[Despite needing a moment to catch his breath, Aether is still smiling and enjoying the touches to his wings as well as the kiss. His expression is much softer now, too. One of his hands comes up to brush against his lover's cheek.]
Show me? [He smiles only more, warm.] I promise to be good from now on.
[It's good that Aether isn't put out by his "punishment"; it isn't as though Vanitas is aiming to truly make him suffer, given it's truly not that big of deal that he knows. He probably would've found out sooner or later anyway. So he happily leans into the touch to his face, sighing softly.]
Alright then. Let's see if I can manage it. Last time was under duress...
[Concentrating, he starts to shrink as his body changes shape, growing jet-black fur all over his body before finally ending up as a simple black cat hunched up on Aether. He then stretches, flexing his limbs from nose to tail, which swishes idly.]
[Aether watches him, waiting for the shift to take place and his eyes widen with joy when his lover takes the form of a black cat. The traveler then pushes himself up into a sitting position, carefully taking Vanitas into his arms and curling around him.]
Oh, I'd say you're absolutely adorable.
[He just really likes cats. He can't help himself.
Aether wastes no time and starts petting the cat under his chin and pressing a small kiss to the top of Vanitas' head.]
[Although he expected the affection to some degree, Vanitas isn't quite prepared for being scooped up yet again. If he could blush in cat form, he would be. Thankfully(?), he can't so his embarrassment comes through only by his little shoulders hunching up slightly.]
Tch... You would.
[Thankfully Aether is warm, and during these cold months warmth is was he likes best, so he doesn't fight the attention, allowing himself to tilt his chin up for further scritches as he gets a nice kiss upon the head. Much to his chagrin, he starts subtly purring, the rumble growing with every pass of Aether's fingers.]
[Aether chuckles softly as he continues petting Vanitas' cat form. The soft purring is pleasant, making him want to seek out all the spots that would feel good for the other. Truth to be told, the traveler is tempted to smoosh his face into that fur.]
You can change back anytime you want, right? So it really is not that bad.
[Do it, Aether. Live your best life. Vanitas will deal with it. He's much to obliging to put up much of a fuss, especially if he keeps getting pets and scritches in places that feel nice.]
That's true. I suppose I shouldn't complain. I could be stuck like this.
[His ears perk up in curiosity at that.]
Really? You like cats that much, huh? I mean, I suppose it has its benefits... Can you not change into anything? I thought that was a spectral trait.
[Honestly, he's picturing something like a cute bird with a bunch of wings, haha...]
[For now he nuzzles his cheek into Vanitas' fur, but the question makes him pause for a moment.]
Cats are amazing. [That answer comes easily from him. Then he thinks some more about what Vanitas said.]
I... haven't tried before. I haven't even thought about it much.
[But now he considers it and takes a moment to try. Much to his surprise he begins to shift as well, but instead of a bird, Aether takes a form of... a cat. A fluffy cat with fur in the same colour as his hair and white spots on his mouth and paws. His tail is equally as fluffy. Unlike a normal cat, however, there is a pair of small wings growing out of his back.]
[Thankfully even though his fur gets a bit ruffled, Vanitas doesn't mind too terribly, though he rubs against Aether to smooth it out.]
Cats are cats. [Somebody is not impressed despite being able to change into one...]
Huh. Might be worth a shot, then. I didn't think about it either until I had to.
[As Aether begins to chance, Vanitas hurriedly backs up to give him space, fur bristling slightly at the expectation of a bird coming into view. Yet he ends up mildly disappointed at his fellow spectral ends up... a cat! Just like him! With cute little wings, to boot. After a moment's surprise, he leans over to nose Aether, sniffing him delicately before licking his forehead with a laugh.]
So you are! Congrats, heh. Now you can be what you love.
[Honestly, his enthusiasm is so sweet. It makes him almost smile, expect, y'know. Cat form.]
[He settles down on his back, pawing at Vanitas to join him.]
You could say the most interesting people I meet are Vision holders.
[Not all of them are, but it's also a pattern! Vampires and Vision holders the kind of people that stand out the most in their worlds.
Aether falls silent at the other's words.]
