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Chapter Text

...

“Outlanders your journey ends here” A booming voice calls to the two siblings

A tall woman with white flowing hair and topaz eyes, that will forever haunt Aether. Stood in the sibling's path

“Who’re you!?” Most people would hear the tone in his sister's voice and mistake it for annoyance, or confusion, they would think, But no he knew better than anyone his sister was scared

“The sustainer of heaven principles” The lady? God? Voice still as terrifying as before “The arrogation of mankind ends now”

Aether barely had time to think before the ground beneath him and his sister turned against them. They both quickly did their magical girl transformations, before charging at the lady god standing in their way.

Red cubes flew at him and his sister at shocking speed, They having beaten many gods from other worlds could fly past them with ease. Him and his sister flew towards the god only inches away from severing her head before…

“AETHER” he could hear his sister's voice but his brain couldn't catch up in time before it was too late

__

A breeze hits Aether, causing him to awake. He takes in his surroundings a cliff? He looked around, he could see a city in the far distance, the cliff overlooking a beach. It's too far away to make out anything very well though... Far out in the ocean, he could see a lonely island. Trees covered behind him so he couldn't make out anything to the south of him.

Shit, no no no.
How was that not the first thing he noticed when he awoke?

“Lumine? “ Nothing

His eyes frantically stop and start at every tiny area he can possibly see, his eyes looking for his short blonde hair cut in a bob with white flowers from their homeland white dress-wearing, Twin sister to be nowhere around him.

Panic rises in his chest.

Or hunger… No focus, Lumine always made fun of how he was always hungry. But now is not the time for jokes. She HAD to be nearby, he couldn't recall what happened exactly but that didn't matter right now.

He quickly ran off to the forest to the south of him.
___

The sun had started to set.

Nothing he looked deep into the areas surrounding him—no sister to be seen.

He ran into a ruined temple thingy just behind the trees near him, no sister. A small body of water before a massive hole overlooking a weird tree thing. No sister. Could she have been hurt by it? No, not possible they were way stronger than anything like a tree- He was too caught up in his missing sister to notice his lack of wings. Could his sister not be the only thing that god took? Aether also felt a lot weaker than before.

This could not be happening… What was he meant to do now?

Chapter Text

Aether sits at the edge of the body of water, he's not that far from where he woke up.
He looks at his reflection in the water.

He knows they’ve only been apart for a couple of hours, but he still misses her like it's been a lifetime. Even when they were kids they couldn’t handle being apart for more than a couple minutes. Those normal only being to use the bathroom, they were clingy as kids… even now. Well, they don't bathe together anymore so the most they’re ever really apart is like 10 minutes at a time. And here he is sitting on the edge of a waterbody instead of looking for his sister he would kill to keep safe…

He sighs Better get back to looking for Lumine, If she knew he had been sitting around for so long while she missing, He’d probably end up with a black eye.
…
He misses her
He quickly sets off looking for her once again,
___
It feels like he's been walking for days
…
Maybe he has without lumine all he can do is mindlessly look for her. Without her, he isn't anything.

He spots a big building up ahead, a mansion-looking place surrounded by a farm of grapes. He can't tell from this distance.
He quickly walks the other way not wanting to run into anyone from this planet without finding his sister first, She can't be that far away, right? He follows a path looking to be at the bottom of a ravine-looking area, Before finding more forest. He quickly makes a run for the heavily shaded tree area not wanting to be in the open. He quickly pulls himself up into a cliff edge now sitting on the edge, next to the top of a steep waterfall.
He sits taking a deep breath for a moment.
___
“AETHER” No no no, This can't be happening.
She launches herself at the god, helpless as her arms get cased in the painful red blocks just as her brothers did.
“WAIT DONT GO” She yells, she knows god won't care or even give her request a second thought but she can't help herself, she needs her brother back
“Give my brother back!” Please
Hopeless she disappears just as her brother did
…
“And just like that, the god… took away” She couldn't help but sound disgusted “ my brother. Some kind of seal was cast upon us, and we lost our power. So while we used to travel from world to world, we are now trapped here.”
She looks up to her new friend, seeing the corner of her friend’s eyes start to water.
“How many years ago was it? I don't know..” She was mad she didn't even know something as simple as that.
“But I intend to find out!” She still held hope, she needed her brother more than anything in the world.
“I was completely alone - until I met you a couple of weeks ago “ She smiled remembering how it had happened
–
Her mind was as broken as could be with her brother…
But she still needed to eat, it had taken a lot of forcing herself but she finally managed to make herself get up and try fishing.
So now she was sitting on a rock near the cold waves hoping for something, anything to get her energy up to go look for her brother… before
“HELP!! PAIMON CAN'T SWIM!!!!” A shriek from a childlike voice

