Xiao Pov
------------
I leave Aether's apartment feeling angry, but not at Aether. At Rex Lapis. Why did he let Aether have a dream about our reality? Am I going to have to explain it?
I used an excuse to go talk to Childe, so I'd better go find him in case Aether looks for proof.
I begin to run down the street as fast as I can run.
Well, it's not really my fastest. In my version of Teyvat, I'm known for my speed and agility. Since I've lost my adeptal powers in this world, I'm not as fast as I used to be, which is a little disorienting.
I eventually stop at a corner because it occurred to me that I really have no idea where Childe would be right now.
Guess I'll have to ask, even though I don't want to. I mean, how dare he summon Osial into Liyue Harbor? The person who defeated it last time isn't alive anymore!
If Liyue had gotten destroyed, then I would have failed my contract with Rex Lapis. I would have then suffered the wrath of the Geo Archon and die slowly. If Aether hadn't been there...
I don't even want to think about what might've happened.
I pull out my phone. I'm really overthinking this. This version of Childe didn't do what I'm blaming him for. It'd be like how everyone once judged me for being under service of an evil god 2000 years ago.
Besides, it's for Aether.
----------------------
(TeyvatChat.Exe)
VigilantYaksha:
Hey, where are you?
We need to talk?
WaterFoul:
What's up?
Also hi comrade!
Also I'm at the Starbucks on This Street.
VigilantYaksha:
Saying you're on this street really isn't helpful.
WaterFoul:
Wait, no.
There's an actually street called This Street. Check your maps if you don't believe me.
VigilantYaksha:
So I can meet you there?
WaterFoul:
Yup.
I'm impressed that you actually texted me.
VigilantYaksha:
Why?
WaterFoul:
Idk.
You kinda give me vibes that you're gonna push me into a dark alleyway and stab me in the lower stomach...
VigilantYaksha:
That's oddly specific
WaterFoul:
Well, would you do it or would you not?
VigilantYaksha:
Gods, I'm not that bad.
I wouldn't hurt you unless you really deserved it.
Why is it saying that half of my sentence is incorrect?
WaterFoul:
Grammarly?
VigilantYaksha:
No, the red lines.
It says that 'hurt you unless you really deserved it' isn't a word/in the dictionary.
WaterFoul:
That's weird.
Anyways when is your eta?
VigilantYaksha:
Five minutes.
WaterFoul:
Aight.
----------------------
I stuff my phone into my pocket and begin to make my way towards This Street. Hearing that name makes me wonder who the heck named this place. Westside Street? Courtyard City? This Street? That Street? The Other Street?
It was hard enough with Xingqu Pool, which I'm not even sure whether I spelled it correctly, and Guyun Stone Forest and whatnot, now this? Names in Liyue are tough enough.
Five minutes later, I reach the Starbucks. I enter, my eyes scanning the tables for a specific red-head. I locate the object of my mission and join him at his table.
His ocean blue eyes brighten when he sees me. I try not to narrow my eyes as I remember how his eyes once went from clear blue to opaque blue when he used his delusion.
Then I inwardly kick myself. It. Isn't. This. Childe's. Fault.
He motions for me to sit with him. I sit down and he smiles, resting his chin on his hands like that brown haired girl with the ponytail and white bow from that one psychological horror game.
"Hey, comrade! What brings you to my Starbucks?" He asks teasingly. I give him a questioning look.
"Let me guess. Your parents own this Starbucks." I ask, my voice filled with sarcasm.
"Actually, my parents own this entire street." Childe says.
"Does that mean I can get free coffee?" I ask.
"Any time." He responds. "So, what'd you wanna talk about?"
I take a breath.
"I gather that you know a lot. Especially about Opal City. I need you to tell me, has there been any strange activity lately?" I ask in all seriousness.
Childe looks thoughtful.
"Well, I mean, some people have been claiming to see weird looking animals and strange unmeltable ice, but that's about it." He says.
"Unmeltable ice?" I mutter.
That sounds 100 percent like the Tsaritsa. Could she have sent the thing that attacked me and Aether at Wangshu Inn? It'd make sense, I guess, since Aether's the main threat to the Fatui's plans.
"Earth to Xiao!" Childe says. I guess he asked me something and I didn't hear him.
"What?" I ask?
"Why are you asking me this?" He asks.
