The traveler and the yaksha | Xiao x Aether

The next morning the sun slowly filled the room with its bright light and warm rays. Aether woke up before Xiao this time. He quietly sat up in the futon and looked down at Xiao who was still sound asleep. His chest slowly raised and fell with light snoring. Aether couldn't help but smile as he watched Xiao rest so peacefully.

'He looks so innocent when he's asleep. I'm glad he's starting to relax more and his karmic debt is fading.' Aether thought.

Aether leaned down and kissed Xiao on his cheek before he crawled out of the futon hoping to not disturb Xiao. He tiptoed to where their clothes were and quietly got dressed. Aether opened the door and took one last look at Xiao before he exited the room.

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Xiao was walking down a long road lined with fully bloomed sakura trees and the sky was all white then he came to a stop and sensed someone behind him.

"Alatus..." The voice spoke up.

Xiao recognized this voice and turned around to see the silhouettes of four people standing behind him. His breath caught in his throat when he saw that the other yakshas were standing there. His mouth fell open as he continued to stare.

"How are you guys here?" Xiao finally managed to ask.

"We are only here in spirit," Indarias answered.

"..." Xiao couldn't find the right words. His mind was still in shock from seeing his comrades right in front of him. "I miss you...I'm the last yaksha..."

"This is true. You are the last but we are very proud of you Alatus." Menogias replied. "You have remained so strong and carry the yaksha name with pride."

"You are doing a great job kid!" Bosacius exclaimed with pride.

Xiao could feel his eyes start to water as he heard those words escape their mouths. Xiao couldn't stand anymore, his legs gave out from under him and he collapsed to his knees.

"I don't want to be alone...I wish I could have saved you all.." Xiao choked out between sobs. His body felt numb and his heart felt like it was being ripped right out of his chest.

"Alatus..." Bodacious spoke softly, "listen to me. We are no longer suffering but know this, we will always be by your side, we live on in your heart. You are not alone."

"Xiao..." The voice called out from behind him.

Xiao knew this voice, it was so familiar to him, so beautiful in his ears. His heart sped up as he turned his head around to see that Aether was standing there holding out his hand with a bright smile across his face.

"Aether..." Xiao whispered out.

Xiao turned his head back towards the yakshas after he heard them speak again.

"That boy is very special. You two were destined to meet. He may be able to become a yaksha just like us Alatus....No... Xiao. That is your name now." Bonanus spoke up.

Fresh tears started to stream down Xiao's face again as he listened to them speak. He closed his eyes and wanted to scream out in agony but then they spoke again snapping his attention back to them. He opened his eyes and saw that they were smiling.

"Xiao, continue to live on and honor the yaksha name." All four yaksha's said together.

Xiao held back his tears and stood up. He whipped away the tears from his face and he nodded his head.