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As the sun falls beneath the mountains and the moon begins to rise, the humans of Teyvat tread either path: slumber or folly.
Who’s to say it can’t be both? Well, it makes no difference to the Conquerer of Demons, he was never the most acquainted in the arts. There was a time though.
Xiao however, quickly puts down this thought, he shouldn’t dwell on such pointless feelings or emotions. He has. A duty to do tonight, much like every other night, and he will see that it is done.
But what surprises him is that Liyue’s land isn’t as tainted as Xiao had assumed. There are monsters sure, but none are actively out. Just in slumber.
Who knew monsters too, could sleep.
Xiao unfocused his senses and rather shifted his attention down below. Here on Mt. Tainheng, mortals seemed like ants. He spotted Xiangling, rushing to grab orders. To his right he saw Yelan chatting with a Millelith guard, and further to his left, 3 children playing…tag.
“Tch. Such pointless affairs.” Xiao shook his head slightly, one might say he’s jealous. But if someone wanted to be cursed with bad luck until next the Latern Rite, they’d never even form the thought.
Of course, Xiao wouldn’t do this purposefully. It’s more of a misconception that began in reverence to the Adepti and Gods. Hence why he prefers resting atop a mountain high enough from mortals’ visions.
Speaking of visions, his glowed lively tonight. Xiao stared at it for a few minutes, with an unreadable expression.
Before those recurring thoughts of doubt begin to form in Xiao’s mind, the fireworks finally launch.
It’s quite beautiful, especially from up here. Nothing but the sound of wind and moving leaves, and the occasional popping sound of gunfire powder.
Still, Xiao has a lingering feeling of loneliness. He begins to remember the Latern Rites of old, generations ago.
Xiao lies back and shuts his eyes.
_____________________
“Xiao! Hello!” Bosacius shouted from across the field, as Xiao turned to look at the towering 4-armed Yaksha.
Xiao bowed before speaking. “Greetings, Bosacius. Is there something you need?”
But the heightened man just frowned and shook his head, really, he should stop putting his hands on his hips. It makes him look childish, Xiao thought.
It seems Bosacius had some insight before wrapping his arm around Xiao— well the 2 on his right, at least.
“Alatus my friend! Come join us for a dinner hosted by Guizong. It will be quite a lively night I’ve heard.”
But Xiao sighed hearing this, already preparing to repeat what he’s said to others previously.
“Apologies Bosacius, but I have other urgent matters that need attending to.”
The tall man snorted before countering, “Is that so? Well please, enlighten this old man as to what you intend to do.”
Xiao frowned, irritation boiling slowly as Bosacius began to rock the two, no doubt to be annoying.
The truth was, Xiao had nothing planned, but it has only been a few decades since Xiao was made a Yaksha by Morax, and he still wasn’t a big fan of talking with them. Even more so those other Adepti.
Xiao’s anger seems to be buffed by that thought, they are all so proud of what they specialize in that it borders on arrogance, so much so that a little off comment about it sets off the rest of the year's drama talk. It seriously irritates him sometimes, but Xiao contains himself to his thoughts, who knows what Adeptus could be doing around Mingyun Village.
The two begin to go back and forth, each pushing more and more till Xiao has had enough of this, already way too much time with someone.
“Fine! I’ll go.” Xiao grumbles and crosses his arms as Bosacius celebrates like he’s 12 and not thousands of years old. He shakes his head at his ridiculous actions.
Though he supposes it has been a while since he’s attended one of the gatherings, they happen quite frequently despite being in war. It seems even gods need a break sometimes. Well more like all the time if he thinks about a certain angel, braided hair fellow that likes to attend more than he should.
Maybe, just maybe if Xiao takes a moment to reminisce, he will find him self smiling at all the folly the Adepti get up to when allowed.
______________________________
Three days pass by quite quickly, and Xiao finds himself on the night before the event, exorcising whatever monsters appear from Morax’s enemies.
Speaking of which, while in the last 20 minutes Xiao has spent here fighting, he’s heard the familiar rumble of the ground every 5 minute interval. Seems there’s no rest for even a God like Morax.
This motivates Xiao to strengthen his focus and deal with these pests efficiently, to not dishonour Lord Morax’s contract.
After another 20 minutes, rumbling ceased as well as Xiao’s duties for tonight, Yaoguang shore was very active today, but after some hard work the area was clear of demonic energy, for now.
