Chapter Text
The mountainous peaks scattered about Liyue, though granted great vantage points, were often far too tall to properly spot even the most ferocious of hillichurls wreaking havoc at its base. A sea of clouds drifted by like foam on a wave, lazily riding the currents amidst the azure sky and soaking in its surroundings.
The air was colder. The breeze aimed to nip and nibble at any exposed warmth of skin to consume and nullify. The birds flew faster, freed of their chains to the earth and given a limitless playground. The foliage did not seem to mind the bitter environment, growing steadily and embedding their roots into solid rock to safely wave alongside the currents of the unrestricted wind.
And though the sky was cool, the land remained warm; tinged in the heartfelt shades of yellows and oranges. Liyue’s signature golden cast like mora has seeped into the cycle of nature and reflected in new life.
It was here, amidst the embrace of Liyue at peace, so high above what he was seeking, that he found himself called out to.
“Cloud Retainer.” He greeted back with a nod.
“Rare to see you around one’s abode.” Her wings spread luxuriously, haloed with the sun behind her back.
He crossed his arms, polearm tucked into the crook of his elbow. “It is not so strange, it is my duty to protect all of Liyue.”
“It is, perhaps. You have upheld your contract most proudly. And yet, through all that time, one has witnessed you lax in you gaze upon one’s domain since Shenhe has come of age.” She huffs a chuckle. “Is it right for one to assume it is due to the frequent visits one receives from a friend of the adepti?”
“Do not be foolish.” He retorted then. “Shenhe is no adeptus. I come here to vanquish what she cannot.”
Ignoring his words, Cloud Retainer spoke as though he had never even opened his mouth, “It is said that the divine, such as us, may be granted a gift from the gods far beyond our perception. One would find themselves a soulmate, bearing their constellation upon one’s skin in secret, and be urged to protect above all else.”
He pressed his lips together tightly. “And what of this tale did you feel the need to bring up?”
“Perhaps one is only inquisitive, Conqueror of Demons. In one’s lifetime, you seem to be the closest to finding the truth of this myth passed on by the songs of the birds.”
He steadily breathed in and out. “So, you are looking for a chatting partner.”
“One is enlightening you.” Cloud Retainer, though huffing, was wholly amused.
Taking a last glance around, he supposed Liyue would be fine for a few more minutes; if he was lucky, that is. The ghosts of regrets past aside, Cloud Retainer was known for holding hostage her listeners. “Then? What is it about these soulmates you feel the need to inform me of?”
“Oh? So, you will listen to one’s knowledge of legends? What a very auspicious day, indeed.”
He grabbed the shaft of his polearm, curling his fingers around it loosely and turning on the balls of his feet. “I will be leaving, then.”
“You are not curious of the effects of such a bond? There is much more to the tale than a simple mark. Mayhap even one’s life and death.”
“You are not trying to make that sound like the mortals’ concept of romantic, are you? You have spent much too much time with the Traveler.”
Cloud Retainer chuckled. “One supposes you, of all living adepti, would truly know of the influence the Traveler has on one’s behaviors and thoughts.”
“She decides that she wishes to spend time in my presence, I do not ask it of her.”
“Neither do you turn her away, either, Vigilant Yaksha.” If Cloud Retainer were capable, he was sure there would be the widest grin on her face. “However, one digresses. The tales of lovers gifted by the gods even beyond our world has been told since the beginning of time.
“Of the divine who descend upon the mortal plane, those who carry with them intertwined fates as weaved by the heavens are destined to bear the stars of another. And with their entangled fortunes and griefs, once reunited, the world will be met with a supernova of great luminosity.”
He shifted his weight to one foot, arms still crossed together. “They perish?”
She giggled once more, fluffing her feathers. “Nonsense, though one cannot deny the possibility. Whether they bring a boundless boon to the era or an endless calamity, the legends only murmur the possibility of grand turning. So rare and enigmatic are these soulmates that the last recorded pair of gods no longer walk the upon the land and have since become nothing but myths sung by the breeze between the mountain sides.
“Lives intertwined, deaths carving deep sorrows, powers of great influence, those granted with the will to change the world will not do so alone. Together, the pair shares their innate abilities; of grand strength or of unrivaled wisdom. Conversely, if one does find themselves alone, they will take upon themselves the burdens of their partner long returned to the stars, whether those emotions of love and adoration rule their steps or unchanging grief, only the fates written in the night sky will understand.”
