Archive of Our Own

He did not know why it happened or how it happened. He closed his eyes for a moment only to discover he was in a completely different place than he was before. The clean laboratory filled with papers neatly stacked, and vials of unknown liquids were gone, replaced by a crude dilapidated stair leading to an old crooked door. He could no longer smell the sweet scent of chemicals and disinfectant, instead the scent of garbage and sewage assaulted his nose. His face scrunched, his small hand covering his nose in response.

The child segment of the second Harbinger, despised this situation. He hated not knowing anything, it made him feel hopeless, weak, and powerless… Irritation and annoyance (maybe even fear), slowly climbed in his mind yet he stayed calm. Emulating his adult-self, the young segment tried to analyse the status of his current predicament. The place he was in was unknown in his mind. He did not remember a location with so many ramshackled structures and with so much junk scattered around. This place looked more like a garbage dump than a livable space, and yet he found signs of life. Lights flickered inside some of the decrepit buildings, and if he listened carefully enough he would hear muffled voices accompanied with soft footsteps.

The segment shakes his head. He needed to focus. While it was important to know where he was, he had bigger fish to fry. Such as how he was here in the first place. He crosses off Prime just abandoning him. While his original self can deem him as a failure whenever he wants, it didn’t make sense for him to abandon his segment in an unknown location. Instead he would’ve made his younger segment into recyclable material to be used for other projects. He knows Prime (he is him after all), and knows wasting usable materials was something he hated. So how was he here?

Was he kidnapped? No that also doesn’t make sense, who would kidnap a segment of the second Harbinger? Unless they were stupid and couldn’t care less about the consequences it brought. The segment hummed. Now thinking about it, it wasn’t as far-fetched as it seemed. Prime has made a lot of enemies in his long life. It does make a little sense if someone with a grudge would come to get revenge by kidnapping one of his segments. However that poses another problem, why leave him here and with no supervision at that. He could easily escape and find his way back.

It was then a realization hit the young segment. In his deep thinking he had come to discover that his mind felt crystal clear. The voices of his other selves were gone, radio silent. The only voice he hears now is his own. Even more terrifying was that he could no longer feel the connection of his fellow segments. A shiver ran down his spine. This shouldn’t happen, it was nigh-impossible. No matter how far he was he could always feel the other segments, especially Prime. This was thanks to the ley lines that enveloped the entirety of Teyvat, but here he didn’t feel anything. The cold concrete ground felt empty, devoid of the familiar warmth and buzz of the ley lines.

The segment might’ve been a part of Il Dottore, a cold, calculating man, unafraid of death or any of the consequences his actions brought to others. A man that favors results above anything else. However this young segment was not him yet, he is afterall just a child. It makes sense he would feel afraid and scared, it is only natural. Finding yourself in an unknown place would leave any child in his position, in trembling fear. Yet this child continues to deny this emotion, pushing it down, replacing it with logic and reasoning. He had to stay calm, otherwise how could he find his way back?

Before he could spiral even more the sound of a creaking door snapped him awake. He glanced at the crooked door now open revealing an old woman with a candlestick. Her back was arched, bending her body downwards, wrinkles covered her aging face becoming more prominent as she softly smiled at him. He could see in her hazel eyes the emotions of baffledment, sadness, and pity… The segment unconsciously tightened his free hand. He detested her gaze, he did not want nor need her pity. He was not some lost kid (even though he is), he is Delta. A segment of the second Harbinger, he should be revered and feared not pitied.

“What are you doing here, little one?” the old woman ignored the hateful stare of the child before her, “were you left here by your parents?” Delta stayed silent, giving her nothing to go off on. The old woman sighed, it would seem this child was a stubborn one. No problem she has dealt with them before, she wasn’t the director of this orphanage for nothing. Twenty years of taking care of kids gave her the patience of an angel, this little one would not be the first to test it.

“It’s cold. Come inside, little one. You will catch a cold if you stay outside any longer,” the child huffed, but nodded. At her request he entered her orphanage. Entering inside was like entering a haunted house. There were massive holes in the walls and floor, it was dimly lit, and every step he took would creak the wooden flooring. Even then it did provide some warmth from the biting cold of the night. So he didn’t voice his complaints.

The old woman closed the door, it creaked once more before making a loud click as it closed. She tried to place a hand on his head only to be met with a small hand that swatted hers away.

“Don’t touch me,” he coldly said, his red eyes glaring at her. The woman nodded, not at all offended at his rude attitude. Rather it made her quite sad, she wondered what was the reason that turned this child to be so defensive. Nothing good that was for sure.

“Come with, little one. You must be exhausted from standing,” he really wasn’t. Thanks to the modification from the other segments, his pain tolerance was above that of a normal person’s. Standing for hours would hardly make his legs ache, but he still followed her to the kitchen. For now staying under the radar by acting like a normal child was the best course of action.

He sat on the rickety chair that looked like it would blow apart if the slightest breeze were to pass through it. The chair even wobbled when he sat on it, almost making him fall. Thankfully it didn’t, stabilizing as soon as he placed his hands on the wooden table. Seemingly the only furniture in this building that wasn’t runned down, though he can’t be sure. The candle barely gives him anything.

