The photos of Toddler Xiao,

Ones which the Traveler was showing him now...

...

They were just so adorable, Venti felt himself falling in love!~

-There is one of Xiao struggling to lift his spear, looking so adorable! And one where he is struggling in Childe's arms, as the Fatui is lifting him up! And then there's one where Xiao looks so adorably shocked at seeing the golden wings at his back! Oh, and now he is frantically trying to get away, the cutie! A shame that he is not strong enough for it now! There's also one of him completely embarrassed, while Morax is grooming his wings! -He couldn't help but enthusiastically say, so excited that he didn't notice he was using his "Archon voice", his expression soon turning amused. -My, you took quite a lot of these, Traveler! Feel completely in love with our adorable little Yaksha, didn't you...? -He soon teased, glancing between the 30 similarly looking photos floating before him. -I can see that some of these look better than the others. Looks like you fell so deeply in love with adorable little Xiao, you couldn't bring yourself to part with the worse looking ones either~ -He soon added, getting even more amused at the Traveler's pouting, yet also proud and slightly amused expression. So, the Traveler was enjoying this too~ Well, better move to the next photos~ -...Oh, a photo of Childe snuggling to little Xiao as if he is his own younger brother, so cute~ Seems to me like our little Yaksha reminded him of his siblings back home~ And there's one with Xiao trying to intimidate a Hillichurl and surprisingly it worked! My, how dutiful our little Yaksha is, even while in such a small and cute form~ -...Though the poor Hillichurl must have been bullied afterwards by its peers for being intimidated by a literal toddler...-Wow! There is even one with Xiao pouting so hard, he looks like a chipmunk who just stuffed himself with chestnuts! Those big and cute cheeks of his I so want to poky poke and...!~

-Lord Barbatos, please stop this. This is extremely embarrassing for me. -Xiao soon interrupted him, looking very embarrassed. -Traveler, you too. There is no need for you to show anyone these highly embarrassing photos. Having to appear before everyone in that state was embarrassing enough. -He added while turning towards the other, before he sighed, as his expression turned a little guilt stricken. -...The attention you showed me during that time was more than enough. For someone so undeserving...

He quietly mumbled, looking and sounding ashamed,

A reaction everyone couldn't help but notice...

-Xiao, is there something wrong...? "The attention you showed me during that time was more than enough. For someone so undeserving…", what exactly did you mean by that...? -Venti couldn't help but ask, his expression turning from confused to annoyed. -You are not thinking, once again, that you don't deserve any care and affection, are you...? Don't tell me, that after finally learning to enjoy life, you are suddenly...

-I am alright. There is no need for you to worry about me, Lord Barbatos. -The Yaksha interrupted him, trying to sound reassuring, yet still looking deeply ashamed. -...I am truly fine, what you heard was merely...

-Yet you called me "Lord Barbatos" instead of "Venti", like I asked you to be called. -The Archon interrupted him, looking quite serious now, before he sadly sighed. -I thought we were already over this: You acting as if you don't deserve any love, care and people worrying about your wellbeing, as well as the fact that this kind of thinking is wrong. -In reply the Yaksha turned to look down on the ground, which made the Archon sigh again. All that character development and finally realizing that he mattered...-Xiao, tell me what's wrong, why does it look like you suddenly regressed...? Does it have something to do with that time you were stuck in the Chasm...? -At those words the Yaksha slightly flinched, telling Venti everything he needed to know. Xiao really wanted to keep it to himself, didn't he...? Well, then, that's quite alright. He still had other ways to make him talk…-...I am currently asking you as a friend and if you still refuse to reply, then I suppose I should change tactics and make a formal order as an Archon.

He added in dead seriousness, already deciding to do just that if needed,

As he realized that things can't remain as they currently are...

...

To think that after seeing Xiao so happy during Ludi Harpastum and after,

After finally seeing this overly dutiful Yaksha finally starting to enjoy life...

...

When, after everything that happened to him, he finally learned what it means to live and not just to exist...

...

...

They shouldn't be back to square one,

It shouldn't have become like this...

...

