Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Inazuma in autumn truly was beautiful. The maples or momiji as the native Inazumans like to call them were in full regalia as the nation slowly grew colder. It had been a good while since he had the time or wherewithal to stop and appreciate the scenery of the island nation. Not since first arriving when the sakura were in full bloom and being branded a wanted criminal by the Shogunate mere days after setting foot in Inazuma.

"It's been a crazy few months, hasn't it, Aether?" his faithful companion mused as the duo walked along the path from Inazuma City to Konda.

"Sure has," the blond traveler sighed, pausing in stride a moment to stretch his limbs. Indeed. It seemed like trouble followed him like a bad smell the moment he set foot on Inazuman soil. It seemed to be setback after setback. From having to jump through loopholes just to leave Ritou, to being guilt-tripped into assisting Ayaka (not that he could ever truly blame her, bless the poor girl's heart) to becoming a wanted man, to joining the Resistance. Until it all snowballed into a final confrontation with the Raiden Shogun, only for La Signora (he was seriously starting to get tired of that woman showing up everywhere like some mustache-twirling, cartoon villain) to swoop in an attempt to take the Shogun's Gnosis as her Fatui soldiers distracted the two battle weary armies.

Aether and the Shogun ended up being made to join forces to defeat the Fatui Harbinger. With Gnosis in hand, the Shogun ejected the Fatui from the islands before turning her attention once more to the star-bound traveler. In a move that surprised both the Shogunate and the Resistance, Her Excellency offered to open dialogue between the two warring parties with the stipulation that Aether be the one to represent the Resistance.

With the hopes and ambitions of the entire nation of Inazuma now resting squarely upon his shoulder, Aether and the Raiden Shogun retreated to her palace at Tenshukaku. Unbeknownst to the people of the land however, a great debate was taking place within the Plane of Euthymia. For nearly half a day, the people of Inazuma watched the palace entrance with baited breath. Then, in a moment that would be forever immortalized in Inazuman history, the two emerged from the palace and the Shogun spoke thus,

"Seven ideals for seven gods, and of these, Eternity is nearest unto Heaven," she began with her age-old adage. "But time is merciless. I once thought Ambition to be the root of all evils. Ambition, would inevitably lead to dissatisfaction with what one has in the present. That dissatisfaction would lead to change. Change would spark resistance. Resistance would breed conflict. Conflict would bring ruin."

As she spoke, her people listen with wide eyes. The Shogun had never been particularly personable and her reasons for her actions unknown to her own people. Now, with this foreign traveler at her side, all was being laid bare. From within the crowd, the Yae Miko watched with a satisfied smile. It seems she had placed her hopes on the right person.

"And ruin," the mighty Narukami paused, a flash of unknown emotion crossing her face for the briefest of moments, noticed only by her closest confidants and a certain traveler. "Is something I could not allow to befall our beloved nation. And thus, the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees were initiated. Visions: the very crystallization of one's ambition. They were an instability that could no longer be ignored. For the sake of Eternity, Ambition would need to be snuffed out."

Murmurs began to circulate through the crowd. The Resistance in particular began to grow restless as no one was sure where the Shogun was going with this. Before the noise could escalate, the Archon spoke again, "But with recent events taken into account, it is clear to me now that the only thing truly Eternal... is Change." She eyed her people and one could hear a pin drop as the nation held its breath. "The eldest of the Seven, Rex Lapis is dead. The Tsartitsa spreads her Fatui through the continent like a plague. Just as the seasons change, the world will continue to move forward... and the Harbinger Signora's attack on our nation has made it clear that Inazuma will be no different. Nothing in this world is immune to Change." The Shogun turned her gaze to her blond companion. "Not even Ideals."

Aether smiled encouragingly as the people watched on in shocked silence. The Shogun once again turned to face her people. "Guuji Yae." She spoke, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Step forward."

The crowd parted as all eyes turned towards the frozen kitsune. At Aether's side, Paimon waved at the woman enthusiastically. Slowly, the priestess began making her way towards the platform as the crowds murmurs reached a fever pitch. Upon reaching the platform, the priestess bowed deeply to the Archon before giving a searching glance at the blond traveler.

"Guuji Yae," Narukami once again spoke, her voice ringing with divine authority. "Chief Priestess of Grand Narukami Shrine. Foremost among your kind. The winds of change have come to Inazuma. Will you stand in defense of this nation and her people in this time of great upheaval?"

"Of course," the priestess said, finally meeting the Shogun's eyes. "My loyalty will always be to Inazuma and her people. Always."

The woman smiled at her, causing Miko's eyes to widen upon realizing that it was not the Shogun standing before her, but her dearest friend. "Then go with my blessing," the Archon whispered. "Because from this day forth, I name you Narukami."

The Archon raised her palm and in a flash of brilliant violet light, an object appeared. It resembled a King piece from the continental game of chess, but pulsating with power and appearing as though born from the element of electro itself. Aether and Paimon watched as the Gnosis floated towards the stunned fox and entered her chest.

The crowd gasped as a shockwave tore through the city and indeed the nation itself as a new Archon ascended. Miko fell to her knees as her body flooded with ancient power and knowledge. She could only look up at the former Archon in shock.

"I-I am not worthy of this..." The pink-haired priestess stuttered.

"You are," the Shogun said, reaching down to lift the other woman. She smiled softly. "Lead well, Miko..."

Aether shook his head of the memory. Inazuma had certainly gone through a whirlwind of change, just as the Shogun had said. The Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees had been repealed by the new Electro Archon. Yae Miko had forgone taking her predecessor's title of Shogun, instead retaining her title of Guuji, though many were now adding 'Narukami' to that title. As for the Raiden Shogun herself, she had disappeared shortly after the ceremony, much to the dismay of the Shogunate. The Tri-Commission had been in a frenzy trying to find her, but the woman proved to be extremely elusive.

'It probably helped that she can change her form at will,' Aether mused. Or at least, if Venti and Zhongli were anything to go by, he assumed that was an ability all powerful elemental beings were capable of.

"Anyway, Paimon is grateful that things are finally starting to calm down," the fairy said cheerfully. "Oooh, let's invite Ayaka to another festival! Paimon hears there's gonna be a big one to celebrate the new Archon's Ascension! Oooh, there's gonna be so much delicious food there, Paimon just knows it!"

"Ayaka's sure to be busy," Aether warned her. "The bigger the festival, the less free time she has to actually enjoy it."

"But we gotta!" Paimon whined. "We've been in Inazuma for months but we've hardly gone to any festivals or parties! We're gonna be leaving for Sumeru sooner or later, so we gotta experience everything we can!"

"And we will," Aether chuckled. 'After all,' the traveler thought a bit bitterly as he recalled his sister's words, 'apparently we've always had time.'

Have it your way then. He'll take his time enjoying Teyvat. She can complain to him in another few centuries if she doesn't like it.

"Maybe we should ask the fair 'ojou-sama' to visit Liyue with us?" He mused aloud. "I hear they're going to be celebrating the Moonchase Festival soon. Keqing offered to show us around herself, so-"

"Uh, Aether?" the sprite said, staring at something further down the road. "Is that... who I think it is?" Blinking in confusion, the blond followed her gaze down the road. Only for his eyes to widen. A myriad of names and titles suddenly came to mind.

The God of Eternity

The Electro Archon

Her Eternal Excellency.

The Narukami Ogosho.

The Almighty Shogun of Inazuma.

And she was currently collapsed by the side of the road.

"Raiden!" Paimon cried, as the two rushed forward to attend to the fallen woman.

"Are you conscious?" Aether asked as he checked her pulse. "Can you hear me?"

"...ther..." came her weakened voice. "...ai...mon..."

"Were you attacked?" Paimon asked worriedly. And for good reason. Even without a Gnosis, the Shogun was still a force of nature beyond the realm of mere mortals. This was certainly not the work of some nobushi bandits.

"Was it the Fauti?" Aether asked urgently. "Did Signora return?!" That woman just wouldn't give up!

"Ae...ther..."

"Yes, what is it?!"

"So... hungry..."

"..."

"..."

""What?"" The duo asked, their faces completely deadpan. They were answered by a long, drawn-out growl coming from the Shogun's stomach.

"Hungry... need food," the woman said pitifully.

"You got us worried for THAT!" Paimon cried indignantly. "I mean, Paimon understands being hungry! But you're an Archon, former or otherwise! Have some more dignity than this!"

"You're Ei right now, aren't you?" Aether sighed. "Couldn't you just make something if you're that hungry?"

"..."

"..."

"Raiden Ei, the Narukami Ogosho..." Aether began reproachfully. "You've lived for thousands of years... you can cook, right?"

"I'll not dignify that with an answer."

"Jeez!" Paimon exploded. "What is it with Archons being such useless excuses for human beings?!"

"Your Excellency," the traveler pinched the bridge of his nose. He could already feel a headache coming on. "Why are you out here? Couldn't you just return to Tenshukaku? I'm sure the Tri-Commission would be more than happy to help you."

"I cannot do that," the former Archon said firmly

"Your Excellency, now's not the time for wounded pride—"

"No." The duo paused as the woman sat up and looked them in the eye. The Shogun was speaking. "We cannot do that. Our returning would merely cause a power struggle as the Shogunate loyalists attempt to reinstall me as Shogun and depose Yae Miko."

"But... But you're the one that made her the new Archon!" Paimon said uncomprehendingly.

"Indeed," the puppet said wryly. "But you'll find that humans will often resist change." Aether and Paimon could only grimace. She certainly wasn't wrong. The Ogosho surely understood that better than anyone.

"Okay then," the fairy tried again. "But you Archons can change your appearance, right? Couldn't you just pretend to be a normal person and buy some food? As Shogun, you must have loads of mora...?"

"..."

"..."

"Your Excellency..." Aether said, his voice dripping with disappointment. The woman merely averted her gaze.

"Another broke Archon!" Paimon cheered sarcastically. "Who'd have thunk it?!"

"So, you can see my current predicament," the Great Narukami attempted to salvage what was left of her dignity. Aether sighed. He was beginning to see a pattern with these Archons. Powerful and divine they may be. They all had terrible life-management skills.

"Alright," he said at length. "We'll help you out."

"Of course we are," Paimon muttered, rolling her eyes.

"I do not want your pity!" The Shogun snapped.

Her words were undermined by her stomach letting out another loud, pitiful growl. The duo simply raised a collective eyebrow as the woman's face flushed red from humiliation.

"Then consider it tribute to the Great Narukami," Aether drawled. "Please, Your Eternal Excellency, grace our home with your illuminated presence." The Shogun coughed delicately into her hand, her face slowly regaining its poise; though the red tint never quite faded.

"Very well," she said with all the dignity she could muster. "I shall accept your tribute."

"Roaring Thunder God indeed..." Paimon said sarcastically.

"Let's just go, Your Excellency," Aether sighed.

"...Ei."

"I beg your pardon?"

The former Archon straightened and met his gaze. "I am no longer Inazuma's Shogun," she said. "And as such, I, as well as the one within have decided that we must act the part accordingly. While we are in the human world, please refer to me as Ei."

