Chapter Text

In a barren corner of Liyue, a lone warrior adeptus fights against a group of troublesome monsters.

Taking notice, a traveling bard appears on a tree branch nearby, sitting leisurely to watch.

The adeptus doesn’t seem to realize, whether clueless or purposely ignoring the bard’s presence. An answer comes swiftly after he takes out the last of several opponents, a pesky Cryo abyss mage, likely the cause of trouble in the first place.

The bard jumps down a ways behind him, clapping a job well done.

“Just what I’d expect from none other than you, o great conqueror of demons, witnessing you fight is quite a view.”

He’s unaffected by the praise, completely breezing past it as he turns to face the bard.

“... So that was the disturbance. Barbatos. Why are you here?”

“Oh, you didn’t recognize my presence there? Though it has been a while, so I guess that's fair,” Venti says, rueful.

Xiao continues to hold onto his polearm rather than casting it away. Not that it’s unusual for him, but when someone’s trying to hold a friendly conversation, he could at least do away with the weapon. Still, he’s silent, and Venti realizes he isn’t getting any further along into this conversation without answering Xiao’s question.

"Liyue is so much bigger than Mondstadt, though I suppose you already know that. I was looking for you, but it wasn't easy. I even tried calling you through the wind, but perhaps you were you busy-” 

In a whirlwind of Anemo energy, Xiao suddenly disappears from sight. Venti smiles. Again, just as expected, and feeling him reappear from behind, Venti casually turns to see the problem is already handled. Though he knows how impressive Xiao is, it's always worth being reminded firsthand.

Xiao’s polearm is thrust into the ruin guard’s core, splintering it and sending it crashing to the ground. No sooner after that does he jump back to land just in front of Venti with effortless grace. The glowing shards that remain fade, the machine's malfunctioning body slumping fully into the dirt. With the certainty of its demise, Xiao turns his attention back to Venti.

“If you're going to be here, try to stay alert for danger.”

“Now, why would I need to be alert when you're already a perfect guard? Won't you accompany this poor defenseless bard?" Venti puts on his sweetest smile, and it manages to elicit some expression from Xiao. Not that mild annoyance is a vast improvement, but it’s something.

“You don't need my protection from threats such as these. I don't expect you to listen, and I don't care what you do, unless harm comes to you- or Liyue,” he says, his gaze focused nowhere in particular until he centers it back on Venti at the last moment, piercing.

While Venti has no dark intentions or actual mischief up his sleeve, the challenge in both Xiao's words and stare still rings loud and daring as a howling windstorm. It leaves Venti caught speechless, for once, like the air was stolen from his lungs. He would be lying if he said it wasn't at least a bit exhilarating.

“If you don’t require anything of me, I have other obligations to attend to.” Without further courtesy, Xiao disappears once again in a burst of Anemo energy. Unfortunately, he doesn’t reappear a few feet away this time.

“Just when I found him, too,” Venti mutters to himself, crossing his arms.

Maybe, possibly, he could get in some trouble and call for Xiao’s help, ever the dashing savior. Except he was already called out, and he doesn’t feel like playing around too much in this land riddled with fallen gods and misery. Especially after that exchange… he would prefer to stay on Xiao's better side if he can help it. Speaking of, that look he gave him was curious. If it were the middle of battle, his focus would be just as harsh, his body an extension of his polearm. But standing around and having a conversation isn't equivalent to that… or at least, he would hope Xiao doesn't feel so.

If only it weren’t for Morax, that stone equivalent to a thorn in his side. ‘Pebble in his shoe’ is fitting. He kicks a small rock nearby for good measure, and it sounds a hard clink off the ruin guard’s metal body. Looking at it is a bit unsettling, as if it’ll whirr back to life, and Venti decides it wiser to take off with the wind in the opposite direction.

That iconic inn he can see in the distance- Wangshu inn, if he remembers correctly- might not have Xiao, but at least it might be a good spot to rest for the day. After some singing, delicious Liyuen food, and if his pocket change allows it, a few drinks, he can continue his travels. 

Like most else in this land, the inn stands towering over the surrounding landscape. Curious how even in this, the humans built such an extravagant landmark on top of a jutting rock formation. Of course Morax would leave Liyue to them moving forward.

Tomorrow… tomorrow, he’ll find Xiao and not get distracted with expectations.

