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“Xiao.” The name drifted across the wind, whispered and nonurgent. Soft, as were all of Aether’s calls. Xiao finished off the final hilichurl in a few strikes and answered the request for his presence, weapon at the ready despite the lack of fear in Aether’s voice.
“You called?” He asked, quickly stowing away his polearm after assessing their surroundings. Aether was sitting at the edge of a cliff, a faraway look in his eyes as he calmly watched the sun set. He smiled softly at Xiao’s words.
“I did,” he said, eyes brightening. “I thought you’d like to watch the sunset with me.”
If anyone else had asked, Xiao would have declined. He had no appreciation for such mundane things. Sunsets no longer amazed him, being alive as long as he had. But this was Aether, and Xiao found it difficult to refuse his offer. Taking his lack of a response for a ‘yes,’ Aether patted the ground next to him.
“Come sit,” he invited, golden hair catching orange rays of light, a few strands drifting with the wind. It was a quiet cliff, long green grass swaying and swishing, qingxin flowers scattered about. The cool breeze gently toyed with Xiao’s hair, contrasting with the warm sunlight. Even the whispers in Xiao’s head seemed to be muffled by the peace. However, that may have been caused by Aether’s presence; there was something about the traveler that calmed the swell that accompanied Xiao, quietened the constant, poisonous hissing in his ears. He crossed the distance between them quietly, taking a seat next to the traveler.
“Hello,” Aether said softly, smile star-bright. Xiao thought ‘star’ because Aether was not like the sun ahead of them. The sun was overwhelming, hot, and all too bright. Faraway stars were soft, steady, and quietly powerful. They were comforting and dependable, like Aether. Stars, in Xiao’s opinion, were more desirable than the all-consuming sun he saw overhead.
The traveler reached behind him, by his bag, and carefully plucked a white qingxin flower out of the ground.
“Can I put it in your hair, Xiao?” He asked, softly. Always softly.
The request surprised him, though he attempted not to let it show.
“If you must,” he replied. The expression Aether wore was more than enough compensation for the embarrassment of having a flower in his hair. The traveler leaned forward slowly, gloved fingers gently tucking the qingxin behind Xiao’s ear. His touch, however momentary, almost completely dampened the ever-present whispers that constantly threatened to consume him.
Though he tried, he could not prevent the automatic way he relaxed in their absence.
“You gave me crystalflies to put in my hair,” Aether explained, pulling away, and Xiao had to keep himself from chasing his touch and the relief it brought. “You said that it might look nice. I thought a qingxin would look nice in your hair.” The traveler smiled again, and the familiar warmth of it was comforting. A silence followed, then Aether met Xiao’s eyes.
“I was right.”
They watched the sun dip below the horizon, saying little. One of the strange things about Aether was that Xiao never felt any pressure from him to speak– the two of them were content to sit in silence. Xiao found himself enjoying the view, enjoying being, but then the sounds of monsters arose as the sun sank lower. Reluctantly, he stood.
“I must go,” he said, “Demons do not rest. If you ever need me, call my name.”
Aether stood with him, smiled at Xiao in his star-bright way. He reached out as if to touch him, then pulled away. Xiao found himself bowing his head toward him, accepting the possible contact. He heard Aether’s brief exhale – a huff, really – then felt a gentle hand readjust the qingxin in his hair. Xiao allowed himself a brief respite from the voices and closed his eyes for just a moment.
“Take care,” the traveler said, and, oh, the voices were back. Unfortunate, yes, but it was nothing new. Xiao had lived with them for millennia. They were a part of him.
“Farewell, Traveler.” He found himself looking forward to the time when Aether would next call his name.
*****
The call came sooner than Xiao expected it. It was phrased as a question this time, as if Aether was unsure whether or not to summon him.
“Xiao? Are you busy?”
Xiao had been catching his breath after clearing out a hilichurl camp, and promptly teleported to where he had heard Aether’s voice. Aether smiled when he saw him, but it faded slightly after a moment.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve interrupted you. I was hoping the second part of my call reached you.”
“It did,” Xiao said. “I am not busy.”
“Are you sure? I’d understand if you were.”
“I have no reason to lie to you.”
Aether breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, I’m glad. I…” the traveler’s cheeks flushed slightly, but Xiao could find no reason for him to be embarrassed. “I made almond tofu again. I was hoping you could try it and tell me how I could make it better.”
Ah. So that was why. Aether was nervous about letting him try another attempt at his favorite mortal food.
“I’m still working on it,” he admitted sheepishly, presenting him with a plate of the dessert. The presentation was pleasing to the eye, the syrup golden, the glistening white squares without blemish. It looked perfect. Aether handed him a spoon. “Tell me what you think.”
Xiao took a bite. It was decadent and smooth, sweet and silky, and he could actually taste the almonds. It tasted just as perfect as it looked. The traveler looked at him nervously.
“Mm. Not bad. You have improved,” he admitted. Aether’s face lit up, eyes bright and attentive.
“Why are you staring at me?” Xiao asked him. Aether grinned.
“I was watching your expression. I can tell if you like it or not by the face you make.”
“My expression? Am I that easy to read?” The traveler thought for a moment, then answered.
“No, you’re not. But the more I’m around you, the easier I can read you. You’re not completely mysterious anymore. I’m glad my – what, tenth? – attempt at almond tofu for you wasn’t a failure. Now I can give you food you’ll actually like, and not simply have to tolerate.”
“Tolerate?” Xiao asked. Aether looked sheepish.
“Well, yes… I’ve noticed that even when you said something was wrong with it, you’ve always eaten it. You don’t have to do that, you know.”
Xiao didn’t reply for a moment, thinking about his next words. Soon they came to him, and he spoke.
“Almond tofu is still almond tofu, is it not? Besides, isn’t there a mortal saying, ‘It’s the thought that counts?’”
The traveler looked surprised.
“I… Yes, there is. Thank you, Xiao.”
“No need. I appreciate the gift.”
“Of course. You’re welcome.”
Xiao could have stayed longer, but more hilichurl camps in Liyue needed to be taken care of. He placed the spoon on the empty plate that used to contain almond tofu, fingers brushing the sleek sandbearer wood of the table as he did.
