𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 ✦: Don't let the title fool you. Will have 'Pearl Diver' lyrics in this chapter. Song by Mitski. Notes at the end.
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐕:
A tiny figured male played a lyre. The beautiful sound filled his body. It was a sweet melody, completely on repeat. The instrument echoed and created a vibrant and accented sound. He was obsessed with it, he needed to hear more. The musical instrument that played endless strings of saccharine and pleasing tunes was the light, his light. It was the rationale of a unforgettable memory. The memories that makes the small adepti smile. Her magenta eyes that were filled to the brim with admiration and tenderness, it was the attachment that he longed, it was the memory he wish to retain, it was the image that filled his mind, that played right in front of him. Oh how realistic it seemed for the adeptus. The bard was the reason for Xiao's continuation of living, and the adepti was the reason for Venti to move on. Both males using each other for selfish acts. Not having the knowledge that they never needed each other to begin with. Staying close only causes more trouble, but Xiao would always be there to clean up the mess, he always had, - he had no choice.
When a knock came at the door, the adepti did not turn or acknowledge the visitor. It could only be the one based on the footsteps. The male's hair had an orange tint to it.
"We are going on a mission that involves you. Do come."
As he trailed after the member of the Port Mafia, Xiao nodded. Neither the adeptus nor the other man struck up a discussion. Both were in perfect stillness, which he appreciated. But it didn't last as long as he had hoped. As he turned back to face Xiao, the ginger man halted.
"Do you know what's happening?"
"No one informed me."
Xiao answered back but never failed to miss the Mafia's eyes. The eyes that held lies from others. Controlling anger that he could never count. Memories replayed in his head continuously.
"Treasure hunter you are dead, the light of the world is fading"
The adepti's heart was no longer in him, instead abandoned him for another. Clearly showing that he was not good enough, not enough for his own heart. He did not blame for it to leave, but he did it to himself. Many people can walk away but he couldn't do it to himself. He has to stay, stay put in the body that shielded his soul. Like some museum, but with no visitors.
"You cannot see the other end, your body's lost all feeling"
The numbness would not go away. The discomfort was manageable, but not tolerable. Was he depressed? No. A straightforward response. The adeptus concealed behind barriers, only coming out when they were told to. After all, he had no control over his body. It wasn't his to begin with.
"Those creatures of your working mind, don't fear them or their hunger"
Even though he didn't possess one, Y/N took things to heart. His mind was tainted by unfinished recollections that included erroneous information. Memories replay, but in a completely different way, making it more difficult to decipher the meanings of each one. Who made this mess for him to clean up? He didn't know, but his estimates were accurate.
"Forgive the sea, follow the tide with the monsters on your shoulder"
It was difficult to forgive many, but certain individuals were not intended to be forgiven. But he couldn't comprehend because he was too young - Y/N was too little. How could he allow him get away with such irresponsible behaviour while apologising for it? Y/N was perplexed as to why he continued to play along with Venti. After the bard had done a crime, why did he accept the apology? His darling sister, his dear, - his Ganyu's existence was terminated by a crime.
"Pearl diver"
He should've put a stop to it, but why didn't he?
"Dive, dive deeper"
Why prolong the deed when others would be subjected to the male's furious yells?
"Pearl diver"
He had no idea if he was still alive.
"Dive, dive down"
What was the problem with Y/N? Why didn't he provide a hand in smoothing things out?
"Pearl diver"
Such a selfish adepti and a helpful bard, yet it should be the other way around.
"Dive, dive deeper"
Taking his immortality away wasn't enough for him, so why is Venti still full with hunger.
"Pearl diver"
Venti won, Xiao lost, Y/N is lost
"Dive, dive down"
Why was he so utterly terrified?
-
"Hey, concentrate."
Xiao nodded with a slight shake of his head. Slowly regaining consciousness after the memory. The ginger did not appear to be persuaded by his lack of action. But, because it doesn't affect him, he let it go.
"We'll be meeting a loader for some stuff. It's for restocking our warehouse once a month. Make sure you don't go out in public since people will notice you. Especially with that kind of hair."
Xiao nodded, not taking the hint that the male was actually insulting his appearance. Though it never mattered to him, after all he's taken all the hits many times in the past.
"I want you to be the one to talk to them. Just in case it's a bait-don't take it personally kid.."
Xiao nodded once more. He did not take it 'personally' like the other male stated since he's done this multiple times in different events. With that, the adepti continued to follow the ginger with ease.
"Also, don't take your eyes off the loader. Mori planned this, but the request was from Barbatos - he planned to demolish you but not from his own hands."
"I'm not pitying you, just disgusted by their antics. Just be wary around them."
𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒: Does this make sense? Nope. I wrote what happened in my dreams into this chapter. Any questions you may want answered, do comment.
