The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 39 - Xiao

"What the fuck!" One of the people surrounding Y/N screamed. Another decided, "They really are a monster!" Several others shouted rude and unrealistic claims. Insults. I hated it. Why did Y/N make me stay over here? I clenched my fists, And why does Y/N let everyone treat them like shit?! I wanted to protect them. Not just from the unruly(unpleasant) comments, but from anyone who tried to hurt them physically. Then the question hit me, What had Y/N done to get this type of response?

I felt Aether's glare look me up and down. "Go stand by Aether. If anything happens, protect him."  Y/N's voice was so empty, "I doubt these people will manage to hurt me. Don't worry." 

Y/N suddenly looked around but, there was blood dripping down the side of their face. Y/N moved the hand covering their eye and it glowed dark red. My legs moved without permission. I couldn't even bring myself to speak. I shouldn't have just left them there. My thoughts raced faster than my feet, How did this happen? Why...

"Y/N!" Aether's voice cracked, That damn asshole. He knows that Y/N's mine yet won't stop flirting with them. "What happened?" Aether demanded, his voice full of concern. It pissed me off that I couldn't bring myself to speak but now that he can... Y/N did not answer him. They covered their other eye and glared at the surroundings with the red one. The ominous glow acted as a flashlight. 

Y/N abruptly turned and ran northeast around the mountain. "Y/N wait!" I reached for their hand, Where are we? I looked around and noticed just how far Y/N had gotten before I caught up to them. "What's going on? What did they do to you?" I couldn't help it. The large number of questions I had rushed out all at once, but Y/N only looked at me.

They smiled, "I'm alright." I pulled Y/N into a tight hug. They were finally back, It'd felt like forever since I'd felt their touch, even though it hadn't even been a day. it hadn't even been more than a few hours.

Aether cleared his throat, "So what was that red-eye thingy?" He looked me up and down before smiling slightly at Y/N, pissing me off.

"A skill of mine that allows me to see the passing of time. Past and future," Y/N answered, though they acted as if it wasn't a big deal. "Considering my... Current state," Y/N hesitated. "I can only use it for short periods of time. Sorry if I worried you."

The blue-haired man had followed us. What was his name again?.. Ah yes, it was Ayato. He pulled out a boba from his sleeve, Yes. A boba from his sleeve. I didn't think this guy could get any more confusing but, I was wrong. "Have you located Thoma?" He asked politely yet it felt more like a command.

"Yes... And no," Y/N looked at the sandbank just outside the island. "I think it would be best if I went alone..." 

Aether disagreed, "You can't do everything alone. Let us help that's why we came!" Ayato took Aether's side too. Y/N sighed and went to speak, but the rustling of bushes, loud footsteps and quiet - yet arrogant - voices approached. Y/N pulled us behind a small rock and hiding behind it was difficult. Aether was tucked tight in front of Y/N - facing them - and his face was bright red, while I was stuck next to this tall ass man. I'm going to kill that traveller, I decided as he moved closer to Y/N's chest - getting seemingly more comfortable.

When the bandits had finally passed, Aether stood up and offered Y/N his hand. And if that wasn't enough, after they looked back at the camp, Aether looked at me with a smug face. That bastard! It was obvious he knew I was jealous, even though Y/N is my partner.

"There's 12 at the camp and 4 on each side." Y/N didn't hesitate to make a decision, "Xiao, take the right. Aether, left. Ayato, you'll help me with the others." This was the safest option. Y/N knew Aether and my strengths well, but... If I were to finish first and go help Y/N and Ayato... That would make me look so much better than Aether! Of course, Y/N chose Ayato to go with them since they didn't know Ayato's strength and could easily beat the 12 bandits alone.

We inched closer jumping from bush to bush until we spread out the complete the plan. Aether continued to crawl slowly to the camp left, meaning that if I ran and got their first... I'd get a head start straight away, I didn't think twice and sprinted towards the right camp. I don't need stealth when I have speed. 

When I reached the camp they'd managed to send a flare up - warning the other camps of the attack - yet no one came to their rescue. I bore my mask and plunged at my targets but, a samurai suddenly slashed at my back when I landed. I plunged three more times - barely - managing to knock the samurai out whilst killing the bandits. I can't go over to Y/N like this! I complained to myself, They'd doubt my abilities and it would be so uncool. Plus Y/N would insist on taking care of me and I don't want to burden them with that.

I took a moment to breathe and gather my strength. I washed my shirt and hid the cut under a coat from one of the bandits. Honestly, I was more concerned about my reputation than my health. The cut was deep and I was losing a decent amount of blood but I refused to let it bother me. I stood up and hobbled over to the camp Y/N was supposed to be at.

"What took you so long?" Aether scoffed, "Nice coat by the way. Where'd you get it? from a dead body?"

"Now now Aether," Thoma intervened. "You don't want to anger Y/N, do you?" That shut him up quick. Now that I think about it, Where is Y/N? They were supposed to be here.

A thump followed by the rattling of sand and pebbles formed behind me. "I believe that was all of them," Y/N's face suddenly filled with concern. They looked at me and carefully walked closer. Y/N, please don't say anything! I begged, hoping they would hear my thoughts. "Are- We should get going," Y/N offered for the others to go ahead. "Ayaka's probably still worried."

"Idiot!" Y/N whispered in my ear.

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A/N: I have found new entertainment by making Aether and Xiao fight :>. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I will (hopefully) do the fireworks next chapter! And then shit goes down. I love you all for the support and we hit 7.5K views! (WTF)

Take care!