Xiao sighed. The waters parted as he treaded along before returning to stillness when he climbed up the rock to sit beside the musician. He eyed the other. "You're the Anemo Archon, Lord Barbatos, correct?"
"And what makes you say that, dear yaksha?"
Xiao thought about his answer for a moment. "Rex Lapis told me stories of the archons. None of them were really adept in music except the Anemo Archon."
"Ah, yes, I'm surprised that old blockhead still hasn't mastered all the instruments in Teyvat with the time he has." Barbatos laughed when he saw Xiao tense at the disrespect of his archon. "Quiet now, dear yaksha, it's time for the final part. No more interruptions," he said with a smile.
His lips hovered over the mouthpiece before gently blowing, allowing the tune to flow into the air. Xiao closed his eyes, relishing the moment.
...
The yaksha woke with another startle, nearly falling off... the roof of Wangshu Inn? When did he get here? How did he get here?
Which experience was reality?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiao had come to the conclusion that meeting Barbatos was a dream. He traveled to Mondstadt in search of signs, but all he found was the fact that the Anemo Archon had apparently gone to sleep years ago. No Mondstadter he'd asked had heard of him waking up, and many didn't even believe he existed anymore.
The only times he'd see Barbatos was in his dreams. Every now and then, he would wake in Guyun, then he would go to the rock and find him sitting there, playing another melody. Sometimes, he would try laying a hand on the god to see if he could feel him, but he couldn't. His hand phased right through like he was air.
Like he was only part of his imagination.
This time, Xiao did so again, and again, and again. He hung his head low. "You're not real... Not even your own people believe you exist."
"I only come down to bless my people when they truly need it, for I want them to lead their own lives."
"Then why come down to me," his voice cracked. "Why make me a fool for thinking you exist?"
YOU ARE READING
Untouchable (By All Except Me)
Historia CortaThe definition of reality can vary from person to person, but to Xiao, it means the melody of a gentle tune, the scent of cecilias, the warmth in his hand as he held another's... And the face of one that is untouchable to all except him.