Her eyes softened and the duo could tell that the inner Ei was now speaking. "Our minds are as one," she explained before pausing. "For the most part. So do not feel compelled to treat one any different than the other."

"Alright then, Ei." Aether nodded, offering her his hand to which she gracefully accepted.

"...That speech would have been cooler if you weren't covered in dirt," Paimon said helpfully. Aether merely sighed as this set off another argument between her and the Shogun.

Ei had expected many things when Aether had offered her shelter in his home. Perhaps Clan Kamisato had offered him land for his role in ending the civil war. Perhaps Sangonomiya had done similar on Watatsumi. Or perhaps he'd taken residence in Tenshukaku itself and she was to disguise herself within its halls.

A teapot was not quite what she had in mind.

He'd explained it as magick conjured by the Adepti of Liyue, as a gift for his role in re-sealing Osial during the Liyue crisis nearly a year ago. The ancient kami and youkai of Inazuma had once wielded such magic, though their practice had long since faded into obscurity during her reign. In hindsight, perhaps allowing the land to forget of such magicks had been foolish, as an unchanging realm housed within a teapot was certainly a potential form of Eternity.

"Welcome to the Serenitea Pot," Aether said as his own personal realm came into being around them. Ei blinked as she took in the sight around her. His realm seemed be inspired by the cliffs and mountains of Liyue, with rolling verdant foliage bathed in clouds, creating islands out of the mountaintops. His actual home was a surprisingly tasteful blend of Mondstadt and Liyue design philosophy. She was even beginning to see the hints of Inazuman design take shape in some of the architecture.

"It ain't much, but it's ours!" Paimon said proudly.

"It's... lovely." And that wasn't even a lie. There was a certain charm to the patchwork design of the realm. It spoke to his nature as a traveler and was distinctly 'Aether'.

"Let's head inside," the blond said. "I'm sure the others are waiting for us."

"...Others?" Ei repeated.

"Oh, boy," Paimon chuckled evilly. "This is gonna be good."

"What do you mean by-" The woman was interrupted by the front door flinging open and a green blur barreling out straight into Aether's chest.

"WAAAAH, Aether!" A blubbering, black-haired child wearing an atrociously green outfit cried out, burying his face into the traveler's chest. "The Long Dong Zhong is being mean to me again!"

"I insist you not refer to me as such, drunkard." An icy voice called from the doorway. Ei turned to gaze to see a tall, dark-haired gentleman wearing a stylish suit standing at the threshold with arms crossed. "Lest you wish your statue in Mondstadt to be defaced once again." The man met her gaze and lifted a well-groomed eyebrow. "And it would seem we have... unexpected company."

"Company?" the green bard stopped his blubbering and gazed up at her curiously. "Who is... No way."

"Yes, way!" Paimon said smugly.

"I supposed, it was inevitable," the gentleman said sagely. "Aether truly seems to draw the attention of the Fates wherever he travels, like moths to a flame."

Ei felt a sense of weight behind the two strangers' presence. But she had only ever felt such a presence with her fellow—

"Barbatos?" She asked incredulously. "Morax?!"

"They go by Venti and Zhongli now," Aether supplied, shoving the green bard off of him. "And they're both in the same boat as you."

"These two have been freeloading here for months now!" Paimon huffed.

"Howdy, Beelzebul!" Venti said cheerfully. "Glad you could join us in the Unemployed Archon Club!"

"Indeed," Zhongli nodded. "Let us enjoy our unemployment peacefully."

Ei was already starting to regret handing over her Gnosis.

*art by lix (pixiv)

Chapter Text

"So, you willingly handed over your Gnosis?" The Shogun asked, her voice deadpan. "To the Fatui?"

"Not only that," Venti grumbled. "He handed it over to Bitchy McBitchface."

"The contract had been fulfilled," Zhongli countered. "And my promise is—"

""Solid as stone,"" his fellow former-Archons recited his adage with a rehearsed boredom, Venti going as far as to pick his ear and flick it at the Geo God.

"We know."

"Come up with something a bit more clever maybe," The Shogun said bitingly.

"I might take you a tad more seriously if your cheeks weren't currently bulging with rice." Zhongli retorted. Indeed. Since they'd sat down for their evening meal, Ei had paused her eating only to breathe. Aether pinched his brow.

"Ei, the food isn't going anywhere," he said patiently. "You don't have to eat as though the world is ending."

"I cannot." The Shogun swallowed her mouthful before resuming her solemn task. "The one within has decreed delicious food must be consumed posthaste."

"It's rice."

"And it's delicious."

"She has a point, Aether!" Paimon nodded sagely. "Rice is food. And all food is delicious!"

"Even emergency food?"

"Especially emergency— Hey!" The sprite turned to glare at him, her cheeks likewise bulging with rice.

"Joking aside," Zhongli broke in before the conversation could devolve into their typical emergency food banter. "I must find myself agreeing with the sentiment. Despite the simplicity of the meal, your culinary technique is impeccable. Your ability to bring simple flavors to life is truly admirable."

"It's chazuke." The Traveler said bluntly. "Literally tea on rice."

"Just let it go, Aether." Venti winked, raising his bottle of dandelion wine. The blond traveler sighed before resuming his meal. The group ate in comfortable silence before Paimon asked a question she'd been wondering for a while.

"By the way, Venti," the fairy began. "Aether told me about the showdown he had with Ei back in her... uh..."

"Domain Expansion?" Aether supplied helpfully.

"My what?" Ei, sensing the coming conversation would require her input, re-took control from her puppet.

"Or maybe it was a Reality Marble..."

"I know all the words coming out of your mouth, but the order and context you say them in makes no sense!" She sighed. "If you mean my inner-realm. It is called the Plane of Euthymia."

"Basically the same thing," Aether waved her concern off. "Their names were just chosen because somebody thought they sounded cool."

"Anyway," Paimon stressed before Ei could further express her confusion. "He told me what went down inside her inner realm-thingy. And from the sound of it, she was super strong! I mean, the first time she did it, she was going to execute him in front of everybody!"

""She what?""

Ei coughed, averting her gaze from the unamused eyes of her fellow gods.

"Technically, that was the Shogun," Aether offered in an effort to sooth their displeasure. "But yeah, I was a little in over my head. I guess my string of victories against Boreas, Dvalin, Childe, Osial and Azhdaha went to my head and I got cocky."

"Paimon can't tell if you were being genuine or if you were humble-bragging," Paimon said. "Anyway, that's besides the point! Paimon's original point was this: Venti, there was no way Signora could have overpowered you so easily. Even if you are the weakest of the Seven, you still had your Gnosis. You didn't even bother fighting back!"

"Huh," Aether mused. "Y'know what, Paimon's right..."

"Of course Paimon is right!" the fairy huffed. "Paimon's not an idiot!"

"Ah..." Venti smiled smugly. "You mean that." He took a sip of his wine. "Well, tell me this, Traveler. Do you remember the conversation we had with Dvalin after we freed him from his corruption?"

Aether's brow furrowed. The conversation with Dvalin? It had been pretty brief from what he remembered...

"Why did you not ask me to protect you like the last time?" The great dragon asked the Anemo god riding upon his back. Venti smiled, fondly patting his old friend's scales.

"Me not wanting you to listen to the Abyss Order doesn't mean that you have to listen to me." The party watched as the bard clasped his hands together, a brilliant teal energy coalescing within his grasp. "Freedom, if demanded of you by an Archon is really no freedom at all." Like a gentle breeze, the orb of energy flowed into the dragon, engulfing him in its brilliant glow.

"Is this... the power of the Anemo Archon?" The dragon asked hesitantly. "But I am no longer part of the Four Winds..."

"Even if that's so, you still protected us regardless," Venti smiled once more. "Now spread your wings of freedom and go with my blessing!"

"No way...!" Aether yelped, turning wide eyes upon the bard sitting across from him.

"What is it?" Paimon asked, cocking her head in confusion.

"Dvalin...! You gave your Gnosis to Dvalin?!" The other's eyes also widened as they turned towards the smug bard.

"HUH?!" The fairy gasped. "But... That doesn't make any sense! We saw Signora take your Gnosis!"

"Let's just say that Visions aren't the only thing I can make a convincing fake of," Venti said, his smugness reaching its upper limit. "The Anemo Gnosis is safely being looked after by the new Anemo Archon."

"So, if Dvalin is the new Anemo Archon and Yae is the new Electro Archon, then... wait..." Aether paused. "That means... The only one to actually lose their Gnosis is..."

All eyes turned towards a sweating Zhongli. Ei snorted. Venti smugged.

"...My promise is solid as—"

""You're just an idiot, Morax.""

Chapter Text

Ei took deep and steady breaths to keep herself from panicking. This was fine. The situation was still salvageable. She deliberately ignored the voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like Paimon telling her that she was completely screwed. The former-archon hurriedly moved through the streets of her former city. Had Inazuma always been so irritatingly vertical? Who designed this city? The Narukami Ogosho likewise ignored the fact that she had been the one to design the layout of Inazuma City. Huffing to herself, Ei adjusted the hood of her cloak to obscure her face as she passed by a patrolling ashigaru.

She was letting herself get distracted. Her objective needed to be accomplished by any means necessary. Slipping into an alleyway, the former Electro Archon paused to catch her breath and thought back to how she'd even gotten into this situation in the first place.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Aether said solemnly as he returned to the manor. "I'm afraid I have... terrible news to share with you."

"What is it?" Zhongli questioned. "Has something befallen Inazuma?"

"Was it the Fatui again?" Venti asked with a grimace.

"Has something happened to Miko?!" Ei asked sharply.

"Worse I'm afraid," the traveler said, shaking his head and causing all three Archons to tense. What could have possibly happened that was so terrible in such a short time?

"I'm afraid we've run out of food."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Is that all?" Zhongli sighed. Venti opened his mouth to comment, but was cut off by the deafening sound of Aether slamming his hand against the table.  Ei suddenly felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

"Is. That. All." The three Archons paled at the smile on the blond's face. It was a smile that spoke of death and destruction. "Is that what I just heard from Mr. Parasite to Society? The very same who has been shamelessly staying here free of charge, eating my food and drinking my osmanthus wine?"

"I —" Zhongli's visage turned stony as he collapsed onto the table in despair, a cloud seeming to hang over his head.

"Aether," Venti tried again. "Don't you think you're being—"

"Did you have something to add, Mr. I Haven't Paid My Tab in 2000 Years?"

Venti grasped his chest as though he had just been dealt a fatal blow before slowly sinking onto the table next to Zhongli. The Anemo Archon weakly looked towards the sole remaining member of the Unemployed Archon Club. "Beelzebul, say something...!"

Aether turned his gaze towards the female Archon. She merely averted her gaze.

"That's what I thought."

"This is awful!" Paimon shouted, floating across the room frantically. "We're gonna starve! We're gonna die!"

"We're not gonna die, Paimon," Aether said with a sigh, finally releasing the pressure he was exerting and allowing the room to relax. "But we do need to resupply." He returned his attention to the three catatonic Archons. "And therein lies our problem. I've been requested by the Yashiro Commission to assist in several affairs regarding the upcoming festivities. I will be assisting Ms. Kamisato Ayaka in planning and logistics for most of the morning.