"Because I've been told about the strange things by someone and I'm worried about the people I care about that live in Opal City. Considering that it was someone who backstabbed me before, I didn't exactly trust them, so I came to you for confirmation." I say. It's half true.
"Okay. Well since you asked me a question, I get to ask you a question." Childe says.
I can't imagine what he'd ask me other than about my relationship with Aether. It's a good thing that I've prepared a lie.
"Go for it." I say.
"Scaramouche has told me some interesting things about you...mainly about what you talk about with Aether." He says.
My blood runs cold.
"Dare I ask what an 'adeptus' is? Or why it pertains to you? Or what the sentence 'in our world' means to you?" He asks.
I stare at him in silence, contemplating what he'd asked.
I get up from my chair.
"I'm not legally required to answer those questions." I say, glaring at him to mask my fear. He's hitting too close for comfort.
"Saying that makes you more suspicious, you know!" Childe calls after me as I leave.
Once I leave the Starbucks, I run to the nearest park. Luckily for me, it's completely empty.
How did Childe know?
He said that Scaramouche told him...but how did Scaramouche know? Has he been stalking us or something?
I sigh and sit down on one of the swings. The person I really need right now is Aether, but I don't know what's up with him.
"Sucks to suck at improv lying, huh Xiao?" A voice says from next to me. I nearly fall off the swing in surprise.
I turn to see Venti sitting on the swing next to me, wearing a navy blue jacket and a white shirt, something he'd never wear.
He grins at me with his usual childish grin.
"Where the heck did you come from?" I ask.
Venti begins to pump his legs, swinging higher.
"Oh you know." He says.
"Helpful." I say bitterly.
"From Celestia, I guess." He says.
A strong gust of wind pushes me forward until I'm level with Venti's swinging level.
"Oh. You're Barbatos." I say sourly. "Just who I needed to see right now."
"Someone should give you a prize for that assessment, honestly." Venti jokes.
"Moron! I meant compared to the version of you from this world." I say.
"Isn't it weird? I lose my gnosis, and almost immediately another version of myself is created. I kinda want to see if he'd be willing to team up with me so we can fill the Golden House with apples in place of all the Mora." Venti says, giggling.
I shove him off of the swing. He levitates with anemo an inch off of the wood chip covered ground.
I jump off the swing at the highest point and land lightly on the ground.
"You can't do that, and you know it. You'll get in trouble with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principals again." I say.
Venti sighs.
"True, I guess. But the first time was not my fault." He says.
"Why'd you come here, anyways? You know better than anyone that I'm stuck here for a while." I ask.
"Well, I went to find you a bit ago, but I couldn't, and I found some energy from a Dynri allll around Wangshu Inn, so I connected the dots and came after you." Venti says.
Oh right. It's called a Dynri.
"And?" I ask. "It's not like you can help me."
"Yes, but, that Dynri was very much not random. Someone was trying to get rid of you or Aether or both of you." Venti says.
"Wait, no really?" I say sarcastically.
I turn to walk away from him.
"Also I came to give you a bit of help. My first bit of advice, is that you might want to go back to Aether right about now." Venti says.
I turn around to ask him about that what he means, but he's vanished.
Typical.
Go back to Aether? Is he in trouble or something?
I begin to walk over to his apartment. He'd have texted me if he was in trouble, so I'm in no rush.
I mull over what Venti told me. Does this mean he'll help me if I need it?
No. I'm the Vigilant Yaksha. I don't need help.
I laugh to myself as I remember the way Aether always says it.
I reach Aether's street and nearly double back and run back down the street.
What.
The.
Fresh.
Hell?
Standing at the wall next to the gate for the stairs leading to Aether's apartment is a familiar black haired boy. His grey eyes burn into mine.
Or should I say...
My grey eyes.
I used to be someone completely different a long time ago, so I guess there's two of me in this world? I guess it makes sense...
"And you are?" The boy asks, sizing me up, his grey eyes filled with suspicion.
"I'm Aether's friend. Xiao. And you?" I ask.
"Aether's boyfriend." He responds.
I fail to keep the look of disdain and shock off of my face. Aether has a boyfriend in this reality that isn't me? Well, I mean, technically he is me, but I digress.
"What's with that look?" The boy tests.
"Aether's gay? Huh. Anyways. You never said your name." I say, quickly changing the subject.
"Alatus." He says.
Oh of course. Of course he'd have my name from before. The name I used to go by. I bite my tongue to contain my emotions.
