Chapter Text
Albedo tensed, standing between Klee and the stranger that seemed to have just appeared out of nowhere. The person before him was tall, black hair tied in a low ponytail, eyes a golden amber that seems far older than the age Albedo was guessing just by appearance, they almost looked draconian in nature. The man’s aura felt ancient but at the same time very calming but immovable like stone with an air of wisdom that comes with countless years of experience.
The man's expression was cold, blank, indifferent, and unmoving. The clothes he wore looked strange, especially the jacket that looked to have scales towards the tails of the coat. Aside from his head, every inch of the man was covered up. Albedo stared at him cautiously as Klee peeked out from around Albedo’s legs.
“You…lost your friend?” Klee inquired, still unsure about the stranger, especially since Albedo had yet to move or say anything. The strange man turned his attention downwards, noticing Klee for the first time. His stone cold, indifferent demeanor immediately melted away, prompting him to kneel down to better meet Klee’s inquisitive gaze. Klee came out from behind Albedo, the alchemist observing the stranger's expression becoming warmer, even fond.
“Yes I have. He’s a long way from home, there’s a lot of people worried about him. So I came to find him. I was able to follow his trail close to here, not far from Dragonspine.” The man’s voice was a deep timber, kinda like how Albedo imagined the mountains or stones to sound if they had a voice. This man made him feel safe and protected, furthermore, he made Albedo feel like he should know the man.
“Is he a little blue birdie with strange markings?” Klee cupped her hands together, staring at her little palms with sad eyes. Albedo didn’t miss the flash of recognition in the man's strange golden amber eyes.
“Why…yes. How did you know?” That warm, fond expression was back again.
“Klee found him in the flowers earlier. He wasn’t doing too good. He was being taken care of by Mister Diluc but somehow got out when Mister Kaeya got hurt. Miss Barbara is trying to heal him now.” Klee looked back up at the house before meeting the stranger's gaze again. “You have really pretty eyes Mister…”
“Zhongli. And you have quite the beautiful soul Miss…” Zhongli smiled at how Klee’s whole face and eyes brightened up at the compliment.
“Klee! My name is Klee.” Klee giggled as she bounced, her mood improving.
“Ah, Miss Klee then. Allow this humble one to give my thanks and sincere gratitude for finding my friend as well as getting him help. You have done wonderfully.” Zhongli stood back up, leveling his gaze at Albedo. “I apologize for not getting your name before. That is rather rude of me.”
“It’s fine.” The more Albedo looked at him, the more he felt that he knows who Zhongli is, but can’t quite pinpoint exactly who he is or how Albedo knows him. “It’s Albedo. I’m the Chief Alchemist for the Knights of Favonius.” Why on earth did he tell this man all that? But for whatever reason, Albedo felt an unspoken request to know who he was exactly coming from Zhongli.
“I am merely a consultant at Wangshang Funeral Parlor in Liyue Harbor. May I ask to see my friend? I may be able to help in his recovery. I also need to see if it is safe to be able to…transport him home with me.” Zhongli glanced down at Klee, noticing her wide smile.
“Sure, let me tell Master Diluc that you are here to see the bird he has been caring for. Come with me.” Albedo led Zhongli into Diluc's house, asking him politely to stay in the foyer until Diluc came down from upstairs.
“Hey Diluc.” Albedo stuck his head in the door. Diluc looked over at him, eyes no longer clouded with worry, with a tiny blue bird resting quietly on a slightly snoring Kaeya’s chest.
“I think they finally figured out how to get along.” Diluc said with a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth. “What is it Albedo?”
“There’s a man here who goes by the name Zhongli. He says he’s here looking for a friend. When Klee asked if it was the little bird, he said that it indeed was a small blue bird with strange markings that he was looking for. He’s downstairs in the foyer waiting for you, he also said he could probably help with the birds recovery a bit.”
“Alright, I’m coming.” Diluc took one last glance at his tiny little friend and the big lummox that worried him to no end. “I’ll leave him here until I deem this man trustworthy.”
They both left the room together, chatting idly as they descended the stairwell onto the first floor. Albedo introduced Zhongli to Diluc who gave his own formal introduction. Zhongli explained how he was looking for his friend and happened upon the winery. He stopped by in hopes someone would have seen the tiny bird. He was not expecting to actually find him. After thanking Diluc multiple times for taking care of the little bird, after Diluc explained how he came across the small thing, Diluc was leading Zhongli upstairs.
