Chapter Text
Arriving in Liyue always brought a sense of familiarity to the Traveler. He liked every nation he and Paimon stepped foot in, but Mondstadt and Liyue were bringing more sentimental feelings than any other nation. They truly felt like home.
"Liyue is truly beautiful this time of the year.” Paimon got giddy the second they left the ship in the port. “Lantern Rite is truly magical. Paimon is happy you agreed to come with us. I think after everything we deserve some nice rest and tasty food."
"Emphasis on the food," joked Aether. "But I do think you'll like it here."
Columbina smiled lightly.
The world was a weird place. The first time she opened her eyes, she saw the worst nightmare coming to life. Now all she was seeing was beautiful decorations and happy people all around. Everyone was in the festive mood, yet all she could think about was Sandrone. She felt bad for leaving Nod-Krai, but when Tartaglia and Arlecchino offered to go with them she agreed. Well, the Fatui were there on a business trip more than anything. Albedo, Durin and Varka were keeping them company on their way to Mondstadt.
“Yeah, Liyue is fun,” added Childe.
“Please, remember we are here on business, we need to get back on track after all Dottore messed up in the process of his maniacal delusions.” Arlecchino was focused on the task. Mostly because she wanted to end things quickly and help Columbina with her grief. Not that she wasn’t touched by it, she just knew it hit Columbina more than anyone. “We will head to the meeting now. Farewell.”
Arlecchino did not wait for Childe. He said his goodbyes (asked Aether if they could spar in the free time) and sprinted after her to catch up.
“And just like that, they’re gone, I hope everything goes well for them. Is it weird Paimon wishes that upon Fatui?” she asked.
“I don’t think so,” Durin, who kept quiet for most of the journey, chimed in. “We’ve been through a lot with them, it’s only natural to develop positive attachment towards someone in that kind of situation.”
“What?” Paimon turned to the Traveler, trying to seek a more simple answer. She actually understood Durin well, she just needed to do something to cheer Aether up.
“He says it's okay to like them, you know that!” Aether laughed, as he ruffled her hair.
“I do, but you smiled, so Paimon can play a little dumb.” She smiled too, proud of herself. “Okay, let’s move! We have so much to show you and Paimon still wants to take you for a meal, before you leave for Mondstadt.” She flew closer to the trio, leaving the Traveler and Columbina behind. “Welcome to the Chihu Rock…”
They could hear Paimon’s excited guiding in the background.
“So, Paimon said you guys always visit the nation of Geo, during this time. I believe it’s something like Moon Prayer Night?” Columbina asked.
“You could say that. They are similar in many ways. People gather, celebrate and prepare for whatever the new year might bring. But they also celebrate the past. Many honor their ancestors. It's truly a beautiful thing.” Aether’s heart filled with warmth.
“You seem to be quite fond of it,” said the Moon Goddess.
“I am,” he agreed. “I have many great memories tied to it. Each year we have fun, we eat well and we meet our friends.”
“I’m guessing you have a lot of them in Liyue, too? Friends, I mean.”
Aether smiled again. “That is also true, although the first time we came here, we actually got accused of murdering the Geo Archon. Funny enough it was Childe who helped me escape. And then tried to destroy the whole nation…” The Traveler scratched his neck awkwardly. “Well, that’s behind us. I think the Fatui have enough of destroying nations for the foreseeable future.”
“That’s… Not a story I was expecting,” Columbina admitted.
“Why? Do you think I always come into a nation and am automatically declared a hero?” he asked, amused.
“Not that, just murdering an archon doesn’t sound like something you would do.”
“Oh, believe me, back in the day it was very believable. We came and there he was, dead before our own eyes-” he stopped in his tracks. “That’s not very considerate of me to say. Sorry, Columbina.”
“It’s fine. It’s your story, although, yes, coming somewhere just to see death is not something I wish to be discussing right now. If we could talk about something nicer, perhaps.”
“Guys, look!” Paimon saved them from continuing the conversation.
They were standing in front of Wanmin Restaurant. Multiple tasty scents were mixing together, creating an amazing experience for the senses.
“Welcome to the- Ah! Traveler and Paimon!” Xiangling greeted them happily. “And friends, many friends,” she added, her enthusiasm disappearing for a moment. “Sorry, it’s just such a busy day. I feel like everything is going wrong. Hu Tao was supposed to help, but she is… archons know where.” Xiangling hid her face in her hands.
“Woah, are you okay?” Paimon asked, genuinely worried. “Usually you stay on top of things, even if it means serving a whole army.”