"After that, the Tenryou Commission has also requested assistance," he continued. "With the Sakoku Decree repealed, Yae Miko has invited foreign dignitaries from Mondstadt and Liyue to re-establish diplomatic ties. To this end, she's taking no chances with their safety and wants Narukami Island completely secured. General Kujou Sara and I will be leading some Hatamoto forces to clear out the remaining pockets of nobushi and treasure hoarders. That will be taking up the afternoon."

"Also, the Kanjou Commission is seeking to revise their foreign policy from the ground up," the traveler said. "They'll be working closely with the Outlanders Affairs Agency and my presence has been requested by both Ms. Hiiragi Chisato and Mr. Kurisu. Likely to act as a neutral third party, given my connections to both sides. That will be taking up most of my evening."

"Finally, I have an important meeting with Miko and her council the next day, so she has graciously offered to host me and Paimon at Tenshukaku." He went on. "It's as much a political move as it is a friendly one. She is many things, but one thing that cannot be denied is that Miko is a very shrewd woman. There's still tension with the Kujou and Hiiragi clan heads about Miko's sudden ascension to Archonhood. Given my current popularity with the general populace and my 'blessing' as you might call it from the Raiden Shogun, keeping me close at hand only strengthens her current position. Either way, I would be hard-pressed to turn down an invitation from a friend, so I will not be returning tonight."

The three Archons simply stared at him with wide eyes. "Er, Aether," Venti said hesitantly. "Is it... really okay for you to be taking on so much work?"

"That's what Paimon said!" Paimon huffed. "By the end of our journey, Aether's gonna be carrying all of Teyvat on his back!"

"I don't mind," Aether shrugged. "I'm always willing to help my friends... to a certain point." He said, glaring at the three gods meaningfully. Said gods shuddered beneath his stare. "Anyway. Like I said. I'll be busy all day and don't have time to be running errands. That means the three of you need to step up."

"Very well," Zhongli nodded. "We shall procure the supplies in your stead..." He paused. "You will be paying for them... yes?"

"Don't worry, Aether!" Venti winked. "We got it under control!"

The blond traveler raised an eyebrow at the two before turning to the final member of the Club.

"Ei, you're in charge. Keep these two in line."

"Damn you, Barbatos!" Ei hissed as she hurried her steps. "Damn you, Morax!"

They'd had a plan; and the plan was that Ei would purchase everything while the other two would carry the bags and stay silent. A very reasonable plan, if she said so herself! Of course, this all went down the drain when almost the instant the three had arrived in Inazuma City, the other two gods had disappeared to Celestia knows where!

She once again adjusted the cloak Aether had lent her. Supposedly it was an upscaled version of the cloak worn by Sayu that the ninja had given to him as a gift. It was absolutely ridiculous (the Shogun refused to admit it was adorable, even if Ei herself gushed over it) but it served its purpose as she stepped onto the main street of Tenryou, the busiest commercial district in Inazuma, completely unrecognized and was relieved to almost immediately spot Venti by his garishly green outfit.

"There you are," Ei whispered sternly once he came within earshot. "Where have you been?"

"Just taking in the sights and sounds," the bard said whimsically. "It's been a thousand years since I last set foot here. A lot has changed since the days of the Empress of Light."

"Indeed," Ei said softly, as memories came bubbling forth; her sister's smile as the two walked the streets of a very different Inazuma. So much has changed. Despite her best efforts to preserve the memory of Inazuma as Makoto would have remembered it. Would her sister even recognize the Inazuma of today? Or would she feel just as lost as she did?

Ei shook her head free of her darkening thoughts and glanced down at the bard's feet. "And I take it the entire crate of sake had nothing to do with your excursion?"

"Ehe~" Venti giggled. "You can't enjoy the beauty of the world without some fine wine in hand; rice or otherwise!"

"Barbatos..." Ei sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're lucky Aether took your habits into account when he allotted our funds."

"Of course!" The bard crowed. "Our fair-haired traveler knows me all too well!"

"You aren't the only one he knows too well," the woman narrowed her eyes. "Where is Morax? We have to find him before he buys something ridiculous or expensive. Probably both."

Before he could answer, the two's attention was drawn towards a commotion down the street. A squad of soldiers was rushing towards Tenshukaku with a look of panic on their faces. Ei's eyes narrowed, but before she could jump to a conclusion, she overheard a passerby making a comment.

"Did you hear? Apparently someone defaced the Statue of the Omnipresent God!"

"Really? How?"

"They erected a giant stone pillar on the statue's... private parts."

"Wow!"

"Hey, did you know that someone bought out the Netsuke no Gen Crafts' entire stock of amethyst chopsticks?"

"Aren't those things 100,000 mora per set?!"

"Talk about a high roller!"

Slowly, Ei raised her palm and placed it against her face. Venti merely giggled behind her.

"I hate you both. So much."

Chapter Text

"You're dismissed," Yae Miko said wearily. The hatamoto bowed deeply to his Archon before returning to his duties. "I'm glad we managed to remove the vandalism from the statue in time. The foreign emissaries are due to arrive any moment. That would have not have been a good first impression."

To the side of the dais where the Guuji sat, Aether sat in traditional seiza, his brow twitched violently. "Indeed, milady," he said, biting his inner cheek. That damn Zhongli! What was with his fascination with desecrating religious monuments?!

"Your Excellency!" Sara spoke up from where she was seated across from him. "I still insist that we mount a search for the one who committed the vandalism! The sheer disrespect shown towards the Shogun is inexcusable!"

"Peace, Sara," Ayaka said from beside him. "They will be found in time. Far more pressing is the arrival of the emissaries from Liyue and Mondstadt."

"I—" Sara choked back her words like she was swallowing a lemon. "Very well. I apologize for my outburst, Your Excellency."

"You are forgiven, my dear," Miko said before turning to address one of the guards manning the entryway. "Please send for the emissaries at their earliest convenience."

"Hai, Heika!" The guard saluted before performing an about face and rushing off to perform his task.

"I really wish they'd stop calling me that," the newly-crowned Archon sighed.

"I find it quite fitting... Your Excellency," Aether said with a teasing glint in his eye.

"Oh, don't you start," Miko quipped, sending him a glare.

"I find myself in agreement, heika," Chisato spoke up. "A... renewal, if you will. With the Shogun stepping down, and you forgoing her title, the "Shogunate" can no longer be truly called such. And so, the nation now finds itself under imperial rule."

"The mighty Empress of Thunder!" Paimon cheered.

"Let's just hope it doesn't turn out like another certain far eastern empire..." Aether muttered to himself.

"Heika!" The guard had returned, offering a crisp bow. "The foreign dignitaries have arrived and are awaiting your instruction!"

"Please see them in," Miko urged before turning to Aether. "If you would, dear."

"Of course, heika," Aether smiled at her annoyed glare before standing and turning towards the entryway. The sliding door opened, allowing light to pour into the room as several familiar faces gingerly stepped across the threshold.

"The nation of Inazuma extends its welcome to our visitors from afar!" He called out, drawing the attention of the new arrivals and earning several widened eyes.

"Aether?!"

"Milady," the blond traveler went on, an amused twinkle in his eyes. "Representing the nation of Mondstadt, Acting-Grandmaster Jean Gunnhildr of the Knights of Favonius and Lion of the South Wind."

"...Mondstadt welcomes renewed diplomatic ties with Inazuma," the Dandelion Knight was quick to regain her composure and addressed the new Archon. "It is an absolute honor to meet you, Lady Yae."

"Accompanying her is Ms. Lisa Minci, Librarian and Archivist of the Knights of Favonius," Aether continued.

"A pleasure to see you again, cutie!" The brunette woman winked towards him, nearly causing Jean to suffer an aneurysm from her lack of decorum. "I'm here to record such a momentous occasion for our archives. An absolute pleasure to be meeting you, Ms. Yae."

"Such impudence...!" Sara hissed, though Miko was quick to wave her down.

"Finally, representing the Church of Favonius is Deaconess Barbara Pegg."

"I-It's an honor to meet you, Lady Yae!" Barbara curtseyed, her nervousness obvious to all. "May the blessings of the Anemo Archon be with you..." She trailed off and cringed as she realized how absurd it was to wish blessings from one Archon to another, though Miko paid it no mind and merely smiled encouragingly at the jittery young girl.

"Inazuma recognizes you and welcomes our friends from Mondstadt with open arms." The Archon nodded at Aether to continue.

"Representing the nation of Liyue, the Tianquan Ningguang of the Liyue Qixing and Lady of the Jade Chamber."

"Recently reconstructed," Ningguang added before bowing respectfully. "Gokigenyou, heika. Though Rex Lapis be departed, Liyue still remembers its ancient friendship with Inazuma."

"Accompanying her is the Yuheng Keqing of the Liyue Qixing."

"We place ourselves in your care, Lady Yae," Keqing mirrored her colleague's bow before sending a questioning glare towards the blond traveler. Aether merely chuckled before continuing with the introduction.

"And finally, acting as chronicler is the Secretary of the Yuehai Pavillion, Ganyu."

"A pleasure to see you again, Mik— er, that is to say Lady Yae!" The blue-haired adeptus smiled happily at her old friend, who gladly returned it.

"Indeed, it is good to see Liyue still thrives even in the absence of our dearly departed Morax." The two shared a sad smile at the passing of yet another dear friend. Such was the fate of all illuminated beings. The Archon shook her head and nodded at Aether once again.

"Representing the Yashiro Commission is the Shirasagi Himegimi, Lady Kamisato Ayaka," he said, gesturing to the girl beside him. "The Yashiro Commission oversees all cultural and religious affairs within Inazuma."

"Gokigenyou, honored guests from across the sea," Ayaka said with a picture-perfect bow. "The Yashiro Commission will do its utmost to ensure your stay in Inazuma is pleasant."

"Representing the Kanjou Commission is Lady Hiiragi Chisato," the traveler continued. "The Kanjou Commission oversees all financial and foreign affairs."

Chisato offered a bow. "I come in place of my father Shinsuke, whose advanced age prevents him from leaving Ritou for extended periods of time. Likewise, the Kanjou Commission looks forward to discussing trade between our nations and will do its utmost to ensure your stay is fruitful."

"Finally, representing the Tenryou Commission is General Kujou Sara," Aether said. "The Tenryou Commission oversees all military and security forces in Inazuma."

"A pleasure to meet you," Sara said a tad awkwardly before offering a bow. "I stand as representative of my brother, Kamaji, the Proxy Head of our clan. He is currently preoccupied with internal matters of our clan and is unable to attend this meeting. Nonetheless, the Tenryou Commission will do its utmost to ensure your stay in Inazuma is safe."

"I must say, it's a surprise to see you here, Aether!" Ganyu spoke up once formal introductions were concluded. "You as well, Paimon! I knew you two were heading to Inazuma, but I never expected to run into you here of all places!"

"Indeed," Jean said, giving him a worried once-over. "Information was sparse due to the Sakoku Decree. We know there was some sort of conflict going on here and the fact that there's a new Electro Archon speaks volumes... Please, tell me you didn't do anything too crazy..."

"Oh, you know..." Aether chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Just doing my thing."

