Oath [BL; Book 2]

17

Paimon slacked behind as Aether traversed the high mountains. Jueyun Karst was the perfect place to see the wonderful sights and get a good lay of the land. The air was filled with the scent of Qixing flowers and he loved it. Taking in a deep breath he exhaled, "Haa! It feels great up here!" Standing on the peak of one of the tall mountains he gazed at the Adeptal peaks.

"Haaa, Paimon's so tired." She floated low showing her exhaustion.

"Paimon, all you did was float up here." He crossed his arms questioning if she was exaggerating or telling the truth. "There's no way you're tired just from this."

"Hey! It takes energy to fly too!" She huffed offended, "Paimon needs food! Let's go back to the harbor and buy some yummy grilled tiger fish!"

"Hah!" Aether laughed taking a seat on the mountain peak, "Do you have the mora to pay for that Paimon? We'll have to travel far to go back to the harbor and make it on time before the stall closes." The sun was rising over the horizon and he watched the beauty of dawn.

"Ugh, Paimon's so tired!" She complained,

"That's what I thought!" He laughed some more and got out some sunsiettas cutting them into small pieces. "We just got here Paimon. Let's enjoy the weather a bit. Here, have a snack at least. We'll catch some fish later."

"Hmm.." Paimon didn't want to, but snacking sounded better than moving around too much so she sat on his lap and they watched the sun rise.

Xiao on the other hand was in the dark fighting off some ruin guards that threatened the safety of Wangshu Inn and its people. With a sworn duty he kept close. He quickly took down his enemies and saw the first rays of the sun peeking over the horizon. A new day, another day he had to fight. Yet this he did not mind as he felt his body was strangely more ready and welcoming for battle.

Such a feeling like this was familiar. Though, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was also amidst.

Making the trip to the harbor, Aether and Paimon attempted so, but Aether knew they wouldn't with how frequently they had to stop for her to rest. Finding their way along Yaoguang Shoal they decided to take the scenic route to camp on the beach instead of making a hurried run for the harbor.

Paimon fretted when they didn't make it and complained about being hungry. So Aether made the effort to prepare her a meal then realizing he wasn't very hungry. The only snack he had eaten the whole day seemed to last him, but it was a bit concerning. Touching his stomach he didn't feel full either.

Not worrying much of it he smiled happy Paimon ate her fill. The fish he caught were plentiful, and thanks to Xiao's knowledge and their conversation last time he was able to learn of a few places he could fish for a good catch. Sitting as he enjoyed the fire a bit he got up dusting himself off.

"I'll go get more wood, are you going to sleep?"

Paimon yawned rubbing her eye, "Yeah, Paimon's tired."

"Alright, then get some sleep." He shuffled around in his bag getting a blanket for her and tucked her in. "I'll be right back."

"Ok~" nice and cozy she was asleep fast.

Along the beach he watched the water then picked up a few shells to collect for Yelan. Into the plains he grabbed a few twigs to keep the fire going a while longer and went on heading back oblivious as a shadow followed closely behind. Stepping foot on the beach he was attacked, grabbed from behind arm twisted pinned against his back.

"?!" a dagger was held to his throat, the sharp blade cut very lightly into his skin, there was no time to defend himself at all.

From behind, the hold was strong and a voice demanded, "Call him." He was confused as to who they meant but once they said, "He will appear only if you call him." Aether knew.