CONQUER
xiao / reader
contains: fluff , slight angst
tw: depictions of fighting
word count: 2.2k
The night was young, the luminescent moon shone brightly up above; bright enough to keep the two vigilant fighters in a state of tranquility as they slashed demons together.
The flashes of teal and livid lavender painted the ground below. The swift swings of a polearm causing many swirl reactions, the intricately designed weapon emitting a dark ominous glow. The movements being very aggressive and repetitive.
The elegant slashing of another polearm echoed behind the teal-headed yaksha. The weapon decorated in designs native to inazuma; the design that roamed freely throughout Teyvat before it was limited into a cage by the cruel archon. Seemingly forgotten by outlanders overtime, only known the the people in inazuma. The movements of the elegant user were agile and unpredictable.
Their karmic bounds held them together, the two slowly attempting to escape their fate. Piece by piece; monster by monster, they were slowly getting there, but it was going to take another hundred years before they could do so. Long, but they would go by in an instant, just like the previous ones.
The two hadn't separated since that day, 1600 years ago. Ever since they found eachother struggling with the same issue, they'd decided to do it together. Perhaps getting a little too together overtime, but what did it matter? They'd be alive for a lot longer, none of them really had anything on mind for the future right now, just to vanquish the demons and get rid of their bounds. Maybe then they could start thinking more about themselves first, instead of for liyue then themselves.
The grunts and groans of possessed hilichurls alike echoed through the forest, the cries of help being heard by no one but the very people silencing them. Just another day of killing them off, just another day closer to your goal. Or so you hoped, none of you really knew if the hundreds of years would pay off in the end, as long as you believed it would happen. Maybe, just maybe, it would.
The two of you worked together almost effortlessly, your fighting styles moulding to fit eachother's over the years. You'd apply your element while Xiao went in to create swirl reactions. Your polearm slashing weak points on every enemy when went in to try and finish them. And if he wasn't able to, he'd switch with you, taking turns beating the demon or whatever it was you were fighting. Together, you really were an unstoppable duo.
He'd make the elemental reactions and swing back around to the enemies you were currently fighting, making even more reactions. Although, the both of you did need a few seconds to cool down after using your visions, after all, it did take an effect on your bodies after a prolonged period of time. Even though the both of you had gotten used to fighting, everyone needed a break time to time. So when it did come to that, you two always had another trick up your sleeve. You resorting to beating the monsters physically; like a person without a vision would. While he used any leftover anemo from his ultimate move or whatever he liked to call it, to jump and plunge down on unsuspecting enemies.
Although your movements were quick, they still had quite a bit of force to them from the sheer momentum. Xiao's skills being quite self-explanatory due to his fighting style; the man was violent even when he fought at full power, even though he didn't need to be. While you cared for your image while fighting, he couldn't care less, as long as it got the job done he was fine. And so, his body flipped around every strike, his fighting style being offensive and defensive at the same time. Your fighting style being more on the offensive side as all you did was apply your element and jump back, attacking weakened opponents.
But you didn't really mind, it was easy for the both of you as it fit perfectly. He had brute force, while you used your brains. Almost like another certain duo, one that had been separated for a long time.
The bounds loosened for the night as the last hilichurl fell to the ground; the dark glow emitting from it seemingly leaving it's body in an instant. Finally, the demons were gone and you could rest. That was until the came back again, but until then you had all the time in the world. After all, their appearances were quite unpredictable, so whenever the two of you sensed any disturbance, you'd deal with the problem almost instantaneously.
You groaned, finally loosening the tight grip on your polearm, the electricity that danced around you coming to an end. Behind you, the cerulean colour of anemo died down too; Xiao's mask finally coming undone.
"Finally.."
Although the message was meant as a mumble to yourself, he heard it, deciding to ignore it anyways as he continued with what he was going to say.
"That took longer than expected. Do you think they're increasing..?"
