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“Xiao! Wake up!”
Xiao opened his eyes and saw an alarmed Aether above him. The traveler then let out a sigh in relief when the Yaksha woke up. Xiao sat up and scanned his surroundings.
“Where are we?” He asked.
“I have no idea. All I remember was we are fighting this Mirror Maiden earlier then; I woke up in this place with you.” Aether explained, “That Mirror Maiden…she looks different unlike the rest of the fatui maidens I have encountered. This must be her doing.”
Xiao sighed, “We have no time to lose. Let’s find a way out of here.” he stood up and summoned his polearm. Aether followed, summoning his sword, and went ahead to the direction they believed to be the way out.
The forest has a different atmosphere unlike the other forest Xiao encountered in his battles. The trees are so tall that you couldn’t see their leaves nor branches. The sky is too dark, with no stars nor moon visible which questions how they are still able to navigate their way and the ground is covered with overgrown roots from the trees which can be easily tripped if they are not careful.
Recalling the events before, he remembers accompanying Aether because he received a request from the Liyue Quixing about the disturbance of some fatui members at the Luhua Pool. As usual, Aether accepted the request and he and the Yaksha went to the location.
Both of them managed to defeat the skirmishers and fatui agents until a Mirror Maiden emerged from her mirror out of nowhere. Xiao remembers the Maiden summoning some whirlpools and Aether was standing at one of them. He was about to scoop the traveler up and go somewhere until the Mirror Maiden launched an attack that both are unfamiliar with. Xiao can only hug Aether tightly, protecting him.
Then, both of them woke up in this strange forest.
“That’s odd…We’ve been walking for a while. We could at least reach somewhere.” Aether commented. He was right. They have been walking for a while yet, with no signs of anything like a road or a river. Xiao feels like they are walking around in circles.
If this was the Mirror Maiden's doing, there must be something up. After all, that Maiden is very different from the others, who knows what abilities could she produce.
“Something’s wrong here. No matter what it is, Stay vigilant.”
“…”
“Aether?” Xiao turned around, seeing the traveler looking at the distance, transfixed. Xiao was about to call him once again until the blond muttered something, dropping his sword, and bolted to the direction he was looking.
“Aether! Wait!” Xiao chased after Aether. He was confused about what made him react like that. Despite Aether mumbling earlier, he hears him saying his lost sister's name.
Lumine…
Aether must have heard something. But, Xiao is confused by that part. He should have also heard something since he is an adepti but, how come Aether only heard it?
Whatever the reason, it could be a trap.
Xiao catches up to the blond and launches himself towards Aether, resulting in both stumbles and falls. Xiao used that distraction to pin Aether’s hands.
“No! Let me go, Xiao! I hear her! She’s in trouble!” Aether struggled from Xiao’s grip.
“What are you talking about? I don’t hear anything at all!” Xiao retorted.
“It’s my sister, Xiao! I hear her! She needs my help!”
“Get a hold of yourself! Are you hearing her now?!” Xiao stated and Aether’s struggle lessens. He tried to hear her sister’s screams, cries for help, anything at all but he then realizes, there is none .
Aether began to relax, looking up at Xiao, “I-I don’t understand…”
“Believe me, I don’t understand as well. It could be the forest’s doing or that Mirror Maiden. ” Xiao let go of Aether, letting him sit up.
The blond traveler hugged himself, trying to comfort himself. He knows that he heard Lumine’s voice loud and clear. It felt so real that he needed to run towards the voice. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up, seeing Xiao’s neutral expression with the hint of worry in it.
“We must go. The more we are exposed to this forest’s atmosphere, the more dangerous it is.” Xiao then helped Aether come back on his feet and start walking, not letting go of the traveler’s hand.
Aether began to blush by the protectiveness of Xiao. He knows that Xiao is not an expressive person but, he surely felt it and it makes his heart beat fast.
Xiao felt Aether's grip in his hand tighten and looked at him, "what's wrong, are you okay?" he asked.
"I-I'm fine! J-just thinking…" Aether stammered.
Xiao just hummed in reply and continued walking, not letting go of Aether's hand. "Thank you, Xiao."
"Don't mention it. I must protect you." Xiao replied.
"But, I am thankful. If I continue to follow that voice, it could lead me to something dangerous. I am glad that you are with me, Xiao." Aether said with a gentle smile on his face. Xiao saw this and began to blush faintly, "Just stop doing reckless actions." Aether giggled. He loved seeing Xiao getting all flustered.