~

Instead of expectations, it's the inn’s chef, Smiley Yanxiao, who ends up sidetracking him. He takes pity on Venti as a broke, travelling bard, so long as he plays a few good songs as payment. Venti dares to think he prefers this over Angel’s Share, both with the convenient agreement he lucked into, and the height of the inn itself. The wind breezes through like a second home in his eyes. Though he is admittedly more partial to dandelion wine, he can’t afford to be picky. A drink is a drink, after all.

The inn's, ah, Boss, is at the front counter, but he had sensed the cat as soon as he arrived. He quickly greets her while subtly manipulating the surrounding air to keep its fur from drifting to him, but even that doesn't prevent a few sniffles from surfacing. 

Venti considers that he shouldn’t be even more of a bother by moving up to the roof, but hey, he isn’t the archon of freedom to be held down by a few silly rules. Not that they explicitly said there’s a rule against it in the first place, so really he isn’t doing anything wrong. Even if he did fall off the edge, it isn’t like he’d fall to his death, anyhow.

After downing his last glass of some not-half-bad Liyuen wine he forgot the name of, Venti lies down fully onto the roof, staring up at the night sky with the tree’s overhanging branches framing it. A floating leaf finds its way onto his face, and he blows it away with a huff. Looking up to the stars sparkling ahead, a light breeze swaying the branches, and the hushed affairs of the inn late at night below him, there’s nothing else to think about. Nothing else to feel.

And like that, he falls asleep.

~

What awaits Venti in the morning is a fate only slightly better than death. 

The side of the roof he chose to pass out on directly faces east, and with that the inevitable rising sun. At first it just barely peeks over Dragonspine, but it doesn't take long for the rays to spill over to the rest of the valley. 

Having sunlight glaring directly into his face is still the lesser of two evils, at least. Rolling off the edge of the roof overnight while awake wouldn’t be an issue, but doing so in the middle of drunken sleep might be. As a gnosis-less archon, he isn’t sure if that would actually kill him, but he’s not about to risk it, or the ensuing pain regardless. It also might disturb the people of the inn, and he definitely doesn't want to ruin his reputation here.

As his only respite, Venti pulls his cape over his head to escape the sun. It doesn’t work as well as he’d hoped. Resigned to the less lazy decision, Venti stands up, unwrapping himself from his cape. His second awakening is not as offensive as the sunrise was, but provides much more of a shock.

In the tree branch above him sits Xiao. 

Specifically, he’s on a branch sitting with one leg dangling, his eyes closed as if he’s resting. Except Xiao doesn’t rest, ever, at least not the deep sleep kind. It’s strange that he hadn’t reacted to Venti waking up by now. The surprise leaves Venti standing dumbly for a minute until he remembers himself.

Smirking, he takes a deep breath, and then cups his hands around his mouth.

"HEY XIAO ~ !" He yells to the loudest of his ability, which might actually be too loud with the inn still below. 

All at once, Xiao’s eyes fly open, and he jumps down to the roof, summoning his polearm, tensed for a fight.

There’s only Venti waiting for him with an entirely too proud smile on his face. Xiao doesn’t seem mad when he realizes, only somewhat exasperated at his antics. He wonders how many more buttons it would take to press to get a reaction like before.

“Good morning, my dear adeptus. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you sleep, it's most curious.”

“I was not. Merely… meditating.” The polearm goes away quickly this time. Venti can just barely spot the tips of Xiao’s ears reddening.

“Enough that you didn’t stir at sunrise, or notice me waking up? That seems very unlike you.”

“That is assuming you know what is ‘unlike’ me,” Xiao bristles, eyes sliding sharp on him again, and Venti thinks, ah , there it is , though he hadn’t intended it at this moment. He files it away in the back of his mind for later consideration.

“Well, I can’t disagree with you on that. But you were still looking out for me, right?”

“It would be an issue if you were to get hurt.”

“You didn’t have to sit on a tree as your bed. You could’ve moved me, or scolded me, or threw a rock at my head. Unless…” He leans over to get a better look at Xiao’s face and give him a cheeky grin at the same time. “It was just a convenient excuse to watch me sleep?”

Xiao's expression turns, just barely, into one of confusion.

“There’s no need for an excuse when that was my intention.”

Hearing the entirely serious belief in his statement, Venti can’t help but burst into laughter, leaning over and clutching his sides. Xiao gains several more question marks on his face.

It only lasts a moment, though, because in his uncontrolled laughter, Venti loses his footing, tripping sideways. He barely has a second to know what's happening before Xiao grabs onto his arm, instantly teleporting them both down to the much less risky balcony.

