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As an adeptus, Xiao had grown accustomed to hearing the voices of the people of Liyue. He could hear their thoughts, their desires, their hopes, and most especially, their dreams and nightmares. It’s why he avoids crowds. The closer he is to people the louder their voices are. The solitude up on the mountains or on top of the stone forests gives him a slight relief from the voices. It doesn’t go away, but it’s easier to handle.
But then he met Aether.
The curious looking traveler with blonde hair and bright determined amber eyes was different from the many mortals Xiao has encountered in his lifetime. The adeptus wasn’t exactly sure if he could really call him a mortal after their encounter with Osial. No mortal could harness that much adeptal power without deteriorating. But then Aether still bled, still tired, still needed food and sleep like every normal mortal. Aether didn’t follow the natural laws of this world. The fact that he could resonate with Anemo and Geo without a vision is testament to that. But then he would still smile and accept commissions like any regular adventurer from The Guild. The Traveler would always offer a plate of almond tofu, that sometimes came with a small bundle of qingxin flowers, whenever he decided to visit Xiao at the inn like any mortal seeking pilgrimage to an adeptus.
Xiao had grown to befriend Aether. Had grown to care for him.
If you awake to a knife at your throat, if monsters dig their claws into you, if death comes knocking at your door… Call out my name. Adeptus Xiao. I will be here when you call.
Those were his words to Aether. Xiao liked to think that the offer was open to every person in Liyue who needed his help. But in reality, he has never explicitly offered himself as a weapon to anyone other than Morax.
The first time Aether called him, the tone of his voice was light and happy. And yet, Xiao came to the traveler’s side in an instant. He was surprised to see Aether in the Adeptus’ abode.
“Cloud Retainer asked me to pick up some blueprints for them here and I just couldn’t help but come back here.” They were above the clouds, the sun just high enough to see but not enough to feel the scorching heat.
“Is something wrong?” was Xiao’s initial question. He had asked Aether to call out to him should he need any help. Monsters couldn’t really reach this high up and the abode was protected by adeptal energy that they can’t even find this in the first place. He looked around and Paimon wasn’t near. Was she missing?
Aether shook his head. “Nothing, I just...I wanted your company, I guess? Paimon is at the harbor right now picking glaze lilies.”
“I see.” He could have left, saying that he had other things to do, but he didn’t. He sat down next to Aether and watched the other boy look through the horizon with a smile.
“Do you wanna do something fun?” Aether asked excitedly, facing Xiao with a mischievous smile.
“What—”
Before Xiao could even finish his question, Aether leapt out of his seat and launched himself off the Adeptus’ abode.
“AETHER!” Xiao followed suit and dove down to try and catch the other boy but was met with giggling as he saw Aether open his glider and suddenly his free fall was now just a gentle float down. Xiao had opened his own glider to keep up to speed with him. “That was not funny,” he grumbled. It was hard to stay mad at Aether when he smiled that bright.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I did it once the first time I got here, you know? It scared Paimon too. I often like to glide from up there and sometimes free fall down to speed up. Did I ever tell you I used to have wings? I miss them sometimes.”
The image of Aether in one of Barbatos’s forms came to mind. Xiao had to clear his throat before replying. “No. I’ve never thought you had wings. But then, with how expertly you use your glider, despite not being of this world, it made sense.”
There it was again, that glint of mischief that flashed in Aether’s eyes. The next thing he knew, the blonde boy retracted his wings and started free falling again. It was almost second nature to the vigilant yaksha to catch him and gently land on the nearest stable ground and deposit him there. Aether merely giggled. “You didn’t have to stop our free fall, you know. It's so good feeling the wind again despite not having wings anymore.”
“I couldn’t let you risk it. Not under my watch.”
The second time Aether had called for him, Xiao transported himself atop some odd looking spire on Dragonspine. He’s never stepped out of Liyue for a millenia. He’s never even stepped a foot near the gigantic mountain. He would only see it from afar, covered in clouds and a storm seems to always be looming. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was an adeptus that he couldn’t feel the harsh bite of the cold weather that he would hear other people talk about. But beside him, Aether didn’t seem cold either.
“It’s a shame it’s too cloudy to even see anything from up here, you know?”
“Why have you called?”
Aether turned to him with that same bright smile. “I wanted you to see this with me. I found this while exploring and this height reminded me of our time at the Adeptus’ Abode.”
