Had a dream about genshin impact and in it, I was checking out Kaveh's voicelines and apparently if you had Alhaitham in your party and not Kaveh, he lost his SHIT. This was his voiceline:
Kaveh: “You have who in your party? And not me? Swap him out—SWAP HIM OUT WITH ME RIGHT NOW!"
In case you've forgotten my existence, hello, I am the author of the completted work, Say My Name and I'll Be There (Xiao fanfic) and the ongoing work, Inception (Tartaglia fanfic). I have FINALLY risen out of my writer's block (I thank Childe's appearance in the Fontaine update) and have resumed writing chapters for Inception. If you are still interested in reading, or even rereading the current chapters, you can find it on Wattpad @ HannahObelJorgensen2. I will soon upload the new chapters here as well. Thank you for being patient with my hiatus and I'm so sorry it took so long!!
In case you weren’t aware, Elliot Gindi, Tighnari’s English VA, has admitted to sexually harassing fans including MINORS. All the evidence is available at arresteliotgindi.com, or you can view this information on twitter. This man is so, so sick. Words cannot describe how horrendous his actions are. Please go show love and support to the victims that have come forward.
Also, apparently ‘Elliot Gindi’ is a stage name, so we don[t even know his actual identity. He’s done this before and needs to be stopped.
WAAAHHH Sorry for the super long delay!!!!!!!! Hope you all enjoy!! I did not forget about you! Life has just been hectic!
.......
Your apartment was dark when you returned late in the night--or more accurately, in the early morning hours. The movements of your limbs were slow in the aid of the removal of your clothes, but they halted as an unknown visitor cleared their throat. Your shirt was hanging around your neck when you lit your hand ablaze to illuminate the room. "I wouldn't screw with me if I were you," you warned, until your eyes landed on the figure reclining on your couch.
"Where have you been wandering?" The hated harbinger didn't so much as glance in your direction.
"Last I checked, my whereabouts are none of your business." A short hum responded to this. It was then you noticed his fingers were tracing a half-empty cup--your cup--which indicated he had been lounging around in your apartment for quite some time. Your fire grew hotter. "How did you even get in here?"
"Your spare key."
"Wha--When did...?" Of course. It was the night Kliment attacked you. That son of a--Childe took another sip from your cup. Something's wrong; he doesn't usually look so sullen. Annoyed yet curious, you extinguished the blaze and put your shirt back on before approaching the seat adjacent to him. "What?"
"Lady Signora is dead." Those words hung heavily in the air as you struggled to understand why he would bother telling you. Your silence prompted him to continue after a few long moments. "Executed by the Raiden Shogun herself." A bitter resemblance of a scoff and a laugh escaped him. "What an excellent way to go. I would love to witness the power of the Electro Archon firsthand; it's a shame my fellow harbinger wasn't strong enough to bare it."
"I don't get why you're telling me this. I don't give a damn about that witch. If you ask me, I'm glad she's dead. One less Fatui to deal with."
"Hm," one of the corners of his lips curled upwards at your quip. The humor didn't reach his eyes, though, and his gaze settled back down on the liquid that sat in his cup. "I can't say I don't agree with that on some level."
"So, she's dead. Why else are you here?"
"I'll be leaving for Inazuma in the next day or so. Depending on my efficiency at getting the matters handled, I'd say the soonest I'll return is in three weeks."
You tried to rub the sleep out of your eyes. "Again, I don't see why you're telling me or why I should care."
At this, Childe finally returned your gaze. "Don't do anything reckless while I'm away." The genuine tone and his wavering eyes made you do a double take. His gaze returned to the glass in his hand just as quickly, and you were left to wonder if you had somehow imagined the entire display in your exhausted state.
"Reckless," you repeated, eyes narrowing carefully as you mulled the word over your tongue. He must've meant not to be quick to trust your father. Did he know of your rendezvous? Did Charlie snitch? "You're projecting your recklessness onto me, you know. I can handle myself. Besides, I'm not looking for your approval."
Childe hummed once more, this time with a slight pull of contempt at the corner of his lips. "I only ask that you're careful...no matter what path you choose to follow. As much as I'd love to fight you, I don't want a repeat of Kliment's antics." The glass tinked against the surface of the table it was placed on before the man rose from his seat. "Be safe, Reed."
You said nothing as he left the apartment.
.......................................
With news of the harbinger leaving town, Liyue as a whole became more relaxed. The Millileth were in high spirits, along with many concerned parents that let their children run astray during the daylight hours. Perhaps Liyue became an even more dangerous place, too--at least for the Fatui. The people's hatred of the bunch became more apparent and obvious than it was before now that the diplomat was unable to catch it in the act, though he usually let those kinds of comments roll off his back.
With Childe gone, you could focus on your father. With Childe gone, you could finally breathe. But despite this, there was an unknown feeling swirling in the depths of your soul like a pool of snakes writhing about, waiting for the perfect moment to strike you if you let it. You weren't quite sure what it was; something told you it was uneasiness now that he was gone, but another part of you thought it might be some sort of twisted longing for the man. You hoped it was the former.
Archons forbid you somehow developed some weird infatuation for him.
Still, your work at the parlor was largely uneventful yet busy enough to distract you from overanalyzing your feelings. You had the feeling Zhongli had somehow picked up on it, though, because he began telling you more stories than usual about Liyue's history.
It was a little over a week into Childe's absence when you attended your third meeting with the Rogues. They had gathered at the usual spot sooner than normal, but your sleep-deprived self wouldn't dare complain about that. It was nice for a change. At least until some unexpected events began to unfold...
"Consider tonight your formal initiation into the family," your father roughly slapped your shoulder and turned to his followers. "Please, don't hold back. It is necessary that we must see your abilities in action...we've heard stories of your work circling through the Fatui."
"Uh, what?" Before your gaze could land on him, he removed his hand from your shoulder and shoved you forward. He disappeared into the crowd of faceless men before you could snap at him, and you quickly found yourself surrounded. What kind of cult shit is this? The hair stood up on the back of your neck as your eyes slid around. A curse or two left your lips when your own cloak blocked your peripherals, so you promptly ripped the hood down.
It didn't have time to fall to your shoulders before you were struck from behind. "NGH!" A rough collapse to your knees and your hand was instantly at the back of your scalp. What the actual f- Someone before you attempted to land a hit to your jaw. This time, your reflexes were perfectly timed. An enflamed fist grabbed your attacker's boot until he cried out and desperately tried to pull away. "What the fuck is this," you growled through your teeth as you got to your feet, your flames still consuming the man's shoe, "father?"
"Time to prove your worth, princess," an unfamiliar voice came from your right, and you found yourself stumbling from a strike you didn't anticipate. Before you could fall, your cloak was yanked backwards until you couldn't breathe. "You can't be daddy's number one without being useful, can you?"