Xiao wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead with his back hand and willed his spear to vanish, already exhausted from the last days of activity.
During the last three days, Xiao had been working extra hard to eliminate all forces he could before this event, maybe it was because he was attending, but he didn’t think he could bear to look at his lord again if he showed up and an area had harmed his people, all because Xiao wasn’t fulfilling his contract.
Nevertheless, now that all was done for tonight, Xiao had begun to walk. Where? He didn’t really have an answer.
It wasn’t like he was homeless, per se, Guizong offered multiple times a place of residence in her Guili Assembly but Xiao declined, his Karmic debt proved too harmful to nearby mortals.
So instead Xiao wandered from place to place, resting on the highest peaks, to caves near the Chasm. It always felt brimming with Geo energy, which comforted Xiao on days where his Karmic Debt became too much for him.
Xiao didn’t need sleep, as he was an illuminated beast but tonight he felt more tired than usual, so much so he hadn’t even realized he’d drawn near his Lord.
“Xiao?”
His head snapped up so fast as his eyes widened, his Lord, Rex lapis stood while sipping some tea on a stone table.
But Xiao didn’t have time to examine its details as he’d already been kneeling on the ground, respectful as ever.
He was quick to apologize. “My lord, please forgive this one’s insolence. This one was not aware enough to realize—“
“Xiao. Raise your head.”
What he found was not annoyance but somewhat of a comedic expression upon his Lord’s face? But what part of this exchange was humorous?
Morax, with a smile still on his face stood before Xiao with care before squatting to his level.
“Xiao, you’ve done much more than necessary these recent days, you deserve some much-needed rest.” He said while tilting his head slightly.
Xiao instinctively wanted to refuse, to say he was more than ready for any commands his Lord would deem fit to give to him. But another look into his Lord’s golden eyes refrained him from voicing such things.
Instead, he nodded and began to rise. “This humble one accepts your orders and will efficiently carry them out. Have no fear my lord, this one will get the minimum amount of sleep it is you require.”
Except there was one issue.
“…”
“I— uhm, how many hours does my Lord wish for?” Xiao doesn’t know what the minimum time of rest one needs. Especially to satisfy his Lord.
But all he heard next was laughter, pure, sweet laughter coming from his Lord’s lips. The moon never shone so bright at that moment.
Did he say something ridiculous? What was so funny? Subconsciously Xiao’s cheeks flushed from embarrassment.
“My dear Xiao….haaah, how you humour me so. A normal reply to this question would be whatever you feel must be enough, but I know that doesn’t work for you. You’d just take it as not needing any sleep at all.” Morax stared into the sky as he spoke once more.
“Please Xiao, get at least a minimum of 6-7 hours, one knows how beneficial it will be to yourself. Liyue will be in the safe hands of other Yaksha while you are away. Enjoy a dream or two every once in a while.” Morax flashes a smile at him.
Xiao nodded, seemingly lost in what went wrong in the conversation, but he teleported to a cave he frequented in the chasm before drifting off. Maybe this time he’ll dream.
___________________________
Xiao did not dream.
In fact, he hasn’t since he started devouring them in the care of his previous master. But do dreams really occur to a bird? Either way, Xiao wouldn’t know, he scarcely remembers the time he was a free little bird.
Xiao walked out of his crawl space and observed the sky, in truth it would seem he only slept 3 hours, he could not say whether or not he felt replenished in any sort of way either.
This made the Yaksha sigh as he went to head out for the day. Clear some hilichudl camps along the main roads and any other monste—
As Xiao approached the Guili planes and its Assembly, something occurred to Xiao.
He didn’t have anything worthy of wearing.
Most of the time, he’d reluctantly agreed to participate in such events his Yaksha friends (he’d never admit aloud) would lend him some of their clothes. Of course, Menogias would fit it to Xiao’s body perfectly every time.
But for once, Xiao decided to obtain one on his own. Most craftsman shops weren’t open during the moon's watch, leaving him no other choice but to walk among the mortals.
Xiao sighed and teleported to an alleyway near the bustling market, the people seemed very busy for an early morning, but Xiao doesn’t think much of it.