The old woman left him there, placing the candlestick she was holding on the table. Saying she would get some water for him, as if he needed it. He could refrain from water, food, and sleep for weeks and still be able to function properly. One of the many perks of being modified.

It didn’t take long for the old woman to come back holding two glass cups. How she managed to get the cups in the dark was beyond him, it was rather impressive. She placed the glass cup in front of him before sitting at the opposite chair across from him. He took the glass, drinking the water all at once. To his surprise the water cleansed the parch he hadn’t noticed slowly building in his throat. He now felt refreshed, even making a satisfied ‘ah’ sound.

The old woman smiled at the sight, “if you need anymore, you may take my glass,” she said as she slid her glass towards him.

“No need. I’m very satisfied,” Delta denied anymore of her kindest. It was getting a bit too much for him.

“Is that so?” she noticed his tensed posture, so she let the matter go, “now little one. What is your name?” she asked, “I cannot keep on calling you little one.”

Delta deliberated his opinions. Telling her his actual identity was off the table, she might recognize that he was a part of the Fatui and kick him out. He cannot have that specially since he could not communicate with the other segments to come and get him. After a long thorough thought he decided to use a name he hasn’t used in a long time. A name that was left in the past, only mentioned in the deep archives of the Akademiya.

“Zandik…”

“Zandik,” the woman repeated, “what a lovely name,” Delta’s stomach churned at her compliment. In his eyes, Zandik was a detestable name. In sumerian language it held the meaning of ‘heretic’. It was ironic in a sense, that later in life he would live up to his birth name. Maybe his parents were seers. They saw him becoming a heretic in the future, and named him Zandik... What a ridiculous thought, his parents simply didn’t want him. That was the cold-hard truth he knew.

“You may call me Marie, young Zandik,” Marie now that’s a lovely name to have. If he remembered correctly the name held several meanings in Fontaine, most of which have pretty meanings such as ‘star of the sea’ or ‘beloved’.

Marie yawned, drowsiness catching up on her “it’s getting late young Zandik. A child as young as you should get a good night's rest,” he frowned. He didn’t look that young, he was ten years old he would become a young adolescent soon. He wanted to refute her words but it might seem like he was throwing a tantrum. He barely held his tongue.

Marie picks up the candlestick, as she begins to lead Delta to a small hallway, and to a door with multiple crayon drawings on its surface. She slowly and cautiously opens the door, careful to not wake up the occupants inside the room. The door opened revealing children of various ages sleeping together on the floor, some even huddled close for warmth. He turned to Marie, did she really expect him to sleep here?

She noticed his gaze, and unfortunately all she could do was give him an apologetic smile. This orphanage did not receive any funding and was close to shutting down. No matter how much her heart ached, she could only provide this much for the children.

That was it, Delta decided that when morning comes he'll leave this place immediately. He could no longer stand being here even for a second longer. Taking a deep breath, Delta reluctantly walked inside the room filled with sleeping children.

Marie sighed again, her sigh more heavy and tired than before. She wished him to get along with the other children tomorrow, but a gut feeling told Marie that was not going to happen. Either way, she just hoped she could provide enough for him to live a somewhat comfortable life. She slowly closed the door, leaving him and the children alone for the night as she herself went to her own room.

Delta merely glanced at the children with momentarily interest. There were quite a lot of them, he could use them as materials or research subjects. When he gets back he'll have to talk with Prime about abducting these children. It was perfect, no one will know nor care about any of the children here if they go missing. But first he needs to pass the time. 

He took an empty spot in the corner of the room, even if it was infested with dirt and cobwebs. Delta bit his lips, he noted in his mind to take a long hot bath after this.

Now onto the present problem. Him somehow being disconnected from the other segments, and the missing ley lines. There were three possible answers that came to mind. First, someone disconnected him from the other segments and the ley lines, which is unbelievable but not impossible. As much as he hates to admit it, there are a few individuals out in Teyvat smarter than him. Second, he's in the abyss. Which is entirely possible, it is the only place in Teyvat that could disrupt the flow of the ley lines. However any form of civilization should not be possible inside the abyss, except for the hilichurls and abyss images. On top of that he couldn't feel anything related to abyss energy, the only thing he felt was the soft breeze of the night winds.

Then the third possibility, something he dreads. Maybe for whatever cruel joke, Delta was outside of Teyvat. He did not want to entertain this possibility. Teyvat is his one and only home, how could he ever stray from it? Even if it turns against him, even if it kicks him out and no longer views him as one of its people but one of its enemies. He'd still consider it his home (Teyvat is one of the few things he has left).

For the first time his mind hurts, for the first time he did not want to think at all (he's afraid, afraid of losing the comfort of his home). So he stopped, letting sleep take over his mind. The haziness muddled any sort of thought forming, twisting and swirling till it became unrecognizable. His body became heavier as the seconds passed by, his eyes already closed, his lips parting apart letting air flow through. His small fragile figure slummed against the dirty wall, sleeping soundly like a sheep.

