We’re still on the Sumeru train (and we will continue to be on that train until Nahida’s birthday has come and passed, because she’s my favourite Archon and I love her to bits).
Ahem.
I know I said I wanted to draw Karkata. And I technically did. But listen, I was planning to draw Karkata awake…until I discovered that if you did Tighnari’s story quest before Sumeru Archon quest where he got struck by lightning, instead of resting on the floor, he sits on Karkata.
Mind. Blown.
And inspiration triggered. So, here we have a quiet moment where Tighnari’s just reading out loud a book, with Karkata actually listening even though they’re in their box form. I was particularly inspired to do this greenish-yellow lighting streaming through the glass walls of Pardis Dhyai, and the plants are from acrylic to get some differences in colours.
or, it's been 500 years and I finally updated my fic
“How do you define being alive?” Faruzan asked. “Karkata toes the line between a weak and a strong artificial intelligence, which is probably why its existence is so controversial in the Akademiya.” Hat Guy shifted uncomfortably. “Regardless, do you think a worm is alive? Would you care for its pronouns like you do Karkata’s? Is it intelligence, and is an artificial intelligence alive?” Why does it all even matter?”
after you heard their apparent disdain for you, you've decided to leave the nation you love and travel into a new one. not knowing everything is a misunderstanding. how will they find you? childe. xiao. alhaitham & cyno. PART ONE HERE!
authors note: here is the most awaited second part of “for all that it's worth”! does it give complete comfort? you guys tell me.
“Lord Harbinger!” The Fatui Agent gasped, kneeling in front of the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger as he caught his breath. Childe didn't bother to look up from the papers he was reviewing while Ekaterina reported its external conditions, he asked regardless while his mind focused elsewhere, “What is it? There better be a good reason you're making a fuss and disturbing the peace.”
“Lord Harbinger! (Y/N) has been taken!”
Childe snapped his head up, looking at the agent with a glare, the hand that is holding the papers unconsciously tightening and crumpling them. The only person who can make him react like this is you. (Y/N). What happened a week ago has been plaguing his mind, he deeply regretted it yet knew it was for the best. Perhaps out of worry or his denial of his feelings, Childe sent someone to watch over you– that person exactly the Fatui Agent in front of him at the moment.
“Taken?” His voice is icy cold, “Isn't it your job to protect them? How can they be taken?” Childe quizzed, slamming the papers down on the table beside him. The Fatui Agent didn't dare breathe so he bowed his head, accepting whatever punishment his superior will order. Indeed, he is the agent who is supposed to protect you but with the number of opponents against him alone, he decided to report and attain backup. Everyone at the Northland Bank branch in Liyue knew how you are important to the Harbinger presiding over them so the agent didn't hesitate to offer his neck on the line. He owed you this much, after all.
Childe stood beside the kneeling Fatui Agent, “Who took (Y/N)? Did you see where they took them?”
“They are a group of Nobushi headed by two Kairagi, my lord. They departed towards Inazuma.” The agent responded and was met with silence; when he turned his head, Childe is no longer there.
Pain is what you felt, not the kind of pain your soul went through in the past days but physical pain. Your hands are bound behind your back with your mouth and eyes covered by a cloth. Three of your senses were blocked, why didn't they just cover your ears and nose too? Idiots. The blood from where one of your captors slid their sword over, oozed to the ground below you. It's an injury on your arm, a wide slit starting from your shoulder until the juncture between your upper and lower arms.
You wanted to go to Inazuma but not like this. What's with this luck anyway? The kidnappers rejoiced when they caught you and chattered about their benefactor paying thrice the price for seizing a Harbinger's partner. Too bad, you aren't a Harbinger's lover any longer. Childe might not be even interested in rescuing you when he learns of your predicament. Thinking of the person you wanted to forget, the pain in your heart resurfaced.
It has been seven days since you overheard Childe and Ekaterina's conversation, you spent those seven days crying to sleep and doing your routine rather robotically. Xiangling even commented on how you look like a walking corpse, deprived of food and sleep. She suggested a change of scenery and you agreed, thinking that you need to avoid Liyue in the meantime. Every part of the Land of Commerce reminds you of him, the memories you created with Childe still fresh in your mind.
