[After talking to his companions (and also Lumine's) and making himself at home in his sister's apartment, Aether decides to dedicate most of his time to exploring this new world. Everything is still very foreign to him, even though he does learn fast.
Obviously, the traveler is just as curious as ever, so he decides to explore every single place without considering that maybe there will be areas that he doesn't want to step into. He regrets it all too soon, when he gets himself into the Red Light District.
It takes him about a minute to realize he's made a mistake. It takes him another moment to turn around and try to leave as fast as possible. Luck is not on his side today, because someone grabs onto his hand and gets all too close for his liking.]
I-I was just...
[The native shushes him with a gesture and with a charming smile spreading on the face urges the boy to go with them somewhere. "Surely, you're all alone and could use some company."]
No! Not at all, I-I...
[He doesn't know what to do. Using force doesn't seem like a good idea and the grip the other has on him is pretty firm.
He isn't alone, he's with me. [ Childe is suddenly in front of the gem that has a secure grip on Aether having approached from seemingly the direction they were attempting to usher the boy along towards.
The gem of course stops and looks surprised before also becoming suspiciously hesitant to let go of Aether. Threy look back at the other to confirm or deny this newcomer's declaration.
Although the Harbinger sounds fairly pleasant, there's certainly something in those dead eyes that has the gem not wishing to cross a line with the gembonded should his claim be real. ]
[Aether's eyes widen when he sees Childe, then he almost instantly starts nodding at what the Harbinger just said.]
Yes, I'm with him!
[The gem lets go of the boy and Aether is quick to grab onto Childe's arm, almost as if trying to hide behind him. Or maybe it's his attempt to show that they are both telling the truth. Regardless of which it actually is, the gem seems convinced seeing how Aether clings to the newcomer. The native then leaves with a hastily apology, likely not wanting to get into trouble.
Aether doesn't really wait for the gem to vanish from their sight; while still holding close onto Childe, he pulls at the other's arm to go.]
Let's get out of here...
[He wants to leave as fast as possible, too worried that someone else might want to snatch him.]
[ Childe is watching the gem leave so he doesn't expect to get dragged in the other direction by Aether meaning he's following initially a bit clumsily before regaining his balance and meeting stride. A big sigh escapes him but no resistance or attempt to otherwise have them stay in the Red Light District comes. ]
What are you evening doing in this part of town, aibou, especially alone? There's no way you actually meant to come here!
Or rather, I didn't know what kind of place it was and when I realized it and wanted to leave I got grabbed...
[Discovering the new is his way of living... he didn't think it would lead him to a place like this! But he feels really stupid for it... Next time he'll make sure to check the map.
Aether looks relived when they leave the Red Light District behind and enter a more normal part of the town, but he still doesn't let go of his companion. It's comforting to keep him close and the boy needs a moment longer to calm down. If Childe didn't appear there...
There are a couple not-so-safe places that are easy to wander into. Want me to mark them for you, or do you think you will figure it out?
[ Childe's uses his free hand to pat Aether on the head. ] As far as the Red Light District and other places that are dangerous in the city you only need to be concerned about the natives if they are suffering from Manna Addiction in terms of anything like... well, that occurring against your will. So if you wind up in a situation somehow and no one's around to help stand up for yourself and be firm about not wanting contact.
[ his advice isn't 100% guaranteed to work, but for the most part it's a safe bet, and the chances are higher than not if he stays out of the shadier places —the Red Light District attempts to keep troublemakers that may violate the laws out readily, especially in a culture that is so free and sensualized to begin with, at least.)
When Aether looks at him and asks that question, Childe chuckles with a smile before simply: ] Oh, you know, Working. [ being vague purposely because he wants to see just what things the teen is going to immediately jump to in that mind of his. ]
[He really doesn't want to take any chances anymore. It's just not worth it.
As they get further away from the Red Light District, Aether finally lets go of his companion and walks beside him instead.]
And I'll keep that in mind.
[He wishes he heard about it all before stumbling into that area, but he's fine and he's also smarter now.
As Child says he was "working" there, Aether raises an eyebrow when looking at him.]
Uh... you don't have any work as a Harbinger here, don't you? Was there someone causing trouble and they hired you to deal with that?
