Hello everyone Rue here. Normally I would have released this story next month which is around the time of December.

But something tells me I will be very busy next month despite the holiday season. So basically decided screw it. I'm releasing this chapter early!

Anyway so some people guessing my nationality which kinda confused me but yeah. I'm Filipino.

Anyway without further ado. Let's begin.

"Before we start there a few things that I need to tell you about this timeline." Rue said to audience.

"And what is that?" Wriothesley asked.

"For one is that Aether and his sister Lumine switch places. Lumine is the traveler here." Rue announce and Lumine hummed in hearing this.

"So my journey starts 500 years later after Catalyst event." Lumine asked for clarification.

"Yes and also no one is leading the abyss." Rue revealed and this suprised many.

"What! You said Aether and I switch places." Lumine said.

"Yes but doesn't mean that you both experience the same thing. As for Aether...well it's better you all watch the viewing." Rue said with a small grin in his face which just annoyed Lumine.

Soon the viewing started.

A crimson moth flies through a snowstorm. The scene changes to a man on a chair with his face covered by the shadows sitting in front of a chessboard.

"The sages think themselves to be all-knowing But we alone are wise to the virtue in those acts of folly" The man said with deep voice.

"It's my voice." Pierro said in suprised and this suprised many as well.

"So the video is about Fatui?" Paimon asked.

"Correct. Now everyone will know who are Harbingers and their identities and goals." Rue said happily. This annoyed the Harbingers(except for Childe)

"So information about the Fatuis huh...well this got more interesting." Diluc said with crossed arms and look at the viewing with interest. Yelan was smirking at this as she also plans to use any information she can against the Fatui.

A White Knight moves and knocks over a Black Pawn, which the crimson moth settles on

"In this war, not even a single pawn may be spared... Because on this chessboard, "checkmate" is not where the game ends"

"It's our Gnosis Zhongli...well former since our current Gnosis is stronger." Venti said and Zhong nodded in agreement.

The other Harbingers heard this and narrow their eyes. What do they mean stronger gnosis. How was it possible when they currently posses the Anemo and Geo Gnosis.

Soon the scenery's changes and shows Inside a cathedral, the Harbingers are gathered.

Soon a scene shown a girl with black hair and purple highlight with her head laying on top of the coffin. The girls as was barely covered by white mask and has huge coat covering her body. She is Columbina, code name "Damselette"

"Ladies and gentlemen. That is Columbina, code name Damselette. Don't let her beauty deceived you for she is currently the 3rd strongest of the ranking of Harbingers." Rue revealed.

"Revealing our current strength as well are we." Columbina said.

"But all is nothing compared to me. This simply a warning to our traveler here of his challenges in the future." Rue smirks

Soon a white-haired elderly man with white mustache and rounded glasses along with pointy nose and ears. He wears a dark blue longcoat with flared and feathered sleeves over at least a pair of baggy blue trousers and long flared shoes. His coat has a wide feathered collar with some form of hat or headdress with a pair of feathers.

"We are gathered here today to remember our dear comrade" the man spoke. He was Pulcinella, also known by his codename "The Rooster," is the Fifth of the Eleven Fatui Harbinger's

"In honor of her sacrifice, all work should halt for half a day as the nation mourns her passing" Pulcinella declared.

"Pulcinella also known by his codename "The Rooster," is the Fifth of the Eleven Fatui Harbinger's." Rue explained again

"And the one who recuited me in the Fatui." Childe added.

"Quiet boy. I don't want you to give more information." Pulcinella said.

Soon a voice laughs and reveals to be a handsome man with dark hair and wearing glasses he was also wearing a large coat like the rest of Harbinger's. He is Pantalone, also known by his codename "Regrator"

"Hehe, merely half a day...People say the Northland Bank's true currencies are blood and tears..."

He pauses a bit before he continues speaking. "But Mayor, even speaking as a banker, that sounds a little unconscionable"

"He is Pantalone, also known by his codename "Regrator" and 9th strongest member of the Harbingers." Rue explained.

"... Doesn't this man looks like Baizhu" Hu Tao spoke.

"Yes....yes he does if anything I would have mistaken him relative or brother of mine." Baizhu said.

