Chapter Text
Let me tell you a story about a little boy named Ajax. About a boy who lives in an ordinary small village "Morepesok" in a cold country Snezhnaya. Ajax had a big family. In total, he had 6 brothers and sisters, as well as Mom and Dad. It was a happy family where, despite the large number of children, parents loved everyone the same, including Ajax. But despite all this happiness, life in such a small village was monotonous and slow. Because of this, little Ajax wanted to be, like his father, a strong and brave adventurer, go on different journeys and meet various monsters. It was the most cherished dream, but because of his age, he could not fulfill it. "You're still too young," people around him said, "Stay with your family and take care of them," his father told him. However, the stubborn boy did not want to listen to anyone, so he decided to go on a journey himself, proving to his father that he was worthy of becoming an adventurer.
Therefore, when the boy was 14 years old, he ran away from his home, while having nothing but his father's short rusty sword and a bag of bread in his hands. He thought that this would be enough for him, because he did not expect to go somewhere far, he was not stupid. Little Ajax only wanted to explore the forest and find what lies behind it. However, this was not to be. This 14-year-old boy got lost in a snowy forest. In a forest filled with all the various dangers that have claimed the lives of inattentive people. Chased by bears and wolf packs, the little boy lost his balance and fell into a bottomless crack on the surface of the earth. This crack turned out to be a direct path to the heart of a terrifying place called the Abyss.
A place that killed everyone who dared to enter there. It was there that he witnessed the endless possibilities of another ancient world. And also the truths that should be closed to the people above, the people who were under the wings of the gods.
Is this where Ajax or (Childe is?) found out what he didn't want. That his whole world is just an invention of other creatures, and he himself is nothing more than an actor here, a doll that can be pulled by strings so that she dances. A doll that was created only for the sake of being hated by everyone, who will become the main villain of the whole Teyvat and will eventually be betrayed... again, just because that is his whole role. Child thought that his Tsaritsa would be pleased with the way he carried out all her orders implicitly. She promised him that she would not leave him alone as others did, but... promises can easily be broken. Hah, little Tartaglia thought that she could become someone who would be loved by at least someone, but oh, how wrong he was. And now, lying on his back with his broken body, he can only watch as his archon defies the goddess, just in order to avenge the death of those she loved. It's funny how it turns out that the dead even get more love than Tartaglia. But he is not surprised or even hurt. He's too used to it. So when he closes his eyes for the last time, he is not afraid of death, because from the very beginning he knew where all this would lead. He knew that no one would miss him anyway, so he lets go of his last breath without regret to enjoy the long-awaited peace.
However, in his blissful ignorance, he forgets an equally important truth. The whole world is in the circles of samsara, which means a new interval will begin again. And all the events that took place earlier will be repeated in the flesh until his death. All the hatred that he had gathered in himself as trophies would haunt him again. To be honest, he shouldn't have been surprised by this, because he knew that he was in a lying world repeating over and over again. But this does not prevent him from feeling the pain of having returned to childhood. Some part of him hoped that it wasn't true or that he wouldn't remember the last cycle. But he was wrong. Now being in the Abyss from where it all started, he can remember every event that will happen in the future. In fact, now he knows the future and the past, which frankly feels extremely strange.
Although he is terrified of something completely different. The scariest thing is that despite his numerous knowledge, which many gods do not even possess, he still cannot live a more normal life. Perhaps he deserved it somehow, or his existence should be like that. After all, every story needs a villain, doesn't it? Well, if that's what they did, then who is he to complain? Observers can always rewrite history as they wish, and there's nothing Childe can do about it. Therefore, he can simply follow the path that has been prepared for him. At least others could have their happiness…
But he got distracted. Now standing in the Abyss in the same place as last time, he just has to wait for his Master to come. Of course, he himself could have survived here, since he still has the memory of the last cycle, but he does not want that. Ajax is just interested in some information and theories that he wants to test, and the only source of answers is his master Skirk. Plus, his master was the only being who never lied to him or hated him. So if it has to wait for some time, he will wait.
