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Deep within the Abyss, the prince sat on his throne. Things have been going smoothly as of late. The plans of attack of Celestia have been coming to fruition, and hopefully the day of revenge would be upon them soon. Oh, and how sweet that moment will be when the day arrives. In the meantime, he was forced to interact with a certain pyro-abyss lector, giving his long overdue report.
“Your highness, it is a pleasure talking with you.” The thing that called himself “Enjou” bowed, a bit too dramatically for the prince’s liking.
“I suppose the same could be said about you.” Aether murmured, disinterested, resting his elbow on the arm of his throne. “What has been going on in Ekanomiya? You’ve been awfully quiet for the past few centuries, ever since I’ve given you my orders.”
“Well, I have my reasons.” Enjou nervously laughed, levitating closer to the throne. “Recently, I had a run in with your sis– I mean, the traveler.”
So it appeared that Lumine’s journey in Inazuma was over. Their reunion was centuries ago in Abyss time. It really was that long ago. As painful as it was for him to have their reunion end in unfortunate terms, it was how it had to be.
He wished he could tell her the full extent of what happened in Khaenri’ah, and why he was doing all of this. It’s not like she wouldn’t listen. Knowing Lumine, she would, but she needed to finish her journey to truly understand.
“And she brought her boyfriend with her.”
“Her boyfriend?!” Aether shouted, jumping out of his throne.
The last thing he needed was somebody to distract Lumine from her main objective. Or worse, give her a reason to not leave Teyvat as a whole.
“Her boyfriend, the Eleventh Harbinger.” Enjou stated. “He was on to me from the beginning, almost like he could sense my abyssal energy.”
It was that same annoying kid who fell into his domain all those years ago. If Aether knew what happened later, he would’ve killed him when he had the chance, before he ever ran into that deadbeat swordswoman.
“Any time that I got too close to the traveler for his liking, he would glare at me with his dead, fish-like eyes. Then, when I revealed my true self, he proceeded to stab me at least one-hundred-twenty-seven times, and seemed way too happy about the fact.”
“My sister is dating a Fatui Harbinger?!” Aether repeated, still processing what he’s been told.
“Yes?”
This was bad, very bad. At the same time, it left Aether confused.
Lumine had always been the type to hold grudges. He would know. She got upset over him eating her slice of cake that one time. To be fair, it was delicious, but that’s off topic. The point was, Lumine got mad over petty things, and would always seek payback.
Aether was told what happened at Liyue Harbor. It should’ve been over for them after their fight in the Golden House, but it wasn’t? They managed to move past that. Knowing Lumine, she absolutely would never let him her victory down.
Aether had always been the more understanding twin, and even he could never forgive Celestia. So, how could Lumine forgive the Eleventh Harbinger so easily?
He wasn’t right for her.
“Please, your highness, do not punish me over this. This wasn’t my fault. I have no control over your sis– the traveler’s love life.” Enjou pleaded.
“I won’t. It’s not like you could break them up—“
Wait, that’s it!
They say if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Hence why he was in charge of the Abyss, since these mages and lectors can’t seem to do anything right down here. He will just have to ruin their relationship by taking matters into his own hands.
And maybe stab the Eleventh Harbinger along the way if he’s feeling like it.
“I will be leaving for a while. I have some personal business to attend to.” Aether said, opening a portal.
“Should I come with you, your highness?” Enjou asked and was given a cold glare. “I’m guessing that’s a no…”
“I’ve grown too attached to Liyue Harbor for my liking. I’m going to miss this place.” Lumine stood in the Northland Bank office, taking in the sight while she still could. At least for a while.
Realistically, any semblance of friendship should have been over for them after the Osial incident. Let alone the possibility of a relationship. Yet despite the odds, they were able to make it work. A certain boy, who really loved cyclops, was the main reason they talked again in the first place.
They started dating shortly after his trip to Inazuma where he compared her to a star in the night sky, and have been together ever since. Now, she was heading for Sumeru, the next destination in her journey of Teyvat. There was one last stop to say goodbye to a certain Harbinger before she left.
“It won’t be the same without you, but look on the bright side. A new nation, a new adventure, and hopefully you’ll achieve your goal this time. If not, I might be in Fontaine by the time you get there. So, that gives you something to look forward to.” Childe reassured her.
“You’re right, we should enjoy this moment while we still can. Who knows if this will be the last time we see each other.” She heaved a long sigh, looking downward.
“What’s really bothering you, kochana?” He lifted her chin to meet her gaze.
Lumine stubbornly tried to avoid eye contact, but admitted defeat, “I miss Aether. He’s the reason I’m doing this after all. We didn’t even get a proper goodbye the last time we saw each other.”
Their last reunion was over a year ago. It really was that long ago.
“I wish people would do more than just put up missing person posters, especially after everything I did for them. Is that really too much to ask?”