It’s been a few weeks since he last walked among these streets, and he has forgotten how detailed it was. Truly, his Lord and Guizong put their hearts into this city. Every family had a different responsibility for the day they had to get started on. Like they had such limited time, which is obvious. Xiao ridicules his mind for these incessant thoughts.
Eventually he stops by a well-kept shop, with numerous Hanfu up for display.
Thankfully it’s early enough in the day that there aren’t as many mortals on the Main Street as he’d previously worried. That meant he could take his time perusing each one to find one to his liking.
After a few minutes though Xiao couldn’t find what he was looking for, either it was way too large for him or an unflattering colour. He sighed and was just about to exit the shop when out the window he saw a whirl of dust manifest.
Guizong, the leader of the Guili Assembly, Morax’s familiar and the Goddess of Dust stood around for a moment. Seemingly looking for something.
Or perhaps someone seeing as soon as her eyes caught his her face lit up instantly as she rushed into the shop and grasped Xiao’s hands.
“Xiao! My dear Xiao how lovely it is to see you!!” Guizong jumped up excitedly and hugged him unceremoniously. Xiao was so tense.
“Uh, Lady Guizong…” Xiao tried to get her off, but she did so anyway. Buzzed with energy even if the sky was only just a shade yellow.
“Morax had informed him last night that you may be searching for a Hanfu to wear to tonight’s gala!! I’m so overjoyed to hear that you’re attending once again!” She giggled while backing away a bit.
“So……….I’m here to help you! Oouuu this is gonna be so fun! Oh, Sir!!”
Guizong asked the owner if he had any other sizes, to which he regrettably said none had arrived yet. But Guizong was not upset. In fact, her face revealed that she had an idea now.
So she walks back over to Xiao and asks him, “Hmm, did you know you would look incredibly handsome with a turquoise and gold hanfu?”
To which Xiao blushed and shook his head, but directed Guizong to one he saw that described what she asked.
She examined it for a moment before grabbing it spontaneously and slamming more gold coins on his desk than necessary.
She saw Xiao’s concerned look and swatted her hands.
“Oh no don’t worry! This is all at Morax’s expense! The guy bleeds gold for Archon’s sake!” She huffed and she put her hands on her hips.
Though this only made Xiao feel even more guilty, using his Lord’s money on something that won’t even fit him? How embarrassing!
Soon they both walked out after countless words of gratitude, like: “Oh thank you great Lady Guizong!”
There was only a minute of silence before the dust lady spoke once more.
“Xiao, could I tailor this to suit you better? I promise you’ll look heavenly!! The Adepti’s mouths better drop at my work.”
Xiao stood still and looked anywhere but at her face. “Aah…”
Suddenly she was inches away from his face, puppy eyes and everything.
“Haaah…do whatever you wish, Lady Guizong.” Xiao sighed while crossing his arms.
“Perfect! Come to my home and I’ll finish this up very quickly! But let’s get you a few accessories first….”
And so that’s how the first real hour of Xiao’s day went without fighting a single monster, instead he was shopping around a market with the Goddess of Dust.
They settle on a modest silver belt and a silver accessory that complements his hair. There isn’t much to be done with his hair seeing as it’s very short but Guizong disagrees, “something must be done with that gorgeous hair of yours!”
After an hour of truly foolish conversations, they both head back to a very tall tower, home to the Goddess of Dust. Contrary to what mortals might be believe, Guizong’s apartment was very modest and looked akin to all her other subjects' housing, if not just a bit bigger.
“You have a very lovely home, Lady Guizong.” He says as he slides his hand across the concrete counter.
“Yes yes, not as impressive as an adeptal abode, but still enough.” A peaceful smile appears as if she’s reminded of something.
Xiao stands awkwardly before Guizong remembers what they came here for and sets up her crafting desk.
“Yaksha, come rest on my couch while I work swiftly.” She waves him closer without moving her head.
He complied and rested while she used whatever magic at her disposal. The sound of fabric hummed in his ear for hours till she poked him gently.
Of course, the only thing this granted was an alert Xiao, ready for danger. But as quick as he got up, he sat down from embarrassment once again.
“Forgive me for my surprise, Lady Guizong. I won’t repeat this mistake.”
But once again Guizong waved it off and walked away for a moment, then walked back in with Xiao’s Hanfu. It was hard to see when it was being hung by another, but it certainly looks different from when first bought.