He remained quiet, taking in her words carefully.
“We adepti have long speculated Morax to have been one of such significant fate, but never has he informed us of such a star spoken contract.” Cloud Retainer shook her head as though she were shrugging.
“Perhaps… It is a weakness to be carefully tucked away and protected.” He contemplated quietly. To never allow such an important person to be taken advantage of during the ages of bloodshed and betrayal.
“Or perhaps, revealing such vulnerabilities to the world may empower them. To show one’s cherished is to display one’s willingness to sacrifice everything.”
“Whether it is that they bring fortune or tragedy to the world?”
“What is evil in the eyes of another may be justice to its wielder.”
“Xiao.” His name is called in a melodic tune. “Hm? Xiao…?”
Jolting out of his daydream, the sun blazing overhead is suddenly much too bright. His unfocused gaze quickly sharpens, though his eyes continue to squint – and into his view comes the shade of baby blue and concerned lavender eyes.
He clears his throat under his breath sheepishly. “Apologies. What was it you said, Ganyu?”
She tilts her head, bow in her hand lowered as her stance relaxes. “I’m just wondering if you’re alright. If you don’t feel well, please tell me. We can… We can reschedule.” The halfling fists both hands determinedly.
“No, it’s nothing. Just lost in thought for a moment.” Xiao finds himself reassuring gently. “Continue. I will watch carefully and correct you. Remember that I am not a kind teacher.”
“Yes! Of course! I do not wish for you to be kind.”
Then, Ganyu is moving like the graceful snow flurrying amidst a blizzard – as delicate as the petals of a lotus yet as sharp as the peaks of Liyue’s towering mountains. The shallow ponds that surround them crystallize, gradually frosting over and reflecting the clear noon sky like a mirror as though the heavens were truly peering at itself to view the future. She glides effortlessly upon the ice, footwork never missing a step even as she lifts her bow and takes aim.
Their practice target today: a mechanical mishap Cloud Retainer released to them to take care of – if only to attempt to rebuild later. And though he can create another monolith to tempt creatures their way like he had last he guided her, perhaps an unpredictable piece of machinery will keep both of their guards up.
He exhales slowly, feeling the breeze full of the embrace of geo chilling to an autumn bite. After long days of continuous requesting and pleads, he has finally agreed to take on Ganyu as a student to train once more. At least, in the ways of bloodshed. For just a little while. Truly, he is no suitable teacher; Cloud Retainer has already raised her disciples well, for that matter. Knowing nothing but the battlefield, distanced from other living beings, caged by karmic debt; he has little to offer her other than sage advice.
Still, he will take up this task in full force. So that she may protect herself, and protect what and who she wishes, even when her opponents call her actions evil. Despite the divide ever present in Ganyu’s very existence, he hopes to strengthen her mind enough to know herself and to accept such a forever state between humanity and divine.
Even if she seeks him out to learn the ways of the adepti, he will not surrender her mortality.
Lumine has spent much too long in reassuring Ganyu of her worth just as the half-qilin is. One’s value is not dictated by the blood running through their veins nor how much blood one spills. Nor is it for anyone else to judge.
He, too, has spent a long time learning that lesson.
What one deserves, what one does not deserve. Of unyielding fate and of choices made. The lines blur oftentimes. The good and the bad – both will inevitably come their way, but whether ill received or well received is determined by the person, themselves. And though Lumine will always speak kindly of his future fortunes and their well-earned warrant, he still wonders if he truly does after so, so many actions he must repent for.
But he does fancy the idea at times; the Traveler’s hopeful expression always in mind.
In the end, it all comes down to one’s own confidence.
If nothing else, he will ensure that Ganyu comes out of their training understanding herself better than any other.
The machine begins to crumble against her onslaught, creaking in ways that grate his ears even as the cracking of ice grows louder. The rain of icicles ceases their descension, pearl of exorcism fading away with its duration running out. The icy lotus blooms in an explosion of frost, scattering their crystal remains into the air and prickling at his skin across the great distance.
He watches quietly. Once more, he does not expect Ganyu to report to him of her trial completion, but she does, regardless.
“How… How was it?” Her words are anticipating.
Yet, he gives her the same kind of answer as he had their first go around at this, “Only you can say one way or another if it was acceptable or if you need improvement. One of body and mind, if you perceive perfection, it shall be.”
