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Aether walked to the next task with Paimon on his shoulder. It was a bright day and all the camps he had encountered had been relatively simple. Him and Paimon went and ate lunch in Mondstat. With a full stomach and a content travel partner, he continued on his daily commissions.
"Aether look! Paimon thinks that's the camp in the commission! We made it!" Paimon spun in the air. Aether smiled a warm smile at her. He looked over to where Paimon was pointing and sure enough, this was the camp in the photo. Three hillichurls and one mitachurl. He noded to Paimon before climbing the cliff next to the camp, then performing a plunge attack.
He launched the hillichurls beside the campfire into the bushes, turning his attention to the mitachurl in front of him. Armed and ready with his axe, the mitachurl reached down and pulled a pyro slime out of the ground, smearing its axe with Pyro energy.
Aether swiftly moved out of the way of the pyro slime that was hurled at his head. Paimon, who was watching from a distance, floated amazed at her friends agility. She's seen him fight many times, yet she is always surprised at his abilities. She also mentally yelled at the gods for not giving her some super cool hero powers.
"Windblade!" Aether shot a burst of anemo energy at the mitachurl, who in return stumbled on its feet. The mitachurl wound up his axe; Aether begun to smack the beast with his sword a bit harder, dodging out of the way of the spinning monster at the last second.
"Incredible!" Paimon couldn't keep her excitement in. Aether gave her a quick smile before returning to the fight in front of him; slicing the mitachurl one last time before it faded away to ashes.
Aether began to walk towards Paimon, smiling. Paimon floated closer with a big smile on her face.
"That was so cool, Aether! Paimon could watch you fight for hours and never get bored!"
Aether chuckled, I'd get pretty tired if I fought for hours, Paimon."
"Paimon knows that, silly! Paimon just thinks you can fight anything!" Paimons laughter falls short as she spotted a hooded figure in the distance.
"Aether! Look out!"
Aether whipped his head around to find himself standing face to face with a tall man in a dark cloak. A harsh pinch in his neck made his stomach drop. Paimon delivered a swift punch to the mysterious man before narrowly missing an attack. Panic stricken, she headed in the direction of Liyue, since they're closer to that city than Mondstat by now. She cringed a little at the fact that she's leaving her best friend in the hands of that man, but she convinced herself that it's best if one escapes to go find help.
The golden blond boy put up a good fight against the man, but whatever he was injected with is affecting his power, and fast. He needed to get out of here. But he's so tired. A little nap wouldn't hurt, would it?
Yes, Aether. A nap would hurt. FIGHT.
His subconscious screamed at him inside his mind; begging, pleading that he stays awake. But, he's stayed awake for so long. He's helped so many people. He deserves a break every once in a while.
Aether haphazardly swung his sword around. None of his blows landing. His subconscious began to fade away. A distant memory. His attacks began to slow, as his body was slowly giving out. Crushing down under his own weight.
The man sat and watched as the determined traveler swung his sword with his eyes closed. His limbs drooping down as he swayed side to side.
His swings finally stopped as he grabbed at his head. Pulling his hair to stay awake. He can't let this happen.
The man smirked as Aether fought this battle within himself. The golden boy falling to his knees, with tears stinging his eyes.
He couldn't think straight. Maybe if his head wasn't so cloudy, he would call for the name on the tip of his tongue. But, for now, he must rest. He'll fight in the morning.
Aether's hands slowly fell limp from his head, his body began to lean to the side. Xiao. He couldn't speak, or else he'd scream this name. His last thought is a message, for Xiao.
Please, please don't hate me for not calling for you. I couldn't help it. I'm so sorry, Xiao.
Aether slumped into the grass, his eyes fluttering shut.
—
The adeptus, Xiao, was in the middle of a fight with some hillichurls when he heard something in the wind. A message.
"Xiao!" Paimon yelled, cursing herself for not thinking of this sooner.
Suddenly, Paimon saw a flash of green light, and then, Xiao appeared, covered in blood.
"Xiao? Are you alright?" Paimon screeched, noticing the blood on Xiao's clothing.
Xiao stared at Paimon, confused, before following her gaze down to his own clothes.
