Chapter Text
Xiao glided through the clouds, his tiny wings catching on wind currents as he sought after the Fatui members he had been tracking for over several hundred kilometers now. He dropped down lower, his small bird form being inconspicuous as he darted through trees, keen eyes searching as he flew. Skirting the border of Dragonspine as he went, following a trail that had yet to grow cold.
As he crested a hill, he spotted them on the outskirts of Wyrmrest Valley as they moved to go further into the biting freeze of Dragonspine. It was then that Xiao realized he had gone too far, Sal Terrae barely visible in the distance. Since his prey had gone into territory he cannot follow, Xiao prepared to turn around and head back to Wangshu Inn and maybe have a plate of almond tofu. His stomach growled. Definitely a plate of almond tofu.
As he circled a couple times to make sure the Fatui members were far into the freezing bite of the mountains, Xiao broke the circle to head home. Except, a strong gust blowing towards the mountain caught him, pushing him further into the cold. It only got worse from there. Frost began to build up quickly on his small wings as the wind did not let up in the slightest. He couldn’t flap his wings anymore and the freezing cold made it hard to breathe.
The sounds of battle reached him. “It’s time for retribution!” Someone shouted, something between warm and hot grazed past him as another gale beat him downwards, whipping him through frozen tree branches before ultimately depositing him on something solid that was moving.
“What the-” a gruff voice called out in surprise. “A…finch? What are you doing here little guy? Here, stay in here, while I finish taking care of this trash.” Xiao barely registered what was happening, all he remembers was finally feeling warm as a thick blanket of safety washed over him.
~*~*~*~
“Master Diluc…are you sure-” A female voice was the first thing Xiao heard when he started to slowly wake up.
“Yes I’m sure. It’ll be fine. Just gotta get it warmed up. I already made up some medicinal soup for it to drink from and already made the necessary food preparations to nurse it back to health. Besides, I don’t have much to do lately anyways. Might as well occupy myself with getting this little bird back up and flying again.” Master Diluc? He’s heard that name before. Oh, right, Paimon was talking about someone with that name, but the way she spoke about this person was as if he was cold and unfeeling. Right now, Xiao’s vision was still a bit blurry.
“Alright, if you are sure. Such a tiny little thing, I don’t think I’ve seen one so small before.” Xiao hopped up once his vision cleared, seeing what appeared to be a human female get close to him. He shouted out in anger but all that came out were hasty, angry sounding chirps and trills, coupled with his tiny bird body made him seem more adorable than vicious. “Oh! It’s awake! Oh and look how cute!! Trying to look all tough and vicious!”
“Adelinde, you’re scaring the poor thing!” Diluc snapped, scooping up the tiny bird. Despite himself, Xiao found that he liked being handled by this Master Diluc, he was very gentle with him, not only that, the man was incredibly warm. Xiao nestled into Diluc’s palms, fluffing up his feathers a bit to appear “bigger”. It only earned him a giggle from Adelinde and a deep chuckle from Diluc but Xiao paid no mind to him. His antics earned him what he interprets as a pleased wound, something he had come to compare to with his Lord back in Liyue. Instead, he glared the best he could at Adelinde and said a few choice words, which of course only came out as angry little chirps.
“I believe it doesn’t like me very much Master Diluc.” Xiao bristled, giving a deep chirp in confirmation. Unable to hold it in any longer, Diluc started laughing. The sound alone made Xiao whip his head around to look up at Diluc. The look of pure joy and happiness on his face was enough to make Xiao blush, this Diluc was very handsome as well as beautiful when he smiled.
“Oh? Master Diluc laughing? Now, that’s quite the rare sight. What has you in such a jovial mood my dear Diluc? What has caused you to laugh so carefree when I have difficulty garnering the most slightest of smiles from you.” A new voice. Xiao noted how Diluc immediately stopped laughing. His entire demeanor changed, turning cold and indifferent. Ah. Here’s the Diluc that Paimon had been talking about.
“That’s obviously none of your concern. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working right now?” Xiao bristled again. He didn’t like this Diluc. Where did the smiling and laughing Diluc go? Oh yeah, he disappeared when this…pirate? Xiao thinks he’s a pirate, showed up. Even his clothes were reminiscent of some of the pirates he had seen trying to dock at Liyue harbor.
