Archive of Our Own ^omega

Chaos is the first thing he remembers. Embers alighting in a dark sky and pain, so much pain. The memories scream through his mind and pull on his soul. Yet he remembers none of it. They are there, every moment of bloodshed, every spoken heartache, every life that has slipped through his fingers and neglected there. He remembers the anguish too well, stumbling through the ruins that was once home to the Guili Assembly. It was here he signed the first contract. Walking through the brisk surroundings it comes back so clear. The horrific life of slavery and dread he once lived was stripped away when Morax saved him from the eternal suffering. At his feet lay the god who bound him in chains, tearing his body in different directions and scarring him with the horrors he committed. Flashes of the memories haunt his delusions till he feels it all once more. His throat scratching that would tare bone, his skin blistering, the forbidden healing, the wishful thoughts and a crack to make him collapse. What once brought him to life, plucked just as easy and he was gone. His cries for flight lost in a sea of crimson and a lifetime of regret. She just laughed, cracking what remained and tossing the feathers into his bereaved hold. The light taps of heartbreak could only be heard by him alone. His wings, his home, his everything was gone. It was then he submitted, his hopefulness now lost in that sea of crimson and tainting his soul dark.  

He could never wake from this nightmare, never escape the burning flesh that tore him open and each heartbeat was weaker than the last. Time was but a dream in the shadowed infinity he had fallen into. Her hands around his neck, the crumble of marrow will always be remembered even as he watched her wither away, slain by the one he was bound to now. It was there he felt his first breath of life. A new life, no longer a whisper of the name so foreign but a new one. Xiao. A yaksha born in blood, staining all those whom he touched.  

Xiao was not sure when the war began but he was contracted to fight even after its end. His task tonight, yet again was to wander the land of geo, in search of another being to be exorcised. Pervases and Indarius were nearby, ahead in Dihua marsh, the same goal in mind. Guili plains was clear of the karmic matter but Xiao lingered even as the other Yakshas had ventured on. Something was amiss. The winds were clustered and spun up his spear, illuminating his mask in the dead of night. With gales like these he was reminded about his days in flight, the memories long forgotten but the emotions still present. He let his eyes fall shut breathing in the moonlight when a sudden rustle between the shrubs drew his attention. 

Snapping his eyes awake he rushes to where he heard a tumble of sounds. He expects a spirit lodged in karmic binds, breathing smoke and death. It’s what he has come to know. So, when he spots wings of white, he loses his breath at the sight.  

Xiao clutches his polearm, dawning the mask and spies the figure where it has landed, or more so tumbled. Between the twigs he spots the being, sprawled across the floor and the air stills at his feet. The being, angel, boy? Whatever, rolls on his back, chest rising and falling. Xiao can’t take his eyes off the view; it is unlike anything he has ever seen before. The angel laughs, his giggles tickling the yakshas ears and drapes a hand over his face. His muttering is too silent to hear but Xiao is enthralled at the view. The winged rises to sit, dusting off the dirt that matted his skin and clothing. Flapping his wings and floating once more, he raises his hands up past his head and a gasp escapes those soft lips. He falters slightly in the air, pulling on one of the two braids that encompassed his face and eyes his surroundings. 

The yaksha stumbles back in fear of the divine creature catching his gaze or seeing him ease dropping. At that he realises his mistake and takes off abruptly into the plains. 

He was being improper. To stare at a celestial being with such reverence was rude and inapprehensible. Xiao would sure scold himself for this indiscretion later and remind himself why he lost his own wings to begin with. It was beginning to get too loud and he picked up his pace, holding securely onto that spear. Blood rushing to his ears, he could feel the binds tighten on his heart which meant more of the karma was around and his incline was right. But before he could dart further into the abyss he felt a voice, calling him, calling after him and in a panic he hid between the nearest trees.  

“Hello?” The voice,  his  voice spoke sweetly into the air, playing a melody on his heart strings but he must not be fooled. Being a yaksha he has dealt with all types of beings, no matter how pretty and graceful they appear he must always be on watch. With his senses still tingling, he knew to be wary.  

“I know you are out there I saw you dart between the trees ehe...” 

 Heat courses through his veins and Xiao races from the others watchful gaze as fast as the wind will allow him. “Wait! Please!”. The pounding drum of his heart increases when he watches the wings take off after him, flapping carelessly through the wind and in front of him. He stares at the boy, now much closer than before but still hovering above him in the air. His wings are lined with gold, his skin exposed and only slightly covering his body. A ring of vibrant green laces his leg, that same green poking from beneath the covering high up on his chest and his raven hair mixed with that neon at the tips of the braids he pulled at earlier. Xiao’s body wills him to run, wants him to and yet he can’t. He is entranced by the divinity in his presence. The one before him shines in emerald and celestial energy. His eyes are a mixture of the green that dawns his body, they gaze into his soul and wander there in search for more. He knows what they will find is not pretty and so he works up the last of his strength to turn his gaze. 

“I am sorry if I scared you...” The yaksha shakes his head in response, eager to keep his eyes upon the muddied grass. “I- I lost the flower in my hair you see and I really need to look my best today so do you perhaps...” When Xiao peers at the being he is a sight for sore eyes. Pulling on that same braid again, twirling it upon his fingers and averting his own gaze. Xiao softens at the display, seeing clearly that the one before him is not a threat and is just as harmless as the breeze that brushes past his hair. So, he shakes his head and grunts hoping his answer was clear enough to the other.  

“Ah I see...” He trails off, staring at the moon above and pondering what to say next. Xiao can assume already what it may be and so instead of waiting he walks into the familiar direction, leaving the other to scramble after him. “Wait! Where are you going!” Although the confusion laced in his voice, he follows anyway.  