She quickly stood up looking for the voice
Seeing a small child caught in a whirlpool, her arms moved faster than her brain moving to catch the child on her makeshift fishing rod.
–
“Heh... Yeah, Paimon really owes you for that, She likely would have drowned!”
Her new friend somehow always managed to cheer her up even in the dark place she's in right now.

“ So Paimon will do her best to be the bestest guide ever!” A giggle from the child
Guide huh, Yeah that’ll work

“We should head off, let's get going!”
____
Aether didn't like this world. It was… too happy for a world that only caused pain. He didn't know how to put it. Maybe he just had a bad first impression

He heard rustling behind him, He quickly stood up to see what had disturbed his thoughts.

He slowly made his way towards the sound, he ducked behind a tree, to watch the scene playing out in front of him.

A tall man, blonde wearing almost nothing but black his knee-high shoes, black. His pants meeting the top of his shoes? Black. His short-sleeved ragged shirt? Black. His undershirt covering his arms? black.. The only exception being a blue cape and a blue symbol on his chest. God doesn't this man know you don't have to wear all the same color? How irritating.

Aether blinked, getting himself out of his thoughts.

The man fighting a humanoid creature thingy? The creature wearing a mask, with either a beard? Or fur? The whitish circle around it, breaking when the man takes another swing at the creature, The creature flies back hitting its head on the tree behind it. The tall man quickly finishes it off before it can get back up.

He could see the man stare at the now-ashed body remains of the creature, before turning his head towards the tree he was hiding behind.

“I can see you” His voice is terrifyingly monotone.

Aether lets out a sigh before standing out from behind the tree.
“Yeah, I got that when you looked at me dummy” Aether said crossing his arms.

Then staring into Aether's eyes, trying to read his expression. Before holding up his sword and pointing it at him. “You're not from around here “ He pauses awaiting an answer.

“No, I'm not, Not that it's any of your business” He takes a step back, not liking the sword right in his face. “ Do people from this place not know it's rude to point swords at people, Orr? “ Aether says clearing trying to annoy the man.

“I find it's normal when people hide behind trees watching you. “ He locks eyes with Aether again
Okay yeah, he had that coming…

“ Alright then, What about that, is that thing also normal? “ He looks down pointing at the now pile of ashes

“An abyss mage is quite common. Yes, You're really not from here if you don't know something as simple as that huh?”

“I do believe I've already confirmed that, Why is it now Ash? Even for a monster not having a body left to bury is cruel don't ya think? “ Aether now putting his before crossed arms, By his side.
“God does your kind only communicate in sarcastic remarks or just you?” His voice is still as monotone as before, but his eyes reveal he's clearly more annoyed now.

“Forget it, Give me your hand.” He steps closer to the man, he flinches as Aether gets a little too close. “My god, I'm not going to hurt you, Pussy” The last bit was mumbled.
He grabs the stranger's hand, Rubbing his finger over a small cut on the man's hand. Revealing it's gone as he moves his hands off the strangers.

“What the, You have a vision?... What element was that? “ The man speaking gibberish in Aether's opinion.

“God, could you be any more confused? Yes? I can see. How else would I have seen the damn cut? And Element? “ Aether looks up to meet the man's curious gaze.

“...where are you from exactly? “

“Nonya, Now could you show me where the city is again? “ He was against going to the city before but anything had to be better than speaking to this idiotic man. Like Yes, can I see? What an idiot.
“I don't think you should head to a city or village without a guide. Seeing how unfamiliar you are with this land it could be unsafe…”
“Great, I'll find one while I'm there, Now which way?” Aether gives the strange man a fake condescending smile.
A moment of silence passes
Aether turns around to leave, not waiting to be caught up with his clearing psycho man any longer.
“Allow me to guide you,” The man offered. “I have been in Teyvat for many years. It would benefit you to allow us to travel together.”