“I must go. Evil waits for no one. Take care, Traveler. Anytime, anywhere, just call my name, and I will come.”
“Ah, thank you. Be safe.”
Xiao nodded once, then disappeared in a rush of wind and dark, wispy tendrils.
*****
A week passed between then and the next time Aether summoned him, and in that time Xiao found himself missing the traveler’s calming presence. So, when he was next called, he wasted no time in showing up.
“Xiao, do you swim?”
Xiao teleported to the traveler immediately. Aether was standing by the side of a quiet creek, looking truly ethereal from the way his hair reflected the sunlight. He twirled a silk flower between his fingers, seemingly lost in thought. Upon a closer look, however, he appeared to carry a weariness with him. His usually bright, gold eyes were slightly dull, and he had dark circles underneath them. All these signs of exhaustion, save for the dark shadows, disappeared as soon as he laid eyes on Xiao.
“Xiao!” Aether’s voice, filled with joy, greeted him as soon as he appeared. “I missed you. How have you been?” Xiao needed a moment to gather himself due to the unexpectedness of the question.
“I am still alive, it seems,” he settled on. Aether laughed.
“I’m glad you’re still alive,” he said, smiling the star-bright smile that Xiao had come to appreciate. Xiao walked towards him, stopping an arm’s length away to better speak with him.
“To answer your question, traveler, I do not swim, but I can. If you wish for me to join you, I will.”
“You will?” He sounded surprised.
“Was my answer unexpected?” Xiao asked calmly.
“Yes, it was… but it seems like everything is surprising me this week. I’m a bit tired. That’s why I called you– I could use some company. I’m sorry if I interrupted something.” The traveler was looking off into the distance, staring at nothing Xiao could see.
“What troubles you, Traveler?” The words left Xiao’s mouth before he could rein them in. He had no idea why he’d asked. Aether startled slightly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to burden you with my petty problems, Xiao. I’m okay, just tired.”
“Then why don’t you rest?” It was an obvious solution, Xiao thought, but evidently, Aether didn’t think so. A frown tarnished his usually smiling face.
“There are just so many commissions and things to do. Everyone needs something, and everyone asks me to help.” He laughed wearily, wryly. It didn’t suit him.
“I feel like everyone’s errand boy, ha. But, ah, that’s not what you asked. I’m sorry. I guess what I’m getting at is that I feel like I don’t have enough time to rest. I haven’t been getting much sleep lately. But I’m here now. Taking a break. Paimon threatened to ransack my room if I didn’t.”
He chuckled, genuine this time. Xiao felt relieved. The little fairy who accompanied Aether popped into sight, hands on her hips and frowning, as if summoned by her name. She and Xiao were alike in that way, he supposed.
“And Paimon will make good on that threat if you don’t listen!” The traveler laughed and patted Paimon’s head.
“Thank you, Paimon. I’ll be sure to rest today.”
“You’d better!” With that, the fairy disappeared into… wherever she went when she wasn’t present.
“Where does the fairy go?” Xiao asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“Oh, I’m not sure. She said, though, that it was just like how our weapons disappear when we aren’t using them. We can’t explain it, and neither can she. I’ve just accepted it at this point. Are you… would you still like to swim with me?” Xiao nodded.
“I don’t see why not.”
The two of them stripped themselves of their armor, accessories, and top layers until only the bottom ones remained. Aether’s torso was bare, as his midriff shirt was armor in itself. Xiao retained his shirt, but both of them were without shoes and gloves, only wearing pants otherwise. The cool wind bit at their skin, and since the air was hot, they took to the water immediately. Xiao heard Aether sigh in relief, and Xiao understood why– the cool, rushing water soothed bruises, scrapes, and aches as soon as it touched them. The chilly comfort coupled with the dampened whispers made for a very pleasant experience for Xiao. He was usually glad when he answered Aether’s calls, but that day he felt especially grateful. The two of them splashed, swam, and floated until the sun was significantly lower than it had been. They got out of the water at the same time, trying to dry off before it got too cold.
“Hold still,” Aether said, “I’m going to dry us off.” He used a burst of Anemo to blow the water off of them. It was initially cold, but the dryness that followed and the replacement of clothing quickly warmed them.
“...thank you,” Xiao said. Thanking people had always been difficult, but Xiao wanted to express his gratitude in some way. Before he could make any move to leave, the traveler ran at him and wrapped his arms around Xiao’s shoulders. Aether was hugging him, he noticed, then realized that he didn’t mind at all because the voices had completely disappeared. Before he decided to hug him back, Aether pulled away.
“Thank you so much, Xiao. Be safe, and take care.”
“There is no need for gratitude, Traveler. Take care of yourself, I suspect that your fairy companion and I have a similar interest in your well-being. As always, you need only call my name, and I will appear.”
“I’m very lucky to know you, Xiao. I’ll see you later.”
Xiao frowned. “You aren’t lucky. My karmic debt corrupts everyone I get close to. It is unlucky that you have met me, and unlucky that I care about you.”
“I don’t believe that,” Aether said softly. “Your karmic debt doesn’t affect me. I thought I told you that already, I’m sorry.” Xiao’s heart felt lighter at those words.
“Are you certain?” He asked, just to make sure, “My karmic debt doesn’t affect you at all?”
“I’m sure. I swear it doesn’t,” the traveler said earnestly.
“I… am glad to hear that, because when I am around you the voices fade away. It is as if your presence drives them off.”
“Really?”
“Why would I lie?”
“Right.” Aether hummed, lost in thought.
“What are you thinking about?” Xiao asked. He seemed to be making a habit of asking the traveler those sorts of questions.
“Ah, well, I found out that when I touch things, they are purified. I guess I’m just wondering if that’s why your karmic debt doesn’t bother you when I’m around.”
“Maybe so. That’s a gift.”
“I know. Keeping that in mind, can I extend an invitation?”
“You may.”
“If your karma starts to bother you, and you’d like relief, feel free to come and visit me. I always enjoy your company, so you wouldn’t be bothering me at all.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Aether beamed at him and picked up the silk flower he had been toying with earlier. It was slightly wilted, but when the traveler picked it up it seemed to brighten and refresh.
