Aether the Saviour

by GuardianLugia8

Summary:

Aether finds Direidyth in the present and will now save the girl whom he considers his friend and show her that he is the saviour that she said that she is

Notes:

I was really sad when I completed the quest so I decided to make this, I really like Direidyth and didn't like how it ended

I don't know if hoyo will do anything else with her character in the future but right now I hope that this will be a balm for those of you who feel for her

Chapter 1: Direidyth's Saviour (Part 1)

Aether ran over the sides of the mountain as he used electro and anemo in conjunction to boost himself as he tore through the place. After meeting and parting with Direidyth, he had spent the night at the cave where he had met her, and he was certain that he felt a warm hand in his when he had slept. The same warmth that the Khaenrian girl had given him when he was with her.

The moment he woke up, he found Paimon and left her with the Collective of Plenty after making sure that she won't panic before he launched himself into finding her. He was not about to lose another person, nor was he going to allow someone like Direidyth, a kind girl to keep on suffering like this.

He could feel it, the beacon that he had left on her still held power as he ran towards the south of the mountain, an area where Hilichurls do not go to normally and is usually devoid of Saurians and Humans.

"I am close." Aether said to himself with determination.

He jumped over an elevated part of the side of the volcano as he used anemo to send himself forward as he used his wind glider to glide towards the location. He landed on the ground and broke into a sprint as he saw his target.

Said target is a lone Hilichurl standing at the edge of the area and looking at the vast sea, but it heard the noise of his running as it turned around and saw the golden haired traveler making his way towards it.

The Hilichurl flinched in shock at the sight as Aether saw it and grimaced before he hardened his gaze and reached towards it. The Hilichurl shook in place as it turned and got ready to run away.

"Direidyth wait!" Aether shouted as he saw it.

The Hilichurl froze when it heard, as it-she slowly turned to look at the traveler as he used the chance to reach her. Aether looked at the Hilichurl in front of him as she seemed to be shrinking in on herself as she saw the traveler.

"Direidyth, don't run away from me." Aether said in a gentle tone as he grabbed ahold of her right hand with a firm yet gentle grip.

The Hilichurl trembled in front of him as her head was turned towards the ground as he looked at her. Then he picked her u in his arms which caused her to let out a noise of surprise as she found herself in his arms as she looked at him to see that he is smiling at her.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. Nor am I gonna allow anyone to hurt you more." Aether said to her as she let out a small noise.

Aether smiled and then made his way towards the cave, to make sure that no one sees the two of them he used his elemental powers to increase their speed, Direidyth who is in his arms leaned into him as the winds whipped past the two of them as he soon reached the cave.

Aether stood at the entrance as Direidyth raised her head and saw the cave as she made a noise in response.

"It was you who held my hand when I slept here, right." Aether said to her as he looked down at her.

Direidyth looked at the blonde man as she nodded hesitantly as he smiled and walked inside the cave and laid her on the bed of hay as she sat up and looked at him for a few seconds and then down at her legs as she clenched her hands.

"Did you run away from me because you didn't want me to see you like this?" Aether asked her as she nodded.

"I see. At the very least, I'm happy that you still have the kerchief that I have you." Aether said as he looked at the white handkerchief tied to her right elbow.

He didn't give Direidyth the key in his hand, but before she had disappeared he remembered the Hilichurl in the cave and quickly tied the enchanted kerchief on her arm before she was fully gone. And he is quite glad that he had done that because it allowed him to find her.

Direidyth made a noise as she looked at him as he kneeled in front of her as he smiled at the Khaenrian. He held her hands as she looked at him, her movements hesitant as he felt sad at seeing it.

"Direidyth, can I enter your mind?" Aether asked her which shocked the Hilichurl.

Direidyth made some noises in the Hilichurl language as he smiled at her with a kind gaze.

"I'm serious. Can I?" Aether asked her once again.

Direidyth looked at him for a few seconds before she nodded as he smiled at her consent.

"Thank you." Aether said as he let go of her left hand and gently pulled her head towards him as he put his forehead over her mask.

Direidyth's left hand grabbed onto his left arm as she felt herself lose consciousness as she felt a bit scared. But then she found herself standing in the mountain of Natlan, the same place where she had last talked with Aether before she was back in her time, but the red cubes were absent.

Direidyth looked down at herself and gasped as she found herself back in her human form and garments, her clothes the same that she had worn in the past, alongside the flowers on her head and her face was human as well.

"Direidyth." A familiar voice called out from behind her as her eyes widened.

She tentatively turned her head around and her eyes widened as she saw Aether standing behind her, his cape bellowing in the gentle breeze that passed around them as he smiled at her.

"S-Saviour." Direidyth said in a choked tone as tears appeared in her eyes.

Aether smiled gently at her words as he raised his arms wide. She took two hesitant steps forward, praying after a long time for this moment to not be another hallucination created by herself before she ran towards him and hugged him with all her might as he gently hugged her back.

"I'm here Direidyth. I'm here. I'm not going to leave you, not again." Aether said to her as he wrapped his arms around her.

His right hand was stroking the back of her head as he heard her sniffle and cry on his shoulder as he smiled and just stayed silent as he let her grieve as this went on for a few minutes.

After she stopped crying she sniffed and raised her head and looked at him with tears in her eyes as she smiled with relief in her eyes.

"I-I can't believe. How did you find me? How, why am I back in this form?" Direidyth asked him with confusion.

"One at a time." Aether said as he used hit hand to wipe her tears using his right thumb.

"O-Okay." Direidyth said with a nod.

"Before you and I returned to our times, I wrapped a handkerchief on your arm, it was meant to stay with you and allow me to feel your presence, so long as I activate that particular enchantment on my end of course." Aether said to her with a smile.

"Saviour." Direidyth said with shock.

'So he was still looking after me? I-I am so glad.' Direidyth thought to herself as she looked at him.

"As for where we are right now. As I had said, we are in your mind, I just made a space here where we can talk." Aether said to her with a gentle smile.

"M-My mind? We are in my mind?" Direidyth asked in surprise as she looked at the place.

"Yes, and I'm glad that I did." Aether said to her with a smile on his face.

"S-Saviour, I don't know what to say. How are you doing this?" Direidyth asked him as she was amazed.

"I know about a lot of things. But right, I just want to ask one thing of you." Aether said to her.

"Wh-What is it?" Direidyth asked him nervously.

"After we were sent back to our times, what happened to you?" Aether asked her in a gentle tone.

Direidyth's eyes widened at the question before she looked down as Aether worried that he might've asked something too hurtful for her, but he also needed to know as well.

"Af-After you disappeared, I found that thing on the ground. I thought that you wanted me to give it to the saviour and I managed to find her. I told her about you and even showed her the thing, but she just took it and frowned. Then she just, she ran away from the fight. She left and and... everyone was... the cubes and gods and monsters all attacked and..." Direidyth said as she was now shaking in his arms as Aether was alarmed at it.

"Hey hey, it's okay, they're not going to do anything to you." Aether said as he hugged her.

"And and I ran. I ran I ran I ran, then my body started to change, I couldn't do anything as I lost my h-human form and then I just wandered around. I was killed by other humans, but I came back to life. Again and again, I didn't know what to do, I just ran and hid and would hide in the cave from time to time. Then I started to lose my memories and I didn't know what to do. I just continued to exist, hoping that I-I-I could see you again." Direidyth said as she started to cry once again as her body was shaking with tremors.

Aether held her as she lost the strength in her legs as he knelt down and held her gently in his arms as she cried as she grabbed onto him as he stayed silent.

'500 years, you have endured a lot Direidyth, and I wish you didn't need to do so.' Aether thought to himself as he looked at her.

"And I'm here now. I'm sorry that it took so long. I'm surprised that you still remember me Direidyth." Aether said to her as he held her.

"I couldn't... I couldn't forget you. You were my saviour, my hero. You protected me, you cared for me without asking anything back. Even when I started to lose my memories, I didn't want to lose any of yours." Direidyth said to him as she looked at him, tears streaming down her eyes.

"Thank you, thank you for remembering me. Despite everything that happened to you." Aether said to her as he hugged her and buried her face in his chest as she sniffed.

"I'm sorry for running away. I just couldn't bear to let you see me the way I am. The way you looked at me like I was a stranger, while I was in that corrupted form. I couldn't have you see me like that." Direidyth said to him as he looked down as he felt sadness at her words.

"I see. Then I am glad that I was able to get you now. You want to cry yes?" Aether said to her as she froze in his arms.

'Of course you want to cry. After what you had suffered, you would want to cry.' Aether thought to himself as he held her with great gentleness and warmth.

"Then cry, cry as much as you want. As loud as you want. I will be here for you and I won't leave you." Aether said to her in a tone full of warmth and kindness.