“I am working. I came to tell you that Jean wants to talk to you-”
“Tell her the answer is no. The answer would continue to be no. And it will forever be no. The Knights of Favonius are inefficient, your rules get in the way and I prefer to do things my way. It gets things done faster. Now what do you want Kaeya.” Diluc snarled, his displeasure at seeing Kaeya right now which translated to Xiao that this new comer was quite possibly a threat to his savior. Xiao went to spread his wings but made a sharp screech when pain shot through him from one of his wings. Looking at it, he realized it was bandaged pretty well and moving it was obviously a no go.
“Whoa! That was….painful…” Kaeya rubbed at his ears as he watched Diluc walk past him, completely ignoring that he was standing there. “You’re still mad at me aren’t you?”
“Oh? Has the mighty Cavalry Captain Kaeya Alberich finally become perceptive of this one?” Diluc’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he placed the tiny bird on his shoulder. Xiao flexed his tiny talons, digging them into Diluc’s black jacket for a better hold.
Kaeya flinched at Diluc using his full title and name, yeah he was still mad. “I’ll take that as a yes. Anyway, where did you find this little fellow?” Kaeya moved towards Diluc in a manner Xiao realized one would when approaching an agitated wild animal. He chuckled, which came out as a low trill, earning him a fond smile from Diluc complete with cooing as well as soft, gentle pets from Diluc’s index finger on Xiao’s soft plumage on top of his head. Oh, he quite liked this. This human wasn’t so bad at all.
Kaeya finally made it close enough to Diluc, bending forward just a bit to observe the bird. To him, there was something very strange about it. It was light blue in color, a strange little purple marking in the center of its tiny forehead. The feathers on top of its head were longer than the rest of them with one longer than the rest, curling slightly upwards. Its eyes were the color of gold and it seemed to have an understanding of what was going on around it.
“There’s something really odd about this bird.” Kaeya poked Xiao in his non-injured wing making the adeptus glower at him.
“You’re odd but you don’t see anyone poking you.” Diluc growled out, glaring at Kaeya as the Cryo user leaned closer to inspect the bird more.
“Sure I’m odd, but there is something suspicious about this bird. It’s like-”
‘THAT’S IT! I HAD ENOUGH OF YOU! HE WAS NICE BEFORE YOU GOT HERE! NO GO! GO! GO! BE GONE!!!!’ Xiao yelled as he lurched forward. The only warning Kaeya had were the flurry of angry trills and chirps as Xiao began rapidly pecking the hell out of Kaeya’s face.
“AGH!! DILUC!!
“WHAT THE FUCK!? NO! STOP!! YOU’LL HURT YOURSELF!!” Diluc caught Xiao before he fell off Kaeya, the cavalry captain holding a hand over his bloodied nose, trying to cover the other parts of his face Xiao had pecked at. “Silly bird! Don’t do something so reckless or you’ll never heal!”
“You’re more concerned about that bird than me!!”
“Obviously. It’s a defenseless, injured creature. You are a grown man capable of taking care of himself. Now, if you’re done playing errand boy, you can leave.” Diluc pushed past Kaeya, making his way outside. “Come on little one, let’s get you some fresh air.”
Kaeya was about to say something but stopped himself. The little bird was staring him down from it’s perch on Diluc’s shoulder. Kaeya could have sworn it was squintingly glaring at him.
~*~*~*
The days that followed were filled with rare peace that Xiao doesn’t get to experience very often. He was meticulously treated for his injuries, bandages always checked or changed. Even though the medicinal soup Diluc prepared twice a day was very bitter, Xiao withheld any complaints, dutifully drinking up as much as his little body could handle.
As much as he really enjoyed being in Diluc’s care, he really ought to head back to Liyue. It’s only been about three days but he was sure Zhongli had already noticed his absence and since he missed having dinner with Cloud Retainer and the other adepti, he knew that Zhongli would know anyway that he was missing.
So, Xiao watched what he did, healing a lot faster than normal birds once his core energy and vital points were finally mended from the chill. Regardless of the bird's quick healing capabilities, Diluc was happy. Every day, at least three times, Diluc would help Xiao work out his wing, which was taking the longest to heal though no longer needing bandages.