- Hm. What are you doing here, brat? Weren't you supposed to go back to surface?
The figure of Master Skirk stops not far from him. It was the same as he filled it. Brown dirty hair, skin covered with soot and dust of this place, clothes consisting exclusively of the skins of local animals with the symbolism of the stars on it, and finally the same as his dull lifeless eyes, like a dead fish. Yes, it was indeed his master, she remained the same as he left her in the last cycle.
- The cycle has passed, Master Skirk. The Observers wanted me to come here again.
After that, a surprised sigh was heard from her, which almost made Ajax grin. It was rare to see Master Skirk surprised by something. It would seem that such an omniscient being like her should have no weaknesses.
- The cycle has already passed, eh? How interesting. Well, then come on, tell me what happened up there. I hope you haven't forgotten how to fight during your absence here?
Ajax only grinned wolfishly at this.
- You offend me, Master.
After that, he found himself in a bloodbath against numerous monsters in the Abyss. It took a few hours, but it was the best hours of Ajax's life, as he felt more free than ever at the top. This feeling persisted even despite the looks of the Observers who looked at him most of their lives or their thin threads with which they controlled the actions of everyone (including Ajax). But despite these limitations, it was in this darkness that he felt best. These 3 months are the only rest he has before starting his main struggle for survival. Ha, he's really out of his mind since he calls the Abyss his safe place.
After these hours, he sat down with his master over a campfire in their makeshift camp, telling her his past life. He didn't add anything to his story because he didn't see the point, all he did was follow Skirk's advice about survival. Plus, as he learned, he never had a choice because of the Observers, so he is not afraid to hear reproaches in his address.
After his story, Skirk's lifeless eyes were filled with sadness and tenderness, feelings with which Child is very unfamiliar.
- So they made you the main villain, huh? Although I guess the Observers thought of you as a gray villain who is not evil in itself. Everyone hates you because no one wants to figure out the root of the problem. How typical. Well, if you think I hate you, too, like those stupid people, then get this nonsense out of your head. I understand what kind of situation you're in, and you're kind of growing on me like a fungus that I won't get rid of.
After these words, Ajax's heart ached. There is still a person in this world who loves him, even if in a slightly harsh form. But he doesn't care about it. His master Skirk has not given up on him, despite how annoying he can be. Suddenly, a deep sigh was heard next to him
- I can see from here how something is spinning in your head. So get your ass over here so I can get rid of this stuff.
Suddenly Ajax was abruptly pulled towards him by strong hands. They grabbed him from both sides, so that his head rested on his master's shoulder. It was only after a few seconds that he realized what was happening. He was hugged. His tough master, who loved to wipe the floors of the Abyss with his body, is now hugging him. It was a hard hug in which more force was applied than necessary. But it's even better this way. Ajax doesn't need the falsely soft but timid hugs of his mother or the encouraging but too strong pats of his father, no, he is satisfied with these frankly terrible, but true hugs. He can't remember the last time he was hugged. Probably before the whole event with the Abyss. Without noticing it, tears rolled out of his eyes. He didn't cry like a child, but he didn't try to stop his tears from slowly flowing down onto his master's clothes. Apparently feeling the moisture on her clothes, Skirk only hugged Ajax tighter, running circles on his back.
- I'm bad at all these consolations, but I think everyone should have a moment. So cry a little, and later I'll show you something new that you don't know yet. But don't get used to it, this is a one-time event, understand?
Even if these words should be harsh, there was no real bite behind them. But Ajax didn't care about that. Even if it's just once, it will be enough for him. In the end, the only thing he needed to know, he found out. He was right to never doubt his master.
