Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Beneath the ever breathtaking Liyue sunset Childe was perched upon a cherry red fence that served as a means of safety while Zhongli comfortably stood next to him. As Childe observed the descending sun he couldn't help the words that escaped his lips breaking their comfortable silence. 

“I wonder,”

From the corner of his eye, there was movement. 

“You wonder?” Zhongli echoed questioningly.

Turning his head, lifeless blue eyes met those of a beautiful golden hue Childe was sure he could stare into forever. Stare into forever and slowly drown which, Childe found, he wasn't opposed to.

“If time will bring us closer,” Childe smirked playfully. “or perhaps will time swallow us whole.”

Zhongli tilted his to the side, his expression coming to be contemplative. Although it was merely their third meeting since he first arrived in Liyue, Childe had become familiar with Zhongli- extremely so. And in that small amount of time, this small feeling of warmth for the man had grown bigger. Something about the man had drawn him in like a fish drawn to the delectable bait attached to a fishing rod thrown deep into the sea. 

In this case, Zhongli was the bait and Childe was the poor fish.

“Hmm,” Zhongli hummed. “I find time to be an irresolute concept. Should one wish, by their own will alone, to develop a close relationship such as a friendship then perhaps it will come to pass.”

Childe clutched the clothing over his heart hunching forward as if he had been in pain as he gasped dramatically. “So you don't want to be my friend then? Oh, how you wound me Zhongli sensei!”

“That is not what I meant.” Zhongli frowned.

Dropping the act, Childe straightened himself and looked at Zhongli with a raised eyebrow. “Oho~ Then, please tell me what you meant Zhongli sensei. Being exponentially bad at eating with chopsticks was enough to make me feel embarrassed for a lifetime but now I just feel stupid.”

The frown Zhongli held seemed to grow. “You are far from stupid Childe. Nonetheless, it is not unusual for one such as yourself to be unfamiliar with the practice of eating with chopsticks. As you stated, in your country you eat with silver utensils. Just as you are uncomfortable with chopsticks I'd find myself uncomfortable eating my meals with chopsticks should I be in your position.”

“Ah, enough with the chopsticks.” Childe waved him off. “I just wanted to know what you meant, explain.” Childe whined drawing out the 'n'. His whining seemed to chase away Zhongli's frown as he now was smiling lightly. 

Something that should always be there. Childe couldn't help but think.

“Well, time is ever-changing therefore nothing can truly be set in stone. Although one may argue that sometimes one's will is not sufficient enough to change some things I disagree. Harboring the mere will to say…change something in one's life creates what some would call the butterfly effect. So for example, if perhaps it is your will for us to establish a closer relationship then I'd say it has already taken effect.”

Childe smiled brightly just as the lights around Liyue began to light up chasing the growing darkness that came with the disappearance of the sun, away. “Oho~ I see. I understand,”

“I'm glad you understand.”

_____________

Did he understand though? 

Present Childe, the one who had experienced just how little he was in the grand scheme of things, would adamantly say no. Because the reality was crushingly cruel no matter how hypnotizing he was when he went on a tirade or just how warm he made him feel. How, for a mere moment, Childe was able to forget the lurking voices of the abyss in the dark corners of his mind by simply being within five feet of the man. 

…But if he did understand then maybe, just maybe, he would've been able to spy the deception. He would've been able to discern that despite Zhongli's fancy wording they weren't ever really friends. It was simply all a lie. Which, Childe supposes, was something he should have been used to. He, himself, has lied countless times because becoming the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger was no role one could achieve in an honest or ethical manner. But whenever Childe could he tried his best. 'If you make a promise, you keep it, if you make a mistake, you apologize…and if you give someone a dream, you defend it to the end.'

It wouldn't have worked either way. He would often say it as a form of comfort since it happened believing that eventually, the day would come when his heart was filled with the emptiness it once had returned. Believed that the warmth, which could be identified as a crush but he ignored that, would slowly fade as Ajax once did deep down in the abyss in a desperate fight to return to his family. Just as his trust in him faded the moment his gloved hand held out the gnosis, the very item he had been ordered to retrieve, for La Signora to take. Faded as those golden eyes that used to look at him did, opting to meet those of the travelers rather than his dead blue eyes that lacked even the tiniest of light.

And at that moment all Childe could truly do in that moment was stare as his heart pounded in his chest painfully slowly chipping away into pieces. Pieces that he wasn't sure he could retrieve.

Seated at a freshly cleaned wooden table within the familiar walls of Wanmin Restaurant, Childe read through the menu. Even despite knowing the menu by heart, he would always feel like he was missing something as they sat there silently. 

“Are you going to order your usual Childe?” Zhongli paused in reading the menu looking at Childe. 

Meeting those golden eyes, he could immediately make out the small glint of curiosity. A curiosity Childe could always find when Zhongli asked him a question as if his answer would be the most interesting thing in the world. Like anything he would say was important.

Like he was important.

“Ajax.”

Zhongli blinked. “Ajax? I'm not quite sure that is an item on the menu.”

Chuckling, Childe shook his head. “Ajax is my real name. I want you to call me that.”

“I see.” 

“That means I trust you Zhongli sensei~ So you better call me that instead of Childe.”

“Alright. I thank you for your trust…Ajax.” 

Childe beamed, ignoring just how warm hearing that name leave Zhongli's lip made him feel. After all, he was just about to attempt eating with chopsticks once again. Oh Tsaritsa, help him.

____________

Amidst a well-organized office within the intricate dark brown and dark red color walls of the Northland Bank Childe leaned against the frame of one of the windows in his private office. Prior to this now calm demeanor, he had been pacing around the office anxiously practically burning a hole through the wooden floors and a blue circle rug all because the memories of Zhongli plagued his mind like an unrelenting parasite. Not to mention the ever-present lust for a riveting fight slowly creeping through his consciousness beckoning him to succumb like he always did. But because of the Osial incident that he caused, he was quick to stamp it down immediately. 

It wouldn't be a good idea to go looking for a fight right now. Too many eyes. 

Organizing the small number of papers lying in front of him, he ensured that it appeared as though he had been working rather than idly looking out the window. The last time Ekaterina had caught him not working was not something he wanted a repeat of… definitely not he thought as he felt a small shiver run down his spine.

“Come in Ekaterina.”

Ekaterina, wearing her usual Fatui uniform, swiftly entered the office holding a sealed light blue envelope. She held it out for him to accept which he did. Eyes scouring over the envelope before he gently pried it open and read over the contents he was sure were her majesty's newest orders. A small glimmer of hope was lit at the thought that maybe she was requesting his return to his homeland. But as he began to read the small glimmer dimmed until it became nothing but a small flare of anger and a huge load of bitterness.

My dearest Tartaglia, 

A certain peculiar artifact within the borders of Liyue has been brought to my attention. After weighing over the pros and cons of such an artifact I have decided that it will greatly strengthen our plans and, thus, I wish for you to retrieve it. The artifact is located somewhere in Nantianmen. 

Once the artifact has been retrieved I shall send the order for your return to Zapolyarny Palace. Only once you've returned will I reveal the workings of the artifact and how it will be beneficial to my plans.

Sincerely,

The Queen of Ice, The Tsaritsa

Setting the letter down on his desk he leaned back in the chair running his gloved hand through his reddish-orange hair whilst his mind mentally went over all he knew of Nantianmen. The last few times his work and adventures took him over to that part of Liyue he didn't spot any ruins but then again they might have been hidden behind a puzzle. Either that or they were out of sight for everyone to see and he just missed it entirely in his thorough search of the area. The latter seems more plausible , he thought to himself.

“Master Childe.” 

Childe blinked realizing Ekaterina was still standing in front of him.

“Send someone to investigate Nantianmen. I need a list of anything worthy of note such as puzzle contraptions. I'm gonna head to the bookstore.” Folding her majesty's letter neatly, he placed it back in the envelope. Ekaterina, despite knowing that she was dismissed, hesitated to leave, meaning there was another matter besides her majesty's letter that needed his attention. Raising an eyebrow questioningly, “What is it?” he asked.

“Mr. Zhongli, once again, has stopped by to inquire about whether you would like to have a meal with him. He wished for me to convey that you hear him out if only for a few minutes.” 

His heart stammered whilst his mind whirled words around like a tornado making it impossible to form a reply. Childe perhaps should have expected this considering that he was coming by at least once every other day in hopes for him to be heard and some small part of him was eager to give him a chance and another part of him would always stumble back in shock at the prospect of him even caring enough to explain himself causing him in becoming a slight mess in the process. Releasing a heavy sigh that broke the growing silence between the two, Childe rubbed his head against his forehead. Every small inch of his heart begged for him to decline the offer but his brain, the more logical part of him, realized that rather than a bookstore that could result in absolutely nothing Zhongli might have some information regarding his newest mission. Might even know the exact ruins he was now in search of for her majesty. “Fine. Tell him I'll be down in a minute.” Childe relented. 

“Yes sir.” Ekaterina seemed none too pleased as she bowed respectively, before walking out of his office with her orders.

Slipping a white sealed envelope that held a precious piece of paper for his family into his pants pocket, Childe closed his eyes and took a deep breath as a way to mentally prepare himself for the no doubt hard conversation ahead of him. 

Childe wasn't particularly ready but then again he would never be ready. In fact, regarding issues of the heart, he rather avoided them to the fullest with the exception of his siblings. The only thing he faced head-on without worry was carrying out her majesty's orders. Most of the time they simply needed a fighting touch whilst others required his young boyish charm to smooth things right on over. 

Better now than later at least. Childe reasoned with himself in hopes it might provide him with some matter of relief. But alas that would be too easy, wouldn't it?

Sparing one last lingering look at his office as if he was saying goodbye to an old friend, he departed meeting Zhongli who loitered directly in the middle lobby. Rather than the brown and golden coat with a hint of silver accents, he could be found wearing as if that consisted of his only wardrobe, he wore a dashing white undershirt, a golden brown long-sleeve button-up jacket, black pants, and those similar black shoes privy to his last outfit and finally those gloves he always wore. 

He looks nice- Childe internally hissed the second his mind derailed at the sight of the man. No, he does not. look. nice. He firmly stated.

“God, this is a disaster already,” Childe mumbled.

Zhongli took notice of Childe, quickly shooting a small but awkward smile. “Ah, Childe you have come.” 