"F-fuck off!" Your elbow landed between his ribs, and you could finally catch your breath. In one quick swoop, your cloak fell to the ground, and you pulled your dagger from your pocket. "Come at me, and you'll regret it!"
Oh, they came after you alright. They spared no hesitation in rushing towards you simultaneously. Strikes to your gut and back were relentless, but just as you thought all hope was lost, a shockwave of flames emitted from your vision and sent the first wave flying. Seeing this lit a fire in other recruits' eyes, and they came at you again. Somehow, it was easy to keep up. Perhaps those trainings with Ajax...no, Childe, paid off more than your self-taught training ever could.
You had half the men down within a few minutes.
Nothing but her bare fists and a pocketknife, your father marveled from a distance. But she has yet to use a true weapon...where is it? Is she a catalyst user? He was beyond impressed--it was a feverish fascination akin to those who hosted dog fight rings. Your movements were smooth and polished, but not like the nobility. Your few years of street-fighting the Fatui should've made your punches aggressive and rough--even sloppy-- but each of your swings appeared calculated. Your defenses were slow at the beginning, but you had quickly fallen into an apparent routine that allowed you to adjust to your opponents' timing. He continued to watch you closely with a hint of a smirk.
You had just finished what you thought were the last two members when a blow from your left sent you to all-fours and seeing stars. You wiped the blood away from your busted lip and blinked away the tears just in time to look up at the hooded figure. A small breeze shifted the hood just enough for silver eyes to reflect the moonlight. Eyes widening with recognition, you watched in horror as the same man that had smashed your face with the heel of his boot at the Liuli Pavilion raised his leg for a second time.
"No, Hongqi." The boot froze right as it closed in on you. "She's mine." You turned in time for another boot to ram into your stomach, flipping you onto your back. Then another to your side. Another. And another. The kicks were relentless, but it was only when you spat up blood that the second figure stood over you.
Master was watching from the tree line when a fully hooded Charlie joined him. Recognizing the figures to be the same assholes that had beaten you down before, the half breed hastily stepped forward before his leader grabbed him by the shoulder. "Do not intervene."
"But Sir! They're--"
A severe sternness overshadowed Master's face. "Do not blow your cover. Is that understood?"
Conflicted as he watched Kliment continue his assault, Charlie's ears pulled back in distaste and his shoulders dropped. "...Yes, Master."
"You know, I thought it was ridiculous when I found out you're that geezer's daughter." Kliment straddled your limp body and pulled your head up by a fistful of your hair. His hood fell to his shoulders as he raised his other fist. "I'll admit that pissed me off, but getting the chance to teach you a lesson feels damn good."
All you could do was let out a small groan in preparation for the last blow.
Observing your weakened state, Hongqi sneered. "Yeah, she definitely doesn't deserve the title of Childe's girl. She's too soft for someone like him."
Those words instantly snapped you out of your daze. An unusual feeling boiled your blood, but for some reason, it wasn't anger towards the mention of the harbinger. It was rage directed at their thoughts of you being unsuitable for him.
Kliment's fist closed in on you, but you allowed your rage to consume you and act out your will. He shriveled back in pain, his strike left uncompleted, as fire engulfed his clothes and skin. His pyro resistance, though heightened from his vision, was not enough to protect him from the burns that consumed him. This time, you were the one towering over him, and Hongqi watched you with a sick yet curious fascination. It was he who noticed that the same flames that surrounded Kliment were also burning you, yet you had no reaction to the pain they inflicted. It was as if you didn't feel them eat away at your skin.
"That's enough, child." Your father's hand landing on your shoulder barely managed to snap you out of your rage. The flames died out, but Kliment's cries for mercy did not. Battered, hooded figures surrounded the group yet again, but this time, they regarded you with the same respect as the Master. Two men carefully dragged Kliment away for medical attention. A quick glance behind you, and you found Hongqi nodding to you. An acknowledgement to a worthy foe. "You have proven yourself, dear Reed. Go home now. Your first assignment will be brought to you in the morning."
........................
"You want me to plant these in the bank?" You flipped through a huge folder of documents with illegible writing--at least to you-- that was handed to you at your doorstep a few days later. Someone must've followed you home to keep tabs on you; it was the only way to make sense of how your father knew where you live. "What for? What's written on them?"
An amused chuckle escaped him. "You can't read Snezhnayan anymore, my dear? You have strayed far from your roots, coming to Liyue."
"...It's not like I was given a choice," you muttered under your breath. "So," you say a little louder, "what exactly is written here?" You could make out small words like 'money' or 'time,' but other than that the pages were as unreadable as a toddler doodling. "Is this some scheme to frame the Fatui with fraud or something?"
Your father leaned against the wall opposite of your open door. "Something of the sort, yes. All that matters is that you place these in the bank manager's desk while the employees attend the opera tonight. Think you can handle that?"
"What a dumb question. Of course I can." With a quick slap of the papers, you closed the folder in an annoyed huff. You really couldn't read a single sentence. At least you could still speak some of the language though, right? The knowledge of spelling has since been long forgotten... "What will the rest of you do while I'm inside the building?"
"That, my dear, will be a surprise. But be warned, you must leave the building immediately if you still want that head of yours on your shoulders." A chilling laugh left his throat, and you had no choice but to play along with whatever joke he thought he was making. Something about it didn't sit right with you, but you brushed it off as nerves. You were, after all, still getting acquainted with your father. He did have an odd personality.
The man that stood before you was nothing but a shadow of the person you once knew. Bright, almost flirtatious eyes were only a memory now. Instead, what stared back at you was a void darkness...no. There wasn’t even that. There was nothing.
“My love...” You instinctively reached out towards him, but he only stared right through you as blood trickled down your nose. “What has become of you?”
“You don’t know me,” he raised his lance with an edge to his voice as he suppressed any lingering familiarity that may seep out. “Not anymore.” The urge to collapse into your arms, to ask you to take his life as a mercy, was strong. He did no such thing, though. Instead, he found his feet moving with a mind of their own, and the grip on his weapon tightened.
A sigh of resignation escaped you once you sensed his resolution. “So be it.” Ice shot up from the ground to halt his advance, but he was already behind you. “I won’t make this easy for you. Not unless you tell me the reason you want me dead.”
The Primordial Jade cut through the air by your head sharper than a knife slices through butter. Ice encased it so he couldn’t retract. You spun on your heel to face him again. He may be a stranger now, but his movements were the one thing that never changed. The dash towards you was anticipated, and you dodged with ease.
Why was he doing this? Disappearing for so long only to return with a price on your head. What turned him? Why did he hate you? No--your eyes widened as you caught a glimpse of despair in his eyes. He seemed to have finally registered your presence. And though you’ve both acknowledged one another, he quickly shook those emotions away and attempted to strike again.
Your only moves were defense. You weren’t the fighting type; you were one of the most peaceful adepti to exist, only choosing to fight when there was the need to defend. You could barely manage to force yourself to harm anyone, but him? There was no question; you could never bring yourself to. Not under the most dire of circumstances. Not under the one that lay before you now.
