Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hiding within a cave in Dragonspine, Scaramouche curses himself for his failure.

“Damn it all! 4 years I’ve had this piece of garbage! 4 fucking years, and no matter what I do to it, IT WON’T FUCKING DO ANYTHING! Those bastards lied to me, they said this pile of shit was the key to absolute power, but I’ve gotten nothing from it, and I was literally made for the damn thing! Why is this happening!?!”

Lashing out, Scaramouche attacks the walls with his Electro, enraged at the uselessness of the Electro Gnosis he spent so many years conspiring to obtain. Much to his surprise, 2 Abyss Lectors wander near his cave. Masking his presence, Scaramouche attempts to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“So it’s just like the new Royal Alchemist said, that screaming is definitely coming from around here. Honestly though, why are WE being sent to investigate a noise complaint? I mean, send a mage or two out-“ Growing bored, Scaramouche reveals himself, quickly dispatching the two Lectors. Without warning, an Abyssal portal opens up under his feet, quickly dragging him and his paperweight of a Gnosis through.

Suddenly surrounded by pure darkness, Scaramouche is unable to discern his surroundings. He realizes he is unable to use his Electro power to brighten the room, but improvises by using the Gnosis as a light source. Just as he steps forward, though, all the lights in the room suddenly flicker on, revealing himself to be in a throne room of sorts. Immediately cautious, he quickly places the Gnosis back in his pocket and takes a defensive stance.

From the corner of his eye, Scaramouche spots a youthful-looking woman with flowing golden hair. Despite her appearance, he can tell the lady emanates authority. “Why have you bought me here, human?” Unsure of the girl’s motives, Scaramouche then notices a blotch of darkness next to the lady, inexplicably pitch black and leaking black mist, despite the rest of the room’s lighting. “The King wishes to speak with you.” The darkness starts to dissipate. From the fading shadows, Scaramouche is able to make out a silhouette of a man sitting down.

Suddenly, Scaramouche collapses to the ground. His entire body is completely still, his mouth gaping open, unable to form a single sound. In his mind, Scaramouche feels what he has never felt before. Fear. Absolute, all-encompassing, deathly terror. Now violently quaking, his mind is suddenly bombarded by horrifyingly surreal hallucinations of endless death and destruction, infinitely more terrifying than anything any mere mortal could have ever conceived. Now vomiting from sheer panic, Scaramouche realizes what he’s in front of. He’s witnessing a horror beyond the nightmares of Hell. He saw death. And with one eye, death saw him.

“I had heard that a rogue Harbinger had made off with the Electro Gnosis. Greetings, Kunikuzushi. Now, we have much to discuss, don’t you agree?”

Chapter Text

In the early hours of the morning, Venti wanders around Windrise, picking Windwheel Asters for the upcoming Windblume Festival. Suddenly, a blue light leaks out of his nearby Statue Of The Seven, which then takes shape and solidifies into two familiar figures.

“Oh! Aether, Paimon, hello there! How have you been?” Running towards the bard, the blonde traveler leaps into Venti’s face, pulling him into a hug. “Venti! I’ve missed you, buddy! I’ve been doing fine, I hope you’ve been good too.” Floating up behind Aether, his pixie companion removes one of her shoes to pour snow out of it. “Brrr! Snezhnaya is so cold! Paimon should’ve bought a jacket. Long time no see, Tone-Deaf Bard!” Breaking away from Aether’s grip, Venti turns away and begins walking off. “Come, let’s walk and talk. Mondstadt’s waiting.”

———————————

Bursting into Angel’s Share, Venti immediately runs over to the counter and sits down. “Heya, Master Diluc! One Dandelion Wine, please! Oh, and a grape juice for Paimon, ehe.” Turning to face the trio, Diluc’s usually grumpy face briefly lights up upon seeing the traveler approaching. “Oh, hello Aether. Surprised to see you here. I thought you were taking the fight to Snezhnaya.”