There’s suddenly a chilly breeze flowing past them that makes Aether shiver. These kinds of breeze do not bring comfort and a welcoming feeling like the winds in Mondstadt. This feels threatening and dangerous.
“Something’s changing,” Xiao stated and held Aether’s hand tight. He was about to walk away until he heard that voice the thought he will never hear again.
“Alatus.”
Xiao froze on his spot. He can’t move nor speak. That voice, his old name, he clearly remembers everything. All the agony and anguish, clouding his mind. Unconsciously, his grip on Aether’s hand tightens more, making Aether uncomfortable.
“Xiao? What’s wrong? You’re hurting my hand.” Aether tried to remove his hand from Xiao until he heard a voice,
“Alatus. How dare you betray me?”
Alatus? Aether knows that’s Xiao’s real name. He remembers the Yaksha telling him one night when he serves him an Almond Tofu at Wangshu Inn. Xiao also told him his past about his old master. If that voice knew Xiao’s real name, making him freeze like that, could it be…
Aether slowly looked back on where the voice came from, he saw a black cloud slowly coming closer to them, black tentacles surrounding it.
“I WILL DEVOUR YOU!”
Black tentacles began to launch towards them, acting as spears to pierce them. Aether moved quickly, running away, and dragging Xiao with him. He has no idea where to go, many questions arise in his mind, why can he hear Xiao’s old master’s voice? Is everything real? What did that Mirror Maiden do to them?
Aether wants answers but he needs to keep on moving, away from that monster, bringing Xiao into safety. They can deal with the rest later.
--
Aether breathed heavily after running for a while. They managed to outrun the black shadow and they are now hiding behind one of the thickest trunks of a tree. Aether glanced at Xiao who is still frozen after the long run.
“Xiao. Are you alright?”
No response from the Yaksha.
Aether held Xiao’s cheeks, shouting at his face, “XIAO!” The yaksha finally snapped from his thoughts, looking at Aether with a confused expression.
“It’s alright now, we outrun him. He’s gone.” Aether said, “I heard him as well. I don’t know how and why but, I managed to drag you out of there.”
“How is he alive?” Xiao questioned. He clearly remembers the fight between his old master and Rex Lapis. He saw how the Lord of Geo pieced his spear to his old master, killing him in front of his eyes. How was he alive? Is it real?
“I… I am not sure, but I think this forest has manipulated our memories. Just like I care about my sister, so was your…horrible past. I can’t imagine what will happen if we let ourselves believe with those voices.” Aether explained.
“Could this still be the Mirror Maiden’s doing?” Xiao asked.
“I highly believe so. She must be in the forest as well. She could be manipulating this entire forest.” Xiao wondered; how did the Mirror Maiden obtain this kind of power? It’s unusual for a fatui member like her to have that enormous power to manipulate things such as this forest. He recalls everything they did, the fight with the Maiden, waking up in the forest, the voices, and the black mist. He stared at the tree trunk. Approaching it and touching it, feeling it on his hand, it felt real and unchanging but, it feels like that it wasn’t there at all. He tried using his adepti power, feeling its energy but he felt none.
Those voices all feel real but they do not appear physically. Could it be that this world, this forest-!
This place is an illusion. Xiao thought.
“LOOK OUT!” Xiao heard Aether scream as he felt himself fall to the ground. Once he opened his eyes, what he saw gave him chills and horror.
He knows that mortal lives are very short and fragile and Aether is one of them. He could die at an old age or worse, die in an accident or fight.
What he saw above him was Aether, shielding him from the black tentacles that pierce every part of his body. His blood began to drip.
"X-xiao…" Aether called hoarsely. Xiao cannot move nor talk, too petrified of seeing Aether in that state. The tentacles began piercing Aether, likely trying to reach Xiao. Aether did not hesitate to grab Xiao and throw him away from the tentacles. Xiao sat up and watched the tentacles devour Aether's body.
This… can't be real… right?
"N-No…" Xiao muttered, failing to realize his anemo power began to emerge.
Thoughts and regrets began to cloud his mind. He is a Yaksha, an adepti, he swore to Morax that he will protect the people…
He swore to Aether that he will protect him.
He gave his name to him, so he could call him anytime, anywhere.
He swore…
Yet, he failed.
A burst of Anemo spreads throughout the forest, turning into black flames that look like Xiao's karmic debt. It burns everything in sight.
Xiao then feels something different, he wants revenge. He wants to kill.
It doesn't matter anymore if he will go insane just like his fellow fallen Yakshas. What matters is that he avenges Aether.
