Work Text:
Aether sluggishly swam near the surface, his tail barely cooperating with him as blood leaked from several areas on his body.
The mer had gotten into an awful fight with a creature that escaped the darkest corners of the ocean, and he barely escaped with his life. What’s even worse, he got separated from his sister and had no idea whether she was okay or not.
He was so lost.
And he doesn’t think he has much time left with how much he was bleeding.
Aether almost gives up, with no other mers to help him around and no clue on how to help himself- he was getting exhausted and a nap down below seemed… Better.
But then he spots a shadow in the distance, and when squinting to try and clear the blurriness- he freezes.
It was a ship.
A rather large ship at that.
He… This was his only option now, wasn’t it?
Those on two legs usually didn’t like his kind that much, but he’d die if he did nothing- and he could still possibly die if the ones on that ship killed him. So really, he had nothing to lose.
Aether pushes himself towards the ship, breathing rather heavy as he further exhausts himself- only stopping when he reaches the side of the large thing, hands grabbing desperately at the ladder that hangs off of it. He tries so hard to climb, but he just can’t. Lifting himself without bottom support required energy he didn’t have.
….
“CAPTAIN!”
He flinches at the shout, and he glances up to see a short man along with a taller one- with an eyepatch- staring down at him-
Then,
“Help me pull them up!”
He wasn’t sure what they were saying, their languages being different- but they didn't sound angry, At least.
Aether lets out a small gasp when more join the other two above, tugging on the ladder together and effectively lifting him up and onto the ship. He’s tugged into the shorter man’s arms, and Aether wraps his arms around himself as he lets himself be held- again, not even having the energy for arguing against this.
He shuts his eyes tightly, not comprehending anything being said around him.
“He’s hurt,” The short one says, tone worried-
“Careful. You never know which ones are of the abyss..” One warns,
“It’s alright.” The tall one with the eyepatch reassures-
Aether feels a hand on his head,
“We’ll help him.”
…
A few days later Aether is still alive.
A little claustrophobic, but still alive.
He’s curled up in a small pool-sized amount of water in the captain’s quarters of the ship, there’s at least enough privacy for him. It’s nice and dark, there being black around him and a top to his small space that allows it to be closed- but it’s never locked.
They always give him the option to get out if he needs to- and even leave.
He was grateful.
Aether was healing slowly with the help of a nice young lady on the ship, and he still felt pretty awful- but it was better than being dead.
The mer hides his face when the top to his space opens, and he peeks up only once his eyes adjust to the dim light.
Mm, the kind tall man with the eye patch. K..Kaeya? Was his name? …He was learning.. Just slowly.
He knew Xiao’s name really well. The short man that held him when he first got on the ship. Xiao kept him company a lot, even if it was silent most of the time. Xiao would chase away his nightmares too by being here at night- gently patting his head through the water when he’d be visibly uncomfortable.
Xiao also snuck him food.
Really yummy food.
Aether lets himself float gently to the top of the water when Kaeya gestures for him to do so, resting his arms on the side of his ‘tub’ and staring with wide-eyes at the blue-haired man.
“Hello, Aether.” Kaeya greets- tone soft and easy as to not scare the mer at all. “You faring alright?”
Aether’s face scrunches up cutely, trying his hardest to comprehend what was said- only really knowing ‘hello’ along with his name. “..Hi.” Is all he manages back to Kaeya, making the blue-haired man just smile.
“We’ll get there.” Kaeya reassures, then tries to figure out how he was going to tell Aether that he well- needed to change the water he was currently in. “Ah… Hm. Here, wait.” Kaeya stands, leaving the quarters for a moment- leaving Aether to blink in confusion after him.
When Kaeya comes back in with Xiao, Aether immediately lets a happy chirp slip from him- Kaeya’s eyes flashing in amusement and Xiao’s face flushing a light red.
“See? Happy to see you as always.” Kaeya snickers, patting Xiao’s back lightly as the short man grumbles.
Aether only tilts his head and chirps again-
“..Hmph.” Xiao approaches the ‘tub’, eyes flickering to Aether’s tail as it does its best to swish back and forward- it moved rather slowly, clearly still struggling with the size of the tub and injuries still healing-
But Xiao knew a swishing tail meant Aether was happy, and his chest felt warm to know the reaction was for him.
