Aether and Paimon were the first to arrive that sad morning. Others came by, not speaking as they assembled before the Basin of Unnumbered Flames. Down in the valley lay the stadium where so many had perished. He and Paimon hadn't slept since that horrible day.
As the mourners all gathered, Pacal and the chiefs lit a pyre. The rainbow flames cast a warm glow on their skin. Flanked by Kinich, Kachina, Mualani, and the Captain, Mauvika carried the Record Penned by All towards the pyre.
Everyone bowed their heads as the Pyro Archon knelt on the dry grass. In a solemn voice, she spoke.
"Hunza, you fought for Natlan in her darkest hour. In life, you enjoyed extreme sports. You were fearless. We give thanks for the gift of your life in ours. And we look forward to meeting you one day, in a world of wonder and beauty.
"Vichama. Night Wars veteran and elite scout. Your name shall live on in legends. May you find your friend in the Night Kingdom. We give thanks for the gift of your life in ours. And we look forward to meeting you one day, in a world of wonder and beauty.
"Dimka. You were a Fatui with no stake in our war, yet you fought the Abyss. Thanks to your efforts, the Scions of the Canopy had enough time to evacuate their children and elderly to the stadium. You leave behind a beloved wife and child. We give thanks for the gift of your life in ours. And we look forward to meeting you one day, in a world of wonder and beauty."
The Captain bowed his head quietly. Other Fatui raised their hands over their chest in salute. Pyro Gunners fired off a volley into the sky. Their shots rang across the valley in a defiant ring.
"Stover. You came here from Mondstadt to sell wine. While others evacuated, you stayed and selflessly sent your supplies to the soldiers. The apples, sunsettias, and treats kept our spirits up through the worst of it. In your final moments, you carried a wounded soldier from the battlefield. We record your name along with so many others. We give thanks for the gift of your life in ours. And we look forward to meeting you one day, in a world of wonder and beauty."
Mauvika continued reading out names: Wayta, Batz, Dorrigo, and more than anyone could remember. She spoke of the warriors, the messengers, the water bearers, the Saurians, and the doctors, thanking each of them for their sacrifice. The wake continued well into the night and the next day. Mauvika's voice never cracked once even though she named thousands. Her stoicism moved their hearts. Everyone saw their Archon as dignified. He knew there was more to it.
The ceremony drew to a close with one final name.
"Chuychu. Doctor and beloved sister. You treated injured afflicted by Abyssal Corruption. Thanks to you, many more Natlan people will live to see tomorrow. Your kindness will be remembered forever, and your love will endure through your sister. Thank you for your service. We give thanks for the gift of your life in ours. And we look forward to meeting you one day, in a world of wonder and beauty."
Paimon sniffled. If only we got there sooner, her eyes cried. He held her little hand reassuringly. Try as he might though, he couldn't force a smile. He'd been thinking the same thing. If only they got there sooner…You could go crazy thinking about all the "if only's."
Mauvika carried the Record Penned by All to Basin of Unnumbered Flames and laid it on the podium. She rejoined the wake.
"Yesterday tested us all," she said. "Ahead lies similar tests that will push us all to our limits. We shall persevere. In memory of those who passed, we shall endure. We must."
A glimmer of regret touched her expression. He realized she was talking to herself more than those assembled. The Archon had one last dreadful task before her.
As the pyre dwindled, everyone departed. Paimon wandered off with Kachina and Mualani, and the Captain and his Fatui soldiers left to make their plans. Soon only he and Mauvika remained before the dying embers.
The last sparks petered out. Mauvika crossed over to him and pressed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you for everything, Aether."
He hated how much that sounded like a goodbye as if she'd already given up. Even so, he masked his sadness. She retracted her hand and studied the distant sunrise.
"Our final battle approaches. I'll be counting on you."
"I know. I'll do my part."
"Good," she said. "I'm glad to know that you'll be there in the end. Care to share a drink with me?"
"In just a minute," he said. "I think I'll stay just a bit longer."
Mauvika descended the slope heading down the road toward the stadium. Aether stepped past the dead firepit and entered the Basin. There, he fixed his gaze on the Record Penned by All. So many names… he felt them all in his chest. They would join the others he mourned: Jebrael, Teppei, Melus, Silver, and Tadhla.
Outside the Basin's window, he could see Mauvika. She paused at the bridge, turning to stare at the basin. As their eyes locked, a sad smile crossed her lips. He waved at her. She acknowledged the gesture with a nod, before turning back down the lonely path.
His fists clenched. In the silence of the Basin, he swore to all those listed in the Record: No more. I won't lose another friend. I'll save you, Mauvika. I swear.