Taking a seat on a bar stool, Aether grabs a menu. “Well, I was. I’ve done most of was planning to do there. I’m planning on confronting the Cryo Archon herself, but I wanted to pay some of you guys a visit before I do that.”

Running into the backroom, Diluc emerges with a sealed bottle of wine. “I almost forgot, I was saving this for you. It’s been about 2 years since we met, so there shouldn’t be any problems with you having this. It’s a very old wine, somewhat of a family heirloom in fact. Legend has it that my most distant ancestor brewed this wine in celebration of Old Mondstadt’s liberation from The God Of Storms. There are still a few of these left back home, so I figured there would be no problem giving one to you.” Looking at the bottle, Venti smiles as a sense of nostalgia washes over him. “It’s genuine! I’m surprised they’ve lasted this long! Oh, this takes me back… Ahem, Aether, you wouldn’t mind sharing some with me, would ya?”

Tapping Aether’s shoulder, Diluc points to the bar’s second floor. “Oh, one last thing. For the last couple weeks, a weird guy in a black suit comes in here every day asking if you’ve been around. He never orders anything, he just always sits down for a few hours… waiting for you, I guess. And then he leaves. There’s something uncomfortably familiar about him, and he gives me the same kind of creepy feeling Kaeya does. I don’t know what his deal is, but he happens to be upstairs right now.”

Climbing up the stairs, the trio approaches a table in the corner, where an unexpected guest awaits them. “Oh, it’s Dainsleif!” Approaching the table, Aether takes a seat with Paimon floating right behind him. “Hey there, I’ve-“ Turning to look at Venti, Aether notices the bard keeping his distance, visibly nervous and apprehensive. “Um…… I-I’m gonna t-t-take off, okay? I p-probably shouldn’t get involved w-with all this. See you l-later!”

“Greetings Traveler, it’s a pleasure to see you again. But I must say, I certainly wasn’t expecting you to show up with HIM.” Leaning forward, Aether lowers his voice. “Maybe we should take this conversation somewhere else, if you don’t mind.” Standing up, Dainslief leads the Traveler and Paimon out of the tavern. “I have been looking for you for several weeks. Among other things, I wanted to inform you that I’m hot on the Abyss Order’s trail. I believe I’m close to cracking the mystery of their plans wide open, so I assumed you would want to be involved in this, especially considering the Princess herself seems to be participating in the next stage of their plan.”

His expression immediately darkening, Aether turns to look at his fairy companion, and then to Dainsleif. “Have you learned anything else about my sister?” Pulling a note out of his pocket, Dainsleif hands it to the traveler. “This letter seems to indicate that she will be preforming some sort of ritual at Dragonspine. I propose we crash the party.” Clenching the note, Aether flashes an excited grin. “Sounds like a date. What do you say, Paimon? Wanna get to the bottom of this?” “I’ll go wherever you do, Aether! Paimon will always be right behind you!”

From the Knights Of Favonius HQ, a tan, one-eyed man watches the group leaving Angel’s Share.

“So, even my old Twilight Sword wants in on this, huh? Well, who am I to disappoint? That traitor will have the honor of being struck down at the hands of Dark King Kaeya himself!”

Chapter Text

The cold wind blows over Dragonspine, as The Traveler and The Twilight Sword venture into Wyrmrest Valley. Arriving at the cave, the duo venture inside.

“Dainsleif, what exactly should we be expecting in this place?” Looking at Aether, the Khaenri’ahn points to the end of the cave. “The Shadow Dragon’s heart has been relocated. If they have been using it’s lingering energy, I suspect they may use Durin’s venom against us. While you may be impervious to the corruption it inflicts on your spirit, I wouldn’t advise trying to find out if it would affect you physically.”

