❝. 𝘪 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨, ─── ✦

[atlas,]

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one x one xiaoven
roleplay with rift;
& lunar; dnp if not
us, please! <3 ©

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[lunoir]

𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎
xxxxx𝐅or many years now, the yaksha is found purging evil from dusk till' dawn while the people of liyue sleep away in the comfort of their own homes. slaining monsters left and right in the dark without any hesitation, that were manifested from the fallen gods' hatred. where after the archon war, the latter still lingers around and had disturbed the mortal realm for quite some time. as a yaksha, while even serving as an adeptus to watch over the city and protect its people from any danger. it had never been easy being one for xiao, nor was it for the others, a never-ending battle with the evil. even though they were already long gone from this world. when it comes to performing their duty, there is a price to pay. they will always accumulate karmic debt from every monster slain and follow them to the very end. until, the following yakshas could no longer handle the darkness that had slowly tore away their soul and sanity. only for them to succumbed to the darkness and turned on each other, while the rest have disappeared and never seen ever again.

xxxxxbut for xiao, although cursed with karmic debt as well. there were many times he had nearly lost himself just like the others and until, one night. if he could remember clearly, the yaksha was overwhelmed by the hatred coming from the monsters he fought at that time and had fallen to the ground. causing for him to slowly lose his senses. all he could see was nothing but darkness that surrounded him, even hearing distinct voices filled with pure rage. before he closed his eyes, believing his time has finally come. what sounded like a dihua flute, played by someone afar. he would have gone down the same path as the other yakshas if it weren't for the soothing melodies that calmed him. which was the only time he ever felt at peace. when he finally found himself, by the time xiao tried searching for the other, who later found out it must have been venti. they had already disappeared into the night. perhaps one day, the yaksha could only hope to hear another tune played from the same dihua flute again, that once saved him from the darkness.

xxxxxfrom time to time, it has always been on his mind, remaining as a memory he could never forget no matter how much time has passed. even while fighting many monsters throughout the night, hoping perhaps the other would come by again. even though, it has only been a few years since zhongli had stepped down as the geo archon and... many more said years he last heard of his music.

xxxxxas his spear and his mask clattered onto the ground, he found himself in the same situation again. it hurted to breathe and all he could let out at the moment were shallow ones while lying on the cold said ground. even though xiao had fallen many times before, it didn't mean it was over yet. having been doing this alone for many hundreds of years and carrying this burden with him, this should mean nothing to him. but this overwhelming feeling again. xiao was used to the feeling yet it was more intense than he expected for it to be despite taking on many monsters all at once. he could feel the hatred from every of them slain, tainting his soul and mind like a plague. there were far too many monsters spotted near liyue and still kept coming, a rare sight to see as this normally doesn't happen. could this be?— even then, if he didn't get up right this moment, the monsters closing in on him were gonna tear him apart. otherwise, there will be no one else to protect liyue.

[atlas,]

〞𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈 『 ⚘ 』


the winds of liyue was something that venti thrived in. he is the archon of anemo; he had the winds and air to his beck and call with just a simple wave of a wrist or finger, he knew that very well. with over two thousand years to boast of his age, he's had more than enough time to practice his abilities. and while mondstadt was a beautiful region─it was his home, he would always side with the green plains of mondstadt compared to no other─liyue was so peaceful. with its splotches of amber, yellow, and orange trees and yellow flowers to spot the mountainous countryside with flora. it always looked perpetually autumn and beautiful here. the winds always carried a caring, warm breeze that was part natural, part his own. the bard had nobody to thank but morax for his grand design, something he could never come up with ever in his own infinite lifetime. it was not often venti journeyed to liyue for any reason in particular. his home was mondstadt, his body practically yearned for windrise and dvalin's lair as much as he yearns for crisp apples or fresh air. but he's the god of freedom if anything. he learns to appreciate all regions, all specialties; he adores discovery. it's not like mondstadt would need him anytime soon, and he would hear them if they did. rarely, he traveled to other regions, preferring home and dandelion wine and entertaining himself with angel's share. but with liyue so close and housing a dear old friend of his, venti is easily motivated.

plus, it is very very easy to gain song inspiration.