The black flames completely burned the tentacles that covered Aether's body. Xiao stared at the bloody traveler, with no signs of breathing or movement at all.
Xiao then realizes, without Aether, it will not be the same.
He recalls his first meeting with the traveler. The stubbornness of him to accompany the Yaksha at the rooftop of Wangshu Inn, serving him Almond Tofu that he can't resist.
He remembers the effort of the traveler to let Xiao experience the Lantern Rite Festival. After the festival, he cannot bring himself to be angry with the traveler because it was truly an unforgettable experience despite watching it from afar.
He remembers when the traveler invited him to his Teapot home. At first, Xiao feared that he would end up tainting the traveler's home but he found comfort and peace instead. He promised the traveler that he will protect his home no matter what.
He remembers everything. The late-night conversations, sharing of meals and enjoying the view of Liyue.
It will not be the same without Aether.
What's the point of fighting anymore?
Xiao stood up, walking towards Aether's body. He laid down beside him and faced him. Xiao can see how peaceful Aether's expression is, like he was sleeping instead.
He held Aether's hand and stared at him, trying to memorize what the blond traveler looked like.
If the Gods are merciful enough, maybe they could grant them a second life. Then, he will protect Aether with all of his heart.
The forest was slowly collapsing. Trees began to fade and the sky began to disappear. Xiao doesn't care anymore.
Aether is beside him. That's what matters now. He leaned more closer, savoring Aethers presence. He then slowly closes his eyes, only feeling the grip he had on Aether's limp hand.
The forest began to fade.
--
Xiao cannot remember how long he kept his eyes closed but he felt something dripping on his face. He tried to move but found himself unable to like it, something is restricting him to do so. He can hear someone crying and sobbing from above him.
Am I alive?
"X-xiao…"
Could it be… Aether?
Xiao slowly opened his eyes. Once his vision focused, he saw Aether tied up with thick bonds above him, sobbing.
Aether… he's alive?
Xiao cannot say anything. He was too shocked and confused about what he was seeing right now. He remembers the traveler above him being stabbed by those black tentacles, he died in that forest.
He then remembers his thoughts before that, that forest, everything that happened there is just an illusion. A dream.
The real Aether is here. Above him, all tied up like him, no signs of the stab wounds he received from the black tentacles but only cuts and bruises.
"Aether…" Xiao called.
He tried to move, only for the bonds to tighten around him, it was digging on his skin, enough to leave a mark and bleed. He saw Aether cringed a bit despite his crying face and squirmed a little. The bonds tighten around him as well. The bonds are also wrapped around their necks and they feel themselves losing oxygen to breathe. Now that they woke up from the illusion, the bonds are now trying to kill them.
It's hurting both of them.
Suddenly, they heard a crack. They seem to be inside a box, completely tied up and trapped but, it began to change when frost began to spread throughout the surroundings, also reaching to their bonds.
CRRAAASSSSHHHH!
A loud breaking of a mirror echoed to their surroundings. They are freed from their bonds, gasping for air and their surroundings begin to change.
Aether fell on top of Xiao, breathing heavily and instantly gripping Yaksha's shirt, with no signs of letting go.
Xiao felt Aether's heartbeat. It is here, beating every second as he heard Aether's heavy sobbing through his ear. Xiao began to tear up, his Aether is here with him, alive.
Xiao let a tear slip from his eyes as he raised his shaky hands to hug Aether. He buried his nose on Aether's neck, smelling the traveler's scent.
He doesn't want to let go.
--
When Xiao opened his eyes, he saw a wooden ceiling of an unfamiliar house. He stares blankly at it and tries to recall what happened to him and how he got here.
His eyes widened in realization, "Aether..!"
Despite the throbbing pain of his body, he stood up and scanned the room, looking frantically. His heart began to beat fast and he began to hyperventilate. Aether is not with him.
Could it be..no.
He knows he was hugging Aether earlier, he feels the blond's heart beating as he holds him tightly.
But, if he's not here, where is he??
Did he...
Flashes of images clouded Xiao, he remembers what happened in the forest, Aether's body cold and motionless. He began to shiver from his thoughts that he didn't notice someone entering the room and quickly came to his aid.
"Xiao, calm down. Take a deep breath" a familiar deep voice said.
Xiao began to calm down until his eyes focused and saw a familiar man with cor lapis eyes.
"M-my lord…"
"You should be resting, Xiao. Your injuries are not fully healed yet." Zhongli said and guided Xiao back to his bed.
