Ch 5
It's Been half an hour since the Abyss ambused. Eula sent her Reconnaissance team back to Monstadt as she regroup with her friends to Albedo's cave
Rias:... Irina:...
Akeno:... Xenovia:...
Koneko:... Rossweisse:...
Asia:... Ravel:...
Kiba:... Gasper:...
Eula:... Sucrose:...
Bennett:....
Issei:.....!
Albedo: mhm....
Everyone sat around the cave, the Awkward silence killing them from the inside, sans Albedo who was Hugging and cuddling Issei without a care in the world while the Latter sat on his Lap uncomfortably
Kiba:... would anyone like to tell us what's the deal with Him?
Kiba said as he pointed at the Two, Narrowing his eyes
Albedo: Aether.... *pull Issei in Closer, ignoring Kiba*
Issei/Aether: Albedo... *he says in an uncomfortable tone*
Rias: uhhh.... So I'm guessing He likes him?
Rias tried to ask the other's
Eula: Well.... "Like" is an understatement...
Xenovia: So Love
The Three Monstadtians nods. Irina raised her eyebrows, turning to Bennett
Irina: But wait, don't you also like him, Bennett?
Bennett flinched, Flustered at Irina's question
Bennett: W-well... yeah... I did tell you all that...
Ravel: Jeez, how many people here likes Issei-san?
Right then, Eula, Bennett and Sucrose all raised their hand's with tints all across their faces, baffling the ORC
Asia: O-oh wow....
Bennett: it's... not just us...
Kiba: I'm sorry, Just?
Bennett re-adjusts himself, preparing his next few words
Bennett: Teyvat was shooken to it's core when the news broke of Aether's death in Natlan, a funeral was held days later where all his friends came to attend, after the funeral, people came to his graveside to pay respects or talk to him. Many people from different nations came to his grave, me included, that where i found out a lot his friends actually liked him. I heard a lot of love confessions at his gravestone it was genuinely surprising
The ORC all stared in disbelief, A lot of people was in love with Issei, even Issei himself was shocked a lot of his friends liked him that way
Bennett: the past 2 years were Rough, A lot of people were out of it, not knowing how to move forward... Aether impacted our lives so much it's depressing not having him around...
Issei felt bad, He didn't know how much impact he had on everyone, and felt bad for dying, considering how he died
Issei: Oh Bennett....
Bennett: ...But hey! Since you're back, maybe things will be fine now... even if you're a little different...
Issei sighs, creating a small light ball in his right hand
Issei: just a sec...
Issei flicks the ball of light to himself, his body glows and morphs into smaller individual, with much slimmer arm's and body type. The light dissipates as Issei becomes smaller in size, his clothes became black armor that exposes his stomach like a crop top, His eyes were golden, hair a long blonde golden color that's braided beautifully. His Face was as white and beautiful to as a flower
Aether: is this better?
Everyone looked at him wide eyed surprised
Kiba: Issei-kun?
Irina: Is this what you looked like?
Bennett: Aether?
Eula: Aether...?
Sucrose: Aether...
Rias: Ise, How did you-
Aether: before you finish that, Yes, I was able to do this from the jump, Being the God of Fates has some perks after all
The Monstadtians halted their thoughts, God of Fates?
Eula: Pardon me- God of Fates!?
The ORC let out an "oohhh..." sound at his partial explanation
Rias: Well... long story
Eula: We have Time, Tell us why is Aether The God of Fates now
They all let out something Nervous chuckles and began explaining what they know of issei; Issei Or Aether had one more life before these two, He was a young man named Asakura Riku, Or Ultraman Geed, The Son of a Universal War monger named Belial and part of an alien race called "Ultra's" who swore to protect the universe, him also. He was also part of an generational Ultra team called "New Generation". but soon after there was an incident that destroyed the entire plane of existence, killing everything. But not before one of the Teammates of Riku, Ultraman Ginga collected all the energy of his fallen friends and made another bigbang to recreate everything again and bring almost everyone back before passing himself.... After that incident, Riku reincarnated into the person they knew, Aether. Which they know the story and ending to that. Which leads to the present, where he reincarnated into Hyoudou Issei, which after 18 in a half years, after regaining his past Memories, ascended to be the God of Fates and made Universal travel possible on their world through him...