“You want me to hold him while you change the water?” Xiao has to clarify before he attempts to pull Aether from his safe place for the last few days- sighing softly when a ‘mhm’ comes from his captain. Right. Xiao moves his arms into the water, wrapping around Aether’s torso gently and staying there for a moment, making sure the mer wouldn’t have a bad reaction to this. When Aether wraps his arms around his neck and his tail starts swishing a tiny bit quicker- Xiao tightens his grip.
Okay. So far so good. Though, he probably just thinks he’s getting a hug right now.
Hm.
“Aether Aether Aether,” Xiao whispers to the mer as he starts to pull him out of the tub- seeing as the mer only knows his name and a few select words it’s the best he can say to reassure the blonde. Aether is of course incredibly confused by the movement, whining the more the air touches his usually submerged body. Xiao frowns at that, “Hey hey hey,” He says instead of his name- ‘hey, hi, and hello' were friendly words he knew. Aether stops whining when he processes the words, staring up at Xiao when he’s completely out of the water and-
“Hi” Aether whispers out- though slightly wobbly with emotion. His grip tightens on Xiao- not letting go until he’s able to go back into the tub and not into the ocean.
He doesn’t wanna leave yet.
When Xiao’s grip tightens in reaction to that, Aether is only slightly reassured.
Xiao sits down off to the side while holding the mer, and they both watch as Kaeya along with.. Um… A ginger-haired man- he forgot his name- Aether thinks sheepishly- drain his tub of water then refill it.
Oh.
Fresh water.
Right. That made sense.
Aether lets his head rest on Xiao’s shoulder, now bored with the two refilling his tub now that he knows they’re not just emptying it to get rid of it and him. The mer coos when Xiao rubs his chin on the top of his blonde-haired head, happy to be pet no matter what form.
And be pet by Xiao.
Xiao might be his favorite person, okay?
Aether hasn’t seen much of the other crew- as he assumes they want to give him space. That and- not overwhelm him.
Again, he’s certainly grateful for everything they’re doing- but he wouldn’t mind meeting the others if everyone he’s met so far has been this kind to him.
Aether squeaks when he gets lifted into the air again, hanging on tightly once more as Xiao walks back over to the tub with a hum. He places Aether back into the water, a soft look on the typically deadpan face when Aether chirps happily at the feeling of fresh water.
This seems to be enough movement for the day, as Aether sinks to the bottom and curls up as much as he can. Xiao lets out a quiet sigh, raising his hand up towards the lid in order to close the small space for the mer.
And when darkness encompasses Aether, he relaxes.
He falls asleep to the quiet, and dreams of his sister.
…..
He misses his sister.
…
Days turns to weeks, his healing while still slow- he’s showing very good progress.
The downside to this, is that the mer was getting restless. As much as Aether loved napping, he needed something to do.
That and, the small space he resided in was getting more and more claustrophobic every day.
The entire crew were trying their hardest at least. He’s met all of them properly by now- still struggling with names but knowing faces fairly well- and they bring him- or well, Xiao brings him to look around the ship and get some fresh air every so often.
It still wasn’t enough.
The crew had to deal with the loud whining from the captains quarters every time Aether got left alone for too long, it was even worse when Xiao had to assist the Captain off the ship. No one could settle Aether down better than Xiao.
Kaeya finally admits to needing assistance from an outside source- seeing as they had no idea what to do with Aether at this point. It’d make sense to simply release him back to the ocean waters- but they’ve gone so far from where they had gotten Aether at this point and Aether was…
Attached, to put it simply.
They tried releasing him before, Kaeya admits, a few days ago- but Aether only followed their ship and seemed to enjoy himself- for at least well, a few minutes.
The mer seemed to realize they had tried to let him go, and immediately began to cry out to lift him back up.
Yeah, that hurt to watch.
Kaeya wonders if Aether even has a family to go back to.
They seek out the land of Mondstadt, the city of Freedom being known for its kind citizens.
And known for a certain dealer who deals under the dark-
…Also known as his adopted brother- only known to him that is.