On instinct, Xiao grabbed Aether’s wrist in a strong but not painful grip. “Don’t even think about jumping off this spire.”
Aether chuckled. “I won’t. It’s too cold down there. I’d rather an adeptus transported me—”
Xiao pushed him off the spire.
But the yaksha was named swiftness for a reason. He acted immediately, taking Aether in his arms and rode through the winds just like that day when they fought Osial. After a few seconds, they were now back on solid ground. They were on the foot of the mountain on the side of Mingyun Village. Xiao hadn’t realized he still had the traveler in his arms until he felt the strong grip of Aether’s arms around his neck. With a faint blush on his face, he carefully set Aether down.
Aether lightly punched him on the arm to retaliate. “I can’t believe you pushed me.”
Xiao shrugged but a smirk was evident on his face. “You wanted to be transported down by an adeptus. You asked, I delivered.”
“And pushing me was part of it?”
“Pushing you is revenge for scaring me by jumping off the Adeptus’ Abode.”
Chuckling, Aether replied, “And I thought nothing scares you.”
Xiao did not respond to that.
After he had laid his offer to Aether, the Traveler never did call out to his name in times of grave danger. Xiao only ever hears Aether call out to his name when he wants the yaksha’s company, when the breeze was right by Jueyun Karst that he wanted someone to glide with, when the fighting was over, and when he decides to stay the inn for the night because it was near enough, sometimes he was covered in cuts and bruises which frustrated the yaksha. Verr Goldet has practically reserved a room for the blonde traveler and refuses to rent it out for a night even if the inn was full. It was confusing to the yaksha as to why the Traveler only ever calls his name on calm nights for some idle chit chat. Xiao was aware that he could flat out refuse. But every single time Aether called, he always came.
“You once told me that almond tofu is the only mortal food you can stomach.”
They were atop one of the tall structures in the Huaguang Stone Forest. Aether had called for Xiao on a particularly starry night, arms full of qingxin flowers as an offering. Xiao has yet to refuse spending the night just talking to him.
Not really waiting for a reply from the adeptus, Aether laid down on the ground and looked up at the star-filled sky. “You said the texture reminded you of when you would devour people’s dreams.”
Xiao cannot count the numerous times he’s heard Aether’s voice. He didn’t want to admit it, but sometimes he would focus on the Traveler’s voice when all the voices try to overwhelm him. Now, listening to Aether, Xiao could hear his tone being distant. He was in deep thought, which often happens when Aether would think about his twin.
“Yes,” was Xiao’s curt reply. While he didn’t like to assume the reason behind Aether’s slight melancholic mood, it was also hard to not just peek into the other boy’s mind to find the answer.
“How much almond tofu will you need to wash away the taste of a nightmare?”
Now that was a very odd question. Xiao turned towards the other boy and it was through a careful study of his face did Xiao really see it. He was so used to the bright shining smile on Aether’s face that he missed the dark circles under his eyes. He hasn’t been sleeping.
“Is there something wrong?” Xiao chose his words carefully. He’s not really used to conversation. His interactions with Aether are more of him listening to the other boy’s adventures for the day.
At the question, Aether’s expression changed for a fraction of a second. But that time was more than enough for Xiao to see the memories from Aether’s eyes.
A girl with blonde hair and amber eyes. They looked so similar yet so different at the same time. A creature Xiao has never encountered before. But from the looks of it, it was a creature of the Abyss Order. A dark portal of some kind just behind them. And then the voice.
“Though we need not rush, brother. I have more than enough time to wait for you.”
And then there was the running. The feeling of panic. The longing.
“We have always...had enough time.”
Xiao had to blink multiple times before he was brought back from his spot next to Aether. He mentally berated himself. The adeptus had long vowed not to intrude Aether’s thoughts. While he could confidently call himself Aether’s friend, the traveler wasn’t really privy to sharing much about his sibling, aside from the fact that he’s scouring the world looking for her.
“If there’s anything you need from me, you know I’ll be there. Just say the word, Aether,” was his firm reply.
Aether seemed comforted with that answer so he flashed his bright smile once again at the yaksha. “It’s fine, Xiao.”
The worry lines on Aether’s face didn’t leave despite Aether’s smile on his face. Xiao sat up from his position and moved the other boy so Aether’s head was on his lap. “Better?” Xiao asked.
