The Vigilant Yaksha

Chapter 37

"And then there were three," Aether dramatically sighed, obviously joking as he theatrically tossed his arms out around him.

Diluc had decided it was time he remained in Mondstadt to help run his bar and manage his affairs again, turning the group number down to four, only for Xiao to have to return to Liyue early in order to help with some demonic activity he'd been sensing, thinning the group number down to three.

"Xiao will be back, and then we'll be back to four, and I'm sure Diluc will join us again another time." Vena countered, hoping to make her friend feel better even thought she knew he was mainly joking.

"Actually, I plan to stay in Liyue as well... exorcism duty calls." Chongyun sheepishly spoke up, honestly feeling sort of bad as he explained.

"We'll be sure to come back and visit, you know that! You're always welcome to join us another time."

Aether couldn't help but smile at Vena's optimism.

He was just so happy to see her so much more positive and cheery, her mental seeming to be recovering from the trauma of the past few attacks she'd experienced.

The three had left to return to Liyue early in the morning, so they were already very close to arriving thankfully.

"It feels wonderful out today." Vena was spinning around like a little kid, clearly enjoying herself and the cool breeze on such a cool and bright day.

"Should we wait for Xiao to return before we head out to meet Beidou?" Aether questioned, wondering what Vena wanted to do and if she'd rather go alone.

"Well, I told him to just meet me in his realm whenever he's done and then we could head out all together." She answered, gazing up at the sun and the clouds, her eyes practically sparkling the entire time.

The depth of which she enjoyed nature knew no bounds. Every single part of it, besides bugs at least. But from the sky, to the weather, to water and wildlife, plants and the like.

"Oooooooooo-" Aether's teasing was cut off as the girl's elbow dug into his rib cage, causing him to burst out into a fit of laughter.

He just couldn't help but tease her about it considering her reactions.

"Fine, fineeeeeee, we can just hang out in the city. Get some food and maybe check out the shops?"

"Mmmmmm I do really love the Liyue restaurants..."

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"It's getting late, I should probably go to his realm really quick and see if he's ready... he said he likes to try and relax afterwards because of the pain and everything so I wanted to give him some extra time.." A hand resting on her shoulder stopped her rambling as she looked up with wide eyes.

"You don't need to explain to me, Vena. Go check on your boy. I'll go see if I can check in with Zhongli or Hu Tao maybe." His genuine smile warmed her heart, she hadn't realized that she had been overly explaining herself as if Aether was going to be upset with her or something.

Whether she wanted to admit it or not, her past still effected her to this day and it was going to take some time to break old habits she'd established.

With a nod, she removed the item Xiao had given her from her bag and held it firmly in her hand as she closed her eyes, feeling that odd otherworldly feeling overtake her as she teleported to the Adepti's realm.

Once she'd felt her feet firmly on the ground again and the sound of the river reached her ears, she'd opened her eyes with a deep yet content sigh as she took a minute to gaze around and admire the realm all over again.