Secret Nemesis | Aether x Reader

XXI

After a while of crying, the twins finally released all their pent-up feelings. Now that things were cleared, it was time to discuss what the course of action would be. Considering that now the four of you were in hiding, you would have to be careful about future issues that could arise. First of all, you all needed time to rest. Second, you needed to prepare yourselves for the fight against the so-called King. Thirdly, a plan was needed.

“If we’re going to fight against the Abyss, we need to know what to do. How do you plan to fight them?” You asked curious as to what the plan would be.

“Aether and I would be able to fight the King if we were to fight together,” Lumine started. “It’s the large number of monsters that he has on his side. It’s terrifying, to say the least.”

Nodding, you agreed with Lumine full well knowing the power that amounted as a result of their numbers. Alone they were weak and easy to beat but the large and seemingly infinite number that there was of them, made the battle even more difficult. It would be all the harder without your claymore which was the catalyst of your power.

“If we were to gather vision users to fight,” Aether said to himself. “We may be able to counter the army of the Abyss.”

“Just like the battle in Mondstadt,” you continued for him since you had understood where he was getting at.

Both you and Aether looked at the white-haired fairy who was floating around quietly for once - though the reason behind her silence was most likely she didn’t understand much of what was happening.

“Paimon,” you smiled. “If you could get everyone here-”

“Then they can be the calvary for the final battle against the Abyss,” Aether continued your sentence as the two of you were on the same wavelength.

“Ooh!” Paimon exclaimed finally understanding what was going on in her little mind. “Do you want Paimon to ask everyone for help?”

“Yup!” You and Aether responded in unison, excited with where everything was heading towards.

“When do you think everyone will come?” Lumine questioned the plan that you and Aether were forming. “The best idea would be able to have a surprise attack. If their guard is lowered, it would be easier to reduce their numbers.”

“Maybe a week?” Aether looked at Paimon who nodded in agreement.

It was simply the travel that they had to think about. Since they were confident about receiving the help after all Aether had done for Teyvat, the only concern would be traveling to and from. Thinking about how they would be able to get everyone to the Abyss would be the biggest struggle.

“The castle that defeated Osial?” Lumine suggested. 

“The Jade Chamber,” Aether smiled. “If we can talk Ningguang into using her Jade Chamber as a means of transportation, that would solve the problem.”

“We can all go get the help that you’re talking about,” Lumine hummed as she thought about the upcoming plans. “We talk to this Ninggaung person first and then to the rest. It would be easier to travel altogether for the time being. Since we’re being hunted, we shouldn’t be separated, or else the plan could go to naught.”

“Shall we get going?” Aether smiled at everyone, ready for that action that would be coming soon to the world of Teyvat.

Awkwardly twiddling your fingers around, “Um, sorry for the change of subject but I don’t really have a sword. If possible, do you know anyone that could craft a sword for me?”

Lumine and Aether looked at each other slyly before holding hands. Putting one arm out, the two closed their eyes as a golden aura started to stream from below them. Golden ribbons danced around the room and you could feel their familiar aura filling the room as a silhouette of a sword started to form. Strings combined to make a sword that had a similar build to your old claymore.

After a while of waiting, the sword had completely formed and in the place of the golden light that had made up the sword was your old sword with a little more intricate designs. The silver blade that was lined in the middle with a shining royal blue shade rested comfortably on your hands. The black hilt decorated with silver vines felt familiar in your hand and you couldn’t help but feel sentimental with the return of your dearest claymore.

“Thank you Aether, Lumine,” you hugged the two as you were reunited with your companion that you had used for years.

“How about Paimon?” The white-haired fairy interrupted the moment. “Paimon also wants a weapon.”

“Are you going to fight with us?” Lumine asked Paimon who awkwardly giggled before flying backward. “On the second thought, Paimon doesn’t need a weapon.”

The four of you left the room that you all had stayed for in a while and with a flick of her wrist, Lumine had teleported everyone out of the Abyss. The light of Teyvat blinded you as you saw the streets of Liyue that you had wholeheartedly missed. The citizens staring at the sudden appearance of you and the group, you were all suddenly surrounded by Milileth knights.

“Stand down! Don’t try anything!” One of them ordered as they brandished their spears.

In reaction, Lumine summoned her sword into her hands to get ready for combat.

Before anything could get worse, Aether stepped in, “Please let us meet with Ningguang. Tell her that the traveler is here and we need to talk to her.”

The guards looked at each other and soon enough recognized Aether as the one who had saved Liyue and one of them ran towards the inner parts of the city. Standing there in silence, you got tired of how uncomfortable things were starting to get and decided to sit cross-legged on the floor. Aether followed your actions, bored with the situation that you all were stuck in.

“Please release them,” a purple-haired girl walked towards Aether before smiling in greeting.

“Hi Keqing,” Aether waved, grateful for the help of the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.

“Sorry for the rude welcome,” Keqing waved the guards - who had started talking amongst themselves - away.

Aether laughed, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Staring at the pretty purple-haired girl who Aether was familiar with, you couldn’t help but feel a blooming jealousy in your heart. Nudging him, you pouted to which he reacted with a nervous scratch of his nape. 

“Keqing,” Aether started introductions. “I would like you to meet Lumine, the twin sister that I had always told you about and the one who I have been trying to find all this time. And, this is my beautiful girlfriend y/n.”