"Come on Xiao" Paimon continues to persuade the adepti who has an unamused face. "The lanterns will look really tiny from up here. It'll be such a waste, you know? You need to come and see them from the harbor!"
Xiao's amber eyes reflected the small lanterns decorated on the inn's roof. He crosses his arms. "How many times should I repeat myself? I have no intentions of attending this trivial amusement."
Paimon's face looks offended as she flies back. "It's not just a trivial amusement!" Paimon's squeaky high voice changes into amazement. "Besides the lanterns later, there will be food stalls everywhere. We will have a chance to taste all of Liyue's delicacies! Isnt that amazing?! What do you think, Sera?"
Lumine nods, hoping to convince the vigilant yaksha. "They'll have Almond Tofu and Grilled Tiger fish"
They just have to mention Xiao's favorite dessert but that dosent mean he'll attend. All he ever do is kill, he has no place in the joy filled and vibrant festival.
"I can order Almond Tofu anytime-" Xiao cuts Lumine off when she opens her mouth.
"I'm satisfied watching from here. Nothing you will say will make me go. If all you're going to do is pursuade me, leave."
"Rude" Paimon grumbles crossing her arms. She turns to her travel buddy."I guess we can't do anything to persuade him..."
Lumine nods but she really wants Xiao to experience seeing the lanterns up close. This is her last shot. Xiao lifts a brow when the girl turns to him. "Oh Vigilant Yaksha, may you bestow your presence upon us as we travel the path from the inn to the harbor?"
Xiao makes a deep low sound. These two are slwoly getting on his nerves. If they dont stop, he might do something horrible. Why won't they leave?!
Lumine and Paimon shares a knowing look. Paimon opens her mouth, ignoring the look of gradual growing irritation on Xiao's face. "We'll leave but the path from here to the harbor is dangerous. Please escort us up to the outskirts... just the outskirts!"
Xiao finally agrees. He owes the travelers for their help. This is the least he can do even if their intention was clear as water. He walks ahead without sparing a glance at his smiling companions.
---
"We've arrived." Xiao steps one of his foot on a stone. He scans the scenery down the hill. Liyue harbor looks so magical and beautiful with lanterns glowing on the stalls. How much more if thousands are flying up the sky?
"Liyue Lantern Rite here we come!" Paimon happily flies beside Xiao to look at the harbor. Lumine steps at the adepti's free side. She looks at him. For a second, she sees a distant look of something in his eyes.
Seems like he wants to go but he's holding himself back.
"Are you sure you're not going with us?" Paimon beats Lumine asking the question.
"No." Was Xiao's short answer. Paimon and Lumine sighs at the same time. The yaksha is unshakable like steel.
"Alright, we won't force you anymore." Paimon grimly looks down. Xiao feels slight guilt but he stops himself from feeling because feelings are disgusting.
He bids his farewell with a curt nod. "Thank you for your help, Sera and Paimon. I truly appreciate it. If you are in need of help, just say my name and I'll be there"
Paimon and Lumine says their farewell as well before moving down the slope. Xiao finds himself rooted on his spot. He likes this place, it's silent and isolated but what makes it better is the overview of Liyue.
Seeing the nation he promised to protect, protected for centuries peaceful and joyful brings happiness in his heart. Xiao definitely dosent know the feeling of happiness because he never experienced it. But then, what is this warmth in his heart if it isnt happiness? That's atleast what Rex Lapis told him when he asked.
Its's been a long time since Xiao and Rex Lapis talked. Even if Xiao patrols all of Liyue, he never crossed paths with the Geo Archon. Years ago, Xiao visited the adepti's abode only for Cloud Retainer to spill some big news. Rex Lapis vanished without a trace, no one knew where he went, including Xiao.
Even if Rex Lapis was gone, Xiao continued his duty. He killed every demon on his way just like what was written on Rex Lapis' contract. There came a time where Xiao wondered when it'll all end.