“Yup! I haven't eaten much at all and you just happened to come around offering to go eat. Couldn't really pass it up.” Placing an imaginary large steel wall around his heart, sure to not let his guard down or let Zhongli get to him, Childe grinned at the man as if they hadn't been apart for more than an hour. As if the man hadn't basically lied to him. As if he wasn't strung along like a puppy chasing a treat without reason other than it was hungry.

Zhongli's lips pursed at the admission of him not having eaten much. “That is not very healthy. Childe, it is important one have at least three meals a day. It provides both your brain and body an energy one cannot receive anywhere else. For one such as yourself, bound to seek a strong opponent, it is imperative you eat the correct amount.” 

Childe released a small chuckle waving off Zhongli's concerns as if they mattered little. “Yeah, yeah. That's why I agreed to eat with you. So come on enough dilly-dallying I wanna go eat!” he exclaimed, hurrying their conversation to the end. He knew that if he gave access to Zhongli to continue about his well-being his heart would surely break out of the steel wall he had guarding his heart. He didn't want that to happen at all , especially this early into their encounter.

Tension gripped tightly onto the two as they situated themselves next to each other as they walked out of Northland Bank. Neither of the two seemed to be leading the charge rather they leisurely took their usual route leading to the Wanmin Restaurant. Childe paid the tension no mind seemingly not bothered whilst Zhongli had a facial expression one would say was pondering. From the corner of his eye now and again his lips parted open as if he wanted to speak but immediately closed like a fish. And oh the irony of that since he hates fish, Childe mused to himself finding it a little entertaining.

Promptly reaching Wanmin Restaurant they were greeted by Chef Mao, a slightly aged man with dark brown hair, who beamed excitedly. “Aye, my two favorite customers! Welcome back guys I have your table all ready for ya like ya requested!”

Childe looked over at Zhongli who greeted than man. “Good Afternoon, I thank you for getting our table ready. We'll call you over once we are ready to order.” Chef Mao nodded rather than form a verbal response as his attention was directed to another customer waving him over.

The Wanmin Restuarant was, as much of Liyue Harbor was, an alive place filled with the chatter of locals and the banging pans and metal spoons as the Chefs cooked. Although not quite the biggest restaurant in Liyue Harbor it was the top restaurant as Xiangling's reputation spread far wide across Tevyat. Admittedly, it reminded Childe just a bit of back home with his siblings who seemed to always be full of energy around the time he would cook. They always managed to bring about a warm loving atmosphere that Childe desperately misses.

Pushing those creeping homesick thoughts out of his mind, Childe was first to take a seat at their designated table. Zhongli followed shortly after holding two menus he had grabbed from the entrance along with him.

“Hmm, shall I try something new or should I go with my usual?” Childe opened the menu eyes scanning the contents. 

“Childe.”

“Let's wait until after we eat Zhongli.”

“Although you say that I strongly feel you might be able to worm your way out of listening to me. Which in any case, if you are still angry with me I wonder why you agreed to eat with me.” 

Childe sighed heavily letting the menu float slowly onto the table. His eyes met those of a sharp golden color that eyed him as if he was ready to bolt from their table at any given moment. It was in such a gaze that Childe was pushed to face the conversation Zhongli was pushing to have now. None too happy in the least.

“Fine. Alright.” Childe said holding the back to throw his arms up in surrender. “Please share what you wanted me to listen to and for your information, I agreed because I was hungry.” 

And I plan on asking some questions skillfully without bothering to inform you of anything other than I was curious. Childe thought to himself. But also, yeah, I was hungry.

Zhongli straightened up remaining silent as he gathered together what he wished to say.

“I have not been one to apologize in the past as I have always stuck by the rules of my contracts, however, I'm against what people think I'm not privy to just how such contracts can affect another.” he paused looking over to him looking unsure but he continued nonetheless. “I was able to recognize that after giving up my gnosis that in the process, due to the contract, I had used you which has hurt your pride considerably. Because of this, you have taken to ignoring my wishes to meet, talk, eat, and simply enjoy our time together. In light of this and in light of my realization to remain a dear friend to you, I wished to apologize to you face-to-face.”

“Hurt…my pride?” Childe echoed blandly. “Hurt my…” His head was desperate in its attempts to spin Zhongli's words into a form that made sense. Whilst his head battled furiously against his words his heart beat rapidly at just how overflowing with anger he was. “Yeah, you sure hurt my pride Zhongli.” Childe spat out bitterly fueled by the anger. “You hurt my pride. You used me! You! You! You…” Childe stood up from his chair swiftly resulting in the chair scraping against the concrete tile floors of the restaurant. “This was a mistake.” 

Childe walked out ignoring the useless blabbering of Zhongli who was unable to comprehend his anger. 

Chapter Text

Harshly slamming his black boot onto the last remaining hillichurl for this camp, Childe swiftly maneuvered one of his hydro blades to meet the mask of the hillichurl. With a wide grin full of madness and eyes filled with a strong lust for blood Childe raised his hydro blade in an effort to have strong momentum before bringing it down stabbing the hillichurl straight through its mask. Stabbing a being, an animal, or anything with life (besides a slime he supposed) as he did would warrant a splattering of blood, and that was what had happened.

Blood splattered over his face and Childe didn't even blink.

Remaining within that position, Childe gradually opened and closed his mouth to regulate his rapid breathing which was a result of the multiple decimations of hillichurl camps not far from Liyue Harbor. It was an opportunity for his brain, which had been overtaken with anger, to calm and catch up with his body. A body that had been running on pure instinct. 

The red liquid splattered on his face, the only thing remaining from his enemies, slowly began to gather upon his chin and drip onto the dead hillichurl that lay motionless under him but alas Childe paid it no mind completely unbothered. But where his physical state remained unbothered in his mind, once the haze of bloodlust disappeared into the far corners of his mind, proved to be the exact opposite. His mind circled the encounter with Zhongli that happened a mere hour ago at the Wanmin Restaurant that, in the end, had him storming out in rage that wasn't quite like him. The anger he had felt spread through him was like a mitachurl charging head-on with a shield in hand with the intent to harm. And now, looking back on the encounter, he couldn't help feeling regret. 

Regret that he had lost the opportunity to finally have a step forward with his newest mission. Regret that…he had let his anger chase him out even if it was warranted or not.

No way to change that now though, I suppose. Childe easily reflected feeling a tiny sense of ease wash over him, however, a small spar of anger remained. Whilst allowing his hydro blades to evaporate Childe stood up fixing his slightly ruffled grey outfit. Once fully straightened out he lifted his gloved hand brushing his cheeks with a few of his fingers. Although he used a few measly fingers to capture the blood he felt upon his cheek, his eyes, just barely, widened at his gloved hand which was now almost drowning within it. Chuckling, “I guess I killed a lot more hillichurls than I initially thought.” Childe evaluated. The entire thing was blurry, however, the vast amount of blood provided him with an exceptionally clear picture. 

Furrowing his eyebrows unconsciously was the simple result of him hyper-focusing onto the tiny water molecules within the air. Fluttering an imaginary hand within the air, he captured a small light blue string that would lead him directly to a body of water. Childe, with his eyes, closed in concentration, stepped forward to follow along the string.

A large lake greeted him not much longer after encircled by various flowers such as Glaze lilies, Calla Lilies, and a very particular orange sunflower. A lone orange sunflower, Childe was sure that it was not its original color, swayed gently with the breeze on a small piece of land within the lake surrounded by four trees evenly spaced out with light green leaves. Between the trees, acting almost like a fence, we're green bushes of all shapes and sizes.

Woah… Childe was in absolute awe of the beautiful landscape before him. A sight that seemed to suddenly remind him just how breathtakingly beautiful Liyue was. He felt a sudden feeling of peace overwash him. 

Closing his eyes, Childe inhaled the fresh air as if he was starved of it before exhaling slowly. Opening his eyes once again, he strode forward toward the lake bending to one knee near the very edge.

Slowly Childe slipped his gloves off his pale slender hands beginning to wash them within the lake ignoring the slight redness covering his hands. Once sufficiently washed he moved to cup a large portion of the lake water rapidly dunking his head into his hands in an effort to wash away the blood coating his face. As he fussed a bit more over his face and then some part of his clothing a scuttering of feet and a rustling of bushes reached his ears. Picking his head up to look in the direction in which he had heard the sound, Childe tilted his head in question when his eyes met nothing. Hmm, maybe it was just an animal? It seemed a plausible thought so Childe returned to finishing up in washing himself free of blood.

Until the sound repeated.

Eyes narrowing and body tensing, Childe summoned his hydro blades fully facing the direction. “Come out whoever you are!”

A hillichurl wouldn't hide and scurry around like a coward. No, they'd head straight for the target holding a club and shield with full intentions to kill.   So there is a possibility someone followed me here without my knowing which is an impressive feat in itself. If they followed me then I would've immediately noticed them during my hydro search. (That is what he did when searching for the lake.) 

Tension gradually began to build with each passing second in which not a sound was heard nor whomever had supposedly followed him exited their hiding spot. Suffice to say Childe was also becoming greatly confused by the minute.

“Hello…?” Childe called out again looking around him rather than focusing in the direction that sound had originated from. Just as he finished a rough surveying of his surroundings his body flinched involuntarily when a small flutter of paper floated down from somewhere he did not notice. When he realized it was merely a piece of paper he relaxed slightly. His hydro blades evaporating he caught the floating piece of paper before it hit the ground and read over the contents of the paper. It simply read: ‘Within The Legend of Seira your mission is complete.’

Childe raised an eyebrow at the content of the letter in confusion. “The Legend of Seira…? Mission? What the…” 

Could it be? But…that would make no sense. I was the only one that read the letter from her majesty. Maybe Ekaterina? No. She wouldn't do that because she's smart. Releasing a sigh, Childe folded the note tucking safely into his pocket. Sparing his surroundings one last look, he quickly slipped his now dry gloves onto his hands and sped away from the lake. Whomever the individual was hiding didn't appear to wish him harm but he wouldn't risk it. Once I get back to Liyue Harbor…let's search for whatever this ‘Legend of Seira’ is . Most likely a book series…kinda sounds like one.

However, as Childe had sped away from the lake he missed a silhouette of someone just barely peeking out from behind one of the trees. A few seconds later said silhouette disappeared like the wind leaving not a trace behind except a mere leaf that floated to the ground. If one, such as the traveler, looked upon the leaf with elemental sight one would take note of the anemo trace left on the leaf.