Aether felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. “What the hell is Teyvat? And more importantly, why in God's name would you want to help.. ME?”

The man sighs “ You helped me, didn't you? “ Aether brow furiously, clearly confused, before the man points to his hand after seeing Aether had clearly forgotten what he meant.

“Oh, Well it was barely anything… not like I saved your life or anything… “ Aether still confused why someone you just met like five seconds ago would say something so confusing.

Aether sighs, He is looking for his sister, isn't he? A guide would be pretty helpful for that… But he can't help wanting to refuse just to be petty… But no he must for his sister. This could take way longer than it needs to. He just needs to suck it up if he doesn't like the man.

“Fine, If you're offering then I accept.” He pauses to watch the man, clearly surprised he would accept. “Where are we going then? Your ‘My guide’ Aren't you” He says with air quotes.

“Huh… Well then follow me to the city, and uh allow to explain a few things to you on the trip there” The man smiles but only small, clearly amused at something so irritating.

Chapter Text

“Ooh! Did you just feel the elements of the wind?” Paimon put her hands on her hips like she's proud of herself “Seems like all you had to do was just touch the statue and you got the power of Anemo!”

Lumine was glad Paimon was happy, if she was excited it must be something good. But to be honest she has no idea what Anemo even is? She couldn't help but wonder if she got this ‘anemo’ thing, could her brother have also gotten it?

“As much as they want it, People in this world could never get a hold of powers as easy as you”

“I think i know why, Its because- “ Paimon quickly cutting off Lumine “YUP!! It’s because you’re not from this world to begin with!”

Ah, that confirms Lumine's previous thought her brother must also have access to this ‘Elements “ thing then.

“Monstadt is the city of wind because they worship the god of Anemo!” Paimon points up ahead to the silhouette of the city. “So perhaps, because you got the power of Anemo, you can find some clues there! There are also lots of bards there, so perhaps one of them has heard news of your brother!”

Lumine smiles at Paimon’s endless rambling “How about we get moving then?” A sweet genuine smile.

“Ah! Right… eheh guess Paimon got a LITTLE distracted!” Paimon quickly turns around on her heels in the air heading towards the city before…

“Traveller! Look! Wow, what is that? “There’s something huge in the sky!” “ It headed towards the heart of the forest!” “Quickly we must stop it!!” Paimon quickly sped up towards the dragon, leaving lumine in her dust.

“ Ah slow down Paimon! We should proceed with caution, who knows the dragons’ intentions” Lumine still faster than the small child quickly caught up

“Ah, right sorry! Guess Paimon got ahead of herself again!”
__
“Huh? Look at that!”

Paimon quickly points to a strange bard and a blue dragon.

The bard, Wearing mostly a greenish blue. The same colour beret and a cape! White tights and white gloves. The bard holding his hands up, the bard was quite short, Lumine couldn't exactly tell if they were male or female… she knew her brother would be able to tell… considering people often mistake him for a female as well… trying to calm down the same dragon they saw before. The dragon was completely blue and looked quite frightened at the bard's presence. The dragons' size loomed over the small bard.

“Don't be afraid, It's alright now. I'm back.” The bard's soft but high pitch voice still made it hard for Lumine to tell whether the bard was male or female…

“Uh is he… Talking to the dragon!? “ Paimon probably doesn't know this isn't the best time for her yell-whispering considering they were trying to stay hidden…

Lumine new ‘Anemo’ power, obviously did like this bard much… considering it started going crazy. Was this dragon or bard somehow interfering with her new power? No, that didn't make sense… maybe it's still getting used to her body, it did feel a little out of control before when she was fighting those slimes.

The dragon’s high pitch roar pulled lumines out of her thoughts. Ah surprising it wasn’t Paimon who got them outed to the bard and dragon…

The bard quickly turned around, Lumine being able to pull Paimon out of view just in time so the bard didn't spot them. “Huh? Who's there!” The bard obviously didn't like them interrupting him and his pet dragon…

Lumine barley blind from the force of the wind, and the bard had vanished into a breeze? How odd is this new planet gosh…

Leaving the dragon, Paimon and Lumine herself. The dragon didn't stay long though… Quickly flying away not before knocking Paimon and her in the fast breeze of wind of course. Such a nice dragon.

