Genshin Impact: I'm a dad?

Lucien stood still, his breathing heavy as he locked eyes with Aether. The oppressive atmosphere of the Abyss pressed down on him.

His grip on his greatsword tightened, the purple veins on his arm pulsating painfully as they inched closer to consuming him completely.

Aether's indifferent gaze bore into him, unfazed by the pointed blade.

"Why?" Lucien's voice cut through the suffocating silence. His tone was harsh, demanding. "Why were you after the pod in the first place? There's no relation between that pod and your Abyss Order."

He raised his sword slightly, pointing it directly at Aether.

Aether remained composed, his expression unreadable as he replied with three simple words: "It was necessary."

Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Necessary? For what?" he growled. "Your so-called 'plan'?"

Aether didn't flinch, his gaze steady.

Lucien's grip on his sword tightened further as frustration bubbled within him. "That's it? That's your answer? After everything, that's all you have to say?"

"What now?" Lucien voice hoarse. "What are you planning to do with me?"

Aether stared at Lucien, his golden eyes cold. He tilted his head slightly, observing Lucien's battered form. The veins of honkai energy creeping up Lucien's body did not escape his notice.

"You're resilient," Aether finally spoke, his voice calm, almost detached. "But even resilience has its limits."

Lucien gritted his teeth, his breaths shallow and labored. The pain coursing through his body was relentless, but he refused to show weakness before his enemy.

"You didn't answer me," Lucien growled, forcing himself to stand upright despite the strain. "What are you planning to do with me?"

Aether's gaze darkened slightly, his expression still unreadable. "You've proven yourself troublesome," he said. "But also... interesting."

Lucien's grip on his greatsword tightened, his instincts screaming at him to remain on guard. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a second.

Aether continued, his tone steady. "I could end you here and now. Or…" He paused, as if considering his options. "Perhaps there's more use for you yet."

Lucien spat to the side, his vision blurring slightly from exhaustion. "Use me? Don't make me laugh," he said, his voice defiant despite his weakened state.

Aether took a step forward, his presence oppressive, as if the Abyss itself was bearing down on Lucien. "You've already demonstrated the power you wield. Honkai energy right?… it's dangerous, even to you."

Lucien didn't respond, but the slight twitch in his hand gripping his sword betrayed his unease.

Aether's gaze softened just slightly, almost imperceptibly. "You're running out of time, Lucien. Perhaps we can… come to an agreement."

Lucien narrowed his eyes, his body screaming for rest, but his mind racing. "An agreement?" he echoed cautiously. "What kind of game are you playing?"

Aether's voice was calm, almost emotionless, as he spoke. "Honkai energy."

Lucien narrowed his eyes, his grip on the greatsword tightening as his body shifted into a defensive stance. "...Stop beating around the bush," he growled, his tone sharp despite the fatigue weighing him down. "Tell me exactly what you want."

Aether's golden gaze locked onto Lucien, cold and piercing. "You," he replied plainly.

Lucien's expression darkened. "Me?" His knuckles whitened around the hilt of his weapon as he tried to mask the unease creeping into him.

"Yes," Aether continued, his voice unchanging. "More specifically, the Honkai energy within you. Join the Abyss Order."

Lucien's eyes flashed dangerously, his resolve hardening in an instant. His voice was low but firm. "What if I refuse?"

Aether's indifferent stare didn't waver. His next word cut through the tension like a blade.

"Death."

Lucien's grip on his greatsword tightened further, his knuckles turning white. He stared at Aether, his sharp gaze unyielding despite the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him.

"So that's it?" Lucien said, his voice low but laced with defiance. "Join you and the abyss, or die?"

Aether's expression didn't change; his calm, indifferent demeanor remained unshaken. "Precisely," he replied. "The honkai energy within you is too significant to ignore."

Lucien let out a dry laugh, his bloodied lips curling into a smirk. "You think I'd bow down to you? After everything? You have no idea who you're dealing with."

Aether raised a brow, unfazed. "Your defiance is expected. But it's also futile."

