Xiaolumi S4: Edge of Dawn

Xiao's Final Contract

[A/N: Originally this was a 2 parter but I have since combined both parts to provide an extra long chapter for your enjoyment. After helping Ningguang, Lumine goes back to Baizhu for confirmation. Leaving them with a difficult decision for this unexpected surprise as Xiao's left in a state of shock, resulting in quite the argument. However he receives advice from one unlikely source...]

I like to think of motherhood as a great big adventure. You set off on a journey, you don't really know how to navigate things,and you don't exactly know where you're going or how you're going to get there.

~Cynthia Rowley

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It hadn't taken long but the air around Xiao, Lumine, and Paimon was tense. The words of Ningguang echoed like some broken record player in their minds. Paimon being well, Paimon was confused and didn't believe a word of it. Xiao thought, along with Lumine...their minds were a torrential storm with so many thoughts and emotions. For Lumine the events of that event not even a few days after the wedding made her face turn pyro archon red. But the biggest ones was worry and uncertainty that only grew heavier as they went up the steep staircase to Bubu Pharmacy.

Just the trek up here alone had left her winded, and yet, no words were spoken between any of them. Lumine was just walking inside, while Paimon and Xiao waited just outside the building. Lumine gulped nervously as she went to the counter. The receptionist offered a smile at seeing Lumine offering a wave in greeting. "Ah Traveler, good afternoon. I trust you're recovering well? Dr.Baizhu informed you might be stopping by this week."he greeted.

"Yeah u-um is Baizhu in right now? I need to see him for an exam."Lumine normally so confident gripped her dress with shaking hands. What if Ningguang was correct? This would change everything. But...then again adepti, yakshas, and yokai their senses were far sharper and more sensitive.

"Alright, I'll inform him you're here."The receptionist informed me that understanding this situation must be a delicate one. Very likely one that should be handled with as much secrecy as possible even. His gaze stealing a glance at noticing the sound of foot falls on the shingled roof. Her husband was probably not far away, as all married adepti tended to be for their spouses. He motioned for Lumine to follow, leading her to a room in the far back, closing her inside. Lumine opting to take a seat in the chair suddenly feeling a little queasy. Her hand flew to her mouth as she bent over, fighting the urge to empty her stomach. She remained like this as she heard the door open and was soon greeted by that kind, sly smile. "Lumine good to see you, dear."he greeted. "What can I do for you?"

"D-Don't play coy."Lumine began looking up only to scramble for the window nearby, yanked it open, and started to violently get sick. The sound was not exactly pleasant as Baizhu went over rubbing her back but already was starting to examine her body. Right away he started to notice the symptoms. "Lumine you said this started a couple weeks ago, correct?"he asked. Lumine panting by the time she finished letting her trembling body slide to the floor. But she managed a nod. Baizhu bent down after Changsheng whispered in his ear. His Vision began to glow and Lumine yelped, instinctively scrambling away from the dendro energy that normally would have been a relief to her.

"Ssshe isss avoiding it alright, Baizhu asss I knew ssshe would."hissed the ivory white snake.

"So I see, Changsheng."agreed Baizhu. Quickly he went over to his desk and opened the drawer to pull the one thing that made Lumine visibly shake and pale. "N-Needle!?"she thought with a gulp. Part of her wanted to call for Xiao but Lumine forced herself not to as Baizhu came over.