HELLO EVERYONE. I'M BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER. SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT BUSY WITH LIFE AND ALL.

ANYWAY THIS WILL BE LAST CHAPTER OF THIS BOOK AT THE MOMENT UNTIL FONTAINE IS RELEASE AND FINISH ANY ARCHON QUEST THERE.

THIS CHAPTER WILL BE BASED ON FINAL FANTASY 16. HAVEN'T PLAYED THE GAME. (I'M FROM THIRD WORLD COUNTERY) I HAVE SEEN THE CLIPS AND KNOWN A BIT OF THE STORY AND A FEW MOMENTS BUT I DO WANT TO PLAY THE GAME IF EVER FINAL FANTASY 16 BE RELEASE ON PC.

I JUST A DID A BIT OF RESEARCH AND TRY MY BEST TO EXPLAIN A BIT OF THE LORE OF THE GAME.

SO DISCLAIMER SPOILER IN ONE OF THE BIG MOMENTS OF THE GAME.

ALSO I MANAGED TO GET KAFKA IN HSR

OH YEAH BABY. YEAH I LOSE THE CHANCE PULL DAN HENG DRAGON FORM IN THE NEXT BANNER BUT WHO CARES I ALREADY HAVE 3 IMAGINARY CHARACTERS. I NEED MORE LIGHTNING TYPES. YEAHHH!

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO. LET'S BEGIN.

"... Aren't you going to stop them?" Aether asked Rue as they continue to watch the destruction of the theater between the main cast of girls and boys.

Zhongli was creating shields for the guys while the girls were using their elemental bursts to try destory the shield and hurt the guys. The guys were mostly going on defense only wanting to knock out the girls and so far it wasn't working.

"I will give them two more minutes." Rue said clearly amused at the destruction he created.

"You do you realize that we can't continue the viewing if this continues right?" Aether pointed out hoping Rue would stop this madness.

"...Good point." Rue said realizing Aether was right.

Rue finally stops the chaos as he created barrier between the two parties. The girls growled angrily at Rue while the guys sighs in relief.

"Alright that's enough. As much I love the chaos and fighting that I created. I think we all need to returning to the viewing." Rue said amused and snapped his fingers.

Soon the theater was all fixed and Rue healed everyone up before he returns everyone to their respective seats...well except for Aether. Aether was sitting with the guys with Paimon and Nahida with him. Paimon sitting on top of Aether head while Nahidi sitting on Aether lap.

"Um why is aether separated from us?" Yoimiya asked as she was the only the main cast girls didn't participate in the brawl.

"For safety reasons and the girls punishment for causing the chaos in the first place...except for Yoimiya." Rue said causally. The majority of the girls glares at him while some pout at him.

Rue ignores the girls glares and suddenly summons a small holographic screen in front of him.

"What are you doing Rue?" Nahida asked with curiosity.

"Oh I'm just picking the next world we are viewing...but I decided to randomized it." Rue said as he pressed a few buttons on the screen before a world is revealed.

"Oh. Well this is interesting." Rue said with interest in his eyes.

"What is it?" Thoma asked.

"Well the next viewing is just new timeline that was discovered recently by the watchers." Rue said and this caught everyone's attention.

"A new world?" Diluc asked.

"Well technically its still focus on Aether but here are few changes." Rue said as he was about list of the changes in this new timeline."

"There are more kingdoms in this version of Teyvat than the main 7 regions that currently have." Rue said and this surprised everyone.

"So that means there are more Archons?" Venti asked.

"Not exactly there are still the 7 archons but there more kingdoms and regions in this land and at the same time those certain kingdoms don't follow the archons but instead they follow Eikon." Rue explained and this confused everyone

"Eikon? What's that?" Collei asked.

"Hmmm think of mythological beings and beasts that wield immense power, capable of turning the tide of battle. You could say they are similar to the Archons terms of powers. Think of it that if a kingdom instead follow Rex Lapis. They follow Azhdaha instead." Rue said.

"So you mean creatures beings like Andrius have a whole kingdom dedicated to them." Venti asked with Wolf of the north as example.

"Yup Eikons also have hosts called Dominants, a person that is hosting Eikos and called them to battle." Rue explained further.

"So you mean the creatures are possessing or sealed inside a host and can be called by host to battle?" Ei asked as she was interested to learn this along with everyone else.

"Yup and also the host can use the abilities and attributes of Eikons they have but of course Eikons have minds of their own which means that if host is not strong not only physically by mentally as well. The Eikons could easily take over the host and wreak havoc in the land." Rue said and this causes flinch from the horror at consequences of such thing.

"So it's a double edge sword." Guizhong said."

"Indeed the host might have attributes and powers of these creatures but can also lose themselves and the creatures can do at it please since it manifested to the real world, free to roam around if ever they can get control of their host" Cloud Retainer said. Many of her fellow Adepti agreed to her.

"So everyone has a clear understanding of it?" Rue asked and everyone nodded at him. "The second change is that Aether and Lumine are not travelers from another world but instead they are resident of Teyvat like everyone else."

Everyone was surprised by this information especially the twins. "Woah that means Aether and his sister technically are not travelers or member of the Abyss...right?" Paimon asked nervously on the last part.

To her relief Rue nods at her." Yup but another thing is that Kingdom of Khaenri'ah wasn't destroyed by the cataclysm event." Rue mentions. This causes the Archons, Aether, Lumine, Paimon and Kaeya eyes widen at hearing this.

"Khaenri'ah!" Many of the audience said in shock. Many of them were surprised to hear the godless nation survive from the Cataclysm event in another timeline.

"What?! How?!" Lumine asked. hoping that the Khaenri'ah disaster didn't happened.

"Well another event happened to Khaenri'ah instead and this time it was war of other kingdoms that caused disaster of the kingdom. Celestia or any of Archon was not involved in its downfall. Not completely destroyed but it's territory is shrinking." Rue explained.

Lumine was sadden that Khaenri'ah still fallen in the end but relief that it was alive despite now only being a small territory. She was confused how Khaenri'ah could fall to another kingdom.

"The last one is that Aether and Lumine are royalty in Khaenri'ah with Lumine being next in line of the thrown." Rue said and this surprised everyone.