The half-qilin hums sweetly. “Then will you continue to watch over me, Xiao?”
He stares at her, seeing his own golden eyes reflected in her lavender ones. Cocking his head, he asks, “Why do you wish to fight? Isn’t Liyue at peace?”
“You still fight to maintain it.” Ganyu gives him this odd half smile. “I want to do the same. I’m half human, and we adepti have left Liyue in their hands. I want to be a part of it. To ensure our future. There is no knowing what may come, but we can always be prepared. And…”
“And?”
Her smile grows wider. “Did you know? Lumine and I have a contract.”
That is news to him, Lumine has never brought it up. “You signed a contract with the Traveler?”
“I did. A Service Agreement. If she ever needs my help, all she needs to do is ask. That’s the short explanation of the terms, in any case.” Ganyu puts her bow away, and like an innocent child, tells to him exciting secrets with her hands clasped behind her back. “If she truly ever needs my assistance, I want to be able to protect her just like she has us.”
“Has she called on you?” If he sounds any more curious than usual, Ganyu does not comment on it.
“Mnn… Well…” She tilts her head to the sky, immaculate horns gleaming with the movements within the rays of the sun. “She has asked me to accompany her on occasion, but…”
He awaits her answer.
Ganyu blinks the sky’s illumination out of her eyes. “Usually, she and Paimon take me to scenic places or to try a new eatery somewhere, though I’d hate it if I like it. Once, we even took a nap under the shade of a tree together.” She steadies her balance as she looks back at him. “That’s why I want to be sure I can help her when she really needs it. She took what I said to heart, about wanting to find a peaceful solution rather than fight, and it ended up like this. But should the time ever come, I want to give it my all. For her and for Liyue.”
Xiao nods. To have someone to protect. “I see. That is… good. Admirable.”
“Coming from you, I’d say that is a fairly high compliment. Thank you.”
“Don’t let her efforts go to waste just because you hope to be of assistance.” He warns.
She giggles lightly. “You care a lot about her, don’t you?”
“She has done much for us and is an important friend. Of course, we shouldn’t cause her trouble.” He turns his head away in embarrassment. What does he have to be self-conscious for, anyways? He only spoke the truth.
“You two are pretty close, though.” Ganyu moves to fix up her outfit and smooth her hair. “It seems like that to the rest of us. I’m glad.”
“Glad?”
“I don’t know.” She shyly admits. “I guess it’s just nice to see you letting someone in. A change.”
The breeze is warm again after the torrent of cryo, coming by to caress the skin on his cheeks like a kiss. Liyue is changing. He doesn’t know if he is fully ready to change with it, but that doesn’t mean he won’t try, little by little. “Hm… maybe.”
He wonders if he will be able to. Not alone, perhaps, however…
“If you ever need to share your burdens… I’m not sure how much help I’ll be for you, but as comrades, I hope you’d be able to rely on me too.” Ganyu leans back on a boulder protruding out of the shallows, laying her hands flat on it, and taking in the landscape around them serenely. “I might not be as reliable as Lumine, but—”
“Being by the side of the people you wish to protect is not a competition.” Xiao interrupts. “It’s enough. If you are just present.”
The feeling of comfort of having a place to go home to… Of knowing there are those who reciprocate the same fond emotions; those fleeting, intangible sentiments can be the difference between life and death when all else is lost. Conversely, when – if – they are gone, is one left with only the empty spaces in their hearts or is it filled with the tender, bittersweet memories of having experienced together with them?
He… doesn’t know. Maybe it’s both; for though his own has stopped aching long ago, he still finds himself yearning for those rare moments between days of bloodshed and during the hours the darkness is broken by the shining moon and sparkling stars penning down their fates in their constellations.
“Then as your friend, I hope to have a place by your side.”
He nods quietly. “As a friend…”
He, too, reciprocates the sentiment.
How strange his life has become as of late – since a foreign outlander has etched her mark so deeply that the trajectory of the world no longer seems familiar.
The two of them call their training session to a close, after that; losing themselves in thought for a long moment while being embraced by the peace of Liyue’s nature. Ganyu returns to the harbor while he uptakes his sworn duties once more. It is quiet, to say the least. Though hillichurls and their brethren roam the land at a constant, they are no more corrupted by erosion or his own karmic debt as any other passive day. He leaves them be. Not all of them seek to disrupt the lives of mortals, there is no need to drench his hands today.
