Chapter Text
“With his blade blessed by a purifying light, the exorcist pierced through the demonic spirit’s heart. The creature emitted an ear-splitting shriek and writhed in agony, yet the exorcist held strong as he delivered a fatal blow. It was then said that when the demon fell, it evaporated into a shower of petals that rained down onto the village. The people rejoiced at the exorcist’s courage, for having cleansed their home—” Chongyun startled from his reading as something soft brushed against his cheek, causing him to drop the book in a panic. His head whipped to the side, only to recognize the familiar face that peered over his shoulder. “Xingqiu? How long have you been… oh.”
As the young exorcist became aware of the real world once more, Chongyun realized he was still standing in the middle of Wanwen Bookhouse. The store owner, Jifang, was glaring at him and gestured towards the sign when he had the misfortune of meeting gazes with her. “Pay first, read later.” He quickly looked away in embarrassment, the heat rising in his face causing his pulse to quicken.
“Oh? That's how it is, is it? You became so deeply tranced in a novel, that you forgot to buy it first. It must be quite the story.” Xingqiu read the situation aloud, serving no purpose beyond embarrassing his friend further. He then approached the counter, and offered a pouch of mora. “Please accept this on my friend’s behalf, Ms. Jifang. This should be more than enough to cover the price. Consider anything else a well deserved tip for your business with the Guild.” He offered a courteous, business-like smile before taking his leave.
Chongyun picked up his book and followed his friend, glancing back at Jifang in an effort to apologize for loitering. “Thank you for that, Xingqiu.” He muttered, relieved that his pulse was finally slowing again. He had spent all early morning at the bookhouse, and had nearly wasted all his time for errands. It’d be bad if I got too worked up before I had a chance to get more popsicles. “I don't know what got into me. I was running errands, but that book caught my attention. Everything was so real, I felt compelled to read to the end.”
Xingqiu shook his head. “You don't need to explain anything to me, Chongyun. I completely understand the feeling. Tell me about this novel, if you would. I'm intrigued.”
“Huh? Oh, uh… it's called ‘The Path of an Exorcist’. It's about a boy whose village is cursed, so he embarks on an adventure to become an exorcist and cleanse the evil spirit. His story was so inspiring.”
“Really? If you don't mind, I'd love to borrow it sometime.” Xingqiu followed his friend as the two boys set foot onto the stone streets of Liyue Harbor’s merchant district.
“I don't mind. I only have one last stop at the general store, then I plan on reading the ending. You can borrow it then.” Chongyun took a right, towards the massive building that made up the Ministry of Civil Affair’s headquarters. The general store should've gotten a new stock today. They always keep them on hand during this time of year. The sun feels hotter now, so I better buy some quickly. If only I could be like the exorcist in the story… then I could control my yang energy better.
“W-Wait, Chongyun!” Xingqiu rushed to Chongyun’s side and guided him back around. “Why don't we take an alternate route to the general store? You can tell me more about what happens to this exorcist in your story.”
“What, why? The Chihu Rock district isn't too far.” Chongyun tilted his head to look back at the Ministry headquarters, searching for the explanation of Xingqiu’s sudden awkward behavior. Usually when Xingqiu avoided an area, it meant… Just as I thought. There, near the gate, was Mr. Xu, questioning any passerby who crossed his path. He was too far to tell what he was saying, but Chongyun could guess just by the exasperation in the servant’s face what it could be. And it should be almost noon by now, which means…
“Xingqiu, don't you usually have your calligraphy lessons around this time?”
“Do I…? Hm, I must've forgotten. Oh well! I'm far more interested in your book anyway.”
He changed topics quickly… Chongyun never addressed his friend’s blatant neglect for his lessons. He knew Xingqiu more than most, and how bored he became with the Guild’s duties. “Well, if you're not worried about it…” He muttered, before adding more loudly, “You know, when I think about the hero in that story… I feel hopeful that one day I can be like him. To train hard, and find a spirit that I can actually see and defeat through my own skill. I think, if I fought one like in the story, maybe it'll make me a true exorcist too.”
Xingqiu pondered those words for a moment, before a spark flashed in his eyes. The way he stared at Chongyun with such excitement became a bit unsettling, given it was the same look he typically had before unleashing some kind of prank. “If that's how you feel, then you should do it! Embark on a grand adventure like the story. After all, you can never truly understand a book unless you've experienced the same triumphs as the hero. Come! You know what they say, there's no time like the present!”
“W-Wait, hold on, Xingqiu, this is too sudden! I still have errands—”
“All can wait when it comes to chivalry, my dearest Chongyun. I could never live true to my code if I couldn't help the person closest to me come closer to fulfilling his dream! Let's go!” Taking Chongyun’s hand into his own, the young swordsman led him away, clearly lost in the idea of adventure. Chongyun’s mouth went dry, and no further protests escaped his lips. He had no choice but to tolerate their impromptu journey. Yet, a single thought formed into his mind, as he knew Xingqiu’s ulterior motive behind all this. I'm glad he cares and all, but… why does this feel like an excuse to get out of his calligraphy lessons?
