Chapter Text
As the sun creeps above the horizon, the world has once again come alive. Its light travels throughout each region painting the sky with hues of golden warmth. Another day has descended upon the inhabitants of Teyvat. Bards caroling in the nation of Freedom, their melodies blending in harmony. Trade and business has been consistent as always in the nation of Contracts. And in the nation of Eternity, blades were forged meticulously, their sharp edges glinting menacingly in the sunlight with the promise of unyielding strength.
But what about the nation of Justice one might ask? Well, Fontaine was still in the midst of recovering from the aftermath of a disastrous phenomenon. The state-of-the-art nation was once constrained under the confinements of a prophecy. A prophecy so calamitous that threatened to annihilate the entirety of Fontaine, comparable to a ticking time-bomb waiting to be detonated at the right time.
Fortunately, as time went on, the people of Fontaine were aware of the prophecy. Necessary measures were taken by the patrol surveillance, precautions exercised by Fontainians. Everyone was hoping that the prophecy would never occur but still made preparations for the worst lest it becomes true.
Enter the Traveler (Aether). Having suppressed the crisis of the previous 4 nations, he was in a rather debilitated state of mind. Despite his massive contribution, the archons either had no knowledge of his sister’s whereabouts or were unable to tell him due to a binding contract. Well, at least Nahida allowed him to partake in the divulging of some of the world’s secrets and his status in the world. However, rather than solving some of his questions, Nahida’s revelation might invoke more insoluble questions in Aether’s mind at times.
Aether approached Fontaine with tempered expectations, yet a flicker of hope ignited within him. It was a journey he had to undertake. His ever present companion, Paimon, had pointed out the fact that maybe someone in Fontaine would have the answers to some of his burning questions that have lingered for so long in his mind.
“Cheer up Traveler! I’m pretty sure the Hydro Archon or someone will be able to answer your doubts!”
“Yeah… I don’t know about that Paimon. The questions I have in my mind seem to be getting more and more insatiable with each passing day…”
“Hey, at least Paimon will always be by your side until you find your sister!”
“Thank you Paimon…”
At least Aether always had Paimon by his side; she was there with him during his lows and facilitated communication with people. Sure, Paimon was quite gluttonous to say the least, resulting in a considerable hole in his wallet. They were also quite disposed to be at loggerheads when their occasional contrasting ideas clashed. Nevertheless, he was extremely grateful to Paimon for her companionship.
Indeed, Aether would never envision the day when he was taking Paimon’s companionship for granted, but that was before he had known the true ‘Furina’.
At first glance, the Hydro Archon, Furina, was quite the eccentric archon: Publicly challenging him to a duel in the court, giving the appearance of a deflated balloon when she lost, and not being able to give a satisfactory explanation when Childe was declared guilty by the Oratrice Mechanique d’Analyse Cardinale.
His suspicions aroused, Aether, following his false sentence at Duke Wriothesley’s Fortress of Meropide, teamed up with Iudex Neuvillette, Champion Duelist Clorinde, the siblings Lyney, Lynette and Freminet, and president of Rosula di Spina Navia to trap Furina into divulging her secret. Unbeknownst to them, she was supposed to keep her secret at all costs. Only when the Oratrice sentenced her to death did Aether and Neuvillette learn of the true prophecy and Furina’s plan.
With bated breath, Aether clung to Furina's teardrops, transported to a scene where her fate unfolded through the enigmatic drama she performed. Neuvillette, meanwhile, was sent directly to the consciousness of Focalors, where the true divinity spoke of her plan to deceive the Heavenly Principles by letting Furina play the role of the Hydro Archon instead. Before long, she was executed while performing her ‘Last Dance before Death’.
As such, the prophecy, which involved the total flooding of Fontaine, occurred initially, but the water levels receded gradually not long after.
Fontaine was saved.
It had taken quite some time to rebuild some of the infrastructure lost in The Flood, but all of the Fontainians were in a celebratory mood now that the prophecy was altered.
Yet, amidst the jubilation, a solitary figure stood apart, harboring a secret that defied the celebrations.
—---------------------
“So interminable… just how much longer…?”
“She simply said that she was tired… and needed to rest.”
Those thoughts surfaced in Aether’s mind, lying in bed, as a ray of sunshine illuminated his curly golden hair and dazzling gold eyes. It was another sunny day in Fontaine. Signs of life bloomed outside of their apartment, which Neuvillette graciously booked for the two of them to stay as long as their presence dwelled within the walls of the Court of Fontaine. Paimon was lying beside him, snoring soundlessly, but Aether’s thoughts had wandered to Furina. Acting as an archon for the past 500 years as a human was nothing short of torture for her, and to add insult to injury, she had no one to confide in.