"Oh no, this isn't my blood," Xiao explained, "I was fighting a Hilichurl camp that got too close to Liyue."
Paimon sighed in relief, until remembering the reason she called for Xiao in the first place.
"Right! Xiao! Paimon needs your help! Aether was hurt!"
Xiao's eyes grew cold, "Where?"
Paimon urged Xiao to follow her, he obeyed.
After a half an hour of walking, Xiao and Paimon reach the hillichurl camp where Aether was attacked, Paimon's eyes stung with tears; Aether was missing.
"Paimon swears he was right here!"
"It's going to be alright, Paimon. I will find him."
"We are going to find him. Paimon isn't going anywhere," Paimon pouted at Xiao.
Xiao was about to counter this but couldn't, Aether is her best friend. He can't just tell her not to help save him. Xiao sighed.
"Let's go, then."
Paimon snifflesd and grabbed at Xiao's hand. She would hold Aethers hand when she was having a hard time. It calmed her down. Xiao, on the other hand, was wildly uncomfortable. Yet, he didn't put up a fight, it made the little fairy happy.
—
The first thing Aether noticed when he slowly came back to his senses were the chains around his wrists, suspending him up in the air. His shoulder blades aching, wanting to pop out of socket due to the weight pulling down on them.
He then proceeded to notice the gag placed in his mouth, keeping him from screaming. Keeping him from screaming His name.
Of course, that didn't stop him from trying. What did, however, was the lack of noise his body made. His throat simply refused to make any sound.
Then, came the pain, adrenaline wearing off. The excruciating pain in his limbs that only grew worse over time. Aether squeezed his eyes shut and tensed his whole body in hopes to nullify this feeling a bit.
What happened to me?
Aethers body begins to shake violently due to the pain, the chains clink together. Aether twisted his wrists in the shackles in hopes to break free. Its no use, however. The chains are too tight.
The only thing that could come out of Aether's mouth was a whimper. The pain in his head threatened to send him back into the pits of unconsciousness. He blinked his eyes rapidly in hopes of clearing his vision. the blurry room slowly coming into focus.
The room that Aether is currently in is rather small, claustrophobia gripping at his chest. He looked around to see a shaggy mattress on the cold stone ground, a dirty pillow lays at the top. In front of him is a chair, a small wooden one with a beam missing off the back. The lighting is dim, only with a few candles on the floor. He almost had to squint to see 5 feet in front of him.
Then, the door to the left of him opened before he could realize it was there in the first place. The door brought in light from the other room. Aether blinked his eyes trying to adjust to the light.
The man who walked in flipped a switch on the wall. Instantly, the entire room lights up. Aether slammed his eyes shut, the light burns. He tryed to position his arms to block the light, but it's no use. The man chuckled at the golden boy's desperation, just like before.
"Too bright? Sorry, kid," The man walked back and shut the lights off. Aether was grateful for this, opening his eyes again. The man walked up to Aether and pulled his gag down. Aether couldn't say anything, his voice wouldn't let him.
"You must be so confused, pretty boy.." The man caressed Aethers face. The boy flinched backward, turning his head to face away from the man. His attempts meant nothing, however. The man grabbed Aethers jaw and forced the boy to look him in the eyes.
The man had sky blue eyes, visible under the shadow from his hood. Brown hair poked out from underneath. His mouth turned upward in a sickening smile. Aether's wide eyes flicked back and fourth, unsure of which part of the man's face to focus on.
Aether opened his mouth to speak, but the only thing that came out was a high pitched squeak. The man studied Aether with a confused look on his face.
"Would you like some water, dear?" The man asked, his voice soft. Aether nodded his head, not looking the man in the eyes. The man turned on his heel and headed out of the room.
Warm, wet tears begun to slowly cascade down Aethers cheek. He did not want to die, especially not like this. He wished he could die in a more honorable way. Maybe fighting a regisvine or a hypostasis. But dying to the hands of a mortal? That stings.
He wished he could see Xiao again. He wished he could hold his partner in his arms and never, ever let go.
He's not sure how many minutes have gone past before the cloaked man returned. This time, holding a small clear plastic cup full of, what appears to be water.
