Chapter Text
The air smelled of the sea and the sounds of crashing waves filled his ears. As the wind picked up, it carried some of the seawater into the air. It gently splattered across Ajax's face who stood at the head of the boat he was currently aboard on. He could see the shoreline that led into Sumeru city. Various people were working at the docks preparing for his boat that was arriving.
Having spent what felt like an eternity at sea, Ajax’s eyes drank in the sight of Sumeru, a stark contrast to the endless expanse of the ocean he'd just traversed. The boat slowly sailed in and came to a stop at the front of the dock. Workers came aboard to help them unload and secure the boat in place. Ajax took to his own and walked down the plank onto the wooden dock.
“Master Childe,” someone called which made him turn around. It was Akira, one of his recruits who sailed here with him. “I have arranged to have your things sent to your rented room that was ordered by the Tsaritsa.”
Ajax offered her a small smile while nodding, “thank you. Much obliged.”
She nodded her head as she turned to order a few other recruits on their duties. Ajax decided to take a moment to walk into the city before he needed to attend to the Fatui business he was sent here to take care of.
However, his sea legs still hadn’t adjusted to the now solid surface and he found himself slightly stumbling over his own footing. It took him a while before he could finally walk without looking like he had downed three bottles of Fire Water prior to getting off the boat.
The streets of Sumeru were lively and full of people. There were various people selling food, clothing, artwork, toys, and even musical instruments. This was the first time he had ever seen Sumeru with his own eyes and not from a picture.
Maybe he could buy some things to bring to his siblings. He’s sure Teucer would love a new toy. He hadn’t been able to send him a new one since the Mr. Cyclops he sent a few months ago. As he walked he checked his mora pouch to see how much wiggle room he had. He tried not to bring too much in order to not overspend on gifts.
However, he stopped walking when he heard the sound of his stomach rumbling. A lady and her daughter glanced at him as they walked past. He offered them a nervous laugh along with an awkward wave.
Come to think of it, he hadn’t eaten since breakfast so it made sense he was hungry. Guess the excitement of finally arriving at Sumeru got to him. Ajax took a glance around and noticed a small cafe across the street. He made his way over to the door and grabbed the handle. He walked in and let the door slowly close behind him.
After a simple glance around the cafe, he only saw a few occupants inside. There was what looked to be a couple in the corner of the cafe, a man reading some kind of paper by himself at another table. A young girl with whom he assumed was her grandfather that was accompanying her. There was a small slice of cafe half-eaten beside her while there was a steaming cup of coffee beside the older gentleman. It reminded him of his siblings whenever he would bake for them.
He glanced over his shoulder and saw someone else in the corner of the cafe. However, Ajax was unable to see their face due to their hat blocking them. It was a big hat that he had never seen before. He wondered where they could’ve gotten it from. However, it was clear they didn’t wish to be disturbed by their body language.
Ajax went up to the counter where a young woman was working. He offered her a smile before glancing at the menu that hung behind her. He decided on a cup of coffee and a muffin to keep him satisfied until dinner. He should also try to remember to grab something for his recruits.
He paid the lady in full and even left her a tip for her service. She handed him his items and he took a seat by a column. Ajax wasn’t the biggest fan of coffee but he wanted something to energize him for the next few hours.
He gently blew on the steaming liquid before raising it to his lips. Ajax took a sip and felt its contents warm his tongue before swallowing. He slowly munched on his muffin while getting lost in his thoughts. He thought over what the Tsaritsa had said to him before he had left for Sumeru.
Sumeru had recently replaced all their heads at the Akademia which meant that any previous relations the Fatui had with them was gone. Dottoree had been sent to wrap things up the best he could but even the Tsartisa agreed that if they wanted to be on good terms with the Akademia again they needed a more…friendly face. Thus Ajax was sent to meet with them and establish a new relationship.
Ajax raised his cup to his lips one last time as he finished his coffee. However, when Ajax took a small glance up he found that stranger with the weird hat staring at him. He choked on his drink when their eyes made eye contact. He quickly placed the cup down as he coughed, pounding his fist against his chest and trying to clear his throat.
However, when he glanced back up the stranger was gone. He heard the soft sounds of bells before the front door shut. Making him believe that the stranger had left. He shook his head before standing up. Did he know that guy? A shiver ran down his spine as he almost felt like he knew that glare. He shook his head before leaving another tip on the table as he grabbed his things before heading out.
Ajax glanced at the time before he had left which told him he was on time so far. As he walked the streets once more he overheard a few people talking about a show tonight. Apparently, there was going to be dancers performing.
“I heard Nilou is supposed to perform tonight. It’s been a while since she’s been back on stage,” he overheard a girl say. He had no idea who this dancer was but it seemed her work spoke for itself.