"Inazuma owes Aether a great debt!" Ayaka said ardently. "When he arrived, our nation was in the midst of a terrible civil war. It is due to his aid that we were able to restore order and reconcile the warring factions. He is a great hero to Inazuma!"

"Lots of crazy stuff happened!" Paimon added enthusiastically. "We got branded as criminals, joined the resistance, fought the Shogun's army. And then the Fatui showed up and everything went all topsy-turvy!"

"As it often does when the Fatui are involved," Keqing scowled.

"Sounds like you two had quite the adventure," Lisa giggled with an affectionate smile.

"Yeah! Aether almost got executed by the Shogun in front of everyone!" The temperature in the room dropped by several degrees as an awkward silence descended upon the room.

"W-What?!" Barbara squeaked.

"Why do you like telling that story so much?" Aether asked, annoyed.

"Cause it's the first time Paimon saw you get your butt kicked that badly!"

"She did not kick my butt!" He retorted. "She totally cheated!"

"Uh huh, and how did she cheat?"

"She locked some of my abilities! I don't know how she did it, since I don't have a Vision but she did! Besides, I'm the one that came out on top during our rematch!"

"AHEM!" Keqing coughed loudly. "Ignoring the fact that you just claimed to go toe-to-toe with an Archon of all things... Can we go over the fact that you were almost executed?"

"Oh, yeah," Aether shrugged. "I lost a fight to Raiden. Even though she cheated..." He muttered the last part under his breath, prompting an eye-roll from Paimon. "She was gonna execute me to set an example, since I challenged her authority in public or whatever. My friend Thoma managed to bail me out though. Anyway, lots of things happened but Raiden and me eventually smoothed things over. We're cool now."

"So, she tried to kill you," Jean pinched the bridge of her nose. "But you made up. And now you're... cool?"

"Basically."

"I truly struggle to comprehend how your mind works," Ningguang sighed, rubbing her temples to stave off the oncoming headache.

"Aether has done a great service to Inazuma," Yae Miko spoke up, her words beginning to take on divine authority and causing everyone's backs to instinctively straighten. "It was his compassion and will that convinced the Raiden Shogun to step down, not his skill with a blade. He liberated Inazuma not through bloodshed, but through words and ideals. And for this, Inazuma is eternally grateful. I am eternally grateful. He will have a place of honor at my side for as long as he chooses to stay in Inazuma."

"""Hai, Heika.""" The Inazuman natives said, bowing as one to the Empress of Thunder.

"That... sounds like Aether, alright," Jean said with a fond smile.

"How does it feel?" Ningguang asked, a smirk forming on her face. "Oh, Great Hero of Three Nations?"

"Sangoku no Daiyuusha," Ayaka hid her smile behind her fan. "It has a pleasant ring to it."

"Okay, okay," Paimon broke in, waving her hands. "Let's not let it go to his head, now!"

"I don't know," Aether rubbed his chin. "I have done an awful lot for this world..."

"You literally told Ei the other day that the only reason you got stomped is because you got too cocky!" Paimon retorted. Aether was about to deflect by saying he'd let Ei stomp on him any day, but was cut off by...

"Ei...?" Miko repeated quietly.

"Eek!" Paimon squeaked as Aether sent her a glare.

"She meant... Mei!" He said quickly. "A kenjutsu student we befriended a while ago. She looks up the the Shogun and wants to be just like her, so we were telling her about our fight with Raiden..."

"Hmm..." The look of suspicion didn't fade from the miko's eyes, causing Aether to begin sweating.

"Heika!" A voice broke in, drawing the Archon's attention, much to Aether's relief. However, that relief came crumbling down as the hatamoto samurai spoke.

"The shipment of Dendelion Wine gifted by the Mondstadt Delegation has been broken into!" He exclaimed, causing Jean's eyes to narrow.

"Along with that, several high-end items have been purchased on credit, but the buyer has seemingly disappeared overnight. A large number of merchants are in an uproar." Ningguang's eyes narrowed.

"Lastly, many eateries have experienced mysterious explosions all across Inazuma! What was left from the explosions was some grotesque mockery of basic Inazuman cuisine." Yae's eyes narrowed.

Meanwhile Aether slowly felt himself dying inside. Those Archons... He was going to kill them.

Chapter Text

This wasn't good, Aether concluded as he followed the procession down the steps of Tenshukaku. When Yae had waved the hatamoto away, he'd felt a brief glimmer of hope that she would dismiss the situation and allow the local authorities to deal with it. That hope died when she suggested they take a tour of the city. To show their foreign guests the sights and sounds of Inazuma, she'd said. Surely, not to have the opportunity to investigate the suspicious reports herself!

"I'm sure that you all have heard tell of our fair city," Miko said with a smile that wasn't entirely innocent as the party stopped before the Statue of the Omnipresent God. "Is there anywhere in particular that catches your fancy?"

"I'll admit interest in the Tenryou Commission's training grounds," Jean spoke up. "I'd like to take note of the differences in training methods between knights and samurai. Perhaps I could find a way to improve our own standards of training."

"I'm sure our dear Sara would be delighted to show you," the Archon glanced at the tengu warrior.

"Of course," the archer nodded. "I myself am interested in the techniques of Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius. Aether has told me of your prowess in battle during the Stormterror incident, Acting Grandmaster. A lady warrior, whose skill with a blade in the land of song and freedom is matched only by the Spindrift Knight. Your reputation precedes you, Lion of the South."

"He exaggerates my abilities, I'm sure!" Jean waved away the praise with an embarrassed smile. "But if you would allow it, it would be my honor to train with you, General Kujou."

"Hmm..." Ningguang hummed pensively. "Beidou mentioned a place called 'Naganohara' when she explained where she acquired the fireworks for the last Lantern Rite. I've been meaning to pay a visit myself now that the abolishment of the Sakoku Decree has made direct trade possible. I'd like to make arrangements for next year's Rite while we are here."

"Oh, I believe you know the new owner of Naganohara, don't you, Ayaka dear?" Miko asked the white-haired swordswoman.

"Indeed I do," Ayaka smiled. "Yoimiya was simply giddy with excitement when she learned she was making fireworks for Liyue's famous Lantern Rite. I'm sure she would be more than happy to make them again."

"Lady Ningguang," Ganyu piped in, handing several slips of paper over to the Tianquan. "Captain Beidou told me to give this to you when you visited Naganohara."

"Oh!" Paimon exclaimed, recognizing the parchments. "Those are recipe guides! If you hand those to Yoimiya, she'll be able to make you the exact same fireworks she made for the Lantern Rite down to the last detail!"

"Well, if we're taking a tour of the city, I'd personally like to visit the marketplace," Keqing admitted. "I saw some lovely kimonos for sale on the way here and I've been dying to try some on."

"Oh, you and me both, sweetie," Lisa giggled.

"So do I!" Barbara added eagerly.

"We can stop by Ogura Textiles & Kimonos on the way to Naganohara," Chisato offered. "On behalf of the Kanjou Commision, I would like to gift you all with custom fitted Inazuman kimonos. You as well, Tabibito-sama."

"By the way!" Ayaka interjected and Aether could hear the pout in her voice despite hiding her mouth behind her fan. "Tabibito-san, when I offered to buy you a custom kimono, you refused! And yet here you are, wearing Inazuman clothes." She dabbed her eyes of her crocodile tears. "Do you dislike me that much?"

"Ah," Aether glanced down at his clothes. Indeed, he was currently wearing a black haori with flowing, golden, spider lily patterns. With it came a dark-gray nagagi and a pair of light-gray hakama pants as well as a pair of Inazuman sandals. He'd even tied his hair into a more traditional Inazuman ponytail. The outfit had been given to him by Miko to better represent him as an honored member of her court and given the importance of the occasion, he couldn't find it in himself to say no. It also helped that she had given it to him in front of her entire royal guard; the soldiers staring him down, daring him to refuse the gracious gift.

"Indeed, we hardly recognized you when we stepped into Tenshukaku," Jean said with the rest of the party nodding in agreement.

"Haha... About that..." he said sheepishly. "I've done some thinking since then and I'd like to retract my prior statement. If the offer is still on the table, then I would be delighted to receive a kimono from you, Ayaka."

"And I would be delighted to purchase it for you!" The sly swordswoman smiled, folding her fan with a triumphant flick.

"Hey!" Keqing broke in bitingly, sending a glare towards the white-haired Inazuman. "You refused my offer of Liyuan clothing too. You better own up next time you're in Liyue Harbor, cause you're getting a hanfu whether you like it or not."

"Oh, while we're on the subject I'd love to get you in a cute little lederhosen," Lisa said coyly. "Ever since I saw you running around with that bard Venti, I've been wanting to see you try one on. You'd look absolutely adorable."

"Now, now," Miko said with a smile, seeming to enjoy watching Aether sweat. "Let's give the boy some breathing room. You can all have your fun playing dress up with him in due time. Let's get started on the tour. We can head to the Tenryou Commission Headquarters, stop by Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, break for lunch at either Shimura's or Uyuu Restaurant and then head to Naganohara."

All the while as she spoke, Aether grimaced. The Tenryou Commission headquarters was where the envoys' gifts had been stored. And if there was still any Dandelion Wine leftover, Venti was sure to be lurking about trying to sneak in. The marketplace was the most likely place to find Zhongli if he wasn't going around defacing statues. And any restaurant serving desserts was the most likely place to find Ei gorging herself on sweets.

This... This was not gonna be fun.

"Get over here. NOW." Aether hissed, grabbing a certain viridian-garbed bard by the scruff of his neck.

"Ack!" Venti cried out as he was roughly dragged behind a wall.

"Just what do you think you're doing here?" Paimon growled, glancing behind them at Sara demonstrating Inazuman kyudo techniques to the foreign delegation. They'd barely managed to slip away from them after they'd spotted Venti's bright green cloak sneaking over the wall of the Tenryou Headquarters.

"T-Traveler, Paimon, fancy seeing you here," Venti smiled. "As one would have it, a little whisper on the wind told me stories of valiant heroes of Mondstadt come to test their mettle against the legendary samurai of Inazuma! So, as a bard, naturally I came to witness it in action..."

"Oh, really?" Aether deadpanned. "And it has nothing to do with the Dandelion Wine being stored here?"

"Dandelion Wine?" the bard gasped. "Why, I have no idea what you—" Aether reached forward and untied the bag at the bard's waist, allowing an empty bottle of wine to fall out and shatter on the ground.

"..."

"..."

"H-How did that get there...?"

"Venti, the hatamoto already reported that you stole some of the wine," Aether rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Stole is such an... ugly word," Venti whined. "I prefer the term... appropriate. These Inazumans could hardly enjoy it the way a true connoisseur like myself could!"

"You Tone-Deaf Bard!" Paimon growled. "You're just here to get sloshed! What do you think is gonna happen if you get caught? Jean might know who you are, but Lisa and Barbara don't! They won't vouch for you if the Tenryou Commission arrests you!"

"I truly marvel at your one track mind," the blond traveler sighed. "Anyway, we—"

"Honorary Knight?"

Aether didn't hesitate to grab Venti and violently throw him over the wall with a burst of Anemo energy. He ignored Venti's indignant scream as the bard went tumbling over the cliff and into the ocean below. Instead, he turned to face the direction of the voice. Jean's eyes were narrowed as she rounded the corner.

