Chapter Text
Once upon a time, there existed two gods, part of the Seven.
One with the power of cryo and another with the power of geo.
The geo god had been ruling over the humans for more than 6000 years and was already tired of such, while the cryo god needed more power to finally set her goals.
The geo god, vastly known as Morax, had such power she needed and so both decided to make a contract:
To fulfill this contract, the cryo god, or better said the Tsaritsa, had to test the city of liyue, and so she decided to send one of her most royal harbingers, to bring up chaos to the place.
What the geo lord did not expect was, now in his new mortal life, befriending such harbinger, he had such strong will, such loyalty, such smile and charmness that the archon couldn’t help but get attached to him
The city was set on trial and the harbinger did his job, when he discovered the true identity of the archon, the harbinger separated from him.
It was not until 6 years later that they could accept their differences and the mistakes of each other, and finally live a happy life together to enjoy themselves.
4 years later, they’d had a son they’d called Gregory, a little treasure for both, this son would be not normal of course, as it was a mix of an archon and a human, and so, his growth wouldn’t be the same as a normal human.
Somewhat this really saddened Ajax, as a mortal, this would mean that he wouldn’t have enough life to raise his son or see him grow.
His husband acknowledged this wish, and together, they’d tried to find a way to make Ajax’s life span longer, for the sake of their little treasure.
And this puts Gregory into the present. A child with a pretty much carefree life, his family was a happy one, most of the times he’d spend time with his mother, who would tell him the incredible histories of the past centuries about beasts and ancient gods, and would dazzle his son with the vast knowledge and curiosities this world could offer.
As for his father, he had always been a strong warrior in search of new horizons since his mother met him, neither marriage nor centuries nor a son himself could stop him from his dangerous and exciting adventures.
After a good long adventure, he always came back home for 2 years or a little more to enjoy the domesticity of marriage life and then after this time, he would be set to wander again (luckily Gregory and his mother had also the opportunity to accompany him in a good amount of his crazy and incredible adventures)
His parents were the best, they were loving, sweet and would provide his son everything he needed so he could grew wise and strong, they’d give him unforgettable experiences so when the time came, he’d have his own history to tell as well. He has had a wonderful childhood that’s for sure
Except for one liiiittle detail…
Gregory was now 310 years old, which means, more than 3 centuries had passed since his father retired from archonhood and since the Tsaritsa achieved his goal.
He doesn't know clearly what happened (some…sort of problem with the heavens or something) but the thing is, that since this incident, the immortal and magical beings of the world have been decreasing significantly as the industry of humanity progressed, that’s what his mother had explained to him.
And what he also knows is that this affects him
Significantly
And personally
You see, as the history above told, Gregory does not age as a normal child. this not only implied that he was semi-immortal but also meant that this fact would change significantly his relations with other people, he hated to admit it, but more than the times he can count in his head he would lost friends because of this, the history would always repeat itself, he would meet a child that would happily play with him and Gregoriy would recognize as friend, time later at some point they’d start to lost interest in playing with this excuse that “they were not little anymore” or that they “didn’t wanted to play those boring games”.
They reached a point in a mere blink of an eye where they were fully grown and just saw Gregory as what he was, a little kid rather than a friend, and with a mere pat on the head they would go away without saying anything else.
His parents were aware of this and always tried to encourage him, every time his father returned home he would try his best to entertain him, play with him, and don't take Gregory wrong, he really enjoyed playing with his dad, he always had the craziest and funniest ideas to play games, like that time they did this competition of fishing, even if his dad let him win, Gregory was really proud of himself for diving into the deep water to get out a squid from there, it was not so big, which made it even more difficult to find and to catch (afterward that day, he’d try to annoy his mom with it and was left with a good scolding).
(Nonetheless, he could see right through the trembling lips of his dad, trying to hide a good wide smile).
But even with a loving family, he always felt he lacked friends, he wanted…to know more people just like him, even if he knew they didn’t existed anymore
Or did they???
10:30 pm
The three of the family were peacefully laid on the bedroom, Ajax claiming the left, Gregory the center and Zhongli the right, this latter using his long tail to bring his family closer to his embrace, it was cozy and warm and it was one of the best things of when his father came back from a long adventure, they could share little and significative moments like this one.
Sadly today, such a thing wouldn’t play well for him.
He would have liked that his father came at least a day behind schedule, so he wouldn’t spend much hassle on the next he was about to do.
Gregory, with a lot of care and patience, changed his form for a smaller and tinier version of a qilin dragon, more like a thin serpent of short length, he had been practicing this adepti art for a good couple of days for the moment of today.
With even more care he proceeded to crawl on his fours to the right edge of the bed, letting his steps light to not be noticed by his mom and more specially, to not be sensed by his dad.
Ajax had always been a light sleeper, with his guard high against any movement near his area, even if he was a little more at ease when they were together as a family, it didn’t make him less dangerous.