“Please,” you tried to reach him again as ice met spear over and over. “My love, why? What have I done to hurt you so? Allow me to repent. You only need to tell me.”
Pain flashed in his eyes again; it was as bright as his hair was red. He became distracted as he fought his inner thoughts, his face drowning in despair as he managed to slash your skin. Your movements were getting slower; the lack of battles on your shoulders made you weak and intolerant of injuries. And just as you moved slower and slower, his attacks became harsher like he was imagining it was himself that he was fighting.
“Ngh!” A debilitating strike to your legs brought you to your knees. He stood before you now with blood--your blood--dripping off his quivering blade. His bright eyes were downcast; he couldn’t bear to look at what he’s done to you.
A heavy rain began to fall now as if the archons also knew your time has come to an end. You could easily use the storm to your advantage if you really wanted to. Some part of you did want to live. But what purpose did you have in the world if you could not complete it by his side?
“Please, my love”, you panted, allowing the cold of the rain chill you to the bone. “Alatus. Is this what you want?”
He grimaced, but he finally raised his eyes. “I...don’t. But I must.”
“The least you can do is tell me why.”
Fear clouded his expression at the thought of that certain someone watching from afar. “I can’t escape, Nuo. There’s no way out. I must do this. He’s watching.” He too dropped to his knees. “Could you ever forgive me?”
Hot tears competed with the rain that streamed down your face. “If this is what you truly want, then I will not stop you.” You opened your arms to him. “I love you more than the moon and Celestia and Teyvat combined. How could I not forgive you?”
It was his turn to let his guard drop and allow his heart to break at the sight of you. The love you so eagerly gave to him despite the pain he’s caused; you open the arms to the man that will kill you?
“I can’t hate you for it,” you assure him with a bittersweet smile. “Just...make it quick?”
The ringing in his ears got louder than the rain; he was growing impatient. ‘Prove your loyalty to me,’ he echoed over and over. “Nuo, I-” He gripped the spear yet again, but before he could continue, you threw yourself at him for the tightest embrace you could muster.
“If you must do this for reasons I can never fully understand, then so be it.” You only pulled away enough so you could press your forehead against his. “Even after I leave this body, I will never leave you,” your lips pressed against his for a moment. “My soul will arise and grow within the qingxin flowers until the day comes the world ceases to exist.” Another solemn kiss, and your hand rests atop his heart. “I’ll always be right here, too.”
A slow nod from him, and his shaky grip on his weapon readjusts for the final blow.
Your hand now cradles his cheek as a last moment of comfort. “I’ll never stop loving you, Alatus.”
“Neither will I, Nuo.”
“Look for me in the qingxin, yeah?” A final smile, as bright as you could muster under the circumstances, and you close your eyes so you won’t have to watch his heart break as his weapon strikes you.
“I’ll love you until the end of time,” he mumbled quietly, not knowing if you heard him before the obnoxious sound of the blade piercing your body interrupted the rain.
He held you until your dying breath; until the light of his life slowly faded into nothingness behind those beautiful eyes of yours; until your body grew cold in his arms.
............
Eons have passed, but he remembered your smile like it had just happened yesterday. Here he stood atop the mountains Juyean Karst; the bright clear sky attempting to wipe away the freezing memory of that dreadful day. He carefully sat down and overlooked the valleys and rivers, his arm coming to rest upon his leg. Finally, he mustered the courage to look down to his right at the bright white flower that was just beginning to bloom again in the same spot it’s been growing for eons.
YES, I’m still writing Inception. Currently having difficulty with writer’s block and also school stuff is getting nuts the closer I get to graduation, but I am working on the chapters and wanting to make sure they are perfect before I share them!
But...
Just how angry will you (Reed) get at Childe? Exactly how far are you willing to go to make sure he’s punished? If given the chance, would you execute him? Or will your love for him--you’ve reluctantly come to realize--keep you from going full Rogue?
Childe was just about to leave the Northland Bank when the doors burst open and the Millelith rushed in. "Oh? Is something the matter?" Despite his apparent hospitality, the men held their spears at his neck while a few of them stormed the secretary's desk. Whatever documents they could lay their hands on, they took, leaving a jumbled mess of garbage and crinkled irrelevant bank notes beneath their feet. The harbinger's nose crinkled at this, and he stepped toward who he presumed to be the leading officer of the bunch despite the blades pressing harder against his throat. "Excuse me," he prodded coolly with a slight edge in his voice, "What do you think you're doing?"
The lead officer, who was a different man than the one that refused to help during the bank heist, was more than willing to answer him. "We've received an anonymous tip regarding the origins of the electro lawachurl attacks from a few weeks ago. I'd advise that if you know anything about those incidents, it's in your favor to speak up before we find something."
"And your first 'lead' happens to be the Fatui? I can assure you my men and I have nothing to do with those outbreaks. I was also in a business trip in Mond during that time--"
"Just doing protocol, sir. We'll be out of your hair in a bit. If you have nothing to hide, then surely there's no need for you to worry about our search." He signaled for a few of his men to search down the halls and up the stairs.
'Protocol' my ass, huffed Childe. The Fatui were almost always investigated when it came to any criminal matter--and most of the time, they were found to be uninvolved. It was just another way to antagonize and discriminate against the Tsaritsa's organization! The harbinger took a deep breath to relax; they truly had nothing to find that was incriminating. All of the more suspicious documents were stolen in the robbery awhile back, after all. Perhaps he should be grateful for whoever was behind it, if only temporarily-
"Sir!" A guard nearly tumbled down the stairs with a binder in his hands. "You need to take a look at this!"
Childe's nose crinkled in dismay yet again. Did he forget something? No, no, everything 'bad' was secured in Andre's safe until the robbery. Did one of his men do something unauthorized? If that were the case, he'll need to discipline his men a lot harsher than he did when Reed was attacked. What a bunch of idiots!
The officer opened the binder and read a few lines of text before his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He shut it immediately before whistling to get everyone's attention. "Shut it down! Bring in the harbinger for questioning!"
It had to be his men! What the hell did they do this time?! "What did you find?" Childe hid the severe agitation on his face as he was yet again prodded with the sharp tip of a spear against his back.
"We'll discuss it with the Qixing," he answered.
Shit.
No one hid their stares as Childe was escorted through the main street of Liyue by the Millelith; they spared no expense at providing the public with a much-needed show of the harbinger's humiliation! The crowds gathered along the sides of the street and even followed the authorities all the way up to Yuehai Pavilion to get their fill of the drama. Whispers of the news had already spread like wildfire throughout the city before Childe was even brought out of the bank for questioning.
Childe maintained a neutral expression even after he was brought into the pavilion away from the prying eyes of the public. However, it slowly began to falter as he was suddenly brought face-to-face with the Seven Stars of Liyue a.k.a. the Liyue Qixing a.k.a. the targets of the primary mission bestowed upon him by Her Majesty. It was rare that they were in the same room together. How unfortunate that he had to meet them under such circumstances--whatever the heck they were--instead of in an all-out battle.