"Who were you speaking to just now?" she asked with a look of suspicion.

"Ahaha... No one!" Paimon was a terrible liar and everyone knew it. Jean's gaze drifted to the bottle of Dandelion Wine at their feet.

"...Is that so?" She asked, her voice deadpan.

"You know how it is," Aether said, rubbing the back of his head. "I look young, so no one will serve me alcohol. Gotta take my chances when I can."

"I didn't take you for the type to do... this," the woman said, gesturing to the empty bottle. "Downing an entire bottle on your own? Sounds less like you and a little more like a certain mutual acquaintance of ours..."

"...Oh, Paimon thinks she can hear Yae Miko calling for us!" The sprite said, her eyes wide with panic. "As her attendants, we gotta... uh... attend to her! Let's go, Traveler!"

Jean watched the duo's panicked flight with narrowed eyes before glancing once again at the wall, where she could still sense traces of Anemo energy flickering about.

"With me," Aether grunted. "Now."

"Ack!" Zhongli grunted as he was roughly grabbed by the scruff of his neck.

"Defacing religious monuments, buying on credit you have no hope of paying back, fleeing from the creditors, fleeing from the police..." The Geo God cringed with each point Paimon brought up. "Venti and Ei have their faults, but neither is quite as troublesome as yours, Zhongli."

"Apologies for any inconvenience I may have brought upon you," Zhongli began, readjusting his suit jacket. "I know not what overcomes me whenever I see one of these monuments. It is though I'm suddenly possessed by a being of chaos. For that, I do sincerely apologize. Perhaps erosion is effecting me more than I know..."

"I'm sensing a 'but' here," Aether said, looking back at the girls gathered around Ogura Mio's boutique. When he'd snuck away, Ayaka, Keqing and Lisa had been in the middle of discussing which outfits to force him into as Barbara tried on some kimonos that caught her fancy.

"Here, I will show you," the Archon insisted, bringing a stone talisman from his pocket. "Look here upon the exquisite craftsmanship on this amethyst netsuke. Amethyst is a mineral that can be found only here in Inazuma. I rarely have the chance to admire its unique qualities, but my existence as Geo Archon lends me inherent knowledge of earth-borne materials. This particular netsuke was carved from ancient amethyst unearthed during the Archon War, when Beelzebul slew the great serpent Orobashi and carved Musoujin Gorge in a single stroke of her sword. It predates even the formation of Teyvat's seven nations as we know them and the memories it holds transcends multiple millennia."

"Wow..." Paimon whispered, looking at the talisman in awe. Aether likewise was impressed but...

"How much did that thing cost?"

"Five million mora," Zhongli said proudly.

""WHAT?!""

"F-F-Five million?!" Paimon sputtered.

"Return that thing!" Aether hissed. "NOW!"

"I cannot," Zhongli shook his head. "The storekeeper explicitly said that all sales are final."

Aether and Paimon slowly sunk to the floor, their faces ashen white. Zhongli gazed at them curiously.

"Ha...ha...ha..." Paimon giggled hysterically. "We're gonna starve. We're gonna die."

"Where is Childe when you need him...?" Aether whispered.

"If that is all, I do believe I will resume my shopping trip then," Zhongli nodded. The duo simultaneously felt a vein pop in their foreheads.

"Like hell!" Aether roared, his eyes glowing with Geo energy as an enormous stone fist erupted from the pavement and slammed itself right into a surprised Zhongli's jaw in a devastating uppercut. While it did little to no actual damage, the former Geo God nonetheless cried out indignantly as he was sent flying into the river running through Inazuma City and swept away into the bay.

"Traveler? Paimon?" A curious voice called out. Aether, still breathing heavily from both anger and exertion, turned to face the speaker.

"The girls are wondering where you two snuck off to," Ningguang raised an eyebrow at the Geo construct rising from the pavement. "Is there... a problem...?"

"Ha...ha...ha..." Paimon was still practically catatonic. "H-Hey, Ningguang... You have any work that needs to be done? We could... really use the mora..."

"Mora?" The Tianquan asked, amusement in her voice. "Why, if it is mora you seek, you're asking the right person. The question is, how much? And what do you offer in exchange?"

"About five million," Aether chuckled humorlessly, his eyes dead to the world.

"Five million mora," Ningguang hummed. "A paltry sum to me. But certainly not to the average person. How did you find yourself in this situation, I wonder? You hardly strike me as the type to spend so frivolously..."

"I've been asking myself that same question every day recently," Aether sighed.

"I see," the woman chuckled. "Well, given how fond I am of you, I'm sure we can come to... an arrangement." She glanced once more at the Geo construct, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, we can indeed."

"Ei..." Aether moaned as he plopped himself down at the counter at Uyuu Restaurant, utterly exhausted. "Please tell me you haven't been doing anything crazy..."

"Well, other than enjoying some sweets," the woman said, still wearing the mujina yokai cloak he'd given her. "I can hardly say I've done anything that warrants being called 'crazy'..."

Aether glanced at the veritable mountain of sweets currently on her plate. "Some... right," he muttered, shaking his head. "And I take it all the explosions happening in kitchens across the city have nothing to do with you?"

Ei had the decency to blush. "That... was a mistake," she admitted. "Barbatos goaded me into it. I shouldn't have allowed him to get under my skin. It will not happen again."

"Tone-Deaf Bard," Paimon grumbled, helping herself to one of Ei's tri-color dango. "Why and how did he manage to do that?"

"He said that it has become customary to craft a personal dish for one's host when staying in their home," she explained. "He showed me something he called, 'A Buoyant Breeze', supposedly his own take on a Mondstadt dish called Barbatos Ratatouille. He said he'd gifted it to you when he first began living in your home. Even Morax admitted that he'd made you his own slow-cooked variation of Bamboo Shoot Soup."

Ei nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, clearly still embarrassed. "So, I tried making you an egg dish that Sara left at a local Narukami shrine once as an offering," she coughed. "It supposedly only consists of egg and sugar, so I thought I couldn't possibly mess up..."

Aether simply sighed before patting her shoulder with a smile. "I appreciate the thought, Ei," he said sincerely. "But... let's just leave the cooking to me, okay?"

"Agreed," the woman said with a matching smile, gently placing her hand on his. Off to the side, Paimon rolled her eyes at what had by now become routine as she continued munching on sweets.

"Tabibito?" A voice called out, causing all three of them to freeze.

"M-Miko!" Aether swiftly withdrew his hand. Ei lowered her head and faced away, drawing the cloak tighter around her frame.

The pink-haired Guuji lifted an eyebrow at the couple before her. "Ara," she purred, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What's this? And here I was concerned when you kept sneaking away all day. You had so many beautiful girls fawning over you, begging for your attention but you simply wouldn't pay them any mind!" She faked a disappointed sigh. "But here you are, having a secret rendezvous with a mysterious woman. Is this who you've been sneaking away to all day? If you had a lover, all you had to do was say so~"

"I-It's not like that!" Aether cried out, his face beginning to heat up. Beside him, Ei coughed, her cheeks likewise covered in a barely perceptible dusting of red.

"Oho?" Like a shark sensing blood, Miko pounced. "Perhaps you intend to play the field? Even with me? You dog~" She closed her eyes, crossed her arms and tilted her head, like she was in deep thought. "Oh, but I suppose it is you, the great hero of Inazuma... I guess I wouldn't mind~"

"M-Miko! That's enough!" Aether coughed. Just as he spoke those words, Ei leaped out of her seat and brushed past the kitsune before rushing out the door. "H-Hey! Wait!"

"We gotta catch up before she does something stupid!" Paimon cried, abandoning the pile of sweets in favor of floating after the humiliated Archon. "Let's go, Aether!" Miko didn't bother to stop them as they dashed past her, even as the storekeeper yelled about paying their bill.

"Those damn brats!" Okazaki Rikuto, the store owner, grumbled as he watched the fleeing trio. "Just because they're big shot heroes doesn't mean they can skip out on the bill! I outta call the doushin over to take care of them..."

"Please, allow me to cover their bill," Yae said reassuringly.

"Heika!" the man yelped. "Please, that isn't necessary—"

"I insist," Miko said, glancing down at the mountain of sweets the trio had left behind. Paimon hadn't even managed to make a dent in it, and Miko knew how big of an eater the fairy was.

"After all, as her familiar, I suppose it's my duty to clean up her messes."

Chapter Text

It didn't take long for Aether to track down the former Archon. The mujina cloak, while doing its job at obscuring her identity, wasn't exactly the most inconspicuous of disguises for running through crowded city streets. He eventually came across her sitting alone on a bench on one of the terraces overlooking the the city.

"Ei!" Paimon exclaimed as the duo approached.

"We weren't expecting you to run off like that," Aether said, gingerly taking a seat next to her.

"I apologize for my... unseemly behavior," Ei said, coughing lightly in an effort to distract from the red hue of her cheeks. "It's been a few centuries since I've had to deal with Miko's teasing and was unprepared to be suddenly... accosted by her like that."

"Yeah, Paimon's sure it had nothing to do with what she was implying," Paimon muttered sarcastically. "No, siree!"

"Paimon," Aether scolded, sensing Ei's rising embarrassment.

"Well... yes," the Goddess said demurely. "I will be the first to admit that my experience in the... romantic department is lacking."

As the duo watched her shyly poke her index fingers together while wearing an adorable mujina yokai cloak, they struggled to reconcile the image with that of the Almighty Shogun furiously bearing down on them with her infamous sword art.

'The gap moe is too real,' they thought simultaneously.

"I've never taken a lover before," she admitted to both of their shock. "It seemed counterintuitive to my goal of eternity. Why would I ever fall in love if my lover was destined to die? Mortal lives are so tragically short. And even the kami and yokai of Inazuma... all of them disappeared one by one. The supernatural beings that inhabit Inazuma today are but shadows of their kind's former glory."

"Ei..." Paimon whispered, a stricken look on her face. Aether likewise grimaced.

"I'm sorry, Ei," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Yae Miko... she told us stories. About your sister and your old friends. You've lost a lot... But that shouldn't stop you from opening your heart to the world."

"That's right!" Paimon nodded enthusiastically. "Even if loss is painful, Paimon thinks that all the beautiful memories you make with your loved ones is worth the pain."

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Paimon," Aether chuckled. "I've been to many worlds. I've seen myriad sights and met countless people. Even knowing that I'll have to say goodbye one day... whether that be because I outlive them or because I move on to the next world... I've never allowed that to stop me from making memories with them that last forever."

"Memories... that last forever," Ei whispered. "Morax and Barbatos told me that you came to this world from beyond the celestial atlas. I'll admit I found that hard to believe... But if what you say is true then... I suppose my goal of eternity was more of a fool's dream than I thought."

"There's nothing foolish about dreams," the Traveler retorted. "Eternity is your dream. Your ambition. And I think we've more than proven that ambitions are nothing to be scoffed at. They're something that can transcend time and space." He took her hand and bid her to stand. With her hand firmly in his, he led them to the railings and gazed out over the city.

"What do you see?"

"I see... Inazuma," Ei said wistfully. "But not as I remember it."