"...Wait why is Aether sister next in line of the throne it usually the males are next one to inherited the kingdom." Eula asked as she was familiar with nobilities ranking. This causes many to also ask as well.

"Well in that world Lumine is Dominant of Phoenix. Meaning she possessed the Eikon of Phoenix with her and has full control of it. Most Dominant in that world only came to the line of royalty." Rue explained and Lumine was surprised to hear this and didn't know how to feel about this especially she knows Aether was older than her.

'...Wait doesn't that mean I have control of the kingdom and it's policies and laws. That means that-' Lumine thoughts with smirk thinking some very sus things about her brother but Rue cut off her line of thoughts.

"Miss Lumine please remember that in that world that both of you and Aether are brother and sister by blood in that world." Rue said with deadpan look at the Brocon.

Lumine huffed and pout and crossed her arms. Let the Brocon girl dream damn it!

Aether doesn't know what his sister is thinking and for some reason he feels grateful for Rue in stopping Lumine from her line of thinking.

"also I forgot to mention this what Aether looks like that world." Rue snapped his fingers and immediately a picture was display on the screen before the audience.

(Aether appearance. Couldn't really find that much older version of Aether since technically the twins don't age anymore)

(Aether costume)

The main cast girls were either blushing or looking at older looking version of Aether with lust in their eyes. The costume really just increase his attraction even more.

The guys were nodding in approval at Aether new costume. Aether himself liked the costume and considering it might have costume change

"Wow! Big Brother looks like a knight?" Klee said in awe in seeing Aether costume.

"Well he is known as Paladin but since he knows to use various elements. He is also considered a mage as well." Rue comments

"Mage?" Ayato asked confused.

"Basically there are certain people in Khaenri'ah knows how to use magic and Aether is one or those people." Rue comments.

"You mean like Alice." Venti asked.

"You could say that." Rue said with a shrugged. "So any more questions because the viewing is about to begin."

Barbara raised her hand and Rue pointed at her.

"Does Aether have love interest in that world." Barbara said, asking the important question to main girls. Aether immediately got nervous that Rue might just try to screw with him.

"....No comment but it will reveal soon." Rue said with smirks. The girls just gave a glare at Rue and Aether just sighs in relief. He was safe....for now at least.

Aether and Paimon were exploring one of the castle in Khaenri'ah. They soon suddenly found themselves in a mysterious room which was a mysterious painting.

"Wow this room is really big" Paimon stated as they entered the giant room and looked around. "Hey, what's that big picture over there?" Paimon points at a giant painting that had a podium stage and nearby was a giant painting of the wall."

They walked towards it and both eyes widened in realization of what the painting was. It was a painting of Celestia and they saw a person with wings flying on Celestia.

"That woman...." Lumine growled at seeing the image painting of the unknown god.

Aether couldn't help but glare at woman in the screen as well. He blamed the unkown god on why he was stuck in Teyvat and the lost of his powers.

"...Is that Celestia?! And who is that person?" Paimon said in shock.

"...Why is there a painting of Celestia in this room? And who is that person...is it an Archon or another one of those previous gods." Aether asked and suddenly he started to hear static ringing sounds.

He tries to ignore it but soon it becomes unbearable and hold his head in pain. Aether looks around and was surprised to see that everything suddenly froze like time was frozen itself.

"What the... everything suddenly became black and white...and seems like everything froze as well." Childe said suprise like many in the crowd.

"Paimon....Paimon!" Aether shouted as he tried to reach Paimon but something was stopping his body from reaching out. He greeted his teeth as he couldn't move.

Suddenly a hooded figure materialized in front of Aether and he recognized that figure.

"Who is that?" Diluc asked with narrowed eyes as he didn't like where things was going.

"You...You're him!." Aether shouted in anger as he kept hearing the static noises.

"The Second wielder of Dominant of Fire!" Aether said as he slowly walked forward but struggling because of the ringing noises.

"Just who are you!" Aether demanded as he managed to stand up properly and glare at the figure before him.

The hooded figure slowly removes his hood and reveals its face. Aether eyes widened in shock at who he saw.

It was himself...or someone looks like him with the exception of the black hair and eyes.

"What the heck is going on?" Paimon shouted in shock. Everyone in the theater as well were shock to a see hooded figure looks like him.

"This is just getting more and more weirder." Keqing comments.

"This man...he might have Aether looks with exception of colors but he has dark aura around him." Yae Miko comments.

"...But you have admit he does pull off the bad boy look." Yelan smirks and many of the females silently agreed on that.

"We are you." The lookalike said to him and soon Aether vision suddenly blacked and he lost consciousness.

"And it became more creepy." Benett shiver in fear.

Soon Aether groans as he finally wakes up but as he looks around he realizes he wasn't in the domain anymore but a rocky area that was filled with magma and lava.

"Where am I?" Aether continues to walk around the area and soon he looks forward and his eyes widen in what he sees before him.

It was Khaenri'ah.

His former home, a kingdom that was destroyed by a very tragic event by the Eikon of Fire.

Lumine was sadden in seeing Khaenri'ah in such state but this also strengthen her resolved to fight Celestia.

Everyone else in the theater was shock to see the such state of Khaenri'ah with many historican people taking notes on what Khaenri'ah looks like.

"I'm....back." Aether eyes widen in shock then immediately he heard a roar and saw two beings in the sky and was came crashing down to the ground, creating a huge shockwave and huge smoke in the process.

He saw the smoke disappear and saw two beings before him. A giant, horned beast covered in red flames, with a demonic presence to him and the other one was a flaming phoenix that was being torn and shredded to pieces by the beast to pieces.

"Oh Archons! Those things are huge." Dehya said in shock in seeing the two beasts fighting in front of the Aether.

"What are they?" Diona said in fear as her tail suddenly shot up.

"Those are Eikons." Rue comments and this causes everyone to caught off guard.

"...Those are Eikons?! Some of them are bigger than Dvlain?!" Venti said in shock in seeing such powerful beasts.

"Yup and each Eikons control certain elements." Rue comments.

"And there are some who possessed such beasts?" Zhongli said with narrowed eyes.

