Veiled Truth

Prelude

Albedo's Lab, Early Morning:-

Albedo stared at the beakers in front of him, his mind elsewhere. The clinking of glass and bubbling of potions usually brought him peace, but now, all he could think of was Aether's absence. His departure left an emptiness that even the most intricate experiments couldn't fill.

Albedo says softly to himself "He was... the sun."

Sucrose entered the lab, carrying a stack of reports. She noticed Albedo's faraway look and says with a worried look  "Albedo? Are you alright?"

Albedo blinked, coming back to reality.  "Ah, Sucrose. Yes, I'm fine. Just... thinking." he says.

Sucrose hesitated before speaking, her voice soft. "It's about Aether, isn't it?"

Albedo sighed, placing down the beaker he was holding. "Yes. His departure has left a void, one that I fear cannot be filled."

Sucrose says softly looking down "I miss him too. His laughter, his smile... they brought so much light into our lives."

Albedo nods before saying "Indeed. Without him, it feels as if a vital part of our world is missing."

In Mondstadt, Late Afternoon...

Jean stood at the balcony of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, gazing out over the city. Amber approached, noticing the somber expression on her face.

Amber says "Jean, you look troubled. Is something wrong?"

Jean turned to face her, her eyes filled with sorrow. "It's Aether. His absence... it's affecting everyone. It has been already three years since he left."

Amber nodded, her usual cheerful demeanor subdued. "Yeah, I've noticed. It affected everyone."

Jean nods before sighing "He was more than just a friend. He was a beacon of hope, someone we could always rely on. Now, it feels like we're all stumbling in the dark."

Amber also sighs but smiles lightly and says "We have to stay strong, for him. He wouldn't want us to be sad."

Jean smiled weakly. "You're right, Amber. We must honor his memory by continuing to protect Mondstadt, just as he would."

Liyue Harbor, Evening...

Xiangling and Chongyun sat by the docks, watching the sun set over the ocean. The air was filled with the scent of freshly cooked meals, but neither felt hungry.

Xiangling says with a sigh "I can't stop thinking about him. Every dish I make, I remember how much he enjoyed my cooking."

Chongyun replies with trying to show much of his emotions "He had a way of making everyone feel special, didn't he? His presence was like a warm breeze, comforting and reassuring."

Xiangling nods "I know we can't bring him back, but... it's so hard. I miss him so much."

Chongyun placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We all do. But we have to keep going, for Aether's sake. He wouldn't want us to be sad."

Xiangling nodded, wiping away a tear. "You're right. We'll keep his spirit alive in our hearts."

Inazuma, Nightfall...

Kazuha stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, the wind rustling through his hair. Beidou joined him, her usual confident expression replaced with a look of concern.

Beidou asked even though already knowing the answer "Thinking about Aether again?"

Kazuha glances her way before slowly nodding "Yes. His departure has left an emptiness that even the vastness of the ocean cannot fill."

Beidou sighed. "He was a true friend, someone who understood the winds and waves just as we do."

Kazuha smiles lightly saying "Without him, the world feels a little less bright. But we must continue our journey, carrying his memory with us."

Beidou nodding and patting his shoulder "Agreed. We'll sail the seas and explore new horizons, just as he would have wanted."

Kazuha smiled softly. "For Aether."

Across Teyvat, Aether's friends struggled with his absence. Each day felt a little darker, a little colder, without his radiant presence. Yet, some deciding that even if he cannot physically be there then they will find a way to fill the void.