GENERAL

XIAO | GENSHIN IMPACT DWARF | HOUSE 122 AFFILIATED WITH ISOLA RADIALE

[hylialight-deactivated20250708]

" One should dress appropriately for the weather. Going around without a shirt or pants could result in hypothermia or worse. And do remember to avoid licking any metal polls. I've already come across a few who suffered in their momentary lapse of rational thought."

[nuoyaksha]

he knows he heard correct but still, why would someone subject themselves to such a thing? "licking metal... is this a thing only mortals do? I've never heard of anyone else doing this before."

[nuoyaksha]

snow...? its been a while since he's seen any. so he stands, arm stretched out with a palm open to watch as the flakes drop and melt on his glove. "that time of year already. the humans will be worrying over the cold again."

[contractuum]

"alas, humanity venturing into incomprehensible terrain is not a new phenomenon." he does not know what a babygirl is either, but if barbatos is involved it can't be anything good.

[nuoyaksha]

"yes, but it is still no less surprising when they do. I don't understand how you manage to live normally among all of this."

[spiritsbloom]

“Strange terms are all abound, will you accept them as part of us?” an attempt of poetry but the teasing is very much genuine.

[nuoyaksha]

an audible sigh can be heard, if only faint. "...there are some exceptions."

[nuoyaksha]

"the mortals here are still as confusing as before with their strange terms..." no, he doesn't know what a babygirl is. do not enlighten him.

[castilium]

@nuoyaksha

A sprawling land populated by mountains, the glitter of tiny pockets the only signs of civilisation. Within the air, an energy of which she had experienced before flowed — the elements of Teyvat. What land this were, the greens and blues of Mondstadt had been replaced by browns of rockface and the orange of an eve sky. Along dirt trails with no clear indication of which direction to travel, she roamed the earth in search for the source.

Though the mists were indiscreet, to have wandered into Teyvat's dome more than once... was there something the Stars intended for her to witness about this world? Diluc was nowhere to be seen, and this wasn't his homeland, so she doubted it bore any connection to him. In fact, if she were aware, the scene came millennia before the man would be born.

Between ascents, the distant sea collided with the gently burning sky — splitting the horizon between shades of no kindness to one another. The scream of a man tore her sights away, bearing witness to the clumsy scramble of a trio dashing as though their lives were in jeopardy. Considering the remote location and their apparent lack of armaments, it was safe to deduce they'd be easy pickings for monsters in the wild. However, that was not the identity of their pursuer — a sudden trail of Anemo sliced the air, forming the shape of a youth.

The one whom must have served as anchor to the scenery. "—Xiao, is that you?"

[nuoyaksha]

the chase has been successful so far, but the girl standing in the way only leads to an unfriendly glare. he does not answer to her call and gives a warning instead. "stay out of my way." there's no hesitation in the attack, polearm swift in the way it approaches her far too quickly—however, no contact is made. the hit is instead blocked by the very same weapon.

from afar, Xiao happened to spot the pair's meeting. no good would come of it. and so he found himself intervening. he cannot say he foresaw the day carrying out these events, having to defend someone from himself. an unpleasant version that he never wishes to speak of. pushing against the other, he manages to knock the imprint back far enough to allow some breathing space. now he stands in the way, between his past and Mashu. "I will not let you continue any further."

the imprint is furious, that much he can tell from the way fingers tighten around the polearm. Xiao's attention briefly shifts over his shoulder then ahead once more. "we either fight, or take the chance to leave—fighting will not be easy. the choice is yours." if her chosen option is to stand against the copy, he will offer assistance until an outcome is reached, whatever that may be.

[genshin-impact-updates]

Take it with you. You can eat it later if you wish.

Thank you for being willing to recount your travels to me. Though there were some close calls, it seems your journey went well.

I have no special anecdotes with which to return the favor... Take this bag of snacks as instead.

They say that this dessert can restore one's energy, though I do not know if it is to your taste.

Take it with you. You can eat it later if you wish.

Thanks to DSマイル for the fantastic artwork!

[nobully]

Indeed, felines are fickle as well as fastidious. so much that S-0 isn't even interested in the finer details of Xiao's loyalty. He's only bemused by the boy himself and the astonishing acrobatics he displays when jumping off a tree without a second thought.

【That's fine, I have an active contract of my own.】

【Consider this a personal request, as I'm well aware of the limitations of this body.】

He's still clinging to the boy with his fluffy body, tail swinging back and forth in anticipation.