“Hey, don’t teleport people without their permission!” Venti drops to the floor, heaving a sigh. It’s not that he isn’t used to it, but the abrupt change in scenery after just waking up makes his head spin. Xiao frowns, stepping back.

“... My apologies. I will take my leave.”

“Ah, wait, I’m not actually upset, don’t-” Venti rushes to stand up, but it’s too late. Somewhat dramatically, he must say, Xiao steps onto the railing, then jumps without effort to fall straight down. When Venti runs to look over the side, there’s predictably nothing but air.

He’s starting to get tired of hide and seek. While Xiao might’ve felt regretful having Venti scold him, there’s definitely more to it with the way he keeps being so elusive. He never took Xiao for someone petty, but he can’t really blame him, and If he's making Venti work for their reunion, he’d just have to accept this little game. The realm of the adepti is Jueyun Karst, that much he knows, so he heads west. Well, at least after treating himself to a quick snack from the inn’s kitchen first.

~

The first thing that catches Venti’s eye as he approaches the stone forest area is a mountain glittering with orange. It’s brilliant enough that it reminds him what it is exactly- the adeptus Mountain Shaper’s amber, meant for dealing with unwanted visitors. A huge chunk of the cliffside almost looks like it's being swallowed by the bulging rocks.

He heads there first, the natural wind currents helping him glide without much of his bidding. Monsters and treasure hunters are scattered everywhere below, and he’d rather avoid unnecessary fighting. Overhead, the sun continues its steady journey across the sky, a timer on Venti’s daytime search. He isn’t incapable of searching after sunset, but he wants to find Xiao sooner rather than later, and it’s much easier with the sun’s illumination.

Reaching the mountain area, the natural currents don’t quite place him at the top. After having to take out a few random slimes on the path there, Venti easily reaches his destination, standing before the adeptus’ realm. He’ll have to reveal himself. He wonders if Mountain Shaper is even paying attention to the outside world.

“Trespasser, who dares step into the land of the adepti?”

Mountain Shaper appears, a crane patterned in orange and brown. He just barely remembers this one’s name, and if asked, the names of the other two escape him. Venti channels just enough of his power to be known, and Mountain Shaper’s demeanor visibly changes.

“Lord Barbatos? Shrouding yourself in the form of a mortal… These curious times do confound one.”

“Terribly sorry to barge in on you like this,” Venti starts, but Mountain Shaper is unruffled.

“One only hopes you have not arrived due to another crisis.”

“Not to worry, I'm just here in search of your fellow adeptus, Xiao. If you know where he might’ve gone, I will hopefully find him before the next dawn.”

“Is that so... Though one does keep a constant watch, one doesn’t recall him passing nearby recently. He does at times favor Qingce Village, but the large human inn is his where you will most often find him.”

“Ah, thank you, I’ll keep looking further. I hope I wasn’t too much of a bother.”

“One would rather speak with a bothersome archon than a bothersome human.”

“Ehe, so you admit I’m bothersome.”

“Some would say.”

He appreciates the crane’s sly honesty, then as promised, leaves the amber mountain alone to its master.

Venti figures going to Qingce village is better than nothing. Travelling around the surrounding hillsides, he still doesn’t spot Xiao anywhere, but he expected as much. He was in an obvious hurry, but nothing about this area shows budding darkness or evil creatures, only a few slimes. However, the layered flower fields are striking, and upon further inspection there are even glaze lilies. He had barely seen them, if any, after travelling through Liyue for the past few days.

Before he can move his search elsewhere, maybe to the eerie side of the nearby cliffs, one of the village kids approaches him in the flower field. Venti must be letting the disappointment get to him, because he doesn’t notice until she’s already grabbing at his sleeve.

“Hello, um, mister? Are you a traveler?”

“Huh- oh, why yes, young miss. Also Mondstadt’s best bard, at your service,” he smiles, bowing with a flourish, as the kid’s eyes sparkle with wonder.

“But you aren’t even a grown-up! That’s so cool, I wanna travel on my own too!”

Oops, already made things complicated.

“Well, um, actually, I’m travelling with my family! They’re taking care of business elsewhere, and let me stop here out of curiosity. It’s dangerous to travel alone even if you’re an adult, or it might end badly.”

She eyes him for a second, but thankfully his little lie doesn’t deflate the girl. She easily moves to question him about other things, and it isn’t long before his lyre is out and he’s entertaining the quaint village’s child population. They sit enthralled as Venti weaves stories of legendary heroes, magical creatures and evil beasts, making sure to feature their local hero, the demon conquering yaksha. 

