Chapter Text
Aether's senses came back to him, just as they did before. Except he couldn't move a muscle. His efforts to open his eyes or even move a finger were futile. The only feeling was dull pain on his arms. Although he could hear the conversation that was happening, it was unfortunately about him.
“- don't know what is happening with him. Kinich, go through what was happening before he passed out again.”
“Like I said multiple times, Citlali, he woke up, started talking, he seemed fine. Then he started to stare at the doorway and had a panic attack. The next thing we knew he passed out.” Kinich explained.
“There has to be more to it. I looked into if it could be something akin to spirit-duffer nonsense but I can't sense anything in him.” Citlali said.
“Is there a possibility it is abyssal contamination? I know he can purify it, but what if it is affecting him?” a new voice said. Aether was sure it was Mavuika. He hated to hear people talk about him. He was sure all those theories were wrong and that it was just high stress or some mental issue he had developed. What had even happened in his last dream? A beautiful room, a big city, a man and-
“Him!” Aether said in revelation. In no more than a second, the traveler opened his eyes, shot out of the bed, and went to dash out the door. Kinich grabbed his arm and yanked him back before he could get past the door.
“Aether! What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?” Citlali yelled, poking Aether's head.
“Oh… sorry,” the sudden burst of adrenaline went away and Aether began to feel like a resivinge was thrown on him. Kinich sat him back on the bed and the three looked at him expectantly.
“Sorry, I don't know what is happening. There are better things to do than sit around and watch me. And I know that I have an obligation here to help with defeating the abyss for good. But I have something I need to do a-”
“Traveler, you are not a burden. You've done great things for Natlan and we all appreciate it.” Mavuika said, “, the abyss hasn't been active lately. Ever since you fell… ill, there has not been a single peep from them. Every area they took hostage, every mage and hill curl have gone, well, missing. I know this might mean there might be another big attack, but there simply has been nothing to point towards that. There are no disturbances in the night kingdom. I can tell that something is bothering you, something we don't have the answers for. And I believe Natlan can hold our own without you. Do what you must. Plus your ancient name hasn't been forged yet.”
A sigh of relief came from Aether, he felt bad leaving them high and dry like this but the pull he felt to figure this out was painful. He looked over at Kinich and Citlali, wanting to know their thoughts.
“What? Don’t look at me like that. You’re a good kid and I don't want you going out there and dying because of one of these episodes. But… you have Paimon. Don’t die on us, just make sure to come back alright!” Citlali said, grumbling and walking out the room. Kinich just shrugged clearly wanting to say something but keeping it quiet. He walked away mumbling about Ajaw. Finally, he looked at Mavuika and smiled, “Thank you.”
“Would you mind at least telling me where you’re going?”
“To Mondstat, to see Barbatos.”
The Archon's eyes widened, “The Anemo Archon? I am surprised he is awake.”
“Yeah… I think he has the answers that I need.”
“I hope you find what you are looking for. If you ever need help, Natlan is happy to help. The journey to find yourself is hard, try not to lose who you are now, for what you might have been then. ”
Aether smiled, letting the words sink in, “Thank you.”
—--------
Paimon and Aether were halfway through the desert now and both were dying from the smoldering sun. Three days of pure heat and they were still not done. Sure Natlan was hot and humid, but the desert was dry and offered no shade. He almost wishes he was back in Natlan, lounging in a hot spring and eating a Hot Spring O’Clock. They would’ve been lost if it weren't for all the ruins and natural landmarks that led them to the Caravan Ribat.
“Traveler! Dehya and Candance are over there, we should go say hi!” Paimon squealed, pointing over to the table the mercenary was sitting at. Aether was about to protest but the duo were quickly spotted and waved over to the table.
“Well, well looky here, seems like we caught a traveler and his companion,” Dehya greeted, taking a swig of her drink.
“Hello Traveler and Paimon, how are you?”
“Paimon is good! We were just in Natlan and whoa was it…something. But everything turned out fine and we are on our way to Mondstat now!”
“What happened in Natlan? Are you two alright?” Candance asked with worry in her voice.
“Oh, well Paimon is okay Paimon guesses, but Tra-” “I'm fine as well, how are you two?”
