Ahem, returning to the plot~
The Pyro Abyss Herald stood before Ying, spotting Dainsleif at the forefront and instantly seething with rage. It roared,
"Dainsleif! How dare you intrude upon our territory!"
"Oh? So it's you guarding Lumine's sister. Hmph... I suppose. Compared to other Heralds, your intellect is indeed lacking, making this trivial task your only suitable assignment."
"You court death!"
The Pyro Abyss Herald, consumed by fury, was upon Dainsleif in a flash, its bladed arm slashing downwards. Dainsleif evaded with a sidestep and then delivered a powerful kick, sending the Herald flying.
As the Abyss Herald twisted its body to regain balance, it conjured a potent energy sphere in its hand and hurled it at Dainsleif.
"Hmph... mere trifles!"
Dainsleif, anticipating the attack, raised its hand. An energy dragon surged forth to meet the incoming projectile.
*Bang!*
The clash erupted in violent energy waves. Before the Abyss Herald could stabilize itself, it was knocked to the ground by the subsequent blast. Dainsleif was also jolted back several steps.
However, while nearly everyone was affected by the shockwave from the attack, the array surrounding Ying remained entirely unharmed.
Ying blinked, unable to help but sigh,
"It seems Aether still has a sliver of conscience..."
While the Abyss Herald was down, Lumine saw Ying, bound to the bed and unable to move.
"Ying?! Wait for me, I'm coming to save you!"
Having spotted her beloved sister, Lumine resolved to stop holding back. Aided by Anemo, she accelerated towards Ying.
"Dream on!"
The Pyro Abyss Herald, now back on its feet, attempted to intervene but was immediately entangled by Dainsleif.
Dainsleif, effortlessly dodging the Herald's assaults, taunted,
"The sisters are reuniting; it's best you don't interfere. Since I didn't finish you last time, rest assured, you won't escape this time."
"Damn you, you cowardly cur! You dare speak such insolence? Let's see how this young master deals with you!"
Ying: ...
Could these truly be words from an Abyss Herald...
As Ying was startled by the Abyss Herald's outburst, she suddenly felt her body jolt violently, followed by Lumine's anxious voice,
"Ying, are you alright?! Did those monsters do anything to you?! Don't worry, if they dared touch you, I'll turn their entire homeland upside down! Nod if yes, shake your head if no!"
"Mmmph mmmph!"
Ying frantically shook her head, denying it. If she kept shaking it like this, she feared she'd vomit up yesterday's meal.
"You're alright?! Phew... that's good~"
Seeing Ying's answer, Lumine was instantly relieved. She reached out and tore away the energy binding Ying's mouth, as this particular restraint was the weakest.
"Cough... phew... I almost got shaken to death by you..."
Lumine sheepishly stuck out her tongue.
"Hehe~ I was just too worried about you~"
"It's fine, I'm okay. Hurry and help that guy..."
As she spoke, Ying instinctively glanced back, only to find the Pyro Abyss Herald completely suppressed by Dainsleif, with no chance to retaliate.
"Eh—"
"Uh... why is your focus on this, Lumine..."
"I'm just concerned about your feelings (*￣з￣)"
Emmm...
Ying shook her head and said helplessly,
"Alright, alright. For now, just untie me. This position is so uncomfortable."
"Mm-hmm... Mm-hmm?!?"
Just as Lumine was about to heed Ying's request and untie the energy chains, she froze mid-action upon seeing Ying's current state.
"This..."
She felt an urge not to untie her... (//∇//)
"Lumine, why are you spacing out? Hurry and untie me! Stop staring, it's embarrassing..."
"Huh? Oh, oh, oh!"
After a long moment of stunned silence, Lumine finally snapped back to reality and quickly channeled her elemental power to free Ying from the chains.
As for why Ying didn't free herself, it was because Aether had precisely controlled the energy's strength to a point where she couldn't break free on her own.
"Phew... I can finally get out of bed. Let's go, Lumine."
Ying stretched her wrists, then hopped off the bed, turning to Lumine.
"Mm, let's go..."
Lumine replied absently, her mind already contemplating how to persuade Ying to pose like that again later.
*For some reason, I find Ying bound to be incredibly alluring...*
*I really want to see it again... Hmm... Buying some rope for self-defense later seems reasonable, right...*
Ying took a few steps and noticed Lumine hadn't followed. She felt a touch of confusion and reached out to Lumine, waving her hand in front of her face,
"Hey~ Hey! Lumine, what's wrong? Are you under an illusion?"
"It's nothing... cough cough, let's go help quickly!"
Lumine shook her head, dispelling the wicked thoughts from her mind, and quickly changed the subject. Before Ying could ask, she drew the Windwheel Sword and joined Dainsleif in the battle against the Abyss Herald.
Ying watched Lumine charge forward with a bewildered expression, scratching her head in confusion.
"Uh... is it just me, or does Lumine's gaze towards me seem a little guilty..."
Meanwhile, with Lumine's addition, the battle had completely turned one-sided. Just as Dainsleif seized an opportunity to deliver a finishing blow, a portal suddenly appeared between them, deflecting his fatal strike.
"What?!"
Before Dainsleif could express his surprise, he was blasted away by the energy emanating from the portal. He retreated dozens of steps after landing before barely stabilizing himself.
Lumine, witnessing this, was about to move in for the finishing blow when she was stunned into immobility by the figure emerging from the portal.
"Brother?!"
Aether had returned to his usual cold demeanor, looking with calm indifference at his long-lost sister, showing no trace of the playful behavior he displayed earlier with Ying.
"Your Highness, I apologize..."
The Abyss Herald immediately knelt, its tone extremely respectful, prepared to face punishment.
Aether surveyed the situation and calmly stated,
"You may return. From here on, I will handle it."
"Yes!"
The Abyss Herald offered no protest and promptly stood up, entering the portal.
"Brother! Why are you with the Abyss?!"
Lumine asked incredulously. It was only after witnessing Aether's conversation with the Abyss Herald that she truly believed the words of the Fatui.