Before he knew it, Chongyun had wound up in the outskirts of the city, northeast of Lingju Pass. The open land had exposed him to the harsh sunlight, and he was utterly breathless by the time they reached the Statue of the Seven. He quickly took shade beneath a sandbearer tree, while Xingqiu took a few careful steps towards the edge of a rocky slope. He was staring at the ancient ruins beyond. “The Dunyu Ruins. It’s a beautiful artifact of history, isn't it? When you look at the ancient buildings, it brings forth such inspiration for writing. I should include them in my next volume of A Legend of Sword… I'm sure Calx will enjoy sketching such imagery. It's a shame the ruins have been overtaken by the Fatui, or else I could sneak a closer look.”
“You're already writing the next book? Can I read it when you finish your manuscript?” Knowing Xingqiu for as long as he had, Chongyun had became one of the exceptional few who could read his handwriting. Which meant he received the perks of getting to view the original work by Xingqiu’s own hand. Of course, it would only last until his friend became far too embarrassed and forbade him from reading any further.
“Yes, that goes without question! You'll always be my first reader, Chongyun.” Xingqiu answered without hesitation, descending the slope until he joined the blue-haired exorcist at the sandbearer tree. He seated himself among the field of flowers, shifting close to the other boy. “Actually, it was a bit sudden for me, when my publishing house requested an early release. They wish to host me again at the next Irodori Festival in Inazuma. I haven't thought of an excuse to give my father yet, but I hope you'll join me when the time comes. I would feel much more comfortable if you were there to support me during that dreaded book signing.”
By support, does he mean I’ll end up being his ghost writer? Chongyun didn't need the answer. However, he nodded regardless. “Yes, I’d like that. Inazuma has a lot of cold dishes I’d like to try as well.”
“Then, after the book signing, we can sample the local cuisine together. In fact, there's a local specialty I’d like for you to try that pairs well with sushi. It’s grounded into a paste from a rare local plant, so to try an authentic version is truly a treat. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!”
“Coming from you, that sounds a little suspicious…”
“Not at all! Would I ever lie to you, dear Chongyun?” The smile that graced the swordsman’s lips was one conquered by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “Now, enough about me and my own writing! Let's discuss your book! What's the first step on our adventure?”
“Hm? Oh, yes,” Chongyun took out the book from where he’d tucked it away under his belt. He flipped through the first few pages with his thumb. “Shortly after the boy leaves his village, he's attacked by a group of malicious spirits. His defeat is what urges him to train harder.”
“I see. For us, that might be more difficult. However, a good adaptation should be true to their source material. Hm… That's it! How about we try Mingyun Village? I can't say we’ll find spirits there, but it should fit our setting well. A long abandoned village where the hero faces the odds against him with determination.”
“I guess that'll work.” Chongyun agreed. Mingyun Village had been abandoned due to the mines drying up, but such a long time had passed that many of the Harbor’s residents claimed it was creepy. Hilichurls and treasure hoarders reigned over the area now.
With a sigh, The exorcist pushed himself up to his feet, reluctant for the long trek ahead. Well, at least it's close to Mondstadt’s Dragonspine… maybe being close to the cold will help me bear this wretched heat.
Sure enough, the cold that emitted from the distant mountain was like a breath of fresh air for the light blue-haired boy. “Just as I thought, I don't sense any spirits, but the cold wind coming from Dragonspine is very refreshing. I'm sure the old mines would feel nice too…”
A tiny laugh slipped through Xingqiu’s lips. “Should I assume this was your true motive for agreeing to come here?”
“Hm?! Uh, m-maybe…” Chongyun could feel heat rising in his face at his friend’s teasing. “I had not much of a choice, since you never gave me the chance to go to the store. I have to rely on colder temperatures or else… well, you know what happens!”
“Wouldn't exposure be more helpful in building resistance to your condition? Well, I suppose it's alright. If we go by the book, then our goal should be more so to find a spirit that’s powerful enough to resist your energy. Defeating it after a long journey should give you the same feelings as the protagonist.” Xingqiu’s gaze traveled over the clearing, looking over each of the thatched houses that had began to rot away from neglect. “Still, if there's no spirits, we may have to improvise our current scene. We have our setting, but for the attack– Hm?”
The young swordsman perked his head up, his attention diverted towards a field of tall grass, just past one of the houses. Without warning, he then broke out into a sprint towards whatever must’ve caught his attention. “Chongyun, come quick!” Xingqiu called back before materializing his sword and leaping off a steep bluff. “Hilichurls!”
“Wha– Xingqiu!” Chongyun quickly followed after him. Think about yourself before doing things like that! He spared a single moment to peer over the edge of the bluff, looking out for his friend. He located him by the edge of a shallow pool, engaged in combat with a band of hilichurl grenadiers. A short distance away stood a young adventurer from Mondstadt, who watched Xingqiu fight with a visibly troubled expression.
Xingqiu held his own remarkably well, summoning his rain swords to counter any incoming attack. However, a battle of three against one carried a disadvantage no matter how skilled one was.
Chongyun had to force himself out of his mesmerized trance from seeing Xingqiu’s bladework. Disregarding his own advice, Chongyun followed his friend’s lead and threw himself off the ledge. Manifesting his claymore on the way down, he plunged the tip of his blade straight into the hilichurl who held a pyro slime in its hands. The creature let out a pained grunt before evaporating into mist, its plan of attacking Xingqiu from a blind spot foiled.