“May I put this in your hair?” Aether asked softly, almost hesitantly. Xiao wondered why he was being so careful.
“You may,” he said again, inclining his head towards him. Aether’s ungloved fingers were warm, but not soft. They were calloused, even though Xiao rarely saw him without gloves on.
Unsurprisingly, the voices disappeared following Aether’s gentle touch. Involuntarily, Xiao felt himself relax.
“Xiao?” Aether asked. Xiao pulled back immediately, somewhat embarrassed.
“I apologize. I am just so unused to the absence of the voices I hear. Your touch seems to banish them completely. They are already dulled in your presence, but…”
“Oh, I see. Then–” Aether barely touched his pinky finger to Xiao’s exposed wrist. “How’s this?”
Xiao closed his eyes and settled for one simple word.
“Refreshing,” he said, and Aether laughed lightly.
“I’m glad. Now I can help you, too, if only a little.”
“Too? I wouldn’t say I help you.”
“Oh, but you do. You come when I call, which already helps so much because I know at least one more person who I know I can depend on. Not only that, but you stay. And you’ll talk to me. You… indulge me, so to speak, even though you don’t have to. I feel… safe, around you.”
“You shouldn’t,” Xiao said, feeling a need to remind Aether of what exactly he was. “I am a weapon, nothing more. You should see me as such.”
The traveler’s smile turned sad. “But you are more. You’re so much more than that. And, even if you were – which you’re not – I wouldn’t see you as just a weapon. No matter who or what you are, the way I see you is more important to me. I mean, how many weapons like almond tofu, eat snow, are willing to swim with a friend, or give birthday presents? How many weapons despise dumplings, or let me put flowers in their hair?”
Xiao didn’t say anything, so the traveler did.
“None, Xiao, that’s the answer. And I like you. Not because you are powerful, but because I see you as a friend. You are so much more to me than a weapon.” Aether’s cheeks pinkened, but his bright gaze remained genuine and earnest. Xiao breathed in, then out.
“I hope you know what you are saying. I hope you know what you’ve agreed to,” he warned.
“I do, Xiao, don’t worry.”
“You realize that now the connection between us is too strong, and even if you wanted to sever it, it would be too late?”
“I’ve never thought about severing it.”
“You haven’t? Not once?”
“Not once,” Aether confirmed. Xiao sighed.
“Very well, Traveler. You may think of me as… your companion, now.” Aether beamed.
“I’d like that. And, please– if you’d like, call me Aether.”
“You are entrusting your name to me?”
“I am.”
“Very well then, Aether. I shall take my leave, and I will come if you call.”
“When I call,” Aether corrected gently. “But, ah, I’m sorry for keeping you.”
“No need for an apology. Take care.”
“You too,” Aether smiled. He squeezed Xiao’s hand once before he pulled away and the weakened whispers returned. “I’ll see you soon,” he promised, and waved as Xiao teleported away. Xiao, once again, looked forward to when he would next hear Aether’s call.
*****
The next time Aether called, though, it wasn’t quite as pleasant a circumstance. They had embarked on a quest in the abyss a few days after their last meeting, and it was when Xiao was falling down, down, down towards the earth. He was much too weak to use the plunging attacks he so excelled in, and through the wind whistling in his ears, he heard Aether scream his name. He sounded terrified, devastated, desperate, and Xiao was helpless to assist him. He had failed to protect his companion from turmoil, and despised himself for it.
“XIAO!” Aether’s scream was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and raw. Xiao never wanted to hear it again. It joined the onslaught of whispers, 'kill kill kill kill,' whirling, overwhelming all else. The traveler’s cries grew in volume and emotion before Xiao hit the ground, blacking out for just a few seconds. When he came to, he heard whispers of assurance from Yelan and Shinobu, “It’s okay, he’s okay, did you see the protection around him,” barely managing to cover up the repetitive, broken whispers of “No, no, Xiao, no, no,” coming from Aether. Xiao stood with only slight difficulty and made his way over to him as fast as he could.
“Aether, Aether, I am all right, I swear it. Aether, look at me, I’m okay, I’m here.
“Breathe, Aether, everyone is okay. I’m alright. We’re okay.” Aether looked up at him, golden eyes filled with tears.
“Xiao,” he sobbed, gripping his shirt as if he could disappear at any second, “Xiao.”
“Aether.” He allowed himself to hug his friend, reassured that his karma would not affect him. Aether clung to him until his cries subsided, which – at least from what Xiao had observed in other mortals – took an unnaturally short amount of time. Aether sniffed, let go of him, and wiped his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” he said, “I’m sorry.”
“There is no need for an apology. It wasn’t your fault.” Aether drew in a shaky breath.
“You’re right. Thank you, Xiao,” he said, wiping his tears away.
For the rest of that day, Aether showed subtle signs of distress whenever Xiao was not around. Xiao did not leave his side once he noticed this and was only slightly surprised that he was the only one who did notice it. His job was to protect Aether from harm, and ever since they had become companions he had extended that protection to emotional harm as well. He wasn’t typically proficient in comforting others, but he found that helping the traveler came easier for him. A kind touch and reassuring words were all it took.
The way Aether recovered from setbacks was reminiscent of one who had been taught to fend for himself. It was not concerning, just strange. And Aether never let his emotions get in the way of assisting other people or finishing the jobs he was sent on. It caused Xiao to wonder where he went to break down. Even Xiao himself had a place to break, a way to cope when he felt he would surely succumb to the curse he carried or just when things simply felt like too much. He didn’t dare ask Aether, however, feeling as if that would cross some sort of line. He settled for just staying with his companion as a quiet presence beside him, neither pressuring nor demanding. The rest of the day, Xiao carried on the same way until Aether stopped breathing quickly when he could not see him.
*****
Aether had not slept for five days. He was scared to, afraid that his dreams would be plagued with nightmares like they usually were after upsetting events. He had nightmares – still did – about his sister being taken, he had nightmares after facing Dvalin, after being chased by the millelith, and he’d had nightmares for weeks after he’d first fought a ruin guard. And so, this time, he just refused to sleep. He took on more and more commissions, ensuring that his every moment was busy. If he always had something to do, he couldn’t dwell too much on the fact that his companion had almost died. He could tell that his body and mind were getting tired – he felt exhausted, really – but he stubbornly carried on.
