#xiao literally watches over aether every time he's in liyue

[roxybirdie]

【 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 】 Some screenshots from the event. I love these two 𝐒𝐎 much. (♡°▽°♡) Psst ... 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙓𝙞𝙖𝙤'𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙝. ᴸᵉᵗ'ˢ ᵖʳᵉᵗᵉⁿᵈ ᴵ ᵗᵒᵒᵏ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᶜʳᵉᵉⁿˢʰᵒᵗ ᵒᶠ ˣᶦᵃᵒ ˢᵐᶦˡᶦⁿᵍ ᵃⁿᵈ ᴰᴵᴰᴺ'ᵀ ᶠᵒʳᵍᵉᵗ ᵗᵒ ᵗᵃᵏᵉ ᵒⁿᵉ. ⁽ᴵ ᵗᵒᵗᵃˡˡʸ ᵈᶦᵈⁿ'ᵗ ˢᶜʳᵒˡˡ ᵗʰʳᵒᵘᵍʰ ᴳᵒᵒᵍˡᵉ ᶦᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵘⁿᵗᶦˡ ᴵ ᶠᵒᵘⁿᵈ ᵃ ᵖᶦᶜᵗᵘʳᵉ, ˡᵐᵃᵒ.⁾

[jayluvb0t]

Echoes of hope through Darkness

A Xiao x Aether story (Angst)

This stories contains angst and Mentions of Torture, blood and mentions of suicide so if you dont like it don't read it

I literally vried while editing this. So have fun..

In the quiet solitude of Wangshu Inn, Xiao stood alone, gazing out at the starry night sky. The world around him was filled with bustling life, but in that moment, he felt utterly alone. Memories of his past resurfaced, memories of a friendship he had once cherished. Aether, the Traveler from another world, had been his closest companion, but now, they were separated by an insurmountable divide. The pain of their parting weighed heavy on his heart, and Xiao's eyes welled with unshed tears as he longed for the return of his friend.

~ Flashbacks to the past ~

In a time not too long ago, Xiao and Aether had been inseparable as they journeyed through the vast lands of Teyvat. Together, they had faced the challenges and adversaries that this mystical world presented, forming an unbreakable bond in the process.

But as they delved deeper into their quest to unravel the mysteries of Teyvat and reunite the Traveler with their long-lost sibling, they found themselves confronted by a malevolent force that sought to keep them apart. The dark and enigmatic powers of the Abyss Order, led by the ominous figure known as the Unknown God, descended upon them. In a fierce battle, Aether was suddenly enveloped by a swirling vortex of energy, and despite Xiao's desperate efforts to reach out and save him, he was forcibly pulled into another realm.

Xiao was left standing on the precipice, helpless and defeated, as the portal to the other world closed, separating him from Aether. The weight of their separation haunted him ever since, and it was a pain that no amount of solitude or meditation could ease.

~Back to the present ~

Now, Xiao's life is a solitary existence filled with endless duty and the solemn task of guarding Liyue from the darkness that lurked within. He had returned to his duties as the vigilant Yaksha, suppressing his emotions and the lingering ache of Aether's absence as best as he could. Every day, he patrolled the streets and protected the people of Liyue from malevolent spirits, but the memory of his lost friend remained a constant and painful reminder of the past.

He found solace in the quiet nights at Wangshu Inn, where he would often stand alone, staring at the same starry sky that had once witnessed their friendship. Although he had tried to move on, the shadow of Aether's absence lingered in every corner of his heart. Xiao had become a guardian, not only of Liyue but also of his own emotions, keeping them locked away to prevent the pain from resurfacing.

Yet, deep down, he couldn't help but hope for the day when destiny might bring his dear friend Aether back to his side, and the two could once again share the adventures and companionship that had once defined their journey through Teyvat.

As Xiao stood on the balcony of Wangshu Inn, lost in his thoughts, a faint cry for help carried on the night wind. His ears perked up, and for a moment, he was transported back to the days when he and Aether had rushed to aid anyone in need without hesitation.

Without a second thought, he leaped from the balcony and, with uncanny speed, raced toward the source of the distress. The cry for help grew louder, leading him to a remote, moonlit grove. There, he discovered a young woman, beset by a group of hostile hilichurls.

Xiao didn't hesitate; his Yaksha form burst forth, and with his swift spear, he dispatched the hilichurls, protecting the frightened woman. As the danger subsided, he turned to her, his expression hidden behind his mask, and asked in a gentle, yet haunted voice, "Are you alright?"

Xiao's eyes widened beneath his mask as he watched the woman vanish before his very eyes. A sense of unease washed over him, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of illusion or trickery. His instincts told him that something mysterious and otherworldly was at play.

Furrowing his brow, he scanned the grove, trying to discern any clues or traces of the woman's presence. He couldn't just dismiss what had transpired as a mere hallucination; it felt too real. Xiao's curiosity was piqued, and his determination to uncover the truth was unshaken. With a resolute resolve, he embarked on a quest to unravel the mystery of the disappearing woman, hoping that it might lead him one step closer to the answers he sought about Aether's disappearance and the enigmatic forces that had brought them to this world.

The voice calling his name was hauntingly familiar, and for a brief moment, Xiao's heart leaped with hope. Could it be? Was it Aether? His thoughts raced as he turned towards the source of the voice, his masked face revealing nothing of the emotions churning within him.

In the moonlight, a figure emerged from the shadows, and as it drew nearer, the features became clearer. It was not Aether but a being who radiated an aura of otherworldly power. The figure spoke with an ethereal, echoing voice, "Xiao, my vigilant friend, you have been waiting for so long."

Xiao couldn't contain his mix of emotions – hope, longing, and caution all intermingled. He stepped closer to the figure and asked, "Who are you, and how do you know my name?"

The figure, shrouded in mystery, replied, "I am a guardian of time and space. I can lead you to the answers you seek, to the one you've been searching for. But first, you must follow me."

Xiao hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire to discover more about the mysterious figure and the caution that had become his second nature. The longing for answers about Aether's whereabouts and the possibility of reuniting with his friend tugged at his heart.

After a deep breath, Xiao made a decision. With a firm nod, he said, "Lead the way. I'll follow you, but know that I won't be deceived easily. I've waited long enough for the truth."

The enigmatic guardian of time and space extended a spectral hand, and with a resolute determination, Xiao took it. The grove disappeared, and they both stepped into a portal of shimmering light, embarking on a journey that held the promise of answers, hope, and perhaps, the long-awaited reunion with Aether.

As Xiao and the enigmatic guardian emerged from the portal, they found themselves in an eerie, pitch-black void. The darkness was impenetrable, and a sense of disorientation washed over Xiao. He clenched his spear, ready for any surprises, his senses heightened.

"Where are we?" Xiao demanded, his voice echoing in the empty abyss. He couldn't see the guardian's figure anymore, and he felt a growing unease. "What is the meaning of this?"

The guardian's voice echoed from the void, "Patience, Xiao. We are on the threshold of knowledge and revelation. Trust in the path we tread."

With his heart filled with equal parts trepidation and determination, Xiao cautiously moved forward into the abyss, guided only by the echoing voice and the hope that lay ahead.

As Xiao ventured deeper into the unfathomable darkness, Aether's anguished voice suddenly pierced through the void, echoing with torment and desperation. It was a voice he had yearned to hear for so long, but the pain in it sent shivers down his spine.

"Aether!" Xiao called out, his voice a mixture of fear and determination. He rushed in the direction of the voice, his steps quickening, his heart pounding with the urgency of the cry for help. Every fiber of his being was consumed by the need to reach his friend.

The void seemed to stretch endlessly, but Xiao pressed on, unyielding, driven by the unwavering hope of rescuing Aether from whatever peril he had found himself in.

Xiao's heart raced as Aether's voice grew closer, the intensity of the cry for help resonating in the emptiness of the void. With each step, he could feel his friend's presence drawing near, and it fueled his determination to reach Aether's side.

He called out once more, "Aether, hold on! I'm coming!" Xiao moved faster, his spear at the ready, his focus unwavering as he continued to follow the haunting sound of Aether's voice, desperately seeking a way to bridge the gap that had separated them for far too long.

Xiao finally arrived at the source of Aether's voice, and what he saw tore at his heart. Aether, his friend and companion, was sitting on the ground, bound in handcuffs that bore the marks of a cruel struggle. His body was covered in scars, a testament to the suffering he had endured.

A rush of emotions welled up within Xiao – relief at finally finding Aether, anger at those who had inflicted such pain, and an overwhelming desire to free his friend from his restraints.

"Aether!" Xiao rushed to his side, his hands trembling as he worked to remove the handcuffs, his voice filled with a mixture of concern and anger. "What happened? Who did this to you?"

Xiao's heart sank as he saw Aether's distant, vacant gaze. It was clear that his friend had endured more than just physical wounds; there were scars of the soul, too. Xiao remained patient, understanding that words might not come easily.

Gently, he placed a hand on Aether's shoulder and said, "You're safe now. We'll get through this together." He didn't press for answers, knowing that time and trust would be needed to heal the wounds, both seen and unseen.

Xiao's world suddenly shifted, and he found himself in another scene, one that left him speechless. Aether, his friend and companion, was now kneeling on the ground, tears in his eyes, pleading for forgiveness. The sight was a stark contrast to the strong and determined Aether he had known.

Confusion gripped Xiao as he tried to make sense of the situation. He knelt down beside Aether, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's distress. "Aether," he whispered softly, "What has happened? Why are you asking for forgiveness?"

Xiao's mind raced, searching for answers, as he waited for Aether to explain the painful scene that had unfolded before them.

As quickly as the distressing scene had appeared, it vanished, leaving Xiao with a profound sense of disorientation. Before him stood the enigmatic guardian of time and space once more, their form shrouded in mystery.

Xiao's patience was running thin, and he demanded answers, his voice tinged with frustration. "What is the meaning of these visions, and why are you showing them to me?"

The guardian's voice echoed through the void, "Patience, Xiao. The truth lies hidden within these memories, and the path to it is not always straightforward. Your journey has just begun, and there are still revelations to uncover."

Xiao clenched his fists, torn between his need for answers and the growing uncertainty of the guardian's intentions. With a heavy heart, he resolved to press on, for he could not rest until he understood the mysteries that shrouded his friend Aether's past and present.

Xiao watched in growing horror as yet another scene unfolded before him. Blurry figures taunted and laughed at Aether, who was forced to the ground with a sword held at his neck by a guard. The cruelty and humiliation in the scene sent a chill down Xiao's spine.

His heart ached for his friend, and the intensity of his emotions surged. "No," he whispered, a surge of anger building within him. He yearned to reach out and protect Aether from the torment he was enduring.

With clenched fists, Xiao vowed to uncover the truth behind these haunting visions and to rescue Aether from the suffering that seemed to shadow his every step. He knew that he could not rest until he understood the full extent of his friend's trials and found a way to bring him solace and safety.

The sight of blood running down from Aether's neck, from the wound inflicted by the cruel sword, was a chilling image that stirred a deep well of fear and urgency within Xiao. His heart pounded, and his resolve grew stronger, for he could not stand by while his friend suffered.