“When will it end…?”
Furina’s voice in the Fountain of Lucine reverberated in his brain. He could sense the tremor of her voice in each syllable, each expressing Furina’s heartfelt emotion. Loneliness. As if the emotion was contagious, her pain seeped into Aether’s heart. Frowning due to his heartache, he closed his eyes.
When Aether opened his eyes, he was standing in a pitch black room. Around him, darkness enveloped him. It was a frightening sight to behold , he thought. Looking down, he could barely discern his clothes, but could make out what looked like a blue Fontaine-styled outfit.
“Wait a minute, my clothes aren’t blue, does this mean I’m in-?!”
Aether glanced at his gloves, no longer his usual black, but silky white woven. Sudden realization came crashing upon him. He was not himself; he was Furina. Or rather, stepping in the shoes of Furina.
Is this what 500 years of desolation looked like? Aether thought, a chill running down his spine. He had constantly digested the idea of 500 years of solitude with no one but yourself, yet nothing in his imagination would quite match this horror. He opened his mouth, expecting his light and pleasant tone, but only a girl’s voice issued out of his mouth.
“I need to get out of here, someone help me!”
Panic started to kick into his(her) body. He tried to look for a way out of the darkness, not used to Furina’s body. Compared to his movements, Furina’s body and steps felt lighter, with a touch of delicate elegance in her footsteps.
“Is this what a girl’s body feels like?” Aether pondered, as the ground suddenly opened up a bright chasm in front of him, spilling light all over the darkness. Not wanting to be left behind, he rushed toward the bright chasm, Aether's heart pounded in his chest. The urgency to understand Furina's pain and the overwhelming desire to escape this surreal darkness fueled his every step. As he leaped into the unknown, the sensation of weightlessness engulfed him. The air whirred past like a symphony of uncertainty.
In that fleeting moment, the darkness gave way to blinding light, and Aether felt a peculiar sensation of transition, as if he were shedding one existence for another. As his eyes adjusted to the newfound brightness, he realized he was no longer falling.
Aether's eyes snapped open, and he found himself lying in bed. The echo of Furina's voice still resonated in his mind, a haunting reminder of the emotions he had felt in the Fountain of Lucine.
“Traveler! Are you alright? Your scream terrified Paimon outta her wits!”
Paimon was bearing down on him. It seemed as if his screams in the other world happened in the real world too. Aether sprung up.
“Let’s go and pay Furina a visit.”
“W-What’s gotten into you? Why are you obsessed with her all of a sudden?”
Determination and Conviction surged within him as he rose from the bed.
“Paimon, pack up. We’re leaving.”
“That sudden?! Paimon doesn’t know what’s gotten into you today… but fine!”
I hope we’re not too late. Aether prayed in his head.
Hang in there, Furina.
—--------------------------------
Afternoon loomed as the duo stopped before a rather large house not too far from their apartment. Compared to her previous residing place, it was a tad smaller than the grandeur of the Palais Mermonia. The material of the foundation was barely lustrous, but the house gave a look of amenity. Two large potted plants were stationed on either side of the entrance. Aether couldn’t help but agree with Neuvillette’s choice of accommodation; after centuries of trauma, Furina needed a place that wouldn’t remind her of the constant suffering endured. A quiet, cozy yet simple place. A place for her ‘rebirth’, much like how Wriothesley would refer to his Fortress of Meropide as. Paimon, on the other hand, did not share the same sentiment.
“Is this… really the place? Did Neuvillette give us the wrong address?” Paimon was in utter disbelief. “There’s nothing wrong with this place… but… it feels like a massive downgrade from the Palais Mermonia.”
“Hey, let’s not be harsh. It looks comfortable enough for anyone living there. Besides, I wouldn’t bet that she wants a home that resembles the Palais right?”
“You have a point there, but Paimon still think that it’s not a very elegant pl-”
But her words were cut short with the approach of a familiar figure.
“My, my, if it isn’t the traveler and Paimon. You do realize that it would be manners if you try to not disparage their property within one’s earshots, right?”
Furina stood before them, her arms folded, apparently dissatisfied with Paimon’s critical comments. Paimon immediately clapped her hands to her mouth.
“S-sorry! Paimon didn’t mean to belittle your living space…” she responded apologetically. “It’s just… Paimon believed that you deserve an accommodation that is a lot more luxurious to yourself!” Paimon added, stamping mid-air as if she were on the ground.
Aether sighed. Yes, he appreciated Paimon’s companionship and honesty, but her lack of emotional intelligence and subtlety can be a hindrance at times.
