#In other words I wonder if the Tsaritsa is actually... not what she seems... like if she’s truly evil

[ymechi]

The hidden creator

I had a plot bunny idea

TW: usual cult stuff, hints of yandere

-gn reader (I tried making it gender-neutral if there is a comment that is off please tell me and I will fix it)

EDIT: 14/11/2023 (changed some wording and other stuff nothing major)

Creator Reader Pov:

-You were just a regular person who one day woke up in Teyvat out of all places

-You realized you still had all your game features and figured it was one of the perks of being isekaied like in other isekai stories

-The whole thing is weird and why you were here, you had no idea

-After the novelty wears off you take some time mourning the loss of your previous life and the people you knew

-After that you try to get a semblance of a normal life like getting a job and trying to be independent

-Despite having a game system you do not want to be an adventurer or learn how to fight it's not for you

-You were previously an average civilian and raised as one it would be hard to become a fighter now

-Instead you gravitated towards creating things, you found an apprentice position in a clockwork shop in Fontaine

-It is fun and you get to tinker with gears and clocks, learning how various machines work and how to create your own items

-overall you are content

-Except weird people occasionally come by the shop you work at including the Iudex of Fontaine which had both you and the shopkeeper sweating the first few times

-Yet the man who insisted you call him by his name Neuvilette is really polite and nice to talk to, soon you warmed up to him

-You could not help the feeling as if you knew him from before, as if you forgot something, you were unusually fond of him.

-Your other "clients" if you could call them that were more intimidating, you had no idea what they were doing in this shop and it scared you

-The Fatui Harbringers occasionally stopped by the shop to buy a trinket or two before leaving, it honestly scared you and the thaught of running away to another nation had crossed your mind once or twice yet you liked your job and your boss and you made some good friends here so it was hard to leave

-Overall you were doing okay

-Except it seems the people here almost in a cult-like manner worship a creator that was never in the game lore

-It is said they resided in Celestia and not many people actually got to see them, not that it mattered for a nobody like you

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tsaritsa Pov:

-The Tsaritsa knew their so called creator was fake

-She knew she had to get rid of the fake creator as they and Celestia had caused irreparable damage

-Even if she had to stain her hands

-One day it happened something shifted in the earth, air, water- no the whole of Teyvat

-It happened so softly like a small snowflake landing on the ground

-She was hypnotized as if a siren was beckoning her she found you.

-You were their true creator

-You were wearing apprenticeship clothes tinkering with something in your hands and deeply concentrated

-She wondered if that is how you created the universe with careful and steady hands guiding and shaping it to your will.

-She wanted to take you away from this. . . small shop, yet she knew begrudgingly you were safe here, if anyone were to find out a sliver of your existence. . .

-You were safer hidden among mortals

-It left a bitter taste in her mouth

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neuvilette Pov

-It just happened one day, out of the blue, he could feel it in the shift of the waters

-The way Furina shifted and turned her head unable to sit still confirmed he was not the only one feeling this

-Something happened and he had no idea what exactly happened

-There was this familiar presence this comforting feeling, ancient old instincts waking up

-He followed it without thought until he came upon an in inconspicuous clockwork shop

-He was confused but did not hesitate to step inside

-Then he saw you and everything clicked

-It was you his creator his universe his everything

-You were back

-It seems in this incarnation you were just a human

-That was fine he was oaky with that as long as you were here

-His heart ached seeing you

-He wanted to hug and ask you to never leave again to always stay by his side, for you to comfort him after what had happened and console him

-He should take you way somewhere safer somewhere better not here-

-But weren't you safer hiding among mortals, a part of his mind whispered, no one would suspect you being here even the fake (he cursed them) would not think of finding you here, if he brought you back with him it would create more attention on you

-Attention that would cause you trouble

-He left with defeat on his steps

-It was later he would met the Tsaritsa and a deal was struck

-All for your sake

[idkfitememate]

Hey pookie

So i lovvveeee the harbingers. Can you do like penguin reader (or any other snow related animal) running around the Zapolyarny Palace messin with the harbingers and there like 'what the actual fuck. Who let a dam animal in this place ' them trying to catchus but we just like mewhahaha nuh uh