After sorting out their thoughts they kept walking ahead
___
“HEY YOU! Stop right there!” Another odd person… seriously… cant Paimon and her get anywhere without being interrupted? “May the Anemo god protect you, stranger!” What the what protect us? Ah right Anemo god thats the god paimon mentioned they were looking for.
“I am amber, outrider for the knights of favonius… You dont look like citizens of Monstadt. Explain yourselves! “ Gosh is for a nice looking girls shes being quite rude right now… maybe theres someone they can report her too, Just to inconicnce her day for being so rude!

“Uh well, your mannerisms aside… Im” Lumine… My name is Lumine. But why can she find the strength to say that? It feels odd to hear people call her that without her brother by her side… “Traveller… I'm the traveller”

…
Uh oh did she find my name being ‘the traveller’ odd

“...Doesn't sound like a local name to me,” guess not how gullible

And this mascot, what's the deal with it?”

Lumine could feel the tension in the air… perhaps on her behalf, so in an attempt to light the mood- “Emergency food.”

“Hey! That's even worse than being a mascot!” Ah, maybe annoying Paimon wasn't the best attempt to lighten the mood.
“So to sum it up, your travelling partners right? Well, look, there's been a large dragon sighted around Monstadt. Best you get inside the city as soon as possible.” If the city has no roof would it be just as dangerous as being out in the open… or even more dangerous considering how many more people are in the city…

“It's not far from here, I'll escort you there!” She seems a little on edge. Does she really wanna protect her city that much… If so , why bring us straight there? “Ah but aren't you out here for some other reason? “ Ah Paimon makes a good point… I kinda feel bad just interrupting her duties like this… especially after we kinda made the dragon business worse…

“ I am! But not to worry, I can keep you both safe while doing that! Besides, i'm still not sure i can trust you two yet…” Ah and I no longer feel bad about interrupting her day…

“Thats a rather rude way to speak to guests! Even if you think were suspicious! “ Putting her hands on her hips rather angrily, “Yeah! You just met us! Paimon thinks your being paranoid!” Ah Paimon always has her back, how sweet.

“Oh, ahh… I’m sorry. Probably not something I should say as a knight.” You could clearly see the panic across her face, she must have broken some kinda knight conducted code? Lumine guesses. “I give you my deepest apologies, uhh strange yet… respectable travelers?” Why does it feel likes shes making this up as she goes along… And strange? That's not much better than untrustworthy!

“That sounded so fake!” Paimon’s right there…

___
Amber led them to a camp-like area? Full of what Paimon called “hilicurls?” Lumine quickly helped Amber out, she looked quite shocked at exactly just how strong she actually was! That's nothing new ofcouse, Lumine and Aether often found entertainment in shocking people with their strength, because as much as they hated it... They didn't exactly look bodybuilder strong…

There was a few spots they helped Amber clear, It wasn't hard at all. But quite time-consuming, at least they got to know Amber a bit better, she was a lot kinder than she first came off as. When Amber found out about Aether, she quickly volunteered to help put up missing person posters… seems like she knows the feeling of missing a family member… Amber was quite sweet she kept her promise of keeping them safe even helping out lumine when she didn't see a Hilicurl aim their bow at her.

Lumine also found out a lot of useful information about ‘Teyvat’ while helping Amber, Like visions basic monsters and other useful stuff! They even ran into a nice adventure named “Lynn” who taught her the basics of cooking in ‘Teyvat’ It did take a couple of hours for them to fully complete Amber's duties, but Lumine was glad Amber had help so she wasn't out till dark.

They finally made their way to the city. And up to the area, Amber asked them to meet her at, she had to go report her completed duties to a person called ‘Jean’, so she asked them to meet her at the top of the city. Amber wanted to give Lumine a present for helping her with her duties… even though lumine specifically told Amber she didn't need one. Paimon was quite upset she didn't get one, of course, Amber even had to bribe her into calming down… Ah, Lumine does find Paimons childlike mind adorable though.

“Ah! Traveller, Here you are! So, the present i wanted to give you is- “ Amber was cut of by Paimon drumrolling on the concrete poll they were standing next to… “ Uh… “
“Hey! No need to be so boring! Paimon was just trying to add dramatic flare!!”