“You know, you could always join the Fatui, and maybe you’ll be able to find your brother faster?”
“No.”
“It was worth a shot.” He shrugged, grinning. “All joking aside, I will do my best to help find him.”
“Thanks, Childe. It means a lot.” Lumine softly smiled. “I think I’ll miss you most of all. I’m going to miss our dates and weekly spars. I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, but I’ll even miss those silly pet names too.”
“You love them, girlie.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
He caught her widely smiling from this, even if she would deny it. “Now, that’s more like the Lumine I know and love all too well. Glad to see I could make you feel better.”
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to interrupt anything between you two.” Ekaterina stepped inside his office. “Master Childe, it appears you have a guest here to see you.”
“That’s strange, I didn’t have any meetings planned with anyone today.”
“Big brother!” A boy with red hair and blue eyes entered, running up to give Childe a hug.
“Teucer, I wasn’t expecting to see you today.” Childe smiled, embracing the hug.
“I came here all by myself.” He proudly smiled. Teucer noticed Lumine. and hugged her too. “Miss nice lady! I didn't know you were a toy-seller too!”
“I certainly do not work here.” She said, masking the disgust in her tone. “As a matter of fact, I was saying goodbye to your brother before I left for Sumeru. Also, you can just call me Lumine if you want. There’s no need to be formal around me.”
“Okay, Miss Lumine!”
“Teucer, it’s nice that you came to visit me and all, but do you remember what happened last time?” Childe asked, to which he quietly nodded. “Mama and papa must be so worried about you right now. So, you shouldn’t stay for too long.”
“But today is my birthday.”
Upon hearing that, Childe immediately let up. “No little brother of mine is going to spend his birthday on a boat ride back to Snezhnaya. It’s nice that you thought of me, but wouldn’t you rather be with the rest of our family instead?”
“Yeah, but I do that every year, and I wanted to spend it with you! You’re usually too busy selling toys to come back home, so I came to you!”
“How about we go spend the whole day doing whatever you want, just you and me.” Childe picked up his younger brother.”
“Anything I want?”
“Anything you want.”
“I wanted Miss Lumine to be there too, but I understand if she can’t since she’s leaving.” Teucer muttered, burying his face into Childe’s shoulder.
“Sumeru can wait. Your birthday is more important. I’ll follow you anywhere as long as Childe is paying for everything.” She teased, playfully putting her hands on her hips.
“Nothing is worth more than you, myla.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Ekaterina, cancel all my plans for today.”
“But Master—” Tartaglia shot her a cold glare, causing her to clear her throat. “Understood, I will make adjustments right away.”
After Ekaterina left the office, Childe set Teucer down. “So, what would you like to do first?”
“Hmm…” Teucer pondered it over. “I’m hungry and I haven’t eaten since I got off the boat, and . So, I want lunch.”
Lumine nodded in agreement. “I could really go for some jade parcels right now. I think I know just the place.”
Upon stepping out of the portal, Aether spotted them idly walking down the busy harbor streets. He followed them from a distance, blending in with the moving crowd of people. Despite all the missing posters hung throughout the city, nobody gave him a second glance.
Getting a closer look, he saw the two holding hands, fingers interlocked. Aether couldn’t make out what they were saying. The Harbinger said something, probably stupid, to her. Lumine giggled in response, meeting his dull gaze with a soft smile and sparkle in her golden eyes.
How disgusting. He needed to find a way to stop this, immediately.
They followed what appeared to be a mini copy of the Harbinger excitedly leading the way. Aether knew five hundred years was a long time, and maybe he should’ve kept a closer eye on her travels because he felt like he missed out on a lot. But if they already have a kid, Abyss save him.
The mini Harbinger pointed at Wamin Restaurant, and agreed to go. Aether watched from around the corner as they ordered.
“–Perch Stew.” He heard Lumine say.
“And what would the young fellow like to eat?” Chef Mao asked, peering down over the counter.
“I’m not young, I turned seven today!” Teucer held up his fingers, “I’m old enough to catch my own fish and sleep without the closet light on.”
“Ah, you’re very grown up indeed!” Chef Mao smiled.
“The food here is too spicy, so I want something like home.” He started to describe a Sheznayan dish, of course made extra sweet and with virgin-olive oil.
“You came all this way, don’t you want to try the food here in Liyue? We can order it extra mild.” Childe suggested, placing a hand on Teucer’s shoulder.
“It’s Teucer’s birthday. He can choose whatever he wants. It’s what he ordered last time.” Lumine gently nudged him.
“You do realize custom orders will cost you extra.” Chef Mao said.
Childe only grinned, tossing a pouch of mora on the counter. “Keep the change. Anything for my girlfriend and younger brother.”
Aether rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to groan at that comment so as to not accidentally reveal himself.
While the three sat down for their order and waited, Aether stealthily snuck by and into the back. Hiding under a table, he observed Xiangling cooking three dishes at once. That must be their order.