When it came to meal times, Diluc would place a small bowl on the dining room table next to his own plate, watching fondly as Xiao would peck away at the nutritious meal prepared for him in order for his health to return anew. Kaeya had returned a couple times since getting attacked by little bird Xiao and respectfully kept his distance from the tiny bird. When he did show up, Xiao would hop up Diluc’s arm to perch on the red head's shoulder and glower at Kaeya.
It was nearing the end of the third day, while Diluc was at the tavern, having left Xiao at Dawn Winery because he was napping so peacefully that Diluc didn’t have the heart to wake him. Kaeya had stopped by for a rest, looking worse for wear. Adelinde’s upset cries was what woke Xiao up, forcing the little blue bird up to the banister to survey the floor below. The sight he saw made him screech and for the first time since coming under Diluc’s care, he spread his wings and glided down.
Xiao circled Kaeya, taking in stock the condition of the cavalry captain. He was in really bad shape. He was having trouble staying on his feet, blood dripped from everywhere, Xiao couldn’t see any wounds clearly through all that blood. He had to get Kaeya somewhere and since he couldn’t really speak, Xiao sank his little talons into the collar of Kaeya’s shirt and flapped his wings as hard as he could. He tugged and pulled, trying his hardest to convey his meaning.
“Heh…he’s….*cough*….he’s trying to get me to move.” Kaeya’s voice was gravely with a mix of watery, like he was gurgling but instead of water, blood poured from his lips.
“Master Kaeya! Hold on! Here! Come over here!” Adelinde half dragged Kaeya over, others that worked at the winery came rushing in to help. Xiao perched on the back of a chair and watching anxiously as the humans frantically moved about. No one seemed to be leaving. No one seemed to be going to get Diluc. For whatever reason, Xiao felt compelled to get Diluc. The last couple of days opened his eyes to the disagreement that persisted between the two.
Although Xiao was completely biased, he couldn’t fault Kaeya much on it. A misunderstanding from both parties, but the way Kaeya handled it was insensitive. Regardless, Xiao knew Diluc still cared for the cryo user, still loved him wholly as he worried every time he heard about Kaeya being sent to clear out Treasure Hoarder hideouts or to empty out old temples of any and all monsters residing. If Xiao remembered correctly, Kaeya was supposed to be on a mission to follow up on a lead to confirm a collaboration between the Abyss Order and the Treasure Hoarders.
There was a sound of metal hitting the floor. The clink clink clink as whatever had fallen bounced along the floor before scraping along it. Xiao honed in on the object. Kaeya’s cryo vision! It was covered in Kaeya’s blood, so if he were to pay Diluc back for his kindness in taking care of him, Xiao can start with this. While everyone was busy tending to Kaeya’s wounds, Xiao swooped down, taking Kaeya’s vision into his claws. With as much force as he could he half flew, half dragged the vision to the open door. No one noticed the little bird struggling to get out but once he did Xiao was out of breath.
Since coming to the winery, he had yet to try to shift back. It was his only hope of getting to Mondstadt and reaching Diluc in time. Luckily he accompanied Diluc to the city numerous times and remembered the route well. All he needed to do was shapeshift back to his normal self. Resolved in his plan, Xiao dragged the vision some ways away from the house, satisfied that he wouldn’t be spotted now, Xiao fell into a half meditative state. Harnessing his adeptal energy, Xiao focused on shifting back to his physical human form.
There was a faint bluish green glow that surrounded his feathered form. Before long where clawed legs were, stretched human legs instead. Wings turned into arms until finally he was back in his human form. Xiao staggered, his head spinning as he felt weak and tired after the transformation. He still was not better yet as his body shook from the effort to just stand but guessing from the cries coming from the house, Kaeya’s situation was not boding too well.
Latching the cryo vision securely to his waist, Xiao rummaged through a few carts before finding an old worn, black cloak he could use to at least disguise himself some. Wrapping it around his shaking frame, Xiao immediately set off, cutting through the vineyard, scaling the cliff side with some difficulty but with no interruption to his speed. He made it to the top, dashing on, the light’s of the city of Mondstadt already within his sights.