What felt like only seconds later, Xiao finds himself back in that field once more. The air is still tainted by darkness and when he turns back to watch the other close in on himself, he knows he feels it too. They will only be there for a short moment, that’s all Xiao needs until he finds- aha. After plucking the flower he walks back over to where the being now stands, wings dropping by his side where he holds them tight. The tremble in the angels' features is obvious but when Xiao extends his hands gifting the flower, it’s a sight he never wants to forget.  

The others eyes sparkle, soft lips curving blinding him and delicate hands grasp his gloves briefly, plucking the flower from him. He looks at it, studying it before speaking once more, voice as soft as the lips that spoke “it’s beautiful. Thank you, warrior.” Tucking the flower behind his hair, the glaze lily is as out of place as a flower could be but Xiao doesn’t think anything could weaken the divinity before him.  

Xiao feels his legs shake and that sense is back again. Whatever is attacking this area is close and now that a celestial being is here, it will only draw it out further. So, Xiao extends his hand, grasping at the others wrist, maybe too roughly considering he flaps his wings and hovers again, and he runs. Pulling the other with him back through the field, amongst the branches, to the edge of the plains and away from the entity chasing after them. The boy doesn’t question and holds onto the flower that rests between his locks. Running this time feels different, the air is quicker, it’s aiding his task and pushing him forward. It only ever felt like this when...  

A spark of pure anemo energy surges through the field, wounding the spirit that is close behind them. The winged creature had struck it with his powers, drawing it further back so Xiao could keep running forward. In normal circumstances, the sheer power that emerged from the boy would’ve killed any regular being but this wasn’t anything regular. The spirits of ancient gods, tainted with blood lust and aggression would need to be exorcised properly and tied to a willing soul drawing another karmic bind.  

Xiao can feel the spirit almost breathing down his neck and without second thought lunges the celestial being into the air to take flight and get away. Just in time as when Xiao turns to the spirit it's there charging at him. It screams in terror as more anemo energy surrounds it and he turns to see the boy still there except using his powers to wound the spirit.  

“You can’t. Go I will take care of this.” Xiao charges forward, slashing the spirit with ease and cutting its binds, speaking the mantras as he goes.  

“No! I won’t leave you alone I can-” 

“No, you can’t. It needs to be exorcised and tied to a soul who will burden its karma” Xiao grips his polearm, lighting it in anemo energy and his own karma. He ascends and plunges back into the earth, again and again and- 

“Stop! You are hurting yourself! Don’t-!” He feels a rough hand pulling him back from ascending further and he winces at the sheer strength. The spirit is twitching, almost gone and needs a soul to bind with. One more hit is all it would take and it seems like the other knows so too. His pleading eyes, the confusion behind them and that strong grip on his arm that pulls him slightly off his feet. Maybe in another life he could stop, turn around or accept the help... but not this one.  

“I have to.” The yaksha pushes the angel back into the air and plunges down once more, spikes emerging around him and feeling the ancient gods spirit tie to his own. Tearing through his bones, tainting his blood and cursing his body once again. It’s all too familiar and so the pain can be borne. It’s gone from Liyue now, the people are safe and his duty is complete. The ropes that bind tighten that bit more and the darkness that plagues the area disperses into the air once again. This wasn’t the first spirit slain and certainly won’t be the last but when he turns around it isn’t what he was expecting.  

The boy is flying with his bare back towards him and voice low, much lower than it was before. “You are a yaksha aren’t you?” His voice is tight and Xiao’s grip on his polearm falters from where he is kneeling on the ground.  

“Yes.” The wind stills around them and the angel flutters around down to where Xiao sits. He sees sadness in his eyes and when the boy reaches out to pull the mask from upon his face, Xiao lets it. His hand rests upon his cheek, light soothing circles gracing it and the last words he says before flying off into the night still haunt Xiao to this day.  

“I’m sorry.” and just like that he’s gone, flying off away and Xiao wants nothing more than to pull him back again. Ask him how he knew, who he was, why he was here. What he didn’t piece together in the moments before, he did now and when those conversations of the archons across Teyvat meeting come to the forefront of his mind it’s all too clear. The reason this divine being was here wasn’t by coincidence, he was passing through and the words he whispered, the things he knew, it all made sense. Who he just met was the Anemo Archon. Barbatos. 

Year's pass, the spirits dwindle and so do the yakshas. The people he knew, the lives that once were become but a distant memory. He nor they sought for salvation and years after Bosacius escaped wounded into the abyss, he knew. Xiao knew he was the only one left.  

The yakshas would become a distant mention in Liyue and he hoped it would become the case. Xiao didn’t want glory, he didn’t want praise, all he wanted was to fulfil his duty and as the sky darkened on another lantern rite, he knew today was the day. He was never sure how long he spent in the battle fighting the karmic spirits but this time it didn’t feel unending. No, this time, he could feel the end. Like all the other yakshas before, Xiao too would meet his end by defending the ones he swore to protect. He cursed, slashing through the tainted enemies, bleeding from the wounds he had sustained earlier and the binds kept tightening. When the first yaksha, Menogias fell into despair, they all were prepared that they too would meet the same fate. Xiao never expected to feel a shred of his heart tare when he saw another one of them rip their eyes from their sockets, slit their own throats, swallow the flesh of another yaksha after splitting them apart or the gentle smile that looked his way when they shut their eyes for the final time. With so many of the ancient spirits long gone it was only a matter of time until it happened to them too. In time the ancient spirits would die with their own and Xiao was at peace with that.  

Even as the voices got him screaming, violently spearing the enemies down till he too was willing to the bone. Even as the pain grew too much to bear, he kept going, again and again. Until he dawned the mask for the final time, lifting as high as he could before descending and crushing the beings below him into nothingness.  

