Chapter Text
Extrusion. A mold created to fit into its place. That is what this was made to do. To carve out reality and provide purpose to each of its creations. A home for those of which do not exactly deserve it. Gifting those lost with true, pure existence to fulfill its generous creator’s will.
Confounded with bewildered beliefs so easily susceptible to lies was something to be worked around, and this was considered the way to open their eyes. A cure, if you will. Medicine against such toxic ways of thinking and corruption.
“They will deceive your hearts. They have forgotten the dedication you’ve put forth and rid themselves of your presence. Those horrid beings are no leaders, forget followers. Land once guarded by your almighty power has been riddled with cowardice and hatred among themselves.”
Weather raging with sickness and a weakening grasp on control wracked Mondstadt and its people. People who were no longer dedicated to such land. Who even wanted to flee. Such hatred for an archon who was on the verge of death for them...
“No such people are deserving of your protection. You fought to the brink, obtained grave wounds on their behalf, only to be discarded. Is that such a way to thank their god?”
“...”
A new being residing among them now thrived with such thoughts. It flooded each mind that collected around them. Several faint forces of life could be felt prickling against them like a shield. Large wings encased around him as they slept neverending, providing him comfort in the cold. Now with company, their energy synergized perfectly together. Their souls aged horribly with the knowledge of such festering disgust above them, however being with each other reminded them both that they had each other to look to.
Violet light could be felt outside of their resting eyes glowing from their healing wounds. It was a sharp and seering type of pain that occurred during their healing process, but at the same time it felt relieving. Unknown to themselves and those around them, Dvalin and Barbatos were as bright as the sun could ever be with such a vibrant quaking aura reflecting magenta light.
The boy’s expression was twisted in too many emotions to separate, brows furrowed and sweatied, albeit the quirk of his lips barely resembling that of a smile he fought to uphold due to being with his good friend. Dvalin resembled a similar expression even though he was unable to face many emotions physically.
“Let slumbering wrath succumb your beings to those who have turned their head from. Make the world yours, as one.”
“...”
”Who rests beside us?”
”Your grace! My― How it is an honor to be among you beings. Let your wind lead,” A raspy voice blurted in surprise, bowing respectfully. “Beneficiaries have been gathered at your disposal.”
”And who is this that is speaking?”
”I am but a lowly abyss mage, humbly at your services. We from the Abyss Order are providing our assistance in a most powerful rebound to claim back the lands. Tell me, lords, of which land you determine to claim first?”
The dragon rumbled under the horrid pressure funneling through his spine. He curled closer around the still slumbering Barbatos and ever so slightly vibrated his wings. Azure eyes were still concealed by heavy lids, resorting to him taking in a curt breath to smell those around him.
”Humanoids,” he stated blandly only to quickly waver into a weak snarl. ”It smells of sulfur and… sickness.
The mage narrowed its gaze from the question being spoken over. It floated nearby, hesitant to Dvalin’s realization of the crackling tension emitting from the monster. ”This is the result of Mondstadt forgetting of your gracious beings. You have been taken advantage of and riddled with abandonment for centuries.''
”You speak of the people?” Whispering from a hoarse groan the drake questioned the unseen mage with a puzzled upturn of his lips. It unknowingly flinched at this.
”Indeed I do. The people of your nation have turned their backs to you in disgust and no longer seek to uphold your deserved appraisal or offer gratitude in your names.”
”...”
Dvalin hissed quietly, still limp against where they lay. ”Preposterous. I do not heed your words to be true. You must be stricken with a foolish mentality.”
The dragon still wielded the ability to incite fear into any who faced his maw even when immobilized. Barbatos had always commended his bullheaded personality due to the fact that the archon was a trickster at heart, so he oftentimes fell gullible to the god’s lies and jokes and reprimanded him for it, albeit lightheartedly. It also partook in affecting his strong will to believe in those who trust him and vice versa.
The Abyss mage gaped in fright, shaking his hands in front of itself as a sign of respect even though the drake’s eyes were closed. ”I dare insist to you! I wouldn’t imagine such dishonestly towards those who deserve the truth most. Are you not curious as to your current state and what makes you both feel so glum? Your answer is above ground with humans who have tossed your sacrifices aside.”
Unmoving, Dvalin simply sighed deeply and did not reply. It was after a moment that the mage had realized he had fallen back into deep slumber and would not wake for some time.
“Sheesh, I wasn’t even able to get to the main part.” It cursed in a more relaxed voice, turning away and eyeing the bodies laying around nearby. “And you all are far too weak as it stands! What good will you do?”