The elite seven sat behind a large desk made of the most exquisite wood. The way the room was set up was similar to that of a courtroom, with each person elevated high and mighty to exude superiority. Each held different yet alluring auras about them, and their leader, Ningguang, peered down her nose at the pesky harbinger that's caused their city so much trouble.
"It seems as though our paths are meant to cross yet again, Childe of Snezhnaya." The Millelith did not retract their blades as the Tianquan spoke. "I cannot say it's a pleasure to see you again."
"What a cold thing to say coming from someone of your status," baited Childe with a slight smirk. "I always thought I earned at least some respect from you." The blade at his spine pushed in a little threateningly. "Would you mind enlightening me on why we are gathered here? I wasn't made aware of any recent wrongdoings. If this is related to one of my men--"
Keqing, who sat to Ningguang's right, lifted up the binder that had been confiscated. "You weren't aware of your own documents detailing several payments to an anonymous party in exchange for smuggled electro lawachurls, which you released into the wilds of Liyue?" Her brow raised at his stunned silence, mistaking it for resentment at being caught in the act. "We've allowed your stay in this nation for too long."
"If I may, I have no idea where that binder came from. For all we know, that was planted by a hate group--"
"Without evidence, that's an unfounded thought and effort to throw our investigation off so you can go about your day. We may have cleaned up the Rite of Descension and Osial's crises, but don't you dare think that we will allow such a heavy mistake to happen again. You plotted to drown the entire city and after that failed, you are now targeting the rest of Liyue land."
Ningguang took over. "There are details in this binder that imply future shipments of foreign lawachurls heading for Liyue. Tell me, harbinger, where were you during the first attacks?"
"I was in Mondstat visiting our headquarters there. If you want my alibi, you have it. Signora is more than willing to verify my whereabouts." He stood up as if proud of his defense, but the entire room seemed to go silent. "What, do you not believe me? I have several witnesses that have seen me not to mention--"
"It appears word from your men has yet to reach you." She exchanged a conflicted glance with Keqing. "Your alibi remains unverified. Signora was executed by the Raiden Shogun not two days ago."
"I...what?"
.......................
"Sir," Charlie finally managed to speak to the Master alone and in broad daylight, too. It wasn't their usual meeting place; the mountainside seemed to overflow with nosy treasure hoarders by day. Instead, they both hiked to the top of Mount Tianheng for the purposes of their discussion. Furry ears swiveled back as he squinted from the bright sun beating down on them. "I...have good news."
"Oh? What is it?" The man of the hour's silver hair seemed to sparkle in the light. The wrinkles that cracked along his face almost seemed to disappear from his excitement.
"Forgive me, but before I enlighten you, I must ask you something." The man's expression dropped a bit, but he didn't stop Charlie from continuing. "I must ask...Sir, do you have a family?"
It took him quite some time to answer. "Yes," he sighed, "before my true mission began, I had a wife and daughter. They were lovely, but the mother of my child was too naïve to understand the true will of the Tsaritsa and why it will destroy us all. You see, son, the Will of Celestia is far greater than that of what the cryo archon can ever manage to muster. I know the truth behind her actions; and that truth will kill us all if her will succeeds."
"And what of the daughter?"
"She was too young to understand anything greater than her childish sphere. Perhaps if she were older at the time, she would have joined me."
One of Charlie's ears twitched. "What happened to them?"
"They lived."
Those words hung heavily in the air for awhile, but Charlie didn't understand what the Master meant by that nor why he sensed some sort of disappointment in his tone. Did the wife take the daughter and flee? Did they join the Tsaritsa's cause? Obviously not if what Reed had said were true. Somewhat satisfied with the conversation, he spoke. "Sir, what if I told you your daughter still lives, and she lives in Liyue? What if she were willing to join our cause?"
"Then perhaps, if it were Celestia's Will, we would meet again."
"She is the vigilante you've been searching for, sir. She's obtained the favor of Murata and is an avid fighter with a pure hatred for the Fatui. Even the passion of all your men combined does not compare to hers. She is willing to meet you, sir. If you're willing to do that--"
"Silence, Charlie." The Master scowled, but then thought better of it. His right-hand man wasn't wrong. If he does meet with Reed, all he has to do is play his cards right to get her on-board for the cause, the Will of Celestia. Even if that means playing the part of the broken father that finally reunites with family after a decade of separation. Or perhaps, Reed will not want a relationship with him and only dedicates her life to the cause. "Bring her tonight."
...................
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Charlie extended a hand to help you up a steep incline along the mountainside late that evening. You didn't bother to take it, instead brushing past him as if you were the one guiding him. "What'll you do if you don't like his answer?"
"Don't know, don't care." You stopped. "Where did you say it was again?"
"On the other side of that abandoned house. I'll follow behind you just in case something goes wrong."
"Such a gentleman," you mocked under your breath. "I can handle myself. Thanks for the guidance." The two- or three-minute walk from your current location was occupied with your heart beating loudly against your ribcage. What would your father think? Would he even recognize you after all these years?
Just as you turned the corner of the house, black robes swallowed the clearing. They greeted you silently with their hoods obscuring their faces and the scuffling of feet as they parted so you could walk directly to the front of the crowd. This is what Childe's so annoyed with? You lost count pretty quickly, but their robed demeanors gave off more pretentious vibes than dangerous ones. They must be quite the nuisance if Childe even considered dealing with them. Actually, scratch that. He'd pick a fight with anyone.
You swallowed the unsavory bitter taste of his betrayal as you reached the front of the crowd. There, a man greeted you without a word. Instead, he gestured towards his men and they dispersed immediately. Then he removed his hood to reveal an older version of the blurry recollection of your father.
It's definitely him.
To be honest, neither of you knew what to say now that you stood face-to-face. The words caught in your throat as if you inhaled a rock. You didn't think you'd have any reaction to his presence other than anger at the most, but instead your fingers shook with a different emotion. "How...?" Your words came out broken and distorted with the painful memories of that night. The violent heat of the fire when you woke up in the middle of the night; the incoherent screams of your mother as she searched the rooms for you and your father; the shock of the cold snow beneath your sooty feet. Sensing your conflicted anguish, the man enveloped you in a warm embrace. He didn't say anything for the longest time.
Charlie watched the scene unfold from afar. Master had ordered for him to lie low while you acclimated to the situation. If you were to find out the double-agent set you up to join his apparent cult, there was a chance you wouldn't join. It wasn't much of a problem from where he was crouching since his ears were able to pick up on the slightest of sounds. He'll remain silent, observing and making note of all your vulnerabilities for the Master to review and train you out of them. Or at least, that's what the Master said. Charlie had an unsettling feeling in his gut that said otherwise, but he chose to put it on the backburner for now.