Now on the edge of the bed, Gregory leaped down to the wood floor and when he laid on the ground the wooden floor creaked softly and the boy got still, his breath hitched and his little paws got frozen in place, as if he was catched red-handed
He couldn’t see up the bed as his form was too tiny for that, but he could clearly hear movements from the left side of the bed
2 seconds passed, nothing
4 seconds passed, nothing
6 seconds, nothing
Okay, Ajax must be still asleep, Gregory crawled in direction to the door and then raised his head to double check.
Indeed both of his parents were still asleep, Ajax brought Zhongli closer to him, resting the head of his husband on his own chest almost on muscle memory.
The ghost of a smile appeared on his face and Gregory couldn’t help but smile as well.
Now sure his parents were asleep, the little kid passed by the door and cautiously went down-stairs way to the kitchen, there he changed swiftly to his human form, leaving his antlers and tail free, and then opened the oven
The smell was gracious and the presentation of the food looked amazing, and of course, Gregory smiled to himself proudly, looking at his own creation, how couldn't it be? He might not be the best cook but one thing that his mother taught him well was that the presentation when it came to cuisine always mattered to give off a good first impression, Gregory then meticulously took out a fork from one of the nearest drawers to try the contexture giving little pokes to it, it was neither too hard or too soft -perfect- the little kid thought.
With that now checked he got his culinary creation out of the oven and out of another drawer he got the culinary paper to wrap it around, he put everything back in place and with fear of cleaning the fork as the kitchen sink could do great noise, he saved it again where it was placed and with nothing else, he walked to the main door and got out of his house.
He closed the door, and then remembered:
-The keys!!!-
But now, if he had any regrets to mourn for, there was no turning back as he was already out, he looked at the window of the second floor helplessly.
-I suppose i’ll figure out how to get back in later-
And with that he went his way to his destination, carrying his creation in his hands.
A good way up passing through the main road and few blocks ahead, Gregory finally arrived to his destination, the house in front of him was colorful with shades of light green and white to make it highlight, it was pretty big and had two floors, even if the house was as huge as his he still found it surprising, as he knew there was only one person living on such house.
He looked up to the second floor and saw the lights of the windows turned on, he smiled at that and proceeded to knock on the door.
After waiting for a few seconds, a charming man, approximately a head taller than him responded at his call opening the door, his hair was a shade of very dark blue and two braids hanged at the side of his face, the tips of his hair bright cyan as the shade of his eyes, that wrinkled as he smiled at the smaller boy
-Gregory! You did come!! For a second i thought your parents wouldn’t let you -With that he casted a wink at gregory- C’mon C’mon get in get in! It’s pretty cold outside
-Thanks uncle Venti -Gregory smiled grateful and gracious, entering the house with delicacy- I prepared the apple pie that you solicited- With his eyes bright, Gregory crouched to the near mini living room table and unwrapped the pie
-Extra apples? -Venti shoot him a curious look then gazing at what seemed a delicacy in front of him
-Indeed, i am afraid that the pie grew cold because i had to-
-Shh shh! Quiet now! Stop with the pleasantries, you look a lot like your mother in that aspect, if you ask me, this looks and smells amazing, I am sure this wont dissapoint!!
Even if Venti thought that Gregory looked a lot like his mother, it didn’t mean that it was something bad at all.
Venti sprinted to the kitchen to get a knife and a fork
On the contrary, it would be something that really worked in his favor as he sliced a piece of the apple pie. Indeed, it was just as he had thought, a delicacy.
If Gregory was so alike to that stubborn rock of Zhongli, it meant he was also a perfectionist that thought every move of his meticulously for everything to turn out pleasing.
Venti joyfully will take that ability as an advantage this time.
He just hopes that in the future, the boy won’t end up being a workaholic like his Mother.
Venti ate the apple pie pleasantly and Gregory felt fulfilled at the sight of his efforts being well received.
As Venti ate pleased, he remembered why he received the pie, it was not for free of course, as expected from the son of the geo archon.
Gregory looked at Venti expectant and Venti looked back, right, they had a promise or rather a contract that was yet to fulfill
-I thought for a while and…-Venti started, Gregory knowing exactly what he meant- I think I’ll give you the opportunity to make the t-
Before Venti could end his sentence Gregory got up from where he was seated and hollered loudly making little jumps in his spot
-So that’s a yes??? Can i go now?? Can i go now???- the little boy didn’t stop jumping from his spot with a smile from ear to ear, his dragonic tail swaying violently
(Beware Gregory! You are going to end up breaking something!)
Venti smiled at such enthusiasm and charm, even if the boy seemed so proper and grown on a normal basis, he usually lost that educated composure every time he was in front of something that truly overjoyed him, just like his dad.
-Yes yes you can, but not so fast! -Venti yelled with pie still in his mouth, he chewed and swallowed before continuing- There are some rules that you must know before going there -Even if Venti was the god of freedom, it didn’t meant he was reckless– or at least not so much, he was talking about Gregory’s safety of course!
Gregory, just as the good boy he was, sat on the coach of the living room, looking at Venti who was just by side, his gaze showing attention and bright enthusiasm, his tail still wagging happily
-First, I suppose you are already aware that your time here is limited. Got your clock?