“Captain! A Snezhnayan fleet is coming close!” The commotion overhead woke you up from your thoughts as the people shouted and ran around. You could hear them panicking. Snezhnaya? It's impossible. You quickly suppressed the hope which rose in your heart. Childe said it in a clear voice, he only cared about you for his mission, nothing more. “What is the Snezhnayan fleet doing here!?” You listened to how the Captain fussed and was answered by someone, “May the Shogun help us! Their masts bear the Fatui insignia.”
Fatui. You mentally shook your head, your emotions already worn out from the strain you went through, rendering you numb. If this ship goes down with you in it then alright because you are more than certain the Snezhnayan fleet doesn't care for your mere existence. Suddenly, the commotion on the deck intensified, swords are being drawn and commands were thrown around. “Stop him!” The Captain's voice ordered but what followed is a low gurgle, there was something moist dripping on your shirt and it didn't feel like water.
The door leading to where you're kept, opened with a loud crash, its hinges threatening to fall off as footsteps carefully approached your laying figure. Childe gazed at your form with his heart contracting, he shouldn't have done what he did, only now did he realize. No matter if you're with him or not, the danger of being affiliated with his status as a Harbinger will still be lurking. He grits his teeth, slowly untying the binds on your wrists and mouth, taking you into his arms: an arm under your knees and another supporting your back. The Harbinger didn't remove the blindfold just yet, the scene he caused on this ship is bloody and gruesome, not something he would allow you to witness.
You, on the other hand, instinctively knew who is carrying you. The way he held you with familiarity and his unique scent mixed with blood. Childe. He came for you? But he said... You didn't bother to think, maybe this is just a temporary thing. “Shoot their ship down.” The Harbinger dictated after returning to his ship with you, watching as the canons fired at the enemy vessel, causing it to sink. He sarcastically remarked, “Glory to the Shogun.”
Achieving such a feat, Childe brought you into a room, gently seating you down on a mattress and removing the blindfold. The darkness which you were in for hours went away, Childe's face the first thing you see. His eyes are filled with concern, hands softly caressing the corners of your eyes. “Ajax...” You trailed off, a rush of emotions bombarding your being, you felt a longing, a little joy but most of all, hurt. It's clear in your eyes and Childe couldn't bear to look, the blood dripping down your arm attracting his attention, “What happened here?” He immediately asked as he rummaged through the drawer close to the bed for the first aid kit, “Did they do this?”
The nod you gave made his hand tremble, he knew it, he shouldn't have left you by yourself. He's this stupid! A deep sense of frustration at himself surged in his soul. Taking your arm, he silently treated your injury, not once did he become harsh. “Ajax–” You badly wanted to ask why was he doing this. Aren't you a mediocre person to him? Not worth his time, “...Why?”
Childe knew what you meant and when he finished bandaging your arm, he finally returned your burning gaze, “I... I have a confession to make.”
This is where the dam he has built in his soul shattered as he knelt in front of you, his body shaking while he explained everything. Why he purposely said those, why he didn't want you to be with him, why he needed to keep you away. Childe smiled bitterly, “I thought I was doing this for your own good, that you'll live a better life if you aren't with me. It turns out I was completely wrong. (Y/N), none of what I said back then was true. I love you. I love your cooking. I love how we spent every moment in bliss, the happiest I've felt in my life.”
This is the most vulnerable state you saw Childe in, there are tears in the corner of his eyes and they were about to fall. You reached out, hand on his cheek as you wiped his tears away. The Eleventh Harbinger leaned into your touch, waiting for you to speak or not at all, he's fine with either.
“I can't say I wasn't hurt when you said those, it hurt like one of your blades cutting through me. Nevertheless, now hearing your explanation, you are half forgiven.” You smiled, bringing yourself closer to the kneeling Harbinger, your faces inches away from each other. “What does it take to be entirely forgiven, my love?” He asked, you could feel his breath hitting your lips, and you hummed, “I wonder what?”