[He knows Childe seeks challenges and fights, so no wonder that this is his first thought. Why else would he be there? Surely, it has nothing to do with... the kind of entertainment they had there...
Suddenly, Aether looks very worried about his companion.]
Okay, so first things first. [ He pulls out his own phone and shows the map of Sumarlok encouraging Aether to bring the map up on his own phone and follow along with him. ]
This is where we are now . It's part of a bottom layer section labeled the Underground and it's the average city's typical underworld: crime organizations, illegal buying and selling of goods, unregulated sex shops, less-than-approved government establishments, and drugs everywhere. The only way to get in here, though, is by the abandoned subway stations in between districts. [ He points a few out so Aether knows what they look like on the map. ] Don't use those subways as a shortcuts through the city and you're 99.5% set without worry.
[ Childe shows Aether how to mark the subway entrance points that are not actual subway services on the map so he knows to not take them (but, also so if Aether either is dragged down here or something equally unsavory occurs he'll be able to know all the exits. As expected, Childe makes no mention of any of this.)
He smiles reassuringly once Aether gets the hang of it and puts a hand on his shoulder. ]
There you go! You might find other places that don't make you feel uncomfortable but aren't inherently dangerous. Nothing you can't handle, though. I doubt even the dangerous stuff here will give you much trouble so long as you actually act.
[ Andddd he pretty much just keeps smiling in response to the work concerns. He doesn't really want Aether involved in any of that by simply knowing of it.
Besides, he's suddenly realized there is another and get more pressing matter to talk about with the Traveler. ]
Also, this is a new development... but... be aware for any anti-gembondee behaviors. If you see any of any abyss suspicious or passively hostile, just leave. A political ad went viral a few weeks ago painting us in a really bad light.
...So be careful.
Edited (omg it makes sense now with real English) 2021-09-08 21:55 (UTC)
[He nods slowly in response, then follows Childe's instructions and marks the spots. The hand of his shoulder would be definitely reassuring if only the Harbinger didn't follow with the news.]
Thanks... and I will. [Definitely more careful than he was just now. But he's learning fast!]
...But you still didn't answer my question about your work.
[He really wishes Childe would involve himself with more mundane tasks instead of seeking the dark side. Is the danger really this attractive to the Harbinger? Aether doesn't understand it, but after staring at the other for a minute, he finally lets a long, heavy sigh of resign.]
You don't want to tell me, then I won't ask anymore. But... promise me you'll be careful.
[Then he pouts a bit, giving his companion a look.]
If yo get hurt or worse, you'll never hear the end of it from me.
[He will make absolutely sure to find out what Childe got involved with and...! Okay, he doesn't actually know what else he would do, but Harbinger or not, Childe is his companion and the last thing Aether wants to see is one of his companions getting hurt.]
[Childe laughs, before patting Aether on the shoulder. ]
Me? I'm not gonna get hurt, don't you worry.
I do odds and ends for the big guys down here when they're willing to open up to Gembonded. You never know when the connections might come in handy.
They really aren't willing to deal with us most of the time, and you can't really blame them. I was collecting some debt. In the district before noticing you.
[ Aether is so cute being worried. Childe smiles before moving his hand to Aether's back to usher him along back above ground to less shady areas. ] Were you worried I was sleeping around down there, aibou~?
Anyway, want me to take you somewhere since we're out and about?
[ Childe chuckles finding that even more adorable, but he lets it go for now. There will be plenty of time tease him more later about stuff like that. ]
[ Honestly, Aether, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for having 'Traveler' as the handle because as far as Ei concerned, that is the name of her only, non-Yae, fwend. So here you go, have a rather cheery, squealy, girly Raiden Shogun on the screen. There's your early Halloween spook, Aether boyo. ]
Traveler! I know you'd be here in this place as well!
[Aether is aware that Shogun arrived here. He's heard about it from Raiden Mei and truth to be told, he's expected their eventual encounter to be far from pleasant, given that the Shogun tried to kill him when he rescued Thoma.
He never expected the Shogun to call him.
He also never expected her to be this cheery and completely different from the emotionless archon he's met.]
...Are you really Raiden Shogun?
[She looks exactly the same as he remembers her, but... What's happening? He doesn't understand!]