With a fierce determination, Xiao surged forward, his spear ready, and confronted the guard who had committed this heinous act. He demanded, "Release him now!" His voice was unwavering, and his eyes bore into the guard, determined to protect Aether at any cost.

The scene, however, remained unresponsive, a haunting tableau of the past. Xiao's helplessness and frustration grew as he was unable to intervene directly, but he was now more determined than ever to uncover the truth and free Aether from the torment of these haunting memories.

The guardian reappeared, their presence a shimmering light in the midst of the haunting scene. Xiao's frustration and desperation were evident as he turned to them, demanding answers. "What is the meaning of these visions? Why are you showing me these painful memories?"

The guardian's voice echoed gently, "These memories hold the key to the truth, Xiao. To understand your friend's past, you must first confront the darkness that lingers within. Only then can you hope to bring him solace."

Xiao's resolve remained unshaken, and he nodded in reluctant agreement. He knew that he had to delve deeper into these painful memories, no matter how difficult, to uncover the secrets and untangle the web of torment that had ensnared his friend Aether.

Xiao's heart raced at the guardian's revelation. The memory of the sword at Aether's neck was not a mere recollection of the past; it was a current reality. Aether was in imminent danger, and a surge of determination washed over Xiao.

"Take me to him," he implored the guardian, his voice filled with urgency. "I won't let him suffer any longer. Lead the way."

With newfound purpose, Xiao followed the guardian, his spear at the ready, determined to rescue Aether from the perilous situation that had become his present reality. The hope of saving his friend burned brightly in his heart.

A faint cry in the distance sent a jolt of hope and fear through Xiao. It was a sound he couldn't ignore, and he knew it might be Aether. Without hesitation, he rushed in the direction of the cry, his heart pounding with a mixture of dread and determination.

With every step he took, the cry grew louder, and Xiao couldn't help but hope that it was indeed his friend who needed him. His thoughts were filled with the desperate wish to finally reunite with Aether and save him from the torment he had endured for so long.

As Xiao arrived at the scene he had witnessed in the void, his worst fears were realized. Aether was still on the ground, with a sword at his neck, and the blurry figures were still taunting him. The cruel and haunting memory had become a chilling reality.

Xiao's heart ached at the sight, but this time, he was determined to act. With lightning speed, he attacked the guards, freeing Aether from their grip and pushing them back. "Aether, you're safe now," he said, his voice filled with relief and determination. "We will get through this together."

Xiao's concern deepened as Aether gave no reaction, his distant and unresponsive gaze fixated on the ground. He knew that the wounds, both physical and emotional, ran deep. Xiao knelt down beside his friend, placing a hand on Aether's shoulder, trying to offer comfort and support.

"I'm here for you, Aether," Xiao whispered, his voice filled with empathy. "You don't have to face this alone. We'll find a way to heal your pain and set things right."

With a heavy heart, Xiao realized that the road to recovery for his friend would be a long and difficult one. But he was willing to do whatever it took to help Aether find solace and to understand the full extent of the torment he had endured.

As the faint sound of Xiao's name escaped Aether's lips, it was a small glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had consumed them. Xiao's heart swelled with emotion, and he leaned in closer to his friend.

"I'm here, Aether," he murmured softly, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll stay by your side, no matter what. We'll find a way to make things right again."

Xiao knew that the path to healing and recovery would be a long and arduous one, but he was willing to walk it with Aether, guided by the enduring friendship and the promise of a brighter future.

Aether's words cut through the heavy atmosphere of the moment, and Xiao could sense the profound darkness that had enveloped his friend's world. He continued to offer his support, holding Aether's shoulder gently and responding with understanding.

"I know it's dark, Aether," Xiao said, his tone filled with empathy. "But we'll find our way out of this darkness together. You're not alone anymore."

With each word, Xiao hoped to bring a glimmer of light into Aether's world, a beacon of hope that they could navigate the shadows and emerge into a brighter tomorrow.

Xiao's heart skipped a beat as he saw Aether's faint smile break through the pain and darkness that had clouded his friend's face. It was a small but powerful moment, a sign that their enduring bond was not broken, and that there was still hope.

A soft, relieved smile crept onto Xiao's own face, and he said, "That's it, Aether. Hold on to that smile. We'll face the darkness together, and I promise, we'll find our way to the light."

In that brief moment, a glimmer of hope and the strength of their friendship became their guiding light in the midst of the shadows that surrounded them.

a silent "Thank you.." came out of Aethers mouth "You're welcome, Aether," Xiao replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "We're in this together, and we'll overcome whatever challenges lie ahead."

With those words, the two friends sat in the midst of the darkness, their bond stronger than ever, ready to face the trials and tribulations that awaited them, with the hope of a brighter future shining on the horizon.

Panic gripped Xiao as Aether fainted due to the blood loss. He quickly assessed his friend's condition, realizing that immediate medical attention was necessary. With a sense of urgency, he carefully lifted Aether into his arms, cradling him gently.

"Stay with me, Aether," Xiao whispered, his voice laced with worry. He carried his unconscious friend, determined to find help and ensure that Aether received the medical care he desperately needed. The journey to bring his friend back to safety had taken a new turn, but Xiao was unwavering in his resolve to protect and heal his cherished companion.

Xiao's eyes widened as a portal-like opening appeared before him, revealing Yanfei and other people in Liyue Harbor. The unexpected sight brought a surge of hope that they might be able to find the help Aether needed.

Without hesitation, Xiao stepped through the portal with Aether still in his arms, emerging into Liyue Harbor. "Yanfei, we need medical assistance," he urgently called out to the group, hoping that they would provide the care and support necessary to save his friend.

The people in Liyue Harbor quickly rushed to their aid, and Xiao knew that they were one step closer to helping Aether recover from the ordeal he had endured.

Weeks had passed since that fateful day when Aether had woken up in Liyue Harbor, thanks to the timely assistance and care he had received. The injuries, both physical and emotional, had taken their toll, but he had shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

As Aether's eyes fluttered open, he found himself in a comfortable room, sunlight streaming in through the window. The memories of the torment and darkness that had consumed him were still fresh, but the warmth of the present surroundings offered a stark contrast.

Xiao, who had been keeping a watchful eye over his friend during the weeks of recovery, was nearby, and when he saw Aether awake, he couldn't help but offer a relieved and caring smile. "You're awake," he said softly. "How do you feel?"

Xiao observed Aether's distant gaze, understanding the weight of the trials and trauma his friend had endured. He remained patient, giving Aether the space and time he needed to process his emotions.

With a reassuring presence, Xiao sat beside his friend, offering silent support. He knew that the journey to healing and recovery would be a long one, and he was prepared to walk it by Aether's side, no matter how challenging it might be.

As Aether began to speak about the harrowing experiences he had endured, Xiao's heart sank at the horrors his friend had faced. The tales of torture and cruelty were deeply unsettling, and the revelation that these acts had been orchestrated by his own Abyssal princess sister only deepened the pain.

Xiao listened in somber silence, offering a supportive presence as Aether shared his painful story. He knew that the weight of these memories would take time to bear, but he remained resolute in his commitment to help his friend heal and find a path forward.

Once Aether had finished speaking, Xiao simply said, "I'm here for you, Aether, and together we'll find a way to overcome the darkness that has touched your life."

Aether's words echoed with the profound loss and confusion he felt, now that he was separated from his sister. The absence of a significant family bond had left a void that was difficult to fill.

Xiao, understanding the depth of Aether's emotional turmoil, said gently, "I can't replace your sister, Aether, but you're not alone. We'll find a new path in this world, together, and make sense of this life one step at a time."

He offered his unwavering support and friendship, determined to help Aether navigate the uncertain future that lay ahead and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

Xiao's heart sank as he heard Aether's distressing words about taking his own life. He understood the depth of despair and pain that had driven his friend to such a dark place.

Desperate to offer support, Xiao spoke with a sense of urgency, "Aether, please don't talk like that. I'm here for you, and there are people who care about you. We'll find a way to heal from the past, to find hope, and to give your life meaning once again. Let's seek help together and face this darkness."

He reached out to Aether, his eyes filled with genuine concern, determined to ensure his friend's safety and well-being.

Xiao's heart ached as he saw the tears welling up in Aether's eyes. He knew that the pain his friend was experiencing was overwhelming, and he felt a deep sense of helplessness.

With a gentle and empathetic tone, he said, "It's okay to cry, Aether. Your emotions are valid, and I'm here to support you through this." Xiao remained by Aether's side, offering a comforting presence and a shoulder to lean on as his friend navigated through this incredibly difficult moment.

As Aether hugged Xiao, the physical embrace conveyed a depth of emotion that words couldn't express. Xiao, though often reserved and stoic, welcomed the gesture with open arms. He understood the significance of this moment, the need for connection and support.

Xiao gently returned the embrace, offering a reassuring presence. He said softly, "We'll face this together, Aether. You're not alone, and I'll always be here for you."

In that moment, their friendship became a lifeline, a source of strength to weather the storm of pain and despair that had engulfed Aether's life.

In the days and weeks that followed, Aether's journey to healing continued. With the unwavering support of Xiao and the friends he had made in Teyvat, he gradually found his way back from the brink of despair. The darkness that had overshadowed his life began to recede, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

Together, Aether and Xiao faced the challenges of Teyvat, forging new bonds and making new memories that would overshadow the painful past. Aether's determination to reunite with his sister never wavered, but he also discovered that life had much more to offer than he had initially realized.

With each passing day, the scars of his past grew less painful, and he learned to treasure the present moments. The friendship and support of Xiao and the people of Teyvat became a guiding light, helping Aether find a new sense of belonging in a world that had once seemed so foreign and daunting.

The story of Aether and Xiao was one of resilience, friendship, and the strength to overcome even the darkest of trials. It was a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal, grow, and find meaning in the face of adversity. And so, their journey continued, with the promise of a brighter future on the horizon, where hope and companionship would forever light their way..

The End

I hope you guys liked it. Bye for now!

~Jay<3

[stargazer-balladeer]

it’s my birthday soon and i’ve always felt lonely during my birthdays— so if it’s alright, can i request headcanons for scaramouche, xiao, and albedo with an s/o who only locks themselves in their bedroom because they don’t feel special enough to even celebrate their birthday? thank you 🥺

S/o’s birthday but locks themselves in their rooms because they don’t feel special [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Albedo, Scaramouche & Xiao

Notes: 👁👄👁 the title is so long- i don’t know how to shorten it- hshshs. Btw, HAPPY ADVANCE BDAY ANON-!! I KNOW THAT FEELING ANON- SO UR NOT ALONE 🤧🤧 if you want to talk, you can msg me anytime-! You deserve to be showered with love-! Hope ya’ll like this!