___________

“He has received the note as you instructed.”

A tall lean man, face shadowed by a hood, hummed in acknowledgment of his companion who had just returned to his side. Smiling softly, he looked down and his own hand before hastily shoving it out of view.

“Good. Thank you for doing that,” he replied.

“No thanks necessary. If it is your will I will do as you wish.”

“Aw, come on now none of that nonsense. Do that with Rex Lapis, not me.”

“What was that? I didn't hear you.”

“Oi! I did that to you ONE time, do not turn that back on me!”

His companion shook his head releasing a small snort in amusement.

“I do not know what you are talking about. Anyway, how much longer?”

“Not long. A couple more days most likely…it's all a bit fuzzy I cannot remember.”

“Alright.”

Chapter Text

His eyes flittered over the immense amount of books laid out upon the bookshelves in front of him just as the small breeze carried with it the refreshing scent of the vast ocean. The smell of the sea that accompanied Liyue Harbor smelled immensely salty, and yet there was a small hint of uniqueness to it that one could only smell there. Contrary to Snezhnaya, whose sea's smell was overpowered by the sheer chilly air frozen like the very snow-covered lands, Childe liked to say that the hint of uniqueness he smelt from the ocean was the vitalizing and sweet smell of glaze lilies.

Reaching out his hand to grab a particular book titled ‘The Glaze Lilies Marsh', his hand, however, froze just as he was about to grab it. 

“Zhongli sensei! I found some glaze lilies out in the wild. It's not that far away from Liyue Harbor. Did you want to come pick some with me?”

“Oh? I would be delighted to join you on this venture. Finding glaze lilies wild and free, as such used to be, is something quite rare to see.”

“Great! We should also be able to make it back in time for our scheduled dinner too!”

“Perfect.” 

His mind, his body, his entire being, no matter the time or what had happened previously, always drifted to the thoughts and memories of Zhongli. It was no surprising matter to Childe as he venomously attempted to push any hints of such a person out of his mind it was obvious it would come back towards him in full force. And as such, it did, ever since it was revealed to him that Zhongli was the very archon from which he was supposed to steal the gnosis resulting in the feeling of being suddenly stabbed in the heart with what felt like a dull knife. And yet for only a few hours out of an entire day was he spared from such thoughts. 

Only a few hours.

Childe wished he could take every word, every last puzzle piece that were memories fitted together to make a large thousand-piece puzzle and burn it. Burn it so he didn't have to play this game of cat and mouse with his feelings. Wouldn't have to feel like he was running away– when normally that wasn't his style. And though his entire being gravitated to Zhongli he was filled with newly formed determination. Determination to, like he said, burn those puzzle pieces he called memories and to kick his feelings for the man out of his tainted heart.

What other option was there in the face of this situation?

Shoving as much of his thoughts of Zhongli as he could, once again, to the darkest part of his mind, Childe randomly grabbed another book upon the shelf. Roughly two hours had passed since his sudden and reckless excursion, in which once back in Liyue Harbor, he had hurried over to the Wanwen bookhouse. Only now such a plan proved to be a complete utter waste of time. ‘The Legend of Seira’ was, in Jifang's words not his, currently not being stocked upon their shelves as it was deemed basically a failure of a book series. 

Now he simply stood staring at the assortment of books before him, looking over the books in search of what he needed. There was always that small chance Jifang was lying to him. With those sharp eyes filled with distrust for him as he stood there asking about the book, he wouldn't be completely surprised if she thought it acceptable to, not outright refuse his service, but make it difficult as possible for him.

In that case, it was a challenge that he'd face with confidence. 

‘At least I'm facing this with my usual stellar.’ That small pesky voice spoke from the shadows of his mind but ultimately, was ignored.

“Did you hear about the treasure hoarders?”

“No? What about the treasure hoarders?”

“Well according to Mr. Lang, a large portion of the treasure hoarders are on a huge frenzy over some 'special' treasure they caught wind of.”

His lifeless blue eyes flickered slightly in small unnoticeable interest regarding the conversation transpiring a mere few steps away from him. He busied himself with yet another random book upon the shelf, not caring in the least what he grabbed, inching closer to two gossiping ladies to catch more of their conversation.

“Special treasure? Honestly, I doubt that. Knowing the treasure hoarders there just boasting about how they caught onto something big and are gonna make it rich. Remember last time? God that was such a headache to deal with.”

“I suppose you could be right…but I heard desperate claims it was true. I also even heard one guy catch glimpses of their plans and they had a map that showed them the location or at least a puzzle that would lead to the treasure.”

One of the ladies conversing huffed. “I don't buy any of that for a second. If it was true, why claim so with desperation? Makes no sense.”

“I'm not sure either but that's just what I heard. Although hearing it all from my own mouth the whole thing does seem kind of far-fetched. So I suppose we could just write it off as nothing, in which case, want to go eat? I'm practically starving!”

“I'm totally starving! I found this new restaurant not too far from Liyue Harbor. Let's go, you'll like this new dish they invented called pork buns!”

‘ Interesting information. Wonder what those greedy and stupid treasure hoarders found for themselves. Eh, I suppose it doesn't matter...unless? ’ Smirking at the promising prospect that was presented before him, Childe mindlessly closed the book and slid it back into its previous position on the shelf. After putting away the book he leisurely left the bookhouse with the Northland bank in mind for his next destination. ‘Unless there is a connection. Suppose we will just have to ask, won't we?’

_____________

However, before going off to curiously investigate he made a small pit stop at Northland bank. Ignoring the skeptical and suspicious gazes of the residents of Liyue Harbor, he entered the bank.

Ekaterina, with her hands folded together in front of her simply standing there behind the dark wooden desk, bowed her head greeting him. “Welcome back, Master Childe. The men we have sent out on your orders to investigate Nantianmen have returned.”

“Good! Send them up to my office, please.” 

Childe hurriedly made his way to his office taking only a few seconds to reach his destination. And just as quickly as he made it to his office the men he had sent out had entered. All three wore the exact fatui uniforms and the only difference were the hairstyles, one of them had nice golden brown hair, the next had plain black hair, and the last had a good as well as a mask covering most of his facial features. 

Once the office door was shut the three bowed simultaneously paired with greetings of ‘Hello Master Childe.’ 

Chapter Text

Slipping forward breaking the line of three they had formed in front of Childe, the one with black hair started their report, “As you've instructed Master Childe, we investigated Nantianmen and we managed to find something that may interest you. Something regarding the treasure hoarders that gather there.”

Childe's lips twitched slightly at the small coincidence slowly being laid out in front of him gesturing with a small wave of his hand for the man to continue with his report.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to get too close to the treasure hoarders' camp but we were able to observe and listen in on their conversations. From there we can understand that the treasure hoarders happened across something extremely valuable only they are having trouble getting past a certain point. We don't know the exact details, such as what is the extremely valuable item they are attempting to get their hands on nor what is stopping them from doing so, but from what we understand they are searching for a willing hydro vision holder to help them.”

Childe perked up at that. “A willing hydro user you said?”

Nodding his head in confirmation, “Yes sir.”

‘ Hmm, perhaps I can offer my vision as a way to get inside? ’ Childe conjured a plan in mind whilst he dismissed the Fatui agents that had reported to him. They swiftly left his office without another word drowning the office in silence. A kind of silence that was free but could sharpen with a quick change– and so he busied himself with the current task before him whilst leaving a certain pair of amber eyes as far back in his mind as possible. 

As he had done so the entire day to an extent. Quite a feat if he did say so himself.

–––––––––––

Peering down over the small ledge that made up the distance between him, and the treasure hoarders, he determined it wasn't lethal. Hoping down, he could feel the wind ruffle his hair for those few moments he fell before his feet slammed on the flat ground. Adjusting one of his gloves and circling his wrist, he hushed his steps by summoning a small puddle of water where he'd stepped. 

Normally, at least whenever he tried with regular water, such a thing would be practically impossible no matter how cautious he was but with his hydro vision he discovered it had worked. Working out the calculations as to why wasn't something he, in particular, wished to explore so he simply thought of it as something a hydro vision was capable of. After all, hydro visions were in every form water which in turn was highly capable of molding into practically anything. 

Observing the huge area he landed in, it didn't take quite as long as he thought to spot the medium-sized treasure hoarder camp he had come here for. A large tent surrounded by smaller tents and various wooden boxes could be roughly seen whilst various silhouettes of the treasure hoarders walked about attending to their business. Crouching down a little so he remained out of sight, he inched forward toward the camp slowly up until he was fairly close enough to hide behind an outer tent and look more into what was in the middle of their camp.

The smaller tents circled a large bonfire and off to the right of the bonfire was a decently sized dark wooden table that appeared to have a large piece of paper accompanied by various little pieces of paper.

‘ I have to guess…that large piece of paper is probably a map of some kind. ’ he thought as he scrutinized the large piece of paper hoping, even though he knew he couldn't, to see a small portion of what its contents were.

“Alright time to infiltrate then,” he mumbled quietly. 

Chapter Text

Clearing his throat quietly and straightening out his clothes, Childe angles forward toward a small entrance into the camp. Instantly he became the center of attention holding every single pair of eyes of the treasure hoarders. Though it left a small pricing feeling upon his skin he couldn't say the attention was any less thrilling. It wasn't thrilling in the terms of having everybody's full attention…no it was thrilling at the hint of alarm and bloodlust he could practically smell from some of these treasure hoarders.

It filled him with the desire to form his hydro blades and cut them down right where they stood.

Smiling playfully, “Yo!” He greeted them with a wave of his hand. 

At his greeting, several of the treasure hoards took out their weapons and pointed them threatening at him. The others, who didn't take out their weapons, meanwhile remained on guard, enforcing some kind of barrier around him blocking the view of the table holding the large map. Tilting his head, he watched as, who he assumed was the leader, approached leisurely with a large iron spear in hand. The leader was tall– not as tall his him though– and though his body wasn't very muscular you could tell he had a training regimen he upheld.

The man narrowed his eyes at Childe opting to take him all in before opening his mouth to speak. “I see you're a hydro user. I assume our word reached out and you came because you wished to offer your vision in our venture.”

“Yes, I have!” Childe said, sparing a small glance at his hip where his vision was.

Once again the boss gives him a once-over. With the look he held shimmering in his eyes Childe knew this guy didn't trust him in the slightest but he wasn't here to win their trust.