Even under the soft light of the moon and the stars, Xiao could see the blush forming on Aether’s face. “Yes, actually.”
“Nightmares are just nightmares, Aether. As someone who has constantly endured hearing the cries of suffering in his lifetime, you learn to get used to them. But,” Xiao ran his hands through Aether’s hair as he watched the other boy’s expression. “If the nightmare is just too unbearable, don’t hesitate to ask me. I’ll gladly get rid of it for you.”
“But, didn’t you once say that you abhor the taste of it?”
Xiao shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.” Studying the other boy, the yaksha carefully placed his palm on Aether’s cheek. “It doesn’t matter if it’s you,” he whispered.
It finally happened. And as promised, Xiao was there in an instant.
He half expected for Aether to call him while he was in some underground ruin or something. What he didn’t expect was to teleport next to a frozen Aether in Liyue’s Golden House, with the Fatui Harbinger in a suit of armor and a mask.
Xiao’s first instinct was to kill. He knew that Aether had weekly bouts with the harbinger as a sort of practice session for the both of them. But today must have been different, different enough that Aether had resorted to calling him. His presence on the battlefield did not waver the harbinger’s stance. If anything, he seemed to welcome it. The yaksha didn’t care, he dons his mask and holds his spear. He will have to apologize to Morax for making his dearest bleed today.
But before he could pierce through the Fatui scum, a hand gripped at his wrist and the pained voice speared through his reverie.
“No, Xiao.”
It was as if Aether’s voice became a salve on the whole battlefield and both Xiao and Tartaglia removed their masks. Aether’s eyes were still wide at the sight of the weapons in Tartaglia’s hands, the twin swords formed by his manipulation of hydro. Xiao could feel the rush of Aether’s emotions and he was given once again a glimpse of his memories. The grip on his wrist tightening.
It was that same towering creature from the Abyss Order. The same one who seemed to serve Aether’s sister. The creature seems to be holding twin swords formed by hydro similar to that of Tartaglia’s.
“Hey, Aether, are you okay?” came the concerned yet confused voice from Childe.
Xiao immediately held Aether close to his chest, shielding his vision from the Snezhanayan then pointed his spear right at Childe’s heart. “Stay right there.”
Childe raised his arms in surrender with that goofy smile on his face that Xiao has the strongest urge to punch.
“Paimon, get Aether’s teapot.”
The small fairy nodded and hurriedly collected the serenitea pot Madame Ping had gifted Aether a few weeks ago. Xiao was familiar with the adeptus magic and transported himself, Paimon and Aether into the pot, without any explanation to the other man in the room.
Xiao was not really used to adeptus skills pertaining to mind manipulation aside from his capability to devour dreams and nightmares. It took much more effort for him to coax Aether’s mind to sleep. But he was lucky that the time between entering the teapot to actually being transported in the pocket realm inside it was enough for him to get Aether to sleep.
With Aether in his arms, he entered the big manor, completely ignoring the teapot spirit curiously looking at them. He was a bit disappointed at how bare bones the large building was, aside from the numerous dogs eagerly awaiting them by the entrance. There was a table and a few chairs but according to Paimon, there was no bed yet. Apparently Tubby has not finished crafting the bed yet. With a sigh, he gently laid Aether in one of the rooms and told Paimon to keep an eye on him.
Xiao stepped outside the manor to meet with the teapot spirit.
“Tubby, how long before the bed can be crafted?”
“Almost half a day, Master Xiao.”
“And if I lend my adeptal power to speed up the process?”
The finch looking spirit smiled with its eyes. “With enough adeptal energy, we can finish crafting immediately.”
“Consider it done. When the bed is complete, place it in one of the rooms Aether is in.” He closed his eyes as the transfer of energy started. When he reopened them, the first thing he saw was the adepti bridges connecting the main island to other floating islands in the realm. The next thing he noticed were the towering cliffs surrounding the main building. They seemed reminiscent of Huaguang Stone Forest.
“All done, Master Xiao. The bed is ready and has already been placed inside.”
Xiao nodded his thanks and re-entered the manor. When he got in the room where he left Aether, Paimon looked so happy.
“You got Tubby to finish the bed!”
He shushed her and picked up Aether to let the boy rest comfortably on the bed. “You’ll wake him up.”
“Oops.” Paimon had the decency to blush in embarrassment.