….

“That monster is not our son!” His mother screamed at his father, “he died on that trip, what came back is a husk pretending to be him!” Oh-that trip he remembered that trip. It was the reason his parents feared him, why his mother avoided him, why his father disciplined him, why no one saw him as the same as before. 

They had this tradition from the moment he was born. Every Wednesday they would explore the desert of Sumeru as some sort of family bonding time. At the time Zandik found it boring and useless, but his parents insisted it saying he might find something worthwhile. And he did find something worthwhile.

Due to a sandstorm he was separated from his parents, leaving him alone in a cave. There within the sand he found a traveler's bag, inside the bag was a very very special notebook. What was written in the notebook, he can't seem to remember but it did shake him to his core. It opened his mind, freed him from the narrow space he once held, opening new beautiful potential pathways. He couldn't stop reading even when his parents finally found him. Hugging him while crying in relief, saying that will never let him go on these trips again, but Zandik was not listening. All he could think about were the contents of the notebook. 

When they returned he would quickly share everything about the notebook to his fellow villagers, detailing its amazing wisdom. He had thought everyone would be like him, amazed by its knowledge but he was wrong. And he would pay for being wrong.

Soon after the elders in the village came to his house, they told his parents to discipline him, to stop him from spouting heretical nonsense. His parents defended him the first time, calling it a child's mild interest that would disappear in time but it never did. Months passed, Zandik continued to ramble on constantly about the notebook even after his parents told him not to. When the elder came again, his parents agreed. Anytime he talked about the notebook, he would either be locked in his room for days or be personally ‘disciplined’ by father.

The other villagers began to view him differently too. The adults kept their children at bay as if he was the plague. Their expressions twisted into raw disgust, every time he was let out. Their children played along, emulating their parents. The majority would throw rotten fruits or vegetables at him laughing as did. While the minority were much crueler. Rocks, sticks, books, frogs, and sometimes insects were thrown. It didn't deter him in the slightest, instead any time an item or animal was thrown he'd use it as fuel for motivation to prove to them just how wrong they were and how right he was.

He would write his own notebook, write his own ideas, make his own pathways. He won't just prove it, he'll do it himself! That plan however would go down the drain the very next day. 

A trio of boys cornered him in one of the hidden corners of their village. He clutched his notebook with his tiny hands as best as he could, but the trio was bigger and stronger than he was. The notebook was easily stolen by a boy he vaguely remembers. He dangled it in front of him, mocking his futile attempts to get it back, while his friends laughed in the background.

Then a thread snapping echoed in his head. Why was he entertaining them? Why was he just jumping like a monkey? He felt so stupid when there was an obvious solution to his problem. He stopped jumping, staying still for a moment. For a moment everything went black.

Screaming he thinks he hears screaming but he isn't sure. He felt too dizzy. His brain hurts. He doesn't understand. Why does it hurt? Why was he in pain? And why? Why can't he think? Think, think, think!...

Vomit escaped his stomach spilling onto the grass dirt, painting it in muddy shades of green. He blinked, tears blurred his vision but he thinks he sees red. Red on his clothes, and red on his hands. He stilled, staring intently at his trembling blood covered hands. He breathes… Then laughed, laughed, and laughed. He didn't need to see the freshly made corpse to know what he had done. The villagers won't be happy about this, he needed to run. He needed to escape, but for some reason it was hard to move his body. As if massive weights prevented his body from moving an inch making him into a sitting duck waiting to be poached. Was this a form of punishment for his sin? That wasn't fair, they've sinned too. Why was he the only one getting punished? No, no, no, this will not be his end. He will survive, he has to!

Gritting his teeth, he forced his heavy body to move. Little by little, his limbs began to obey his mind once more till he was finally able to barely stand. Just as the angry mob holding pitchforks and clubs found him. The mother of the boy screamed in agony, seeing her dear son lifeless on the ground. His face no longer recognisable, it became nothing but mush brains and pieces of skull. Zandik took this momentarily distraction to run. The angry mob noticed right away, and began running after him.

He ran and ran as much as his little adrenaline filled legs could take him. Out of his village, and into the forest. He ran through acres of land, through jungles, through swamps, and through ponds and lakes. He couldn't stop even for a breather, if he did. He will die. He cannot afford to die, he will not let himself die. 

His frantic marathon was cut short when exhaustion creeped into his system. His steps staggered on the wet dirt of the freshly rained forest. It made him slip head first into a thick branch, knocking the winds out of him. The last thing he saw were strange footwear of an unknown person.

….

“Do you think he's from a rich family?” A child-like voice questioned. Delta’s brows furrowed. He moved his mouth to answer the child but all that came out was mumbled gibberish.

“Mmnomamimtoomnrfarihcafmlyi.” (No, I am not from a rich family.)

“What?” Another voice spoke, “did you understand a word he said?” This time the voice sounded older, probably around the age of a teenager.

“Nope! But it sounded funny,” the previous voice giggled. They were most certainly a child, around six or seven of age. 