[ Er, what. Um. Why is the one responding her a dude? There's an obvious surprise, if not confusion, plastered right on Ei's face as she tilts her head to the side a bit. It takes her a while before she realizes that she probably gets the wrong person. Whoops-- Ei blushes in embarrassment as she awkwardly scratches her cheeks. Yeah, that is definitely really different in attitudes especially compared to the Raidenbot that Aether probably recognized more. ]
Oh, um. This isn't Lumine, then? [ Oopsie, she should just apologize and cut the feed BUT WAIT, did he just say that- ] -Wait, you recognizes me? Are you from Teyvat, too?
[ In a single glances though, she doesn't believe she has ever seen someone like this in Inazuma. But then again, there's some sort of familiarity just from glancing at Aether yet she can't put a word on it. Feels like there's something that kinda feel Lumine-ish from him for some reason... ]
[ Unfortunately for the totally confused Aether, Ei is having an eureka moment on her side. Oh, so this is the one that she heard? ]
Oh, I've heard about you from her! So I'd guess that you two have met already? [ In that case, she's very glad about it! Aether can probably tell from the small smile forming on her lips. ] She has been very good to me back in our world.
[ There's also a giggle slipping from her lips as she continues: ]
Either way, how do you do, Lumine's brother? I think you recognized me already but let me reintroduce myself formally. I am Ei, though people often call me with my title as Raiden Shogun of Inazuma. Nice to meet you and please take care of me.
[ ...To no one surprise, there's something very detached and weird about how she carry on with the conversation. Don't get mad please for this is what more than five hundreds meditating alone did to your social skill. ]
[She's... Lumine's friend? And she really is the Raiden Shogun? But she sounds so... polite. Maybe a bit forced, but still like a nice person.]
I'm Aether. It's nice to meet you, but...
[This really doesn't add up. Mei mentioned that she met Raiden and that she was an "interesting" person. She also didn't correct him when he said that the Shogun is dangerous.]
Sorry, but I need to ask: did you fight Lumine at some point?
[ It's not really her, per se - It's the Raiden Shogun so... She guesses it's going to be easier to show it rather than speak of it. On the screen, Ei opens her palms as a purplish lightning envelops her wrists and she swipes that said hand across her eyes and when it's done, what's staring at Aether looks like someone really different from a minute ago: Instead of a woman who looks, say, human, what stares at him now is a kin to an emotionless robot. ]
I fought her. [ To make her point even clear, her voice is way, way deeper than Ei's. It's definitely the voice that Aether might have engraved in his ears back in Inazuma - Menacing and terrorizing. ] Though rather than fighting, it's more or less an one-sided beatdown because she never really managed to scratch me. Quite disappointing, I have to admit.
[ Raidenbot then lets out a huff as she moves her palm to cover her eyes again like earlier. No sooner, she then pulls her hand again to reveal the radiant purple eyes again, signifying that Ei is once again, the one in the control. Once again made more clear when her voice turns softer and easier on the ears again: ]
The one who spoke just now was Raiden Shogun, the one who is currently speaking with you is Ei. Is this kind of explanation suffice for you, Aether?
[ ...Welp, 500 years of not conversing with a lot of people make it really hard for her to actually understand flows of conversation well enough so, s-sorry? ]
[The sudden change in her personality is striking and... it finally makes sense. Aether's eyes widen, before he narrows his gaze.]
So it really is you... The one who issued Vision Hunt Decree... The one who almost took Thoma's vision.
[The suffering Inazuma had to endure flashes in front of his eyes. But how come Lumine made friend with this archon? Aether is missing many pieces of this story, considering that the last thing he remembers is Kazuha and Beidou joining the resistance.
Just how the situation will develop in Inazuma? Or developed already, considering that it seems Ei is from a point further in the future.]
Thoma? ...Ah, the Kamisato's. [ Well, there's certain some sort of regret by her tone. Her face on the other hand? Still as cool as ever. To be fair, Thoma is just one of the many victims of her that she can't even single out. ] Well, it's... a long story. I do admit that half of it was my fault for not overseeing the whole thing but... There was some outside interference involved.
It was your sister that helped me out the Fatui's involvement, Aether. Let's say, she helped me like how she helped Morax and Barbatos.
[There's many more, yes. Like Kazuha's friend, like all those people that Aether met and who lost their visions.