His voice went quiet at the end of his sentence, clearly not wanting to know the answer; even if he already knew it, he didn't want to hear it. His head was held down as he realized that the hundreds of years wasted fighting these damned demons were possibly all going to waste due to the sudden increase.
You knew the answer and he did too, but none of you wanted to say it out loud because you knew all that would cause is anger and sadness. Anger that they were increasing after years of hard work, and sadness that you guys weren't able to do anything without sensing them. You couldn't just barge into their lair, even if you knew where it was, you'd be killed almost instantly. Even the two of you together couldn't fend off that many powerful beings at once.
"Let's.. let's not think about that, do you want to go get some food?"
That was a stupid question, really. It was the middle of the night, no one would be up except for a few lustful couples and night owls. And even so, it was a calm night; for the mortals, as the quietness rang all throughout Teyvat.
"You do know what you just said, right?"
His tone was cold and harsh, but you knew that deep down all he was, was a boy who the world turned against. To be honest, you couldn't help but feel bad, although having your own childhood ruined by the archon war, you still wished it was you who took his spot. Maybe then he would still be the cheerful and happy adeptus you knew before everything broke out. That side did show sometimes, but that was when the two of you were alone and when absolutely no one could hear. Even after that it was rare, but when he turned, he turned. His teasing would meet no end and he'd always be cracking jokes; albeit bad ones, but you still knew he tried.
A laugh escaped your lips, you didn't really know how to respond to what he just said. I mean, how could you correct yourself for something so stupid? Although his tone was cold, you could tell there was a hint of teasing in it. Everytime the two of you would finish fighting demons, he'd get like he was before and start teasing, perhaps as a way to calm his nerves after a battle. You didn't mind it either, I mean, you did it as well.
"Ah, you got me"
Your polearm fell to the ground as you brought your arms up to stretch, your muscles releasing their tension ever so slowly as you did so. The teal haired man behind you following suit, although his stretch wasn't as audible and playful as yours.
"Would you like to go to that shed we made in Guili Plains? I'd like to see if it's still standing, perhaps we can stay there for the night if it is."
This time, his voice was much kinder, almost as if he was starting to reminisce on the memory of you two making it. He said he had no time for the past, but he had always lied when it came to topics like this. It's almost as if he made himself believe he didn't need the past, that it would automatically make him not need it. You knew he loved the memories; meaning the good ones, of course. He couldn't stand the bad ones, he'd never want to go through that torture again. Not after what that cruel god had done to him.
"Sure, that wouldn't be so bad"
And so, the two of you began your journey to Guili Plains. Just calmly walking to it, hoping to relax even more after the fight.
The journey wasn't long, only taking about an hour to get to your destination. The silence as you walked was quite comforting, the small jokes made by both of you along the way making it even better. It had been a while since you had done this, finally a break from the demons. Finally a break for eachother.
The shed you had once built still stood, yet would most likely make sounds of a haunted mansion. The brown logs had mould growing on them and the windows looked foggy and translucent. You had hoped nothing got on the inside, a few flies wouldn't be much of a problem. As long as you had somewhere to rest, it'd be fine.
"Uh– do you still want to go in?"
Your voice was uncertain, you didn't really mind which, all you wanted was rest.
"Might as well, we've already come all this way"
He began to walk forward, his gloved hand reaching towards the doorknob cautiously; not wanting the entire door to come undone.
The door creaked as he turned the knob, revealing the once beautiful interior; which was now layered in dust. The stone fireplace in the corner still stood strong, the makeshift couch you had made covered in a thin layer of grime.
"Here, let me get the firewood"
Your voice was mumbled when it came out, your partly gloved hand covering your mouth to refrain you from inhaling any dust. You now fully stepped into the cabin, the floor boards creaking under your weight.
The task was fairly simple, get firewood and light the fire.