That caused all of her walls to break down as she started to cry loudly as her tears streamed down her face as she buried her face in his chest and cried as he held her. He didn't utter single word and just hugged her and rubbed the back of her head as he allowed her to cry and vent. Her voices echoed around but he didn't mind it, and kept on comforting her as he knew that she needed it most.

And so after a good amount of time, Direidyth's tears lessened as she is now hugging him like her life depended on it as he didn't mind.

"I don't care about what form you are in. You're Direidyth, that's all I need to know. That's the only thing I need to know to be with you." Aether said to her gently as she hugged him tighter.

"Thank you saviour." Direidyth said with a choked sob.

"Don't thank me yet. I still have to save you from this fate, don't I? This corruption from the Abyss." Aether said to her as he kept the hug.

"B-But how?" Direidyth asked after a moment as she looked at him in surprise.

"Do you trust me to save you Direidyth?" Aether in turn asked her as he looked at her with conviction.

Direidyth looked at him in surprise at the question before she nodded to him.

"I trust you, saviour. You were ready to help me even when I was in that form. You did all of this for me. I trust you with my life." Direidyth said to him with complete faith in him.

"Thank you. Then I will do what I must to save you." Aether said as he slowly stood up as she looked at him.

He wrapped his right arm around her as he hugged her to him as she leaned into him as she looked up at his face which is set in determination. He raised his left hand as white light gathered and the scenery around them started to break apart as abyssal energy was revealed.

This caused Direidyth to hug him tightly as despite having lost much of her memories aside from Aether's, the attack from the Abyss is something that she recognised. Aether felt her shake in his grasp as he grit his teeth, seeing a cheerful girl like her shaking like this angered him greatly.

"You're don't hurting her." Aether said as he started to pull the Abyssal energy around them.

In an instant all the Abyssal energy in the place was pulled towards him and it was like a tidal wave was coming towards the two. Direidyth cried out at the sight as the energy swirled around them as she buried herself into his hold as he held her as all the Abyssal energy was sucked by the golden haired traveler and soon every bit of energy was claimed by him.

When it ended the two were now left in an almost fully white space as Direidyth looked around in fear before she looked at him as Aether just smiled at her.

"It's alright, I have taken care of the Abyss that has been corroding your mind." Aether said to her calmly.

"Re-Really?" Direidyth asked in shock.

"Yes. Tell me Direidyth, what else do you remember apart from me and my sister?" Aether asked her after a moment as she was surprised.

"N-Nothing much. I lost almost all of my memories of my home, I can't even remember the faces or voices of my friends and family. I remember some of how my homeland was but nothing else." Direidyth said to him after the surprise had vanished.

"I see. Then let me give you some of your memories back." Aether said to her as her eyes widened.

His right hand glowed as her eyes widened as her memories slowly returned to her as she felt like she lost her balance as he held her as he returned the rest of her memories. She took some time to come to terms with her returned memories before she looked at Aether in shock.

"S-Saviour." Direidyth said in shock.

"These memories were in the abyssal energy that I absorbed. I don't know if they are all of your memories, but I hope that it was of help to you." Aether said to her with a smile.

Direidyth couldn't believe what she was hearing as she looked at the man in front of her, as he had just given her back her memories as she looked at him.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you thank you thank you." Direidyth said as she hugged him once more.

Aether just smiled at that as he knew that the girl is feeling quite a lot of emotions at the moment. But he knew that he wasn't done yet, not by a long shot. And so he let the girl vent as he waited patiently.

After she was done he rubbed her head as she seemed to relax into his hold as he let out a soft sigh.

"I'm now going to pull myself out of your mind now Direidyth, I'm sure that your mind will be clear after this, I hope at least." Aether said to her with a smile.

"Wh-What, but saviour." Direidyth said as she felt fear at his words.

"I know, your body is still in the form of a Hilichurl, but I have an idea. But we must do it outside of your mind, okay Direidyth." Aether said to her as she nodded after a few moments.

"Okay, as you say saviour." Direidyth said to him with a nod.

"Thank you for trusting in me." Aether said to her before he touched his forehead on hers and closed his eyes as she did the same.

Aether and Direidyth found themselves back in the cave and the girl saw that she is in her Hilichurl form once more. She saw his face as she felt flustered and shamed as she looked down, as Aether just smiled.

"Direidyth, what did I say?" Aether asked gently.

She remembered the conversation that they had and her mind was now more clear than it has been over the centuries. She looked at her saviour as she tried to speak in the language that she used before.

"That you will always be there for me." Direidyth said with some difficulty, but was quite happy that she was able to say it without stuttering.

"That's right. And now I wish to free you from the suffering of your body as well. Do you trust me to do that?" Aether asked her gently as she saw warmth and kindness in his eyes.

'How could I ever refuse you after what you have done for me?' Direidyth thought to herself as she looked at him.

"I trust you, with all of my soul." Direidyth said to him with confidence.

"Then I will do what I can go grant you a human form once more." Aether said with a tone of finality as he looked at her with conviction.

Notes:

Honestly felt quite sad with how the quest had ended so here is a chapter for it

Chapter 2: 2. Direidyth's Saviour (Part 2)

Aether looked at Direidyth as he raised his and Dendro elemental energy surrounded her body as she stayed put as she felt the energy around her as Aether kept his focus solely on her.

After a few moments he opened his eyes and the Dendro energy disappeared and his right hand was enveloped in Phlogiston. Then before she could react he thrust his hand into her chest as her eyes widened at the sight.

Then she felt like she was being pulled as she felt a sense of vertigo which disoriented her before she got her bearings once more as she felt light for the lack of a better word as she felt confused at what had happened.

She also saw that now she is looking straight at his chest rather than his head unlike a few seconds ago which confused her as she looked at him.

"I suppose this is a success." Aether said as he looked down at her.

"S-Saviour, what is?" Direidyth asked in confusion.

"Look behind you Direidyth, I think you should see that first." Aether said to her gently.

Direidyth looked at him in confusion before she turned around, in whatever form she is in, and she looked in shock as she saw her own Hilichurl body as she could only stare at her body for a few moments before she looked at Aether.

"S-Saviour, what is this? Why is my body there? Why am I..." Direidyth said as she looked at him in shock, bewilderment and fear as she looked at herself.

Her eyes widened as she saw that she is now in a flame like ethereal form with her lower body being like flames while her upper form is formed of it as she looked at Aether as he looked at her soul in the palm of his right hand.

"I used Phlogiston to pull your soul out of your body. I have other methods to do the same, but this seemed like the best way for this time and place." Aether said to her as she looked at him in shock.

"B-But my soul, I thought I was cursed?" Direidyth said to him in shock.

"Well, with my removal of the abyssal energy in your mind and soul, I think it was a huge help in allowing this to happen. But we still have your body to take care of. I have to take care of the abyssal energy in it." Aether said as he looked at her soul.

"B-But my body will be that of this Hilichurl, won't it?" Direidyth asked him with some fear.

"We will see. Now I want you to just observe and stay silent, okay." Aether said to her as she nodded to him.

Direidyth watched as he raised his left hand and then he started to absorb the Abyssal energy from her body as she watched it happen with wide eyes. Soon he removed every bit of abyssal energy from her body as she watched it all go to him as he closed his palm.

The both of them then looked at her body and they watched as it glowed and changed form. Her eyes widened as soon her body took form in front of them and she gasped, which was when she realised that she hadn't been taking any air inside of her for a while now.

The two were now looking at her body, now back to its human form, and wearing the same garments that she had worn when she was a Hilichurl.

It was also when she realised that aside from the things she wore as a Hilichurl, there was nothing on her body. Which meant that she was now, practically semi naked in front of him as she blushed, or felt like blushing since she is in this form.

She looked at Aether to see how he looked at her, but she only saw a serious face as he gently raised his left hand. She watched him as he grabbed ahold of the mask on her face as he lifted it up, revealing the face of her body as she choked a bit, not believing that she is now able to see her human face after so long.

It was the same way that she had looked all those years ago, and how she is now as well, though her skin has darkened as well. Aether gently caressed her face as she watched him treat her body with such care and gentleness as she felt a warmth pool inside of her as she watched him.

Aether then used Dendro once more as the elemental energy surrounded her body as she silently watched, and was also reminded of how stable his right hand is. His right hand hadn't moved much and was as still as a statue, and she knew that it might be because he doesn't want her to feel uncomfortable by constant movement.

'Oh saviour, you're doing all of this for me.' Direidyth thought to herself as she looked at the traveler.

Aether kept on analysing her body before he stopped as he sighed as he looked at the body sadly, something which she picked up on as she looked at him.

"Saviour, is there anything wrong?" Direidyth asked him as he looked at her.

"Well, I'm sorry to say that your body is too damaged from the Abyss energy inside of you. I don't think it would be good to put your soul back in it." Aether said to her as she looked shocked.