-Yes yes I got it, well calibrated.- he got the clock out of his pocket- 11:10 pm shows here, and yes i am fully aware, i have to be before 2:00 here and be at 2:30 am at my house, before my mama gets up- Zhongli, as he is an adeptus doesn’t need too much sleep as the humans, usually on carefree days as this one (as lantern rite was being celebrated), he’d sleep an approximated length of 4 hours, and on the 3 remaining he is left waiting for his husband to get up as he reads or does another activity of leisure. Gregory knows this pretty well (plus, he has to arrive even earlier as he is more likely getting back by the window)
-Okay! Second thing. This is nothing to joke about Gregory, we are dealing with time travel, and because of such, you must do as little changes as possible in the time line, absolutely nothing that would affect fate in the slightest, we will rely a lot on your adeptal capabilities for that, does that sound good to you?
Gregory nodded and right afterwards he changed his original form to a simpler liyuen boy, black hair and light skinned, with light, slanted blue eyes, unable to change their color. He also tried to customize his attire for something well expected for the epoch, according to the books his mom has shown him of course - I’ll go as unnoticed as i shall do a good use of my capabilities- Gregory demanded with one hand in his heart- there is no thing you have to worry about uncle Venti, I’ll make sure this goes smoothly- Gregory has waited a good while for this moment, because sadly for him, he was not born in the epoch of inmortal beings or archons. But with time traveling, he would finally be able to see what couldn’t be seen anymore, what has been forgotten by human society with his two own eyes or even maybe…the thing that he most yearns for.
Finding immortal beings just like him, to be friends with!
(Even if it would be for such short span as mere hours, Gregory happily takes the offer, it only costed him some ingridients for apple pie and some culinary skill after all, the exchange was reasonable in his head)
-Okay good, now, one last thing, as important as the other two.
At this Gregory leans his head to one side to show puzzlement. He thought that those were all the requirements, he had even gotten up from his seat.
-For any situation that presents, you should do your utmost best to avoid Zhongli, understand? By that epoch it was pretty likely to encounter him wandering by the harbor specially in this lantern rite dates, for anything in the world, don’t approach him.
-Avoid Mama? But why is so? I’ll use my adeptal abilities to hide well among-
-Shhh! Nothing of that Gregory, your mom is no person to laid down your guard with, as you by birth carry on his elemental energy, he can spot you very easily- Venti has decided to send gregory 300 years ago, by the time where his mother retired from Archonhood, but of course this date was not set randomly, and he personally decided this date due a certain detail.
And it was Morax.
If he sent Gregory to any epoch where Morax, the geo lord was still active as archon, the boy could be easily spotted due to the power each archon has to sense another god in their territory.
Gregory could be classified as a semi-god by blood, making him enter into such a group, plus Morax would recognize his own elemental energy on the boy…
If it is for any reason in this hyphotetical case those two managed to meet in past and Morax recognizes his own son…
The time-line could end in catastrophy, as it might be something that affects fate itself, they are not sure how Morax would react at such discoverement.
The only thing Venti is sure is that in those times, Zhongli was not even thinking on having kids.
Less with a human.
In the worst case scenario…If Gregory’s apperance changes the perspective of Zhongli, he might not even be born in the future.
It was a good risk to take, Venti is aware, but he is the god of freedom and couldn’t just leave the boy without the experience of knowing more inmortal people aside of himself, plus the boy ended up being curious and attracted to any danger that would appear as a new experience as his father, and stubborn as a rock when some idea dug into his head deeply, just as his mother.
How was he supposed to ignore that?
In any case, now with the actual cards put at place, the Morax’s problem shouldn’t be as grave, as he plans to send the boy to an epoch where his mom has already retired and lost his gnosis, leaving such ability of spotting gods around the place weakened.
Nonetheless, better safe than sorry, so it’s better if Venti warns the boy beforehand.
The boy now with the explanation, just nods, he is quite disappointed, deep in his heart, he would have loved to see how his father was 3 centuries ago…did he change much in 3 centuries? Maybe he was something like how the historians described the ruthless Rex Lapis in the archon wars…
But in any case, he must work with what he has at hand, which is Venti’s offer, even with the restrictions, it keeps being generous.
-I won’t steal more time of yours, i know it’s valuable for you- He looks at the clock hung in his wall, it marks 11:15- It is time for you to get going, if something, you can look for past me- he pauses for a little while, looking at the ceiling as if trying to remember some facts- if i recall well…i must have been near wangshu inn, that famous restaurant at the north entrance of liyue, i must have been enjoying the lantern rite with Xiao by those times! look for me there if anything happens, alright?- He gives a reassuring pat to Gregory in the shoulder, as with his other hand, he gets out a magical flute.
-Alright, I'll have that in mind! - Gregory looks at the shimmering flute as Venti gets prepared to play it.
With no further delay, Venti starts playing a beautiful song with his flute, Gregory feels how the notes seem to flow as the water going down a waterfall, to then end up in void calmness, as the melody starts doing echo…echo…and echo…
When Gregory gets conscious again, he is not on Venti’s house anymore, he finds himself sat on a rock, in the peak of a slope that when one goes down, finds some trees with yellow leaves following a thin brook, if he was trying to make a guess of where he was just by basing off what he knows…
He’d said the place where Venti’s house is held, just 300 years in the past.