Lucien steadied his breath, his body screaming in protest with every move he made. "I'd rather burn out than let you use me."

The tension in the air thickened as the two stood at an impasse.

Aether looked at Lucien, his cold gaze unwavering. With a snap of his fingers, a shimmering projection materialized in front of Lucien. The image displayed Luna running around Mondstadt, enthusiastically plastering posters of her father everywhere. Her laughter and the warmth of her smile echoed faintly through the air.

Lucien's eyes widened in shock as he clenched his teeth, anger and dread washing over him like a tidal wave. He turned to Aether, his voice filled with rage and desperation. "What do you mean by this? Answer me!"

Aether's expression didn't waver, his voice as detached as ever. "There are always other options."

Lucien's heart sank as the meaning behind those words struck him. His eyes darted back to the screen, watching Luna's carefree smile. The weight of Aether's words settled heavily on his chest. He understood the unspoken threat: if he refused, his daughter would become the next target.

His teeth clenched as fury and helplessness warred within him. "Even if I accept your invitation, I'll still die, right? What difference does it make?"

Aether stared at him with cold indifference. "Yes."

Lucien's hands trembled, his grip tightening on his greatsword until his knuckles turned white. His gaze returned to the projection. Luna, oblivious to the danger, continued to laugh and chat with her friends, her innocence a painful reminder of what was at stake.

He closed his eyes, his chest heaving as he tried to suppress the surge of emotion. He knew the choice he had to make.

"I… I accept," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The words felt like a knife twisting in his chest, but he forced them out. For Luna's sake, he would bear the burden. No matter the cost.

Lucien gritted his teeth as Aether's cold voice echoed in his mind.

"Rest assured, I always keep my word."

Lucien bit his lower lip so hard it drew blood, a mix of frustration and resignation washing over him. "So, what now? What do you want me to do?"

Aether's gaze lingered on the pulsating purple lines crawling up Lucien's body. His tone was emotionless, devoid of sympathy. "Do what you always do."

With those words, Aether turned and began walking away.

Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Fight? You want me to keep using the Honkai energy... until it kills me?"

Aether didn't stop or turn back as he replied simply, "Yes. Until your last breath, use it."

And just like that, he was gone, vanishing into the shadows.

Dark smoke began to swirl and rise around Lucien, consuming the air in a suffocating haze. One by one, monsters emerged from the abyssal fog. Rifthound Whelps, their fangs bared, snarled hungrily. The mechanical footsteps of Ruin Guards reverberated through the space as their glowing eyes locked onto Lucien. Abyss Mages floated in the air, casting spells, while Hilichurls growled and howled, forming an overwhelming horde.

Lucien stood amidst the chaos, his breaths ragged and his body trembling. The Honkai energy was taking its toll; the purple lines had nearly consumed him. His vision blurred, and he could feel his strength slipping away.

Reaching into his pocket, he desperately searched for the picture of his and Luna, the one thing that gave him comfort. But his fingers found nothing.

"Tch... seems like I dropped it," he muttered bitterly.

Surrounded by enemies, Lucien tightened his grip on his greatsword. The odds were insurmountable, and he knew it. This was the end. Yet, even in the face of certain death, a sense of resolve welled up within him.

"I'm sorry, Luna," he whispered, his voice heavy with regret. "Dad wasn't a good father for you... I'm sorry I couldn't come back."

Closing his eyes for a moment, he took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they burned with a fierce determination. He lifted his greatsword, flames erupting along its blade.

"If I'm going down... I'm taking as many of you with me as I can," he growled.

The first wave of monsters charged, and Lucien roared as he dashed forward, his sword igniting the battlefield with a blaze.

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Inside Angel's Share, the warm glow of lanterns bathed the tavern in a cozy light. Luna sat slouched at a corner table, her head resting heavily on the wooden surface. She let out an exaggerated sigh, her tiredness was evident.

"That was reallllyyyyy tiring..."

Amber, seated beside her, smiled sympathetically while sipping on a juice. Across the table, Eula swirled her drink, her expression calm as always.