The exorcist didn't stop there, either. His Vision bursting aglow, Chongyun took advantage of their opponents’ drenched state and swung his claymore downwards. The two remaining hilichurls were instantly encased in ice, while Xingqiu jumped backwards with an alarmed gasp. He glanced over at Chongyun before shaking his head to recover, then swiftly dealt a finishing blow to the hilichurls with a single slice.
Once the battle had ended, Chongyun leaned against his claymore for support, panting heavily. “I… I think… I got a bit too carried away.”
Xingqiu stepped away from the edge of the shallow pool to regroup with his friend, allowing his sword to vanish before facing the other boy. “Yes, you might have been…” He smiled, pinching his index and thumb close together for emphasis. “just a little carried away. Seeing as you nearly froze me as well.”
“I did? Ah, I’m sorry! I-I was so caught up in the fight that I—” Chongyun’s flustered panic increased tenfold when Xingqiu burst into laughter. He could feel his heart thudding in his chest, and in that moment, he wanted to retreat into Dragonspine that second and hide away in its snowy depths. He's doing this on purpose!
“U-Um, excuse me,” The adventurer Chongyun had spotted earlier approached them. “Thank you both. I thought I was going to die.” He let out a dry chuckle, staring towards the shallow pool. “The rockslide here is still pretty steep. When those hilichurls attacked, I nearly fell straight off into the water! Pretty pathetic start on my first day, huh? Haha…”
Xingqiu cleared his throat before addressing the young man. “You have nothing to fret over, my liege. It was the most honorable thing to do. As a disciple of the Guhua Clan, it's my duty to commit to the path of justice and do what is right.” He placed a hand on his chest and spoke in his “proper” voice. Not a trace remained of the boy he was moments ago.
“Oh, that's quite a poetic thing to say. How mature of you. Um, well, thank you again! I know I should be able to take on a few hilichurls, but… Well, I'll just have to be more prepared next time! I don't have time to mope around if I wanna be like Stanley one day! He's a legend in Mondstadt, you know.”
“Considering the path you were taking, were you heading towards Liyue, perhaps? The Guili Plains are just past the broken bridge up ahead. It was a bit difficult for us to cross, so if you need us to, we can escort you.”
“No, you've done enough for me as it is! I wish you both luck! Safe travels!”
“Safe travels to you as well, my liege.”
The adventurer carried on his way, leaving the duo to themselves once more. Once alone, Xingqiu sighed heavily. “I'm thankful to have helped that man, of course, but… it gets so tiring having to speak like that sometimes. However, I could never bear the lecture I’d receive from my brother if he caught word that I spoke improperly to anyone.”
Catching his breath, Chongyun straightened up and put away his claymore. “Yes, it's good that we were there, but please be careful next time! I think my blood pressure spiked when you jumped off that ledge. It scared me half to death thinking you could've gotten hurt!”
“You worry too much for me, dear Chongyun! When committing good deeds, whatever the consequences that follow may be doesn't matter. What matters is that you did the right thing.”
That's not what I meant! Chongyun sighed, letting it go for now. Instead, he pulled out The Path of an Exorcist from under his belt and skimmed through the pages. “Well, I suppose we can consider our fight with the hilichurls our own version of the first scene. Maybe it's not entirely accurate, but we saved someone in the process. Next is…” He took a moment to re-read the first few paragraphs. “Oh, wow, that's a bit ironic. After his defeat, the boy is taken care of by a Guhua disciple, and nursed back to health.”
“Really? It's like this book was written for us then, isn't it? Of course, going by the story thus far, the description matches up with that adventurer we met.” Xingqiu cupped his cheek with one hand, pondering for a moment. “Of course! If the requirement is that I must nurse you back to health, perhaps a few spicy dishes could—”
“Absolutely not! We don't need to do everything by the source material! We’ll skip to the next part!” Chongyun frantically flipped through the pages, the inside of his mouth burning at the mere mention of spicy foods. “Right! So after he heals up, the boy aims to train his body first, so he can build up his yang energy. Of course, I wish for the opposite, but training is never a bad thing. He enlists the Guhua disciple in fighting him until he either achieves his goal or gives up.”
“In other words, you and I have to fight. Actually, I must admit, I'm not exactly partial to the idea. It wouldn't be a good idea for you to get too worked up during battle either.” Xingqiu’s amber eyes glazed over and his lips pressed together in a frown.
“Well, it shouldn't be a problem if we follow the basic idea. We could do a mock battle, seeing as we already had a real one a while ago.” Chongyun suggested, slipping the book back under his belt. It also says that the boy defeats the Guhua disciple, proving his determination. If ours will result in the same outcome then… How can I ever find a way to defeat Xingqiu?
“Yes, I would much rather do that. Very well, let's return to Mingyun Village. We shall commence our ‘battle’ there.”