Zapolyarny Palace Encounter

૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა Pairings : GN! Large Tusked Polaral Reader x Harbingers & Tsaritsa

૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა W.K. : 1.4

໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ Tags/CW&TW : fluff & crack baby, The Rooster is a silly little guy

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : refuse to believe Snezhnaya will have a single docile mob so I’m gonna make my own! Imagine a Polar Bear and a Leopard Seal mixed with one! (Walrus tusks?.. Walrus tusks.) I’m gonna call it… a Large Tusked Polaral! Anyway I’ll put a mild description before we start, but just ask if you want a full description, or a drawing ₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ₊˚⊹♡!

Large Tusked Polaral: To break it down, imagine the front of a polar bear, the back of a leopard seat, and the tusks of a walrus. Its front arm end with flippers and are longer than the tail in the back. The front flippers do look like paws though. The teeth are a mixture between the three, they have the huge tusks of walruses.

Taking a walk through the Zapolyarny Palace had become a common pastime for The Rooster whenever he had nothing more to do. Taking in the scenery… breathing in the frosty air of his nation, taking in the sights… the Large Tusked Polaral following behind him….

… Wait. The large Tusked Polaral following behind him?

Pulcinella turned around to face the fifteen ft tall - and it was still on its flippers - beast of a monster. It had to press its face to the floor in order to look at him, its warm breath hitting his face.

Pulcinella was never a fighter. Maybe back in his youth, but now he was a leader. He didn’t even have a vision, preferring to rely on his Servicemen rather than fight himself. So being in front of one of the most - if not the most - dangerous monsters in all of Teyvat without those service men…

At least it’d be an honorable death. They say a Polaral only chooses the strongest to die by her claws. To be struck down by one was a glorious way to go.

So as Pulcinella started to make his peace with his oncoming death, you lifted yourself back up and continued in your way, hobbling down the hallway. Pulcinella, who was shocked at the lack of his blood on the walls, followed behind, now curious.

He watched as you huffed and sniffed around the halls, occasionally scaring a lower rank shitless.

It wasn’t until you wondered down a wing specifically for one of the Harbingers that he got an idea. Speed walking in front of you, he stopped you by a hand on your nose. You sniffed at it before continuing on your way.

A smirk lay beneath his bushy mustache, and he quickly continued walking behind you as you shuffled your way down the wing of The Marionette. Sandrone’s workshop.

The sound of screaming not being caused by her was enough the drag Sandrone out of her workshop. Her large boots thudded across the floor as her puppet sat in her hand. Many smaller bots crawled across the floor like spider, filling the space.

She gripped the coat of a running fatuus that speed past her, forcing them to stop.

“What is happening?” Were the only words that left her lips. The fatuus in front of her stuttered out a couple words, thought he tripped over every other word. All she could make out was “The Rooster” and “Large Tusked Polaral”. She then let him go and off he ran.

Sandrone looked at the small bots that ran across the floor and tilted her head forward. They immediately ran forward through the hall and out of sight…

… Before a large roar was heard and they all came scampering back. Her gaze immediately snapped up and the sound of something loud clambering down the hallway. She readied herself for a fight, and found herself in front of what seemed to be an angered Polaral basically running at her.

And as she was ready to attack, she heard a voice call out at her to stop.

“Wait! I apologize, truly, but you see, I was just simply taking my darling here out for a walk and they got off their lease, again my sincerest apologies, Marionette.” Pulcinella spoke with clear sarcasm in his voice as you continued to barrel towards her, only to stop right before her and start sniffing her up and down.

She only stared at the large beast in front of her, then back at The Rooster.

“This is… your pet?” She questioned.

“Yes.”

“This Polaral?”

“Yes.”

“This Large Tusked Polaral is under your care?”

“Yes.”

She only continued to stare.

“Well anyway, we’ll be off. I suppose I will be seeing at the later meeting?” She stayed silent, but now had a disgruntled expression on her face.