…
Aether is greatly confused when he’s given a hug from Kaeya- then a whisper saying ‘I’ll be back, try to stay silent.’
He watches the Captain leave the room, closing the door and locking it this time behind him.
It leaves Aether with a bad feeling, and he slowly sinks into the water- closing the lid above him and curling up.
What was Kaeya going to do? Why did he have to be quiet? Would Kaeya be okay?
….
He’d be good for Kaeya, that meant not making noise and attracting unwanted attention.
Hghhg… But it was wanted attention that he wanted. Where was Xiao-
Nope. No. Don’t start.
Maybe a nap would be best then…
He shuts his eyes, his breaths slowing as he succumbs to sleep.
Yeah, it’d probably be fine.
Captain Kaeya is tough.
….
“...Step away from him.”
Aether wakes up a while later, at least- he thinks it’s been a while. That nap felt long.
But waking up to Kaeya’s voice sparks energy in him- Kaeya was okay. He’s quick to open his eyes and float up to the surface, only to freeze when a sword is aimed at his face.
“I said. Step. Away. from him.”
Aether’s eyes flicker up to this unknown person with blonde hair pointing the sword at him, then to Kaeya standing behind him. Aether’s ears droop down and he slowly starts sinking back into the water until it’s just his eyes above. Kaeya had a sword pointed at the blonde and the blonde had a sword pointed at himself-
“You’re harboring the Prince of the abyss, it’d be wise for you to allow me to end his life now.” The blonde says, tone serious and unyielding.
“He’s harmless. Back the fuck away.” Kaeya hisses out, and Aether has never seen Kaeya look so angry before.
Aether was growing more and more upset himself, his eyes glow lightly as his hand shoots out of the water and grabs the sword by it’s sharp edges- not caring when his hand bleeds as he forcibly snatches the sword away and throws it to the side. This surprises both of the tall males, especially when he pulls himself out of the water halfway and bares his fangs- hissing at the blonde and swiping at him with a clawed hand.
“...Harmless, you say.” The blonde says, backing up and making Aether sink back into the water partly while still growling.
“No one is harmless when threatened.” Kaeya tsks, now able to slam the blonde into the ground now that he’s disarmed. “Did you come alone?”
“Asking to see if I have backup?” The blonde counters,
“You don’t. Good.” Kaeya lifts the blonde to his feet, “Tell me your name.” He keeps the man’s hands behind his back, pulling out rope to tie the wrists together.
“...Dainsleif.”
“Dainsleif,” Kaeya nods, glancing over to Aether who’s still glaring intensely at the blonde- “Lets go have a talk. My brother would love to meet you. And Aether,”
Aether’s ears perk up,
“Xiao will be here soon, okay? Ajax will come to change your water as well and take a look at that hand- hm?” Kaeya gives Aether a small smile, before his expression shifts back to pissed off and he pushes Dainsleif out the quarters.
Aether’s eyes had lightened lightly at the mention of Xiao- but he was still extremely stressed from what just took place. He whines as Kaeya leaves, and continues to whine rather loudly until Xiao comes to take care of him with Ajax not too far behind.
Xiao looked angry when seeing the cuts on his hand, but the need to hold Aether and comfort the mer was greater over his need for beating the person that did this into the ground.
Aether wraps his arms tightly around the short pirate, letting himself be pulled out of the water and held as Ajax takes care of his bleeding hand.
“You can’t be grabbing swords like that…” Ajax sighs out softly, cleaning the wound and warning Aether gently that it may sting, “I know you’re brave, but you shouldn’t hurt yourself intentionally.”
Aether pouts at that, stubbornly resting his head on Xiao’s shoulder and hiding himself slightly. “Mean.” He mumbles,
“Me mean or that blonde was mean?” Ajax questions in amusement,
“Both.”
“Mhm.. Is being worried mean to you?”
“..yes.”
“You’re mean too then if that’s true, you were worried about Kaeya- weren’t you?”
Aether’s pout deepens.
“Mhm.” Ajax wraps Aether’s hand with bandages, and once he’s done he ruffles the blonde’s hair making the mer whine in complaint. “We just care about you, bub. Don’t hurt yourself because it hurts us too.”