Guizong urged him into her bedroom and closed the door on the other side ordering him to change into. Almost in a Morax-like voice? That earned a slight chuckle from Xiao as he did what he was told.
The Hanfu felt very fitting, with teal/turquoise accents on a black base of fabric, gold streaks scattered around. Most likely to complement his eyes. Xiao then went on to attach two silver accessories. One Silver Peng with its wings spread, and a neck/shoulder jewelry, the middle gem being a Jade stone.
Xiao examines himself in her mirror, he looks very good yes, but something is lacking. So he looked around for something in her closet.
Xiao felt a bit shameful snooping around a lady’s closet, especially when that closet belonged to Lady Guizong, but she probably wouldn’t mind.
Everything here was extremely feminine, but a sliver fabric with runaway turquoise accents attached to a curved hook looked promising. He put it on and returned to the mirror, yes, this was a perfect touch. It flowed like a river down to his lower back and knees whenever he moved, along with the rest of the fabric.
Xiao blushes at himself, it’s been a long time since he’d last felt this good about himself.
6 consecutive knocks on the door kick him out of his trance.
“Xiao! Xiao? Xiaoooooo!”
“Xiao—aaa!”
Xiao opened the door and pulled her into the room, having a nervous stance while looking down. Bashful it seems.
But when he looked into her eyes, he found them with golden star’s glittering. Then she basically pounced on him.
“Xiaaoooooo!!!! You look GORGEOUS!! Ahh!!” Again jumping up in excitement as she orders him to twirl around, which earned another squeal.
“Beautiful, just beautiful indeed!” She hummed before grabbing his wrist, leading him to the front door. “My dear Xiao, let’s find you a pair of shoes…we are similar in height so..”
They ended up, well Guizong ended up choosing some upturned ones. Fitting for his attire tonight.
Speaking of tonight, the sun had already begun to set, had he really wasted his day frolicking around with fabrics? Preposterous.
“Ok, Xiao. I also must get ready but it’ll only be a short while, the gathering only starts after sundown so we still have an hour or so!”
Guizong walked to her bedroom before looking back at him, “You go on ahead and I’ll catch you at the event okay?” She grinned before shutting the door.
“…”
Truth be told, Xiao had nowhere to go at the moment…
So Xiao resorted to sitting atop a few rooftops, watching the mortals run around, trying to gain customers, a shady business deal, or a walk home from the market.
All the things Xiao wishes he could do.
_______________________________
The day continues to draw to a close at the same pace it has been the entire time, with the starry river sparkling each time. Xiao finds that he stares at it more often than not when on his patrols, it is quite a beautiful sight.
45 minutes pass before Xiao decides to get a move on to the location of the dinner.
Luhua Pool looks beautiful as usual, but not as much as it does during the day. Xiao likes to admire the glow of the golden trees.
As he makes his way down from the main road, he spots a few familiar faces indeed. Though now he worries what others will think of him, after all, it’s been a year since he last attended a gathering of this size, much less dressing like a Lord instead of a humble servant that he is.
The pools reflect the moonlight beams quite beautifully, and one could argue that his hair does as well.
Soon he descends onto the circular platform resting just atop the water, and here he sees many low-ranking Adepti chatting about such frivolous things. Make Xiao almost scoff out loud. His robes flutter in the wind as his feet touch the hard surface and he looks around.
Indarius seems to be having a grand time socializing with other Yaksha, she’s a natural at it. Xiao on the other hand is already regretting his choices.
And JUST before Xiao starts thinking it could skit away and act like he never came in the first place, a loud, cheery voice calls out to him.
Xiao doesn’t even need to look to know that voice.
“Xiaooo!!!!” Guizong hugs him tightly as Xiao starts looking around, the other Adepti stare and staring and whispering. “Lady Guizong is acquainted with the demon boy?”
He sighs knowing this is all they’ll speak of for the next few months. Compared to a mortal, the Adepti act just like them and social life works the same way, except much more slowly. All these gossiping hounds, tch.
“Come, Xiao! Let’s show the others how you look! You look absolutely stunning by the way.” A wink was all he got before being dragged away from the platform and onto the path adjacent to the pools.
“You know, I always like to bathe here, on the days when the mortals don’t. It’s just so pretty and smells lovely!”
