Chapter Text
Even the most dysfunctional and unusual families can be hiding in plain sight.
Take a typical-seeming family from Snezhnaya...
Khaenri'ahn spies could not afford to become emotionally attached or involved in personal matters.
Why then, was one of their best agents being asked to commit to such a time-consuming, emotionally draining mission?
"Abyss Princess," her mission supervisor said sternly, "this mission is of utmost importance. It may seem like a long-con, but it is the best possible way to make contact with the Fatui Harbingers."
"Listen, Twilight Sword," Abyss Princess leaned forward in her chair. "This isn't my type of mission! We both know I'm better in more high-stakes situations, so why not leave this one to someone more suited for domestication?"
"You are one of the best spies that the Abyss Order has. Therefore, you are the best person for the job."
Abyss Princess knew that there was no fighting Twilight Sword, so she gave in. "Fine. Give me the details."
"You will be going undercover in Snezhnograd under the name Lumine Astralis. We have a job lined up for you as a librarian. That leaves two things up to you, though." Twilight Sword handed her some files, which she skimmed through. "For this mission to succeed, you'll need to acquire a spouse and a child. Are you up for the task?"
Abyss Princess, now Lumine Astralis, stood up courageously. "Ready as ever."
ABYSS PRINCESS
OPERATION GNOSIS
Name: Lumine Astralis
Birthdate: [redacted]
Age: Twenty-Seven
Living Relatives: [redacted]
The corridor was dark and quiet, a fitting backdrop for murder.
"Your target is a well-known businessman from Khaenri'ah. He should be just around that upcoming corner..."
"Alright," Childe said into his earpiece. "Got a description for my target?"
"Hm? Oh, sure." The person on the other end of the line said. That was Marionette, one of the many people who oversaw Childe's missions. He had always gotten the vibe that she hated him, although he had absolutely no idea why that would be the case. "Male, age forty-five, black hair and-"
"Got 'em," Childe whispered as he rounded the corner.
He sprung into action, slicing up his target to the point where he heard Marionette say, "overkill, don't you think?"
"Sorry." Childe found the nearest bathroom, taking a moment to wash of the blood on his face.
"I was thinking...have you thought about getting married? It might help your cover." She suggested.
Childe, caught off guard, shook his head even though she couldn't see. "I haven't, no."
He heard Marionette sigh. "I'll make sure that Regrator sends your payment over as soon as possible."
"Thank you." Childe looked at himself in the mirror, using his finger to wipe a dot of blood that he'd missed off his nose. I should buy Tonia that skirt she was eying last weekend. Her birthday's coming up, and it didn't look too expensive...
After cleaning up all traces of his presence at the crime scene, he changed his clothes and called the police, acting as a worried neighbor who thought they'd heard screaming. The second Childe left that businessman's mansion he became Ajax, the hard-working older brother and city hall employee who had raised his younger siblings pretty much all on his own.
AJAX MOROZOV
Birthdate: July 20th
Age: Twenty-Six
Aliases: Childe, Tartaglia
Living Relatives: Tonia Morozova (sister), Anthon Morozov (brother), Teucer Morozov (brother)
Mother: [redacted]
Father: [redacted]
Elder Brother I: [status unknown]
Elder Brother II: [status unknown]
Elder Sister: deceased
Paimon hated the orphanage.
Everyone always seemed so miserable, as if they were one minor annoyance away from throwing themselves off a cliff. And not only did they seem miserable, but they were, and Paimon knew that for a fact.
How exactly did she know?
Well, this white-haired kid happened to be a telepath.
That meant she knew when the ladies in charge were upset with her, even if they put on a charming smile. She knew that they found her annoying and loud and needy.
She knew that they had tried so many times to get rid of her.
Part of Paimon wanted to stay there out of spite, but she mostly just wanted to get out, to find a place where she'd be welcomed home with genuine smiles and love.
"My husband and I are wanting to adopt," Paimon overheard a blonde woman explaining to an orphanage lady one day, "he unfortunately came down with a cold, but he insisted I come here anyway as to not delay the process any longer."
Curious, Paimon paid attention to this interesting woman's thoughts. "I've just got to find the most clever-looking child in this place and take them home," The woman thought as she spoke, "then the first step of the mission will be complete."
Mission? What mission? Paimon was intrigued now, thoroughly invested in this woman. After hearing some more of her thoughts, pieces began falling into place. A spy!? A real Khaenri'ahn spy!? Paimon thought those only existed in stories...
Before the little telepath knew it, the blonde woman was crouching down before her, offering her hand for a shake. "Hello, it's very nice to meet you. I'm Lumine, what's your name?"
Her smile...it's so warm and nice. "Paimon's Paimon. Nice to meet you!" she beamed. Maybe this is Paimon's ticket out of here!
They sat down and talked for a while, Lumine asking Paimon pretty typical questions such as "what's your favorite color?" or "what types of books do you like to read?"
Well, they may have seemed typical if they hadn't been accompanied by Lumine's inner thoughts.
"The psychology of colors suggests that..."
"Her reading comprehension skills will be paramount in deciding whether or not she's a suitable pick."
"Interesting...she only refers to herself in the third person. I'll ask HQ for some books about why that might be..."
After about thirty minutes or so, Lumine was filling out the paperwork, and before Paimon knew it, she was sitting in the back seat of Lumine's car and watching as the orphanage became a distant sight. "Um...Miss Lumine?"
"Yes?"
"Does this mean you're Paimon's Mama now?"
"I didn't expect her to be so straightforward...Think, Princess, what do I say here..."
Paimon stared out the window, noticing the gray clouds that slowly took over the sky.
"Well," Lumine said with a hint of uncertainty, "if that's what you want, then yes. But don't think you have to rush yourself on my behalf. If you only wish to call me Lumine, than I understand."
"Paimon thinks she wants to call you Mama," she replied.
"Then that sounds good to me."
Name: Paimon [???]
Birthdate: June 1st
Age: Six
Relatives: [???]