Xiaolumi: Fated Encounter I

Hear My Song Pt I

The island itself was pale with its foliage seemingly washed of much of its color. Not much life could be found as the eerie cries of ravens broke the silence. A thick lingering mist, dark and thicker then stew. Casting the island in such a manner that unnerved all that stepped foot here by some misfortune. The grass trampled under their feet as they walked was dead and brown, swaying softly in the cold breeze as not even the sun could reach this sorry place of woe.

"What in the name of the seven archons?"whispered Xiao as he looked around as the mist began to part around them after reaching the stone gate. What they had noticed was the fog had reacted, Lumine's hands giving off a divine glow too weak for even Xiao to see. The fog dispersing in response, like oil in water.

Lumine could see the confusion, concern, and most of all...grief reflected in her fiancé's golden tiger like eyes. Xiao still seemed to be in pain, the sensation sent a tingle from the mark on her neck he had left back in autumn during his Courtship Rite. "He's really suffering despite the front he's showing...and by his reaction this place is full of a god's wrathful energies too. I'll need to keep an eye on him."thought Lumine in great concern as they continued.

"Fog's clearing. How odd."hummed Lumine looking around.

"Well at least we got a hold of our bearings now."Paimon pointed out.

"That is no normal fog. Something is sorely wrong with this island as well...its even worse off then the previous one we were just at."Xiao stated flatly is expression turning solemn as he walked over to rest his hand on a dead tree. "There is no hope for this place..."

"Oh Xiao..."whimpered Paimon sadly seeing how frustrated and upset he looked. Their attention however was grabbed when they spotted somebody over on a hill by one of the trees. it was a young human boy of approximately eight to ten years old. He wore the typical Inazuman attire in a stripey blue hue. A lone straw hat on top a head of messy ebony hair. How odd wasn't this island supposed to be deserted!?

"Huh? There's a kid over there Lumine and Xiao."Paimon pointed out.

"Hm?"Xiao looked over curiosity growing. "So there is."

"Do Inazuman kids all run off to play on deserted islands or something? Is that a thing?"Paimon asked.

"Of course not Paimon. He probably lives here, some how but he shouldn't be running around on his own."Lumine sighed. Xiao nodding in agreement. There was that gentle kindness Lumine had that asked nothing in return.

"Paimon was just asking, geez. But lets go ask him where we are, might even know how the way back over to Watatsumi island."suggested paimon.

"That's...actually a good idea for once."Xiao hummed thoughtfully his hand on his chin in thought briefly. Paimon giggling at the praise. Quickly they made their way over to the boy Lumine smiling as she called in greeting. The little boy practically almost jumped out of his sandals.

"Eek! Y-Yikes...You're outlanders and a yokai...and a weird floating girl!?"squeaked the boy.

"Sorry we didn't mean to scare you. I'm Lumine and this my friend Paimon."Lumine apologized before motioning to Xiao, "And he's not a yokai he's my partner and fiancé from Liyue. His name's Xiao." Xiao grunted softly in greeting as before the boy's eyes Xiao easily jumped higher then any human could. Expertly landed in the dead tree to scan the horizon and around them from a better vantage point. Nothing on this island felt normal. Something was sorely off and it was beyond even a yaksha's ability to purify. Paimon though was pouting at yet again being called strange. Lumine's naturally bright and cheerful nature brought reassurance and ease to the boy who now offered a smile.