Xiao had been haunted by a nightmare where he lost Aether, the vision so vivid that it felt real. In the dream, he saw himself succumbing to his karmic debt, the darkness overwhelming him and driving him to hurt the one he cared about most. The nightmare left Xiao drenched in sweat, his heart pounding with fear and guilt. He knew he couldn't ignore these feelings, as the nightmare seemed like a grim warning of what could happen if he didn't take action.

Out of desperation and fear for Aether safety, Xiao decided to find him immediately. His thoughts were clouded with dark urges, whispering insidiously in his mind, urging him to harm Aether. These voices, a manifestation of his karma, became louder and more persistent.

Using his Anemo powers, Xiao teleported to Aether's location, finding him with Scaramouche and Paimon on a quest in Inazuma. Appearing behind Aether, Xiao found him talking to Scaramouche while Paimon flew around them. Xiao looked at Aether with a trembling voice and labored breaths, attempting to maintain his usual stoic facade as he struggled to speak.

"Tr-Traveler..."

Aether turned around, his warm smile fading as he noticed Xiao's condition. His eyes widened in shock and sadness at the sight of Xiao, and he was about to offer comfort and assistance when Xiao rushed into his embrace. Resting his head against Aether chest,wrapping his arms tightly around Aether waist, his sharp nails piercing slightly into Aether back as he held him close and tightly.

Nuzzling his face into Aether scarf and neck, Xiao squeezed him tightly, his fear of losing control and harming Aether evident in his desperate grip, terrified of the darkness within him and the potential harm he could cause.

"Xiao! What's going on? Why are you so upset?" Paimon, fluttered closer,she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with worry.

Scaramouche though his time as a Fatui had hardened him, his experiences with Nahida had softened his perspective somewhat. "Looks like the yaksha's struggling with something serious."