Aether notes the note of regret in her tone, then his eyes widen when he hears about the Fatui involvement.]
Fatui again? There really is no end to their schemes.
[He's about to ask if Raiden lost her gnosis to the Fatui but he stops there. She's friends with Lumine, he reminds himself. Perhaps it's only best if it's Lumine who asks her all those questions.]
I'd gladly ask my sister about what happened in Inazuma, but she doesn't seem to remember ever getting there. <small[He explains with a small sigh.]
I suppose I could tell you the full details one of these days. It's a long story, but your sister helped me subdue one of the Harbringers. I forgot her name, but everything in Inazuma should be under control now that she's gone, hopefully.
[ Well, considering she's now here, it might actually not be under control at all. But that's another problem for another day. ]
I... see... I kind of expected it after talking with Morax and Barbatos. There seems to be some kind of space and time rift that separated a lot of us before we're here. [ As someone who's a bit knowledgeable in dimensional rift, Ei can vouch that such case is probably not out of the realm of possibility. ] But Aether, you remembered going into Inazuma, did you not?
[He nods to her words. He can believe that Fatui would be to blame for many things, but the destruction in Inazuma seems so much more than that. Perhaps Childe would know something about it? Aether definitely needs to hear more before he actually makes any decisions here.
For now he lets it be.]
Yes, I remember. I remember when you... I mean, the Shogun tried to take Thoma's vision away. Then some other things happened. [He's not sure if he should tell her that he was in Lumine's place when he witnessed all those events.]
[ Here lies a tiny gift at Aether's doorstep. It's the season after all and it's only right to send him something nice after all he's done for everyone. Aether's always going beyond what's asked of him and is rarely rewarded appropriately, so Diluc is making sure he feels spoiled even just a little bit.
The gift at the doorstep is a small portable cooler with several brewed iced drinks inside, all personally handcrafted by you know who. Diluc has been at these drinks for weeks, trying to get the flavors right and making sure the colors are attractive too. A note is also found in the cooler. ]
This makes it the second unnamed drink I gave you. I hope this is also to your liking.
This was more challenging as I decided to completely start from scratch, visualizing only you in my mind. I thought about your image and how your soul appeared to me, then I…
Well, it would spoil the surprise if I simply write it out. Pray let me know your thoughts when you've finished.
Happy Holidays, Aether.
[ The beverage is bright, colorful, and sweet. It's made from honey and apples. It's non-alcoholic and instead natural, bringing about the present sweetness from both ingredients — just like how Aether is naturally sweet and precious. There's no sugar here, as both ingredients already bring about enough. The honey balances out the sharp zest from the fruit essence, bringing about a gentler flavor. ]
[Now that is a very pleasant surprise. Aether can't help but blush softly when he reads the letter. Diluc put so much thought into this gift and it warms the travelers's heart. Following the senders wish, Aether tries one of the drinks. It's sweet and he can recognize the taste of apples and honey, blended so perfectly together.
Diluc really is amazing. To think he did it from scratch and while thinking of him.]
Thank you so much for the gift! I tried the drink and enjoyed it greatly. You truly are amazing and I'm sure I will love all your future creations, too.
Now I have to think of a suitable gift to repay you for your kindness, though I'm not sure what could match your drinks.
[ a small gift box will be left addressed to Aether at his and his sister's apartment. Inside of it contains a bracelet:
There are engraved ocean waves around the outside of the Greeley with the words Engraved on the inside of the band:
Fate whispers to the Warrior, "You cannot withstand the storm." The warrior says "I am the storm."
A small note is included, unsigned:
On your darkest of days, when you feel defeated, unloved, unworthy, and overwhelmed... Always remember whose Traveler you are and straighten your crown and sword, like the warrior king you are meant to be.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action; a traveler in trouble (for Childe)
Obviously, the traveler is just as curious as ever, so he decides to explore every single place without considering that maybe there will be areas that he doesn't want to step into. He regrets it all too soon, when he gets himself into the Red Light District.
It takes him about a minute to realize he's made a mistake. It takes him another moment to turn around and try to leave as fast as possible. Luck is not on his side today, because someone grabs onto his hand and gets all too close for his liking.]
I-I was just...
[The native shushes him with a gesture and with a charming smile spreading on the face urges the boy to go with them somewhere. "Surely, you're all alone and could use some company."]