'M-My body is too damaged by the Abyss? And I can't return back to it?' Direidyth thought to herself in shock as she looked at him.

"Th-Then, what shall I do? Will I stay like this forever?" Direidyth asked him in fear.

But Aether looked at her with great resolution and conviction in his eyes as she looked at him, startled at the intensity of his gaze.

"No. You will have a body to use. I will make sure of that. it will only be that you will have a new body." Aether said to her as she looked at him in stunned silence.

"New body? As in, are you saying that you will create a new body for me?" Direidyth asked him in shock at what she was hearing.

'But that sounds a lot like...' Direidyth thought to herself as she remembered a detail from her past.

During her time as a citizen of Khaenriah, when she still had her human form, there was an art that was practiced amongst her people, and one of the cornerstones of their civilization. An art that was held as one of the foundations of their land and it's users heralded as some of the greatest people amongst them.

"The Art of Khemia. I'm sure you're aware of it, since it was a cornerstone of Khaenriah." Aether said as he looked at her.

"Y-You know of it?" Direidyth asked in surprise as it was an art developed in Khaenriah.

"There is a friend of mine who uses the art in another nation. But even so, it's no that difficult for me to use it." Aether said with a chuckle.

"B-But, I heard that it's a very difficult thing." Direidyth said to him in surprise.

"No matter what fancy labels your people put on it, it is still in the end, Alchemy. And now it's a good time for me to put my knowledge to use." Aether said to her with a smile.

"B-But, if what you're saying is true then, you would have to create an entirely new body for me, wouldn't that be hard. I heard that not even the great Gold was unable to create a stable lifeform with her knowledge." Direidyth said to him in worry.

Aether's mouth twitched a bit at her mention of the Sinner as she missed it as he smiled at her.

"I suppose. I guess on principle, what I'm about to do is the same thing that Albedo had done with the Art of Khemia." Aether said with a smile.

"Albedo?" Direidyth asked in confusion.

"A friend of mine who uses the Art of Khemia. I guess he doesn't know about my abilities." Aether said to her with a smile.

"B-But, are you really going to do that?" Direidyth asked him in shock.

She had known that the creation of life was something that was very hard to do, even for the highest of the users of the art and now the blonde man in front of her is about to do something like that. Even if it's a body, a functioning body is something very hard to do, as far as she knew.

"I know what you're thinking. Even Gold and Albedo had trouble creating complex lifeforms, well in Gold's case she just took things from the Abyss and gave them bodies, so it can't be said to be true life. And as for Albedo, well, we can talk about that later. Right now, it's time for me to create a new body for you, and I will be using your original body for it." Aether said to her with a smile.

"How are you going to use my body?" Direidyth asked as she was bewildered by what was happening in front of her.

"The body of a Khaenrian is unique in comparison to other humans, that is something that I learned. And so, I shall use your body as a material and map for the new ones. Using the old to create a new one." Aether said as he stood up.

He went to a side of the cave and placed her on the ground as she watched him as his hand glowed as Phlogiston flowed as he created a barrier around her as she looked around in surprise.

"This will keep you safe. I will begin my task, so please stay silent, okay." Aether said to her as she wordlessly nodded.

She didn't know what to say to everything that is happening right now and just stayed silent.

Aether moved and stood in front of Direidyth's body as he glanced at Direidyth's soul one more time before he focused back on the body of the girl as he looked at it with conviction.

'No mistakes. Sorry Albedo, but you won't be the only one who can do this. And Timaeus and Sucrose, I guess I should say sorry to you as well.' Aether thought to himself as his eyes glowed with elemental energy.

He raised both hands, glowing with geo elemental energy as it was the most concrete and stable of the seven elements as he used the power and shot the energy at her body. Direidyth watched as her body turned into golden dust as it gathered into a sphere and floated in front of him.

Aether looked at the sphere with concentration, all the information that he had gleaned from her body in his arm as he was ready to grant the girl a new form and with her own body in his grasp, he will now be able to give it to her.

"Skeletal structure, memorized. Muscles, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, memorized. Internal and external organs, memorised. Synchronise all these parts." Aether muttered as he looked at the sphere as he mentally did all the calculations.

Direidyth looked at the process in shock as she could only stay silent and watch as it happened in front of her very eyes.

"Cell structure, optimal. Cell density, more than normal. Energy usage efficiency, better. Breaking down of essential item intakes and better energy absorption, optimal." Aether said to himself as he looked at the sphere as it was coming together.

The six elements in his control circles through his mind as he thought about her, and about her 500 years of suffering and solitude. His mind went to the winds that flowed across the canyons and mountain peaks, the gentle breeze that tickled his skin and the great currents which tore through the sky as he looked at her for a second before he focused back on the sphere.

He remembered the birthmark on Albedo, a symbol which showed his status as a homunculi and not a natural born human. The metaphor with blooming flowers coming back to his mind as he looked at the sphere as he looked at it with determination.

"Time to start." Aether said with a tone of finality.

Direidyth looked at him as the elemental energy surged around him as he focused on the sphere as he had broken it down, and now he will reform it into a form for her sake.

The cave glowed from the radiance from him as she was also blinded as Aether focused on his task as power surged through him. What was most curious about what Aether was doing was that he was not using a array like Albedo had done as it would had made things much more easier for the homunculus to do.

'I don't need an array like Albedo did to do what I want. What I wish to create is a body of a true Khaenrian human. Besides, even if the both of us are using alchemy, his and mine are different and now it's time I finally put my knowledge to actual use!' Aether thought to himself in determination.

Aether widened his arms and then slammed them into the sphere as the cave was alight from his power and a pillar of golden light shot up from there as Direidyth watched in shock. The pillar of light rose into the air as the people and Saurians of the land looked at in shock.

Paimon who was eating with Varesa, looked at it alongside her, Iansan and many in the tribe. Citlali and those of the Night Wind also saw the pillar as it garnered the gaze and attention of humans, Saurians and animal alike.

Mualani, Kinich, Chasca, Kachina, and their tribes were also able to see this spectacle as Mavuika from her place also sensed the powerful energy and saw the pillar as it rose far above the height of the volcano.

It rose into the sky and exploded in a flash of bright light like that of a star which temporarily blinded the Collective of Plenty and those around the volcano to shield their eyes from the bright light.

Mavuika and the other heroes immediately made their move, as they knew that Aether was there and what they had just seen is something that they can't ignore. Citlali also dashed from her place and used her senses to pin point the location.

"Granny." Ororon flew beside her as she used her plush to fly.

"Shut up and fly Ororon!" Citlali shouted as he shut his mouth in fear.

Inside the cave, the glow subsided as smoke was in the cave as after some time Direidyth was able to see once more as she looked and her eyes widened as the smoke cleared slowly.

Aether appeared in front of her with a smile on his face, and she saw with a gasp in his arms, herself, or rather her naked body. There wasn't a single blemish on her skin, nor did she see any sign of corruption from the Abyss. Her body looked as pure as it has been since before the fall and the sight of it made her feel very happy.

If she was capable of having tears, she is sure that she would be crying right now as she looked at her saviour as Aether smiled at her.

"I have created your body just as I have said. Now I have to place your soul in this body and make sure that it is truly yours." Aether said to her with a smile.

"Will it be hard? To put my soul in this new body?" Direidyth asked him a bit nervously.

"Since this is not a body that you were truly born with and since your soul wasn't in it, it will be a bit difficult. However, I will make sure that you will be able to inhabit this one." Aether said as he gently laid the body in front of her.

He then gently grabbed her soul and brought her close as he smiled at her as she looked at him.

"Do you trust me to do this Direidyth?" Aether asked her with a smile.

"Yes. I do trust you saviour. I will do whatever you wish." Direidyth said as he smiled at her trust.

"Then let's not wait any longer." Aether said to her as he placed her soul in the air above her body.

Elemental energy surrounded them once more, but this time adeptal symbols, yokai inscriptions appeared around her as Direidyth was surprised once more as Aether looked at her seriously. Her body rose into the air as Direidyth felt a pull as she felt her soul being gentle pushed into the body as she closed her eyes.

"No mistakes." Aether muttered as her body shone from the light as the cave was blinded once more.

Notes:

Honestly didn't think this would be this long

Chapter 3: 3. Direidyth's Saviour (Part 3)

Direidyth felt her consciousness go blank once again, but she didn't feel any fear, as she knew that her saviour is right beside her so she welcomed it.

Aether watched over her with laser focus as he slowly but surely placed her inside the newly created body as he watched it all happen. The Phlogiston holding her soul vanished as her body floated in front of him as he let her soul fully adapt to the new body as he watched it connect.

After a few moments the energy around him lessened as her body floated down as he gently grabbed it in a princess carry as he looked at her face.

"Direidyth?" Aether called out to her gently.

She made a grumbling noise as she frowned as her body twitched a bit before she slowly opened her eyes. She blinked a few times as she felt a bit groggy as she opened her eyes fully and then she took notice of the blond traveler holding her in his arms.