An abyss mage appeared underneath the table across from him. In its hands a pyro slime. Thankfully, Xiangling was too distracted by the sound of sizzling and flipping of pans to notice him. Aether gave a thumbs up, and the mage dropped the slime and teleported away.
As the slime hopped towards her, Xiangling turned around with a large smile, “Perfect for my seasoning! Do you think you’d taste better with salt or with pepper?”
Alarmed, the pyro slime ran away. Not letting it get away that easily, Xiangling summoned her polearm and chased it onto the streets. With the chef gone, Aether got out from under the table and examined the three dishes.
He overheard Lumine order perch stew, so the black-back perch stew must be her’s, which meant the harbinger’s was the jade parcels. Strange, he could’ve sworn Lumine hated fish, but it’s what she ordered.
Who knew, maybe her taste changed over the past five hundred years?
When nobody was looking, Aether added as many jueyin chilis into as he possibly could. Spicing up the Harbinger’s dish should be enough to ruin their date, and make Lumine reconsider her life choices. Once finished, Aether returned to the shadows, watching as Chef Mao took their dishes out.
“It looks so good! Just like mama’s cooking!” Teucer’s eyes sparkled as the three meals were set on their table.
“I’m basically starving, so I couldn’t agree more.” Lumine was starting to feel like Paimon with the mouth watered and stomach grumbled. A consequence of skipping breakfast.
“Come on, what are we waiting for? Let’s dig in!” Childe said.
Lumine took a single bite out of her jade parcels and swallowed. Her expression went blank, processing the flavor. Then, the heat kicked in. Lumine gagged, hunching down as she gasped for air. She lunged for her glass of water, quickly guzzling it down. Yet it wasn’t enough. She reached for Childe’s glass, and then Teucer’s. Both quickly catching on and now watching in concern.
“Water… I need water…” She gripped Childe’s scarf, speaking in a raspy tone.
He obliged, using his hydro abilities to refill her glass, “And here I thought I was the dramatic one.”
Lumine finished, catching her breath before saying, “You most certainly still are.”
“You don’t like spicy foods either, Miss Lumine?” Teucer asked in concern.
“Normally, I do. I’m used to Xiangling’s cooking, but this has way too much chili.” Lumine pushed her plate away. “Now I know what Chongyun feels like.”
“Here, let me try.” Childe took a bite with his fork and swallowed. “Tastes perfectly fine to me.”
“You can’t be serious?! What is your stomach made of, iron?!”
Aether meant to spike the Harbinger’s dish, not his sister’s. How could he have done that to poor Lumine? Even if his plan succeeded, it looked like it wouldn’t have affected him anyways.
“I was really looking forward to having those jade parcels…” Lumine murmured, resting her head on the table as she felt her stomach growl.
“Don’t pout, Lumi.” Childe tucked a strand of hair that was covering her face behind her ear, “Here, I’ll trade you.” He swapped their plates around.
Lumi?!
“Thanks, Childe.” She raised her head, meeting his dull, blue gaze. “This hasn’t changed my opinion on fish though.”
He let out an amused chuckle in response, “Stubborn as always, but I expect nothing else from you, myla. Maybe taking you to Morepesok will be enough to change your mind?”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see? I look forward to that day.” Lumine softly smiled in return.
Teucer ate with his chopsticks abnormally. It must’ve been a family trait, but unlike a certain someone, at least he could properly hold them. He held them reverse gripped, stabbing his food with a stick before bringing it to his mouth.
“Here, let me help you.” Noticing his struggles, Lumine took over, using her chopsticks to feed him.
Taking notice, Childe grinned, sarcastically saying, “Oh, if only I knew how to use these strange sticks. It looks like you’re going to have to help me too, kochana.”
Lumine let out a huff, rolling her eyes, “You’re lucky I like you a lot. Now, open wide.” She giggled holding up her chopsticks.
Aether was forced to bear witness to this sight for the rest of their lunch. The way his sister slowly raised her chopsticks to feed him, and how the Harbinger would playfully say “ah” each time; both enjoying this way too much.
Aether loathed every single second of it. Meanwhile, Teucer looked content the whole time. Aether could’ve sworn he saw the kid shoot him a sly smirk, not before displaying his perfect use of chopsticks.
They say you can’t control the weather, but Aether would like to disagree. He stood on top of a hill, a troop of hydro samachurl standing behind him. Down below, the three were hiking on a trail. Teucer ran ahead, holding his action figure in on hand and excitedly pointing with the other. Lumine and the Harbinger slowly walked together, remaining by each other’s side.
They seemed like they were having a good time. Too bad he was going to rain on their parade, literally.
“This is fun and all, but remind me why we are hiking again?” Lumine asked, looking up at her partner.
“Well, Teucer wants to visit Mr. Cyclops for his birthday, so I offered to take him. It shouldn’t be too much further.”