Amber and Lumine both giggle at that of course “Right! Well anyways! A wind glider! “ Amber pulls out a brownish set of backpack-like wings. Ah, wings… Lumine was so distracted she didn't even notice her wings were missing… Well she knew that god stole her power guess she just didn't connect the dots…

“Outriders use them to ride the wind, and the people of Monstadt love them too. I brought you here so you can experience it right away!” Amber’s eyes sparkling as she went on about these ‘wind gliders’ Guess this was something she was quite passionate about.

“You’re super excited about these wings, huh! “ Paimon tries to play off Ambers excitement but Lumine could tell Paimon is just as excited to have a new flying buddy!

“Of Course! The wind is the heart and soul of Monstadt! And uh Paimon there ‘wind gliders’ Not ‘wings’ “ Amber crossed her arms at Paimons mistake of Monstadts beloved culture. Lumine giggles at Paimons frowning at her mistake being called out.

“Well that's enough talking! Give it a whirl! Just follow me Alright? You’ll do great!” Amber's eyes somehow sparkled more than before, Lumine couldn’t help but find Amber's passion while talking about wind gliders cute.

__
Lumine followed amber around on the wind gliders with puppy dog eyes the way amber's eyes were filled with excitement about having a new gliding buddy was adorable, after a while they safely landed at the city plaze, Well Amber had a soft landing, Lumine not so much.

“Ah, Lumine! “ Amber quickly caught Lumine before she tripped “Not to worry, Everyone struggles with landing at first! I just know you’ll get it before-” As much as Lumine wanted to keep her adorable conversation with Amber going they were quickly interrupted.

“Huh? W-What's happening?” Paimon quickly flew to hide behind the traveler. The beautiful clear sunset sky quickly turned into a storm. Then the dragon quickly flew in terrorizing the peaceful city. Lumine couldn't help but be annoyed at this, She knew the city would be unsafe with all these people here. Yet she bought Paimon and herself here anyway. SECOND this stupid dragon had to interrupt her date with her new super cute friend! Lumine knew she was gonna get back at the dragon for interrupting her with her hoes.

The city being covered in tornado-like winds, Lumine GRACEFULLY got swept up into the tornado upside down nearly hitting her head on the floor, leaving Paimon and Amber on the ground. Lumine knew was gonna get back at this STUPID dragon for one, Inturrping her date. Two, Putting her new little sister in danger. Three, embarrassing her by getting SWEPT INTO A TORNADO in front of her new crush.

Lumine quickly caught herself on her new wind gliders, ready to give this dragon a piece of her mind.

Lumine quickly shifted her body, staying behind the dragon so it wouldn't get out of her sight, “Huh? How are you stay afloat like this with just a wind glider?” Lumine noticed Paimon behind her, Huh she must have followed me into the air. Lumine couldn’t help but be mad at Paimon for putting herself in danger like this, although she did find it sweet Paimon was willing to risk herself like this just for Lumine.

“I'm preventing your fall with the power of a thousand winds! “ A soft but high-pitched voice interrupted her thoughts about scolding Paimon, “Now concentrate. See yourself grasping the winds. Harness its energy!”

“W-who said that?” The dragon roared in pain almost knocking lumine out of the skies with the force of its yell. With lumine distracted trying to keep herself afloat, the dragon took its chance to escape faster than lumine could catch up. Lumine had already grabbed Paimon when the dragon went crazy, so at least she was safe in her arms.

Lumine floated down to where she met Amber the first time, Paimon still in her arms. She landed a lot more gracefully then last time, she couldn't help but hope Amber saw how much better she was at landing now. Though as if she summoned her-

“Traveller!” Amber quickly pulled Lumine into a hug before checking her arms and torso to see if she was injured. “You’re not hurt are you? You were swept up so fast by the storm I didn't have time to catch up! I saw-”

Amber was quickly cut off by a navy-haired pirate-looking tall male, “ You’ve actually got the power to go up against the dragon… are you a new ally.. Or a new storm?” Gosh another rude greeting

Lumine couldn’t help but feel as if her role in this dragon problem, Just got bigger.

Chapter Text

“Where are we headed again? “ Aether asked Dainsleif in an irked tone, He has asked him this numerous times, but just because hes teaming up with this ‘Dainsleif’ doesn't mean he has to be happy about it. So yes he is taking every chance he gets to annoy him.