"But it's still Inazuma, is it not?"

"Yes..." she whispered. "It is."

"Eternal doesn't mean 'never-changing'," Aether said. "Nor does it mean everlasting. Nothing in this universe is truly everlasting. Not physically, at least. But the one thing I found that is eternal... is memes."

"Memes?" Paimon asked in confusion. "Like those funny posts people sometimes leave on billboards?

"What?" Ei asked, totally lost.

"Gods dammit," Aether sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "No. Not those kinds of memes, Paimon. I meant the original meaning of the word. Basically, it means an element of culture or behavior that gets passed on through imitation."

"Paimon doesn't get it," the fairy shrugged.

"I think I understand..." Ei said slowly. "It is said that in the time before the Seven, the people of ancient Liyue migrated from island to island before finally reaching what would later become Inazuma. While they brought much of Liyue's culture with them... that culture slowly changed over time and eventually evolved into what is now modern Inazuman culture."

"Oh!" The sprite perked up. "Paimon did notice that a lot of what Inazumans do is similar to how things are done in Liyue. Definitely more than Mondstadt at any rate."

"Exactly," Aether nodded. "In one world I travelled through, there was a great civilization. That civilization spread its culture throughout the land. And even centuries... no, millennia after its downfall, people still paid homage to that civilization through their own culture and beliefs, derived from that once great civilization. Through song and story, they remembered its glories and its tragedies; its birth and its fall. Someone once told me this: Even if something that was once clear and defined fades away, as long as the world continues to exist, its memes will remain. Its memory will last forever."

"I understand," Ei whispered, her eyes wide. "Even if Inazuma ceases to exist... As long as the world remembers it, it will live forever."

"That is my definition of eternity," Aether nodded once again.

"That's..." The Archon shook her head with a sigh. "I once again find myself at a loss for words when faced with your ideals. After spending so long acting as the wise and all-knowing god of Inazuma, all it takes for that façade to come crashing down is a simple conversation with you."

"Aether has a certain way of demolishing world-views," Paimon said with a helpless shrug.

"Sorry," the blond Traveler chuckled.

"No need," the goddess said with a strange look in her eye that had Aether unconsciously tensing. It was a look that reminded him of when they'd clashed in the Plane of Euthymia. When he had challenged her will with his own.

"That simply means I must retake the initiative."

"Huh?" Paimon asked, tilting her head in confusion. "Wh-What do you—" She was cut off as Ei pulled on his hand — he'd forgotten he hadn't let go! — until they were suddenly face-to-face. He found his face flushing from the look of intensity in her eye.

"Tabibito-san, how would you like to... How do they say it nowadays...?" She murmured. "Ah, yes. How would you like to go on a 'date' with me?"

"Wh-Whoa, sister!" Paimon exclaimed. "Where's this coming from? What happened to the 'mortal lives are so short' schtick!" Aether would have laughed at her hilarious attempt at imitating Ei's voice if he wasn't practically nose-to-nose with the goddess with how close she'd gotten.

"Indeed," Ei said, her eyes never leaving his. "Mortal lives are short. Tragically so. But our dear tabibito is not entirely mortal, is he?"

"Well... no..."

"Aether," the goddess said, her eyes softening. "You come and go with the wind. But when the time comes, you stand as solid as the earth. In battle you fight with the ferocity of fire and the fluidity of water. You live in tune with the people and world around you as taught by the God of Dendro while relentlessly pursuing your goals with the precision of lightning. In a way, you embody the ideals of each of the Seven. You wield the elements of this world with careless abandon, spitting in the face of every one of Tevyat's laws in the process."

"W-Where is she going with this?" Paimon's voice was barely noted as the two stared at each other, transfixed.

"You exist beyond the celestial atlas. Have witnessed things I can scarcely imagine... And you remember all of it," she whispered. "You are a living contradiction and it vexes me so. You are the farthest thing from Eternity... but also the closest to it that I have ever seen. You have shattered me. Tainted me with your song of truth..."

"Ei..."

"I want to know you. To understand you. To engrave myself into your memories." Ei's eyes were practically glowing as she spoke. "Even if this world were to come to an end... so long as you remember me... I will live forever. Inazuma will live forever."

"Whoa..." The fairy gulped. "Paimon thought this was gonna be another of Aether's funny romantic encounters, but that actually got kinda heavy..."

"Also, you are very attractive and I wish to spend time with you."

"Ah, there it is."

Unbeknownst to the trio off in their own personal bubble, someone sat watching them. It was an inconspicuous figure. Not for lack of distinguishing features or the like. No. It was just very small. Small enough that the average passerby would hardly notice it.

It was a small, pink fox.

Oh... This is gonna be fun. The fox grinned.

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived. The Shin Narukami-sai or the “New Narukami Festival” was now in full swing and Inazuma City was packed with festival-goers. Stalls lined every street and alley with vendors hawking their ware or enticing the occasional naïve foreigner into their dubious festival games. Mouth-watering smells wafted through the air, drawing huge crowds around the various food stalls. The city itself could be considered a work of art as light and music flooded the streets, only barely being drowned out by the din of a myriad of voices.

All of this went ignored however, as Aether found himself being dragged along by Ei, his hand firmly clasped in hers. Now normally he’d be more than happy to appreciate the sinful act of premarital hand-holding, especially with a woman as beautiful as Ei.  Unfortunately, you see, two additional women were currently sidled up to them. Two very, very angry women. And angry women tended to be very distracting.

Aether tried his best to ignore the glares from the two hanger-ons as Ei glanced back at him with an apologetic smile.

‘How did this even happen?’ the blond marveled.

The day prior…

After placating the amorous Electro god with a promise of a date at the upcoming festival, Aether hastily beat an embarrassed retreat back to the foreign delegation with Paimon teasing him the entire way.

There had been hell to pay when the duo finally got back. Keqing had forced them to sit in seiza as she berated them for their habit of wandering off while the rest of the party watched on in amusement.

Thankfully after several minutes of this, Miko had decided the two had learned their lesson and urged the procession back towards Tenshukaku for some rest after a long and rather chaotic day.

“The festivities will begin tomorrow evening,” the fledgling Archon said. “Be sure to get a good night’s rest, all of you.”

“By your leave.” And with that the party had dispersed to their various guest chambers. All except…

“By the way, little one,” Miko called out as Aether and Paimon made to return to their room.

“Hoo, boy…” Paimon muttered. The duo watched warily as the woman sashayed her way towards them looking every bit like a fox stalking a cornered rabbit.

“Oh, don’t look so put out,” the kitsune tittered. “I just wanted to talk.”

“If such is your wish, then so it shall be, heika ,” Aether quipped before quickly raising his hands in surrender as the taller woman sent him an unamused glare. “Sorry, sorry. What did you want to talk about?”

“Let’s not be coy now,” Miko said. “You seemed awfully distracted today, little one.”

“You’re hardly one to talk about being coy, Miko,” the blond replied, eyeing her warily.

“I simply have no idea what you mean,” the fox cooed as she began to slowly circle them. “You’re deflecting.”

“We simply have no idea what you mean,” Paimon parroted mockingly only to squeak and hide behind her companion upon seeing Miko’s gaze fall upon her.

“Not even your little paramour at Uyuu Restaurant?” the woman asked.

“A stranger,” Aether lied smoothly. “Paimon wanted to mooch off of her tri-color dango.”

“Hey!” the fairy cried indignantly.

“A stranger?” Miko’s voice whispered into his ear, her hair gently brushing against his face and causing him to shiver. “I think Ei would be quite upset to hear that from you.” Aether’s eyes widened for just a moment but that moment was all the sly fox needed to have her claim validated. 

“I knew it.”

“Now, Miko,” the Traveler said, nervously backing away as the kitsune stalked towards him.

“H-How did she know?!” Paimon stammered as Aether felt his back touch the wall. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as Miko threw her hand onto the wall next to his head in a classic kabedon and leaned in toward him. With her other hand she lifted his chin to look into his eyes.

“Won’t you take me to her, my dear tabibito ?” she cooed, her eyes gleaming.

Aether, Paimon and Miko appeared within his inner realm in a flash of golden light. The pink-haired woman looked around intrigued. 

“A realm hidden within a teapot,” Miko mused. “How interesting. Maybe I could use this concept in a light novel…” Despite her musings, the woman wasted no time in gesturing towards the door. With a sigh, the Traveler strode forward and threw the door open.

What greeted them was something Aether would come to desperately want to forget.

“Okay, now you just take his right hand in your left and put your right hand on his waist…”

“Like this?”

“I said his waist, not his ass.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Please remove your hand from my posterior, Beelzebul.”

The trio watched as Ei removed her hand from Zhongli’s behind and resumed a proper waltzing pose. This in and of itself would not be so strange if their roles weren’t reversed. And not just in terms of posture.

Ei was currently dressed in a very dapper suit while Zhongli was currently wearing a blond wig braided in a way reminiscent to his own as well as a very revealing dress with both a boob and booty window. Aether internally screamed upon seeing this, desperately willing his brain to bleach itself.

“What are you doing?” Paimon asked, her voice deadpan.

“Ah, you’re back!” Venti said cheerfully.

“That doesn’t answer the question,” the fairy growled. “This is your doing, Tone-Deaf Bard. Paimon knows it!”

“Ah, yes,” Zhongli said, nodding to himself. “Beelzebul informed us of your upcoming date. Congratulations, by the way.”

“This still doesn’t tell us anything.” Aether sighed, feeling a headache starting to come on.

“We’re practicing!” Venti said, as though that explained everything. “Any courtship worth its salt will inevitably involve song and dance!”

“And the dress?” the blond gestured to the scantily clad Zhongli.

“That was Beelzebul’s request.”

“It was my request.” Ei nodded sagely.

“Denied!” Aether roared, tearing the wig off Zhongli’s head. He ignited it with a spark of Electro, reducing it to ashes.

“My baby!” Venti cried, desperately gathering the ashes as though he could will them to reform.

“So it’s yours?” Paimon asked, cocking her head questioningly. “What do you do with it?”

“You don’t wanna know.” The three Archons said simultaneously. Aether’s eye twitched furiously.

“And that’s surprisingly skimpy, Zhongli,” Paimon noted, turning towards the Geo Archon. “Paimon is surprised you’re willingly wearing it.”

“I have taken many forms and worn many clothes, Paimon,” Zhongli said, waving his hand over his form causing his usual outfit to materialize onto his body. Beside him, Ei did likewise.

“Oh, that’s right!” the fairy exclaimed. “You Archons can change form!”

“Paimon!” Aether hissed, glancing behind them towards… the absent Miko. Where had she gone?!

“Indeed!” Venti cackled. “Though I do admit a certain fondness for this form. I’ve taken my fair share of feminine roles.”

“Really?”

“Elemental deities are technically genderless,” Zhongli explained. “Our mortal guises are just that: guises. Male or female, it matters not. For example…”

The trio, now a duo of Aether and Paimon watched as Zhongli’s form began glowing with condensed Geo energy. After a few moments, the yellow light subsided and a woman bearing a resemblance to the man stood before them.

