𝕴𝖓 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝕯𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖒𝖘 | Xiao x Reader Sequel

2

When morning came, you and Xiao left to clear Hilichurl camps together. Even if your temporary contract with Rex Lapis had ended years ago, you didn't mind doing things like this if it meant helping your lover.

Plus, keeping the area clear of monsters would also help Verr Goldet and everyone else at the inn. You felt like you owed them so much after everything they'd done; even letting you and Xiao live there rent free, so this was the least you could do.

Sometimes you also took tasks from the inn's employees, which usually meant getting them supplies or helping them fix things around the building. Overall, you tried to give back however you could.

"Do you remember the specific locations of the camps?" Xiao asked, breaking you from your thoughts. The two of you were walking along the marsh now, and you smiled brightly as you passed a mist flower by the water.

"Yeah, there's around five by the inn, and then a few others further away." You replied, pointing to the circles on your map. "They've been so active lately, I wonder why?" The Yaksha shrugged.

"They are always active, but the number of them nearby recently has been concerning..." Sensing his worry, you tried to cheer him up.

"But a few hilichurls are nothing we can't handle!" You smiled brightly, "Come on, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can have lunch!" You ran a little further ahead, and Xiao shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips.

"You just had breakfast half an hour ago."

"Exactly!"

..........

You placed a hand on your heart in attempt to steady its rapid beating, panting heavily as you and Xiao finished off another camp. Between the two of you, you were making quick work of them. As it turned out, you were just as strong of a team as you had been during the Archon War years ago.

Still, he seemed to be doing better than you today, and was more energized for once. Although you were struggling to keep up, you tried to hide it, not wanting to become a dead weight.

As the two of you continued to the next area, you attempted to distract yourself from the crushing weight on your shoulders by taking his hand in yours. He didn't seem opposed, just surprised, but held your hand nonetheless.

However, the second your hands touched, you could see the four dark figures appear, all surrounding Xiao and extending their claws towards him. You could see one nearly touching his chest, where his heart lay. Worse than that, though, they were bigger than last time, as if they'd grown since then.

You jumped slightly, but then they were gone again, the empty air in their place seemingly taunting you. Xiao turned to you, concern crossing his face.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah," you replied, "I just zoned out there. Sorry." He didn't seem to believe you but didn't press further, instead turned back ahead towards the Hilichurl camp now visible in the distance.

"You can sit this one out if you aren't feeling up for it." He told you, "I will handle it." You shook your head violently.

"No, that's okay. I'll be fine." You brought out your catalyst, taking a step towards the camp. He just sighed, putting on his mask and drawing his spear.

"If you insist."

With that, the fight began. As usual, you provided support as best you could, generating energy to help Xiao. He started out alright, not seeming too weighed down even though his health was depleting.

However, as time went on, he seemed to get more tired. You could see him breathing heavier, his attacks slowing more and more. Changing your position now, you did your best to cover him, focusing more on doing damage to enemies than creating energy.