Oath [BL; Book 2]

42

Careful as he demonstrated his skill, focused as he balanced upon the rails of the bridge. Alone he was able to pour all of his concentration into it. His training to keep himself strong. With each step he stretched his body, with each slow turn he felt the weight of his spear feeling it was one with him. An extension of his own body. Xiao ended the display of skill with a calm and precise stance. Holding his spear closely in front of him he breathed in and out vanishing.

From the sky he came crashing down. Spears erupted from the ground defeating the hilichurls that were tainted by evil. He sliced through them and easily dispelled the mitachurl and samachurl that came running in to join the fight.

The wind was on his side guiding his moves as the mask covered his face and the power swirled around him. Twirling his spear between his fingers Xiao found this training to help him clear his mind and easily keep up his work.

In the next area he fought against a ruin guard, a simple battle he rose to win. Standing on the broken machine he exhaled and opened his eyes approving of his progress to bettering his speed and agility. "Hm." He came out unscathed going back to Wangshu Inn for a rest when he appeared on the rail surprised by open arms that greeted him warmly.

"Xiao!" Aether was there, he stepped off the rail and into his arms willingly.

In these hugs he found something interesting, warmth, but not just that. A golden feather sway falling to the ground fading into a soft sparkle of light before it touched. It was strange and only happened when Aether touched him. Xiao didn't ask him of it crossing his arms.

"Are you ready for your class?"

"Yeah! We're ready!" Paimon and Aether said in unison. The seemed determined to ace it.

"I'm glad we can do this." Aether was up first, he had taken off his armor and freshened up having his hair up in a bun. It was a new look and Xiao rather liked it. "Are you starting slow?"

"Hm. It has been some time. We will begin slowly."

Their steps were light, he did make several mistakes and later beat himself up for them as it was Paimon's turn. Teaching Paimon was simple enough, and her class consisted of small course where she had to float precisely through. He even trained her strength making her hold a full basket of petals

Their progress was promising and he passed them for the day now going to train Ganyu. His schedule was becoming more and more full the more he took on. Between Belliol's mysteries, the search of the Stellys he had yet to hear of, his duty, Ganyu's training, the plans he made with the other Adepti, visiting Zhongli as frequently as was requested of him, and now Aether's classes he found very little time to meditate in peace.

What little meditation he was able to get was short and sweet. His duty took most of his time and fitting in everything else was difficult as is. Regardless, he didn't mind it at all. His interactions with others were growing a bit. Having used to only speak to the others when necessary he liked the idea of them coming to visit when they wanted to speak to him.

He welcomed the company and often was invited out to tea or for a stroll. Aether's visits were scattered around different times but he didn't mind that either being enlightened by this golden feather he had been seeing.

Relaxing in the bath he closed his eyes having washed up now enjoying his time. His clothes were being cleaned so he would have to lounge around in something simple for a bit. Getting out he dried himself slipping into the attire. A firmly fitted black sleeveless top with loose kung-fu grade pants and shoes. The style suit him well and allowed him to move freely should he need to. Out of his room he looked over seeing Aether was rushing back into his own room closing the door quickly.