Catatonic (help, I've gained a father).

by asingleqingxin

Summary:

A certain funeral consultant is found collapsed in the harbour with no visible cause. Several mortals, an Archon, and a certain Yaksha are all just a little concerned (That's a lie. They're very concerned). Angst, injuries and eventual fluff ensue.

UPDATE 27/11/22: Edited for formatting for easier read and minor grammar issues.

Notes:

First fic in literal years, first fic in the genshin fandom. Please be gentle in comments. Comments/kudos appreciated. I hope you enjoy, sorry for short chapters and general lack of plot, more will be revealed in later chapters.
Not beta-read, feel free to point out any major grammar issues.

Chapter 1

Rays of sun danced over the table in the Jade Chamber, the pungent smell of a wide array of dishes filling the air. “This is what good food tastes like! Paimon thinks we should come here more often, Traveler,” the little sprite commented from where she was chowing down on a large plate of piping hot jade parcels like she’d never experience another meal. The Traveler snickered, eyes glittering as he devoured his golden shrimp balls, his voice rising to be heard over the lighthearted banter around food preferences that Ganyu and Keqing were currently embroiled in.

 

“If you want good food, Paimon….” he trailed off, and the pixie batted at the back of his head, tousling his neatly done braids. “No fair! Paimon is not emergency food, stop suggesting that Paimon is anything other than the best travel guide in all of Teyvat!” A raucous giggle interrupted the exchange, and the pair snapped their eyes in unison to Ninguang and Beidou, both trying and failing to muffle their laughter over the exchange, eyes alight with mirth. 

 

Quickly giving up, Beidou began to cackle, placing her head on the table and stomach heaving as she tried to draw breaths to calm herself. Eventually, the Alcor’s captain managed to regain her composure, glancing to the Traveler, lips quivering once more before tearing her gaze away to avoid slipping back into peals of laughter. “So, Ganyu, whilst I am more than glad to see you here at our little lunch, I thought you had other business to attend to this afternoon?” The pirate tilted her head inquisitively, waiting quietly as the Qilin adeptus appeared to mull for a moment over her answer.

 

“I was supposed to meet the Conqueror of Demons for a sparring session today, but suddenly Lady Ninguang received the news that the usual merchant who handles the shipping of novels from Inazuma to Liyue whom she was supposed to meet with today was being replaced by a separate member of the Yae Publishing House, Lady Guuji Yae of the Grand Narukami shrine. I have met her in the past, and Lady Ninguang’s assistants were slightly worried due to rumors of her… shall we say unorthodox? Approach to business, and asked me to sit in on the meeting. Thus, I decided I would join the luncheon that Lady Ninguang and Lady Keqing said they had set up. It has been a long while since we’ve all managed to just sit and catch up, no?” The others gathered around the table all gave vague nods of affirmation, half embroiled in their own separate conversations. 

 

“But, Ganyu, Paimon wonders, did you remember to tell Xiao why you couldn’t meet him? You take his sparring sessions very seriously, he might get worried if you just skipped on him without warning,” She fussed, floating away from her food to hover anxiously over the Qilin’s shoulder, the Traveler pausing with his food halfway to his mouth, evidently echoing the sentiments of his companion. “Do not be worried, little one, nor you, Traveler. I had already let the Yaksha know ahead of time,” she assured them, “However… we did not set up an alternative time. Perhaps I should talk to him now.”

 

Keqing quickly turned to her fellow Qixing member, disapproval clear on her face and a reprimand already spilling from her lips. “Lady Ganyu, whilst I admire and echo your commitment to your duties, at least finish the meal and enjoy the afternoon of company first. You can find the Yaksha later - perhaps the Traveler could even help you on his way to get rid of those treasure hoarders that the Guild have asked him to deal with in Dihua Marsh.” The adeptus went to counter with a protest, but Paimon, noting the rising tensions between the two, ducked in between them.

 

“Paimon has a better idea! Xiao, could you come here please? I know you only promised the Traveler that you would come when called, but surely you can hear Paimon too? Ganyu wants to speak with you!” Ganyu shot up out of her chair, arms raised and a protest on the tip of her tongue “No no, it’s fine, really, I can just go later-”

 

“...I’m here now, so you might as well spill whatever you needed to talk about. Just be quick. My karmic aura is not well suited to extended proximity in the harbour, and I doubt you want a trail of dead mortals in my wake.” The entire table snapped to view the source of the voice, situated at the opposite end of the room. Xiao leant against one of the Jade Chamber’s interior pillars, polearm grasped loosely at his side and mask at rest on his belt. With the ensuing silence at his sudden arrival, he opened his mouth again, evidently to further enquire into the reason for his summoning, before Ganyu interrupted him swiftly. “My apologies for the interruption from your duties, Conqueror of Demons, it is just that with me missing the training earlier today - that is, Paimon thought it would be best to -”

 

“Calm down. There is nothing immediately pressing requiring my attention, nor am I angry with you. You would do well not to doubt yourself and instead just speak what you evidently needed to discuss with me.” His polearm disappeared and rematerialized at his back as he spoke, before he returned to his prior semi-relaxed posture, eyes glancing around vigilantly as he awaited a response. “Apologies. The Traveler’s companion here overheard me speaking about the fact that I would need to at some point schedule an alternate time to spar with you, and decided that she would call you here to make it easier for you.”

 

Her horns dipped slightly as she inclined her head in a chaste, apologetic gesture. The Yaksha stared at her for a moment, blank-faced, before nodding in acknowledgement. “It is fine. You are busy with your duties to the Qixing here in the harbour, I can take a moment from my day to discuss it with you. How does three days from now, at the peak of Mount Aocang sound to you?” He waited for her head to dip briefly in affirmation before pushing himself off the pillar. 

“If that is all, then I will be -” He froze, head tilting slightly, and the room tensed at his change in aura. “What is going on below us in the harbour? The mortals are anxious.  I- halt.” He flung out his hand, halting any movement.  “There's someone coming up here now. Be still.” His polearm was once again in hand, sleek jade that had seen the deaths of many a god glimmering in the sunlight. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with that very polearm, as every individual in the room turned to the doors. Suddenly, Baishi, one of the Jade Chamber’s secretaries, burst through the doors.

 

“Lady Ninguang, Lady Keqing, your advisory is needed.” The Qixing members stood from the table, attention immediately fixed on their employee.

“What is it, Baishi? Is there a conflict in the harbour?” If so, I will prepare -” Ninguang’s authoritative tone, already cycling through possible steps of action, was cut off by none other than the secretary in question.

 

“No no, it it nothing of that sort, Lady Ninguang! My apologies for the unnecessary concern. It is just that someone has collapsed near Third-Round Knockout, and even the healer from Bubu pharmacy has no clue what’s wrong with him. Normally we wouldn’t bother you, but he is such a composed individual that seeing him in such a state is concerning the citizens, and I thought that perhaps you knew another healer that we could possibly summon to figure out what’s going on.” She deflated significantly by the end of her ramble, as if already preparing for being chastised for wasting the time of the Qixing. 

 

Ninguang took in this slew of information, brows furrowed slightly as she processed the situation. “This is unexpected. You are correct, normally this would not be in our realm of concern. However, if it is concerning the citizens and stumping Baizhu, perhaps we should be worried. I do know of several other healers around Liyue, but first, who is it? Have they been moved, or have they just been left to be attended to in the harbour?” Tension leaving her body as she ascertained that she had escaped a reprimand, Baishi hurried to answer

 

“He is still outside Third-Round Knockout, Lady Ninguang. As for the individual, it is that eccentric funeral director that works for Hu Tao, the one named Zhongli.” She recoiled slightly as multiple gazes snapped to hers, including the tense gaze of two adepti. “What? The funeral consultant? And they have no clue what is wrong?” Ganyu stepped forwards, raining down a flurry of rapid questions on her junior, who shifted back slightly, surprised at her intensity. The Traveler, however, glanced at Xiao, who was rigid as the stones of Mount Hulao, so tense he could be mistaken for a Geo allogene if not for the glowing Anemo vision on his wrist. His eyes were focused with a deadly intensity on Baishi, swirls of Anemo gusting through his hair, betraying his unease. “I-no, no one knows. He has no visible wounds, temperature, or any signs of other health issues. He just…dropped.”

 

Ganyu nodded, turning away swiftly to face Keqing. “Get any healers near here to our location promptly, hopefully they may be able to glean some information. Also, find Madame Ping. She is experienced in using her vision in healing applications. As for his location-”

“Already sorted. Clear me a table, or a space on the floor provided it is clean enough.” Once again, every individual in the room whirled round to face the Yaksha, who this time had a tall, slim figure cradled to his torso, a waterfall of dark amber hair spilling over his arms.

