Work Text:
Aether Was Lying On The Bed Of The Hotel Room In Fontaine, He Was Still Thinking About What Happened Earlier, Of His Meeting With One More Day Harbingers Of The Fatui, "The Knave"
He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel a little intimidated by her presence, not even the Shogun made him shiver like that, and even though Arlecchino hadn't tried anything against him, it was still...strange.
She Practically Talked to Furina the Whole Conversation, and Every Now and Then He Did, But He Also Pretended Not to Notice the Looks She Was Giving Him, And When He Accompanied Arlecchino, She Stared at Him With an Intensity He'd Never Felt Before
Aether Just Sighs, Trying To Stop Thinking About Arlecchino, It Was As If She Wanted Him To Keep Thinking About Her, He Closes His Eyes, Waiting To Fall Asleep To Wake Up The Next Day Calmly, He Still Had Things To Solve In Fontaine And He Also Knew...This Wouldn't Be The Last Time He'd See Arlecchino
Suddenly, Aether shudders as he feels a cold breeze on his exposed stomach, he sits on the bed and looks at the window, seeing that it is open, he gets up from the bed, then he gets up and approaches the window
Aether:I Could Swear I Left The Window Closed!
Aether puts his head out of the window a little, observing some people walking through the streets of Fontaine, he then moves away a little and closes the window
Aether then returned to bed, settling down on it and taking a blanket to cover himself and protect himself from the cold, this time he closed his eyes so he could sleep... Not even noticing the pair of eyes staring at him, this pair of eyes strangely had marks Red "X"
There Was A Bat On Top Of The Cabinet, The Bat Had Familiar Bangs And The Eyes Said Above, The Bat Also Had Familiar Bangs And Stared At The Sleeping Form Of Aether With Intensity And Something Else
The bat opens its wings, flapping them and leaving the top of the closet, the bat lands at the foot of the bed and closes its wings, but at this exact moment, a dark and dense fog covers the bat's body and grows until it takes over the entire room
When All The Black Fog Clears, The Tall Form Of A Female Figure Is Revealed, It Is Arlecchino Herself, The Fourth Of The Eleven Fatui Harbingers, Her Eyes Hover Over The Sleeping Form Of Aether, Then A Faint Mysterious And Dark Smile Appears In your face
One of Arlecchino's hands rests on Aether's hair, stroking and feeling the softness and softness of the hair of the traveler from another world who was only after his lost sister, Arlecchino approaches Aether's face, her lips were hovering over his ear
Arlecchino:Poor Traveler, Going From Nation to Nation Looking for People Who Can Help Him Find His Dear Sister, Only to Be Used by These So-Called People to Solve the Nation's Problems
Arlecchino: Always Doing Everything for Everyone While Everyone Does So Little for You, How many times have you almost died to solve their problems?, How many times have they deigned to help you when you need it most
Arlecchino: A Beautiful Ray of Sunshine Who's Too Kind for His Own Good...
Arlecchino's hand comes out of Aether's hair and starts running down his face, Arlecchino's nails gently running across Aether's sleeping face, then her hand reaches for his neck, she moves his head away a little
Arlecchino:I'm going to give you the opportunity to make a choice, that archon doesn't even know what she's doing and will probably also use you to solve her problems, the only difference is that I'll be here too
Arlecchino: I'll Be Here And Together We'll Prevent Fontaine From Being Submerged By The Sea, And When It's All Over, I'll Offer You An Opportunity That I Know You Won't Refuse...
Arlecchino Brings Her Lips Closer to Aether's Neck, Opening Her Mouth, It Is Revealed That Arlecchino Has Two Fangs, She Gently Bites Aether's Neck, Feeling The Fangs Sink Into The Traveler's Flesh, Arlecchino Closing Her Eyes, Sucking Aether's Blood, Which Squirms A Little In Sleep
The red liquid poured down Arlecchino's throat, and to her, it was as if she was drinking ambrosia, she had never had blood that tasted so...divine, Arlecchino supposed it was because Aether was not from this world.
Arlecchino spends a few more seconds drinking Aether's blood, then she pulls away, a trickle of blood passes through her lips, which she quickly licks, she takes a cloth and presses it gently against the bite mark on Aether's neck, the cloth White Quickly Turning Red
Then, A Black Marking Begins To Appear And Take A Shape On Aether's Neck, Like A Black "X" Shaped Tattoo, Arlecchino Removes The Red Cloth From Aether's Neck And Brings The Cloth Closer To Her Face, Arlecchino Gently Smells The Cloth Blood Red, Feeling the Divine Fragrance of Aether's Blood
Arlecchino:It's Almost As Divine As The Smell...
Arlecchino Gently Puts Her New Most Precious Possession In Her Pocket, Then She Looks At Her Mark On Aether's Neck, She Smiles Darkly Upon Seeing The Mark
Arlecchino:This Mark Will Make You Come Back To Me, I Guarantee It, You Will Come With Me After Fontaine Is Saved, And I Will Give You The Answers You Have Been Looking For...And All I Will Ask In Exchange Is Your Devotion To Me, I am sure that you will make the right decision when the day comes, My Dear Traveler...