The two boys stood on opposite sides of the dirt clearing of Mingyun Village, the afternoon breeze easing Chongyun’s nerves a fraction. Pretend or not, Xingqiu will take things seriously. He truly wants to help me feel as strong as the character in that story. But, most of all… he's too much of a geek to settle for going off page. He knew it was a bit foolish to strategize over a mock fight, but with Xingqiu, he couldn't afford to be careless. That was what led him to the receiving end of several pranks. He's more agile than I am thanks to being accustomed to a lighter weapon. A skilled fighter. He reads a lot of martial arts novels, so I'm sure he's skilled in physical combat just by copying them.
“Is something the matter, Chongyun? Xingqiu called out in concern. “Don't think of this so seriously. It's not a real fight, there’s no need to strategize. Think of it as a game, necessary for our adventure. You do still wish to be like the exorcist in your story, correct?”
“Well, yes, but… training with you seems more difficult than you make it sound.”
“Nonsense! Come now, we don't have much sunlight left! Just do as you think is right.”
“Alright…” Chongyun hesitated, letting the wind’s chill soothe him. He was strictly accustomed to keeping a self-disciplined training routine, and rarely went off course with it. It was difficult for him to see any kind of sparring as merely a game. Or… is this another method of Xingqiu’s to get me to loosen up? His troubled thoughts were interrupted by a sudden poke against his forehead, a brief gasp emerging from his lips.
“You act without hesitation in most fights, surely you can do this same with our pretend one?” Xingqiu had come upon him before the exorcist knew it, the smile on his face filled with mischief. “You needn’t be so serious.” He poked his friend once more, and Chongyun retaliated by attempting to gently swat his hand away. Xingqiu stepped back in that same moment, resulting in him merely swiping through air.
Chongyun clicked his teeth when he heard the soft, teasing laugh that followed. His hesitation momentarily forgotten, he reached out to grab at Xingqiu’s shoulder, only to miss once more thanks to a swift sidestep. A small prickle of frustration swelled within his heart, and Chongyun followed his friend in pursuit. Though Xingqiu was more agile, he gave chase, swerving past the old stone well and skidding to a halt at the entrance to a small, nearly broken down house.
“Should I consider this a sign of your surrender?” Xingqiu asked, lingering in front of where the wooden door used to be. “I assure you, this house looks too worn down to be home to any evil spirits. And if it is, it shouldn't be an issue for my dear exorcist.”
“Of course not!” Chongyun answered immediately, his tone almost childish. He had let his emotions get the best of him, and now his focus remained solely on getting the upper hand over his friend. The thought of getting some sort of revenge for the years of Xingqiu’s antics was an enjoyable one.
Without any more words, the game was afoot once more, and Chongyun followed around the side of the rotted house until he finally caught up to the other boy.
Xingqiu gave a small yelp of surprise as he was tackled to the ground without warning, and the two boys tumbled in the tall grass until their bodies collided with the bark of a tree. He found himself in a position where he was lying on his back, pressed against the grass, with Chongyun on top. “Ah, w-wait, Chongyun! Not that–” Xingqiu’s protests faded into a fit of laughter as his friend’s hands grabbed his waist and began tickling him. “O-Okay, okay! I yield!”
Satisfied, Chongyun relented and rose to his feet, dusting off his clothes. He slowly recomposed, finding himself painfully embarrassed by what overcame him.
Xingqiu followed him, sitting up and plucking out the bits of grass that stuck to his hair. “To think you'd use such underhanded tactics… I never imagined.” He quickly cleared his throat upon realizing the words made both of them even more embarrassed. “I suppose we both got too carried away, frolicking around like we were children again. Heh, I could only imagine my father and brother’s faces if they saw. N-Not that I’d want them to, obviously!”
“Yes, I don't believe my family would be too pleased either, passing up an opportunity to seriously train and instead having fun playing with my friend.”
“Really? I’d assume they'd be happy knowing you're not burning yourself out while training. Wait, hold on,” Xingqiu perked up immediately as he realized what Chongyun had said. “So, you admit it! You did enjoy yourself and our game, didn't you?”
“H-Huh?! No! I-I mean, it is a little satisfying having won against you, but…”
“It's too late to take it back, I'm afraid. You’ve already admitted it.”
“Stop saying that! It's too much for me to handle!”
“Yes, the way your blushing makes that quite obvious.”
“It's because you keep saying stuff like that! Wait, Xingqiu! Where are you going?”
“The sun’s going down. I'm going to find us a camp for the night.”
“When did you decide that…? Well, at least wait for me! Xingqiu!”
The sun had just dipped behind the mountains by the time the two found a camping spot to rest. It wasn’t the most convenient area, seeing as a pile of broken crates and driftwood lined the shore to their right, but there was a tree for shade and a campfire for cooking. Chongyun sat under the tree, his eyes drooping as he read through the final sentence of his book. It’s already getting late… yet I think I now understand how Xingqiu feels about this stuff. I felt like I had to finish the conclusion before daring to rest.
“Xingqiu,” He called to the other boy, setting the book aside. “I finished the rest of The Path of an Exorcist, you can read it whenever you like.”
“Yes, I would like to. Seeing how it intrigued you so, I'm sure it's a wonderful read. Was the conclusion to your liking?” Xingqiu was sorting through a crate near the cooking pot, looking at the ingredients inside. “These ingredients are still fresh. I wonder if that adventurer had camped here before us.” He added, musing to himself.