 

Xiao avoided the gaze of the rest of the Chamber, his face a carefully crafted mask of calm, only the slight increase in karmic aura and overwhelming adeptal power serving as a betrayal of his underlying concern. “I can hear his vitals, they are normal, but I have no idea what could be causing this.” He turned to Ninguang. “Give me the names of the healers. I will retrieve them with haste.”

“No need, adeptus. I couldn’t help but overhear the chatter of the harbour, and I have a hunch what’s going on with this blockhead of a consultant.” A new voice cut into the conversation, and Xiao whirled round, amber eyes locking onto green. A single word fell from his lips. “You.”

Chapter 2

Notes:

Thanks for the Kudos and comments on the first chapter! Here's the next one: it's mainly Xiao and Venti centric. It's also a little short, but it felt the best place to conclude it off.
Please, let me know your thoughts at the end.

Xiao could barely focus on the individual in front of him. Every fibre of his being was screaming to protect his Archon, to find what was wrong, because Rex Lapis was as solid as the stone upon which Liyue was founded. To see him so…still, so small-looking, so vulnerable , was simply alien, set his very core alight with a sense of wrong wrong wrong. Shaking his head slightly to clear that feeling of helplessness from his body, he forced himself to calm and refocus, to ignore the unease plaguing him and the karmic debt digging invisible shackles like barbed wire deep into his wrists. With effort, he turned his attention back to the small, lithe frame in front of him. His polearm, automatically raised to defend those around him if needed, was forcefully dematerialized at his command. 

 

He tensed as someone stepped up behind him, ready to strike their legs out from under them with a sharp gust of Anemo. Realizing it was Ninguang, however, he paused. “Conqueror of Demons, who is this-” The Traveler and his companion bet her to her question with simultaneous cries of “Venti?” and “Tone-Deaf Bard??” Said bard sent a quick smile in the direction of the gathered crowd, before turning to Xiao, fingers tapping a quick rhythmic pattern on his upper thigh. An anxious tic, perhaps, given the absence of lyre strings to occupy himself with, Xiao’s mind supplied.

 

“Ehe, the one and only best bard in Mondstadt at your service! Nice to meet you, members of the Qixing!” Having previously been merely observing the new presence, Keqing suddenly stepped forwards. “A bard? More to the point, mighty Conqueror of Demons, you know this man? Could he truly know what is plaguing the funeral consultant?” Vent -, Barbatos, Xiao’s inner voice chastised him, that was Barbatos before him, a lowly one such as yourself should remember to give him the respect he deserves as an Archon - sent the electro-wielder a vaguely affronted look.

 

“I’ll have you know I’m not any old bard, I’m the best bard in all of Teyvat! And, more to the point, I’m this blockhead of a funeral consultant’s oldest friend, so if anyone can figure out what’s going on, it’s probably me.” He wandered over to one of the hurriedly cleared tables in the room where Xiao had lightly placed Zhongli after teleporting to retrieve him, gaze turning contemplative and more sombre than his earlier lighthearted grin.

A part of Xiao marvelled at the slight changes that marked the slip in persona from Venti the Bard to Barbatos of the Seven, as the Anemo Archon flicked his gaze over his oldest friend, one hand coming up to his wrist to check his pulse. “And he has no visible wounds or any outward signals as to why he is in this state?” As Baishi, Ganyu, and the rest of those gathered nodded in affirmation, the wind spirit sighed, one hand coming up to massage the bridge of his nose. “Right, I possibly know what’s going on here, but first - Lady Ganyu?”

The half-adeptus perked up at the call of her name, “You require my assistance?” 

 

“You are a common sight in the harbour, carrying out your duties for the Qixing. Tell me, when was the last time before now that you conversed with our dear consultant here?” She hesitated, considering, before answering. “Perhaps two or three days ago, near Wangsheng Funeral Parlour? We briefly exchanged pleasantries; he was en route to examining some antiques in a storefront that had caught his attention, and I was heading to drop some paperwork in at the Ministry of Civil Affairs. However, nothing about him seemed overly out of the ordinary at that point.”

 

Venti hummed, processing, a single slim finger coming up to scratch lightly at his cheek before twisting into one of his braids. “Tell me, adeptus - did he seem to move slightly more heavily and slowly than usual? Also, was he scratching at the back of one of his hands? Or other small things like speaking in a different cadence to what’s typical, or accidentally biting his lip and drawing blood with his teeth?” Ganyu’s head tilted, and everyone in the room awaited her answer. “Now that you mentioned it, he did seem slightly… stiff? And he was kind of fiddling with the back of one hand beneath his glove. Why? Does this indicate to you what the problem is?” She tapped her foot against the floor at a light yet rapid pace. 

 

She is concerned. Concerned but trying to hide it from her mortal companions. I do not blame her - I would be more worried if she was not shaken by the sight of Rex Lapis collapsed like a mere mortal, not the eldest Archon that he is. Xiao shook his head ever so slightly, forcibly shutting down that train of thought to once again observe Venti, who now had an expression of slight concern, annoyance and a tinge of resignation adorning his face. “Stupid bastard,” He muttered fondly, fists tensing before relaxing slightly as he exhaled, gusts of anemo playing gently with his braids. “Yeah, worry not. I have an idea as to what this is.” 

 

 

“Will he be okay -”

“What is -

“Tone-Deaf Bard, how -”

“When will he recover, we need to -”

 

The occupants of the room exploded into chatter as they all tripped over themselves to try get an explanation of Zhongli’s odd state. Xiao winced at the sudden increase in volume, already preparing for a headache to form on top of his usual karmic weightload. “Enough, enough! Everyone settle down and I’ll explain, okay?” Everyone quietened, some, like Ganyu and the Traveler focusing attentively, others, like Beidou, Ganyu and Keqing, looked down with a hint of bashfulness at the gentle reprimand. 

“Righteo, thank you. No need to worry: he is simply in a catatonic state. There should be no long term harm.” Xiao’s mind whirled. That literally poses more questions than it answers, mighty Anemo Archon, he thought to himself sarcastically before scolding his internal voice for its rudeness. Nonetheless, he opened his mouth to clarify, “Apologies, bard, but this one does not understand your meaning. Catatonia? What do you mean by this? This one is well aware of the meaning of the word, of course, but how does that apply here as anything other than an inconclusive descriptor of the consultant’s current state?”

 

He lowered his gaze, trying to ignore the voice inside him that screamed you have overstepped, a lowly weapon challenging an Archon in such a way, you should grovel and apologise and accept the sting of a blade against your skin as punishment - but Venti cut his train of thought as he spoke once again. “Ah, no need to apologise, adeptus! Hm, how best to explain, let me think…. You see, all of you in this room are vision bearers barring the Traveler and Baishi, yes?” He asked, only to receive yet more quiet nods of affirmation.

 

“Well, you know how sometimes that elemental energy, in moments of high adrenaline or intense emotion, seems to swirl inside of you, demanding an outlet?” More nods from the occupants of the room. “You see, sometimes, for some people, namely vision bearers whose connections to the elements are particularly powerful or dangerous when used, it backlashes on the wielder in question. Archons. He means his fellow archons and their companions like the kitsune from Inazuma.

 

"For example - adeptus Xiao?” The Yaksha’s gaze snapped to his fellow immortal acquaintance, the bard waiting to ensure he had Xiao’s full attention before continuing “You have heard or witnessed such examples of this, yes? For example, the young sister of Makoto-” Raiden Ei, he is referring to the Electro Archon, Xiao’s mind supplied “- tends to give off static shocks if you touch her when she is experiencing an abundance of electro energy. I myself have issues with odd manifestations of my Anemo applications when in such a state. As for my friend Zhongli here, well, he is a Geo vision wielder, right? So, though it happens rarely, sometimes he just…shuts down, becoming stiff as, well, stone. Hence the state he’s currently in, which the two of us generally refer to as catatonia.” 

What? This has happened before? More to the point, what on earth drove Rex Lapis to be in such a state without an outlet? From what Barbatos said, it likely had some emotional or external stressor, so what on earth - a snap of fingers broke him from his train of thought, and it was only millennia-long trained reflexes that managed to restrain himself from throwing the Anemo Archon reflexively into the wall upon startling him. “Helllooooo, Teyvat to adeptus Xiao?” Xiao shook himself slightly, irritated at his momentary lapse. “Fine, just lost in thought. More to the point, even though we are now aware of what is going on, how do we rouse him?”