By the fifth plunge they were dead, never to return but Xiao kept going. He couldn’t stop. Even as he felt his knees break, his polearm slips from his grasp, his mask begins to crack. He wouldn’t stop fighting. The ensemble of torment and demise was here. Falling limp, he lay clutching at the stone that surrounded him and watched the moonlight from what he could. Everywhere hurt, he couldn’t even stand anymore and knowing this he shut his eyes just like the yakshas before. Throughout his life, Xiao always craved for something more, to hold close and help him soar through the sky once again. But like all good things, it wasn’t meant for him. Since the day he was stolen from the nest, he knew it would all end like this. He didn’t know when nor where but at least it was where he called home. The tales of his past were lost to him, always were but he knew when his master tore the wings from his back that she was not his family. She told him as much but only now did he realise what it meant. The lone yaksha in truth never had anyone he called family, his fellow yakshas and Morax the closest he had to the meaning. People who shared his burden and the one who saved him from his life before. Swallowing his final breaths, he thinks and hopes for whatever is next it will be... he actually doesn’t know. He does know that all he wishes for is to fly once more. 

A melody makes his face scrunch up and distracts him from the thoughts surrounding his mind. Waving it away so he can sleep and let the karma consume him fully. When he tries to ignore it only becomes louder but not like the voices plaguing him, like a softness soothing them away. They filter out amongst the wind and he wills his eyes open to find where the melody is coming from. He leans to sit up only to wince at his shattered spine and the lack of mobility within his body. It’s no use he can’t move from where he lays and the melody is just too far to help him completely. Instead of fighting though he shuts his eyes once more. The ballad could soothe his mind for when he passed over, the last shred and only shred of peace he felt in his life. 

Although that peace was cut short when he felt a breeze encompass his whole body, lifting him off the ground with ease and working each bone back together. Xiao’s exhaustion rendered extinct, the flesh stitching clean scars and his mask mending by a soft touch. It didn’t feel real, none of it did and for a moment Xiao thought this was his passing over. That maybe his afterlife wouldn’t be broken in shards of anguish and lakes of red, but it would be this, just everlasting release. Never bound again, never stolen or broken but... free.  

He was placed back down onto his feet, the wind still supported him if he fell and so he ran towards that sound. Still wincing at the slight pain when he dashed across rocks and water until he- 

It was him .  

Xiao peaked over, his polearm still in hand and his mask still on. He saw a boy. Dressed in green, a cape draping over him and a matching hat too. He sat, legs dangling over the edge to the sea and held a flute he was playing to the wind. The ballad fell through his body, racing down his spine and building tears behind his eyes. Before he knew it, he fell to his knees, to shut his eyes and just listen. 

He felt and accepted what he had knew all along. Xiao was lost, beyond repair and needed a moments peace. If this was death, he welcomed it with open arms. Life was never promising but this was beyond anything he could have wished for. The alluring song danced circles in his head, holding him in place and he began to sway. Remembering the times when he flew, he would twirl around the sky and would rest amongst the flower fields. He finally remembered being a bird, aware of the jade feathers and sensitive beak he once had. The berries that he loved long before he would be forced to swallowing children's dreams. He remembered his mother, holding him in her arms and shielding him from the fire beyond the walls. Her wings wrapping around his small frame and he could still hear her heart racing. The memories of the lullaby’s she would sing to him came vividly and he knew now he must be dead. Never before had he remembered it but now, he did. He remembered being loved, being wanted for more than what he could do but because it was him. Every drop of remembrance ignited his self and he breathed it all in. Everything he could salvage he would remember before he forgot again. 

When the music stopped, he felt the memories fly away, too weak for anything else he let them go. Once time had passed, he felt the presence of another by his side and when he turned, he saw that same angel from so many years ago, again. 

Leaning down, Barbatos took his mask off and slipped those delicate fingers beneath his hair, the touch so familiar. He watched him intently before shutting his eyes and melting under the touch of another. It was all so wonderful, especially when Barbatos started humming the tune and he felt his eyes weaken, exhaustion taking over. “Sleep now, Xiao. I’ll protect you.” And just like that he did. Floating off into a field of unknown flowers and dancing to that flute, mask dawn and air light across his skin. If the yaksha felt his cheeks flush when he felt the others presence still around, promise kept while protecting him, no one else needed to know. 

After the yaksha’s had all fallen and duty fulfilled, so was his contract. Though Xiao didn’t believe his duty was complete and so with Rex Lapis he signed yet another contract to be an adepti. This time he was not born out of blood but out of need to protect and shield those who would fall victim to what still remained of the ancient gods. His karmic debt stayed true and as the result would lock himself away from the humans, alone up upon a tree that oversaw the whole of Liyue and the statue of another. When he approached his lord about Liyuean lullaby's he had much to say. Though he could explain in detail the melody’s not one resounded in his mind, not one of them was what he was looking for. The search across the lands became troublesome for Xiao, that was when his lord suggested he learn the flute himself and play from memory. 

That was exactly what he was doing now. Perched upon the tall tree that resided in Dihua Marsh he worked his fingers through the piece, getting closer to the tune each time. It was years ago now since he first heard that melody and longed to hear it since. Though every time he thought he witnessed a green hat, angelic wings or even a lone flower, it was never what he wanted. Barbatos had gone when he awoke from that dream and only a strong wind barrier remained. He left but still kept his promise. Xiao still wondered how the other had found him that day but didn’t ponder on it too much since their first meeting was also just as unlikely.  

The sun dipped beneath the clouds and into the sea. Xiao tucked the flute onto his belt and paced down the thick branches till he reached his spear. Strapping the jade across his back and slipping his gloves back on he took off into the night. To fight once more.  

Another centenary passed of death, destruction and peace among mortals. The Qixing were growing day by day and Rex Lapis had resorted to only appearing once a year for their guidance. Most of the adepti retreated to Jueyun Karst, intent on staying in a sacred area and only allowing fellow adepti and permitted guests to enter. Some people would go, paying their respects to the adepti and thanking them with bread, flowers and other gifts alike. Humans really were peculiar beings; Xiao rarely accepted their presence never mind their gifts so he was happy when he never really got any. Though he was now an adeptus, he still remained a yaksha and no creature that represented death should ever be respected with those who only swore to protect.  