“Yes, the ending was good. Seeing how the exorcist came to be and how he achieved his goal, I felt like the book really was made for me. Our expedition so far has lined up well with the book… or, uh, sort of…” Chongyun rose to his feet upon seeing Xingqiu busy himself at the campfire. “U-Um, Xingqiu? Would you mind if I cooked for us instead?”
“Hm?” Xingqiu turned around, staring at Chongyun in confusion. “Whatever for? Do you not trust my culinary abilities? You've tasted my cooking many times before, I'm sure.”
“That's true, but I'd feel saf– I mean, I’d feel more comfortable with preparing my own meals. Besides, this journey is meant to strengthen my skills as an exorcist like the story. It'd be foolish of me to sit around doing nothing.” Chongyun quickly lied. For all I know, he could easily slip in a few spices… He shuddered at the memory of the last time Xingqiu had presented him a meal. His tongue had burned for days, and he was certain he'd gone through a whole stash of popsicles just to break the fever that followed. At least he felt bad for it afterwards… he stayed with me just as he did after the ‘haunted house’ incident.
"Very well, I don't mind. Whatever dish you make, I'm sure I'll enjoy it." Xingqiu stepped aside, allowing Chongyun to take over the meal preparation. He glanced over to the hilichurl tower, the only remnant that remained from the brief battle for their camp. "While you tend to that, I'll make sure no more monsters are lurking nearby. Or, perhaps, shall we call them the evil spirits we've encountered so far? That made our second battle against them, after all."
"Alright, just be careful. If we're calling them evil spirits, then I don't want you getting possessed or cursed."
"Heh, that's why I'm thankful to have a wonderful exorcist by my side to help. I'll be back shortly, Chongyun!"
"Now I just need... Yes, that'll work. It may not be an exact recipe, but..." Chongyun looked at the pot of noodles he'd made, safely chilled to a preferable temperature. I'm glad the adventurer left so much stuff. I was able to substitute the mushrooms for the sauce and use vegetables instead. Though I wasn't exactly paying attention to what I added, it all came natural to me... I hope Xingqiu will like it. He gave one final stir before rummaging through the crate. Surely there must be utensils left behind as well. It doesn't seem like- A short, sharp cry of alarm escaped him, unbidden, and his mind went blank. Something enfolded him from behind, coiling around his stomach like a snake. At first, it failed to process who or what had jumped him until his fingers brushed against his false attacker's. "Xingqiu... you scared me for a minute there."
"Ah, but you are mistaken, dear exorcist. For I am a spirit, who dwells in this new vessel. And now, I intend to bind myself to you and drain you of your power."
"W-What, really? Wait, what am I saying?! You're just messing with me again!" Chongyun tried to sound frustrated for being forced into the role of unwilling victim all day, but... Well, it was Xingqiu. He somehow could never find it in him to truly get angry with him.
"Is that what you believe? Are you certain I'm not merely an illusion, to corrupt your... ahem, mind into a false belief of trust?"
"Your voice just cracked, I can hear you trying not to laugh..."
"Yes, and I believe you're trying not to smile."
"I-I am not!"
"Yes, you are. See?" Xingqiu's hand moved up to poke Chongyun's cheek with his index finger. He continued to do so until his friend finally broke his attempt at remaining serious, responding with a hushed laugh.
"A-Alright, just cut it out already...!" Chongyun pried away the other boy's hand and dislodged himself from his grasp, though the smile on his face remained. Why must he always do things like this? I've told him before I have to keep a strict discipline for myself. Yet... I guess it doesn't bother me too much. However, he didn't voice those feelings aloud. Instead, he looked back at the crate. "I finished cooking, so help me find some utensils. We should eat before it gets too dark."
The two boys settled down against the stump of a tree, sitting side by side in a comfortable proximity. Chongyun sighed in relief after taking a moment to relish the first taste of his special dish. "I've prepared this dish a few times before, but I don't think I'll ever tire of it. I had to substitute some ingredients, but the taste is still refreshing. I just hope it's not too cold for you."
Xingqiu shook his head. "No, not at all. I've grown used to your dishes by now. I'm sure you've done a wonderful job at-Hm?!" The mere second a single strand of noodle entered his mouth, the young swordsman immediately choked back the urge to cough.
"Xingqiu, what's wrong?!" Chongyun jerked his attention away from his meal in a panic. I'm sure I didn't put anything that could make him sick! So, what could have...
"C-Chongyun..." Xingqiu coughed out his name, his face growing pale with revulsion. "You and I have known each other for a very long time. For you to have betrayed me like this... I can barely fathom the thought." His voice dropped to a tone colder than the summit of Dragonspine. Not even Chongyun could bear the chill of his voice.
"Betrayal...? What do you- W-Wait, hold on a second! I wasn't paying attention when I added the vegetables, I swear! I would never add carrots on purpose!" Chongyun feverishly defended himself, though it was too late. His fate was already sealed to an eternity of Jueyun Chili from this day forth. "S-Surely you can take them out, can't you?"