He was here to see what could potentially be the artifact he was tasked to retrieve. 

And also this ‘Legend of Seira’.

That would be a bonus.

“Alright, pretty boy, welcome to the crew.” The boss finally said. Alongside the boss's acceptance, the treasure hoards surrounding him withdrew their weapons and scattered off returning to their business.

Childe blinked, barely able to understand the boss's words before almost bursting out laughing. Pretty boy? Haha, that's a new one for sure.

“Of course, your joining will be temporary, and since you seem to have impeccable timing let's just get what we need you for out of the way, follow me.” The boss gestured with a wave of his hand.

Childe silently followed behind whilst he surveyed the camp once more now that he had infiltrated. There was not much else to the camp that he hadn't already observed up until both he and the treasure hoarder's boss came to a stop in front of a giant swirling door. “Wow~” he exclaimed.

The large swirl door glowed the color of a geo vision with a few tints of the color of a hydro vision glowing as well. At that, his mind began to wander into territory he had supposedly sworn off for a while. 

Shaking his head, well more like shaking those unwanted thoughts away, Childe tried hard to keep his focus on the task at hand. 

“We discovered that whoever designed this door, made it so only two people with respective geo and hydro vision could enter. We figured it must hold something pretty impressive inside because of that.”

Childs looked around them. “And I assume you got hold of someone with a geo vision to help me?”

The boss smirked cheekily but didn't say anything in response. He merely turned around, which Childe followed along, and was met with the last person he wished to see. 

Zhongli.

A crushing wave of thoughts almost caused him to topple over but he steadied himself and faced the door. If Zhongli is not within sight then he isn't there. 

“Hello, Childe. I suppose you are the hydro user that will be helping in opening this door?” Zhongli, the ever-knowledgeable and complete idiot with money asked. 

Childs took a long deep breath before plastering a fake smile on his face and meeting Zhongli's lingering stare. “Yup! And you're the person that's here to help open this door great!”

Zhongli crossed his arms and observed the door they were there to open. He hummed, “Indeed. These fine gentlemen had noticed my geo vision and came up to me asking for help. Of course, with a contract in place between us, I agreed to offer my vision.”

“Great.” Was all that Childe replied with. A contract huh? Just like it was in your contract to not say a word to me about anything? What bullshit.  

“I find this door to be fascinating-”

The boss was quick to intercept before Zhongli could fully start his ramble. Childe silently thanked the man. 

“Alright, let's get this show on the road fellas! Let's open this door!” the boss cheered enthusiastically.

Zhongli nodded in agreement and unfolded his arms. Holding out his right hand, his vision on his hip lit up, and the glowing geo on the door completely disappeared almost as if sucked into Zhongli's power. Childs followed his movements and just as it went out for Zhongli the glowing hydro disappeared.

After that, nothing happened for a while. It went completely silent.

Then all of a sudden the ground shook and a roar sounded from the swirling door notifying everybody for miles it was opening. As the door slowly opened everybody gathered around the perceived entrance in anticipation.

Although Childe had a few vague ideas of what could be held within even he didn't know everything. He merely hoped that both the ‘Legend of Seira’ and the artifact were inside. 

That way he can make haste for back home.

To escape Zhongli and this burning feeling in his chest.

And maybe to finally see his family…

Chapter Text

The Treasure Hoarders cast aside any caution they once may have held as the large locked door now had been unlocked and enemies were few to none. The place before them possibly could be littered with various priceless treasures that most of them could only dream of- so why not just dig on in? 

And Childe simply left them to it, eyes searching for the items he himself was searching for. Whilst Zhongli stood back watching everything play out silently as if he was waiting for something to happen. 

“Alright, you knuckleheads! Search the place high and low for any treasure! I don't want us to miss a single thing, you hear!?” The treasure Hoarder's boss commanded. His voice echoed off the walls of the massive cavern that the door once guarded followed by the sound of ‘Yes sir!’ from the rest of them.

Childe hummed quietly and began walking around, however, the Treasure Hoarders Boss placed his hand out in front of him. Raising an eyebrow at that hand blocking his further advancement, he met the eyes of the Treasure Hoarders Boss. “Would you mind?” 

“Now, now pretty boy. We simply hired you to help open the door not to join us in looting this place of all its riches.”

Flexing his hand slightly at the annoyance and obstacle getting in the way of his mission, Childe called upon one of his hydro blades. Like a cheetah running fast after its prey with hunger-filled desperation, Childe raised his hydro blade swiftly cutting the man’s throat. His lips tilted up into a smirk as the man’s now lifeless body fell to the ground. The whole cavern that was once filled with grunts and whispering quieted down to deadly silence. It was almost like everybody was holding their breath waiting for a bomb to go off any second.

Cutting the silence by speaking his attention drifted through the various colored eyes of the Treasure Hoarders, “I trust you all to know that if you don't want to end up like your boss over here you will stay out of my way?” Their response came in the form of eyes widening in fear of him and hurried nods. All of which Childe was satisfied with so he let them continue running about like headless chickens whilst he walked about in search.

Unfortunately, Zhongli saw this as an opportunity to follow him rather than depart from their location to go about his own business. Childe snorted at the prospect. ‘If he even had his own business to attend to. What business could a RETIRED Archon have? ʼ

Pushing his thoughts away from the person following him, something small gleaming in the corner of the cavern caught his attention. Swiftly turning and heading in the direction of the unknown Childe felt the feeling of pride envelop him as both a book and the artifact he was looking for had been found.

His mission had been completed.

Moving toward the items with purpose, he failed to notice something else approaching the items at a rapid pace and a certain consultant eying the looming situation with a look of unplaced satisfaction. Just as he had done when faced with La Signora that had come to collect the Gnosis from the Geo Archon. 

Settling his hands on the wooden desk the items laid upon, Childe bent over relaxing slightly as he took both of the appearances of the items in. The Legend of Seira was your simple book with nothing much to note about its appearance but the artifact that he had been tasked to find was the complete opposite.

Laying beside the book was unattended and dampened Gnosis. The Gnosis, though one could see a faint glow of power coming from one if one was familiar, seemed to be without that faint glow.  

Almost as though it had been drained of its power.

Carefully he lifted the Gnosis with his hand until it was being held above his head. Eyes narrowing, he began to observe every inch of Gnosis in an attempt to reveal some of its secrets. Eventually, he deemed that the Gnosis did not hold any secrets he would’ve been able to reveal at that moment. Letting his hand fall back to his side with the Gnosis, he was about to turn around in hopes to address Zhongli about his findings but he was abruptly met with a startlingly bright light shooting toward his hand that held the Gnosis.

As soon as the bright light met his hand it began to seep into his hand as if it was a leech inching to get a taste of his blood. The light brought this unbearable pain with the feeling of him being burned from the inside out. It brought out terrible reminders of a place he wished he could forget entirely. That pain and burning feeling slowly began to spread from his hand to his arm, then from his arm to his entire body which eventually weakened him. 

Unable to keep his body upright Childe fell to his knees as he closed his eyes and grit his teeth in pain. 

“Childe!” Zhongli called out to him in alarm before speeding over to his side and capturing him in his arms before his body could fall forward any farther.

Barely able to open his eyes, Childe was met with the blurry picture of who was unmistakably Zhongli by his side. “Zhongli? What is…” he coughed. 

“Childe, stay quiet and reserve your energy. This will be over soon I promise.” 

Childe’s began to dull until he could feel nothing at all. 

Unable to keep up, even the weight of his head tilted to the side but was quickly captured by a warm hand. 

“Childe, close your eyes.” a soft familiar voice echoed in his head before everything went black.

****

Zhongli, on his knees, hugged the peacefully sleeping form of Childe close to his chest. Breathing deeply, his golden eyes looked down at the hand to find both the Gnosis and the light had completely disappeared.

Their plan was a success.

But what soon came with that plan had just begun to set. Childe’s hand that previously held the Gnosis began to crumble to dust. The image brought about painful memories which he was quick to suppress in favor of holding Childe as he was now one last time.

For he knew who would not be able to do so every again.

Chapter Text

Appearances one conveys can be quite the deceiving picture. For this matter, the appearance of Zhongli sitting peacefully at a dark wooden table blowing his cup of tea in an attempt to cool it slightly was not at all how he felt. In fact, he was purposefully giving off an air of peacefulness in slight hopes that one would not interrupt his self-musings.

“Zhongli.”

Sighing resignedly Zhongli mutters, “But alas if the world wishes for one’s peaceful moments to be shattered it shall be so no matter.” whilst he carefully sets the cup of tea down.

Distinct golden eyes reveal themselves as they open to meet those of a bright blue with various twinkles Zhongli deemed the stars of a night sky. It was those bright blue star-filled eyes that had been with him for so long that he could never imagine them anywhere else. He could never imagine them by someone else’s side just as their counterpart was currently.

Gesturing with his hand toward a seat across from him, Zhongli spoke affectionately soft. “Good evening my old friend. I take it you are here to discuss something with me?” 

His old friend, a being shrouded mysteriously by a long grey cape and face hidden by a large hood, whom took his offer said nothing in response to his question but said everything at the same time. “Old friend huh? I’m quite hurt,” he said instead.

Zhongli shook his head smiling. “I guessed you wished to keep up appearances as we are in public. If you wish I can drop said appearances.” he paused looking around at their surroundings before admitting, “If it is of any note, I wish to drop said appearances in favor of finally being able to hold you for so long.”

His old friend hunched over as his shoulders began to shake. If Zhongli had not known the other for as long as he did he might’ve thought such words would come across as presumptuous. 

Rather his old friend was merely embarrassed by Zhongli’s wish for open affection after so long.

Gathering himself, his old friend straightened up. “I’m sorry for being gone for so long Zhongli but you knew I couldn’t stay.”

“I did but that does not mean I liked it,” Zhongli replied. Picking up the cup of tea, he bowed on it lightly before taking a small sip which instantly quelled his ever-growing dry throat and his small growing desire. The cup of tea served as a small distraction as he strongly wished to stand up and envelope the other in a death-gripping hug.

That could wait for when his old friend officially was back in Liyue.

“Aw, so Rex Lapis did miss me. I'm flattered!” His old friend exclaimed jokingly.

Zhongli simply rolled his eyes.