You were about to return to your original position, however, Childe prevented you from doing so by placing his hand behind the back of your head and guiding your lips to meet his in a searing kiss. The kiss conveyed your yearning for one another, making up for the days you spent away, and healing the damage inflicted on your souls. Childe only releases you from the kiss when you're both almost out of breath, placing his forehead against yours, whispering, “Never again. Your place is with me, (Y/N), for better or for worse. Have I told you that I love you already? Because I do, more than I love any other person in my life.”
High and low, he searched for you all around the boundaries of Liyue but didn't find you anywhere. There are no signs, no clues, no nothing. The Conqueror of Demons was growing desperate every minute that he couldn't figure out where you are. It is the pressing matter which made him search for another person, someone who he is certain knows of your whereabouts. He couldn't exactly leave Liyue unattended yet he also can't imagine you fending for yourself in who knows where.
“You need not worry, Xiao.” Zhongli stated, bringing a cup of tea to his mouth as he took a sip. Yes, he did know where you are, however, you made a contract with him– trapping him into a corner where he couldn't reveal your location. It happened the day before yesterday, you inquired about his conversation with the adeptus and if it was all true. Of course, as an archon and an individual that cannot bring himself to lie, Zhongli revealed everything. The look on your face when he did, distorted into many expressions and he couldn't guess most of them. Continuing his words earlier, the ex-Geo Archon put his teacup back unto the table, “(Y/N) is doing fine, they just need time by themselves.”
“What if they get attacked!?” Xiao didn't believe what he was hearing. Did Zhongli regard your life as a small matter? You two were friends! He couldn't ease his distress and seeing Morax being so nonchalant just made the worry in his heart worsen, “You know where they are.”
“I do.” Zhongli didn't deny it, looking at the adeptus with calm eyes, “My apologies, Xiao. I can't help you because they made a contract with me.” The Conqueror of Demons didn't stay any longer out of frustration, he was getting nowhere with his findings. As he proceeded in his search, he held your design– the one you were planning to show him, an illustration he recognized as Bosacius’ ruins but different, it was beautifully modernized. In his heart, he knew you heard his discussion with Zhongli and perhaps didn't hear everything. Why would you suddenly leave if you heard all that he said? The only trace of you he found is the architectural design that was on the ground.
Carrying yourself up on a mountain ledge, you wiped your sweat, you're a researcher for crying out loud! Not an adventurer. Yet look which idiot decided to climb a tall mountain just to get their mind off a certain adeptus? It's unbelievable how you managed to get so high up. Looking down, hundreds of meters from the ground, you patted your shoulder, “At least I can be proud of hiking this mountain.” Contrary to what a certain Xiao believes at the moment, you are still in the premise of Liyue except in an isolated place where nobody usually goes.
You have erased everything you heard that day from your mind, knowing it's a misunderstanding. However, it still pained you. That is why you didn't want Zhongli to tell anyone where you were going, especially Xiao. You needed time for yourself and what the hell did you decide to do? Mountain climbing. Perfect, isn't it? Truthfully, you're scared out of your wits since you don't how to get down but you swallowed your thoughts. This was your own idea, it's either you suck it up or back away like a coward.
“I really am smart, no?” You spoke to yourself, grabbing onto the next ledge above with a hand, “Smart in being dumb, that's what.” A grunt came out of your lips as you hauled yourself up with your arm. What you didn't think about is the sudden imbalance due to the unequal distribution of weight. “Fuck!” You cursed as your body becomes suspended in midair, your fingers slowly slipping from your hold on the ledge, “Isn't this a great way to die?”
You sure didn't want to meet the Abyss yet though, having things to finish first before you can leave this world. It was then that your fingers gave up, allowing our body to drop at a fast pace. No, you're not going to die here, you refuse to! Gathering your remaining courage, you called to the wind, “Xiao!”