"Yup. They are spread around Teyvat. But mostly they are hosted from royal families or kingdoms. One of them is Khaenri'ah. There are some chances is by luck that some people are born to be host of the Eikon." Rue explained.

Aether eyes horror as he recognizes that phoenix. "Lumine!" Aether shouted as he reached out to his sister's phoenix form.

"That's Lumine?" Aether said in shock and many others.

"Yup... that's her in her Eikon form. She is the holder of the Phoenix afterall." Rue explained.

"...So that's it looks like when using the Eikon powers...but how we will know they are in control and not the Eikon themselves?" Jeanne asked.

"The Eikons have some partucular changes for examples the eyes, aura or flames. But there are times when both of can work together. So basically it's more who had more stronger will in the end." Rue shurgged.

"So basically it's Will power and perseverance on who controls the body once transforming into Eikon?" Diluc asked. Rue nodded at him.

"Man, I want to fight one those things so badly. I wonder how my foul legacy form can handle it." Childe smirks as he was excited the opportunity to fight such powerful opponents.

"You will die...easily. Well you might get a few scratches on the Eikon...but you will die." Rue bluntly.

Aether could only watch in horror as the beast was destroying the Phoenix. "Stop it!" Aether demanded but the beast continues to ripped out the Phoenix guts.

"Please, stop...." Aether pleaded at the beast to spare his sister.

The children were shivering in fear and the parents or the adults shieled the kids eyes away from the horrific scene.

Aether was gritting his teeth in anger in seeing the beast killing his sister Eikon. He wanted to stop it. But he knew he couldn't.

"This is madness." Venti said in horror.

"Two beasts fighting for supremacy." Ei said at the same time looking at Aether with pity for her beloved.

The beast ignore Aether plea and Lumine in her Phoenix form immediately fire blast of beam from it's mouth at the beast but the beast easy dodge the attack bite on the Phoenix beak causing the beam to stop.

The beast slowly lifts up the Phoenix by the mouth and had one of its claws ready in stabbing motion.

Aether eyes widened in horror in what he was about to witness.

"Stop!!!" Aether shouted as he might see the death of his sister. Something he will not accept.

"STOOOOOOOP!!!!!" Aether shouted

Soon time pauses and it only shows the beast nearly stabbing the Phoenix. Frozen like a statue.

"They froze....like status." Kaeya said in shock.

"What is happening here...is this a memory?" Lumine asked.

"Correct, what you are seeing now is inner world of Aether. A memory of that night." Rue explained.

Aether has his hand extended before he slowly falls to his knees and looks down. He looks at his hands with guilt and shame.

"I did this....I killed her." Aether said softly with guilt in his eyes. He knew that he was the cause of all of this.

Everyone eyes widen in hearing this revelation especially Aether.

"...I killed my sister." Aether in complete shock and horror at the truth of what his other self did.

"Yes....but I won't tell anymore...as it will all shown...what you will see now is what Aether thinks of that night." Rue said.

The fall of Khaenri'ah.

The death of his sister.

All of it was his fault.

"Lumine chose me to be her shield." A voice said. That figure turns out to be a younger version of Aether.

"There two big brother Aether?" Qiqi asked confused.

"It's more his subconscious." Baizhu said with analytical eye.

"Seems like that this version of Traveler has guilt. A survivor guilt." Changsheng said.

"...and he's denying the truth. But why?" A Sumeru scholar asked.

"How would you feel that you are responsible that killed thousands of lives and killed your own family member?" Rue asked. Everyone was silence at that question. They have no answer to that.

The younger version looks at the frozen two entities.

"She gave me her blessing, and asked me to keep her safe '' The younger Aether spoke softly as he continued to stare at the entities. "I should have protected her that day."

The younger Aether looks down on the ground with guilt. "It was my duty."

"Aether." Lumine was sadden in hearing those words from Aether. She couldn't bear in seeing her brother with such sadness.

Childe and Ayato could understand what other Aether was saying afterall They were big brothers afterall. It was the duty of the eldest to protect their younger sibling.

The current Aether couldn't help but recall the vow he made to his sister. That he will be her shield, her protector.

"...Aether."

The current Aether eyes widen in hearing this and immediately looks up and saw before his very eyes.

It was Lumine.

"Lumine..." Aether said softly. Aether was conflicted right now.

Diluc sighs because for him this is kinda becoming very familiar to him. He might not have a close relationship with Kaeya like Aether and Lumine has but they are still family in the end after all. Something he would never admit out loud.

She looks still the very same the day he failed to protect her.

Lumine was looking back at him.

"Lumine?" Aether said as he slowly got up. He immediately runs towards his sister.

He kneels down and immediately hugged her and started crying.

"I'm sorry." Aether cried with tears in his eyes as he hugged his sister. "I failed you."

"Aetherq/dear/traveler." The main cast girls sigh as they sympathize with their crush/beloved.

Aether looks at his sister and Lumine body was soon covered with the flames of the Phoenix as Lumine looks back at her brother.

"Lumine died....I killed her." The younger version said as the two Aether watch Lumine flames heading towards the Phoenix.

"And I blamed another for what I did....to spare myself the guilt." Current Aether said, revealing his guilt at what he did in the past. "I feared that by accepting it, I would lose what little was left of me."

"But accepting it's what needed to be done to move forward." Zhongli said. He knew that deny the truth would not bring any closure. He done many unspeakable things during the Archon war but it was the only way to protect Liyue even it means killing many of his fellow gods and other humans. Innocent or not. It was part of war.

Soon the flames went through the frozen Phoenix as the flames grew brighter.

"So I ran. From everything." Current Aether said.

"And now? Are you ready to accept the truth?" The younger Aether asked his current self.

Everyone waits for the Current older version of Aether response.

"I am, I know it won't be easy. But it's what I must do." Current Aether said with determination in his eyes.

"It's easier to say but can he really accept it." Xiao said solemnly. Actions speak louder than words afterall.

Soon the frozen Phoenix slowly goes away and disappears completely.

"So that Lumine soul can finally rest in peace." Current Aether said he looks down on the ground finally knowing what he must do.

The younger Aether approach his current self and place a hand on Current Aether's shoulder.

The current Aether looks back and younger Aether turns to him and extends his hand and reveals a ball of flame.