“Yeah, if it’s anything like what Rifthounds can produce, I’m definitely not trying it. It looks like there’s a opening in the wall behind where the heart used to be. They’re probably further down there. Paimon, stay hidden in your. . . whatever your weird pocket-dimension thing is, I don’t want you getting hurt.” Nodding, Paimon gives a thumbs up before disappearing. “Alright! Stay safe, Aether. Oh, you too Dain! Just tell Paimon when it’s safe to come out. Good luck!”

Walking towards the hole in the wall, Aether kicks it several times, causing the crack to widen and allow entry, revealing a Domain entrance on the other side. Giving each other a affirmative nod, the duo jump into the portal.

—————————————

10 MINUTES LATER

Driving his sword through a Black Serpent Knight’s chest, Aether turns to Dainsleif. “How are things going on your end?” With his Abyssal Magic, Dainsleif quickly snaps the neck of an Abyss Herald before giving a thumbs up. “I’m done. Thank you for dealing with the Knights for me, I can hardly bring myself to crush my former friends, even if they are just husks now.”

From the corner of his eye, Aether spots none other than the Golden Wolflord emerging from a portal, about to slash at the unaware Dainsleif. Thinking quickly, Aether holds up the Pyro Gnosis and fires a huge burst of Pyro at the monster, completely incinerating the beast into ash, with the explosion knocking Dainsleif over in the process. “The Golden Wolflord?! They really are pulling out all the stops here. As if the Perpetual Mechanical Array wasn’t enough.”

Wide-eyed, Dainsleif stares in shock at Aether, as his gaze is drawn towards the object in the traveler’s hand. “I-is that the Pyro Gnosis? How did you get that?” Putting the artifact back into his dimensional pocket, Aether walks over to help the Khaenri’ahn up.

“You see, the Fatui were planning to steal it from Aym, so she decided to give it to me for safekeeping. Since she also wanted to tell me a lot about Khaenri’ah, she gave me the Gnosis first so Celestia couldn’t monitor her as closely. And now not only has my strength increased substantially know that I’ve figured out how to tap into the Gnoses’ power individually, but in the land of Cryo, it’s been just as helpful as you’d expect.”

Turning to look at the next door, Dainsleif crosses his arms and sighs. “Normally, I wouldn’t be comfortable with this. But I can trust you above anyone else. Just. . . don’t get too attached to it. I shudder to imagine what would happen if you became attuned to it and fell under Celestia’s control. Anyway, according to the report I stole, the ritual they’e preforming should be taking place in this next room. I believe there’s only a couple minutes before they start. Are you ready?”

Placing his hand on the door, Aether gives a determined look, and nods at The Twilight Sword. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Lumine isn’t getting away this time. I’m GOING to save her. Now let’s go.” Clenching their fists, the duo burst through the door.

——————————————————

The room is empty, completely lacking furniture, save for the altar in the middle if the room. It’s also extremely dark: only illuminated by the blue candles in each of the four corners, as well as the altar. Within a shallow square depression in the center of the floor, rests the heart of Durin The Shadow Dragon, surrounded by Ley Line branches, leaves, and sprouts directly above a Ley Line Outcrop. Standing in front of it is Lumine, channeling her energy into the construct.

Suddenly, Aether and Dainsleif burst into the room. Thinking quickly, the Khaenri’ahn utilizes his dark magic to create a disruption in the heart, causing it to swell while Aether charges towards her. “You’re just in time.” Ignoring her words, Aether attempts to grab Lumine’s arms to restrain her, which she avoids and responds with a kick to her brother’s abdomen, launching him into Dainsleif. With one arm, Lumine easily stabilizes the heart, while she uses the other to create one of her own to imprison the intruders.

With the duo easily dealt with, Lumine turns to continue the ritual. “Honestly Aether, you should really know better than this. You’ve been doing a good job at slowly regaining your power, but you’re still lightyears away from what you once were. And with my power still completely intact, you don’t stand a chance. As for you, Dainslief, I cannot believe you have the gall to barge in here and try to stop me, right in the middle of the most important thing I’ve done as a member of the Abyss Order.”