【Now, for the period of our arrangement—what should I call you?】 Just like the other wouldn't call him "Cat," he has no plans to keep calling this stranger "Boy."

[nuoyaksha]

so that's how it is. a personal request is one he cannot object to, had it been anyone else, however... they wouldn't find him so willing. "then we have come to an understanding. I will assist you when required, but don't take this generosity for granted." there are some slight suspicions, knowing better than to blindly trust any person or being he meets. with time, the yaksha may learn to find it.

"you may call me Xiao." there's a pause, deciding whether to allow S-0 to call upon him, whenever the cat wishes to go somewhere. only one has ever been offered the opportunity and it isn't something he gives freely.

but if this is to be a long-term arrangement... "should you need me in future, you may request my presence by calling out, so long as you do not make me regret giving you the privilege to do so." under no circumstances will he simply show up for any ridiculous little tasks.

[nuoyaksha]

castilium​:

It was one way to describe things — there was a time when Mashu had been honest to a fault, and while she might not have become a seasoned liar, the tendency to keep things quiet, burrowed beneath the surface where no-one need see, had become much more prevalent in her behaviour. Done so not to burden others with her weakness, no matter her inability to maintain the front in contrast to others, that was allegedly enough to draw the seeds to blossom.

Aggravation emanated about him, radiating from the cluster of petals spread like confetti from a popper — a mess in need of cleaning, secrets spilled for uninvited eyes and ears in physical form. “It is certainly unfair. They must have anticipated that some would rather keep to themselves. Privacy is important, but it’s now a luxury — not a right we’re supposed to be entitled to".

at first he couldn’t be certain whether the reply had been directed at him; she could just as easily be passing with another, but when no one else appeared to be present, it’s clear she meant to address him. it leaves the yaksha to think on her comment. unfairness was not a term ever placed in relation to himself, everything endured had been expected for his kind, though he could understand why she might see it as such. “it’s for that reason I came here... to find peace away from unwanted stares.” and somehow she still managed to stumble upon his hiding place.

“was that also your purpose, or something else?” whatever the case may be, Xiao could tolerate her presence, so long as she isn’t too noisy. given her tone, that doesn’t seem to be an issue he should worry about.

[nuoyaksha]

Something smells fishy...

That's because it is fish, or rather, a paper bag of freshly baked anchovies left in one of Xiao's usual haunts with a typewritten note attached. (What, you think S-0 can write with those paws? Dream on.)

And so the printed words read:

I don't easily share my snacks, but our partnership earned it. Since so many humans are gifting each other on this day, I'll join in as well. Make sure you get these before any other cat finds them.

S-0

He didn't bake them either—his host did—so if Xiao has anything to complain about, he can find him instead.

he wondered what the smell was, and of course, staring him in the face from that paper bag were a few fish. "what a strange creature." really it should have been obvious for a cat... even if S-0 isn't technically one, but the appearance is convincing enough to consider as such.

that's probably not right at all actually...

whatever, it doesn't matter. the thought counts. Xiao will have to take time thinking of something in return, he can't simply just ignore a gift given to him freely. maybe one for the host as well if the yaksha feels particularly generous on the day, no guarantee on that.

so he makes himself comfortable in a tree for a short break — first of all, to go through some options, and to snack on the food, despite not being able to taste much of it.

[nuoyaksha]

"you should hear yourselves, you sound ridiculous." if you blink on discount day, you'll miss him teleport into the store and grab everything while everybody is busy fighting.

[nuoyaksha]

"it smells disgusting around here..." sometimes it's a curse when you're blessed with good senses, especially when something has been burned.

[nuoyaksha]

he's relieved to know Rain still shares accommodation with him—

wait, what do you mean Zhongli moved in...?