“Oh, but I do enjoy the days when the people just relax and treat the day like a vacation. I think this place will be used for centuries to come.”
“Have you ever bathed here Xiao?”
Xiao listened intently to whatever Guizong was talking about, he couldn’t quite grasp the concept of “relaxing” that well but he nodded anyway.
“I…I do not bathe here often, I prefer isolated waterfalls.”
Guizong gave him a look that screamed, “Are you serious?” Before trotting to the main door.
She gave him a wink before asking, “Are you ready?” And he nodded.
They both walked through the doorway and into the large hall of Lihua Pool.
Many Adepti turned to analyze the familiar-ish-unfamiliar face. Xiao blushed and looked down, he knew he’d regret coming here. Despite being around them for so long now, they still treated him like an outsider. Maybe not out loud but internally yes.
Guizong just flashes him a smile and leads him to the stone table where many delicious traditional foods lie. Xiao’s mouth begins to water at the sight, it’s been a while since he’s eaten anything that “looks good.”
Guizong grabs a lotus flower crisp and hands it to him. “Here try these. They are my favvvvvvooorite..” She sighs, Xiao thinks she’s in some daydream before she snaps out of it at the call of her name.
“Huh? Oh right! Okay, one moment!!” Seems to Xiao that she has other matters to attend to and nods in understanding.
She looks guilty for leaving him all alone but Xiao doesn’t mind. He’ll just stick to the desert table in the corner like a weirdo.
As he observes the party, it’s a calm atmosphere, iced drinks and laughter filling the air. But one thing sticks out for sure.
At the center of the room sits his Lord, Morax on the raised platform, seemingly bored out of his mind and Xiao can’t help but relate. Xiao grabs another lotus flower crisp and walks closer to him, this one must always greet his Lord before chatting with any others.
Now that he’s closer, Xiao can see what he’s wearing, a regal flowing black Hanfu with amber accents that just scream authority. Along with a silver head piece most accustomed to wealthy men and silver embroidered patterns on his soldiers. His face shifted slightly when his gaze landed on Xiao.
Xiao knelt down infront of him, ready to express his gratitude. “My Lord, this one’s gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you for providing Lady Guizong with the necessary funds for my attire for tonight.”
Morax hummed while listening to his Yaksha’s endless speech, seemingly done with it already.
“My dear Xiao, please cease the pleasantries, I’ve heard enough tonight already…” Grumbling as if he’s not the ruler of an entire nation.
Xiao however lowers his head even further at this remark. “This lowly one apologizes my lord. Forgive my inconvenience.”
“Hush. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Morax instead stands up and walks back to the desert table, silently expecting Xiao to follow. He materializes a stone bowl with gold markings on it and gives himself a serving of Bamboo Shoot, slow-cooked.
As he waits for it to cool down, Morax accepts the lotus cookie Xiao gifted him, making a pleased sound, a sound that pleases Xiao.
But then Morax clears his throat, to Xiao it seems like he has something to say? But Xiao seems unaware of the awkward air.
“My dear Xiao….did you get the minimum amount of sleep I requested?”
“…”
“…”
“No.”
Xiao may be internally freaking out, he had completely forgotten his lord had a requirement! Xiao immediately goes to kneel, to condemn oneself for disobeying orders but Morax stops him.
He chuckles while extending an arm to stop Xiao from embarrassing himself. “Xiao I was only teasing, I know you tried your best to get at least some sleep which is all that matters to me.” He smiles at him while eating a portion of the soup.
Xiao looks at him with a confused look and proceeds to ignore that exchange. How does he keep managing to embarrass himself everywhere he goes!?
Morax swallows, “Regardless, I’m very glad you decided to join this evening. I even made you something.”
At this sentence, Xiao completely freezes up. His lord….made HIM something?? Xiao’s brain cannot keep up. This also just made Xiao realize he made no effort to gift his lord anything either! What kind of servant is he!? Will he be punished? Did his master only bring this up to remind him?
While Xiao’s mind was boggled up with anxiety, Morax manifested his creation with his geo-gloved hands, the size of his palm.
It was a miniature bird charm. Carefully crafted with tiny intricate details on its wings, and when Xiao finally snapped into reality to touch it, it was quite warm. Usually, when Morax manipulates or manifests stones they are warm for about fifteen minutes before cooling completely. He must have imbued it with lasting geo energy.