and so, every now and then (sometimes a year, sometimes a decade, sometimes semi-centennial, sometimes a century; a flicker of time for gods such as themselves.) he would pay a tribute to morax's region of contracts and stone by resting on a damp rock in the middle of a lake with the moon in his face and a flute in his deft hands, before traveling to liyue harbor to meet his friend for tea if he is available. at first, the little tradition meet up was business. morax was so much more cold than he is now as zhongli─he loved poking fun at the geo archon. he's mellowed out over the years, venti toys at his aloofness and soft seriousness, but he is always glad to see him. zhongli doesn't say it the same way he does, all drawn out and with pretentious vocabulary as he sips at his oolong, but he is happy to see him too. he's been trying to visit more often, simply because he can, so he does.

which is what brings him here to the most southern edges of guili plains at one of zhongli's statues, sitting on top of a pedestal, resting his chin in his hands as he peers down at the large amount of hilichurls and mitachurls. they were being misted and surrounded by wispy, inky darkness that was unknown to him. it sent an uncomfortable and foreboding feeling down his spine as he watched, aqua eyes keen and cautious. that is never a normal sight. nothing feels wrong with liyue, that's what the wind can only gather to relay to him, but he watches how violent they are. how noisy and destructive they're being. especially with the... he wasn't quite sure who this was. they were short, with dark and teal hair, and an even more terrifying mask that has clattered to the ground by now along with their long spear. venti watches them shake as they collapse, mask slipping off of their face, the dark energy from the monsters radiating even more onto their body. their description seems familiar...either way, there was not a chance that he would leave somebody that fight so nobly to suffer a painful death.

"oh morax, my old friend," he sighed, standing, watching the monsters chitter maliciously as they crept closer to where the person had fallen, "just what is liyue doing without your care?" he stowed his dihua flute on the loop where he stashed his 'vision', plain sighted it may be. another time, perhaps. venti gave his wrist a flick and his bow materialized in his hand without a moments hesitation. with an eye closed, the archon lined his shot with the furthest hilichurl he can see, and fired─vibrant anemo energy channeled at the bow tip, a small illusion of feathers coasting the skies where it fired, piecing the hand one of them. the condensed wind shuddered the air and then picked up drastically, the hilichurl screeching in surprise as the arrow shattered and a stormeye appeared. almost at once, it drew the rest into the swirling vortex of energy, venti blanching as he drifted to the ground when the dark black energy off of them transferred to his own attacks, swirling and creating a dark mass. the mitachurls were too heavy to pick up like that, but they were still drawn in, battered with their comrades. with that taken cared of for the briefest of moments, venti turned on his heel towards the downed figure curiously. liyuen clothing, if not a little interesting as he's never seen anything like it, hardly breathing correctly. dark energy still blocking out most of their form. the hair on the back of his neck prickled when he kneeled to them and offered an unsure, but reassuring smile with his hand out. "this is certainly not a place to die; can you stand, by chance, friend? that energy... it's not one i've seen, just how does one get rid of it?"

[lunoir]

𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎
xxxxx𝐗iao had been unaware a presence was watching him and his endless battle between the monsters from afar. who was mainly focused on fighting the large group of mitachurls and hilichurls surrounded by a demonic aura in the field to even notice. the more he slaughters, the more that came to attempt to take him down for getting in their way. as he fights at his full power, the yaksha shows no mercy. his long spear clashes againsts the hilichurls' weapons, he sent as many as he could flying to the ground with enough strength and the help of his anemo vision. when even more hilichurls came his way full of hostility, he swiftly moved with the wind before striking again. through the corner of his eyes, he could see a mitachurl attempting to attack him from behind with its heavy axe. he spun around just in time to counter it with his spear, hearing it struggle from the amount of strength he holds. but even the yaksha too was struggling as he gritted his teeth.
xxxxxalmost every night, restlessly purging evil throughout liyue without getting any sleep. it was indeed exhausting but xiao will never admit it himself. though, he could sense the resentment of the undead god's growing slowly stronger than before and the monsters as well from every battle he has with them. his karmic debt too gradually becoming heavy as it was far more than what anyone could ever handle. which was enough to consume one's flesh, bones and soul. although xiao has long accepted the terms with his karma ages ago, even if it means having to suffer from the outcomes it brings. yet, what he has done in the past before with the lives of many innocent people in his hands could not be forgiven, not even by himself.