"S-Saviour?" Direidyth looked at him in confusion.

"Hey Direidyth, it's a success." Aether said to her with a smile.

Direidyth was confused at his words before she remembered what had been happening before she blanked out as her eyes widened as she looked down at herself, and she gasped as she saw that she is now in her body.

"I-I have a human body?" Direidyth said in shock.

She could see human skin, her human legs, toes, arms, hands fingers, nails. She could feel her breasts, stomach, neck and face.

'I have a human body once more. It's all thanks to the saviour.' Direidyth thought to herself as she felt happy.

But then her mind caught up to the sight of her own body, which didn't have a single piece of clothing on it. This caused her to blush as she felt her face heat up as she covered her face, embarrassed of her present state.

"S-Saviour, I'm naked." Direidyth said to him embarrassed beyond measure.

"I know. But uh, I kind of made your entire body, so I know what you look like, down to your core, so you don't have to be that embarrassed. Besides, you have a beautiful body, my guarantee." Aether said to her which only caused her to blush more.

'H-He called me beautiful.' Direidyth thought to herself as she felt more embarrassed by his words.

She felt happy and embarrassed at the fact, but she knew that what he had said is the truth as he is the one who had made her current body for, so there really wasn't anything for him to see about her anymore. But the sentiment was still there for her.

"Traveler!" Paimon's voice came from the entrance of the cave as the two looked at the direction.

"Paimon is here?" Aether said in confusion before he realised what could've happened.

'Ah right, the energy.' Aether thought to himself as he remembered the energy he had expended.

A Few Minutes Ago

After the light show created by the power of the traveler, the heroes from the other tribes immediately mobilised to get there. Kinich forced Ajaw into his dragon form and used him to fly. Mualani rode her sharky to move across the waters towards the tribe. Chasca using her gun to fly through the air as she used the winds and her knowledge to quickly reach there.

Citlali and Ororon used their respective powers to fly towards the collective of plenty. Xilonen uses her rollerblades and Phlogiston leopard form to quickly traverse the land. Kachina followed behind her with her twirly, using her vision and Phlogiston to zoom across the land with far greater speed than she had ever gone before.

Mavuika rode her Flamestrider, using its flying and her own Pyro energy to increase its speed. The vehicle resembling a flying dragon as it rushed through the air covered in Pyro energy as she made a beeline towards the tribe.

At the collective of plenty, Varesa and Paimon were alarmed at the sudden energy as Iansan got ready alongside many in the tribe, with the chief Acatl also preparing himself.

"Everyone, to the source of that energy, now!" Acatl said as the people of the tribe roared.

They didn't know what caused it, but they were not about to let such an event go unnoticed, especially not after the fight against the Abyss. Varesa also got ready as Paimon also rose up as the Saurians were also ready for battle.

"Everyone, go!" Iansan shouted as the tribe all shouted as they ran.

Iansan and Varesa were the vanguard while Acatl and Paimon were close behind, the tribes Saurians and warriors behind them as they rushed to the source that their shaman had managed to pinpoint. But as they came closer to the area, Paimon became aware of the location as her eyes widened.

"Wait wait wait! Stop!" Paimon shouted which caused the people and Saurians to stop their advance.

Varesa and Iansan skid to a stop alongside the humans and Saurians as they all looked at Paimon in confusion, though the fairy herself was looking at the direction of the cave as she looked at the shaman.

"Did the energy come from that cave?" Paimon asked as she pointed at the cave.

"Uh, yes that is where the energy came from." The shaman said as the tribe looked at the fairy.

"How do you know that Paimon?" Iansan asked her curiously.

"It's because... Is that Mavuika?" Paimon said before she looked at the sky in shock.

The others in the tribe looked in the direction where the fairy was looking and their eyes widened when they saw the Pyro Archon making her way to them. But they also noticed the others trailing behind her or coming before the said Archon as well.

"Not just the Pyro Archon. Citlali, Ororon, Chasca, Kinich, Mualani, Xilonen and Kachina. All of them are coming here." Iansan said in shock.

"Oh no, the other tribes won't all come here, would they?" Paimon asked in slight fear.

"Perhaps. But do you know what was the reason for that strange energy Paimon?" Iansan asked the little fairy.

"Uh , Paimon thinks it's best if she tells you about it after they are here." Paimon said as the others nodded.

The people and Saurians kept an eye on the cave while those who were coming there spotted the group of people as Citlali and Ororon were the first to arrive as the two landed, followed by Mavuika who landed with her bike and the Chasca who jumped down and rolled and stood up.

Kinich followed as Ajaw turned back to his small form as the hero landed beside the other newcomers. Mualani reached soon after as she jumped and landed beside her friend as she glanced at him. Xilonen also reached with her gaze sharp, followed by Kachina as she was ready with her twirly.

"What happened? Why did such a surge of energy appear so suddenly?" Mavuika asked in an authoritative tone as she stepped forward towards the tribe.

"Archon, we believe that it came from that cave. But lady Paimon here had told us to halt before we reached there. It seems that she knows about the cave." Acatl said as he spoke respectfully as he gestured to the fairy.

"Do you know why such an energy suddenly appeared?" Citlali asked her as she stepped forward.

"Well, Paimon doesn't exactly know, but she believes that it has to do with the traveler." Paimon said which surprised the people present.

"So Aether is involved in this?" Mualani asked in surprise and curiosity.

"How do you know that it's Aether, Paimon?" Chasca asked the girl.

"Well, that cave has some significance for the traveler and as far as Paimon knows, nobody else uses that cave anymore." Paimon said to the group.

"But even so, why would such a large amount of energy appear over the land?" Xilonen asked her seriously and with worry.

"The traveler wouldn't be hurt right?" Kachina asked in worry at the thought.

"I do not think so. Aether is strong, strong enough to fight me equally. Besides, if it was a fight, I do not think things would be so peaceful here." Mavuika said which caused the people around her to take her words in with surprise.

After all, the Archon herself had just admitted that the famed traveler and hero of their land is as strong as she is, who is the greatest of Natlan and also it's God. Few can say the same and now the woman herself has admitted to it.

"What our Archon says is true. But still, what would be the reason for such a powerful amount of energy to be sent to the sky?" Kinich asked as he looked at the fairy.

"Hmph! If you are so curious then why don't you waltz into the cave and question him huh?" Ajaw said to him as he felt irritated.

"Shut it Ajaw!" Kachina said as she glared at the dragon.

"In any case, I think we should look for him." Varesa said to the people as many nodded.

Whatever the case may be, the traveler is their hero and they are all worried for the man who had allowed them to win against the Abyss in their centuries long war.

"Paimon will go and call him. All of you just stay silent okay?" Paimon said to the people as they nodded, trusting the companion of the blonde traveler.

Paimon flew to the entrance of the cave while the heroes, and Archon trailed behind her, Citlali and Kachina with the group at the front. Kinich leveled a glare at Ajaw to keep the dragon's mouth shut as the other people and Saurian watched silently.

"Traveler!" Paimon called out.

"Paimon is here?" Aether's voice came from the cave.

The others had also heard him and they were relieved to hear his calm voice which meant that he is fine.

"Traveler!" Paimon called out once more.

After her second shout, Aether appeared from inside the cave, and his eyes widened when he saw Paimon and the rest of the people there.

"Paimon? Everyone? How are you? Did you come here because of that energy surge?" Aether asked as he looked at them all.

"So you do know about it." Citlali said as she looked at him.

"Uh yeah, it was kind of my doing. I needed to sent that energy somewhere so I sent it up, I guess it was more than I anticipated since you guys are here from your tribes." Aether said as he looked at his friends.

"Well, it was a big energy surge gramps. But why did you do something like that anyway?" Ororon asked him curiously.

"Ah that, just a moment. I had just helped a friend of mine which caused all of that. I'll bring her here." Aether said to them as the people heard him.

"Her? Who is this friend Aether?" Citlali asked him in a measured tone.

Xilonen, Mualani, Mavuika, Chasca, Varesa, Iansan and Kachina also took notice of that. Kinich and Ororon exchanged glances at that while those from the tribe became curious.

"A friend? Wait, do you mean?" Paimon asked as she looked at the cave and then at him.

"Just wait a moment Paimon, I'll bring her here." Aether said with a smile as the fairy nodded.

"Alright, you better not be lying to Paimon." Paimon said with a nod as she seemed to be strangely excited, as noted by the others.

By now, Paimon's gluttony is something that is known throughout the tribe, especially in the Collective of Plenty, so they wondered who this friend is for the fairy to get so eager and excited about.

Citlali glared at the entrance as the other girls were also looking at the cave. Xilonen acted nonchalant while her eyes were on the cave. Mualani stood in place while leaning on her sharky with her eyes trained on the cave. Mavuika crossed her arms and her eyes focused on the cave.