After they had rested for a few hours in their camp, Ajax set off with Skirk in the direction of something. Ajax himself did not know where they were going or what exactly his master wanted to show him, but knowing her it would clearly be something important and no less shocking than he had lived up to now. So he was preparing himself in advance for his world to be shaken to its foundations again. For most of the way, neither he nor Skirk spoke, as both were used to the silence of the Abyss, as well as the fear that the monster might hear them. To Ajax's surprise, the further they advanced, the more monsters they encountered on their way. And the further they went, the more it seemed that the area around them was overgrown with strange stones that glowed with even more strange light. They also smelled of something else, which for a moment puzzled Ajax. He had certainly seen such stones, but they were much smaller and less common. The only explanation he had was this…
-Master, why are we going to the center of the Abyss?
The center of the Abyss. A place where no one could go because of monsters, as well as stones that make ordinary people go crazy. Fortunately, neither Ajax nor Skirk are completely human, so these stones do not pose a threat to them.
Instead of answering the question like a normal person, Skirk asked him a counter question
- Ajax, do you know exactly how people survived here?
Ajax tried to recall all the information he had learned about the kingdom of Khaenri'ah while in Teyvat. Which is actually not much, since most of the information about them has been lost or erased from history by the gods themselves
- Were they super-progressive? I know that they didn't have a god, and they built their own civilization with their own hands. Also, as far as I heard, they were the smartest people in all of Teyvat.
Skirk nodded contentedly at this
- That's true, but do you know how exactly they became so progressive?
How? Ajax ... never thought about it, for him the Abyss is a collection of monsters and strange ruins left after the cataclysm which happended over 500 years ago. He never thought about what happened before, to be honest. Now that it was mentioned, he was really curious. Apparently the answer was written on his face, as Skirk continued to explain
- Have you ever heard of the Abyss Core?
For some reason, this gave him a strange feeling of deja vu. Oh, Ajax couldn't help but think to himself, that's exactly how she told him about the Observers. But the "Core of the Abyss"? He assumed there was something similar in this place, but he didn't think it existed in reality. It's nice to know that his theory was true.
- I assumed that the Abyss has a center, but not a core.
Skirk didn't say anything to that. She only continued to explain about the core.
- Well, the Core of the Abyss is a powerful thing that is located in the center of it. Only with the help of the Core people could survive for so long, before the arrival of the gods. By the way, it creates these stones and monsters that we are constantly fighting, which is why the path to it is very difficult. This may sound rude, but I'm only going to get you to the beginning of the zone of this thing. Then you'll have to go without me.
Ajax couldn't help but stare at her in shock. His master is the strongest and this is the first time she refuses to go to a certain zone. Since he does not believe that she is sending him to a place where he will definitely not come out alive, he cannot help but wonder why she is not going with him too.
- I'm sorry, Master, but why aren't you coming? Is this place so dangerous?
At that, Skirk turned to face him, looking him straight in the eyes
- This is the most dangerous zone of the Abyss, even I won't be able to survive there. But don't think I want you dead. Of the two of us, only you will be able to reach this place, as the Observers will not let you die. In the Abyss you will not be able to die because in 3 months according to the scenario you will be at the surface. So if you're willing to take risks for this knowledge, you'll go there.
And she's right. Ajax is already too interested to find out what the Core is. And now that he's so close to it, he can't just walk away. He wants to know what is the source of everything in this place.
After that, they resume their movement into the depths of the stones. They walk for a while until a huge collection of glowing stones appears in front of Ajax's eyes, forming an incomprehensible cave. Judging by the way they stopped, they had reached the beginning of the Core zone. His master looks into his eyes again and says with a serious voice
- Then you will go without me. I'll be here for 3 days, you need to find the Core before that time or I'll leave without you. If you can't go, you come back to my camp. If you find something related to Celestia, you go back. If the Observers tell you not to go there, you go back. Do you understand everything?
Nodding confidently, Skirk releases Ajax, showing him a sign to continue moving. Which Ajax does.
