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It had been quite some time since you last saw Xiao.
This was not an unusual occurrence, however. The adeptus made it abundantly clear that he was not sociable in the slightest regard. The never-ending task of protecting Liyue filled Xiao's thoughts night and day, leaving room for little else. This preoccupation with his adeptal duties had been the case for a long time, and yet...
Xiao seemed to always find time to spend with you.
Whether he was aware of it or not, the Yaksha seldom failed to ignore your greetings on the Wangshu Inn balcony. Anytime you and your smile wandered onto the outdoor platform, followed by the smell of his favorite Almond Tofu, it was almost guaranteed that the adeptus would reveal himself.
A small friendship had gradually bloomed between you and Xiao. You figured he didn't mind spending time with you, as you were one of the few people he had allowed to remain consistently present in his committed life. Many stories had been shared between the two of you—one-sided tales of your travels, that is. Xiao would silently listen to you talk while he ate your offerings, only interjecting to question you after recounting some "foolish mortal" thing that he didn't understand. It was a comfortable and peaceful friendship you had formed with the powerful adeptus.
Which is exactly why you were so perplexed over his recent absence.
Another plate of Almond Tofu had grown cold for the nth time this week, sadly abandoned on the Wangshu Inn balcony floor. You felt guilty for wasting so many meals, but the hopefulness that Xiao would eventually greet you like usual was stronger. That, and it would be awkward to eat the technical offering for an adeptus. You would have to profusely thank Smiley Yanxiao for making so many dishes.
A sigh fell from your lips as you traced the grooves on the wooden balustrade lining the outdoor balcony. The restaurant's small seating area below the inn still had a few customers, even though it was long past sunset. Traveling merchants' carts bounced over the stone bricks in the road, shaking the lanterns hanging off the back. Moonlight reflected off of the surrounding lake's water. It would surely be a peaceful atmosphere if you weren't so distracted by the dull anxiety gnawing at your gut.
You didn't want to be pessimistic, but you couldn't help your wandering thoughts. Xiao had never been a people person, nor did he claim to be. Perhaps he grew tired of your constant visits? There was no obligation on his part to spend time with the very mortals he protected. You greatly hoped this was not the case, since you had become slightly attached to the standoffish man.
He was not indebted to you, nor had any reason to entertain you so often, yet Xiao had never forcefully pushed you away. It was fun to watch him become confused over mortal customs and scoff at human tendencies. Xiao was patient with you and always gave you his full attention when you were together, even if he gazed off in another direction while you talked. He warned you that he was a ruthless and unforgiving being, yet you were always enchanted by his endearing manner.
Xiao told you to speak his name if you were ever in danger. You considered calling out to him, but ultimately decided against it, as it could cause some issues. What if he was busy fighting somewhere else, and through summoning him, someone was hurt? What if he was hurt? You thought it was unlikely. Although you've never seen him fight, he made it clear that he was a powerful Yaksha who could emerge unscathed, even when pitted against countless enemies.
So, where in the hell was he?
Before your train of excuses continued, you were hit with an overwhelmingly intense presence in the air. Chills shot violently through your spine and your stomach dropped. It felt as if gravity itself became heavier, intent on forcing your body down onto the patio floor. You barely managed to turn around, only to be met with an alarming sight.
Blood dripped from the looming figure, silhouette obscured by angry flares of a black and teal aura. The menacing, glowing eyes of a demon mask stared at you, just feet away. Familiar tufts of dark hair hung over the mask, weighted down from dark red stains. Their shoulders were hunched over and one hand was tightly wrapped around the jade polearm that had been stabbed into the ground. As you took in the being's familiar outfit, you quickly realized something.
This person, threatening and bloodstained, was none other than Xiao.
Seconds passed before realizing you should speak out to the no-longer absent man. Before Xiao's name could make it out, however, the spear by his side dissolved and he lost his support. You barely reacted in time, reaching out to catch him. Xiao was dead weight in your arms, causing you to fall to your knees.
You had so many questions, but couldn't manage to focus on a single one due to the rapid pounding of your heart. Was this his blood? What was the dark aura coming from his body? Was he even conscious right now? Where had he been this entire time, and how long was he in this state? Was he okay?
Heavy, painful pants came from underneath the dark mask that covered Xiao's face. You scooted your back against the balcony's balustrade and held Xiao's head in your arm, propping his upper body up on your thighs. You tried gently pulling off the mask, but it wouldn't budge—almost as if it was attached directly to his face. You were becoming increasingly worried.
"Xiao? Xiao, what's going on? Should I go find Goldet?"
His bloody, gloved hand tightly grabbed your arm. It wasn't hard enough to leave a bruise, but enough for him to communicate his unspoken message. He wanted you to stay with him.
Your heart hurt from the sight in front of you. His face was hidden, but the constant pants and groans that came from him let you know he was in pain. Under normal circumstances, Xiao would never let anyone see him in this state, let alone a mortal like yourself. If he could see the sympathetic face you were making for him, he would surely tell you off.
You pulled the arm he gripped onto away, redirecting that intense hold to your hand. The arm cradling his head readjusted as you did your best to make him comfortable. The soft chatter from the lower restaurant had become completely silent. You and Xiao were the only nearby people who remained exposed to the night sky.
As you continued to rub your thumb over his hand in yours and mumble comforting words to the hurting Yaksha, the dark aura sparking out from his body came to a halt. The glow from the demon mask's eyes dulled before the mask disappeared completely. Xiao's pants slowed and the tight grip on your own hand softened. His usually sharp golden eyes were half-open and unfocused, staring at nothing in particular. It was a rare, vulnerable sight to witness.
Xiao was tired and hurting in your arms, yet he allowed you to hold him all the same. You didn't know if it was even possible to help Xiao, knowing little about the adeptus' karma. It made your heart ache to see him so exhausted and defeated, even more so that there would be no one aware to thank him for his sacrifices. Once he was able to move again, you would be the one to do so. Once he regained the light in his eyes and the strength in his legs.
Until then, just as Xiao protected Liyue, you would protect him from his unceasing karma, here in your arms.