"A-Aether? Where is he?" Xiao asked with a hint of desperation in his voice.
"Aether is safe. He is resting in the other room." Zhongli replied.
"Where are we?"
"At the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Ganyu told me that you and Aether accepted a request from the Liyue Quixing but both of you haven't returned for three days so we started looking for you." Zhongli said.
"We found you two in the ruins at Luhua Pool trapped in a mirror with a mirror maiden guarding it. We managed to defeat it and freed you two thanks to Ganyu's cryo abilities."
"We've been missing for so long…" Xiao exhaled.
"That… Mirror Maiden… Childe told me that she was different from the other Maidens he knew in the Fatui. What did she do to you two?" Zhongli asked but Xiao ignored the question. His mind is clouded with Aether. The desperation of seeing him with his own eyes.
That doesn't mean he doubts Zhongli's words but after his experience in that forest, he can't tell easily what is a reality or what is an illusion.
"I-I want to see him…. Please…" Xiao begged. He can't have any moment to be away from Aether. He wants to see that he is breathing.
Zhongli paused for a moment. He knows Xiao to be conscious when it comes to expressing his emotions and rarely shows it and seeing him like this is surprising.
"Alright, let's go," Zhongli replied and led Xiao to the other room. Xiao saw Aether laying on the bed, sleeping. Eyes sore and red from crying too much.
Xiao quickly went to his side and observed him. He hesitantly held Aether's hand and held it close to his chest. "Aether…you're here."
Aether began to stir, which made Xiao hold his breath. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the familiar yaksha above him.
"Xiao…" Aether said hoarsely, tears began to fall from his face.
Xiao leaned forward and wiped them then, he placed his palm on Aether's cheek, feeling the warmth from it.
Zhongli quietly exited the room, letting them have their moment. He still needs to meet up with the certain harbinger at Liuli Pavillion.
--
Xiao decided to join Aether on the bed. He pulled the blond onto his lap and hugged him from behind. Aether leaned back, sighing in content and started playing with Xiao's hands. They were content with the silence, enjoying each other's presence until Xiao spoke,
"I thought you died." Aether froze and looked down. Xiao continued, "When I saw your body, I only felt anger and regret. Angry because those...illusions killed you but, regretful for not protecting you."
"I'm sorry," Aether replied.
"What are you sorry for? I should be the one saying that."
"But, I should. I left you alone in there to suffer…" Aether said.
"When I woke up, I saw you. I kept calling your name but you didn't respond. Suddenly, your karmic debt began to surround you. I fear that you will die because you thought that I was dead even though I wasn't. " Aether said and he began to shake. Xiao held him tighter, comforting the shivering blond.
" You shouldn't get involved with me in the first place… I will only bring you pain. " Xiao stated.
"But, it's too late for that, right?" Aether turned his body to face Xiao, "I'm already this close to you. I think I cannot live without you anymore."
Aether took Xiao's hand and placed it on his chest. Xiao can feel his heart beating fast. He looked up, staring at the blonde,
"Whenever I'm with you, my heart begins to beat fast to the point I can't contain my excitement and happiness whenever I'm with you," Aether confessed.
"I-I think, I'm in love with you, Xiao."
Xiao's eyes widened. He was too speechless to speak and doubts began to invade his mind, how could Aether love someone like me?
"I don't deserve this, I failed to protect you in that forest," Xiao said.
"We both failed. I also failed to be by your side but, that's just a mere illusion. You are here with me, Xiao. You have the chance to protect me once again."
To protect. Xiao has a chance to protect Aether. He stared at Aether, his golden eyes, his gentle smile, his beating heart,...
He wants to protect it all.
Xiao raised his hand on the back of Aether's head, pulling him into a kiss. Aether's eyes widened with the sudden movement but eventually kissed back the Yaksha, wrapping his arms on Xiao's neck, and enjoying this moment.
After a while, they pull apart, breathing heavily. Xiao pulled Aether into a hug, "I…love you too, Aether."
"I...also cannot live without you. Back in the forest, I felt myself giving up. Everything became worthless without you. When I woke up here, all that I could think of was you. I want to make sure you are safe. I don't want to lose you, Aether. "
Tears began to fall on Aether's eyes. Happy because Xiao felt the same way but sad because of what they endured inside the illusion. Aether broke the hug and cupped Xiao's face,
"We will be fine. We're not going to let those illusions plague our minds. We will fight it together." Aether said with determination despite being a crying mess.
"Yes...together."