eleutheromania (xiao x oc)

3: Train With Me

"Train you?" Xiao set his empty plate aside. "You believe a yaksha, who knows nothing more than to massacre countless souls and emerge unscathed, would be a suitable mentor for an individual such as your self?" He scoffed. "Your mind occupies a very different world from that which your body inhabits." He turned away.

"Oh please, hear me out!"

"..."

"You see, I have...problems controlling my Vision." I began.

Xiao's ears perked up. An allogene having trouble controlling their Vision? That's almost unheard of.

"...and I haven't been able to find anyone who could help me because they keep their distance from me because they know of my exploits. I want to be able to protect people without them ending up as collateral damage. Because of me, no less." I looked him in the eyes. "That's why."

Xiao knew. Having people stay away from you because of something you can't control is an isolating experience he knows too well. She also possessed an Anemo Vision. The woman he saved last night. A kindred spirit.

"What is your name, mortal?"

"...Sin."

She was different from the mortal Vision-wielders Xiao had met before. The elemental energy was coming off of her waves. Just who was she?  Xiao sighed.

"There's nothing timid about you, Sin. Training starts at 7:00 AM sharp. Meet me at Dihua Marsh then."

My eyes lit up. I was so happy I could burst into tears. Years of struggle and loneliness would finally be put to rest. "Yes, yes thank you!" I exclaimed, careful not to overstep my boundaries and pull the adeptus into a hug.

Xiao clicked his tongue. "Just don't keep me waiting." He said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face, even when I passed Verr Goldet in the lobby.

"Woah, Sin! It must've went really well. That's the first time I've seen you smile since you first arrived. You're glowing!" Verr Goldet remarked.

"Hm, really?" My smile began to fade, but the sparkle in my eyes was still there. "I suppose so." Apart from playing with Dusky Ming, I never really smiled, had I?

"It seems like the young gentleman really took a liking to you." Verr Goldet said slyly, winking.

"No, it's not like that! Yeah, he's handsome and all but I don't go after people based on looks alone! And he's an adeptus...there's no way!" I said, red painting my cheeks.

Regaining my composure, I began, "Anyway, he said that training starts at seven in the morning so I need to go, good night, Verr Goldet." I waved her goodbye.

"Good night Sin! And good luck tomorrow!"

That night, I tossed and turned in my sleep. Stupid, stupid, Verr Goldet! He's going to train me, nothing more!

                                  ____________

"Do you have prior experience with any weapons?" Xiao asked. First day of training. The soft rays of the early morning star caused the dew that had settled on the grass to shimmer. The sky was still a soft blue.

"I come from a family of mages and I had a grimoire of my own, but I feel like a catalyst would give too much freedom for my Vision to roam." I explained.

"Is that so? Hm, perhaps you'll need a weapon that allows you to channel your elemental power with more restraint..." Xiao thought for a moment, before saying, "You will learn how to use the pole arm. It is something I could teach you, and one of the only things I know."

I nodded. "I understand. But when will Vision control come in?"

"When I have molded you into a master of the pole arm, then will we worry about Vision control." Xiao said.

"Understood."

"But before we even get to the pole arm, however, we need to work on physical strength." Xiao said.

I took a deep breath. I knew that from helping out at the Inn had made me physically stronger, but there's no way that was going to be enough. I've come too far to back out now.

"I won't disappoint you!"