bit red. Quite red, now that he noticed it – her expression shifting from joy to something much more timid and then flustered, a stuttering noise emerging from the back of her throat as she tried and failed to verbalise her plight.

It was only then that he remembered he was still naked. The water lapped just above his groin so nothing showed but he could admit to being a bit embarrassed himself, a sheepish wave snapping Ganyu out of her daze – and in a heartbeat she whipped around, facing away.

''S-S-Sorry!''

''Hahaha, it's alright, just give me a second.'' Aether chuckled sheepishly.

Thankfully he'd thought to store some towels and whatnot in the past, so it was a simple task of drawing it out of his pocket dimension, drying himself off before winding one around his waist. Ganyu shifted about but she didn't peek, something he was glad for, and after a minute more he was at least presentable.

''You can look now.'' Aether remarked as he draped a spare towel over his shoulders, the wet ends bumping against his pectorals.

Ganyu peeked first, her cheeks still burning red, but after a second more she managed to turn to face him. That was something that had always charmed him about Ganyu, if he was being honest – how she was such an amazing person both in combat and elsewhere, yet could be so easy to fluster. You would think living as long as she did would make her impossible to fluster, but apparently not. He was glad though; that side of her was one he always found adorable.

Silence fell over them, the slow slosh of water the only real noise as Aether waded onto the shore once more, wetting the grass under his feet. He tilted his head at her and smiled, earning something like it in return – and then in a heartbeat he found himself tucked into her shoulder as she ensnared him in a hug. The embrace, sudden as it was, brought a blush to his cheeks and deprived him of his prior words; making it his turn to stammer.

''Ganyu-''

''I'm so glad you're safe.'' Her words, softly spoken as they were, shut him up. ''When I heard the news about you getting hurt, I had thought the worst, and...''

Unseen his expression softened, and without a word Aether snaked his arms around Ganyu in a more proper hug. If she minded the wetness on her clothes she didn't say anything about it, simply hugging him in return – her embrace tight but not smothering. This far isolated from the rest of the world it was like they were the only things that truly existed, that they were the two people left in all of Teyvat. A rather haunting thought he realised, prompting him to banish such a strange thought swiftly.

Eventually Ganyu loosened her hold and pulled back. The moonlight lit her face in its pale glow, concern shining in her eyes even as she looked at him, like she was worried he'd crumble and die right before her. Maybe she could sense something wasn't quite right with him, he realised deep down, much like how Zhongli could tell. Or maybe she was just... caught up in her feelings. Feelings that made him swallow, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.

''Aether...'' Her gaze fell, and it was only when her nail traced his pectoral that he realised where her gaze had gone.

His scars.

''Ah, those...'' Stepping back he flushed, not minding her looking at them. ''Barbara managed to heal me, these are just what she couldn't heal due to being overworked.''

Her index finger traced down the one on his right before circling the oval in his centre. ''How bad...?''

He tried to shrug casually, though the stiffness to the motion betrayed his awkwardness. ''Pretty bad.''

Ganyu shuddered as if his words physically hurt, her finger resting on the scarred flesh. ''...your heart, how did...''

''Barbara healed me.'' He caught her finger in his hand, his hold gentle. ''You know she's a good healer.''

''Yes... yes, I don't doubt that, but...'' Ganyu's lips pursed, parted, then pursed again before she found the words – words soft, but sharp. ''Who did this to you?''

Aether hesitated, lips ajar, then looked away with a grimace.

''You can tell me Aether.'' Ganyu said softly.

She loosened her finger out of his grasp and brought that hand to his cheek, caressing it. The gentleness of the act drew his eyes back onto her, conscious of their closeness but not minding it as much as he thought he might, his blush mirrored by her own. Pinprick tears had come to her eyes, hurt to see him wounded so badly, the sheer empathy she radiated almost compelling him to tell her.

But he couldn't. He couldn't risk her making the same mistake as him and pissing off Celestia, or some butterfly-effect that led to her getting hurt because of his one screw-up. With any luck what Asmoday did to him was just a one-off, a final warning – one he would make sure to heed, his revilement of the heavens or not.

''...don't worry about it.'' Was all he could manage to say.

''Aether-''

''I don't want you to get hurt too.'' He cut her off, his expression softening immediately after. ''I screwed up Ganyu. So I paid the price. And hey, I survived, right?''

''That you did...''' Though reluctant Ganyu mercifully let the issue drop, though he could still see that spark in her eyes – that quiet desire for payback on his behalf.

It was humbling to see, and left his heart aching for her, wanting to tell her everything but knowing it would be unwise to. His mistake, his fault, and he alone would bare the blame of it.

Her earlier words though stirred a question from his lips. ''...actually, how did you learn about me getting hurt? I don't remember sending you a letter?''

''Oh. Well, a friend of mine told me in their letter, but others in Liyue Harbour also heard through the grapevine.'' Ganyu answered slowly, ''I imagine other nations have also heard?''

There was an uncertain lilt to her tone, though he didn't share that uncertainty – embarrassment stirring in his stomach as he realised how far his near-death might've spread. Mondstadt he could understand since a lot of people saw him injured, but he'd never really thought about if word would travel to other kingdoms. After all he hadn't died, just been hurt... but then again if Lisa's words were true, then maybe, just maybe, he had more than a few people out there who would get very, very worried if they heard such news.

Another fault to place on his shoulders, then. He made a mental note to travel to the other nations when he could and apologise.

''...I guess I really worried you too, huh?''

Ganyu blushed and averted her eyes. ''...maybe.''

''Doesn't really sound like a 'maybe'.'' Aether smiled faintly.

Ganyu giggled shyly. ''Indeed...''

A brief silence hung over them, the humour unfortunately fast to fade.

''I was so worried.'' The Adeptus admitted under her breath, but in the quiet mountaintops he heard it easily. ''Scared, really. I-I mean, you've been hurt before but the way it was described, it was clear this wasn't just your usual brushes with death... I kept asking myself if I should try to contact the Knights of Favonius, but Keqing already did that and got an unclear reply – the only reason we didn't come to Mondstadt ourselves to check was Ningguang asking for our patience, but even then...''

''I was worried I'd never get to... to...''

Words failed the Adeptus, lips moving but unable to speak further, her face growing hot even as she pursed her lips and bowed her head.

Aether shifted closer. ''Ganyu-''

Distance shrunk, blue hair brushed his cheek-

And then Ganyu's lips met his own.

Her lips were soft, full and mashed against his own with a passion that froze him up, startled – and then what felt like a second later, it was over.

Ganyu pulled away with wide eyes and blazing cheeks, looking as shocked as he was.

''I-I...'' She backed up, tense-

And then in an instant, she turned and fled the mountaintop.

''Ganyu, wait!'' Aether shouted after her, rushing after her.

Alas Ganyu was deceptively fast and an Adeptus to boot – by the time he reached the edge of the plateau the archer had already leapt down the cliffside, using the little outcrops available to leap away. He was almost tempted to follow but his state of dress made him hesitate, and in no time at all the goat-horned Adeptus was out of sight, having disappeared behind the veil of some trees.

His hand fell, and a deep sigh left his lips, unheard by any.

'What have I gotten myself into...?'

[END]

A/N: And thus another unknowingly joins Aether's steadily-growing harem~ Who else will, one wonders~

Also I really enjoy writing Aether and Paimon's interactions, Paimon just gels so well with many characters~

Till next time~