"Except he has black hair and wear Fatui clothes!" Paimon pointed out the obvious.

"Two Dr. Baizhu." Qiqi said confused.

Soon a beautiful woman with short black and white hair and her eyes were red x mark pupils. She wear suit beneath the overlarge cloak that cover her body. She is Arlecchino codename "The Knave"

"Rosalyne died in a foreign land... But you heartless businessmen and dignitaries. Always with a convenient excuse to remain in the comfort of your homeland..."

"She is Arlecchino codename "The Knave" and known as 4th strongest member of Fatui Harbingers." Rue said before turning to Aether. "I'm sure already met."

"...Yes and she was also part of helping with the recovery after the prophecy of Fontaine and she is also Lyney, Lynette and Freminet 'Father'" Aether sighs.

"....Why is she address as father?" Amber asked.

"Because I have taken the duties of the previous Overseer of house of hearth." Arlecchino said simply.

Soon, Arlecchino spoke again with anger in her voice this time. "You couldn't hope to understand. So why don't you keep your mouths shut!"

Soon she spoke calmly again "We don't want to make the children cry..."

Childe who was in his harbinger uniform scoffs before he decides to cut in as he gets the wall. "Hey, c'mon now, even I don't think this is the right time or place for a fight"

"And Tartaglia. Code name: Childe and the 11th strongest member of Harbingers." Rue said.

"And comrade battle buddy." Childe said happily.

"Or battle maniac more like it." Aether said with deadpan.

"Aw come on comrade don't make look bad in front of your sister." Childe said.

"Dude really....ah screw it. You can chase after my sister if you want but she will tough one." Aether said and this causes suprised to Lumine and Childe.

"Really?" Childe asked surprise that Aether was willing to let Childe to date Lumine if Lumine accepted it..

"Brother!! What in the Abyss name." Lumine look at him in horror. Aether just ignores it to look at Lumine. How could her brother was willing to let some Harbinger dates his cute little sister?!

Soon another beautiful girl was shown as the girl had blond hair and blue eyes. She also had a giant machine robot besides her. She is Sandrone known with the code name "Marionette"

"Utterly risible!" Sandrone spoke with venom in her voice.

"Sandrone known with the code name "Marionette". She is currently the 7th strongest of the members. Known for her puppet mastery." Rue said. Aether kept that in mind.

"I do not appreciate that my skills is being exposed like that." Sandrone comments with a frown.

"Like I care. Since you Harbingers will see Aether potential and his powers. It's only fair I give him information as well." Rue said. Sandrone just glared at the watcher but Rue just ignored her.

"....She does look like my sister for a bit." Aether comments.

"...or Guizhong." Zhongli said.

"....I can't deny that I see a bit of resemblance between her and me." Guizhong comments.

"Though her methods tarnished her honor, Lohefalter's sacrifice is a great pity." A voice said. The voice belongs to a man covered in armor and if one looks closely you could see the glowing blue eyes. This is Il Capitano. Code name "Captain"

"And the next one we will see Natlan Nation." Paimon whispered to Aether and Aether nodded as he knew he would have to prepare himself.

"Her loss shall not hinder our progress. But Dottore...What of Scaramouche and the Gnosis from Inazuma?" Capitano asked. Everyone turns to a handsome adult man with red eyes, wavy blue hair, and pale skin. The man also wears a glowing blue earring on his right ear and most noticable is the mask. He is Dottore, known by the code name "Doctor."

"Conventional wisdom holds that Divine Knowledge cannot be rationally comprehended" Dottore smirks as he holds a vial in his hand. "After conquering the Divine Gaze, he will make his next move"

"Dottore aka the doctor. Second strongest of the Fatui Harbingers." Rue said calmly.

"Fufufu. Such high praise from a god." Dottore smirk.

"And also responsible to many disaster, human trafficking and experimentation especially on kids. He also work along with the former sages of sumeru." Rue said the listing of many Dottore crimes.

Many of the people glare at Dottore and he just chuckles in response.

"So you know that much huh." Dottore said.

"Bitch please if anything you nearly cause destruction in Sumeru but then again you are nothing but failure scholar with no morals." Rue siad with rolled eyes.