“Why don’t you go out and pick some silk flowers and wolfhooks? You’ll need a lot of fabric and dye to fill up this space,” he suggested, his eyes not leaving Aether’s face. The other boy seemed to be in distress even in his dreams as his face morphed into worry and sadness.
“You’re right. Can I trust that you’ll stay by his side until he wakes up?” Paimon asked.
Xiao merely nodded. When he felt Paimon leave the teapot, he took a big breath and placed his hand on Aether’s forehead.
Consuming nightmares was almost torture to him. It was the complete opposite to eating dreams. It wasn’t just the jagged almost broken glass like texture, but the vile bitter taste of it as well that made it unbearable. He didn’t need to, but Xiao had the sudden strong urge to place his lips on Aether’s forehead during the process. He could see snippets of the nightmare as the taste touched his tongue.
Aether’s voice yelling for his twin sister’s name echoing around with no one replying back.
Constantly reaching out to a retreating figure with blonde hair and a white dress. Never being able to reach them.
The face of some unknown woman as Aether fought hard trying not to be consumed by the darkness. His voice demanding for his sister.
A familiar voice speaking such simple words but hearing them brought nothing but more pain and longing.
“We have always...had enough time.”
When the process was over, Xiao withdrew his lips from Aether’s forehead and started carding his fingers through Aether’s locks. A more pleasant dream was now surfacing and Aether’s face was now rid of worry.
In the future, he would tell himself that he just needed reassurance that Aether really was having sweet dreams that’s why he did it. It’s what he will say to himself every single time he is reminded of the moment he took a small peek of what pleasantries Aether dreams about.
The feeling of falling was the first sensation. But it was then immediately replaced by the feeling of being wrapped around strong hands before gently feeling the stable ground on his feet. Xiao’s voice, gentle, almost like a whisper, just by his ear.
“Be careful now.”
There were multiple moments passing by like a blur, and they were all of Xiao. Almost every expression on almost every angle during almost every time of the day.
The soft light of the sun on Xiao’s face as they sit on the Adeptus’ Abode.
Standing on top of the spire at Dragonspine.
Gliding through Jueyun Karst.
Meeting by the Statue of the Seven near Qingyun Peak.
A lot of instances on the top floor of the Wangshu Inn.
Atop one of the structures in Huaguang Stone Forest during a star-filled night.
The words “It doesn’t matter if it’s you” a soft whispery echo surrounding them.
All just snippets of memories of the time they spent together.
The last he encountered was something more dream-like than just a memory replaying.
A sea of qingxin flowers during a cloudless night surrounded by crystal flies. Crystal cores adorning Aether’s long hair. A cozy warmth surrounding them both. Aether closing in on Xiao, inch by inch. The fluttering sensation in his gut fueling him further.
Xiao, his face burning red, had to retract himself from the dream. He shook his head and stepped outside the room to try not to think about Aether’s dreams. He wasn’t sure how long he had been staring at the many dogs crowding him in the main hall of the manor before Aether finally woke up and got out of the bedroom. He wasn’t really surprised that there were more animals than furniture in this building.
“Xiao? How did you…? Adeptus, right. How can I forget?” Aether chuckled awkwardly as he sat down on one of the old looking chairs in what was probably the dining area of the house.
The air between them was suddenly thick with awkwardness that Xiao felt like suffocating the longer they stayed in silence. It felt so unbearable that Xiao was made to talk first.
“You said you were heading to Inazuma soon.”
The statement took Aether by surprise. His eyes almost golden in how they shone in anticipation as he looked at Xiao.
The adeptus cleared his throat and sat down on one of the chairs as well. “I will come with you.” Many nights ago, Aether, on a whim, had invited Xiao to travel with him. The request was so sudden that Aether immediately apologized when the words came out of his mouth. His face flushed with embarrassment.
With Morax now “gone” so to speak, Xiao’s contract with the Geo Archon has been terminated. He was free to do as he pleased. He wasn’t sure what to do with the freedom he was given, all he knew was that he wanted to follow his traveler until the end of his journey in this world. He wanted to be there when Aether finally reaches whatever endpoint his sister has planned for him. And Xiao wanted to be there at Aether’s side fighting every obstacle that hindered him from his goal.
At the declaration, Aether smiled so bright, the yaksha couldn’t help but etch that into his memory. A snippet of a memory to add to his own collection of Aether’s smiles he dreams of at night.