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: none

[aether, childe, diluc, kaeya, venti]

Albedo

As much as Albedo wants to remember your birthday, he just forgets because of many things running through his mind. Especially when it comes to new discovery. He’ll be so sorry when he remembered that your birthday was today-

At first, Albedo had a hard time looking for you. He asked everyone- yes even Diluc, Kaeya, Jean, Klee, everyone- but no one has seen you. Which made him worried since no one has seen you the entire day—

He would literally tear down Mondstadt trying to find you until he remembered that he hasn’t check your house yet. When he finds that you’ve been locked up in your room the entire day, it literally broke his heart- ;w;

He would feel like it’s his fault that you don’t feel special, like bro- he would have a sad puppy face on. He will put his hands on either side of your face and make you face him-

“You are special. You are like the sun. You are like a (God/Goddess). Even if you don’t feel special yourself, you’re special to me. And since you’re my beloved, my (prince/princess), you deserve all the happiness and love in the world. You deserve to feel special on your special day. So smile, I don’t want to see any tears.”

Albedo would do anything you want, probably to make up his forgetfulness- :p if you want cuddles, then cuddles you’ll get. If you want a cake or something, he’ll try to bake something, no promises though. (Its the thought that counts, right? 👀).

Albedo would use his ability of drawing and bringing them to life. He would draw all sorts of things, bunnies, squirrels, flowers, and others. He knew that you love watching him draw and bringing them to life. It honestly warms his heart knowing you love what he’s passionate about.

If you want, Albedo could talk to you about all the things he found out recently. All of the research and things he discovered. If you ever question some things regarding about what he discovered, he would happily try to explain it. (It’s honestly adorable seeing him explaining the things he discovered in his research- 🤧)

At the end of the day (around 11-), he would cuddle with you while laying beside you. Every so often, he would press a kiss on your head.

“Happy Birthday, my love. May many more to come... the next time your birthday come, I promise we’ll celebrate it together properly.”

Scaramouche

If you think that Scaramouche doesn’t care about your birthday, then you’re right-! 😃 I’m joking- (unless-). He honestly wants to spend your birthday together with you, but his duty as a Harbinger comes first.

Believe me when I say he feels guilty. Leaving you alone on your special day is honestly low, even for him. He would definitely try to finish all of his missions immediately to get back to you. He would do whatever means necessary to finish them all immediately (he might or might not have sacrificed some people in the process- 👀).

You can imagine his confusion when he couldn’t find you anywhere. He already has something set up for you, all he needs is the birthday person themselves. But he couldn’t you anywhere.

Someone better tell him to check your room or else he would literally tear down the Fatui headquarters just to look for you-! He seriously need to manage his anger- 😓

Scaramouche would find it weird to he finds out that you’ve been in your room for the entire day. At first, he didn’t understand why you’re doing this. But soon, he’ll understand. Afterall, he might’ve done that before..

This guy has no manner whatsoever as he just entered your room like he owns the place- one look at you and the next thing you know is that he’s pampering you- like he’ll be preparing a bath for you and choosing an outfit for you (he’s a fashionista, change my mind 😃). Like bro, who are you and what happened to Scaramouche?

“Tsk. You’re quite a handful, you do know that, correct? Making me go through all this effort to comfort you. Now tell me, who put that idea on your head? Was it your family? Was it someone else? I honestly want to murder whoever put that idea in your pathetic head. ‘Not special to celebrate your birthday’? Ha! Don’t make me laugh. Everyone deserves to feel special, even if its for one day. Now, stop being stubborn and enjoy it-!”

Scaramouche would pamper you so much, like his personality did a 180- he would be pressing kisses all over your body and praising you like theres no tomorrow. He would help you dry yourself and put on the outfit he chose for you. If your hair is long, he would help styling it.

He would take you on a fancy dinner date (this guy is also rich, fite me—). He would honestly spoil you lmao- so enjoy it while it lasts- 😃

“Don’t expect this everyday, okay? I’m not gonna put much effort the next time... still.. happy birthday, my beloved. Don’t ever feel like you’re not special when you’re special to me.. if you ever feel sad, come to me. Thank you for putting up with me.”

Xiao

(Yes I’ve remade the Xiao banner again- 🤧🤧 im very indecisive ik-)

Celebrating birthday? What’s that? Xiao honestly didn’t think much of it since centuries pass by with his day of birth passing each time, he never really thought much of it. Never bothered celebrating it.

But when he found out (from Verr or Rex Lapis/Zhongli) that the mortals celebrate their birthdays, he honestly doesn’t have a clue on how to celebrate it. So he might seek the help of Verr or the Traveller.

He does his best. Please give him credit for trying- ;;w;; He’ll try his best to make something for you. It won’t be anything grand. A simple picnic near Wangshu Inn with some Almond Tofu and other food-

So when the day of your birthday came, Xiao is nervous. He doesn’t know if you’ll like the surprise or not. But when he started to look for you, he was confused when he couldn’t find you before growing worried.

Unlike the other bois, he would immediately check your room before tearing the place down- when he finds you there, he’s honestly confused again- (poor bby, always getting confused- ;;w;;). When you explain to him that you just don’t feel special during your birthday, Xiao would get worried and upset-

The first thing he does is hug you. Like this is the only thing he knows about comforting someone- its not like he encountered humans that needs comforting- ;w;

“I.. don’t really know what it feels like to not feel special on your day of birth but.. you’re special to me. Isn’t that enough?”

Like broooo, he looks like a sad puppy- he’s honestly lost on what to do. You might as well need to comfort him too 😅. He would try to shower you with affections before dragging you to the picnic he set up.

He would be so relieved if you like or love the picnic he set up. As much as its embarrassing for him, he would allow you to feed him and, if you let him, feed you in return. He will continue to press some kisses on your face, head and hands. Because, like, u really deserve it- 🥺🥺

He would bring you to the highest mountain just near Wangshu Inn and enjoy the view, and possibly go stargazing with you. I can see him knowing how to make a flower crown for some reason :pp so he’ll make a flower crown out of Qingxin flowers and place it on your head-

“Happy day of birth, my love. Even as more days of birth come, I promise to make you special. Even though it’s not the grandest, I hope that my efforts and love will be enough.”

[x] Main Page || [x] Mondstadt Page || [x] Liyue Page || [x] Fatui Harbingers Page

[xlbrh]

Genshin Impact - Small things they do to show their love

notes : so i’ve been trying to think of an idea for a long story to write for one of the characters, but i’ve been having a little bit of trouble :( if anyone has any suggestions i’d love to hear them! hopefully i’ll be able to come out with an introduction or something soon 

in the meantime i wrote this up, so i hope that you guys enjoy!

Genshin Masterlist

warnings : none

format : bulleted, headcanons. fluff

pairings : diluc, kaeya, childe, zhongli, xiao, albedo, aether x gn! reader

word count : 1426

everything under the cut-

Diluc:

during your nightly walks around mondstadt, he notices how chills can rack your body, especially when the wind blows

he’ll remove his jacket and drape it around your form, no matter how much you may protest

sometimes his arms will circle around your waist, drawing you towards him in an effort toto keep you warm until you get home

if you’ve been out adventuring close to the dawn winery, he’d invite you to the manor to share a meal or drink, whichever you’d like

whatever you desire, he’ll see to it that you receive it – most of the time he wouldn’t even ask you due to how well he can read you and your actions

when you try to refuse his offers, he’ll tell you ‘just let me look after you, my love’  

when you come to visit him in the angel’s share, he always has a seat ready just for you

he’ll keep a blanket and some books under the bar, since he knows how you like to curl up in the corner, engrossed in your reading

if you’d like he’ll come and sit with you for a short while, bringing a drink of your choice over while you tell each other about your day

Kaeya:

kaeya is the kind of man to call you every pet name under the sun

whether it be sweetheart, darling, love etc. he loves to use these types of names for you frequently, as a form of affection

he loves your reactions to them, especially when your cheeks flare up and you turn away out of shyness – he finds it extremely endearing

he would offer to train you in swordsmanship, regardless of whether you can already wield a sword or not

he likes to not only see your strength grow, but also offer you a way to protect yourself since he cannot be with you at all times

kaeya takes pride in the training sessions you have, after all they give him another reason to spend even more time with you

he loves for you guys to have matching things, no matter how small they may be 

for example, he’ll buy you a bracelet to wear, one that matches with one on his own wrist as well

jokingly he once bought you an eyepatch to match his, but he finds it sweet but hilarious when you’ll wear it around him sometimes

Childe:

since this man is a literal walking wallet, he has no problem with spoiling you with gifts

whether that be a necklace you’ve had your eye on, a new shirt because you ripped yours in battle, or a book he knows is the next in the series you enjoy

when asking him why he leaves you so many small gifts, his response is just ‘well, because i love you, of course!’

if you ever get hurt during a battle, he’ll be the first to help you

whether that be taking down the enemies if you haven’t already, or tending to the wounds you’ve received

he’d work with utmost caution, wrapping each wound gently and finishing them off with a kiss on top

when strolling the streets of liyue together, childe ensures that your body is connected to his one way or another at all times

whether that be intertwining your hands together, an arm loosely wrapped around your waist, or stopping to give you a brief peck on the forehead

he has no qualms in showing the public that you’re his – something he makes you well aware of

Zhongli:

he knows you love when he tells you stories of his past and the history of liyue, and he enjoys telling you about them

he finds the childlike wonder in your eyes adorable as he tells you tales of adepti and archons alike

zhongli will try his best to make them as entertaining as possible for you – drawing you in with every word he uttered

he likes to play with your hair, and for you to do the same to him

if you have longer hair you can guarantee he’d be braiding and styling your hair in all different ways, adorning it with hairpins he’d purchase for you

if your hair is on the shorter side then he’d love to run his fingers through, stroking your hair and massaging your scalp until you fall asleep with your head against his chest

if there is anything in particular that you take a big interest in, zhongli will try his best to research around it – even though he probably has the knowledge anyways

he wants to be able to talk to you about things you’re interested in, as well as share in the enjoyment that you get from it

he would leave small notes to you when he can’t always be around you, sometimes with small facts he learned of

Xiao:

he would for sure watch over you if you ever go on a long adventure, no matter what other duties he may have to attend to

expect to see a good few hilichurl and treasure hoarder camps abandoned thanks to his interference

‘anything to ensure your safety’, he thinks

some nights, when his duties have been fulfilled early, he’ll try his hand at preparing a meal for you to share

of course nothing especially fancy! After all he doesn’t have to eat himself – its all for your enjoyment

if he struggles he’d probably reach out to verr goldet some help

just imagine him setting a small picnic up on the wangshu inn rooftop iM WEAK

once xiao finally becomes accustomed to physical contact, he’d make an effort to hold your hand a lot more often

lightly squeezing it or tracing shapes with his thumb every now and again

if you’re lucky he way even take his gloves off – just to feel that warmth from his hand can be very comforting indeed

Albedo:

you’re literally the only person he will listen to when he is engrossed in his experiments

as we know he tends to block out the rest of the world when he is deep in though

but as soon as he hears your voice of concern asking if he’ll take a break to eat, you wanna bet he’ll be leaving his office in an instant to join you for lunch

he does the exact same for you when you’re hard at work, so he appreciates the way you always look after him

when out looking for more specimens to analyse, he stumbles across his fair share of flowers

of course he knows which are your favourites – he knows everything about you, after all – so he’ll be sure to pick some to bring home to you

when giving them to you, he mentions ‘well, they reminded me of you, so i thought you’d like them’

if you ever get ill for some reason, albedo becomes your personal doctor

he’ll spend hours preparing serums and medicines for you to alleviate your pain – but will never let you out of his sight while doing so

he’ll ask noelle if she can fix up some food for you in the meantime, since at every free opportunity he’s sat at your bedside, hand in yours as he whispers words of comfort to you

Aether:

aether is always ready to make you something to eat whenever you’d like!

he for sure has a small section of his brain dedicated to learning of recipes that he knows you enjoy, no matter how simple or complicated they may be

will make sure that you always have some lunch ready to take with you wherever you go, even if it means he had to wake up early and travel halfway across teyvat to bring it to you

he will bring you back numerous treasures from his travels

sometimes he’ll ask the locals in whichever area he’s in if they can craft the raw materials into something that you can treasure

there would be a shelf in your room specifically for aether’s gifts, where he’ll occasionally point to each one and tell you the story of how it made it’s way back to you

he makes sure to let you know how grateful he is to have you by his side

every time you do something for him, no matter how small it may be, he’ll thank you and let you know how much you mean to him

when on his travels he makes sure to write letters and send them home to you – just because he’s far away doesn’t mean he’s not still thinking about you

[celestialarchon]

The Celestial Archon

Chapter Two: The Moonlight Phenomenon

Genshin Impact x F! Reader

Warnings: major Genshin Impact Spoilers! Possible grammar errors.