*art by kiaa11

“This is a form I took several centuries ago,” the now female Zhongli continued. “A clan of migratory warrior women came to temporarily settle in Liyue. They were a matriarchal people with a strong distrust of men, and thus taking on a female form was necessary for gaining their trust.”

“What did they come to Liyue for?” Paimon questioned and Aether had to admit he was also curious. 

“Their chieftain, Koron, was seeking a groom for her granddaughter, Shanpu.” He explained. “A great many things happened, but eventually they found an ideal candidate in a young man named Ruan Ma. Unfortunately, the young man was not enthused about being forcibly engaged and fled across the sea. I believe Inazuma was his destination if I’m not mistaken. Needless to say, they chased after him.”

“This story sounds very familiar…” Aether mumbled. A flash of teal light drew their attention and the group turned to see a young girl appear in a swirl of Anemo.

“Hiiiii~” the now female Venti cooed.

“Please never say that again,” Aether deadpanned. Venti pouted before throwing herself onto him, crocodile tears brimming in her eyes.

“Waaah! The Traveler hates me!” The girl sniffled. “B-But whoever will I give my Windblume to now?!”

“Easy Tone-Deaf Bard,” Paimon grunted, tugging on the Archon’s braids. “Honestly, you barely changed.”

“How rude!” Venti cried indignantly. “You can tell the difference, right, my beloved Traveler?”

“...It’s subtle,” Aether admitted as he felt certain soft objects being pressed against him. “Very subtle.”

“I suggest you cease your current actions,” Zhongli warned. “Lest you draw Beelzebul’s wrath.”

“Not the booba-blade!” Venti mock cried, turning toward… nothing?

“Ei?” Paimon questioned. “Where did she go? And another thing… Where is Miko?!”

“Oh gods.” Aether muttered. Zhongli and Venti merely gazed at them curiously.

On the other side of the manor, Raiden Ei currently sat in seiza . Her skin was pale and her hands clammy as sweat began pouring down her face. Before her stood her former familiar, now the Archon of Inazuma. Divine might seemed to radiate from Miko as she smiled her fake smile. Ei had known her long enough to know better. Her eyes told the true story.

Death.

“Why, it’s been a while Ei!” Miko giggled fictitiously. “Tell me, how long has it been since you dumped your crappy job on me and ran off with your boyfriend?”

“M-Miko, please calm down…”

“Oh, I am calm,” the kitsune laughed. Ei shuddered. It was the most evil laugh she’d ever heard. “Or I will be. You’ll be paying me back with a little entertainment. You and Morax and Barbatos.”

Ei could only look on in fear as Miko cackled maliciously.

Chapter Text

Well, if this wasn't an awkward situation he'd found himself in, Aether mused as a young woman was unwittingly pressed against him by the crowd. Or rather, it was a now-female Zhongli whose breasts were currently being squished against him, prompting the blond Traveler to grimace.

Despite their assurances that Archons were ultimately genderless (Ei being somewhat of an exception to this. Apparently, the puppet body she now inhabited was designed to be female and was difficult to alter), Aether — having known the God of Contracts for a good few years at this point — found himself struggling to come to terms with this version of his freeloading friend.

"Apologies to you." Even in female form, Zhongli's voice was rather deep and taciturn for a woman, further disillusioning him from the change.

Venti on the other hand was a little easier to adapt to. The God of Song and Freedom had always been rather androgynous. The only real change made to his body had been a pair of mounds upon the chest and slightly softening his facial features.

"Ehe~" The bard in question giggled in an airheaded fashion as she clung to his arm. "Oh, my beloved Traveler, wherever shall we go next~"

"Please don't make a fool of yourself, Barbatos," Zhongli huffed, crossing her arms under her rather large chest and causing them to bounce slightly.

"Please don't do that again," Aether requested, palming his face.

"See? I—"

"I meant you," the Traveler stressed, looking at the Geo God pointedly. "It's now illegal for you to do that." Said god's eyes widened and she pointed at herself in question.

"Me?! But what did I—"

"I have returned," Ei's voice prompted them to turn to see her holding four skewers of tricolor dango. Aether simply sighed as she passed the confectionary around. He paused for a moment, noticing she'd left none for herself.

"Holding yourself back, Ei?" he teased. "That's unlike you." She answered by reaching into her Mujina cloak and retrieving a bulging sack. The woman released the clasp, revealing dozens upon dozens of festival sweets. "I should have known…"

"What do you mean?" Ei cocked her head. "I am holding back. The stall vendors unfortunately ran out, so I wasn't able to buy as many as I wanted…"

"By the way," Paimon spoke up as she nibbled on her dango. "What's up with you now, Venti? Why are you being so cuddly all of a sudden? Earlier, you seemed hella mad that Miko forced you to do this."

"I don't like being forced to do anything; God of Freedom and all that." The green-clad bard merely shrugged. She paused as she took a bite of her snack. "But even I have to admit, it is kinda hilarious how Aether's brain is having a meltdown trying to process everything. May as well milk it while it lasts."

"Go fuck yourself, Venti," Aether flipped the bard off.

"Fuck me yourself, you coward," Venti said, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"Indeed," Ei spoke up, nodding sagely. "I do not believe it is possible to 'fuck oneself'. By definition, 'to fuck' is to engage in coitus, thus requiring at least two participants. Otherwise it would be mere masturbation, though I suppose there is such a thing as mutual mastur—"

"Ei, I love you but please stop talking!" The Traveler merely groaned as people around them began whispering and giving them disgusted looks.

"Kids these days…"

"What exactly is his relationship with those women he's with?!"

"Talking about that sort of thing in public…!"

"There are children around here!"

"Someone go get the Tenryou Commision!"

"Uh… P-Paimon just wants everyone to know that she is not with them!" the white-haired fairy exclaimed. "Paimon is not associated with these people!"

"What is going on over here?!" a voice demanded.

The group turned to see Kujou Sara, who had a frown on her face as she strode up to them with bow in hand. Ei quickly made sure her hood was up and placed her kitsune festival mask upon her face.

"What is going on?" Sara repeated, looking around at the chaos.

"Public indecency is what!" An old lady snapped, glaring at the group of degenerates. "This lecher has warped these poor young ladies into harlots!"

"What." Sara asked tonelessly.

"WHAT?" Aether exclaimed indignantly. Venti's eyes suddenly had a mischievous spark in them.

"Iya~! Tabibito-kyuuuuuuuun~" She said in an overtly wanton fashion as she began hugging herself, a heavy flush on her face. "I-I can't hold it back anymore!"

'Venti you little shit!' Aether paled as more people began whispering. Loudly.

"...Traveler," Sara pinched the bridge of her nose. "Our nation owes you a great debt, but please refrain from disturbing the peace with your… kept women."

"They're not my—"

"Kya~" Venti cried, latching onto his arm. "So cruel! Does our love mean nothing?!"

The tengu warrior stared at them for a long while before sighing. "...I'm going to have to ask you to come with me to the Tenryou Commission," she paused and turned to his companions as more guards began to appear behind her. "All of you."

Venti, who'd been looking all too smug suddenly paled. As her fellow Archons turned to her with a glare, she could only say one thing.

"...ehe?"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'EHE'?!" Paimon exploded.

Elsewhere

"Oh this is just too much fun!" Miko cackled as she watched the ongoing chaos through the eyes of a local kitsune she'd tasked with following the Traveler's party.

"I'm glad you're having a good time, Your Majesty," Jean said with a smile as she watched Barbara try her hand at a goldfish catching game.

"Huh? Oh, yes," the pink-haired fox said with a demure cough, hiding her grin behind a festival fan. "The festival is just getting started. And I intend to enjoy it to its fullest."

"What do we do, what do we do?" Paimon fretted behind him as guards began to close ranks on them. "If they arrest us, they'll definitely figure out who Ei is! And if they figure that out, Jean and the others might come investigate and find Venti and Zhongli and then all hell will break loose!"

Aether grimaced. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Ei tensing. His sensitivity to the elements allowed him to feel a steady build up of Electro energy beginning to form. She looked ready to force their way out.

"...It looks like there's only one thing we can do…" He murmured, catching the attention of his companions. "I'll have to use an ancient technique. A technique passed down my family for generations."

"An ancient technique?" Ei murmured. "What kind of technique is it…?"

"I'm gonna use my legs," Aether said, slapping his left thigh. Paimon's eyes widened.

"W-Wait, Aether…" The sprite stuttered. "Are you—"

"Your legs?" Venti asked. "What are you planning to do?"

Aether took a deep breath… And promptly turned tail and broke into a sprint.

"NIGERUNDAYOOOOOOOOO!" He shrieked. "Run for your lives!"

"Paimon knew this would happen!" Paimon screeched as she wasted no time following. The three Archons, Sara, the Tenryou guards, and the civilian onlookers could only look on in shock as the Great Hero and his companion left behind a visible dust cloud in their haste to escape.

"Dammit!" Venti cried out before sprinting after them. "Wait for me!"

"Best we follow." Zhongli suggested before she took off after them with Ei hot on her heels.

"W-Wait!" Sara called out, raising her bow. "Halt! In the name of the Sho— Er, in the name of the Empress!" The guards surged after them but quickly found themselves being slowed by the throngs of people gathered in the streets. The tengu warrior grimaced. She couldn't fire any arrows with so many civilians around. But they were quickly losing sight of them…

Making a decision, she leapt up onto a rooftop and began scanning the crowds. To her frustration, she could find no trace of the troublemakers. She continued to leap from roof to roof, frantically searching to no avail. It was as though they'd vanished off the face of Tevyat! Eventually, she jumped back down to ground level and was greeted by one of her men.

"We've lost them, General," he said with a salute. "What are your orders?"

"...Leave them for now," she said reluctantly. "If the opportunity presents itself, we'll capture them but we can't spare the manpower to actively search. Shameless though their behavior may be, it is ultimately harmless. We need to focus on maintaining peace during the Shin Narukami-sai."

"...With all due respect ma'am," another soldier spoke up. "Can we even arrest the Traveler? I mean, he faced the Shogun and emerged victorious. What can we do to stop him?"

Sara merely sighed.

Chapter Text

"This is a disaster!" Paimon fretted, floating back and forth across the dining room as the others sat, stony-faced. Zhongli and Venti had returned to their normal appearances. Ei quietly sat with Aether as the Traveler grimaced. They'd returned to the teapot the moment Sara had lost sight of them.

"We could just stay here," Venti suggested. "Preferably forever."

"This is your fault to begin with, Barbatos," Zhongli said tersely, sending a glare at the Anemo God. "You should learn some tact."

"I don't wanna hear that from you, blockhead!" Venti shot back.

"While I'd love to hide here until the heat death of the universe," Aether said with a sigh. "I do have obligations to fulfill. Everyone worked hard to make this festival happen, and I'd feel terrible skipping out on it." He paused and turned to stare at of the Unemployed Archon Club. "That doesn't mean you two need to be there. I think Miko has had her fun."

"Thank you…" The two wayward gods muttered.

"What about me?" Ei asked, cocking her head. Aether shook his head and smiled before holding out his hand.

"I promised you a date," he said with a grin. "So, let's have some fun."