"What's that flame?" Chongyun asked.

"A part of Aether." Rue said and this confused everyone but decided to watch the viewing further.

The current Aether stands up and looks at his younger self and accepts the ball of flame as his younger self suddenly vanishes before him. Aether place a hand on his heart as he closes his eyes.

The beast starts moving again and it turns to see Aether and the beast let out a roar.

"No matter how bitter the truth that awaits me, I will press on." Aether said as he opened his eyes. He turns around to face the beast.

"Hey hey! Is he really going to fight that thing alone?" Itto said in shock.

"Your Aether deals with those kinds of monsters on a daily basis." Rue said with blunt tone.

"Well we did deal the Balladeer giant version, Azdaha, Dvalin, the giant cubes-" Paimon listed off the many monsters and beast they dealt with on the daily basis.

"I think we get it Paimon." Aether said with dry tone. Aether could feel the girls glaring at him.

The girls were not happy to hear that Aether fought many crazy and big monsters on a daily basis. They will scold him later.

He grabbed the claymore handle that was strapped on his back and slowly drew it.

"Come, Ifrit!" Aether said with determination in his voice as he pointed his claymore at the beast now known as Ifrit. "Show me who you truly are!"

Ifrit let out a mighty roar while Aether gets ready to fight.

"Alright a fight! Finally!" Childe said feeling excited.

Ifrit immediately charges at him while covered in flames. Aether immediately dodges out of the way and immediately dash forward and immediately started releasing a barrage of slashes at Ifrit with his claymore.

Ifrit just growls and release a breath of fire towards Aether. Aether quickly dodge out of the way before he dashes again and immediately trying attack Ifrit legs.

The beast suddenly jump in the air and dodges the Aether attack and immediately lands back and creates a powerful shockwave.

Everyone was suprise powerful shockwave that Ifrit created.

"Damn. I want to fight that monster even more now." Childe grinning like battle craze maniac as wanted to challenge the Eikon.

"Be my guest. Just don't blame me if you die." Rue said with a deadpan look.

Aether immediately was send flying by the attack but immediately uses his claymore to stab it on the ground to stop himself.

He looks back and saw Ifrit let out a roar and slams one of it arms to the ground and send a torrent of flames at Aether.

Aether uses his sword to block the attack but could feel the fire of Ifrit in his sword. He quickly moves out of the way.

"using the sword to block the attack isn't really a good idea." Jeanne comments as they all continue to observe the fight.

Ifrit immediately hurls a bunch of magma fireballs at Aether and Aether immediately rolls out of the way.

Aether's right arm immediately covered in flames and started a bunch of fireballs back at Ifrit.

Ifrit easily tank the attack and immediately Ifrit slams his paws on the ground and the ground starts to heat up and soon a huge explosion happens on the ground.

Aether grits his teeth in pain but bears it and immediately charges forward and immediately he attacks one of it legs with a powerful blow.

Ifrit let out a roar from the direct hit and immediately fell on its knees with his on the ground.

"Alright! The beast is down!" Bennett cheered. Many cheered as well in seeing this.

Aether quickly uses this opportunity and his claymore was immediately covered in flames.

He immediately unleashed a barrage of powerful slashes to Ifrit's head before he delivered the final blow of his attack and caused a huge eruption of flame into the land

"Woah!" Thoma said in shock and awe along with many others.

"Wow!! Such a huge explosion!" Klee said happily

"I would have mistaken that version of Aether as fire Archon with that kind of fire power." Venti joked.

"Well Aether magic is easily seen equal to an Archon fullpower afterall." Rue comments.

Soon the flames were gone and Ifrit let out a roar before it slowly disappeared in a particle of dust.

Aether was breathing heavily after the battle before he let out a sigh before he started walking away.

The many in the audience cheers at other Aether victory.

"Alright he did it. Good job Aether!" Paimon cheered.

"Another achievement of Aether..well technically its other version of him." Heizou jokes.

"Didn't that felt...." Yae Miko said.

"...Too easy for him." Ei said with narrowed eyes.

"... Something tells me that the fight isn't over....it was too simple." Zhongli said with frown on his face.

He did it. He beat Ifrit. The nightmare was over.

But when he was thinking it was finally over when suddenly a huge wall of flames exploded behind him.

Aether immediately turns around and immediately he felt a huge gust of wind towards him and he uses his free arm to cover his face. The flames grew more intense.

"Looks like the battle isn't over." Diluc said with narrowed eyes.

"So the fights continues." Childe said with battle craze grin on his face.

Once the wind was gone. Aether remove his hand and his eyes widen in shock on who he saw.

He saw a reflection of himself that was all completely pitch black. Aether could tell this one was his dark side. A manifestation of his hate as a dark aura surrounding it. An infernal version of himself.

"No...!" Aether said with eyes widened in shock at seeing his infernal version.

"...Damn talk about fighting your inner demon." Childe smirks as he was excited to see the fight.

"...This isn't good." Kaeya said with a frown on his face.

"So it's going to be mirror match." Ayato said with a critical eye.

"This match is very interesting. Will the traveler will embrace his true self or will fall in the end." Cloud Retainer said.

"Come on Aether. You can do it." Amber said but her hands shaking as she was nervous like the rest of the girls.

Aether grips on his clay more tightly as he sees his dark self.

"Still you deny it." Aether said to himself. He still couldn't accept the truth. The day of that incident. He still has fear in his heart and couldn't push forward.

"So he stills not fully accept himself...but I wonder...Is this version of Aether is like those Eikon." Xiao guess.

"Even when the truth's staring right at you." Aether closes his eyes as he talk to himself. "Come on, Aether..."

He looked back to his Infernal self and said to himself. "Face your fears."

The Infernal charges at Aether and Aether faces it head on and starts exchanging blows.

Each time their blade clashes, shockwave is created and the ground crack.

CLING!

CLANG!

CLINK!

Both were weapons are locked in struggle and Aether managed to push his infernal self a few feet away from him.

"I see." Aether said as he saw the Infernal blade started releasing red flames. "You'd have me learn by example."

"Now this is a battle!" Childe said with excitement.