"No, it is far too late. It's already been contaminated. I'm sorry, Chongyun."
Chongyun couldn't find the words to reply. I wonder... if the evil entity I must face at the end of the journey was Xingqiu all along. I can only hope he'll spare me in the end... please, any Archon out there listening, spare me from his wrath.
As the night wore on, Chongyun had treated Xingqiu to a more proper meal, in hopes to seek out his forgiveness. It seemed to work, as his friend returned to his usual self once more. Or at least, that's what he hoped for. Unless he's secretly planning revenge as we speak. He could only shudder at the thought.
However, Xingqiu and Chongyun remained under the sandbearer tree, laying together in the cool grass and gazing up at the stars above. Xingqiu had only recently joined him, having spent the past hour reading through Chongyun's book.
"Chongyun?" Xingqiu's voice called out softly, rousing the exorcist from the scenary of the night sky.
It had been a while since either of them spoke, and Chongyun found himself surprised that Xingqiu was still awake. "Yes?" His icy blue gaze trailed from the twinkling stars to meet with his dearest friend's.
"Have you ever heard the proverb, 'longing for the stars, longing for the moon'? It's a well known saying that describes yearning. When I look at the stars on nights like this, it reminds me of that saying. It makes me curious: What do you yearn for, Chongyun?"
"Huh? Do you mean like... aspirations and such? Well, I guess what I want the most is to become a true exorcist, like the previous generations of my family. I wish to rely on my own strength, without relying on abilities I was born with. But, well, I guess you already know that one. Uh... what about you, Xingqiu?"
"Me? I desire for what I've always wished for. I want to deliver justice on behalf of those who cannot act for themselves. I wish to help others simply because it's the right thing. To commit acts of heroism... it's rewarding all on its own. Becoming a disciple of the Guhua Clan gave me the opportunity to carry out those acts that I could only read about before. I truly am grateful for that."
"I don't think I could imagine you otherwise. You'd have been miserable stuck working for the Commerce Guild all your life. Though... your handwriting might've improved."
"Yes, unfortunately, some things are better off staying the same. If I was doomed to suffering my required amount of lessons then it'd be absolute torture! My hand's cramping up just imagining it..." Xingqiu looked down at said hand, his fingers twitching at the mention of calligraphy. He quickly cleared his throat. "A-Anyway! I suppose when it comes to things beyond my aspirations, there is one thing I long for as well. Something more complex, I suppose. That not even I can put into words nor understand what it means. Do you... do you ever feel that too?"
"I'm not sure. I try not to think too much about things beyond training. However, I guess I can understand. I feel something similar whenever I'm with you. It's confusing, but... yes, I guess I feel the same way."
"Oh? O-Oh! You do? I-I'm happy to hear you say that... A-Ah, not for any particular reason, of course! It's just, I... Ugh, stop it! Stop looking at me, pretend we never had this conversation, please!"
Chongyun could only stare further, tilting his head in confusion. He's acting worse than he does when I read the books he writes. I've never seen him so embarrassed before... did I say the wrong thing? But then, why did he ask anyway? Should I apologize...? Xingqiu had already resorted to cupping his hands over his face, as if he was the one who wanted to retreat to Dragonspine and hide away this time.
Using the back of his hand to muffle a cough, Xingqiu cleared his throat for the second time. And then a third time. "W-Well, um... it's grown far too late! It'd be best to retire for the evening, wouldn't you agree? Good night, Chongyun!" More quietly, he mumbled to himself, "My heart is beating so fast, and I'm trembling too... how will I ever sleep tonight?"
"Uh, Xingqiu... good night, then." Chongyun didn't dwell on it further, if not for his friend's health. If only I could've bought my popsicles this morning. I think he needs one more than I do right now...
What time he'd fallen asleep that night, Chongyun didn't remember. He opened his eyes slowly, where he was met with the sight of a purple hued sky, signifying that it was more than likely an hour or so before dawn. He blinked again, his mind at war for whether he should give into the temptation of sleeping further. After all, the sun had yet risen and there was a comforting warmth that enveloped him like a gentle caress. Wait... warmth? For Chongyun, even a thick blanket was enough to feel like he was being smothered. It was rare for him to find any warmth comforting, more so stuffy and claustrophobic.
Yet, despite it all, something warm was embracing him, and Chongyun welcomed it. Closing his eyes once more, he mumbled, "It's almost morning, Xingqiu... Xingqiu?" He received no response, and he raised his head up and searched for his friend with half-lidded eyes. It didn't take long to find him; for the source of the warmth Chongyun had felt was Xingqiu himself.
Xingqiu had accidentally fell asleep on top of him, judging by the looks of it. His head rested against Chongyun's shoulder, and anytime he'd shift in his sleep, a strand of dark blue hair would graze the other's cheek. It was hard to resist reaching up and scratching the itch that it caused. I can feel him breathing too, he's so close. But, I can't really move when he's laying like this. Is this what people who own cats feel like...? Well, if there's nothing I can do about it, then... Chongyun leaned his head to one side, until his own hair mingled with Xingqiu's. He gave into the temptation of a brief nap at long last.