Arlecchino Approaches The Window And Opens It, She Looks One Last Time At Aether's Sleeping Form, She Smiles
Arlecchino:See You Soon, Sunshine Boy
With that said, a black fog surrounds Arlecchino, who transformed into a bat and left the room, flying over the night skies of Fontaine, leaving his permanent mark on the otherworldly traveler
The next morning, Aether wakes up feeling a lot more relaxed but at the same time, more lethargic than usual as well as a few more unusually feelings stirring within himself.
Aether:Hm?!, That's weird. My skin is much paler than before, and why do I feel so tired even though I just woke up?!
He noticed the color of his skin on his arm was paler than normal. As he reached for the left side of neck (where the Knave had stealthily bitten him the night before), he began to feels some tenderness and some pain as he tried to touch it.
Aether:Ack! Why does my neck feel like it's straining right now?!
The sudden jolt of tenderness prompted him to run to the restroom to check on what's wrong with him. Upon inspecting himself in front of the mirror in the restroom, he noticed an X-shaped mark that was slightly glowing red as well as a small scar that was indicative of a bite mark on top of it.
Aether:Wait. I recognize this X shape from anywhere. It's...
Aether's thought process was finished before his eyes started to glow a fairly vibrant red and the same X mark on his neck started to appear on his eyes.
Aether staggers a little, feeling a little dizzy, he leans against the bathroom sink
"Good morning, sunshine boy. You seem rather unsurprised with your discovery of my mark there."
a silky, distinct feminine voice echoed in Aether's mind.
Aether:So it was you, Arlecchino. You were the one that visited me last night and bit my neck. I'm also assuming this 'mark' of yours is what's allowing us to communicate telepathically?!
Aether communicated back to her on the notion that he now can talk back to her telepathically.
Arlecchino:Quite observant, Traveler. I never expected your senses to be heightened and for you to be a light sleeper. And yes, my mark there is what's allowing us to communicate telepathically!
Aether doesn't know if one is a little grateful or skeptical for the small compliment
Aether:One of the perks of being a long-time adventurer and a celestial being. My senses are more finely tuned than others, allowing me to be hyperaware of my environment, even when I'm asleep!
Now It was time for him to ask the Knave a few questions with regards to her visit last night, as this was still a mystery to him and he was quite skeptical about it
Aether:Why did you visit me last night? Considering that this mark gives you access to my mind, you could've easily just woke me up or whisk me away somewhere?!
Arlecchino:Allow me to ask you this. If a Fatui Harbinger randomly woke you up in the middle of the night, wouldn't you feel rather unnerved or annoyed at them? It would also be bad for my image as well as the Fatui's to steal the great Traveler away from the prying eyes of the world in the dead of night. Don't you think?!
Aether:...
Arlecchino:That's what I thought...
Aether:Anyway, with regards to your words last night...I greatly appreciate your pity towards me. But considering that you're still the Knave and renown for being one of the world's greatest manipulators, I don't exactly trust you to have the answers that I want!
Aether says with a voice dripping with vigilance and caution as he waited for Arlecchino to respond
Arlecchino:Your mistrust towards me is indeed warranted, Traveler. But... do not have doubts when I say that we share the goal of wanting to save Fontaine from its fate. Wouldn't you also agree that Furina is rather...unequipped to face the reality and gravity of our situation here?!
Aether:We may be on the same page with regards to Fontaine's situation, Miss Knave. But after encountering the likes of Dottore, you're going to have to give me an even more valid reason to trust you. And before you say that you have a bank of information on my Abyss Princess of a sister, that's not going to be enough
Aether replied staunchly with several seconds of silence passing before the Knave replied
Arlecchino:...You are quite stubborn, Traveler...and I like that. Your spirit, your sharp mind, your sense of justice...I can see why you've earned the favor of the 4 nations you've traveled to!
Arlecchino appraised him. Aether gave himself several seconds to think of a response before talking back.
Aether:Why didn't you just take over my mind last night when you had a clean opportunity to do so?!, You could've easily woke up me and hypnotized me to do your bidding and even follow you. But you didn't. You left my wits intact and simply gave me a way to easily contact you back. Why....
Arlecchino:I may be a master manipulator, Traveler. But I find it distasteful to force my influence on others and would much rather let them willingly accept my influence on them. It's more befitting to my role and image in Fontaine. I am also well aware of your mental prowess, Traveler, thanks to your experience with the Samsara in Sumeru
Aether:And what about the small tidbit of you telling me to come to you once Fontaine's situation is solved simply because you have the answers I want. Is that another attempt at manipulating me to do your and the Fatui's bidding?!, You know how I feel about being used as a tool to fix a nations' problems then being tossed away once my purpose is done. You even said it yourself that I deserve more for the generosity I've given to the world. Or is that just another lie then?!
Aether argued as he started to slowly lose his temper as he was slowly unwinding himself at the Knave.