Furina shrugged. “I’m happy with my current housing, actually. The scenery here can be breathtaking during evenings, it’s like a free ticket to watch the stars from my window. In the morning, the melodious chirping of birds adds more element into my morning routine. Although, it’s a bit messy inside as I haven’t finished unpacking…” Her voice dropped, hanging her head bashfully.
It seems that my suspicions are dispelled… She’s not trying to isolate herself into madness from the current looks of things, which is good… But I’ll still have to talk to her about the vision I had.
Aether breathed a sigh of relief as Furina attempted to regain her composure.
“I assume that you were looking for me because you have some business with me?” Furina asked, her expression nonchalant. “I don’t have all the time in the world, you know. I’m still Fontaine’s biggest star, and I do have some unfinished business to attend to.”
Having said that, she turned on her heels and started to walk towards the entrance.
Aether swiftly stepped forward, calling out to Furina before she entered the house. "Furina, wait! Could we talk for a moment?"
She turned to face him, her expression softening. "Sure, Aether. What's on your mind?"
Aether took a moment, contemplating his words. "I... I wanted to ask if you'd join me for a walk. There's something important I'd like to discuss."
Furina raised an eyebrow but nodded in agreement. "Alright, a walk it is."
She stepped out of the entrance, locking the door behind her. Furina then turned to Aether.
“Well, you won’t keep a lady waiting right? Allons-y!”
“Yes, m’lady.”
As they strolled through the Court of Fontaine, the ambient sounds of the city surrounded them. The rhythmic steps of Fontainians going about their business, the distant murmur of the city's heartbeat, all blended into a comforting melody. Aether, hands in his pockets, cast a sidelong glance at Furina.
"You know," he began, "I had this vision from above. I saw Fontaine, and it was like witnessing the city's heartbeat, its essence. But there was something else too, a sense of... longing."
Furina's gaze met his, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Longing? What do you mean?"
"I felt it in the way the wind caressed the rooftops and the way the people moved through the streets. It's like Fontaine is reaching out for something, yearning for a connection that's been lost."
They continued their walk, the conversation flowing easily. Furina's initial guard seemed to have dropped, and she spoke more freely about her experiences as an Archon for the past 500 years. The weight of responsibility, the solitude, and the toll it took on her soul.
Aether listened attentively, offering occasional words of understanding and comfort. As they shared more, a camaraderie developed between them, a sense of closeness that transcended the roles they played in this immense world.
In the midst of their conversation, Aether couldn't help but notice the way Furina's hand brushed against his as they walked. He decided to take a chance, offering his hand to her.
"Furina, do you mind if we... you know, walk like this?" Aether's cheeks colored slightly, mirroring the faint blush on Furina's face.
She hesitated for a moment but then interlocked her fingers with his. "I... I don't mind. It feels nice."
They continued their stroll, teasing each other like close friends, the cityscape transforming into a backdrop for their budding connection. Paimon, floating alongside them, chimed in with playful comments and occasional giggles.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Fontaine, a voice echoed in the distance.
"Hey, you two! Aether! Furina! Katheryne's been looking for you at the Adventurer's Guild. She said it's urgent!"
Their hands parted, and Aether and Furina exchanged a glance before quickening their pace toward the Adventurer's Guild. Little did they know that this shared moment would become a turning point in the threads of destiny, weaving their fates together in unexpected ways.
Paimon was waiting for them in front of the receptionist’s desk. As usual, whenever Aether had her waiting, she folded her miniature arms crossly and gave out her signature playful chide. “Hmph! You two sure took your time! You’re not doing anything weird, are you two?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Paimon,” said Aether placidly, though furtively winking at Furina. She had to suppress a giggle; nevertheless, she still let out a mirthful sound.
“Ughhhhhh!! Paimon’s getting peeved!” Paimon stomped mid-air again. “Paimon will start thinking of ugly nicknames if you two start to get on Paimon’s NERVESS!!”
“Haha, sorry Paimon. We didn’t mean to make you upset like this.”
“Fine! If only you treat Paimon to a good meal afterwards!”
“Oh c’mon Paimon, don’t be like that…”
Furina stood silently beside Aether, staring at the pair of them bantering. A peculiar feeling coursed through her veins. An inexplicable one. Was it warmth? Envy maybe? Aether and Paimon’s presence in a single day had already given her more sense of comfort than any point in her 500 years of being an Archon. She really felt a connection with them that surpassed the formalities of Archon and servant. Aether's genuine concern and Paimon's lively banter had cracked the walls around her heart, revealing a vulnerability she hadn't realized existed.