His tree though was no longer just his anymore. Morax had instructed that it be turned into an inn and be home to the conqueror of demons; Xiao. He was, of course, thankful for his lords concerns but he couldn’t help by being slightly annoyed that his home would be shared amongst humans. He supposed it wasn’t so terrible as he could protect them a lot easier but he often had to stay away in fear that his karmic debt would infect the humans. He guessed it was his lord's way of telling him to ‘get out the house’ and though Xiao would never curse out his saviour, he still thought about it. Wangshu Inn is where he remained, that tree was just a part of it now. Since the years passed, growing clans of exorcists had risen and it was yet another thing Xiao found bothersome. Human exorcists were a lot weaker than yakshas and thus overtime their bodies would decay with the sheer number of spirits that passed through. Xiao was respected amongst the exorcists and with the times he saw one of them they always asked for his guidance. Each and every time Xiao would tell them the same thing. “Stop exorcising it is my job. Not yours.” He had hoped they would take his words but he was continuously proved wrong. Xiao was never grateful for the work they did as he was the only one contracted to do this alone. He was meant to protect the people, not damn them into carnation. Other humans rose in a will to protect their land, the Guhua brotherhood was formed and stood strong amongst other martial art groups as they trained directly from adepti arts. Their dedication to the arts was revered by many among the humans and even after Guhua had ascended they persisted even as their numbers dwindled. Though the humans did the one thing Xiao couldn’t do. They set all karmic matter free of the souls long past so that they could pass on without becoming destructive spirits. He hoped one day, he could join in the practice.  

It was another long week of protecting Liyue till he stumbled back to the inn. The sun had already risen despite nightfall he experienced mere minutes ago. He always lost track of time when in battle, solely focused on protecting but as the lands were clear he sat amongst the branches to watch the people below.  

It was a rarity he ever got to just sit back but it was relaxing all the same. Knowing there was no danger in sight and that he was fulfilling his duty is all Xiao truly needed when he shut his eyes. Today was lantern rite and that meant he would have to spend the remainder of the evening fighting alongside the other adepti to protect the harbour. During the lantern rite is when evil spirits would increase and threats waited around every corner. In celebrations such as these did humans rely on the adepti to protect. Xiao was glad that they would listen for once.  

When the night fell, Xiao willed his spear and mask to meet with his fellow adepti. In Jueyun Karst they stood, deliberating and debating which areas to oversee. After Azhdaha had been sealed, Rex Lapis had agreed to protect Jueyun Karst the following years. They all split their forces and Xiao now found himself at stone gate to protect the area while Ganyu wasn’t far behind up on the mountain of Wuwang Hill. Although she had stood down from her role as protector, she still held an obligation to uphold her contract. 

The night was the same as always, clashing of weapons and pouring of blood. It was all the same till he heard a soft tune echoing the night. Though the spirit of Liyue could faintly be heard, this was much closer and instead of the traditional verses he so vicariously knew, this was much different. Yet it was all too familiar and though his memory wavered he felt himself move towards the music.  

Stepping through the darkness he saw him again. After centuries of wondering and waiting it was him, Barbatos, right there. He was on a cliffs edge, singing softly to a little dragon that lay beside him. In his hands was a lyre and just as before, it danced in his hands just as freely like the flute. He was wearing that familiar green cape and hat again. Shorts in a similar colour adorned with a white shirt and high stockings. Completely different to the outfit he wore the first time they met. He wore a flower in his hat, one Xiao had never seen before but he supposed it was that same one he lost the night of their first meeting.  

When he approached, he truly didn’t think he would be seen, he tried not to but when a little gasp escaped the god’s lips, he knew he couldn’t hide.  

“Xiao is that you?” The archon shouted in a whispering tone to him and he found it endearing that even though his efforts to keep the dragon asleep would probably fault, he was at least trying. 

He walked further to the short cliffs edge looking up to the other and though this position wasn’t anything new to either of them it was still a little awkward. “Yes.”  

“Ehe~ I thought so...” He continued to strum his lyre, eyes closed and breathing mixing with the creature beside him. “Come?” the god patted a space beside him and Xiao frantically shook his head.  

“I’ll wake the...” Xiao gestured to the dragon that looked a lot bigger now curling up next to Venti and snoozing ever so soundly.  

“Oh Dvalin? He will be fine and he certainly won’t mind now come”  

He moved awkwardly up to where the god sat, the dragon- Dvalin, up close was a lot bigger and his body stretched across the whole area. Blue and purple scales shined amongst the moonlight and when he sat next to Barbatos he saw that same light in his eyes. “I didn’t expect to see you here...”  

“It is lantern rite so the people of Liyue need protection.” Barbatos hummed working his fingers in a practiced motion around each string resounding in a beautiful melody that swallowed him whole. “I thought that lantern night is for the adepti?” 

“It is but spirits wait for no one.” the other sung in affirmation still plucking away. 

“What does the lord of geo have to say about that?”  

Barbatos looks at him in an expecting gaze, the hair whirling to life and in their hair. It’s a beautiful sight and Xiao can’t find his voice. When the archon giggles at his slight pause, Xiao looks away and scolds himself once again. The archon just stares back into the night and awaits the coming and knowing response. “He agrees.” 

 Barbatos continued his flight along the strings until it blended into a song. Something about a dream, a land of freedom and friendship that lasted a lifetime, though Xiao hardly paid attention to the words. The god’s voice was what he treasured. Harmonic and wistful, it bloomed his heart once again. Laying on his hands he let his eyes fall shut and into the peaceful unknown. Beauty and grace lighting the stars. His binds loosened even for a short time but it was all but enough. To hear his voice again, to see him again was something he treasured and he found himself longing for another song, another touch of that reverting dance but yet he could not. Should not. So, when the song ended and the archon breathed awaiting to start another, he took the hand that was on the strings into his own and stopped it.  

