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No one ever thought the traveler could fall.
Not the people of Mondstadt who saw this mysterious traveler command the winds to assist him in taking down one of the Four Winds with their own eyes.
Not the people of Liyue who watched as this traveler received so much more adeptal power than a normal human could possess without repercussions, using it to subdue an ancient God.
Not even Xiao, who watched him fall monster after monster with his blade alone, commanding the elements without a vision, living his days in an unfamiliar world with a smile that never dimmed no matter the situation.
And yet when the traveler saw his life flash before his very eyes, feeling the purple lightning crackle all around him, he smiled a bitter smile. He waited for the pain to come, awaiting death with open arms, with unspoken apologies on the tip of his tongue, with broken promises that weighed heavy in his heart, on his final breath.
—
When Aether first came to in the continent of Teyvat, he wouldn’t deny that he was terrified to wake up alone. Lost in an unfamiliar world, his powers gone and his sister missing, he was bound to feel scared. Thankfully he had met Paimon, who told him everything he needed to know to get by in the world. With Paimon, he met Amber, Jean, Kaeya, Diluc, the Anemo Archon himself, and the rest of the people of Mondstadt. And within the blink of an eye, he became their beloved Honorary Knight. Everybody looked at him with awe in their eyes, praising him for his good deeds and unwavering bravery.
But Aether was never a fan of the grandeur that comes with being a hero.
He preferred helping others without expecting anything in return; the smiles and safety of the people were already enough thanks for him. He never liked being put on a pedestal for something anyone with the capability to help would do. But Paimon tells him that he should just accept it, as long as it doesn’t become too much.
And so he accepts the title gratefully, with a smile that anyone in Mond would recognize.
When Aether stepped onto Liyue, he quickly figured out the pattern that he had been put into. He seemed to have a knack for getting himself involved in other people’s problems due to his genuine want to help them. He barely dodged arrest barely a week into getting inside the Harbor for the alleged murder of the Geo Archon, Paimon sighing and muttering about how much distrust she had on the harbinger that saved them.
With Tartaglia "helping" him with fixing his image to the city of Liyue, he also managed to meet the few adepti that lingered and protected the land.
And one of them was a man that went by the name 'Xiao'.
Xiao, whose golden eyes were so cold yet so warm at the same time. Xiao, who barely even wanted to stay in his presence during their first couple meetings. Xiao, who Aether quickly learned was quite similar to himself. Xiao, who Aether found comfort in in this world he didn't belong in.
It took him a while, but Aether eventually managed to have the adeptus open up to him and let him stay by his side, talking his ear off with his musings and thoughts. Xiao always listened, occasionally letting Aether lie his head on his lap and doze off, and wake up to cold hands carding through his hair.
The vigilant yaksha did his job thanklessly, not paying any mind to the fact that no one knew of his hard work. Aether understood. But in turn, he always made sure Xiao took care of himself. Never did he let Xiao end up hurting and neglecting himself. Never letting him stay alone in carrying the burden.
They were never fans of the grandeur that comes with being a protector.
But they admit that it’s nice having someone else look out for you. They admit that things get better with each other. And they have each other to thank instead.
When Aether told him of his plans to go to Inazuma, he didn’t expect Xiao to become so conflicted. The yaksha became restless, his worry for Aether obvious in his eyes. The traveler only smiled, cupping Xiao’s face in his hands and telling him that things will be alright. Xiao held his hand the night before his trip to the land of Eternity.
“Call my name, Adeptus Xiao. I will be there when you call.”
It comforted him knowing Xiao will always hear him, no matter where he may be. He leaves a kiss in the middle of the yaksha’s palm. A silent promise. I’ll be home before you know it. I promise you.
Aether didn't want to get involved in another nation's complications, not when he had his heart set on finding his sister, not when he had a home to return to, waiting for him back in Liyue.
And yet when Thoma's vision flew through the air, Aether couldn't simply stand by and watch. He was moving before he realized it, zipping through the air and snatching it away in midair. His gaze bore into the Raiden's own.
They watched her descend, her authoritative aura demanding their attention, instilling fear in their hearts. Aether stood his ground, gripping his blade tighter in his hands. He told Paimon to get Thoma and herself to safety, looking at her with a gaze that said his decision was final when the fairy tried to protest.
Darkness began to engulf him as he watched Paimon untie the ropes behind Thoma's back, their expressions of fear forever imprinted into Aether's mind. He willed his voice to work. Run! Get to safety!
The Raiden's domain started to build itself, making the ground shake as pillars rose from the ground. A blood moon shines behind the Raiden herself, making her purple eyes shine brighter with contempt. Aether breathes.
He fights. He fights and crosses blades with the Electro Archon, thinking about finding where Lumine has gone after the last time he saw her. He dodges attack after attack thinking about the pain he felt when she didn't even give him a chance to chase after her.
He attacks, thinking about the things he would lose if he makes a single mistake at this very moment.
He feels the wounds open up on his skin, dripping onto the sand as he moves. Exhaustion seeps into his bones with every minute that passes, yet the Shogun shows no signs of stopping her relentless attacks. He can feel his movements starting to slow as his muscles ached, and he grits his teeth every time a blow got too close to being fatal.
"Xiao," He hears himself say before he realizes it. "Xiao, I need you."
He quickly jumps away as lightning hits the sand. He pants, watching the Shogun harness more electro energy. "Adeptus Xiao." He tries again.
The Shogun rushes towards him and he forces himself to take a defensive stance. The blow hits harder than he was ready for, the force enough to send him flying back. The air is knocked out of his chest but he forces himself to stand. Xiao, where are you? Are you in trouble? Are you hurt as well?
He blinks, watching the Raiden's every move. He quickly finds an opening, not giving himself time to second guess and miss the opportunity. He runs, sword ready to swing. Electro energy courses through his veins and he approaches.
But the Archon simply smirks.
A bolt of lightning strikes him down. Aether feels his heart stop.
He opens his eyes to the view of the sun rising behind the sakura trees. The darkness recedes back to nothingness. He blinks once, twice, trying to make his vision less hazy. He can no longer feel his limbs. His heart beats slowly in his chest.
The sunrise casts a golden light on him. He hears the quiet footprints of the Shogun approaching him. He pays it no mind.
The birds chirp in the distance. He tries to move to no avail.
The leaves sway with the wind. The golden light reminds him of Lumine's eyes.
Lumine...
He coughs and tastes iron at the back of his throat. The sunrise reminds him of the morning he met Xiao on the balcony of Wangshu Inn.
Xiao.
Oh, his Xiao.
He opens his mouth to try and call for him one last time. It hurts to breathe. He can't find his voice.
I'm sorry.
The Raiden stands next to him, the tip of her sword pointing directly to his heart. Aether looks away. His gaze finds the sunrise again, the warmth of sun's rays seeping through his skin.
He feels the blade pierce his skin, blinding pain spreading throughout his body. He chokes, feeling winded as his lungs try to breathe.
His eyes flutter. He opens his mouth to try and whisper Xiao's name.
But the sound never leaves his lips before the light in his eyes dies.