Alatus regards me coldly.
"Why are you here?" He asks icily. The fact that his tone is one I'd never use back then makes my blood burn in my veins. How dare he?
"I literally just told you. Aether's my friend. My school friend. Sometimes he lets me stay overnight with him because my parents are child abusers." I say, choosing my words carefully.
Alatus' grey eyes narrow.
"I heard that your parents got arrested. Why'd you come back? Aren't you free now?" He asks.
I taste blood in my mouth as I bite down hard on my lip to prevent myself from socking him across the face. Has he no sympathy?
"Does it matter where I stay?" I ask.
"As Aether's boyfriend, it does matter to me, thank you." Alatus says dryly
"Has possible trauma ever registered in that brain of yours, Alatus?" I growl. It's really weird to call someone else by my own name, but I have no choice.
"It's not that. I don't want you getting any ideas." He responds, as cold as Dragonspine.
"He's my friend, dipshit! Do you really think Aether'd cheat on you, especially with someone like me?"
"It's not him, it's you! A delinquent like you would push him against the wall and force him to do things with you!" Alatus shouts, spitting you like venom in his mouth.
I snap.
Before I realized it, I'd punched him across the face. Blood flies from his mouth. He falls to the ground, his hands on his mouth.
He gets up, blood leaking from his lips. His eyes are blazing with anger.
He rushes me and pushes on my shoulders, forcing me into the back wall.
My head slams against the wall and I hear a sickening crunch. I feel warm liquid running down the back of my neck.
My head buzzes as I try to meet Alatus' eyes.
Now I'm mad.
"If it were that easy to kill me..." I say breathlessly. "IT'D HAVE BEEN DONE A LONG TIME AGO!"
"I'm not trying to-" Alatus is cut off as I grab him by the jaw and lift him off of the ground with one arm. He's surprisingly light.
I look directly into his eyes.
"Show some respect, mor- boy." I say, nearly saying mortal. I catch myself, however.
"I- I'm only a year younger than- you!" He says. It isn't until he says this that I realize I'm involuntarily choking him. I loosen my grip enough so he won't die.
Only a year younger.
Ha.
"Give me one reason that I shouldn't kill you right now." I say.
It'd be just so easy.
But I won't. I'd never use my adeptal powers to kill a mortal that doesn't deserve it.
I'm just trying to scare some respect into him.
He really needs to learn how to talk to an adeptus.
"So you don't- follow the- cliche." Alatus says. His response takes me by surprise, and I drop him.
He lands on his feet and takes a step away from me.
"Fine. I'll leave. But not because you told me to, just because I have nothing better to do. And a head wound." I say.
I turn around without another word and walk away.
As I walk to my apartment, I begin to muse.
The reason I got so upset must be because we're technically the same person, so we're like two negative magnets, always repelling each other.
It'd be problematic if Alatus is going to keep showing up.
I just want to go back to my version of Teyvat, not start a love triangle!
Or would it be a love quadrilateral?
Me with Aether and other Aether with Alatus who is technically me but not really me who also hates me and doesn't know that there are now two Aethers in this world?
Now my brain hurts.
Just the way that interdimensional world traveling is confusing makes me not do it even though I could.
I don't even want to begin to think about the way that the other version of me could affect things.
That's why I hope no one ever finds out about my true identity.
This reality can cover up my existence here and make this version of me believe I don't exist, but if anyone finds out and begin to ask questions...
It's not even just for this world.
I can't even begin to imagine the damage it could do to my Teyvat.
That would be seriously unhelpful, especially since now Zh- Rex Lapis is 'dead'.
Well, dead to the people of Liyue.
Not to me and the other Adepti.
It still hurts though.
Before, if I had problems, I could go to Rex Lapis for help and he wouldn't judge me like any other mortal would.
He even put a magical restraining order on Barbatos that keeps him mostly out of Liyue and away from me.
And with the central government of Liyue saying basically the world is centered around humanity now...
And considering that blue haired exorcist Chongyun purging evil spirits...
I could very well end up out of my job.
Liyue could have no need for a conquerer of demons.
Before I knew it, warm tears were streaming down my face.
When Rex Lapis said his work was done...
Is my work done as well?
My job...
My contract...
Our contract...
To restore order through slaughter. Purge evil through battle. To this we dedicate our lives.
Am I finished?
