Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[29] A Weary Soul

"Alatus? You got injured again..." Your brows furrowed worriedly as you tended to his wounds. "How did this happen?" 

The Adeptus sighs. "The war has been affecting Jueyun Karst lately," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I've been fighting to keep myself safe from the numerous battles going on." 

Your eyes widened as you looked up from tending to his injuries. You opened your mouth to speak, but stopped upon seeing the deep frown on his face as he looked to the dark cloudy skies.

You dropped your gaze, continuing to bandage his arm. "Are you planning to join the War, too?"

Alatus turned to you, tilting his head. "What?"

"I mean... are you interested in becoming an Archon yourself?" 

He shook his head firmly. "No. It'll just lead to pointless slaughter."

'And I wouldn't want to make things even harder for you to handle,' he thought, never taking his eyes off you while you gently tended to him. 

________________________

You suddenly returned to your senses, feeling a weird sensation in your head again. 

'Looks like I can't remember it... again,' you sighed in disappointment as you shook the weird feeling away. 

You were alone at the Bubu Pharmacy today, with Qiqi and Baizhu out on some errands. That left you in charge of things while they were gone. It was quiet, with no sight of customers for the past hour. The peaceful silence soon got to you, and your mind wandered once again. 

You had no idea how much time had passed, but before you knew it, someone was standing right in front of you, a look of concern etched on their face. 

"AHH!" you nearly jumped back in shock. 

In front of you was a woman you had never seen before. She had light blue hair tied back in a low ponytail. But what really stood out to you was the horns on her head. How odd... Were those real horns?

"Oh no, I'm sorry! Did I scare you?" She spoke softly, but the distress was obvious in her tone. "I've been calling you for a while now, but you weren't responding..."

"O-Oh!" you chuckled nervously. "Sorry about that, I must have spaced out."

"Are you alright?"

"Yes! Yes, I'm fine," you forced a smile. "Is there anything you need?"  

The woman nodded. "An order was placed for the Yuehai Pavilion, and I'm here to pick up the medicines."

"Yuehai Pavilion? Give me a minute."

You went behind the counter to check the orders. This was usually done by Qiqi, but you'd help out whenever you had the chance. 

After a while, you turned back to the woman with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, but the medicines won't be ready until tomorrow..." 

Her eyes widened. "Really? O-Oh dear, I must have made a mistake..."

"It's fine! You can come back tomorrow!" you reassured her. 

"I will, thank you!" She smiled, but just as she was about to leave, she turned back to you. "Uhm... I know it's hard being a pharmacist, but please take care of yourself!" 

'Huh?'

You quickly shook your head. "Oh, I'm not a pharmacist! I've just been studying medicine under Dr. Baizhu..." 

"Studying medicine? Are you aspiring to be a doctor?" She asked, eyes sparkling with a sudden curiosity. 

"Well... not really. Just..." You looked away. "I just want to... help someone really important to me."