"Drink up, pretty boy," The man slowly tipped the cup so Aether could drink. The golden boy took big gulps, this is the first time he's had water in Archons knows how long.
The water was soothing on his dry throat. He almost forgot to breathe in between drinking. He only stopped when the man tipped the cup back, smirking. Aether whined, he was still thirsty.
"Nuh-uh!" The man stroked Aethers face, "You'll get more once you answer some of my questions. Oh! Also, if you call that little friend of yours, I'll make him watch as I gut you like a fish," The man set the half-empty cup on the floor. He set the the wooden chair in front of Aether.
How did he know about Xiao?
"What do you want with our Princess?"
Aether's heart sunk. The Abyss.
"She's my sister," Aether said. His throat screamed at him in pain. He coughed, making the pain a whole lot worse.
"Odd.. She never mentioned you," The man raised an eyebrow.
What? Does she not care?
"W-what?" Aether frowned. The tears at his eyes started again.
"Sorry, kid. Guess she forgot about you," The man chuckled.
"No, that can't be right! She wouldn't, we're twins!" Aether pleaded. He knew the man was messing with him. Lumine couldn't have forgotten about him. Could she? The back of Aether's mind told him to trust this man. She never went out looking for Aether, did she forget?
"You didn't answer my question, boy. What do you want with her?"
"I want to take her home."
Aether figured the man didn't like this answer. He sat up from his seat and slapped Aether across the face. Aether's winced and his head whipped to the side. His cheek burned red hot.
"She is home," the man spit. Aether turned his head, eyes wide and scared.
"No. Home is where she's with me!" Aether retaliated.
"Is that why she doesn't remember you?"
Aether kept his mouth open for a little bit before shutting it in defeat. Ouch.
The man clicked his tongue, "exactly."
"Questions are so boring, don't you think?" the man asked after a moment of silence, looking at Aether with his head tilted to the side.
Aether didn't answer, he stared at the man in front of him. The latter walked over to a table full of torture equipment, studying the display.
"Lets see... Ah! Yes," the cloaked figure grabed a knife. He turned his head and grins, showing off his teeth. Aether would be lying if he said he wasn't absolutely terrified of what was about to come. He's about to call for his partner, before remembering what the man had said before
'I'll make him watch as I gut you like a fish'
It's a big risk, calling for Xiao. But, Xiao would kill Aether himself if the blonde didn't call in a crisis.
When the man turned back around, Aether saw a huge butchers knife in his hand. Aether knew that it's no use. Either he tortures him to the point of death, or he kills him on the spot after getting all the information out of him. there was no reason to tell the man anything.
The cloaked man studied the blade before taking a step closer to Aether. His hand caressed Aether's cheek while he slowly stuck the knife in Aether's torso, just below his ribs; careful not to hit any organs.
Aether whipped his head up, not wanting to look down at the blood flowing out. He kept his mouth shut for the time being, but he knew he wouldn't be able to keep silent for long.
The knife slowly retracted out of Aether's side; blood spilled on the cement floor. It's when the man sticks his finger in the wound that Aether screamed. The force of his voice scratched his throat even more. Tears began to pour down Aether's face faster than they used to.
"Shhhh, you don't want to hurt your throat, dear," His captor taunted. A sly grin appearing on his face. Aether wanted nothing more than to see this man dead.
After his mind blurred, Aether makes a split second decision. Albeit not a great one.
"Xi...Xiao.."
Aether felt the knife enter his abdomen at an alarming speed, all care from before fading away. As a small chuckle reached his ears, Aether felt his lungs contract. Green smoke flooded his vision. His scream slowly turned into a gurgle, he felt the knife drag down his stomach as he choked out on his own blood.
—
The cry hit Xiao like a sack of bricks. even though the voice was quiet, Xiao knew. It belonged to Aether. His eyes widen.
"Paimon, hold on tight."
The little fairy obliged, squeezing Xiao's hand as hard as she could.
In an instant, the two were sent into a small room where the cry was heard. Xiao let go of Paimon and looked around to see a man thrust a knife into a hanging body and drag it down, spilling blood out on the floor. Aether.