“Wait, isn’t that dangerous?” She whispered, gripping his arm, “What if it activates? We’re not taking us back to that factory, right? I don’t want you to get hurt again by–”
Childe took her hand, squeezing it, “Relax, I was just going to find a Mr. Cyclops that is sleeping. If he’s not, you might have to distract Teucer, while I take care of things.” He winked.
“You know, it would’ve been easier if we did that the first time around.” Lumine hummed, resting her head on his shoulder.
“But where’s the fun in that?” Childe smiled.
Gray clouds formed overhead, blocking out the rays of the sun entirely. It started to drizzle, quickly changing to downpour. A result of the Hydro Samachurls. Before they knew it, they were all caught in the rain.
“Childe!”
“How is this my fault?! I can’t control the weather!”
“You have a hydro vision, and were the one who took us out here. So, if I’m blaming anyone, it’s you.” Lumine let go of his hand to cross her arms.
“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes, walking on ahead.
It looked like things were finally turning out in Aether’s favor. This plan might actually be a success.
“Big brother!” Teucer noticed Childe catching up to him, “How much farther is Mr. Cyclops? I really want to see him.”
“Sorry Teucer, it looks like we might have to turn around.” He kneeled down, playing a hand on his little brother’s shoulder, “I’ll take you to see him some other time. How about this? When we get back to Liyue Harbour, we pick out another birthday gift?”
“Okay…” Teucer let up on pouting, a little, glaring up at the mountains, right in Aether’s direction.
Lumine moped for the entire walk back. “I’m drenched. My boots are filled with water. I’m exhausted from walking, when will we–”
“Are you done complaining yet?” Childe asked.
“No.”
In response, he wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her close, “–What are you doing?” She blushed.
Childe held up a hand, his vision glowing as he blocked the rainfall around them in a small radius, “Like you said, I have a hydro vision, so I minus well use it to give us shelter. Feel better now?”
“Yes…” Lumine hummed, huddling closer.
Teucer had no desire to join them under their shelter, instead embracing the rain. He splashed around, jumping in any and every puddle he saw. He was truly Ajax’s brother. Or it could be because rainfall was a rarity in Snezhnaya, only occurring in the warmer seasons.
Either way, it made them both glad to see Teucer enjoying himself and not letting this poorly-timed rainfall get the better of him, or them.
Teucer leapt into a puddle, causing mud to splatter onto her white dress. He looked apologetic for a moment, and then she jumped in a puddle. Before they knew it, they were in a full splash-puddle fight. Of course, it wouldn't be a real battle without Childe joining in.
“Ready to lose, girlie?” He grinned.
“You’re so on. Just don’t come crying to me when I beat you again.”
“We’ll see about that. You’ll find that I’m right in my element.” He dropped one of his narwhal mimics on her, scaled down for this fight.
“No fair! You can’t use your vision!” She playfully scoffed, “When I get to Fontaine, I will get payback for this.”
“I look forward to our future match with your hydro abilities!”
At this point, Aether gave up on trying to sabotage things again. Those two were way too competitive for their own good, and even he couldn’t get between them. In the end, they were all soaked, but nobody seemed to mind anymore.
When he called off the Samachurls, the sky started to clear, sunlight peeking through the clouds. It was disappointing the storm went by so fast, yet also reliving. Lumine used her anemo abilities to dry them off, laughing when Childe and Teucer’s hair stuck up.
When they reached the outskirts of the city, a man gave them a weird look as they passed by, “What happened to you guys?
“What, didn’t you see the huge storm we just got?” Childe asked.
“What storm? It’s been clear here all day.” The man explained.
“Now that’s strange.”
Aether watched from afar as the three browsed the merchant stands. The couple chatted with one of the vendors, a kind looking, old woman. Meanwhile, Teucer eagerly browsed the selection of toys. It seemed like a nice and wholesome moment, and Aether was already thinking of ways to ruin it.
He stealthily ran across the street, hiding behind a red pillar to get a closer look. That’s when Aether noticed a finely-dressed, blue-haired teenager doing the exact same thing. From his place of hiding, the teen watched Lumine and the Harbinger with intent focus. Every few seconds, he would look down to write some notes before repeating the process.
Exactly how many admirers did his sister have?
“Pssst… Hey!” Aether whispered, yet was continuously ignored.
The teen was too invested in writing to even notice his presence.
“Can’t you see I’m preoccupied at the moment?” Xingqui finally looked up at Aether, “I don’t think you understand the struggles of finding inspiring romance around Liyue.”
“What?”
“This is a novel idea I have been eager to share. Strange enough, I feel inclined to trust you with this information.” He narrowed his gaze, “You seem familiar, like we've crossed paths somewhere before. Yet I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
“I can assure you, we’ve never never met before.” Aether then realized, since Xingqui had been observing the couple so closely, he could get information from him to help in his plans. “So, what is your story about?”