No! Not at all, I-I...
[He doesn't know what to do. Using force doesn't seem like a good idea and the grip the other has on him is pretty firm.
...Aether really needs help this instant.]
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The gem of course stops and looks surprised before also becoming suspiciously hesitant to let go of Aether. Threy look back at the other to confirm or deny this newcomer's declaration.
Although the Harbinger sounds fairly pleasant, there's certainly something in those dead eyes that has the gem not wishing to cross a line with the gembonded should his claim be real. ]
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Yes, I'm with him!
[The gem lets go of the boy and Aether is quick to grab onto Childe's arm, almost as if trying to hide behind him. Or maybe it's his attempt to show that they are both telling the truth. Regardless of which it actually is, the gem seems convinced seeing how Aether clings to the newcomer. The native then leaves with a hastily apology, likely not wanting to get into trouble.
Aether doesn't really wait for the gem to vanish from their sight; while still holding close onto Childe, he pulls at the other's arm to go.]
Let's get out of here...
[He wants to leave as fast as possible, too worried that someone else might want to snatch him.]
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What are you evening doing in this part of town, aibou, especially alone? There's no way you actually meant to come here!
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[He looks away, still pretty nervous.]
Or rather, I didn't know what kind of place it was and when I realized it and wanted to leave I got grabbed...
[Discovering the new is his way of living... he didn't think it would lead him to a place like this! But he feels really stupid for it... Next time he'll make sure to check the map.
Aether looks relived when they leave the Red Light District behind and enter a more normal part of the town, but he still doesn't let go of his companion. It's comforting to keep him close and the boy needs a moment longer to calm down. If Childe didn't appear there...
The traveler blinks, then looks up at the other.]
What were you doing there?
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[ Childe's uses his free hand to pat Aether on the head. ] As far as the Red Light District and other places that are dangerous in the city you only need to be concerned about the natives if they are suffering from Manna Addiction in terms of anything like... well, that occurring against your will. So if you wind up in a situation somehow and no one's around to help stand up for yourself and be firm about not wanting contact.
[ his advice isn't 100% guaranteed to work, but for the most part it's a safe bet, and the chances are higher than not if he stays out of the shadier places —the Red Light District attempts to keep troublemakers that may violate the laws out readily, especially in a culture that is so free and sensualized to begin with, at least.)
When Aether looks at him and asks that question, Childe chuckles with a smile before simply: ] Oh, you know, Working. [ being vague purposely because he wants to see just what things the teen is going to immediately jump to in that mind of his. ]
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[He really doesn't want to take any chances anymore. It's just not worth it.
As they get further away from the Red Light District, Aether finally lets go of his companion and walks beside him instead.]
And I'll keep that in mind.
[He wishes he heard about it all before stumbling into that area, but he's fine and he's also smarter now.
As Child says he was "working" there, Aether raises an eyebrow when looking at him.]
Uh... you don't have any work as a Harbinger here, don't you? Was there someone causing trouble and they hired you to deal with that?
[He knows Childe seeks challenges and fights, so no wonder that this is his first thought. Why else would he be there? Surely, it has nothing to do with... the kind of entertainment they had there...
Suddenly, Aether looks very worried about his companion.]
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This is where we are now . It's part of a bottom layer section labeled the Underground and it's the average city's typical underworld: crime organizations, illegal buying and selling of goods, unregulated sex shops, less-than-approved government establishments, and drugs everywhere. The only way to get in here, though, is by the abandoned subway stations in between districts. [ He points a few out so Aether knows what they look like on the map. ] Don't use those subways as a shortcuts through the city and you're 99.5% set without worry.
[ Childe shows Aether how to mark the subway entrance points that are not actual subway services on the map so he knows to not take them (but, also so if Aether either is dragged down here or something equally unsavory occurs he'll be able to know all the exits. As expected, Childe makes no mention of any of this.)
He smiles reassuringly once Aether gets the hang of it and puts a hand on his shoulder. ]
There you go! You might find other places that don't make you feel uncomfortable but aren't inherently dangerous. Nothing you can't handle, though. I doubt even the dangerous stuff here will give you much trouble so long as you actually act.