He looks up and smiles at the sight of a sky filled with beautiful galaxies and stars, it looks pretty different to the sky he is used to, it’s gorgeous.
If Gregory is right, Venti’s current home is in the North of Liyue, near the borders of Mondstadt, so if he wants to get to the city, he has to be quick and head to the south fast.
It wouldn’t be much of a hassle right? The place is deserted so he shouldn’t have problems using his adepti powers
He transforms into a medium sized dragon and starts heading north in a bolt, the ancient liyue is precious with his imposing mountains full of life and flora, that alongside the several brooks and waterfalls, made it a magical sight.
He kept way south and after some minutes, a figure that seemed familiar appear to appear in sight, such light with beautiful shades of orange and bright yellow, the buildings all decorated to commemorate the new year, alongside beautiful statues full of color representing important figures of Liyue, as the adeptus and long passed gods.
Gregory quickened the pace and as he grew closer, the vivid and delighted chatter of the people started to be heard, the merchants selling trinkets and different sorts of attractive and curious culture items. All restaurants were open and the stores were full as they made amazing discounts on different sorts of products and the drums of celebration were trumming high in the little boy’s ears, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves
It’s a pity that 3 centuries later, the tradition didn’t hold anymore and it’s no longer celebrated so cheerfully as this.
Gregory landed on safe land near some bushes, some meters away from the main entrance of the city to not be noticed
He changed to his NPC-boy form and entered the harbor.
Everything was even better inside the city. Gregory could determine with high detail, the place seemed so endless and so ethereal, the wonders of the place didn’t seem to have a shortage, the next thing to take a glance at was not less wonderful than the last, the little boy took the opportunity to take a glance at everything that catches his attention, the famous historians in the street that Gregory could recognize as authors of famous ancient books, the endless trinkets that were not seen anymore in modern eras, the lanterns above him doing such a wonderful effect above him…but of course one of the things that would most catch his attention were those big statues, stealing the show among the people, with their colorful shades and perfectly made handcraft.
Famous adepti as Cloud retainer and Moon carver were of course worthy of being the protagonists in these sculptures, though of course there was one in specific that immediately catched Gregory’s attention.
One of the biggest of all, a serpentine form drowned in gold and brown shades that glowed on such starred night, those colors alongside the scales carved with deep detail, the mane of the figure and the thick and sharp horns, served for it to look imponent above any other of the creations in the place.
It was obvious that it was the representation of the long passed Rex Lapis.
An inexplicably big smile showed on Gregory’s face, a warmness filling his heart, he felt so proud that his mother was being remembered with such dearness.
But as he looked at the statue he knew he was not the only one staring at it, and obviously he wouldn’t be right? There were lots of people in the place, and yet…
Curiosity won over Gregory and he felt inclined to turn his head to look at the much taller man by his side just for his eyes to go wide.
A man, just as expected, was looking at the statue, but yet there was such…sadness in his blue lightless eyes?
Gregory understood it completely, that grief in his eyes, that mourn, even nostalgia
Such a gaze was unmistakable on his father.
Ajax, ever so watching, felt the presence of the little boy and turned his head, down to just find that little fellow looking lost at him
Gregory got completely still as the immovable rocks of guyun stone forest, Ajax was looking at him with lightless eyes just as the void of the deepest ditch of the ocean and before he could say anything, Gregory started running.
To where? He doesn’t know, he just wants to get out of Ajax’s sight and go as far as he can as the words of Venti’s warning started to knock his head
He had his adepti attire on and yet, by his father’s gaze, he felt the harbinger had seen right through him somehow
Even if he told Venti there was nothing to worry about, as nobody could recognize him, at that moment, just before his father, he started doubting himself.
Gregory ran across the people, stumbling on some in the way as he was being awarded with angry shouts.
When the boy stopped running he was by the harbor, the breeze of the ocean kissing his cheeks. At the end of this harbor there was a boat, three kids playing happily with some wooden swords
Gregory’s eyes lighted up and approached them.
They were really friendly, seeing a new friend wanted to join their play, the boys introduced themselves: fei, meng and lulu
The three were really fun, coming up with creative ideas to play, pretending being pirates was super fun!! Meng would be the captain of the tripulation and lulu were to be his most trustworthy companion while fei and Gregory were to be the villains with the goal of destroying their tripulation! Imagining the whole adventure was truly an experience, in his more than 3 centuries of life, he has never gotten tired of this kind of play (not even when he got thrown out of the ship to the ocean water by accident).
After some minutes of fun playing, the three kids were called by his parents to go back, the three of them were quite disappointed about it, but nonetheless asked Gregory if he could play tomorrow.
He sadly knew he couldn’t, so with a sad smile, he told the guys he was traveling and wouldn’t be staying for long, but nonetheless it was good playing with them.