His old friend leaned forward so he was mere inches away from his face. “Don’t worry. In a couple of days, you’ll be able to have me in your arms for as long as you want,” he whispered before leaning back in his chair and loudly exclaiming, “Did you know those pesky treasure hoarders found some grand hidden treasure? I heard they're looking for both a Geo vision holder and a hydro vision holder.”

“What is it you wish for me to do?” Zhongli asked before taking another small sip of his tea.

His old friend hummed. “Well, I was thinking you could go offer some assistance. That and you can invite you to know who with you to help as well.” Zhongli halted in any movement and his brain stalled as if he was a bug caught in a trap. His old friend seemed to instantly notice his reaction. “What is it? Why did you react like that?”

Zhongli twitched before calmly setting his tea down and taking a deep breath. “It seems…I will not be able to invite you know who.”

“Huh? Why not?” 

Turning his head away, Zhongli stared off to the distant shores of Liyue Harbor. “Because he despises me currently. He does not wish to have anything to do with me.”

“Wha…how? What happened?” His old friend asked in a hurry leaning forward. He held out his hand toward Zhongli in worry.

Shaking his head, Zhongli faced his old friend once again. “I suspect it was something I said but honestly I am just as clueless. In an attempt to make up for my mistake, it seems I only made it worse. I would ask you what I did wrong but at the same time, I know that you would not be able to answer either.”

His old friend let his hand drop onto the table and sighed heavily. “You stupid old dragon.”

Zhongli huffed at that. “Says the stupid old fish.”

“I'm not a fish!”

“Really? But I could’ve sworn around the time we first met you jumped into a large lake and stayed within it for hours just to save someone. I’m very sure you are an old fish.”

“You know what you’re impossible.”

Zhongli hummed happily upon hearing that.

“Anyways,” his old friend cut their small familiar banter. “If you cannot invite him I’ll find a way to get him there. All you need to do is offer your Geo vision and make sure everything else goes according to plan. Alright?”

“Is this a contract? Hmm, let me see.” Zhongli's mind jumped in an instant to what could come out of this deal. 

“Yes yes, I already know what you want. You’ll get that in return.”

Zhongli nodded. “Then let this contract be formed.”

His old friend stood up about to leave but hesitated. Not looking back at Zhongli he couldn’t help but ask in hopes to quell his curiosity. “Why would I not be able to answer?”

Sipping his tea, Zhongli answered seemingly knowing what his old friend had been asking. “Because you are not him anymore Ajax. Though you may have once been him you have changed and become a version of yourself that you are happy with.” Zhongli smiled and added. “But just to clarify I love you just as much as I love him. I love every part of you no matter the ugliness and no matter the dark secrets you wish to keep close to your chest. And there will never be a day in this world where that ever changes I promise you.”

With that, their conversation came to a hopeful and beautiful end. But this was not a goodbye, this was simply ‘see you later’.

Chapter Text

A small black-haired child blinked at the tall orange-haired man sleeping away on the dirty ground of their shabby but warm home. She seemed to hesitate, as if debating whether this would actually wake him up, before nodding her head cutely, bending down and poking his cheek repeatedly.

The child’s mother, Lesoni, carried a small bucket of water with a towel draped over the side. Instantly catching what her daughter was doing she immediately put a stop to it. “Rosa! Leave the unconscious man alone.” She scolded.

Rosa halted in her poking and looked at her mother with eyes that screamed mischief and curiosity. “But mom! I want him to wake up and play with me! I also want him to show me those cool weapons he had on him before they disappeared.”

“Dear, he is injured and he won't be able to play with you. And no, those weapons are dangerous. I forbid it.” Lesoni dropped the bucket next to the man’s head ignoring the sputtering and excuses her daughter managed to come up with in order to convince her otherwise. Whilst her daughter continued she took to drowning the towel in water and placing it carefully on the man’s forehead.

This was the scene Childe had opened his eyes to see a few seconds later.

Eyes blinking slowly, Childe began to register that he was breathing and alive but not where he had been with Zhongli and the Treasure Hoarders. 

Suffice to say he was completely confused.

Such an unfamiliar setting and two people he didn’t know in front of him he was instantly on guard but he hid it by smiling at the lady and what was most obviously her daughter.“Hello, ah, miss, do you by chance know how I got here?” He asked.

Lesoni removed the wet towel from the man’s face and observed him for a little while from where he lay. His attempts at getting up were quickly put to a stop as he hissed from his injuries. Shaking her head at the man, she answered. “I carried you here. You were bleeding to death on my property and I couldn’t just leave you there.”

Childe was slightly surprised at the notion of her carrying him. In his eyes her appearance was that of a defenseless lady with skinny arms and legs but at the same time it was never good to underestimate an opponent. His battle with the Traveler had taught him as much and it was a lesson he learned.

Her appearance in his eyes wasn't far from the truth, however, as Lesoni was a woman with skinny legs and arms. She had long wavy brown hair that was currently tied back and her skin was ghostly pale as if she had never gotten any sun. Her striking green eyes stared at him holding a bit of hesitance and before opening her mouth. “Would you be so kind as to tell me why I found you half-dead on my property? Are you a criminal by chance?”

Childe almost wanted to burst out laughing at the woman’s correct assumption- that is if you were to ask people in Liyue Harbor. But he refrained from laughing, instead he looked at his cocking an eyebrow. “My, do I look that unsavory to you? What, prey tell, would bring you to that conclusion?” As he said this his need to laugh became bigger. At this point he was simply messing with the woman.

Seemingly able to see through him- though impossible- she rolled her eyes and stood up with the bucket of water and towel on the side. “If you're insinuating that you’re handsome then sorry I must shatter your dreams. You look as unsavory as the lot under the god that rules the land.”

Blinking, “But Rex Lapis is depicted as being extremely handsome? What do you mean?” He asked, confused. “I mean unless I missed something but then again I read that from a travel guide that seemed a bit…not like a travel guide. In fact, the spoke to much about how they wished to sit on Rex Lapis’s la-”

“Who is Rex Lapis?” Lesoni interrupted, cutting Childe off.

Childe corrected himself. “I mean Morax.”

Lesoni looked baffled. “Wait, you have met Morax?”

Childe mumbled to himself. “More liked supposedly killed him,” before speaking loudly so that Lesoni could hear him. “Yup!”

Lesoni suddenly placed the bucket full of water down before bowing her head towards him. Her sudden actions caught Childe extremely off guard as he had not suspected such a reaction to his words.

“Forgive me, I’ve been extremely rude with you ever since you woke up. I beg you for mercy, my lord.”

Childe’s eyes widened as he struggled to understand what was happening. If it were modern times you could probably envision a circle symbolizing the screen loading next to his head.

When he didn’t respond the woman got on her hands and knees and began to plead her case. 

“I only hope that you’ll forgive me, my lord. You looked human and I was unsure-”

“Wait, wait hold on.”

She went silent but didn’t look up at him.

“I’m not…whatever you think I am. Please stop bowing, it's making me uncomfortable.”

Lesoni seemed to not believe him completely but she got up from her position and thanked him. “Thank you for your mercy, my lord. I will never forget such kindness.”

Childe was getting a headache. “Please stop with this ‘my lord’ business. I already told you that whatever you think I am, I am not.”

“But…Lord Morax only interacts with those of high importance such as gods. Well besides enemies but that is besides the point so,” Lesoni pauses before continuing unsurly. “But if you wish to remain undetected I shall do as you wish and treat you as a human.”

Sighing, Childe accepted his fate in this situation and said nothing in response. 

This situation was a one time deal that Childe was sure it was not going to repeat in the future so he let it go. Trying to refute the woman didn’t seem to do any good as it stands currently anyways.

Chapter Text

Ignoring the slight twinge of pain he had felt go through his body, Childe slid his hands behind him providing him a staple to push himself up. Seemingly understanding his intention the woman, Lesoni, hurried to his side and held out her hands around him. Her small ghostly pale hands were meant to provide a safeguard for him in any case he would fall, however, he dismissed her help knowing he would be fine. Her gesture to help him was genuinely appreciated though and it also reminded him of his mother.

Once he managed to securely remain sitting up without the surplus of falling back down, Childe observed his surroundings with careful consideration as to just how he had arrived here. The architecture was as Liyuean as it could possibly have been and yet he had this gut feeling that there was something off about the place he was in. ‘Perhaps it was the way the woman had called Rex Lapis Morax instead?’ he thought.

Such a thought would make the most sense in unsettling him simply because the locals of Lihue Harbor and those residing all throughout Liyue only addressed the Geo Archon as Rex Lapis never Morax. That was also a small fact he managed to inquire about on one of his and Zhongli’s outings but that’s beside the point.

The ghostly pale woman that had managed to carry him inside of her home and was currently in the process of healing his injuries adjusted her clothing straightening out any wrinkles caused by her sudden bow. She wore a long worn-out brown dress with a white apron tied around her waist which was something, Childe noted, that not many wore nowadays unless by chance they were lacking for mora. She cleared her throat and bowed her head this time rather than fully on her knees. “I believe I have not introduced myself. My name is Lesoni and I have a daughter named Rosa. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them the best I am able to.”

Estimating how long it would take for Childe to heal up entirely he mentally went over a couple of questions he wanted to ask. With him having fallen into the abyss at a young age his body healed slightly faster than normal but not fast enough to where he seemed inhuman. At most, with his current non-serious injuries he would be fully healed in a couple of hours.

“You said something about a God presiding over this land? I thought Morax ruled over Liyue?” he asked. The first question was about  something that had caught his attention, throwing him off quite a bit. Of course, he wasn’t taught to show such weakness so he remained calm and collected on the outside. Such actions he pulled reminded him of Zhongli and just how many times he attempted to break the man’s perfect calm stature. In fact, he made it his personal mission to attempt to get a much more human-like expression to show.

Quietly scoffing at his thoughts he blinked and focused back in on Lesoni who nodded her head and answered. “As much as we, the people living here, wish for that to be the case it simply is not. The God currently presiding over this land is the God of Artifacts.”

Childe narrowed his eyes in interest at an unfamiliar name passing through Lesoni’s lips. Although not born of Liyuean descent he had both accompanied Zhongli, someone who sprouted the history of Liyue if asked, and read up on other parts of Liyue’s history to overall get familiar with his station. Never, not even once, was there a mention of this ‘God of Artifacts.’

“From how you word it I take it this God of Artifacts, as you call him, is not one known for kindness?” Childe pointed out in the form of a question. Confirmation wasn’t needed in any way yet he decided to ask for so anyways.