"It's like a dance. A dance of two blade masters." Eula said in awe as she watched the two older versions of Aether battle out with the use of the claymore.

Diluc was analyzing the battle and plans to copy how this version of Aether uses his claymore.

The Infernal growled and let out a war cry before charging again. Soon the two continue to fight head on as they exchange blow by blow. The battle rages on.

The Infernal jumps away and immediately summon several fireballs and hurls it towards Aether. Aether uses his claymore to cut the fireballs and dodges some.

"This dark version really just a copy of Aether. They know each other moves." Zhongli said.

"But who will win? Will Aether let the darkness take over him or will he able to find a way to overcome his fear.." Venti said dramatically. Zhongli just sighs as alcoholic Archon dramatic take.

Aether immediately short teleports and immediately appeared before the infernal and delivers an uppercut sending the infernal flying and immediately Aether follow it up in the air and delivers a barrage of attacks.

Aether let out a war cry and delivered a vertical slash as his claymore was covered in flames.

THUD!

The Infernal crashes to the ground Aether was about to slice the head but the Infernal dodges out in time.

The Infernal immediately slammed it's free hand to the ground and caused the ground to erupt with explosion.

"Aether!" The girls shouted in worry in seeing Aether getting hit.

Aether winced in seeing his other self getting hit full blast of sudden flame attack.

Lumine was holds her hand together, praying that other version of Aether will win the fight.

'Kinda ironic she is praying when she plans to fight Celestia' Rue thought amused. But he couldn't blame her since she is worried for her brother afterall.

"AHHHHHH!" Aether screams in pain as he didn't defend in time and could feel the fire around his body. He grit his teeth and force himself to stand up.

The Infernal was suddenly floating in the air and immediately wind gathered around the infernal to protect it as the ground turn into volcanic eruptions.

Aether realized what it plans to do and saw one he was standing was about to explode.

Soon the ground started to erupt magma flames from ground and Aether was dodging the best as he could. Soon the infernal started raining down a barrage of beams of fire towards Aether. Aether could only run away or dodge from the attack as he tries to think of a way.

"His opponent is really similar to the Fire Archon." Venti chuckles.

"Indeed that dark version of Aether uses the flames like Murata." Zhongli said.

Soon fire started to gather around Infernal and soon let out a roar and causes huge fire dome into its place. Aether rolled away in time to not be caught from the fire dome.

"Damn that dark version Aether really wants to kill him." Chongyun said with wide eyes along with everyone else.

"Brother!" Lumine shouted in worry.

Soon the dome was gone and Infernal suddenly fly towards Aether intending to attack him.

CLANG!

The blades clashed and Aether was being pushed back. Aether uses his strength to push the Infernal away from him.

The Infernal was pushed back but immediately teleported and appeared before Aether with its blade ready.

CLANG!

Aether managed to reacted in time and managed to block the attack but the Infernal force their blades up and front kick Aether in the gut.

Aether winced in pain as he was pushed back and forced on one knee as he was breathing heavily.

"Come on Aether you can do this." Bennett cheered with Razor growling in agreement.

"Big brother Albedo...will big brother Aether going to be okay." Klee assked worried about the older version of Aether.

"...Don't worry Klee. Aether always finds a way to win the fight." Albedo reassure her.

'Come on Aether...win this.' Albedo thought he wanted Aether to win.

Aether uses his claymore as support. He couldn't believe that he was losing. Especially from his own self.

Suddenly Aether felt someone touch his shoulder and realized who it was.

It was his younger self. Appearing once again.

"Why did he suddenly appeared again?" Kokomi asked.

"...For Aether to come in terms with himself." Rue said.

"No escape, eh?" Aether said to his younger self.

The younger self had a firm grip showing it was willing to help him fight this Infernal version of Aether.

Aether looks back at his younger self for a few seconds before looking down on the ground.

He knew who this younger self was.

It represents someone.

It represents the very thing he refuses to accept.

Until now.

"It's Alright, I'm done running from you." Aether told his past self.

The younger Aether understands and closes his eyes. Soon the younger Aether started glowing as it slowly disintegrated into particles, vanishing once again.

Aether managed to stand up from his feet and spoke again.

"Together, then" Aether free left hand started to be covered in flames as it was burning brightly.

Everyone was watching closely as they felt a big moment is about to happen.

Like it represents his will

His spirit to fight.

To finally move forward.

Aether looked at his covered flame hand. "It's time to find out who we are, Once and for all"

"...He is finally ready to accept it." Zhongli said with a small smile on his face.

"What do you mean Morax?" Madam Ping asked.

"The truth." Zhongli said. He knew what this version of Aether was as he realized what the truth that this Aether was running from.

Aether clenches his fist tightly

He closes his eyes.

Soon electricity started to spark his hand.

He was willing to finally come to terms to himself.

To press on.

To move forward.
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ACCEPT THE TRUTH!

Aether's body suddenly was covered with flames as his body started releasing yellow electricity.

He opens his eyes and immediately he opens his eyes but instead of those amber eyes he had.

His eyes turned blue, glowing with power. His arms were covered with flames burning brightly and his sword covered in flames as well. Scorching flames highlights around his body.

The ground erupted and battlefield was covered in flames

Everyone in the audience was in awe and shock at Aether new look. They could see the aura of power and might surrounding Aether.

The main girls were captivated with some are blushing and some are lusting at Older Aether version new found look and power.

"...So this is what his power looks like after he finally accepted the truth." Zhongli said.

"...I'm still confused at this aether version..what is the truth. What is his truth self." Venti said with thinking. Many were thinking as well.

Nahida eyes widen as the goddess of wisdom. What this Aether was struggling to accept. Nahida look at Rue and Rue notice Nahida looking at him

'Rue...is this version of Aether is Ifr-' Nahida telepathetically communicates with him and Rue immediately cuts her sentence off.

'Yes.. It's better you don't say anything. Because the truth will reveal itself.' Rue said telepathetically to Nahida.

"Is there something wrong Nahida?" Aether asked Nahida.

Nahida snap out from her thoughts and look at Aether and shook her head. "It's nothing really.." Nahida said and Aether nodded trusting Nahida.

Aether finally accepted the truth and was ready to end this once and for all.

