Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[24] A Stubborn Determination

As you and Zhongli walked across the Liyue fields, you couldn't help but notice how oddly peaceful the trip was. No hilichurls or anything. It was strange, considering it was getting more dangerous to travel like this lately. 

You glanced at the taller man from the corner of your eye. 'Isn't he worried we're gonna bump into some monsters on the way or something?' you wondered, confused at how he could walk so nonchalantly. 

Little did you know that somewhere, someone was watching closely, amber eyes glowing with vigilance as he kept an eye on the both of you. The spear by his side seemed to be losing its glow with how stained it was getting. Even the way his hand gripped its handle seemed to loosen ever-so-slightly. But none of that really mattered... as long as you were safe. 

Suddenly, he jerks his head to the side, wearing his mask to ready himself for battle once more. He disappears in a rush, leaving behind nothing but a gust of wind. 

_ _ _

"Why are we in Liyue Harbor?" You finally asked, tilting your head in confusion as you entered its gates and were greeted with its lively and bustling atmosphere.

Zhongli smiled a little. "It would be a little harder for the Conqueror of Demons to listen in," he said. "After all, what you're about to ask is something you hoped he wouldn't know about, am I right?"

Your eyes widened. 

Eventually, he led you to a small teahouse. "We can talk freely here," he says, taking a seat by a circular table. You follow, sitting on the small stool across from him. 

"Uhm... I've been meaning to ask..." you hesitated, lowering your voice. "Are you an Adeptus?" you whispered. 

Now it was Zhongli's turn for his eyes to widen in surprise. "An Adeptus? What makes you think that?"

"I mean..." you furrowed your brows for a bit. "You seem to know Xiao very well."

A small, amused chuckle escapes from Zhongli's lips. "I don't usually reveal my true identity to people," he says. "But you could say I am an Adeptus."

You gasp in realization. "Oh! That explains a lot..." 

You grew silent, seemingly consumed by your thoughts. Zhongli watches you closely as he orders some tea for the both of you. 

By the time you spoke up again, a cup of hot tea was already in front of you, but you barely noticed. "So, uh, since you're an Adeptus, I've been meaning to ask something."

Zhongli nods, taking a small sip of his tea. 

"Could you... teach me how to fight demons?"

He pauses, leaving his teacup mere centimeters from his lips as his eyes widen in shock. "I see..." he mumbles, setting the cup down. "So this is what you wanted to approach me about."

You nodded. 

"I assume the Conqueror of Demons refused to teach you?" 

You sighed, letting your shoulders rise and fall dramatically. "Yes... But I want to help him somehow," you said, dropping your gaze. "Lately, he's been getting hurt a lot."

'This girl...' Zhongli narrows his eyes at you.  

"Tell me." He rests his chin on the back of his hand. "How much do you remember?"

"Huh?" You furrowed your brows in confusion at his sudden question. "Remember what?"

He looked you dead in the eyes. "What happened 2000 years ago."

You stared at him in silence, completely dumbfounded. "...2000 years ago?" The confused frown on your face grew much more obvious. "I read a book mentioning the Archon War before... if that's what you meant?"