Since Morax has gone missing, will Xiao's tormenting contract end when he dies? He dosent know. Since Xiao is immortal, he will never die.
Xiao grips his clenching heart, doubling over on the rock. He pants as the invisible karmic binds reveal themselves once again. It's back, the price Xiao pays for eons of slaughter. He crashes on the ground, the binds tightening around his body. The bind proceeds to tear his body apart, stretching it at all directions. Tears of anguish flows out. The Yaksha tries to muffle his screams, afraid to spoil Liyue's bright atmosphere. He failed.
Lanterns began to float from the harbor. Xiao lied, he wished to watch the lanterns and maybe... just maybe forget his contract and pain for a short while. However, here he is kneeling and shaking in agony as thousands of lanterns flooded the sky.
Xiao growls, tugging at the the invisible binds but its no use. He rests his sweaty forehead on the rock, opting to smash his head and hopefully die from head injury. Just anything to make it stop so he can watch the lanterns.
Xiao has no idea how many hours he was resting on the rock, face planted flat on it's rough surface while experiencing hell. But one thing is for sure, the pain never lessened. Suddenly, a sound of a flute washes the evil binds off his wrists and legs.
Xiao groans thankfully at the refreshing feeling. The flute continues to play, the Yaksha wanted to look up and see who plays the familiar tune. To thank his savior for saving him again.
But Xiao's too tired to even move a muscle, he lays limp on the rock. The Conqueror of demons stills when a hand starts to rake through his hair.
Alarm gushes into his blood, pumping energy into every artery and veins. As a hostile loner who spent years alone, Xiao absolutely detests physical contact.
"It's me, Barbatos. No need to worry" The soft voice said. Xiao's eyes slightly widens when he recognized the name. Barbatos?... Barbatos, as in the Anemo Archon?
"My dear Alatus, I believe you are tired. Why don't you rest while I sing you some songs?" Venti coos. Xiao has a lot of questions but his eyes started to feel like cement when the Archon hums. A minute hasnt even passed yet Xiao falls into slumber as the bard continues to stroke his hair.
---
"Finally awake, are we?" A giggle greets Xiao first thing when he gains his senses back. He slowly opens his eyes, loving the feeling of soft cushion underneath this head.
Wait? A Cushion?! "Why is the ground so soft?" Xiao questions out loud. Realizing he voiced his thoughts, he clasps his mouth shut.
Venti laughs again. "This so called ground is my lap. Thats why it's soft" Upon hearing the fact, feeling the fact that he indeed is resting on the Anemo Archon, the drowsiness flees from Xiao's body.
He immediately sits up only to hit Venti on the forehead. "Aw!" The bard yelps, rubbing the swelling sore spot. He looks up at the Yaksa with a pout.
"Is your forehead made of rock? That hurt!"
Xiao couldnt take his eyes off the Archon in-front of him. Moonlight the color of pearl kissed Venti's face. The Yaksa was caught off guard at the sight in-front of him. Barbatos is so beautiful...
"Earth to Alatus?" Venti waves his hand in-front of the staring immortal. "Hey! Snap out of it and listen to me"
Xiao's short stupor of astonishment falls short at Venti's sudden demanding voice. The Yaksha composes himself, face back to being stern.
"I'm listening, Barbatos"
"You keep on calling me Barbatos! I go by Venti now" Xiao couldnt believe the bard sitting im-front of him is an archon. He looks petty and childish hitting his fists like a child throwing a tantrum.
"Venti" Xiao draws, testing the name. "Then dont call me Alatus. Just Xiao" Xiao sighs, feeling tired at the idea of socializing with the bard bursting with energy. Venti might be his savior but why is he so childish?
Said childish god has his arms folded in front of his chest, pouting lips exageratedly done. Venti pairs his tantrum, looking away with a mad face only for him to look like he was about to cry.
"So what are you doing here in Liyue?" The Yaksha straightens his posture, legs folded beneath him. He feels his immortal senses sharpen, ready for danger because he rested well.