When the children got away from him, Gregory took his watch out of his pocket, it marked 11:40, good, he still had a good amount of time.
Afterwards, Gregory’s stomach rumbled, he was hungry for all the playing and the walking he had to do for the last hour, all of the sudden he regretted not having gotten a taste of the apple pie he had given Venti earlier.
A distinctive smell got to the boy’s nostrils accentuated by the hunger he was feeling, he followed the smell from road to road, only for it to end in a restaurant, as expected. It read in liyuen language “wanmin restaurant”.
The name rang a bell in the boy's mind! Even in his epoch the restaurant is really famous in the country and further beyond it to foreign places, known especially by his original cuisine, that merged the most unorthodox ingredients together to make the most amazing delicacies.
The boy without thinking as much, approached to the counter of the restaurant, looking how a little orange bear no more than half of Gregory’s body tall and a young girl with an interesting haircut that resembled bear ears, worked without rest, attending countless of customers with dishes that not only smelled amazing, but looked amazing.
His stomach kept on rumbling, eager to have a taste of such amazing food, but he didn’t carry with himself any money…and even if he did, the currency of his time wouldn’t serve useful.
-You look hungry kiddo- A voice that rung a bell on Gregrory’s consciousness said
Just as last time, Gregory grew still as he hadn’t sensed the man coming, and slowly turned his head to meet the gaze of Ajax, his father.
Again, twice in less of an hour
There was no escape this time, nonetheless, Ajax didn’t seem to look suspiciously at Gregory in any way
-I…well…-He muttered, but before his mind could work on any sentence, his stomach rumbled again. No, no escape this time, he’d have to face his father this time.
-Miss Xiangling!! Hello there!, I’d like to have two dishes served on my behalf…not anything fancy this time, just two simple special’s of the house
-Alright! Coming right away for a special customer as you! - Xiangling said, laying a couple their order on the table, ready to head to the kitchen once again
Ajax invited the boy with a hand gesture to a nearby table that was available, and before Gregory could say anything else, he just sat at the table, right in front of his father. It was a curious sight, his father didn’t had the sadness gaze he had before but something felt…off, as if he was trying somehow to get with those sad thoughts away
Gregory just keeps still, nervous as he can’t rely on himself to keep his adepti form. He could keep any form as much time as he wished, the problem came when he got nervous or experienced any strong emotion in general, he’d usually lost control and go back to his original form.
Yet one thing that his mother has taught him, is to keep a good composure
-I saw you earlier in the street- Ajax started, trying to break the ice with the little boy- You ran away kinda stiffly, did i scared you? Even if it seems like so, i don't bite - He sent a warm smile to the boy, teasing him, but at the same time feeling a little guilty
-N-not at all, you didn’t scare me it’s just- He came to a halt lost of words- I just got startled out of nowhere, I apologize I didn't mean to be disrespectful– Oh wait! I wouldn’t like you to consider buying food for me if it is that I made you feel guilty earlier for sca-
-No worries, no worries, all good!! You know? For being such a small kid, you surely ended up being quite the talker- He chuckled, quite surprised at the elaborate apology the little boy was making.- Let’s start our introductions in a more…proper way, does that sound good to you? - He leaned his right hand to the boy, ready to do a friendly handshake of introduction, of course as rule of courtesy, the boy received it and they shook hands
-You can call me Childe, I am a traveler that came right from snezhnaya, what about you? Your name is…?
Gregory looked attentively at Childe in the eyes, still the weariness and nervousness not wearing off him -Ajax.- The boy said, without thinking of what he was saying at all, more worried that his tone of voice didn’t sound as shaky as it truly was.
Childe looked confused at him, his eyes with a hint of surprise, the boy had the same name as his?! Well– that’s really surprising, Ajax is not a common name.
The stupidity Gregory had just said dawned on himself with his father’s gaze and he tried his best on correcting himself - Ajax, my name is Ajax. I am not from Liyue. I am a traveler too- he then stopped the handshake and Childe scoffed at him, chuckling at how stiff and nervous the poor boy looked.
-A pretty name you got there - Childe reached a hand to pat the little boy in the head- It is the name of a great hero famous in my homeland, did you know that?
Gregory relaxed a little more at his father’s gesture, feeling a little bit more familiar - Is that so?? I didn’t know that at all, I would like to hear the history - Gregory is lying, he has heard of that history not once nor twice, probably countless of times, but actually, Gregory couldn’t ever get tired of it, his two parents were the best history-tellers of the world, that is something that Gregory could assure if it is that anyone ever asked such.
-Well, you see, there was this hero…- Ajax started his history telling, a hint of what seemed faint light in his eyes. He would sometimes try to act out scenes with his own hand gestures, so the little boy could understand, making everything more alive in the little’s eyes
They remained a good while like this, Ajax telling the history and the boy making his own interventions with his opinions or reactions, he didn’t feel as distressed anymore of being discovered, and rather than worrying about such, he focused on his father’s voice and the amazing history before him.
Meanwhile, a boy with a floating fairy were passing by, the boy had long blonde hair tied up with a thick braid, and an assortment of clothes that were not from Liyue, while the fairy was the most curious thing, dressed in white with a blue cape and a floating crown.
