Secret Nemesis | Aether x Reader

XXII

"Girlfriend!" Lumine, Keqing, and Paimon shouted in unison as they stared at the two of you in shock.

Looking at Aether with widened eyes, you felt your cheeks flush up, not expecting the sudden profession of your status with him. Speaking inaudible murmurs, you played around with your fingers from being shy.

"You're dating!" Paimon screamed as she flew up to you in surprise before having a 360 in her mood and whining. "Why did you not tell Paimon that you were dating?"

"Congratulations," Lumine smiled as she took the two of you and hugged you both.

"You're not mad," Aether asked her as he hugged her back.

"Why would I?" She looked at the two of you after releasing you from the hug. "I'm happy that you two have feelings for each other. I trust that you two will have a wonderful relationship and I'm sure that you two will be happy. I also can't wait to get a niece or nephew."

Giggling, she watched as the two of you blushed and started mumbling at how that wouldn't happen for a long while. She continued to tease the two of you relentlessly watching your adorable reactions of trying to hide your red ears behind your ears.

"Shall we go see Ningguang?" Keqing coughed into her fist as a way to get everyone in line.

"Paimon can't wait," the little fairy giggled as she flew to Keqing.

~~~~~

Walking through the familiar streets of Liyue, the five of you made it to the elevator like rock that would carry you to the Jade Chamber flying protectively over the city. Flying through the sky, the view of the city near the ocean became even more apparent and you couldn't help but gasp at the beauty that stood proudly below you.

"Beautiful isn't it," Keqing smiled at you as she noticed your awestruck expression.

"It is."

Soon enough, the rock had brought you all to the Jade Chamber. Greeted by some Millelith guards, they escorted you through the extravagant doors of the Jade Chamber which was owned by none other than Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. With gracefulness befitting that of a leader, Ningguang walked toward you and welcomed the group.

"Welcome to the Jade Chamber," she started. "It's nice to see you again Traveler."

"Likewise," Aether smiled at the white-haired lady.

"I hear you are in need of my help," she smiled coyly, the aura of a businesswoman permeating from her.

"We need help to fight the Abyss," Aether told her straightforwardly. "They're planning something against Teyvat and if we don't work together to stop them, who knows the consequences that could come as a result."

"And I suspect that you want to use my Jade Chamber as a means of transportation?"

"If you don't mind," Aether nodded.

Laughing with her usual elegance, Ninggaung smiled at the blonde traveler. "There's no need for you to be so formal. After all that you've done to help us, this is the least that we can do. And if anything, you're doing this for our sake. You shouldn't be burdened with such trouble alone. Allow me to say this: The Liyue Qixing will be there to assist you in any way possible. We will provide manpower, transportation, mora, and anything else you may need in this upcoming battle. We will have your side for the sake of saving Teyvat and helping you."

"Thank you Ningguang," Aether gratefully smiled as he couldn't help but feel genuinely appreciative of Ningguang's openness to help.

~~~~~

For the continuing days, the Jade Chamber had flown all around Teyvat collecting people to assist in the final battle against the Abyss. From Mondstadt, to Liyue, to Fontaine and even the Snezhnayan forces - though the help of Snezhnaya was mostly due to the fact that they also despise the Abyss and the negotiations of Childe. Everyone was gathered for the final battle against the Abyss.

"So what's the plan," Kokomi walked up to you and Aether who were looking out at the distance, watching the Jade Chamber move closer and closer to the destination of the Abyss.

"We need you to buy time for me and Lumine," Aether explained to Kokomi. "As of the rest, we leave it to you. Thank you for your help Kokomi."

"Of course," Kokomi gave a small smile. "As the divine priestess of Watasumi Island, I will do everything in my power to make sure we win this battle."

"I really mean it. Thank you. Who knows what we would have done without you," Aether held your hand tighter as he remembered the dreadful battle that he had faced before.

Kokomi laughed, "Don't worry about anything. After all that you have done for us, this doesn't amount to much. We will always be here to help you. Now please excuse me. I'll go continue planning our strategies for the battle."

"I should go help," you released Aether's hand as you followed Kokomi towards the inside of the Jade Chamber.

"There's no need," Kokomi shook her head as she held your shoulder. "Go stay with Aether. I'll run you through about the plans after everything is made."

Nodding, you walked back to Aether who was now sitting at the edge of the Jade Chamber swinging his legs. Sitting down next to him, you laid your head on his shoulder and admired the view with him. Looking up at him from your position, your heart clenched at his eyes which were furrowed with worry.

Lifting your head and placing a hand on his cheek, you told him in the most comforting way you could, "Don't worry about it Aether. Everything will turn out fine."

"But what if it doesn't," Aether argued, overthinking the situation. "What if someone gets badly injured, or even worse, what if somebody-"

"That won't happen," you interrupted him. "Trust them and trust yourself. You asked for their help because you believed in their ability, didn't you? Rather than worrying about them, you should believe that they can do it and trust them."

"But-"

"No but's," you smiled at him before showing your biceps. "Don't worry. I'll be there fighting with them. Just focus on fighting side by side with your sister. We believe in you and Lumine and that's why everyone isn't worrying. You just need to believe in us now. Don't worry about us. We'll fight and survive. We have your back."

"Thanks," Aether placed his hand over your hand as he put his head on your shoulder this time. "You always seem to know what to do and say."

"It's a matter of in here," you pointed to your heart.