Paimon watched as adrenaline flooded Xiao's body, he tackled the figure, not even bothering to summon his polearm. Xiao delivered swift blows to the males face. He finally grabbed his polearm and thrusted it deep into the mans chest. He panted over the body, and watched as he died with a smile. Xiao caught his breath, turning his attention to Aether.
The golden haired boy hung limply with his head laying on his chest, suspended by his wrists, feet barely touching the cold floor beneath. Xiao's eyes met the knife protruding out of his lover's abdomen, as well as the gash just below his sternum. Dread filled his body.
"Aether.." Xiao took a step forward, his hand reaching out. Xiao cupped Aether's head in his hands and inspected his face. Aether's eyes were half open, yet unfocused and dull. His lips were slightly parted and ragged breaths wracked his body.
"..Xiao," Aether wheezed, "-m sorry.."
Tears began to form around the Yakshas eyes for the first time in years, "Save your breath, dear." Xiao began to search for the key to the shackles. He went through the cloak pockets and his fingers curled around metal.
Xiao fit the key into the hole and opened up the binds, holding a hand around Aether's waist to catch him.
As soon as the shackles were open, Aether's body succumbed to gravity; falling into the arms of his lover. Aether felt the soft touch, it was stroking his hair. Aether knew he was saying something to him, but he couldn't focus. He was far too exhausted now. He tried to stand up straight, but his shoes kept slipping on the blood-soaked floor underneath him.
He knew he shouldn't give it up, but he couldn't help it. the pounding in his head and the throbbing in his stomach were dragging him closer and closer to unconsciousness.
As his eyes flutter shut, succumbing to the darkness, he can hear Xiao yelling. He's not sure what he's saying, but it's okay. He'll ask him about it in the morning.
"Aether? Aether dear, please stay awake. Don't go to sleep, please. I'll take you to Wangshu Inn, you'll be okay," Xiao said in between sobs that shook his frail frame. Xiao picks up the limp boy bridal style, one arm over his stomach and the other hanging down. He looked over to Paimon, who hadn't said a word, and told her to hold on tight.
—
In the blink of an eye and a flash of green light, they're in Liyue, on the roof of the Inn. Xiao set Aether down on a flat part that spreads above the balcony and told Paimon to wait there.
Paimon nodded her head and rushed to her partner's side, sniffling. Xiao vanished once again. She ran her hand through Aether's blood-stained hair and cried.
"Paimon can't lose you, Aether.. Paimon needs you." The blonde remained still, cold and dying.
Paimon rubbed her face with her small hands. She couldn't help but think of all the great memories she's had with Aether.
—
"Would you like anything else?" Sara asks.
Paimon looks at Aether with starry eyes. Almost as if to say "one more thing!"
The golden boy shakes his head, "that'll be all, thank you."
Paimon frowns. Her expression morphs into one of sadness.
"You know what?" Aether says to Sara, "How about we throw a sweet madame into the bill."
Paimon's head perks up, "Yay!! You're the best, Aether!"
Aether giggles and Sara nods, smiling.
~
"How many times does Paimon need to tell you to take breaks!" Paimon sits down next to an exhausted Aether. She puts her hand on his leg, looking him in the eyes.
Aether smiles, "You're right, Paimon. I'm sorry. How about we grab a meal in Liyue? We can go see Zhongli and Hu Tao as well!"
Paimon lifts her head, her eyes sparkle, "Yes!"
—
When Xiao returned, he was not alone. He had brought Qiqi to help.
Xiao eyed Aether nervously before looking back at Qiqi, who remained as inexpressive as ever, "Can you help him?" Xiao's voice cracked a bit, he was still crying.
"Yes, but this will take a long time." Qiqi opened her bag of tools and set it down next to Aether. First, she took his pulse. Satisfied, she checked his breathing. Xiao wished she had some sort of expression so he could tell if Aether was okay or not. The blank stare on her face was quite hard to read.
"Qiqi will pull the knife out and suture him up. Please, leave the room."
Not wanting to agrue with the little zombie, Xiao grabbed Paimon's hand and exited the room. They sat on a little bench where Verr Goldet brought Xiao some almond tofu. He took it gratefully, but he didn't eat it. Instead, he handed it over to Paimon who smiles and gave Xiao a hug. When Xiao didn't hug her back, Paimon pulled away.