-...I am ashamed for being such an embarrassment...-Xiao finally admitted, realizing that he couldn't win this no matter how much he tried. -You are right, it was due to what happened to me in the Chasm. Due to what I experienced there...-He soon started explaining everything, retelling the story of what happened from his own point of view. -...And then, when I was suddenly turned into a toddler, had my wings returned and got so much attention from everyone...It was just too much for me. -He said at the end of the retelling, looking ashamed of himself, which was easy for everyone to notice. -...Getting shown so much affection...Truthfully, while extremely embarrassing, it also felt unusually nice...But, towards someone like myself, while all of my comrades, the other Yaksha's are already...-He lowered his head again, sadly and guilt strikingly looking down at the ground. -...Why me...? Why am I, of all people, given so much favor...? And why was I reacting in such an excessively embarrassing way...? Why did I enjoy it, even while knowing it was wrong...? -He couldn't help mumbling, feeling so disgusted with himself. -...As a Yaksha of Liyue, it's last Yaksha (everyone else is already long gone), I shouldn't have...

He then got completely quiet and still,

Seemingly deep in his own self-loathing thoughts now...

*As he still couldn't help wondering why it couldn't have been someone else instead of him here,

Anyone else, from his Yaksha comrades and to Guizhong or Harvia, if they were to switch places with him...

-Looks like it's high time for a change of scenery, don't you think so too, Traveler...? -Venti suddenly said, as he and the traveler soon exchanged meaningful glances and before anyone could say anything, they quickly took hold of the now shocked Yaksha's arms. -We are just going to a "special place" in order to help our friend feel better, so there is no need to follow us. We are going to be fine just the three of us~

-Well, you heard Venti, it's just us three who are going. -The Traveler added, soon turning to look towards a certain person, who currently reminded them of a flying strawberry cupcake. -Paimon, make sure not to eat all the food or annoy other people about it, alright...?

-And be sure to keep what I told you here a secret, everyone. This kind of information might have a bad effect on mortals, after all. -The Archon added in all seriousness, interrupting the Pixie's possible retort, already having the teleport coordinates in mind.

"Good luck, little Yaksha. With those two, you would surely need it.", Andrius couldn't help saying, moments before the three disappeared from the place.

...

Leaving two spirits, a dragon, a pouting flying pancake and a few pets(a few feet away) alone in the Arena...

...

...

And then Paimon's eyes widened, as she came to a horrible realization:

The Traveler unknowingly took the bag with all the food and Mora with them!


The three soon arrived at Starnatch cliff,

With Venti letting go of Xiao's arm, as he started looking into the distance...

*It was the direction of THAT island, the Traveler soon realized...

...

Did Venti remember something about her after that discussion they had...?

Even with his memories of her sealed, can he still somehow feel...?

-Xiao, I am truly sorry for doing this, but you really didn't give me much of a choice. -Their thoughts were soon interrupted by Venti, who then turned around and was looking towards the Yaksha with a serious expression. -The danger of self-guilt, I know full well how that feels like. If you are not snapped out of it in time, things will surely go downhill. -He added, not even able to hide the sadness in his eyes. Seeing Xiao right now, like he was not too long ago...And it almost broke him. If not for his people helping him heal...-...Knowing how selfless you still are Xiao, as well as the fact that one of the things which works the fastest with you is the threat of inquiring about it with an Archon command instead of a friend's concerned question, there was only one way for me to have you talk. -He soon admitted, looking a little annoyed now, as well. -...Even if I hate depriving others of their freedom, especially those who were deprived of it in the past...Just like you were, Xiao. -With these words the Archon slowly walked to the other and took the now confused Yaksha's hands in his own, his expression turning amused. -I am certain that you still remember this place, aren't you, my dutiful Yaksha...? After hearing of your sincere wish, I let you dance to the sound of the Dihua flute you love hearing so much~ You seemed to have enjoyed it immensely, as if your mind was put at ease~ -A sudden wind swept through the place, swaying the Cecilias and Glaze Lilies around, their movement akin to a small dance. -...So how about we do it again...? I will play the flute and you will dance...-To these words the Yaksha's eyes widened. -...Would this help you heal from the self-hate you recently became afflicted with...?

It was a question, but sounded more like a command,

Which wasn't hard for anyone to notice, as Xiao's expression soon turned conflicted...

*To the Traveler it looked like he really wanted to agree, but being the stubborn and self-sacrificing Yaksha that he was...

...

Well, it wouldn't be so bad to play a duet with his friend, right...?

-Venti, while you play the flute, I can play the lyre. -They decided to volunteer, soon taking said lyre from their "Hammerspace" and started tuning it. The same one they got as a prize at the Windblume festival. -I might not be as good as you, but I was practicing and can keep a tune now. I just need someone to lead me and it should be just fine!

They promised while showing their friend the lyre,

With Venti looking at it for a few seconds, before a grateful smile appeared on his face...

