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Spoilers warning for the ending of the 5.7 Archon Quest!
Little cute scene idea between Aether and Citlali after the 5.7 Archon Quest “A Space and Time for You.”
The Traveller and Paimon slowly walk back to the Masters of the Night Wind in silence, the weight of the encounter hanging heavy over Aether’s head.
After brief greetings, Iansan begins to report on the Abyss Order’s full retreat from Natlan, but her voice trails off as she notices Aether’s troubled expression.
Paimon quickly jumps in to explain what had happened, words spilling out in a rush, but Aether butts back in.
“… It’s fine. I just… need some time to take it all in.”
At that moment Citlali returns to the group, relating that she had just shared a dream with the Lord of the Night and learnt some of what had transpired with the Abyss and your sibling.
Paimon explodes in shock. “What?! You saw your sister and didn’t say anything?!”
Before she can press further, Citlali cuts in, her tone calm but firm as she begins explaining what she had gleaned from her dream.
But Aether barely hears her. Her words blur, fading into the background, voice almost being completely drowned out by all the thoughts racing through his head.
It’s only when Iansan breaks the silence with a bright, encouraging smile that his attention snaps back. “Come on. Let’s all head back to the Collective of Plenty for a victory feast!”
Aether hesitates, his throat dry, before speaking in a soft, hoarse voice.
“… I’m sorry, but there’s somewhere else I want to go first.”
Iansan and Paimon exchange confused, worried looks as Aether turns to leave.
Paimon quickly flies after him, only to find Citlali’s arm barring her path.
“Why don’t you head back with Iansan, Paimon?” Citlali says firmly. “I think the Traveler… needs a little space right now.”
“Huh? Space? I… okay…” Paimon pouts, crossing her arms. “He does seem a bit down… But if he’s not back soon, I’m going after him!”
(You are the Traveller/Aether POV from this point on!)
By the time you reach the cave, the sun is already dipping low over the horizon. You pause at the entrance, staring into the empty shadows that we’re once lit by the soft glow of your campfire.
After spacing out for a moment, you climb up to the flat ledge above the entrance just as you had done earlier, and settle onto the stone.
A thousand thoughts race through your head as you stare skyward, watching the last daylight fade over the horizon, replaced by the soft moonlight glow. Even more churn up when your gaze falls to the hibernation key in your hand, once a symbol of your hope, now a stark reminder of fate.
You couldn’t say how long you sit there. Minutes, hours… they all blur together as the night settles in, and you’re left there alone with the storm of your thoughts racing through your head.
“… Hey.” A soft voice calls from behind you.
You glance back, startled from your haze, and find Citlali standing there, her figure outlined by the moonlight.
She hesitates for a second before stepping closer, her posture still composed but her tone is softer than usual.
“Sorry, I know you said you needed time...” Her gaze flickers downward, then back to you. “It’s just… we’re still connected, and… well I could tell you were… feeling lonely.”
She folds her arms loosely, almost as if bracing herself. “Sorry, I’ll stop bothering you...”
“No, it’s okay…” you mumble, fiddling with the hibernation key in your hand. “I was… just thinking about someone.”
“Oh…” Citlali tilts her head slightly. “Your sister…?”
“… No.”
“But… you saw her, didn’t you?”
You give a small nod, your gaze drifting back to the moon.
Citlali approaches quietly, then lowers herself onto the rock beside you, her posture easing as she follows your gaze upward.
For a moment, neither of you speak a word.
“I don’t recognize her anymore…” you whisper at last. Your voice cracks, and your hands tighten as you reach up to swipe away at the tears welling in your eyes.
Your words catch Citlali off guard. She blinks, lips parting slightly, she’s never seen you like this before. Slowly, almost cautiously, she reaches out and lays a comforting hand gently against your back.
You sit there together for a few moments while you try to compose yourself, sloppily dragging your arm across your face, wiping at the tears until you feel a little more put-together.
“Your sister…” she exhales slowly.
“I… I don’t know what it’s like to have a sibling, but I’ve had many students over the years. The shamans send them to me hoping they’ll learn something. I try and teach them the basics, but… you know. They fail miserably, run off with their tail between their legs, and then they’re gone.”
She lets out a small, humourless laugh. “And so I go on with my life, like nothing ever changes.”
Her words trail off. After a brief pause, she continues, softer this time.
“And then, some of them come back. Normally only after a few decades of working up the courage… idiots... Anyway… by then, I know that they’re the same person but… I can’t recognize them anymore. They’ve lived their entire lives, grown old, raised families… while I’m still here. The same old Granny Itzli they once knew.”
Her gaze slips down from the moon, settling in her lap.
“When I see them again like that, it’s like I’m just a memory to them. A relic from another life. Some crazy lady from a lifetime ago. And the person I once knew… is gone.”
She exhales, voice dropping to a whisper.
“… One less to worry about, I guess.” she whispers.
After a moment, she pulls her hand back, a faint flush rising across her cheeks.
“Sorry… I don’t know what I’m rambling about. Just ignore me. I just- I’m sorry about your sister, Aether.”
You sit in silence for a few breaths before reaching out, gently slipping your fingers between hers.
She looks over, and for a moment your eyes meet. Neither of you speak. Then she looks away, leaning into your shoulder, her skin warm against the cool night’s chill.
Together, you sit on that quiet ledge, gazing up at the moon. Eventually, the two of you stretch back into the grass, staring up at the endless starry sky until sleep finally takes you, hand in hand.
And the scene fades to black…! It’s just handholding! >_<
The End!
Hope you enjoyed :D It would too big of a shame to miss an opportunity to connect with Citlali in this moment, especially since she can so heavily relate to the way Aether is feeling after seeing his sister again. But I guess that would be too cute for us >:D
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