“I am just overwhelmed. Lantern Rite gets bigger each year, but this time I feel like it’s really huge. We have so many orders, and Lady Ningguang suddenly funded a ginormous feast for the adepti. We are also having many special guests this year. But fear not! I, as a great chef that I am, will prepare you the tastiest meal of your life. Guoba, we have work to do!” She disappeared as quickly as she appeared.
They sat at the table, patiently waiting for their food. They didn’t really get to choose their order, but the Traveler and Paimon were vouching for Xiangling’s skills, so no one really cared. When the food appeared Xiangling looked very proud of herself.
“Everything looks so good!” Paimon’s mouth was watering. “You’re the best, Xiangling!”
“My pleasure, on the house.”
They tried to object, but the chef didn’t back down. All they could do was enjoy everything and honor Xiangling’s hard work. At some point Traveler felt like their meal turned into an eating competition between Varka and Paimon, and he couldn’t help, but think about Varesa. He made a mental note to link up those two in the future.
Aether felt a familiar presence. He could feel it the moment they arrived in Liyue Harbor. Comfort and safety, feeling secure, Aether didn’t have that privilege anywhere else. He smiled to himself, giving into the warm feeling.
When they were done, Paimon happily continued telling everyone about basically everything. Aether hasn’t seen her that excited in a long while. Columbina and Durin were absorbing every word she was saying, truly fascinated by the nation and its culture. Albedo and Varka on the other hand, were less excited about the whole thing, but went along with it.
“And here we have Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Liyue’s pride and joy. Well, Hu Tao’s for sure,” Paimon said. “Oh, Paimon didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine,” Columbina said, her tone empty, but not cold. “I am surprised at the amount of death talk this nation has.”
“It’s a big part of their history, this Parlor has been running for many generations,” Paimon explained.
“Many generations indeed,” a familiar voice agreed.
They turned around to see Zhongli with someone they would never expect to see by his side.
“Has Paimon gone crazy or is this…?”
“No, that’s Neuvilette,” Traveler agreed.
“Traveler, Paimon, pleasure seeing you here. Mister Zhongli and I were headed to discuss the details of the main ceremony.”
Aether and Paimon stood there for a while, jaws almost fully opened, trying to process everything that happened.
“Uhm, right. Right! Zhongli, Neuvillette, these are Columbina, Albedo, Durin and Varka,” Paimon snapped out of it, to finally introduce everyone. “Our friends from Nod-Krai and Mondstadt. Everyone, this is Neuvillette, the Ludex of Fontaine and…” Paimon thought really hard about the right way to address him. “Zhongli.”
Traveler barely held his laughter thinking about the difference between the two titles.
“Ah, Traveler and Paimon,” Zhongli said, keeping a smile on his face. “I am guessing you came for the Lantern Rite.”
“As always, we couldn’t miss it!” Paimon exclaimed happily. “We also brought Columbina along, so she can experience it. I’m pretty sure that the rest would also enjoy it, but Varka feels too homesick to stay.”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Varka interrupted. “I would be more than glad to see the Lantern Rite for myself… Next year. It’s been too long since I saw Mondstadt. You’re more than welcome to stay,” he said to Albedo and Durin.
“I promised Alice to look after Klee, but if Durin wants to, he can stay.” Albedo looked at the little dragon.
“Can I?” Durin asked, he glanced at Varka.
“Of course! You were a big help in Nod-Krai, you deserve some fun.”
“If I’m not mistaken, you’re the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius, right?” Neuvillette chimed in.
The conversation brought the attention elsewhere, so Columbina took this chance to take Traveler aside.
“I don’t want to worry you or anyone else, but I am sensing some energy, like someone has been following us for quite a while,” she said. Not really scared, but not totally calm either.
“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Aether shook his head. “He doesn’t like crowds, will show up, when the time is right.”
He wanted to add something else, but the group was already saying their goodbyes. Albedo and Varka left for Mond and Neuvillette and Zhongli for the Funeral Parlor.
“Well, now we have two friends instead of one! It’s even more fun,” Paimon said. “I will show you everything that Liyue has to offer!”
“Traveler, are you sure it was nothing?” Columbina asked, leaving Durin and Paimon confused.
“Since the crowd left, it might be a good time to explain,” Aether started. “Allow me.” He smiled proudly. “Xi-”
Aether didn’t get to finish. It was enough for the mysterious figure to appear right before his face. Way closer than he was expecting, but he didn’t mind. The Traveler had no idea, when was the last time he saw Xiao from up close.
“You called?” asked the Yaksha, and Aether could’ve sworn there was a little smirk on his face.