“I will take that as a yes. Goodbye, Marionette.” And with that he walked in front of you and the both of you hobbled away.

“…How disdainful.” Was all she said as she walked back into her lab.

And later did come.

All the Harbingers had to deal with something to do with a Large Tusked Polaral wondering the halls, scaring the lower ranks shitless, destroying property, and honestly just causing havoc.

What non of them were expecting, however, was to see that very Large Tusked Polaral…

Next to the Rooster during their meeting.

“…Why is it here?” Asked Pantalone.

“They are my pet.” Answered Pulcinella.

“… May I-“

“No you may not, Dottore.”

“… May I-“

“The same goes for you Childe.”

“Awe.”

The silence continued as all the Harbingers - minus The Jester - stared at the beast beside the small man.

“…Why do you even have it? You have men. Do you need the extra man power?” Asked Arlecchino asked. Her hands were crossed as she sat, now leaning against the table.

“No, I simply wished them as my pet.” The small man responded, making The Knave huff.

“May I pet them?” Asked Columbina. And when she got a nod, she immediately skipped over and ran her fingers through your fur, causing happy huffs and barks to come from your lips. All eyes were on you as Childe spoke up.

“I’ve never heard those kinds of noises come from one of those before.” He said with a smile. You even began to wiggle happily under the woman’s touch, making him gasp in amazement.

“Oh! Now I want to pet them, may I?” He asked with a smile.

Again, all he got was a nod.

And he immediately ran over and began petting you, making your noises grow in volume and your wiggles grow in size.

You actually flipped yourself on your side and allowed them access to your stomach, something that was never charted before in the behaviors of any Polaral. You even had the equivalent of a grin on your face, your eyes shut in trust.

“Fascinating.” Dottore said with a grin, only to be met with a glare from Pulcinella. He only smiled and shrugged his shoulders in response.

“And what is going on here? Why is a wild beast within the walls of the Zapolyarny Palace?”

As Pierro approached from the shadows, the room got colder. Immediately announcing the presence of both the top Fatui Harbinger and the Cryo Archon. All banter ceased and your petting was stopped causing a whine to leave your lips.

You looked to the two Harbingers who had left to go to their places at the table you were all sat at. And then you were shushed by Pulcinella. Oh hell no.

“You see, I was just taking a stroll. And I decided they should come with me for one of these walks. I assume something caught their eye and I apologize for letting them loose and - Wait. Where are you going get back here-“ Pulcinella’s little speech was cut off by you flopping away from him.

All the Harbingers watched as you speed down the table and past Pierro, and up towards the stairs to The Tsaritsa’s throne. Immediately The Jester raced to get you down but was stopped by a hand raised by the Archon.

They all watched with bated breath as you climbed up and up towards her, stopping before her. They all silently readied to attack, before watching you roll over, revealing your stomach to the woman with a whine.

And while Pulcinella started to apologize, all eleven were stopped by a sound none of them had heard. Or if they had, it was a rare noise.

The noise of their Archon laughing.

A giggled escaped her frozen lips and she ran a cold hand over your furred stomach, you slamming a a flipped over the other side - akin to a dog shaking a led when scratched.

She continued to giggle as she felt your fur between her fingers. Finally a subject who did not fear her nor did they wish to user her wins as a means for theirs.

“You lie in no fault, Pulcinella. Even is you have lied of this one being your pet” she began, and all the other glared at the chuckling man, “Though I believe I have found the perfect candidate to be my own.”

Jaws dropped as she spoke her last word. Her frozen over heart thumped lightly in her chest as her unoccupied hand slid over your head and messed with your ears. Your barks became louder as they echoed across the large room.

Perhaps you’d be the key to truly unlocking her frozen heart.

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : I personally like the idea that The Marionette is not the girl, but the large mecha holding her. Making the girl a literal “Marionette”. Anyway, I hope I delivered! I was a little tired when writing this, if you couldn’t tell but I hope it turned out good enough ☆૮꒰ˊᗜˋ* ꒱ა!

[mewsmagic]

Alright I did say I’d bring my infodumps and fantheying here to tumblr instead so lemme actually do this for once!!