Aether really didn't want his weird dreams to get out to everyone he knew. It was a little embarrassing to him that he was getting so worked up about dreams. He could see the look Paimon was giving him and he wished she could just stop worrying.
“Are… are you sure?” Dehya asked.
“Yep, everything is great. How are you two doing?” He saw the two women exchange looks of concern. Aether really wanted to wrap the conversation up and go on his merry way, but he would feel bad just brushing off his friends like that. He despised being coddled and worried over by others. If they knew about his problem then things would go out of control and he couldn't risk it. The longing for whatever this is feels like there is a hole in the chest that cannot be filled by anything in Tivat. He feels restless while half-listening to Dehya and Candance talk about the newest events in Sumeru. Dehya kicks his leg, which was shaking the whole table, to get his attention.
“Sorry, what?”
“I asked where you guys are heading to now?” Candance asks in a soft tone, her lips pressing together in a thin line.
“Oh, we were just going straight to Mondstat.”
“Oh! Oh! Paimon has an idea, Traveler! Maybe we ask Nahida about your problem instead of going to-” “And we need to go! It was great to see you two, really. See you guys later!”
Aether stood up and began to walk away from the Caravan Ribat. He heard the girls calling after him but he continued walking, ignoring everyone. The familiar fuzzy feeling from before came back in full swing, dulling all his senses and putting his body on autopilot. He almost expected to pass out and go into another dream but the blur of trees and vegetation stayed in his vision. His movements did not stop, he could not think, could not speak; he was simply there. Being pulled by an invisible string that could not be cut.
THWACK Aether hit the ground as he ran into a tree, his head reeling from the impact. Leaves and flowers were tickling his skin, sticks poking into his back, but it didn't bother him when a sweet humming was lulling him into sleep.
—-
The traveller is ready to wake up in another nostalgic dream. He is almost excited to see what's next. The beautiful cities and landscapes of that world are magnificent to say the least. But what meets him when he opens his eyes is Starsnatch Cliff, the terrain a bit different but still recognizable. He inwardly inflates, but his hearing comes to him and a familiar voice speaks to him.
“Well, Great Lord Aether, I believe that with enough convincing, he would go home. In fact I hope he does because I will not listen to more gushing from Rukka,” the god of wind sighed. Aether looked over to see Venti- no, Barbatos lying on his back, gazing at the sky. He looked so different, with long hair and much more elegant clothing, but closer to his clothes today. Much like how he looked in that other dream.
“I sure hope. He is a lord, he has responsibilities, and his parents are so annoying,” Aether heard his voice say. He sounded tired and sucked of all happiness, nothing like how he usually sounded.
“Well, Irumsil said he won't leave until the damn tree is done growing. Isn't it a bit egotistical to have an all-knowing tree with your name?”
“He made the tree.”
“Ah, whatever! I’m going to rename Mondstat ‘Barbatos-Land’ then. See how the people like it.” The two burst out in laughter, and a feeling of contentment washes over Aether. He remembers becoming quick friends with Venti when he first(?) came to this world, but this was different. Although they looked similar and were indeed the same person, this Barbatos gave him a different feeling of nostalgia. He wondered what sort of world this was.
“Maybe get Lumine on his case. She would surely be quite persuasive!”
Dream Aether scoffs, “If she would get her ass out of Khanarieh then maybe.” His eyes widened; Barbatos knew about Lumine. When he first asked Venti about his sisters’ whereabouts, there was barely an answer. Now he felt betrayed. He knew that the anemo archon knew more, and Aether just wanted to wring it out of him. His anger was quelled when a sound of soft walking came up behind them. The two turned around to see a familiar man in Sumerian clothing.
“Ah, dear! What brings you here? Is the desert now treating you well?”
“Barbatos, Lord Aether,” the other said with a curt nod. Dream Aether responded curtly, but he couldn't hear himself nor see who the person was. Back to reality, I go.
—
When Aether opened his eyes, he saw Wanderer standing over him. A hint of concern on his face quickly vanished.
“Morning, sleeping beauty. Did you run through a tree or do you just always look this awful?”