Your past in Dragonspine greatly helped with this. The countless fires you had created just to survive. The snow you had reluctantly eaten with Xiao to not die from hunger, it really wasn't a pleasant experience. You never would want to relive it, you didn't think he would either. The days of your slavery had long been over, the survival instincts you developed during it helping you stay alive during the archon war.
The fire sparked to life from underneath your fingers, your hands ceasing to the rubbing of firewood once it started to grow. Warmth radiated off the flames, your body shivering once you realized how cold you had really been. The heat hit your skin as you paused for a few seconds, a few seconds you took to relish in the moment.
You broke out of your trance when you heard the creak of more floor boards and the sound of someone placing their weight on a cushion; or in your case, a couch. Your ears perked upas you turned your head, only to see Xiao sitting on the couch, his legs finding their way onto the couch to be in a more comfortable position.
The only light in the cabin was the blurred moonlight from outside and the yellow tint of a glowing fire.
"Come, sit up here"
His voice was soft as he patted to the spot beside him, lifting his right leg to create room for your arrival. And, as he expected, you took the offer.
Your movement was slow, but light in weight. Your footsteps as you made your way to the seat were quiet, the sound of your feet meeting the ground was barely audible. It would've been heard by no one if it wasn't for the sound of the floor boards creaking underneath you.
The seat was cold, it'd be unwelcoming if it weren't for the man beside you. The shared body heat bringing you warmth; the fire also contributing to it, of course.
"Ah, it's been a while since we've done this"
You leaned into his shoulder, your voice coming out in a whisper as you embraced him. It'd been years since the last time you two had gotten together like this, both of you missing eachother's warmth dearly. But in the end, it always played according to plan. According to plan for the two of you, that is. You couldn't care about Liyue's possession right now, just the two of you together.
A hum of agreement was heard from the boy beside you, his arm circling around to grab a hold of you.
Together, you'd fight demons, and together you'd share love in the moment.
Your eyes felt heavy, the fatigue finally taking over you. A little nap wouldn't hurt, right? And so, your eyes closed; and so did his, meeting eachother in a peaceful sleep.
The night was young, the luminescent moon shone brightly up above; bright enough to keep the two vigilant fighters in a state of tranquility as they slashed demons together.
The flashes of teal and livid lavender painted the ground below. The swift swings of a polearm causing many swirl reactions, the intricately designed weapon emitting a dark ominous glow. The movements being very aggressive and repetitive.
The elegant slashing of another polearm echoed behind the teal-headed yaksha. The weapon decorated in designs native to inazuma; the design that roamed freely throughout Teyvat before it was limited into a cage by the cruel archon. Seemingly forgotten by outlanders overtime, only known the the people in inazuma. The movements of the elegant user were agile and unpredictable.
Their karmic bounds held them together, the two slowly attempting to escape their fate. Piece by piece; monster by monster, they were slowly getting there, but it was going to take another hundred years before they could do so. Long, but they would go by in an instant, just like the previous ones.
The two hadn't separated since that day, 1600 years ago. Ever since they found eachother struggling with the same issue, they'd decided to do it together. Perhaps getting a little too together overtime, but what did it matter? They'd be alive for a lot longer, none of them really had anything on mind for the future right now, just to vanquish the demons and get rid of their bounds. Maybe then they could start thinking more about themselves first, instead of for liyue then themselves.
The grunts and groans of possessed hilichurls alike echoed through the forest, the cries of help being heard by no one but the very people silencing them. Just another day of killing them off, just another day closer to your goal. Or so you hoped, none of you really knew if the hundreds of years would pay off in the end, as long as you believed it would happen. Maybe, just maybe, it would.
The two of you worked together almost effortlessly, your fighting styles moulding to fit eachother's over the years. You'd apply your element while Xiao went in to create swirl reactions. Your polearm slashing weak points on every enemy when went in to try and finish them. And if he wasn't able to, he'd switch with you, taking turns beating the demon or whatever it was you were fighting. Together, you really were an unstoppable duo.
