To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 5

Aether.

After that, we parted ways.

I do not know yet how to sail to Inazuma without dying since it is a closed country and the storms I might encounter along the way will be dangerous, acording to the books I have read in the library. Either way, I think I'm still not ready to sail to where danger can be seen in every corner. I have to do enough research of the place I'll go. Materials and other essentials are needed as well; I don't have any idea of what Inazuma's materials may be.

Plus, these commissions from Liyue are quite overloading yet their pay seems pretty good. I might need a lot of mora just incase.

"Some information about Inazuma? Huh.." Xingqiu closed his beloved book he's been reading for hours, his eyes finally rested on me. "I do know some things about Inazuma, but I am afraid these information may not help you to find a way to go there."

"I only know some circulating information about the city since the Vision Hunt Decree only started there last year," Chongyun added after he ate a bite of his cold noodles. "Don't you think you'll also be stuck with the issue at hand with Inazuma? If I were on your shoes, I'll be fed up."

"No, I'm still not planning to leave Liyue. Right now, I only want to gather some information about the region and what I need to prepare before going there." I explained.

"There has been rumors circulating lately that despite of numerous visions confiscated by the soldiers under the Shogunate, less than a hundred is still known by the city. These are probably the visions of the most wanted vision bearers, but I'm still not sure about it. It's still doesn't feel right for some reason. They are probably displaying the visions through some sort." Chongyun said as he glanced at Xingqiu. Xingqiu nodded in agreement. "You'll be safe since you don't have any vision, however you must avoid to expose yourself any further since the Raiden Shogun despises changes as she focuses on maintaining eternity." He took a glass of water, drinking all inside of it. "Also, there are only a few people who were able to survive the storm guarding the islands of Inazuma and it was written in one of the books that I have read that these islands were once peaceful. It imposes that these storms are much more dangerous than any other regular storms as they are possibly made by the Shogun herself, so you must find a ship strong enough to endure them. Unfortunately, I do not have any ship I can lend you for your journey. I don't believe the ships I have are capable of withstanding such storm." Xingqiu apologized, his expression portraying his dissapointment.

"It's okay, I know a person residing here in the harbor that was from Inazuma. She might know a thing or two about travelling there." I said. "Thank you for the intel. It is a great help, really."

"We're always glad to help. After all, you've helped us with our issues as well," Chongyun smiled. "Anyway, Aether, you must finish your food already. You haven't touched yours yet." He pointed out.

Xingqiu turned around to face him, smirking. "Probably because you want to eat his meal too, huh?"

"No! I was just concerned, that's all."

"Come on, Yun-yun, I can read you some books about food, then we can decide of what dish we can try on, hm?"

".....I guess that's good as long as it's not spicy."

"That's great!" Xingqiu beamed. "Well then, traveler, I do need compensation for saving your food from my friend." He said, his right palm open towards me.

"If Chongyun wants—"

"Friend?" Chongyun gritted his teeth and realized that his emotions are overriding his mind. He took a popsicle and ate some of it. He sighed, his icy blue eyes resting to mine. "I digress. I appreciate your act of heroism, however, I'm not really that hungry to steal someone else's meal. Anyway," Xingqiu apologized while Chongyun patted his head. "How are you and that boy, Xiao?"

Xingqiu and I gasped in unison.

I looked at Xingqiu, raising an eyebrow. "Why are you so suprised?" He shrugged. "It has been so long since you talked about him that I thought you two had a quarrel or something," he answered. "But really, what happened?"

"Nothing, to be honest.....nothing important," I said. Chongyun filled my cup with water and passed it for me to drink. "We want to befriend him. After listening to your stories about him, I feel like he's a gentle person despite his harsh demeanor." Xingqiu nodded in agreement.

I hope so too. I know he wants to socialize with others and befriend some people, but his Karma wouldn't allow him to live such a  life. "I hope he visits the harbor soon, we'll be more than pleased to meet him in person." Xingqiu added.

"I know you won't be leaving Liyue soon, but won't you tell Xiao that you're planning to sail far away from here? He's your friend, after all." Chongyun asked.

"I still don't feel like telling him, if I'm going to be honest." I admitted. "Maybe after I gathered everything I need here, I'll tell him."

Thereafter, our conversation went on as we continue our meal at the Third-Round Knockout.

"It was a night well-spent, my liege. However, I think it's time to say our goodbyes." Xingqiu said as he put his hand on my shoulder, patting it.

"I enjoyed it as well. If you want to hang out again, we're always available for you." Chongyun waved his hand in goodbye with Xingqiu as I waved back, walking away from the two of them. It was a peaceful night until Paimon suddenly appeared from nowhere.

"Paimon thinks you've totally rested for today. Your expression has brightened up!" She said.

"I guess I do really need some company after days of gathering materials and information."

"Running errands for other people as well." I sighed. "But how long are we going to stay here? To be honest, Paimon is scared to go to Inazuma, but we can't stall time here jusy because of that! We need some information there to find your sister." I nodded. Paimon's right, I can't stall time here just because of some uncertainties. My primary reason for travelling is to find my sister, after all.

"We'll leave in two weeks, then." I decided. Paimon agreed.

"Two weeks."