Archive of Our Own ^beta

“It feels almost decadent to be sampling such delightful tea in the middle of a war.” Bonanus smiled down at the cup she held between her large claws, as the warmth seeped into her skin.

“It’ll be a long time before it all ends, I’m afraid.” One of the two new additions to the Yakshas said, voice soft as he finished pouring for them, immediately falling back to join his twin at the table. “I am just happy to be able to provide you all with a small gesture of kindness despite the situation.”

Aether was his name, Bonanus reminded herself as she took a sip of her tea. It was soothing. It was flowers at dawn, and earth after the rain. It had been a long while since something other than blood had alighted on her tongue.

“Has Rex Lapis assigned you a rotation already? I know a new battalion had been in the works, but…” Bosacius said, with a worried slant of his mouth, one of his upper arms holding his chin. The biggest out of all of them, the Yaksha General towered over them without even trying, his cup looking comically small between his beefy lower arms.

Despite his size, the twin Yakshas did not seem intimidated in the slightest. They just shared a look before the girl with frozen snowflakes on her golden hair answered for the both of them. “Rex Lapis was going to announce our recruitment tomorrow, but… I—we— thought General Indarias was in trouble, so we intervened.” She paused, nodding her head at the Pyro Yaksha who looked somewhat disgruntled, darkened scorch marks on her arms and neck, her red-stained hands now painted black. “Once more, apologies for the scare. But for that same reason… no, we currently don’t have men under our command. Although from my understanding, we will be fulfilling a single position.”

Bosacius’ frown deepened. “So, you will be sharing responsibilities?”

“We work best together,” Aether said, something dark in the echoes of his gentle voice. The dendro vine-like marks on his exposed skin shifting as his muscles tensed, rippled. Ready to take action. “And our addition is… quite unorthodox, we don’t want to upset the chain of command more than necessary.”

“Unorthodox is quite the understatement,” Menogias said, not unkindly. “While it is true that the only one who can appoint a General is Rex Lapis himself, at least we had known each other for several centuries prior. Where… do you come from if I may?”

Another wordless glance between the twins. Lumine opened her mouth, “We…”

When she faltered, Aether continued, green-stained hand immediately reaching for her ice-blue ones. “We haven’t been in Liyue in a very long time. Truth be told, we did not have the intention of becoming Yaksha, but when Rex Lapis offered, there was no reason to deny him.”

Lumine huffed, mouth slanted in displeasure. But before she or anyone else could ask, their small moment of peace was broken by the arrival of the last Yaksha General.

He had arrived like a whirlwind, an omen of a storm descending before their eyes, rising from a crouch, ever in motion. Despite the exhaustion clear on his features, once he caught sight of unknown faces, he exploded into action. One foot, then the next, the Yaksha took to the skies, vibrant jade held aloft ready to—

“Brother, stop!”

“Xiao, they’re not enemies!

Xiao stared past the protective cryo barrier that had engulfed the strangers before he could reach them, pupils shrunken to slits, polearm held aloft like a guillotine ready to fall. “Who are they?”

“They’re the new Yaksha Generals, don’t you remember? Rex Lapis told us they’d be joining us soon!” Menogias answered, hands raised as if prepared to stop him.

Xiao snarled, looking ready to attack, enemy or ally. “Imposters then, the new Generals were to arrive tomorrow. It is unbecoming of you to fall for such an obvious—”

“Xiao,” Menogias interrupted gently. “They have Rex Lapis’ seal of permission. They saved Indarias.”

Xiao’s head snapped towards his older sister, concern flickering in his eyes, before he scowled at the twins, weapon lowered but ready to engage. “Well? Show it to me.”

The cryo adeptus scowled back, but her brother held her hand and with a serene expression and a flick of his wrists, a green vine extended from the confines of his sleeves and curled around his arm. As the ice barrier melted, the vine rapidly crossed the space between them, a golden sigil of permission offered to Xiao.

But having sensed Rex Lapis’ geo aura from the slip, Xiao was no longer paying attention to it. He rose from his position, polearm held tight in his hands as he stared wide-eyed at the dendro adeptus with the green-stained hands and guarded eyes.

“I cannot accept this.” Xiao said, lips numb, noticing how a million different emotions flickered in vibrant eyes. There was neither hesitance nor fear in his eyes, but that was all the more reason… He looked away, choosing to glare at the ground instead. “There is no place for an adeptus attuned to dendro in war.”

“General Alatus!” Indarias hissed, flames flickering in their small alcove, tension rising around them.

“Well,” The cryo adeptus’s smile was chilly, as she clapped her ice-stained hands together. “It’s a good thing that this is not your decision to make, General Alatus. We shall see you in tomorrow’s ceremony.”

And with that, the twin adepti disappeared in a flash.