To his delight, the kids even offer up their own stories of Xiao. He should’ve guessed as much would happen. Even with his candid attitude, Xiao‘s gentleness is surely what sustains him, despite time and torment. As much as he may scoff at humanity like the other guardian adepti, the truth still resides amongst the children of this waning village. 

~

Before Venti knows it, the sun is setting.

He should’ve made up some excuse to leave earlier, but the valley is nice, and the kids probably don’t get a lot of excitement in their isolated village. As darkness descends and they're called back for dinner, though, he makes his escape.

Venti tries a bit harder to find Xiao, now summoning the wind in greater strength to help him pass through various peaks and valleys. Unfortunately, it’s futile, and on the last hilltop of the night he stops to take in the scenery, the lights of Liyue Harbor a faint glow in the distance. He breathes in, remembering old times, but not too deeply lest he get sidetracked. 

This air isn’t his own country’s, but it’s still his element, and in one last attempt he tries to feel through it. Any disturbances, like the kind Xiao might incur through his fights, the use of Anemo. It’s more energy than he’d like to use, admittedly annoying to his senses, but still there’s nothing, and Venti sighs. A nearly full moon glows overhead, bright and mocking.

He returns to the inn long past whenever midnight probably is. At least he stumbled on some apples through the evening, though they don't have the same crispness as his favorite variety in Mondstadt. Without disturbing the kitchen stock, he goes right to the top balcony, leaning against the railing to sigh some more. 

"That slippery yaksha… I should just go back to Mondstadt.”

“Why haven’t you?”

Venti startles.

Xiao jumps down from the roof, as if waiting for him to come back, and crosses his arms. 

“Mountain Shaper informed me you were at Mount Hulao.”

“Oh, yes, they were very obliging. I ended up looking after the kids of Qingce Village for a while, it was very inspiring. But you're very good at hiding, I must say!”

“My life is not one of leisure. Darkness lies in many corners of Liyue.”

“Surely, looking over all the cliffs and valleys across Liyue for you is the opposite of leisurely.” Not that he did exactly that, but he feels tired enough for it to be true.

“Doing so would take more than a day. You spent most of yours in Qingce Village.” Oh, he really doesn't pull any punches! Venti finds he missed this.

“Okay, I didn’t look at all of them. Some of the tall ones seemed like too much effort.”

“Let’s go, then.”

“Huh?”

“The high cliff south of Qingce Village. I’ll wait for you there.”

By some grace, Xiao doesn’t teleport away immediately like before. Instead, he looks expectantly at Venti.

“I don’t want you to go ahead and stand around waiting. Take me with you,” Venti grins, sliding his hand in Xiao’s. It’s comforting to see him still flustered by this, then immediately resigning himself to fate.

Xiao teleports them together, and when solid ground hits their feet, Xiao doesn't waste time taking back his hand. 

For the second time in a day, Venti finds himself near Qingce village, but now the flower fields are illuminated by moonlight. There's a serene pool on this hilltop, surrounded by dragon statues that seem to be modeled after Morax. He had passed by it before, reasoning it to be some kind of puzzle, but he had no time for that, especially for something that was likely hidden away by Morax for the better of the world. An unimaginable amount of secrets lying in wait; Venti just hopes this one won't come to affect the timeworn village in the future.

Xiao moves to sit on the edge of the hill, one leg hanging down, the other pulled up towards himself, leaning on it. A breeze passes by at that moment, and Venti stares, Xiao’s eyes nearly reflecting the valley below. Then, he dares to sit with their backs together, heart thudding just a bit too loudly in his chest. He feels Xiao tense, but still doesn't shift away.

Finally, with Xiao not hurrying to escape to some other place, Venti dares to ask. 

"Are you upset I was gone for so long?"

For a moment there's only silence, but it's a lull he had come to expect from Xiao, when he thinks far too much but doesn’t quite know what to say. Especially about feelings.

"... The passage of time matters little, regardless of measurements placed on it. This night will end just as the past centuries have, and the coming centuries will join them."

"You're as funny as I remember. I asked if you're mad at me, not about the philosophy of time!"

More silence. Venti wonders if another angle would work better. 

"Well, if that's too difficult for you to answer-"

"I am not. Mad at you." Xiao finally answers, but the way he says it sounds like he feels the exact opposite. He isn't one for lies, if anything. "Though many of your actions are incomprehensible to me."

"It would be okay if you were, though. I know I deserve it. Actually… I still wasn't planning to come here. But then I heard about Morax."