As Paimon and Aether walked toward Katheryne, deep in conversation about Lauwick's commission, Furina's mind drifted into the recesses of her own contemplation. She could hear snippets of their conversation, but the words seemed distant, like echoes from another world.
Katheryne, noticing the trio approaching, greeted them with a warm smile. "Ah, Aether, Furina, Paimon! Good to see you. What can I do for you today?"
Aether took the lead, explaining, "We heard about Lauwick's commission, and Paimon thought Furina would be a perfect fit for the role."
Katheryne's eyes flickered with interest. "Lauwick's troupe, you say? They're known for their performances, and having Furina join them would indeed be a treat for Fontaine. What do you think, Miss Furina?"
Furina, momentarily lost in her thoughts, was startled when Paimon called her name. She blinked, refocusing on the conversation at hand. "I... I apologize, I was lost in my thoughts. What were you saying?"
Aether smiled gently. "Paimon suggested that you join Lauwick's troupe for a performance. What do you think about it?"
Furina hesitated, her mind still swirling with the echoes of emotions stirred during their walk. She glanced at Aether, then at Paimon, and finally back at Katheryne. "I appreciate the offer, truly. It's just that... I'm not sure if now is the right time for me to take on such a role. I have a lot on my plate, and I need some time to adjust."
Katheryne nodded understandingly. "No pressure, Miss Furina. You have to prioritize what's best for you. If you ever change your mind, the opportunity will be there."
Furina expressed her gratitude with a soft smile, the warmth in her eyes reflecting a complexity of emotions that she wasn't ready to share. “Thank you Ms. Katheryne. Although I am not quite up to the task of performing again, I will try to assist in Mr Lauwick’s commission as much as possible.”
—---------------------
Aether and Furina were sitting on the edge of Rosula di Spina’s gigantic ship. They had met Lauwick and discussed the availability of the main actress’ role. Although Furina had not acceded to Lauwick’s request, she still gracefully offered herself to be the troupe’s director given that the original director was a victim in the disappearance of young females. The four of them then went to Poisson, where Lauwick had to check on his troupe member’s script. At the mention of Poisson, Furina gave a squeak of horror, her eyes widened momentarily. Aether sensed Furina's distress at the mention of Poisson. Understanding her unease, he gently reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, the warmth of the gesture offering solace.
"Furina, it's alright. We're here with you, and we'll face whatever comes our way together," Aether murmured softly, his eyes reflecting a blend of empathy and determination.
Furina's gaze met his, gratitude shimmering in her eyes. The touch of Aether's hand brought a sense of comfort, a reminder that she wasn't alone in confronting the shadows of her past. She took a steadying breath, allowing the gentle squeeze of Aether's hand to anchor her in the present moment.
“I’m… Thank you, Aether…”
Lifting her head, Furina’s sapphire blue eyes automatically found Aether’s goldish amber ones. They reminded her of the stars glimmering in the midnight sky, winking down at her whenever she looked out of the window on a clear evening. She blinked.
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t scared of coming here. When I acted as the Hydro Archon, they believed that it was my responsibility to protect all of the people in Fontaine. And rightfully so,” Furina admitted. Aether noticed a tiny break in her voice.
“When the water level in Poisson rose, everybody expected me to step up. I-I didn’t. I knew that I did not possess the power to resolve the conflict with minimal losses. I had to watch on as the people in Poisson struggled to save themselves from the onrushing Primordial Seawater. I-It was unbearable, but I had to remain isolated for the sake of the truth.”
A single pure and colorless teardrop formed on the edges of her eyelashes.
“As time went on, it became harder and harder to bear. I became more and more lonely and isolated. I was afraid that the prophecy would eventually become true, and that I would be weeping on the throne as Fontaine is drowned by the Flood.
“Thankfully, thanks to the heroics by you and everyone, Fontaine was saved, and I finally regained my freedom.
“But… the thing about freedom is… I have no true purpose for Fontaine anymore. I ha- I have no further u-use to the p-people.”
Shimmering drops of tears started to rain down on her lap. Furina’s delicate face was stained with teardrops stemming from her eyelids. Aether was reminded of a beautiful white lily that was plucked out of its natural habitat, left to wither in a sturdy container.