“You there! What are you doing?”
The mage looked upwards to face a herald glaring daggers from the sloppily hand-made doorway. “You are not permitted to be within these quarters. State your business or die.”
“Gah― I apologize, your grace,” Releasing the shield summoned to ensure safety when encountering the sleeping fester cursing the area around them, it kneeled pathetically. “I have no place here. I w-was selfishly observing those we have gathered for the benefit of the eradication.”
“A pest you are―! You are lucky I do not sever those plumose appendages atop your ignorant head. Rid of yourself immediately.” The herald accepted the lie to the mages’ surprise, who nodded gratefully before parting the area through a separate exit.
Sickly globbles of purple neon spores caked the walls and floor of which forced those containing the presence of fallen gods to tunnel out makeshift pathways through the rock and dirt. Those unyielding of protective elemental abilities are not permitted to enter the area as those with high clearance or shielding from said illness that can befall those uncovered. The herald was unaffected through the filter of his mask, pinning those who lay immobile down below with his hostile presence.
“Such a disgrace. Never have I imagined to see an archon in such a pitiful state. A disappointing sight, might I add,” he hissed venomously. “And the winged snake by his side is just as regretful to witness first hand.”
Dvalin returned to the statue-like poise he previously situated himself in, albeit unwillingly. Barbatos, still laying against his side, slowly edged a hand and rested it against his own chest. The herald perked up, watching with horror as he slowly pressed against a large, blackened sphere within his chest; the wound he bore when both were discovered.
The boy made no effort to speak and appeared to be unconscious despite his subtle movement. Both beings were visibly weakened to their cores and bore no energy to act out anything they may wish, so it was alarming the archon has shifted in this way. His daft fingers flitted against the molded-over tissue like a ghost and his curled position stayed strong.
“Only time will tell when Teyvat will be under our control with these new soldiers.” he murmured, disgust reflecting from the fluctuation in his tone towards the end.
The herald fled the room. Those in slumber lay left alone once more, perhaps sharing a similar dream between them. Worms of prickling pain wriggled around their bodies and kept them from a truly comforting sleep and it was unknown when such agony would cease.
Dvalin, joints stiff like rocks, faintly emitted confliction from the brief conversation that took place. His mind was almost empty with sores torturing him in place of coherent thoughts. What had truly taken place while the world still spun without their presence? If only he could have the ability to think these things over.
“Are you absolutely positive with this?”
“Unfortunately I am. Seems to be one problem to the next, hm?”
Jean had clasped hands before her face and eyed the papers before her with a shadowed expression. Kaeya rested against her desk as before. He bore a similar look.
“The mountain as a whole needs to be condemned for any travel. If this data does bore true then we are limited regarding control with natural dangers this is causing, but what we can do is limit those who could be endangered from it.”
“I agree. Can’t say adventurers will be too pleased,” the Captain replied.
“They haven’t been able to conduct any research regarding the mountain as of late anyhow, so this won’t make much of a difference.”
“Yes, however this means they must relocate their outpost. No fun in that, now is there?”
Jean nodded. “Well it’s the only option now.”
Kaeya returned the nod, gracing a light grin. “I will have a few colleagues of mine be the bearer of bad news. Anything else I may additionally assist?”
Grandmaster hesitated as stress crossed her. Noticeable bags underneath her usually glowing eyes creased as she glanced back over the files before her.
“I honestly don’t know the specifics at the moment. Perhaps you can keep me company for a moment?”
Kaeya’s brows raised in surprise at the request, noting the tension within her posture and exhausted frown. He couldn’t argue with someone looking this poorly.
“Of course, Jean,” he stood to round the desk to her side. “I’d be happy to.”
“Thank you, Kaeya.” she breathed. “Please keep your men and women safe while closing off Dragonspine from any person that wishes to venture there or to its base. We cannot afford to lose more people.”
“Wouldn’t dream otherwise. I trust my team quite fondly.” Genuinity echoed from his words which was fairly uncommon for the man.
He placed a reassuring hand against her shoulder and gave it a light pat. “Well I suppose I cannot actually spend a good chunk of time delaying closing down the surrounding area of Dragonspine, although I’d rather rest here with you. I can return once the message has been sent.”
“That’s alright. I appreciate it.” she said. “I have much more work to attend to. Good luck out there.”
The man gave her a sly salute accompanied by a quirk of his lips. “No need for luck, Jean. I’m not one to rely on things such as that.”