“Well, before I tell you about my novel idea, I must tell you about how I encountered my inspiration.” Xingqui smiled, Aether having no idea what he was getting into.
“It all started when I visited the Golden House. It was meant to be a simple visit under business of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Not to keep my associates waiting, I arrived early. Yet in doing so, I accidentally came across the traveler and the eleventh harbinger sparring. Their movements were swift and fluid, and the way they clashed blades was in perfect rhythm. Their battle was a dance of swords.”
Aether could only stare, bewildered, as he processed what Xingqui was saying.
“I found out this was a weekly occurrence, and ever since then have been observing them from afar to gather source material for my book. It is a story of two people desperately in love, yet find themselves on opposing sides in a grander battle. I intended to publish this under my penname Zhenyu. I am certain it will be a top seller in Fontaine.”
People were writing fanfictions about his sister and the Harbinger.
Oh, this was way worse than he thought. Enough of hiding in the shadows, he needed to take this in his own hands.
Then, Xingui realized, “Wait, you’re the traveler’s–”
Before he could comment further, the Abyss Prince had already left. Xingqui wanted to tell Lumine about his finding. Yet at the same time, he didn’t want to explain that he’s been using her from his novel idea by revealing himself.
When talking, Childe caught a brief glimpse of golden hair. It was so like Lumine’s. Then, it suddenly clicked. Aether was here. Why now of all times and was irrelevant. All he knew was that he couldn’t lose sight of him, for Lumine. So, silently Childe departed to follow the Abyss Prince.
“Do you know where big brother went?” Teucer asked as he sat on the docks, holding onto his new toy.
“No, but I’m not surprised he ran off, yet again.” Lumine sighed, dangling her feet over the edge.
If she had to guess, something Fatui related suddenly came up. Either that or Childe really wanted to fight something. No, he wouldn’t do that to Teucer, especially on his birthday. Whatever it was, it must be important, or else she would have a few choice words.
“Oh, okay! Hopefully he will be back soon.”
“I hope so too…”
They both remained like that, staring off into the horizon at the serene ocean waves. It was getting late into the evening. Late enough that the sun already set behind Mount Tianheng. The stars started to dimly reveal themselves, sparkling in the night sky.
“The stars here look different from home. Big brother taught me how to find his. I can still see it.” Teucer pointed up at Monoceros Caeli, off by itself and surrounded by darkness. “He said that even if he’s away, it will always be there to guide me.”
“That’s sweet of Ajax to say.” Lumine hummed. “Do you want to know where mine is?”
“Sure!”
Lumine guided his hand to a star grouping on the belt. “There’s my constellation, Viatrix. I was told everyone who has a vision has one, but there are some exceptions, like myself.”
“Who’s that one?” He pointed to the cluster right next to her’s. It was almost identical to Viatrix, but mirrored.
“Oh, that’s Viator, Aether’s constellation…”
How could she not know what his was? She rarely ever concerned herself with the stars of Tevyat, but her brother was the exception. His constellation was the only one she went out of her way to learn. Anything to help her get closer to finding the truth.
Yet, the constellation’s reading was as unclear as her own.
“Who’s Aether?” Teucer tilted his head.
Lumine went quiet, taking on a more somber tone. “Aether is my… brother, basically he’s my other half. During our travels, we got separated and…”
She struggled to formulate the right words, let alone explain it to a child. Even after a few years of being in this world, Lumine still found it difficult to talk about their tragedy. Sure, she’s told her friends what happened to Aether. Yet never to the same extent as Ajax, because she felt like he was the only one who truly understood.
Gazing up at the starry sky, Lumine noticed how intertwined Viator and Viatrix appeared to each other. In truth, the stars were millions of miles apart. She knew better than anyone in Teyvat, having once traveled to many, with the exception of one other.
In truth, most stars were alone, and Lumine learned to understand what it’s like without her other star.
“You don’t have to talk about it if it makes you sad. I kind of get it…” Teucer looked down at the blue sea, gripping at the hem of her dress. “But please don't feel sad, Miss Lumine. I don’t like seeing you sad.”
“Thanks for looking out for me. You’re a good kid, Teucer.” She smiled, although a bit forced, finally looking away from the stars. “How about we get out of this place and do something fun?”
Aether walked along a dirt path all by himself. The warm light coming from Liyue Harbor at night was there, but distant. Not that he particularly minded, he was used to the dark. After the disastrous attempt at ruining a relationship today, Aether needed time to reconvene and plan.
There was one last idea he had. Though, he found his thought process interrupted by the sound of movement from behind.
“Show yourself.” Aether said coldly, summoning his golden sword.
The eleventh harbinger emerged from the shadows, casually raising both his hands. “Alright, you caught me. I have to admit stealth was never exactly my strong suit.”
“How did you find out?” He bluntly asked. Were his attempts at sabotaging their relationship really that obvious?