The traveller scoffed and pushed him away, “Get out of my face, Kunikuzushi!”
Wanderer tensed, eyes widening and panic flashing through them. “What?”
“I told you to get out of my face, Wanderer. Why are you even out here?”
He relaxed, crossing his arms and flashing one of those stupid looks, “I happened to be taking a stroll and tripped over someone's basically *notalive* body. It is a good thing that I did, though.”
“Why? Because I would've died without you saving me and I should be thanking you or something?” Aether huffed, got up and brushed himself off. His legs were wobbly but nothing a bit of walking around couldn't fix.
“Well no, you've been missing for a week.”
“WHAT?” Aether grabbed the other's shoulders with an iron grip, “What do you mean I've been missing for a week? I just left Caravan Ribbat and ran into a tree. That's all, how have I been missing for a week?”
Wanderer pried Aethers hands off him and began to walk away, leaving the traveller stumbling after him. He noticed that his little getaway took him farther into the forest than he expected. The area was completely tucked away from the outside view, something he had never seen before. The clearing was surrounded by trees that were surrounded by towering rock formations. Flowers bloomed everywhere, Little streams ran throughout the area that carried small fish and other organisms along the path.
He maneuvered through trees and caves with the puppet, trying to keep up. Finally after 20 minutes of walking, they came to a familiar place and sat down on some rocks.
“Are you calm?” nod “Will you listen without freaking out?” nod “Good. I was with Nahida in Gandharva Ville when a little pesky fairy came charging in asking if anyone had seen the dear traveller. Apparently, you rather embarrassingly took off running away from the Caravan Ribat, leaving many concerned for you. The panic only spread when Nahida couldn't even find you. Everyone of those idiots dropped everything to run around and look for your ass. Good thing I know about the secret crevices in the forest.”
Aether thought for a moment, “So why did you look for me then?”
Wanderer's eyes narrowed, “I didn't. Like I said I tripped over you… and because I know what's happening to you. The fairy told us about your schizophrenic spells, and it sounded oddly familiar to me. Well, a part of me. I'm sure Barbatos will explain it better, if he decides to help you.”
“Why can't you help me then?” He was calm, there was no use in getting riled up with the puppet. There was a solemn look on the others face, he almost looked like a different person with the way he was holding himself, but that sharp, unyielding look came back and whatever that was, was gone.
“Not my job, let's get back before your emergency food has a heart attack.”
The two walked in silence. It wasn't a long journey to Gandharva Ville, and as soon as they got within sight, a figure jumped them. Both pulled into a fighting stance, ready to defend themselves, but both noticed the familiar ears and tail.
“Where in the archons have you two been?” Tighnari growled, clearly stressed.
“We-” He pointed a finger at the traveler. “Nope! Let me speak! First, we get a frantic Paimon practically vibrating, crying about how you are probably dead! Rambling about how you are going crazy! You have been missing for a week, and we are frantically looking for you!” He now turns to Wanderer, “And you don't even lift a finger to help until we notice you are gone and another week goes by, and we have two missing people on our hands! Then you both just show up fine? Anything to say?”
The two stare at him for a second with wide eyes before Aether slowly turns his head to the puppet, “You said I was gone for a week.”
“... I lost track of time on my walk, I guess.”
“Lost track of time? LOST TRACK OF- I need to calm down. One second.” The fox turned around to take a few breaths before looking back at them, “Neither of you is hurt?”
Both shook their heads, subjecting to a quick once-over before being dragged up the hills and into a hut. The duo was pushed onto a couch and told to stay there. The silence was deafening.
Aether’s stomach growled; he was so hungry. He hoped that when he saw Paimon next, she would have a snack with her. He relaxed back into the couch, laying his head back to observe the complex ceiling. His eyes were heavy, it was hard to stay awake, but then he saw that void-ish figure standing by the doorway. He tensed up, and a chill traveled through him. The room felt like the temperature of Dragonspine.The figure moved toward him, sauntering with no worry.
“Why do you look like that, “ Wanderer questioned, but Aether did not respond. He only let out a whine when the figure touched his forehead, leading him back into a dreamful sleep.