I Plead, Your Majesty, For Forgiveness

Chapter 23

When he left the Divine Creator's side, Xiao found himself standing idly at the Wangshu Inn balcony. He took the time to assess his actions, observing the grey clouds inflicting judgement across the land with flashes of bolts as the light reflected in his eyes. Perhaps he acted too hastily, he maybe should've tried to approach them first, but the influx of irritation that flooded his system at the time demanded he left at any opportunity possible.

It was only now that he realised the influence of his grief with the rage of the gods. His eyes closed, a gentle sigh leaving his lips as the ache of his mind screamed louder the more he stood still. Had he left them in a similar state? Fed them to their own demise-worth thoughts as they belittle everything they've done? His eyes opened again, shifting to observe the change in scenery as he stood where they once were. His body faltered at the lack of their presence, turning his head to make sure he hasn't overlooked them. But they weren't there, he caught on. They must've left after he did. At least, that's what he hoped they did.

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Eventually the strikes of lightning faded, leaving the Creator with the misery of rain soaking their clothes once more. They ran their nails down their sleeves, trying to claw the fabric off of their skin as they felt their bones soak too. A shudder ran through their spine, leaving the rest of their body to feel incomplete as they got up so pathetically. It was only right for Xiao to leave, he wasn't obligated to comfort them. He hadn't mentioned much of his contract but, if they had to guess, it'd more than likely only be a protection deal rather than anything else.

They shook off the questions, bringing themselves toward the Jueyun Karst waypoint to leave the area and their shame behind. A miniature frown stuck to their face, riddled with insecurity and guilt, as they checked the map on the waypoint silently. Wuwang Hill... They pondered, staring the dreaded Crimson Witch of Flames domain before they pressed it on a whim. The dull location soon relaxed them, fitting their dark feeling as their eyes enjoyed the lack of light aside from the small lit candles. Wuwang Hill, who would've known it'd be a comfort? They kicked their shoes in the water, watching as droplets splashed everywhere as they glanced around for somewhere to sit. Memories of Windtrace caused a small smile to appear, looking up at the trees many players hid in before their attention was brought to the interactive gazebo-esque sitting area above the domain.

But, the question is, how do they get up there? They awkwardly stood by the cliffside, looking up at it dumbfounded as they tried to figure out how to get the Dendro movement like before. They tried a few different ideas, lifting their hands like they directed a choir, asking politely, kneeling down to tap the grass and patting the rocks in front of them. But nothing even budged. They frowned once more, staring at the ground miserably as they sighed.

"I just want to go up there, are you kidding?"

They turned their attention to the trees swaying from the wind, slowly narrowing their eyes as impulses covered any rational side of their mind at the time.