Those sea green eyes widened at the act and he tried not to get distracted when he felt the tips of his fingers dip between the gaps of the others hand. Tenderly he brought the hand down onto his lap and whisper his goodbyes. “I am sorry Barbatos, I want to stay-” 

“But you can’t” Xiao nodded his apologies and the hand he placed in his lap started trailing up his arm till it played with the locks in his hair. He shut his eyes, leaning into that wanted touch and the sounds of distant noise became a buzz at the air around him. “Stay.” It wasn’t a question and Xiao knew it wasn’t but no matter how much either one of them wanted to have this moment, beneath the starlight still lurked an endless wave of evil and Ganyu couldn’t hold them off on her own for long. Well realistically Xiao knew she could but that wasn’t fair for one adeptus to burden because the other was being selfish.  

And so, Xiao took the hand that was in his hair and squeezing it one last time before he got to his feet to the battle field once more. Before he could leave his wrist was grabbed by the god, preventing him from moving further away. He waited till the grip loosened and turned to meet the others eyes. The god had a somber expression and that brightness that swam in his eyes began to fade. “I-” He lost his words and Xiao could see the embarrassment plastered on his face but before he could question any further, something was shoved into his chest. “A gift... ehe~ sorry it took me a while to return it...” When Xiao looked at his hands, he saw a glaze lily, still as blooming as the day he plucked it from the ground. His mouth quirked up and he held it close to his chest.  

“Thank you...” 

“It’s nothing I uh- have been waiting to give it back I just didn’t know how...” The yaksha hummed, twirling the flower around and thinking on the memories that brought the two of them together. He truly wouldn’t change a thing.  

“I appreciate the gift lord Barbatos but I gave this to you... keep it.” 

His expression weakened and his eyes spoke of something he did not truly know. “Really?”  

Xiao nodded and without thinking, tucked the flower behind the white flower upon his hat. He noticed a little squeal from the archon that made him smile. When standing back to admire his hard work, the god was pulling on that same braid again and rosy cheeks adorned his features. He wanted to say more and ask more, he was sure the other did as well but when Dvalin rolled over and his tail knocked over two trees making a ruckus the bard burst out into laughter, rushing to the aid of the sleeping dragon. “Oh, dear friend how can you do this to me now!” Barbatos wailed which almost made Xiao laugh along, he watched as the god started to pull helplessly at the tail, definitely not using his archon abilities and definitely trying to trick him to stay longer.  

“I should get going” 

“Duty calls.” The god calls and winks at him when he returns the gaze. “Thank you for entertaining me, Adeptus Xiao.”  

When Xiao hums his response, clutching at his spear, he looks over his shoulder again and sees the other looking somber. Before he convinces himself to stay longer, he leaps up into the air and doesn’t look back. 

Since that encounter during lantern rite, every year since Barbatos has appeared no matter where he is stationed. He climbed mountains in the sometimes-pouring rain, danced among the humans in the harbour or even showed up during the day begging Xiao to show him around the harbour. Each time of course, Xiao refused. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to see the celebrations but he had a job to do and becoming distracted by the pretty lights was not something he was about to do. He however did let himself become slightly distracted at the moments Barbatos came around, a promising song was now awaiting around each and every corner. It was becoming a regular routine between the fighting and bloodshed.  

The first time when he saw Dvalin sleeping next to Barbatos he understood as his calming presence was something that soothed him to sleep many a time. But since getting to know the bard he found that to be little of the case. He was like a chaotic breeze, his light jokes and profusive teasing became as normal as the hat in his head. The god’s lawless personality stayed true to his prospect of freedom. Sometimes when he arrived, he brought a bottle of wine with him and each time Xiao wondered how a god could drink so little and get so drunk. Though his questioned seemed to be answered when the archon had whispered amongst the many sleepless nights that he always drinks. It was a personal secret he didn’t think the other meant to share but he promised the yaksha that that wasn’t the case. Although tonight he could tell he was different. 

The air around his buzzing light was quelling more often than not and the energy began to worry Xiao. He knew more than anyone that the archon was well and capable enough to take care of himself and the whispers of him cutting down mountains at the flick of his wrist was proof enough.  But this wasn’t physical, it was something Xiao knew from personal experience and something was troubling the god.  

So, when they sat on top of Mt. Aozang, the sun rising after the nights end, he spoke his worries clear. “Barbatos? What is troubling you?” The gods head whipped around, a little wine dribbling on his chin and Xiao sighed lifting a finger to wipe it up.  

“Ah nothing Xiao!”  

His eyebrow raised, clearly not believing the sight before him. “You are lying.” 

“Am not!” 

“You are yes.” 

“I am one hundred percent telling the truth mister Xiao! When have I ever lied?” 

“Oh, I don’t know how about the time you threw up on my spear and told me it was a slime-” 

“Oh, come on that’s not fair I was really embarrassed!” The archon pouted cutely and folded his arms over his legs. “I didn’t know how to tell you... the spear is so pretty...” 

“You still helped clean it though and I know you didn’t mean to.” He smiled and hid his face in his chest muttering a small reply.  

Xiao let the silence fall over again intent on watching the sun rise. It was truly beautiful from this view and in fact Liyue was flourishing more than ever. The threats where ceasing and the people were safe. Xiao didn’t know why this sudden change had enlightened him as much, he rationally thought it was because he wouldn’t have to battle as much as before but a little voice told him it was because he got to spend more time with a certain bard. He refused to listen though.  

Xiao’s thoughts dispersed when he heard sniffling from beside him. Barbatos was crying quietly into his arms, trying not to disrupt Xiao and when he realised, he did he shuffled a little away. “Ah I'm sorry I didn’t mean to-” 

“What’s wrong why are you-?” 