Tag list: To Be Added. (sorry it needed to be published!)

With the return of a mysterious archon, celebrations began! The night was filled with laughter, food, and memories being made. One person was amiss during the celebration, Mona still found herself unsettled and unable to be as excited as the others. An eerie feeling of unrest and anxiety has settled over our esteemed astrologist as our beloved heroes celebrate.

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“I’ve finally found you,” Mona’s intense astrology session was interrupted by a cheery high pitched voice.

“Hello, Seraphim.” Mona turned to greet the beautiful woman.

She nearly gasped as the woman walked in, her hair now styled and her eyes shining brighter than before, the mysterious tattoos seemed to have faded and though she was still striking she looked far more human than before. The Celestial Archon merely smiled at the woman’s surprise and stepped towards her, hand out.

“We should talk, my child. Fate had brought us together, an astrologist with a water vision instead of a celestial vision is strange enough.” The woman was calm but not cold as Mona took her hand.

Mona was warm as the gentle archon interlocked their fingers and led her to the corner of the room, sinking down into a comfy chair and pointing at the one next to her. Disappointment creeped up in the astrologist as her idol released her hand. It was quickly replaced with embarrassment and a soft flush across her cheeks. Mona was wholeheartedly captured by the mystery goddess.

“I’m sure you’re aware,” The bright eyes goddess sighed, “That my arrival in Teyvat has stirred up some trouble.”

Mona frowned slightly, “There was already trouble, your sudden appearance is not the cause of it.”

“That’s good, but I still feel that my presence is going to stir the pot a bit. I am connected to all the stars and spaces of this world, I can feel and see things so deeply and I am well aware that there are challenges coming. It’s annoying in some ways.” Her eyes were distant again.

Words were lost on Mona for a moment. She couldn’t begin to imagine how stressful it was to feel so deeply, to constantly be overwhelmed by information and one’s connection to the world. Every piece of text written about the Celestial Archon was very vague. Information on the god of stars was hard to find and many details had been lost, yet one thing seemed to stay the same in ever piece of information Mona had consumed.

Even when the world was teeming with elemental energy and gods were far more common, the goddess of the sky, Seraphim, was an oddity. Before the Archon war, Seraphim was a lone wolf being without many ties. The last god of stars kept to herself and had no desire to interfere with the other’s problems, despite knowing so much of them. It was incredibly lonely and sad.

“You said it’s strange that I have a water vision,” Mona finally spoke.

“Yes,” The archon clicked her tongue, “Had I been around, somebody like you would’ve received a vision from me. However, you did not receive one of my visions and ultimately that should’ve impacted your abilities over astrology but it did not. You are quite the gifted character, aren’t you Miss Mona?”

Mona’s face was tomato red at the words of the beloved celestial archon, “I am honored to be complimented by the goddess of stars.”

“You’re very formal,” The starry eyed goddess laughed.

“Excuse me,” the two were interrupted by none other than the acting grandmaster, “I would like a word with the Lady of the Stars.”

Mona was hesitant, not wanting her idol to slip away but nodded and escorted the woman to the door. She was a bit dissatisfied with the conversation they’d had, wanting to know more and more of her long awaited god. The woman turned back to Mona, eyes twinkling, and embraced her. The normally level headed and somewhat haughty astrologist stiffened in shock but returned the warm hug. A sigh escaped Mona’s mouth, but she didn’t mind. The goddess was warm and something about her affection put Mona at peace.

“I am so lucky that somebody as beautiful and gifted as you awaited my return, Mona Megistus. Until we meet again, my darling.” The woman’s grasp around Mona tightened as she whispered in her ear.

The water mage watched as the strange goddess gracefully glided away with Jean. She was ethereal with the moonlight filtering in from tall windows, her skin illuminated as she hung on to every word Jean said. Even the confident and ever busy acting grandmaster found butterflies swarming her abdomen at the sight of the goddess. Jean felt as if she could be swept away by the young woman.

A part of Jean felt guilty for several reasons. As acting grand master, it was her duty to know about the citizens of Mond, it was her duty to work without personal emotions interfering, and her duty to oversee the safety of all the wind borne citizens. The Celestial Archon was challenging all of these duties. It was only natural for an astrologist to be obsessed with a god of stars, and Jean had interrupted the conversation. The Dandelion Knight couldn’t help but feel an innocent sort of crush on the goddess, she was kind and beautiful and she really seemed to want to get to know everyone. Ultimately, Jean was also aware of the danger a new archon posed.

Even so, the beautiful knight couldn’t help but want to push all those thoughts aside and capture the attention of the goddess for hours. She shook off that thought, attempting to focus on her duty as Mondstat’s respected Grand Master. Jean explained the general politics of the city of freedom and the individual jobs of the knights of favonious. She even went as far as to explain the adventurer’s guild and the recent trouble with Storm Terror. The Celestial Archon hung on to every word, nodding and asking occasional questions.

Jean took the time to explain the place they were in, a place between Mondstat and Liyue, and the teleport points that marked both countries. She was diligent and had already prepared some documents for the 8th Archon, maps and other things needed in the world. Jean had even communicated with others to ensure each safe place for the archon was marked. The allied domain was the middle ground, but Mondstat welcomed the new Archon with a living place and much to do. Liyue had also prepared a small home in the city for her.

The archon stared in wonder at the map. The knights of Favonious had prepared a room for her in their own head quarters, even the esteemed Tycoon had set aside a room. Wangshuu Inn welcomed her and Liyue Harbor gave her quarters close to Rex Lapis. Small notes were written for her, both Xiao and Diluc noted the stars were best seen from where they were while the traveler and Paimon had starred their favorite places to eat.

“Ah, Master Jean.” The Goddess spoke slowly, bowing.

“Please, Seraphim, there’s no reason to be so formal!” Jean’s voice rose nervously, “You are an archon after all.”

“Yes, that’s true. You do not serve me though, please refer to me as my chosen name. Formalities aren’t my taste much.” The Archon remarked bashfully.

Jean nodded, rose dusting her cheeks.

“I,” The Archon sighed, “Really need an open space so I can, uh, deal with my weapon situation.”

“Oh, oh!” Realization hit Jean.

“Oh, I am so sorry,” Jean babbled nervously, “Here let us go out to the cliffs, it should be okay, right?”

“Mhm,” The goddess followed the knight to the exit.

Aether and Paimon were also by the exit, turning at the sound of approaching foot steps. Aether grinned and waved at the Celestial Archon, she waved back and beamed. Paimon immediately took off, throwing herself into the Archons arms as the woman giggled. Jean’s face was priceless, attempting to process how this small otherworldly creature could just tackle and archon without shame.

Aether and his companion followed the two women, curious about the weapon another archon would wield. The group made their way to the edge of the cliff, the stars seeming extra bright and the moon full. The goddess lowered herself, feet on the lush grass and put her hand forth, palm out. Swiftly, she struck the air in front of her with her pointer finger, an unfamiliar constellation connecting at each point.

“Return to your master, Destroyer of Divinity.” Her words were clear and calm.

The constellation burst into a ray of white light, Aether covered his eyes as Paimon whined. Darkness fell again and he opened his eyes, gasping at the sight in front of him. The goddess held a long weapon close to her body, above her shoulder was a large opalescent curved blade, below the hip on the opposite side, another shimmering curved blade could be seen. No weapon in Teyvat was even similar.

“I-Is is that a scythe?!” Jean sputtered.

“Aha, well yes,” The goddess blushed at their reactions, “Destroyer of Divinity is an unusual weapon, meant to slice through dimensional and spatial barriers. I didn’t mean to shock you.”

Aether stood, mouth agape, “Even its name is terrifying! What the hell?”

“Ahahaha,” the archon continued to laugh nervously, “Well, its existence is basically to bring judgement from the heavens upon those deserving so yeah it’s a bit intimidating.”

Aether nearly screamed. How could she say something so casually?

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The traveler was feeling a bit nervous, as anybody would if an Archon decided to tag along for their daily commissions. Paimon and the Celestial Archon chattered away as Aether spoke to the Katheryne in Liyue. It did not help that the three had left before the others awoke and the Celestial Archon had left a note declaring it as a “friendly date.”

The last thing Aether wanted was to piss off literally any of the adepti, the Geo Archon himself, and even Jean who had taken a very noticeable interest in the goddess. A cloud seemed to look over the blonde but Paimon didn’t notice. The eighth Archon gave the teenager a sympathetic smile and put her hand on his shoulder, attempting to ease his nerves. Only one thing could make the situation worse, and unfortunately that particular thing was heading straight towards Aether.

“Let’s run,” Aether grabbed the startled archon’s wrist and dragged her to the teleport point nearby, ignoring the calls of a certain troublesome individual.

The archon chuckled, “I didn’t know daily commissions would be so exciting!”

Aether smiled sheepishly and let go of her wrist, trying to focus on which commission to start with. He was distracted by a sudden commotion, people yelled out as a hooded figure darted past the trio. Liyue Harbor’s guards thundered after the thief, knocking the poor panicked goddess off her feet.

The eight archon shut her eyes and prepared for the impact of the fall, but was yanked back by a pair of strong arms.

“Hey, girlie. Hold still.” A charming voice said.

The goddess watched as the lanky ginger haired man moved forward and shot an arrow, narrowly missing all the guard and hitting the suspicious character in the back. Aether’s eyes were filled with shock and panic at the sight of the man. Immediately, the goddess side stepped away from her hero, on high alert.

“Now,” He turned to her beaming, “What exactly is such a beautiful young lady doing with this kiddo?”

Her starry eyes met his azure eyes, “I’m just a new adventurer from Mondstat, learning the ropes from the best.”

“Hmm?” His gaze was questioning, “Well then, I’m Childe. Number 11 of the Fatui Harbingers. We should definitely get to know each other.”