The silence is deafening, now. Not just Xiao, but the air itself seems to have held its breath, the pool behind them holding a solid reflection of the almost-full moon.

"- from Lumine," Venti continues, for his own sanity more than anything. "I happened to run into her, and while she couldn't recount every detail, she told me the important ones. For something like that to happen… I couldn't just stay in Mondstadt." 

Venti pauses, for effect, to weigh his words, to gather the strength to say them. 

"Not that I expect any less of you when it comes to protecting Liyue, but allying with the Qixing, working alongside humans… I’m proud of you."

He moves his hand to hover over Xiao's, braced against the ground.

"Venti."

He flinches, pulling his hand back.

"That is the name you gave Lumine, the people of the inn, and many others I don't know of."

"Ah, well yes, that's right. I didn't have the chance to tell you. It's helpful to associate with mortals, not as a revered archon. What do you think?" Venti leans the slightest bit more into Xiao, but he suddenly feels further away than before.

"I think I have been idle for too long."

He feels Xiao stand. Like a reflex, Venti immediately jumps up, grabbing onto his wrist. It wouldn't physically prevent him from teleporting, but mentally he might be swayed, destabilized by Venti's forward desperation. For all of his whims, everything dear he has lost either carelessly or despite his best efforts- Xiao is still here.

"Won’t you stay?" Venti asks, feeling like a mockery as soon as the words escape his mouth, but what else can he say?

Looking back first at where Venti holds his arm, and then at him, Xiao’s eyes are sharp, but not in anger or annoyance. It feels like he's trying to see through him. The barest of sighs follows.

“There is still Liyue Harbor to visit. I will accompany you to the outskirts if you wish, but I don't see what other purpose talking with me serves.”

“Do you need to 'serve a purpose’? I-” Venti pauses, then lets go of Xiao’s wrist. “… I lied, actually.” 

He knows he can’t dance around it anymore, as daunting as it feels to address. 

“I mean, not exactly a lie. I just left out the truth, without finishing what I meant about being here because of Morax.”

Only the slight crease of Xiao’s brow interrupts his otherwise stoic appearance. As he feels the weight of Xiao's gaze on him, it's difficult to look directly at him. So instead, he looks out at the glowing fields below them.

“I left for so long- Not just you, but everything, and when I returned it was almost unsalvageable. If not for Lumine… but, I can’t have her solve all of my problems, right? Some things can’t be fixed by others. Even if you conceal it, I know it hurts.”

As if it could somehow help him, provide him courage, Venti looks up to the moon now. Closes his eyes to breathe in deep. Exhales.

“But I was still afraid. If I couldn’t even help Dvalin, what else would I ruin? Had already ruined, left to rot. It was only upon hearing of Morax's death… I knew I couldn’t turn away any longer.” Venti forces himself to focus squarely back on Xiao. There he meets his gaze, unwavering, absorbing all of his words without complaint. 

“You don’t need to accept my excuses and forgive me. Just tell me you understand... it wasn’t that you didn’t deserve my affection. It’s because I was undeserving of yours.”

Another beat of silence.

“You can leave if you want. You don’t have to respond. That’s an acceptable answer, too.”

In quiet contemplation, Xiao closes his eyes. A slight breeze had returned, gently swaying his hair, and fluttering Venti's cape. Venti can’t help being caught in the moment, with moonlight shining on his unguarded features- the familiar slope of his nose, eyes framed with red in careful design, softened by his eyelashes. This view only few would be privileged to experience.

When Xiao opens his eyes again, a small smile graces his lips.

"Speak my name to the sky if you are in fear, and sure as the wind I will appear."

It takes a second for Venti to realize what he just said.

“You- What-” He sputters, at a loss for words. “Did you just copy me?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“I just thought… you would be more… serious,” Venti sinks back to the ground, pulling his legs up to wrap his arms around them. “I’m not sure what that means. Did losing Rex Lapis make you lose your sanity as well? Why else would you start rhyming? That has to be it, doesn't it.”

Xiao laughs, just a quick huff, but Venti is struck by the softness on his face when he does. It’s only fleeting. Venti wishes it didn’t have to be.

“It means exactly as I said. If you are in trouble, call for me. I will come to you.”

“Then, how come you avoided me?" Venti stands back up, searching his face. "You said you weren’t mad, but I felt it, or something similar.”

Xiao’s mouth becomes a thin line, his expression tense, his eyes cast downward.

