Chapter Text
Aether stood beside his sister Lumine when a shadow fell over them. “Outlanders, your journey ends here,” a voice declared, cold and commanding.
Lumine narrowed her eyes, defiance sparking in her gaze. “Who are you?”
“I am the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles,” the figure replied, an unsettling smile curling her lips. Without warning, she hurled a shimmering cube towards them.
In an instant, they were ensnared, caught in a web of light. Aether struggled against the bindings but felt the energy sapping his strength. “No! Give me my sister back!” he shouted, desperation clawing at his throat.
Then, darkness engulfed him, and he jolted awake, drenched in sweat. The familiar surroundings of Wangshu Inn greeted him, the soft glow of dawn filtering through the window. He cursed under his breath; the nightmares had returned, relentless as ever.
After dressing and hastily finishing his breakfast, he stepped outside, eager to tackle his daily commissions. The crisp morning air filled his lungs, but a nagging feeling tugged at him. He noticed the absence of Xiao’s presence nearby. Where could he be?
His thoughts drifted back to his first visit to Liyue, where he had met both Xiao, the stoic adeptus, and Zhongli, the wise Geo Archon. As he learned more about them, his heart had betrayed him, blossoming with feelings he hadn’t anticipated. When he finally confessed, he was met with acceptance, and now he found himself in a whirlwind romance with both of them.
As Aether made his way to his first commission, he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. His instincts prickled, a warning that he was not alone. He dismissed it at first, but the sensation grew stronger, an unsettling weight pressing on his shoulders.
Just as he was about to shake off the feeling, a group of hilichurls ambushed him. He fought fiercely, but one managed to land a blow, pain lancing through him. Gritting his teeth, he dispatched the last of them and quickly bandaged his wounds, determination fueling him to press on.
Yet, even as he completed his tasks, that feeling of being watched lingered, intensifying with each passing moment. He knew it wasn’t Xiao; this was something—or someone—else.
As dusk began to cloak Liyue, Aether turned to head back, but before he could take a step, dark figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding him. Panic surged within him, his heart racing as he prepared to defend himself.
Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his neck, and the world around him faded to black.
Hours passed, and Xiao’s worry grew heavier with each tick of the clock. Aether should have returned by now. “I need to find him,” he muttered, urgency lacing his voice.
Teleporting to Zhongli’s side, he found the Geo Archon studying him with concern. “What troubles you, dear Xiao?” Zhongli asked, his brow furrowing.
“Aether hasn’t come back. He’s late, and I can’t shake this feeling…” Xiao’s voice trailed off, anxiety creeping into his words.
“Then we must search for him,” Zhongli replied, determination igniting in his gaze.
With a nod, Xiao teleported them both outside of Liyue Harbor. “Let’s hope we find him safe,” he said, but deep down, a foreboding sense of dread settled in his gut. Little did they know, Aether was far from okay, trapped in a darkness that threatened to consume him.