“Judging by your question, it seems you need to work on your memory, as you have asked this numerous times before.” Dainsleif still somehow as monotone and Boring as ever. 

“We’re heading to Monstadt city”  Straightforward and to the point i see.

Aether sighed having no choice but to follow this man in silence.

___

As Dainsleif and him got closer to the foggy city in the distance. He could start to make out details, like the castle-looking building, and he could recognise the building type as a Cathedral. Or the big status thingy, Wings on a cloaked human. He could see a total of three? Windmills. Dainsleif mentioned ‘Monstadt’ was the ‘city of wind’ so I guess three massive windmills make sense.

Dainsleif led Aether up a hill next to another small village, the village had another windmill, guess that's a little over the top dontya think? On the hill, two cranes were sitting peacefully, too bad he and Dainsleif took their place. The view from the hill was a perfect view of the city, The ocean was surrounding the city, like a moat. Then there was a bridge connecting the city to the mainland. 

Aether quickly turns his head to the left of him and Dainsleif when a roar comes from the distance, at first he couldn’t see the cause of the sound. Hill and building blocking his view. Before a massive blue dragon came flying out from far beyond the distance, far behind the small village next to the hill they were standing on next to.

“What the-” 

“Ah, odd I've never seen anything such as a dragon, and I've been travelling around this nation for a while…” Dainsleif is somehow as monotone as ever. From the way he put it this, it clearly wasn't normal… yet he sounded as if this was a daily occurrence for him. 

The dragon quickly swirled around the city. Before swirling around near the cliffs he woke up in, Before long landing in the heart of the forest…

“Huh? Hey, where are you going? There's a dragon on the loose nows not the time for your nonsense!” Dainsleif quickly shouted at Aether but it was too late he was much too far ahead to hear him.

-

As soon as Aether saw the dragon land he quickly ran off to see where the dragon had landed, Or if it had harmed anyone. It took Aether quite a few minutes to make it to the rough area where the dragon had landed, seeing as he did do his best not to be in the open. Still weary of this new place he had awoken in. 

He had seen the dragon go off into the sky a few seconds before he got there, But he still wanted to check to make sure the dragon hadn't harmed anyone (Mostly his sister). Staring down at where the dragon would have sat up from a high clifftop, All he saw in the dragon's place was an odd crystal. He quickly jumped down from the cliff landing on the path near the odd crystal. The crystal was red, glowing and teardrop-shaped. He quickly pocketed the tear, unaware if this was something valuable to the dragon or not. 

Aether had quickly climb back on the cliff he had stood on when he spotted the crystal considering waiting there for Dainsleif to catch up, but then something else caught his eye. A blue light? It was odd he couldn't tell what the source of the light was, he couldn't make it out with the distance between him and the light, but it seemed like a statute of some kind. Aether the curious type quickly ran towards the status.

‘Dainsleif is the smart type he’ll find me eventually/ Aether thought to himself, not even caring if Dainsleif ever found him or not.

Aether slowly walked up to the statue, it was kind of an eerie thing to find in the middle of nowhere. The status looked pretty worn down. Odd someone builds a statue like this obviously decided to someone then lets it turn to rumble like this? Bringing his hand to rub some of the dust off the poor statue, As soon as his hand makes contact with the statue. He quickly stood back, Pulling out his sword trying to block the blue orb that came out of the statute. This proves pointless quickly, as the orb fazes through his sword. As soon as the orb touches his chest it disappears. 

‘Huh?’ Aether quickly steps back

“Mind explain just who you are exactly? “ A familiar voice calls out behind him

Just as Aether turned his head to see the familiar person, A sword quickly made its way to his neck

“Ah, what-?” His words were quickly cut off by Dainsleif

“What exactly did you just do?”

“Wait I have no id-” Cut off again, god doesn't this guy know how annoying it is to ask someone a question and then not even let them answer?

“You watch me from the shadows” Right Aether had already forgotten about that, God let it go I was just seeing what was making all that ruckus… “You have no idea what a vision or even ‘Teyvat’ is?! “ To be honest he's still not exactly sure. “THEN you run off and I find you interfering with a statue of the seven-”

“GOD, people like you are so annoying. YOU ask ME questions then don't even let me answer? Then go on and on with your endless suspicions. First mind your business maybe I'm just dumb? And you're just straight-up insulting me? Like god.