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Bennett: *eyes wide*....
Eula: ...
Sucrose:...
Rias: And that's just from what he told us and what we saw
They looked over to Aether for confirmation
Aether: Yes... that is true... that's my life...
Eula: Aether....
Bennett: My goodness... Aether... you went through all of that? Nevermind your journey here...
Aether: Well... honestly in retrospect I didn't think it was that ridiculous...
Albedo from behind, squeezes Issei a little tighter, making the boy to whine s little
Aether: Albedo... stop...
Albedo: I don't care what you are... You're not going anywhere out of my sight this time...
Akeno chuckled at the sight
Akeno: My My~ He sure is clingy to Ise, Reminds me of... *slowly turns to Rias*
Rias noticed the gaze as a red tint creeper up her cheeks
Rias: O-okay, I never was That clingy to Ise
Eula: Pardon me, you like him too?
The ORC whips to her question, realizing they have not state their relationship with Issei
Irina: Oh yeah..! We didn't tell you
Xenovia: We all like him too
Bennett: Wait, so you're telling me. Everyone in this cave likes Aether?
Aether interjects
Aether: Well, the girls for sure, Kiba and Gasper doesn't
Meanwhile, the former in question glared at Albedo holding Issei on his Lap
Kiba: would you mind letting him go?
Albedo: No.
Kiba: Now listen here you-!
Gasper: Senpai stop
Eula looked at the hostile tension between the Two
Eula: You sure he doesn't like you Aether?
He shakes his head
Aether: Don't worry, Kiba's just a little protective but that's fine... Motohama taught him to be like that around me
Bennett: Motohama?
Xenovia: Another Friend of ours
Asia: He's very smart and kind but also.... very intense
Koneko: Just think a Perverted Genius whose clinically a looney and will not hesitate to air out an entire magazine into a person
Bennett: Oh wow. He seems like a character...
Eula place some fingers on her chin as she starts to think
Eula: hmm... there's actually someone in my Reconnaissance team that's very similar to your friend that you described...
Gasper: Really?
Eula: last week He popped up out of nowhere and asked to join, he was very impressive with his abilities and like you mentioned, was very intense, His name was Lew Alcindor, A genius too for a teen
As soon as she uttered the name, both Issei and Kiba turned their heads to her in confusion
Aether: Lew Al....cindor...?
Kiba: huh... interesting name...
Sucrose: Yes... he even helped me and Albedo with some of our experiments and hypotheses
Rias: Seems like a smart guy
Aether, growing frustrated with the derailing conversion, and so finally got of off Albedo who made a little whine and went to middle of the circle
Aether: Look, Back on topic. The point is Yes, I lived a long life. From Riku, to Aether, to Issei. I've seen many things. But during my time here, stuck trying to find my Sister... it felt suffocating... I tried to be as friendly and helpful as possible to you all but I have limits... sometimes I feel like I'm just being used... Do you want to know Why I died?
The group was confused, there was a reason he died in Natlan?
Bennett: Wait, We thought you died in a War
Aether looked at him with guilty eyes
Aether: I did.... at the last stretch. There had to be a sacrifice to end the War. Originally the Pyro Archon chose to be the sacrifice herself... but I...slid in last second... dying in her place
Everyone in the cave shot up in horror
Sucrose: W-W-What..?
Eula: Why?
Asia: Issei-san... Why did you chose to die..?
Aether breaths and sighs
Aether: honestly.... I felt tired... I wanted an out... I was tired of running around looking for... basically crumbs of my sister's whereabouts, Helping people with their problems and disregarding my own... I was beaten down, Depressed... I wanted to die... I saw an opportunity and took it... I was tired of everything here
The four Teyvat natives were stunned, their gaze locking with the dirt in guilt, they felt like they didn't do anything for him...