The goddess moved to Aether in a quick swift movement. Suddenly, she wanted very much to escape Liyue Harbor. The Fatui were trouble, the goddess was new to the era but even she knew that they were dangerous. It was one of the first matters addressed at her arrival. She no longer knew the Cryo Archon, and this Tsarita sounded troubling.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” an annoyed voice chimed in, averting the red head’s attention.

A shorter man with a large hat and ominous aura stood behind the tall harbinger. Aether tensed up and the goddess wrapped her arm around his shoulder. Slowly, the trio made their escape at the expense of Childe. The older harbinger was chewing the younger man out for flirting and wasting time, both harbingers bickered as the traveler and his companions fled.

“You shouldn’t be wasting time on trying to get laid you, fool.” Scaramouche scowled, still ripping into his subordinate. “Especially not that woman, even from a mile away I can tell she’s trouble. You’re a harbinger not a host, get your shit together, Tartaglia.”

Childe smirked, looking down on his superior, “So you noticed her, too. I wonder what someone like that is doing with my favorite traveler.”

“We should alert the Tsarita of that girl,” Scaramouche mumbled, avoiding the earlier comment.

“I actually agree,” Childe’s eyes narrowed, “I was hoping to see for myself what she is, but that kid stopped me of course. There’s something strange about her but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe I can charm it out of her?”

Scaramouche slapped his comrades back, “Let’s go you useless fucking playboy.”

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Wangshuu Inn looked beautiful and the aroma of food was far too enticing. Aether sighed as he watched his small, chubby companion chase after the eighth archon. The woman was supposed to be divine, yet in some ways he reminded her of a puppy or a kitten. She was somewhat moody with her affections and spacey like a kitten may be, and still somehow clingy and energetic like a puppy.

Luckily for the two, Aether had a commission from Verr Goldet. The blonde tried to maintain composure as he saw a familiar dark haired yaksha speaking with the Inn Keeper, not wanting to admit he’d accidentally led the Fatui straight to the Archon. The traveler watched in fascination and amusement as Verr’s face twisted from composed to horrified when Xiao was knocked over by the goddess. The conqueror of demons merely grunted and stood back up, clutching the ethereal woman to his chest.

Xiao’s eyes were cold as they met Aether’s, clearly annoyed with the boy, but his expression softened at the yawning goddess in his arms. Once again, the traveler was overcome with curiosity at her behavior. Only moments ago the woman was bubbly and hyper, now her eyes were fluttering and she was snuggling up to one of the most dangerous beings in Teyvat. Without a word, the tattooed man spun around and carried the goddess upstairs.

“I’m here for your com-“ Aether began.

“Who was that?!” Verr Goldet burst out, “I’ve never seen Adeptus Xiao so damn agreeable. What just happened? Is this a dream?”

Paimon giggled, “He loooooves her! That person is the one we told you about before! Even Xiao can’t be in a bad mood around her, it’s amazing!”

“Oh,” Verr blushed at Paimon’s words, “She’s that person? No wonder he’s been so restless.”

“Wait, restless?” Aether questioned.

Verr Sighed and beckoned the two to a guest free area. The two followed her into a small back room, exchanging glances. The boss lady pulled out an old book and brushed the dust away. Aether and Paimon peered down at the book, puzzled by its appearance. It was a dark leather with carvings of the moon and clouds on the front.

Carefully, Verr flipped the book open and turned it to the two. Paimon shot up, shrieking. The book looked like a book you’d find in a library but was strange. Instead of ongoing text, the pages had scraps and pieces stuck on the pages with various notes scribbled around. Verr turned to the first page, placing her middle finger at the beginning text and giving Aether and expectant look. The traveler leaned down and began to read the text.

“The moonlight phenomenon: Legend of Liyue.

It is said that there was once a ruler of the stars, one who ruled over the sky as the Gods rule over our land. When tides of war overcame Liyue, Rex Lapis sought out the monarch of the sky to form a contract.

Seraphim granted Rex Lapis the moonlight phenomenon. Liyue’s skies were never to dim even on the darkest of nights, the moon and stars would remain as guides for Liyue always. It is said that this contract assisted in bringing the evil gods to their doom, the sky illuminating the way to victory for Liyue and all of Teyvat.”

Verr flipped the page as Aether exhaled trying to wrap his mind around the strange passage.

“The Contract: Seraphim and Rex Lapis.

The circumstances of the moonlight phenomenon still remain unknown. It is an ancient mystery that many still attempt to solve, what exactly did the Geo Archon barter for his people?

Nobody knows, still. However, the most common theories are that the contract has not been fulfilled or that there was no contract to begin with. Many believe that Rex Lapis and Seraphim were secret lovers, and this was Seraphim’s gift to her beloved. Others hypothesize that Seraphim’s wish was never fulfilled, as her death sealed the victory for The Seven Archons.”

Aether shuddered. People in Liyue believe that The Celestial Archon died in the Archon war? Verr flipped to a page in the middle of the book.

“Liyue’s Priestess Seraphim

It is said that a woman with eyes vast like the galaxy beyond and mysterious astrological powers once enchanted all of Liyue.

Seraphim, the last Celestial wielder was Liyue’s last hope. Though she is not honored as an archon, she is known vaguely as a priestess. The woman who captured the attention of the archon’s themselves and was adored by the Adepti. Few remain, but Liyue’s legends claim that the priestess of the stars was the lover of Rex Lapis, the lover of the Vigilant Yaksha, or the lover another adepti.

Even fewer discuss the devastation that occurred when she fell from grace. Her death was the catalyst of the only known battle between Liyue’s very own Archon, The Anemo Archon and his people, and the Adepti. A lesser known battle that almost forced both Mondstat and Liyue into Civil Wars.

When the dust settled, all that stood was the full moon. Many Adepti still honor the priestess under the moonlight by fighting evil spirits and demons.”

Aether’s eyes widened at Verr. She solemnly shook her head as the traveler’s face fell. Xiao, Ganyu, Zhongli, Venti, all of them suffered so terribly. It was confusing to the boy that every text described the Celestial Archon as deceased. His head began to hurt from the information. Verr sighed and led him back out.

“Once you finish commissions, why don’t you two stay here? I’ll prepare a room for you,” The boss was sympathetic.

Aether grimaced but nodded, leading Paimon out to finish their duties.

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Somewhere in the shadows of Wangshuu Inn crept a Fatui agent, slipping away as the traveler set out. The shadowy figure grinned at the piece of paper in their hand.

“Protected by the traveler and the Adepti. Master Childe will be interested in this,” His eyes were dark as he approached his fellow Fatui agents, “She could be very useful to us, this (Y/N).”

The suspicious shadows began to slink away, overcome with desire to inform their boss of the new information. Only a few feet away, a strange creature ducked down to avoid being seen by the agents, fidgeting.

“The angel is here!” The creature shrieked as the cult like group left it’s sight, “(Y/N) will be ours.”

[archonanqi]

consequence / pt ii

⛔️ Warning: Please read the tags and warnings on the info page and proceed with caution.

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—

pt. ii of iii

The sky was still dark when you woke with a splitting headache. You blinked the sleep from your eyelids, eyes adjusting to the shadowy silhouettes of furniture around you. This was— one of Wangshu Inn’s rooms? You checked yourself for wounds and fractures; there was a scrape on your knee, but it had been properly dressed and bandaged.

Zhongli.

You had to get Aether and get out. You would have taken any punishment from Zhongli for breaking the contract but Aether— it was clear that Zhongli knew he could get to you through him. Your brother was in danger, too.

Stumbling to the door, you threw it open to meet the stunning Liyue night view. At the altitude of Wangshu Inn, the air was always cold and crisp, and you took a deep breath as you stepped out of the room to come face to face with a pair of familiar, bright yellow eyes. 

“Xiao?” The relief you felt was immense. No matter the danger, you’d always been able to depend on the Vigilant Yaksha to back you up in battle. “I’m so glad to see you. You won’t believe this—“

Once you took a better look at Xiao’s face, you trailed off. There was no surprise in his gaze. You had not found him by a stroke of luck; he was here to stop you from leaving.

“I know of your contract with Rex Lapis.” How long had it been since he had last spoken to you in that tone of disdain? “I have helped him uphold countless in the past few millennia. Even you are no exception.” 

“Xiao, I didn’t even know what the contract meant,” you pleaded, hope soaring at the flicker in his eyes. “Please, let me leave.”

The Yaksha swallowed visibly, brows knitting together. “No,” he finally said. “Go back to your room. I don’t want to have to fight you while you’re in... this state.”

“You’d fight me here?” You said, for the second time that night. “The civilians—” As you turned to gesture at the staff of Wangshu Inn, you realized that despite the commotion, not one of them was looking in your direction.

“The staff of Wangshu Inn are prepared, as am I,” Xiao said, without so much as glancing in their direction, “to carry out the will of our lord.”

Ah. You were alone here. But still, you stood firm, and watched the resignation dawn in Xiao’s eyes. You had not backed down when Chef Mao told you they were out of Almond Tofu, during your dinner with Xiao three months ago. You had not backed down when three Abyss Mages had you cornered in Lingju Pass; and even as Xiao had slaughtered them, you’d tried to get one last swing in with a tree branch. You would not back down now, and Xiao knew it as well as you did.

“I wish it didn’t come to this,” Xiao said, and you believed him wholly. 

He clasped his hand to his face, and when it came away, he was wearing his mask. You supposed that you should feel a little flattered that he thought he had to don his Yaksha mask to fight you, hungover as you were. But before that, you felt worry. You knew full well what the mask did to him, had seen your fair share of aftermaths after a battle had dragged too long. 

“Xiao, don’t hurt yourself,” you whispered.

In his eyes, behind the teal glow of his veil, you saw just a flicker of hesitation. But not enough.

Just as you shifted into a defensive stance — the way Xiao had taught you to do during your sparring sessions — there was a movement behind you. The Yaksha looked up over your shoulder, and immediately bowed his head, his mask fading away as quickly as it had come. You turned, even though you already knew what you’d see: Zhongli, pristine and immaculate as ever, his coat carried gently in the wind. 

Disappointment in Zhongli’s gaze had always been hard to stomach, but today, it felt like the weight of the world on your lungs. “So she did try to escape, then, before even granting me an audience?” The former Archon asked, every word chilling you to your core. “Thank you for your service, Xiao. You may go now.” 

Xiao lifted his head, turning to go wordlessly. Before he disappeared down the stairs, he paused. “What are you going to do to her?”

Zhongli regarded him with a lidded glance. “Only what must be done.”

—  

After Xiao’s leave, Zhongli turned to you. 

“Do you understand now?” He asked, flicking his hand back in the same slow gesture as he always did when he was telling a long story. You remembered how much you adored listening to the tales of the Archon War. Stories of those he conquered, brought to life through his deep, rich voice. You never thought you’d be among them, one day. “Six thousand years is a long time, even for those who live forever. I know every crack, cave and crevice, every clan, bloodline and family in Liyue. There is no place for you to run.”

