Oath [BL; Book 2]

64

Self-loathing, Xiao stood on the balcony defeated. He had succumbed to Aether's request too easily and ended up causing him more trouble. The following day he had another affair to tend to in the harbor which he had to cancel to recover. "It's been two days..." he looked out at the scenery, "He's recovered, but I should be more careful. If his body is too weak..." Now unnerved he lowered his eyes to the rail. "The demon... it has yet to be seem again, tracking it has lead to several dead ends. Its leaving traces.... that man.." Xiao's expression turned cold. "Feiyu.." recalling his name irked him, but Xiao knew there was information he must know that others didn't.

His mission was set, vanishing, he appeared in Jueyun Karst overlooking the area. There were few mortals venturing their way around. Ignoring them he vanished now appearing above the stone forest looking at the land below. Glancing at the mountains he saw the other Adepti signaled to not having any further reports.

Finally he appeared at the Chasm where a small bird dropped off a note from the Dendro Archon. She didn't find much information on the demon besides what they shared before. Xiao sighed, they were getting nowhere, and the demon was lurking freely.

It haunted him.

The sight of Aether's wing, his screaming voice. He sighed again. Too many for one day.

Vanishing he appeared at the mouth of the Chasm looking down into the darkness. There had to be something. A trace, even a small one, and he needed to find it.

Aether jumped over a rock sliding down it onto the sandy shores. He stretched smiling. It was nice. A breath of fresh air, his body felt like new, light almost. Squatting down he saw some crabs digging their way out of the sand crawling around. He blushed finding his mind ran right into the gutter.

"Uh, is that really all I can think about?" Aether sighed. "He looked worried when I left. Maybe I'll pay him a visit later. Haa~, exploring around Chenyu Vale is so nice, the air is so fresh." He breathed in and exhaled. "I can see Mt. Hulao from here, couldn't hurt to visit Mountain Shaper." He dusted himself off and walked along the short beach seeing the small islands that connected the areas. "I wonder how Belliol is. I haven't seen her in a while, can't really keep in contact either, I don't have a way to." Jumping from rock to rock he made it to the other island.

Climbing the mountain now taking the path he fought his way to treasure and mora. Stealing ingredients from hilichurls he ran for cover and even beat up a few treasure hoarders. Along the way he bit into an apple thinking of Venti.

"Hm, I should visit him too, there's so much to talk about." Enjoying the apple he smiled then quickly drew his sword as an arrow shot his way. Using it as defense the arrow clipped his sword falling down. "Who's there?" He called, but no one showed. Keeping his guard up he waited.

Another arrow was shot and this time he slashed it away. More came like a rain from heaven, switched to full defense Aether swung his sword. The anemo element swirled blowing away the arrows. They hit the ground useless as weapons, but still he kept his guard high. He was ready, however he was caught when the strike came from behind. His reaction was too slow. Turning his eyes he saw the blade nearly reached him.

"Xiao!!" He decided quickly, but his mind decided quicker calling the name.

A Jade spear appeared from a shadowy fog tainted with a bright teal. The spear struck against he sword. The sheer force of it sent the sword flying in the air.

The Yaksha mask glowed, anger as the anemo power spiraled around him infusing his weapon with it. Aether instinctively stayed behind him realizing this himself. "I'm hiding??" However he had no time to worry of that, Aether saw the culprit behind the attack was held at the end of the spear, one move and it could cost them their life.