"The Will of Celestia has blessed us tonight," the rugged old man pulled away from you with one of his hands landing heavily on your shoulder. He eyed you up and down a few times. You were lean, but from the hug he could tell you did have some muscle on you. This was a good sign; nimbleness is a key element for what he had in store for you--if you were up to the task. "My dear daughter, Reed. You've grown up to look more and more like your mother. Tell me...how is she?"
You hastily rubbed your tear-stained cheeks with your sleeve. "She's passed a while ago now. I'm sure she would be delighted to see you again if she were still here."
"I see," some sort of half-smile cracked along his face, though you couldn't tell if it was out of genuine pity, contempt, or fondness over his memories of her.
"I still don't understand...How are you here? How are you alive? We heard your cries from the house. Not even ashes remained."
"It's a story I've long forgotten by now, my dear. I'm afraid I don't remember what happened that night; I only recall waking in the snow in the woods behind our home."
"I...see..." Your brows furrowed out of confusion, but then they drew downward in anger. "The damn Fatui--they did this. I hate them, father. I've heard of what your people have been doing. Please let me join you."
"Oh?" He didn't need to convince you? This will be so easy. "Are you sure? The work we've been doing is risky and dangerous. Think you can handle it?"
"Of course I can. You're not the only people that have been a pain in their ass." You pulled out your vision, which glinted maliciously in the moonlight.
Black robes descended upon the mountainside late one chilling night until they formed one collective shadow more permanent than the one the moon cast across the mountain. Hoarse whispers of prayers, praise, and curses swirled above the gatherers' heads until the Master stepped out from behind an ancient gingko tree. Then, only the crickets dared to interrupt the ceremony.
"Welcome. Let us begin by announcing the recruitment of two more former Fatui. Kliment, Hongqi, present yourselves. Charlie, the cloaks."
"Blessed are those reborn under the moonlight. May they forever prosper in the blood of their enemies." Charlie bit the inside of his lip rather aggressively as he reluctantly presented the robes to his new subordinates. He couldn't help but doubt the Master's decision to let them join despite their being loose cannons just as he had reported after the beating they gave Reed. While their actions may lead to you joining this group, they were still disgraceful and an embarrassment. Why would you join a community that shelters the very people that attacked you?
"Wait. Charlie? As in the guy that ended up being promoted for saving Childe's girlfriend?" Kliment spoke louder than what was allowed, and just as Charlie was about to scold him for it, the Master stepped in.
"Is there a problem?"
"Yeah! He's--"
"--Fatui? Then you are one and the same. I'll ask again: Is there a problem, dear Kliment?" Faced with an immovable--and frankly larger--force, the former agent's confidence and anger shriveled away like a dehydrated plant left in the sun. "Charlie is my righthand man. Surely you didn't expect for me to not have friends on the inside?"
"N-No, sir."
"Apologies for the disruption, sir," Hongqi forced the robe back into Kliment's hands with a harsh glare from his silver eyes. Take it and shut up, it said. Hongqi was representing his contacts, after all. For Kliment to be a selfish asshole in front of every member of the Rogues was something he didn't need! The latter finally caught on with a quick shut of his mouth and robust movement to inherit the cloak across his shoulders. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"What about pay?"
The Master's eyes slid to Kliment yet again, narrowing slightly before a bellowing laugh escaped him. "Ha! Well look at that, boys, we've got another gold-digger. Fear not Kliment, you'll be paid per job. Now, return to your places everyone." In a hushed murmur, he spoke to Charlie, whose lip was now bleeding from how hard he was biting it. "Is the next shipment of lawachurls on the way?"
"Yes, sir. They may be a bit late this time around. From what I've heard there was a bit of trouble in Ritou as they were trying to sail back. Everything should arrive safely just as planned."
"Good. The more chaos and framing we can pin against the Fatui, the better! And what of the vigilante? Any progress?"
"I've located her, sir. It won't be long until we turn her, especially after the crappy stunt those new recruits pulled."
The Master shrugged at this. "Thus is the way of the world, Charlie. I can guarantee what's coming to the Harbinger is worse than some meager beating." He faced his audience with a look of satisfaction. "I would like to meet her soon, Charlie."
"Yes, Master."
.....................................
"You wanted to see me, Andrei?" Childe closed the door behind him and approached the bank's manager who sat at his desk. The messenger made it seem a bit urgent, but Andrei was relaxing in his seat as he reviewed a document at his desk.
"Yes, Master Childe. One of our men ended up coming upon a group of individuals west of Mount Tianheng not two days ago--the same group that there's been rumors of."
"The Rogues?"
"Yes, Sir."
Childe took the seat opposite of Andrei and summoned his bow. He examined it, even pulling the string back to his cheek to imagine what his targets might look like and the horrific expressions they might make in the wake of death. "How many?" They'd serve as good practice for his archery skills...
"Tens of them, at the least." Andrei picked up a small piece of paper and slid it towards him. "Our scout managed to make use of one of those gadgets from Fontaine...what was it? The Kamera? Yes, that's it. They managed to take a picture of what they believe to be the group's leader. Do you happen to recognize this man?"
Finally, someone I can kill--Childe's heart dropped as he examined the photo. It was grainy because of the darkness of night, but the moon provided just enough light to expose the features of the leader. This...This is impossible.
Andrei noticed how quick the harbinger paled. "...Master Childe?"
"This was taken two days ago?" He glanced up to catch his manager's nod, then his gaze dropped to his hand again. "Then..." This...I need to make certain this is accurate. I need to go to Reed's-- He abruptly bolted from the chair and neared the door handle with the photo still in his hand.
"Sir--!"
...............
A frantic knock at your door was enough to make you jump. How dare someone interrupt your 'you time' while you drank a cup of hot tea! The audacity! Maybe it was the mailman? Wait no, it's a little late in the afternoon for that-- And whoever it was, they were banging louder and louder with your every footstep.
You had barely turned the handle when the door was forced open and you were smooshed between the door and wall. "CHILDE?! W-What the--Excuse you?!" He pushed past you so you had no way of pushing him out your apartment without some serious brute force. "--Get out of my house!"
"Where..." Childe seemed to be in a world of his own as he feverishly scoured through your apartment. "Where did I see it? Where--AH! There!" He snatched your family painting off the unused fireplace and compared it to something else in his other hand.
"Childe, what the hell is your problem?! You can't be here, I don't want you here, I swear to Rex Lapis himself if he doesn't smite you down right now I'll do it myself--!" Your skin grew hotter and hotter until your vision was dyed red.
"Reed," he whispered under your roaring rant, "you need to see this."
By now you were cursing in fragmented Snezhnayan. "--If I had known you were a harbinger, I would've attacked you in front of Mr. Zhongli back then and fry your ass! You think you can do whatever you want, but you can't! You hear me?! Leave me alone! And put that damn picture back! You have no right to dirty my childhood memories with your bloody fingers--"
"Reed." Now he finally removed his gaze from the photos and, seeing the state you were in and finally hearing the words spewing out of your mouth, he placed both pictures atop the fireplace. "I apologize for intruding like this, but you need to know--"
"Tch, shut up!"