You knew what he left unspoken. You had been a part of Liyue for what, one, two years? He had raised it from the earth. Despite all his talk of friendship, you would find no allies here who would, when faced with the choice, defy their archaic lord for you. 

Xiao’s betrayal still stung, but in light of the weight of Zhongli’s presence before you, it was all but inconsequential, and wholly unsurprising. The slight shiver that ran down your spine, this time, was not because of the cold night air. 

“What did you do to Aether?” is the first thing you managed to say.

“Your brother is safe.” Zhongli assured you. “I’ve had him sent to Bubu Pharmacy for treatment, and Paimon is looking after him.” 

The relief you felt was uneasy. Safe— for now, at least. 

“Where is he?”

“A location that I have secured, personally. You may see him when we are done here.” Zhongli answered seamlessly. You did not miss the threat that was left unspoken. “Though, he is not the one you ought to be worrying about, right now.”

An amicable departure from Teyvat was but a dream at this point; but maybe if you swallowed your anger, you could get him to leave you alone. Of all the farewells you had imagined, this wasn’t one you hadn’t even imagined would come to pass.

“That was it, right?” You joked weakly, even the pretense of cordiality almost too difficult to maintain, “the Wrath of the Rock? I mean, you literally knocked me out.” 

Zhongli studied you carefully, before opening his mouth. “What do you think?” He asked. “ Was that a punishment fitting enough for one who reneged against the God of Contracts?”

“I— I,” You stammered for a little, but stopped once you realized it was futile. Zhongli would exact what punishment he deemed you deserved, and no force in Teyvat could possibly hope to stop him. Defeated, you exhaled deeply. “Would it help my case if I said ‘yes’?”

“No,” Zhongli answered, without hesitation. “Not in the slightest.” There was nothing left of the Zhongli you knew — thought you’d known — in his stone-cold expression.

A festering fear had settled deep within your stomach, rancid and heavy.  How arrogant you had been, to think that you could thoroughly understand a being that had lived longer than recorded history, longer than human civilization in some worlds — could you even grasp the very notion of living six thousand years, of spending four thousand fighting a war? The countless bygone friends and foes he must have had to cut down? 

How foolish of you to think that you could have outweighed any of them. 

“What will it take to keep Aether safe?” You said, dropping your smile. If Zhongli would not budge when faced with the lingering remnants of your friendship, then you would speak to him the only way you knew how to get through to him; with a contract. “I’ll willingly accept any punishment, without a fight, as long as you promise to let him and Paimon go safely afterwards.”

Would Zhongli really… kill you? Even knowing all that you knew of his brutality during the war, it was hard to wrap your head around. You couldn’t breathe.

“Any…?” Zhongli’s huff created a small cloud of condensation in the night air. “It seems I have not taught you enough about the art of negotiation during our journey together. An open contract is a very dangerous thing to place in the hands of your adversaries.“ 

“I don’t care,” you snapped. Any other time, and you would have loved to hear him lecture, but...“Just tell me you won’t hurt them.” 

Zhongli closed his eyes once more, as he always did when presented with a contractual proposal to ponder. Finally, when he had been still so long you’d thought he might have fallen asleep, he crossed his arms. “Very well. I accept the terms of your contract.” 

At least, no matter what happened to you, Aether and Paimon would be safe. 

“Come, y/n,” Zhongli beckoned with two gloved fingers, “let us continue somewhere more private.” He turned around and began walking, as though he had not a doubt that you would follow him. Well, with the terms that he had over your head, did you really have a choice? 

You had been to Wangshu Inn so many times — to complete commissions, to grab a quick lunch, to bring Almond Tofu for Xiao — that you knew the land around it like the back of your hand. It would be so easy to escape on your own; you’d make it to Mondstadt within the night. Determined as Zhongli was, the idea of a diplomatic fallout with Liyue’s neighboring nation would at least make him take pause in his pursuit of you. Right?

Freedom was within your grasp. Behind you, the crickets chirped their hymns into a star-flecked sky. 

You owe me big time, dear brother , you thought bitterly to yourself as you followed Zhongli back into his room.

[blue-pastel-cat]

Xiaobedo Fanfic Recommendation

Welcome to my personal “if you are new to xiaobedo peeps please read these” list. As said before this is my personal list so please feel free to reblog/comment/hit me for not including any gem here. I might miss a lot of them because I am drunk or blind. (mostly have them on my to read and then forgot as I am being assault by real life shit).

I would like to say first that so far there are 150+ Xiaobedo fics on Ao3. I can’t review all of them but I can say that I have read a majority of them. Most of them are just pure love and I would like nothing more than a thousands thank you for all the fic writers who spent their free time writting these gems for us to read for free. But these...these takes the cake as it finds a special landing spot in my heart that I would just thrust them into someone’s hand if they say “I am new to this ship can you recommend me?”

1. Orange dust by bobamilkteas (Wes)

In which Xiao learns to open himself up to the world a little more after the collapse of Rex lapis's contracts but it was not always easy for a soul doomed to eternal damnation. Meanwhile, Albedo liked to tempt fate where the extraordinary are concerned.

If only the traveler's comrades are made of saner bunch.

Comment: Long ago when I like both Albedo and Xiao as a character, I was wondering hmmm....will anyone actually even write about them lmao they never met each other. I am surprise to see this one as the 3rd fic in the whole 3 Xiaobedo fic on Ao3 (yeah back when there’s literally only 3 fic for this couple). I was like I’ll read it for the curiosity, I’ll probably won’t ship them. And that people is how I put my clown make up on my face upon finishing reading it. This ONE fic alone convert me into a devotee of Xiaobedo. Please consider joining me in this circus if you want to know what is Xiaobedo. I would put this as the first of my “Big 3″

Orange Dust also come with its compliation of short stories over the course of the game and a big sequel to it. Please also consider reading ALL OF THEM.

2. Solar Wind by birdpriestess (Sparrow)

For the yaksha, his duty was his life, and his life was his duty. No human could ever hope to understand the eternal war he fought out of sight and in silence.

So why, then, did he feel that Albedo would understand?

---

Finding himself at death's door once more, Xiao is saved by a surprising person, setting off the unlikeliest of adventures.

Comment: Do you like crying? Do you like the feeling of getting your heart ripped into pieces as the author destroy your emotions over the end of each chapter as the story picked up the climax? Yeah, this one is for you masochists. The action, the characterisation, the drama THE EMOTIONS OH WOW. I kid you not that it was so good I read this while workinng when I am not suppose to me. Also, this fic has my favourite characterisation of Gold ever. I love that dramatic queen Mad Alchemist. AND DAIN. I LOVE DAIN IN THIS FIC. Our dearest Sparrow manage to toy with our feelings like how I bully ruin guard for big numbers lmao. This is the secound of “Big 3″ of my Xiaobedo list.

Again, just like Orange Dust, Solar Wind comes with its own compliation of short stories of what came after that. Please also consider reading ALL OF THEM.

3. Castle of Glass by AlchemicalStardust (Morgie) 

A black shadow rises over Huaguang Stone Forest. Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Albedo flees the shaking ground and the crash of boulders tumbling form the sky. As the dust settles, Albedo finds a young man – an Adeptus – amidst the carnage. Despite the karmic agony ripping his body from the inside, Xiao’s only question is “How?” How did a human survive after witnessing his battle?

Comment: The last of the “Big 3″ of my Xiaobedo list. And it is still on going! Castle of Glass? More like I AM IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS! Have you read a fic about 2 people yearning, longing, reaching out for each other so damn well that you just want to throw your phone in the air as they both had their impending doom coming down upon them? Yeah this is one of them. You will like want to be stuck in the moment they express how much they just yearn for each other’s love and care that you want to shake the author for what comes next. Like...everytime Morgie update I am expressing my gratitude at the end of the chapter by writing on Xiaobedo discord “MORGIE COME HERE AND LET ME BONK YOU WHY ARE YOU ENDING IT THERE”

trust me when you read you will def feel the same. With just Big 3 and their compliation alone that would give you like a LONG list of reading already LMAOOOOOOO

4. Find a place to call it home  by yamajiroo 

Our room, he said. Xiao’s brow twitches. Zhongli never said anything about this. But then again, perhaps he should anticipate this from the beginning...

Xiao looks over at Albedo, who is now tilting his head, his look as innocent as ever.

“Are you not okay with sharing a room?”

Comment: College AU for Xiaobedo! One thing that I love this is the slow burn and what made me LOVE LOVE LOVE this fic more is how cute Klee is in this fic. Their relationship in this one is very simple, but that simplicity highlight why their chemistry work. Xiao is someone who was just very gentle, who was largely misunderstood by his lonesome nature. Albedo was someone who like peace and quite in his introvert bubble. And how they respect that bubble that each other has actually made their relationship work. I love it when fic highlight this and this one captures it.

5. I Can't See Your Face From the Other Side of the Classroom by MissWeaver  

When Albedo and Xiao unexpectedly start eating lunch together, they begin to find that they have more in common than anyone would have realized. They both struggle in their own ways with blossoming feelings, too many assignments, and annoying classmates as they navigate a relationship for the first time.

Comment: I’ll be honest, I usually hate high school au just because its so cliche. I don’t even watch and drama/anime surrounds high school student anymore LMAOOO (unless it’s very good). So if there’s an high school AU that I actually keep come back and read after a couple of chapters, it means that the cliche that I hate wasn’t there or barely was there at all. The pinning in this fic makes me want to bang their head together sometimes LMAOOO The tag wasn’t kidding when they said both Xiao and Albedo are bad at feelings. Also that’s a lot of heart broken caused by these two idiots XD

6. new world, same me, same bullshit  by  bobamilkteas (Wes)

At the belly of Dragonspine, Albedo lost control to the festering corruption that permeated his senses and watched, from the recesses of his mind, as his devoured body turned his allies into enemies. Before his rampage reached its climax, he is sealed in a crystalized confinement by the last hand of Reindottir, where he then reawakens centuries after, in a rebooted Teyvat.

Comment: Yeah I know it was list in Orange Dust but here me out. This sets out in an entirely different universe. And if you like Polyamory, this one has Zhongli joining the duo and I love it because I also love ZhongXiao with my life. Time Travel is my biggest kink. Especially when I am the person who love it when people explore Archon War era/ Alatus!Xiao. So this one hits double of my kink. Of course it is still on going and I will bully Wes whenever I can to see that new chapter. Albedo is a total fucking badass in this story and I completely agree from using him in Abyss so often. Everyone should write badass Albedo.

7. misplaced heart of mine by  inkburn           

“If you are ill, then you should be resting at home. In Mondstadt.” He emphasized Mondstadt with a pointed look in his direction.

“I assure you I won’t be troublesome, Adeptus Xiao,” Albedo said, “You’ll find I’m a rather low-maintenance traveler.”

“Travel,” Xiao scoffed, “without airstep?”

Albedo looked him up and down. “Are your legs just for decoration?”

(albedo is sent to liyue on mandatory vacation. xiao is his unfortunate bodyguard.)