Banging on the barrier, Aether calls out to his sister with tears in his eyes. “LUMINE, PLEASE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO KEEP DOING THIS! I MISS YOU! I JUST WANT TO BE WITH YOU AGAIN! WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!” Sighing, Lumine’s palms begin to shoot out Abyssal energy. “Sorry Aether, but I have to do this. Celestia must be destroyed, and the path I’ve taken is the only way to do it. HE has gone beyond the power of a god, and now it’s time for him to reunite with his brother in the dark. We have almost everything we need to achieve our goal of liberating Teyvat from the tyranny of the divine. I will not allow anyone, even my own brother, to stand in the way of my King’s goal.”

Suddenly, the altar is consumed in dark energy as Durin’s heart bursts, causing a blinding light to emerge from the Ley Lines and fill the room, while also breaking the barrier trapping Aether and Dainslief. When the light dims and visibility returns, a hidden panel on the back wall slides open, and a tall man walks out.

“Excellent job Lumine, you- Oh, it seems we have visitors. Well, let’s have some fun, shall we?.

Chapter Text

500 YEARS AGO
KHAENRI’AH, ECLIPSE PALACE

As the Archons descend onto Khaenri’ah and lay waste to the great kingdom, the citizens either run in fear or attempt to fight back against the invasion. Within the kingdom’s massive castle, two men run down a collapsing hallway, one blonde wearing a black coat, and the other blue-haired wearing decorated garb and a crown. “Your Majesty, the exit is just up ahead, we can still make it!” the blonde one calls out, one arm draped around the other man. “Right, I think Rhinedottir is already outside. Damn it! I was expecting them to come after our land, but I didn’t think it would happen this soon! Those damned gods, they’ll pay once we regroup!”

Gritting his teeth, the blue haired-king looks out the collapsing wall, glaring at the invader’s master floating above the ruined city: a tall woman with flowing white hair and gleaming golden eyes, raining red and black cubes of pure destruction onto the people below. Holding out her hand towards the castle, the woman gives an arrogant smirk at the duo, before a bright flash of light engulfs the men’s vision. Suddenly, the escape tunnel shakes and rumbles, the blonde man falling over while the ceiling collapses on the other. “YOUR HIGHNESS!!!! KAEYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The Royal Guard can only look on in horror as his king is seemingly crushed under hundreds of tons of debris.

Hours later, the attack has ceased and the gods have fled, both sides having suffered heavy losses. Amidst the chaos and rubble, the Twilight Sword remains kneeling in the hallway, crying over his failure.

———————————————

THE PRESENT

“K-Kaeya? Is that really you?” Shocked at his friend’s sudden appearance, Aether moves his hand towards the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, Dainsleif just stands still, eyes and jaw wide open. Standing next to Kaeya, Lumine bows her head and speaks. “The ritual has been completed as per your request, sir. The Royal Alchemist should be almost ready now.” Turning to look at Aether, Lumine extends a hand toward Kaeya. “Now then, brother. I know you two have technically already met, but now you get to meet for real. So I would like to formally introduce you to; King Kaeya Alberich. My master, as well as the leader and founder of The Abyss Order.”

Breaking the silence, Dainsleif stumbles foward. “Y-your highness, you’re r-r-really alive? But I saw y-. Wait, did Lumine say you were the- sir, no, no this can’t be, you would never! She’s lying isn’t she? Please tell me she’s lying!”

“Long time no see to you too, Dain. Sorry I never came back for you, but as you can see, I have been VERY busy, and really, tracking down some failure like you just seemed like more trouble than it’s worth. But yes, it’s all true. I lead our surviving countrymen into the Abyss, and with it’s power, they were reborn. But to honest Dain, I’m surprised you thought I died there. You might not have known my true nature, but I still presented myself as far more than a mere feeble old man.” Shocked at his old master’s words, Dainsleif falls to his knees as his face is consumed by despair. Drawing his sword and pointing it at Kaeya, Aether’s expression is one of pure anger. “Kaeya. What. In the HELL. Is going on here?”