“When I realized you were in Liyue, I knew it was due to Rex Lapis, regardless of any other intentions. Though when you appeared in search of me, after having lost contact for some time… I assumed your business with me could only be…”

He never finishes the sentence, taking a short breath.

“It doesn’t matter, regardless. There has also been trouble lately. I can’t become complacent.”

“You might not want me to say this, but do you have to continue bearing Liyue’s darkness on your shoulders? To spend your days for eternity fighting monsters? I was understanding so long as Morax continued to rule, but…”

“It’s true it was our contract, but even beyond it was my own desire. This has always been my answer. Then, fighting alongside the Qixing showed me that Rex Lapis entrusted Liyue to us. I won’t abandon it.”

“I see. That, too, is your choice,” Venti's expression softens. “What you said before… it applies from me to you, as well. If you are ever in need of my assistance, even to cure your loneliness, I’ll rush to your side no matter the distance.”

Venti steps closer, reaching out to place his hand on Xiao’s cheek, not too cautious but still keeping careful attention for his reaction. If he’ll object, or move away. His eyes flicker to Venti’s hand, but he doesn’t move, looking back at him. The chasm between them is almost nonexistent, now. Looking into Xiao’s eyes feels like the entrance to an amber-hued galaxy.

“That… that can be a contract, can’t it? If you want me to rely on you, then you also have to rely on me.” 

He’s suddenly self-conscious, like he just said something ridiculous, though that isn’t uncommon for him. But really, contracts aren’t in his nature. Those are Morax’s decree, the foundation of Liyue’s trade, rigid and binding and at odds with Venti’s ideals. The irony of their opposing values had never ceased to amuse him, often a source of discord as much as they cared for each other. However, if the archon of freedom himself couldn’t be a bit more flexible after what Morax had committed, what hope is there for him? 

It seems like Xiao senses Venti’s embarrassment too, now, his face reddening under Venti’s palm. Venti retreats his hand, only to step back and hold it out between them.

“Oh, but it should come with exceptions… It should be flexible, but the most important part is honesty. That’s good enough, isn’t it? Deal?”

"Are you sure? Contracts are…" Xiao trails off, looking down to Venti's outstretched hand, then back to his face. Venti stays firm, moving his hand slightly closer for emphasis. Xiao finally extends his own. It feels too formal between them to shake hands like this, but it makes this spur of the moment thing feel at least somewhat more official.

Xiao holds onto his hand longer than what is probably normal. It almost seems like he’s going to say something, but then he doesn’t, and lets go. Turning away, he looks over to the south.

“There is something I have to take care of.”

“More monster hunting?”

“... Possibly.”

Venti smiles, bittersweet, but if he wasn’t this way then he wouldn’t be Xiao.

“Well, you already know, I’ll be at Wangshu Inn until at least tomorrow. Will you escort me to Liyue Harbor when the time comes?”

“Would you… wait for me?” He looks conflicted.

“Only as long as you’ll wait for me,” Venti winks, enjoying as Xiao’s face reddens again. Now is the opportunity for him to leave for whatever monster hunting is so crucial, but he still doesn’t.

Though Venti doesn’t know if he’s misreading it, he takes the chance. Stepping forward, he kisses Xiao’s cheek, then jumps back, averting his eyes.

“Um, I apologize if-”

"It's fine," Xiao cuts him off, hiding his face in his hand. While he can't exactly see, Venti knows he's hiding a smile, shy as always.

"Well then, if you hurry, more will await you at the inn."

Recomposing himself, Xiao nods, but the ghost of a smile is still pulling at his mouth. Then, without another word, he's gone.

~

As tempting as it sounds to wait at the inn the whole time until Xiao's return, visiting the kitchen all day again feels too monotonous. The resident cat also makes it much less appealing to hang around for too long, and after napping on the west side of the roof until noon, he goes elsewhere. He doesn't leave the area at least, singing ballads amongst travelers at the base of the inn. When that doesn't last, he goes to drive away some hilichurls causing trouble nearby, crouches to smell the soft silk flowers, plays around with the colorful Liyue-style umbrellas...

No matter what he tries to entertain himself with, the day passes by far too slowly without any hint of Xiao. He wonders if there might be a problem.

Just as sunset falls, and Venti considers another nap, he hears it. A sudden gust of wind picks up, laced with Anemo and enveloping him with the sound of Xiao's tone.

Venti. Requesting… help.

A chill runs through him. Sure, they had just made that agreement to help each other, but already? So suddenly? Also, what could possibly be strong enough to give him trouble?