Aether:I'm so tired of doing something for others, but never getting any of the answers I want even when I'm promised them...When I first started back in Mondstadt, I wanted to help the nation not just to get information about my sister's whereabouts from them, but it was out of my kindness after seeing how much Teyvat was messed up under Celestia's rule and wanted to help fix the world in my own way. But as time went on, my patience grew thinner and thinner. I wanted to say 'no' to a lot of people because I was tired of being a hero, but my mercy seems to get the better of me. It's pathetic, isn't it? A boy who couldn't decline the wishes of others because the world tells them not to or else they wouldn't make any progress? Now here I am...a broken, lost young man, venting out with the temper of a child simply because I couldn't have my slice of the cake!
Aether finally finished his tirade as he broke down into tears, kneeling down and closing his eyes shut from the burn out and emotional pain he's been accumulating these past several months.
Arlecchino:...
Arlecchino:To tell you the truth, Traveler...My pity for you is genuine!
Aether suddenly opened his eyes, but still crying.
Aether:Why are you helping me here?!, We're enemies to begin with. I aided in killing your ally, Signora. You're supposed to hate me for it...If you really want to do both of us a favor here, then kill me right here. You and the Fatui will have one less thorn to deal with... and my pain from this journey will end!
Arlecchino:Do not harbor guilt for Signora's death, Traveler. Her death is regrettable, but it was bound to happen when she was overstretching herself in Inazuma. Her death is her doing, not yours, Traveler. Even then, I do not hold unto grudges for far too long!
Arlecchino:Like I said, Traveler. You're a bountiful ray of sunshine unto this world. A kind soul such as yours doesn't deserve this heartbreak. The world has treated you unfairly, despite your spirit to help. That is why I want to help you by giving you the opportunity to have a choice when you never had one to begin with when you first arrived to this world. If you were truly my enemy, Traveler, I wouls not be here talking with you right now!
Arlecchino:But bear in mind. My help does not come without a price. While I do want to be by your side, I won't force you to if it is not in your interest. You are free to treat our alliance here in Fontaine as a one-time occasion. But if you wish to be allied with me even further, that decision is in your hands!
Aether began to stand up as he stopped crying as he continued to stare at the mirror; his eyes still slightly puffy from crying.
Aether:You know...I can't help but feel conflicted about your words here. On one hand, I still harbor some doubts over you. But at the same time, I want to believe that you will help me see my journey through. You're the kind of person that means well, even if your actions don't often say that!
the Knave responding with a short chuckle.
Arlecchino:You don't have to give me your answer right now, Traveler, even after we're done here in Fontaine. But just remember, the House of Hearth's doors are open to you if you choose. But once you go through, there is no going back. I want your full devotion towards me if you choose to accept my assistance with regards to your sister!
Aether:Just promise me one thing too, Arlecchino!
Even telepathically, Aether could tell that Arlecchino had raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.
Aether:If I do accept your offer. Please...don't make me regret it. As much as I enjoying my time here in Teyvat, I'm also tired of this journey and the last thing I want is to hurt even more people and myself than needed!
Arlecchino:You have my word. I promise you nothing but your best interests!
Aether:Oh, and Arlecchino... Please call me Aether. I would much rather you call me by my true name!
Arlecchino:Aether...The ancestral name of the blue sky...A beautiful name for a beautiful boy such as yourself!
Arlecchino complimented to which Aether blushed and complimented back
Arlecchino:You're catching yourself, Miss Knave. I've never met a more handsome woman in all of Teyvat than you!
Arlecchino:Such a compliment, Aether. But I am very grateful for it. As much as I would like to continue talking to you, I have some other matters to attend to. I pray that we meet again soon; not as distant acquaintances, but as close partners, Aether. My sunshine boy~!
Arlecchino ended on a rather filrtatious note.
Aether:And I can't thank you enough for being the first person to care for my feelings... My moonlit knave!
Aether replied in an affectionate way and ended the telepathic link with her
in the House of Hearth:
Arlecchino was sitting at her desk, deep in the darkness of her dark room, the red "X's" in her eyes glowed in the darkness, she holds a cup of tea to her lips
Arlecchino(Thinking):You really are a bright and merciful soul, Aether. Even if you or the world were to become my enemy, I would still gladly protect you. Lyney, Lynette and Freminet do also need a 'Mother' in the House!
Arlecchino's lips twitch into a smile and her eyes shine brighter, she can't wait until this moment comes
back to Aether:
Aether was getting ready to start the day, first he had to pick up Paimon from the teapot and go to the daily commissions, he looks at himself in the mirror, seeing the mark on his neck along with the scar from the bite, he touches it lightly
the situation was still a little unreal for him and he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little nervous
Aether(Thinking):I never expected someone that's supposed to an enemy, at least in Teyvat's eyes, to be the first person to ever care for what I want. But if she really does care for me, then I owe her my loyalty!
he sighs, but then smiles, taking his scarf and wrapping it around his neck, hiding any marks that were there
Aether:but I'm also a little excited to see where this goes
Aether turns and leaves the bathroom, one thing was certain in all this, The Sun and The Moon would still meet, and something interesting would certainly happen when they met