[nuoyaksha]

descensionstar​:

the silence was deafening, and while she would typically feel it a more comfortable for Xiao, the question burned on the tip of her tongue. silenced by the apprehension to dredge up bad memories — the ordeal was a frightening prospect on the cusp of reality hadn’t it been for Zhongli’s saving grace, but Xiao experienced far more than any in those depths. the anguish of a dear friend, the tragic end to his tale — a fate he was prepared to shoulder if it meant everyone else could escape. every time the mere thought glanced her way, her heart tightened with suffocating distress. by a miracle, it was no more than a ‘what-if’, but the possibility was there. lingering. ready to snatch away anyone else. and Lumine would be incapable of doing anything.

when she reached for Aether, her hand couldn’t reach. when she reached for Xiao, her hand couldn’t reach. when she reached for Katheryne and Nahida, her hand couldn’t reach. loss was not new to her, like many in Teyvat, she’d the experience of a bitter parting and the door sealed tight without the passage of closure. how longer before their luck ran out and that inability to grasp hold of someone dear unavoidable saw their blood splatter upon her fingertips, their lifeless body crumple before her eyes? it was an unhelpful line of thinking, pessimistic and a blight upon their time together, though the worry was undeniably in the back of her mind. when she contemplated that, one day, her way would part with all her friends, it was through passing the sky or their lifetimes reaching a natural conclusion, not… that.

but Teppei, Arama… so very nearly Dunyarzad and Xiao…

her gold met his when so directly he addressed it. as skilled as she were managing her emotions and keeping them under wraps when need be, that nightmare was one that could not be shied away from so easily. it scared her — more than the Abyss, more than anything. “you’re alright… right?” it might have been in reference specifically to that ordeal, or their current predicament trapped within the city, her words were unclear as her thoughts jumbled.

it’s a question he should have seen coming, likely regarding the events within the Chasm. they’d had a brief conversation shortly after and then parted ways, she seemed fine then, but perhaps it plagued her more than she let on. there’s no gentle way of approaching what occurred in those depths. not after everything they had seen.

Xiao nods slightly. ”for now, yes.” but she still hasn’t answered his own hidden inquiry so he asks directly instead. “what about you? you rarely speak of your own troubles, and are always too focused on others around you.” is it not right that she takes a moment of pause to consider herself first for once? when had been the last time Lumine allowed it? wanting to protect others is understandable, though not everyone can be saved, some even prefer it that way. this may be difficult to accept but a person’s wishes must be honoured.

“...if you aren’t careful, you may not find yourself willing to keep up social activities.” by no means is he familiar with this on a personal level, there have been those who were troubled by it with himself as a passing witness to mumbled worries.

another thing — what does Paimon make of this? unless she doesn’t know. it wouldn’t be so strange to imagine Lumine might keep certain thoughts tucked out of reach. many others do the same, and it isn’t just limited to mortals... gods also have their own secrets they don’t wish to share. “should we move somewhere quiet? in case you are concerned about others listening in.”

[nuoyaksha]

"what is a... valentine's?" he may have overheard people talking about it, now he's very confused. he also has no idea what this chocolate stuff is.

[expuella]

[contractuum]

curious are the ways of fate as it has its means of bringing about the unexpected. sometimes fate shows itself in the tiniest of happenings, and other times it feels as if bringing about a turning point in the very course of the way of the world. finding acquiantances appear in rapid succession despite his abduction likely falls into the latter while opening the door to his newly provided residence to face the sole yaksha still paying his heed outside is the former.

fate should have placed them as equals, and yet the other still bears reverance towards him.

“raise your head,” zhongli speaks. to the people of liyue their god – rex lapis – has met his end, but there are still those who cannot shake the knowledge of his wellbeing. after time unknown, ages spanning so much further than a mortal life span, of fighting in his name, it is no wonder xiao is not fooled by his mortal guise, but zhongli remains steadfast in conviction.

“the rules of teyvat hold no power here. surely you must have noticed: the darkness tainting the soil of liyue cannot penetrate beyond the stars.” he knows the yaksha will not enjoy the truth behind this notion, but it must be said. “… your battle has reached its conclusion. where shall your path take you from hereon out, conqueror of demons?”

[nuoyaksha]

naturally Rex Lapis would say such a thing, as if it were so simple to shake old habits, and truthfully, he's not sure it's even possible. time will tell but until then, he intends to continue just as he always has. though perhaps toning things down are within his capabilities.

spoken honestly yet it still leaves uncertainty. sometimes it feels as if the pain is still there, but maybe that's just a trick of the mind, struggling to process freedom after suffering for so long. "I... hadn't considered the option." how could the yaksha even begin to imagine a normal existence? all he has ever known are the constant battles waged, by day and night.

he can't help but wonder how the god handles idle days.

"an easy life is not something meant for the likes of my kind, you know that all too well." more accurately, he believes himself to be undeserving for all he's done.

before anything further can be added, he changes the subject to avoid discussing the situation. "you must be adjusting comfortably. this appears to be no different than your current routine."