Aether quickly shook the idea. “Hi, I had to, someone got a little worried.” He pointed to the Moon Goddess.
“Columbina, Durin, meet Xiao.” Paimon flew between Xiao and the Traveler. “Xiao is the well known Conqueror of Demons. He protects the people of Liyue. And also happens to be our friend. Xiao, this is Columbina, Goddess of the Moon, our good friend from Nod-Krai and Durin, our good friend from Mondstadt.”
“Am I not a good friend then?” Xiao asked, laughing softly, and completely catching her off guard.
“Did you just joke?!” Paimon looked at him shocked.
“I suppose. Although, I am really wondering.”
“You’re a great friend,” Aether said, trying to contain his excitement. He was happy Xiao was showing the softer side, even though it wasn’t only the two of them. “You seem… Better.” He didn’t want to use the word happier. Even if that was the case.
“I am. I feel… Lighter,” Xiao answered. “You brought your friends to the Lantern Rite?” he asked after a moment of silence.
“We thought it might be a good idea, after everything that happened in Nod-Krai,” answered Paimon.
Aether fixed his gaze on the ground. For some reason mentioning the latest events next to Xiao felt wrong. He didn't know how much the Yaksha had heard. The news spread quickly around Teyvat. There was no way for him to know the details, what calmed Aether down.
“We’re heading to the Wangshu Inn,” Paimon tried stirring the conversation, noticing the sudden mood drop. “Are you coming with us, Xiao?”
“Not yet, I have some things to take care of first.” Xiao looked at Aether, he could see the pain in the blonde’s eyes, making his heart heavier.
“Meet later?” Aether asked. He didn’t have to add more for Xiao to understand.
“Of course. Be careful.” Xiao disappeared and Aether stared into the empty space for a while, missing the comfort already.
Aether tried to keep his composure, the sunny, giddy Traveler, that was always ready to cheer everyone on and help. It was easy to maintain, Paimon knew, but she kept quiet about it, when they weren’t alone. No one else noticed. Except Xiao, who knew his real emotions just seconds after meeting. It wouldn’t be good if it was anyone else, but it was Xiao.
“Your friend is… Amazing,” Durin broke the silence.
“He is!” Paimon agreed.
The Traveler smiled in agreement, to not speak up. He was still lost in his own thoughts, but trying not to seem distracted. He really didn’t want to talk about things bothering him. Not yet.
On the way to the Inn, Paimon told them all about Xiao. How they met, who he was and what they've been through together. Aether couldn't help but smile at it, despite still being out of it. There was so much he shoved down and put on the brave face of the mighty Traveler. Aether really wanted to get it out. Sadly he couldn't. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his face. He just didn't feel comfortable enough sharing the burden. Everyone was still hurt by everything that went down with Dottore. Adding his own problems to it, didn’t feel right. So he just let it all eat him from the inside.
“Ladies and gentleman, we have arrived!” Paimon’s excitement didn’t die down even a bit. It was nice to see.
They made it to the top, booked the rooms and finally sat down for some rest after almost a whole day of travels. It got dark when they said their goodbyes for the day.
And all Aether could think about is how much he wanted to see Xiao again.
“Paimon thinks it’s time for dinner,” she said, flying to the door. “What do you think, Traveler?”
“I am still full from our meal earlier,” he answered honestly. “But you go, I promised to meet with Xiao,” he reminded her.
“Oh, right. You two have fun. Paimon surely will, eating her heart out.” She waved him goodbye and left the room.
Aether made his way to the highest floor. The place was getting empty, as most of the guests were already in their rooms or eating dinner. He made his way to the railing and leaned against them, sort of grounding himself. His heart started to beat faster. Was he that excited?
Calling Xiao’s name without a big reason was weird. Not that he hasn’t done that before, he did. He wanted to do it even more times, but always restricted himself from it. He wanted to see Xiao. Why was he hesitating?
“Traveler?”
Aether jumped in place. He wasn’t the one to get caught off guard, and especially not that easily. Yet he was shaking, almost frightened, because he let himself not focus. He turned around quickly to see Xiao.
“Are you okay?” the adeptus sounded worried.
Even more than before, it wasn’t good. There was not any facade to be looked through, it was completely broken and Aether knew it.
Their breaths were heavier than the silence, the look of worry from Xiao.
Aether hated breaking down. He hated sharing his real feelings, his real thoughts, his worries, his nightmares.
He hated making people worry.
“I… I am fine,” Aether said finally.
Xiao sighed. “You’re not,” he said, catching the Traveler off guard again.
Aether dared to look at him. “I was just thinking about something and you surprised me. That’s all,” he tried his best to sound normal. He wasn’t sounding normal.