Chasca grabbed the tip of her hat and watched. Varesa looked at the cave, her hands clenching a bit. Iansan stood straight, her gaze focused on the cave. Kachina held her spear in her hands, not having dismissed it as she looked at the cave.

All of them waiting to see the friend that Aether and Paimon were talking about, while they also managed to keep their calm as the others were merely curious about it.

Kinich and Ororon glanced at each other as they then saw a familiar doctor coming with his Saurian.

"Hey dudes, what happened?" Ifa asked as he landed as he walked towards them.

"Hey bro." Cucucu greeted in his usual way.

"Aether is about to bring his friend to show us. That energy surge was created by him so there isn't any danger." Kinich said to him as the three boys stood together.

"I see. That's great bro. Though, why are they..." Ifa slowly said as he looked at the girls.

"He said that the friend is a girl. And Paimon seems very excited to see her." Kinich said to the man.

"I see." Ifa said with a nod as the three looked at the cave.

"Don't worry, it's my friends and the people of the tribe." Aether's voice came from the cave and the people couldn't help but lean forward to hear him more.

Even the Saurians were curious, but none more so than the girls at the front as they were focused on the cave.

"W-Won't that be a problem?" Direidyth's voice came from the cave which intrigued the people more, the girls being far less enthused about it.

"You're okay. They won't do anything." Aether's voice echoed again.

'Paimon doesn't think he knows we can hear them.' Paimon thought to herself as she watched.

"B-But I can't use my legs." Direidyth voice echoed which froze some people.

"What?" Citlali said in a dangerous tone.

The other girls bristled at the words while Kachina was confused. Acatl looked at his fellow tribesmen and they were all intrigued by what they had just heard.

"The girl might be hurt, which is why Aether was helping her." Kinich said quite quickly as Ororon and Ifa nodded alongside their friend.

"It's fine. It might take a while for you to be able to use your legs again." Aether's calm voice is heard.

"I-I guess. But I never expected this." Direidyth's concerned voice is heard.

"I guess I should've been more gentle. Sorry about that. You can feel your legs right?" Aether's voice echoed as many gasped at the words.

"I can feel my legs, and the rest of my body. But I feel a bit tired and I can't move my limbs." Direidyth's voice was heard as many people looked at each other.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll be able to move after some time. I guess it's also my fault." Aether's voice continued as people looked at each other.

The men were looking at each other with wonder, while the women were much the same, there was also excitement in their eyes as well. Kinich, Ororon and Ifa slowly stepped back from the assembled women, something which Acatl and some of the Saurians followed as Ajaw and Cucucu were also silent.

"She can't move her legs huh." Xilonen said as she tapped her foot.

The other girls were looking at the cave as their eyes narrowed as the air around them had changed a bit. Kachina, even though she was confused, also didn't like the words as she looked at the cave.

"In any case, we should go and meet with them. I'm sure this is enough for now." Aether said which caused the people to gain more interest.

"I guess this is better than nothing. You did see everything I had so I guess this is enough." Direidyth said which caused some of the tribes people to let out scandalized gasps.

Though the women were more excited at the prospect of seeing this mystery girl, while the three boys were inching away from the girls at front, the three of them knowing that even praying to their Archon won't help since said Archon is right there with the group of girls.

"Alright, now let just carry you out and we can meet with my friends and the rest." Aether's voice echoed as the girl squeaked which caused the girls outside the cave to twicth in response.

The group waited as Aether appeared from inside the cave, Direidyth in his arms, clothed in a simple dress which reached her knees and is white in colour. She is in his arms as her hand were on her chest as she looked at the assembled people as he appeared with a smile.

Ororon, Kinich and Ifa swore that they heard something break as Acatl was also quite perceptive on that part. The Saurians also moved away from the front, while the people were looking at the two with wonder in their eyes.

Citlali gripped onto her plush as she grabbed at it furiously, the same could be said about Mualani as she has a smile on her face, which didn't reach her eyes as she hugged her sharky with tightness.

Xilonen narrowed her eyes as she watched the scene as Chasca was much the same as she crossed her arms. Varesa looked at the two of them as her tail swished behind her as she grabbed her biceps while Mavuika was making sure that her hair didn't go alight at the sight.

Iansan kept a tight smile on her face as the skull on her head glowed a bit, while Kachina pouted at the sight as she tightened her hold on her spear.

'Gramps, please do something or granny will take her anger out on me!' Ororon thought to himself as he was sweating in fear.

'Bro, don't make any mistakes.' Ifa thought to himself as he prayed that he won't do anything foolish as he is sweating.

'Aether, don't make any of them upset.' Kinich thought to himself as he was sweating alongside the veterinarian.

Ajaw was very quiet at this time, as he knew that he might get jumped if he said anything right now. Cucucu was hiding behind Ifa, feeling a bit too fearful of the women.

There was a palpable change of air which was noticed by the most experienced of the group and Saurians, while the rest were too entranced by the sight of their hero with a maiden in his arms to notice. The only ones who didn't notice it was Paimon, Direidyth and Aether himself.

Direidyth was surprised and confused at the sight of so many people at once. Aether was feeling much too happy with what he had managed to do to notice it. And Paimon was completely floored when she saw the girl in his arms.

"Direidyth!" Paimon shouted happily as she shot towards the duo as the others watched.

Notes:

This fic will obviously get more ships

You know, this chapter took far longer than I thought it would, goes to show how much it takes to write a scene from my mind

Chapter 4: 4. Direidyth's Saviour (Part 4)

Paimon shot towards the girl as she stopped right in front of her as she looked at him with pure joy and elation on her face as she looked at the girl and her face.

"It's you. It's really you! Paimon is so happy!" Paimon shouted as she flew around the two with a bright smile.

"Me too Paimon. I'm happy to see you too." Direidyth said to her with a soft smile.

"How, how did you do it Aether?" Paimon asked her friend as she looked at him.

Aether had told her about it of course, he has explained to her about the girl before he went to spend the night at the cave. So she was very surprised yet happy that he was able to help Direidyth and cure her of her condition like this.

"Let's just say that the unique skills I have came in handy. But really, I don't think you should worry about it Paimon. I handled it." Aether said to her with a smile.

"He is correct. I am fine Paimon." Direidyth said to the fairy as the girl smiled.

"Well, whatever the case may be, Paimon is very happy right now." Paimon said as she did a small victory dance in front of them.

The people who were watching the three of them were intrigued and surprised at the happiness that is being shown by the fairy in front of them. While they didn't know anything about the girl, it was certain that both the traveler and Paimon cared very much about her and this only intrigued them more.

"It would appear that there is no danger at all. Both Tumaini and Lady Paimon are at ease." Acatl said with a nod and smiled.

"Indeed. And they both seem to be very excited to be with that girl. Direidyth, is her name if what I heard is right." A tribeswoman said with a smile.

"Tumaini is holding her quite close and she is also blushing as well, I think. Oh this is so exciting." The girl beside the latter said as she felt giddy.

"I never thought that the hero would already have a woman." A tribesman said to his fellow warriors.

"Hah, I would be more surprised if he didn't have one. With how great of a hero he is, I'm more surprised that we haven't heard of him having any woman for himself." The man said with a smile as many agreed with his words.

However, Kinich, Ifa and Ororon didn't agree with the words of their fellow Natlanese, as they were looking at the women who were watching the scene with anger and irritation in their eyes. It was clear to the three boys that they were not amused with the sight of the traveler holding the girl in a princess carry and Paimon's own excitement was not helping the case.

Kinich had seen many expressions on Mualani's face, but the fake smile on her face was hurting him as he can see that she is irritated by the sight, and the tight closed eye smile on her face while she has a tight grip on her sharky was causing alarm bells to sound in his mind. She hardly became angry when he was usually around her, and is usually bubbly and happy. But this is the first time he is seeing such an expression on her face and he hoped that Aether wouldn't do anything bad.

The irritation was also clear on Xilonen and Kachina's face as well, as he is acquainted with the two of them with him being good friends with the younger girl. The leopard woman is watching the trio with narrowed eyes as she is standing with her arms crossed and the way her tail was flicking, showing that she is not at all happy with the sight.

He was aware that Kachina had developed a crush for the hero, what with him staying with her when her teammates left, teaching her to fight and supporting her during the pilgrimage so that she won. And also risking his very life to go to the Night Kingdom to save her despite being an outsider, helping her in defending her home during the invasion, acting as her protector, benefactor, teacher and so many more things that he had done for her since coming to Natlan. It was no surprise to him that the girl would develop a crush, or perhaps feelings after all these events. Such that she is pouting in jealousy as she watched the trio as she is gripping the shaft of her spear right.

'I hope that her spear stays in her hands.' Kinich thought to himself as he looked at the little girl and the other two women.