xxxxxthat is, until he had fallen to the ground. a loud ringing sound echoed uncomfortably throughout his skull once he did. it wasn't that the mitachurl had greater strength compared to the rest. it was a mere second he hesistated when he felt a type of discomfort in his chest as he failed to counter the force from the monster that sent him flying across the field. causing for him to lose a hold of his spear and for his mask to slip off from his face, only for it to disappear by pieces. with breaths so shallow, as a shaky hand tried to reach out for his spear. but his mind was clouded with undistinct voices screaming at him with pure anger attempting to deter him away from his on-going battle. it wasn't until his hand stopped moving when his golden eyes caught what appeared to be a white glowing feather falling from the sky. light. that danced in the air with grace and landed onto the palm of his hands until it dissolves to small particles, illuminating the darkness that once surrounded him with light. although it allowed for him to see his surroundings much clearer, the voices still remained in his head but became faint this time, letting himself take the hit was a terrible mistake as he was nearly consumed by his own karma. nonetheless, his attention immediately shifted by the sound of hilichurls screeching when caught by some sort of vortex that must have been created by the power of anemo. did someone saved him?...

xxxxxclueless to why anyone would, they could have left him there and went on their way. why bother any way?— when he felt a presence near and heard a gentle voice that must belonged to them, he turned his head over his shoulders as he adjusted his position on the ground. from the way the person was dressed, it was obvious to say they weren't from here and assumed he must be a traveler passing by. not any ordinary traveler but even possessed a vision. though, there was something familiar about the other he couldn't lay a finger on, almost as if xiao knew him from somewhere but nothing came to mind at all. even so, it didn't matter that much to him as his golden eyes glanced at the hand being offered before turning away. "it's best if you stayed away, nothing that one shouldn't concern themselves with." he spoke with his voice coming off a bit rough. as he finally found the strength to rise onto his feet and picked up his long spear. he waved a hand over his face and his mask materialized over the latter. without answering his question, not that he needed to know— he leaped from ground before plunging at the remaining monsters with his spear that were still alive, leaving traces of anemo and finished them off with a couple of slashes.

xxxxxwhen no other monsters lingered around in the area, it was safe to say this area was clear for now. though, it was still not over as there were other places that needed to be protected as well. xiao then looked at his gloved hand and folded it into a tight fist as he could feel all the karmic energy gradually flowing to him. underneath the pale moonlight, he could even be seen surrounded with a dark aura radiating from his small figure. from the amount of enemies he has faced so far, it had already wore him out enough to make him to fall onto one of his knees once more, holding onto his spear for support as the mask he bores over his face disappears by pieces again.

[atlas,]

〞𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈 『 ⚘ 』


it was not like venti was completely unaware of the current circumstances. the power of which they wield, anemo, he had felt it when he had appeared at the statue. though it had felt different. venti's own winds were something of his own creation and power as an archon. they were free and peaceful, like the attributes he defended justly as the god of freedom. a summer breeze, a winter chill, a fall gust; venti thought his winds were natural and soothing, regardless of the harsh winds and typhoons he could conjure, should he desire. this being was a storm. a hurricane, pelted with hail and biting cold. wind so sharp and harsh and free-moving it stung at the skin. clawing at it and the way they fought was similar. harsh, quick, settling in the cold; brutal, agile, stabbing with the tip of a spear without relent, without remorse. to kill. exhilarating, it was, watching them wield it with such dangerous prowess, compared to the softness or protective firmness of sucrose or jean of mondstadt. they've held his vision for a long time, trained and learned with it, with they way they were moving across the field of monsters. leaping, bounding, endless. like the wind.

exciting.

