Chapter Text
Aether had been to many different universes on purpose, but this time he had no clue on how he’d gotten here.
“Ugh-” he groaned, his eyes flickered open, and he realised he was not in Liyue anymore. Aether heaved himself up, he then realised someone was holding his wrist, and he shrieked. “Traveller why did you yell?” said a familiar voice, Aether whipped his head around, seeing Xiao behind him.
“Xiao? Where are we!” Panic ran through his voice. Xiao let go of Aether’s wrist, pushing himself up off the floor. They were indeed in an unknown place, it seemed to be a hallway with huge glass windows looking out to a forest.
“Get behind me Traveller, be on guard” demanded Xiao, and Aether was quick to oblige. Xiao summoned his polearm and Aether did the same with his sword, they started pacing down the hall sticking close to each other.
They didn’t get far before a small mouse looking thing in a suit had appeared in front of them. “Hello? Who might you two be?” The mouse-y creature asked, concern visible in its eyes. Xiao stood his ground, holding his polearm in a defensive stance. “Um- uh i’m.. Aether” the boy said, resulting in a glare from Xiao.
“Hm. Ok, it doesn't look like your companion wants to talk.” said the mouse-y person, “How did you get here?” it continued. “I-” Aether started, before Xiao covered his mouth with a hand. Aether shot him a glare, Xiao returning it with a 'i got this’ look.
“We have no idea how we got here. Now, we’d like to leave, I can’t afford to waste my time with unknown mortals.” Xiao answered, “Xiao! Don’t be so mean!” Aether scolded, but Xiao paid no mind to this.
“Oh, it's truly ok. But I'm afraid I cannot let you leave just yet.” said the Mouse. “And why not?” said Xiao, his eyes flashing with annoyance and anger. “Well, for starters this is private property, and we need to make sure you're not a threat!” the mouse explained.
“C’mon Xiao, let’s just go with him.” persuaded Aether, “Fine, but as soon as anything wrong happens, we’re gone.” The boy agreed. The mouse began taking off down the hall, pursuited by the two outlanders.
“Take a seat, boys” said the mouse, “My name is Nezu, and you two.. Aether and Xiao, I presume?”, “Yep!” confirmed the golden haired boy. Xiao just ‘tched’ in response. “Now, can you tell me anything you remember before getting here?” Nezu asked.
“Hm. Well, Xiao and I were just talking (well actually Aether was doing most of the talking), and then I don’t remember what happened next, because I fell asleep… then we woke up here.” Aether answered, concern spread across his face.
“Hmm, where were you last before you got here?” Nezu inquired, “Liyue. Near Wangshu Inn.” Xiao answered this time. “I’ve never heard of Liyue or Wangshu Inn before, Are you sure that's where you were?” Nezu pondered.
“I am sure.” confirmed the Adeptus. “Where are we now?” he continued. “Musutafu, Japan” Nezu answered. Aether looked lost in his thoughts. He had the most experience (and the only experience) in universe hopping, so it wouldn’t be too strange for him to be in an unknown world.
“I think I've heard the name Japan before.” he finally said, snapping out of his trance. “I think- I think we’re in a different universe.” Aether continued, “oh my!” said Nezu, confused how this seemingly young boy knew so much about things like universe travelling.
“Well, if you two need a place to stay before you can safely return to your universe, then I’d be glad to help you out!” Offered Nezu, “Oh, thank you! But i’ll have to talk this out with Xiao.” thanked Aether.
Aether gestured to Xiao to follow him, and they exited the room. “So, do we take up his offer? We don’t have a clue where we are, and this is the best chance we’ve got!” asked Aether, Xiao contemplated his question.
“Fine. But we have to be careful, we do not know if they have any ulterior motives.” Xiao finally agreed. “Yay! Thank you Xiao!” Aether celebrated, before pecking Xiao on the cheek. “Eh!?” Xiao stumbled, losing his composure, his face bright red. Aether giggled before heading back inside to talk to Nezu.
“Have you two made a decision?” asked Nezu, as he saw Aether and Xiao re-enter the room. “Yes, we’ll take you up on that offer. But we’d like to know the details.” Aether confirmed.
“Of course! We want to keep an eye on you, so you can join one of our classes.” Nezu went on. “Classes?” Aether questioned. “Oh yes, this is a school, so I’d suggest you to join one of our classes!” he advised. “Um. Ok then!” Aether beamed.
“We’ll give you an allowance for meals, and I'm afraid for lodging.. We only have one room, with one bed.”, “That is fine, Adepti don’t need sleep.” Xiao piped in. “Oh? Adepti? I don’t believe I know the term.” stated Nezu.
“Adepti are immortal beings that wield special powers.” Xiao explained, not going into detail. “Interesting! Oh, that reminds me! Do you have any quirks? Or should I say superpowers?” Nezu queried.
“Oh, well I guess so! I used to be able to fly with these wings I could materialise, and do some other things.. But now I can manipulate anemo, geo or electro to my will.” said Aether, listing off the things he could do.
“Anemo? Geo? Electro? I’m afraid you’ll have to elaborate.” stated Nezu. “Oh, Anemo is wind, Geo is.. Well like rocks. And Electro is electricity!” the blonde explained. “Thank you, sir.” the mouse thanked.
Xiao was more hesitant to say anything, but eventually he gave in. “I can also manipulate anemo.. And I can do things only adepti can as well. I feel no need to explain further.” the grumpy adeptus explained.
“Thank you, now we have some spare uniforms that you two can try on.” Nezu announced, before getting up and rummaging through a box of spare school items, pulling out two male uniforms. The uniforms looked like a bit much for the small mouse to handle, so Aether rushed over, taking it out of his hands.
“Thank you! We’ll go get changed now.” thanked Aether.
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“I still don’t get why you accepted their offer, Traveller.” Xiao stated. The uniform was a little snug, but it fit otherwise. “I told you before, we might not have another chance at finding a place to stay! Besides, it can’t be too bad”. In truth, Aether was really worried, but he didn't want to show his concern.
After trying on the uniform, and then putting on their clothes they arrived in, they went back to where Nezu was to confirm that they’re uniforms fit.
“We’ll get you accommodated, and you’ll start classes in the next few days. I’ll have to find you a class to be put in, and the dorms are always ready to go!” smiled the mouse.