He'd make the elemental reactions and swing back around to the enemies you were currently fighting, making even more reactions. Although, the both of you did need a few seconds to cool down after using your visions, after all, it did take an effect on your bodies after a prolonged period of time. Even though the both of you had gotten used to fighting, everyone needed a break time to time. So when it did come to that, you two always had another trick up your sleeve. You resorting to beating the monsters physically; like a person without a vision would. While he used any leftover anemo from his ultimate move or whatever he liked to call it, to jump and plunge down on unsuspecting enemies.
Although your movements were quick, they still had quite a bit of force to them from the sheer momentum. Xiao's skills being quite self-explanatory due to his fighting style; the man was violent even when he fought at full power, even though he didn't need to be. While you cared for your image while fighting, he couldn't care less, as long as it got the job done he was fine. And so, his body flipped around every strike, his fighting style being offensive and defensive at the same time. Your fighting style being more on the offensive side as all you did was apply your element and jump back, attacking weakened opponents.
But you didn't really mind, it was easy for the both of you as it fit perfectly. He had brute force, while you used your brains. Almost like another certain duo, one that had been separated for a long time.
The bounds loosened for the night as the last hilichurl fell to the ground; the dark glow emitting from it seemingly leaving it's body in an instant. Finally, the demons were gone and you could rest. That was until the came back again, but until then you had all the time in the world. After all, their appearances were quite unpredictable, so whenever the two of you sensed any disturbance, you'd deal with the problem almost instantaneously.
You groaned, finally loosening the tight grip on your polearm, the electricity that danced around you coming to an end. Behind you, the cerulean colour of anemo died down too; Xiao's mask finally coming undone.
"Finally.."
Although the message was meant as a mumble to yourself, he heard it, deciding to ignore it anyways as he continued with what he was going to say.
"That took longer than expected. Do you think they're increasing..?"
His voice went quiet at the end of his sentence, clearly not wanting to know the answer; even if he already knew it, he didn't want to hear it. His head was held down as he realized that the hundreds of years wasted fighting these damned demons were possibly all going to waste due to the sudden increase.
You knew the answer and he did too, but none of you wanted to say it out loud because you knew all that would cause is anger and sadness. Anger that they were increasing after years of hard work, and sadness that you guys weren't able to do anything without sensing them. You couldn't just barge into their lair, even if you knew where it was, you'd be killed almost instantly. Even the two of you together couldn't fend off that many powerful beings at once.
"Let's.. let's not think about that, do you want to go get some food?"
That was a stupid question, really. It was the middle of the night, no one would be up except for a few lustful couples and night owls. And even so, it was a calm night; for the mortals, as the quietness rang all throughout Teyvat.
"You do know what you just said, right?"
His tone was cold and harsh, but you knew that deep down all he was, was a boy who the world turned against. To be honest, you couldn't help but feel bad, although having your own childhood ruined by the archon war, you still wished it was you who took his spot. Maybe then he would still be the cheerful and happy adeptus you knew before everything broke out. That side did show sometimes, but that was when the two of you were alone and when absolutely no one could hear. Even after that it was rare, but when he turned, he turned. His teasing would meet no end and he'd always be cracking jokes; albeit bad ones, but you still knew he tried.
A laugh escaped your lips, you didn't really know how to respond to what he just said. I mean, how could you correct yourself for something so stupid? Although his tone was cold, you could tell there was a hint of teasing in it. Everytime the two of you would finish fighting demons, he'd get like he was before and start teasing, perhaps as a way to calm his nerves after a battle. You didn't mind it either, I mean, you did it as well.
"Ah, you got me"
Your polearm fell to the ground as you brought your arms up to stretch, your muscles releasing their tension ever so slowly as you did so. The teal haired man behind you following suit, although his stretch wasn't as audible and playful as yours.
"Would you like to go to that shed we made in Guili Plains? I'd like to see if it's still standing, perhaps we can stay there for the night if it is."