Spoiler warning for Alrecchino’s animated short!

If you haven’t watched it yet, here’s the link!

Alright first things first! It looks like Clervie and Bulle Fruit girl were Alrecchino’s closest friends/sisters, which’s just so cute 🥺

From the visual storytelling and just how we saw Arle and Clervie together much more often than with Bulle Fruit girl, it also appears like Clervie was much much closer to Arlecchino, which’s so interesting!!

I love how Arlecchino is all about blacks, whites and occasional reds, she was always quiet and doing her own thing, and SHE HAD ACTUAL SHORT HAIR UNTIL RECENTLY ACTUALLY!!!! Gnc nation won!!!!

Anyway ahemmm LOL and Clervie was the opposite. A pink, outgoing girl, full of life and wonder for the world she lives in. Also, she was “girly” and wears dresses, while Arlecchino doesn’t seem fond of them (like me omggg)

Like, they’re literally opposites in everything, yet they were so close and so important to each other. Thinking about what comes next hurts my heart like nothing else just because of this.

Another thing I wanna bring up before we move on is: in this part, we learn that Arle’s deal with the black hand is indeed some kind of curse. And that’s probably why she was able to tell Furina’s also cursed, she had experience with one since birth after all

I LOVE THAT THEY HAD THEIR OWN PLUSHIES MADE IN THEIR IMAGE!!!! Arlecchino’s plushie is so cute!!! I wonder if she kept Clervie’s after all these years 🥺

In this part we also learn that their “mother” usually “argues” with her daughters, and for some reason Clervie has quite some injuries. From this, it’s not hard to assume she’s literally beating them up, which’s nasty.

A full grown woman beating up literal kids who cannot defend themselves? As a survivor of parental abuse, I felt this so hard, and I hate that hag so fucking much already.

This part I didn’t get at first, probably bc I didn’t pay attention to the beginning; when I watched it again, I caught it however. Their “mother” not only physically abused them but also made them battle each other to death.

Resulting in Arlecchino being the very one that killed Clervie, and potentially Bulle Fruit girl too.

Naturally, she was full of rage. I would be too, if I were in her shoes.

And that’s why I love her battle against “mother”. I didn’t take many screenshots because it’s a fast moving scene, but “mother”’s dialogue seems to hint that she’s the kind of mother that pretends to be caring and gentle but is actually cruel and ruthless in her actions. Which’s tbh the worst kind of mother probably.

Another detail that caught my eye was that Arlecchino was no match for her without her curse. But as soon as she released and embraced her curse, she not only defeated her “mother”, she blew up the entire building. Which’s epic as hell and I love that for her LOL

I find it interesting that Arlecchino was actually pretty close to becoming a criminal because of killing “mother”. Which’s so tragic when you think that she had already killed Fatui members before (Clervie and Bulle Fruit girl), but they weren’t ranked enough for it to be a big deal, like their deaths didn’t mean anything. But to Arlecchino they did… Aaaaanywayyyy.

For some reason I thought the Arlecchino title succession was much more automatic, like 1. Kill your parent 2. You’re now king. I think it’s because I’ve seen this in other shows before, but here she was taken to Snezhnaya to be judged by the Tsaritsa herself.

Luckily, the Tsaritsa not only pardoned her crimes but also promoted her to Arlecchino. Also I gotta say, her words… “My poor, mad, cursed Knave” hit me so hard. The Tsaritsa does seem to not be that cold and to empathize with her. Based of her tbh.

And at the end, we see a seemingly orphan child. At first I thought this was Freminet, but he has a more yellowish tone of eye color, so maybe this is a random kid?

Anyway, the thing that matters here is that Arlecchino says that she’ll be his strict and unfeeling “father”, which immediately stood out to me against her “mother”’s “kind and caring” approach.

Looks like she decided to be a “strict and unfeeling father” to not become like her own “mother”. This is so real of her tbh. I already knew the previous Knave was nasty, but with this animation it really hit home to me, as a survivor too.