Ororon was hiding behind gramps Ifa, as he can practically see the irritation and anger of Citlali, as the shaman has a tight hold on Itzpapa and he can feel the screams of the plush as she is squishing it tightly and twisting it in ways it should not have been turned. The narrowed eyes, the slightly puffed cheeks of hers which showed her jealousy and her body language is very familiar to him and he hoped that she wouldn't take her anger out on him.

'Granny is very jealous. I have to do something to take care of her anger. Gramps, you have to do something and help me.' Ororon thought to himself as he hid behind the tall guy.

Ifa had been acquainted with all six tribes due to his job as a Saurian doctor, and that includes the women standing at the forefront of the group while watching Aether, Paimon and Direidyth. And he never wanted these women to look at him with these expressions and presence to them.

Chasca was the peacemaker of the tribes, and yet she looked anything but that. It wasn't a surprise for him that she would have feelings for Aether, considering what he had done for her tribe and her Saurian family. The woman is standing stiffly while her arms are crossed under her chest as she is looking at the girl with her sharp gaze, and while her face is almost impassive, the frown, irritation and anger is quite telling, alongside the jealousy of the way in which the Tumaini is holding the girl.

Varesa is quite the voracious warrior, who has a great appetite, but also huge strength and speed, and her bubbly personality is quite endearing to others, and is quite cheerful almost all the time. But it is quite evident to the man that she is not in the best of moods, as her tail is swishing behind her while she is tapping her toes on the ground, the way she is standing with her arms on her biceps as she is gripping them, the twitching of her ears. But the frown on her face, which is something that is on all the girls at this point, and the pointed look on her face as she is glaring at the brown haired girl with pouting and puffy cheeks does not fill him with any sort of confidence.

Iansan is the coach of her tribe and a very powerful fighter as well, despite her small size. And he had seen first hand her strength which puts her as one of the strongest fighters in the nation. And now she is looking at the trio with her arms crossed and a frown on her face. Ifa knew that the short woman has great control over her emotions, and the fact that she is frowning is an indication that she is not in a good mood. The tapping of her right foot is also an indication of that but he was confident that she has enough self control to not do anything rash.

Then there was of course their Archon Mavuika, the strongest warrior in Natlan, tied with Tumaini for strength and the greatest authority in their nation. While Ifa had only been around her a few times, he had managed to see her with Aether and he had picked up on the way that she would talk and act with him. She would be more visibly happy when she is talking with him and around him and the closeness she has to him is also evident to him and those who are capable of looking closely.

Their Archon is very bright and enthusiastic most of the time and her party mindset is something that all of them are aware of. But he had seen the way in which she would look at Aether, the fondness in her eyes and how she would try to spend as much time as she could with him. And he can understand her actions of course. Aether is an Outlander who decided to help save her nation from the Abyss and he also jumped headfirst with her to save Natlan and its people.

Doing such a thing was very risky and dangerous for him and yet he accompanied her and fought with her and was instrumental in winning them the war. He was also present with her when the first Pyro Archon Xbalanque appeared in their land. It was no surprise as to why she would have feelings for him alongside the rest of the women.

But right now Ifa is feeling quite scared of these women as their jealousy for the brunette is quite clear. Never mind the fact that they are the strongest warriors in the nation, and his friend is currently holding a beautiful girl in a princess carry in his arms which is not a pleasant sight for the group of women and girls.

"I'm happy to see you too Paimon." Direidyth said to the girl with a smile.

"Hehe! Paimon is too." Paimon said as she giggled.

Aether smiled but then his eyes were drawl to another sight which caused his eyes to widen as he saw a Tepetlisaur whelp coming out of the ground and he saw a very familiar bandana tied around his tail, not that he needed to see the bandana to figure out who it is.

"Vulcan!" Aether said with surprise and joy as he recognised the little Saurian.

Paimon, Direidyth and the other humans and Saurians were surprised at his sudden outburst, but the fairy immediately turned around and she squealed as she saw their little one roaring cutely and tapped his belly like a drum as he looked at them.

"Oh my Archons, Vulcan!" Paimon shouted as she flew to him.

"Oh hey, it's their Saurian Companion." Kachina said as she recognised the little Saurian.

"Oh, I remember the little guy. I was curious why he wasn't with them for a while." Chasca said in surprise.

"Well Paimon said that he wanted to go on his own separate adventure so they were separated." Mualani said as she informed them.

The sudden appearance of the Saurian caused the girls to stop their jealousy, which brought relief to the boys, as even if it's only for a few moments, they were happy.

"Who is that?" Direidyth asked curiously as she looked at Paimon who is hugging and rubbing the belly of the little Saurian.

"That is Vulcan. Mine and Paimon's dear Saurian Companion. He had gone on his own adventure not too long ago. Guess he came here because of the energy as well. Well, time to introduce him to you." Aether said as he walked towards him.

Vulcan gave a cry as he saw his dear friend with a woman in his arms as he tilted his head to the side cutely as Paimon giggled. The others silently watching this as they were becoming quite interested in this. Direidyth was a bit nervous but since the Saurian is the saviours friend, she didn't do anything about it yet.

Aether kneeled a few feet in front of Vulcan while holding the girl in his arms as the Saurian looked at her curiously as he walked towards her.

"Vulcan, this is Direidyth. She is a dear friend of Paimon and Aether. And Direidyth, this is Vulcan, we met him when we first arrived in Natlan and he is a great friend. Paimon and Aether raised him ourselves." Paimon said happily as she ended it with a tone of pride.

Vulcan looked at the girl as she gave him a nervous smile.

"H-Hello Vulcan, it's nice to meet you." Direidyth said to the little Saurian.

Vulcan gave a cry as he walked forward and rubbed his head on her left elbow as she was startled a bit but she smiled at the little Saurian.

"Hehe, see he likes you." Paimon said with a smile and nod.

Then Vulcan opened his mouth and bit on her elbow. Aether, Paimon, Direidyth and the others who saw it took a few seconds to process this.

And the Paimon and Direidyth screamed at the sight while the others were a bit surprised.

"He's biting me!" Direidyth screamed in fear as her body was still tired.

"Vulcan, what are you doing!?" Paimon shouted in shock and outage at the sight.

"Wait wait wait! Calm down both of you. He's not hurting her." Aether shouted which got their attention.

The two looked at Vulcan and saw that he is only lightly biting her as he opened and closed his mouth around her elbow as he blinked, while his tail is swishing side to side as he looked at the girl.

"H-He, he is just giving play bites." Paimon said as she understood what he is doing.

"Is that good?" Direidyth asked nervously as she did find the little one cute.

"Good? It's great. It means Vulcan likes you. Isn't that right?" Paimon said with a smile.

"Raah!" Vulcan gave a small roar as he hit his belly and jumped in place as Aether laughed at that.

"Oh he likes you very much." Aether said as he smiled at the friend.

"Wait, Paimon's got an idea. We should hold a celebration!" Paimon said as she looked at him.

"Oh?" Aether looked at her curiously.

"Yeah! You got Direidyth, and now we managed to meet Vulcan since he had went to on his journey. We should really celebrate this. Especially for her." Paimon said as she pointed at Direidyth.

"Actually, that is a nice idea. We really need to give you a celebration Direidyth." Aether said as the girl blushed.

"M-Me?" Direidyth said nervously.

"Yeah. Paimon is correct, we need to hold a celebration for you, especially after everything." Aether said with a smile.

"Yup yup! Paimon agrees. We should celebrate!" Paimon said with a bright smile.

Vulcan roared as he hit his belly as he was quite happy. He doesn't have much of an idea as to what Paimon was talking about, but he knew that they liked it and so he liked it.

"Alright, it's decided! We are going to have a grand celebration for getting your Direidyth! And I'm going to invite a lot of people for it!" Aether said as he said it with great energy.

"Heeeh!" Direidyth cried out in surprise when she heard that as she blushed at his words.

"Yessss!" Paimon shouted happily as Vulcan jumped and cried out in happiness.

'Nooooo!' Ororon, Ifa and Kinich thought to themselves as they saw the women bristle at the words of the traveler.

The moment they heard him announce how he is going to have a celebration for a girl that they have not been aware of for until just a few minutes ago, their jealousy increased as they watched them as their elemental energy was lightly surrounding them.

"We have to do something." Ororon whispered to the two.

"What do we do dudes?" Ifa asked them nervously.

"We have to do damage control. The only one who can pacify them is Aether. And we should probably stay away from them." Kinich whispered as the two nodded.

"Hmm, I can make this a very big celebration. And I also managed to do a lot of things so I do want to hold a big celebration. And luckily for us, our friends are also here." Aether muttered to himself as he looked at the assembled group of people.

The women quickly schooled their expressions as he looked at their direction as he smiled.

"Actually, since all of you are here, I want to ask you guys to relay a message to all the tribes for me." Aether said which got their attention.