He had visited Xiao every day since he fell as an assurance that he was alive. Was it irrational? Most likely. But it eased his frayed nerves and helped him focus on the day’s tasks. Xiao had told him that he didn’t mind, but Aether still tried to take up as little of his time as possible. After all, he was busy with his duties as an adeptus, and he had a contract to maintain. So, Aether worked and worked, and eventually, he was so drained that he hoped he would pass out from exhaustion and get his rest that way. He never dreamt when he was unconscious.
That night, he sought out Xiao once more, only to find him engaged in a conversation with Paimon on the balcony of Wangshu Inn. He only caught Xiao’s nod, then Paimon disappeared immediately after.
“Hi, Xiao,” Aether called, and Xiao looked over at him.
“Hello, Aether,” he replied. “You seem tired.”
Aether laughed weakly.
“I suppose I am,” he admitted.
“What is keeping you from resting?”
“Probably my inability to relax, honestly. But I’m okay. I’m used to being tired. How are you tonight?”
“I’m glad that you’re here.”
“Is your karma bothering you again?” Aether asked him. Xiao did not answer, and his silence confirmed his question. Aether smiled. “Would you like to sit with me? I picked some qingxin flowers to put in your hair.”
Xiao nodded, crossing the floor toward him. Aether sat on the ground and patted the space in front of him. His companion obediently sat down in the indicated spot. It was quiet, the only noises being animals and the soft murmuring Aether could hear from the hundreds of civilians milling about the streets of Liyue. The wind caressed their cheeks under a crescent moon and millions of stars. Aether realized that Liyue looked beautiful from above.
“Ready?” Aether asked after a moment, before deciding to start. He knew Xiao withdrew from unexpected contact. Xiao nodded, and Aether set to work. His fingers gently dragged through Xiao’s hair, attempting to braid the large flowers into the silky strands. He soon found, however, that Xiao’s hair was simply too short, so he settled for braiding the two longer pieces of hair framing Xiao’s face. He tied both of them off with a qingxin floret, rather than an entire flower head. He made the rest into a flower crown, which he gently placed on Xiao’s head.
They were silent for a moment, the only nearby sounds being their breathing, which had fallen into sync, and the wind gently rushing past their ears. Aether slid forward to sit beside Xiao, making sure that their arms touched. He had a sudden whim to reach out and take Xiao’s hand, but denied himself the contact: Xiao was skittish, and Aether did not want to ruin the peace surrounding them. Xiao breathed in before him, which drew his attention, but then he spoke.
“I saw a crystalfly today,” he said, “and I thought of you. I tried to catch it with its wings intact, but I only succeeded in getting its core. So I tried again, and…” He reached into the satchel at his side and pulled out a perfectly intact Geo crystalfly. Aether felt himself smile.
“It’s beautiful,” he said, “its color matches your eyes.”
“And yours,” Xiao replied, “and your hair, and your outfit. Your aesthetic, in general, is gold. It suits you.”
Aether managed a light laugh, though it sounded significantly weaker than his usual chuckles.
“Thank you, Xiao. Would you… like to put it in my hair for me? I can’t see the back of my head, and I trust you to put it in a nice place.” Aether felt the need to explain his reasons, a habit that had formed over the year or two – he didn’t remember how long ago he had arrived – that he had been helping people in Teyvat.
“It would be an honor,” Xiao said. Aether turned his face away from the adeptus so he could reach the back of his head. He felt his fingers, unnecessarily gentle, gingerly tuck the crystalfly in-between two of the three pieces of hair that made up his braid. He almost cried at the careful contact. He had always felt his emotions strongly, and sleep deprivation only made them rawer, deeper, due to his frayed nerves. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched his hair besides Lumine. He had never been able to braid his hair well, and since his twin sister had gone his braid was in a constant state of disarray.
“Thank you, Xiao,” was the only thing he could say. Xiao nodded, and the time before he had to leave was filled with a content silence. He left with a simple “Take care, Aether,” and they went their separate ways. Aether stood, made a promise to himself to keep the crystalfly in his hair intact and present, and set off to find something to do.
*****
The ‘something to do’ Aether had been looking for was nothing more than to go into some unstable ruins and eliminate the ruin machines that guarded them. Easy enough, but Aether was tired, so he proceeded with extra caution. Ruins could collapse, and a few of the flying machines, such as the skywatch ruin drake, were more difficult to fight than a simple ruin guard.
Aether hated fighting any kind of ruin machine, he had found, and he would much rather take on a simple Eye of the Storm. He didn’t like running away from his enemies. Unfortunately, fighting ruin machines required a lot of dodging and sprinting, neither of which his sleep-deprived body could do easily. No matter, he thought; running away and teleporting elsewhere was always an option, should he need to. 'Or you could call for Xiao,' his mind supplied. He quickly shut down the unsolicited thought. He refused to treat Xiao like the weapon he saw himself as. He was determined to help Xiao realize his worth, so calling upon him to kill was out of the question.
He decided to wait until morning to take on the ruins and settled for clearing out hilichurl camps and destroying towers while he waited for the sun to come up. When it finally rose, he wasted no time in getting to the ruins. Paimon materialized just before he could enter, a stubborn pout on her face.
“Paimon thinks Aether should wait until he’s well-rested before going into the ruins!” she exclaimed.
“Good morning, Paimon. I’ll be careful, don’t worry. And if I get in trouble, I can just run away, you know.”
“Paimon guesses so. But you have to promise Paimon that you’ll teleport away if you get in big trouble! And if you do have to do that, you owe Paimon a Fisherman’s Toast and a Sticky Honey Roast!”
“Deal.”
“And Paimon can call for your adeptus friend if you’re in danger!”
“I think that’s going too far.”
“But he said Paimon could!” She protested. Aether sighed.
“I’m sure he did. But, he’s busy. And if I need to, I can handle myself, you know. And I can teleport. We wouldn’t want to bother him to go beat up some ruin machines when we could just get away ourselves.”