“General Alatus that was uncalled for.” Bosacius said into the sudden silence, lower hands rubbing together to try and get some warmth back into them after the cryo adeptus —Lumine’s— outburst. “It is unbecoming of a General to disparage a fellow fighter, no matter their affinity.”

“There is a reason there are no dendro Yakshas, brother.” Xiao replied evenly, arms crossed. “An affinity to dendro… to life itself… It is already rare among the adepti. It would be a failing on our part to let him sully his hands in bloodshed. He who creates life should not take it.”

The Generals shared a look, understanding the truth in his words, but…

“It may be too late for that, though.” Indarias said, looking down at her darkened hands. Not injured. She wasn’t injured, just covered in soot, Xiao realized with a start. “He… They’re both very adept fighters.”

“And did you guys notice?” Bonanus added, her voice pitched low. “The scars on their necks?”

“And their wrists.” Menogias added, closing his eyes. As if that could be enough to avoid the heartbreak surging in all of them. “Yes, it may already be too late to protect the dendro boy. All we can do is accept them into our midst and let them make their own decisions.”

“And,” Indarias added, warmth in her smile as she looked at something above Xiao, all four of her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Looks like the dendro boy can definitely keep up with you, brother.”

The shortest Yaksha General raised a hand to his hair and came away with a puffy, yellow dandelion. 

He scowled.

Xiao hadn’t been there for the announcement ceremony, as there had been a breach in one of the protected areas under Rex Lapis’ rule and he and Bosacius had been sent to fend off the enemies while Cloud Retainer mended the barrier.

But after they were done, Xiao hadn’t been allowed to disappear into the night either. Bosacius had laid two heavy hands on his shoulders and with a mildly threatening smile he had made Xiao accompany him to Rex Lapis’ abode for the subsequent welcoming feast.

Xiao wasn’t too keen about attending a ceremony, or being forced to sit still for social etiquette, but he was a servant of the future Geo Archon, so he bowed his head and sat beside Bosacius and Menogias.

He scanned the table as Bosacius shoved enough salad to feed an army his way, and noticed the new Generals weren’t even there. Could it be that they were late to their own banquet of celebration? Absurd.

“Aether and Lumine went to brew us some tea. Worry not, my dear Yaksha.” Rex Lapis spoke then, seemingly reading Xiao’s mind, and finding his reaction amusing instead of annoying.

Xiao only had the time to nod his head with a muttered assent when they returned, four teapots held between the twins, several cups trailing behind them, carried by looping vines.

“Sorry for the delay,” Lumine’s smile was wide as she set down her two pots, moving plates and cutlery out of the way so Aether could deposit his as well. “We were deciding what to offer Rex Lapis and everyone else.”

“No need to apologize, after all, everything of worth takes time. The scent is exquisite, I am looking forward to sampling this gift.”

“This one hopes it is to your liking, Rex Lapis, sir.” Aether said softly, using one of his vines to deliver it to their leader, eyes carefully averted from his golden gaze. The adepti twins continued pouring the tea, being distributed by Aether’s vines, until all the Yaksha had a cup.

Conversation picked up again after that, with Xiao’s brothers and sisters and even Rex Lapis himself complimenting the tea. The dendro adeptus smiled, looking somewhat tired, as he and his sister huddled together and drank their own tea and nothing else. The food that Rex Lapis himself had offered laid forgotten on their golden plates.

Personally, Xiao was offended. By ignoring the food, they were directly insulting their god. But he couldn’t find it in himself to grow angry, to berate them, to put into words his complaints. Because behind the smiles and the quiet compliance, he couldn’t help but remember their scars, and remember a time where he too had flinched at every gesture from his god.

The Cryo Yaksha met his gaze, quickly followed by her brother’s equally sharp eyes.

“How do you like your tea, General Alatus?” They asked as one, icy and perfectly pleasant.

Xiao’s scowl deepened, recognizing the challenge for what it was, but for once he did not let his temper get the better of him. He held the tea between his hands and took a lengthy sip before everyone’s gaze. He nodded. “It is without fault.”

After his words, the table was a little more animated, the other Generals taking it as their cue to discuss their own opinions about the tea, coupled with confusion and subsequent delight at realizing the twins had prepared two separate blends for them. Oolong tea for their lord, Menogias and Bosacius, and jasmine tea for everyone else. Rex Lapis listened to their friendly arguments with fondness, before he began his tale about the origins of tea, the customs, the ways of preparation to his rapt audience.

Never one to sit still for long, Xiao soon found his eyes wandering and falling on the dendro adeptus once more. Aether smiled, soft and sharp at the same time, and just like clockwork, his sister turned her attention towards Xiao without any prompting.

You are safe, Xiao felt compelled to say, the words remaining trapped in the back of his throat. You have no need to be wary of me, I will not harm you.