Aether huffs in response, though the mer’s expression softens. His pout comes back quickly however when Xiao flicks him on the nose,
“Stop being a brat.” Xiao grumbles out- though fondly, “Just because you’re cute doesn’t mean you can get away with it.”
Ajax’s eyebrow raises in amusement when Aether’s face immediately flushes red and he goes still, staring with wide eyes at Xiao- seeming utterly baffled.
“Ah, well- let me get that water changed. Then we can get some good food, hm? While our lovely Capt’n handles… That.” Ajax ruffles the blonde hair again- snapping Aether out of his lovestruck gaze. The mer attempts to bite his hand, but Ajax pulls away quickly enough and skips on over to the tub.
Aether is left to Xiao now, and despite his earlier embarrassment, he still starts his daily ‘preening’ of the man’s hair. He runs his hands through the strands, cooing contently when Xiao tilts his head down to give Aether better access.
How Xiao let him even start doing this, no one knows. No one is allowed to even touch him most of the time.
The crew has to admit though, Xiao’s hair has never looked better with the help of the mer.
When Kaeya eventually comes back into the quarters- Aether is back in his tub with fresh water- though, still halfway out and hugging Xiao.
Xiao doesn’t look displeased, just soaked- which was normal every time he visited Aether anyways.
“Hey,” Kaeya greets kindly, crouching by the tub and accepting Aether’s bandaged hand into his own when the mer reaches out towards him with a chirp. “You certainly had some fiery, didn’t you? Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
Aether just blinks. “Hi.” He says simply, making Kaeya snort.
“Hello.” Kaeya responds back, ruffling the blonde hair- which everyone seems to do- much to Aether’s embarrassment. “Ajax will be back with food as I’ve heard… But Aether… I must ask,” Kaeya’s eyes flicker to Xiao, who looks back to him with respect- respect Kaeya was happy to earn from the short man, especially in moments like this where his trust was needed. The blue-haired man looks back to Aether, “are you of the abyss?” He questions-
Aether stares in utter confusion.
Shit, what’s abyss in mer terms? They haven’t exactly taught Aether what it meant in their only language yet- there hasn’t been a need to.
…
“Let me,” Xiao gains Aether’s attention along with Kaeya’s, “The abyss is the deep dark below, did you come from it?”
Aether frowns lightly, face then scrunching up as he thinks before he lets out a little huff. He nods slowly, but then shakes his head as well.
“Yes and no?” Xiao questions with a raised eyebrow, frowning when Aether whines in frustration.
“It’s okay, I know it’s hard to explain.” Kaeya reassures, “Here,” the man pulls out a box of matches, taking out of them and lighting it- it makes Aether’s eyes widen in amazement- almost trying to grab the small fire but quickly being stopped by Xiao who looks at Kaeya weirdly- “Ah, it won’t touch him. I promise. Xiao, mind holding his eye open?”
Xiao is skeptical, but reaches over to Aether’s eye- the mer letting Xiao do as he pleases- another reason he’s glad to have Xiao’s trust, as he had Aether’s. He holds the mer’s eye open, and Kaeya holds the match up close to it.
When the pupil shimmers under the light, Kaeya frowns.
There’s a star in the middle- not seen by simply looking, but if you stare long enough…
Only abyss royalty had these stars. He would know, he had them himself.
He extinguishes the match, letting out a soft sigh and standing up. “Right. You can let go of him now.” Kaeya turns towards the door, starting to walk forward but pausing when Aether lets out a confused noise. He turns back with a sad smile, “Don’t fret, I’ll come back.”
He simply had plans to make,
To bring down the abyss- so they’d never get their hands on another ‘Aether’ ever again.
That and, talk some damn sense into Dainsleif for trying to take out Aether.
The mer was nothing like his sister, after all.
….Aether had a sister.. Information he didn’t think he’d be learning- he felt awful for the mer, he’d probably been missing her every single day.
A shame she’s taken over the abyss as queen and has begun attacking the open ocean.
Though Kaeya has to wonder… If Aether reunited with her, would she calm down?
It’s a lot to think about, and he has time. A pirate’s life has its advantages, after all.