Chapter Text
If there was something Wanderer hated it was researchers. There are very few exceptions but for the most part he hates them. But talking to a Spantamad guy really started to make him consider if anyone would notice if this guy just…. Vanished.
“Stay in your own line of study. Do you find yourself better than your peers, boy? Just because the archon picked you to represent your Darshan, doesn’t mean you need to start stealing from other Darshans!” The man said.
Wanderer closed the book he was trying to read. “Look, I am just trying to do research for a project I was put on in my spare time. I am not here to make you feel bad about your lack of Akademic achievements.”
The Spantamad researcher looked like an angry tomato. But apparently he wasn’t the only one Wanderer had pissed off. “He’s right, stay in your line! The Akademiya has sections for a reason.” A scholar stated.
“Are you suggesting segregation? And I thought people have moved on from that.” Alhaitham said from another table as he was reading.
The Spantamad researcher replied. “That is not what it means and you know it.”
Alhaitham looked up from his book, “Do I?”
The two researchers huffed and walked away. “This isn’t the last you’ll hear from me. Inazumian reject!”
“Inazumian reject? Sounds like a band.” Cyno said as he walked in.
Wanderer rolled his eyes as Alhaitham got up and left. ”Are you two watching me in shifts?”
“Well, if you had a very important Prince walking around the Akademiya who had a habit of angering every scholar in a ten mile radius what would you do?” Cyno asked.
Wanderer glared. “Don’t say that too loudly. Someone
Could’ve heard you.”
“What’s the problem? Everyone knows that you piss people off.” Cyno asked.
“That’s not funny.” Wanderer said. Cyno just shrugged.
With a roll of his eyes, Wanderer got back to his research.
He has read several articles on Ley lines but surprise surprise there is very little known about the ramifications it has on animals or plants for that matter. It is apparently rare for Spantamad researchers to care about such apparently. He was going to look through the Amurta articles next but he had already caused a scene. If Alhaitham was the one babysitting he could probably have gotten away with causing another scene but with Cyno he would probably let it slip that he was Royal again. And it’s bad enough to have Tighnari, Cyno, Alhaitham, Layla, and Kaveh knowing what he was, if the entire world knew, he wouldn’t be welcome anywhere except Inazuma, the only place he refuses to go.
So instead of having that happen. He just went to the Sanctuary of Surasthana. ‘Welcome back.’ Kusanali said as he entered.
“You don’t have to talk in my mind you know.” Wanderer said.
Kusanali laughed. “Sorry I guess it’s just a habit at this point. You're actually talking to me.”
Wanderer rolled his eyes. “It’s not like I could ignore you forever.”
“I know that. But you have been pushing yourself away after you returned from Natlan.” Kusanali said softly.
Wanderer did his best not to flinch. Just the idea of Durin being human hurt more than it should have. He was literally surrounded by humans most of the time, so why did it matter if Durin was going to be one?
Changing the topic. “Some Spantamad jerk decided my research was somehow illegal.”
“We can talk about the whole human thing if you want.” Welp that didn’t work.
This time Wanderer flinched. “I’m fine.”
“No you're not. But that’s ok.” Kusanali said as she wrapped her arms around his legs.
<..have you ever heard this story before?>
“Don’t you have more important things to do than to crush my limbs?” He said but without the sarcasm it was supposed to have.
“Hat guy?” Kusanali asked as Wanderer’s legs gave out.
<.but the soldier didn’t have a heart and he didn’t know where those feelings came from.>
“Hang on! I’m trying to get you out.” Kusanali said but it sounded distant.
Whatever she was doing was only making things green and making plants grow in the memory.
<..Even in the flames, his eyes never left the ballerina.>
‘Make it stop, I don't want this again.’ Wanderer tried to scream but didn’t even make a sound louder than a whisper. He was crying now….. he needs this to stop. He needed this to stop NOW.
<… That’s not a real heart.>
….Maybe… but what if… hearts can be born fro..> ”-HE SHOCKED ME.”
Kaveh?
“I don’t think he meant to. * gasp * He’s awake.” Kusanali said.
Nahida?
“That marks the first time you’ve called me that.” Kusanali smiled.
“I feel like crap. How long was I out this time?” Wanderer asked.
“Not long, but you did throw Kaveh across the room.” Kusanali said as she looked at where he landed.
“It didn’t hurt that badly. Wait a minute, is this where you stay when you aren’t at the campgrounds?” Kaveh asked from Wanderer’s bed.
Wanderer sighed. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything.”
“Wow this place needs to be cleaned up. Are these assessments done or overdue?” Kaveh asked, looking at the stuff.
“Put those down!” Wanderer yelled.
Kaveh, ignoring him, continued. “Why do you have a fairytale book over here?”
Wanderer flew down, Kaveh realized his mistake. “Ok I’m stopping! Please don’t kill me.”
“I thought you were in Fontaine.” Wanderer stated.
“Oh… well I was… but I just got back.” Kaveh said.
“So, research starts back up tomorrow?” Wanderer asked.
“No! I need the weekend to recover. Have you ever visited your family? As much as you may love them exhaustin- and I’m hearing myself I’ll just leave.” Kaveh said. Then he realized there was only one door. “Oh.”
Wanderer dragged him out of his bed, and onto the platform.
Before Kaveh left, he apologized. Wanderer didn’t respond.
“How did you snap me out of it?” Wanderer asked, still looking at the door Kaveh just left.
“I don’t know, I tried entering your mind. But your walls were up. So…. I tried other ways.” Kusanali said as she looked at the spot he woke up from.
“Did you try to suffocate me with plants?” Wanderer asked.
“What? Well technically yes, But not to suffocate you. I was hoping your fight or flight reflex would kick in. And it did in a way… unfortunately Kaveh came in at the worst time.” Kusanali said sheepishly.
“At least we now have a last resort idea.” Wanderer said as he headed for the door.
“Wait where are you going? You just got back!” Kusanali asked.
“Kaveh is back in town, he might not be researching this weekend but I am. After all, those researchers thought they scared me away. And it’s time for round two.” Wanderer said with a laugh.