The second time Chongyun awoke was at the soft movement of Xingqiu stirring awake. It was just passed sunrise now, and the exorcist slowly pushed himself into a halfway sitting position. Xingqiu had opened his eyes only a sliver, but if he noticed their position, he didn't mind it. "Xingqiu," Chongyun gently shook his shoulder.
"What...? Oh, Chongyun. Was I laying against you just now?" Xingqiu mumbled groggily, his words slurred by a muffled yawn. "I'm sorry, I hope I hadn't bothered you too much. I must've stayed up late again last night, and didn't pay attention to where I slept at."
"It's fine, it doesn't bother me." Chongyun waited until Xingqiu fully roused before attempting to rise, taking the hand that was offered to him and pulling himself up. "I never thought we'd stay out for an entire day. I hope my parents aren't worried... or mad about the errands. And your father is pretty strict, won't he be angry?"
"I'm sure they'll understand. You've been out long before, haven't you? As for myself, I'm used to bearing the punishment of my father's wrath. All those dull, miniscule tasks of stamping paperwork. Then I have to address our clients and organize shipments that my brother is too la– busy to tend to himself. You'll never see me again for weeks because it'll take so long to finish it all... But, rest assured! I have already thought of a full-proof plan!" Xingqiu pointed up his index finger, as if he was an instructor explaining a lesson. "Once I am free from my father's lecture, I'll sneak out and come to your house! Afterwards, I'll stay with you for as long as needed, while Mr. Xu attends to my assignments!"
"Are you sure it's okay to force your work onto other people like that?" Chongyun muttered, though he was mostly talking to himself. Once he gets like this, no one can convince him. "Well, I guess my parents wouldn't mind you staying over, but..."
"Then, it's settled! I'll try to sneak out after dinner, once my father and brother are asleep. Thank you for letting me do this! For now, however... We must return from our adventure. It's truly regrettable." Xingqiu sighed heavily at the realization, his shoulders drooping in pure misery. Chongyun could feel the negative energy radiating off of his friend, the same kind one would expect from a criminal facing justice.
"Well, it's only morning, we can take the long walk home." Chongyun tried to reassure him, but his gloom served to confirm what the exorcist thought all along. I wonder if he's so miserable because it just sunk in that he'll have to take extra calligraphy lessons too. Xingqiu... Is it really okay for you to keep doing things like this?
Nonetheless, they took the long route back to Liyue, encountering no more than some treasure hoarders near the Guili Ruins and a few hilichurls. Chongyun couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic about it all. In the story, this should've been the climax, not the end. But, I never encountered a single spirit, as usual. Much less, one that was powerful enough to terrorize Liyue Harbor. He heaved a sigh as the bridge leading into the Feiyun Slope district emerged in the distance.
"Chongyun? Is something the matter?" Xingqiu tilted his head, taking a look at the other's downcast face. He shifted closer to his side, the tips of his fingers brushing against Chongyun's.
Without thinking much of it, Chongyun interlaced their pinky fingers together, quickly averting his eyes when Xingqiu smiled at the gesture. "I guess I'm just thinking about that book again. We never saw any spirits nor is there a dramatic battle awaiting us back home. I don't feel any stronger either, only the same as I had. It makes me wonder if there was any point in it all."
"I wouldn't say that. Actually, I would say what I said before wasn't entirely accurate. I do believe the portrayal of an author's work should be accurate to its source, but rather in expressing the same feelings than events. Instead of fretting over the things that didn't occur, think of how you felt throughout our time together."
"How I felt...? At first, I guess I felt like I could see myself in the hero of the story. To achieve something like that, without relying on my yang energy or my Vision, I think I could become the person I want to be. A real exorcist, like the generations of my family before me. But, then, as the day went on, I kinda forgot about all that. Instead of worrying about training or discipling myself, I simply wanted to be with you. It was liberating." Chongyun confessed, pressing his lips together. My emotions must be getting out of control again, it's so hard to speak... His heart thudded in his chest, so rapidly he feared it'd burst. His mouth went dry, unable to say more.
"Then, perhaps that was what the author wished to convey. I read the book myself last night, remember? The way I saw it, I feel as if the reason the hero desired so strongly to become an exorcist was to preserve the bonds he forged during his path. He wished to live a life close to them, so he wanted to protect them. It's a tale of determination and heroism. And above all, throughout my reading, the only person I could imagine fitting the role of the exorcist... was you, my dear Chongyun." Xingqiu fixed his gaze upon him, and Chongyun had no choice but to meet it when hearing those words. "If your story didn't end the same as the book, then that simply means you have a greater journey ahead. It's far from over. I firmly believe that one day, you will achieve much larger feats than can be expressed in words. I'll always have faith in you, no matter if that faith falters within yourself."
"Xingqiu... Why do you always have to go and say stuff like that?" Chongyun muttered, pressing his lips together once more, this time to stop them from guivering. His eyes began to burn, but he swiftly rubbed them dry with the back of his hand. When he lowered it, he felt his palm touch the tassel at his belt, dangling from his Vision. That was Xingqiu's doing as well. He always knows what to say and do when I feel like this... It's like a curse!
