Ray of Light // Xiao x Aether

Chapter 7: Effects

"I... dropped my painkillers by accident. I'll clean it up." I crouch down to the floor and grab a piece of glass. Quickly, but gently, it taken out of my hand by Verr. Confused, I look at her, "What?"

"This isn't how you should be cleaning broken glass. Let me do this instead, you don't seem to be yourself right now."

I nod and stand up, but black out for a moment. I feel my body weaken and fall back. However, I was able to open my eyes a second later and catch myself. This headache is getting worse... At this rate, going outside could be a hazard for me. Luckily, Verr didn't seem to notice me momentary faint, so I took this chance to walk outside the room. I stumble out of the room and hold onto the wall as support. I won't be able to get anything done in this condition... and now my pills are going to be thrown away. I sigh, I guess I'll need to pay him a visit. With the remaining strength I had left, I use my anemo abilities to teleport in front of the parlor Morax works at.

I fall on one knee and cough... blood? I shook my head and wiped it away. I struggle to stand on my feet, but manage to get into Morax's office. However, to my dismay, he wasn't here. Shit, I already used all my strength to get here... I might as well sit and wait until he comes back. I look around and find a chair near the wall. Falling onto the seat, the world immediately goes black.
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"Xiao, are you alright?"

My eyes crack open. Who— I jolt up after realizing I fell asleep. "Who's there?!" I yell frantically. Then, I realized Morax stood before me. I immediately stand up and take a bow, though the sudden movement made me feel like my head hit a brick wall at full force. I try my best to ignore the pain, "L-Lord Morax, apologies for resting in your office..." My voice came out weak and quiet, I mentally slap myself in embarrassment. Get your act together, Xiao, don't let this headache get the best of you... I feel a hand on my shoulder as I slowly look up.

"Xiao, please, there is no need for such formalities." I nod and stand straight up again. The pain bangs my head like hammering a nail. I shut my eyes close and grit my teeth, holding my head aggressively. "Have you been taking the painkillers I gave you?"

"...Y-Yes, but the jar slipped out of my hand due to my headache. I came to you to ask for more..." I muttered. I had no choice, but to sit back onto the seat.

"I see... I'll make sure to get you more as soon as possible." I hear Morax's footsteps go across the wooden floorboards. He opens a drawer and a plastic ruffling sound follows. His steps come closer as he pulls a chair and takes a seat. Morax then opens the plastic.

I struggle to open my eyes, "M-Morax...?" I feel a cool sensation placed onto my forehead. What is this? What did he put on me? I put a hand on the area and feel a rectangular fuzzy object. "What did you place my my forehead?" I ask as I look at him.

He shows me the little sliver packet, "This is Dr. Baizhu's newest product made specifically for headaches." The piece did make the pain drop a little.

I sit up, "Thank you for your kind consideration, Lord Morax."

He chuckles, "Again, no need for formalities, Xiao."He stands up, "I'm going to have Hutao watch over you while I stop by BuBu Pharmacy for the painkillers." I raise my finger to refuse, but stop when Morax shakes his head. "I need at least one person to make sure you don't go running off when I'm gone."

I slouch back in my chair and cross my arms in annoyance. This isn't fair, I'm no child that needs to be babysat. Also, why her? Hutao's humor is funny, sure, but that doesn't mean I'd want to listen to it for the next 30 minutes.

Morax sighs, he seemed to have saw through me and knew what I was thinking. "She isn't as bad as you think. I'll do my best to come back as soon as possible." I turn my head away without answering. A moment later, I hear the door knob turn and the door close, I instantly feel regret punch me in the gut.

It's too late to apologize now, he's already gone. I sat in the room alone and in silence. Normally, I felt comfort when I'm alone. However, after spending the past few weeks with Aether, I began to dread being by myself. I should've went along with Morax's idea with Hutao watching over me, this is getting—

The door opens and a cheerful director peaks in. "Hello, Adeptus Xiao! Long time no see, eh?"

I roll my eyes. Speak of the devil.

"Mr. Zhongli wanted me to keep an eye on you until he comes back! He never gave me a specific reason, but just by looking at you, you're definitely sick," she says as she leans in to take a closer look at me. I back away in surprise. Then, she smiles, "I didn't know Adepti could get sick!"

I glare at her, "I am most definitely not sick. These are the side effects from my karmic debt." It looked like a light bulb flicked on when she processed my words.

"Aya, sorry for assuming," Hutao says as she made the space between us wide again.

I sigh in relief, "Just stay silent and stick to the other side of the room, don't come near me." I said. It seems like the Archons from above hate me because right after, I suddenly started to cough. Scarlet red blood stained the glove I used to cover my mouth. I tried to stop coughing, but it continued and more blood escaped onto my hand. Hutao immediately rushed to Morax's desk to grab tissues and hand them over to me. She then ran out the office to grab a cup of water as well. During this entire time, she didn't seemed fazed in the slightest. It took my throat a minute or two to go back to normal. Hutao soon came back with a small bucket of water. She damped a towel and handed it over to me so I could clean my mouth and glove.

"Well, that was unexpected. Are you feeling better now?" she asks as I wipe my mouth. I felt somewhat embarrassed that my body acted up like that. Even more so that a mortal had to help me.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," I grumbled. Honestly, she had all the reason to worry. I just can't swallow my pride to tell her so. Knowing her, she won't comply with my words so easily.

She places her hands on her hips with a look of disappointment. "Aya, you don't think I'd actually listen to you, right?" Hutao shook her head, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, you're in bad condition and you know it. Stop trying to deny it."

I avert my eyes and fall back onto my seat. Why am I being lectured by a mortal? I've live far longer than she has, I know how to handle myself. I feel my throat start to act up again, so I cover my mouth with the towel and cough into it. I remove the cloth and saw it drenched in blood. I furrow my brows. Stop coughing, damn it!