he wasn't too sure of if venti should feel ashamed that...he cannot quite recall the reason why he gave his element to this person, or when, or who they were. is that so wrong? he has never discussed his vision wearers with rex, nor vise versa. it's familiar. on the tip of his tongue, the pads of his fingers where they still clutch onto his skyward harp as he knelt on the ground and let the grass stain the knees of his tights. venti doesn't like forgetting, but it's inevitable and the uneasy feeling being around the fallen other has him thinking that it should not be his focus, if they do not know his identity. much less so, when they are wheezing on the ground, the black cloud flickering and overtaking most of their body from a direct stance. he can't get a good look, too clotted out by darkness. that, too, has a familiar air to it, an uncomfortable feeling making the god's eyes narrow and the hold on his bow tighten. venti sees a flash of gold amidst the ebony swirls, feels himself release a soft breath at the glow that they at least had the energy to acknowledge him. still, venti paused when the person spoke. inclined his head with his brows furrowed. perhaps it was more suitable to keep his distance, but he wasn't weak. hilichurls, even in large groups like this, were nothing to him. still, he stood from the ground and complied to his wishes, just to avoid any hostility tonight.

even when the last monster turned to ash as it was slain, leaving the plain now empty of threats, venti watched as the blackness swirled more violently around the other, the moon's iridescent shine not able to pierce through it effectively. he felt as though it wasn't a good thing. hilichurls don't appear in large groups like that. they don't have ebony wafts around them; they aren't stronger than average. but, he thought, that can't matter right now, watching the other kneel on one knee, arms buckling as he holds his spear to keep himself upright. a flash of pity graced him where he stood, dematerializing his bow into a million tiny lights. "i—" he stopped himself from speaking as he caught a better glimpse of the mask the other was wearing before it disappeared into nothingness.

oh. oh, the way venti felt a surge of definitive comprehension staring at it; noticing the patterns on his other trips to liyue. from the books rex had him read and children drawings. venti knows the pattern. rex had once described his adeptus to him on a random topic. "the vigilant yaksha," he had crooned over his cup of jasmine, "are one of the few names he goes by, to the nation of liyue. he lives up to the title. ever watchful, ever vigilant. the perfect guardian for the people, no matter how little he cares to interact with them." venti had been staring in expectation and rex still had his amber eyes fixed on his table, voice booming because it had been long before his appearance as zhongli. "his name is—"

"adeptus xiao."

oh, he recognized him now. he's heard the stories, heard the tales of his tragic battle in the archon war and his doings for the region of liyue, forged by contract like everything else that liyue within between its borders. the archon's face lit up gently now, a bit of childish excitement forming from the idea of meeting the fabled protecter of liyue, one of them, anyway. he walked closer to the yaksha, shuffling in front of him and tipping his head down. "one doesn't see one of rex's adeptus everyday! though, this was more of a coincidence... you're in suffering, aren't you, friend? he told me little about you." he asked cautiously, "..a shame. could i perhaps ease your pain? i would hate for your valiant efforts to be in vain."it was sing-song in tone, the winds across guili plains picking up to swirl gently around the other, light and overworldly. not even his gentle winds were picking away at the fog.

[lunoir]

𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎
xxxxx𝐈n his own world surrounded by dark mist, that never seemed to have disappeared by itself. all that awaits is his karma, the dark side waiting for the troubled yaksha to give in. but in the end, his grip on his spear could only grow tighter as he continued to hold onto it to keep himself upright and steady. with his vision slightly hazy and head almost heavy, it was difficult to tell if he even was. though, xiao couldn't let himself fall, ever, not right now especially when there were still duties he needed to fulfil before sunrise would come. there was truly no rest for the yaksha, nights like these has always been like this. something he had grown use to and although battles often ended rough for him, as long as he is reminded what he is here for, he was invincible. having the desire to move, his body refused to follow.

xxxxxheld down by the weight of his burdens and all he could do at the moment is close eyes, allowing for the wind to embrace him. if xiao could have moments like these after long nights, where the world is quiet and silent for once. the sound of the wind comforted him and put him at ease. but it was only for a short moment when he could hear footsteps approaching from a distance, disturbing the still air and by the time he opened his eyes, a shadow had been casted upon him. hearing the same voice from before, the one he recalled telling the other to stay away and continued to linger around for some reason when they could have left him there. the only word that came in his mind was, why?─

xxxxx in response with a slight hesitation, he raised his head from the ground, only to be met by a pair of mesmerizing aqua green eyes. there was pure excitement of a child's that xiao couldn't understand shown over their faces and stood rather close than one should have.