Gregory could kind of identify them, the travelers! They appeared on one of his mother histories, he would tell Gregoru how they helped on the rite of descension on Liyue, as well as other problems in other nations such as the problems with the akademiya in sumeru, or the war conflict in inazuma.
He was such a legend, with a kind soul eager to help others, it was amazing really, especially for the patience that boy must bear with him, helping the whole Teyvat just in exchange of a chance that there was someone out there able to help him.
-Oh look Aether! Isn’t that Childe over there??-the fairy said, pointing at their direction, as Aether looked, a expression of surprise formed on his face and somehow…of weariness too
Childe got up from his seat and went to greet them -Oh traveler, Paimon, such a coincidence seeing you here- his tone was the one of non-chatalancy, but gregory still felt his uneasiness inside him
-Hmm…yes good to see you here too- Aether answered, uneasily -And…why are you here exactly?-
-Why the question? Is it that I can't have a stroll on Liyuen streets? It’s festivities after all, I just wanted to…relax the mind
The traveler didn’t stop his suspicious glare at him
Childe knew what the traveler was thinking, yes yes the incident that had happened approximately 2 years ago, he must be suspicious of any…new plotting the fatui might have on this land
Good for the traveler that was not the case. Childe was not here on behalf of the fatui or on behalf of anyone. The problem was that Childe was just in Liyue because he felt like so, maybe it was that he missed the merchants around the street? The chatter of the people? The warmness of the land? He really didn’t know why was in Liyue actually…
Or maybe he didn’t wanted to acknowledge it
Maybe…he just wanted to meet with certain person…talk with them again, maybe ask them how have they been, and perhaps, just perhaps they could–
Childe tried to shut those thoughts, why would he worry about such a thing? Any– personal dealing he had 2 years ago was meaningless at this point, life goes on, Childe is positive of that.
But it is not as if he would tell the traveler or anyone, at all, about that certain delicate subject.
Childe merely responded with the most innocent smile he had at his disposal, not letting Aether’s glare change his mind.
Looking at this, Gregory decided to finally get up from his seat and appear behind Childe, the traveler and Paimon gazed down and the little boy
-Oh! But how rude of me- Exclaimed Childe- This is…Ajax, a little friend of mine, we were dining together just a while ago before you two arrived, right? -He looked at Gregory with a shiny smile and then, a little shily, Gregory waved at both
-Ajax, this is the traveler and Paimon, don’t know if you have heard of them but they are really popular in the area and reaaaally good fighters! They are good comrades of mine.
-Oh Ajax, It’s a pleasure to meet you!- Paimon waved back at the boy and so did Aether, smiling warmly at the boy
Well, with that Aether’s weariness has gone down, good for Childe.
Now that the awkward mood has gone down between Childe and the traveler, Paimon gets her opportunity to speak -By the way Childe, we were having some fun with some friends of ours! There is going to be a lot of music and rap battles…Hu tao, yun jin, xiangling and more people are coming! Oh! I also heard that there is a possibility that chongyun and xingqiu show up! The only one that will be absent seems to be Zhongli…he said he had some things to sort out, a pity. - At this Childe’s eyes seemed to light up, he wouldn’t have to deal with any…uncomfortable situations- either way, it is going to be cool! How about if you two come with us??
-Well i suppose it would be okay…- said the traveler, slowly more convinced- You don’t seem to be going here for more trouble
-Hm, doesn't sound bad for me!- Childe then looked at Gregory for approbation- What do you think buddy? Are you free? Do your parents let you?
Gregory found the last question a little funny, of course you would! And let out a little giggle -Yes they do!! I just have to be back at my home before…2 am or so, I have time!
With that the 4 sailed out to the shores of Liyue harbor where the event was going to sort out, from that moment, as Gregory saw it, the night really started for him, everything was really fun and there were some musical talents in the place! Xinyan’s music, specially. Gregory was completely amazed by the fact that someone in this epoch was already developing a genre as it is the rock, something truly unique.
There were also some candies for everyone and a good fire to tell histories, and when the clock marked 1 am, they decided to light up their own Xiao lanterns to commemorate the festival.
Gregory’s mother had told him about this tradition of Xiao lanterns, one could ask for a wish to come true and write on the lantern, then you would let the lantern float high high to the sky, and your wish could come true.
Everyone had started writing their own wishes (You couldn’t tell the wishes, by the way! They were secrets) and Gregory decided to write his own, and just as he got the paper with the brush with ink he–
Ah.
Ah
He remembered, he remembered that once you let your lantern float, the geo archon would be the one to let your wish come true.
Wouldn’t that mean his mom would hear his wish??
How bad could that be? What would happen? Either way, Gregory was not the one to try that and leave it at luck, better safe than sorry, so with a hint of disappointment, he placed his lantern away, the paper with a single stain of ink, showing Gregory’s regret as he had already started writing.
-Something wrong?- Asked Childe beside them, who curiously, decided to not light up a lantern either, with the excuse that he didn’t had anything to wish for
Gregory doubts that to be honest.