Barbatos blocked his speech by pushing a hand towards Xiao’s face and shielding his own behind the other. “P-Please don’t ask...” he spoke between sobs.  

“Why?”  

“Because then I will have to tell you and I...” Xiao took the outstretched hand into his own and the archon fell forward into his chest. “I can’t please don’t make me...” He grabbed onto Xiao’s clothes and broke down. Xiao shuffled closer to the other and wrapped him tight in his arms, and onto his lap. He let his fingers dance in the others hair, that was free of his hat and let the god relax into the touch. Whatever was making the god cry in his arms was not important at the moment, he was and so Xiao stayed every minute soothing the other with his touch. When he spoke, it was of their memories together, journeys of climbing a top of Qingyun Peak in the flowing rain only to find cloud retainer looking rather unimpressed and they darted from the mountain so quickly. The times in which Barbatos would try to hold his polearm and almost poking his own eye out in the process. Remembering how when they first met was because Barbatos thought Xiao’s mask was a bottle of wine so he fell from the sky being distracted when trying to find where it was. All the times Barbatos would sing a melody, every time without fail.  

“I know you like my music...” 

Xiao laughed slightly at the muffled voice “hm debatable.” 

“What was that?” The god arose, puffy eyes and stream-stained face, with the most insulted expression Xiao has ever seen on him. 

“Sometimes you are a little out of tune.”  

Barbatos folded his arms at that but still remained seated on his lap. “Oh, is that right?” 

“Yeah, and your repertoire... is just not up to date... old man...” 

“ Excuse me?  Who are you calling old!” He slapped Xiao’s chest playfully “And for your information I always bring you new songs!” 

Xiao tightened his hold on the god in his waist, laughing stupidly. “Oh, i know and I cherish each one.” 

“Hmph good.” The yaksha raised one hand to swipe under the god’s eyes and he started to giggle. He hummed the question “it tickles a little...” Yet Xiao didn’t stop, he intended to keep that smile for at least a little longer. “Oh look!” Barbatos spoke up staring behind Xiao at a white flower with heart shaped leaves. He leaned over, almost pushing Xiao over in the process to pluck the flower from its spot. “What a pretty flower!”  

“I think that’s a qingxin...” 

Barbatos hums and plays with it between his dainty fingers. “I love it.” 

“It matches yours.” Barbatos gasps brightly and takes the cecelia from his hat and puts them side by side giggling when he sees they do indeed match.  

“You are right! They are like soulmate flowers!” 

“Soulmate flowers? Is that something you made up just now?” 

Barbatos slaps his shoulder a little harder and Xiao actually yelps, already apologising for assuming the obvious. “Well yes but that’s not the point.” 

“It’s not?”  

“No, my silly yaksha. These flowers though born in different lands are found on the tallest mountains and are identical to each other. When they twirl side by side, you can see they were meant to belong...” 

Barbatos demonstrates by twirling the flowers in front of him “hm I see.”  They are like us in a way... don’t you think?  Is unspoken between them.  

When Barbatos falls back between his arms, holding the flowers close he hums a sweet melody. Xiao finds his fingers trace up and down the gods back, tracing lines upon the clothed skin and letting his eyes shut momentarily. He sways them back and forth, basking in the sunlight from above and breathing in his warmth. He feels little hands snake around his neck and lay there. Stroking the wisps of his hair little by little. It’s comforting and freeing to be like this. They rarely get the chance to just be with one another, constantly in battle or waiting for the right moment but now it’s right. Xiao doesn’t know what he feels for the other but he doesn’t want it to go away. He doesn’t want him to leave. 

“Xiao?” A little voice makes itself known. Leaning up the archon takes the now interwind flowers and tucks them in the yakshas hair. Once done he smiles and strokes his cheek thoughtfully. “Beautiful” Xiao’s breathing quickens and without thinking closes the gap between them and rests his forehead against the gods. The latter wraps both arms around Xiao’s neck and giggles at the sudden boldness. They both shut their eyes and Barbatos starts to massage Xiao’s hair until his own face hits his shoulder, letting the archons touch melt him. He begins drifting off when Barbatos starts singing a loving tune to soothe his worries. Though he was supposed to be soothing him, he can’t deny he missed the god when they were apart and lets the song cloud his mind.  

A little tap to his cheek and he shakes awake to a little giggle. “Hey don’t fall asleep now I haven’t left yet ehe~” Xiao takes the hand tapping his cheek and locks their fingers together in a small embrace.  

“Stay.” Barbatos laughs lightly and bumps their noses together accidentally. He squeezes Xiao’s hand and bites his lip. “Please.” 

“I-” 

Xiao notices that tone in his voice and looks up to see Barbatos staring off into the distance, a horror clear in his eyes. When Xiao ops to turn and see, his jaw is tilted back to stare at the other again, who is trembling when he stands. “Barbatos what-” The god pulls him close, lacing their fingers together as he holds him tight. He can hear how fast his heart pounds and how his little frame shakes.  

When he leans back, Barbatos clasps his hand on his cheek, tears pooling at his waterline, ready to break at any moment. “I thought we would have more time together.” He laughs through tears and leans in. A feather light kiss is pressed upon his cheek, so warm and yet over too fast. Xiao almost pulls him in to kiss the others lips but a hand on his chest prevents him from doing so. “Live Xiao.” Barbatos rests their foreheads together pressing another kiss to the corner of his mouth, whispering again “i can’t be selfish” the gods tears fall down his face. “Just know I will always be here.”  

Before Xiao can question what that means, Barbatos mutters a soft “I’m sorry” and then runs off into that distance, wings ripping the clothing he wore and taking flight towards... Dragonspine? 

And then he sees it, a huge dragon charging towards the city of Mondstadt but being held back by Dvalin. “Barbatos!” He screams about to run after him when someone grabs his arm. He yanks it back “get off of me!” 

