Xiao 【2】

Today had been a calm day. The mortals, as always, were animatedly chatting about something — a constant buzz of voices filled the air. But in this flower-filled valley, it was quiet. Only a gentle breeze played with the green leaves and flower petals.

The flowers here were of all kinds — in shape and color. That was why you loved this place so much. And that was why you brought Xiao here today.

Neither of you spoke a word. You sat on the grass, surrounded by flowers, busily weaving something, while Xiao sat nearby under a tree, watching. At one point, he turned his gaze to the sky and became lost in thought.

That was precisely why, when he felt a light touch on his head, he froze in surprise. Slowly shifting his gaze from the soft clouds to you, he saw you sitting beside him on your knees, your hands raised to his head.

He looked up and realized that you had placed on him a wreath that you had been carefully weaving. It was slightly messy in its own way, but to Xiao, it seemed very beautiful. Funny, isn't it? Just ordinary flowers woven together, and yet they brought such a pleasant warmth to the heart.

He shifted his gaze from the wreath to you. You had moved closer, settling into a comfortable position, and a pleased smile spread across your lips.

— It suits you! — you chirped happily.

For a while, he simply looked at the wreath in his hands, turning it over, not taking his eyes off it. Then he carefully placed it back on his head and looked away. He was, as usual, not very talkative, but you didn't mind — because his actions and expression had already revealed everything.

Even if he didn't say "thank you," even if he didn't smile, you understood that he had truly liked this little gift. And the proof of that was the slight, barely noticeable curve of his lips — a faint smile.

Who is Xiao.
Xiao (Chinese: 魈, Xiāo) is a playable Anemo character in Genshin Impact. He is an adeptus, also referred to as an illuminated beast, and the sole surviving member of the five foremost Yakshas, elite warriors created to combat demonic forces that emerged during the Archon War. His Chinese name, Alatus (金鹏, Jīnpéng), reflects his role as a guardian spirit who continues to fight even when the world no longer remembers the cost of his sacrifices.