S.O.U.L. (Xiao x OC)

Chapter 2: Golden Eyes

A gentle wind current whisked itself beneath me, lifting me up slightly into the air. I squeak in surprise as my fall was interrupted, the breeze carrying me outside the nation of Mondstadt.

The scenery becomes flush with oranges and yellows, a fresh sight compared to the green plains and icy mountains I'm used to. Though the mountains here are more frequent, they seem to be a lot warmer than the death trap I found myself in before.

The wind sets me down gently on the earth before leaving me, the evening sun beginning to set along the horizon. The sky is bathed in orange and red, creating a wonderful painting to die below.

At least, that's what a normal person would say I suppose.

What was that voice? I think to myself before wincing as pain shoots through my hand and stomach. I reach down and tear a bit of fabric from my dress, having dropped my supplies in my escape. I resist the urge to cry out as I had to use both hands, before quickly wrapping up my left with the makeshift bandage.

The thing about my vision is that I can't use its healing properties on myself. Unfortunate to be fair, but it is what it is I suppose. Whoever it was, I'm thankful for their help. Otherwise, I'd be a pile of blood and bones.

My stomach is also bleeding pretty bad, but at least the bullet didn't hit any organs. The gash left by the graze stings quite a bit, and wrapping that up simply isn't possible with what I've got on me. I look around a bit to see if there is anything I can use to help me steady myself while I walk.

Fortunately, there just so happens to be a shovel propped up against an old shed, one that doesn't look like it's been used in years. I hope this isn't anyone's property, I think to myself as I lean against the shovel a little. It's in pretty bad shape, but it will do for now.

It doesn't take long to find the nearest path either. I should stay on the main road as much as I can. That way someone is more likely to see me and hopefully assist me in getting to the nearest city.

Speaking of which, I'm assuming the nearest city would be Liyue harbor. Based on what the voice told me, at least. Normally I wouldn't trust this kind of thing, but it did kind of save my life and I don't really have any other options.

Liyue, the nation of contracts and commerce. I've never been here, but it just so happens to be my parent's homeland. I've always wondered what it was like, but they never really wanted to talk about it and work had always kept me too busy to take a vacation to visit. No time like the present, I suppose.

"RAARGH!"

I nearly jump out of my boots as a cry echoes from behind me. I turn around to find some hilichurls brandishing their clubs and shields, but something is off about them. There's a black mist surrounding them, and I hear more cries from the direction I was heading.

Crap, now what? I think to myself, looking back down at the shovel I'd been using as a cane. I quickly brandish the weapon just as a couple of them charge straight for me. I swing and hear the odd clank of metal against wood, as the hilichurls block my strike with their shields.

C'mon, Liánhuā! Fight! Don't just stand there! I scold myself as another comes charging in from behind, swinging the shovel and slamming it against their side. It connects, but the spade itself snaps off of the handle. The spade flies off, hitting another one in the head and knocking it over before settling on the earth beside it.

Well, that was convenient.

I nearly slip in the process of righting myself, feeling very unsteady as the blood from my stomach wound drips down my skin and soaks the front of my dress. My breathing is already labored, air struggling to reach my lungs as my vision begins to blur slightly.