-No, it’s nothing, is just that i…forgot what i was about to wish- He tried to look and sound carefree, though what he had just said lacked of credibility
Childe also had his doubts to be honest.
-Hm, i see…- Good he didn’t push any further, well, it's not as if he was in the position to do so anyway.
Everyone lit up their lanterns, making a beautiful sight in the sky with the rest of the lanterns of Liyue harbor. The sight would never end up being dazzling.
-Everything was so fun this evening!- Said Paimon, finishing almost half of the bowl of groceries Xiangling had made for everyone- Didn’t know you were that good at rhyming Hu tao!-- even if they were a little…odd and dark
-You think so paimon? I have a really good style, right? -The girl chuckled.
They chatted for a while longer, about anything and everything, such as Yun Jin's performance for the opera the next day, or mundane things as their experiences of the rite of the year.
-Oh by the way!- Hu tao exclaimed- Zhongli said he must be finishing up his stuff by this hour…I invited him to have dinner, Xiangling and xingqiu already knew this and are coming! Would anyone else like to accompany us?
The traveler, Chongyun and Xinyan accepted the invite eagerly, Yun jin couldn't go because she had to practice her performance…pity.
As for Gregory and Childe…
-I think i won’t be able to go…i am really full for another round of food you know- Childe chuckled, helplessly, no, he didn’t want to see Zhongli.
-Awn, pity- Xiangling shook her head helplessly- What about you Gregory? Would you like to come with us?
All the attention turned to him and ah, he didn’t know how to decline the proposal.
Those mere seconds of everyone looking at him, he tried desperately to find a good white lie.
-Uuuh…I-i am not sure if my parents would let me…haha, i’ve been all this while with P- Mr. Childe, I don’t think my parents would be so…uuh…reliant. I think it's better if I stay with him- Gregory gave them a wry smile.
Certainly this had inconsistencies, in their eyes, it wouldn’t be like…”Ajax” parents would know Childe; for him to be described as a “reliant” person, Childe knew this but decided to stay quiet.
-Not you either?? Well, I suppose that makes sense, Ajax parents don't know us, they’d probably get worried- Paimon seemed understanding at least.
They bid a last farewell, and Gregory kept on the company of his father.
They kept on that beach, looking at the calm waves of the sea that reflected the bright light of the lanterns already high on the sky.
-You should have gone, you know? They will probably do more interesting things than…well, staying here- Murmured Childe, his gaze somewhere lost in the waves
-I don’t think i agree, we could search to do something interesting…hmmm…what about that island in front of us?- He points at Guyun stone forest, yes he is aware that is the cemetery of liyuen gods but…they are thoroughly dead, his mother had told him a lot of histories of the place and doesn’t sound that dangerous.
-Do you want to go there? I heard some people were planning on doing an event there…hmm…
Both looked at each other, Gregory with a big smile on his face.
Childe answered with his own mischievous smile.
With that, they went through Guyun, expectant to any event they might encounter there.
Something somewhat alike to what seemed like a ring met them in front, it was smaller than a conventional one, made out of wood that didn’t seem in the best state, also, there were some people playing with what looked somewhat to be …beetles? It was an interesting sight
Gregory and Childe decided to join the event to see what was about
A girl called Changchang greeted them and told them about onikabuto fighting, it was a quite unique style to fight.
Changchang told them that it was a game that came from Inazuma and a guy called itto had introduced to all the people in the place the game (he was not present, sadly).
With Changchang’s instructions and uncle Tian present, they both catched the game with ease, and even if uncle Tian was good at explaining the game but not in the practice in matter, alongside another adventurers they had a lot of fun together
Time surely passes quickly for the little boy
A girl, green haired with quite the interesting mask on, appeared suddenly quite on the rush.
Another girl among the crowd approached her, she had curly pink hair that made her light aquamarine eyes stand out.
They hadn’t played with her but her name was Yanfei
-Something wrong Kuki? You look quite on the rush…- Yanfei asked a little startled
-Ugh! I don’t know what was on my mind when I let itto do this event on this place! I knew this wouldn’t turn up for good, I should have known better…
Yanfei’s gaze looked concerned - What happened this time? Another problem with the expenses? If you require i can–
-WORSE! This place is dangerous, Yanfei! I was just informed that–
Before Kuki could end his sentence, a loud tremor started, little pieces of rock started to fall from the higher mountains, as various ruin guards, 4 in total, stood up in synergy, Gregory grew with no words, they were so big, probably 4 times his size or more.
-Ley line abnormalities were common spot of the island
Before he could read the whole situation around him, Childe summoned his hydro daggers and tried to call all the robots to the same place, near the shore to the farthest point from the peoplek
-Come after me bastards!!- he shouted so loud that it seemed for the whole island
It was dangerous, really dangerous, the people started running the opposite direction to the open stone gate that lead to the main point of the island.
Gregory stood between both scenes, unsure of what to do.