The older one sighed, “ well we better wake him up. We can't have the new kid miss breakfast," without any warning his body was violently jerked awake. His eyes opened in response. His pupils dilated after being assaulted by the bright light of the sun coming from broken windows. He blinked rapidly as his eyes adjusted under the new light.

“Jamie! You can't do that!” The teenager yelled. Delta can now put faces on the voices he heard. He turned his attention to the older voice. It came from a young teenage girl with hair of hazel color and eyes of emeralds, and he rightly presumes the boy with the messy blue hair and bright blue eyes shaking him was Jamie and the owner of the child voice.

“But I got him awake,” Jamie retorted.

“You did, but that's not nice. You can't shake a person awake, that's rude and impolite. You need to gently nudge them and call out their name to wake them up. That way their dreams can end peacefully, and not abruptly,” she lectured but it all sounded like nonsense to Delta. He agrees with Jamie's method, it's effective and efficient, what more could you possibly want? Things like gently nudging someone awake will only waste time.

“Oh, okay. I will be gentle next time,” The girl nodded satisfied before turning her gaze towards Delta.

“Good morning, you must be Zandik right? I'm Hannah and this is Jamie,” so that was her name, it's a rather plain one, “breakfast started a few minutes ago, so we need to hurry,” she held out her hand with the intent of helping him stand up. He ignored her and got up on his own. Hannah stilled in shock, she then retracted her hand out of awkwardness.

“Well, um, let's go before the food gets cold,” she took Jamie's hand as she led the way to the kitchen. The walk was silent as it was rather short, the room merely a few seconds away from the kitchen. As soon as they walked in Delta covered his ears as two boys started yelling their hearts out, another banging the table, a little girl singing horribly out of tune, while two young adolescent girls conversed loudly. To put it bluntly, the kitchen was hell if the devil wanted to rapture your eardrums.

His left eye twitched. Yeah no, he's leaving right away. However he couldn't find Marie anywhere and it's a small kitchen. So where was she? Was she still asleep? Oh Archons he hoped not, because he was not dealing with this any longer. Thankfully somewhere in Celestia answered his silent plea. Marie appeared behind him.

“Children, quiet down!” She ordered and like magic the obnoxiously loud brats stopped, “good. Now I would like you all to meet Zandik, a new addition to our little family. I hope you will treat him with kindness and patience. I do not want to see anyone picking on him, do you children understand,” everyone nodded, “good. Now introduce yourselves.”

“I'm–”

“–Stop,” Delta interrupted, “it would seem there's a bit of a misunderstanding. I am not abandoned, I was merely lost. I am not going to be part of whatever family this is,” his red eyes snapped to Marie, “I am from Snezhnaya. You can drop me off at the entrance of Snezhnaya and I should be able to find my way back home.”

An awkward silence filled the room. The children looked at each other confused, as if they had never heard of Snezhnaya. A pit started to form in his stomach, he must still be sleepy. Because that can't be right, everyone in Teyvat knows Snezhnaya. It's one of the seven regions for Archon's sake. You'd have to be living under a rock this entire time or…or not be from Teyvat at all… a strong buzzing sound overwhelmed his ears, while his surroundings became twisted, bending in all the wrong ways. Colors danced around his vision, as the faces of the children morphed into swirls of brown and pink. It was hard to think. Dammit! Why was it so hard to think!? He's supposed to be Il Dottore's segment. A part of a smart cunning man, a man who could still think clearly even under pressure. He–

“–Don't touch me!” He slapped away Marie's hand. He didn't need to think he needed to get out, escape out of this damn place and find a way back to Teyvat. He ran out of the orphanage ignoring the calls of his old forgotten name. But where would he go? This place was an entirely new plane of existence to him. Did he care? Not really, his mind stricken with panic only cared about one thing. Escaping.

For hours on end he ran in circles inside the labyrinth of garbage like a headless chicken. Everywhere he turned was just another unknown structure or building, nothing looked or felt familiar. All the surroundings were alien to him, and he hated it. He wants to go back to Teyvat, back to something familiar, back to somewhere predictable, back…. home…. He wants to go home.

Delta laid on top of a nearby pile of trashbags panting heavily. He didn't even register the disgusting smell, he was too preoccupied in resting. He must've ran around twelve hours if the sun was now replaced by the moon in the sky. He didn't like this moon, it was nothing like the moon in Teyvat’s nightskies. Too big, and too yellow. It was more like a truckle of cheese than a moon. For some reason his eyelids started to become heavy. Sleep was taking over, he can't have that. He tried fighting it but ultimately failed after a few seconds. All the energy he had was burnt off running. A small chuckle left his mouth, he only hoped Marie didn't find him. 

“...Oh my what a scene. A child actor from another movie has found himself in this one, well we can't have that now can we? Actors must be in their proper sets, or else the flow of the script may diverge… Hmmm? What is it assistant director? You want this wayward actor to stay?!... I cannot say I agree with the casting method, but I shall trust your judgement. You do after all have a better eye in casting talented performers.”