Paimon pouted. “Fine. But now you owe Paimon a Sticky Honey Roast anyway because she’s hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” Aether pointed out. Nevertheless, he retrieved the dish for his floating friend. Paimon devoured it quickly, causing Aether to chuckle at the sight.
“Happy?” he asked playfully.
“Yes,” Paimon huffed. “Be careful or Paimon will call for your friend!”
“Is that a threat, Paimon?”
“Yes,” Paimon answered, then vanished into her pocket dimension. Aether shook his head fondly, tiredly, and ran towards the first ruin machine: a simple ruin guard. He made quick work of it, skillfully striking its weak points, causing it to shut down, then defeated it with a few well-placed hits. It wasn’t difficult, but there were two more. A ruin hunter and then the dreaded ruin drake, and he would be finished.
Fighting the ruin hunter while also keeping out of activation range of the ruin drake was hard, made even more difficult due to his inability to think clearly. He was so preoccupied with those two tasks that he didn’t notice another ruin guard appear until it was too late, and he was fighting two machines at once. The guard clapped its hands together, and in his haste to avoid it landing on top of him, he ran right into the drill-like attack of the ruin hunter. He felt the blade-like arm rake his side; if he had been a few steps to the left it surely would have skewered him. Aether felt blood drip down his side, and he couldn’t help but think that the fight would have been easier if he wasn’t so tired. His brain threatened to shut down, he felt dizzy. Above all, however, he felt weak. He felt weak, and he was disappointed in himself for feeling weak. He was supposed to be a hero, an honorary knight, Liyue’s savior. Right now, he felt like none of those.
The ruin hunter released a barrage of lasers from above, and Aether was so tired that he couldn’t dodge in time– the ability to see the trajectory of every laser evaded him. The falling lasers struck him one by one, and the ruin guard chose that unfortunate moment to start its spinning attack. Its arms hit him again and again until it was all he could do to attempt to teleport away. Even then, however, the mental strength required to do so was not there. He felt himself falling, noticed his vision fade, and then there was nothing.
Everything happened so quickly, it was almost anticlimactic. One mistake.
What a pathetic way to die.
*****
“Xiao, adeptus Xiao! Please help, Aether is hurt!”
The pure desperation in Paimon’s voice caused Xiao to teleport immediately toward her voice, leaving behind two mitachurls and an Abyss mage. The scene he came to, weapon at the ready, would have been terrifying if he wasn’t already expecting the worst. But, even so– when he told Paimon that she could call for him if Aether could not, he was not expecting it to be this soon. He had given her permission right on time, it seemed.
Aether was lying on the ground, burned and bleeding, breaths terrifyingly shallow. Two ruin machines traveled around the area casually, as if they hadn’t just beaten Xiao’s companion nearly to death. Paimon floated worriedly around him, hands red from Aether’s blood. It seemed that she had tried to stop the bleeding from a deep gash on the traveler’s side. Upon seeing his friend, broken and beaten on the dusty ground, Xiao felt a white-hot rage pulse through him, the urge to 'kill, kill, kill, end them, end them' nearly all-consuming. But he didn’t have time to fight and kill. He could only paralyze them and hope to get to Aether in time to teleport him to Wangshu Inn. He donned his mask– it needed to be fast. Flying through mid-air once, twice, he hit the ruin machines' weak points. They shuddered and fell, and Xiao felt a sick pleasure when he scanned their motionless forms.
He ran to his companion, picked him up as gently as he could, and teleported them to Wangshu Inn, black and blue tendrils surrounding them. He called for a healer immediately and took Aether to his room. From there, he could only wait. Aether was unconscious, and Xiao didn’t know if his karmic debt could affect him if he wasn’t awake. He decided it was better to leave, though every fiber in his being implored him otherwise. He was full of restless, dangerous energy that could only be gotten rid of by fighting something, killing something.
He started with the ruin machines.
*****
“Xiao!”
Aether’s voice was distressed and desperate, prompting him to immediately appear in the room he heard his companion call from. His room should be safe, what was going on? He scanned the area for threats, but saw none. Why was Aether so scared? He decided he needed to look harder, but then he heard someone crying. Aether’s cries were quiet and terrified, and he didn’t seem to have noticed Xiao’s arrival because he continued to repeat himself.
“Xiao, Xiao…”
“I’m here,” Xiao interrupted, “What is it? What’s wrong?” He was confused, and a little concerned. Aether appeared to be asleep, but he was speaking. Did mortals talk in their sleep?
“Aether,” he tried again.
Aether sat bolt upright, crying out in pain as the movement strained his sensitive wounds. They had only been treated a few hours ago. Xiao worried that if he moved any more he would reopen a wound.
“Xia–” he started to call, then slapped a hand over his mouth, tears slipping off his cheeks and onto the bed sheets. He wrapped his arms around his knees, curling up. Xiao could barely hear him muttering “A dream, it was just a dream, just a bad dream, he’s okay, he’s okay. You’ll see him tomorrow and he’ll be–”
“Aether?” Xiao asked.
Aether whipped his head around to look at him, and his eyes widened.
“Xiao! Oh, I am so sorry, I’m so sorry, I apologize, I didn’t mean to. I’m so sorry to bother you, I’m okay, I swear, I’m so sorry….”
Xiao crossed the room to stand next to the bed.
“It’s okay,” he said. “But, Aether, Paimon had to call for me. Why didn’t you call earlier?”
“She what? She… oh. Oh. Oh, no, no-no-no, that wasn’t supposed to happen, I wasn’t… I forgot about… the ruin machines. The ruin machines, oh no, I didn’t– I’m so– is your crystalfly okay?”
“My…” Xiao started, then remembered the night before. “Aether, the crystalfly is the least of my worries. Take a breath, you’re panicking.”
“I can’t. Xiao, I promised myself I’d keep it safe, I don’t know if it’s okay. Xiao, Xiao, it was special.”
“You can’t breathe?”
“I–” Aether seemed to grow smaller, to shrink into himself, which Xiao doubted was helping his ability – or lack thereof – to draw breath.
“What can I do?” Xiao asked, completely at a loss as to how to help his companion. “May I touch your hair to retrieve the crystalfly?” He didn’t want to startle Aether, but perhaps if he located the crystalfly in his hair he would calm down.