"And what is this message?" Kinich asked as he decided to do it first.

"I want all of you to spread the word that I, Tumaini, am going to be hosting a grand celebration for all my adventures and things that I have managed to accomplish in Natlan, which also includes Direidyth as well. I am inviting people from all the tribes to attend this celebration and feast, and I will personally be cooking food from all the previous nations as well. So I hope that people from all over Natlan will come to the celebration." Aether said with a bright smile on his face.

"You wish to hold a grand celebration?" Acatl said in surprise at the words while his fellow tribesmen became more excited.

"Yes. All the people from Natlan are invited. A big feast from yours truly will also be prepared from my knowledge of the various cuisines of the other nations, and a show as well. I am also willing to hold exhibition matches since you all love fighting competitions." Aether said which caused the people to become excited.

"Really? You will do that?" A woman asked eagerly.

"Yes! So give the news to the rest of Natlan. I will be holding a grand celebration, and all are invited for it!" Aether said happily as he is on cloud nine as he held Direidyth in his arms.

Aether announcing such a celebration caused the tribesmen to become very excited at the prospect, but him doing so while holding Direidyth also gives another message as well. And the three boys collectively gulped as they saw the women twitch in place.

Ororon felt his soul leave his body as he watched Citlali rip Itzpapa in half while Kinich swore as he saw Kachina snap her spear in half while Mualani also twisted her sharky surf board and almost broke it. Ifa saw the glint in Chasca's eyes, the same glint that he had seen in the eyes of Qucusaurs when they have spotted their prey. Iansan stayed in place as Xilonen's and Varesa's tails are swishing at the sight. While Mavuika ground her foot into the ground as it cracked slightly.

'Well, this is going to be difficult.' Kinich, Ororon and Ifa thought to themselves in trepidation as they gulped.

Notes:

I love my Saurians companion, his name is Vulcan

I still haven't finished all of the quests and I am a bit reluctant to let him go, but he is still my little baby, so I guess I have to let him grow

Chapter 5: 5. Direidyth's Saviour (Part 5)

After the announcement that he had made to the gathered group of people, Aether went and grabbed some clothes for Direidyth from the Collective of Plenty as the women there were more than happy to assist and dress up Direidyth in their colours, a bit too enthusiastic if he were to be honest, but he didn't mind it, as the end result was a very beautifully dressed Direidyth in the clothes of the collective of plenty.

Direidyth fidgeted in place as she is in front of Aether, Paimon and Vulcan as the women had dressed her up in beautiful clothes as she blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"You look great Direidyth." Aether said to her with a smile on his face.

"Yeah, Paimon agrees with him. You look great!" Paimon said as she gave a thumbs up.

Vulcan also gave a cute roar of approval as he tapped his stomach as her blush increased due to the praise.

"Th-Thank you." Direidyth said shyly as she fiddled with her fingers.

The three women who had dressed the girl up looked at each other and grinned before they high fived each other for a good job as their hero and his companions liked it.

"You can keep it for free miss Direidyth." One of the women said to the girl with a smile.

"H-Huh? Really?" Direidyth asked in surprise.

"Of course, you're someone special to Tumaini. As his great friend, we have no problems with giving you these clothes. Besides, you look really beautiful in our clothes so we feel quite proud of this." The second woman said with a smile.

"I-I don't know what to say to that." Direidyth said as she felt embarrassed due to it.

"Well, just make sure to show off your beauty to all the people and show our effort. That would be more than enough, especially to our hero." The third woman said before she whispered the last part to her two friends.

The three women giggled as she finished as Direidyth just nodded cutely at the words of the women, as she did feel thankful to them for giving her such good clothes for free. She was also aware of the respect and love the people have for the saviour and it was very good thing for her, as she felt quite happy about it.

"Now then, as much as I would like to show you around, I do have to prepare for the grant celebration I had promised to the people so we have to go to the stadium now." Aether said to the Khaenrian with a smile.

"D-Do you really think you should do that saviour?" Direidyth asked him as she felt embarrassed.

"Of course, I feel very happy about it so yeah. Don't worry about it Direidyth, I'll make sure it's worth it." Aether said to her with a smirk.

"Yeah, you don't have to worry Direidyth." Paimon said with a grin on her face.

"Now, if I want to start on the preparations quickly then we have to get to the Stadium Of the Sacred Flame." Aether said as he looked at her.

"Is it near here?" Direidyth asked him as she didn't know about it.

"It's a long way off actually." One of the women said to the girl.

"B-But I am not able to go that far, not quickly at least." Direidyth said as she looked troubled at the information.

"You don't have to worry about that. I will carry you there." Aether said to her with confidence.

The women gasped at his words and those who were around the area also caught the words of the traveler. Chief of them being Varesa, Iansan and the rest of the girls who had stayed there to keep a watch over him and Direidyth.

"Carrying her to the Sacred Flame?" Citlali muttered as she looked at him.

"He shouldn't have to do all of that." Chasca said as she crossed her arms.

"Yes, I believe there are other alternatives for getting her there." Xilonen said with a nod and frown as she watched.

"Yeah, one of us can take her there." Mualani said with a frown.

"I'm pretty fast." Varesa said with a nod.

Kinich, Ifa and Ororon just exchanged glances at hearing the words of the women as they knew that they weren't feeling the best for Direidyth.

"It's not going to be good for that girl to be with any of them." Kinich said to the two guys.

"They probably won't do anything to her considering how much bro cares about her, but it's better be safe." Ifa said to them.

"I hope Granny won't do anything rash. I don't want her to take our her anger on me." Ororon said as he shivered a bit.

"Dont worry bro, I'm sure you'll be fine, probably." Ifa said a bit hesitantly.

"As long as you stay a safe distance from her, I think you'll be fine." Kinich said to the boy.

"I'm surprised that Ajaw isn't saying anything." Ifa said as he looked around curiously.

"He knows that he will be targeted if he pissed them off even more than they are right now. He's an idiot, but he's not stupid." Kinich said to the two men.

"Anyways, we just have to keep our distance and watch them." Ifa said to them as Kinich and Ororon looked at each other and nodded.

"Yeah. Since I do want to throw a huge party for the people of Natlan, I have to get things prepared, and I know a lot of recipies to use. I'm sure you'll enjoy the cuisines as well." Aether said with a smirk on his face.

"Yeah! Aether is a great cook, only the best chefs of Teyvat can match him." Paimon said with a grin.

Vulcan cried and tapped his stomach in agreement as he had ate the food from Aether and he loved it very much.

"I really don't think this is necessary." Direidyth said as she felt embarrassed.

While she did like the fact that Aether was so eager to make her happy, she felt quite embarrassed about it as well, especially since he is planning on putting on a grand celebration which also includes an entire nation.

"Abubup. Nope. Not listening to that. I'm going to conduct the celebration and you are going to have the best day of your life until now. You deserve it Direidyth, and I'm not taking no for an answer." Aether said to her while pressing his right index finger on her lips to shush her as she flushed in response.

The three boys wailed inside of their souls when they saw that as the men of the tribe were wide eyed while the women squealed quietly and excitedly as they watched. The girls were also affected by the way as their eyes widened as some silently gasped at the sight.

"But seriously Aether, we do need to get there fast if you want to get everything ready for the celebration." Paimon said to her companion as she felt a bit confused about what to do.

"Like I said, I will carry her. Besides, this might be a good thing for her as well." Aether said to the fairy with a smile.

"If you say so." Paimon said with a shrug.

"Great. Direidyth, I know this is very sudden but you already know that I have to get there fast right." Aether said to the girl as she nodded.

"Yes." Direidyth said as she looked at him.

"So I will have to carry you to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. And don't worry, I will ensure your protection and I guarantee that you will enjoy the trip." Aether said to her with a smile.

"We-Well, if that is what the saviour wishes to do, then who am I decline." Direidyth said to him with a small smile.

"Great. Then let's go fast. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can get started on my cooking." Aether said to her as he walked forward.

Direidyth yelped a bit as he swiped her off her feet and held her in a princess carry once more as this time she managed to wrap her arms around his neck for support as she had gained much control over her body after some rest.

"Alright, if I'm right I should be able to get to the Stadium in a short amount of time. And you don't have to worry about any sort of discomfort Direidyth, I'll make sure it's comfortable for you." Aether said to the girl a she blushed and nodded silently.

"Aether, I can just take the three of you on my Flamestrider." Mavuika said as she stepped forward at that.

"I did think about that. But Direidyth is not familiar with it perhaps won't be comfortable with it. Don't worry Mavuika, I'll make sure to get her there safely. But we can go on a ride sometime." Aether said with a smile on his face.

"O-Oh, well, if you say so." Mavuika said as she blinked and blushed slightly at his words.

The other girls glared at the Archon subtly when they heard that while Aether was adjusting his hold on the girl while the three boys were surprised.

