An echo of a bloodcurdling scream rattled in his ears. 

"KILL THEM!"

Painful groans, final breaths, all were resounding in his head.

"...Die."

Their voices... he can always hear them. Their screams, their cries, demanding more death...

But then another voice came along, shattering through that dark void with its sweetness, its calm. It was a gentle, melodious sound that carried peace wherever it went. 

"Alatus!" 

The voice reverberated in his mind, before fading away into nothingness again. After all, it was but a distant memory now, reminding him once more that he was alone in this battle, just as he has been for millennia.

...until he saw her again.

______________________

That night, you had a dreamless sleep. It was the first time in 3 nights. 

But when you woke up the following morning, strange dizziness swirled in your head. You shook it off. "I'm just feeling confused..." you rationalized, getting out of bed to get ready for the day. 

When you opened your door, you notice Verr standing in her usual spot again with the cat chilling on the counter. You took long strides towards her, wasting no time in asking. 

However, Verr spoke up first. "Good morning to you, (Y/N). You look sleepy," she says, lips twisting into a small smirk. 

Her greeting completely flew over your head. "Boss, yesterday on the roof... who was that man?" You leaned slightly towards the counter, a serious frown on your face. 

Verr was taken aback by your sudden question. "Oh, you've already met Xiao?" she sighs. "So you've been to the roof?"

"Uh–" you blink, realizing what you just implied. Sneaking a glance at the cat beside her, it merely gives you an innocent stare. "I'm so sorry. I didn't stay long, I promise!" you reassured her. 

'So, his name is Xiao...'

She sighs again. "It's fine. I'm actually quite surprised he showed himself to you. He must've been in a good mood that day."

'Or he didn't want to see someone fall and injure themselves!'

You snuck another glance at the cat. This time, Verr noticed. "Oh? So that's what happened? Seemed like mischievous little Wei made you chase it around yesterday." she briefly glares at Wei from the corner of her eye.

"Nya?"

"No no no, it's fine! I should've looked for you instead of following it blindly!" You shook your head and waved your hands. "Again, I'm really sorry I went to the roof!" you apologized, dipping into a deep bow. 

"It's fine, (Y/N). I said that so you wouldn't be frightened. The roof isn't totally off-limits to you."

'Frightened...?'

You raised your head. "I... I see..." You pause in deep thought. "His name is Xiao, right? By any chance, has he ever been to Mondstadt?"

Verr raised a brow. "Mondstadt? Highly unlikely. Why?"

"He just looks... very familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it." You shook your head.

She narrows her eyes at you. "Familiar? How interesting..."  

"And... boss, who is he, exactly? Why does he stay on the roof?" 

Verr smirks. It was rather amusing seeing you agitated so early in the morning. "It's a little complicated to explain. He's heavily tied to Liyue legends, after all," she merely replied. 

"Liyue legends?"

"Well, you may try visiting him some other time. If you're lucky, he may show himself again." She shrugs. "As for today, you have work to do. Are you ready?"

You widen your eyes. 'Right! I nearly forgot!' 

_ _ _

The sun hung low in the sky by the time you finished work. As you made your way back to Wangshu Inn, you instinctively glanced up at the roof, watching the yellow leaves sway rapidly in the wind. 

You tucked a lock of hair behind your ear. 'It's pretty windy today,'  you thought, inhaling the fresh air it brought. 

Then you noticed something else on the tree, or rather, someone else. He was a little far considering where you were, and his back was turned. But there was no mistake, it was the same guy from yesterday. 

Suddenly, he turned around, as if sensing something. You stopped in your tracks, eyes widening as you stared. 'His face...'

His familiar golden eyes, along with the rest of his face, were completely covered. In its place sat a black demonic mask. You couldn't make out all its details, but the glow of its turquoise eyes made your breath hitch. The green polearm he held by his side only served to make him more imposing.

It didn't take long for Xiao to spot you. He stared at you for a long second, sending chills down your spine with the way his mask glowed. 

And then he was gone again. In the blink of an eye. 

You furrowed your brows, noticing how the wind went still at his disappearance. 'Who is he?'  An aching curiosity overwhelmed you. You just had to know more about him. 

And you're going to stop at nothing until that curiosity is sated. 

_ _ _

That night, you climbed the stairs to the roof again. 

It was peacefully quiet, just like yesterday. The sounds of usual chatter coming from the guests downstairs barely reached this area, making it a perfect place for those wanting peace and quiet. 

And just like yesterday, there was no one here. At least, it seemed like there was no one here. 

"U-Uhh–" you cleared your throat. "Xiao? Are you there?"

No response. 

"I-It's me, the one you saved yesterday. I just wanted to say... thank you...?" You bit your lip. 'Why did that sound like a question?!'  A silent sigh escapes your lips. 

Still, no response. 

As you looked around for any sign of him, your body started to tense with hesitation. 'Maybe he's not here?' you reasoned, letting out another shakier sigh. 'Maybe right now is a bad time...'

You shook your head. "Well, uh, if you're not around, I'll just come back tomorrow!" A small smile made its way to your face. "I hope to see you then." You say, bowing deeply at nothing in particular. You took one last look at the balcony, before taking your leave. 

True to your word, you returned the next day. Fortunately, you managed to come before the sun went down this time. 

"Hello! I'm back!" you greeted with a more relaxed smile, hoping that maybe Xiao would show himself this time. 

But just like yesterday, he didn't. 

And so you came back again the next day, and the next, then the one after. It quickly became a part of your routine this past week to come to the roof right after work. At some point, you stopped hoping he would show up. Just a simple greeting, then you would sit yourself down in front of the railings to unwind and admire the scenery. 

"The sunset is really pretty today, especially since there are no clouds!" You chuckle, even though you knew nobody was going to reply. Perhaps, just the possibility that he may be listening was enough for you. 

"I'll come back again tomorrow. Have a good night, Xiao!" is what you would say every time night fell.  You always put on a warm smile, showing no signs of fatigue or impatience whatsoever even as you walked out the balcony.

But unbeknownst to you, he would watch. Every time. From the shadows, from a place you cannot reach, he would always watch, always listen to your rambles as the setting sun shone golden rays onto your bright smile. The more he watched, the more he realized–

"Nothing about you has changed..."

________________

(A/N) - I hope everyone's loving the new patch (I sure am!) 👀 and good luck to those pulling for Ayato and Venti 🙏 See you in the next chapter!