“What time?’ the other girl asked.
“Nine pm.”
Huh, maybe if he finished his work early he could go but he needed to pick up some food for his recruits first.
-
After meeting with the new heads of the Akademia and countless introductions to all of them. Ajax found his feet almost giving out beneath him. He was heading toward the apartment he was staying at when he remembered the show that was happening tonight. He could spare another hour, right?
He quickly walked the streets but found it almost impossible to figure out where this show was supposed to be happening. But that’s when he realized he never even heard the name of it, how was he supposed to figure out where it was?
Ajax noticed a man tending to his flowers and decided to ask him.
“Excuse me, sir,” he spoke gently. “I’m visiting for work and I heard about a show happening but I didn’t hear where. Do you know where it’s supposed to be? I heard a performer named Nilou would be there if I remember correctly.”
The man turned to face him with a smile, “yes, the show is called Twirling Shadows. It’s being held at Zubayr Theatre. It’s a fundraiser for the Akademia.” The man explained. “You can follow the lanterns that way.”
He said as he pointed behind Ajax. Ajax glanced over his shoulder and saw the street decorated with various lanterns that led in one direction.
Ajax quickly thanked the man before following the lights just like he said. It led him to a door that opened by itself as he walked up to it. The path led downwards slightly but he could hear the sounds of music, talking, and laughter. He continued his descent downwards, coming to a stop to take a better look around. There was a large stage in the center of the room and below it sat a band. Their music filled the room making it that much more livelier.
“Ugh,” he heard someone scoff. “What’s so great about Snezhnaya toys anyway?”
Ajax froze and glanced over his shoulder to see two men at a stand. They were selling what looked to be some toys of their own he'd never seen before. He decided to bite his tongue and continue walking.
As he continued walking he heard the sound of a higher pitched voice coming from his left. Whoever was talking was scolding someone else.
“You need to put yourself out there,” the voice explained. “I know it’s not comfortable for you to be around others but this approach won’t work.”
Ajax turned to look over to his left and saw a very short girl with white hair pulled into a ponytail. She had what looked to be some kind of leaf hair accessory holding it in place. In front of her stood that same guy with the hat from the cafe.
He was here? What are the odds of running into this stranger twice within less than twenty-four hours?
The man’s back was towards Ajax as he had his arms crossed. He looked visibly tense as the duo stood at a stand of their own. Theirs had various dolls that looked handmade. They were beautiful with painted faces and each one had its own unique clothing and hair. Come to think of it, Ajax still hadn’t picked up anything for his siblings yet.
He was sure Tonia would love one. Ajax checked his mora pouch before walking over. The white-haired girl noticed him first and glanced around the stranger to wave at him.
He waved back, “hello, I hope I’m not intruding.”
As soon as he spoke he noticed the stranger's shoulders stiffen. The white-haired girl glanced at the guy, clearly trying to beckon him to turn around, and with clear reluctance the man did.
Ajax was immediately met with beautiful, indigo eyes. His hat casted a shadow over his face which made some of his features a bit harder to see. He stood in a pair of dark shorts with a dark undershirt that was beneath a white tunic with a hint of blue.
“What are you doing here?” The man asked which earned him a glare from the smaller female.
“Wanderer,” the girl said sternly.
That led to the man sighing in annoyance before uncrossing his arms. With a roll of his eyes, their gazes met once again.
“How can I help you?” Wanderer pushed out between his teeth. There was something in that look that felt off. It almost felt like he was looking right through Ajax. That gaze felt…familiar. Just like back at the cafe, it felt like he had seen that look before.
Ajax smiled nervously as he wiped his hands off on his pants. He wasn’t sure why he did it–he was wearing gloves.
“Yeah, uhh, did you make these?” He asked while pointing to the shelf. “I was just wondering how much one of them is. I was hoping to get it for my sister,” Ajax explained.
Wanderer gave him a glare that he couldn’t understand. Had he said something offensive? Had he done something wrong? Should have not approached them? Just when Ajax was about to apologize and take his leave Wanderer spoke.
“Five hundred mora.”
Ajax blinked down at the man whose voice remained sharp as he repeated the price.
“What?” Wanderer asked, “that too much?”
Ajax shook his head quickly as he reached for his mora pouch, “no, no. Not at all. I was actually thinking it’s a bit low.”
He reached into his pouch and pulled out the more, placing it in Wanderers' awaiting hand. However, he quickly took note of how much he had been given.
“Hey, this isn’t five hundred. This is two thousand mora, can you not count?”
Ajax chuckled, “I can but five hundred for work like this is insanely low. If you want, I can give you more.”