Overlooking the expanse of the region, the calm air brings to his heart a sense of dread that fills his chest coldly. Nothing is ever so kind without a price – not in his experience. In this age, he may be overthinking and overcautious, but he has long since learned one can never be too careful. Only regrets follow those who do not prepare themselves properly. Instincts flutter deep in his mind, waking to rise to attention – he has longed since learned to trust these fleeting excitements of survival more than any other.
The wind crashes by.
The long, decorative ribbon of fabric that clasps upon his top behind his neck is taken into flight by the intangible air. It comes to stroke against his arm, falling back and forth with the currents. The exposed skin upon his back tingles, sensations following the diamond cutout in the material up and down and taking shape.
Tinged in the breeze is the scent of a foreign land; a feat not so uncommon with the rise of humanity’s bravery to cross the land and sea. His nose tingles with the metallic scent drifting by along with the gentle pollen hitching a ride. The elements seeped into the earth and ley ever present floating within the atmosphere, never missing, always exuding; yet also redirected.
And as the sky is steadily lit aflame by the leaving sun, tender stardust is added to the fray of aromas as the lights high above gain visibility in the dark. A footstep. Two. A power all their own comes upon them, sparking the incoming Liyue night with a guiding path.
The winds are changing.
He returns to his post at Wangshu Inn that night feeling restless and fatigued, the call of slumber to his body ever more pressing as the hours of the night wane. No matter if he forces himself to remain in the realm of consciousness and wait, the urgent call to his dreams continues to ring. With a disappointed, relenting exhale, he retires to the room provided for his keeping, tucked away at the top where no one may accidentally stumble upon its doors.
A bed sits in the corner where it always is, has always been since the construction of the winding structure of the inn. Rarely does he lay and sleep, but on occasion, he does take advantage of the furniture piece. Tonight, he strips himself of his shoes and sits upon it with his back to the wall, leaning his head against the wooden planks.
Closing his eyes, he steadies his breath – inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
Though he falls into slumber, he awakens in his dreams.
The landscape is fog filled, ground imperceptible yet reliably sturdy beneath his feet. The wandering clouds surrounding him are outlined in a halo of gold. The scent of geo strongly enriches the space of reverie, embracing and protecting, as solid as a prison, yet as fragile as freedom.
“The Conqueror of Demons has finally joined us.”
Steadying his vision, he looks forward.
They are no more than fleeting feelings of information, but he identifies each adepti present with confidence. Of the orbs of light gathered, they gradually transform into the shapes in his mind’s eyes, turning into their true selves as how he sees them; Madame Ping, Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver amongst them, along with…
“Zh—Rex Lapis…?” He tilts his head, straightening his spine to attention.
“Xiao, welcome.” A golden glow manifests into their archon, a smile greeting him.
“Apologies for the tardiness, I was…” Xiao finds himself uncharacteristically hesitant. “Safeguarding Liyue.” Of which he speaks is the truth, however…
“No need, we have only just gathered. Though I summon you all with urgent news, it is but a game of patience. If you choose to sign this contract, we need not do more than place our faith upon it.”
“Contract?” Moon Carver reiterates in question.
“For Xiao, more specifically.” Zhongli nods. “However, I do wish for everyone’s consent prior to anyone agreeing to sign it.”
Xiao steps in before anyone else can. “I am yours to send into the battlefield in the defense of Liyue as you deem fit. There is no need to hold back. The clash of steel and the scent of blood will lure me to the frontlines, regardless.”
Zhongli hums contemplatively. If Xiao were to guess, he would say it was an unhappy sound, which, in turn, makes his own chest twist. “First, let me inform every one of the details that have been spoken to me by a… little birdie.”
“A little birdie?” Mountain Shaper questions incredulously with a mild, disbelieving scoff.
“One has no trouble trusting you, Rex Lapis, but one must ask if this bird of yours is being truthful.” Cloud Retainer adds in.
Madame Ping, however, just chuckles good naturedly. “Now, now, let us hear it first.”
“A trusted friend, I assure you.” Zhongli grins, yet, it falls shortly after. “In any case, the news is most dire.”
Collectively, the adepti straighten to attention, given their ears to their god.