Aether looked at the infernal version and saw it was in the same state as him but had red flames.

"Show yourself, Ifrit." Aether said the beast's name.

The two let out a war cry and dashes forward and their blades clashes once again.

CLANG!

BOOM!

As the two exchanges blew, an eruption was happening around the area. Torrent of flames was being created everywhere. The two continue to fight and exchange blows.

CLING!

BOOM!

CLING!

CLING!

BOOM!

"Now this is a true battle!" Childe grins. "Both using their full power! It's glorious."

"Ohoho Mr. Childe you haven't seen nothing yet." Rue chuckles which surprised everyone.

"Wait....are you saying they haven't use their full power?!" Cloud Retainer asked.

"Yes...let just continue to watch." Rue smirks and everyone returns to the screen as they hear another explosion from the scene before them.

The Infernal releases a barrage of fireballs towards Aether. Aether easily deflected all the fireballs before he suddenly shot yellow lighting towards the Infernal.

(Diving into the... mire!)
(Laid out upon the... pyre!)

The Infernal was hit by the attack and was forced to its fall on its knees.

(Never this soul shall... tire!)
(Running into the... fire!)

Aether immediately unleashed a powerful sword strike and caused a huge explosion.

He immediately follows it up as he suddenly summon Lumine Phoenix wings and release a barrage of fireballs at his infernal self.

"Wait those wings...aren't those his sister wings?!" Ayaka said in shock with many others.

"Remember he has the blessing of the Phoenix from his sister. This also allows him to use some of the power of the Phoenix." Rue explained.

"So if anyone who wields a power of Eikon and bless it to others. The one who is bless can use it powers as well?" Rosaria asked.

"Yup but only a portion." Rue comments.

The Infernal sends flying and crashes to the ground. The Infernal was on its knees and clenching his fist in anger. Soon the infernal suddenly erupted into flames.

The flames grew stronger and Infernal Aether was gone and it's place was Ifrit again.

(Find the flame, the flame, the flame. Find the flame, the flame, the flame. Let its light blind you)

Ifrit let out a mighty roar and the entire shaking just from the roar alone. Ifrit was looking down at Aether and growling in anger.

"What?! That monster is back again. But how?" Bennett said in shock along with many others.

"Just keep watching Mr. Bennett." Rue chuckles.

Aether was looking at the beast with defiance. He looked at his claymore and suddenly spoke.

"Enough"

Aether looks up at the beast before him. "I know the truth of it now."

The camera showed Ifrit's face and was breathing red flames.

"You are not Ifrit." Aether declared at the beast before him. Aether's body was being covered in flames once again.

"I am."

Soon flames engulf Aether and in his place was now Ifrit with yellow flames.

The true Ifrit.

This shock everyone to core except for Zhongli and Nahida(as they are the one who realized what the truyh about Aether earlier) from this revelation.

"So wait....Comrade is." Childe eyes widen in shock.

"Is Ifrit?!" Diluc said in shock.

"...Is this the truth that he continues to deny?" Ei said with wide eyes.

"...Yes. But I won't go much detail. But now that Aether fully accepted the truth. Ifrit can now be controlled." Rue said with a smile on his face.

The very being that's inside Aether. Aether finally has full control in his Eikon.

Aether Ifrit was staring back at an infernal version of Ifrit and the two monsters finally clash.

Soon both beasts were now exchanging blows with each other.

Earthquake and shockwaves were being created from each blow between the two monsters.

"Oh Archon this is an all out brawl!" Xingqiu said in shock as everyone witness the two Eikon throwing punches at each other.

"A monster fight!" Childe grinning like child in a candy store.

"Come on other Aether. Beat that monster!" Paimon cheered.

"Good thing they are fighting on near wasteland." Venti said amused.

"Indeed or else I couldn't imagine the many lives being lost between the battle of the two beasts." Zhongli said nodding.

Slowly Aether Ifrit was overcoming the Infernal Ifrit and striking blow by blow.

Showing that original was stronger than infernal one.

Aether's Ifrit right hand started to cover in flames. With a mighty roar it charges forward and uppercut the infernal version sending the infernal Ifrit flying in the air.

The Infernal suddenly changes back into its human form and Aether Ifrit follow suit and immediately changes back into Aether once again.

With a war cry aether was coming down with his flaming claymore ready to strike.

SLASH!

Aether cuts down his infernal version midair and slices it in half. Aether landed safely in the ground and Infernal disintegrated into particles.

Everyone cheered that older version of Aether finally winning the fight.

"An amazing battle hahahaha!" Childe laughs happily at the conclusion of fight.

"This aether managed to conquer his fear and became stronger from it. Kinda reminds...a new inspiration of a new book." Yae Miko chuckles.

"Another win on Aether name." Tighnari said.

"This just really show Ayaka made the right choice to make Aether her husband." Ayato chuckles. Already scheming on how Aether and Ayaka can get married.

"Milord please no." Thoma groans at his master scheming idea and doesn't want another chaos to happen. Thankfully the girls didn't hear Ayato comment.

Aether powers down as his body goes back to normal as his eyes are back to his regular color. He strapped back his claymore and looked back to where infernal fallen.

"At last you accept the truth" a dark deep voice said and Aether looked around trying to hear were voice came from.

"...Is that Ifrit?" Eula asked in shock and some shiver at the voice. Rue just shrugged in response.

"You were born to wield limitless power. Embrace it" The voice said and soon Aether started hearing ringing noises again. Aether let out a scream of pain and soon he blacked out again.

Aether opened his eyes and gasped and suddenly he found himself on the Ruin Castle again.

"And he's back in the castle." Paimon said happily and sighs in relief.

"Aether? Are you alright?" A voice said. Aether turns around and sees Eula and Paimon.

"Eula?...Paimon?" Aether said in surprise upon seeing them. The two approach Aether.

"Eula?...Wait what's her role here?" Amber asked and immediately the main girls turns to Rue. Aether as a bit afraid on what Rue might say that will piss the women off which in turn anger towards him.

"She is Aether and Lumine childhood friend. The Lawrence clan was separate into two factions. Eula side is the good ones. While the bad ones are still in Mondstadt but during the civil war in Mondstadt. The Lawrence clan in Mondstadt is dead." Rue said with a neutral look, revealing a bit of story on what happened to the Lawrence clan.