Fire shot out towards him, but he activated his vision to counteract. It was then that he saw the state of your arms. They looked like that time you fought those electro lawachurls, but worse. You're that worked up again? "Reed, your arms."
His calmness--or more accurately, his indifference to danger--was so irritating, but it managed to get through to you and your gaze fell downward. They were blistering, aching, and beginning to sting. The sight managed to extinguish both your flames and most of your rage. This happened after you left Mond too, right? What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I--
"Allow me," Childe slowly approached you and placed his fingers against yours. The heat emitting from your skin was still intense, but he didn't show any signs that it hurt. Instead he activated his vision and let water slide across your skin. It felt a little odd to have something cold run across your stinging arms, but at least it helped cool you off faster. Your senses returned. Childe kept his eyes on your skin and made sure to cover every inch with water. "You know, I've trained with every weapon known to man. I could teach you how to use whichever one you want."
He has some nerve to offer to teach you those murderous skills he picked up. "No thanks."
"I'm serious," he glanced briefly upward. "Using a weapon to harness the power of your vision would prevent situations like this. You wouldn't be the target of your own emotions."
"You mean like how you're the target of yours?" Silence. The water on your arms began to evaporate and recede. "I'm not blind."
"Ha, perhaps you're right, ojou-chan." A sad glint in his eyes was noticed as he peered into yours. The silence was mutual now, inches apart from each other, until he pulled away. "I...have something. Something to show you, and you might want to sit down for this."
...............
"...There you have it." Childe couldn't tell what you were thinking as you sat with both photos on your lap. You were so quiet; you didn't even bother to make a snide comment at him. What're you thinking? He didn't want to tell you the news like this...What will you do?
"My dad's...alive..."
"It appears so."
A shaky exhale helped ground you to the present. "But that isn't possible. And the photograph is blurry! This has to be a mistake--"
"And if it's not?"
"Then surely there's been some sort of misunderstanding--My mother and I thought he died in the fire, after all. And we left so abruptly afterwards too, so it's entirely possible he got separated and left behind after being assumed dead."
"Reed." Childe's voice turned hollow. "Your father is in charge of a group that's been attacking the Fatui. You know I'll have to--"
"Not a chance. I need to find out how he's alive and why he hasn't sought me and my mother out." You rose from your seat and glared at Childe. "Just because you've done me a service by revealing that he's alive, doesn't mean I'm on good terms with you. Why would you tell me this information anyway?"
"I was hoping you'd be able to convince him to disband his cult before I'm forced to take action. You know him better than I do, after all. Then again, there's no telling how time has changed him..." He took back the photograph and stared at it. "You might have a better chance at reaching him than I do. With us working together we should have this issue solved in--"
"Wow," you sneered, "you really think I'd help you? If my father is attacking the Fatui, what's to stop me from joining forces with him? We have the same goals. You mean nothing to me."
Ouch...but your words weren't unfounded. "The chances of one of the other harbingers visiting Liyue to eliminate you and your father's group are already high enough. Signora is already having doubts of me; it wouldn't be long before she decides to take matters into her own hands despite her residence in Inazuma now. Unlike me, she won't have mercy."
"Thanks for the advice, but I can hold my own. Especially if it's against that witch," you gestured that he leave now. "If you dare to go after my father, you'll have to go through me first. That's a promise." The door slammed in his face before he could respond. The sound of the deadbolt locking signaled your determination to keep that promise while you let yourself slide down to the floor. So he's alive...
He'd kill for a chance to battle you to the death, even to see you feel something so passionately for him, but would he kill your father to do so? Childe pulled the neatly folded byproduct of the Kamera out from his pocket and examined the features of the man that was your failure of a father. No--he shouldn't make such brash assumptions about his apparent survival. Then again, these circumstances were unusually suspicious. It's been what, a decade or so since he 'burned' to death in a house fire caused by the Fatui in your town? Why didn't he search for his wife and daughter? Sure, your leave from the country was abrupt, but still...Something about this situation isn't sitting well with him.
Childe shoved the picture back into his pocket and left your apartment complex, adamant on digging up whatever he can find about your childhood to get his peace of mind. To do so unfortunately meant that he must also face his own inceptions.
.......................................
"Is Charlie here?"
"Charlie?"
"Yes, Agent Charlie. He's with you guys, isn't he?" Your words were spat out through gritted teeth as your eyes danced around your surroundings. The last thing you wanted to do was step foot in this awful bank, but if anyone were to know about this mysterious organization and your father, Charlie would. Or at least, you were hoping he knew something useful. Asking Childe for more information on where to find the group would be a horrible idea for obvious reasons.
"U-um, let me see," the receptionist who you didn't care to know the name of seemed taken aback by your apparent agitation. It probably didn't help that your hands were shoved deep into your coat pockets as if you were waiting to rob the place--and it most definitely didn't help that you were actually armed just in case one of these crooks got a little too close.
Not that she knew that second part!
"Ah, yes. His shift started a few moments ago. I'll show you to his office. Follow me, please." She guided you down a hall you hadn't noticed despite eyeing everything in the main room. Two doors down a narrow corridor, on the left-hand side. She was about to knock, but a muffled voice came from within.
"Come in." He opened the door, ears perking up slightly at the sight of you behind the receptionist. "Oh, someone's asked for me personally? Thank you, Ekaterina." He gestured for you to enter as she nodded and returned to the main room.
The door quietly clicked shut behind you. "If either of you tell Childe I was here, I'll--"
"--'Gut me like a fish,' I know," he chuckled and brushed past you to sit at his desk. "You don't need to worry about us. We keep to ourselves unless explicitly asked."
"Comforting." You took note of the small, dim room. It didn't seem like much of an office; there was a small window behind Charlie's rickety old desk and a single lampstand next to that. If anything, this could have been mistaken for a walk-in closet at best. "You didn't tell me you had your own office."
He shrugged a bit. "To be fair, there's many things I don't tell you. And you, me." You took the opportunity to sit in the seat closest to you and sunk into the cushions. "This won't be my office much longer; your ex actually promoted me after saving you, you know."
"Don't call him that. We were never dating."
"Mhm, right." A pointed glare from you shifted the topic. "So, a personal visit at the Liyue Headquarters of the organization you hate most? To what do I owe the visit?"
"It's come to my attention that a certain organization is plotting to overthrow the Fatui. Know anything about it?"
"Actually, before we start this interrogation-like conversation, I'd appreciate it if you removed the knives from your pockets and place them on the table." Seeing how stunned you were, he pointed at his ears. "Don't underestimate these bad boys. How did you think I knew people were approaching my room?"