Will my contract end?
What happens after that?
When I reach my apartment, I sit down on my bed feeling bad.
Having Alatus possibly hanging around Aether always could be really unhelpful. What if my Aether comes back and has no idea what the heck is going on?
Or...
Will he never come back? Will I be forced to watch Aether be with Alatus?
I shake my head, trying to clear it. Aether would never do that to me.
It's coming from the person who politely tricked me into being in Liyue during the last Lantern Rite.
My phone buzzes and I pull it out.
----------------------
(TeyvatChat.Exe)
Aether:
Xiao?
VigilantYaksha:
Yes?
Aether:
Oh thank the Archons
So I'm playing it cool with I think you know who.
He says he can't stay for long and that he'll leave soon
So when he does, will you come back?
We need to talk.
VigilantYaksha:
I take it you're fine now?
Aether:
Yup.
So your name used to be Alatus.
Did not know that.
VigilantYaksha:
Just keep calling me Xiao, aight?
Aether:
Ofc.
Also really quick.
Why do you two hate each other?
He told me you two got into a fight.
VigilantYaksha:
Since we're the same person technically, we repel each other.
There's a term for it, but I forgot what it was.
I didn't want to hit him but he was essentially calling me depraved if you get what I mean.
Aether:
That's not good!
VigilantYaksha:
Don't blame him. I don't. It was the whole 'same person' thing.
Aether:
So, am I stuck in a love triangle or something?
VigilantYaksha:
Don't think about it too hard.
But of you want to,
He's with the version of you from this world, not you you.
Aether:
I think I won't think about it too hard, thanks 😅
VigilantYaksha:
Is he going to check your phone to make sure you aren't cheating or whatever?
Aether:
Dunno.
I don't think so.
I think if I tell him not to, he will.
He seems to care about me that much.
VigilantYaksha:
Okay.
Text me when I can come over.
Also I'm assuming he's from Opal City?
Aether:
Yeah he's from my hometown.
Also uh..
Can you please not go?
I'm two seconds away from a panic attack and talking to you helps.
VigilantYaksha:
Um
Okay?
Just so you know, though, I bad at holding up a conversation.
Aether:
It's been just a week ugh it's going to be a long time stuck here 😔
VigilantYaksha:
I'm sure Kazuha can make sure Teyvat doesn't get destroyed in the meantime
Aether:
I'm sure Xinyan will set the world on fire 🔥
VigilantYaksha:
If she does then I'll make sure to have a word with her.
Aether:
Don't kill her
VigilantYaksha:
i'D nEvEr uSe mY AdEpTaL pOwErS tO hArM a mOrTaL
Aether:
Should I be worried.....?
VigilantYaksha:
sArCaSm 👏
Aether:
❤️
VigilantYaksha:
🧀
Aether:
❤️❤️
VigilantYaksha:
🧀🧀
Aether:
❤️❤️❤️
VigilantYaksha:
🧀🧀🧀
Aether:
I'm going to keep doing it until you do it back ❤️❤️❤️❤️
VigilantYaksha:
👁️👄👁️
Aether:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
VigilantYaksha:
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Aether:
Aww- 🥺
VigilantYaksha:
AETHER!
I STG YOU'RE GONNA GET EVIL CONQUERING'D
Aether:
No plz 🙇♀️
VigilantYaksha:
You're flirting so shamelessly 🙃
Aether:
It's easier over text 😅
VigilantYaksha:
Well, I can one-up you.
Aether:
Okay. Let's see how well the Vigilant Yaksha can do at romance 🙈
VigilantYaksha:
Do the thing
Aether:
What thing?
VigilantYaksha:
You know.
Aether:
Um..
Okay.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
VigilantYaksha:
🤤
Aether:
I thought you said you weren't depraved 🤨
VigilantYaksha:
😘
Aether:
😘
Shoot I have to go. Alatus is going to leave now.
Or wait.
Maybe not?
Wait i
VigilantYaksha:
?
Aether:
You fucking liar.
VigilantYaksha:
?
Aether:
How dare you try to steal my boyfriend?
VigilantYaksha:
I'm audibly sighing right now.
Want me to do what I did to you last time again, Alatus?
Aether:
I see the red hearts.
VigilantYaksha:
If you know what's good for you, you won't scroll up any further.
Aether:
Who these heck is Childe?
Oh.