"Your blockhead of an archon threw me away last night! I swear to celestia, Rex Lapis is the most boring immortal I've ever met"
Xiao bristles at the insult thrown at his archon. "Rex Lapis is not a blockhead!" He starts to see red, unable to control his yaksha instinct. Venti squeaks when a green spear appears out of thin air.
"W-wait Xiao!" The poor anemo archon throws his hands at the yaksha who's glaring at him, pointing the sharp edge of his spear rigth at his neck. He failed to choose the right words but how can he think straight with the alchohol in his system?
"Put your spear away first. Let me explain" Venti's voice was high, he didnt hide the fear and panic shown in his eyes. Xiao gulps while closing his eyes, bringing the spear down. Did he just threatened Barbatos, who he owes his own life?
"I'm sorry. I didnt mean to do that to you" He couldn't bring himself to look the Archon in his eyes. But Venti tilts his chin to make their eyes meet, a knowing smile on his face.
"I understand. I used the wrong words so perhaps, you misunderstood me." Venti's solemn voice changes into a cry. Xiao finds it strange how Venti can change emotions fast. Venti lets out a huff.
"I wanted to see the lantern rite myself since I have nothing else to do. I figured I'll also visit Rex Lapis yesterday. We met and we get to talk for a bit" Venti continues to explain. "We ate but when the bill came, silly old Rex Lapis came empty handed. We started to panic because the vendor started to yell at us-It's no big deal! She didn't hurt your Geo Archon" Venti rapidly raps when the familiar murderous glint shone in Xiao's eyes.
"As I was saying, we have no mora. I suggested we escape but Rex Lapis refused since we'll break the contract- contract this and contract that" Venti rolls his eyes while making funny movements with his hands. Xiao sits silently, finding the bard's voice relaxing so he dosent mind if he talks so much.
"The vendor called the milleth. They came and I thought- I seriously thought we'll spend lantern rite in prison! How sad is that" Venti pulls his magical lyre out of nowhere, strumming. "And then, prince in shining armor comes in. Oh, archons we were indeed saved! He walks in, tall and confident and pulls out a wallet. He pays for our meal saying we don't have to pay him back"
Xiao tilts his head to the side. "You dont have to pay him back? But everything comes with a price." Even if Xiao avoids the mortals, he knows how business works.
"The boy turns out to be Rex Lapis' lover. I, Venti being the Archon of romance played them a tune. The boy was pleased so I told him to buy me 6 bottles of wine!" Venti happily claps at the revelation. He's too engrossed, half drunk he didnt notice how Xiao's pupils constricted when he realized something.
"Wait... Rex Lapis?!" He stands. "You found Rex Lapis?!"
"Uh... yea? Why do you look so shocked?" Venti furrows his eyebrows in confusion. Xiao's mind is swirling with thousands of emotions. He finally found the missing Archon after so many years!
Xiao gives a brief explanation to Venti. "Wow. I don't understand why'd he leave you adeptus hanging." Was the Anemo Archon's reply.
Venti jolts from his hazy state, almost falling asleep while listening to Xiao's story.
"Where are you going?!"
"To find Rex Lapis" Xiao was already walking ahead. "And I will sue that boy you say for making him leave his duties" the adeptus growls before disappearing. Venti falls on the ground, whimpering at the impact.
He lunged at Xiao, wanting the adeptus to carry and go with him. But he did it too late.
---
The liquid, color like melted Cor Lapis swirled in Xiao's glass. He moves his hands, staring-more like glaring at the cup. The cool breeze lightly blows his hair, leaning on the rails of Wangshu Inn's highest floor. The inn is already close because it's past midnight so nobody is around. Atleast it lessens Xiao's worries, he maybe the protector of Liyue but he absolutely hates socializing.
He drinks the golden liquor for the second time. It flows down his throat and it spreads warmth. It feels weird but when the bitter aftertaste hits Xiao, he frowns.
He is at lost for words. After so many years of seeking, he found Rex Lapis seated on a lap of a Sneznayan ginger. Morax, the God of contracts and business, the Geo Archon, the prime of adepti was feeding the mortal using chopsticks.
