To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 8

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Okay, first of all *sobs*

I rarely write a note so y'all can focus on the story with no disturbances but I just really want to show appreciation to everyone who supports my fanfic even though I just published it a few days ago! I can't believe a lot of people are already reading this, y'all are the reason why I'm so motivated to write..... other than the reason that I'm craving to read fanfics like these as well :'))

I love you all so much! Y'all are the best :))

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Xiao.

"You're a what?" I raised a brow, confused.

"A whooperflower?" I pulled him down the fence. "Sometimes I really don't get you." He laughed nervously in return.

"Verr, can you leave us alone for a while?"

"Of course, sir," she bowed her head, closing the doors of the balcony. I turned around, facing Aether. "So, what brings you here?" I asked.

"I want to check if you're okay," his eyes suddenly widened, his face blushing profusely as he bite his lower lip.

"Oh. As you can see, I'm perfectly fine. No need to be that shy," I caressed his soft lips with my thumb. "And don't bite your lip too hard. You might get a....mark......" it was too late when I realized what I have done. My cheeks felt suddenly hot. "I apologize, that was rude of me." I said as I turned my head sideways, clearing my throat. "Is there anything else?"

Aether coughed and regained his composure, yet his ears are still tainted pink. "Actually," he took a deep breath. "I....have heard that there will be a festival at the harbor 3 days from now and I thought.....it would be nice if we could go there together. It would be a change of scenery, don't you think?"

I sighed. "I think you know what will happen if I interact with mortals too much." Aether's mouth opened a bit, getting ready for an arguement, but nothing came out. He knew I was right.

I do not have much freedom compared to other people. Mortals who can withstand my curse, just like him, are considered as miracles. They're once in a thousands of years.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't considered that."

"Is...that all?"

"Yes," Aether answered. He took his glider and climbed onto the fence. "Thank you for your time, Xiao, but I must take my leave," he jumped off and flew away. Unconsciously, I reached my hand toward him as he flew farther from the inn.

"Don't go.....Aether."

"Half of the abyss mages that you've pointed out have already been eliminated easily, thanks to your efforts," Verr Goldet crossed out one of the marks I have written on the map. "Nevertheless, only a single mage had spoken as it said and I quote, 'they are utterly useless.'"

"Like how it is to us." I said, rolling my eyes.

"We can still make a bigger picture by interrogating the last 4 ones you have marked here," she pointed at the map laying down across my table,"But you have already did the first seven today. Regaining your energy will be ideal for tomorrow as we proceed to our next course of action." I nodded in agreement. "I don't need to regain energy but you, Verr. I appreciate your efforts to fix this issue, but you must take your leave and rest."

"As you wish, sir," she bowed and took her leave. As soon as she got out of my room, I sat down on my bed, my gaze fixed on the window.

A festival, huh?

I don't think it's relevant nor dedicated to me as an adepti, much less of a yaksha, but why would he suddenly bring up an invitation to me? I sighed, my eyes still wandering on my window as it perfectly views the beauty Dihua Marsh holds.

It's so late already, yet no sign of Aether. I want to talk to him.

It is true that I am interested to learn the way of mortals, but due to my situation, It'll be impossible even to approach them without endangering anybody. I am quite sure that he is aware of such circumstances, but how did it easily slipped off of his mind?

Considering his actions last night.....

Could it be...no, I shook my head. As if he'll like someone as bland and ruthless as me. Besides, I won't be able to give the happiness that he deserves.

I am too unworthy of love.

I must disregard this developing emotion as soon as possible. It's for his own good.

Even if it hurts me everytime I thought of this idea. Sacrificing what I want for the safety of others is normal for me, anyway.

With my gathered thoughts and unanswered questions, I left my room to continue the mission at dawn.

It was already morning when I finished interrogating the mages. I can't say that I have collected enough information to identify the whole situation, but it's more than enough to plan a new course of action. I decided to walk around the woods of Wuwang Hill first to focus on making a plan. If I go to Wangshu Inn, I might end up waiting for him again.

"Ah!" A voice suddenly appeared. I do not need to see who that person was; judging by the flow of the wind around me and the voice's feminine tune, this man is....

"Venti," I glanced at him, annoyed, yet his smile unwavering. "What brings you here in Liyue's territory?"

"Just a few drinks with my dear friend, Zhongli," he started walking, waving his hand while holding a bottle of dandelion wine. I followed him as he was just walking the same route as mine.

In the middle of silence as we travel to our own destination, Venti's voice was once again heard.

"Huh," he stopped his tracks, making me stop walking too. He turned around facing me, his brow raised. "Your music sounds different than usual."

"Usual?" I asked, confused.

"Yes," he nodded. "The wind tell stories through their music. They have sang your music to me after so long of not seeing you, but it sounds uncertain compared to your usual serene and............ anyway, are you confused about something?" He pulled out his lyre and struck a chord.

"It's none of your business, Barbatos." I said, crossing my arms.

"Ouchie," he struck a deeper chord. "I am just concerned, as a friend of your guardian, Morax." He gave me his wine and started to walk as he play with his lyre. Yet again, he stopped his tracks. "Your music is getting up in my head." He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Come on, Xiao, sharing your thoughts with a comrade wouldn't hurt. "

"A way to supress my Karma."

Venti's eyes widened. "A...what?"

"I need a way to supress the effects of my Karma to mortals, even just for a day." I said.