Chuckling, Kaeya wraps an arm around Lumine. “Well, I guess I should start from the beginning. I’m not the man you thought I was. I ruled Khaenri’ah as it’s Eclipse King. I’m sure you heard of Khaenri’ah’s Eclipse Dynasty, have you not? But 500 years ago, Celestia sent the Archons down to destroy my kingdom. Fortunately, those foolish gods seem to have lost their touch at genocide since Sal Vindagnyr- story for another time-, and plenty of us survived. Those who I could find, I lead into the Abyss, which granted them undying bodies and immense dark power. Since then, we’ve swore vengeance against the gods and their subjects, who would strike us from history and wish on our downfall.”

Furrowing his eyebrows, Aether continues his interrogation. “So lemme guess, the ‘Kaeya’ that was adopted by Diluc’s dad was some sort of body double, or decoy?”

Kaeya shakes his head in disappointment. “No, that was me. What you see me as right now is far from my only appearance, although it is my favorite. I set myself up to be adopted by them as part of an elaborate scheme to infiltrate Teyvat’s society and spy on the Archons and their lands. Since then, I’ve alternated between my false life in Mondstadt, and my duties as Abyss King. That’s why my work schedule as Calvary Captain is so malleable, of course. Although I must admit, it is quite annoying having to hide my true power whenever I’m out and about. Fortunately, Lumine’s done a good job filling in for me during those times.”

Looking at his sister, Aether grits his teeth. “But if you’re the real leader, and she’s just a puppet- YOU BASTARD, WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER!?!”

Turning to Lumine, Kaeya just smiles. “Oh her? Well, it’s the funniest thing, actually, I think you’ll LOVE this story. You see, just hours after Khaenri’ah was destroyed, I saw you sister here fall from the sky. Judging by her wounds and trajectory, I could only assume she fell from Celestia following some sort of fight up there, which she later confirmed to me. I found her, horribly battered and broken from her battle. I took her in, and healed her. However, I sensed an UNBELIEVABLE power within her. Great strength beyond anyone and anything I had ever seen, including myself. Now, I wasn’t just gonna pass up the opportunity of having some sort of almighty being at my feet, so I took advantage of her weakened and vulnerable state, and infused her with my dark power, allowing me to easily warp her mind to my liking. Since then, she has served as my personal bodyguard and enforcer. Now then, are we done with this game of 20 questions, my dear Aether?”

“You and your thugs have killed so many people. Do you not feel anything!?! You hate Celestia for destroying your kingdom and it’s people, but you’ve done to exact same thing to countless other lives! What about them?”

Cackling, Kaeya crosses his arms. “Seriously, Aether? Their lives? Lives have no value, Aether. The passage of time is cruel and takes everything away. Nothing built can last forever, and even the supposedly immortal Archons have died and been replaced many times. The only thing in the world that matters is dreams. Memories of the past, what you’ve done in life, knowledge of your accomplishments! People will die, but achievements will last forever. That’s why humans strive to make a mark on the world! They know they’ll die and no one will care! You’ve seen it in places like Inazuma! Long after people have died and the land has shifted and eroded, people’s actions and memories are still recorded in the Ley Lines, waiting to be uncovered and remembered! Because, dreams are the only important thing in the world. I will stand at the apex of existence as I look back at history and inherit the legacy of everything that has ever transpired. The King Of Dreams. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

“And then I’ll tear it all down.”