But what was the point if the wounds had already been carved on their flesh, their minds?

He looked away.

The new Generals were quick to make a name for themselves amongst the other adepti. Aether’s dark green mask with a curved horn on the right side, and Lumine’s blue mask that made up the left half— two halves of a whole— seemed to only cement their nickname as the Yaksha Twins.

It was certainly something more than plain aesthetic. There was a certain affinity, a shared sort of intuition in their every move, their every command. Aether scouted their battlefield, dancing past vicious claws, and lethal strikes —first on his own, later with a handpicked group of Yaksha as a vanguard team— planting his traps while Lumine led the battle.

Once Aether was done, he would fall back, taking up command of their forces as Lumine lost herself in the haze of battle. She would trigger the traps, letting her cryo tangle in with her brother’s dendro— producing leeching flowers that would latch onto their enemies until they had no more lifeforce to give. Once their vessel had gone dry, the flowers would bloom, the purest of whites.

Soon enough their army learned to incorporate their own affinities to the veins of dendro Aether would lay down; tall columns of pyro and minefields of dendro bombs adorned their battles, almost as frightening as the bloodless flowers the twins created when they fought together.

Sometimes the twins would pair up with the other Generals, lending their strength in terrifying new ways. Aether and Indarias would raze the battlefield to the ground while Lumine and Bonanus created wastelands of living statues made of ice.

Except…

The first time Aether and Xiao had been dispatched together, Xiao had refused his aid. It hadn’t been a full-scale battle, but rather a lone immortal and his acolytes that had been trying to sneak into Rex Lapis’ territory. Already the god had taken out many of Xiao’s comrades, and the General would not let this stand.

Xiao had summoned his powers, donning his Yaksha mask and plunging into combat without heeding Aether’s words of warning. He fought and killed faceless enemies that kept getting in his way. He needed to bring down their god to end this battle, to end future conflict—

But he saw a whip of fire lashing out towards the dendro boy and Xiao dove for him instead, spiriting them both up the cliff that overlooked their battle.

It had been an instinctual, thoughtless reaction that he regretted as soon as he did. The dendro boy pushed him away, golden wings flaring at his back, and they locked eyes, surprise fading to a vicious anger. Xiao opened his mouth, trying to conjure an explanation or an apology, but Aether was not having it.

Naked blade still in hand, even if he did not summon his mask, Aether charged at him, with a joyless laugh. “So, you think I’m weak, General Alatus?”

Xiao gritted his teeth as they clashed, struggling to keep his ground, to not hurt his fellow General, “I simply have no need for your services. You do not have to fight my battles, boy.”

“That’s General for you,” Aether spat, his wings arching at his back, large, menacing, towering over them, almost blocking out the sun. “You don’t want to cooperate. Fine. Then stay out of my fucking way.”

And with those scathing words, he jumped off the cliff into the raging battle, wings disappearing with a flash. Xiao cursed and tried to follow but soon realized he couldn’t move, thick vines having wrapped themselves around his legs, rooting him to the place.       

For the brief moment he struggled to free himself, Xiao was witness to the new Yaksha’s bloodlust.

While he was well aware it was mostly Lumine who led the charge, it was clear the violent streak ran in the family. Aether did not shy away from violence, letting his jade blade pierce and tear and eviscerate whoever made the mistake of getting too close, uncaring of the blood that sullied his clothes.

This should have given Xiao some peace of mind. To know that despite his misgivings, the Yaksha Twins were truly capable fighters and a force to be reckoned with.

But all Xiao could focus on was the unending tragedy unfolding before his eyes. Of a soul meant to nurture, to create life… Bathed in the blood of the deceased.

Xiao managed to free himself and he plunged directly into combat, desperate to be fast, faster than ever, faster than his enemies, faster than the wind, faster, faster.

As if somehow he could save one who had needed saving once upon a time. As if he could change fate’s design, mend a broken past.

But Xiao had never been a hero. Had never been strong enough, fast enough. He was but a weapon, and so was everyone else. 

Xiao knew he had fucked up. He was well aware that he had not only insulted his fellow General, he had endangered the both of them by drawing Aether’s anger away from the battlefield. He didn’t need his brothers and sisters to nag at him every waking moment he was by their side to understand this.

He knew he had been at fault, therefore he needed to apologize.

He knew that.

That did not make it any less difficult.

Aether eventually finished polishing and sharpening his blade, letting it disappear into gold dust as he finally acknowledged Xiao’s presence with an inscrutable look. He jumped down the tree he had perched himself on and crossed his arms, chin raised high. “Can I help you, General?”

Xiao squared his shoulder, opened his mouth, then his question changed as it was leaving his lips. “I was just — where is your sister?”

A quicksilver spark in his eyes, before he arched an eyebrow at him. “Why? Are you worried the poor little dendro boy is aaall alone?”