A ruin guard tried to jump to Childe’s direction, he with ease dodged him, leaping to his left to find a second ruin guard aiming missiles at him
-What are you waiting for Ajax?!?! RUN AWAY, NOW!- Childe jumped and went straight to the Ruin guard that was trying to hit him with the misiles, aiming for his eye, their weak point.
Gregory with this order did as he was told and went to catch up with the others
Just to find more bad news.
Another 4 ruin guards stood up, blocking the exit of the people, kids and adventurers took slow steps behind…entering again through the gate
Gregory looked at his back, Childe was parrying and blocking every single of their moves, he had one down already, and now was aiming for the second. He nimbly switched to his bow to hit them with a few hydro arrows, with the goal of making himself and opening to strike
He looked in front again, to the other 4 ruin guards, everything seemed in such slowed motion…
The first ruin guard of that second batch prepared to attack, swung his body once, twice, thrice.
At the desperate screams in his back Childe looked, astonished to see another 4 robots active
-What the-
He passes down the legs of the ruin guard he was facing, blocking the attacks of the other two with the same body of such ruin guard.
With that were two down.
Childe prepared for that familiar-but-not-so-pleasant sensation of electro running across his fingertips, merging with his own vision to create an electro-charged reaction.
And without more hesitation, in a bolt, he approached the rotary ruin guard and merged his two daggers in one lance to strike down.
Only to be surprised.
Gregory activated a shield on the people around and ln himself, and with a pulse of geo, crushed the ruin guard system making him fall on the ground
Childe was left gawking
5 more to go
Kuki seeing the scene, ordered everyone to hide on behind a rock of nearby, and Gregory seeing the scene, called the ruin guads to the opposite side, just as his father had done earlier
3 ruin guards prepared missiles to hit them both, Gregory approached his father and made an unevenness on the ground, a good amount of ground now way higher than normal to protect both, as he was afraid his shields wouldn’t last as much
With this tremor the ruin guards lost equilibrium, giving Childe an opening to change once again to his bow and charge arrows aiming to the ruin guards’ eye
He managed to send 3 fast arrows in that span of time, fueled with electro and hydro, strong enough to send a electric shock that would end with their circuits
Two ruin guards fell to the ground, he could have killed 3 if he hadn’t missed that blow, damn, he needed practice with bow
3 left
Gregory got his opportunity and before the tremor shaked all that area, he merged his own elemental energy to create three amazing dragons that glowed like gold in the light of the moon like the sun itself
They were made of dust, geo dust, allowing himself to do any shape he desired. Quite the creative way to merge his two parents’ fighting style.
The three dragons leaped to one of the ruin guards, two aimed for the legs of the ruin guard while one went straight the head, and started coiling like serpents
The other two ruin guards started running straight forward to both of them, to dodge, gregory took the right while Childe the left.
Now out of their reach, Childe accumulated enough electro energy in and summoning a thunderbolt, he calculated the exact time to get above both ruin guards now that they were running in synergy
Gregory on the other side, accumulated more geo energy, sending little tremors to the ground
Gregory looked at Childe on the other side of the field. Childe stared back.
Sharing the same idea, at the same time, they attacked, releasing their energy. Childe threw himself in engulfing lighting to both ruin guards
While that, Gregory sent an impact tremor, making the ruin guard that he had captive with his three dragons explode with the pressure that this ones were exercising on it.
2 left
Childes' impact alongside the tremor, finished the other two, killing them in that same instant.
The dust filled that little part of the island, Childe looked around, the people started getting out of their hiding spot.
One of the ruin guards laid with no head on the ground, all cables and mechanism scattered around the floor, it was Gregory’s doing. Wow
The boy was panting heavily, the sandals that he had on earlier now damaged, leaving the kid literally bare foot, Childe could see the bruises in his little feet, poor boy…
-Is…is anyone…injured? -Gregory asked with concern, his voice a little cracked and tired
All the crowd stared at him, speechless
All the place was silent, all the attention on Gregory, everyone looked surprised.
Childe was confused, the kid had asked them a question and everyone stared at him like stupid, it was not until he himself turned himself to the boy, to find himself also gawking
The boy in front of him had a pair of antlers coming from his head, but it was not any pair of antlers that any other specie in Teyvat could have
Any person in the whole Liyue could recognize that sight, and whose antlers were those.
Childe, even if he was not liyuen, could take the hint too.
Such a curved shape that started rounded to end in a pointy tip. From the root, the antler was a brownish yellow, just to end in the tip with bright shimmering gold.
-Is…is there something wrong?- The boy asked again, worried as he looked at their faces
It was not until he checked in detail where all the people were staring to.
He deliberately touched his head, only to find his antlers resting on top.
The boy goes completely still, the words that he had told Venti luring in his head dangerously
“There is nothing to worry about, i shall make good use of my adeptal capabilities!”
Gregory was not able to hold his abilities, he got carried away by the battle, even if he still had his npc boy-disguise on, the antlers were enough give away.
He, in the slowliest pace looked at this father, who was at his left
Just by seeing the gaze of Childe, as stunned as the rest, Gregory realized the big problem he had gotten himself into.
Oh no.