Xiaolumi: Fated Encounter I

Hear My Song Pt II

Seirai Island was dark and gloomy as ever. No shocker there as the storm while had quieted still lingered. Probably would for decades still yet as the trio with tiny Ruu had stopped in a camp. Poor Xiao's pain forcing them to stop making Ruu look up at Xiao in worry. Lumine offering Ruu a reassuring smile as she took Xiao's arm over her shoulders to help support him. Xiao seemed to want to protest but quietly relented with a soft grunt. Lumine though couldn't understand was Xiao's eyes had changed to jade green again on and off throughout this entire ordeal that started with an innocent flight on his back.

"Are you sure Xiao-onii-san is ok, Lumine-onee-san?"Ruu asked.

"Oh don't worry Xiao's made of much tougher stuff then you think Ruu. Paimon can confirm this."Paimon assured as they took their time climbing the cliff path.

"He'll be fine Ruu, don't you worry."she agreed though concern was what greeted and alerted Xiao.

"Hmph. I've had worse, this need not concern you Ruu."he grunted biting the urge to let out a pained gasp from another painful ripple up his spine. Thankfully the wounds had finally started to heal but at their pace it would take a few days.

"Ok but be careful ok Xiao-onii-san? my mom always said when your hurt you shouldn't over due things and its ok to rely on others."giggled Ruu taking a few steps ahead as much as the feather would permit. The purity of this boy making even Xiao offer a rare smile as they reached the top of the cliff. Why was it always the innocent and good natured ones that suffered the most in this world? it was not fair in either of their eyes. But why did this boy take to calling him and Lumine onii-san and onee-san now after everything? It puzzled him. Sayu did the same thing too.

"So up there is that..?"Ruu asked pointing up at the stormy peak in the distance. Lumine carefully setting Xiao down to help him sit down on the near by rubble.

"Yep, that's Amakumo Peak, Ruu. That's where Kapatcir is now with lots of little thunderbirds."Lumine said with a warm smile. Oh she felt horrible for lying like this but she needed to help Ruu move on. Ruu couldn't do that if he had regrets and worries keeping him here in the living world. Xiao didn't like it either but it was better Ruu didn't know the truth they had collectively figured out. The truth that Kapatcir was in fact one of the victims of the the shogun.

"Yes Kanna's up there."agreed Xiao.

"Kanna? You knew her Xiao-onii-san?"Ruu asked in amazement.

"I was very young but, yes I've encountered her. She loved her music as all bird elementals do."hummed Xiao in slight amusement.

"Music?"Ruu smiled as he got an idea. "Do you think Kapatcir-sama will hear me?"

"She's a bit busy to come down but Paimon thinks she would be able to hear you sing from here."Paimon eagerly agreed.

"Why don't you give it a try Ruu? I'd love to hear you sing too."smiled Lumine with encouragement. This got Xiao's attention as well as with a small grin he brought out his beloved dihua flute Ruu's eyes growing wide with childish wonder.

"Woah that's a flute from Liyue ain't it? That's so cool!"Ruu said in delight.

"Why don't' you sing? Allow me to offer a little assistance but you lead the tune."Ruu eagerly nodded as Xiao brought the flute to his lips. To Xiao surprise Lumine had brought out her lyre Venti had gifted her back during Windblume Festival last year. Lumine smiling as she began to play as did Xiao as Ruu began to sing:

♫Over hills, and to the distant clouds above♫
♫I raise my voice; Can you hear my song?♫
♫Storms and thunder may rage around me♫
♫But none shall I fear; Right where I belong♫

♫All this time I longed but to see♫
♫She who dwells in skies up high♫
♫How I long to stay by your side♫
♫Though it seems you must once more fly♫

♫Then, I shall sing to you another tune♫
♫When you come again with thunder and rain♫
♫Dearest friend, cry not as we say goodbye♫
♫For one day we will meet again♫

Before their eyes Ruu began to fade away but there was no sadness on the little boy's face as he vanished before them in particles of soft light. Lumine though was on the verge of tears as she allowed her lyre to go back into her dimensional storage. "Goodbye Ruu..."she whispered in what sounded like a mixture of a hiccup and a sob. The feather of brilliant violet now lying at her feet.

"Lumine..."Paimon whimpered in concern see tears begin to fall.

Xiao by this time had heaved himself up and walked over to Lumine's side bringing her into his arms and held her tenderly close. Words would not be able to comfort her, they would only hurt her. So he stayed quiet and held her, just letting her cry into his shoulder as he ran his fingers through her hair. How had a something so simple and carefree as letting his mate see the world from his point of view turn into such a nightmare of an adventure that ended so bittersweet. Paimon not far away grabbed the feather carefully putting it away into Lumine's dimensional storage as Xiao whispered in soothing, hushed tones, "Lets go home...to Wanshu Inn."

"Lets go home."Lumine sniffled in agreement as Xiao wiped away her tears.

So with melancholy hearts the trio left for where they had docked the small boat. Stopping briefly to look back behind them. However at seeing Xiao begin to sway Lumine and Paimon began to panic. The blonde leaping into action to catch him as he finally began to collapse and fall forward. His stamina and energy completely spent. To her shock his eyes once again flickering from jade green to gold. Something that should not be happening at all but it was as Lumine helped him into the boat and got him to lie down.

"I knew it. You pushed yourself too far again Xiao!"huffed Lumine grabbing her medical kit from the cuboards. Poor Xiao looking like a train wreck as she helped removed his shirt and set his rosary necklace aside Paimon by now having already started up the boat as he grimaced from the choppy movements of the boat.

"I guess I may have a little."he groaned hissing from the contact of the healing ointment Yae had given Lumine for him. The distinct pain of his wounds beginning to heal a bit faster due to it. The worst being the claw marks to his back. But it did not take long for Lumine to mend and patch up his wounds and the burns from his karma. He felt something soft and warm get placed over his body. Then the gentle caress of her petite hands. as she sat down beside him at the base of the cot.

"Shouldn't you be the one driving? we'll reach the storm barrier soon."he huffed though came out more like a purr at her loving motions caressing his hair. He loved when she would pet his hair like this; it felt soothing.

"We have a bit yet. For now get some rest...you look like you need."she assured earning a soft chuckle.

"So do you, Lumi. Promise you get some ample rest? I'll only agree to rest if you do."he insisted.

"I will, don't worry."those words were enough to assure Xiao as her gentle motions eased him into slumber. Lumine looking out the window at the rising sun of dawn painting the sea in brilliant golden pastel hues. "Goodbye Inazuma...goodbye Ruu....goodbye everyone."