….

Before everything happened. Zandik was once the beloved child of his village, as he was the youngest amongst the children. Of course his natural curiosity would always be quenched whenever he questions a nearby adult. They gave him answers he was satisfied with and would sometimes be given a treat. The adults constantly told him that curiosity was a good thing, that having curiosity builds independence. So why was it so different now?

Why were his questions now met with fierce resistance and avoidance? Weren't they the ones who encouraged him before? He couldn't understand it. He questioned why the notebook was wrong, yet he kept getting the same lousy excuse “you cannot question the will of the gods, lest you be punished,” but that didn't answer anything! He asked and asked and asked, yet received no answer. He soon stopped asking when his father threatened to drag him into the cellar.

He felt wronged. They were the ones who said curiosity was a good thing. That he should seek the answer to any questions he has. He only followed what they told him, so why were they so angry? Adults are so confusing. Zandik decided from then on to stop listening to any advice the adults would give him, in the end it would just be a waste of time.

….

Quiet on set!... Sound?... Sound speed…. Cameras ready?... Cameras rolling… Mark it…

Scene 1 Shot 1 Take 1 Settle!..

ACTION–!

Delta opened his eyes to an unfamiliar white ceiling. He laid in a white comfortable bed, inside of a very spacious room. Though it was remarkably plain, whoever designed this room had no artistic value... This still isn't Teyvat. He knows, everything was silent as ever. Silence… funny, back then when he would get too overwhelmed with the overlap of his fellow segments voices. He'd desperately wished for silence, now well he desperately wished for the opposite. He missed their voice, (he missed their company).

“What a marvelous backstory. You were quite correct, assistant director. How can I simply return this one of a kind actor to a stage that'll lead him to his doom,” Delta snapped his head towards the owner of the enigmatic voice. The owner looked to be a young adult, around the age of 25 or higher. His brown hair with undertones of white curled nicely on his handsome, his red eyes and strange diamond shaped pupils intensely stared at him. It reminded him of the gaze Prime usually has whenever he finds something that interests him. It calmed him weirdly enough (it was familiar).

“Who are you?” He felt pain from his dried throat, but it did not show on his face. He'd already shown enough vulnerability towards this unknown man, he won't let himself show more of it.

The man's eyes sparkled, “incredible expression control. Not a lot of child actors show that level of skill,” he praised. Delta froze, how did he–how could this man possibly know that? He had perfect control over his face even now he showed nothing. Not even a hint of confusion.

“Yours eyes,” the man's exaggerated voice toned down, “you are truly an expert in controlling your face, but your eyes betray you. I could see the confusion, the anxiety, and the fear inside it. You should consider investing in a mask, it is how your co-stars (segments) hide their expressions.”

Delta blinked, was that really the reason why The older segments wore a mask? It made sense, so much sense now that he thinks about it. A mask is the perfect way to hide your emotions without using any real effort. An effective and simple solution to a long-time problem of his. Now he feels stupid again for not thinking of the idea himself sooner.

No! What is he thinking?! He has a bigger problem at hand, “you didn't answer my question. Who are you?”

The man smiled, “After multiple deliberation with my assistant director,” he gestures towards the mechanical frog, “we have both come to an agreement that I, Mr. Reca shall become your new director! (new dad)” Delta wanted to laugh, be his new dad? This Mr. Reca was crazier than Omega, spouting useless nonsense.

“You may take all the time you need to recuperate. Switching to a new director can be stressful, you may never know how strict one can be. You don't need to worry though, I am not that overly stern when it comes to my actors. I'm much the opposite. Letting my actors free and improvise as they see fit, it gives my films a fresh and natural vibe. Since you are a special case, I only have an outline for you to follow. One simple instruction, you have to call me dad.”

A slight shiver ran down his spine, “I will not call you dad, dad–what?!” he clearly said the name Mr. Reca, “...dad?” This… he will not shake, he will not panic. Stay calm Delta remember you can't think if you aren't calm. So stay calm. 

“What did you do?” He did not mean to have his voice to sound so soft, it was almost like a whisper. He clenched his teeth again.

“You wish to see the behind the scenes? Sorry but that is currently unavailable, only once this film ends would you see it. I cannot, under my good conscience as a film director, show the audience the magic behind filming this movie. It will break the immersion.”

What movie, what immersion? What was this man talking about? The more he speaks, the more confused he becomes. He might be a piece of the smartest man in Teyvat, but even that has its limits. Whatever riddle talk Mr. Reca spouts, he wants no part of it. All he wants is to return to Teyvat.

“No can do, Delta. That film is now being made into a remake. If you return now you will have to take on a different character than your previous one.”

His words flew over Delta’s head, but with context clues and a few seconds of thinking. He was able to come up with an answer he did not like. A remake meant an old performance being remade into a newer version, only with new actors and props, and little to no changes in the story. Did that mean Teyvat is currently going through some sort of restart? Goosebumps appeared all over his body, that sounded like information he shouldn't be privy to. Yet he cannot find it in himself to feel scared. No matter how horrifying the truth is, he will always embrace it in its truest form.