Xiao scowled harder, eyes averted. “No. You two are close and are always together. I was just wondering.”

Aether hummed. “Well… Lumine had always wanted a family. She always wanted to be part of a community. She’s… finally getting that chance, you could say.”

Xiao frowned. “Are you two… not family?”

Aether’s eyes sparkled, the tree overhead swaying gently in the wind. “We are blood indeed. But sometimes that’s not enough. I doubt you’d understand, your world is so much bigger than ours has ever been.” He opened his mouth again, but the words never came. In the sudden, painful silence that followed, Xiao struggled with something to say.

“I… I’m very fortunate that Rex Lapis rescued me. That I was welcomed into the Yaksha and given a purpose.” Xiao spoke slowly, thinking each word through. “I hope your sister and you have the same opportunity I was gifted.”

For a brief moment, nobody spoke. Aether stared at him as if he was seeing him for the first time, the scar peeking from under the high collar of his dark vest suddenly obscenely bright.

“Tell me, Xiao, is Rex Lapis worth following?”

Xiao nodded solemnly. “He did rescue me, and I am fulfilling a contract with him. But I made the decision to follow him. I wouldn’t work as hard as I have or stayed in the palace with everyone else had Rex Lapis been unworthy of it.” He looked away. “You don’t have to be devoted to him as I am. But I hope whatever it is you’re searching for… I hope being a Yaksha can help in your journey.”

“And what are we looking for in your opinion?”

“You approached Rex Lapis with an offer, did you not? Not all of the adepti are his followers, and Rex Lapis would never have commanded it of anyone. You could have fled after he… rescued you. But you decided to stay.”

“Why do you presume he rescued us?”

“I…” Xiao hesitated but his traitorous glance at Aether’s neck gave him away. “Apologies for assuming.”

But his fellow General was not angry, or annoyed. He just looked tired. “Rex Lapis did help, in a way. He showed us kindness when he had no need to. He showed us there was hope. There was a future to be had away from our…” Aether stopped just as abruptly, as if he had been robbed of breath, the words stolen directly from his mouth. With some difficulty, he continued. “I am… more of a pessimist than my sister. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. So, when she decided she wanted to accept his invitation and flee. I did everything in my power to help.”

“…Your fighting prowess is admirable... Your sister and your energy work together in a frightening way.”

Aether’s smile came a bit more natural. “Bosacius was right… You are kind.”

Xiao immediately scowled, confused and wary about this sudden twist in their conversation. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Do not mind me,” Aether chuckled, shoulders relaxing. “So, what brings you here? Other than weaseling information about our past.”

“I’m not—” Xiao started to explain, then he caught the teasing glint in golden eyes. He sighed. “Before... During the battle, I made a mistake. It would be remiss of me to not apologize for my actions.”

“Go on.”

“…I apologize for not trusting in your strength and distracting the both of us.”

“And?”

“…For not using your proper title, General Aether.”

“Oh, that’s much better. You better not forget it, General.” And then he rose to his feet, his wings spreading at his back. They were big, larger than Aether was tall, shimmering like the finest of golds, almost twin suns in their own right.

He laughed at Xiao’s speechless face before using those gorgeous wings to fly. Up and up he went, doing a silly pirouette in the air and then he…

And then he called out to him.

“Come on, General Alatus! Let’s go flying together!”

The illusion fractured, shattered, Xiao’s back flared with the pain of his missing wing, the world darkened, became dark flames and vitriol, and the wingless, crippled Yaksha disappeared with a fierce snarl in the midst of whipping winds.

“I don’t get it,” Aether was grumbling as he gently ran his fingers down his sister’s wing, rearranging the feathers back into shape, sitting atop the tallest tree they could find inside Rex Lapis’ domain, just the two of them. “I thought we were making progress, and then he just… Bared his teeth again.”

Lumine raised her silvery wing out of the way, then turned to stare at her brother, a curious expression on her face. “You were making progress? You? And General Alatus?”

Aether frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? Didn’t you want me to make friends with the other Generals?”

Slowly, gently, Lumine raised a hand to her brother’s face. He flinched, shutting his eyes tight, breath hitching, but he did not flee. She cupped his cheek.

“I want us to have a new life, Aether. I want to take back what was robbed of us. But I don’t want you to suffer for it. We are free. Free from her control. Free to make our own choices. Stay, because you love me, but don’t force yourself to do more than that. Maybe, with time, you will see the Yaksha as friends, as family. But until then, it’s okay.”

His frown had somewhat softened, mouth crumpling into a pout. “It’s not like I hate them. And we do fight well together.” And you smile as brightly as the sun when you’re with them, he did not say. He sighed. “It’s just that…Xiao, he came to me. He apologized. And then he got furious. I don’t understand.”