As Ajax reached into his pouch again Wanderer quickly put up his hands, shaking his head. “That won’t be necessary just,” he paused. “Take the one you want.”
Ajax nodded with a smile as he walked over to the shelf that displayed all of the dolls. He was curious to know how much time each one took but it was clear he was pushing his luck with this guy. He didn’t seem like the talkative type. Ajax's gaze ran over the dolls until they stopped on one with brown hair that reached its shoulders. It had green eyes and a simple but elegant green dress that matched. It looked similar to a character in a book he used to read to Tonia before bed.
He picked up the doll carefully before turning to the man and the girl once again.
“I’ll take this one, please.”
Wanderer took the doll from him and gently wrapped it in paper to make sure it stayed safe on his trip home. As he did that Ajax continued to look at the other items he made. None were the same and they all had their own unique features. It really helped give a variety to choose from.
What was it that man said earlier about this show? That it was a fundraiser for the Akademia? Ajax wondered how this guy managed to agree to such a thing. He didn’t really seem like the type who’d care for something like that.
“Here.”
Ajax turned to see Wanderer holding the now-wrapped doll out to him. He took it from his hand before saying his thanks. Ajax wanted to leave but there was something about those eyes that kept him in place. This Wanderer felt so familiar. Why couldn’t he walk away?
“Um,” Ajax cleared his throat. “Sorry to ask but your name. Where did it come from?”
Wanderer's eyes widened slightly at his comment. Wanderer wasn’t sure why he was asking this and he wanted nothing more than to tell him to get lost, but with Nahida with him, he knew she would reprimand him if he said anything harsh.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve had many names. Wanderer is just what I go by now.”
Ajax tilted his head at him but didn't question it, “okay, well it was nice to meet you, Wanderer. And?” He asked as he turned to look at the smaller human beside him.
“You may call me Nahida.”
He nodded, “my name is Childe. It was nice meeting both of you.” He bowed his head before turning to leave. As he walked away he heard Nahida speaking to Wanderer. Due to the music and chatter around him, he could only pick up a few words. Things like “you should’ve” and “we’ll discuss it later.” He hoped he didn’t cause any issues between the two of them.
Ajax decided to look around a bit more before the show started. He picked up a few more gifts for his siblings and ended up needing to get a bag to carry them all. He tossed the bag over his shoulder while an announcement played telling everyone that the show was about to begin. Everyone gathered around the stage to watch as the dancers took their places, forming a line across the stage. Music began to play throughout the hall that the dancers followed.
They moved in beat and unison with the music and with each other. Ajax quickly took note of how quickly they were on their feet. To be honest, they’d be great fighters with how good their footwork is. He can’t remember the last time he was able to do any kind of performance since he had been stuck traveling for work.
“Here she comes,” a man beside him said. As soon as those words left his mouth, a girl dressed in blue and shining red hair took to the stage. She moved gracefully and confidently, her headpiece flowing elegantly behind her. Her backups took a step back to give her more room but continued following her moves. Was this the dancer everyone had been talking about? Nilou?
She easily changed her moves to match the tempo of the music. She twirled before bending down and extending her arms forward. The stage pulsed with vibrant energy as the music echoed through the room. Bodies moved in perfect syncopation, each step a graceful expression of freedom and joy. The air tingled with an electric atmosphere where inhibitions faded away and pure euphoria took center stage.
As the music came to a close the dancers' movements slowed before they took their final bows. The crowd cheered and applauded for them. Ajax watched as the dancers all turned to talk amongst one another, most likely complimenting their dance. The crowd slowly dispersed into smaller groups as people regrouped with their friends and family.
A simple glance at the time told Ajax he was late to brief his recruits on their duties for tomorrow morning. He gripped the bag over his shoulder tightly as he turned to leave. He made his way out of the performance hall to head back to them. His recruits are staying in the same apartment complex as Ajax but in separate rooms.
Once he arrived he quickly gathered his recruits to tell them that he would be meeting with the Akademia again tomorrow to discuss some future plans between them and the Fatui. He also informed them of their jobs for tomorrow and that he expected them to be done by the time he returned.
After he finished talking with his recruits he headed to his room for some much-needed rest. He placed his bags of gifts on a chair by the desk. He removed his coat along with his mask, earring, and chest strap. As he reached into his front pocket he felt something. He pulled out a small red bag, it almost looked the same color as his collared shirt.
When he opened the bag he found exactly one thousand, five hundred mora inside of it. His eyes widened when he realized it could have only been one person to do such a thing.
Wanderer.
Ajax was trying to figure out how he had managed to slip this into his pocket without him noticing.
Well however he did it, he needed to find him in order to return it but he could worry about that tomorrow.