"But I--"
"--Fidget by running your nails against the handles. It's subtle, but I recognized it the second you entered the room. I'd like to think from our previous interactions we have at least a smidge of respect for each other, right? I trust that you'd respect house rules. I'll even put my weapons in view." He yanked open all of his drawers on his side of the desk and proceeded to toss about a dozen knives, staves, and daggers onto the desk's surface like they were just paperwork! "Oh! And these ones..." He peeked under his desk and unhooked what was apparently a banged-up and often-used catalyst of sorts, and finally some sort of gun that those skirmishers often used. Then he looked to you expectantly.
"Tch. Fine." Your two pocketknives clattered onto the wood, but he continued to stare at you. The pressure from his attention made you give in, and you then proceeded to pull a five-inch blade from your right boot.
"I heard that thing from a mile away," he commented with a smirk. "I'm surprised Ekaterina didn't. It was so obnoxious." Now that his entire desk space was occupied by weapons, he reclined back in his chair and raised his hands up towards you. "Okay, now you can ask all the questions you want."
"How do you know I'm not hiding any more on my person?"
"Because I would've heard it. What did you visit me for?"
"The anti-Fatui people. Know anything?"
"Oh yeah, so word finally spread. I'm assuming you mean the Rogues? What do you want to know about them?"
"Well...I'd like to speak to their leader."
Charlie sat up a little straighter. This sudden change of priorities is...unexpected, but not unwelcome. "I see. Are you thinking about joining them?" Your look of apprehension prompted him to speak again. "I told you already that I'm only here to change this place from the inside. I couldn't care less of what you plan to do against the Fatui; regardless, the end result is the same: the end of the Fatui as we both know it."
"Then I guess I am. Childe told me the leader of the group might be my father, so I guess I'm just trying to find some answers."
"Your father?" This doesn't make any sense...did he ever mention family to me? No, no he couldn't have. The Master has always been alone. "Are you sure about this?"
"He showed me proof. Here, look at this painting of my family." Charlie carefully took the photo from your hands and it took all his willpower not to gasp at the male face staring back at him. Sure enough, it was the Master; much younger with more color in his hair that combated his dull eyes, but it was him. "Childe showed me a photograph matching this description last night. I have to know how he survived. Will you help me find him?"
"I may know their current location. As long as you keep quiet about this information, I'll keep quiet about yours. Deal?"
You slept well into the following morning only to find some kind of gift basket on your kitchen counter. Chocolates, some fancy teas from Liyue and Snezhnaya, even press-dried flowers were all tucked neatly inside. It was clearly from Childe. Who else would have the nerve to send something Snezhnayan to you? Wait. How did he even get back into the apartment? You altered the door in such a way that it would automatically lock itself when shut--did he steal your keys?! But one glance-over confirmed they were sitting by the stove. Hm...
You took your time getting dressed for work, not particularly caring if you got in trouble for being so late; it was doubtful considering you never missed a day ever since you were hired. The reflection that stared back at you from the mirror had a red swollen nose and bloodshot eyes. Your throat was blooming with bruises so distinct one could distinguish each of Kliment's fingers. The back of your head was still sore. The more you stared at yourself, the less severe your obvious injuries seemed to be. But Zhongli thought otherwise.
"Reed," the startled consultant couldn't stop himself from staring when you walked into the parlor. "What happened? Your injuries--"
"Let's just say all my preconceived beliefs were proven true," you answered without looking him in the eye. Your voice came out scratchy, but it wasn't related to the fact that that was the first time you've spoken today. Your words didn't prevent Zhongli from approaching you either and he lightly tilted your head upward for a better view.
"You're badly injured, Reed. You should take the day off; I have everything covered here, so it wouldn't be any trouble." His gloved thumb ghosted over the bruises on your neck, and his brows furrowed in deep thought. "...Were you...entertaining your hobby again? Is that what this is from?"
"Come on, Mr. Zhongli, you know I'm not that careless when it comes to that. They're..." Your gaze dropped to your feet. "It's--It's nothing."
Sensing some sort of distress unrelated to your vigilante tendencies, Zhongli lightly placed his hand on your shoulder. "Have you contacted the Millileth? They may be of some help." It was unusual to see you in such a vulnerable state considering you were more than capable of defending yourself. But as soon as the words came out of his mouth, the door behind you opened and some sort of realization flickered across his face. "Good morning, Childe." His hand caught onto the rising tension in your shoulders.
"...Morning." Was that a sleep-deprived voice, or was it guilt in his tone? "Mr. Zhongli, Reed."
You sidestepped Zhongli and began walking to the corner of the room opposite of the entrance. "I should get to work. I can't afford to slack off even if I am injured."
Zhongli's dragon-like eyes narrowed as they remained locked with Childe's. "What is it you wish to discuss?" He already knew the answer of course, especially when a hurt expression flickered across the harbinger's face when you weren't looking. The two men walked into a separate room and Zhongli closed the door.
"How is she?"
"You tell me," the consultant folded his arms across his chest. "She's covered in bruises. What did you do to her?" Childe had already informed him of your discovery of his Fatui status, but he hadn't expected you to return to work beaten.
"A few of my men went rogue last night and decided she was the perfect target." Childe ran a frustrated hand through his hair and pulled on the strands. "I got there a bit late, but I managed to get the situation under control."
"And?"
The harbinger shifted his weight and leaned against one of the bookshelves. "You know, I'm trying really hard to make it up to her. It's like life is throwing everything at me to prevent that from happening."
"Would you like to hear my thoughts?"
"Please. I need to know how to fix this."
"Stop." A confused expression prompted Zhongli to elaborate. "For one, stop following her around on your spare time; she finds it creepy and infuriating--and I support her on that. Secondly, stop approaching her altogether. It takes time, Childe, not a week or two. You broke her trust; as far as anyone's concerned, that is a very difficult thing to earn back. Even if it's regained, it will likely never be the same again."
...........
"That'll be fifteen thousand mora." The herbalist at Bubu's Pharmacy placed your prescription on the counter. Despite your protests Zhongli sent you home and promised that the funeral parlor would pay for your pain medication.
"Alright." You began to pull out your wallet, but then a hand stopped you. Puzzled, your gaze moved upward to meet with a familiar battered face.
"Please, allow me." Charlie gave you a faint smile and paid the herbalist in full without skipping a beat.
"...thanks..." How were you supposed to react in this situation? Was this supposed to be some sort of apology for abandoning you last night? What does this guy have up his sleeve? Your eyes narrowed as he handed you your medication and then signaled that he'd walk with you outside.
"Charlie, by the way. How're you feeling?" The afternoon sunlight seemed to soften the look of his chocolate hair. He suffered from a black eye that was of different shades of purples and greens, and also a busted lower lip. At least the eye mask managed to cover a majority of the bruises.
"Alright," you muttered wearily while analyzing him from your peripheral vision. Like hell you were going to give him your name! The two of you slowly descended the stairs. "What's this about? You left the scene yesterday." It wasn't like you expected him to help you out or see it through, but him showing up after the fact was suspicious. He's one of them, after all.