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why do you care that he got mad?” And Lumine was smiling now, smiling with a certain glint in her eyes.

Aether scowled harder as he straightened away from her hand. “I don’t care that Xiao hates me…I don’t! Stop looking at me like that! We don’t even have to work together; we don’t have to look at each other! It’s fine!”

“I could ask Bosacius if he knows why Xiao reacted that way.” Lumine offered gently, even as Aether manhandled her back so he could finish preening her wings. “They’ve known each other for so long, surely he'd at least have an idea.”

“General Bosacius, huh?”

“He’s really sweet. He asks me about you all the time. Well, they all do. They’re worried about whether you are comfortable here. I’m sure they nag General Alatus all the time as well.”

“Sweet heavens, tell them to stop. I don’t need the babying and if we ever do clash, I’m going to be the one standing on top, anyway. And it’s not like I can’t just ignore the aggravating adeptus. They should worry more about themselves. Indarias reeks of stale anger. She’s not handling her karmic burden well.”

“We know. We know.” Lumine sighed. “But that’s all the more reason, isn’t it? All the more reason to spend time together. To make sure we get along.”

“You get along with them just fine. You’re Lumine, the light of the world. That’s all I have to worry about.”

“There is no point of light without darkness, brother.” Lumine mumbled in a quiet voice. “There is no point if you’re not with me.”

“I’ll always be by your side, Lumi, you know that.”

“So will I. Always and forever.”

“To the end of times,” They promised, their voices as one.

Aether had told his sister he would just ignore Xiao from here on. So of course, it wasn’t even two days later when they were both deployed to protect the sealed remains of Retuo. Together.

(He was going to refuse Bosacius’ command. But when the big Yaksha had crossed all four of his arms, asking him if he was okay with pairing up with Xiao, Aether had immediately snapped that he had no problem with it.)

It had been fairly easy to ignore one another during the heat of battle, as they each led their battalion against the neverending anger of a betrayed god, successfully vanquishing the demons that appeared.

Both Generals had sent their men away as the sun finally sank over the horizon, not wanting to risk engaging when the shades were strongest under the glow of the moonlight. But Aether had lingered, needing to make sure nobody had fallen behind, and that there was no danger lurking.

He was about to call it a day when he realized he never did see Xiao leave the area. While his fellow General had made it obvious his life was none of his business, Aether went back to check.

And lo and behold, under the ever-haunting shadow of the tree that sealed off a god, he found the Conqueror of Demons hunkered on the bloodied ground. His ankle was bent at an unnatural angle, trapped in a gnarled upraised root, and black tendrils of cursed energy dripped from his shivering form.

The hairs at the back of Aether’s neck prickled, and his mouth was filled with the rotting stench of old anger and betrayal as he drew close.

Despite his appearance, Xiao was conscious enough to notice him, eyes glowing like molten embers as he snarled, “Leave, leave you idiot.”

And Aether was no fool. All of the Yakshas were well aware of the karmic burden they were accumulating, he was well aware of what it meant to succumb, of what it meant to lose the battle to the gods’ retribution.

But…

He gently urged the cursed root to release Xiao’s ankle, then knelt down, trying to see beyond the black miasma to find any injuries.

“Leave, please, leave…” Xiao’s voice cracked, eyes slipping shut, his strength failing him and yet he did not desist. But Aether had never listened to him, and he wasn’t about to start now.

“We are not safe here, General.” Was all he deigned to say as he picked him up as gently as he could, the thick, black sludge dripping off them like tar. With the help of some vines curling around them both, he managed to secure Xiao to his back, holding his legs and bending his back slightly to distribute the additional weight. He ignored the way his skin burned. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

“Not home… I don’t want to…”

“I won’t let you harm anyone, worry not. We just have to leave Retuo’s resting place. I think there’s a good cave nearby.”

“…Fine.” The words trembled against Aether’s nape, evidence of his surrender.

Slowly, Aether limped away from the sealed god, being careful not to jostle Xiao too much.

The night was eerily quiet, as if the world itself held its breath, waiting to see who won and who lost the neverending battle. Aether didn’t mind the silence, focusing instead on securing his footing and not letting either of them fall. It was during this tired peace that Xiao spoke.

“Why are you doing this?” He mumbled feverishly, voice too soft, too vulnerable for it to be an accusation. “Why did you stay, why did you…come to me?”

“I couldn’t leave you, General. Not there, not like this. I know you hate me, but I couldn’t…”

“I… don’t.”

“What?”

“I don’t hate you…”

Aether scoffed, as if that could distract him from the way his shoulders felt lighter, his heart fluttering uselessly in his chest. “So then why? Why did you get angry that time I asked you out to fly?”

“I… reacted poorly.”