Even if he didn't appear last time, you placed your faith in him now. He would be here and he would save you, but a few moments passed and the adeptus didn't appear. Oh... Is he mad at you for not saying anything? You cursed at yourself. What kind of selfish bastard are you–
The surroundings unexpectedly turned into a shade of dark green as you felt an arm wrap around your waist. Xiao turned you around so you are facing his chest, his arm still around you while he moved the other to cradle your head. You met his eyes, they were frantic and relieved. The green mist which enveloped you both disappeared, showing the wonderful view of the sunset on top of the mountain you were climbing.
“I knew you would come.” You said, smiling at the distressed adeptus as he checked on you for injuries and to his solace, there were none. It made your heart move, Xiao was never initiated touching first because he was uncomfortable yet here he is now, fretting over you like a mother. A chuckle escaped your lips and he returned to gazing directly into your eyes, “I will always come when you call.”
“Except for that day though.” It was a jest but Xiao's expression became sullen as he apologized, “I'm sorry, (Y/N).”
“Hey now! I'm kidding. I should be the one apologizing since I misunderstood your conversation with Zhongli.” You looked down, embarrassed. Xiao gently took your chin and raised your head with a small nudge, “Let me make up for it.”
He didn't say anything else, immediately encasing your lips with his as he pulled you flush against his chest. His fingers running through your locks, reaching the back of your neck as he caressed it. After a while, you separated, dazed from the kiss. Xiao placed a quick peck before taking your hand and kissing your palm, “You are perfect for me and you forever will be. I love you.”
When I say Tighnari is shocked to know you're planning to go to Natlan, he is absolutely speechless. What brought this idea along? Or who? He'll skin that idiot alive! Never in his long life did he ever hear from you that you wanted to willingly leave Sumeru. The Forest Ranger practically raised you and he didn't know if its his paternal instincts kicking but he cautiously inquired, “What brought this about, (Y/N)? It's so sudden.” His ears are twitching and you noticed, it does that every time Tighnari is experiencing a severe emotional influx, his tail moves in tandem sometimes too. You chuckled, answering him, “It's nothing. I just want to experience the outside world.”
It's a lie, he knows it's a lie and you know it as well. Nevertheless, he nodded his head in compliance, “Are Alhaitham and Cyno aware of this?”
As expected, you became silent, not responding to his question. Something happened. Tighnari didn't pursue the subject any further, patting the top of your head, “When are you planning to leave?”
“Tomorrow afternoon at the latest.” You stated, smiling at his habit of petting your head. Tighnari then hummed in recognition and turned on his heel, leaving your temporary residence in Gandharva Ville. This too, you almost didn't want to remain in Gandharva Ville because the Scribe and General Mahamatra always coddled you to stay with them. Now he's certain. Something definitely happened while he wasn't there.
The next morning, you're greeted by Karkata at your doorstep, it greeted you in its robotic voice. How did Kartaka get here, wasn't it in Pardis Dhyai? Perhaps Tighnari allowed it to return to Gandharva Ville with him this time around. You waved at the intelligent mechanical crab and invited it inside, “Hello, Karkata! Would you like to come in?”
Karkata moved its body side to side, turning its back to you, clearly indicating something as it was speaking in its language. You stepped to his side, tilting your head, “Did Tighnari send you here?” The robot gave a sound which you guessed is an affirmation so you nodded, “I'm sure he instructed you something, let's go!” You cheered, following behind Karkata as it led the way, “Let's be partners, Karkata.”
Meanwhile, in the halls of Sumeru Akademiya, a Forest Ranger stood in front of Alhaitham and Cyno, his face livid. “What did you do to (Y/N)?” Tighnari asked in a harsh tone, his eyes glaring at them both while his arms are folded over his chest, “Speak now or you'll never see them again.”
“What is this about, Tighnari?” Cyno was the one who opened his mouth first. Therefore, being the target of Tighnari's inner turmoil as he scolded, “What is this about? Are you seriously asking me this, you knuckleheaded idiot?”
They never heard Tighnari this angry before so Alhaitham and Cyno are stunned. Tighnari proceeded with his rant as he pointed at them in turn, “You guys did something! (Y/N) would never start the idea of leaving Sumeru if nothing happened! And what? Don't tell me you don't know what happened or I swear on Lesser Lord Kusanali that you're going to do a hundred rounds of work in Sumeru until I tell you to stop!”