 

Venti halted his movements, wincing slightly, and the rest of the room took notice. “Venti? Everything okay?” The Traveler asked worriedly. Venti smiled at him reassuringly “No need to worry! It’s just that…rousing him is not going to be overly easy, nor fun.” Another slight wince. “This could hurt me a little.”

Notes:

What did you think? Kudos and comments give me life, feel free to drop some support :)

Chapter 3

Notes:

I'm backkkkkk, and things are starting to pick up the pace. A lil taster of the angst still in store.
Again: I live for comments and kudos. Thanks for reading!

A moment of silence was all the time Xiao had to mentally prepare himself before the room once burst into chatter, voices rising in volume as they warred for dominance. He pressed his fingers to his temples, ignoring the indistinct chatter around him. It seemed the Anemo Archon shared his sentiments, taking but a moment to send a warning gust of Anemo around the room with a quick cry of “Everybody, please, settle down would you!” Silence returned, and Xiao took a deep, relieved breath as his headache receded slightly. Everyone glanced around at each other, apparently unwilling to ask the bard exactly what he had meant by his earlier statement. Eventually, it was the Traveler who stepped forward to enquire of Venti “What do you mean, it’ll hurt? This isn’t dangerous, is it?” He has a good point. For one of the Seven to say such a thing…enough. He is an Archon. What right does a lowly tool such as yourself have to question him? The adeptus paused, any objections about potential harm to Venti dying before passing his lips. 

Venti simply hummed, his fingers dancing on the tabletop to a tune only he could hear. “Rest easy, little Traveler. I didn't mean it in the sense of any danger. It is simply that the best way to rouse him is to force him into fight or flight mode, pushing my elemental energy up against his own and forcing himself to awaken out of fear for his safety. It isn’t dangerous…at least, the most I’ll hopefully be dealing with will be a few bruises from the backlash. Fear not.” He smiled, but there was a hint of underlying authority present in his tone that no one besides Ganyu, the Traveler and Xiao himself were likely to pick up on, a certain steeliness that signalled that it was not Venti the Bard speaking, but Barbatos, the downfall of Decarabian and Defender of Freedom.

 

On second thoughts, perhaps the other mortals have picked up on it subconsciously, for I hear no curious questions arising about how a mere bard possesses such knowledge on visions. If such things occur, then overstepping of bounds or not, I will pretend it is I who has taught him such things. The Yaksha watched as the bard stepped up to the collapsed consultant, inhaling deeply. “Firstly, everyone else step back. Just to be on the cautious side, I would rather have you on the other side of the room when I do this.” Xiao walked in step with the others to a wall a distance away, then subtly signalled to Ganyu for the two of them to step in front of their mortal companions, a defence mechanism at the ready if required. 

Venti straightened, eyes glinting and colored tips of his hair glowing slightly. Xiao felt rather than saw a significant swirl of pure elemental energy rise in the Anemo Archon to brush with slight force against Zhongli’s own elemental strength. He held his breath almost imperceptibly, waiting, waiting - nothing. Is this not going to work? Venti sighed, Xiao observing as he braced himself, muttering so quietly that only the two adepti in the Chamber could hear him. “Rex, you bastard, you best give me some damn good alcohol after this.”

 

Before Xiao could react in any capacity, he felt a huge wave of elemental energy, far bigger than before, bigger than anything he had felt since the Archon war, since her death, since he was spared by stone and reborn as a yaksha, not a bloodied dreamhound - and that pure Anemo, a glowing beacon to any immortal beings in the vicinity, slammed into Zhongli. A slight hiss escaped through Venti’s lips, his eyes alight with an otherworldly, regal fire, suddenly looking more like Barbatos than Venti. (If he looked closely, Xiao swore he could even see a shadow of wings emerging from the Archon's back, before he blinked and the illusion was gone) Xiao braced against the backlash of Anemo that rippled through the room, through half of Liyue (not that the mortals would feel it), that stung at his karmic debt and made his eyes water, and then Zhongli’s eyes snapped open. Quicker than the human gaze could see, Zhongli was upright, a draconic snarl twisting his lips and one hand wrapped tightly around Venti’s throat. 

As the rest of the room caught up to the motion, they gasped as one, the Traveler and Keqing lifting their weapons. However, Xiao threw out a hand, aborting any attempts at movement. Zhongli, well, he looked human to the untrained eye, but Xiao? Xiao could see the tips of fangs peeking out from his curved snarl, the way that the floor of the Jade Chamber cracked a little beneath his feet, the slight blurring of his outline that suggested he was only just holding onto his human form, suddenly looking less and less like Zhongli and more like Morax, the mighty draconic warrior so formidable that nobody dared challenge him, he whom even Celestia carried fear for, the Rex Lapis who sealed ancient gods beneath the earth and reshaped the terrain of Teyvat itself in order to kill -

 

“Zhongli, stop, you’ll hurt Tone-Deaf Bard! Traveler, don’t listen to Xiao, help him!” Xiao watched as the Traveler considered his companion’s words, before his gaze shifted, and Xiao shook his head slightly, the message clear: Wait. Do not interrupt this. The Traveler hushed Paimon who was circling his head anxiously as Venti scrabbled at the hand wrapped around his throat. As for Zhongli, he gazed without recognition at the Archon in his grasp before opening his mouth, voice thundering. “You dare to -” He froze as Venti gasped against his grip, looking him dead in the eyes. “Le-t go. I am…no threat to you,” the bard choked out, “Cata-tonia.” A glimmer of awareness flared in the Lord of Geo’s eyes, and then Venti was on the floor, coughing and hacking at the sudden influx of air. 

A beat, then, “Zhongli?” The Traveler enquired wearily. “You back with us?” The room waited with bated breath as eyes that shone like cor lapis swung to the source of the voice, appearing to struggle to process the words thrown at him. “I…am fine. I - what happened here? And, Ba-Venti, are you okay?” Now that he was aware of his surroundings, the former Geo Archon didn’t appear to take long to regain a semblance of composure, eyes flicking over the scene as he tried to figure out exactly what was going on. A slim hand reached to help Venti from the floor, pulling him up and carefully, lightly, running over him, cataloguing any injuries.

 

The Anemo Archon batted off his gentle touch, still gasping a little but capable of protest “Easy, I’m fine, old friend. A bit sore and battered, but nothing that will not heal quickly enough. Nor is anyone else here harmed. Considering the effort I had to put in to rouse you, I’m impressed we all got off so lightly.” A brief flash of guilt crossed Zhongli's face before he turned to the occupants of the room, an apologetic look in his eyes. “My apologies to you, Liyue Qixing, Traveler, Adepti. I can surmise roughly what happened here, and I am ashamed to have been seen in such a state. If there is any way for me to atone for this appalling lapse of personal control, please, let me know and I will be more than happy to oblige.” He folded one hand across his sternum and inclined his head, regret emanating off of him in waves.

The Traveler and Paimon moved forwards towards the consultant, and Xiao tensed, for the pair’s faces were unreadable. Surely they are not angry, and surely knowing who he is they would not dare do something as preposterous as to strike him? Should I intervene? No. Best to watch first. So that was what the Vigilant Yaksha did, observing them both, tense and vigilant like his moniker suggested, ready to intervene at the slightest threat to his Lord, his Master, his Saviour. “...Traveler?” Zhongli asked as he got closer and closer, but there was no answer.

 

When he reached Zhongli, the Traveler paused before lifting his hands. Zhongli tensed slightly in anticipation, sucking in a sharp breath. Twin inhales of shock escaped from the adepti, Xiao readying his polearm because surely he wouldn’t dare - the Traveler engulfed the tall figure of the Prime Adeptus in a tight hug, Paimon clinging to one of the consultant’s upper arms. “You’re okay! Oh, thank Celestia, I think I speak for everyone here when I say you scared us, honestly, I’m sure Venti doesn’t mind the slight injuries that he’s acquired, at least you are unharmed and well,” The Traveler began to ramble, his companion nodding along to everything tumbling from the mouth of the small blonde with astonishing speed. Xiao waved away his polearm thankfully.  

The rest of the room took that as their invitation to converge upon the poor Geo wielder with similar statements falling from their lips, Ganyu moving to check over Venti but Xiao hanging back hesitantly. Eventually, the Yaksha moved forward toward the group, and cor lapis eyes met amber. He cleared his throat, and tilted his head downwards in a show of reverence; he would have knelt, but Zhongli the consultant liked his life of anonymity, so far be it from Xiao to compromise that for him. “This one is happy to see that you are unharmed.” A stone-hard gaze dissected him, and Xiao waited, stupid, you should not address him without ask or reason, you have no right - but Zhongli, after a moment that seemed to stretch an age, simply nodded elegantly, accepting the statement with grace. Xiao let some of the tension drain from his shoulders at the motion. 