“I’m not made of glass. I don’t care that you don’t want to spend time with me. Just be direct with me.”

“I… Can’t fly.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I just assumed you were a bird.”

“I am.”

“So then…?” And like a thunder strike it all suddenly made sense. Aether gritted his teeth together, his muscles tensing in aimless anger as it all came together. “Ah. I understand.”

Xiao hummed some wordless reply but was not awake enough for a meaningful apology. So instead, Aether made sure they both reached their destination in one piece, even if the road turned blurry with his tears.

In his fever-like haze, darkness clawing at his vision, Xiao was not fully aware of where Aether had taken him, except for the toughness of rock under him and the way his growls of pain echoed around them. But then, Aether started to sing.

Soft and lilting, more of a hum than a proper song, his fellow General weaved the melody around them, beyond Xiao’s agony. Slowly, flowers bloomed under his broken form, creating a soft bed for him, but the song did not stop.

Xiao felt a hand on his exposed shoulder, a steady presence to Xiao’s uncontrollable shivering. The song changed, but Xiao had no idea how. It was stronger, louder, the wordless lyrics crawling under his skin, digging into his flesh, into his lungs and with a howl of pain, Xiao lost consciousness.

Aether’s limp form soon followed.

Between them, two blackened withered flowers bloomed, before they turned to dust.

When Aether next woke up, Xiao was gone. Instead, the person sitting where Xiao had laid, was none other than his own sister.

“Good morning, big brother.” She said softly, staying dutifully still as he slowly came back to the waking world. “How are you feeling?”

As he sat up, he noticed that someone had draped a blood-stained coat over him, as well as a folded piece of clothing acting as a makeshift pillow. Aether frowned, “How long was I out? Are you okay?”

“You slept at most a full night’s sleep.” She said drily, eyebrows arched. “Worry not, oh brother of mine, we both know you are incapable of rest.”

“I just woke up, cut me some slack,” Aether scrunched up his nose at her, relief warming in his chest at their banter. “Where’s Xiao? Did you see him?”

“General Alatus left after he led me here. He was acting skittish-er than usual. I’m assuming he was feeling guilty over reducing your lifespan.”

Aether immediately stiffened, mouth twisted in displeasure. “Lumine you shouldn’t have told him that.”

“I didn’t! But we all know there is no real way to deal with the karmic debt we’re accumulating. And seeing as how you weren’t waking up wasn’t exactly a reassuring sight. Truthfully, I do not know what he thinks you did, but I do think he feels guilty.” As she talked, she produced a fresh sunsettia from her bags. Her brother almost swallowed it whole as soon as she offered it. “Rex Lapis has also issued a statement. We are on leave until you recover.”

As expected, thunder darkened her brother’s expression. “That’s not necessary. I’m in perfect health.”

“I know,” His twin said, a smile on her lips as she stood up. She stretched out a hand. “Let’s show them we are fine, brother. We’ll always be fine.”

Aether grasped her hand, and if he was a bit unsteady as he walked out of the cave, there was nobody to judge.

Rex Lapis had been amicable to Aether’s bullheaded refusal to take a break. But when their god had simply smiled and stated that he wanted all of his Generals to take some time off, it was difficult to continue arguing.

The Archon War was still ongoing, but despite all the ichor and dead gods that littered the land, Liyue was almost peaceful for the first time since the rocks had memory. It was rather evident Rex Lapis had been the one chosen to ascend, and the remaining gods either fled, or tried to earn his favor.

It was during this period of relative tranquility that Xiao sought him out, all on his own.

Aether had been on his guard as he watched his fellow General approach with shoulders tense, and jaw set into a line of steel. But the adeptus didn’t bring news of another war, or even directed angry words at him.

No, all Xiao did upon reaching the tree Aether was perched on was squint up at him and say, “I have something for you, General.”

“Is it from Rex Lapis?” Aether jumped down with ease, cocking his head as he noticed the small plate of food held in Xiao’s hands.

“No,” His oh-so-talkative general said, proffering the small plate towards him.

“Then…?”

“I do not need saving.” Xiao had stated abruptly, still offering the dessert with both hands, head slightly bowed and not meeting his gaze.

“I’m aware,” Aether said at a loss.

“But it is also not my intention to insult you. I would have thought you…” He shook his head. “Either way. This is… for what you did last time.” Some of the tension faded from his shoulders once Aether accepted the gift and breathed in relief. “…Thank you for staying with me.”

Aether took the plate, feeling something odd uncurling in his chest. Something warm. Something scary.

“What,” He said weakly. “You’re not mad at me?”

“I don’t hate you.” Xiao said, emphasized. As if wanting to grab the words he had said previously and underline them so Aether could not forget. “You are a most esteemed fighter. And despite one’s continued blunders you still are… kind towards oneself.”