“Xiao, we have to go.” 

“No please he’s he-”  

Xiao stops and turns facing his lord, he can feel the tears that fall down his face and he scrapes them away hoping he never saw. “I- I apologise my lord I-” 

“You will have to apologise later... Khaenri'ah is in flames.” 

The cataclysm was a horror that even after five hundred years was impossible to forget. A nation lost, it’s people dead, ruins across the whole of Teyvat and the heavenly principles waging war on the people they swore to protect. The Tsaritsa, cryo archon had waged that war back and the fatui was born. Rex Lapis was slain, a new era in Liyue, the era of humans. Mondstadt was long safe since Durin was slain by Barbatos and Dvalin.  

And yet Barbatos never came back.  

When the war had ceased and the people of Liyue were safe, Xiao rushed to Mondstadt to find something, anything, that would lead him to the archon. Yet through the waging storm across Dragonspine, all that remained was Durin’s cold body. It was still all that remained from the war, the only proof that it even happened. Barbatos had went missing and had been for five hundred years. No one knew where he was and what had happened, only that he saved them from Durin, using all his power to do so and slaying his own friend, their own protector. When he asked his lord about where Barbatos had gone he could not say, bound by a contract of his own. Xiao was furious and drew his spear on the archon for the first time in his life. He begged for his lord to tell him; he’d do anything to know what happened but he could not say. He stormed off that time, never to speak to the archon again. His lord however still made sure his medication was provided to him.  

When Barbatos had gone, Xiao started spiralling again, killing without stop and hurting himself to the brink of death. He looked at the flute, abandoned on the roof of the inn and smashed it to pieces. It wasn’t fair, none of this was fair.  

Every year when lantern rite came, he would walk to Guyun Stone Forest. The place he heard that flute for the first time and sit in the place the god once dangled his legs off of. Xiao would never abandon his duties but he made sure he didn’t abandon the one he held so closely either. He would take Barbatos' hat and cape he left behind with him, holding them close and every so often a tear would fall to the ground. The intertwined flowers had long died. It ached his soul, more than his karmic debt ever could. So, he remembered their time together, the memories they shared and the tenderness that formed whenever he thought of him.  

When Xiao met Lumine he thought nothing of her at first. Just another human to annoy him with gifts and flattery. But when he saw her devotion to protect, her strength in battle and the lengths she committed to save Liyue, he found her remarkable. It was clear to him that she was not in fact human and neither was the brother she searched for. For the longest time after Barbatos’ disappearance Xiao stopped talking to the other adepti, preferring to be alone. The one who he occasionally spoke to was Ganyu when she asked to train with him. The traveler was as kind as she was fierce and Xiao envied that. 

The times Lumine would offer to take Xiao around Liyue he refused, preferring to stay alone but she and her little companion Paimon were very persistent. Especially during lantern rite. They tricked him to see the lanterns and he couldn’t thank them more that they did. He enjoyed the time they shared but when they asked about his past, asking Xiao about Venti- 

Venti?  

“ Who’s Venti?” He asked sitting on the banister while Lumine leaned with her head up towards the stars.  

“Oh- well he’s-” 

“Barbatos is his god's name but he goes by Venti now! It’s crazy to think the drunkard is a god! Paimon still isn’t sure if he is telling the truth but when he did the woosh woosh anemo thing it was hard to deny- Xiao are you even listening?!” 

“Venti? So that’s the name he goes by. His tunes are... forget it.”  

Xiao willed himself free of the banister and walked away from the two that still sat there and calling after him to stay but Xiao could hardly hear. All he could hear was that he was alive. Barbatos was alive. He survived the war and was back. Xiao felt his heart racing and he jumped fast down the stairs. The traveler following behind.  

“Xiao slow down! where are you going?”  

When he races outside the inn he stops dead in his tracks. Barbatos is alive but where is he? It’s lantern rite, he always visits every lantern rite so where could he be? He feels Lumine rest a hand on his shoulder catching her breath while Paimon rambles about something nonsensical. “Xiao?” 

Then all too suddenly he hears it again. The flute.  

His flute . 

It is in the direction of Guili Plains and Xiao now knows where he must be.  

The melody is as soft as it once was before. He watched in awe as Barbatos played that ballad again. That same one the night he was almost slain but was saved by the one he treasured the most. It was beautiful. Among the clips of torment Xiao has witnessed, this spread his wings again. It was thousands of years since he lost his wings, thousands of years in anguish and misery to find his flight again. He would throw himself into battle, blaming himself for his transgressions and torment he inflicted upon the innocent. His life never felt like his but since he met Barbatos, life didn’t become a chore it became a choice.  

He slowed his steps as he walked closer and closer to him. He was still as beautiful as the first day he met him. His braids remained the same, thick black lashes flutter as his soft lips blew that melody to life. It was Barbatos in his truest form. Xiao couldn’t believe after all these years he was safe and here.  

He lowered the flute, a teary giggle from his voice. Oh, how Xiao missed that elegant voice. 

“I wrote that song for you my warrior...” and at that Xiao ran to him and pulled him off of his feet into an embrace. He melted at the touch, tears pricking his eyes and heart racing through his ears. His face was probably bright red and archons they were in public, the traveler probably still behind but Xiao didn’t care.  

He took that soft face between his hands and did something he always wished he’d done that day at Mt. Aozang. Xiao closed the distance between them and Venti met him half way.  

The kiss was soft, loving and tender. Venti’s breath tickled face, hair dancing between his fingertips and hat falling below when Xiao tugged at his hair. Venti was holding his face between his own hands, holding closer and wanting to remain for as long as they possibly could. It felt magical, ethereal and... freeing.  