Staring in horror and disgust at Kaeya, Aether’s grip on his sword loosens, before he grips it tighter than before and charges at his enemy, before unceremoniously collapsing to the ground, as if pinned down by an invisible force. “Yeah, I’m gonna stop you right there.” Noticing a red glow from Aether’s pocket, Kaeya reaches down to inspect, and pulls out the Pyro Gnosis, which he then puts in his pocket. “Oh, well would you look at that. Now then, my original plan was to just kill you and be done with it. However, Lumine begged me to reconsider, and since I’m clearly such a nice guy, I decided why the hell not. You can live, it’s not like you have the power to stop me anyways. But be warned, even my kindness has it’s limits. I’ve decided to spare you for her sake, but it’s up to you to not wear my patience thin. So if you attempt to interfere in my plans any further, I will show you a horror beyond the nightmares of hell.”

Standing up, Dainsleif wipes a tear from his eye, shaking. “Kaeya. For all my life, I had looked up to you. I saw you as a symbol of the best of humanity. A paragon that all mankind should strive to be like. Us Khaenri’ahns, we worshipped you. And yet, now? You not only watch, but assist the Knights Of Favonius in slaying us, your own loyal servants, by the dozens, just so you don’t blow your cover. And for what? If you are as powerful as you claim, you could easily reduce Mondstadt to ashes and not have to keep up such a facade. You are NOT the brave, noble leader I and thousands of others viewed you as. You are a monster, Alberich. And you know what I do to monsters.”

Putting the back of his hand on his forehead in mock fear, Kaeya rolls his eye. “Oh no, the ancient and mighty Twilight Sword is coming to get me, whatever will I do? HOW ABOUT THIS!“ With just a point of his index and middle fingers, Kaeya fires a beam of pure Abyssal Energy directly at Dainsleif, piercing his torso, knocking him to the ground. “How’s that immortality now, traitor!?”

Releasing his telekinetic hold on Aether, Kaeya turns to his loyal Princess. “Let’s go, Lumine. We’ve got plenty to do. Have fun Aether!” With that, Kaeya and Lumine create an Abyssal portal and retreat, leaving Aether paralyzed in shock with Dainsleif’s body.

“A-Aether.” Reaching up to the traveler, Dainsleif smiles. “I-I’m s-“ Coughing up blood, Dainsleif’s arm falls to the ground. “I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could’ve- *cough* done. Y-you h-h-have to stop Kaeya. Save Lumine. I- *cough*”. Using Hydro power in a desperate attempt to heal Dainsleif’s wound, Aether shushes the wounded Khaenri’ahn. “Quiet, Dain. Save your air. I’ll get you fixed up. We can still make it! Together.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t. My body i- *cough* is done for. It’s been practically falling apart for centuries now, and the - *wheeze* only thing keeping me together was Celestia’s curse. But now, that cruel hex has been nullified. I’ve traveled this land a walking corpse for 500 years. I’ve seen and met a lot of people, but now it’s time for me to finally stop and rest. Thanks for helping me so much Aether, I’m really glad I got to meet you.”

Frantically applying Hydro to Dain’s chest, Aether’s tears begin to flow freely. “Please Dainsleif! Don’t do this! I still need you! Please!” Reaching up to pat Aether’s back, Dainsleif’s eyes begin to glaze over. “I’m *wheeze* sorry. I was already dead the day Khaenri’ah fell. I- I just remem- *cough* remembered. Starfell Valley. Aether, you have to go to Starfell Valley. Get there a n d-“

His arm falling once more, Dainsleif, The Twilight Sword Of Khaenri’ah, Bough Keeper and Royal Guard, died.

Chapter Text

STARFELL VALLEY

THE NEXT DAY

Using Cryo to bridge across the small pond, Aether arrives at Starfell Valley’s Statue Of The Seven. Looking at the statue, Aether sighs and presses his palm onto it’s base. “Back where it all began. It’s only been 3 years, but it seems like it’s been ages, hasn’t it Paimon?” Responding to her name being called, the mysterious imp appears from a burst of constellations. “Yeah, Paimon can’t believe it! We’ve been to so many places and met so many people! Even if Paimon doesn’t remember what her life was like before, she’s still happy to have met and traveled with you!” Looking around, Aether activates Elemental Sight.