"Failure huh....we will see once I have obtain a power equal to a god!" Dottore declared.

"In your dreams." Rue laughs at Dottore declaration.

Soon someone steps out from the shadows and reveals an old man with a mask covering half of his face. He wore serious look. He was wearing clothing fitting to Harbinger member. He has a aura of authority surrounding him. He is Pierro, codename "The Jester"

"Director and leader of the Fatui of your world and also one of many survivors in Khaenri'ah and have dealings with Abyss and also one of many other masterminds that happened around the Teyvat disaster." Rue informed

"What!" Aether, Kaeya and many other who have knowledge about Khaenri'ah.

"He is also one of royal mages at that time before the Cataclysm event happened." Lumine said calmly.

"So wait you knew him!" Aether asked his sister. Lumine just nodded.

"Yes but I won't say more to that. We just had few dealings that's all but his plans are not associated with mine." Lumine said. Clearly stating have only business relationship between Fatui and abyss.

Pierror just glares at Rue at exposing him but kept calm.

"It's time to end tonight's foolish theatrics. Right now, you have no captive audience" Pierro said and soon the scene shows the Harbingers gathered around Signora's coffin.

"Let every worthy sacrifice be carved in ice, and with this nation endure for all time" In the name of Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa, we will seize authority from the gods..." Pierro said his speech

Soon the scene cuts to the outside of Signora's mausoleum, which is soon encased in ice.

"Absolute peace" Pierro spoke "Such is the gift from the Tsaritsa, such is Her Majesty's benevolence"

Soon the scene show inside the mausoleum, the crimson moth settles on the ice on Signora's coffin and dissipates.

"Now you rest in this coffin, encased in layer upon layer of ice....But, Rosalyne, I promise you...Your final resting place will be the entirety of the "Old World"...

"I must say, you're looking very young today, Doctor," Columbina said.

"You know very well that I do not take that as a compliment" Dottore scoffs.

"So, where's the Segment in the prime of his life, then?" Columbina asked.

"Heh, he's busy with... a little experiment in "blasphemy"" Dottore smirks.

"...This must have happened before the events in Sumeru before traveler arrived." Nahida stated.

"You are correct but here is the big surprise now." Rue smirks.

Soon a slow clap could be heard around the room. Everyone in the Fatui looks at the door and saw a figure there.

"...Very impressive speech Jester." A cold tone spoke. The figure steps out from the shadow and steps into the light and reveal who it was.

It was Aether in his Fatui uniform. This is Aether...Codename:Tsar.

"...Aether." Pierro said and every Harbinger was on alert as Aether walked towards the group.

"TRAVELER/AETHER/BROTHER!" Many shouted in shock in seeing this version of Aether.

The Fatui as well we're surprised that didn't expected the Traveler was in their ranking.

"Finally a version of my comrade being a Fatui!" Childe cheered.

"Aether, Codename: Tsar and the Founder of the Fatui Harbingers in that world." Rue revealed and this surprised everyone.

"Founder?!" Everyone even the Fatuis were shocked by this information.

"Yup after the Cataclysm event in Khaenri'ah. Aether was found by Tsarista and both formed the Fatui Harbingers. Jester might be front end leader but Aether or Tsar is shadow leader and the real one. Pulling majority of strings of events." Rue explain the Tsar role in that world.

"....I did not see that coming." Aether said.

"Me either." Lumine said.

"Expecting him to abyss prince or related to abyss right?" Rue asked and Lumine nodded.

"That's the multiverse for you. Different timelines and different outcomes happened. Showing the unpredictability of many timelines and worlds." Rue explained.

"......Still mourning for Rosalyne." Aether said in a cold tone.

"...Yes it's to show respect for everything she done after all she managed to gain both Gnosis from the Anemo and Geo Archons." Pierro said.

"Yes....but was arrogant enough to challenge my weakened sister and the electro Archon." Aether said coldly, showing little to no remorse for Rosalyne's death.

"Damn this version is cold." Childe chuckles.

"Indeed. I wonder how strong this of Traveler is." Pulcinella asked.

"Way stronger than any of you. This version of Aether is calm, cool, collected, and introverted, constantly maintaining an aura of fearlessness. Aether cares little for the well-being of those around him, and is unflinching in his pursuit of power." Rue explained.

