Qingxin Flowers

Chapter 17

Back when Xiao was tackled by Keqing...

"Keqing? What are you doing?" Xiao asked, surprised. "That's my line. What were you doing?" she asked sternly. "Nothing." 

"Hmm... Why don't I believe you? Maybe because you we-" "Okay! Look. Ganyu was taken by the Fatui." Xiao snapped. "Then why don't you go after you?" Keqing questioned.

Why don't I go after her? Because... ??? Xiao couldn't think of one reason to not save Ganyu. He tried to get back up then crouched back down. He hadn't fully recovered from the bullet wound. But Ganyu could be dying right now. He stood back up, wincing slightly. "Go on my brave, handsome adeptus." Keqing kissed him on the forehead. Xiao nodded, then dashed off towards the direction where the Fatui left.

"Why Xiao? Why?" Keqing sobbed as soon as Xiao was out of earshot. "Why don't you love me?" 

Aether glanced down at the beautiful young woman, crying. He wanted to comfort her. He wanted to go down there and give her a hug. But considering the situation, that probably wouldn't go very well.

(Hehe. Definitely not a hint about my next ship.)

Back to Xiao...

Xiao, being a swift adeptus, quickly found the path the Fatui party took. He followed it and after an hour or so, the landscape began to change. The path was getting darker and colder. Snezhnaya. he noted. 

He ran on. The weather became worse and snow started to fall. As he pushed on, a blizzard arose. He kept his pace. Outside, his body was freezing. Inside, he was fueled by one thought. I could still save Ganyu. This thought was the only thing that kept him from freezing completely. His warmth.

The blizzard tried to put out this flame, but it was in vain. He eventually got to the place where Ganyu was kept. And he was not going to stop there. He got inside, knocking the front guards out quickly. He heard a scream in the distance and his eyes widened. He ran as if his life was in danger. Not my life. Ganyu's. But her life is more important than mine will ever be.

He reached the room, stunning the two agents. Many more lay dead behind him. He opened the door. He found Ganyu, blood flowing out of her chest. He instinctively reached for his mask. I'm not going to hold back. 

He put it on and was instantly surrounded by a black, evil looking aura. He leaped over to Ganyu, pushing her back. Who hurt her? Xiao looked around. The woman had blood on her heel. Xiao ignored Childe and dashed towards Signora. He raised his spear, ready to avenge Ganyu when he faltered. He grimaced. I just had to get hit by that bullet, am I right?

He changed tactics. Running towards Ganyu, he picked her up and ran out of the room. I can teleport back to Liyue. But that would take a tremendous amount of energy. But it's for Ganyu... Xiao made up his mind.

He grit his teeth, and suddenly they were back in Liyue. Xiao weakly stood up. "T-Thanks Xiao." Ganyu smiled. "Shut up. Just shut up!" Xiao snapped. Ganyu's eyes widened in shock at the sudden outburst. "If... If you're going to die... let it be by my own hands." Xiao refused to look at her. He summoned his polearm and approached Ganyu. Ganyu backed up. Drip. Liquid fell from Xiao's face. Drip. Xiao looked at Ganyu, tears falling from his eyes. He collapsed into her arms, the physical pain, karmic debt, and self hate being to much weight on his shoulders. He let tears fall freely. "I'm sorry you had to suffer. I'm sorry you have to suffer."

"Xiao... It's okay. If you're there for me... I would suffer anytime." Ganyu promised. "I love you." Xiao looked at her and kissed her shortly. "I love you too."