"And who the hell is this?!" Keqing demanded. The moment they'd left the teapot and stepped back onto the streets of Inazuma City they'd found themselves face-to-face with an irate Yuheng.

'Gods dammit!' Aether mentally despaired.

"Welp, this is off to a great start," Paimon muttered sarcastically.

"I'm waiting, Aether," Keqing crossed her arms expectantly.

"W-Well, you see…" the blonde coughed.

"Hmmm?!"

"Calm down, Keqing!" The Traveler looked gratefully at Ganyu who placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "You know Aether has lots of friends."

"Yeah," the purple-haired girl muttered. "Lots of girl friends…"

The half-qilin giggled and turned to the trio. "My name is Ganyu," she introduced herself. "I'm a friend of Aether's from Liyue. This is my colleague Keqing."

"Greetings to you," the disguised Electro God said warmly. "I am Ei, Aether's girlfriend."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"WHAT?!"

"I do not understand," Ei said curiously to a despondent Aether, who was now sporting a large lump on his head. They'd moved on to a series of stalls offering various mouth-watering foodstuffs. "Nothing I said was incorrect."

"Ei…" Aether sighed, glancing back at Paimon valiantly attempting to calm down a livid Keqing and a teary-eyed Ganyu. "It's… complicated." He shook his head as he paid for several portions of takoyaki. He offered her one, which she took gladly. "Keqing and Ganyu have feelings for me. But Keqing is too proud to admit it and Ganyu is too shy. Meanwhile, I don't want to push them further than they're comfortable with."

"I see…" The god's brow furrowed as she snacked on her octopus treat. "Mortal lives are complex indeed."

"Honorary Knight?"

"Aaaand the complications continue," Aether sighed before smiling at the speaker in question. "Hello, Barbara, Jean and Lisa, too? I thought you were with Miko?"

"She's attending a tea ceremony that's being hosted by the Yashiro Commision," Lisa explained.

"Those kinds of events aren't really my forte, so she invited Lady Ningguang." Jean added. "It should be ending soon, though." She paused before looking at his lump in concern. "Are you injured?"

"It's nothing serious," he insisted even as Barbara hurried over and began working her magic on the injury. "Really."

"Serious or not," Barbara said with a frown. "I want you to come to me with any injuries. You know I always have time for you…"

"Always getting into trouble, aren't we cutie?" Lisa giggled before turning to his companion curiously. "And who might this be? You're not cheating on me now, are you, my cutie?"

"You see—"

"I am Ei," the Archon introduced herself. "I didn't realize you were also Aether's lover."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"WHAT?!"

"I do not understand," Ei said in confusion. "Nothing I said was—"

"I'll just stop you there…" Aether groaned, his clothes somewhat singed from an electric shock courtesy of a smiling librarian. They'd moved on from the food stalls and were gathered in a spacious plaza. There was to be a fireworks show starting soon. "Lisa… She's a tease. But she uses her teasing as a kind of wall to shield her heart."

Ei glanced back at Paimon desperately attempting to calm down a livid Keqing, a teary-eyed Ganyu, a despondent Barbara and a fuming Lisa. Jean was off to the side, rubbing her temples tiredly.

"I see…" The woman said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "I do believe I'm learning quite a bit… In fact…"

"I just hope you learn enough before—"

"Ah, little one! There you are!"

"...the final boss arrives…" Aether mumbled as he turned with a look of dread. "Miko. Ayaka. Ningguang… Good evening."

"You're looking quite razzled," the Tianquan remarked, seeing his singed clothing. "Everything alright, Traveler?"

"You're not injured, are you?" Ayaka asked worriedly.

Aether waved her concern off. "Barbara took care of it."

"It seems everyone has gathered here," Miko remarked, a sly smile on her face. Aether regarded her warily. "What happened to your two friends?"

"They went home for the night," he said firmly.

"Ah," the kitsune mock sighed. "What a shame."

"And why do you say tha—"

"There you are!" Aether tensed and looked up in alarm to see Kujou Sara glaring down at him from a nearby rooftop. She leapt down and drew her bow. Everyone tensed as she drew an arrow and aimed it at the Traveler.

"Sara! What is the meaning of this?!" Ayaka demanded.

"What's going on over here?!" Aether turned to see the others were drawn out of their various states of distress and were now converging on the scene.

"General Kujou, why are you pointing your weapon at the Honorary Knight?" Jean asked calmly, even as she placed her hand on the pommel of her sword. Keqing likewise had her hand resting on her blade. Aether felt himself paling at the rapidly deteriorating situation.

"Tabibito… No, Aether," Sara announced, her eyes not leaving him for even a moment lest he disappear again. "I'm placing you under arrest for the acts of public indecency you performed with this woman next to you."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"WHAT?!"

"I've got it!" Ei suddenly cried, startling everyone and drawing their attention to her. She turned to the stunned Aether and smiled triumphantly. Ayaka and Sara's eyes widened upon seeing her and Aether belatedly realized her hood was off.

"Your Exellency?!" The two girls gasped.

"Y-You got what?" Aether asked meekly, feeling a headache already starting to form.

"You should just date all of us!" She said earnestly. She placed both hands on her hips as a look of pride took shape on her face at having solved his dilemma. "That saves a lot of trouble for everyone!"

You could hear a pin drop with the sudden silence that fell over the plaza. Not only had his companions fallen into a stunned silence, but even the crowd had stopped to gawk at them.

Suddenly, a myriad of voices all began speaking at once and Aether found himself slowly dying inside. The only voice he could clearly hear was Miko laughing uproariously.

"Paimon?" He asked in a deadpan.

"Yup?" His companion asked, her voice equally deadpan.

"I think it's time we moved on from Inazuma."

"Yup."

Chapter Text

"That Dainsleif is certainly an… interesting character," Ei remarked as she followed after Aether and Paimon as they finally entered the realm of wisdom. "Barbatos and Morax made themselves scarce when we encountered him. He seemed to be wary of me as well."

"Dain… well, he kinda has a chip on his shoulder," Aether said weakly. Paimon snorted.

"That's putting it mildly," she muttered.

The Twilight Sword had refused to interact with them as long as Zhongli and Venti were present. He did seem to tolerate Ei more than the other two, albeit only marginally so. Perhaps because she'd not been present at the Cataclysm all those years ago. Regardless, the three had deigned to return to the teapot whilst he and Paimon navigated the Chasm with the Khaenri'ahn.

The two gods in question were quiet as they trailed behind them, as they always were whenever the events of the Cataclysm were brought up. It frustrated him, to have the answers he was looking for right in front of him. But he trusted his friends' to have good reasons not to share what they knew. He was beginning to suspect that the Archons didn't have as much authority as they were portrayed to. Despite their power and position amongst humans, they seemed rather low on the totem pole as far as godhood went.

"Oh, Aether!" He was broken out of his musing by Paimon's eager voice. "Look there! A Statue of the Seven!"

"Nice!" the Traveler exclaimed, looking up at the statue high above them on a cliff.

"A Statue of the Seven?" Ei repeated, arching an eyebrow. "Is this something to be excited about? Such statues can be found all across Teyvat."

"You betcha!" the sprite said enthusiastically. "Just sit here and wait!"

"I'll be but a moment," Aether said before using a burst of Anemo to leap up to the top of the cliff face; Paimon eagerly floated after him. Ei remained on the ground, Venti and Zhongli eventually catching up and the three gods watched as the Traveler approached the statue.

"...That is not Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's visage upon this statue," Ei noted.

"Indeed," Zhongli agreed. "Queen Aranyani's time in this world came to an end five hundred years ago. This is now the Age of Buer."

"Hush now," Venti urged them. "He's about to commune with the statue."

The trio watched as the blond Traveler touched the statue. Ei could feel the change immediately. The forest around them seemed to come alive at that moment. The birdsong that had been present since their arrival halted as the forest itself seemed to sing in delight at the Traveler's presence.

"It's truly something to behold." Zhongli spoke up after a few moments. "Our friend's defiance of this world's laws never ceases to amaze."

"For sure," Venti agreed, before something caught his interest out of the corner of his eye. "And it looks like we're not the only ones who think so."

Ei and Zhongli followed his gaze and were surprised to see dozens of strange plant-like creatures gathered around the edges of the clearing, just barely beyond the treeline. "What are these creatures?"

One of the creatures in question seemed to notice their gaze and jumped in fright. In an instant, they scattered back into the forest. "What was that all about?" Paimon's voice drew their attention back to see the duo returning to ground-level.

"Those plant-creatures were watching us for a while," Aether noted.

"They are known as Aranara," Zhongli explained. "They live as one with the forest. It seems they have also sensed the presence of one blessed by Dendro."

"It looks like we have a straggler." Venti said. The party once again turned their attention to the treeline to see a single solitary Aranara still watching them.

"It's okay!" Paimon called out encouragingly. "We're friends!"

"Great Naras… scary…!" The creature said timidly.

" Great Naras? " Aether repeated.

" Nara is the word they use to describe humans," Zhongli offered what knowledge he could. " Great Naras are what they call gods and other illuminated beings."

"They can tell that you're gods from a glance?" Paimon asked in shock.

"That is surprising," Aether agreed. "Not even the other Adepti and Yokai could see through your disguises without you tipping your hand."

"The Aranara are said to be deeply in tune with the world," Venti said with a shrug. "Not only the waking world, but the world of dreams, too. They have a perspective on reality that you and I could never fully understand."

Aether hummed before turning back to the cowering creature. Slowly, he knelt down to appear smaller and gave it an encouraging smile. "Hi. I'm Aether. What's your name?"

The creature stared at him for a moment before cautiously coming forward. "...A Golden Nara has appeared once again. This time in the presence of Great Naras."

"Hmm?" The Traveler cocked his head in puzzlement. Golden Nara? Clearly it meant his hair, but he got the feeling it ran deeper than that…

"Greetings, little one," Zhongli said kindly. "Great Naras we may have been once upon a time; we are but humble travelers now."

The creature merely looked at him with a confused expression on its face. "A tree may shed its leaves," it said simply. "But it is still a tree."

"...Quite so." Zhongli conceded with a chuckle.

"I'm Venti," the bard began their introductions. "This blockhead is Zhongli. The floating one is Paimon and the purple one is Ei. And of course the golden one is Aether."

"I am known as Arapurva." The creature introduced itself. "It has been long since this land has been graced by the Great Nara."

The group could only stare at him in confusion. "Whatever do you mean by that?" Venti questioned. "Is this land not under the stewardship of Lesser Lord Kusanali?"

Ei's brow furrowed. "I had thought it strange," she murmured. "When we first entered this realm, I felt no spark of divinity flowing through the land. Even in Liyue, in the absence of Morax, his lingering divinity still emanated throughout the earth."

Zhongli nodded. "Even Barbatos's touch can be felt upon the breeze in Mondstadt, despite his long slumber."

The Aranara seemed genuinely surprised by their response. "The Great Nara truly do not know?" He asked before shaking his head ruefully. "The God of Dendro lies shackled in a gilded cage."

"..."

" What. " The three gods demanded as one.

"Ah, shit…" Aether could feel a headache starting to come on as the atmosphere took on a frigid tone. Would he ever be able to just walk into a new nation and not get bombarded by some huge crisis?

"Here we go again."