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Aether was beginning to lose hope, lose sight of what he yearned for so desperately. The metaphorical light at the end of the tunnel was growing dimmer as his sister felt more out of reach, and he felt more out of place.
Mondstadt is the nation of freedom and love. However, the city and its archon seemed to attract corruption far and wide. Could it be the ignorance of the true intentions of the Abyss Order that makes them a magnet for distress, or something else entirely?
Liyue is the nation of commerce and contracts. When their god fell during the very ceremony to seek guidance, the nation panicked. Ever since tensions have remained high between the Adepti and the Qixing, only another disaster could bond them or sever their ties completely.
Aether’s latest stop, Inazuma, the nation of everlasting eternity, was his tipping point. The Raiden Shogun ruled with one end in mind, an unchanging eternity. However, the god had yet to see the change that had already occurred. The Fatui were involved, as they were in his previous stops, and their desire for gnoses began to know no bounds.
A harbinger, indirectly slain by himself, made him think long and hard about his situation.
He started with the goal to find his sister, but upon seeing her as she sided with the Abyss Order, she told him to continue his journey. She would wait for him so they could reunite.
Aether wondered if she went through the same things he did. Were their situations entirely different? He had never been as strong-willed as Lumine, and the cracks in his life were beginning to grow more prominent.
After the dust had settled in Inazuma, Aether found himself back in Liyue Harbor. A festival was right around the corner, and he knew his Liyue associates would want him to experience it.
He wasn’t excited about the festival at all; Aether was too tired to handle it. Paimon worried over him day after day before she set off on a mission Aether knew nothing about. It had been several days since she had been by his side, and he could only imagine the worst. Aether considered Paimon one of his true friends in this world, and being left to his thoughts in such a foreign place wasn’t helping.
Aether was unable to finish his commissions as well as he did in the past. He was too exhausted to ward off the hilichurls and the slimes repeatedly. His interest in the recurring events happening across Teyvat had dwindled. Aether was beginning to lose himself, and he didn’t have his sister to ground him as she always had.
Aether sat atop one of the high peaks in Huanguang Stone Forest. Not many hilichurls set up camp at the highest areas, so Aether was left in peace. The sounds of nature were even muffled at his altitude.
Aether closed his eyes, leaning back to rest against the grass as he focused on his breathing. His mind was at war with itself, and his body was growing weak from the mental disarray. Lumine reminded him it could be good to cry when overwhelmed during their previous journeys, and he always found it to be solid advice.
Yet now, in a safe and secluded place, Aether could not bring himself to cry. He was tired. In every way imaginable, Aether was giving up.
“You’re lucky you chose this spot to occupy. Anywhere else with your guard down could have you killed.”
Xiao. The only other constant during Aether’s time in Teyvat. Aether wrenched his eyes open to peer up at the Adeptus openly checking the traveler for any injuries.
“What is wrong? You seem to be thinking about something. Your floating companion sought me out, I’ve been looking for you for quite some time.” Xiao spoke softly, the edge in his voice gone. It took some time for the hardened Adeptus to accept his gentleness around Aether, but Aether appreciated the soothing voice at this moment.
“What happened to being able to find me anywhere and anytime?” Aether tried to joke, but his voice was frail. Xiao’s clothing clattered as he sat down next to Aether, looking out over the horizon.
“Your aura is different. It’s dark. I did not believe it was you until I was close enough to confirm.” Xiao’s gaze moved from the horizon to Aether. Softness and concern were readable in his eyes, but Aether would never dare point it out.
“I see,” Aether hummed. He sighed deeply, shutting his eyes as he tried to focus on the warmth of the sun. “Why do you think my aura is different?”
“Immediately upon seeing you, I could tell something is troubling you. Mental turmoil has influenced you.” Xiao completely turned his body to face Aether. “I can assure you, anything you say to me will be kept between us. I wish to understand what’s on your mind.”
“It’s… depressing, really. I don’t like talking about such topics, especially with you. I don’t want to hurt you unintentionally.” Aether couldn’t look at Xiao. He was afraid of looking at the very person who swore to protect him at any cost, because how could Xiao protect Aether from himself?
“Please, Aether. I’m concerned for your well-being.” Xiao spoke softer than ever. Aether steeled himself before sitting up and turning towards Xiao.
“I feel… useless. I’m just a mascot for everything that has happened, and I don’t feel any closer to finding my sister.” Aether’s eyes burned, tears freely flowing despite Aether’s calmness. The sight alerted Xiao who then acted on instinct, reaching out to brush the tears from Aether’s cheeks.
“Continue. I can see more is bothering you,” Xiao whispered, letting his hands fall to Aether’s lap. Aether internally cursed at whatever senses Xiao had.
“Everything really builds off of what I said. I alone have no purpose in this world, and I alone have made no impact on it. I’m-“
“You are wrong,” Xiao cut the traveler off quickly, earning a surprised glance from Aether. “You have at the very least impacted me.”
“What-“
“There is a strong chance I would’ve fallen to my karma shortly after Morax’s passing had you not changed my view on mortals and their ways. Your company and companionship have changed century-long habits of mine with ease. If there comes a time for you to leave this world, I will cherish your impact on me for the rest of my days. You are invaluable and unique. Your time in Teyvat is only beginning.” Xiao slipped his hands into Aether’s gently, rubbing soft circles onto the back of the traveler’s hand with his thumbs.
The contact was enough to shake Aether’s calmness, but Xiao’s words struck him hard. He never would’ve thought he impacted the last yaksha so strongly, but he’s relieved he did.
Aether freed his hands from Xiao’s only to toss them around the Adeptus’ neck instead. A stunned sound escaped Xiao’s lips before settling down, linking his arms around Aether’s waist and lying back. One of his hands pulled the hair tie from Aether’s hair, letting it fall to the ground as he combed the silky locks gently.
Aether silently sobbed into Xiao’s shoulder. To finally feel something after months of numbness was enough to soothe Aether, at least enough to let him cry freely.
“If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, call my name. Whether it be a strong enemy you can’t face alone, loneliness that aches, or your mind that runs rampant, I will be by your side.”