He only encountered trouble twice with some hilichurls that he dispatched with ease, though he could feel himself wearing down faster. He couldn’t falter now, he had to get to the tavern. Xiao pushed himself harder. He made it to the city gate and blew through, seeming like nothing more than a gust of wind, the guards hardly noticed. Xiao rushed through the city until he came upon Angel’s Share, breathing harder than he should, his body trembling so much he could barely stand, but he had a mission to do.
Entering the tavern, Xiao was greeted with the sight of Diluc at the bar. The red haired pyro user stared at him in mild interest but Xiao could see in his eyes that Diluc was sizing him up, trying to determine if Xiao was someone to worry about or just a weary traveler.
“What can I get for you?” Diluc placed a cup he had been drying down on the bar top, waiting for his new guest to answer. He received none. Instead, intense glowing golden yellow eyes stared at him from underneath the hood of the newcomer's black tattered cloak that nearly hid the stranger's clothes. Diluc wondered if this person was from Liyue or Inazuma, he couldn’t get a clear view of the person’s clothes. He watched as this stranger approached him, a hand coming forth from within the cloak to deposit something heavy onto the bar top.
Once the hand moved back into the cloak did Diluc take a closer look at what this stranger placed there. His eyes widened, breath caught in his throat before he choked on it. Coughing, head swirling with way too many questions and demands for answers, Diluc shot his gaze back over to the stranger before him who seemed to be trembling, swaying in place as if they had overexerted himself to get to the tavern.
“Where did you get this.” It wasn’t really a question. Diluc’s jaw tightened, teeth clenching almost painfully. “Answer me! Where did you get this!”
“A healer.” Xiao barely recognized his own voice. It was cracked, raspy, a whisper like the wind itself on a calm spring day.
“What?”
“A healer. He needs…a…healer…he’s….at…” Xiao was overcome with a fit of coughing, unable to catch his breath as he wheezed through each coughing fit, blood splattering to the floor from his mouth. He overdid it. “Hurt…he’s…hurt….hurry home….he needs….a healer…” He needs to head back. He also doesn’t know if he’ll make it back. His vision turned blurry, he became aware of tears now slowly gliding down his cheeks. The door to the tavern opened and just like the autumn breeze chasing away the last vestiges of summer, Xiao was gone.
He stayed long enough to watch another bartender take Diluc’s place. He watched as his savior ran to the cathedral. He watched as Diluc emerged with a small, blonde haired looking young woman. He helped her onto the horse before mounting the beast himself. Xiao disappeared through the city and out the gates as he dashed back to the winery. He hid among the carts as Diluc made it back, rushing into the house with the young girl in tow.
Xiao waited. Eventually, after what felt like hours, the house quieted down. Though the grounds of the winery seemed to still be charged with nervous, anxious energy, it lay still, quiet, the lights out or dimmed as its occupants seemed to have gone to sleep. It was then that he snuck back in. Making his way back upstairs, Xiao slipped into the bedroom who’s door was left half open. There, slumped across the edge of the bed from a chair, slept Diluc. Kaeya lay on the bed, bandaged as well as significantly less bloodied. The vision that he brought Diluc sat on the bedside table with Diluc’s own Pyro vision resting right alongside it.
Xiao approached the bed quietly, observing Diluc’s side profile carefully. The winery owner had stains from tears on his cheeks. Xiao hated it. He didn’t like seeing Diluc cry. His gaze swept over Kaeya a few times, taking in where he was bandaged, calculating how long the pirate looking man was going to be staying here to heal.
“You…look like shit…” Xiao nearly jumped out of his skin, not expecting anyone to be awake. He turned his gaze back up to Kaeya’s face to see that dark icy blue eye, half lidded, staring back at him. “I…knew….you were….weren’t…a…normal bird.” Kaeya couldn’t really move. Everything hurt. To be honest, he thought he would die before seeing Diluc.
“Silence. If it wasn’t for his kindness I would have left you to die. As it is, I repaid his kindness towards me by saving you.” Xiao stepped closer. The light filtering in through the window from the moon coupled with the dim light of the lamp illuminated Xiao enough for Kaeya to get a better look. His breath hitched as his eye widened.