[ Andddd he pretty much just keeps smiling in response to the work concerns. He doesn't really want Aether involved in any of that by simply knowing of it.
Besides, he's suddenly realized there is another and get more pressing matter to talk about with the Traveler. ]
Also, this is a new development... but... be aware for any anti-gembondee behaviors. If you see any of any abyss suspicious or passively hostile, just leave. A political ad went viral a few weeks ago painting us in a really bad light.
...So be careful.
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Thanks... and I will. [Definitely more careful than he was just now. But he's learning fast!]
...But you still didn't answer my question about your work.
[He really wishes Childe would involve himself with more mundane tasks instead of seeking the dark side. Is the danger really this attractive to the Harbinger? Aether doesn't understand it, but after staring at the other for a minute, he finally lets a long, heavy sigh of resign.]
You don't want to tell me, then I won't ask anymore. But... promise me you'll be careful.
[Then he pouts a bit, giving his companion a look.]
If yo get hurt or worse, you'll never hear the end of it from me.
[He will make absolutely sure to find out what Childe got involved with and...! Okay, he doesn't actually know what else he would do, but Harbinger or not, Childe is his companion and the last thing Aether wants to see is one of his companions getting hurt.]
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Me? I'm not gonna get hurt, don't you worry.
I do odds and ends for the big guys down here when they're willing to open up to Gembonded. You never know when the connections might come in handy.
They really aren't willing to deal with us most of the time, and you can't really blame them. I was collecting some debt. In the district before noticing you.
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[Yes, that's a job he can definitely see Childe doing.
Aether relaxes, looking both reassured and relieved.]
...Still, be careful, just in case.
[He smiles then.]
You're strong, but you can get reckless too.
[In a way Childe's recklessness is even more worrying than anything else.]
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Anyway, want me to take you somewhere since we're out and about?
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[He was worried actually. He looks away, almost as if offended.
Still, he follows without any resisting.]
Yeah, sure... We can go wherever you want.
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Anything you'd want to go do?
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Is there any place that you like?
[Hopefully, it's not a shady one.]
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[His curiosity is piqued! And so Aether smiles.]
Let's go there!
Video | un: Raiden Shogun
Traveler! I know you'd be here in this place as well!
[ Nevermind that this is her brother though... ]
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He never expected the Shogun to call him.
He also never expected her to be this cheery and completely different from the emotionless archon he's met.]
...Are you really Raiden Shogun?
[She looks exactly the same as he remembers her, but... What's happening? He doesn't understand!]
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Oh, um. This isn't Lumine, then? [ Oopsie, she should just apologize and cut the feed BUT WAIT, did he just say that- ] -Wait, you recognizes me? Are you from Teyvat, too?
[ In a single glances though, she doesn't believe she has ever seen someone like this in Inazuma. But then again, there's some sort of familiarity just from glancing at Aether yet she can't put a word on it. Feels like there's something that kinda feel Lumine-ish from him for some reason... ]
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Lumine is my sister actually.
[He gives the archon a very suspicious look, but continues:]
We're twins.
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Oh, I've heard about you from her! So I'd guess that you two have met already? [ In that case, she's very glad about it! Aether can probably tell from the small smile forming on her lips. ] She has been very good to me back in our world.
[ There's also a giggle slipping from her lips as she continues: ]
Either way, how do you do, Lumine's brother? I think you recognized me already but let me reintroduce myself formally. I am Ei, though people often call me with my title as Raiden Shogun of Inazuma. Nice to meet you and please take care of me.
[ ...To no one surprise, there's something very detached and weird about how she carry on with the conversation. Don't get mad please for this is what more than five hundreds meditating alone did to your social skill. ]
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I'm Aether. It's nice to meet you, but...
[This really doesn't add up. Mei mentioned that she met Raiden and that she was an "interesting" person. She also didn't correct him when he said that the Shogun is dangerous.]
Sorry, but I need to ask: did you fight Lumine at some point?
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[ It's not really her, per se - It's the Raiden Shogun so... She guesses it's going to be easier to show it rather than speak of it. On the screen, Ei opens her palms as a purplish lightning envelops her wrists and she swipes that said hand across her eyes and when it's done, what's staring at Aether looks like someone really different from a minute ago: Instead of a woman who looks, say, human, what stares at him now is a kin to an emotionless robot. ]
I fought her. [ To make her point even clear, her voice is way, way deeper than Ei's. It's definitely the voice that Aether might have engraved in his ears back in Inazuma - Menacing and terrorizing. ] Though rather than fighting, it's more or less an one-sided beatdown because she never really managed to scratch me. Quite disappointing, I have to admit.