Aether nodded, and Xiao gently teased the locks of hair apart to look for the crystalfly. Surprisingly, it was intact, though its wings were slightly bent– it was as if Aether’s hair had wrapped itself around it protectively, like a soft nest. Relieved, Xiao carefully undid Aether’s braid to untangle the insect from it. He pulled the crystalfly out, then ran his fingers through golden strands to get rid of any knots that might have formed in the process.
“Look,” he said, holding the crystalfly out to show the traveler, “it’s fine.” Aether reached for it with trembling hands, then carefully placed it onto the bedside table.
“Thank you,” he whispered, “thank you.” The traveler had calmed down, but only slightly– Xiao noticed the way his breaths seemed difficult to come by, the way his body trembled, the tearful fear he could see in his golden eyes.
“I’m sorry,” he said again, “you can– you can go, I’m keeping you from your contract. I’m so sorry.”
“You are my main priority at the moment. I pledged to protect you, and if that is extended to emotional harm, then so be it.”
“I…” Aether trailed off.
“How can I help you best?”
“I… can you please just stay a while? I had a dream where you dissolved, not like a monster, not ashes, it was blue and light, but you hit the ground and I tried to reach you and you just slipped out of my fingers because you were dissipating, and–” Aether stifled a cry with his hand. Xiao sat on the edge of the bed and offered his hand for Aether to hold.
“See?” He asked after Aether placed a shaking hand in his, “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere, and I am completely intact. I swear it.” Aether clung to him as if he would disappear if he ever let go.
“Aether.”
“Yes?” the traveler whispered. Xiao traced the backs of his fingers in an attempt to comfort him.
“Why didn’t you call for me? I would have come.”
Aether’s body curled up tighter, his knees drew in towards his chest.
“I didn’t want to treat you like a weapon,” he admitted, dejected. Xiao sighed.
“Aether, you are a kind and caring person. But sometimes you need to put other’s feelings aside to take care of yourself.”
“But I don’t want to just… call for you whenever I’m too lazy or not good enough to kill something. You deserve to be treated better than that. You’re not some… killing machine that I call whenever things get hard. You’re a person.”
“I understand that,” Xiao said, “but, Aether, you could have died. Companions are supposed to help each other, correct? They always ‘have each other’s back,’ as mortals like to say. I was worried about you. I would have been grateful to assist you, just like you would for me.”
“Yes, but–”
“If you discovered that whenever I said your name, you could hear it, and come straight to where you heard my voice, would you not wish for me to call for you if I ever was in trouble?”
“Yes, of course. You are my companion, and I am yours.”
“What if I never called for you, even if I was in mortal danger?”
“I’d wonder why, because I would love to help. You’re important to me and I don’t want you to– oh.”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes. I’m sorry, Xiao.”
“You need not apologize. Just remember that I will always come when you call, no matter what. My goal will always be to help you.”
“...even to the point where you lose your life?” Aether asked tentatively.
“Even if it means I lay down my life to save yours,” Xiao said.
“...I was hoping you’d say no. Don’t do that.”
“Would you not do the same for me?”
“Of course I would! It’s… different, somehow.”
“How so?”
“I don’t really have a purpose for being in Teyvat. I was just… dropped here, and if I left this world it would easily return to how it was. You have a contract to maintain, a country to protect. People need you. I am not needed.”
Xiao frowned.
“Who told you that?” He asked, because, frankly, he disagreed. He needed Aether, just not in the typical way one may need someone else. He knew that if anything ever happened to him, he would succumb to his karmic debt in the blink of an eye.
“No one,” Aether said, “but it’s true. I don’t mind, though, I’m used to it at this point. I’ll help as much as I can now, but if I ever… fell… the worst thing that would happen is more people would need more work.”
“I disagree.”
“You do? Why?”
“You have many friends all over Teyvat, do you not?”
“I do, but few of them are close friends.”
“Even so, would they not miss you?”
“Maybe a few. They’d get over it, though.”
“I wouldn’t,” Xiao said.
“Oh.”
“Do you really think I would?”
Aether hesitated, then spoke, “...no, I don’t. Because I would miss you dearly if you ever disappeared.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m sorry, Xiao.”
“There is nothing to apologize for.”
“I still feel bad,” Aether admitted. “I caused you to worry.”
“My feelings are not your responsibility.” Xiao reminded him. Aether hesitated, then after a moment of thinking wrapped his bandaged arms around Xiao’s waist. Xiao stiffened, unused to any sort of positive physical contact. After a second, he reciprocated the hug, noticing how Aether relaxed slightly into his embrace.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
“No need,” Xiao said, then hesitantly passed a hand over Aether’s hair, pushing the flyaway strands out of his face. He wasn’t sure how to comfort someone, but the movement soothed his companion for some unknown reason. He debated continuing their conversation. He wanted Aether to know that he was needed, but he wasn’t sure if it was an appropriate time to say so.
“What is it?” Aether asked. Surprised, Xiao looked down at him. How did he know he wanted to speak?
“You said you weren’t needed.”
“Yes, but you said you disagreed. It’s okay.”
“I did not tell you why, though. I said I would miss you, but that is not a need. But, if you were to fall, I would surely succumb to my karma. So do not say that you are not needed, because I need you.”
“Xiao…” Aether’s eyes filled with tears once more. He quickly wiped them away, then whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?” Xiao asked.
“I don’t know.” Aether’s voice cracked, and Xiao’s heart ached. His companion, his star, was suffering.
“What can I do?” He asked yet again.
“Nothing,” Aether said, “you being here is enough. I promise I’ll get over myself, but right now, I just… can’t. Would you just stay? Please?” He sounded exhausted. He sounded upset. How could Xiao refuse?
“I will not leave you tonight,” he promised. Aether sighed.
“Thank you.” He sank against Xiao, who held him protectively. Eventually, Aether’s eyes fluttered shut.