Making his way through the glowing stones, Ajax is not sure what exactly he is looking for. How exactly will the Core look like and what size it is. How will Ajax even understand that there is a Core in front of him? And in general, what is special about it besides its mystery. He hopes that something interesting will happen because if it's just a ball of lava, he will be very disappointed. Passing through another blockage of stones, he stumbles upon a hole in the wall. Perhaps there will be something besides monotonous stones, with hope. Therefore, without thinking twice, Ajax slips into the cracks between the rocks, finding himself, as he expected, inside the cave.
Looking around for possible dangers, he does not notice the presence of something else until it speaks to him
"Oh, a little star in my possession, how interesting"
With a manly cry, Ajax frantically looks around, trying to figure out who he is talking to. Only after he raised his head to the top did he see a strange sight. What he thought was a cave was actually some kind of dilapidated temple, in the center of which a huge purple stone hung on chains. And apparently a very reasonable stone. Oh my Abyss, what the fuck is that?
- Um... hello? I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep or something like that?
To this the speaking (?) stone, along with strange sounds, answered him
"Hmm, no need, little star. I have to say that they haven't come to me for a while. What brought you to me?"
Curiosity, Ajax thought to himself. Unhealthy curiosity about every aspect of such a mysterious place as the Abyss. And also a little hopelessness.
- My master told me that there is a core in this place, so I wanted to check it out and stumbled upon you, Mr. Talking Stone.
Damn his childhood part. He is not 14, at least internally, and he still behaves like a child. Oh my God, he hopes it won't be like this every cycle.
"How interesting, it's the first time I've been called like that."
A talking stone or crystal turns out to have a name. Why not, he's seen worse. He doesn't want to remember that talking crow, thank you very much.
- Then what is the correct name for you?
At this, some kind of buzzing was felt from the stone, along with a sparkling purple light that was reflected from the surface of the cave.
"How polite. This is the first time they ask me my real name. However, I have too many of them to know which one is correct, but I think that Honkai or Stellaron are the most common, so either of these two will do,"
Ha, how strange. Apparently this thing is not from Teyvat at all, but from another place. And judging by how Observers are actively looking at it, it means that this is something new. And although Ajax does not know what both of these names mean, for some reason the word Honkai makes him uneasy. Perhaps it has something to do with the Observers, so he will choose Stellaron.
- Well, Comrade Stellaron, but you said that you are usually called differently, but who exactly is calling you? This is the most dangerous part of the Abyss, there shouldn't be many people or creatures for that matter.
To this Stellaron replied in his raspy voice
"There are many us like me in the galaxy, and their names are different on each planet. As for this one, a little star, before you, 2 creatures similar to you came there. One of them was as small as you, but much rougher and more insensitive. The other one was much bigger, but she was also rude and stubborn. They both took a piece of my powers, although the smaller star took only a small pinch. Despite my warnings that if they want my powers, they must first evolve from these simple life forms, they did not listen, forcibly taking a part of me. However, those beings who have not received my permission are waiting for nothing but the loss of reason."
The last part was uttered in anger, which was amplified by the constant echo of the voice. It feels as if several voices were superimposed on each other, making up a cacophony of sounds. And in fact, anger is quite justified. If Ajax were in Stellaron's place, he would also be angry that someone is literally stealing parts of his body. But he is confused by these 2 personalities. Apparently, 2 more people came here before him, but who?
- Comrade Stellaron, could you describe these two stars that you saw? Maybe I know who it is.
At this, quiet beeps were heard from Stellaron, and he began to speak in his mechanical voice
"The big star came here first. She lived not far from here with other stars inhabiting this place before, but unlike the others, the big star was burning with the desire to go up high and burn the brightest. To do this, she turned to me. As soon as she took some of my powers, her hair looked like a star exploding, and her eyes looked like a stone. After that, I couldn't feel her anywhere here. The smaller star was somewhat similar to you, little star. She came to me much later with bigger stars. She wanted to burn brighter to find another comet. She herself was decorated with stars, and had a white flower in her hair "
"White flower"... "find someone"... "go up high ". It seems that he will find out who these two are. But how is it possible that the Supreme Guardian Asmoday was originally from Khaenri'ah and with the help of the power of Stellaron was able to rise to Celestia? The smaller star is probably Lumine, since he saw her become the princess of the Abyss in the last cycle. And if we assume that it was because of Stellaron that she became like this, then this explains a lot.