Xiao was so lost.
“I- my lord this…this one truly cannot accept such a gift from you. This lowly servant is not worthy of such things!” He says while swatting his arms.
Though he quickly stops and stares at Morax when he speaks again. “My dear Xiao, you’ve worked very hard ever since I saved you. It only makes sense that I reward that good behaviour, hm?”
Xiao nods in understanding while cautiously taking the charm from Morax’s hands and clipping it to his belt. It truly does suit him well.
“Now then, best go off to enjoy the night with others. I’m sure you’ve had enough of this old man’s mumblings.”
He shook his head, “No, never my lord. Thank you for this chat.” Xiao gave one last glance at his lord before walking outside the hall and into the open circle.
There he spotted Cloud Retainer, Streetward Rambler, and Guizong all indulged in a conversation, one that Xiao wanted in on. It seemed Cloud Retainer was in human form this time too. along with a blue haired child in her arms.
“Cloud retainer I’m afraid it just wouldn’t work with your mechanism. They have completely different functions!” Guizong had repeated.
“Humpf, and what do you know about one’s mechanisms?”
Guizong rolls her eyes and swats her hand, “well for one they most certainly are the most complicated pieces of work I’ve ever had the displeasure of— Xiao!”
The turquoise-headed figure inches closer before bowing to the Adepti. “Greetings my ladies, this lowly one did not mean to pry. I was simply observing.”
Cloud retainer scoffed and crossed her arms before speaking, “oh please, you are welcome to any conversation just like the rest of us here. After all, you are one of the talks of the town as per usual.”
Xiao grimaced, he knew he was popular but not for the right reasons. And whenever they’d hear that Morax was the one who brought him up the ranks and frequently visited him, they would seeth with jealousy. But Xiao had grown more accustomed to it all now.
“I appreciate the sentiment Lady Cloud Retainer, I will keep it close to my chest when in doubt.” Xiao glanced at Guizong, who for some reason staring at Xiao as he had just given her all the mora in the world.
“Eehh..Lady Guizong-“ She interrupted him with a shout, “Xiao just you look so good tonight!! I’ve really outdone myself huh!”
Suddenly Cloud Retainer looked at him far more closely, along side Streetward Rambler. The blue haired child played at his hair, this is truly awkward.
“Really? You designed this Guizong? One must say you’ve surpassed this one’s previous expectations set for you.” Guizong pouted before shoving a finger in her face, bickering with her.
While those two were fighting like kids, Xiao noticed that Streetward Rambler was inspecting his silks. Not knowing what to do with himself he just stayed tense.
“Such smooth texture….not too shiny and the embroidery along the edges with the gold…such skill indeed.” Xiao felt so awkward.
Eventually, Xiao excused himself and spotted Bosacius, the one who convinced him to attend in the first place. “Bosacius, greetings.” Xiao threw. A wave as Bosacius cheered and threw one arm around him.
“Xiao my man! So glad you actually made it. This party was beginning to dry me out, but now that you’re here it’ll be much more fun.”
Xiao was just about to question what he meant till Bosacius made a request. Maybe a bit unreasonable.
“Say…. let's spice up this party with a game! Who doesn’t love a game?” Apparently, he shouted this out which earned him a few yells of agreement and encouragement.
Xiao’s stomach dropped slightly when he heard what Bosacius had planned. Such folly!
“It’s called chicken! Both of us will go into the pools and have one the Adepti make it colder and colder until one of us steps out! And if I lose…you can get one request that I must comply with, no matter what it is.” Bosacius grinned slimly before raising a finger up. “If you lose, you will enter a drinking contest with our lord Morax! Ha ha ha” Xiao grimaced while Bosacius lifted a drink high into the air.
Ridiculous, this was absurd. Such foolishness would be embarrassing enough to his reputation. But this? This would destroy whatever’s left! Xiao was about to decline when he suddenly had an insight. This challenge might be beneficial to him.
If he looks at it from a different perspective, if he wins this he’ll show the Adepti how capable he is. His worth, albeit not much.
Xiao nods and Bosacius pats his back before making their way through the crowd and into one of the pools. The water level only reaches just below his knees so this shouldn’t be much trouble.
After all, Xiao’s been through much worse.
But as little time as he’s spent with Bosacius since becoming a Yaksha, he can tell that he too has been through tough times.
