Ray of Light // Xiao x Aether

Chapter 8: Worry

"If you keep this up, then you're going to get blood on more than just that cloth," Hutao scoffed.

I narrow my eyes, "Watch yourself, mortal." I dip the towel into the bucket of water to try and wash out the blood. "This is nothing new to me. I honestly don't see why Mo- ahem Zhongli would have you watch over me. I can easily teleport away, you know."

Hutao smirks, "But you haven't." I didn't bother answering her any further, it was just a waste of time. "Do you need me to change the thing on your forehead?" she questioned, pointing at it.

I remove the rectangular cooler and shake my head "No need, I don't need this anymore." I said, tossing it into a nearby trash bin. We then hear a knock and the door opens.

"I'm back, did everything go well?" Morax asks Hutao while holding the new jar of painkillers.

She turns around and greets him with a smile, "Mhm! Although he was stubborn at times, Xiao did alright!"

I glare at her, hoping it'd burn through her skull, "Stop treating me like some child. You have no respect for the Adepti." Hutao only snickers and waves the Morax and I goodbye. "Tch, how annoying," I mutter.

Morax chuckles, "She's a sweet person when you get to know her. Although, I know you probably won't try and socialize more than you need too." I stand up to grab the jar from his hands. He smiles, but suddenly changes when he looks behind me.

He's looking at the blood... I'll just grab the jar and go. I try to reach for the painkillers, but Morax retracts them before I can. I feel the tension weight down on me as I look up at him. The worry in his eyes were too much for me to bear.

"...Have you been coughing blood while I was gone?" Morax asks just above a whisper.

My eyes fall onto the jar and I lunge beside him in an attempt to grab it, but fail. I furrow my brows, "Lord Morax, please hand over the painkillers." I try my best to seem intimidating, but my voice came out rough and weak. It was too obvious that my condition is getting worse.

"Xiao, please, let me help you. You don't need to suffer alone," He spoke, eyes soften.

I look down at the floor, gritting my teeth in anger. Does he think I can't handle myself anymore? Am I growing weaker in his eyes? Nonsense! I've survived this long without anyone's help, I don't need any now! "With all do respect, Morax, please give me the jar so I can leave."

I hear a sigh, "Very well. If you need anything else, you know where to find me." He says as he hands it over. I grab the jar and disappear into the black smoke.

I've been fine on my own. This is my burden to carry and nobody else's.

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

"D-Demon...! It's here!" A young man shouted to the crowd of people as he pointed at... me? 'What? I have just slain it, why is he pointing at me?' I take a step towards the crowd, and they all back away in fright.

"S-Step back... or I'll kill you!" Another yelled, holding up a sword. His stands were shaking in fear, unable to keep his weapon steady.

My heart shatters. 'Why are they scared of me...? I protect them from harms way, why can't they praise me like they do to other yakshas?' I look over my shoulder to see the disintegrating body of the demon I have slain in resemblance of a bird. I then realized why they were so afraid. I look down at my form, the Vermilion Bird. I raise my head back up at the people who still trembled. 'Of course, why would they want to thank someone who looks similar to the demons that torment them.' I wrap my wings around my body and close my eyes. Gasps of surprise were let out a moment later. I open my eyes again to see the world in a mortals perspective, then look at the crowd who were now in awe.