Kiba: So that's why you're so conflicted when coming here... you felt like a tool for them to use, You don't want to be like that again
Eula: Hey, Aether is someone we care for deeply, We would never treat him like that
Kiba: Really? His face and demeanor says something completely different
Aether: Kiba please don't press them
Kiba: No, I'm starting to see why you're so apprehensive and Hesitant about everything here, you're on guard 24/7, because you don't really trust them
Aether: It's not that-
Kiba: Issei-kun, you're always passive and apologetic, You try to take burden and criticism all to yourself. That's who you are, and in turn don't realize that We've done some messed up things to you too
Aether's Eye's widen in surprised and confusion
Aether:... what?
Kiba: May I recall back to the Clubroom incident after the call with Ravel's Mother
The ORC all felt that one. They looked down in guilt and Shame, thinking back to that catastrophe
Kiba: We took turns beating on you verbally, calling you dense and insensitive for not noticing our o' so great President's feelings. Not realizing that you just wanted be respectful with her in front of other's. And in turn basically giving you imposter syndrome and constant self doubt. Thinking back on that Moment makes me angry. Angry at everyone, and angry at myself. I didn't know, and I regret it deeply... That's why I Begged Motohama to help run my Bones into the ground. Both as a Self-Loathing Way to Torture myself for that Day, and help protect You... Your fight is my fight. If not, I'm making it mine. I'm not Afraid to Die
The Cave was silent, hearing Kiba's motives and reasons stunned Issei and The Monstadter's. The Latter was both shocked and a little Mad at what had happened to their Important person
Gasper: I'm right along side him. That was one of a few days I regret the most. I wanted to change and better myself. I went to Motohama-senpai to learn how to fight, not just for me, but for Issei-senpai too
Issei couldn't believe what he's hearing. These two are going through heaven and hell with Motohama, who does not pull punches when it comes to Him, just to protect Him...?
By then Kiba stood up and grabbed Issei's Wrist
Kiba: We did what we came to do and beyond. We'll be taking our leave back to the City now
Albedo: Wait you can't-
in a spilt second, Kiba threw a sword he summoned to his hand at Albedo, narrowly missing his face by a quarter of an inch, and driving deep into the mountain body
Albedo:....
Kiba: We'll. Be. Taking. Our. Leave.
And without a second word. Kiba walked out of the cave holding Issei while the ORC got up and followed them, some waved goodbye, some bowed in respect before leaving. Leaving the Teyvat Natives speechless
Aether: That was a bit too far...
Kiba: I wasn't trying to hit him
Aether: that's not the point Kiba!
Kiba: Look, I made my Statement. There's no turning back now. You're my responsibility, I won't let you feel bad or Worthless ever again...
Aether clenches, Hand on his chest trying to Process Kiba's whole Motive while letting the Latter pull him back to Monstadt City while the Rest of ORC follows suit
Akeno: What did Motohama-kun do to Kiba..?
She ponders, trying to wrap her head around Kiba's new extreme methods
Rias: We Know full well Motohama-kun holds a grudge on us for putting Ise through that day. I'm not surprised when Kiba asked him to train, He didn't hold back on Kiba
Xenovia: don't you think that's too far? I saw what Motohama did to Kiba and Gasper... There was Bombs and bullets everywhere
Rias Sighs
Rias: No, it's warranted. We all did Ise wrong that day, Especially me. He should've went for all of us but didn't... I hate how I acted, I gave him self doubt and anger. I should've been on the brunt end of that Beating...
Koneko: We all should... We're all Guilty of that...
Irina: Kiba's trying to atone by risking his life for Issei-kun every time we fight... We should do the Same
The group nodded, they all admit they messed up. Issei is precious to them and now that a whole 'nother side of him is revealed, more fragile than they thought. They have to protect him
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*THUD* *THUD* *THUD* *THUD* *THUD* *THUD*
Right then they heard hasty footsteps far in front of them. Anticipating the worse, They All stand on guard in case a fight comes. Issei reverts his physical form from "Aether" back to Issei as Kiba stood guard in front him as a shield as the footsteps gets louder
???: Hah...! Hah...! Hah...!
Right then they all see a medium sized girl running up the mountain in extreme rush, trying to get somewhere. The girl had long white hair, she wore an Adventurer's like clothes and gear, and from the look on her face she seems to be in search of something. She ran closer and closer, eventually seeing the group
Paimon: Hah... Hah... Hah... oh God...