"Bro managed to calm the Archon down easily." Ifa said in surprise.

"Well, it's gramps." Ororon said as if that explained everything.

"I do hope he will be able to calm the rest of them down." Kinich said as he looked at the rest of the girls.

"Varesa, can you bring your best produce to the stadium, I'm gonna need them for making the food, and don't worry I will pay for everything. And Iansan, I would also like you to help bring your tribes specialties for the celebration." Aether said as he looked at the cowgirl and coach.

"H-Huh, okay. I'll bring them as soon as I can!" Varesa said as she nodded happily as her tail was moving with a bit more energy.

"Oh you don't have to worry about that. I'll take care of it." Iansan said with a grin as she heard that.

"Xilonen, please come with the DJ, it would be good help for me as your performance would be important to the celebration. Kachina, please bring some of your home cooked snacks and the cakes please, also your tribes best food as well." Aether looked at the two girls.

"Re-Really? I-I mean, sure. I don't do this often but this is a grand celebration. It would be my honor." Xilonen said to him as she fake coughed and smiled at him as her tail swished a bit.

"I-I can do that. I'll make a whole bunch of them for you." Kachina said happily as her bushy tail was moving quickly as she smiled.

"Great. Mualani, can you bring some great instruments from your tribe alongside some good records to play at the Stadium and also delicacies from the tribe as well. You can also bring things that you think will make the celebration a success. You're great at parties so your insight will be good." Aether said to the girl as he looked at her as she blushed.

"Oh-Oh right. Yeah, I don't mind. In fact, I'll make sure that you will be able to conduct a great celebration, and I'm going to take centre stage there, you can count on it." Mualani said to him as she blushed while giving him a thumbs up with a megawatt smile.

"I'm sure you will. Chasca, I would also like you to bring things from your tribe as well. And maybe invite Chimpu, Coya and Chime as well. I'm sure Vulcan would become good friends with Chime as well. Right buddy?" Aether said to the little Saurian.

Vulcan just tilted his head as he looked at him and then nodded as both Aether and Paimon laughed at his action while Direidyth found it to be adorable.

"Uh well, I suppose I can tell them that. Besides, mom, sis and Chime do like you very much and having Vulcan become friends with Chime would be good for her, I guess. I'll also bring our best foods." Chasca said as she blinked a d blushed at the smile as she grabbed the tip of her hat and tipped it down a bit.

"Okay then. Citlali, I would like your help is putting on a show during the celebration so I would like it if you could perform with me, and since you're the greatest Shaman of Natlan, I'm sure you have some great things to show." Aether said as he looked at the shaman.

Citlali was caught off guard by his words as she took a few seconds to properly process it before she blushed when she realised what he was asking for her to do.

"Wh-What? Y-You want me to perform with you!? In front of all of those people?" Citlali said as she blushed heavily as she took a step back.

"Not exactly. I know that you don't like coming in front of people that much so you can just make the background for me to perform, you know using illusions and such." Aether said to her with a shake of his head.

Citlali opened her mouth to respond before she stopped and thought for a second.

'Wait, if I agree then I will have a chance to perform with him. L-Like in the novel, the hero and the heroine putting on a show together! I mean, I don't like showing myself to people much, especially putting on a performance for them, but if I actually perform with him instead of just making the background, I will be able to get closer to Aether. Th-That might work.' Citlali thought to herself quickly as she looked at him.

"H-Hold on, it's not like I can't perform in front of others. But I don't mind if you want me to perform alongside you, not just making the background." Citlali said to him with a light blush on her cheeks.

"Really? Well, if you're okay with it Citlali, then I don't have problems. I'm happy to perform with you." Aether said with a smile as she felt her heart soar at his words.

'I will be able to perform with Aether, and also show the others off as well. It's perfect.' Citlali thought to herself as she smiled to herself.

The other girls looked at her as she smiled, with the girls who have been given tasks by Aether vowing to fulfill their given ones magnificently.

"And Mavuika, I know that you have your duties as the Archon, but I would like you to perform some singing if possible, you have a great voice which is perfect for it." Aether said to the Archon with a smile.

Mavuika blushed when he said that and the sincere expression on his face as he said that directly to her caused her heart to start beating faster as she silently gulped down and looked at him with a smile.

"Of course Aether, I would be delighted to do that." Mavuika said with a smile on her face at the opportunity.

Kinich, Ifa and Ororon blinked at what they saw as their faces were one of shock.

"Damn, he managed to calm them down like nobody's business." Kinich said in shock as he felt impressed.

"Gramps is amazing like always." Ororon said as he felt satisfied.

"Bro really knows how to calm the ladies." Ifa said as he felt impressed.

"True that." Kinich said with a nod alongside Ororon.

"Great. Kinich, could you please bring food from your tribe as well?" Aether said as he looked at him.

"I don't mind. I'll get them in time." Kinich said with a curt nod.

"Ororon, be sure to bring the best of your produce and bring some of the best food from the tribe, can you do that?" Aether asked his honorary grandson with a smile.

"Sure thing gramps. I'll bring the best cabbages you have ever seen." Ororon said with a nod and thumbs up.

"And Ifa, well you can bring what you want, and considering your job it might be difficult for you to attend, so I will make sure to put some of the other nations food away for you." Aether said to the vet as the man smiled.

"Thanks bro, appreciate it." Ifa said with a smile at his words.

"Great. Then, I hope that all of you will go and inform the other tribes, and I will be going on my way. Vulcan, get on Direidyth, gently." Aether said as he kneeled in front of the welp.

Vulcan made a noise and slowly got on her as Direidyth used one hand to hold the saurian welp as Paimon giggled and snapped a shot of it with her Kamera as she smiled to herself.

"Alright, then I'll meet you all at the Stadium of the Sacred Flame." Aether said as light gales surrounded him and his companions.

"You know that I can get there faster than you, right Aether?" Mavuika said with a challenging smirk on her face.

"Let's find out, shall we?" Aether said as electro also crackled around them as Paimon looked at the two of them.

"Well, if you want to face then get ready. Direidyth and Vulcan, get ready for a great ride!" Paimon said happily with a smile.

Mavuika responded with summoning her Flamestrider beside her and getting on it as she revved it up as the girls, guys and the tribesmen and women moved to make a path to the Stadium for the Archon and Hero.

A Geo shield appeared around Aether as Direidyth and Vulcan looked at it curiously as he smiled at Mavuika as her helmet appeared on her head as she looked at him as she fed her incandescent flames to the vehicle as it was slowly surrounded by it.

"Well, we'll be going now. All of you don't forget to bring the ingredients okay." Paimon said to the gathered people as their voiced their agreement.

"Ready." Aether said as he got into a starting position as his eyes glowed with electricity.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Mavuika said with a smile.

"Go!" Paimon interjected energetically as she shouted.

That was the signal the both of them needed to charge forward as they shot from their places as the people watched them go as Paimon shouted happily as she watched them go before she disappeared from her place after waving to the people.

"Well, I should get going now. Aether did give me a job to do." Mualani said as she got on her sharky.

"You're not the only one." Chasca said as she summoned her gun and got on it.

"Well, I have to get ready for the performance tomorrow, so I will be going as well. Ororon, make sure that everything is ready and bring your best cabbages to Aether." Citlali said to him sternly.

"I will granny." Ororon said with a hasty nod as she summoned her plush and used her magic to fly away from there.

"Want me to carry you Kachina?" Xilonen asked the little girl as she looked at her.

"Yes please, I need as much time as I can get to make the snacks and cakes." Kachina said as she nodded as the older woman smiled.

"Alright then." Xilonen said with a smile.

"Well, I'll go and round out the best of my produce and get them to Aether asap!" Varesa said excitedly as she grinned at the girls present there.

"Yeah. Well, I will be the first one to gather the things and get it ready." Iansan smirked at the cowgirl.

"We'll see." Varesa said to the coach with a huff.

The three guys who were watching it happen just looked at each other.

"Like I said, bro knows how to take care of the ladies." Ifa said with a respectful nod.

"Well, gramps is amazing. And if I manage to do this correctly, then Granny will also be happy with me." Ororon said as he looked at the two.

"Aether is really good in handling them." Kinich said with a nod of respect.

"Well, let's do the things Aether wanted us to do. We can't disappoint him." Ifa said with a smirk.

"You're helping?" Kinich asked the vet.

"Don't see why not. Besides, it's not everyday that the Tumaini conducts a celebration after all. I'll give the other tribes visits and look at their Saurians before getting things ready on my end. I definitely can't miss this." Ifa said with a confident grin.

"Ready?" Ororon said as he raised his fist.

Ifa and Kinich also raised their fists and gave a fistbump as the three guys smiled at each other.

Notes:

Been a while since the last update but here is a new chapter

If you have any suggestions for the book then don't hesitate to tell me

And do tell how the chapter felt