And so the competition begins, both with a determined glint in their eyes. Many of the Adepti start placing bets and cheering, the majority for Bosacius.
Xiao will admit, the water is becoming increasingly cold. Maybe he can use some anemo energy to subtly steer the water that’s cold away from him. But if someone notices it would defeat the entire purpose of why he agreed in the first place.
Xiao grits his teeth and hangs his head with clenched fists. He hopes Bosacius isn’t faring well either. The edges of the pool are beginning to freeze up, and the shouts are only getting louder. He tries to tune them out.
The more Xiao stares at his feet, the more he grips onto his clothes, and a revelation occurs to him. His clothes!
His beautifully crafted Hanfu that Lady Guizong made for him will be ruined by the ice, either by the burn as someone tries to melt it, or the tear from jumping out freely. And something in Xiao’s heart wouldn’t be able to look at Guizong ever again if he ruined all that she created.
His limbs and heart were very directly in proportion, his legs felt cold and weak, and his heart strengthened its pounding.
His biggest mistake was looking toward Bosacius. One glance told him that he was living the encouragement up. Laughing while moving his feet to retain heat. Xiao really didn’t think this through.
Eventually Xiao surrendered. Some dissatisfied roars broke out and dissapointed sighs that the other party owes to another. But Xiao couldn’t care less.
As he leaned on a tree and waited for his loud tall Yaksha to appear and tease him, he inspected his garments. They seemed good enough. Good.
“Ahaha! Xiao you chicken!” Bosacius appeared once more and began teasing him. Ever so like him. Xiao growls in annoyance. This only happened because of his circumstances. That’s all.
Before the Actor Observer-Bias could fully take hold Bosacius dragged him back in the warm Hall where Morax resided in.
“My lord! Indulge me for a moment would you?” Bosacius grinned.
Only Bosacius could talk with casually with Morax because of their long history together, one Xiao is barely aware of but still in awe of his audacity.
“Yes, I heard quite the commotion outside. Is something the matter requiring my presence?”
“Well indeed my lord. See this little one-“ Bosacius began recounting the event prior while slinging and arm around Xiao once more. Embarrassment radiated from the poor boy.
Morax chuckled at the imagined scene before descending down the steps and closer to Xiao, when he put a hand on his shoulder.
“Well? Ready to begin Xiao?” Morax tilted his head and narrowed his eyes playfully.
Suddenly this all really hit him. He was about to compete against his lord by drinking! What if he spills some embarrassing thought! Xiao bit his lip anxiously
But he tries to calm himself. Surely a drinking challenge with his lord shouldn’t prove to be too difficult. Right?
Xiao nods his head regretfully and they walk over to the cleared stone table. Morax takes a seat and gestures for Xiao to as well.
Frankly speaking, Xiao isn’t even worthy enough to stand beside him, much less sit infront of him as a rival. And the whispers of Morax’s renowned tolerance shake Xiao to his core.
The drinks are brought to them and Bosacius counts down from ten, and Xiao glances as Morax again. His lord grins mischievously at him and Xiao groans internally. He’s definitely losing this.
“…One!” His lord is the first to grab a cup, fill it to the brim and chug it all in one go. One nod from him gives Xiao the confidence to attempt the same. But Xiao isn’t that experienced and coughs.
A few giggles fill the air including Morax while they both take turns consuming the alcohol. Xiao’s head begins to feel light. And his world quiets around him. The more he drinks the more surreal this moment gets. His lord looks ever so composed still while Xiao’s face has reddened slightly.
Truly, Xiao definitely isn’t used to this. He’s already slouching and can barely fill up his cup. Morax does it for him after asking if he withdraws, to Xiao’s shaking head. His face flushes at this indecency.
As time moves on, some people left to do other things but majority stayed, it’s not often that the Geo Archin indulges in a game of folly.
Xiao is currently head on one arm that’s on the table while zoning off into one of Morax’s fly aways. Huh, he never noticed it before.
“iao…”
“Xiao?”
Xiao’s eyes snap back to Morax both men drowsy. Morax seems less intoxicated than him by a mile that’s for sure.
“Do you admit defeat?” His face looks so unguarded and drunk.
Xiao begins to chuckle at this. He doesn’t know why, but the chuckle turns into a laugh soon enough. This whole night has suddenly become so ridiculous to him.
