I Will Be Here When You Call - {Xiao x Aether}

Chapter 1: An Unlikely Friendship

Editor's Note:

This is my first fanfic I have ever written on here. For the professional writers out there, I would appreciate some criticism since I'm still trying to improve on my writing. Thanks!

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Adeptus Xiao. That was his name. He was never one to forge friendships. He believed it would only be a waste of time. Besides, he would rather spare himself the pain if they were to... he shouldn't dwell on the past. It would do anything but benefit him.

It was another typical day in Liyue. Bustling crowds filled the streets and vendors were going about business as usual. However, the adeptus paid them no mind. If anything, they were simply a distraction, feeding away at his resolve. Scoffing, he carried on with his daily stroll, trusty polearm in hand.

You never know when trouble could be lurking just around the corner. Xiao was always on his feet, prepared to launch himself into combat whenever necessary. Fortunately, there seemed to be a lack of activity today, asides from the occassional swarm of citizens taking off to the streets.

Despite how dry it was, he refused to let his guard down, even for just a moment. Although, he does admit he was feeling a little peckish. A slice of Almond Tofu sure does sound nice right now. It'll replenish some of his energy and of course, fill his stomach. Killing two birds with one stone, he supposes.

As Xiao heads for Wangshu Inn, dark thoughts cloud his mind, a horrible feeling stirring in his gut. He stops in his tracks and decides to take a break, catching his breath. Unpleasant memories flickered through his mind, causing him to briefly lose his foothold. This was no unusual occurrence for Xiao. Quite the opposite, in fact.

An endless cycle, he would call it. The same memories repeating themselves. Over and over again. He couldn't get them to stop. He wanted them to stop. But, of course, life wouldn't let him off the hook that easily. He collapses, dropping his weapon in the process.

Ragged breaths lace his trembling lips. He slowly lifts his gaze to the sky, watching the clouds drift above his head. He couldn't determine the root of his nightmares. They usually come and go like that of a common cold. Sighing, he picked himself up and retrieved his polearm, dusting off his attire.

Suddenly, he heard clamors in the distance. He couldn't make out their voices, but he knew he had to rush to the scene. He brushes his thoughts aside, rushing towards the commotion.

He had arrived to the scene just in time. He caught a glimpse of the situation, spectating from afar. A blonde boy dressed in exotic clothing, accompanied by a fairylike companion that seemed to be around the age of a toddler, were being confronted by the Millelith.

The strange traveler seemed to be surrendering, his hands raised in the air. His little companion floating alongside him was yelling at the Millelith, stomping her foot. "Hey, you can't just talk to him like that! Just so you know, he happens to be-"

The adeptus stepped in, crossing his arms over his chest with a questioning sigh. "What seems to be the problem here?"

"He thinks we robbed an expensive necklace from a vendor!" exclaimed the floating fairy. "Paimon can't believe it! After all, we've done-!"

"Now, now," assured the traveler. "Settle down, Paimon. This is all just a big misunderstanding." He turns to Xiao, a warm smile gracing his features. "Would you like us to explain the situation to you in full detail?"

Hesitant, Xiao gave the Millelith a reluctant side-glance before accepting the traveler's offer. "Alright, go ahead. But, if your story has any plotholes, we won't hesitate to lock you up. For good."

For a moment, the traveler falters and glances at his companion. He decides to accept the consequences and explains how they both wound up in this predicament.

. . .

There was a long pause.

The Millelith obviously didn't believe the traveler's story, judging by the look on his face. However, Xiao was always impartial. He wasn't quick to judge, solely based on one's appearance. No matter how unusual they may appear.

After a moment of contemplation, the adeptus decides to believe his story. "All right. That's good enough for me. I believe you, Traveler."

"....Wh-What?!" sputtered the Millelith. "But, he stole-"

Xiao didn't bother with listening to his protests, silencing him with a raised palm. "Save your breath. I've made my decision. Move."

The Millelith bowed and with that, he made haste.

Paimon huffed, blowing a raspberry. "That meanie! He should know better!" She pouts, crossing her arms.

"I've heard about you two," spoke Xiao, his voice treading a fine line between coarse and soft. "You defeated Stormterror, correct?"

The traveler lowered his hands to his hips, proudly puffing out his chest. "That's me. Aether, your Honorary Knight." He smiles, deciding to drop the act upon seeing his unimpressed expression.

Xiao nodded, taking a moment to study the other. He sighed, turning away from him. "If you don't mind, I'll get going now. I have... urgent matters to attend to."

"Oh, alright..." mumbled Aether. Before he could utter another word, he left without a trace. How strange, he thought.

"Paimon thinks he's weird... but, you seem like you want to seek answers from him. Why is that?"

"...Because, Paimon," said Aether, "I'd like to know more about him. There's just... I don't know. I feel drawn to him. As though he carries some kind of significance."

. . .

"And I want to find out."

To Be Continued...

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That's pretty much it for this chapter. Sorry if it felt a little bland, this was my first time writing on Wattpad and publishing a fanfic. If you enjoyed, I will likely write more... thanks for reading!