“Now, let’s see. What did Dai-“ choking up at the memory of his late ally, Aether turns to Paimon, who winces and gazes at the ground. “Paimon hopes he’s OK now, wherever he is. He’d want us succeed, so let’s keep going!” Aether was very impressed with Paimon’s response. Despite having the mentality of a small child, she was not only quite knowledgeable about Teyvat, but was handling the Bough Keeper’s death quote well. Although he is certain there’s more to her than either of them know, he trusts her with every fiber of his being.

“Anyway, I wonder what he was trying to point me towards. Perhaps there’s anything special about this place that I wasn’t aware of.” As luck would have it, a massive cluster of Anemo Energy appeared in front of the statue, before condensing into the form of Venti. “Well hello there, Traveler! I heard you were in need of a history lesson?” Jumping backwards in surprise, Aether nearly fell into the pond. “Dang it, Venti! You gotta warn me about these things first! But yeah, I was wondering, is there anything unique about Starfell Valley?” Smiling, Venti sits on his Statue’s base. “Allow me to tell you the story of Durin’s siege on Mondstadt.” Taking out his lyre, Venti begins to strum.

“500 years ago, the city of Wind And Freedom fell under attack. Darkness and venom filled the skies, and the people’s calls for help summoned their Archon back. Returning from his slumber, he and his faithful dragon fought the monsters from the deep. Despite their best attempts, the foul beast’s power was too steep. Just when all seemed lost, an opportunity came from beyond! Twin stars fell from the skies, crashing into what would become this very pond! The mountains shook, a valley was formed from the strike! Great power poured from the crater, and the Archon’s energy would spike. With his renewed might, he and his companion vanquished the dark foe. Dvalin buried the beast in the frigid mountain, and soon his friend would return to hibernation with him in tow.”

Finishing his song, Venti would stand up to continue his explanation. “Legend has it that following the impact, the twin stars would soon take to the skies again and ascend toward Celestia. Since then, Starfell Valley has been known as a very special location. I believe that the very same energy that empowered me that day would bless the earth around it, making the land into holy ground. It’s common knowledge that many wonderful things happen on this holy ground, and is regarded as a place of miracles.”

Deep in thought, Aether sighs while surveying the valley. “I see. Now I remember. This place. . . This is where me and Lumine arrived 500 years ago. As you know, me and my sister have adventured across countless universes. We came here to Teyvat looking for- well, we arrived here right in the middle of the Cataclysm. Seeing Khaenri’ah being torn down in front of our eyes was a terrible first impression, hence we tried, and failed to escape. Those twin stars that fell that day were me and Lumine. And that ‘holy power’ that blessed this crash site is most likely cosmic energy that was emanating from us.” Smiling, Venti pulls two wine bottles out of his cape and hands one to Aether. “Well then, I guess I should thank you and your sister for saving us that day. Let’s toast to subverting destiny!”

Chuckling, Aether hands his bottle back. “Sorry bud, maybe later. Anyway, about the miracles that happen here. . . Our power is unique. We’re not bound to restraints of reality, or the laws of any universe. We can do things that would be considered impossible to anyone else. My purifying of Dvalin’s corrupted energy, for example. So I suppose you’re right. If my assumptions are correct, you were most likely supposed to die that day. But whatever predetermined fate Celestia had for you then was thrown out the window by our arrival. However. . .”

Deep in thought, Aether closes his eyes and puts his hands to the ground. Glancing around, Paimon shrugs at Venti. “Paimon doesn’t know what Aether’s doing. Do you know?”