“Calm down, Tighnari.” Alhaitham spoke but was slapped right back with words, “You shut up and answer me this instant!” Okay, now they're scared. They didn't show it but their hearts shivered at Tighnari's sharp voice, “Start speaking in 3 seconds.”
“I don't know what you're speaking about, Tighnari.” Cyno held his polearm tightly at the mention of you planning to travel. You've never mentioned anything like this to them. Is it related to the time they found you unconscious in the forest? Cyno stopped at this thought. Calculating the time you would have spent walking there and the your behavior, he concluded that you overheard his and Alhaitham's discussion. The Scribe has a similar thought, glancing at Cyno and sighing. Tighnari has been closely watching them and he noticed the subtle change, “I take it you remember what happened?”
“Yes.” Alhaitham spoke truthfully, “To be frank, we messed up.”
“Quite a big one too.” Cyno added, looking straight ahead. Tighnari wanted to truly skin them alive as they recounted the scenario which occurred that day. However, he suppressed the urge to kill them and spat, “You two, follow me. I'm going to take you to (Y/N) and you better apologize!”
You were busy fixing a machine with Karkata in a hidden laboratory in the forest, although it isn't your specialty, Karkata provided a manual that Tighnari gave it to hand over to you. After half a day, you still couldn't piece the damned thing together even if you read the instructions over and over! You didn't know that Tighnari purposefully made it confusing so you would lose track of time, and you did. “This one big chunk of shit!” You exclaimed, sitting beside Karkata who was also resting itself, “We make a good team, Karkata.”
The robot gave another sound of agreement and nudged your arm gently, you chuckled and patted its body in return. Would Tighnari allow you to take Karkata on your journey? Never hurts to ask. “(Y/N)? Are you here?” Speak of the devil and he shall come, Tighnari's voice echoed in the manmade cave as you answered, “I'm here!”
You stood up to greet the Forest Ranger but was surprised when Cyno and Alhaitham appeared behind him. They didn't meet your eyes and looked to the walls, the grass, anything but you. “I'll leave you three here, I'm sure there are things you want to talk about. Correct?” Tighnari nodded as if replying to himself as he walked away with Karkata, “Have a pleasant talk. You both better have the guts to speak.”
“We're sorry.” Cyno lowered his head in shame, “We shouldn't have made a bet about this, it is illogical and unacceptable.”
“At first, I do admit that neither of us didn't have feelings for you.” Alhaitham gazed at you, who is looking at them with an expressionless face. It inwardly pains him that your gaze has shifted for the better. It's what they deserve, after all, “However, as time passed, I gradually grew fond of you until it turned into love...”
Cyno hummed in agreement, taking his turn to speak, “I am also the same. I thought I wouldn't fall and I didn't, I just fell harder than expected. You're that great of a person.”
You still didn't give them the satisfaction of forgiveness as you maintained your poker face. What? They make a bet on you and now they're guiltily admitting it? Can't you have your little revenge? You knew that you can't stay mad at them forever but you can't exactly forgive them either. It hurts. What you heard left a scar in your heart and they should understand that. Shrugging Your shoulders, you turned around and started tinkering with the machine again like you didn't hear anything, “Help me with this.”
They did end up aiding you, finally assembling and fixing the broken machine. Turning your attention to them again, you took one hand from each of them, holding it in yours as you stared at the apparent differences. “I will not pretend that this is matter is going to be easily ended so you have to do your best and earn my trust again.”
“We will.” Cyno squeezed your hand and brought its back to his lips, placing a small kiss while Alhaitham nodded, caressing your knuckles, “We're just glad we talked about this.”
A smile graced your lips and the two of them momentarily stopped breathing. You are fascinating, the person who captured their hearts and holds it in their palms. The Scribe then twirled you around, your back meeting his chest as General Mahamatra stood at your front, burying his head in the crevice of your neck. Alhaitham kissed your temple while Cyno gave your neck a similar soft kiss, “Stay with us. We'll breathe for you, protect you, and love you because we don't want anyone else but you.”