“Oh, how interesting indeed. An actor with natural control over his face and is able to quickly digest the lines given to him,” Mr. Reca mumbled to himself, “truly one of a kind.”

Mr. Reca clapped, waking Delta up from his deep thoughts, “now, now my dear actor. That is enough exposition, the audience may grow bored of this film. We must move the plot forward without any more delays!” he held out a hand towards the young boy. His eyes narrowed, he did not trust the man at all but what choice did he have? He can't go to Teyvat (his home is gone, he'll never see the others ever again), and he doesn't know anything about this other world. He'll just be a lost lamb if doesn't take his offer. Sighing, Delta took his hand. 

Mr. Reca’s smile widened, “I will make this film into one of my masterpieces, and you my dear actor shall be the center of it all.”

For the past few weeks it has been eventful. Like a sponge, Delta absorbed all the new information his new dad gave him. Such as knowing how to use a phone, basic math, science, history, literature, and the different worlds this universe has to offer. It came as a surprise when his new dad told him about interstellar travel, he would have never imagined that would experience something so magnificent. Teyvat is still at its primitive stage, the most advanced technology they had could not even compare to the most basic of technology here. He feels saddened by it. 

At the present he is currently staying at a planet called Pegana, the birth place of the Aeon of Trailblazing. Another interesting topic was the Aeons. When he first discovered THEM, he merely compared them to the Archons but the Aeons were so much more than godly entities meant to be worshipped. THEY were living concepts, THEY were neither good nor bad, THEY were beyond understanding. It fascinated him to no end, he wanted to learn more of what THEY are and how they came to be.

Luckily unlike his home world. The study of Aeons is not just common practice but encouraged. Multiple studies, theories, thesis, articles, and dissertations, were created on the topic of Aeonic origin. Even now there are more and more theories being made as the Aeons moved at THEIR own pace. He spent sleepless nights constantly researching and studying to the point he even created his own, but all good things must come to an end.

“While it is good that you are studying the source material, it would be a waste if you cannot put it into practice. Delta, you can't simply not attend school, it's a requirement and for your betterment,” he flipped a switch causing Delta to almost hiss at the bright light. Mr. Reca walked around scanning his son's current bedroom. Scattered paper on the ground, ink splatter on the bed sheets, and books stacked high around Delta like a fort. It was a mess, if he let's this go on then he would've failed as a parent. That was not going to happen, he is a perfectionist. He will salvage this scene whether his son likes it or not.

He carefully moved the book wall and sat beside him. Summoning a brush, he began untangling the knots in his son's blue-sky hair. It's now been months since Delta has been living with Mr. Reca. The first few weeks were hectic. Delta didn't eat, sleep, and barely talked to him. It took a copious amount of work to gain a sliver of trust out of the boy, by giving him information he wanted. That was very ineffective so he tried a new parenting method he found online.

When he first implemented it, Delta had screamed at him and closed himself in his room. The trust he once gained now turned zero, yet he did not yield or give up. For the past week, he'd try his best to use this method, but it would seem like it was more ineffective than his other plan. Just as he almost gave it up, Delta came home with a note. He gave him the note and left without saying anything. 

The note was from his teacher, detailing his rude and disruptive behaviour. Calling him a menace to the classroom. Mr. Reca tore the letter and went to find Delta in his room. He saw him curled in a fetal position in the corner, staring intently on his phone. The blue light illuminating the dark circles underneath his eyes.

He said nothing, only to quietly sit next to him. He took this opportunity to start brushing his hair, while humming an old tune from one of a less well-known movie of his. It did the trick, he watched as Delta’s rapid breathing calmed down, his tensed body relaxing, and his eyes becoming heavy. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep, yet Mr. Reca continued on with brushing his hair. Ever since then, Delta allowed him to brush his hair.

“Delta,” he crooned, “what did I say about keeping up your appearance?” His son made an exasperated sigh. 

“An actor must always look the part, even if the cameras aren't rolling,” he repeated his dad's words in a hushed tone.

“Indeed, so pray tell Delta. Why is my dear actor imitating a washed-up, has-been actor clinging onto fame,” that hurts but his words were the truth. Delta was messier than his room at present time.

“...I lost track of time,” a lousy excuse even for him. Obviously Mr. Reca did not buy it in the slightest. 

“I see,” his tone deadpanned, “well if you've lost time then may I remind you, that you school to attend.”

Delta internally groaned, “do I have to go? I already know all the information they're going to teach me. I see no reason why I must be placed at the same educational institution with children that have lower iq than me.”

“Delta, do not disrespect your co-stars. You have already been placed at the advanced class, and the character Miss Rachel has exited the stage,” he lectured but he knew his son wasn't listening well, “Delta, listen you're a great actor but even great actors have to take preliminary steps to become even greater. How can you shine under the lens of rolling cameras, if you can't do the basic foundations. Remember this Delta, a set cannot function if even one of its crew members is missing. Each individual is needed to make a great movie. It's like walking up the stairs, miss just one step and now you're tumbling to the ground.”