"I didn't think Honqi would stop bashing your skull in unless I brought Childe."
"YOU brought him?" A nod of affirmation, and you scoffed. "I could've done without him."
"It didn't look like it." Charlie stopped you from walking off after you reached the bottom of the steps. "I didn't expect you to stand up to Kliment so well. I guess what he was saying was true. You're the one that's stealing our stuff?"
"What's it to you?" You glared.
"N-Nothing! I--I'm just impressed. And don't worry, I won't report you to my superiors." Geez! You're entire personality is as feisty as your night job! Talk about walking on eggshells--
"I could care less what you do. Wait. Did Childe send you to follow me?" Is he changing tactics?
"Actually, he granted me the day off. I figured I'd find you at the pharmacy at some point, so I waited."
"You waited all day, until two in the afternoon, until I showed up?" You finally faced him fully and raised an eyebrow. "I can't tell if you're just nice, or insane. We don't know each other, and last night isn't some catalyst for a friendship."
"I'm not expecting anything," Charlie admitted. "But allow me to treat you to lunch, will you? I think you deserve it after last night and well, dealing with a Harbinger--that's not the easiest of circumstances for either party, don't you think?"
Cynical eyes looked him up and down. "...Fine. But don't tell Childe about this."
"So, what makes you hate the Fatui so much? Besides last night, I mean." Charlie was chowing down on some sort of Mondstat-inspired dish while you were picking away at a simple salad. You weren't that hungry to be honest. "You speak Liyue's language well, but you're not a native, are you?"
"I was born in Snezhnaya. My dad was leading a resistance against the corrupt Fatui in our town, and they in turn set our house on fire." You pushed your plate away and locked eyes with Charlie. "He died."
Charlie swallowed what food he had in his mouth and stared at you for a moment. So that's why? This might be easier to recruit her than I thought. "Wow. I-Uh...Sorry to hear that."
"Since you've been so kind to me, you won't be a target anymore. As long as you stay out of my way."
"By all means, do what you gotta do. If it's for your family, I think it's a noble cause."
"In fact, you're too nice even for the Fatui. How and when did you find yourself in such an organization?"
"To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of it all either; I decided to join so I could change it from the inside." He scratched the back of one of his ears as if he were shy. From where he sat, you were eating up these lies too easily. It won't be long.
"Two different approaches," you marveled at your similarities. "Huh." Suddenly it was a little easier to eat...
.............
Childe had finally stopped following you. Finally. Or at least he's stopped following you around Liyue. There's no signs of him breaking into your apartment anymore, which was a plus, but he still left dried flowers at your doorstep whenever he got the chance. Silk flowers were probably the most common ones he left; their deep pink petals faded into a subtle pastel.
You didn't hesitate to throw them in the trash or burn them in the palm of your hands, making a show of leaving the ash where he had laid them. That was until one of the specimens had caught your eye; a flattened glaze lily with perfectly-dried petals that reminisced of the sky above. That one, you kept. And then another: violetgrass, with it's multi-budded stems of purple petals. Childe seemed to pick up on the lack of ash when he left these ones, because soon enough he had eliminated silk flowers in their entirety and only left these species at your doorstep. You didn't have the heart to throw these ones away and kept them in a separate drawer in the kitchen.
W-What? It's not like you're forgiving him. Hell no! He'll have to work a lot harder than give you flowers just to get you to look him in the eye again. But...these flowers are pretty. It would be a waste of their short lives to be discarded.
Childe was approached by Andrei and his associates a few weeks after Kliment's confrontation with Reed blew over. Though most of the people of Liyue had stopped talking about it, they often gave Childe and his agents the side-eye whenever they walked around or would even clear the area out of fear. All of the work the harbinger put into rebuilding the Fatui's reputation after Osial was washed down the drain--all thanks to Kliment and his accomplices.
He hasn't once made an effort to see you--save for leaving flowers at your doorstep every once in awhile--which he thought Zhongli would be proud of. Returning to his normal routine before you came along was a bit of an adjustment, but he managed. He hoped his efforts would be acknowledged and it appeared you were slowly getting there, what with your softening reception of his dried gifts and lack of push-back. Or perhaps you had given up on dissuading him--he pushes that idea out of his mind constantly though.
"Have you heard the news, Sir?"
"About?"
"There's a group to the east of Liyue. Some are reporting cult activity to the Millileth."
"Cults aren't anything new, Andrei." Childe fidgeted with one of his gloves out of boredom until a sudden interest dawned on him. "Unless of course, you're telling me a battle with them is waiting--"
"AHEM." Andrei spread an expansive map of Liyue onto his desk and pointed at an area by Mount Tianheng. "These reports could be unrelated, but given your idea that our missing men could be linked to one of these emerging groups--the Rogues, they call themselves according to alleged eyewitnesses--I wouldn't call it a waste of time to inspect them, Sir."
Childe's nose shriveled in distaste and his shoulders dropped in disappointment. With the lack of sparring between you two, he was growing bored of this place rather quickly. Even the Treasure Hoarders had gone quiet recently. So when he approached the map only to humor Andrei's more calm and collected idea, the remaining agents in the room shifted excitedly. Finally! They wouldn't have to suffer as much under Childe's insistence for daily recruit training...This was just the thing the Lord Harbinger needed after his obvious breakup with that one rumored girl: an outlet to unleash his feelings on. Don't get them wrong, though; having the opportunity to personally train with a harbinger was a blessing, but they were being overworked.
"They're saying this group has been dressing in black robes, chanting quietly at random hours. And get this, Master Childe, there is a report dated on the eve of the Lantern Rite."
The night of the break-in, Childe pieced together while he hovered over the map. "When did these incident reports start?"
"From what I've been able to gather, roughly about two months ago. The black robes are a constant, even when they were few in number. Their cause seems to be growing as quickly as we've lost men, too. Your orders, sir?"
His eyes swept over the map once more before he inhaled sharply. No matter how badly he wanted to charge in and spill blood, he has to set an example and prove to his men--No! He has nothing to prove to his agents...Kliment was an isolated incident. Still, he needs to regain control of the reigns around his men. Settling on his answer, Childe straightened out. "I want a scouting team assembled and sent out by tonight. No confrontations until I see clear evidence that these 'Rogues' are involved with our disappearances. Understood?"
Everyone's excitement and adoration for their superior seemed to explode all at once. "Yes, Master Childe! We won't let you down!"
Hey so shameless plug here, if any of you have tiktok, Griffin (Childe's eng va) is hosting a costume contest so if ya'll wanna vote for me, here's the video! If you've followed him for awhile, you'd know why I did this cursedness😭
Hii how you doing anyways i’m really excited for Thoma
- Poop anon
POOP ANON HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!...that is one string of words I never thought I'd say LMAO I'm excited for Thoma too ahhh! I'm updating the game currently so i can do his friend quest
