Prologue: Runaway

Under the deep darkness of night, Zhongli's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of moonlight crept through the curtains, casting a soft glow upon the room. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, his gaze fixated on the window across his side.  Yet, something outside caught his attention—a fleeting glimmer that dashed across the sky. Two shooting stars, trailing radiant streaks of light, disappeared as quickly as they came. His senses sharpened, and he sat up in bed, perplexed by the unusual sight.  But before he could even continue his thoughts, his wife rushed into the room, her steps heavy with worry. Her usually composed countenance was clouded with concern, her voice laced with anxiety.

"Zhongli, something is wrong," Ningguang breathed, her eyes searching his face for solace. "Xiao... he's gone."

The news hit him like a sudden gust of wind, stealing the breath from his lungs. Xiao, their adoptive son, held an unexplainable burden that often led him astray, even in his younger years. But now, as a teenager, he faced a world fraught with challenges and immense self-doubt. Zhongli knew that Xiao, more than anything, needed parental love and guidance. 

"I'll take care of it," Zhongli replied, his voice steady despite the concern etched in his eyes. "Please, Ningguang, try to get some rest. I will go out and find him." Ningguang's brows furrowed, her worry unabated.

"How can I sleep knowing that our son is out there, alone. Who knows what trouble is out there?" she asked, her voice trembling with maternal concern. She then sighs, "I shouldn't be this surprised though. I thought He'd finally given himself some peace. He can't be this restless every night, right?" 

Zhongli reached out, gently taking Ningguang's hands in his own. His touch, as solid as the mountains, offered reassurance. "I understand your fears, my love," he said, his voice gentle and soothing. "But worry will not bring Xiao back. You must be strong for him. Trust in our son. I'll make sure he comes home safe and sound." Ningguang nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She clung to Zhongli's words, finding solace in the unwavering faith he exuded. "You're right," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You have to find him, bring him back home where he belongs."  Zhongli gave her a tender smile, his resolve unwavering. "I will, my dear. If I had to, I would search all of Teyvat to find him."  With renewed determination, Zhongli rose from the bed, his thoughts consumed by yet another one of Xiao's runaway attempts. As he stepped out of the house, he didn't have to guess where Xiao went. It was the same spot every time. It's almost as if Xiao can't bear to run to anywhere else.  Meanwhile... Xiao's breath came in ragged gasps as he raced across the lush expanse of Wuwang Hill. The tall grasses swayed in the wind, echoing his urgency. He had to find him—an old friend who might understand, who might offer that same kind of antidote in this tumultuous time. As he sprinted, a haunting melody drifted on the breeze, drawing him closer with every note.  And there, standing beneath a towering tree, was Venti—the carefree bard whose whimsical tunes had always brought a measure of solace to Xiao's troubled heart. Venti grinned mischievously as Xiao skidded to a stop, his panting breaths slowly steadying. "Well, well, well," Venti chuckled, strumming his lyre playfully. "If it isn't Xiao, venturing out all on his own. Shouldn't you be at home, my dear friend?"  Xiao's gaze hardened, his voice resolute. "I don't want to talk about it," he interrupted, his words tinged with a mix of determination and sorrow. Venti's eyes softened, sensing the depth of Xiao's emotions. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a simple, ornately crafted flute, extending it towards Xiao. "I believe this might be what you're looking for," he said, his voice gentle yet laced with curiosity. Xiao's eyes widened as he recognized the instrument—remembering the first time he saw it in Venti's skilled hands. This was the antidote he had been wanting since the first time they met. He hesitated, unsure of whether he was ready to try, given that Venti usually played it himself to help sooth the unbearable pain Xiao felt. But the longing in his heart overwhelmed his doubts.  As Xiao reached out to take the flute, Venti shifted, positioning his lyre against his chest. The bard's fingers danced along the strings, and a mesmerizing melody filled the air. The music wove its way into Xiao's soul, evoking a flood of memories and emotions. For a moment, Xiao forgot the weight of his troubles as he listened to the ethereal sounds. The song evoked whispers of a weird memory—a time when Xiao was not alone in his struggle against the darkness. It brought this strange yet hopeful feeling that couldn't be pushed away. Xiao often had horrific dreams and felt like he was surrounded by a plague his whole life. It felt like he was in a never-ending battle with himself, and had to conquer his own demons while grasping onto that small hope for dear life.  Yet, before Xiao could play a single sound from the flute, a series of approaching footsteps broke the trance. His body tensed, his instincts honed by years of vigilance.  He spun around, his eyes widening as he recognized his father, Zhongli, standing there with an unreadable expression. Venti greeted Zhongli in his usual cheerful manner. "Ah, Mister Zhongli! What a pleasant surprise! Just sharing some tunes with Xiao here. He's always been fond of my music, you know?"  Zhongli's gaze shifted from Venti to Xiao, his stern visage softening slightly. "Xiao," he said, his voice carrying a mix of concern and reproach. "You shouldn't have run off like this. Your mother and I were worried." Xiao's eyes flickered with a mixture of guilt and defiance. "I needed some air," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "And... and I needed to find something. I didn't mean to worry you." Zhongli sighed, his gaze filled with paternal affection. "You are my son, Xiao. No matter what, remember that we are here for you. Lean on us when you need to." Venti interjected with a playful grin, trying to ease the tension. "Indeed! The more, the merrier. We can all enjoy some tunes together!" Zhongli's expression remained guarded, though he nodded politely. "Perhaps another time, Venti. Right now, we need to return home."  As Xiao and Zhongli start heading back, Xiao clutches the flute that never left his hand. He should've asked Venti to teach him some basics, but perhaps he can try serenading himself to sleep.  Later that night.... In an empty field of sand beside an ocean shore, two similar looking blondes pick themselves off the ground and looked at each other intently, and then proceeded to look up at the starry night sky. Dressed in attire that is quite foreign to this world, one could call these twins aliens. Because it's true, even they themselves know it. They are outlanders. Traveling stars that can be visibly seen by others as only specks of light. Their search for a new world to call home has gone on for so long, but with that in mind, these travelers hope that this world can show potential.  "I'm tired already. I'm so ready to get some shuteye", yawned the blonde girl as she raised her arms up in the air so that she could stretch some.  The other blonde smiled at her and gave an amused laugh. "We just got here Lumine. We need to find a place that will take us in for the night and then we can catch up on some sleep."  His twin groaned in annoyed protest. She wouldn't mind sleeping on a hard rock or sinking sand if it meant that she could shut her eyes for even a dang second. The boy took her arm and started to drag her away to exit the beach.  If Teyvat was a peaceful and quiet world, it surely wouldn't be now.  (Let me know what you guys think? I don't know how long or how far I'll take this story but I've been really inspired lately so all the feedback helps!)