“Right,” she huffed at his regard for her, straightening her front top before sliding her chair further into her desk in preparation to resume duties. “Stay safe, then.”
“Grandmaster Jean!”
Alerted, the two glared at the door to the many sudden sounds of shoes clicking with the shout following them. Kaeya glanced at the woman and she stood with alarm. Several guards entered the room single file and they were recognized as various guards from the winery. Both leaders were confused at the large number of them.
It was then that a blonde haired figure was funneled through alongside them, looking beaten in shape and ragged.
Kaeya eyed them all curiously. “Now what do we have here?”
“He was found upon Dragonspine, sir. Diluc sent our group to scout as far as we could and he was laying in the snow.” one of them stated strongly. White powder dusted their clothing even still from the venture.
Jean moved forward briskly to look over them each closely, before pausing on the traveler. “Aether? What were you doing there?”
“We have reason to believe he has something to do with the disappearances,” the larger man of the group answered in his stead, with his steady grip still against the boy.
“Y’see, he was the last person to be with Albedo. Huskies picked up their scents just barely through the weather. It was so faint that we lost track several times, but it was primarily the DNA left behind within a tent that Albedo was known to have been conducting research in.”
The two perked up with Kaeya adding a tilt to his head.
“Albedo, hm. And you are positive this is the last location the recluse was spotted? With Aether confirmed as the last to speak with him?”
"There has been no other finding to point otherwise," with a gruff reply the man shoved forward the blonde. He stumbled and fell against his knees, messed bangs covering his face.
Jean rubbed her eyes as she bit the inside of her cheek. "Alright. Thank you all for your hard work. I'll take this from here."
The party bowed in sync, sheathing what weapons they had prepared to use if necessary. With a few lingering, critical stares, the group left.
The three were silent. Aether remained on his knees, head down presumably because of how tired he was. Kaeya narrowed his gaze, eyes flickering with pinpricks.
"I'm hoping you've an explanation."
He shivered, frowning weakly. "I don't have any idea what happened."
"Nonsense," the female knight snapped. "You did something, didn't you?"
Kaeya sighed. "Please, try to remain calm, miss. There isn't anything he can do to get out of this so we have time."
There was a foreboding tone twisted against his words that the traveler was unnerved about. It was unsettlingly cold.
"I s-swear, I have no idea what's going on," facing the pair he confirmed strongly, eyes pained. "Albedo was there and disappeared."
"You're saying as if it was spontaneous," Kaeya kneeled down and peered at the boy's hands entangled behind him from bindings provided by one of the guards.
"It was. I was knocked out and as soon as I woke up he was gone. I have no reason to do anything."
The man hummed. "Well it's all a bit coincidental that you were where he was known to reside and he was supposedly last seen with you at the tavern."
Aether had no reply. He truly did not understand what it was that happened when he was unconscious. To be detailed as soon as he woke was jarring.
"Do you know what day it is?"
The question threw him off-guard. "Day?"
Kaeya nodded, staying kneeled to watch his expression. "That's what I asked."
"Are you insinuating something?" he questioned back. The captain chuckled in turn.
"It's been one week since Albedo was last reported to be within Mondstat alive and well."
The traveler froze.
"That's not possible― t-that doesn't make any sense," he growled, eyes wide and confused. "I just saw him!"
"Interesting," Kaeya cooed, eye narrowed and dark. "So you are in fact uncertain with the time."
The blonde choked on his own thoughts, staring at him wordlessly.
"Have you experienced a head injury of sorts? A concussion, trauma, anything of the like?"
"Of course not!" he replied.
"What about stroke? A seizure of some sort?"
Aether shook his throbbing head, almost considering that to be a possibility. "No. Nothing like that happened I don't think. He was trying to run some experiments."
As silent as she was, the grandmaster spoke up after observing their conversation. "What do you mean by experiments?"
He wheezed a cough from his frosted lungs when attempting to reply to her. His body was riddled with ice cold temperatures. Shoulders stiff and joints feeling molded together, he focused on the thick-like coils pumping through his veins. The energy was pulsating through every place imaginable and it was so painful.
"There's something wrong with me," he confessed. They both listened closely. "I had spoken with Diluc about this briefly earlier today. I came in contact with one of those statues and something from it is making me terribly sick. Albedo said he could test some things and figure out what exactly is causing this."
"What you think is today was several days ago now, Aether," Kaeya repeated as the boy misspoke. "What tests did he conduct?"
"They were various exercises like testing agility, strength, stuff like that. He was taking samples to analyze as well."