When they parted Venti leaned in again and Xiao let him. The kiss much rougher than the last, all the yearning and passion-built up, exploding at the seams. It was messy but all the more thrilling. Xiao let his hands wander to the others waist and thighs. He hoisted the archon up into his arms and in return, lean arms wrapped around his neck, pulling at his hair to go deeper. Xiao opened his mouth to let the other invade him completely. Squeezing at his thighs, the pulling on his hair and the tongue swallowing his own overloaded until it was all he could feel.  

It was over far too soon but they both remained close after they parted. Breathing heavily and eyes shut. There was so much to say and yet he couldn’t say it. A hand lowered and swiped under his eyes and he realised he started crying. He leaned into the touch, letting the god wipe every one of his tears and let all of it out.  

“Ba-Venti” The boy giggled and he could sense his own tears falling too. He met the gods gaze, tears in his own eyes and held his waist tight. “Venti, you know as well as I do that speaking was your thing and never mine” 

“Yes” He snickered once more, feathery and light.  

“My whole life I never wanted to live. Everything around me was screaming for me to just die and be done with. At times when I was in pain, I just wanted that relief. I still do sometimes...” He looks up watching as the other trembles in his hold.  

“Xiao I'm sorry I didn’t tell you about the war, about my feelings about everything I just-” 

“I know.” He wiped the stray tears that fell from the boy’s face. “When I met you, it got that much easier. I finally felt as if this life I lived was a choice and not a burden bestowed upon me.” Taking the hand that lay at his own cheek, he pressed a kiss lightly and confessed. “I love you Venti. More than I thought I could ever love. More than I've ever loved. I never have felt this way about anyone but when I look at you, I know it’s true.” He locked their fingers together, kissing the back of Venti’s hand. “I wish I told you before but I know why you didn’t.” 

“I just wanted you to be free.” Venti’s tears pooled again, hiccupping the words out. “I saw your pain, felt you heart break between my hands and I couldn’t do that to you again by being selfish, wanting you.” This time Venti was the one to bump their foreheads together. “I have loved you for so long but every day I fell more and harder for you. I knew I didn’t deserve you.”  

Xiao heard those words and tilted his loves chin up to meet his eyes. “You do deserve me, as I do you.”  

Venti bumped their noses together. “I love you so much, I love you, archons I love you, Xiao.” They laughed together and Xiao tucked a small strand of the other’s hair behind his hair. 

“We are good people Venti... we deserve to be happy too...”  

“And if we fall?” 

“We fall together.”  

Venti crashed their lips together and it was all so perfect. When Xiao started to rock against Venti they agreed to take this somewhere else. With Venti locked tightly in his arms, he ascended off into the night.  

The birds chirped soundly outside as the dawn began. The lay in the teapot realm, hidden from the world. A new year insight. Liyue had yet to wake but the two lovers entangled in each other had never slept. Venti lay on Xiao’s bare chest, legs tangled with the other and both basking under the new sky. Xiao held his love in his arms, kissing his forehead through every breath and exhaustion that were beginning to overtake them both. They shared the warmth of one another, Venti’s capes being the only thing keeping them covered and neither of them cared. The archon traced patterns along Xiao’s chest, humming a soft melody of which Xiao had never heard before. He whispered into Venti’s hair, eliciting a giggle from the boy and kissing him softly. 

“Did you make that up just now?” 

“Mhm” He hummed and leaned up pressing another kiss to his love. It was most definitely not the only kiss shared that night and yet it was just as exhilarating as the last. “I wrote it for you, my love.” He whispered across scarred lips.  

“You are adorable.” He kissed his little nose loving the rosy cheeks the archon gave in return. He tightened his hold again, kissing tenderly on the marked skin across Venti’s body, protecting every one under his touch. He starts feeling his own tears come back when looking at the angel he holds. He is so lucky, so damn lucky and he will never let him go. “When my wings were taken, I thought I would never fly again...” 

Venti leaned up, resting his chin on the hand lay flat on Xiao’s chest.  

“I was scared I would never fly again but now I realise that is not why I was scared...” His love took his hand, kissing it tenderly. “I was scared I could never be free again.” 

“But here with you I found that possible again. Barbatos, Venti, you are my freedom. I have been longing for you for so long and I didn’t even know it.”  

Venti held his face and kissed him gingerly amongst his tears. “My freedom is with you too. You are my one and only.”  

When the people of Liyue wake to start their day again, an exorcist who is in love with his chivalric best friend, a woman who threads the information that ties their nation, a girl who bounces on her diligent feet when another potential customer is in sight, a lady who sings a tale of devastation in the night and two travelers from another world wandering to find one another again. They needn’t not know the silent promises between lovers in the morning light.   

Our illusions in a fabric of time and verse.  

Colours are vivid nightmares upon wistful heights.  

My soul aches for your touch.  

Its fractured, fleeting, forgotten  

in the mountains surrounding your heart.  

You are locked from me.  

Scolded amongst blackened white,  

shreds of divinity flow through wilted wind,  

our wind.  

It flutters tall in a sea of melody,  

resounding bass like your wings waltz between my bones.  

Flesh is torn from the seams.  

Sanity shamed,  

unlighted,  

filthy,  

foul.  

Clipped and turned to dust.   

it was never the same,  

it was never meant for greatness,  

it was never meant to be.  

And yet, here you stand.   

Your ballads swirl in,  

lands of frost and loss that cut across my beaten wake.  

A dream so sweet, you cannot taste.   

It’s too much,  

too good... but I wait.   

Pacing through a thousand winds,  

staring into a space of desire.   

You are there,  

you always have been.  

Swaying me into an embrace,  

colouring my soul into chaotic brightness.  

A caterpillar that leant on fragile fingers,  

is once more.   

Take me into the dawn,   

lay me down beneath the stars   

and I will hold you close.  

We take flight.  

And if it is forbidden, too fragile to forgive,  

it will fall.  

Fall into your awaiting arms, into mine,  

where we lay.  

Dancing among our fingertips, playing in the breeze  

and home.  

Where it was always meant to be.