Meraki

Part 4 Chapter 10: Battle of Sumeru

After Scaramouche disappeared from sight, Aether and Luna went outside to find Sying and Tighnari. The Forest Watcher had been struck by lightning and was forced to stay in Pardis Dyhai. The trio met up with Dehya, Alhaitham, and Cyno, recruited Nilou, and executed the plan. Aether and Luna went with Alhaitham to handle Grand Sage Azar, while Sying looked for Collei. Once Aether was able to talk with Nahida through his consciousness, he and his little sister were able to rescue the Dendro Archon from the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Together, the trio found Dottore's lab and managed to find the room where Scaramouche was.

"Looking at its operational status, we must prepare for the worst. The god they wanted to create is likely close to completion, or already completed." Nahida spoke as the group paused before the entrance.

"That's not a surprise. I've already seen him control the weather." Aether agreed. He looked over at Luna, who was petting her Pyro crystal fly.

"This is going to be difficult. Since Kuni's got the Electro Gnosis now, he's even more powerful than before." She said.

"Are you nervous, Luna?" Kusanali wondered. The Harbinger nodded her head.

"I'm absolutely terrified." She admitted. "But if possible, I want to save Kuni. I know he's made a mistake, but I don't want anything bad to happen to him. He's the only family I have left. So please, help me save my big brother."

"I will." Aether promised, holding out his pinkie for her.

"Okay. I trust you." She made her promise with the Traveler before the two of them returned their attention to the Dendro Archon.

"I'm sorry Luna, but there's no guarantee that he can be saved. I'll do what I can." Nahida confessed, earning her a nod. "Okay, let's continue on. I can sense Scaramouche's aura from here.

The trio entered the room and inside was a large Inazuman styled robot. An opening in the head revealed Scaramouche floating in place with wires and tubes attached to his back. Nahida took a few steps forward and extended her hand, sending Dendro energy toward the Balladeer. Once the element came toward his face, Scaramouche opened his eyes and released a wave of energy; pushing the trio back.

"Who would have thought the world would be so eager for my "birth." I remember you Buer, the God of Wisdom. And standing beside you, the Traveler and the Eighth Harbinger." Scaramouche pointed out.

"Is he all knowing and powerful now, like Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?" Aether asked.

"No, I can't feel the same kind of divinity I felt from the Greater Lord. It seems that the sages didn't get the chance to infuse the Divine Knowledge Capsules into him. But even still, he has undoubtedly become a true "god" now." Kusanali answered.

"Are we too late? Can we not save Kuni now?" Luna cried worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'm sure we can still save the Balladeer." Aether reassured her.

"The Balladeer", a long bygone title. When my spirit ascended to divinity, I felt as if I had existed for the same number of epochs as heaven and earth. Looking back, the existence of what once called itself "Kunikuzushi" appears infinitely small and ugly." Scaramouche stated.

"But Kuni, I thought you were happy when we were together. You promised that you'd never leave me, and now I'm here to bring you back! You're my brother, and I want you to come home to me!" Hailstorm shouted. Aether felt his heartache for his sister, because that's how he felt when he saw Lumine in Liyue.

"I was never happy with you. You're an annoyance and always getting in my way! I wish I'd never met you." He replied.

"You don't mean that, do you?"