Without wasting any time, he follows the trail of the message. He tries not to think about possibly facing off against an ancient fallen god filled with earth-shattering rage, bent on revenge and domination. Morax was the one who stood proud during the archon wars, not him.

But it doesn't matter. Xiao called for him. That's all he needs to drive him forward.

As he approaches the area, Venti can feel intensifying malevolent energy, like a wall of smoke. Soon enough, he sees an impression of ruins in the ground, like the collapse of some cavern had come to reveal it. The next thing he sees is a huge creature in the pit of it; possibly some kind of geovishap, only it looks even more threatening, if that’s possible. Then he spots Xiao, jumping back to evade an attack, his small form looking way too vulnerable in front of it. Though, he probably can’t speak to that being barely taller than him.

Venti finally gets in range atop the edge of the cliff, and sends his first attack in an arrow brimming full of Anemo power. It hits perfectly in the monster's left eye, as intended. If only that was enough to take it down, but of course it doesn't, and it thrashes around in anger for its unseen attacker.

Xiao turns to look at the direction the arrow shot from, and that's when Venti sees the demon mask on his face, darkness exuding from his body. His right arm seems bloodied, and Venti wonders if that’s the reason he called for him. All the times he’s seen Xiao fight, from hydro slimes to ruin hunters as his opponents, he doesn’t remember even a scratch on him.

The monster takes their split second of distraction to aim another attack at Xiao, a rock-spiked arm slamming towards him. Venti yells for him to look out, and instead of jumping back, Xiao jumps upward, then slams down his polearm to strike its arm. Venti really wishes he had the time to scold him- why would he show up to help, just to let his dear yaksha continue fighting on a badly injured arm?

All the same, the monster’s movements already seem off-balance, poorly aimed, and Venti takes a second to smile at his own skill. Though he didn’t defeat it in one hit, it did something, and Venti braces to send out another arrow, Anemo gathering at its tip. This one doesn’t hit as clean, barely leaving a mark amongst its rocky exterior. He wonders if pure energy would do better than arrows at all, and he drops down to join Xiao in facing off the beast.

Well, at least it doesn’t seem to be a god. More like a geo monster trapped and corrupted in some ancient ruin, and maybe Xiao’s goal had been to unearth and take care of it for good… that doesn’t sound quite right. He’ll leave the speculation for after, though, as the monster aims for them again. Where Xiao jumps to, Venti makes sure to follow just slightly ahead, placing himself between Xiao and the monster.

“Take your mask off and I’ll handle this!”

“No. I will not abandon this fight.”

Venti really doesn’t want to start arguing in the middle of battle. When the monster takes a step towards them, he sends out a blast of Anemo to stagger it and give them another moment.

“Support me and I will finish this quickly,” Xiao says. Before Venti can protest, he runs ahead, jumping on air to aim another attack at the monster’s remaining eye. The hit lands, but Xiao flinches in a rebound of pain afterward. Even blinded, the monster senses its opportunity to best its enemy. No mercy exists in this fight to the death.

Venti barely reacts in time to send a gust of wind, throwing Xiao out of the monster's reach.

At least with that last attack the battle should be almost over, but Xiao also seems to be at his limit. Only when he lands back on the ground nearby, clutching his arm, does Venti notice it’s not just a cut on his bicep; it’s a gash straight across his shoulder. No wonder he was struggling so much.

In his shock at seeing Xiao’s actual wound, Venti is caught off guard by another attack. Though the monster’s sight is gone, its other senses remain, and it looks like it can still figure out their general direction. He dodges a full-on hit, but it sends a wave of jagged rocks from the ground, and one manages to slash his arm. It isn’t nearly as bad as Xiao’s injury, but he’d still prefer otherwise.

When the monster goes to take a wide swipe at them, Venti tosses Xiao and himself up into the air above it, and in one final burst Xiao runs it through with his polearm. That finally sends the monster to dissipate into nothing but remnants of dark energy.

Xiao lands in the middle of the sudden emptiness of the ruin, eerie and threatening. After a moment, he shakily takes his mask off, blood dripping off his elbow.

Venti shivers, then nearly flies for Xiao as he stumbles, falling forward, but Venti catches him. 

Xiao groans. Sure the fight was exhausting, and he’s injured, but it shouldn’t be enough to make him like this... 

It takes Venti a beat longer to realize what's going on. Of course, whatever that monster was, it was corrupted with darkness after who knows how many centuries of entrapment. Along with that, he doesn’t know how badly the mask would compound with that. He wonders if it was even safe for himself to be surrounded by so much dark energy- to be around Xiao- no, that's going too far. 

