To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 2

Xiao.

"Just like a prince, he saved me from those strong monsters!" A woman around her 20's flexed, which was weirdly effective to her friends listening. They were greatly awed. "He has golden eyes, with hair composed with different shades or green, yet the darkest shade of it dominated most of his strands......" she giggled. "Although he looks so young. I can't date a young man!"

Okay, that's it. I only have eavesdrop for a bit incase that woman causes some trouble for the nth time but it seems like she was more attentive to my face rather than the monsters she have gathered through a potion. The thing is, some monsters she have gathered had karma inflicted on their bodies. She won't be able to handle that comsidering the fact that she's just a new adventurer.

Either way, I'm out of that noisy place they called "restaurant". I can't believe they have more time to spare in talking than actual eating.

I left the harbor as fast as possible to avoid harming others because of my karmic debt. Thereafter, I was left alone.

Human life really is fragile like a thin slice of glass. Perhaps that weakness enables them to live with such freedom. After all, every positivity comes the negative circumstances.

It was unusual for me to stay at the Wanghsu Inn this early in the morning, but I have to ponder my thoights about the issues I have collected as I patrol every corners of liyue for potential dangers.

One. There has only been a few signs of monsters inflicted by my Karma lately. It was highly unusual and a bit concerning. Where have they gone?

They have probably ran to one of the domains here, but there are so many of these domains and I have only visited one of it with Aether, which its gates were fortunately open that's why I can sense the Karma.

Aether.

What have I done?

I have only acted through emotions and never thought it throughly with my head. Not that I don't like what I did.......but still, isn't what I did quite disrespectful for him? From what I usually do in this situation, I'll just apologize and be more distant to him to avoid anything to happen again.

But this is different. This is Aether.

I groaned in frustration. What's so different about Aether? Well, probably he's from another world but that's it.

"If you need me, I'm always here for you as well."

And that.

He's the only one who assured his protection for me, aside from Rex Lapis. I have been protecting this land for so long yet I do not recieve any gratitude from the people. Not that I'm complaining—it is for the good of the people not to know me, either way. Besides, I have sworn to provide safety for Liyue as a sign of my gratitude for the Rex Lapis. If not, I could've been.......

Pain.

"I can't remember my dreams anymore. I thought it was a nice one, but it felt like a nightmare...."

"What have you done?"

"They didn't do anything to you!"

"Hmm, like a puppet, huh?"

"Such a huge weakness of yours, that name."

"What, aren't you going to follow your friends?"

" Spare me, oh Yaksha......"

"Kill them all for me."

I don't want to.

"A proper meal, you say?"

"Oh really? You've escaped? That's great I guess."

Aren't you grateful that I'm here?

"Huh, a sleepless one would've been more efficient."

Wake up.....

"Snow is nice.....like shaved ice, huh?"

Wake up!

"You aren't needed here in Liyue anymore."

"MASTER!"

I jerked up from laying down, confused. I was...sleeping? No, I don't sleep. But what happened? Ganyu stood up and offered a hand for me to stand up as well, worry written all over her face. "I went here to ask you to teach me again, but I saw you there like you passed out....." her eyes turned down to the floor. "You were like having a nightmare, so I tried to wake you up." She said.

Huh. Another unusual phenomenon.

"I apologize for seeing me in that state." I cleared my throat before continuing. "But we'll focus on whay brings you to this inn. You want me to teach you again?" She nodded. "I already told you, I'm not as good as you think when it comes to teaching others."

"You taught me many things that made me progress a lot! It is true that you are strict compared to most instructors, yet your techniques and explanation is more understandable and effective than them. I am not saying that they are bad, I have just realized that your teaching style is more effective to me than others, and therefore I am seeking your help once again." She persuaded.

"Hm." I thought thoroughly. It's not that such praises are effective to me, but I must consider her effort of going here, despite the fact that I do not have any schedule when visiting here at this inn. Verr have said that she's been looking for me for weeks considering her busy schedule with the Qixing after the destruction of the Jade Chamber.

"I'll think about it." Her face brightened up yet her formal expression did not waver. "We'll meet here in the morning 2 weeks after, then I'll tell you my judgement about this matter."

"Thank you. Then, I shall see you in two weeks." She bowed her head and left. I jumped off and went to one of the domains to check. I think the time I have used up to gather my thoughts is more than enough to decide for an action.

The thing is, I do not have any information about these domains. I can't walk inside the city and ask some civilians considering with my situation. Should I put this as a commission? I can just ask Ganyu or Ningguang.

"Paimon's hungry—you're going in for another domain??" A tiny voice shrieked from a distance."

"Well, we do need materials for—" a familiar voice stopped midsentence. I know who he is, but I'd rather not turn around. I don't have any idea how my face look like right now.

"Xiao." Aether said.

"Hm," Is the only voice I gathered in response.

I do want to meet him, but not this time after that "event".