He hated that he made sense. It was sound logic, but it did not mean he liked it. Fine he'll attend this idiotic school for now, he'll pass all of their foolish exams, and be top of its honor system. All he has to do is sit quietly and mind his own business, nothing hard, just really boring. That's what he did for the past few weeks, until he spotted a boy sitting alone in his spot under the playground tree. 

Annoyed, he walked up to him with the full intent of taking back his reading spot. However he stopped, something interesting caught his eyes. The boy was reading a book, a very interesting book about sea creatures. He had never researched much into sea creatures before, never very really caught his eye, but the contents of the book sounded intriguing.

“What is that book?” the boy jumped at the sudden question. The boy had really curly black hair that covered his eyes, masking his expressions.

“...It's the ‘Journey to the depths of Lukhasha’s Oceans’,” he muttered under his breath.

“The what? Could you speak louder?” Delta barely heard what the boy said. It didn't even look like he said anything, only opening his mouth then closing it.

“... IT'S THE ‘JOURNEY TO THE DEPTHS OF LUKHASHA’S OCEANS’!” Okay too loud. Delta covered his ears, gritted his teeth, and glared at the boy for yelling.

“Ah–sorry, I didn't mean.”

“No, no it's fine. Thank you for the information.”

The boy paused, pursing his lips, “... Are also you interested in marine biology?” though he didn't see his eyes, he could practically tell it was shining in hope.

“No,” the boy deflated, “but I am interested in learning it,” the boy reflated. Delta chuckled to himself, that was the fastest he'd seen a person lose hope and gain it back up again.

“I'm Samander, it's to meet you.”

“Likewise, you may call me Delta.”

The two boys hit off right away, though their interests may differ, their passions were the same. Each day they meet under the playground tree bringing different types of books with different kinds of topics, well kind of. Delta usually brings books about exploring the origins of Aeons, while Samander brought books about the different marine animals found in different planets. Yet their discussions were never dull, there was always a new idea that formed everyday spent together. Delta will never admit it, but he had just made his first friend.

“Whatcha doing?” a girl with short lovely black curls interrupted their debate on whether leviathans are considered marine animals or were just really large serpents.

“None of your business,” Delta responded immediately, a bit heated from their informal debate.

“Then can it be my business?” the two boys blinked, staring at her in confusion, “you guys were talking about something so exciting! I want to join! Can I, can I?!”

Delta scoffed in his mind, “you can. If you can keep with us,” he showed nothing on the outside but on the inside he wrote the girl off as nothing but an annoying nuisance.

“Yay! I'm Floris, nice to meetcha!” She cheerfully said as she plopped down next to Delta. 

“... Samander.”

“Delta," he simply said, "Now back to the topic on hand.”

To their surprise, Floris did manage to keep up with them. She even made good points that made them ponder for a bit. Such as what if leviathans were water born serpents able to swim through water. Samander questioned her if she was interested in marine biology. 

“Nope, I don't like slimy fish,” she flatly said, making Delta chuckle at Samander’s disappointed face, “and I don't like any of the science stuff you guys are talking about. It's too boring. I like reading stories more!”

Ah, Delta realised what kind of Floris was. From their brief conversation alone he could tell she was a genius at understanding any complex topics in a limited time. In the first seconds of the debate she looked entirely confused but a few more seconds later she debunked Samander’s rebuttal of leviathans having gills as she pointed out leviathans wouldn't need gills if they were living in outer space. Delta decided to keep her around, she might prove to be useful later.

The duo now became a trio, Floris was a perfect fit. She complimented both Delta and Samander. Whenever a topic would run dry she would always be the first to think of a new one, her frequent yapping replaced the serene silence that was held in their spot. The two didn't mind at all, it did keep things from being awkward, and if Delta was being honest. He had a hunch that if she hadn't come, his and Samander’s friendship wouldn't last long.

From then on they keep meeting at every recess under the tree, conversing about, well anything. To Aeons, sea creatures, literary masterpieces, differences in species, history, physics, and sometimes even gossip about their classmates. After time passed, seasons came and went, even as they grew the trio remained the same. Like three pees in the pod, wherever one goes two of them would follow.

. 

. 

. 

. 

[

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: GUYS GUYS GUYS did any of you get any news yet???!!!!! @Unregistered Immigrant @Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: CUZ I DID!!!!! 

[Image attached] 

Unregistered Immigrant: Don't you dare open it.

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: I won't im waiting for u guys

Unregistered Immigrant: I've received mine, but I do not know if Samander received his yet.

Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer: I did I just got it

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: :0 does that mean I can open it?? 

Unregistered Immigrant: Sure, just don't forget to send the verdict. You too Samander.

Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer: Alright

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: and guys no matter what the results are we’ll still be friends!!! <3

[Mr. Reca’s 1 stalker went offline] 

[Unregistered Immigrant went offline] 

[Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer went offline] 

] 

Delta stared at the letter in his hand. It's now been ten years since he's gotten displaced, he's now twenty. A lot had happened, some bad, some good. It didn't matter now, it's in the past. All he could do now is move forward with his future, and this letter would decide it. University of Veritas Prime, a very prestigious academic institution. It's highly praised for its mathematics, philosophy, and physics but more importantly. It was one of the few institutions that still held on to its educational integrity.