“There we are.” Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Aether looks up at Venti. “Paimon, I figured out what Dainsleif was trying to tell me. He was telling me to come here so I could claim what’s mine. This is where me and Lumine first arrived in Teyvat. This valley is still rich with our energy. The power that was taken from me 500 years ago, I can regain it from this blessed ground.” Clapping his hands, Venti attempts to pull out his celebratory wine before being stopped by Paimon. “That’s amazing, Aether! I’ve wondered what your actual power is like.” Nodding, Aether gives Venti a thumbs up. “Alright, this will probably take a minute. I might be unresponsive while it happens, but I’ll be fine. You’ll know when it’s done.”

Joining his hands together, Aether closes his eyes and focuses. For several seconds, nothing happens. But then, streams of golden energy begin to rise from the ground and surround Aether. Not long after, he becomes encased in a translucent-golden barrier. Finally, a golden column of energy shoots from the top of the barrier and extends into the sky, directly lining up with the midday sun. Slowly, the energy begins to dissipate, and Aether stands up, taking a deep breath.

The first thing that Venti and Paimon notice is that the strange jewels on Aether’s clothing and earrings, which once shone with the colors of Teyvat’s elements, now simply emit a pure white glow. The next thing they notice is the weapon on Aether’s belt. Previously, he wielded a menacing sword forged from Durin’s remains. In it’s place is a beautiful golden sword with platinum detailing. Lastly, they realize that six translucent-pale wings have appeared behind his back, attached to his body by trails of white sparkles. Opening his eyes, the fully-restored Aether gives a soft, warm smile.

“This is the real me. What do you think?”

Staring in awe, Venti jumps up and runs to hug Aether, with Paimon flying behind to join. “You’re amazing, Aether! Your wings are beautiful! I wish mine were like that! And your power, it’s unbelievable! I’m so happy for you!” “Paimon’s amazed! She never would’ve expected something like this! Paimon’s so glad she’s been able to accompany you to now!” Releasing the Traveler from their hug, the trio begin chatting to one another as they walk back to Mondstadt.

——————————————

ABYSSAL PALACE
TRUE THRONE ROOM
SEVERAL MINUTES LATER

Walking into the room, Lumine bows before Kaeya, who sits upon his throne.

“Your majesty, I bring an urgent warning. I sense that my brother has regained his former power. His strength is once again equal to mine, and with all due respect sir, you wouldn’t stand a chance against him.” Crushing the wine glass in his hand, Kaeya grits his teeth. “Damn it. In which case, Lumine, you are now never to leave my side. Until the next stage of my plan, you will have to protect me from Aether, should he come after me.”

Standing up, Lumine approaches Kaeya and climbs the stairs up to the throne, before sitting in a smaller throne to the left. “As you command, my King. On the topic of the next stage, Kunikuzushi has just submitted his latest recon report. Nothing has changed on his end, which means that in just a few hours, we’ll be ready to begin at your command.” Stroking his chin, Kaeya extends a hand inquisitively. “Everything is ready? Does this mean that the Royal Alchemist’s evolution has completed?” Teleporting to the front of the throne room, Lumine opens the door to let a very familiar face in.

Messy beige hair with black, bony horns sticking out of his scalp. A black lab coat with gold and white accents. A dark blue undershirt with dark red pants and black boots. Torn rubber gloves exposing black, skeletal claws stripped of flesh. A small pair of crimson and violet wings sticking out of his back. And a four-pointed gold star on his neck.

ALBEDO
RHINEDOTTIR’S GREATEST CREATION
ULTIMATE HYBRID OF CHALK, VENOM, AND FLESH

Standing up from his throne, Kaeya lets out a hearty laugh and begins clapping. “Excellent! Then we shall soon begin the attack! Those fools won’t know what hit them!”

———————————————————

CELESTIA

High in the skies, myriads of marble walkways sit above the clouds. In the middle of this cluster of floating pavement, a single figure sits upon a platform of red cubes, a woman with golden eyes and flowing white hair, meditating. Broken out of her concentration, she briefly glares down towards Teyvat, muttering a complaint about ‘filthy mortals’ and returning to her trance.

—————————————————————

TO BE CONTINUED