*****
Aether didn’t wake up with a start. He didn’t wake up uncomfortable, scared, or even cold. No, Aether woke up feeling safe and warm. He felt protected. He allowed himself to bask in the feeling for a moment before he decided to fully enter wakefulness. When he did, he realized that there were arms around him, and his head was resting on someone’s legs. Maybe that was why there was a slight ache in his neck. He opened his eyes.
“Xiao?” He asked, the name dragging from drowsiness.
“I’m here,” said a voice above him. He looked up to meet amber eyes, then remembered the events of the night before.
“Oh no,” he groaned, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Xiao, I am so sorry!” He sat up, then continued, “I feel bad, I’ve kept you from all sorts of– what time is it?”
“About noon,” Xiao said.
“Noon? Archons, have you been sitting here all night?”
“I said I wouldn’t leave you, did I not?”
“Oh no, you must be sore, then, I know I am so you must be–”
“It’s all right,” Xiao interrupted, “I didn’t mind.”
“Ah, you’re just saying that,” Aether said sheepishly, embarrassed. “It’s okay.”
“Why would I lie?”
“Right…” Aether trailed off, attempting to think of a way to express his gratitude.
“Thank you, Xiao.” He settled for those words, then added, “I’ll make you almond tofu today. As… compensation, I guess, for you wasting your time. I’m sorry about that.”
“Time spent with you isn’t wasted,” Xiao said simply, and Aether felt his heart flutter. He frowned.
“I’m still making you almond tofu, though. And there are a few commissions I have to do.”
Xiao gently prevented him from rising.
“The healer forbade you from working,” he said. “Today, you rest.”
“But–”
“Verr Goldet seconded her advice. She has already told Katheryne to withhold any commissions for you. You need to heal.”
Aether made a face. “I’m going to be bored! There’s nothing to do while I rest. So many people need me to help them with things today, and I’ll feel bad if I don’t.”
Xiao frowned at him. “You do know that your worth is not measured by how many people you help in a day, right?”
“Well, yes, but–”
“But what?”
“...I feel useless if I’m not helping anyone. I know I need a break, and resting lets me help people better, blah blah, but… I always feel so guilty.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Ever since I’ve come here, and everyone’s been asking me for things, I feel like my only purpose is to do things for people. I want to find my sister. But nobody is helping me anymore. It’s a little frustrating, honestly, but I do like helping people.”
“Hmm.” Xiao seemed to be contemplating something heavy.
“What is it?”
“Your first instinct is to help others. Even just now, you asked me what I was thinking, completely disregarding your own problem. I’m trying to think of something to say that will convince you that you deserve to rest. Did you know that even I rest sometimes?”
“You do? But you’re so busy.” Xiao nodded.
“I do. I cannot defend Liyue if I am not in the correct mental space, nor can I protect it if I am injured or fallen.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“So, what makes you any different from me?”
Several responses went through Aether’s head, from ‘I won’t accidentally destroy something if I’m not in the right headspace’ to ‘I heal fast, I’ll recover.’ He didn’t say any of them, because that wasn’t the point Xiao was trying to make. And Aether could destroy something if he were to lose control. He had defeated a dragon, after all.
“I see your point,” he conceded with a sigh.
“Good,” Xiao said. “But you’re tired. You should try and sleep again. Do not hesitate to call for me. For anything. I will come immediately, no matter what. I am going to cleanse Liyue of demons and monsters, but I will return.” He stood up, but before he could disappear Aether called out.
“Wait,” he said. Xiao looked at him expectantly.
“Can I at least go help Smiley Yanxiao in the kitchen? I’m still going to make you almond tofu.”
Xiao sighed, a hint of exasperated fondness behind the huff of air.
“I don’t see why not,” he said, and Aether grinned. “But you must sleep first,” he continued, “that is our compromise.”
“All right,” Aether said. “Be safe, Xiao.”
“Take care. Don’t hesitate to call for me.”
With that, Xiao whisked away, the only proof he’d ever been in the room the slight scent of qingxin flowers and the lingering warmth on the edge of the bed.
*****
The second time Aether awoke, he was more comfortable than he had been the first time, but the loss of the feeling of protection was noticeable. The persisting after-effects of fear gathered in his stomach. He must have had another bad dream. He hoped he hadn’t called for Xiao unconsciously– he’d bothered his companion enough that day. Speaking of companions, however, caused him to wonder about his other, floating friend.
“Paimon?” he asked tentatively. She appeared out of thin air seconds later.
“Aether, you’re awake! Paimon was worried about you, she’s glad you’re feeling better now. But Paimon is mad at you, too! You owe Paimon so much food for her troubles!”
Aether cringed. “I… yeah. I’m sorry for worrying Paimon. When I go help Smiley Yanxiao, I’ll make a bunch of food for you, how does that sound?”
“If you do that, maybe Paimon won’t be so mad anymore.”
“Oh, I’m glad. Also, Paimon… Thank you. You called when I couldn’t. You’re the best Teyvat guide ever.”
“Aww, you flatter Paimon!”
“I do! She deserves it for everything I put her through yesterday!”
Paimon flew through the air and tackled him into a hug. Aether let out a soft oof, not quite expecting the tiny force that barreled into him.
“Paimon isn’t so mad anymore. But don’t do that again! You worried Paimon!!”
“All right, all right,” Aether relented, patting Paimon’s head and not feeling nearly as annoyed as his words implied. “Let’s go get you some food.”
“Yes, let’s!”
Smiley Yanxiao was more than glad for the help, Aether noticed with satisfaction. They bustled around the kitchen, readying jewelry soup, tianshu meat, and jade parcels. Yanxiao taught Aether (and Paimon, if you counted taste-testing as learning) how to make a complicated dish called triple-layered consommé.
Towards the tail end of a few hours, Aether started to make almond tofu for Xiao, just like he’d promised. He was mixing the almond milk and the sugar in a pot when he suddenly dropped the spoon he was using, overcome by a stomach-twisting unease, a gripping fear that had no source. Aether’s instincts were rarely wrong, and his gut told him to call for him, summon your beloved companion, save him, so he did.
“Xiao!” he called urgently, “are you okay?”