-Of course you can, Traveler! Just be sure to memorize the melody and repeat it after me, alright...? -The Archon soon said, as he summoned the flute into his hands and played a short melody. -This is the one, are you certain you would be able to keep up? -He asked in some amusement, getting a nod in reply, as the Traveler soon positioned the lyre in their hands and slowly repeated the tune. -...Good, we can start now.

He reassuringly said and before a certain Yaksha could say anything, started playing the flute,

With the Traveler listening to the melody for a few seconds, before joining in themselves...

...

And before long, a duet melody was heard through the area,

The familiar tune of the Dihua Flute, accompanied by the Windsong Lyre...

...

The melody was slightly different than usual, yet Xiao didn't dislike it,

As it was the same melody, yet played with two different instruments...

...

Played by two different people who wanted to help him,

One of his saviors and an Archon and a Traveler who should be still searching for their sibling and a way to get them back...

*None of them should concern themselves with someone like him, who is still...

-We should stop with it, Traveler. It doesn't look like it's working, not this time. -Venti suddenly said, as he stopped playing, the Traveler reluctantly doing the same. Of course, what did he expect...? Xiao saw remnants of his dead comrades, almost sacrificed himself for the others but was luckily saved by Morax. Only this wouldn't be enough to make him feel better about himself...-...We should do something about that Karmic Debt instead.

-Relieve Xiao of the pain and the depressive voices...? -The Traveler asked in some surprise, as they looked Xiao up and down, while Venti returned the flute back to his "Hyperspace". Thinking of it like that...-...Yes, it should help...-They couldn't help mumbling, realizing that for anyone's healthy mental physique the harmful voices had to go. Just like treating a schizophrenic patient...-...We are going to alleviate or even heal Xiao's Karmic debt, aren't we...? So, that means combining my Purifying power and your Time power...-The Traveler soon realized, the thought about helping their friend made them think fast, as they soon put their lyre back as well. -...I am up for it as long as you are, Venti.

And then, once again, without giving a certain Yaksha any time to react,

The two started on their "work", taking the Yaksha's hands in theirs, before closing their eyes and focusing all their attention on him...

...

As they soon accessed their mostly sealed/borrowed(?) powers,

Before long enveloping Xiao in a bright and warm light...

...

...

It was his idea, one he made the Traveler go with,

So he was going to do his best, Venti decided...

...

Yet, he couldn't help thinking that this was still not enough,

Alleviating at worst and healing at best Xiao's Karmic Debt...

...

One which the selfless and overly dutiful Yaksha accumulated while guarding Liyue,

The Land of commence as a whole and the many different people who lived there in particular...

Doing just this wasn't enough...

...

It would never be enough...

...

...

A yaksha Adeptus who defends Liyue. Also heralded as the "Conqueror of Demons" and "Vigilant Yaksha."

...

...

Did Xiao ever want this title...?

Did he ever want the attention it brought him...?

*He never did, did he...?

...

All he ever wanted was to repay Morax for saving him that time,

No matter the cost he would have to pay for it...

...

...

It would have been great if Xiao had his comrades, the other Yakshas, back...

*The people he spent so much time with in the past, before the Karma ultimately ended them...

...

And if that was too hard, he should have at least his golden wings back...

*Ones which he had when he was still "Alatus, the Golden-Winged King"...

...

...

Xiao deserves that much and more...

...

For all the suffering he went through,

Sacrificing himself for others over and over,

Never daring to ask for anything, no matter how small, in return...

...

...

Xiao,

Alatus...

...

For just this once...

...

What fate stole from him...

...

...

...