[ Raidenbot then lets out a huff as she moves her palm to cover her eyes again like earlier. No sooner, she then pulls her hand again to reveal the radiant purple eyes again, signifying that Ei is once again, the one in the control. Once again made more clear when her voice turns softer and easier on the ears again: ]
The one who spoke just now was Raiden Shogun, the one who is currently speaking with you is Ei. Is this kind of explanation suffice for you, Aether?
[ ...Welp, 500 years of not conversing with a lot of people make it really hard for her to actually understand flows of conversation well enough so, s-sorry? ]
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So it really is you... The one who issued Vision Hunt Decree... The one who almost took Thoma's vision.
[The suffering Inazuma had to endure flashes in front of his eyes. But how come Lumine made friend with this archon? Aether is missing many pieces of this story, considering that the last thing he remembers is Kazuha and Beidou joining the resistance.
Just how the situation will develop in Inazuma? Or developed already, considering that it seems Ei is from a point further in the future.]
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It was your sister that helped me out the Fatui's involvement, Aether. Let's say, she helped me like how she helped Morax and Barbatos.
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Aether notes the note of regret in her tone, then his eyes widen when he hears about the Fatui involvement.]
Fatui again? There really is no end to their schemes.
[He's about to ask if Raiden lost her gnosis to the Fatui but he stops there. She's friends with Lumine, he reminds himself. Perhaps it's only best if it's Lumine who asks her all those questions.]
I'd gladly ask my sister about what happened in Inazuma, but she doesn't seem to remember ever getting there. <small[He explains with a small sigh.]
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[ Well, considering she's now here, it might actually not be under control at all. But that's another problem for another day. ]
I... see... I kind of expected it after talking with Morax and Barbatos. There seems to be some kind of space and time rift that separated a lot of us before we're here. [ As someone who's a bit knowledgeable in dimensional rift, Ei can vouch that such case is probably not out of the realm of possibility. ] But Aether, you remembered going into Inazuma, did you not?
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For now he lets it be.]
Yes, I remember. I remember when you... I mean, the Shogun tried to take Thoma's vision away. Then some other things happened. [He's not sure if he should tell her that he was in Lumine's place when he witnessed all those events.]
backdated
The gift at the doorstep is a small portable cooler with several brewed iced drinks inside, all personally handcrafted by you know who. Diluc has been at these drinks for weeks, trying to get the flavors right and making sure the colors are attractive too. A note is also found in the cooler. ]
This makes it the second unnamed drink I gave you. I hope this is also to your liking.
This was more challenging as I decided to completely start from scratch, visualizing only you in my mind. I thought about your image and how your soul appeared to me, then I…
Well, it would spoil the surprise if I simply write it out. Pray let me know your thoughts when you've finished.
Happy Holidays, Aether.
[ The beverage is bright, colorful, and sweet. It's made from honey and apples. It's non-alcoholic and instead natural, bringing about the present sweetness from both ingredients — just like how Aether is naturally sweet and precious. There's no sugar here, as both ingredients already bring about enough. The honey balances out the sharp zest from the fruit essence, bringing about a gentler flavor. ]
sorry for the delay ;A;
Diluc really is amazing. To think he did it from scratch and while thinking of him.]
Thank you so much for the gift! I tried the drink and enjoyed it greatly. You truly are amazing and I'm sure I will love all your future creations, too.
Now I have to think of a suitable gift to repay you for your kindness, though I'm not sure what could match your drinks.
Still, I'll do my best!
Happy Holidays and I'll see you soon!
February 14th.
There are engraved ocean waves around the outside of the Greeley with the words Engraved on the inside of the band:
Fate whispers to the Warrior, "You cannot withstand the storm."
The warrior says "I am the storm."
A small note is included, unsigned:
On your darkest of days, when you feel defeated, unloved, unworthy, and overwhelmed... Always remember whose Traveler you are and straighten your crown and sword, like the warrior king you are meant to be.