“Your concern, and your attention, is appreciated. I am thankful that I wasn’t simply left lying in the Harbour. And, Venti, truly I am in your debt, and from the bottom of my heart I apologise for the injuries I have inflicted upon you. Now, I should return to my work.” Protests erupted as he made to cross to the exit of the Jade Chamber. “But, Zhongli, Paimon is sure that Hu Tao wouldn’t mind you taking some time off after that! Rest easy for a bit, you worried us there!” Wow, would you believe that me and the little pixie actually agree on something Xiao snickered to himself, barely registering Zhongli attempting to reassure her that no, truly, he should leave, but he would be fine, until another voice cut in.

 

“Absolutely not.” Venti grabbed his friend’s shoulder, forcibly halting him in his tracks and making Zhongli adjust to meet his gaze, a question in his eyes. “You, you dumb box of rocks, are not going anywhere. Firstly, you owe me some damn nice alcohol after all that, and secondly, I know you get warning signs when something like that is about to happen, so how about you ‘fess up about why you ignored them and ended up in this state anyways.”

But, I truly -” His protests were ignored by his fellow Archon.

“Nope, not worming your way out of this one. Spill.” 

A small part of Xiao, one that he chided but couldn’t find himself in full disagreement with, sighed. Archons, this is not going to help my headache. I could use a drink.

Chapter 4

Notes:

TW: Slight SH reference, all my characters are a little screwed mentally. Only referred to in passing, not acted upon or graphic in any way.

 

Xiao watched as his Archon glared daggers at Venti, who simply stared back. It was quickly evident that neither of them were going to budge. Zhongli tried again. “Truly, I must get back to Wangsheng. The concern is appreciated but unnecessary." Xiao shivered slightly at the steely undertones in his voice; the Lord of Geo was clearly displeased and doing the bare minimum to hide it. He made to push past Venti and head for the door, but stopped once more as the bard spoke. “Remember our little agreement, old friend? I kept to it that day in Guyun, and it is your turn to keep to it now.” Xiao cocked his head, puzzled. Agreement? Of what nature? When Zhongli simply kept silent, continuing his path away from them, Xiao watched as a cunning look overtook the Anemo Archon’s face, before he spoke with a challenging lilt “Unless, of course, you aren’t a man of your word, and are willing to break that agreement.” Xiao, Ganyu and the Traveler, knowing the impact that those words would have, all froze as one.

The entire room watched as Zhongli tensed, swivelling around to face them. “My word is my bond. I do not break it. It is simply that in this instance, what you believe to be a necessary conversation is not in actuality required.” Venti snorted. A slight hissing noise, likely unnoticeable to the mortal ear, rumbled through the room, emanating from Zhongli’s chest. He’s angry. Xiao mentally braced to defend his Archon, especially when a responsive “I don’t know, sounds like an excuse to me, my friend.” fell from Venti’s lips. They continued their tense stare-off for what felt like an age. Then, the bard’s gaze softened, an emotionally charged look passing between the two gods that Xiao could never hope to decipher. Zhongli’s posture drooped, and he slowly trudged back over to the group. “...Fine. If you insist.”

 

Venti waited patiently for an elaboration. “B-Venti. Do you remember what you said to me, one of the first proper conversations we ever had?” How in Teyvat is that relevant here? What is he even going on about? Wait, foolish, it is not your right to pry into the affairs of gods. Remember your place, Alatus. Xiao dug his nails subtly into his palms, reprimanding himself. Venti, fingers once again playing absentmindedly with his hair, was quick to answer.  “Of course. Iron fist, heart of gold, all that jazz. I warned you that you best not become like those who I detest, but figured given your heart and morals it would never happen. I could go into more detail, but I won’t given our current company.” What…those he detests? That would be…people who take freedom from others. Tyrants? I’m… not following this at all. A quick glance at the mortals revealed nothing but blank-faced confusion, and when the Yaksha swung around to meet Ganyu’s gaze, he found his questions echoed in her eyes. 

“More to the point, why is this being brought up now, Zhongli?” Venti questioned. Archons, does that name sound foreign when spoken from Barbatos’ mouth. It’s always ‘Rex!’ or “Mooooorax!’ Never this mortal persona. Zhongli barely paused to ponder his response. “You were wrong about me.” Venti flinched at whatever he found in his oldest friend’s eyes, a look of sadness flickering over him. “And what on earth do you mean by that, you old blockhead? I’ll have you know, I’m not often a bad judge of character-” Zhongli seemed to get more and more agitated by the moment, before bursting out with “Well clearly given recent events you were fucking wrong, I can assure you!” The room looked shocked at the outburst from the normally composed consultant, and Xiao was no different.

 

He is known among the Seven for having the tightest grasp on his emotions. What in Celestia has happened that has affected him so? Venti seemed to echo him, waiting for an answer but not bothering to repeat his earlier question. Instead, he paused. Suddenly, a strange whisper in a language that hummed with the power of the elements, of the wildest wind and harshest earth, escaped from Venti’s lips. That’s…huh. I had heard rumours about this, a way of speaking in a way that none other than the Archons can understand, but never did I think it could be true. At least, I’m assuming that’s what that was. This idea was reinforced when Zhongli replied with a similarly garbled sentence thrown back at Venti that no one else could even begin to decipher. Unbeknownst to the rest of them, the Archons’ exchange went something thus:

 

“Dear Rex, what do you mean by that? I do not make judgements idly; millennia ago, I looked you in the eye and said that whilst I despise tyrants, your heart of gold means I had no objection to the way you handled Liyue. Why now do you doubt my words?”

 

“How is it that someone who you think fit to rule had a servant who thinks so little of himself that when faced with death in the Chasm, relaxed into the fall? He craved that death, welcomed it, and thought himself burdening me when I saved him. Alatus is the last of my inner circle of Adepti. I cannot lose him, and yet I have failed in my leadership so badly that he welcomes his own demise.”

Whilst Xiao could not understand their exchange, he could see the moment that whatever Zhongli had said clicked into place for the wind spirit, an expression of pure pain held deep in his eyes. What could Rex Lapis say to hurt him so? Venti sighed sadly. “Oh, you idiot, why didn’t you come find me.” At this point, the other occupants of the room decided to intervene. “Hey, has someone been giving you trouble? You are an asset to Liyue and the Qixing, and we can easily deal with any disturbances,” Ninguang stepped up to reassure the consultant. The rest of the group, minus Baishi who had long ago slipped out to attend to her regular duties, nodded. “Yeah! Paimon and Traveler are more than happy to help you deal with anyone or anything troubling you, Zhongli!” More nods and murmurs of agreement. And I, of course. Our contract binds us together; should you need a weapon, a tool, you must simply call my name and I will be there, Lord. However, out loud, he simply said “Speaking as the representative of the present adepti, this one echoes this sentiment,” knowing that Zhongli would pick up on the subtext he couldn’t say around the Qixing. 

 

A small smile graced Zhongli’s face for a second. “The concern is appreciated, but…that won’t exactly help here. It’s not a situation where I need threats or pressure. No voices nor blades are needed.” He muttered under his breath, so quiet that even Xiao and Ganyu with their adeptal hearing couldn’t catch it, “ ...except, perhaps, my own on my skin”. Venti, however, stiffened. “Do I need to - ”

Zhongli, without missing a beat, interrupted. “No, no, sorry for the worry. I promise you - whilst what I said is indeed...somewhat desirable, it shall not come to pass.” Huh? Okay, you know what, not my place. Archons all have their secrets, and it is far from my place to begin poking my nose where it is not welcome. Venti assessed his friend, giving him a sharp nod. “Fine. Heads up in advance - either you’re coming to Mondstadt after this or I’m staying here for a time -” Zhongli made a noise of dissent that was quickly ignored, “ - Not up for discussion, idiot. You know how the two of us operate. Yes?” A beat; the Lord of Geo’s head dipped in a slightly sullen nod of agreement.

“Now, to the point: you are an absolute idiot.” I will not tolerate such disrespect - A quick glance from Zhongli stopped Xiao from intervening, but the adeptus remained fuming internally in the corner. Venti carried on “Number one: Don’t act like you aren’t the same as that particular individual. Hell, don’t pretend that people like us don’t all have moments like that. Secondly, seriously? My statement stands: you have a heart of gold. You in no way failed like you perceived yourself to. If anything, this whole thing stems from your belief in that and the simultaneous emotional constipation of that particular individual. For Archon’s sake, just tell him to his face that you care for him, not out of any sense of duty, but because he is important to you. Honestly, why am I suddenly the emotionally mature one around here?” Venti chided.