“I-I’m sorry…it was supposed to be a relaxing stroll, but I had to dump all this hard stuff on you…”
Without a second’s warning, Furina placed her hands to her face, an audible sob barely discernible. The white lily’s withering. A sudden surge of sentiments surged within him, ensnaring its vines around his chest, momentarily rendering him breathless. He must restore her happiness, the pioneer that removes the white lily from the container, caring for it in a picturesque garden, the prince to his damsel in distress. The electric surge that numbed his senses relinquished its hold on him, only for it to move his arm involuntarily to wrap itself around Furina’s shoulders. Furina gave a small ‘Oh!’ before she realized her handsome, golden-haired savior bearing down on her, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
I-is this how a hug really feels? S-so warm and cozy…
She could feel Aether's chest heaving against hers, the faint drumming of his rhythmic heartbeat intimately intertwined with her own. In that heartfelt moment, their souls were two inseparable threads, weaving a tapestry of shared emotions and understanding.
I… I want this to continue for as long as it can get… please…
Further clinging onto Aether as if her life depended on it, Furina rested her head on his shoulder, salvaging every second of the warmth.
Huh?
Something cold was dripping on her neck.
“Aether?”
Furina raised her head for her rather watery, sapphire blue eyes to latch onto Aether’s golden watery ? ones.
“Is something the matter…, Aether?” Her voice was full of warmth.
Aether closed his eyes and shook his head, though evidently was attempting to stem the flow of his emotions that materialized into tears.
“You can tell me, you know…” Furina persisted.
“I’m sorry…” He sniffed.
“What for?”
“E-Everything that happened to you. You had to endure 500 years of pure desolation, loneliness and pain. Even after all that, I even accused you of being a False Archon and no one was there to support you… In fact, everything was against you… yet you stood strong for the sake of everyone-”
Aether’s voice broke, unwilling to continue.
Furina smiled weakly.
“Aether, what is done is done. You don’t owe me an apology for anything. Contrastingly, I was full of admiration at the way you handled each trial, backing yourself up in spite of the obstacles. Also, my role as the Archon has already come to an end. I will no longer have to suffer like before.” She shrugged. “In fact, you and Paimon have made me feel more joy than any period in my 500-year reign. I really, really appreciate it… truly.”
Furina held him closer, unspoken words passing between them in the silence, an inaudible understanding that surpassed the need for verbal expression. Aether, feeling the embrace, knew that in that moment, words were unnecessary; the warmth of Furina's presence conveyed everything he needed to hear.
She’s too precious for this world…
The white lily, fully released from the shackles of its container, was floating in a pristine pond, displaying its pristine white petals. The pioneer, grief-stricken that the lily might have already withered, marveled at the revived beauty of its features.
“You’re a beautiful white lily, you know that?” Aether told her, after they broke apart.
Furina blushed. “In what way?”
“Well, its pristine white petals are pleasing to the eye, much like you. In the minds of many, it's a symbol of innocence and preciousness. Also, a lily never pretends, and its beauty is that it is what it is. I think Focalors was absolutely right about you, Furina, you truly are the perfect human, not only in her eyes, but mine.”
Aether’s eyes shimmered, hinting no sign of deception. More than anything, Furina averted her eyes and hung her head, looking downright sheepish. The tints of a rosy hue on her delicate cheeks turned, if possible, to a crimson red.
“Y-you sweet talker…I’m not complaining though.” She muttered.
“What, feeling embarrassed now, are we?” Aether smirked.
Furina’s bashfulness was immediately replaced by indignation.
“H-hey! I’m not embarrassed!”
“Hahaha, you’re acting like Paimon now.”
“I-I’m nothing like her!”
The mood was lightened considerably with the duo heartily teasing each other, taking in the spacious view of Poisson at the same time. Before long, the cheerful atmosphere subsided, Furina leaning on Aether’s shoulders.
All is well today , he thought to himself, as Furina watched Paimon and Lauwick finishing up their business with the member.
“Let’s go back soon, looks like Paimon and Mr Lauwick are wrapping up their business with the troupe member,” noted Furina.
As Furina got to her feet gracefully, Aether followed suit. They were descending down the flight of stairs that would take them to where Paimon and Lauwick were, before a soft hand rested on Aether’s shoulder.
“Furina?”
Furina stood nervously behind Aether, looking up at him with a hopeful expression.
"It’s been such an eventful day today, Aether. I enjoyed every second of it with you, " she said gratefully. “Given the opportunity, may we see each other more often in the future?”
In response, Aether turned around, reached for her hand, and kissed it gently. "Of course, my lady, or should I say, my white lily."
Furina tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek, teasing, "Quite the gentleman, aren't you?" before playfully going past him towards Paimon and Lauwick, who were deep in their conversation.
As Aether watched her go, he couldn't help but smile. Let our journeys intertwine and be partaken together , he thought, a sense of anticipation and warmth filling his heart as the paths of their destinies converged.