“Traveler, I am not going to push you, if you’re not willing to share it with me. I just want you to know, I’m here.” Xiao came closer. “And when you’re ready, you can tell me.”
Aether leaned on the railing again and looked at the stars. Xiao copied him. They stood there for a while.
“It was hard,” Aether spoke up, the adeptus immediately looked at him, but remained silent. “Nod-Krai,” he continued. “It was awful, actually.”
Xiao had no idea how to respond, it was the first time the Traveler had said something like that. “I heard briefly about what happened, but I am guessing what I’ve heard is far from the entirety of the events.”
“I don’t know what’s going around,” Aether admitted, he wasn’t really curious about what people were saying, he lived through it, it was enough. “I just…”
“I’ve heard Dottore was not a person to play by any rules, he did not recognize any principles of morality.”
Aether smiled resignedly. “You want to know the worst part of it?” He looked at Xiao. “That’s not what I am bothered with. Sure, Dottore was one son of a bitch, but the worst pain I felt was thinking I got my sister again.” He clenched his fists on the railing and bit his lower lip. “I really thought that. I was lured with hope, thinking that we can be together again. Even if it was for a moment, for a brief second I thought…” He started to laugh. “What was I even thinking?” Tears were falling down his face.
Xiao took a step back. He has never seen the Traveler in a state like this. He was unsure of what he should do. All Xiao knew was that he wanted to make Aether feel better.
“You were hopeful, that’s only natural for someone to do.”
Aether looked at the adeptus again. “Is it? Or is it stupid?”
“You miss your sister.” Xiao came closer again. “You want to be with her, I don’t think that’s stupid.”
Aether smiled through tears. “See, that’s where the worst part comes in. It wasn’t her. It wasn’t even her!” He hid his face in his hands. “I got tricked. I got played. We were apart for so long, I didn’t even recognize it wasn’t her, Xiao.”
Every word hurt him on the way out. Every word reminded him of how Rerir played with his feelings and made him do something awful. Aether was furious with himself. He should’ve known better. How was he meant to be a trustworthy person if he could get tricked like that?
“What do you mean?” Xiao was lost.
It was hurting Aether, but he talked.
He explained what happened when they got to Nod-Krai. He said how Rerir made a complete fool of him. How he got his hopes up for nothing and how much it hurt getting his heart crushed. He talked, and talked, and talked. Each word twisting a knife in his heart. Xiao was listening carefully. He wasn’t really saying much, but he wasn’t judging. Aether needed that more than anything. To be listened to, but his words and decisions not evaluated.
“Where is he now?” Xiao asked finally.
“Rerir? In some form of eternal jail with no way of getting out,” Aether answered. “At least that’s what Columbina said. He helped her, which I am grateful for, but I just… I can’t forget. I keep thinking about it. Well, it probably was Dottore’s plan all along, but… Rerir’s punishment is probably too harsh, maybe not. He is a great sinner after all. I just never felt so personally… Betrayed.” He finally calmed down.
It wasn’t everything that bothered him. It was enough to feel a little lighter. Aether was grateful for Xiao in his life. At the same time he was angry with himself for bringing Xiao down, especially now when he finally was happier.
“I’m sorry,” said Aether, this time taking Xiao by surprise.
“For what?” adeptus asked, confused.
“For ruining the mood, I guess. When I asked you to meet later, I didn’t plan on doing all of this.” He tried to gesture, but it didn’t really make sense. “I didn’t want to spend the evening dooming and definitely not crying.” Aether put hands on his hips. “Let me make this up to you. Maybe tomorrow? We are going to continue our Liyue trip, it would be nice if you could join,” he proposed.
Xiao knew something was off. He was back to sounding like the Traveler, but something was still wrong. Aether’s body language, the mannerisms, Xiao knew them all too well, to not notice. Normally he wouldn’t agree to something like that, but he couldn’t let Aether continue like this. “Okay.”
Aether didn’t expect him to actually agree, but part of him was relieved that Xiao did so. “We will go after breakfast is served, so you can meet us before or after. I can prepare some almond tofu for you, if you want.”
“I would be the most grateful.” Xiao hesitated. “I will see you tomorrow, rest well. You need it.”
Aether scoffed quietly. “I’ll try. Thank you, Xiao. For today. I think I needed that.”
“Of course, I am always here. All you need to do is call.”
Left alone Aether felt sad again. He came back to his room where Paimon was already asleep. His talk with Xiao lasted much longer than he thought. He lied down next to his companion and tried to get some peaceful sleep. It was much harder than he would’ve liked.