"You make it he sound like coldless bastard." Arlecchino said.

"It make look like it but this Aether have still have some morals and values afterall." Rue said.

"Are you here to mock her death, Tsar." Arlecchino said with a glare but anyone look closely there was fear in her eyes.

"...I'm not that low to disrespect a dead person, especially to a fallen member." Aether said coldly.

"....Well not completely heartless." Sandrone said.

"This Aether is an honorable warrior who maintains his own set of morals and disciplines. Aether despises fighting dirty and has a bit of empathy but rarely shows it." Rue comments.

"...I'm here because I heard the plans of the Doctor and Balladeer." Aether said before turning attention to the doctor.

"Hmm so you found out huh." Doctor chuckles.

"Yes ... .but I will tell you this ... .it will only be a failed experiment...making a god using the balladeer...idiotic and pathetic." Aether scoffs at the foolish plan of the doctor and balladeer.

"Oh and why do you say that, Tsar." Doctor addresses Aether by his codename.

"...Because I already have vision shown it will fail....then again you have always been a failure..... experimentation of children and other people to this Pathetic path....I will leave you this ... .you will never succeed in your creation or research." Aether said coldly.

"Oh this one also mocks me as well huh. All those experimentation was in name of evolution and power." Dottore declared and many glare at him.

"....Just how far did he go through his experimentation." Diluc questions with glare to Dottore.

"Collei is one of those victims of that experimentation." Rue revealed and this trigger Tighnari, Amber and few others who are close to Collei.

"You sick bastard!" Tighnari shouted and immediately shoot several arrows. But immediately barrier appeared around Dottore and protected him.

"...As much I like the doctor getting a beatdown. Now is not the moment." Rue sighs. As much he like the doctor getting the shit out of them. Many councils just decided that Fatui needed to be protected during the viewing to show fairness. Despite that many of them hate him to the core.

"How would you know Tsar! You refused to tell us how to achieve to be a god-" Dottore shouted in anger on hearing Aether mocking his research. Aether may be higher ranking than him but it doesn't mean he cannot be surpassed!

"Foolish doctor" Aether spoke coldly as he cut him off. "Foolishness. Might control everything. Your abomination like your research in creating a false god is nothing but a false might. And without true might you cannot achieve anything for you are only weakling human even with a vision or delusion that's the truth...." Aether spoke coldly to him as he released an aura of fear and dominance throughout the room that causes many of them to look at him in fear.

"Damn. Really showing who's the boss." Childe grinning with battlecraze grin.

"I can see why he is the leader of the group." Diluc said in narrow eyes. He was just thankful that Aether wasn't like the version that they are watching.

"...This version of traveler is a lot stronger...I dare say maybe stronger than me." Pierro said in fear. He could practically feel the aura of dominance and fear that Fatui Aether was showing.

Many of the fellow Fatui male Harbingers agreed to their leader assessment.

Many of the women from Aether harem were blushing and breathing heavily from that version of Aether. The might and dominance aura that version of Aether turn them on a bit.

Even the Fatui Harbingers woman suddenly feel attracted to that version of Aether.

"Hmm...This version of Traveler is rather interesting to say at least." Columbina giggles.

Arlecchino and Sandrone didn't say anything but were blushing hard but kept quiet about it.

"You...." Dottore grits his teeth in anger. He was constantly reminded by Aether that he will be nothing more than a human on origin and never surpass Aether and not like Aether who was beloved by Tsarista and was considered a god among the fatui. Aether reveals his katana and before anyone could react.

Slice!

Aether slowly sheaths back the sword and Doctor was cut into thousand pieces before he dies with his flesh cut into chunks as blood scattered on the floor.

"....Oh Archon! I didn't even see him move much less draw that weapon." Ayato said in fear. Everyone suddenly felt fear upon seeing the brutal quick death of the doctor.

"Wait...the kids! They shouldn't be watching this!" Jean said in shock.

"Don't worry I already modify the screens that anyone with an innocent mind. All they see is a blurry image of the gruesome scene." Rue said.

"...Why does everything suddenly blurry on that part." Klee said confused. Many of the kids protests as well. Many of the adults sighs in relief.

