Oath [BL; Book 2]

51

Hurrying, Xiao appeared on Qingyun Peak, where the temple gazebo stood he found Zhongli, and the other Adepti, Ganyu included. However, it wasn't just them, the people from Sumeru were there too. The young man with the Electro Vision he knew, but the other smaller girl he didn't nor the tall suspicious man or the angry looking boy with the wide hat.

"Ah, he has arrived." Aether had yet to awake, he was held in the arms of the suspicious man. With great distrust he held his spear tightly until Zhongli spoke, "This is Adeptus Xiao. He has been the one caring for Aether in his time of recovery, and also the one who allowed us to escape."

Releasing his spear as it faded he made no gesture simply watching the suspicious man, Xianyun pushed up her glasses and said, "One would like to further discuss this matter," She went to the man and took Aether from him, "Traveler is well protected in Liyue and should remain in one's abode until the threat has been subdued. There is no power more certain than that of the esteemed Adepti."

Moon Carver agreed saying, "One will hold the utmost courtesy and provide for the Traveler. You have one's word."

With him was Mountain Shaper who added, "The Adepti are more than capable of caring for the Traveler."

Even Zhongli, "We shall see to it that he is cared for and protected. We trust you understand our concern with taking him to the land of Dendro with the current threat at hand. This is no time to show difference, we all seek to aid him, working together to support this notion is of great importance."

Nahida smiled, "Yes, I agree." She was pleased to see how willing they all were and looked at Cyno who gave a nod.

He took a step forward to the untrusting crowd and said, "Traveler is a friend, he has done great deeds to help the land of Dendro, Sumeru. We only want to make sure he's alright. Once we recieved word the monster made its way here, we came as quickly as we could to warn you."

"Hah," their attention was grabbed by another, Wanderer scoffed, "but it looks like it was too late. That thing has already found him, and it won't stop until it has him."

Zhongli understood and responded, "The creature was lurking in the darkness for some time, was it not Xiao?" He looked at him, the crowd did.

Xiao, with his arms crossed having been listening without saying anything, now had to say something. In the second he had to process everything, he recalled Aether's reassuring words on their first agreement to go to the harbor.

"I'll be with you."

With this in mind he said, "It has been nearly six days and fourteen hours since I sensed its prescence on the outskirts of Mt. Hulao. It has been lurking at the base of the mountains for two days, only recently has it shown itself." The information he had kept to himself, the valid point he made, "I believe this is because Traveler's body is in a weakened state. For whatever reason, other than that, it has latched its interest to him." With Belliol behind him, he knew she too could provide information, but unless Zhongli said to, he kept her hidden with her mask on.

"We've come to understand it wants to consume his soul and take over his body." Nahida said easily redirecting everyone's attention to her, "We've had ample time to do sufficient research. The creature comes from another world entirely. There is no knowledge on it in all of Sumeru, nor in... Irmunsul." Zhongli narrowed his eyes, the other Adepti were all quiet now thinking for themselves.

Ganyu stepped forward and asked, "If the creature is from another world.... could it be related to Traveler?" It was known to all of them Traveler's origin, yet none wanted to speak on the subject.

Coming down from her scouting Shenhe stepped in, "Traveler's light shines brightly, surely there's another reason besides otherworldly conducts."

"Hm," Nahida thought and then sighed, "yes. There could be another reason."