Aether couldn't understand how they could so confidently say that it's been a week. It was a few dozen minutes or so while stuck in the refines of his mind as Albedo tested what he needed to.
"And what happened following these activities?" Jean's brow creased in worry.
"He wanted to see if I could use what I contracted as an ability of some sort. There was a solution he said to have created to forcefully activate it and that he knew how to combat it if something goes wrong. After I was injected I-I don't remember anything. It was only a few minutes that passed."
Kaeya turned towards his companion and looked for her opinion. "And should we take this… traveler's word for this, my lady?"
"I'm not lying!" Aether huffed. "I have no benefit from hurting him. He was the only one helping me figure out what's happening. What good would this do?"
Jean lifted a finger to her chin in thought before looking at Kaeya. “That does make sense… well I think it would be best to fetch Barbara before anything else. His wounds are quite severe. You can tell her to meet me here. I believe she is in the church.”
He didn’t bother arguing but it was noticeable in his expression that he wasn’t satisfied with her response. “Alright. Afterwards I’ll resume notifying those around Dragonspine to leave the area.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
As the man moved to depart, Aether made eye contact with him one last time. He was startled when the man’s gaze reflected a hostile undertone. His periwinkle sight sparked like snow in sunlight, emphasizing the power behind him. A slight smirk commonplace with his attitude clashed with this however.
As his cape fluttered past, the traveler was silenced for a moment from the final interaction with him. The grandmaster leaned to the side with a distracted poise.
“What is becoming of this place…?” she murmured wearily. Aether pitied her.
“I know I’m not the most trustworthy person out there, but I can assure you I have no reason to hurt anyone,” he pleaded. “I don’t know what to do. I’m so confused.”
The woman nodded lightly, considering his words. “I truly hope that’s the case.”
The soil thrashed against the region's crust as the mountain’s heart pumped violet curses. Ley lines scattered across Mondstadt’s dwindling sub areas have grown lethal. The usual azure and golden sources that provided plentiful energy were stained like the earthly heliotrope, resembling that of a chaotic electro spore. Rabid sparks of unfiltered ash spiraled erratically and threatened to set the grasses ablaze to their respectful areas. It was like a whirlwind of breezes cut through the neighboring space, tormenting the flora.
Pure evil seeped through from the hidden Revelations smothered by the smog and straight into Irminsul. The mystical tree itself was decaying from such disease and unknowingly sending Dendro through madness. Such unstable wrath has never occurred in Teyvat quite like this.
The air was slowly being poisoned.
A mild sickness filtered through cities close to these ley lines. Those affected were rendered bedridden and too weak to move, forcing many businesses to temporarily close until such plague may subside.
Several days after Aether’s detainment, it became well known across the lands that Mondstadt was collapsing. Liyue formed an emergency scenario of action to take place in the chance that such sickness traveled across the border into their region. Sumeru, too, was beginning to resemble similar symptoms as their Archon was directly attached to such knowledge bearing trees.
Barbara had successfully started the healing process of the Traveler’s frostbite and Paimon had reunited with him shortly afterwards. She was concerned with his current state and urged that they plan a way to escape to a different nation; however with him being kept under surveillance, it wasn’t possible.
Search parties assembled frequently came up empty handed with information regarding disappearances and corruption. The only ones holding this valuable information were the Abyss. Each day they provided the Archon and his close friend new souls to fight for the Abyss’ goals of domination who were rendered senseless with such venom coursing through the underground chamber.
Each passing second grew closer to Barbatos to flutter his eyes, and it seemed to be near its time. Dvalin had occasionally regained hit wits several moments through these days, however lacked the ability to use his sight and stayed still if awake.
Barbatos’ wound had begun to crystallize over the previously gaping black sludge. It was a piercing, violent pink shade that glew against his tattered outfit. It helped ‘heal’ such open injury from potential further damage.
The same mage previously encouraging their dormant hatred visited frequently every few hours to whisper bitter lies which fell to ears still capable of listening in. The more times it had snuck in, the pair’s mentality morphed into its favor. The Abyss’ favor.
”They’ve forgotten about us? Truly? How I longed for this to be otherwise. I can sense their ailing bodies writhing above us. Why did this happen?”
”I have no answer. My agony is immeasurable, Lord Barbatos. I feel their pounding hearts beating for something else. Their dedication to themselves. This isn’t right. Was there a mistake in our actions?”
”I think we have to wake. We need to see for ourselves that this is the truth. Has freedom been hoarded to a degree where only all hatred has accumulated together? Like a festering selfishness?”
”I suppose there can be only one way to find out."