"...What about you Nahida? What do you see?" Aether said worried.

"I can see blood but some of it are blurry." Nahida said confused.

"It means that despite Nahida being Archon of wisdom. She still has some innocence." Rue explained.

"But I'm an adult!" Nahida whine.

"... it's for your own good Nahida." Rue sighs and Nahida just pouts at him.

"....Have someone clean up the mess. This doctor is only a clone." Aether said, showing no remorse. "...We will have Rosalyne's public burial tomorrow...dismissed."

"...He treated like it was nothing. He killed the 2nd or 3rd in that world strongest member of the Fatui Harbingers." Kaeya comments.

"It was a clone of the doctor so no need mourn over it." Arlecchino said with rolled eyes already used of the doctors antics of sending clones in meetings.

Soon the rest of Harbingers left, leaving Childe and Aether. "...any news of my sister." Aether asked.

"She is heading sumeru as we speak, knowing the doctor and Balladeer's plans. She is quite the challenge for her." Childe informs Aether.

"Seems like he stills cared for his sister." Alhaitham comments.

"Well he is still a big brother afterall...despite his cold demeanour." Rue comments. Lumine was happy to hear that Aether still cared for her.

"...This will serve as a good test for her...We will face each other someday...and I will see if she improves or not." Aether said.

"I'm still surprised that you care for your sister when you informed me that you met her again and beat her easily." Childe said as he remembers Aether telling him to meet Lumine again.

"Is he talking about the ruins." Lumine asked.

"Yes except instead of just meeting him again. He challenge you to a fight alongside with Dainsleif." Rue revealed.

"How it go." Aether asked.

"...Lumine was beaten and dainsleif by that version of Aether but Aether spare them as he saw them weaken state and told them to get stronger while telling Dainsleif he will kill him the next time that Tsar see him again." Rue said on the reunion of the twins of that world.

"...There is no meaning to beating my sister when she does not regain her former power fully and she is weakened." Aether said.

"So basically my version was spared became she doesn't have her full power yet?" Lumine asked.

"Yes because he wants to fight you in your fullest power return." Rue comments.

"Right! There is no fun in fighting if your opponent is weaken." Childe smirks showing his crazy battle craze side.

"But does your sister know that you are a member of Fatui?" Childe asked.

"No need, I don't see any point in it..." Aether said with a blank look.

"Wait if that version of Aether is leader of the Fatui Harbingers then who is currently leading the abyss." Paimon asked.

"Hmmm...I won't tell much detail on that since it's not relevant to the current moment but all I have to say the leader was another survivor in Khaenri'ah." Rue said.

"I see...How about your relationship with Lady Tsarista." Childe said as he knew full well along with many of the Fatui that Tsarista is obsessed with Aether especially since Aether has been working for her for a few centuries now.

"... It's better you keep quiet about it, Childe." Aether said to him.

"....Still rejecting her proposal." Childe smirks.

"What proposal is that." Pierro asked in curiosity.

"Marriage." Rue said simply. Silence fell on theater and pin drop could be heard.

"WHAT!" Many shouted in shock in all side!

"Why would her highness be interested in the traveler!" Pantalone question in shock.

"Well let's see both founders of the Fatui Harbingers. Have live for the last 500 years. Serve faithfully to the Tsarista commands and even save Tsarista a few times during those 500 years and officially be given the title or 'Tsar' by Tsarista herself. I can make a list of you want." Rue said as listed off all things that version of Aether did to the Tsar.

"...That version of traveler must have manipulated the Tsarista!" Dottore said.

"More like she obsession with Aether to point she want to bear his child." Rue said with deadpan look.

"WHAT!" The harem and the Fatui harbingers said in shock. The harem being angered by this while Harbingers were shocked to the core.

"....Why does it feel like Rue is planning to have me paired up with the Tsarista." Aether said.

"Knowing who Rue is. You are right." Paimon pointed out.

"...I have no interest in her...after all we both know why Childe." Aether said.

"...And I thought I had a huge ego." Childe jokes.

"Damn...did the Tsarista got rejected or friendzone." Childe laughs at hearing the Tsar answer.

