Chapter Text
The camera was pointed at Childe, showing his upper body with a bland background behind him. The young boy looked a bit put off, not exactly nervous or uncomfortable- he looked almost worried. His eyebrows slightly drawn together, the corner of his lips slightly tugged down, his eyes staring at the crew behind the camera like he was contemplating what to say.
”Oh, by the way,” Dottore number-who-knows had called out to him just as Childe was about to leave and prepare for the coming battle. “I left something for you in your pocket, if you use it right I’m sure we’ll blow the competition away.” the doctor smiled creepily, those weirdly sharp teeth of his showing where his mask did not cover his face.
Childe paused for a second, halfway through the door, looking at the older male over his shoulder. “..Thanks.” Childe said as casually as he could, unable to find any physical sign of…well, any indication whatever the Doctor had decided to give him was lethal. Or could backfire so badly that everyone in the arena would die.
“Okay, we’re ready, rolling in—“ A voice behind the camera sounded, catching Childe’s attention. His eyes flickered to it for a second then went back to the camera, folding his hands together to stop fidgeting like he had absentmindedly been doing.
The camera’s small red light blinked twice, then continued in some pattern Childe had never bothered to look much at— all he knew was that ’red=recording’.
“The Doctor and I have gone to this tournament in Natlan,” Childe began, his expression easing up as he spoke to the camera, “For multiple reasons, but to me the most important one is the reputation Natlan has for its warriors.” the best warriors often came from Natlan, the country having the title Nation of War certainly did not come from nowhere.
Childe smiled almost giddily, leaning slightly forward, “Natlan’s warriors are very respected and as the 11th Harbinger I see it as my duty to always get better, for Her Majesty the Tsaritsa.” the name rolled off his tongue easily, naturally. “My first battle is against one of the most respected warriors in Natlan! Man I am so!-“ Childe grinned, cutting himself off as words simply could not describe the excitement he felt, and instead he resorted to small rapid hand gestures to get his point across.
“She’s very respected!” he continued, his expression becoming slightly more serious, but not much. “However, honestly, I think I’m going to win.” he leaned back again, smiling slyly, excitedly. His eyes momentarily flickering to the crew behind the camera again— he was grateful for this, of course.
Being able to join the Fatui at such a young age, being recognised by The Tsaritsa, given the chance to live his dream of world domination getting stronger.
But it would be a lie to say he did not miss home at times. Or at least wish he could share his experiences and joy with his family. But then again, they did not really seem to get it.
His eyebrows drew slightly together again as he looked into the camera, the smirk slowly disappearing. “Although…” he began again, more timidly. “The Doctor said he gave me something…that we would blow the competition away.”
That would be bad, wouldn’t it? What if it was the entire arena? Childe’s worried thoughts from earlier lingered.
“And I don’t— I just—“ Childe grimaced, taking a small breath as he forced himself to stop the sudden trembling over words, “I hope he doesn’t mean literally..we could get disqualified.” he then said matter of factly, looking as serious as a sixteen year old could.
Being disqualified would be a nightmare! They’d be sent home to Snezhnaya without any gain. Childe would lose out on so many fights!
No, he really hoped the Doctor did not mean literally.