She stopped in front of them, placing her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath
Rias: well Hello you, looks like you're in a hurry
The Girl's propped herself up, still trying to catch her breath
Paimon: Yeah... I saw an explosion all the way from Springvale so I ran here
Everyone lowered their guards, sensing that this girl is not hostile
Rias: So. What are you doing here? Are you trying to find something? I mean you ran all the way over here you have to be looking for something
Paimon: Oh yeah, I'm trying to find someone, a friend of mine, he's been gone for 2 years and now I got word that he's around Monstadt somewhere
The group immediately turn their heads to Issei Who looked at her with wide eyes
Paimon: I asked around where he was, they said he's with a large group of people, they said he looked different too-.... wait... You're them aren't you...?
Rossweisse: Who did you ask exactly for information exactly? Don't mind me asking
Paimon eyed the group
Paimon: It was Katheryne, the Adventurer's Guild's receptionist...
The group looked amongst themselves
Rias: Yep, She knows us
Paimon: Where is he
Rias: excuse me?
Paimon raises her eyebrows in suspicion
Paimon: Where is Aether...?
The Girl's paused before pointing at Issei on the side, who was still frozen at the sight of Paimon
Paimon looked over to Issei, and like clockwork, her vision starts to distort, switch images of Aether and Issei. Her mouth gaped as her heart starts to clench, she stepped forward little by little. Kiba gets out of the way and let these two talk
Paimon: Ae..ther...?
Issei:... Paimon...
Her mind snaps at just the mention of her name, his tone, the way he said it... it was Him..
Paimon: AETHERRRRRRRR!!!!
Paimon practically jumped into his arm's, Hugging and clinging onto him as hard as she can while breaking down. Her eyes were watery, her legs gave out but she didn't care, She finally reunited with him again...
Paimon: Aether Aether Aether Aether....*sniff* it's... really you...
Issei: Paimon... you've Gotten bigger...
Paimon chuckled sobbingly
Paimon: I miss you... I miss you so much... it hurts...
Issei hugged her back
Issei: I missed you too... Sorry....
Paimon: No... save it... let me have this...
The ORC looked at the sight in front of them. Clearly they've known each other for a long time. And With Issei not hesitating or contemplating her, looks like these two had been through thick and thin together
After a while, Paimon stopped sobbing and let go of Issei, and introduced herself to everyone
Paimon: Are these your friends Aether?
Issei nodded as she waved to the group
Paimon: Well it's nice to meet you all... Paimon's name is Paimon.. I was Aether's travel companion when he was here The first time
Koneko: So you were his guide
Paimon: *smiles* Yep! His best travel guide!
Issei: -and Only
Paimon: Hey! Paimon's trying to take anything she can here!
Everyone chuckled, seems like they're genuinely friends, Issei seems to not be bothered by her
Paimon: Aether, You died in Natlan and got all these people... how did you come back and what did you do?
Issei chuckled sheepishly
Issei: Well... long story, it involves reincarnation. we're actually heading back to Monstadt City anyways, I'll tell you on the road
Paimon: wha!? But I just got here!
Issei: I'll give you a piggyback ride
Paimon: Uh... no thank you. Paimon'll just walk
Everyone enjoyed the sight of the Two. They all begin to walk back to the City as Issei tells Paimon what he did when he was reborn
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Back at the Abyss dimension, The Princess looked through a projection of two of the Herald's defeat at the hands of her brother's new Friend's. They were powerful. And don't hold punches... but honestly, all she could think of is her brother, he's alive again but with a different face. She had to see him
she thought of a plan and called in another Herald
Hydro Herald: Yes Your Highness? What Order's shall you bestow upon me..
The Princess got up from her throne
"Princess": get a battalion of our forces, We're setting our sights on Monstadt City
The Hydro Herald responded while bowing
Hydro Herald: it shall be done, your Highness
The Herald got up and walked out of the room. The Princess looked at the projection one more time. Zooming in on Issei's Face
"Princess": We shall see each other soon, Brother... Screw whatever Prophecy there is anymore... I want to see you face...
Lumine Closed the Projection before sitting back on her throne, Waiting in the Forces that will soon Strike Monstadt...