...I know. They're all connected to me, though. People I met in various nations. It's hard not to notice that the bond with me is the main thing they all have in common.
[Snorting with amusement, he finally seats himself alongside Aether, nosing him gently.]
Those who have power seem to frequently be of interest, it's true.
[Whether it's physical strength or abilities doesn't appear to matter.
While Vanitas waits for Aether to answer, he licks his forehead encouragingly.]
All of them, huh...? I suppose it is difficult to deny such an obvious thread between you all. Yet I've noticed that frequently those who arrive do so with others connected to them. It's not just you.
[That's something he can get behind, settling down against Aether with the softest of sighs. He gently brings his nose to the other's touching him ever so slightly.]
I can understand your concern, especially given what all happened in the last couple of months alone.
[If he had that many companions, he wouldn't wish them here, either.]
Huh, so it doesn't even need to be a mutual connection, then. That seems like a vital clue. [Trying to lighten the situation, he bumps his head into Aether's.] You're quite the popular person.
[In lieu of any eyebrows to arch, Vanitas' eyes widen slightly to hear Aether's accomplishments.]
Ah, so you're a hero, in that case. No wonder they took an interest in you. Anyone capable of saving part of the world is bound to be strong enough for their needs.
[It helps that Aether is a ball of sunshine, too.]
A dragon, even, hmm? Maybe that's the limit to their power - perhaps gods are beyond them?
[He lists those titles with an unreadable expression. Considering his cat form it doesn't really look that different though.]
He's not an ordinary dragon, but a dragon Sovereign. [He says, then explains:] Ages ago, Teyvat was ruled by seven elemental dragons - the Dragon Sovereigns. Their power was beyond that of gods. At some point, a Descender known as the Heavenly Principles appeared from beyond the false sky of Teyvat, bringing humanity with it and waging a war against the dragons. Needless to say, the dragons lost that war.
[While Aether's expression may not change, his voice says quite a bit.]
Ah... So a god in his own right, then. So much for my theory, heh. [He chuckles ruefully.] It sounds as though Teyvat has seen its share of troubles, I must say. Hopefully it's been a welcoming place to you. I'd hate to think of you being somewhere hostile. You don't deserve that.
A Descender is someone able to rival the will of the entire world... but sometimes even that is not enough.
[It remains in his memory, how he failed to save Direidyth and he couldn't do anything to change his sister's fate.]
Not like I'll stop trying.
[He can't stop.]
You're right. Teyvat has seen a lot of tragedies. In fact, when we first arrived there it was during a huge cataclysm. My sister and I tried to escape, but a god stopped and separated us. [He's tail swishes a little as his form cuddles closer to Vanitas.] When I woke up 500 years later I couldn't even speak the language of the world... But I met many kind people, who helped me, worried about me, supported me... I'm always thankful for that.
The entire world, huh...? You truly are something special, then. Perhaps being that is what draws so many people to you.
[Be it back on Teyvat or here. Though he notes the sadness in Aether's voice and nuzzles at him.]
No, of course not. That's not your style.
[He's too strong for that.]
...I'm sorry. I know that it's a sensitive subject for you. [Given he's still searching for his sister... Leaning into the contact, he starts grooming Aether's face.] It sounds like you've been truly blessed with considerate companions, even if life has been cruel to you. It's a wonder you can maintain your hope and compassion in the face of such adversity.
[He ponders about it for a moment, then something of a laugh escapes him.]
Maybe you're right.
["Special". He's not sure he's ever wanted to be that, but as long as he can help someone out there... it's good.]
Don't be. [He closes his eyes as his face is groomed.] At first I wanted to find my sister and leave Teyvat as fast as possible. I didn't really want to be involved in anything going on there beyond what was needed to achieve my goal.
[He pauses.]
But eventually... I grew too fond of that place. Of the people I met.
[That and he just couldn't look away from tragedy. Perhaps the one that destroyed his home world kept coming up to his mind.]
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Show me? [He smiles only more, warm.] I promise to be good from now on.
[He won't be teasing Vanitas.]
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Alright then. Let's see if I can manage it. Last time was under duress...