“You are correct. The God of Artifacts is a horrible…I honestly can put him into words.” Lesoni replied. Throughout her response her voice was stiff and harsh whilst her eyes held a burning fire in them that could only be called hatred. Childe was very much amused at this fact.

“How powerful is he?”

Lesoni seemed taken back at his question. Unsurely she replied, “He isn’t as powerful as Lord Morax, however, there have been several Gods in the past who attempted to stand up to him but failed.” 

Childe couldn’t help the manically glee from fluttering like a small batch of butterflies in his stomach at the promise of a thrilling fight. After all, with such an opportunity, everything else surrounding this uncertain situation, he would not give up a fight with a God. Though this ‘God of Artifacts’ was not one that could hold a candle to Zhongli, that he was sure of, Childe still felt that such an opportunity would bring him a thrilling fight.

“And where can I find this ‘God of Artifacts’?” Childe asked, preventing himself from letting his glee show explicitly on his face.

“…He takes residence in a luxurious cave nearby surrounded by his most trusted followers.” Lesoni responded hesitantly. 

There was one last thing that needed to be addressed before he went off looking for a fight with a God. 

“Was there anything I had with me when you had found me?” Childe asked leaning forward in hopes he had not lost both the book, the artifact he was sent to find, as well as that mysterious Gnosis that had seemingly lost all its power. Such a thing has never been heard of before Childe was sure of it purely because those things were connected to Celestia. Surely Celestia’s attention would be captured if a Gnosis would slowly begin losing its power…unless they weren’t the ones that created that Gnosis? But in which case, Childe couldn’t help but wonder who had made the Gnosis.

“There was nothing you had with you when I found you, unfortunately. There is a chance I might have missed it though since I was only focused on your well-being.” She replied.

At the care this woman showed for an injured person such as him Childe couldn’t but be further reminded of his mother. His sweet mother who only wished the best for her unruly son as well as the rest of the family she had built up. Childe was only sorry that he wouldn’t be able to see her as soon as he wanted too. But that day will surely come.

Shaking away those thoughts as to not further his slowly growing homesickness, Childe pressed lightly on the areas where his wounds were to discover they had fully healed. With a charming smile Childe stood up swiftly practically bouncing on his feet eager to leave and seek out that fight. “Well, thank you for taking care of me. I appreciate it! I’m fully healed so you don’t need to waste anymore of your supplies on me. I shall be leaving now.” 

“…I wish you luck, My Lord.” Lesoni said, resorting back to calling him that ridiculous title. But again Childe let her know that for sure it would NOT happen again. (A/N: Totally will Childe because I love you 🥳)

And so Childe, full of vigor and a plan to defeat a God, had left the house of the family that helped him. His next stop was a luxuries cave of a God sure to prove just how strong he had become.

And would further prove if he was ready to fight Rex Lapis…or in other words Zhongli. 

Chapter Text

Amongst a large open field of flowers, the mortals had taken to dubbing them ‘Glaze Lilies’ stood a fairly tall man. He was dressed in the finest of white silk made into an outfit that provided the freedom he required should one take up arms against him. But the eyes of an outsider could not catch a glimpse of his face as it was blocked by a white hood that had been a part of his outfit. 

Across from a white-hooded man stood a medium-height woman with short dark grey hair and a smile that could ease anyone. She wore a long- almost touching the dirt- handy that was of a light blue embedded with her favorite flower. A flower between her and her companion had found themselves amongst. 

Fingers grasping the long sleeves of her hanfu, she slowly brought it up so it covered her mouth. Tilting her head only slightly, she narrowed her eyes at her companion as he stretched out his hand and gently let his hand run through the flowers. Although he wore sleeves anybody could see the blackness that enveloped her companion’s hand with glowing yellow lines leading up. Thus were the markings of a dragon in mortal form.

“Why are you staring, Guizhong?” he asked, pausing in his steps and looking over at her.

Her eyes sparkled and the sleeve of her hanfu covered her smile. “Oh, nothing~" she practically sang. “Just admiring an old lizard take in the world around him.”

He huffed at her with a shake of his head and went back to what he had been doing. 

“Say, Morax, do you think this would be a good place? I think it’s quite pretty.” 

Switching from a stiff and emotionless expression he took one of contemplation as his eyes searched the area surrounding them. He knew that if the decision was entirely up to him he’d choose a much more fortified place, however, they had agreed to make a choice together. And he couldn’t entirely refute that a big open space such as this was not something he couldn’t protect. Because at the same time, it had its disadvantages- it had its own advantages at the same time.

“I suppose, a place like this, I would not be against it. Though it has many disadvantages, the advantages it holds more than likely make up for them. Seeing as how you chose it Guizhong, you have most likely thought of everything I have.” Morax offered his reply and decision on the choice and said nothing more after. 

Guizhong’s eyes crinkled up as she covered her mouth with her sleeve once and giggled. In the small amount of time he had known her Morax instantly knew that, though she said nothing, her reaction was the answer to his statement. She did know and she seemed to be able to always know what he was thinking as if they were of the same mind. Either that or she knew him like the back of her hand already which would be the first for someone to know him so well in such a short time. 

Then she stopped and turned her head to look at something. 

Looking in the same direction as her, Morax caught sight of a mortal trudging through the flowers with a basket of fruit in their hands. What was the most noticeable though was the small cuts littering their arms and the way they were hunched over as if they were fearful of everything around them.

“It seems this land has been taken, however, so perhaps this place is not the best,” Guizhong said with a small frown. “What a pity it was such a good location too.”

Just as Guizhong had expressed regret regarding the land, Morax felt something approaching them. He, a dragon of the earth, could feel the environment around him and each step that was taken upon it but never once has he focused on them as he did. In the small cases, he has done so it would often overwhelm him. In the moment, this feeling the mortal he supposes it was- gave off something far different than any mortal he has come across. If there was a word to describe him then we would use ‘abyss monster’. 

The abyss was a very mysterious place of unknown nature and he has come across monsters that gave off the same feeling this mortal has- and it seems he would again. 

“I sense a mortal that gives off the same feeling of an abyss monster not that far away.” Closing his eyes, Morax focuses solely on the mortal instantly catching which direction he was heading. He opened his eyes and met Guizhong’s, whose face was one of alarm. “This mortal seems to be heading toward a small village. We should handle it quickly.” 

“I agree. But that would also be capturing the attention of the God ruling over this territory. Is that such a good idea?”

“Realistically, they shouldn’t care too much. Considering we are handling an abyss monster but if trouble arises I shall handle them.”

Guizhong, once again, covered her mouth with her sleeve as she took in Morax who was full of confidence and a sort of calmness that screamed ‘No threat matters!’. Seeing that Morax was unbothered, Guizhong smiled and took a small breath, calming herself down. She wasn’t too worked up but in the face of possibly alerting the God of this territory her heart skipped a beat. Her and Morax have not been Allies for that long and she wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle a God- she was extremely weak in fighting. Such a fact is why she had sought out Morax in an effort to make a deal with him and it worked out.

Hence why she was walking alongside him.

“Since you're so confident,” she said with a small giggle to cover up any possible hint she had been scared. “Let’s go! We can’t just leave the mortals to deal with an abyss monster by themselves.” 

Morax turned around and began walking in the direction where they would intercept the abyss monster. Guizhong was quick to follow after.

****

Out of nowhere water slowly formed and solidified into a medium length pole arm. Childe, who was walking slowly upon a formed dirt path through a large field of flowers, couldn’t stop his smile from forming. If there was another looking at Childe they would shudder in fear from how bloodthirsty that smile was immediately running the other way.

Twirling the pole arm without care, Childe stopped and took in a small village being protected by what seemed to be handmade wooden walls and a large gate with the doors closed. 

“Hmm, a village? Interesting!” Childe spoke happily despite no one else being there to hear him. “I suppose I can find some exact directions to this ‘God of Artifacts’.”

I ~ I

Interested in keeping up with Fan Fiction updates? Or want to request a specific pairing? Or maybe want to know what new Fan Fic im working on? Well, if you are go follow my newly made twitter! 

RainCyynari

Chapter Text

Despite Childe’s considerable nonchalance and seemingly uncaring nature for the situation he had been thrusted into - it was quite the opposite. It was more along the lines that - though it was extremely confusing and distressing - this had not been the first time for him experiencing such a thing. In contrast to his three months in the abyss attempting to merely survive, this could be considered a luxury. 

Only was it so if one had a family waiting at the door with smiling faces and hearts filling with hope? As an advent family first type of person, Childe would stay resolute in saying that ‘no’ it particularly wasn’t. 

Deconstructing the hydro polearm easily with a flick of his wrist, his eyes wandered around just as his steps passed the entrance line, that being the gates of the village. The variety of small families with bright smiles and excited chatter further enhanced that distressing feeling he opted to shelve away. This time had been no different - for in order to get home he must stay focused. 

Halting in his steps, Childe sent a charming kind smile as a little girl excitedly ran up to him. “Oh, hello! You’re new to the village aren’t you?” she asked. Her eyes were a bright and eye-catching amber color that resulted in him remembering a certain someone. 

Slowly bending down so that he was at least a little on the girl’s level he nodded. “Yup! I just arrived.” he paused, eyeing where two adults not that far a distance away were desperately looking around. Looking back down at the girl in front of him, “However, I don't think it's a good idea for you to talk to strangers like myself…that's very dangerous.”

As though realizing the meaning of her words, and no doubt remembering a rule parents always taught their children, she quickly bowed in goodbye immediately running off right after. 

‘Not any of my youngest siblings though I can't help but feel a bit happy at that interaction. She was so cute I’d bet her and Teucer would get along great!’ he imagined a sight of his littlest brother rambunctiously playing together with her. His heart jumped in fondness.

With his eyes closed he shakes his head pushing that imagination far down the drain pulling himself back into focus.

“Stop.”

Childe’s heart stuttered and his mind reeled back in unaccounted-for shock. The voice that had just spoken was harsh and cold, unlike the tone he had grown used to that was soft, kind, and deep. Hearing this unfamiliar tone in his voice, well it had been like grabbing his head shoving it down into ice-cold water. 

The excited chatter and the smiles he observed upon the villager's faces once he entered were all wiped away. Rather his ears were filled with silence accompanied by a few noises of birds every now and again as well as rushing water most definitely from a stream not too far away.