 

Who on earth is this mysterious individual? Has Rex Lapis hurt someone close to him? Is it due to the recent encounters with the remnants of Azhdaha? I heard that he and the Traveler came across him recently, perhaps that is what this is about? Regret over the sealing of one of his oldest and closest companions? Xiao’s thoughts were running a mile a minute, trying to use the few clues he had to put together the puzzle surrounding his Archon’s frazzled state. 

Zhongli once again went to rebut the bard. “Whilst the kind words are appreciated, I really think they are not accurate to the situation, although I thank you for trying to alleviate my current mood, old friend.” Xiao tensed at the pensive look on Venti’s face. The Anemo Archon, voice filled with a fake cheer, responded “Fine. Time to prove a point.” Zhongli cocked his head inquisitively. “You are indebted to me from a time period quite a while ago, yes? A certain… performance, let’s say. I am now cashing in my debt,” Venti said, voice infused with a fake cheer. “Okay. What is it that you desire of me?” That is most definitely the God of Contracts speaking. Hopefully whatever it is will help my Master out of his current internal dilemma. “Quite simple. You say that I have inaccurately judged your character. Time to prove it, Zhongli. ” …I spoke too soon. Something tells me this will be a disaster. 

Notes:

I think this one was perhaps a little dialogue heavy, I hope it did make sense though. Was it too hard to follow? I hope not. Please, let me know if so.
ALSO, the 'performance' that indebted Morax to Venti? Was saving Xiao in Dihua with his flute.
Comments and Kudos appreciated <3

Chapter 5

Notes:

Not sure how happy I am with this one, but here goes nothing. Enjoy!

Zhongli stared at Venti expectantly. “Well, go ahead. How exactly do you intend to ‘prove’ me wrong?” Xiao watched, confused, as the bard glanced at him quickly before advancing on the consultant, a cruel smirk on his face. “Simple. I want you to force that adeptus there to invade my mind, gorge himself on my memories and dreams until nothing remains. Go on, say the word and you know he will do as you ask. After all, his is Liyue's protector, and he feels guilty for not being able to help you, one of the Harbor's citizens.”

 

I - he wants me to what? He is an Archon; devouring his dreams could quite possibly kill me. However, if it is what my Lord wishes - The adeptus watched as Zhongli reeled back as if slapped. “I beg your fucking pardon?” The room winced at the barely controlled anger in his tone. Venti, however, smiled as he repeated his request. “You heard me. Get him to devour my dreams. Here, I’ll make it even easier for you by kicking off the process.” He moved towards Xiao. “Adeptus, if you would. We don’t have all day.” Xiao glanced around, then hesitantly brought his fingers to the god’s temples. “Adeptal art…. Devourer. Let nothing remain unless I wish it so.” 

Blue-green ribbons began to seep from Venti’s temples, connected to Xiao’s fingertips like delicate spiderwebs. An orb of glowing light began to coalesce, and he lifted it away from the wind spirit’s head, towards his mouth, bracing, bracing -

A polearm came up, knocking the Yaksha’s hand away, the glowing ball spinning off and seeping back out of existence. Moments later, the Anemo Archon was slammed back against the wall, a sharp blade pressed to his throat, drawing slight blood. The room gasped and seriously, that was getting irritating, do mortals really get surprised so easily? Zhongli’s eyes were narrowed to dangerous slits, attention zeroed in on Venti. “What the hell do you think you are doing?” The floor of the Jade Chamber trembled almost imperceptibly as the consultant struggled to rein in his anger, cold fury radiating off him in waves.  Venti smirked. “Come now, you are indebted to me, and this is what I want as repayment.” He shoved away the polearm with a gust of Anemo. Spinning around lithely, he used Anemo to grab at Zhongli’s wrists, forcing them to grab Xiao and tug at him with surprising force.

“Venti, what are you doing?” The Traveler cried, but Xiao once again signalled for him not to intervene. Xiao winced slightly as Venti’s Anemo forced Zhongli to grip tightly onto his Yaksha’s wrist, the other pressing a polearm to Xiao’s throat. Zhongli snarled, tugging backwards unsuccessfully. “Go on, force the Adeptus.” The bard egged, pulling Zhongli and by extension Xiao, closer towards him. Xiao’s fingers were once more dragged to rest at Venti’s forehead, Zhongli getting more and more agitated by the second. I don’t understand, Master. I am more than willing to do this. Plus, he’ll stop forcing you if I do it willingly. “Honestly, adepti care not for mortal squabbles. Let go of the consultant, bard, and this one is more than happy to do as you wish if it will end this confrontation.” Xiao winced at the dismissive tone he used to address the Archon duo. Please know I mean no disrespect, it is simply due to the presence of the Qixing. I will accept suitable punishment later for my rudeness. 

“Adeptal art -” With a crack, Venti was flung backwards, Geo constructs rising from the floor and trapping him much like the seal that held Azhdaha in place deep underground. Zhongli, free from the Anemo that had been coercing him, snatched his hand away from Xiao’s wrist and lifted it to the Yaksha’s mouth, silencing his words. “ Enough.” Xiao shivered. That was no mere mortal speaking; that was the conviction of the strongest of the Archons. A polearm was once more at Venti’s throat. “Explain. Now.” The Anemo Archon smirked, deflecting.

“You owe me a debt. Fulfill it.” Rex Lapis, why such hesitation? Do you not trust me as your weapon? “No. I will not inflict such pain on another.” Xiao was sure his face was an open book to the others surrounding him, but he couldn’t bring himself to school his expression. Did he just…break his word? What - I - why? Venti laughed, bringing his hands up, Zhongli raising his weapon threateningly at the aura seeping off of the wind spirit. 

Suddenly, all the menace drained from Venti’s expression, and he raised his hands in the universal gesture of surrender. “I rest my case, idiot.” Xiao watched as Zhongli’s thoughts seemed to grind to a momentary halt. “Huh?” The bard began to cackle at the confused expression on his usually stoic friend’s face, before settling down with a wheezed out “I told you. I am no inaccurate judge of character. Now, could you lower that weapon from outta my face?” That…was a test? The same conclusion dawned on Zhongli’s face, the consultant stepping back, shaking his head in disbelief. “You have to be fucking kidding me.” Venti laughed at his friend’s tone. “Hehe, told ya - ow!” He rubbed his head with a petulant expression, Xiao barely restraining a snicker after watching Zhongli whack Venti in the head with the butt of his weapon. The atmosphere lightened distinctly with the action. 

“Do you get it now, old friend?” The bard asked the consultant. 

“I… whilst I still disagree and believe that you view me far too highly, I somewhat see your point. However, I still remain fixed in my perspective on the prior issue.”

Venti frowned, going to argue back with Zhongli, but Xiao interrupted, mind whirling. “Apologies, but… I would have had no problem using my abilities to end that confrontation, so why did you hesitate, consultant? I am a Yaksha; we exist as tools of war. You needed not to consider myself in that situation.” Both Archons looked at him like they wanted to bang their heads into the Jade Chamber wall behind them. Did I say something wrong? Shit, shit, stupid, you should not talk back to your Master, he clearly didn’t want to use you for a reason. He had to restrain himself from kneeling in subservience at his perceived error. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. Okay, you know what, Zhongli, look here goddamnit -”

 

The entire room watched as the pair began to bicker incomprehensibly. Man, that weird Archon communication thing is getting old real fast.

 

“Rex, for actual fuck’s sake! Why is it so hard for you to get through your rock-hard skull that due to his prior master, not because of you, that adeptus wouldn’t know care and affection if it slapped him in the face!”

 

“Barbatos, that doesn’t change that he tried to FUCKING DIE in the Chasm and then looked appalled that I had DEIGNED to save him! Okay?! Clearly, he hates or fears me to look at me like that -”

 

“Oh for - at this rate I’m going to use my Anemo to lock you two in a room and get Dvalin to guard the door until you just tell him to his goddamn face that you care about him.”

 

“Again, he fucking hates me, and why wouldn’t he? His family, the Yaksha’s, his karmic debt, are all due to my inadequacy. I won’t use my status as his Archon to try to guilt trip him into tolerating me.”

 

“Come ON -”

 

“..Uh, guys?” Paimon reeled back with a squeak as the pair snapped their full attention to her. “Paimon doesn’t quite know what’s going on there, but is everything okay?” A tense moment and emotionally charged gaze later - honestly, they may have known each other for millennia but the eye-contact conversations are unnerving - they both nodded their assurances. Zhongli stepped towards the gathered group, but suddenly tripped and slammed down to his knees. Cries of alarm rang out, Xiao rushing to be the first to reach his Archon’s side, scanning worriedly for any injuries. “What happened? Are you injured?”