Xiao almost cried seeing his god. Never in a million years would Rex Lapis immerse himself with such things. He was the God of war, a god to be feared. He carved a dragon out of rock, he casted giant spears from the heavens, and he killed without mercy.
So why the hell was he smiling and laughing in-front of that ginger? Xiao dosen't understand. He didnt talk to Rex Lapis, he immediately fled after finding him. He couldn't bear to see his god act strangely.
"Would you want a taste of my dandelion wine?"
Xiao turns away from the moon to meet warm green eyes.
"What are you doing here?" He asks instead. Venti leans towards the railings, too close for Xiao's comfort.
He pops the cork off before gulping from the bottle as if it's water. Xiao watches closely until Venti started pouring wine into his cup from the very bottle.
"These wine is sweet. Knowing you, I assume you'll prefer it than Liyue's bitter wine" Venti smiles encouragingly before pulling the bottle away.
'Knowing me...' Xiao muses. He only met Venti once. Ever since, they didn't talk and they weren't acquaintances but the archon really said he knows him. He finds himself giving in, drinking from the glass.
"It's delicious right?" Venti grins, drunk mirth swirling in his eyes. Xiao bobs his head, staring at the empty glass in hand.
"So why are you drinking? Something has happened I assume?" Venti looks at the landscape before them. He waits patiently for Xiao to open up. The archon knows he's reluctant to share.
After sometime, the sun began to rise up the horizon when Xiao finally opens his mouth. There's no harm in telling Venti. He might as well speak.
"I found Morax"
"You did?!" Unsurprisingly, Venti's voice was obnoxious and full of energy. Even if he spent quite sometime waiting.
"That's great! So, Did he end the contract? That's why you're drinking right now?"
"No" Xiao looks away. "He was feeding the Snezhnayan scumbag. He was seating on his lap too"
"I see..." Venti silently hums.
"Why would he do that, Venti?" Xiao asked.
A gentle smile forms on Venti's face. "Love, Xiao. Your god is in love."
"Love?" Xiao tilts his head. "What's love?"
"Love is the most beautiful experience one may have. Gods, mortals, immortals... it crosses all boundaries" Venti recalls the mortals who kept on talking nonstop about their loved ones. "It's both good and bad. Good because it changes you, it'll make you happier and the world will look different"
"Bad..." Venti glances at Xiao but he continues when the adeptus dosen't speak, too immerse with his words. "It's bad because you'll be vulnerable. Nothing in this world could compare if love hurts you"
"Love is a weakness... disgusting" Xiao shakes his head, dissapointed at his god. "That Snezhnayan asshole surely corrupted the lord. You said he's vulnerable?" Xiao gazes up at Venti.
"I have to save him"
"Zhongli dosen't need saving. He might have a weakness but Childe is also his strength. He's happy, Xiao" Venti stops him fron teleporting. "After decades of war and grief... after what happened to guizhong. Don't you think he deserves it?"
The image of guizhong, her gentle touch and melodic lullabies stabs Xiao right on spot. He can't cry now, not in-front of Venti. Xiao blinks away the tears, trying his best to throw the memories in the abyss of his cursed soul.
Startled,Xiao freezes when venti engulfs him. The Anemo archon rubs at his back, breath warm against his neck.
"You have suffered enough already, my dear adeptus. Zhongli found respite. It wouldn't hurt to find one for yourself"
For once, Xiao allows himself to feel. He lets himself drop,releasing he tension into venti's arms. He hugs the archon back.
Morax has given his position up. He's not the geo archon anymore. However, Xiao is still bounded by a contract.
Touching Venti feels oddly good. He unintentionally tightens his grip around the bard, afraid of letting go. It's been ages since he felt someone's warmth. Xiao breathes in Venti's smell, foreign yet alluring. He smelled of windy pastures, wine, and a hint of something floral yet Xiao couldn't put a finger on it.