Alike

Chapter 14 So close yet so far.

Aether was going as fast as he could to the Harbor once he and Paimon were close to arriving at the entrance they both saw him.

"Is that Zhongli!?" Paimon asked startled "what's wrong with him? Are those horns"

"That's not 'Zhongli' anymore" Aether said alert. "That's Rex Lapis" he said as they watched the dragon like figure leaving the harbor. They saw as he spotted them and went to them.

"Ah it's Khoi too!" Paimon said having spotted Khoi who was being carried by Zhongli. Khoi was sitting on Zhongli's arm as he looked to see them.

"Khoi" Aether called out to him as he made his way over. "What happened??" He asked concerned and noticed your absence "where's Y/n-" Khoi flinched at that question causing Zhongli to hold him closer to him giving Aether a warning growl.

"So scary!" Paimon said hiding behind Aether.

"Where is Y/n" Aether asked again.

"They took her" Khoi said as he looked at Zhongli who on cue put him down. "We were settling in for the night when they took her."

"What!? Who could of-" Paimon gasped "the Fatui!"

"We have to find Childe -" Aether quickly said about to run into the harbor but Khoi stopped him.

"We already went to him. It wasn't him. He wasn't aware she even taken at all" Khoi said.

"How can you be so sure he wasn't lying." Aether said looking at him.

"Let's just say my method of questioning.. is very effective.." Khoi said calmly with a slight smile. Aether took a step back he could swear he could see his eyes go dull.

"Then if it wasn't him then who could it be.." Aether asked himself.

"My lord!?" They all heard as they all turned to see Xiao wide eyed. "Your alive!?" He quickly made his way over to them. "I knew it! You couldn't simply be killed as they said!"

"Xiao?" Paimon asked "what are you doing here??"

"I heard my lord's anger. So I've come to confirm he is indeed alive." Xiao said as he spotted Khoi. "Whom is this?"

"My name is Khoi." Your son spoke up "and-" he felt an arm gently pick him up again as he looked at Zhongli.

"He's my son" Zhongli spoke firmly as Xiao eyes widen.

"Yes my lord." Xiao said obediently. "I am Xiao young master. At your service." He said kneeling in respect.

"It looks like Mr. Zhongli was very serious about this whole family thing." Paimon said to her travel companion. She noticed how Aether eyes was fixed onto the whole scene infront of him how his hands tightened into fists. "...um.. Aether?" She called out to him worried.

"We need to find Y/N!" He yelled out angry as Xiao looked him. "We're wasting time standing around here!"

"Y/N?" Xiao asked finding the name familiar.

"My mother." Khoi said as he looked at Zhongli. "Aether is right we have to find her. Can you turn back so not arise suspicion." Zhongli nodded as he changed his appearance again. Xiao watched in amazement as he witnesses his new 'mortal' form.

"Xiao" Zhongli spoke "this is my new son. Khoi. His mother is my spouse. Remember long ago I told you to find a grave?" Xiao nodded. "That is her. Y/N, she is alive and just now was taken from me. Keep my whereabouts a secret and go search for her."

"Yes my lord" Xiao said before taking off.

"I wish to be put down" Khoi said.

"Your staying in my hold where I can keep you safe " Zhongli said firm.