 

Zhongli shook his head, a look of frustration adorning his features. “I am fine.” Venti, who had at some point come to stand at Xiao’s side, snorted. “Yeah, no, no one is buying that one. Let me guess, remnants of the catatonia backlash?” Zhongli glared halfheartedly.

“Duh. You know firsthand that if it gets as bad as it has today that it doesn’t just magically evaporate into nothingness.” 

Ganyu and Keqing, having moved forward whilst he spoke, grabbed the consultant’s shoulders and lifted him, helping him walk - who is he kidding, they dragged him - to a chair. “How long will this take to wear off, Zhongli?” The Traveler asked. 

“Not to worry, it should wear off once I get some rest later. It just happens so rarely that such aftereffects are commonplace on the rare occasions such episodes occur. And they are rare occasions indeed. It can never happen to me in the heat of battle because at such a time I am actively using my Vision. In fact, I can count such occurrences of catatonia from my entire life on my fingers.” The Prime Adeptus went to raise his hands to pet at Paimon’s head reassuringly, sighing when one elbow froze up and the other arm simply refused to move at all besides a twitch of his fingers.  “Awfully irritating, though,” He grumbled. 

 

“So, what actually was the trigger for this episode?” All eyes snapped to Xiao, and he hurriedly deflected. “These mortals have been concerned since you came in here, I can sense it from their vitals, and in case you haven’t noticed the bard is the only one who seems to have the full scope of the situation. I believe the Traveler - and I - would like to know what sets them off so that this can be avoided in the future. The Traveler nodded, and Zhongli sighed. “Fine. If you must know, I almost lost someone I care about recently, and it wasn’t dealt with internally, hence the catatonia.” Who… 

 

The Traveler let out a noise of comprehension. “Excuse the intrusion Zhongli, but are you referring to the recent events of…?” A singular sharp nod from the consultant. 

“You’re joking. How is it that even the Traveler has worked it out before - ah, nevermind, I’m arguing with a brick wall on that one.” Venti sighed. 

“Pardon, Traveler, but what are you referring to?” Ganyu interjected, confused. Suddenly Paimon cried out “Oh, Traveler, do you mean the events of the Chasm?” Zhongli’s eyes snapped to the pixie, Venti quite literally facepalming in the background. “Way to go on the subtlety front, Paimon,” her companion groaned.

 

Wait…Chasm…someone he almost lost that he cared about…me? 

 

“Rex, I think the pixie just broke your adeptus.”

 

“Shut it, Barbatos.”

Notes:

Did you enjoy? I'm planning for another couple of chapters, I'm not fully sure how many specifically (I'm winging this as I go lmao)

Comments and Kudos appreciated <3

Chapter 6

Notes:

New chapter! Thanks for the love so far, I've hit over 100 kudos (that's so bonkers to me omg) I hope you like it! Drop a comment with thoughts if you want :)

 

Xiao’s brain had ground to a total halt. Rex Lapis was concerned…about me? I don’t understand, I mean I guess as one of his lieutenants it would be inconvenient if I died, but - someone’s hand entered his field of vision, and he startled. Reflexively,  he kicked out to knock the person over with a gust of Anemo and pinned them to the floor, knee pressed into the small of their back. As his vision cleared and he once again became properly aware of his surroundings, the adeptus realised with a jolt that it was none other than the Anemo Archon held in place under his knee. No no no, why did I do that, stupid, best beg on your knees and hope his punishment won’t be too sadistic. He quickly released Venti and knelt, only the awareness that there were mortals in the room stopping him from completely prostrating himself on the marble floor. 

“This one apologises for his actions, mortal ( not mortal, superior to a lowly one such as myself). They were unacceptable for a Yaksha, making this adeptus more than willing to accept consequence for poor behaviours.” The Anemo Archon fixed him with an inscrutable look, and he barely restrained himself from wincing. Suddenly, Venti’s expression softened. “No matter, adeptus, please stand! You just were trapped in your own head there, you were worrying us a bit. I’m sorry for startling you!” No, I’m sorry for overstepping. However, he followed the god’s command, standing from his prior position. 

 

“Coming back to what the consultant said, can this one ask for elaboration?” Xiao couldn’t help the question escaping him. Zhongli looked sad. “I thought it was quite simple, adeptus. I almost lost someone I care deeply about, and I haven’t dealt with the residual emotions from the event. As a result, my vision reacted, sending me into this catatonic state.” The consultant shrugged, “I’m not sure what else I’m supposed to say.” Everyone else in the room seemed to give nods of understanding, but Xiao was more confused than ever. “Surely, it wouldn’t have been that inconvenient to lose someone though? Unless you’re angry at having to expend the effort for them? Is that what drove you into this state?” The Yaksha was trying desperately to understand. Why did my brush with death affect him so much?

This time, it was Ninguang that answered him. “Adeptus, whilst you are very much an elusive wanderer, do you truly know so little of human emotions?” What? How is that relevant? “I am an Adeptus; mortal emotions and desires are of little consequence to one such as me,” he replied. The woman sighed. “I see. I shall put it in as plain terms as I can then. He almost lost someone he cared about. This state? It is not the result of anger or irritation at whoever that person is. It’s because he was scared.” Xiao was sure his face was a singular big question mark, because Ninguang continued. “I’m assuming it was a close friend of his, or even someone he viewed as family. He was fearful not for some material reason, but because he didn’t want to lose someone he loved. Surely even the adepti understand notions of love and attachment, right?” Xiao barely registered Ganyu murmuring an affirmation of her boss’ statement, his head spinning. She thinks Rex Lapis saved me…because he couldn’t bear the prospect of my death? Impossible. One does not feel sad for a weapon destined to eventually fall in battle, especially not the God of Contracts with a heart of stone. 

“I…don’t understand your point, but I will take you at your word, mortal.” Xiao managed to force out past his barraging internal monologue. He felt close to breaking, confused and overwhelmed by the people around him and wanting nothing more than to run. When a sudden crack rang through the Chamber, he very nearly did so, almost teleporting to the Kaerst from where he stood. Everyone whirled around, staring at confusion at the sight of a stone vase on a nearby table that had held Qingxin flowers now in a thousand tiny shards on the floor. Rex Lapis? Xiao swung his gaze to his Archon, watching as he seemed to take several deep breaths to calm himself before speaking. “How about this adeptus; come on a walk on the outskirts of the harbour with me, and I’ll try to explain these mortal emotions,” Zhongli struggled stiffly to his feet as he spoke. Xiao rushed to stabilise him. “No, it’s fine, you should rest -” Zhongli cut him off.

 

“I insist.” He’s displeased, it’s a command, subtle though it is. I must atone for this later. He nodded before addressing the room. “I may return later. For now, I will take him to the edge of the harbour. Clearly I am lacking knowledge on emotions, and this is something that should be rectified,” he blustered, Venti looking at him knowingly. Then he walked over to Zhongli, holding his shoulder and teleporting them away. He took them not to the outskirts of the city but to Qingyun Peak to ensure that they wouldn’t be interrupted.  

When they arrived, he carefully helped Zhongli to one of the stone benches before dropping to kneel at his feet. “This lowly one apologises for his rude manner when in the company of those mortals. Also, for the inadequacy that caused you to have to save one of your generals from the Chasm’s bed, leaving you in this state. Your soldier will accept any punishment you see fit. If you require my polearm, tell me and it will be provided. Should you wish to terminate my contract -” here, Xiao’s breath hitched ( please don’t, he begged) “This one will be understanding. There is no use for inefficient soldiers.” At the end of his monologue, he kept his eyes lowered, unable to see his Lord’s reaction. A cold black hand lifted his chin, and his face was raised to meet his master’s gaze. Zhongli was in his adeptus form, horns arching from his head and his arms now ink black. Xiao sucked in a gasp at the pain on his face. 

“Oh, little Xiao, please do not speak of yourself in such a way. I am not angry at you. Rather, I am angry at myself.” Xiao dug his nails into his palms, his confusion making him nauseous and karmic debt lapping at every weak point. “Rex Lapis, I do not understand. Why are you angry with yourself? It is my failure that has landed you in this state.” Maybe he is angry that he ever spared you, a small part of him whispered. “Please, adeptus, stop. ” Xiao flinched and nodded. A firm grip once again made two sets of amber eyes meet, Xiao hesitantly meeting his Archon’s gaze. He looks…in pain. A deep sadness swam in Zhongli’s ancient irises. 