It seems his laugh is contagious as well because soon enough his lord is laughing along side him.
Perhaps both are laughing at each other's expressions while completely unaware of their own.
As soon as their laughter dies down, Xiao moves and accidentally knocks over the wine.
“…”
“…”
Both give it 2 seconds before resuming their laughing fits once more. Some may admit they’ve never seen either of the two laugh this much, if ever before. Xiao leans his head on his hand.
“Xiao, you— mind yourself-“ A wheeze breaks his sentence.
“Haha..my lord- I’d never even begin to search for the audacity!” Both seemed out of their MINDS.
Eventually, Xiao admits defeat again tonight, but not in irritation this time. The table gets cleaned up, and as Morax stands unbalanced, one Adepti performs some magic on him, cleansing some of the wine in his blood.
He does the same to Xiao, but halfway through he shoves him away gently. For some reason, Xiao thinks he likes this feeling for now. Alcohol makes him bold it seems.
Xiao looks to Morax, grinning “I never knew you had such a tolerance to wine my lord.”
Morax smiles back, “Yes, it seems so…we should do this again some time, yes?”
Xiao nods in agreement before excusing himself to the toiletries.
They the fanciest, but Xiao doesn’t mind. He examines himself in the reflective glass, truly, he looks unruly.
His hair has become so messy, his red eyeliner is smudged and so is his mascara. He rinses his skin as best as he can before returning to the masses. He heard there was gonna be a fireworks show, and he hoped it hadn’t begun yet.
Xiao returns outside and looks into the sky, this night has been quite a roller coaster. He swears he’s felt every single emotion there is to feel tonight in the span of 3 hours.
He’s been embarrassed, defeated and discouraged. But also entertained, fulfilled.
And arguably most importantly, included.
This strange feeling of being included felt so surreal. Like what having friends must be like. But Xiao shakes his head internally at this thought, he doesn’t have friends. Especially mortals and never will. Such is his fate. But for now, even if he never sees these people again, knowing that he has this memory will be enough for him and only him.
“Let us go! The fireworks are about to begin!” Guizong tugs Streetward Rambler along with her as they rush to the circle platform above the water once more. Along with several other Adepti.
Xiao stood near them and waited as they did. He’s heard of fireworks before, apparently some genius mortal invented them and when the Adepti caught wind of such a thing the ever-so-proud Adepti created ones imbued with Adeptal magic. It will surely be a sight.
The first one begins. A loud bang as it launches from the center orange gem, and into the air. It shimmered gold and pink, and unlike the human version, these ones last in the sky for much more of a time. Eventually, the whole sky will be filled with floating colored particles. This makes Xiao smile a bit.
“Did you enjoy your evening, Xiao?”
The familiar voice tears Xiao’s eyes away from the fireworks and focuses on his lord, Morax.
And instead of his usual reverence he responds simply. Maybe it’s the wine, “indeed I have my lord. These fireworks are painting the sky. And this night has proved to be somewhat fulfilling.” Morax hums in response to this and shifts his gaze to the sky.
The next fireworks vary in color combinations, one was gold and teal. The last few were dedicated to Rex Lapis of course, a few of his colors, and even one of his body and face. Which earned a few giggles from the Adepti, including Xiao himself.
This night has turned out better than expected and Xiao doesn’t feel regret anymore. Instead, he felt happiness, happiness that he got to feel things and do things that had no relation to his duty. To have fun.
Xiao closes his eyes as the fireworks burned out and painted the sky near them colours of blue, green, purple, pink and gold. What a scene to behold indeed.
_____________________________
Xiao returns to the present in a quick snap. Eyes wide as he inspects his surroundings. He back on Mt. Tainheng. Right of course, the modern day liyue.
But what surprised him most was the new additional figure sat right next to him. ..Rex Lapis?
Xiao sits upright and moves to greet his former master but Morax just waves his hand in decline. Xiao understands and resets his position.
“My lord, what business do you need here?”
Normally Zhongli would correct Xiao on his name but something tells him that would do more harm than good right now.
Instead, he hands Xiao a vase of wine, and upon further inspection, it’s the exact same wine from the night many millennia ago. Xiao looks at Morax in shock.
And then Morax smiles while gesturing to it.
“Up for a drinking challenge, my dear Xiao?”