Meanwhile, at the bar counter, Diluc's piercing gaze was locked on Kaeya, who grinned at him with an air of mischief.

"Come on, brother, just one bottle of dandelion wine! Be generous!"

Diluc crossed his arms, unimpressed. "You still haven't paid off your tab, Kaeya. No more credit."

Kaeya waved dismissively, his smile unwavering. "Relax, I'll settle it at the end of the month. Promise."

Luna's eyes shifted from the two brothers' bickering to the window, where the sky stretched endlessly. Her gaze softened as she spoke under her breath.

"I just hope Dad comes home soon... The sooner, the better."

Turning her head back, she looked at Amber with a pout, leaning closer.

"Amberrrrr, comfort meee!"

Amber chuckled and began petting Luna's head gently.

"It's fine, Luna. Everything's going to be alright."

Luna buried her face into Amber's shoulder like a child seeking reassurance, rubbing her cheeks against her friend in a rare show of vulnerability.

Eula, watching the scene, sipped her drink and remarked dryly, "Amber, you're too soft on her. She's using you as a pillow now."

Amber laughed softly. "It's okay, Eula. Sometimes we all need a little comfort."

The group's chatter mixed with the lively hum of the tavern, but Luna's thoughts remained with her father, her silent hope carrying a quiet weight.

The lively atmosphere inside Angel's Share was interrupted by the hurried clanking of armored boots echoing outside. The tavern door swung open, and three knights entered, their expressions tense and urgent.

"Captain Kaeya, Master Jean is requesting your presence immediately!"

Kaeya, who had been sipping his drink lazily, raised an eyebrow and leaned against the counter.

"Calling me? Has something happened?"

"I'm sorry, Captain, I wasn't informed of the details. But Master Jean asked you to return to headquarters at once."

Kaeya sighed, setting his glass down with a slight clink. He glanced at Diluc, who stood silently behind the counter.

Kaeya: "Looks like duty calls, brother."

Diluc gave a curt nod, clearly unbothered by Kaeya's impending departure. If anything, it seemed to ease his mood slightly.

Before Kaeya could leave, the knight turned toward Diluc.

"Master Diluc, Master Jean is requesting your assistance as well."

Diluc's calm demeanor faltered for a moment, surprise flickering across his face. It wasn't often that Jean sought his help directly. After a brief pause, he nodded in acknowledgment.

Turning to the barkeep, Charles, Diluc gave a meaningful look.

Charlie, understanding without needing further instruction, bowed slightly. "Take care, Master Diluc."

Kaeya grinned at the exchange.

"Well, seems like we're both needed."

Diluc didn't respond, stepping out from behind the counter. The two brothers headed toward the door, the knights following closely behind.

Luna, Amber, and Eula exchanged glances at the sudden turn of events.

Luna tilted her head, looking at Amber and Eula curiously.

"Um, Amber, Eula, you're not going with them?"

Eula crossed her arms, her expression calm but slightly dismissive.

"Jean hasn't summoned us, so there's no need to interfere."

Amber chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head.

"Haha... Well, maybe I'll ask Kaeya what's going on after this. No rush."

Luna grinned mischievously, leaning back in her chair.

"I see... so you two just can't bear to leave me behind, huh? Admit it, you'd miss me too much if I weren't around."

Her playful tone shifted as she lowered her head shyly, feigning modesty.

"Hehe, I guess I'm just so popular."

Eula's brow twitched at the remark, her cool demeanor cracking ever so slightly.

"As if I'd ever miss you," she retorted flatly.

Luna looked at her with a teasing smile, completely unfazed.

"It's fine, Eula. Being a tsundere is popular too, or so Dad says."

Eula's face reddened faintly, though whether it was from annoyance or embarrassment, no one could tell.

"I'll remember this grudge, Luna."

Amber burst into laughter at the exchange, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Haha, you two are hilarious together!"

(A/n: never back down never what...

Never let you go, it's why I did them all.

For a chance at least, to live in your way.

Love of you is my most cherished thing. So stay alive, bravely.)