“Listen to me, young one, please.” Xiao nodded once more. The Lord of Geo inhaled deeply. “I didn’t save you from the depths of the Chasm because you were useful to me, or because I needed a weapon, or god forbid because your death would be inconvenient to me to lose one of Liyue’s oldest protectors. I saved you because I was scared, Xiao. I saved you because I’ve watched you for millennia as you’ve fought for my nation in the name of atoning for past wrongs. I saved you because I can’t lose anyone else. I saved you because I love you like family, Alatus. Please, tell me you understand this. I don’t know how else to say it. I saved you because I care for you, not as a weapon but as a person. ”   Zhongli’s voice wavered slightly at the end of his speech. 

Xiao’s entire world was splintering at its seams as he tried to process what had just been thrown at him. What? That’s not possible. Is he trying something? Sometimes people are kind to make you lower your guard before a punishment. “Rex Lapis, I don’t understand. Please, if you are angry, just say so.” The Yaksha was trembling, barely holding himself together. Is this a test? If so, I’ll do whatever is needed, Lord, I’ll throw myself against the stone until I break, just give me the word. “I just told you that I am not angry with you, Xiao. How can I make you believe my words?” 

The adeptus snapped then, everything tumbling from his lips involuntarily. “I don’t get it, Rex Lapis! I don’t understand! Why would an Archon such as you care for a lowly weapon like myself? I haven’t earned that! By all means you should be severing our contract in disgust or whipping me until I can’t move or digging a polearm into my skin or even slitting my throat and just discarding me like the useless weapon that I am that can’t even fulfill its duty -” 

“Alatus, stop!” A hand came up to cover his mouth, cutting off his rapid stream of words. Xiao flinched, an apology on his lips. “I’m-”

 

“Don’t you dare apologise to me,” Zhongli rumbled. Xiao froze and nodded. “Please, believe me, Xiao. If you don’t believe yourself as being worthy of my care, then put your trust in my own belief. Truly, if ever you take something I say to heart, let it be this.”  And Xiao? Xiao felt flickers of an emotion other than deep pain for the first time in centuries. The gentle wind blew through his hair, the birdsong of Jueyun Kaerst echoing in his ears, and for a split second, he allowed himself to consider his Archon’s words. Did he believe them? Not necessarily. That step was somewhere far off in the future. But he considered them, even briefly, and that was all it took.

Xiao’s shoulders shook, his vision flickering and legs like jelly beneath him. An instinct he had thought long dead arose in him and he stumbled towards Zhongli, a whimper escaping him. A single step was all he managed before he swayed, his legs giving out beneath him. Strong arms caught him before he could hit the cold ground, holding him with the gentleness of a human mother cradling her newborn child. A hand rose to his head, a murmur of comfort that Xiao barely heard leaving Zhongli’s lips. Another whimper. He was pulled into a tighter embrace, skin touching his exposed back where his shirt ended, and he felt as if the earth itself were clutching him protectively.

 

Despite being millennia old, at that moment Xiao felt like a child being sheltered from the world by arms more steady than Liyue itself. His tenuous self-control shattered with all the force of floodwaters breaking from a dam, and Xiao felt himself break as the first of many sobs escaped him. Then, he was being hugged still tighter again, now fully pressed up against a broad chest, comforting words muttered with low intonation into his hair, and awareness deserted him entirely.

Notes:

Thanks for reading!
As usual, comments and kudos give me life <3
Also once I finish off this fic I'll probably edit the entire thing a bit for grammar errors, formatting, etc. I'm just going to worry about it at a later date.

Chapter 7

Notes:

Sorry for the delay! I've been super busy.
As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts, comments and kudos give me life <3

 

Xiao had no idea how much time had passed. Time was a slippery concept for many adepti; days, months and years blending into each other and slipping past them like grains of sand in an hourglass. Mortals would find it impossible to comprehend the way that decades could pass for adepti as if mere seconds, blurred by the monotony of their functionally immortal lives. Yet Xiao rarely felt time escape him in such a way as he found it doing now. 

He came back to himself slowly. Hearing returned first: the gentle rustling of the trees of Qingyun Peak, the slight whistle of wind in his ears, and a quiet, almost incomprehensible murmur of comforting words coming from just behind him. The adeptus noticed then his hitching breaths, shivering sobs wracking his frame. He was encircled, confined within sturdy arms, yet he felt safe rather than trapped. A strong, rocking pulse of Geo energy rumbled through him, lapping at his very spirit. Even the Yaksha’s ever-present karmic debt seemed to be kept at bay as if bowing down to the sheer overwhelming power of its source.

Xiao’s eyes cracked open. The adeptus found himself cradled tight to the chest of none other than Rex Lapis in his adeptal form, long amber hair spilled over broad shoulders and amber pupils staring out over the sprawling horizon of his nation. What…happened? Xiao’s brows crinkled as he thought back to the last things his tired brain remembered. Rex Lapis… wanted to talk to me. He was scared about me almost dying. And then…. Shame lanced down Xiao’s spine as if the Electro Archon herself had sent a bolt of lightning down his back. He struggled against the grip holding him. “...Xiao? You back with me?” His Archon asked, but the Yaksha in question was too busy struggling to his feet to answer. 

He barely managed to get free, preparing to drop into a kneeling bow of supplication, before he stumbled and was dragged back into his prior position. “Master, I’m sorry - I don’t deserve - I apologise for this shameful state, you have no need to -”

“Little adeptus, please stop.” Xiao cut himself off with a clack as his teeth snapped together. “I told you. No need to apologise, especially for something as necessary as feeling. I am happy that you trusted me to be here to protect you whilst you were in such a state of vulnerability. I understand that due to your past that is a very hard thing for you to do,” the Lord of Geo carded his hands gently through Xiao’s hair as he spoke, and despite himself Xiao leaned slightly into the touch momentarily before freezing. A small, chuffing laugh, almost draconic and rumbling in nature, escaped the Archon at that.

 

“Young Alatus, you’re more than welcome to gestures of comfort, you know. As I am sure you’re aware from your time under my service, I have always been an adeptus inclined towards physical affection. In fact, these days due to my career change I have found myself more touch starved than ever, so you needing a hug or two benefits me as much as you,” Zhongli reassured the Yaksha in his arms.

 

The god felt Xiao relax minutely at that. “This…is nice,” he admitted. The Yaksha could not remember the last time he had had so much contact with another person outside of the battlefield. Perhaps the Goddess of Dust had hugged him tight once, long ago, in the aftermath of Rex Lapis staying his hand and allowing Alatus the slaughtering enslaved dreamhound to become Xiao the protector, but since then? Xiao’s outside of combat touches were limited to perhaps the odd brush of shoulders between fellow adepti. This was an entirely foreign landscape to him, but not necessarily an unwelcome one. He hesitantly nuzzled closer into Zhongli’s coat, and he could feel the way that said consultant smiled into his hair in response. They stayed there for a time, the god humming a quiet tune that Xiao vaguely remembered from the Guili assembly.

When the sun began to slowly sink beyond the horizon, spreading beautiful hues of deep pinks and oranges across the sky, Zhongli quietened and shifted. “Not to pressure you in any way, little one, but if we do not return soon the others will be worried.” Xiao nodded in response and pushed gently at Zhongli’s arms, standing in preparation for departure back to the harbour. Xiao turned to his Archon, arm extended to help him up, but found Zhongli still seated on the ground, back against one of the stone seats. “Rex Lapis?” He asked. The Prime Adeptus grimaced before snickering slightly at his predicament. “It seems that sitting in such a way for several hours has not done the remnants of my catatonic state and wonders,” he admitted, chortling a little. “Could you help me up?” Xiao sprung to the consultant’s side, hooking an arm around him and helping him to a standing position. Zhongli evidently struggled with the motion, joints almost sounding like stone grating on stone. Once the pair were upright, he gestured to the Yaksha that they could return to the harbour. 

Just as Xiao was about to teleport them away, swirls of Anemo beginning to surround them, Zhongli spoke. “Xiao.” Said adeptus looked over at him. “I know that a single conversation will not heal every scar you keep hidden beneath the surface. However, I am so, so proud of you for starting. And, should you ever need emotional support again, please come find me. I am your Archon, yes, but there is no reason for you to stand on ceremony around me. I am here for you, okay?” Rex Lapis is offering his time to me outside of battle and contractual duties. I have no right - a gentle whack to the back of his head startled him out of his musings. “I can hear you thinking, Xiao. Truly, I would enjoy your company every so often.” I do not deserve it, but if you want me to visit then I will not deny you, Master. He nodded in affirmation, and Zhongli made a pleased noise. Then, Xiao swiftly teleported them away, back to the heart of the nation that they both devoted their lives to. 

