[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.]
It isn't easy to be someone - or something - unique in the world. That much I can understand.
[Given how he's inherited the power of the vampire of the Blue Moon and now is seen as a threat by most regular vampires.]
...you're probably too kind for your own good, but that's what makes you, you. [He chuckles softly, getting under Aether's chin.] You've touched so many lives, and I'm sure you've saved many people despite hurting. You should be proud of yourself.
[It may not be what Aether wants for himself, but to those whose lives he's touched, surely he's a guardian angel.]
[He finds himself purring again, feeling that Vanitas is spoiling him. It's nice. Aether could easily fall asleep like this, just next to him in this fluff form.]
I'm just doing what I think is right. [There's nothing special about it, he thinks.]
...Thanks. I know I have done a lot to help whenever I could.
[But the ending of his own journey is still so far.
He shakes his head, nuzzling against Vanitas more.]
But it doesn't matter now. Right now... I'm here with you. [It's this quiet calm that makes him happy.]
[Not everyone does, it's true. He can't argue with that especially considering all the people he's gotten to know.]
More than a hero material... An actual hero. [He could grin about it, because no matter what, it's true. He became a hero to many during his travels, even if it was never a part of his plan.
Whenever he's with Vanitas, it's difficult not to feel appreciated and loved. The other seems to know exactly what to do or say to drive away any worries this traveler could have. Aether laughs at the aggressive grooming he receives.]
All yours, it's true! But what is this licking attack?
[He's amused, pawing at Vanitas a little, before... suddenly returning to his usual, more human form! A bright smile shines on Aether's face as he lays on his side and grabs his lover right into his arms, bringing him close to his chest, pressing small kisses to his kitty ears and top of the head, while he strokes his fur.]
Oops, my bad. [He teases lightly, pausing in his grooming to put a paw on Aether's cheek, gently nudging him.
He's glad to be able to distract his friend and lover from more depressing thoughts regarding his own friends being here, and show Aether some appreciation for his presence.]
It's called grooming, you silly.
[Though him having control of the situation doesn't last long once Aether changes back, eliciting a surprised noise from Vanitas, who scrambles to back up so he won't get squished. Thankfully Aether seems conscious of his own form and instead is capable of scooping him up with little fanfare, delivering kisses and pets to his feline form.]
Tch... Cheater.
[Not that he REALLY minds. He simply sits there, accepting the love and affection with only a slight swish of his tail as rumbling begins emanating from his chest.]
[The response to that is a bright laugher as Aether nuzzles his cheek against his lover's head. He's just such a cute cat!]
All's fair in love and war.
[And this is his way of loving the other, so clearly it means he's justified!
Aether's laughs and chuckles calm down eventually and he again wraps his form (now much bigger) around Vanitas, keeping him close as his wings come around them as well. There's a quiet smile on the traveler's face.]
I'm thankful I got to meet so many wonderful people. [He says quietly.] And I'm even more thankful... I got to meet you. That I can be with you.
[He closes his eyes, his expression that of a calm.
This world is not perfect and they endure all kinds of hardships here, but if Aether had a choice to leave or stay, he would choose the latter option. He would stay to be by Vanitas' side.]
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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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[Given how he's inherited the power of the vampire of the Blue Moon and now is seen as a threat by most regular vampires.]
...you're probably too kind for your own good, but that's what makes you, you. [He chuckles softly, getting under Aether's chin.] You've touched so many lives, and I'm sure you've saved many people despite hurting. You should be proud of yourself.
[It may not be what Aether wants for himself, but to those whose lives he's touched, surely he's a guardian angel.]
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I'm just doing what I think is right. [There's nothing special about it, he thinks.]
...Thanks. I know I have done a lot to help whenever I could.
[But the ending of his own journey is still so far.
He shakes his head, nuzzling against Vanitas more.]
But it doesn't matter now. Right now... I'm here with you. [It's this quiet calm that makes him happy.]
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Still, not everyone does. [Like himself. He may save vampires, but he does so for his own reasons, not because it's the right thing to do.]
Mmm... Truly hero material...
[He has to admire Aether and his compassion even if he has no plans on changing and becoming a "better" person.
For now, he simply showers his lover with affection, intent on making sure Aether knows he's appreciated.]
Heh, that's true. You're all mine right now... [As if to prove it, he places a paw upon Aether and leans in to aggressively groom his face.]
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More than a hero material... An actual hero. [He could grin about it, because no matter what, it's true. He became a hero to many during his travels, even if it was never a part of his plan.
Whenever he's with Vanitas, it's difficult not to feel appreciated and loved. The other seems to know exactly what to do or say to drive away any worries this traveler could have. Aether laughs at the aggressive grooming he receives.]
All yours, it's true! But what is this licking attack?
[He's amused, pawing at Vanitas a little, before... suddenly returning to his usual, more human form! A bright smile shines on Aether's face as he lays on his side and grabs his lover right into his arms, bringing him close to his chest, pressing small kisses to his kitty ears and top of the head, while he strokes his fur.]
Now who has the upper hand?
[He chuckles.]
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He's glad to be able to distract his friend and lover from more depressing thoughts regarding his own friends being here, and show Aether some appreciation for his presence.]
It's called grooming, you silly.
[Though him having control of the situation doesn't last long once Aether changes back, eliciting a surprised noise from Vanitas, who scrambles to back up so he won't get squished. Thankfully Aether seems conscious of his own form and instead is capable of scooping him up with little fanfare, delivering kisses and pets to his feline form.]
Tch... Cheater.
[Not that he REALLY minds. He simply sits there, accepting the love and affection with only a slight swish of his tail as rumbling begins emanating from his chest.]
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All's fair in love and war.
[And this is his way of loving the other, so clearly it means he's justified!
Aether's laughs and chuckles calm down eventually and he again wraps his form (now much bigger) around Vanitas, keeping him close as his wings come around them as well. There's a quiet smile on the traveler's face.]
I'm thankful I got to meet so many wonderful people. [He says quietly.] And I'm even more thankful... I got to meet you. That I can be with you.
[He closes his eyes, his expression that of a calm.
This world is not perfect and they endure all kinds of hardships here, but if Aether had a choice to leave or stay, he would choose the latter option. He would stay to be by Vanitas' side.]
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