Comment: Most of the time you will see Albedo and Xiao starting their relationship with one of them taking interest in another. But this one took another approach, they starting off by make them hating each other’s guts LMAOOOO and I live for every second of it. There’s only 1 chapter so far but wow it was SOOO GOOD. I am really really excited for next chapter and is waiting patiently ;w;

8.  Blossom of Grace  by birdpriestess  

One day in Liyue Harbor, Albedo watches a street performance by an enigmatic dancer named Xiao. And he becomes completely obsessed.

Comment: Have you ever look at Xiao fight and thinking that he’s one of the most beautiful deadly thing ever? How it was like he was dancing around the battlefield? How about actual dancer Xiao being so absolutely beautiful and perfect and that slow burn of Albedo falling in love with that beauty with a touch of Modern AU and cute Ganyu as the Wing woman. Yes, Sparrow delivers yet again another beautiful slow burn and while it’s still ongoing it is worth the read.

9. i think we could make this work (could get used to this) by outspaced               

“Xiao? What are you doing out here?”

“I—”

“It’s raining,” Albedo says, as if it isn’t obvious. “You could get struck by lightning.”

“What are you doing out here then?” Xiao does the only thing he knows how to do, he challenges Albedo. “It’s raining.”

Albedo just hums. “If I get struck by lightning, it’s for science.”

Comment: A short one-shot where I read the summary and went “This is it... this is their relationship.” I am sold immediately. Oh god Albedo why are you like this.

10. Ephemeral by criedprinz        

“It’s not for your investigation, is it?” Aether asked mildly.

Albedo traced a finger around the sketchbook, considering the question. “No,” he admitted finally. “I... I just want to see them again.”

He opened the sketchbook to reveal the drawing he’d just finished. Aether nodded, clearly recognizing the sharp golden eyes.

“Xiao,” he said. “You were rescued by an adeptus.”

When a visit to Dragonspine goes horribly wrong, Albedo is rescued by an unknown stranger, wielding powers he's never heard of. Led on a search to find out who it is, he finds himself in the middle of an unforgettable encounter..

Comment: A really really well written one-shot that I love. The yearning oh godddd the yearning from Albedo side is just so so much that I have to put it here. (I think you can see the trend here lmao. I am a sucker for yearning). And the moment they get to meet each other again is just chef kiss. MWHAA

11. Idle Yaksha, Brilliant Yaksha by Pit0fTheEarth

Alatus didn’t have a lot of responsibilities to keep. He spent most of his days dancing across the sky and eating away all nightmares that plagued a person’s sleep.

But one fortunate encounter led to too many unfortunate ones, taking his carefree existence and plunging it in darkness. His wings, stripped from him. His gentle touch, replaced by an unforgiving grip of destruction.

There was a lot of blood on his hands. With each passing moment, it became harder for Alatus to recall the last time someone gently held him.

Comment: This is one of the ongoing fic where I am very very much excited on the take of Naberius. And the way the author portray Xiao when he’s still the innocent Alatus is just *clench fist*. Baby ;w; Baby why do you have to lose all that innocence. Also the fic has long LONG flashback to Xiao past and his relationship with Naberius. We are unwielding more what happened to both of them and why perhaps does this have to do with Albedo.

That’s it for now, might add more later! Thank you <3

[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name and I’ll Be There: 8.2; Lantern Rite Part 1

You never had the chance to push Childe for answers on his vague statement, even after the two of you arrived in Liyue on the afternoon of the Lantern Rite.  It was as busy as you remembered, though it was nothing compared to how it would be once the sun set.  You weren't new to the festival, as you had gone a few times with Granny when you were a child, but that was a long time ago.  You were around twelve years old the last time you had joined the festival.

Being here again was like a breath of fresh air.  

It was a shame that breath of fresh air turned stale when Childe continued to prod at you.  "So, ojou-chan, what will you be doing after dark?"  He had intentionally turned it into a suggestive question, his smug brow raising slightly even after you glared daggers at him.

"I'm going to walk around, of course," you replied without giving him an inch.  "And I'm going to find Aether and Zhongli, too."

"Oh? Aren't you forgetting someone?"

"What I do in my free time is none of your business," your jaw tightened.  "You, Tartaglia, are literally a child.  Why don't you step aside and let your elders do what they want?  I am older than you, you know."

"I see you've picked up Signora's attitude," he moped and finally dropped the subject.

Perhaps you had, even though you hated her with all your life force after the trick she pulled at Angel's Share.  Even so, you couldn't help but bite the harbinger that fed you after he made strange offhanded comments about his own behavior, or his self-proclaimed 'apology' gift, or the way he held you the first time you felt Xiao's suffering.  You still couldn't figure out what was going on with him, and quite frankly, you could care less.  That's what you told yourself, anyway.

Was he an ally or an enemy?

"Earth to Mezzetin."  He rudely poked at your forehead.  "Is everything alright?  You've been obnoxiously loud all day and now you're quiet."

"You do realize you're equally as obnoxious?"  You met his eyes head-on after pulling away from your thoughts.  "I'm hungry."

"Ah, thought so.  Here," he handed you a heavy sack of mora without warning.  "I'll be at Northland Bank if you need anything."

"Eh? That's it?"  You watched him begin to walk off, expecting much more of a threat to your life if you so much as thought about running.

"You said it yourself ojou-chan, you're an adult," he called out over his shoulder.  "I'd expect you to act like one in these circumstances."

"Wha--!"  You scoffed at his shrinking figure as he climbed the stairs to the Snezhnayan bank.  "Ugh, whatever." Your gaze fell to the mora pouch in your hands.  Maybe I'll stop by the funeral parlor first and find Zhongli.

When you did, the archon paled at the sudden surprise appearance.  "How did you find yourself in Liyue Harbor?"  He scanned your body as if you were to be handled with care.  "I was under the impression you would remain at Zapolyarny Palace until further notice.  How did you happen to gain the Tsaritsa's trust so quickly?"

"Eh, you'll have to ask Childe that."  You didn't notice Zhongli's eyes narrow with contempt.  "He won't tell me why they decided to have me accompany him here," you answered without skipping a beat.  Though the archon was certainly thrown off guard, the two of you appeared to start right where you had left off like none of the events in the past two months had ever occurred in the first place.  It was refreshing to be with a friendly presence again, and you sighed in relief, hiding a wince from the sharp pain in your ribcage.

The movement didn't go unnoticed by Zhongli.  "Ah, yes...Allow me to brew you some tea.  The leaves I've gathered recently have exceptional pain-relieving qualities, though they don't compare to that of Xiao's medications--"

"How is he?"  Your interruption stopped the man in his tracks.  "Is he okay?"  If Zhongli knew you were feeling Xiao's pain, that meant the yaksha had been in contact.

"He's as well as he can be, given the circumstances he's been burdened with.  Do not worry yourself with him.  Please, take a seat."

You watched Zhongli's graceful movements as he prepared a kettle and brought the water to a boil, dropping the leaves in when it was hot enough.  You were oblivious to the thoughts that ran through his mind as he sent a wry smile your way.

That day, I made a grave miscalculation, Zhongli thought back to the group's encounter with Childe in Fontaine.  A guilty sigh escaped his lips as he poured the tea into two ceramic teacups.

.....................

Deception.  Maybe Zhongli was a little too good at playing the part of an innocent bystander, if he had succeeded in fooling Aether not once, but twice.  But this route would be the only way to ensure yours and Xiao's sanity...The archon grit his teeth as he parried Childe's relentless blows in the pouring rain.  The harbinger didn't hold back even though this was all for show.

How long did the fighting go on? Twenty minutes? Thirty?  An hour?  Childe gave the signal to Zhongli as he summoned his fifth and final narwhal using the rain that fell around them.  Most of the group was worn out from constantly changing tactics as the harbinger switched between his vision and delusion.  Childe was so much stronger than the first time he faced off with Aether...but so was Aether.  Zhongli understood the only way to make this plan work would be to sacrifice his two closest allies in one way or another.

"Retreat!"  Zhongli gave the order and an exhausted trio followed it without question.  Well, except for Aether.

"We can't leave Xiao!"

.................

He had hoped he gave Xiao the push he needed to seal the bond, but it apparently was not enough..."Here is your tea," he placed the teacup in front of you before sitting at the opposite end of the table.  "Tell me, have they remained true to their word and put an end to your experiments?"

You blew at your steaming cup before taking a small sip.  "Yeah...They've already begun testing on Fatui agents, but every single one of them dies.  It's funny, actually.  Dottore still can't figure out the correct ratio for my blood.  I've watched hundreds die."

"And how are you?"

That question was loaded, but you swallowed the nervous chuckle that had bubbled in your throat.  "I'm just glad to be so close to home." To him, you meant, even if the two of you never actually met up during your stay here.  Your eyes trailed to the window, and Zhongli noticed the sadness in the depths of your gaze as you watched people decorate the buildings with xiao lanterns.

"Xiao will be especially busy today, fighting off the demons that rise from the festivities," he answered your looming question.  "But I am sure he would find the time to meet you if he knew you were here."

"You know, I hold most of his memories, but I can never seem to know what he's thinking."  Your low voice captured the archon's attention again after a few silent minutes.  You were saying it more to yourself than to spark a conversation, eyes still gazing out the window.  "Maybe I am chasing after a fruitless dream."

"Your love for Xiao is strong."

"Eh?" Your head snapped back to the present moment.  "H-how did you--did he--?"

Your flustered composure drew out a low chuckle from Zhongli, and he set his teacup aside.  "I've lived for six thousand years; I know a thing or two about human concepts and emotions.  The entire group has known for quite some time."

"I was that obvious?" An insane amount of heat rose to your cheeks and you buried your face in your hands.  "So did he know before I...?"

"Xiao may be a few thousand years old, but he understands humans less than I do.  I can confidently say you caught him off guard."

You peeked out from behind your fingers.  "Hm?"

"It is not my place to say anything more on the matter," his lips tugged into a friendly grin as he brought the teacup to his lips once again.  "But I would not call it a 'fruitless' dream."

.................

The lanterns that lit the streets of Liyue illuminated the bustling crowds of people that were focused on getting food, souvenirs, and lanterns that were to be released later that evening.  You had parted ways with Zhongli in an effort to find Aether, with no luck in locating the boy even after nightfall.  Despite this, you navigated the festival alone in hopes of running into him as you eyed the food stalls.

That is, until the voices grew louder.  You swayed on your feet from the unexpected wave of nausea that overcame you, and grabbed onto one of the support beams next to the stairs.  Xiao was fighting something again, wasn't he?  You had felt the damned creep up on you as the day progressed, but nothing prepared you for the jarring pains that were too similar to the first time you had felt this side effect.  You nearly puked from the overwhelming sensation, coughing into your hand only for it to be splattered with blood.

Not again, you stared in horror as you hastily blinked away the splotches in your vision.  A quick glance around confirmed that there were children in the immediate vicinity, and you didn't want to scar them with the sight of you on what was supposed to be a happy night.  Your eyes flit to the distant building that housed the Northland Bank, and you were determined to make it there even if it was a bit too far for you to walk at the moment.

You stumbled through the crowd on unsteady feet and shallow breath until you bumped shoulders with a boy and tripped.  "Ngh!"  The impact worsened your dilemma, and your eyes caught those of the person you ran into.