"How dare you....how dare you reject the Tsarista love and blessings! That would be greatest thing to be gifted and this foolish version of the traveler rejects it!" Pierro said in anger with many of the Fatui harbingers nodded in agreement.

"...The Tsaritsa motive is foolish and unrealistic...gathering Gnosises by any means necessary but also losing allies in the process." Aether said as he walked past Childe.

"Now he is just mocking our Archon." Capitano said coldly with anger in his tone. How dare the traveler rejects their Archons love and blessing!

He stopped and spoke again. "Afterall...no matter what happens...war will happen...the only thing I care about is settling some score with Unknown god."

"Afterall....everyone even the Tsaritsa is needed for my game ... .Celestia will fall...and it's power will be mine to gain." Aether said as the screen went black and showed the chess board shattered to pieces and all chess pieces were sliced to pieces and slowly the screen went dark.

"By the way, where are you going, Aether." Childe asked.

"...To train in the abyss...and maybe see your master again for a spar."

Soon the screen blacked and Rue turns to the audience. "So what do you think!"

"...I'm more thankful that traveler is not Fatui." Diluc said.

"Yes it will be very troublesome in dealing that version of Aether." Kaeya said.

"...Does my master know that version of Aether." Childe asked.

"Yes if anything they are sparring partners with that version of Aether beating your master several times." Rue comments. Childe sighs in relief.

"Good." Childe didn't know what to think if Aether started dating his teacher. He was just happy no romantic relationship was formed.

"...But she did express romantic interest on that version of Aether after sparring with him several times." Rue comments.

"Dude! Are you really going after my teacher now!" Childe said in shock to Aether.

"I barely know her!" Aether argue back.

"But you got my teacher interest and romance interest!" Childe said

"Not me but my other self." Aether argues back.

"ENOUGH!" Pierro suddenly cuts in the conversation. "Why does it seems that version of traveler doesn't care about Tsaritsa!"

"Simple...that version of Aether barely cares for anyone. He has one goal and that is pursuing power. He doesn't care if any of you die. All he wants is revenge and power. He cares very little about everyone else." Rue shurgged.

"So your saying that version of traveler barely cares for anyone and his relationship with Trasista is one side relationship." Arlecchino said.

"Correct. Poor Tsarista acting love obsessive woman who is easily playing into the Tsar tune." Rue mocked the Fatui Archon. This annoyed and anger them.

"He seems close to Tartaglia." Capitano asked

"Both are older brothers and beside that Tartaglia is only one who actually crazy enough to challenge that version of Aether." Rue said. "Anymore questions."

"....Did he sleep with my teacher?" Childe asked.

"Really?! You asked that question of all things." Aether said in shock and horror.

"What your other self has rizzed many women already. I want to know how far you got to my teacher even it's your other future self." Childe said.

"...Well he isn't wrong. That version of Aether slept with Skirk one..or two times." Rue admitted.

Suddenly the atmosphere was silent and aether felt a dark aura surrounding him.

"Partner~" Navia voice said it was sweet with hint of malice behind them. "Mind telling us about this Fatui teacher you met~"

Aether slowly turns around and sees all the girls were looking with a jealous look and dark aura surrounding them with malicious intent towards Aether.

"Girls it's not me! I didn't sleep with the Childe teacher! That my other self" Aether said nervously.

"It still doesn't excuse you that met the woman." Ei said with her eyes narrowed with powers behind those eyes.

"Yes...please tell us you meeting A Harbinger Fatui teacher. Tell us all about it." Ayaka said with scary smile as she holding chains in one hand. Aether just knew that girls are pissed off.

Rue sighs and immediately created a barrier and protects Aether from the girls. "Girls just remember it's from another timeline so you can't really get mad at Aether."

The girls grumble and stops themselves and Aether sighs in relief and he is thankful that he made the agreement with Rue much earlier before the viewing happened.

"Now let us have a 10 minute break. Before we continue the viewing. Trust me it would be a long one." Rue chuckles.

Okay chapter is done. The next one will be cast reacting to various arts that have Aether children from possible pairing.....Somehow I just know that shipping war will happen...but whatever.

Anyway see you all on the next update...which might be awhile thanks to my job at the moment.

Rue_23 out!