Blood slowly trickled from Xiao’s nose and mouth, staining his chin and clothes. “What…why…”
“I’m afraid I have over done it. It seems that…I won’t get to see my lord again…but the days this one that cares for you had cared for me, were days of peace that I have not known in centuries. Should I die here, it wouldn’t be so bad.” Xiao gave Kaeya a bitter smile, his eyes dimming. “Take care of him. Stop making him worry. Stop doing such reckless missions. Furthermore, stop being so insensitively stupid. Should you act like an idiot to the point where he gets mad at you again, you better do everything in your power to correct it. Even if you’re in the right, you’re still wrong.”
A humored scoff left Kaeya as he looked up at Xiao. “You’re quite biased.”
“Of course. Anyone who would take in a strange looking bird just to nurse them back to health with the intention of setting them free, when they themselves are in a cage, is someone worthy of my care. So naturally, I will be biased.” Xiao turned, slowly shuffling his way to the door. His body felt so weak, so tired, it aches everywhere.
“Wait…” Kaeya reached out to Xiao, struggling to get up. “Where are you from?” His voice is stronger now. If this…person? Was going to go somewhere to die, the least Kaeya could do was find out where they came from, maybe write a letter to anyone waiting for his return about his passing. Xiao stilled, swaying a bit more. “Please. Let me return the favor. Should you die, at least tell me who to write to.”
“Liyue. Wangshang Funeral Parlor. Zhongli.” Without another word, Xiao used what was left of his power to swiftly leave the house, shifting back into his small bird form. The tiny body bobbed up and down heavily before he finally fell into a large patch of flowers by the house.
~*~*~*~*~*
By the next morning the grounds of the winery were bustling. Jean had arrived along with Albedo, Klee in tow, Amber, and Lisa to come check on Kaeya. Barbara was tending to Kaeya’s wounds again, redressing them with fresh bandages with the help of Diluc who was quiet in the odd sense. Once they were done everyone came into the room, going over Kaeya’s mission briefly before being forced to change the subject because of Diluc.
Klee was running around outside, happily humming to herself as she gazed at all the flowers around the house. That was how she stumbled upon a small blue bird, barely breathing, tangled within the stems, leaves, and petals of flowers. As gently as she could, Klee scooped him up, her eyes already watering. She held the tiny bird close to her chest, running one finger over its soft tufted feather’s.
“Don’t worry Mr. Bird.” She sniffled, tears already falling. “There are people here that can help you.” With that, she ran as fast as she could back into the house. “’Bedo! ‘Bedo!!!” Klee cried out, her little heart aching as she felt the bird shiver in her small hands.
“Klee in here!” Albedo called out, making his way to the doorway when a blur of red nearly crashed into him. “Whoa there! What’s the hurry?”
“Save it! Please!” She held up the blue bird who’s breathing was even more shallow than when she found him. ALbedo noted the strange marking on the bird, but before he could take it from Klee, Diluc intercepted.
“Where did you find it!?” Diluc swiftly got up from where he sat next to Kaeya, taking the bird from Klee, surprised at how very carefully she placed it in his hands, making sure not to jostle the bird much and fixing its legs and wings so it could lay comfortably.
“In the flowers outside. He looks really hurt.” Klee started crying again, running into Albedo’s waiting arms as the elder stared at the small animal with worry.
“Diluc, that bird does indeed look really bad.” Albedo picked up Klee, allowing her to cling to him.
“He wasn’t like this yesterday when I left.” Diluc looked over the blue bird carefully, worry written clearly on his face and in his eyes. He made his way back to sit next to Kaeya, looking more upset than he initially was.
“Here, let me see if there is anything I can do.” Barbara approached Diluc, sitting on the edge of the bed. While Barbara worked, Albedo excused himself to take Klee outside to calm her down more.
Once outside, Klee began looking at the flowers again, though not with her usual zest. Albedo went to approach her when a calm, soothing voice stopped him from comforting her further.
“Excuse me. I hope I’m not intruding. I am searching for a dear friend of mine that has gone missing for a few days now. I was, perhaps, wondering if you have seen him?”