"Sorry!  Wait, are you okay, ma'am?"  The white-haired boy retracted his outstretched hand and instead knelt at your side to offer his shoulder.  "You..."  This energy....could it be that I can finally...?

"U-um, excuse me."  You struggled to your feet and tried to make your way to the bank again.  This time you were immediately halted by the boy.  

"Ma'am, are you by any chance experiencing paranormal activity?"  His hard gaze made you hold your breath without realizing.  When he saw your eyes flash as if someone had held a lantern to your face, his grip on your shoulder loosened ever so slightly.  "My name's Chongyun.  I'm an exorcist.  Do you mind if we speak in private?"

He brought you to the docs, which were a little less crowded than the main area of the harbor.  Chongyun watched as you sat down and steadied your breathing while attempting to sneakily wipe away the blood that dripped from the corner of your mouth.  

I finally haven't scared them off, the boy thought as he stared at you in wonder.  Why now, though?  "Ma'am, can you tell me what's going on?"

"I-I appreciate your concern," you ground your teeth together while another wave of pain consumed you, "but I d-don't need your help."

"When did you start feeling this way?"  Chongyun sat with his legs crisscrossed in front of you, and summoned a deck of cards from his pocket.  Anger boiled as you watched him shuffle them in his hands and set them in the space between you one at a time.

"I wouldn't do that," you growled while your thoughts grew hazy.

"Don't worry, this won't hurt you."  He started mumbling some sort of incoherent verses before flipping one of the cards.

"I said DON'T!"

Chongyun caught your hand before it could swipe the cards away from the pier's surface, and he locked eyes with you.  He took a deep breath before speaking as if you were the one agitating him.  "Those are the evil spirits talking.  I can tell you're not that far gone.  Sit patiently, and I can help you."

You blinked for a moment and regained some control over yourself, relaxing your shoulders once he let go of your wrist.  "What is it you're trying to do?"

"Purge evil; it's my job.  We exorcists have protected Liyue for generations," he flipped another card over, noting your tension rising again before dying down.  Whatever he was doing with those cards seemed to piss off the voices in your head.

"Like adepti?"  You grimaced when he replaced one of the cards with another.  

"Yes, much like the Guardian Yaksha of Liyue," he replied calmly while testing your reaction with another card.  "I have much respect for him, but--"

"Xiao?  Have you seen him?"  Your hand burned when you grabbed his, but you ignored it once you caught his attention.  "Have you seen him recently?"  

"You know him by name?"  Chongyun was as confused as you were.  "That's odd, I thought we were the only ones who--"

"Hey!"  A high-pitched voice interrupted the conversation, and the two of you turned your heads toward the sound.  Paimon was flying towards you, Aether running right behind her.  "What are you doing here?! Are you okay? Did you escape? Did you kick Childe's butt?"

"I--" Aether stopped himself from hugging you when he saw the dried blood on your hand, his relieved smile fading into a concerned frown as his feet came to a halt.  "...Are you okay?"

"You know each other?"  Chongyun looked between the trio and summoned a new set of cards.  These ones held terrifying symbolism of demonic entities you didn't wish to know the name of, and he placed them over the other ones that sat on the ground.

"Ngh!"  A hand covered your eye in an attempt to put pressure against a sharp pain.  "You can't help me! Enough of this!"

"...W-what's wrong with her?"  Paimon trembled slightly when she heard the uncharacteristic aggressiveness in your voice.  "Is she...possessed?!"  

"Not quite," Chongyun returned his eyes to you in deep thought.  "I've never seen this before..."

"Wait, your positivity didn't scare them off?"  Aether suddenly looked a lot more concerned, and he moved so that he sat beside you.  Chongyun scared every spirit away...if that didn't happen this time, it must've been a bad sign.  "What happened to you in Snezhnaya?"  His voice was a mix of both guilt and anger.

"Zhongli didn't tell you?"  It took all your strength not to attack the three of them as Chongyun put another card down.  

"The group went their separate ways after you..." Aether shook his head and put a hand on your shoulder when he noticed the malice in your stare.  "What did Childe do to you?"

"It's just another side effect," you growled and pushed his hand off.  "I'm not possessed like this guy is saying."

"Is this true?" Paimon's skepticism antagonized you further, but you bit your tongue.

"We should take you to Zhongli," Aether pulled you to your feet without hearing your objections.  If your words were accurate, then there was no way the exorcist could help.  "Sorry, Chongyun!  She'll be fine!"

"W-Wait! Ah-"  Chongyun already lost them in the sea of people that were getting ready to release their lanterns.  It was almost time to fill the sky with the light of human prayers and wishes to the adepti.

..............

Once out of Chongyun's vicinity, the voices dispersed as if nothing had happened.  "What the hell--"  Your confused grumblings caught the attention of Aether as he guided you through the crowd.  "This is so stupid."

"So you're able to feel Xiao's mental distress?"  He glanced back at you for a brief moment once he figured out what he had witnessed.  "At least now, he has someone that can understand a little bit of what he's going through, right?"

"I don't know," interjected Paimon.  "Didn't Zhongli say the yakshas fell one by one from karma?  Wouldn't feeling Xiao's karma kill you?"

"Probably."  Your uninterested answer brought both of them to look at you, only to find that your eyes were surveying the crowd with expectation--or was it hope?  Your companions exchanged knowing, but glum glances.

"He won't be here."

Aether's words went through one ear and out the other.  "Yes he will."

"Um...Paimon doesn't think so.  Xiao doesn't like crowds, remember?"  You were so different than a few months ago...Each sound seemed to startle you or make you wince, and you had a peculiar distant look in your eyes.  Your friends were growing more and more concerned about you.

Xiao, I'm here, you called out in your heart, not fully aware of it.

..........................

Coming up:  A long-awaited reunion.  The fears of a yaksha.  A display of trust.

[heartslogos]

outtakes [5]

“Well shit, Yunyun — “

“Don’t call me Yunyun. My parents don’t even call me that. Xingqiu doesn’t call me that.”

“ — you’re off the hook now,” Xinyan stares at the travesty unfolding before them. “You’re no longer the easiest target in all of Liyue. How is this guy even alive? This has to be a joke. This is on some kind of camera and we’re being filmed for our reactions. Has to be. There is no way all of this isn’t some kind of elaborate set up. That’s a professional stunt man, there’s a medical team hidden somewhere if something goes wrong, and we are watching a prank show. And Xingqiu definitely calls you Yunyun. Don’t lie.”

Chongyun fiddles with the paper wrapper of his straw, watching the chaos unfolding through the window.

“How come every time we hang out something weird happens?” He asks. “Maybe we’re the ones being secretly filmed for a reality show.”

He pauses before pulling out his phone. “There’s got to be some kind of legal documentation involved for that. You can’t just film people and put them on TV. Waivers have to be signed or something, right? You think Yanfei would know about that kind of thing or Xingqiu?”

“Both. Yanfei’s a nerd who packs in everything she can get her hands on about the law and Xingqiu is just obnoxiously knowledgeable.” Xinyan’s eyes widen. “Is that a fire truck?”

Chongyun startles when his phone starts to ring in his hands, quickly bringing it up to his ear.

“Hey, Aether.” Chongyun’s eyebrows start to raise. And keep raising. Xinyan is torn between watching Chongyun and the spectacle outside. Chongyun whacks her in the arm, eyes wide as his jaw hangs open. “Okay. Alright. Got it. I’ll do my best. I’ll let you know.”

“What?” Xinyan asks, kicking him. She’s wearing her good, thick soled boots. It probably hurts more than his hit to her arm did but Chongyun doesn’t even flinch.

Chongyun hangs up, jumping to his feet and points down to the scene below them.

“Apparently someone’s posting this all over social media. And that’s Aether’s friend.” Chongyun says, “We’ve got to go help him.”

“We?” Xinyan gapes. “We’ve got what? Chongyun, there isn’t helping that guy. Why am I even involved? We? What am I gonna do? Go down there and make a distraction with a mini concert?”

“Maybe," Chongyun snags her jacket sleeve and tugs. “Come on. Aether called us to see if we were in the area and if we could help.”

“Again. We! Who’s we?”

“Alright, he called me, but you’re here so you might as well help.”

“What would he have done if you weren’t so conveniently placed in the area?” Xinyan asks, shooting one last final look through the window before rushing to join Chongyun as they speed walk out of the cafe.

“He’d probably call dage.”

“Xiao-ge doesn’t even live in Liyue Harbor. What’s he gonna do?”

“But he knows literally everyone important who does live here,” Chongyun points out. “Aether might try to call Xiangling. She’s got a weird talent for unexpectedly being in the right place at the right time.”

“I feel like I’m the only one who hasn’t met Aether. How did I miss this guy?”

Chongyun shrugs. “That’s what you get for being popular everywhere but here.”

“Hey! I am a rising star here. I’m just much more appreciated elsewhere. Tell me about this walking train wreck of a guy.”

“His name is Bennett, um. I think he’s in training to be a paramedic or something? I’m not sure. He helped Aether when Aether moved to Mondstadt while his sister went abroad,” Chongyun answers. “And he’s got wicked bad luck. Crazy bad.”

“Maybe your parents should help host an exorcism for him.”

“We’ll see.”

Just before Chongyun and Xinyan can leave the shopping center and enter the street there’s a loud squealing sound. Chongyun throws his arm out in front of her, feet shifting into some kind of martial arts stance. They both gape as a whole car skids out of control and slams into the sidewalk barrier a mere three or so yards from the shopping center’s doors.

Xinyan turns to stare at Chongyun and his one raised fist.

“Were you gonna fight a skidding car?”

Chongyun’s ears turn pink. “Shut up. It’s training. I sense danger and I move.”

“Now what do we do?” Xinyan asks. The crowd on the sidewalk is already gathering to help the driver and whatever passengers are in the car, phones coming out to call for emergency services.

“Another exit?” Chongyun suggests. And then they both jump, turning around at the sound of some sort of loud pop. “Oh, no way. Isn’t that too much?”

“Shit bud, wish it was,” Xinyan says, staring. “Apparently not, though.”

The decorative fountain in the middle of the shopping center’s entryway seems to have…exploded. Or at least the pipes have because now it’s gushing water straight up towards the ceiling and causing the water to splatter everywhere. People are yelling, shop keepers and attendants are rushing to close their doors or lower their steel shutters. The poor hawkers and vendors who don't have a permanent shop are diving to scoop up their goods and pack up their temporary stalls.

“How bad is this guys luck that it’s pouring over into this?” Xinyan asks. “What did he do in his past life? Murder his own parents? How is he not banned from leaving his house or something?”

“Maybe it’s because his karma could sense we were trying to go help him.” Chongyun pulls out his phone. “I’m going to tell Aether he might as well ask someone else for help.”

“Chongyun giving up on helping someone?”

“I’m not giving up. I’m being realistic. What’s next? A power outage?”

“Dude. Don’t tempt fate like that. Maybe it really will be a power outage next.” Xinyan tugs Chongyun into motion. “Come on. We’ve got to find our way around that busted fountain and I’m not looking forward to it.”