xxxxxno one dare approach the yaksha, hardly ever. for, nearly everyone feared of his presence and the power he possessed within his grasp. just the sight of him could send them running as far as they could in a matter of seconds. not that he doesn't want anything to do with people in general any way, there were very few exceptions. his eyes happen to perked up when the other spoke of morax before he narrowed his eyes at him. he?─ "you're one of morax's many friends?' he asked, though, still wary of the latter. having been awhile since he last talked with zhongli, mostly him checking in with xiao. he tried to recall his past conversations he had with the latter. throughout their said conversations, he liked to talked at great lengths and showed passion about a particular subject. however, he never stays for too long to discuss matters that were not considered important to him but what was there to remember?

xxxxxfor all he knew was that he was familiar with many people majority of which xiao must have never been introduced to before. without knowing his name, he felt somewhat obliged to stay. after all, he was one of morax's friends and perhaps it would be considered ill-mannered of him to leave the other without exchanging at least a few words. but this feeling of familiarity from him and his presence, what was it that he was unable to recognize about him?... nonetheless, xiao could only shook his head as he finally found the strength to rise from the ground with the help of his spear, stumbling for a moment until he found his footing. "there's nothing that you can do, this is something i have to deal with on my own," he replied solemnly. although he looked to be in pan and been through endless of suffering. there was truly nothing one and not even himself could do as this has always been a part of his life, being the only yaksha that is left of this world. his eyes was then fixated on the bright moon hanging over the dark sky, shining brightly upon them and through his gaze, it was almost as though he longed for something.

[atlas,]

〞𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈 『 ⚘ 』


to say that venti is somewhat disappointed that his old friend has not talked about him to xiao, or at the least, spoke something of his appearance of his infrequent, impulsive visits to liyue, is something of an understatement. he huffed gently at the yaksha's skeptical tone, that childish spark in his eye dying out just a tinge as he let out an exaggerated sigh. well, he supposed that would make sense. to him, granted, it was a little discouraging. nevertheless, unavoidable as it was, he would let it pass for now⎯let morax catch the brunt of his fiendish behavior. eventually, inevitably. it was not if xiao would ask, being contracted to serve and protect liyue tooth and nail, mondstadt was most likely just a place to him, should he have a guess. not even a clue about who he was...? somewhat amusing, seeing as venti knew him.

well...enough.

"really? that old blockhead hasn't even told a word about me?" started venti, shaking his head disapprovingly, but with a more amused tone than disappointed, and then turning again to survey the empty plains. "and to think; all i do for him and in return." the archon made a vague gesture to the surrounding area. the threat had long gone, leaving in its abrupt and violent wake nothing but stillness and the night sky. as if the earth itself was blissfully unaware of the monsters that plagued her surface just moments before he came and the defender of liyue finished the beasts off. so contrasting, but peaceful. still, the archon had deeper concerns than the earth's emotions and zhongli not giving a heads up.

venti frowned as the winds proved near useless to the guardian's dilema, the swirling mass flinching but not at his gusts before he eventually died them down. a small furrow of his brow made its way to his face at the firm tone xiao spoke with. dealing with things on one's own is a lonesome feat, he possibly knew that the most, along with rex. the life of an immortal as such brings that consequence of sonder. to each their own, opinion or troubles.

the bard exhaled again, a gentle tune, and then nodded his head in slight understanding. "so i see. still! i still remain guilty; i should have helped before now. i was watching earlier, up on rex's statue, if you want to know how. i was impressed by your skill but...perhaps you wouldn't be," aqua-green eyes looked him up, and then down, and then up again; quickly, "affected, had i introduced myself sooner."

venti stood. for a short moment, catching the amber gaze of the adeptus peering up at the moon. reminded of why he was in guili plains and not angel's share this evening⎯to play, grace the golden plains of liyue in nostalgic notes as he longed to do⎯the bard's frown flickered and then tilted up in a smile. the weight of his flute felt heavier on his waist when he spoke, "speaking of introductions. venti the bard, of mondstadt," he gave a soft wink when he performed a light showman-like bow, "though, rex and the other adepti know me as barbatos."

with his smile turning a little cheeky, he leaned up again, venti turned once more. his identity was practically useless to hide from immortal beings as himself, especially for one who was most likely older than him as well. he had not much to hide. the archon dusted himself off, adjusting his beret cap and his cape, the wind whispering by to pick up anything that was skewed about his appearance before he glance behind his back, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. there was still a lingering feeling of regret coursing through him as he stared at xiao. if he truly could not do anything to ease his pain, then he could at least repay him in song.