[Concentrating, he starts to shrink as his body changes shape, growing jet-black fur all over his body before finally ending up as a simple black cat hunched up on Aether. He then stretches, flexing his limbs from nose to tail, which swishes idly.]
There. As you can see, it's nothing special.
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Oh, I'd say you're absolutely adorable.
[He just really likes cats. He can't help himself.
Aether wastes no time and starts petting the cat under his chin and pressing a small kiss to the top of Vanitas' head.]
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Tch... You would.
[Thankfully Aether is warm, and during these cold months warmth is was he likes best, so he doesn't fight the attention, allowing himself to tilt his chin up for further scritches as he gets a nice kiss upon the head. Much to his chagrin, he starts subtly purring, the rumble growing with every pass of Aether's fingers.]
Still. Could be worse.
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You can change back anytime you want, right? So it really is not that bad.
[He grins.]
I'm a little jealous, to be honest.
[If he only could be a cat, too...!]
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That's true. I suppose I shouldn't complain. I could be stuck like this.
[His ears perk up in curiosity at that.]
Really? You like cats that much, huh? I mean, I suppose it has its benefits... Can you not change into anything? I thought that was a spectral trait.
[Honestly, he's picturing something like a cute bird with a bunch of wings, haha...]
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Cats are amazing. [That answer comes easily from him. Then he thinks some more about what Vanitas said.]
I... haven't tried before. I haven't even thought about it much.
[But now he considers it and takes a moment to try. Much to his surprise he begins to shift as well, but instead of a bird, Aether takes a form of... a cat. A fluffy cat with fur in the same colour as his hair and white spots on his mouth and paws. His tail is equally as fluffy. Unlike a normal cat, however, there is a pair of small wings growing out of his back.]
I... I'm a cat, too!
[His eyes sparkle as he says that.]
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Cats are cats. [Somebody is not impressed despite being able to change into one...]
Huh. Might be worth a shot, then. I didn't think about it either until I had to.
[As Aether begins to chance, Vanitas hurriedly backs up to give him space, fur bristling slightly at the expectation of a bird coming into view. Yet he ends up mildly disappointed at his fellow spectral ends up... a cat! Just like him! With cute little wings, to boot. After a moment's surprise, he leans over to nose Aether, sniffing him delicately before licking his forehead with a laugh.]
So you are! Congrats, heh. Now you can be what you love.
[Honestly, his enthusiasm is so sweet. It makes him almost smile, expect, y'know. Cat form.]
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Okay, maybe he can.
As he turns into one as well, he beams at Vanitas, then jumps towards him to rub his entire fluff cat body against him.]
This is amazing! I wonder if I can talk to other cats now?
[He's going to try that out eventually.]
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While he doesn't mind the contact, it does take him slightly by surprise, leading to him almost toppling over until he braces his legs.]
It is pretty handy, I'll give you that. Though... Hmm. I would think you could, yes. You'll have to see the next time you come across a cat.
[He's going to laugh if it ends up with Aether just going "meow meow" at it.]
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Definitely! But... I admit, I'm not sure how to meow in this form.
[Maybe he will have to settle for some "meow meow" when he sees a cat.]
That's fine, though. I have friends who could understand animals without meowing or barking at them.
[Maybe he's like Gorou now! That would be handy too.]
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You'll figure it out, I have no doubt.
[He really will be a poor little meow meow, hah! It's cute, though.]
Really? You truly do know all sorts of people.
[Even without eyebrows, his fascination is obvious in his feline eyes as he twines himself with Aether, tail getting twisted with his.]
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Right? There are all kinds of interesting people in Teyvat!
[And he's glad he could make friends with them all.
As they become more tangled with one another, a soft purring noise starts rumbling through Aether's soft body.]
But... [Suddenly, there's sadness in his tone.] More and more of them end up here.
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So I see. The most interesting people I tend to meet in my line of work are vampires.
[Not that there's anything wrong with that!
Meeting Aether halfway, he rubs his head against the other, a faint purr growing in his throat as well.]
...you don't blame yourself, do you? It's hardly your fault, Aether.
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You could say the most interesting people I meet are Vision holders.
[Not all of them are, but it's also a pattern! Vampires and Vision holders the kind of people that stand out the most in their worlds.