It isn't enough for him to worry that it'll do Xiao in, but that doesn't mean it's a pleasant experience. Now might be too late for it to matter, but better to leave than continue lingering in the cursed ruin.

He probably shouldn't go back to the inn like this, either. The closest place seems to be the adeptus' mountain to the west, so Venti carefully tries to arrange Xiao’s limp body in his arms, then sets off. As he arrives, spotting the pool with a stone table and chairs in its center, he somewhat remembers this place. He sets Xiao gently on the table as it’s the flattest surface around. No sooner after he does that does another crane adeptus appear. 

"Adeptus Xiao… what has happened, human?"

"It's Barbatos. He was injured in battle. There was... a demonic beast." Venti frowns. He isn't a healer, all he knows is wind and song. By some saving grace, Xiao's shoulder wound isn't bleeding now. Adepti heal fast, but that won't make it disappear instantly. What's more worrying, though, is the fact he isn't regaining consciousness. The shoulder wound should have no bearing on that.

"Do you know how to heal him? To wake him up? "

"Barbatos? If that is so, how is one to know more than an archon?” 

"You know better than to expect Barbatos to have any expertise on that subject. So please, O illuminated one, isn't it your duty to protect Liyue? Is there any way to help him?"

The crane doesn't reply immediately, solemn in its demeanor.

“... The adepti are indeed tasked with protecting Liyue, but it is only he who quells creatures overflowing with darkness, as the mission the yakshas were entrusted with. None of the others who succumbed to their karmic debt were able to be saved, though that may very well be apparent to you.”

“Then… is this a sign that karmic debt has come for him?” Venti doesn't stop the desperation from seeping into his voice. Even though it’s been a risk since Morax entrusted their mission to them, it doesn’t make it any easier for Venti to accept. Even if this itself is only a temporary injury, he hates confronting the doomed reality of Xiao’s burden.

“From one’s knowledge, this was not a sign the other yakshas had shown upon their demise. However, that is not a guarantee this isn’t its own manifestation of such an end.”

The hope he clings to is that Xiao is relatively undisturbed. If he were about to be overtaken by demonic energy, it should be a lot more obvious and destructive, or at least that's what makes sense. There’s too much silence and uncertainty. Though Xiao was groaning before, he didn’t seem lucid. He definitely wouldn’t have let Venti carry him if he was. Now it just seems like he’s passed out.

It temporarily crosses his mind that he could try to find Lumine, but even if he found her quickly amongst her endless travels across Teyvat, surely even her power couldn’t erase Xiao's karmic burden. Rather, if she could, she would have done it by now. 

Venti feels himself getting weighed down by a plague of thoughts that usually float away from his center of thoughts. If only there was an answer to this. If only Xiao would wake up. If only Morax wasn’t-

But it's pointless to think of anything that way. He knows it's better to calm down and think rationally. Taking a deep breath, he looks up at the crane.

"You don't mind if I take him to Wangshu inn, do you? If he doesn't wake up within the day, I'll send for Ganyu."

"Do what you must. One does trust you to ensure his safety, and will also send word to Ganyu to check on his wellbeing if necessary."

Somehow, this blessing sets his mind at ease. Everything will be fine, even if not right away, especially if he can count on Ganyu. Archons know she's much more competent to handle a crisis like this.

Settling his thoughts even further, when Venti shows up at the inn carrying Xiao with utmost care, Verr Goldet sees them and already seems prepared.

"This doesn't happen often- him being injured, as well as carried by a friend."

"Sorry to trouble you so, but is there any possibility of a room?"

She seems amused by this, but he doesn't have a chance to lose his patience.

"Xiao is a frequent visitor here. Let's not wait around, I'll help bandage his shoulder as well."

Now he isn't sure if he should be surprised, but more than anything he's glad. He exhales a breath he didn't know he was holding as he sets Xiao down on what's apparently the bed of his room. It probably wouldn't ever be used otherwise. 

After Verr Goldet leaves the room to themselves, Venti sits on the edge beside Xiao, brushing a strand of wayward hair out of his face. He should be in some peace now, though there's no way to completely erase the anxiety buzzing in his head. Except he can't stop the clench of his heart as he strokes Xiao's face, and thinks of the others he also once held dear, always destined for some fate, more often than not unfair. It's no different for him.

To be so ineffectual against the flow of the world, whether as a wind wisp or an archon, feels like the biggest mockery of all.