~^Silent Promises^~

Aether leans on the railing of Wangshu Inn, golden eyes scanning the horizon as twilight descends. The warm glow of lanterns inside the inn contrasts with the cool, mist-laden air outside. Beside him, Paimon hovers, nibbling on a Sweet Madame.

“You’re staring out into the fog again,” Paimon remarks. “What’s so interesting out there?”

“I heard something earlier,” Aether replies, glancing at her. “Verr Goldet mentioned someone—or something—protecting travelers near the mountains. It sounds like Xiao.”

Paimon furrows her brow, a hint of unease creeping into her voice. “Xiao does keep an eye on Liyue, but... doesn’t he always say to stay away? Something about karmic energy being dangerous?”

Aether nods but doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he recalls his past encounters with the Yaksha—how Xiao always seemed burdened, distant, and unwilling to let anyone close. Aether’s resolve hardens. “Even if he says that, it doesn’t mean he should be alone all the time. I want to check on him.”

Reluctantly, Paimon agrees, though not without a warning. “Fine, but don’t blame Paimon if you get scolded again!”

As the duo ventures into the wilderness near Dihua Marsh, the atmosphere grows heavier, the mist thickening and muffling the world around them. Crickets chirp faintly, their song interspersed with the rustle of leaves in the wind. Aether moves carefully, guided by faint traces of adepti energy lingering in the air.

“I can feel it,” Aether says, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like he’s nearby.”

Paimon shivers. “Great, so we’re heading straight into whatever creepy stuff Xiao is dealing with?”

Aether smiles slightly but remains focused. After a while, they arrive at a secluded glade hidden behind dense foliage. The scene before them is breathtaking—a serene pond surrounded by glowing qingxin flowers, their petals softly illuminated in hues of blue and white. The mist swirls around the water’s surface, creating an ethereal glow under the rising moon.

By the pond, Xiao sits cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation. His spear is propped against a tree nearby, and his usual aura of tension seems momentarily absent. For a fleeting moment, Xiao looks peaceful.

Aether halts, motioning for Paimon to stay quiet. “Let’s not disturb him,” he murmurs. But as he takes a step forward, the air suddenly shifts.

The tranquil scene is shattered as a surge of dark energy ripples through the glade. Aether instinctively reaches for his sword, and Paimon gasps. From the shadows emerges an Abyss creature, its twisted form oozing with corrupted energy. Its presence is suffocating, the weight of karmic energy pressing down on the area like a storm cloud.

Xiao’s eyes snap open, and in an instant, he’s on his feet, his spear glowing with adepti energy. “Leave!” he shouts to Aether, his voice sharp and commanding. “This is my fight!”

Aether ignores the order, stepping forward with his sword drawn. “I’m not letting you handle this alone!”

Xiao growls in frustration but doesn’t have time to argue. The creature lunges, and the two fight side by side. Aether’s elemental attacks complement Xiao’s swift, devastating strikes, their movements flowing in sync despite Xiao’s earlier protests.

However, the battle takes a toll. Xiao falters briefly as his karmic burden flares, his breathing labored. Seeing an opening, the Abyss creature charges. Aether intercepts the attack, using his sword to block the blow meant for Xiao.

“Foolish mortal!” Xiao snaps, but there’s a hint of worry in his voice. “Do you want to die?”

“I said I’m not letting you do this alone!” Aether retorts, gritting his teeth as he pushes back against the creature.

Finally, with a combined effort, they bring the creature down. Its corrupted energy disperses into the air, leaving an oppressive silence behind.

As the dust settles, Xiao straightens, though his posture remains tense. His gaze sharpens as he turns to Aether.

“You shouldn’t have interfered,” he says coldly. “That creature was drawn here because of me. You were reckless.”

Aether wipes the sweat from his brow, his expression calm yet determined. “And if I hadn’t helped, you’d be hurt right now. You don’t have to do this alone, Xiao.”

Xiao’s frown deepens. He starts to retort but falters when he meets Aether’s gaze. There’s no judgment, no pity—only genuine concern. It’s a look Xiao isn’t used to, and it leaves him momentarily at a loss.

“I don’t need your help,” Xiao mutters finally, his voice softer now.

“That’s not true,” Aether replies, stepping closer. “Even someone as strong as you deserves support.”

Xiao looks away, his grip tightening on his spear. He doesn’t respond, but he doesn’t leave, either.

Aether, sensing Xiao’s exhaustion, sits by the pond, gesturing for Xiao to join him. “You can rest. I’ll keep watch.”

For a long moment, Xiao doesn’t move. Then, reluctantly, he sits a short distance away, his spear resting across his knees. The two sit in silence, the only sound, the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of nocturnal creatures.

After a while, Aether speaks, his voice low. “You carry so much, Xiao. But you don’t have to do it alone anymore.”

Xiao doesn’t reply, but his shoulders seem to relax ever so slightly. He glances at Aether, his expression unreadable, before turning his gaze to the stars reflected in the pond.

As the night deepens, the mist grows heavier, but the silence between them feels less like a barrier and more like a bridge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GUYS I'M BAAAAAAAAAACK with new motivation!!!<3333
And decided to drop a new story and yeah, I got older, better in English and matured my writing style 🤌🫶

Thank you for the support despite the fact that my only popular story is dangerous love 🤣

Still, I'm very thankful for the many reads and likes<3

Luv y'all sm

~Shino~