"say." venti hummed, pivoting on his heel to look at him fully. "you've been all around liyue. you must know some quiet, peaceful places, do you not? i sometimes visit this region to play in private; let rex hear my notes from wherever he may be, carried by my wind," thin fingers plucked his flute from the loop on his outfit, feeling the whittled wood with a placid gaze; a tilt of his head. "if you'd like, you can accompany me if you know a place. i'll play you a tune for your forgiveness."

[lunoir]

𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎
xxxxxxxxxx𝐓o hear such a term was quite bold of the other coming from his mouth. the yaksha himself was rarely ever in a good mood nor had the energy to converse with one another, and often avoided the idea of having to do so─ unless it was necessary for him to. yet, only to be standing by the presence of one, listening to the name of morax being slandered in front of him. he turned his head to face him with a sharp gaze, unable to let this slide. although no one would understand what the archon could possibly mean to him, he couldn't accept others' talking bad about him behind his back. but it seemed the other was too busy looking over the plains, the latter freed from the evil who have been carelessly trampling over their fields and could only keep quiet instead as he continued talking even further.

xxxxxxxxxxeventually the dark mist emitting from his small figure and pale jade like translucent shards almost floating faded on its own. the sympathetic emotion of pity. xiao never understood why a ton of people saw him as a tragic being but disliked hearing concerns that surrounded him, when all he was doing was fulfilling his endless duties as an adeptus, bound by a contract to protect liyue.

xxxxxxxxxxat some point, he'll be due to his karmic debt and didn't want to imagine what could possibly happen to him next. after all, this was his curse as a yaksha that cannot be compared to a mortal being. it was selfish to take it alone by himself but they had a life of their own when their future should be shown concern for instead of an adeptus endlessly fighting for the safety of liyue, no matter how much he may have suffered through his battles against the evil and tormented by the latter. a sigh was exhaled into the air, he had withdrawn his spear and his golden eyes could no longer look at the other as his arms firmly folded against his chest. "affected or not, danger that awaits at night," he began, "why wander through the plains of liyue, do you hold no fear?"

xxxxxxxxxxit would be a matter of time he would have to go, not that xiao wanted to stay any further─ but the moment he caught his name. his facial expression seemed to have softened briefly due to realization. he had always knew of the name barbatos, in which he could never forget the latter but haven't seen the archon himself fully in person. perhaps zhongli mentioned of a bard that went by that name before in the past and words of his name occasionally flowed from people to merchants then to the others throughout the nation of liyue. though, never thought they would ever cross paths with each other again ever since that day when he was too occupied fighting demons emerging from the darkness. hence, the feeling of familiarity lingering from his presence earlier seemed to have became even clearer after given clarity.

xxxxxxxxxxit never occurred to him how many decades has passed ever since xiao had last came across venti. would the latter be able to recall such a memory? but he was then reminded of the song of a god's he once heard long ago at what he thought was his last despairing moments, he could still faintly remember the melodies carried by the wind and how the tune went, almost a remedy he needed that soothed his tarnished soul.
xxxxxxxxxx"you're the one who..." unable to find the missing words to complete the last bits of his sentence, he could only stare at the bard; left with lips slightly parted.

xxxxxxxxxxthe mention of a tune had piqued his interest. though, a small feeling of guilt stirred in his heart. "a tune for my forgiveness, huh?" he repeated some of his words quietly, seeming to be taking his offer in consideration before he shifted. "perhaps i do know a place not far from here." he answered solemnly. "however, i cannot stay for long but long enough to listen to the tune of yours'." he looked over his shoulders at the other before following along the path of gulli plains, guiding them to what seems to be a mountain lying ahead of them. as it grew larger in view, without feeling the need to walk even further, he had simply disappeared in a burst of dark mist in one step; followed by pale jade like shards scattered in the air before reappearing on the top of the mountain found under a tree. where the ocean resides below, pieces of landscapes stretched out on the further side as he gazed far beyond and waited for the presence of the other.