This time, his voice was much kinder, almost as if he was starting to reminisce on the memory of you two making it. He said he had no time for the past, but he had always lied when it came to topics like this. It's almost as if he made himself believe he didn't need the past, that it would automatically make him not need it. You knew he loved the memories; meaning the good ones, of course. He couldn't stand the bad ones, he'd never want to go through that torture again. Not after what that cruel god had done to him.
"Sure, that wouldn't be so bad"
And so, the two of you began your journey to Guili Plains. Just calmly walking to it, hoping to relax even more after the fight.
The journey wasn't long, only taking about an hour to get to your destination. The silence as you walked was quite comforting, the small jokes made by both of you along the way making it even better. It had been a while since you had done this, finally a break from the demons. Finally a break for eachother.
The shed you had once built still stood, yet would most likely make sounds of a haunted mansion. The brown logs had mould growing on them and the windows looked foggy and translucent. You had hoped nothing got on the inside, a few flies wouldn't be much of a problem. As long as you had somewhere to rest, it'd be fine.
"Uh– do you still want to go in?"
Your voice was uncertain, you didn't really mind which, all you wanted was rest.
"Might as well, we've already come all this way"
He began to walk forward, his gloved hand reaching towards the doorknob cautiously; not wanting the entire door to come undone.
The door creaked as he turned the knob, revealing the once beautiful interior; which was now layered in dust. The stone fireplace in the corner still stood strong, the makeshift couch you had made covered in a thin layer of grime.
"Here, let me get the firewood"
Your voice was mumbled when it came out, your partly gloved hand covering your mouth to refrain you from inhaling any dust. You now fully stepped into the cabin, the floor boards creaking under your weight.
The task was fairly simple, get firewood and light the fire.
Your past in Dragonspine greatly helped with this. The countless fires you had created just to survive. The snow you had reluctantly eaten with Xiao to not die from hunger, it really wasn't a pleasant experience. You never would want to relive it, you didn't think he would either. The days of your slavery had long been over, the survival instincts you developed during it helping you stay alive during the archon war.
The fire sparked to life from underneath your fingers, your hands ceasing to the rubbing of firewood once it started to grow. Warmth radiated off the flames, your body shivering once you realized how cold you had really been. The heat hit your skin as you paused for a few seconds, a few seconds you took to relish in the moment.
You broke out of your trance when you heard the creak of more floor boards and the sound of someone placing their weight on a cushion; or in your case, a couch. Your ears perked upas you turned your head, only to see Xiao sitting on the couch, his legs finding their way onto the couch to be in a more comfortable position.
The only light in the cabin was the blurred moonlight from outside and the yellow tint of a glowing fire.
"Come, sit up here"
His voice was soft as he patted to the spot beside him, lifting his right leg to create room for your arrival. And, as he expected, you took the offer.
Your movement was slow, but light in weight. Your footsteps as you made your way to the seat were quiet, the sound of your feet meeting the ground was barely audible. It would've been heard by no one if it wasn't for the sound of the floor boards creaking underneath you.
The seat was cold, it'd be unwelcoming if it weren't for the man beside you. The shared body heat bringing you warmth; the fire also contributing to it, of course.
"Ah, it's been a while since we've done this"
You leaned into his shoulder, your voice coming out in a whisper as you embraced him. It'd been years since the last time you two had gotten together like this, both of you missing eachother's warmth dearly. But in the end, it always played according to plan. According to plan for the two of you, that is. You couldn't care about Liyue's possession right now, just the two of you together.
A hum of agreement was heard from the boy beside you, his arm circling around to grab a hold of you.
Together, you'd fight demons, and together you'd share love in the moment.
Your eyes felt heavy, the fatigue finally taking over you. A little nap wouldn't hurt, right? And so, your eyes closed; and so did his, meeting eachother in a peaceful sleep.