Gradually - almost as though he was unsure if he should - he turned around and met beautiful alluring amber eyes that could only belong to one person. Eyes that captured him in a rope the moment they connected with him when they first had met not once loosening its grip. 

Zhongli, or he should call him Morax , stood just between the gates of the village armed with his signature golden and brown polearm whilst a woman stood just behind him. Ignoring their surroundings it would seem, Zhongli raised the polearm threatening in my direction with no emotion - like he wasn’t bothered a bit by anything. 

“An abyss monster like you is too much of a threat.I shall kill you right here right now.”

‘Well…that was dramatic.’ Childe internally snorted in amusement at the other's short monologue. A monologue one a low-level villain would say only to get beaten moments later. But rather than a low-level villain this person was Morax - a dragon and someone destined to cause many gods to fall.

It was safe to say - though dramatic - Morax would follow his word.

That, Childe, was hundred percent sure of.

Childe attempted to shove down all those feelings inside him that were about to burst because the reality of it all was this person dressed in white, acting completely different, and standing next to a woman was completely different from the one he not yet met. 

“Abyss monster? Do I look like one to you?” he asked, rather choosing to focus on this rather than his threat. His smile - one rather like the bloodthirsty one before he entered the village - returned in a flash. 

Stepping forward, he reached his arm out in front of him summoning the hydro polearm he had at the entrance. 

Morax stiffened, prepared seeing how it was about to head in the direction of a battle.

“The abyss is one of mystery. Though been here since what I assume is the dawn of time I cannot possibly assume you are not what you give off.” Morax bit back, throwing the calm and mature image Childe had of Zhongli in his younger days straight out the window like a small piece of trash. “However, I will admit you have surprised me. If you were to explain why you carry such a stench then perhaps I will let you live.”

Childe twinkled in excitement as he fixed his body into a fighting stance. “And pass up the chance to fight Morax? Not a chance.” 

“So be it. I will not hold back.”

The next moment solidified hydro met that of steel in the heat of battle. 

Childe could feel the power behind Morax’s grip as he pushed towards him before suddenly he pulled away and thrust his weapon forward in an attempt to stab. Quickly parrying the polearm he jumped back creating a bit of distance between the two. However, it didn’t last long before Childe sprang forward hydro polar in hand. Thrusting his own weapon forward, he watched as Morax focused on that one weapon making Childe smirk.

Concentrating in the heat of battle, he could feel a pull of hydro as he formed a sword behind Morax. Ensuring the woman was enough distance away to not get injured, he parried another attempted stab. 

Morax caught on easily that the other was up to something but couldn’t possibly put his finger on it. That was until he felt a conversation of elemental energy forming behind him resulting in him swiftly turning his head. A sword made of water - though not big or impressive looking - pointed straight at him. Without warning it rushed toward him but Morax did not move.

Jumping out of the line of fire, Childe stood back and watched.

Once the sword connected with a shield Morax had summoned last minute it was like it was where a bomb had blown. Only the ground remained untouched and no one had gotten hurt; the air had been covered in a sort of mist-like smoke. Suppose you could say it was fog as it did give off a smell of fresh purified water.

When it dispersed Morax’s face was one for the ages. His eyes widened and unblinking and his lips were parted. 

Gazing at his shield, he was flabbergasted to notice a crack.

‘This mortal had caused a crack in my shield. Impossible.’ Morax thought to himself.

Chapter Text

A hand covered in thin black gloves unhurriedly reaches out toward one amongst many of glaze lilies that made for a breathtaking sight. The hand carefully cupped the glaze lily – like in merely a second it would snap in half – whilst the man behind the action released a quiet slow breath.

Tranquil and serene, Zhongli began to feel as though he was drifting in a vast sea of memories that ranged from painful to love. If he had been any younger and inexperienced in such matters perhaps his emotional fate would be that much dire – but he knew there was no need for any worry.

Kneeling upon the ground, his eyes fluttered open moving to gaze steadily into the starry night sky. 

“ Morax. ”

His beating heart constricted painfully and his throat became one so parched as though he was dying of thirst. Pushing himself up from upon the ground, he lowered his gaze, meeting deep dusty grey eyes so familiar yet so lifeless when they'd once had been so full of light. 

“ My Morax. ” Those lips of hers uttered his name again sending a small shiver through him.

He raised his hand shakily whilst stumbling nearer to her unable to halt his own action of desperation. As he had gotten near her, her body gradually broke into pieces of dust of all sizes drifting away into the starry night sky. Now standing where she had once been a lone tear – one that managed to sneak by all his hard rock defenses – fell down his cheek.

“ Morax! ”

Those set of three voices calling out in enthusiasm so long from the past stole his breath. His body trembling from the previous shocking sight furthered as he sharply turned around. The sharpness of his movements produced a quick breeze around him blowing the glaze lilies that surrounded him.

Red striking eyes, deep as the sea eyes, glowing amber eyes that rivaled his own, and finally piercing purple eyes all gaze at him filled with admiration. Seeing those eyes – though lifeless and without light – resulted in his body freezing. The four wore matching excited grins approaching him; it felt as though he had been struck by Baal’s strongest deadly attack. 

“ We’re adopting you as our Dad now! ”

“ Idiot! That’s not how it works! ”

Bickering like you’d see them do every day, he couldn’t help the soft chuckle leaving his lips. His soft chuckle soon transformed into a broken sob, as they too, began to break into pieces of dust. Reaching out as he had done previously, he could imagine his hard defense haven broken completely.

Accompanying another lone tear was many of the same nature, he let his arm drop to his side limp. Lowering his head so his chin had connected with his chest, his watery amber eyes squeezed closed in an attempt to stop the flow of tears – he failed.

“Morax?”

Without opening his eyes he turned around crashing directly into another body exuding warmth he so desperately craved. 

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” his voice, full of charm and something else he had never been able to name, made his heart jump. Just as Ajax had always been able to do.

Wrapping his arms tightly around him, all he could utter from his lips with a broken heart was this, “Stay. Stay with me.”

“Always.” Was he reply.

Chapter Text

Head shifting slowly, in a manner one could perceive as newly established caution, Morax met Childe’s eyes. Those bright-colored yet lifeless ocean eyes stared into Morax’s own with a sort of blinding familiarity he wasn’t sure where it came from. Searching his memories, not once had the man’s face reminded him of anyone he had previously met before- so why did he look at him like that?

“It would seem,” Morax pursed his lips as he spoke. “That this will be more trouble than I thought.” 

Childe’s eyes widened in an act of innocence whilst his lips curled up into a small smile. “Oh?” he spoke slowly, “Surely you’ll get serious now, right Morax?”

Unaffected by Childe’s effort to rile him up, Morax effortlessly and with years of skill, spun his polearm around in his gloved hand. He slammed the butt of the weapon on the ground creating an image of a knight unwilling to waver over his protection of the kingdom behind him. In this case, however, there was just the village being protected. (But like…Childe wasn't planning on causing any harm so? They don't need protection.)

“Now,” a voice sounding sweet, and yet with a tint of mischief, cut off any possibility of further communication between them. Both a set of blue and amber eyes shot to the person responsible. “Morax, I believe he poses no danger. Why not put your weapon away, hmm?” 

Childe’s eyes hyper-focused on the short grey-haired woman that accompanied Morax. Seemingly looking at him, their eyes met and a shiver was felt running through his entire body. Her deep light grey eyes, which matched to perfection with her hair, gazed at him with a look Childe could not quite place. He could say such eyes held love yet the two of them had only just met- love for a stranger, especially someone like him, was not to be expected.

Her first impression of him was that of an abyss monster due to Morax’s reveal of potent order he expelled. 

Falling in his previous protection stance, Morax gazed down at the woman who pushed her way in front of him whilst still looking at Childe. One of her hands held tightly onto his polearm without fear. “Guizhong? Why do you say so?”

Eyes never parting his form, Guizhong slowly brought up the sleeve of her hanfu and covered her mouth. “If he had wanted to harm anybody, outside of the integrated fight by yourself, the village would have been long gone.” she paused before jokingly adding one. “Not to mention, he is the first person to crack your shield. I am quite curious to see what kind of person such one is.”

Feeling a bit miffed at the sudden loss of what would have been a thrilling fight, Childe huffed quietly and let his hydro polearm dissolve. “That’s a bit boring! I was looking forward to a battle of the death with this guy.” Rolling his right shoulder as he had said so, he could practically hear the echoing of crickets surrounding him. He blinked, “What?”

A small muffled giggle broke the stretching silence that belonged to the grey-haired woman, Guizhong, Childe noted. 

“It seems you have met your perfect match Morax! Never would I think, there was someone in the whole of Teyvat, that enjoyed escalating petty skirmishes into full-blown battles to the death.” Lightly Guizhong set a punch Morax’s way- who simply stood there all stone-faced. 

A man whose heart, and facial expressions it seemed, were hard as stone could only look at Guizhong. He relied on his amber eyes and mouth to convey his annoyance at the woman’s teasing. “I have done no such thing. It was simply the other's will to kill me, so I only defended myself.”

Previously, before the scene before him, the air they breathed was tense and full of anticipation for what would happen next- now it was light as a feather. Morax softened considerably at the words of Guizhong whilst Childe had pushed away his blood lust for battle. But he still strongly believed it was a pity- he supposed the battle could be labeled a draw.

“M-my Lord and Lady…” once again interrupting, an old man’s voice spoke. His tone was that of fear and hesitation as though he would be struck down for merely saying a word to them. 

Turning away from Morax, Guizhong warmly greeted the old man in dirty rags that had spoken. He had slowly walked up to the three, standing amongst the small crowd of villagers that gathered, but respectfully stayed a certain distance away.

“Hello! I am sorry for the commotion this old lizard and battle junky has caused. As compensation for the disturbance, was there any trouble we could help with?”

Childe shot her an incredulous look whilst Morax only sighed in acceptance.

Shocked beyond belief, it seemed, the old man shook his head quickly like a person searching around a cavern excitedly for lost treasure. “N-no! We are just lowly mortals- we could never ask you, the Goddess of dust and Lord Morax, a dragon of the earth, to do anything for us.”