The pair were swarmed as they reentered the Jade Chamber. Xiao subtly, hurriedly checked that there were no major indications of his breakdown displayed on his face. To his pleasure, somehow there were no major tear tracks or redness to his eyes. Thank the Archons for that. That would not be fun to explain. Beside him, Zhongli was back in his mortal form, although he had left his hair loose rather than back in its customary ponytail. 

 

“Xiao, Zhongli, you were gone so long -”

“Paimon was getting worried! Thank goodness you’re both back safe!”

“Did you -”

“Do either of you need -” 

Xiao winced at the overlapping barrage of voices. “Enough. We are both back unharmed. The conversation just took longer than anticipated, that is all.” Everyone seemed to settle at that, besides Venti, who just gave the Yaksha a knowing nod, eyes twinkling. Barbatos, for all that he acts a drunkard, is incredibly perceptive, that’s for sure. 

 

“So, adeptus, do you understand now?” Keqing asked him curiously. Xiao considered for a moment before giving her a surprisingly honest answer. “Whilst I do not necessarily believe it to be true, and it confuses me to no end, I can at least logically comprehend mortal emotions of fear and attachment now,” he responded. Keqing nodded happily, evidently pleased with his answer.  “Good. The adepti are protectors of Liyue, after all. It is good if they can at least somewhat understand the behaviours and patterns of mortals.” 

“I agree, Yuheng, and it is something that I am looking to learn from now on,” Xiao told her, and found that it wasn’t even a lie. 

“So, how about we join each other for dinner, shall we? I am sure that we can get seats at Liuli Pavilion for dinner to unwind after our stressful events of the day,” Ninguang offered to the group. Surprisingly, it was Venti who spoke up to veto it. “Many thanks for the offer, Lady Ninguang, but I’m taking my blockhead of a friend to rest and recover quietly. Hopefully by the morning he’ll no longer be acting like a rusty old lock, all locked up in places,” the bard snickered at his own analogy. “I resent that comparison greatly,” Zhongli replied.

Ninguang nodded understandingly. 

“How about tomorrow then? We can just enjoy each other’s company over nice food and even nicer alcohol. I’m sure even the adepti won’t mind taking a break for the evening,” she offered as an alternative. She received a medley of affirmative nods. “Oooooo, Paimon likes that idea! We just won’t do any Guild commissions tomorrow, and we can relax and eat as much food as our stomachs can hold! Paimon is getting hungry even thinking about it!” The pixie wriggled in anticipatory content, and everyone giggled at her eagerness.

 

“Okay, how does 5pm at the Pavilion sound?” Ninguang asked. No one objected. “Perfect! I’ll let the restaurant know in advance.” More nods, and then everyone was exchanging goodbyes. Xiao helped Zhongli to his feet once more, and quietly asked Venti where their intended destination was. “Your teapot? I see. I will take you to Wangsheng then.” He grabbed the two of them by the shoulders carefully, and then the trio were off into the night.

Notes:

Sorry if the ending is a little rushed/disjointed, I was struggling for how to round off the chapter.
There'll probably be one final chapter after this one, and then I'll probably be done with this fic! I really hope you've enjoyed it so far, especially that good old Xiao and Zhongli hurt/comfort.

Chapter 8

Notes:

Yes, it is extremely short; it's just a little epilogue to round everything off.
Also, I am aware that this made its way to tiktok! I'm so honored that people have enjoyed this fic that much, truly as my first fic since 2018 and my first Genshin fic, it means a lot to me. I even hit 300 kudos! Thanks for sticking around to the end, everyone.

I'm also going to do a special mention to the person on tiktok who was completely unware that the person they talked to in comments was, in fact, the author of Catatonic. So, @espressomoth, thank you so much for your high praise, and I'll write some Archon trio shenanigans at some point in the future :)

Exempting the location, the scene in front of the Yaksha was a near-perfect copy of the day before. Ganyu and Keqing were discussing paperwork over some delicious-smelling hotpot with Ninguang looking on, and the Traveler and his flying companion were bickering lightheartedly as usual. This time, though, two Archons were seated next to each other at one end of the table bantering with each other. This paints a strangely peaceful picture, he mused. At that moment, Venti decided to try his luck, dashing in with his chopsticks to steal one of Zhongli’s dumplings.

Another pair of chopsticks grasped the wind spirit’s wrist, forcing him to drop his utensils and the food they held.  “Owwwwww, stopstopstop that hurts -” 

“Don’t steal my food then,” Zhongli growled at his friend, who nodded hurriedly in agreement. Zhongli returned to eating, leaving Venti to rub at his wrist petulantly. I stand corrected, Xiao amended himself. Suddenly, the Anemo Archon caught sight of the adeptus hovering hesitantly in the entryway, his face lighting up. “Adeptus Xiao, you’re here! Come, come eat! We have plenty of Almond Tofu here for you.” Maybe this will be tolerable after all, he thought, walking over to grab a plate of the only mortal dish he enjoyed before turning back to the doorway. “...Xiao, where are you going? Take a seat,” Paimon asked, sounding confused. Actually, they all look like that, he noted as he took in the bewildered looks of those at the table.

“I’m monitoring the entryway. I am a Yaksha; my job is to protect. What is there to be confused about?” Was I not meant to actually accept a plate of food? No, that seems out of character for Rex Lapis, especially after yesterday…so…. His musings were interrupted by none other than the Archon in question. “Come sit and relax, adeptus. We are in the middle of the Harbour, after all, and all talented visionbearers. I doubt we will come to any harm if you take a moment to enjoy our company.”

 

I do not deserve - Zhongli’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he could hear the thoughts running through Xiao’s head. “Please, join us.” I guess…if what he said yesterday is true… the Yaksha hesitantly went to sit near the Traveler, but froze as Zhongli gestured at an empty seat next to him. Even if he truly does enjoy my company, I dare not put myself on his level by sitting next to him. His gaze caught Venti. ‘He would appreciate it,’ Venti mouthed to him, so Xiao course corrected against his better judgement to sit next to the funeral consultant.

He was rewarded with a warm smile, and squirmed slightly, unused to the affection bleeding off his Archon in waves. He focused instead on his food, taking a grateful bite of his Almond Tofu and was swept away by the waves of gentle conversation, lighthearted bantering and overall camaraderie of the group. Plate after plate of Almond Tofu was pushed in his direction, and even his karmic debt seemed to be giving him a slight reprieve (little did he know, distracted as he was, that Zhongli was using the close proximity and abilities as an Archon to relieve his Yaksha’s burden as best he could). Xiao barely noticed as his eyes began to droop slightly, his hearing wavering in and out. Nor did he notice as the afternoon turned to dusk, everyone except the two Archons excusing themselves and taking their leave, careful not to rouse the semi-cognizant adeptus. 

And he most certainly didn’t notice when his eyes fully slipped closed without opening again, his body tipping forward to rest with a gentle thud on his Lord’s shoulder. Venti looked over in surprise, opening his mouth to send a quip to his oldest friend but falling silent upon observing the look on the Lord of Geo’s face. Zhongli’s face held an expression of deep love and affection that the wind spirit had never seen on him in such an open way, but suited him nonetheless. A hand, tips starting to turn ever-so-slightly inky black, reached up to card fingers delicately through Xiao’s hair, the sleeping Yaksha shifting into the touch with a soft smile that almost made Venti croon. Instead, he murmured quietly “You’ve done well, Rex.” Zhongli looked over at him, about to rebut him on instinct before softening. “Thank you. I hope to continue to do so,” he whispered back. And Xiao? He slept right through til sunrise, cradled by the Archon who would protect him to the end. 

 

Fin. 

Notes:

That's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed the little conclusion, and as usual, comments and kudos give me life <3

Feel free to drop a comment with your thoughts, rambles and even suggestions for what I could write for this fandom in the future! I have ideas, although I am super busy (I'm at university plus I am in the process of moving house), but I'm always open to prompts/suggestions!

Also, I now have a writing twitter, same handle as this account: @asingleqingxin
Feel free to follow me and interact on there!

Chapter 9

Hey guys! Not an update, sadly, I've just been editing to make this more easy to read and correct some grammar issues. However, this work is now part of a series where I explore a bunch of (mainly unrelated) scenarios where Zhongli experiences catatonia! 

I don't know how to hyperlink it in, but as I'm sure you can see, the series bar is at the top of the page. 

Hope you enjoyed and all that jazz. Until next time  :)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Genshin Catatonic AU