I̸̢͕͎̬͖̜̤̥̱̜͉̬̓͆͝t̴̢͈̲̫͔̥̗̗͈̦̰̝̑͗̕͜͝͝ ̵͇̝̮̝̝̙͙̖̩̑̌̒̓͐̏̈̀̑̌̓͛͘͜h̴̹͙͖̣͕̭͉̩̣̹̲̞͚̣͉̅̆͛͗͘a̷̮̠̙͍͔͎̩̠̰̝̜̤̥̅̑́s̸̢̨̡̰͙̞͗̔̽͗̾̄̇͊̈́͘͜͠ ̷̛̺͌̾̑̾̽́́͊̿̈́̕t̸̙̜̒̔͗̋̔̂̀͑͗̕̕͠ǫ̶͚͚̯̱͖͙̩̜̫̫̖̠̟̓̈́͒ͅ ̶̧̨̰̬̦̺̭͍͚̅͐̃̈̔̋̀͠͠b̶̧̨̧̞̱̹̯͔͇̠̏̀͒̿̾̀̐͂ĕ̷̡̹̰͙͎̺͓̘̜̩̫̥̟͈͑̂̃̃͒̍͌͋ ̵̙̫̗̖̳̫͕̦͚̄̏́̀͒͝r̵̡̛͕̙̰̥̻̣̳̯̯̯͎̉͌̃͂͒̾̌̋̏ȇ̶̫̱͔̃̆̀̿̐̎̍̍̒̓̍̅̚t̶̢͉̣͚̼̘̻̤̘̐̂͝ͅu̵͈̯̰̰̻͕͊r̵̟̬̞͇̰̗̲̫̟̩̝̦͑̽̊̃̄̀͂̚͜͠͝n̶̪̅͒̉̊̋̇͊̈́͋̉e̸̘͓̖̣̮̬̯͗̊͜d̶̢̹̞̗̗͎͎͖̘̩̝̏̄̉̌̎̌̏̇͂̽̏͠


-...Why did you have to do that, Lord Barbatos, Traveler...?! -Xiao couldn't help saying in shock, as he was carefully holding the unconscious forms in his arms. To think they would use so much energy that they would collapse...And for him of all people...-...Why did you push yourselves for me...? When I don't even deserve it...

He added in rising guilt, feeling really bad about the situation...

*If not for helping him, they wouldn't have collapsed from power overuse...

...

Yet, they succeeded in their plan,

The voices in his head were gone now...

*Was his Karma elevated somewhat now or was it even...?

...

It didn't matter whichever the case,

What they just did for him was still plenty...

*And it was another debt he had to repay.

...

...

Golden feathers...?

Why were there...?!

-I...Not only are the voices gone, but my wings...! -Xiao couldn't help yelling in shock, as he noticed the familiar golden wings sprouting from his back, trying really hard to keep himself composed lest he drop the two collapsed in his arms. -...Are those...Permanent...?

He soon wondered if this time that was really the case,

Before he admonished himself for thinking that way...

...

The Traveler took care of his Karmic Debt,

While Lord Barbatos returned his wings...

...

How dare he, even for a second, feel ungrateful...?!

*He shouldn't…! He couldn't…!

...

The great kindness he was just shown was already...!

-Your wings are truly magnificent, Alatus. -A voice was suddenly heard behind him, almost freezing the Yaksha in place, as he decided to put the collapsed people still in his arms down lest he really drops them this time. -Seeing them now, the title of "the Golden-Winged King" truly fits you.

Xiao couldn't help turning around in rising shock and fear...

...

Shock at hearing a familiar voice, one that Xiao didn't hear in so long,

And fear at finding out that there is no-one there, that he was just imagining that...

...

...

Bosacius, Indarias, Bonanus and Menogias,

His Yaksha comrades, his brothers and sisters...

...

They were there, standing behind him...

...

...

They were actually there...!

-It's nice to see you again, Alatus! -Bosacious was the first to say, moving along all four arms of his in greeting, before his expression turned guilty. -...I am sorry for running away at the time and leaving you all by yourself. Due to the Karmic Debt catching up to me, I...I forgot everything about myself, you and my duties. -He sadly continued, before his expression turned glad. -Thankfully, when I found myself stuck in the Chasm, in my last moments, I finally remembered about all of my little brothers and sisters. -He warmly looked between each one of the Yaksha's in turn. -Even the Karmic Debt couldn't erase the time that we spent together.

-I am glad to see you too, brother. -Indarias admitted while looking towards him, before she turned her gaze towards everyone else too, stopping her gaze at Bonanus. -I am glad to see all of you again. -She gratefully said, before her expression suddenly fell. -...After succumbing to the Karmic Debt, I didn't expect to have this chance...

-...Brother Menogias, I...I am sorry for killing you back then...! -Bonanus guilt-strikingly yelled out, looking as if she was about to cry. -...I tried to fight the voices, I really did, but...!

-Sister, it's alright. Both of us weren't in our right mind at the time. -Menogias reassured her, as he patted her on the head, before his expression turned serious. -I am not sure how much time we have here, but I suggest we use it to the fullest.

He added with a small smile, while looking between the others,

With them soon understanding what he meant and becoming thoughtful...

...

This might be the last chance for them to spend time together,

So before they leave Alatus all by himself again, they should have as much fun as they can...

...

...

And ask their brother who the two collapsed people were,

Though the one dressed in green looked unusually familiar...