It didn't matter if you were a human, an intellitron, an abomination of abundance, or a small ant; if you made the cut, you made the cut. No amount of bribe or connections can ever sway the faculty. It was one of the reasons why the University was famous, and why everyone and their pets wanted to get in. The same got to be said for Delta though for an entirely different. Out of all the academic institutions in this vast universe, University of Veritas Prime, has been the only one with the most progressive views. They did not discriminate nor did they expel their students for using a more unethical method in their research.

That reason alone made it his dream University. He had taken their entrance exam and it was the most stressful he had ever been. He didn't think he would want something so badly as to enter University of Veritas Prime, to the point he would actually pray to the gods. Anxiety and fear threatened his mind. Taking a shaking breath, Delta tore open the letter and took out the letter inside.

[University of Veritas Prime 

March 15th, 2157th AE

Zandik Delta ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Pegana

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Dear, Mr. Zandik

On behalf of University of Veritas Prime I am pleased to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has admitted you to the class of the 2157th AE under the Promethean Early Admissions Program due to your exemplary entrance exam and a letter of recommendation from one of our staff. Please accept my personal congratulations in becoming one of our future students.

In the present times, nearly thirty-three million students have applied for the sixteen million, five hundred, and sixty places in the freshman class. For the first time in the founding of University of Veritas Prime, the admissions faced countless talented and highly qualified individuals than it has room to admit. The Admissions Committee has taken great care and meticulous thinking to choose individuals who present extraordinary academics, extracurricular, and personal strengths. In making each admission decision the Committee keeps in mind that the outstanding reputation of University of Veritas Prime comes not from its staff but from the hard work and talent of our students. In voting to offer you admissions, the Committee has demonstrated its firm belief that you can make important contributions during your college years and beyond.

By early June, you will receive an invitation to visit University of Veritas Prime….

.

.

.

.

]

Delta blinked, the letter in his hands slightly crumbled under his tight grip. He takes a very deep breath…A wide smile adorned his face, he took a seat on his couch not knowing if he could keep himself balanced right now. His body was trembling from head to toe, he couldn’t believe he really couldn’t believe it. He got accepted and got into PEAP?! He had heard of it before but thought it was baseless rumour. What does he do now? His excitement is fogging up his brain, the excessive energy coming from the dopamine made him restless. He wants to get up, to do what exactly he doesn't know. Dance maybe? Scream? Yeah he feels like screaming right now.

A small buzz coming from his pocket snapped him out. With shaky hands he fished out his phone out of his pocket. There were multiple messages coming from Floris and Samander, right under his euphoria filled mind he had forgotten to inform them. Swiping to the app he was immediately bombarded with messages.

[

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: DVBEKWVIWPIHQFJSBCDSOPDVGEFHBLJAODVDUH

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: I GOT IN I GOT IN I GOT IN GOT IN I GOT IIIIIIIIIN!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: @Unregistered Immigrant @Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: HBW U GUYS???

Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer: Me too, I got in too

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: @Unrigstered Immigrant HBW???

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: @Unrigstered Immigrant 

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: @Unrigstered Immigrant 

Unregistered Immigrant: I was accepted into the Promethean Early Admissions Program.

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: WHAT!!

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: DOES THAT MEAN UR GOING TO START WITHOUT US??

Unregistered Immigrant: It would seem so.

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: AWWW :( I WANTED US TO BE TOGHTHER

Reaper Leviathan Enjoyer: It’s too bad, but congratulations Delta. You deserve it

Mr. Reca’s 1# stalker: YEAH! CONGRATS!!

[Gift of a cat dancing]

Unregistered Immigrant: Thanks.

]

Delta calmed down somewhat, the excitement was still there. Closing the group-chat, he scrolled slightly down clicking at one of the chats.

[

Dad: I won’t be home for a while. The producer for this film is not letting me take a break for even one second. She wants it to be absolutely perfect, but honestly I can tell this will be another mediocre film.

Dad: Delta I’m sure you know what to do backstage, yes?

Little Star: Yes, I’ll be fine.

Dad: Good, I’ll come home hopefully in about a month. Contact me if you need any help.

[Dad went offline]

Little Starr: Hey, got accepted into the Promethean Early Admissions Program.

Dad: Congratulations! Oh when I return, we must celebrate! My little star is already stepping onto a grandeur stage. I’m so proud. Keep it up and the whole universe will know your name!

]

Delta’s excitement had finally died down when reading his dad’s message. He turned his phone off before laying on his couch, closing his eyes. He took small breaths of air, when a small smile appeared on his face. The letter said he’ll get the invitation in early June. He can’t wait, already imagining himself on the campus grounds of University of Veritas Prime. Getting displaced into this world was really the best thing to ever happen to him. Whatever was happening in Teyvat, was not his problem anymore.

CUT-!