*****
Xiao, surprisingly, had found himself in quite a predicament. He had stumbled upon a Primo Geovishap, attracted by the overwhelming scent of evil. He had initially thought that it would be a hilichurl camp, a ruin machine, or even a regular geovishap, and he was completely unprepared for the hulking monster that awaited him in the cave. The Primo Geovishap never moved, which only added to his surprise. This wasn’t its regular cave, so he had no reason to believe it would be there. Without any help, or even a shield, Xiao was struggling. He couldn’t avoid its primordial shower attack, and suffered consequences because of it.
He donned his mask again, feeling it suck the very life out of him, attempting to overwhelm him with its ever-present pleas to kill and destroy, to let it take over him, 'You know you want to, you’ll be powerful, let us go we want revenge.' His vision tunneled, and when he came back to attention – when had he lost himself? – the monster was dead. The voices continued to rise in volume and power, the tugging at his very soul becoming near unbearable, he couldn’t take it he was finally succumbing he didn’t want to go he didn’t want to–
He could sense the other adepti readying themselves to end him as soon as he went under. He could tell that, finally, his day had come, he prepared himself for an all-consuming fury followed by a quick death even though he didn’t want to die, he didn’t want to die because Aether was still here and he didn’t want to leave him, he wasn’t ready to go yet please someone help him–
“Xiao!”
Aether.
Xiao pulled himself together, so busy doing so that he didn’t hear what his companion said next, he only knew that as soon as he helped him, he would go under in a blink of an eye. He sounded upset. Xiao would kill whoever dared touch him, and then he himself would be killed. Donning his mask– it didn’t matter what happened to him anymore– he answered a call for the last time.
Aether was wide-eyed. Afraid.
“Xiao! Are you all right?” His eyes widened further, and the only way to describe his expression was terror. But somehow, it wasn’t because he was scared of him. He knew that Aether knew what was happening; that was where his companion’s terror stemmed from. Aether was afraid of losing him. Somehow, even in his haze, Xiao was touched.
“Oh no, Xiao, Xiao. Hold on, please, I’ll help you, just hold on a little longer, it’ll be okay, just hang on–”
Bandaged arms wrapped around him, and the two were whisked away to a statue of Rex Lapis in Qiongji Estuary, high up on a cliff and away from any other people. Xiao felt his health returning, and Aether held him tightly. He did not let go.
Aether whispered to him, held him, rocked him back and forth, removed his mask and stroked his hair, his face.
“Xiao, Xiao, hold on,” he said. “Fight it, Xiao, I don’t want to lose you. You’re important to me. My companion, my friend. Xiao, it’s going to be okay, I swear. Just breathe. Just listen. Xiao, Xiao, Xiao.”
His whispers nearly drowned out the hissing of 'Alatus, Alatus, come join us, we miss you, just let it happen…'
“Be quiet,” he told them, turning their fury against them. “Shut up, shut up. Go away.” And then they quieted, because Aether was holding them flush together, his ungloved hands caressing Xiao’s arms, his neck, his hair.
“Xiao,” he said, and he rested their foreheads together.
“Xiao,” he whispered, and thumbs brushed his cheeks.
“Xiao,” he called, and hands squeezed his arms.
Clarity came shortly, and its arrival marked the departure of any energy Xiao had left. He slumped forward, and his companion caught him.
Reliable, steady Aether.
Constant, dependable traveler.
His star.
Gratitude rushed through him. Saved again, but this time he knew who had done it. He owed Aether his life, now. Strangely, he didn’t mind being indebted to someone as kind as him. He pulled away with some difficulty, and bowed his head, down on one knee.
“I owe you my life,” he said reverently, not daring to meet the traveler’s eyes. “I am forever indebted to you, Traveler.”
Aether took his hands and pulled him back to rest on his shoulder once again.
“No, Xiao, no,” he said. “If anything, this is me repaying you for saving me yesterday. And it’s Aether. Did you forget that we are companions? We have each other’s backs, and that includes saving each other’s lives. That comes naturally, since we’re companions, right?”
Xiao didn’t speak. He was overwhelmed by Aether’s selfless kindness.
“Right, Xiao?”
Xiao didn’t respond.
“Xiao. Say it: we are companions, and companions help each other, regardless of the impact of the assistance.” Aether’s words were a command, and who was he to refuse his savior’s request?
“We are companions, and companions help each other. Regardless of the impact of the assistance.”
“Big or small.”
“...Big or small.”
Aether exhaled. “Thank you, Xiao.”
“I should be thanking you, Traveler.”
“It’s Aether. My friends call me Aether.”
“...thank you, Aether.” Xiao’s eyes stung. He, of all people, felt like he was going to cry. Unbelievable. Unbelievably pathetic, that is. Crying was a waste of–
At that moment, he noticed the tears trickling down Aether’s face, and immediately retracted his thoughts. Aether was strong, and he was crying. For him.
“You cry for me,” Xiao stated, a hint of confusion seeping into his words.
“Of course I cry for you,” Aether said, “I thought I might lose you. I was scared.”
“But I’m fine now,” Xiao responded, still confused.
“Oh,” Aether said, seeming to realize something. “Well, these are a mixture of leftover tears and tears of relief.” He laughed, a watery sound.
“I cry a lot, Xiao. I guess I should have warned you before we became companions. But now you’re stuck with me.”
“I suppose I am.” Strangely, Xiao didn’t mind one bit.
“Cry if you must,” he said, “you will receive no judgment from me.” Aether laughed, then cried again.
“Sorry,” he said, “I’m a mess. I’ll calm down eventually.”
“I don’t mind. Emotions are human, are they not?”
“They are. Emotions are universal, I think. Everyone has them.” Aether looked at him a moment, then continued after what seemed like a moment’s contemplation on whether or not to continue.
“Even you,” he said, “so it’s okay for you to cry as well.”
“Adepti do not–” Aether wiped a tear off of Xiao’s cheek and hummed thoughtfully, interrupting his sentence.
“All right,” he said, then stood, pulling Xiao up with him. He supported him with an arm, then turned to look at him. Their faces were close together, and Xiao felt a spark of tension in the air, something staticky. Aether studied him for a moment, and Xiao found himself thinking that he would not mind memorizing his companion either.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Aether said, his smile easing any negative tension or doubt still resting in Xiao’s muscles.
Star-bright.