“Why so formal, all of a sudden?”

Xiao was refusing to meet his gaze now, already turning away, ready to bolt. “This is clearly not enough, but it is a sincere gift of one’s own making. This one hopes it is to your liking.” 

“Wait, don’t leave.” Aether felt himself say, unsure of why. When Xiao stayed, directing him a questioning glance, he fumbled for an excuse, a reason. Anything to say. “…Eat with me?”

Xiao frowned, seemingly confused by this notion. Aether couldn’t blame him. “This one… I mean, I only made one portion.”

“I’m sure we can share. Here, sit down with me.” The dendro Yaksha lowered himself to the ground, patting the patch of grass beside him expectantly. “You said you made it? What is it?”

“…Almond tofu.” With much hesitance, Xiao joined him on the ground, their backs against the tree trunk.

“I can definitely smell the almonds.” Aether smiled, feeling giddy. He took one spoonful, a gentle gasp on his lips once he swallowed. “It’s so soft, it almost melts in my mouth.”

“…Its texture reminds me of… the dreams I used to consume.”

Aether frowned, “You’re a dreameater?”

Xiao stiffened by his side and he immediately regretted his words, but then instead of a repeat of their earlier argument, Xiao did not leave.

“Not anymore.”

“I see.” Aether did his best to not show his surprise. Not wanting to accidentally set him off against their mutual efforts, he decided to focus on the dessert in his hands. “It’s a great texture. How do you achieve it?”

“Agar. And hot water. A human chef taught me.”

“…You? With a human?” Aether was already regretting his words as they came out of his mouth, but surprise of all surprises, Xiao was not mad at the implications.

“… I was with Rex Lapis. The other Generals were otherwise engaged so I accompanied him into the Harbor.” He did not continue so they lapsed into silence.

“Here.” Aether held up a spoonful of the sweet jelly up to Xiao. The adeptus stared at the morsel, then at him. Without another word, he opened his mouth.

Like that they continued to share the soft dessert. And when it was over, the calm that remained was almost sweeter. 

With Rex Lapis’ Ascension, Liyue settled at long last.

The Lord of Geo led his people with a gentle hand. He guided them to prosperity, to safety. He erected contracts and barriers, sealed old foes, and brought life back into a salted, cursed land.

His Yaksha helped with that. Truth be told, they were the reason Liyue could flourish after the Archon War.

Rex Lapis’ most adept warriors brought peace with an iron hand. As the undead gods that laid buried under the prospering city began to stir, so did their duties multiply.

But despite everything, they still had moments of peace, small oases of happiness in the harrowing desert.

Or, in this case, a small flower in the debris.

“Look at them, a couple of fools.” Lumine said, fondness rolling off her tongue as she gazed at her brother and his companion from atop Bosacius’ shoulders, Bonanus hanging off the other shoulder.

“Don’t let them hear you, Lumi. They can and will go back to square one just to spite you.” Bonanus giggled, leaning against Bosacius’ head. The four-armed Yaksha that was holding them up sighed fondly as the women laughed, feeling his old heart warming with his family by his side.

Xiao had rescued the little flower girl from the maws of an undead, piercing the shrieking shade of anger and tucking the child god under his arm like a sack of potatoes as he made a run for it.

He knew he couldn’t just leave her there, at the mercy of whatever danger decided to hunt her down, but he was also very aware that he frightened others with his mere appearance. So, upon finding his first comrade — an unsuspecting Aether— he had dropped the child in his care.

But before he could make a run for it, Aether had grabbed the back of his scarf,  “Stay with us, General. You rescued her, you should see that she is safe.”

“She is safe,” Xiao countered, holding his gaze. “She is with you.”

At a loss for words, Aether decided to focus on the girl in his arms, who had only just stopped shaking.

“What is your name, little one?” He said, crouching down to her height, a qingxin flower held towards her.

“I’m Bahareh,” She sniffed, holding the flower gently, smiling down at it. “She is very pretty.”

“Oh, you want to see more of them?” Aether said, willing the seeds in the ground to bloom, a small haven of green grass and wildflowers forming around them. It was then that he noticed the strange flowers interwoven in her upwards curving horns, like a crown atop her long, red veil. Flowers he didn’t quite recognize. “Little one, you are a little far from home, aren’t you?”

“There were monsters chasing me.” She mumbled, hugging her new bouquet of flowers close to her chest. Around her on the ground, those same flowers began to sprout, filling their growing garden with a sweet aroma from afar. “They chased me far and far, but Mr. Scary Eyes killed them and rescued me.” She cocked her head and turned towards the startled Xiao. She curtsied, her long flowing dress fanning out like a petal. “Thank you for saving me, Mr. Scary Eyes.”