“Find out about what?” Childe’s dull gaze narrowed.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Harbinger. You already know what I’m referring to.”
Of course Aether should’ve expected him to know. He had little care in the affairs of the Fatui, even if they had the same common end-goal, but even he was aware of the Harbinger’s deceptiveness.
“You’re sharp like her, I’ll give you that. I had my suspicions, but I can pretty much confirm it now. You’re Lumine’s brother, Aether, otherwise known as the Abyss Prince.”
“Maybe you’re not as bright as I took you for.” He said, to which Childe stared at him, bored. “So, what if I am Aether?”
“I mean, we have a few things in common. I actually came out here to negotiate with you. I personally like to end my conflicts in a different way, but I’m willing to do this for her.”
“As if I’d listen to anything you had to say.” Aether spat. “Sorry to rain on your parade, but I want nothing to do with the traveler. She has no use for me right now.”
“I can’t say that I’m surprised. I expected as much based on what she’s told me. Here I thought maybe you’d missed her the same way she misses you.” He said indifferently, but the slight tug on his lips told Aether he was upsetting him purposely.
“Your words are getting you nowhere. No wonder you don’t like to scheme like the other Harbingers. Your presence is an annoyance, and I wish to see it no more.” Aether raised his golden sword.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself. Don’t say I didn’t try to talk things through.” Tartaglia menacingly grinned as his delusion glowed.
Wait.
The Abyss Prince, otherwise known as Aether, was Lumine’s brother. As enticing as this battle was, he was pretty sure she would be mad at him if he hurt her brother. Ajax knew that he would be very upset if she harmed any of his siblings.
Lumine was more important to him than fighting the Abyss Prince. It was why he came out here in the first place. He should really get back to her and Teucer. It wasn’t right of him to abandon his brother on his birthday of all days.
“As much fun as I’m having, I need to call things off early. There’s someone important I need to get back to after all.” The lighting stopped, his violet eyes reverted back to blue and his dual blades dissolved. “You should really talk to her. I think she’d like to hear from you again.”
“Wait! We’re not done yet!” Aether shouted, but he already vanished into the night.
Ajax found her in Yujing Terrace, looking out at the harbor illuminated at night. She stood next to the glaze lilies, perfectly in bloom under the shining moonlight. In her arms was Teucer, fast asleep, his head resting on his head on her shoulder. A sight Ajax could really get used to seeing.
Recognizing the sound of his footsteps instantly, Lumine turned her head, “There you are. I was starting to think you left me to babysit Teucer alone again, just like old times.”
“If you want it to be like old times, we can get the millelith to chase you and have me rescue you again.” He teased, joining her at her side.
Lumine playfully rolled her eyes before looking out at the city, “What were you even doing anyways?”
“I got caught up with some work stuff. How about you?” At the mention of that, he felt her tense.
He didn’t want her to stress over what he found out about Aether tonight. She’s already had a busy day. So, he’d tell her tomorrow, after his brother departed.
“I took Teucer to meet Madam Ping. She liked meeting him, and even managed to get him to call her “Granny.” Then, she let us go inside her teapot.”
“It’s probably for the best that I wasn't there. I have a feeling that after the Osial incident, she doesn’t exactly like me. Teucer doesn’t deserve to suffer over my actions.” Ajax picked one of the glaze lilies, putting it in her hair.
“Say Ajax…” Lumine said as his hand cupped her cheek, looking down.
“Hm?”
“Do you consider yourself a bad sibling?”
He went silent for a moment, thinking it over, “Well, technically—“
“It’s a yes or no question.”
“No.” He answered. “But I wish I could be there for them more.”
“How so?”
Ajax heaved a sigh. His dull, blue gaze trailed down from Lumine to his younger brother in her arms. “I write letters to them frequently, and make sure to send home gifts, but it’s not the same as actually being there for them. I felt bad missing Teucer’s birthday last year, not just for him, but for all my family. I think he doesn’t like it either. It’s probably why he snuck away to see me both times.”
“You do a lot for them. I can tell they love you and are lucky to have you.” She handed over the sleeping Teucer to him.
“I know.” Ajax took over carrying his brother, affectionately glancing at his younger brother.
Lumine rested her arms on the railing, peering up at the starry night sky. “I just wish I could’ve done more for Aether.”
It felt wrong for her to say that. In the past, Aether had been the more protective sibling. He was the elder twin, always looking out for his younger sister, and always taking on more defensive combat roles.
Oh, how times had changed.
Lumine spent most of her journey fretting over his well-being and still was, even after what happened. Meanwhile, Aether is off planning, Archons knows what, probably with minimal thought of her.
“You know, it wasn’t in your control. It’s not like you wanted any of that to happen to him.” Ajax told her.
He said that, but would’ve thought the same too if it were him. Even more so if he failed to save them in a fight. He couldn’t blame her in the slightest for still wanting to search for him, because he would’ve done the same.