The archon of geo continues, “Knowledge cultivated and since deemed forbidden in the dreamless land of dreams has been snagged, stolen under the noses of the sentinels and lost sight of. Tracked by our dear bird and companions, the trail has led them to our borders.”
“Then it is presumed to have entered already.” Mountain Shaper huffs irritably.
“Yes. And their goal: to subdue the divine entities. In other words, the adepti. And perhaps make use of our powers.”
Moon Carver scuffs at the ground with a hoof. “What of this knowledge you speak of? What exactly is it in reference to?”
Zhongli nods at the question, “Ley lines and their magics have long since been a subject of study in Sumeru. With it, many have sought to nourish a connection to Irminsul, and, perhaps, seek the truth of the world. During the research process, it has once unintentionally produced a tonic of magic that is rejected by those of worship, stripping them of their source of power and rendering them defenseless. Deities with closer connections to the laws of the world or their followers, it is unlikely to discriminate. Albeit by no means life threatening, best for us to be cautious.”
“Has that hypothesis been tested?” Cloud Retainer asks.
“I’m afraid such conclusion may have come about from their own archon.” Zhongli shakes his head in disappointment.
“Then what will you have us do, Rex Lapis?” Moon Carver’s booming yet gentle voice rings out strongly. “Subdue the humans who have dared to plunder and frolic with such disrespect?”
“No. Let us not risk ourselves for the chance it may hinder us. Or so I hope you all choose such a path, but your decision is yours alone and I but a humble messenger.” He offers his free hand to them, palm facing upwards like a plea. “Even still, I ask that you put your trust in me just once more, my friends, and allow me to leave this matter entirely to a close companion of ours, to act as bait and lure out those who wish us harm.”
But their god need not kneel on the ground and beg them. Never must he bow his head.
Xiao steps forward. “If you believe that is our best course of action, though I do not wholly believe it is any more hindering than karmic debt, I will put my faith in your decision.”
Much like when Beisht, the wife of Osial, had risen from the ocean’s depths.
“Very well. One, too, will leave this in your hands, Rex Lapis.” Cloud Retainer nods solemnly.
One by one, the others rally behind the decision with him. Though Rex Lapis may not rule over Liyue as he once did, even gallivanting through the land veiled as a normal mortal, he will always have their – the adepti’s – respect and loyalty. With or without a contract etched in stone.
“Then I shall remain in the harbor and keep an eye out. No more, no less.” Madame Ping reiterates her faith. “I will tell Yanfei to be careful, as well.”
“Yes, do be vigilant. Hide yourselves if you can. I am most grateful to you all, always.” Zhongli adds with a bow to his head. “By this time, the Qixing should have been notified. By morning, I expect the millelith will be marching across the land in search. If we are all in agreeance, I bid you safety in our upcoming battle, even if we are not physically there.”
Xiao tilts his head contemplatively, “Did you not have a contract for me to sign?”
“Ah, yes. However, it is less binding than it may make itself to be.”
He crosses his arms. “If I make a promise, I will keep it.”
Zhongli chortles, “I know you will. Do you not wish to hear of its contents before signing?”
Is his archon teasing him? Such a comment with that inflected tone of voice is surely within the categories of bullying. And he is no stranger to being the target of witticisms, whether during days of old or of today – albeit it may seem unfortunate for him, he has long since learned it is but a show of endearment towards him; one he cannot, will not, take for granted.
Still, even if Zhongli good naturedly teases him for it, he does not truly need to know the details. He already trusts its proposed contents and to whom to lay even his life down for them. “If you believe they are important for me to hear.”
Mountain Shaper’s wings unfurl irritably. “Take care of how you bind your life, Vigilant Yaksha.”
“There is no need for your concern.” Xiao replies just as straightforwardly.
The huff he receives in return is indignant, but no less thoughtful in its own way.
Zhongli clears his throat subtly, somewhat amused. “It is nice to see you all care for each other. Now, Xiao, even if you do not wish to hear it, I will ask you once more. To leave Liyue and accompany our dear friend for a short while, will you sign this contract?”
To put down his duties entirely and stay by this person’s side. All that he has known, his loyalty, his duty – repayment and gratitude.
His freedom of will.
Yet, even if Zhongli does not welcome the fact that he will need to leave his post at Wangshu Inn, as unlikely as it is, “I accept.”
There is nothing he will refuse her.