Aether falls silent at the other's words.]
...I know. They're all connected to me, though. People I met in various nations. It's hard not to notice that the bond with me is the main thing they all have in common.
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Those who have power seem to frequently be of interest, it's true.
[Whether it's physical strength or abilities doesn't appear to matter.
While Vanitas waits for Aether to answer, he licks his forehead encouragingly.]
All of them, huh...? I suppose it is difficult to deny such an obvious thread between you all. Yet I've noticed that frequently those who arrive do so with others connected to them. It's not just you.
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I'm not surprised.
[Considering the reasons they were told they were brought here.
Aether purrs softly, the tip of his tail moving back and forth.]
You're right. I just keep on hoping my other friends will be left alone... but then another one shows up here.
[There's so many of them who ended up here.]
This time two more showed up... One of them, I didn't even remember, because from my point of view our meeting hasn't happened yet.
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I can understand your concern, especially given what all happened in the last couple of months alone.
[If he had that many companions, he wouldn't wish them here, either.]
Huh, so it doesn't even need to be a mutual connection, then. That seems like a vital clue. [Trying to lighten the situation, he bumps his head into Aether's.] You're quite the popular person.
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Well, you see... I travelled around Teyvat for quite a while and I met a lot of people. Saved some places, too.
[No wonder he's made so many friends, really.]
They managed to summon a powerful dragon here. I'm surprised none of the gods from Teyvat appeared yet.
[Maybe it's better this way.]
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Ah, so you're a hero, in that case. No wonder they took an interest in you. Anyone capable of saving part of the world is bound to be strong enough for their needs.
[It helps that Aether is a ball of sunshine, too.]
A dragon, even, hmm? Maybe that's the limit to their power - perhaps gods are beyond them?
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[He lists those titles with an unreadable expression. Considering his cat form it doesn't really look that different though.]
He's not an ordinary dragon, but a dragon Sovereign. [He says, then explains:] Ages ago, Teyvat was ruled by seven elemental dragons - the Dragon Sovereigns. Their power was beyond that of gods. At some point, a Descender known as the Heavenly Principles appeared from beyond the false sky of Teyvat, bringing humanity with it and waging a war against the dragons. Needless to say, the dragons lost that war.
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[While Aether's expression may not change, his voice says quite a bit.]
Ah... So a god in his own right, then. So much for my theory, heh. [He chuckles ruefully.] It sounds as though Teyvat has seen its share of troubles, I must say. Hopefully it's been a welcoming place to you. I'd hate to think of you being somewhere hostile. You don't deserve that.
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A Descender is someone able to rival the will of the entire world... but sometimes even that is not enough.
[It remains in his memory, how he failed to save Direidyth and he couldn't do anything to change his sister's fate.]
Not like I'll stop trying.
[He can't stop.]
You're right. Teyvat has seen a lot of tragedies. In fact, when we first arrived there it was during a huge cataclysm. My sister and I tried to escape, but a god stopped and separated us. [He's tail swishes a little as his form cuddles closer to Vanitas.] When I woke up 500 years later I couldn't even speak the language of the world... But I met many kind people, who helped me, worried about me, supported me... I'm always thankful for that.
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[Be it back on Teyvat or here. Though he notes the sadness in Aether's voice and nuzzles at him.]
No, of course not. That's not your style.
[He's too strong for that.]
...I'm sorry. I know that it's a sensitive subject for you. [Given he's still searching for his sister... Leaning into the contact, he starts grooming Aether's face.] It sounds like you've been truly blessed with considerate companions, even if life has been cruel to you. It's a wonder you can maintain your hope and compassion in the face of such adversity.
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Maybe you're right.
["Special". He's not sure he's ever wanted to be that, but as long as he can help someone out there... it's good.]
Don't be. [He closes his eyes as his face is groomed.] At first I wanted to find my sister and leave Teyvat as fast as possible. I didn't really want to be involved in anything going on there beyond what was needed to achieve my goal.
[He pauses.]
But eventually... I grew too fond of that place. Of the people I met.
[That and he just couldn't look away from tragedy. Perhaps the one that destroyed his home world kept coming up to his mind.]
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