“At least your siblings still want to see you. I can’t say the same about Aether.”
“That’s debatable with my older siblings.” He shrugged. “But you don’t know that for sure.”
“I just wish he would talk to me. Then, I would be able to be there for him, but he keeps avoiding me, and refuses to tell me what’s going on.” Lumine ran a hand through her bangs. “It seems like everybody else isn’t much better than him. Nobody gives me answers, and refuses to help me find him, even after I solved their problems. Get this, in Inazuma, they did nothing for me. Not even put up missing person posters for him.”
“Hey, I know it’s unfair, and you honestly deserve better…” Ajax placed a hand on her cheek, gently stroking his thumb beneath her bright, golden eye. “You can’t change what already happened, so the best we can do is keep trying to move forward.”
“I hate to admit it, but you’re right…” She begrudgingly sighed. “Giving up isn’t an option I’m willing to take. And there’s still a lot I need to figure out for myself. Who knows, maybe Sumeru will be better and everything will work in the end?”
“I’m rooting for you, kochana. Hopefully, things will work out for you, I really want them to. But if they don’t, just know I’ll always be here at your side.”
“I’m glad for that.” Lumine softly smiled at him with newfound resolve.
She got up on her top-toes, placing a kiss on his lips. Ajax looked at her with pure admiration before returning the romantic gesture. They stood together in the moonlight, silently staring out at the warmly illuminated harbor, not the either minded, content enough with each other’s company.
When it was getting late, and they decided it was time for Teucer to go to bed, they left side by side. They walked past the blooming glaze lilies and down the stairs of Yujing Terrace. Yet they both failed to notice the figure watching them from the shadows.
When all his previous attempts at sabotaging their relationship failed, Aether decided it was time for the last resort, murder. If the Harbinger was dead, that meant he couldn’t date his sister and he wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. He’s only finishing what he should’ve done when he had the chance.
Aether really didn’t want it to come to this. No, wait, he actually kind of did.
The following morning, he saw them outside Liyue Harbor again. Like before, they seemed to be enjoying themselves, too much if Aether thought so himself.
He sat in the hand of a Ruin Guardian. Behind him was a reasonably-sized army. On his order, they would unleash havoc, but he must wait for the right moment. Until then, Aether lurked in the shadows.
“Come on, I want to see Mr. Cyclopes before it rains again!” Teucer urged them to pick up the pace.
“Okay Teucer, there’s no need to hurry. I told you I’d take you to go see him, even if it was the last thing we did before you left.” Childe reassured him, following close behind with Lumine.
“Is that a promise?”
“I’m willing to pinky promise on it.”
“Oh, you don’t need to do that. I believe you, big brother.” Teucer giggled.
Childe watched as his younger brother ran ahead. “You know, I’m going to miss him. It was fun taking a break that I don’t get very often, but alas all good things must come to an end.”
“I will too. He’s a sweet kid. I was surprised that you two were related.” She playfully teased. “Sure, you looked similar, but I thought your personalities couldn’t be any more different.”
“And now?”
“Not really.”
“I’m sure Teucer is eager to tell my family all about this when he gets back. He’ll definitely talk about us, but mostly you.” Childe took her hand, gently squeezing it.
“Why me?” Lumine raised her eyebrows. “He’s your brother, so wouldn’t he rather talk about you?”
“Oh, he does that too, but he’s known me his whole life. So, you’re more exciting to him. Besides, my family feels the same way since I pretty much tell them about you all the time.”
“All the time?!” She got flustered, blushing furiously.
Okay, that was it, Aether had enough. On his order, the abyss mages teleported in front of them, playfully laughing. Childe and Lumine quickly summoned their weapons, protectively standing in front of Teucer. The mages all decided to target the traveler, waving their ley-line wands and chanting in abyss tongue.
“No, you idiots! You’re supposed to kill him, not my sister!” Aether face palmed in the distance.
Lumine evaded the cryo mage dropping ice spikes on her. She swung her Skyward Blade, infusing it with electro energy. The bolts created cracks in the mage’s shield, but did not shatter it.
“I swear to Archons, these guys are so annoying! I really can’t have one day of peace.” She groaned, tracking where it teleported before gracefully striking with her sword.
Meanwhile, Childe was having a great time. He broke the shield of a pyro abyss mage with his dual hydro blades. Defeating it with the slash of a polearm, he switched weapons before facing the next opponent.
Swiftly defeating their enemies, a wave of reinforcements came. Hilichurls jumped out of the bushes, snarling with their clubs at hand. Mitachurls burst into the scene, swinging their geo-shields.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Lumine rolled her eyes before killest the nearest hilichurl with a single swing.
“Come on, girlie. This will be fun!” Childe smirked, taking aim with Polar Star.
Aether’s minions were in fact doing a very poor job at their mission. The two swiftly defeated the waves of enemies with ease, and seemed to be enjoying it too. This was an attempted murder, they weren’t supposed to have fun.