Oh I'm sure he would absolutely LOVE a screenshot of these messages.
The entire internet as well.
VigilantYaksha:
DON'T!
Aether:
Or what?
I don't fully understand all you conversation, but heck, it's interesting.
Let me just put all your conversation screenshots in your schools group chat.
There. Done.
VigilantYaksha:
YOU'RE GOING TO GET EVIL CONQUERING'D TOO!
Aether:
What does that even mean?
VigilantYaksha:
It means you're going to die!
Before it was a joke, but now it's not.
You shouldn't get involved in other people's business Alatus.
I can assure you, I was never like this.
Aether:
Why do I care what you were like?
VigilantYaksha:
Because we're the same person, dipshit!
Didn't you read our conversation?
Aether:
That's literally impossible.
I'm my own person.
VigilantYaksha:
I'm sure you are.
Wanna know how to confuse an idiot?
Seven.
Aether:
?
Oh
OH-
That's not funny.
VigilantYaksha:
Get out of this town before I give you a punch to the other side of the face.
Aether:
Your world is about to fall, Xiao.
Be careful, you soft little bitch.
----------------------
I quickly open up the school group chat to see if Alatus had actually posted screenshots or not, because if he did, then I'd better come up with some lies, and quick.
----------------------
(TeyvatChat)
BardBoi:
Someone without permissions just tried to post some screenshots lol 🤭
🥶Ice Ice Baby 🥶:
Lol
VigilantYaksha:
You have to have permission to post screenshots?
BardBoi:
Yeah only teachers and student council can.
To prevent any cheating on assignments.
Lu:
That's actually really smart 🧠
BardBoi:
Ikr?
VigilantYaksha:
That's a good thing.
Something I did NOT want leaked just nearly got leaked 💀
🥶Ice Ice Baby 🥶:
Ouch.
VigilantYaksha:
Justhadtodropinseeyoualllaterbyedonttextmeoraskmeaboutwhatwasnearlyleakedorelsetheworldmayend.
WaterFoul:
Woah, what?
VigilantYaksha:
Just had to drop in see you all later bye don't text me or ask me about what was nearly leaked or else the world may end.
----------------------
I close my phone and walk outside. If Alatus had gotten ahold of Aether's phone, then that could mean that-
"Xiao!" A familiar voice calls. I turn to see Aether running up the street towards me. He looks both nervous and relieved at the same time.
He stops in front of me, red faced from running, and I'm guessing also from blushing.
"Alatus took my phone, so I came to check up on you and make sure you were oka-" I cut him off by pulling him into a hug.
"I'm glad you're back." I say, resting my chin on the top of his head. I swear to the Archons, Aethers height changes every day.
Aether hesitantly returns my hug at first but then hugs me tightly.
"I'm glad to see you." He says.
"We're getting blasted on all ends in this world. Childe, Scaramouche, and Alatus all know more than they should." I say.
I tell Aether about the text messages between me and essentially myself.
Aether's face changes from relief to concern.
"That means we suck at hiding things, right?" He asks.
I'm startled into laughing, which is weird for me. Aether looks at me like I've lost my mind.
"I'm- I'm sorry it's just- it's just that- you aren't wrong." I say, nearly crying from my laughing fit.
Aether smiles.
"So what do we do now?" He asks.
"Now you get to stay at my place so I can protect you from Alatus." I say.
"Um, he did leave though. But I still stay with you." Aether says quickly, blushing lightly. I smile to myself. He's so adorable when he's flustered.
"Good. Because tonight, you're mine." I say sincerely.
"I thought I was yours all the time?" Aether says.
"Honestly I thought you were going to get all dirty minded." I say.
"Huh?" Aether asks.
"Nothing." I say. "Let's go inside. I'm sick and tired of insane things happening." I say.
Aether nods.
And I smile back.
------------------------
Third Person Pov
------------------------
A shadowy figure watches the two boys from a nearby alleyway.
They grin coldly.
"You're wrong, Xiao." They whisper in a singsong voice. "You're life is about to become hell."
Footsteps from behind make the mysterious turn around.
"Did you find him?" A new voice asks.
The first figure nods.
They turn back around.
"Why we're teaming up is beyond me, but it better be worth it." They say.
The shorter figure smiles.
"Trust me. I have experience in that field." They say. "Both their lives will be hell I'm through with them."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you figure out who the second figure is?
Thanks for reading
-Coin