"~Wakey~Wakey~"
Aether's eyes slowly fluttered open, his vision adjusting as he took in the sight before him. Celestia stood nearby, gazing at him with an amused expression.
Aether let out a soft chuckle before lifting his body, feeling a slight ache lingering within him. He glanced around the unfamiliar room, realizing that they were inside what appeared to be a hotel or an inn.
"Why are we here?" Aether asked with a faint groan, his voice carrying traces of exhaustion.
His body still throbbed slightly, not from the battle he had fought earlier, but from something far more sinister. That strange violet energy that had surged into him was still affecting his body.
Regardless, he knew he had no time to dwell on it. His mind quickly sharpened, gathering scattered details through his connection with the countless puppets he had spread throughout the Empires.