"But, I mean every word of it. You will become a great exorcist one day, and then strive for greater afterwards. And most of all..." Xingqiu pulled Chongyun's hand towards himself and enveloped in with both of his own. "No matter what, I shall remain by your side to see it all through. You mean more to me than anything, Chongyun. That was what I was wanting to say to you last night, but it was too difficult to put those complex feelings into words. I couldn't say it then and I still can't, but knowing you said you felt the same meant more to me than anything. Because..."
Without any words, Chongyun allowed himself to be further pulled into Xingqiu's arms, and then... There, with the sun's golden glow shining down upon them, their lips met. Chongyun already could feel his face becoming flushed, yet more so at his own participation in returning the kiss... if one could call it that. To describe it better, one would say their lips were touching and nothing more. It was awkward, embarrassing, but despite it all, Chongyun enjoyed the soft warmth he felt in that moment. If it's Xingqiu then I wouldn't mind being warm.
When Xingqiu pulled away from the kiss, he could only laugh at what overcame him. "I'm sorry, I'm, uh, not exactly well-versed in that type of thing. It's not really my strong suit, I'm afraid..." He looked away, trying to hide his own blush. "You... You didn't mind it, did you?"
"No, I didn't mind it. I liked it... just a little. Can we try again? I think I messed up. I had my eyes closed, and I think I accidentally bumped into your nose once..."
"Hehe, perhaps that's the next thing you should focus your practice on. Actually, that's a perfect idea! I can tell Mr. Xu that I cannot attend my lessons for I've already committed to a study session with you. That is how I shall sneak away from home tonight."
"That's your reasoning?!"
"Come now, you shouldn't pout like that, Chongyun."
"I-I'm not–"
"You are. But, fine, I'll compromise. Would you like to hold hands until we reach the Harbor gate?" Xingqiu offered, taking Chongyun's hand once more and fully intertwining their fingers. "Then after, I'll assist you with your errands before we depart for now. Perhaps our adventure will have a more mundane conclusion than the story, but I consider it just as meaningful. After all, it was made just for us, remember?"
"Yes, that's what I had thought... Wait, Xingqiu, when you say that, you couldn't mean that literal, could you? I didn't think much of it at first, but... The hero meeting a Guhua disciple who inspired him to grow stronger, could it be possible you wrote the book in order for this moment? It'd explain why it resonated with me so much, only you could capture how I feel in words." Chongyun knew Xingqiu had recently written a book, but he'd always assumed it was from A Legend of Sword. That would explain how odd it was for him to write again so quickly. If he was writing that book solely for me.
"The author was anonymous, remember? So, that I could not say. Of course, it's always possible the only copy published could've been snuck away into Wanwen Bookhouse the night before you needed to do business there. Maybe one day you'll find out the answer though."
So he did. Chongyun felt his chest swell at the thought. He almost wanted to cry again, but instead he stroked his thumb over Xingqiu's knuckles as thanks. All the inspiration and encouragement I felt throughout reading was all because of Xingqiu. He says he can't put his feelings into words and yet... I understand them completely now. I can only hope that one day... I can do the same for him. I want to express how much I care for him as well. He spoke up after a brief bout of silence. "Thank you, Xingqiu."
"Thank me? For what?"
"For everything. I may not have seen any spirit yesterday, but... I was able to discover something else I couldn't while training. What the conclusion of the book said, after the spirit's defeat. I couldn't grasp it, but now I fully understand. So, thank you..."
"I never said I wrote it, you know... Nonetheless, I'm glad it meant a lot to you. Now, come, let's hurry and make your trip to the general store. We're on the lower level this time, so we should be able to sneak past Mr. Xu easily!"
Just as before at the start of their journey, Chongyun found himself dragged along as they rushed towards the gate, hand in hand. "W-Wait, do we really have to run?!"
"But, of course! You still need to buy your popsicles, correct? Then, it's clear that it's an emergency! You're so easily flustered, so I'm certain you'll need them for our study session tonight!"
"And now you're teasing me again! I only got embarrassed because you did it out of nowhere! Ugh, stop smiling like that! It's not funny!"
"But, you're smiling too."
"Wha– Will you stop pointing those things out?!" Chongyun tried to sound angry, but once more, he could never muster the strength to do so. Especially with Xingqiu looking at him like that. So, instead, he caught up to Xingqiu and ran alongside him. The sun bore down on them, nearly blinding the two with its bright rays. And for the first time, Chongyun embraced it, if not only for Xingqiu being at his side. The final verse of his book echoed in his mind.
'The path of an exorcist is a winding, difficult journey, one connecting souls with the spiritual realm. It is a path only the most dedicated can follow. Through vigorous training and hardships, one can achieve this goal. Yet, it is also a lonely endeavor. Closing oneself off for the sake of pushing their limits, one may have become a spirit as well. Though training is crucial, one can never forget the warm light that guided them throughout the way. That is what the exorcist discovered on his journey. He realized that there was a greater emotion that helped him save his village. It was not heroism or strength that accomplished what he desired most, but rather the people closest to his heart. It was the desire to protect them, to live peacefully with them at his side. To the one he cherished the most, he yearned for them above all else. At his journey's end was when he finally learned what to call the desire he felt. For it, was love.'