Xiao’s scowl deepened, but he forced himself to reply. “I am… most thankful you are well.” He then turned towards his fellow Yaksha. “What about you? What are you doing out here? I wasn’t aware there were any battles to be had today.”

Aether shook his head gently, “No battles. I was just… revisiting an old place.” He waved his hand in the air, as if dispelling his thoughts. “But never mind that. I can’t believe you’re still scaring children. Shame on you, General Alatus.”

Xiao was definitely pouting. “I’m not doing it on purpose. And that’s not the point. I trust that you’ll know what to do with…”

Little Bahareh had stepped up to him, unafraid despite her nickname for him, offering up a flower to him. “For you, Mr. Scary Eyes.”

He huffed, a small smile tugging at his lips as he gingerly grabbed the flower, making sure to not touch her fragile brown skin. “You can just call me Xiao.”

“Nice to meet you, Xiao!”

Though she was cheerful, the little girl was still in no condition to travel so the Yaksha decided against taking her into the palace or returning her home just yet. That’s how Xiao ended up sitting with his back against a tree, ever vigilant, as Aether taught her about all the flowers one could find in Liyue’s lands.

The demonstration soon turned into flower-crown-weaving, and not even Xiao was spared from their efforts. Bahareh had turned her wide, teary eyes on him, and the Conqueror of Demons soon found himself attempting to bend the flowers to his will.

He, of course, did not succeed at making a crown, the stems breaking under his impatient hands. But this did not seem to deter either of them, little Bahareh somehow picking up Xiao’s failed attempts and weaving them into the flower crown she was making. When it was done, she placed it atop Xiao’s head with another giggle, looking awfully proud of herself.

Xiao wasn’t sure what to feel when Aether pointed to the one he was wearing and said, “Hey, we match now!”

They had been gone long enough that Aether had sent his twin sister a message through a floating, winged seed that Xiao’s winds gently guided. It had taken Lumine barely ten minutes to arrive, Bosacius and Bonanus in tow.

Xiao did not understand why they kept their distance. He had half a thought to call them closer, to ask Aether or Bahareh to weave flowers into his family’s hair. But the words remained in his chest, letting the selfish desire burn in his chest, and relishing this small moment when it was just him, a little innocent girl, and the adeptus with the gentle eyes.

At one point, little Bahareh’s eyes started to close, and that was when Lumine finally stepped in. “I think it’s time we leave. Rex Lapis will offer her a place to rest until she has recovered her strength to go back home.”

When the two flower laden fools started getting up as well, she gently shook her head. “You are not needed. You may stay here and rest.”

“I’m not…” Aether started, his face darkening, fast like a lightning strike.

With a fond sigh, Lumine knelt in front of him to press their foreheads together. “You can stay, Aether. I will be fine. We will be fine. You can rest, oh brother of mine.”

As she separated, Aether grabbed her hand, squeezed, and with a slightly pained expression, he let her go.

Bahareh waved at them over Lumine’s shoulder as they left, and a smile finally smoothed Aether’s expression.

Bonanus winked at them, and Bosacius made sure everyone was accounted for, grinned at Xiao and Aether and they all left.

“Sorry about that.” Aether felt the need to say, more flustered now that they were alone. “Um, if you have to leave, feel no obligation to stay here, General.”

“I’ll stay.” Xiao’s answer was swift, but gentle. “If that’s alright with you.”

Aether shoulders sagged with relief, and in a thoughtless manner, he leaned his head against his shoulder. Xiao was still as a statue, but when he made no move to dislodge him, Aether let out a sigh of relief.

For a second, Xiao wanted nothing more than to look into his face, to learn what kind of expression he was making. But he was afraid that any wrong movement would shatter the moment.

It was almost pleasant, but when Aether’s breathing started to even out, Xiao grunted.

“You’re going to strain your neck if you fall asleep like that.” But instead of letting him pull away, he gently eased Aether down to lay on his lap. His fellow Yaksha went willingly, even if his muscles tensed at the sudden contact.

For one breathless moment, they stared at each other, as if they were just realizing the position they had found themselves in. Then Aether smiled.

And reached a hand up, towards his cheek. “Flowers suit you, General.”

Xiao allowed the contact, eyes closing as if his touch was soothing, pleasant. “Xiao.” He mumbled as Aether’s fingers brushed against his lips.

“Hmm?”

“Not General. Not right now... If it’s alright with you.”

“Xiao.” Aether breathed out as he held his hand and placed a fleeting kiss on it. He didn’t say anything else, just smiling as if basking in the moment. As if he could also feel a fraction of the warmth blooming on Xiao’s chest.

A warmth like fresh tea, like Aether’s skin against his lips, like the sun up above, and the soil down below. A warmth that made Xiao think about happy endings, and a shared silence.

He reached out and gently removed a loose petal that had fallen on Aether’s lips.

“Flowers suit you too.”