- Asmoday and Lumine? How is this possible?
Hearing this, Stellaron lit up a little stronger, showing his interest
"You seem to know them, little star. But your body is much younger than theirs, so how do you know who it is?"
Seeing no point in lying to a sentient stone, Ajax simply shrugged his shoulders and said
- I met them in the last cycle of samsara. Perhaps this cycle is over, but my memories remai-
After that he was interrupted by Stellaron
"How interesting, the little star knows that he is in the circle of samsara, which is exactly what I did. Does little star know about other creatures?"
After that, Ajax was a little taken aback. He didn't know that Stellaron was responsible for the cycles taking place in Teyvat. Does this mean that it is he who launches them? But for what purpose?
- If you are talking about the Observers, then yes, I know that they are watching now. I also know that this whole world is a fake created by them. But can I ask a question. You said that you are the one who starts the cycles of samsara, but why?
"The little star turned out to be smarter than all those I met. Before you came, no one knew about these great beings. To answer your question, my task is to end the existence of humanity by forcing them to evolve. To do this, I run cycles so that there is danger for humanity, an incentive for evolution."
Stellaron's voice acquired strange notes, showing his interest.
"The evolution of humanity", what? And what does he mean by them? Is he not part of this group? What about the gods?
- Why did you say them? Shouldn't I evolve too?
To this, Stellaron made a questioning sound
"The little star does not need evolution, since you have already done it. Only evolved creatures can survive in my territory"
If he means the Abyss, then only he, Skirk and the remnants of the surviving Khanri'ah can survive here, does this mean that only they have evolved? And he was able to do that only thanks to his foul legacy. So this foul legacy is its evolution?
- Do you mean that my foul legacy is my evolution?
"A slittle star can call it whatever he wants, but evolution is evolution. My second task is to merge with a person who has undergone evolution, that at the moment you are a little star. For the best symbiosis, the best option is when both sides agree to merge."
At this, Stellaron seemed so happy as if he had found something priceless. Which by the way does not share Ajax. It somehow seemed too dark. What about the merger? Excuse me? He is not eager to merge with the stone.
- Whoa whoa whoa, I don't really want to become a stone, so I have to give it up!
At this Stelarron hissed as if laughing at Ajax. It gave him goosebumps.
"I'm afraid we have a misunderstanding. This fusion assumes that a part of me will merge with the body of a small star. Since the little star has evolved, it should withstand my presence without complications for life. If the little star agrees to merge with me, I fulfill her absolutely any wish, and also provide my strength."
- Wish? - Ajax whispered. Stellaron continued with another purple glow
"That's right. Any wish of a little star will be fulfilled regardless of the complexity. I can do a lot of things, including changing reality. I can give a little star the great power to sparkle if she so desires. If the little star wishes, I can demonstrate to her a set of skills to determine her solution."
It sounded like a very tempting deal, but even too tempting. There must be a catch in something. But even so, Ajax wonders what Stellaron can do.
- If I refuse the deal after that, you won't kill me, will you?
Because it seems to Ajax that this thing does not obey the laws of Observers. It's not clear how, but it's clearly powerful.
"It would be counterproductive on my part to kill for a candidate I like. The little star is one of the few who fits, and the one who can change her mind. So if she doesn't agree now, I'll wait until she wants to."
After that, a small childish part named Ajax wanted to find out what is beyond the limits of this world. And... let it hurt, but he wants to know so he agrees.
- Then please show me.
After that , the already happy Stellaron only said
"Then close your eyes little star, let me show you the world of stars"
After that there was only a flash of purple and nothing.