It wasn’t until they were on the stairs, with Zhongli following Diluc and Albedo walking behind Zhongli, that Albedo saw the vision adorning the back of Zhongli’s jacket. He had seen Visions from Liyue before, and this one didn’t look anything like the ones he had seen. It looked practically antique but the metal shone bright and polished as if it was newly received. Except, Albedo got the sense that this thing was far older than him. The Geo energy he was sensing from Zhongli wasn’t coming from the Vision but the man himself. It was as if he was a walking, physical representation of the element itself and the only one Albedo knew who could do that was…his eyes widened.
Realization struck Albedo quickly, his eyes darting up to see Zhongli staring over his shoulder at Albedo, a small knowing smile on his lips. If this was who Albedo thinks it is, then that little blue bird that Diluc has been taking care of was something far more than a bird like Kaeya had been telling them days ago. But Diluc had a soft spot for animals, especially birds so it wasn’t much of a surprise when logic got thrown out the window by Diluc at the sight of an injured bird.
They made it to the bedroom Kaeya was sleeping in only to see the young man sitting up in bed, cradling the little bird on his lap, gently stroking its feathers with the pads of his thumbs. When his gaze turned up to see who entered, he immediately closed his hands around the bird, hiding it from view. He then slid it softly to one side of him, tucking it safely against his side, pulling the blanket just so, ensuring the bird was hidden but still had ample air.
“Kaeya, this is Zhongli. He’s the owner of the little bird I’ve been taking care of.” When Diluc said the name Zhongli, Kaeya perked up. He knew that name. Before, when the little bird was in human form, he said something about his lord’s name being Zhongli. Without further hesitation, to Diluc’s and Albedo’s surprise, Kaeya very gently brought the bird out from where he hid it. Placing it gently in Zhongli’s hands.
“The little guy overdid it from the looks of it.” Kaeya’s eye flashed as his looked right into Zhongli’s eyes, perfect understanding of what Kaeya was trying to convey shone clearly in those amber eyes that had the same slight glow to them as the little birds. Zhongli heard: he used too much of his actual power in a short amount of time and wasn’t ready to do so yet. Kaeya then continued with, “Seems he tried to leave, thinking he was all better, but he wasn’t fully healed yet, so it looks like he took quite a tumble.” Zhongli understood that too as: he saved me but at the cost of his own safety and well being. He tried to leave before anyone discovered him in another form, using what little he had left to shift back.
“Thank you for your meticulous care of him. I’m sure he is very grateful for that. When he’s fully healed and well I’ll see to it that he doesn’t do anything so reckless again.” Zhongli’s gaze never left Kaeya’s tired one. Kaeya smiled at the implication of that statement. I’m going to lecture him for making everyone worry and then going off and being reckless again and putting himself into a worse state. Kaeya really liked this Zhongli, no wonder that bird respected the man so much.
“You said you can help him?” The three of them didn’t miss the uncertainty in Diluc's voice. When it came to people, Diluc was hard to handle. Animals on the other hand? It was a whole different side of Diluc, also the many reasons why Kaeya loved him so. Such a caring, loving heart and soul sheltered amongst a thick wall of flames ready to scorch you should you try to get close without permission.
“Yes I can.” Zhongli turned to regard Diluc, the same fond, warm smile he gave Klee earlier was now being given to Diluc. “Another beautiful soul. Barbatos must be proud.” Diluc blushed at the comment, opting to turn his gaze anywhere but to look at Zhongli.
As promised Zhongli held the little bird close. A soft golden yellow glow surrounded Zhongli and the bird. It changed smoothly, even gently to a gorgeous amber before shifting just the same to golden yellow. After a few minutes, wings fluttered as the tiny bird stretched out his wings, eyes open and bright looking as iff he wasn’t about to just die.
“There. All better.” Zhongli received a series of chirps, tweets, and trills. The bird actually flew up with ease to circle each of their heads before landing on Zhongli’s shoulder.
“Remarkable.” Albedo muttered, this was just proving his theory.
“Thank you for that. He looks better than ever. He should be alright for the journey home.” Diluc approached Zhongli, his fingers already finding their way to the top of the bird's head, stroking the feathers there. “No more flights into Dragonspine okay? Don’t go worrying everyone again.”
“Yeah, don’t go worrying everyone. You don’t know if you’ll be lucky next time.” Kaeya chimed sarcastically in, a mischievous grin on his face and Xiao glared at him, little bird eyes squinting at him, trying to add more fierceness to himself. “You’re so cute when you glare like that.” Xiao huffed in indignation, fluffing out his feathers while everyone else laughed.