The Lawrence clan were shocked in this information especially Eula but she was a bit hopeful in hearing that she was born a good side of the clan while the rest of the clan were mixed feeling.

Many in the clan were enraged in hearing the clan massacred in Mondstadt. Some are relieved that the other half of the clan were good people and some didn't know what to say.

"So just childhood friend?" Ayaka asked with narrowed eyes. Rue just grinning at them which for some reason irritated majority of the girls.

"Paimon managed to find Eula and bring her here inside the castle. But you alright Aether? You suddenly blacked out." Paimon said, worried.

"... It's nothing. I'll be fine." Aether said. Eula and Paimon weren't satisfied with Aether's answer. It didn't help that Aether seemed deep in his thoughts as he looked back at the painting.

"No more chasing shadows..." Aether said with a determined look. Eula and Paimon look confused at what he said and worried about him.

"The hooded man isn't here. We should go." Aether said as he immediately walked away. Eula and Paimon looked at each other worried for Aether but followed him.

"...Well it seems he was bit cold or he wanted to clear his head after what happened to him." Ganyu said on how the older version of Aether reacted.

"Well can't really blame him. Who could easily accept the truth that you are the very monster that killed his family, friends and many innocent lives." Beidou said. Everyone was just silent at that.

Soon they are out of the Castle and Eula shields her face from the sunny sunlight.

Eula and Paimon saw Aether kneeling down and seemed looking at the grass which confused and worried them.

"Paimon is worried. Aether suddenly became like that." Paimon said worried about her friend.

"...Let me talk to him privately Paimon..maybe he will open up to me." Eula told her.

"Kinda surprising that this version of Eula doesn't scream 'I will have my vengeance.' " Kaeya said amused. Eula just rolled her eyes.

"I'm not that dramatic." Eula said while thinking she will have vengeance on Kaeya. Many of the members of the knight Favonius just stare at her and not believe her since they know Eula.

Eula and Aether were childhood friends and also Eula was secretly in love with Aether but couldn't confess to him.

Paimon seems hesitant at first but nods at Eula and flys away, leaving the two alone.

"Ah so Paimon is willing to give them space...this could be mistaken of a girl trying to confess if we didn't know the context." Thoma said.

This annoyed the girls except for Eula who was blushing but they kept quiet and decide to continue watching.

Silence fell between the two before Eula took the first step and walk towards Aether.

"Aether, are you alright? Whatever it is, you can tell me" Eula offered, willing to listen to Aether problems he is currently facing.

"I had a hard enough time telling myself." Aether said as Eula listened to him.

"Anyone would be after learning the horrible truth and the same time accepting it." Keqing said as she pity the older version of Aether.

"I awakened as a Dominant of Fire, right here in this castle..." Aether revealed. Eula's eyes widened at this.

Eula realized that Aether and her are the same. Both were Dominant of their respective Eikon. Eula was Dominant of ice while Aether was Dominant of fire.

"Wait I'm also Dominant as well?" Eula was surprised by this information along with audience.

"Yes you wield the Eikon of Ice known as Shiva. She can wield and manipulate ice and easily rivals Tsaritsa or more powerful than then the Tsaritsa." Rue explained and everyone was suprise at this.

"Impossible..no one is stronger than the Tsaritsa." Childe exclaimed not believing Rue one bit.

"Believe me Shiva is no joke. If anything she could easily turn Mondstadt into a frozen waste land." Rue said.

"...Kinda fitting for you Captain Eula." Kaeya joked.

"What do you mean by that Captain Kaeya." Eula said with a glare Kaeya.

"Nothing." Kaeya said with smirks.

But Eula knew this was heavy subject for Aether and decided to let Aether speak more.

"...and I've been running from it ever since." Aether said as he slowly stood up. "But now I know for certain Who I really am."

Aether looked up in the sky and spoke. "The second Eikon of Fire, who killed my sister and burned this castle...part of Khaenri'ah destruction ...was me. Ifrit."

Aether just sighs in sadness at hearing this especially from another version of him. But he was telling himself that it didn't happened to him.

Paimon and Nahida comfort Aether which made the blond traveler better.

"Aether..." Eula had a sad look as she pity Aether. She knew that Aether had immense guilt for Lumine's death and the destruction of Khaenri'ah.

"I took so many lives that night, and destroyed many more" Aether turns to face Eula.

"... including yours." Aether said softly with a guilty look. Eula could still remember that night.

The death of her family.

Her clan.

"....That man is a monster!" Schubert Lawrence, Eula uncle and member of the Lawrence clan shouted in anger with many of Lawrence clan agreeing with him.

"No he isn't!" Eula shouted back with many backing up Eula.

"You would dare protect that monster who murder our clan!" Eula father shouted in anger.

"That version of Aether wasn't the one who killed the clan. But it was Ifrit!" Eula argues back.

"He admits it himself. He is a monster." A Lawrence clan member said arrogantly. This just anger many especially the main girls who were ready to fight.

"If I may I would like show everyone something." Rue said cutting tension off.

Rue summon a two glass cup and one of them had a water on it. Which confused everyone.

"Now tell me what do you see before you all?" Rue asked.

"Two glass cups and one of them have water on them." Diona pointed out.

"Good now imagine Ifrit is the water and Aether is the glass." Rue said. Rue pour water one on the empty glass and fill it with water.

"....Tell me did the empty cup of glass change?" Rue asked.

"um...no it still the same" klee said confused.

"Just get to the point already." One of the members of the Eula clan said annoyed.

"Aether is nothing more than the container, hosting Ifirit. The two of them are completely separated entity. The glass didn't changed at all but only hosted the water. Similar to Aether. That night was Ifirit actions alone." Rue pointed out and soon many started to realize.

"I see...like a Kunai sealed in a scroll. The kunai is a weapon but the scroll is acting like a safeguard or container." Sayu pointed out before letting out yawn.

"That's another good analogy." Rue said happily.

"....He is still a monster!" A Lawrence clan member said which annoyed many.

"Such close minded people. That's like saying a child with huge potential is nothing more than monster in your eyes." Rue said annoyed. Soon the viewing continues.