While distracted fighting, they failed to notice Teucer run into the nearby woods. The same place where more reinforcements were kept. That was certainly one way to get himself killed.
Aether put his hand on his chin, thinking it over. Why should he care? It was just a kid, not to mention one related to someone he doesn’t like. Humans are fragile creatures with insignificant life spans, so his death would happen sooner or later.
But his opinion changed the moment he saw Teucer come face to face with danger. How frightened he looked. In a strange way, it reminded him of his sister.
Aether still vividly remembered the last time he saw her before her slumber. Her terrified expression as he was swallowed by the Sustainer’s darkness was burned into his mind. It also fueled his desire for revenge against Celestia.
If it were her, Aether would’ve wanted someone to save Lumine. Aether wouldn’t let Teucer die, even if he hated his brother.
“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.” He grumbled to himself.
Aether heaved a sigh not before holding out his arm as to signal the ruin guard not to attack. He summoned his sword before entering the fray. It all went by in a hurry, but Aether found himself picking up Teucer and fled from the chaos.
Once certain he was safe, the boy opened his blue eyes, which immediately lit up, “Mr. Cyclopes! I knew you were one of the good guys. Big brother told me you would be here.”
What?!
“He moves! Where did you get one that moves?”
“All of my “cyclops” were created like that.” He was genuinely confused by this kid's fascination with deadly machinery, but rolled with it.
Maybe violence was a family interest.
“No fair! I’ll have to ask big brother to find one that moves later.” Teucer paused his awe over the ruin guard to face him. “You’re Aether right?”
“How do you even know my name?”
“Miss Lumine told me about you. You really look alike. Plus, you tried ruining my birthday.” He pouted, crossing his arms.
Oh, so he was aware of that. Aether really needed to work on his stealth skills then. “It’s nothing personal. It’s your brother that I have a problem with, him dating my sister to be exact.”
“Don’t be mean to Ajax and Miss Lumine! I’m a kid, so I don’t really understand adult stuff, but I know they deal with a lot already. Let them be happy.”
“No.”
“Please.” Teucer made puppy eyes.
Aether tried his best to resist the temptation. He thought about why he was doing this all in the first place. Lumine was supposed to hate the Harbinger, just like how he eternally hated Celestia. They were never meant to get along. Then, he thought about the point Teucer made about her finally being happy.
Even if he didn’t approve of him, Lumine would be upset if he killed her boyfriend. And she was what mattered to him most of all. He should’ve never lost sight of that to begin with.
“Fine, I will stop, for today only. Don’t think I changed my mind about this though.”
“Yay!” Teucer smiled, looking up as he hugged him. “You’re the best, big brother Aether!”
Taken aback, he wasn’t sure how to respond. All he could think to do was awkwardly pat his head. He used to be the more sociable twin, much better with kids than his sister. Though, he had to admit Teucer grew on him fast.
“Come on, let’s go back. I bet they’re worried about you.”
Childe and Lumine finally finished defeating all the hordes of enemies. They were so caught up in the thrill of battle that they just realized Teucer was missing. A look of panic came over both of them, having no idea where he went, let alone the danger he could be in.
Before they could even start searching, heavy footsteps came from the forest. As they grew louder, the treetops rustled, causing birds to fly away. A Ruin Guard emerged. Lumine and Childe readied their weapons, only to notice Teucer sitting on its arm. It showed no signs of aggression, instead slowly lowering its hand to set the boy down.
Teucer waved to it before running towards his brother, hugging him. “Ajax!”
“I’m so glad that you’re okay! You didn’t get hurt at all, did you?” Childe let go, immediately checked for any signs of injuries, but found nothing.
“No, I’m okay.” He shook his head. “It’s all thanks to big brother and Mr. Cyclops. They saved me.”
“Teucer, what are you talking about? I’m right here.” Childe blinked in confusion.
Aether revealed himself, hesitantly stepping out of the shadows. Teucer tried to remain quiet, but he couldn’t contain his excitement as he saw him return. Childe grinned at Aether, his way of saying he was proud of him. The Abyss Prince rolled his eyes. Lumine froze in place, warm tears trailing down her golden eyes.
“Aether?”
She blinked to see if her mind was playing tricks on her. He was still there. This time there were no Abyss Lectors or portal to take him away from her again. Lumine took a step forward, reaching out to him, but found herself hesitating. What if he just left her again?
“Go to him.” Ajax gently whispered to her.
Lumine quietly nodded, before slowly approaching. There was no time to waste on doubts. She came face to face with her brother. Lumine reached out her hand to touch his cheek, desperately hoping he wouldn’t leave her again. When she did, she noticed they were wet, much like her’s.
“You’re actually here.” Lumine tearfully smiled, thankful to have him back.
He could only awkwardly smile and wave, “Hey.”