After bidding them goodbye, Zhongli made his way home, Xiao perching on his shoulder. Diluc had just sat down when his eyes landed on a container on the bedside table.
“Damn! I forgot to give him the medicinal food!” Diluc went to leave when Albedo grabbed the container from him.
“I got it, he shouldn’t have gone that far. Stay here with Kaeya.” Diluc nodded his thanks as Albedo left. Just like he said he caught up with Zhongli who had not gone that far from the winery. “Zhongli! Zhongli!” Taking a chance he tried another name. “Morax!” Sure enough, the man that introduced himself as Zhongli stopped.
“You seemed like a sharp one. There’s not many Geo users here in Monstadt, I was surprised to have met one while out looking for my companion. You were wary of me, which is good. You must have a strong sense to protect in order to be able to wield Geo with ease. You strike me as such. The vision clearly not wasted.”
“I wasn’t expecting to meet the Lord of Geo either. That bird must be very precious to you. Anyway, here’s a container with the medicinal food Diluc has been feeding that bird with. He wanted me to give it to you.” Albedo handed it over, a tender smile played on Zhongli’s lips as he stared at it.
“Though I believe my friend would rather have a plate of nice Almond Tofu, I’ll feed him this on our journey home. Give Diluc my thanks.” Zhongli gave a polite bow, a short wave of his hand, then turned back to the road ahead, making his way back to Liyue.
*~*~*~*~*
Traveler was just reaching the platform to walk into Mondstadt. It had been a while since he had been here, so he figured he’d stop by to check on everyone. He was surprised to see Diluc hanging around, looking as though he was returning home.
“Master Diluc!” Paimon called out, waving the taciturn claymore user over to them.
“Ah, Traveler, long time no see. Heading to Mondstadt?” Diluc gave them a slight smile as he approached.
“Yup yup! Figured we’d stop by to see how everyone is doing. Has Kaeya healed- Hey is that Xiao?” The three of them turned their attention to a figure on the verge of running by. “It is! HEY XIAO!!” Paimon yelled for him, making the yaksha stop, then redirect towards them after giving his surroundings a thorough look over.
“Traveler. Paimon. What are you doing here? I can’t stay for long, I’m tracking some Treasure Hoarders down for Zhongli.” Xiao’s gaze moved from Traveler to Paimon then froze at the man standing next to them. “This is…”
“Oh! Let me introduce you two! Xiao, this is Master Diluc, you’ve heard us talk about him from time to time. Diluc, this is Xiao. He’s an adeptus that still protects the people of Liyue by taking care of any unwanted dangers.” Paimon was going to begin to ramble about the both of them when Xiao interrupted.
“We've already met.” He ignored the look of shock and surprise on everyone’s faces. In his peripheral vision, he saw the Treasure Hoarders he was tracking down try to slip away.
“Yes, we met once already. He saved me sometime ago. I would like to know if that annoying pirate friend of his is alright, but I got to go before I lose my quarry.” With that Xiao started to run off while Paimon scratched her head in confusion. Diluc on the other hand, his eyes widened slightly, realizing now that the little bird he took care of was Xiao.
He ran to the edge of the platform, a genuine smile on his face. “You know where the winery is! Come by anytime! Especially to see my ‘pirate!’” Diluc tried to withhold his laughter.
“Will do!” And Xiao was gone.
~*~*~*~*
Kaeya hobbled around until he finally reached the front door, Diluc helping to hold him steady. It took a bit more time but he made it a few feet from the front door. “Hah! Doing better already”
“How is it that you look even uglier and more terrible than the last time I saw you?” A voice came from behind them. Diluc smiled as he looked behind them, saw nothing, then looked up. Sitting on the edge of the roof was Xiao.
“Well, I didn’t expect to see you so soon.” Diluc spoke with a softness in his voice that made Kaeya frown. He helps Kaeya turn around, the dark haired man scowling at Xiao.
“Well you look like you haven’t eaten in weeks.” Came Kaeya’s biting reply, smirking causing Diluc to roll his eyes as a mischievous one lightly stretched upon Xiao’s lips.
“I came to visit to check on Diluc and to see how the most frustrating pirate I’ve ever encountered is fairing.” Silence stretched between them. Diluc clapped a hand over his mouth trying not to laugh while Kaeya growled up at Xiao.
“I am not a pirate!”