Stepping closer to the old man, Guizhong wrapped her hands around his and borough them up. She cherished the hands of the old man as though he was the God between the two whilst continuing to smile warmly. “You are not lowly. You are amazing people who survive through hardship and pain. So please, put more faith into yourselves for existing because you deserve so much.” Then releasing his hands, acting as though the old man in front of her wasn’t practically letting his ghost slip out of his body in shock, she took a step back and looked between the mortals of the village. “As repayment for causing a disturbance in your lovely village, these two shall handle the tyrant that rules over your land.”

“What?” Both Childe and Zhongli, who had been listening to Guizhong quietly without input, said at the same time. 

Childe felt as though one of his fellow harbingers, specifically Scaramouche, had left him to Dottore. But whilst thinking about it more- he realized that the God of Artifacts ruled tyrannical over this land. 

It would seem a battle, rather than against Morax, would be by his side. That might be equally just as fun as against him.

Chapter Text

“Hmm, truly wish the both of you the best. Be sure to return safely, after all, we wouldn’t wish to further hinder these precious mortals' hope, yes?” 

Awkwardly, totally not as though Childe was forcefully kicked out of a time village, he shuffled on his feet. He spared a quick look upon the now-closed shut gates before swiftly turning to face Morax. In all the man’s godly glory, he spared him the same unsure look. 

“So– time to go kill a god?” He spoke nonchalantly with an easy-going grin. Although Childe could confidently say he had no quarrels with such a task he wouldn’t pin himself as stupid either. Itching for a real long-lasting fight but at the same time, he truly wished to continue breathing. That was to say– he would more than try his best and come out on the other side fully intact.

Morax sighed, quite a familiar sound Childe would hear most often. “You cannot kill a god so I hope you forget such a notion. Lest you actually end up killing yourself.” His voice was deep and alluring just as he was when he walked about as Zhongli but alas those thoughts would be for future Childe to sort through.

Playfully sending a wink at the future Geo Archon, he stepped closer to the man. “First you try to kill me now you show that you care. I do hope you can make up your mind.”

Morax, who’d been facing the closed gates of the village since they both were kicked out by Guizhong, let his eyes slip closed. His stony expression remained impassable and unmoving yet Childe could instantly tell the emotion he withheld from showing– annoyance. He released another sigh before turning in the opposite direction of the village and began walking. Childe was quick to follow after him about to open his mouth to speak, however, was instantly silenced when Morax chose a few moments later to speak. “Please stop with your painfully wrong assumptions based on a mere sentence. You are a threat and it would be dangerous if others were to assess your abyssal taint that is it. I could care less about your well-being.”

‘Ah, this isn’t Zhongli…’ He inwardly thought.

His blood ran cold and his heart skipped a beat. Directing his attention away from the man, Childe quietly snorted. His fingers curled into fists remaining at his sides whilst the two were now drowning in a tense silence. Neither of them spoke a word more and at that point, Childe preferred that over anything else.

****

Drip. Drop.

Deep within a cave a man dressed in a regal black gown-like outfit walking through a small group of people. His long black hair tied up with a dark red ribbon in a ponytail reaching his hips. The small group of people surrounded on all sides held wooden bowls, piled clothing, and various other objects from plain decoration items to various stuffed animals.

Whilst the cave was decorated fancily with a royal red throne placed in the far back. 

Stumbling forward, arms empty, the young woman bows her head. “Sir Lekan, did you require anything else?” she asks quietly, trying to be as respectful as possible.

Lekan, who took to standing amidst the middle of the cave, gave the woman a long side glance. Gradually he tore his attention away from the imprudent woman to a man holding a sword guarding his front. “Give me that woman’s head,” he commanded.

The entirety of the room seemed to tremble at the given command and without hesitation the man holding the sword trudged in the woman’s direction. As the woman could only helplessly stare in shock the beheading was quick but anything but clean. Raising his sword, he swiftly tilted his sword slightly downward and cut her head clean off.

A small scream was released from another woman within the group of people holding various items as the now dead woman’s head dropped to the ground. They could only watch until the head rolled gradually getting slower until it completely halted in place.

“Tch’ annoying. Make sure to wash that disgusting shit away.” Leland commanded once again approaching his throne. With a flourish of his clothing he took his place on the throne relaxing. Folding one leg over the other, Lekan laid his head on his hand and waited patiently. 

Not long after another one of his people scurried into the throne room and bowed. “Sir Lekan, they have arrived as instructed.”

He smirked. “Good send them in. Be sure to treat them as you treat me, they’re our beloved guests after all.”

****

Throughout their tense silence, with Childe leading to honestly who knows where, he struggled in a fight to push back the urge to make something bleed. Coincidentally, the only alive being around was Morax so suffice to say he couldn’t really placate the urge. 

Morax hummed quietly, “It seems my very first initial thoughts about you are wrong. Delving deeper, you are not quite a creature of the abyss but also not human either.”

Summoning one of his hydro blades, Childe took to twirling the self-made weapon in his gloved hand. “The abyss is no vacation spot. Considering you seem to know a bit, you should know how it affects things. Am I right?”

“You are correct. The abyss is something of what many would call a parasite born to kill.” Morax, as though he was instead standing as Zhongli, took the minor question as an opportunity to muddle their silence with his knowledge. 

And just as any other time, despite how they had been, took everything Morax said like a sponge soaking up water. His heart twinged a bit in pain as Childe could picture both him and Zhongli walking together amongst the crowds of Liyue– chatting as they always did. Whether it was merely about a local delicacy or an entire family-owned business Zhongli visited every generation.

Suppose, even in a discrepancy of time, Zhongli was always someone who enjoyed ranting about the knowledge he had gained. The only difference being Morax was not as open as the other…he was more a picture of an unloveable stone than Zhongli ever could be.

Or you could say Zhongli held onto the grasps of humanity versus his older counterpart who did not understand a thing about ‘humanity’.

“There is a path not too far away that leads down into a cave. That is where the God of Artifacts resides.” Morax cut his own knowledgeable rant to offer up a form of directions.

Childe paused in his walking and looked back at him. “…And you know this how?” He asked curiously. 

“Gods give off a certain aura that connects with the earth. It’s quite easy and it’s how I found you– only you have abyssal taint that harms the earth rather than connect with it.” 

He blinked. “That’s a pretty neat trick.” 

Childe had a similar trick but that mostly only worked with identifying bodies of water within a certain mile radius. It was also something he didn’t quite use that often due to useless the thing was in most situations.

“It seems there are two other gods with him…butIm not quite sure. They’re very hard to make out as I am not all that familiar with them.” Morax’s expression was one that was pinched in concentration as he spoke. Like he was staring at a hundred piece puzzle trying to put it together– Childe looked away and followed the directions he had been told.

With their pace speeding up the both of them managed to reach where the God of Artifacts resides quickly. 

And in recklessness Childe opted to kicking the door in entering the cave. 

But something was amiss…the first thing Childe was was gold.

“Aether!?”

Chapter Text

The hustle and bustle of Liyue Harbor surrounded the couple, Zhongli and Ajax, drowning them in a peaceful air. For roughly about thirty minutes, they sat in silence, because words were not needed between the two of them. After all, at some point they never were. Enjoying the time they had together, big or small, was quite an easy feat and Zhongli hoped it’d always be.

Sitting just across from him, Ajax was leaning forward, head propped up on the table with one of his hands. In the sunlight, his orange hair dazzled like a luxurious chest one couldn’t ever take their eyes off of– Zhongli could only blink and desperately distract himself with his tea. That became increasingly harder as Ajax released a small and laid his head down upon the table so that their eyes connected. He smiled playfully at Zhongli like he’d always done whether he found something he did was humorous or the other had a small plan hiding up his sleeve. No doubt either of those options could’ve been the case.

“Hmm~ Is Zhongli blushing? Am I too pretty to look at? Is that why you can’t look at me?” 

With the clearing of his throat, Zhongli’s eyes slipped closed and he breathed in deeply before exhaling. His rapidly beating heart, always the result of the other since forever, still remained at its rapid speed but from the outside, he fixed it so he didn’t look ruffled. Taking another small sip of his tea, he set the cup down gently and opened his eyes to look more directly at Ajax.

“Yes. You are very pretty to look at Ajax. I feel anything I could say would not be enough as there are not quite enough words to describe just how I see you.”

After a full minute of silence after he had said that Ajax whined softly dropping himself even more over their table. “Zhongli…” he drew out his name as he whined. 

Zhongli couldn’t help but smile with amusement. “Yes, Ajax?”

“You can’t do that to me! Say those words or or-”

“Or?”

“Or look so unaffected! It’s like the complete opposite of what you said that I might get the wrong idea!” 

A small deep chuckle bubbled up in his throat that he couldn’t help but release. Covering his mouth with his gloved hand before laying it back down on the table, Zhongli sighed as though everything around him was perfect- which it was. 

With Ajax, everything will always be perfect.

Poke .

“Ajax, what are you doing?” he asked, feeling the warmth of another close to him rather than where they had been- across from him. His eyes swiftly looked to his left up at the other who was grinning just as brightly as the morning sun if not even brighter. 

“Don't go drowning in your head there Zhongli.” Ajax quipped. He poked his cheek again just as softly as he had done it the first time.

Simply letting it happen without much huff against the action he gazed intently at him. His eyebrows pinched together in slight confusion as he felt something off within the center of his chest- where the gnosis HAD been. The sight of Ajax changing between his old self, Childe the 11th Harbinger, and the person he was now helped nothing to quell the rising feeling of wrongness. 

His tongue felt heavy and his mouth was dry as though he wasn’t just drinking tea several minutes ago. He blinked at the flickering around Ajax and disappeared like it had not been there in the first place.

Ajax, who was silently observing Zhongli, hummed bringing his hands up to examine them. He spoke slowly, “Something happened with Childe but I don’t know what.”

Pushing the chair he had sat at, back whilst standing, Zhongli quickly connected the dots with just a few thoughts on what happened. “Based on the fact that you felt it too means something went differently. Do you have any memories of what changed?”

“No. I don't.” Ajax shook his head and sighed. Shoulders slumping downward, Ajax leaned back against the table from where he stood crossing his arms. “But the fact that something went differently means that the time we are in now could’ve changed. In which case, we need to find what that thing is and assess whether it is a threat or not.”

“I am in agreement, however, I am not so sure this change will be obvious.” 

Ajax straightened and sauntered up to Zhongli and against the thoughts of what Zhongli envisioned him doing, he poked him in the cheek once again. He smiled, “Let's go find what that thing is, yes? My hunch is it has something to do with Xiao and I don't know why.”