She noticed the tears falling out of his closed eyes. She noticed his lip twitching ever so slightly, trying to keep his emotions at bay. She noticed how his breathing quickened. She noticed his leg bouncing up and down.
"Aether will be okay, Xiao!" Paimon cheered, "He always is!" The little fairy put her hand on her hips.
"This is all my fault.." As soon as Xiao uttered that sentence, he broke; his body trembled with sobs. He put his hands over his face and his elbows on his knees. His breathing quickened, he was hyperventilating.
"Paimon doesn't think so! Paimon thinks you saved him! You need to stop blaming yourself for stuff you didn't do!" Paimon frowned at Xiao, crossing her arms over her chest.
Xiao didn't respond, instead his breathing slowed down and he started to slump forward. Black spots were dancing around his eyes. He felt lightheaded. The white haired fairy saw this and rushed to hold him up.
"Xiao! Hello? Teyvat to Xiao!" Paimon struggled to hold Xiao up as his limbs slowly went limp, "Miss Verr Goldet! Paimon needs your help!"
Paimon heard footsteps rush up the stairs and onto the floor her and Xiao were on. A quick gasp is heard before Verr Goldet rushed over to the broken Yaksha in front of her, putting his head on the arm of the bench and laying his light body on the seat.
"Poor guy. Must be stressed out of his mind," Verr clicked her tongue. She took one last look at the Adeptus before picking him back up.
"I have an idea! Follow me," Verr said to Paimon. In response, Paimon nodded and trailed behind. They walked to a room in the Inn. Verr set Xiao down on the empty bed, putting his arm over his chest so it doesn't hang off the edge.
"There," Verr smiled nervously at the unconscious adeptus on the bed, "I hope he doesn't blame himself too much."
"That's what he was doing before he passed out!" Paimon revealed.
"Tsk.. Xiao.." Verr shook her head. After giving Paimon a pat on the head, she exited the room.
Paimon floated to the bed where Xiao was laying and slowly lowered down. She laid next to Xiao, keeping enough room between herself and the Yaksha. Before she knew it, she too fell asleep.
—
Xiao was the first to wake. He groggily sat up, his body had finally gotten the rest it needed. He tried to sling his legs around the bed, but there was a weight holding his right leg in place. He opened his eyes a little wider and noticed Paimon hugging his legs like he's going to disappear. The little fairy seemed to be asleep, and Xiao didn't want to deal with the repercussions of waking her, so Xiao laid back down.
This was no use, however. Paimon stirred a little in her sleep before lifting her head up eyes-closed to face Xiao. Her hair was all messy and she looked like she just had the best sleep of her life.
"Good morning, Paimon," Xiao said. His voice rough from just waking.
"Morning Xiao. Paimon slept like a baby," she slurred. Her head threatening to fall forward.
"It seems you still might need rest. Please, go back to sleep. I do need my leg though," Xiao offered. Paimon nodded her head and let her face fall into the blankets, the grip on Xiao's leg came loose with a small and muffled "sorry".
Xiao cracked a slight smirk at Paimon, before extending his knees to stand. Two small clicks of his bones made him sigh. He exited the room. Unsure of where he was, he walked to Verr's desk.
"Good morning, Xiao! Aether is out of surgery and in the room just over there if you want to go see him," Verr pointed to a room behind Xiao.
Xiao's heart skipped a beat and he turned as fast as he could. He entered the room and laid his eyes on his light, his love.
Aether looked so broken in this bed. He was tucked neatly underneath the covers with his head propped up on the pillow. His braid had been taken out and his long golden hair was flowing down by his sides.
Xiao stepped closer, "Aether.." he whispered. The Adeptus placed his hand on the blondes forehead and stroked his hair. Xiao moved a chair next to the bed and sat down. He took Aethers limp hand in his and pulled it towards his face.
"My love.." he felt as tears pricked their way jnto his eyes. Xiao placed a kiss on his lovers forehead.
"I'm so sorry this happened to you."
—
FIN