"...And I must atone for the crimes committed" Aether said and he paused for a bit. "But not before I learned the whole truth."

Aether looked forward and spoke. "How can a second Eikon of fire even exist, and why was I chosen as its Dominant?"

"Is this a problem of Eikon having the same element?" Yae Miko asked.

"Normally each Eikon represents one element. It is unheard of two Eikons that have the same element." Rue explained.

"...This just leads more questions than answers." Madam Ping said.

Aether had a determined look as he continued to talk, asking questions left unanswered. "Who is the hooded man who brought us here, and what does he want?"

Aether turns to face Eula and spoke to her. "I need to know." He paused for a bit before he spoke again. "And since I'm still breathing. I might as well make myself useful."

Eula stepped forward and spoke to him. "We'll find your answers...together. I want to learn the truth too."

Eula couldn't help but smile at Aether. "There'll be time enough for atonement when we're done."

Aether looks at her in the face with a relieved look on his face. "I was hoping you'd say that. I don't think I can do this without you." Aether admittedly. Admitting he couldn't do this journey alone.

"Ohoho is that a straight up confession?" Kaeya tease Aether. Aether just blush in hearing that.

"Haha! Just accept it Comrade. You might as well be harem Archon" Childe smirks.

"I am not!" Aether denied that claim.

"Sure you aren't." Diluc said with a small smile on his face. Joining the teasing. Which is a surprise to many.

At the girls Eula had triumph look on her face feeling very smug at the girls who were glaring at them.

"I told you girls Aether will be mine." Eula feeling very smug showing a bit of aristocrat pride.

"not for long. Only in that very version Eula. Not in our world." Amber argue.

"Indeed. If anything I'm sure Aether will choose me instead." Lisa smirks. This causes all the girls to glare at one another.

"Oi stop the argument. Argue later." Rue called the girls attention before the viewing continues.

Aether turns away a bit. "You never were one to hide from the truth, even when we were young...and you haven't changed a bit."

Eula turns away a bit with a small frown on her face.

"You're wrong. I have changed."

Aether looks at her as Eula continues to speak. "But I don't want to be that person anymore. The things she did were unforgivable." She spoke as she remembers the horrible things she did during the time of war.

"But yet." Eula spoke before she turned around and faced Aether and smiled at him. "They're what brought us back together."

"If anything it sounded like fate." Diluc said. This annoyed the girls except for Eula who was smirking feeling very happy and prideful.

"Thank you Eula." Aether said as he softly smile at her as silence fell between them.

Soon the scene ended and Rue turned to the audience.

"So what did you think?" Rue asked them.

"It was interesting to say the least." Zhongli said with many agreeing with him.

"I feel like I want to fight that version of Aether." Childe chuckles as his blood was boiling to have a fight.

"Just how deep the relationship between Aether and Eula in that world? I'm sure it leads to something more than friends" Venti asked. Aether turns a bit pale in hearing that question.

Rue chuckles especially the girls suddenly turn their attention to Rue waiting for some answers.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Rue asked.

"No-" Aether was cut off when Childe suddenly covered his mouth with his hand.

"Sorry Comrade but I'm kinda curious myself." Childe apologize. Aether muffle and screams in Childe hand.

"Very well." Rue chuckles as he prepared for another chaos to happen. He snapped his fingers and covered all the children and innocent mind people ears including Nahida and Paimon with sound proof headsets.

".... Something tells me we have to prepare again." Ayato said as the guys ready their weapons just in case something crazy happens.

"Don't be dramatic." Lumine said with rolled eyes along with the other main girls. "We girls are more than reasonable to-"

"Aether and Eula in that world saw each other naked a few times." Rue suddenly dropped the bomb at them.

Silence fell on the theater with all the innocent minds looking confused.

"....what?!" The girls shouted in shock and anger. The guys were a bit surprised at this while Aether and Eula were blushing red in hearing this.

"Yup. One instance is they were trapped in a cave via avalanche in dragonspine. They had strip naked to share the heat together." Rue comments.

"....Okay maybe I can ignore that since they are trying to survive the cold afterall." Jeanne said calmly but Rue and the others guys could tell that girls were pissed off in hearing this but trying to control themselves... barely

Eula was completely red in hearing that and started to have fantasies about it.

"...And the other instance is in the beach where they confess their feelings and had sex on the beach." Rue said bluntly as he revealed another massive bomb and this causes a chain of reaction.

"WHAT!" The girls shouted in anger as they removed any more self control they had and are now radiating with anger.

The guys were shocked to hear about hearing this. Especially Aether and Eula at this point. With the said characters faces are looking a couple of cherries.

"...Damn bro. Sex on the beach...and a Lawrence no less." Childe said in shock and amazement.

"...It's official Aether is the harem Archon." Kaeya said.

"...I can't refuted that." Venti chuckles as he knew he just made the situation worse.

"...You just had to make everything for Aether worse don't you." Zhongli said with a sigh.

Rue quickly summon a barrier around the girls as they suddenly attack. Eula was blushing hard and was speechless on this.

Rue and the guys could see the anger from the girls eyes with that news especially Lumine who was using her abyss power to try break the barrier.

"....Well looks like you have some problems to deal with Aether...Now I'm returning you all back to Teyvat and will you all back to the next viewing." Rue said happily as he was about to snap his finger.

Aether eyes widen in hearing this finally move and glare at Rue.

"Oh you crazy son of a-" Aether was cut off when everyone was disappear in a flash of light and returns home.

Rue chuckles as he took a seat to one of the chairs in the theater.

"I wonder....how many girls will fall for Aether...the boy harem will continue more and more." Rue said as he let out a small chuckle. Looking forward to Aether's adventure in Fontaine.

AND THAT'S THE END OF CHAPTER. I WILL BE BREAK ON A FEW MONTHS AS WELL BECAUSE I WILL GOING TO BIG TRIP SOON THAT REQUIRED IN MY WORK. SO I WONT BE ABLE TO UPDATE THE STORY.

ANYWAY SEE YOU ALL NEXT TIME FOR THE NEXT AFTER FONTAINE UPDATE AND ARCHON QUEST.