Good Evening Traveler

Chapter One: Morax's Task

It was yet another lovely morning in Liyue, yet it was anything but peaceful for Xiao. For last night was just another installment in his years of karma debt. Slaughtering demons was all he knew, and all he cared to know. After all, what else was there? He didn't have any official living relatives - - but Morax was the closest thing to a father he had. 

Making his way back to Wangshu Inn, Xiao felt himself being summoned by the geo archon himself. Of course, it would be treason not to respond. Xiao hastily made his way to the roof of Wangshu in, where the archon of many names awaited him. "I was wondering when you would arrive," Morax smiled, drinking a cup of tea. 

"What is it?" Xiao sighed. He didn't want to admit it, but he was tired from the night. Though as we all know, Adepti do not sleep. "I have a job for you. It's nothing that requires...physical strength, but strength of heart," Morax gestured for the adeptus to sit down across from him. Xiao did as he was told, and sat down. "I don't like the sound of that. There are much more important things to take care of. The demons won't stop for me. If they did, I would be dead." The god merely sighed, and took another sip of his tea. "You have not heard what the deed is. You cannot judge a stone's rarity from a mere glance. You must examine it further to find the glorious gems." 

"My apologies sensei. Go on, please." 

"Your task is simple. I am going to send you to the land of eternity, Inazuma. I will not be able to communicate with you as easily, though I trust your judgment. Your task in Inazuma is to grow your relationship with the traveler. After all, you have spoke of her quite often." 

"What? Are you serious? The Traveler is doing just fine, and is still alive. I don't need to go to Inazuma. I need to stay here and continue my fight against the demons!" 

Taking another sip of his tea, Morax smiled. "Think of it as...a vacation. I've heard the mortals speak fondly of it- it appears that it is, in some cases, a legal requirement. You deserve the rest Xiao. Not to mention you have to admit it to yourself. You wish to go, and I will do my best to fulfill the wish. You have already spent so long serving the land of Liyue, and quite the job you have accomplished. I will not accept refusal. You will be in Inazuma by tomorrow at noon, and are not expected to return unless you are called for, or your task is complete," He explained. 

"...Fine. I will do my best, Sensei. But...who will take care of the demons? They will kill everyone if they aren't stopped!" Xiao protested. 

"Well, I have already thought of that. I'm older than I look, you know," Morax smirked before continuing, "I will have the other Adepti cover your work. It is unwise to take care of something by yourself when you have the option to share the burden. Ganyu has already volunteered to assist you along with the work she already has." 

"I see...very well. I have no further questions." 

"Alright. You can prepare yourself for the journey today, and return to Wangshu in by sunrise tomorrow. I will allow you to work one more night, understand?" 

"Yes Sensei, thank you." 

"Now, if you'd excuse me, I'd like to try some of the famed Almond Tofu- is is one of your recommendations, is it not?" 

Morax exited the balcony, leaving Xiao by himself. Would he really be able to see the traveler? He had never told Morax how he felt about the Traveler- not even their friendship. Even so, he was still wise despite living as the mortal "Zhongli", a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he was still incredibly wise. Wether Xiao thought that wisdom was a blessing or a curse changed as often as his emotion. 

The rest of that day went by without any major events. Hu Tao stopped by to find Zhongli, as well as say hello to Xiao. He didn't care much for her sparky, energetic attitude. The adeptus much preferred the calming yet strong presence of Lumine. Though the day where Xiao would leave came sooner than he would have liked. 

Xiao thought of every way to get out of going to Inazuma. Why couldn't he just wait for Lumine to return later on? It would surely be easier on everyone. Though...it was impossible to refuse a task from Rex Lapis- especially after he said he wouldn't take "no" for an answer. Nevertheless, Xiao did as he was told and returned to Wangshu Inn by sunrise. 

"I am glad to see you, Xiao. Are you prepared for your journey?" Morax asked, as soon as he was in view. "Yes Sensei. The sooner this begins, the sooner this ends." 

"Very well. Please, stay out of trouble as well. The Tenryou and Yashiro Commissions will likely arrest you for illegal travel. Nevertheless, try and enjoy yourself. If you happen to run into the Raiden Shogun, merely say an old friend sends their deepest regards." 

Xiao nodded, and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and felt the world blow away in an instant. As soon as everything stopped, the smell of Sakura blooms surrounded the adeptus. He was in the land of eternity, the land of electro. The land known as Inazuma.