I wanna pull her even more now LOL may all Arlecchino wanters become Arlecchino havers!!!!! I’m so excited!!!!

[fatuismooches]

I'm coping so hard with the fact I'll probably have to wait ~2 years to see Pantalone bc he literally has no reason to leave Snezhnaya🙂💧

At the very least I hope to see Sandrone in Fontaine please, please, please

I heard theory that Arlie will betray the Tsaritsa (bc Childe said he'd do that and Scara called her "wolf in the sheep's clothing", plus in trailer she's surrounded by harbingers figures, but not a part of them). Maaaybe GI will finally add more morally gray characters in character rooster and Arlie will follow us (and become playable as a result) only bc of her own benefit (kinda like Yae Miko). One thing I want is - please, don't change her appearance, especially her clothes, she's perfect the way she is. Don't add her skirt or shorts with kneesocks, leave her her cool tuxedo😔

Another theory I heard is that her arms are black not bc she's wearing gloves, but it's a damage from using delusion. Which... Gives me a small angsty idea. As we saw in Inazuma archon quest, delusion drains vitality out of their user, as for Crepus - he was in such great pain from using it that Diluc had to kill him. So, imagine Reader being concerned for Arlie bc she's in pain after using her delusion, but she brushes it off, after all she's a high-ranked harbinger, maybe she'll even try to hide her pain from Reader as much as possible to not seem weak in their eyes

-can I be 🥀 anon if it's not taken yet?

LITERALLY SAMEEEEE 🥀 ANON IT'S LITERALLY NOT FAIR AT ALLL 😭 Pantalone really is chilling in Snezhnaya, controlling the economy and money flow ig 😭🚶‍♀️ I also can't think of a reason why he would leave, other than perhaps a Liyue mission, because Yelan does say he has his eye on Liyue. I do have a lot of faith that Sandrone will appear in Fontaine, so I'm very excited for her at least!

Yup yup I've heard that theory too! I think it's super cool, and I can really see it happening. But it also makes me wonder how she'll survive if she betrays the Fatui. The Fatui probably doesn't take traitors lightly so she might have a lot of people after her if she does betray them. Girl's gonna be on the run I guess. And now who's gonna run the orphanage? The Fatui are losing their top members hella quickly, makes me wonder how the fight against Celestia is gonna play out. And i completely agree, she needs to keep her tuxedo!! But if she does betray the Fatui, it'll probably end up getting changed a bit, just to cut off association with them.

I've been wondering for a while why her arms are black even though she's not wearing gloves, and that's actually a really interesting theory. I can see her as a person willing to do anything for her goals... even if that means she gets injured herself (though she's always ready to use someone else to take the fall for her.)

You did not need to be a fighter to know the dangers of using a Delusion. It could grant you unspeakable power, but also have drawbacks better left to the imagination. Sure, the Harbingers were capable of controlling it. But sometimes things don't always go as planned.

She was strong, extremely strong, you believed that more than anyone. But you couldn't help but worry, especially when she nearly burst into your shared room, making you jump from the unexpectedly loud entrance. It seemed that she didn't expect you to be here right now, not at this time. You were usually elsewhere in the mansion. And she was usually not home at this time. And you immediately knew why.

"You're hurt," you quickly stood up. Something almost unnoticeable flickered in her eyes as she rebutted your statement.

"It is nothing. I am fine," she replied calmly, brushing off your words. You furrowed your eyebrows at her dismissal.

"Arlie, please consider taking a break from that... thing. It simply isn't good for-"

"[Name]. You know what my mission is. What I have to fulfill." Her voice came off sterner than she intended it to be and she realized as she noticed your quietness.

"There is no bleeding," she stated, returning to a softer tone. "I truly am fine. You need not worry. I just came to pick something up for business." You didn't want to sigh in front of her. Though her face had no trace of pain, you knew she was lying. She was hiding it from you.

You knew better than to push the subject. So right now, the only thing you could do was let it go, as you walked up to your lover and slowly wrapped your hands around her from behind. Arlecchino was still stiff from the tension in the conversation.

"Just... be careful out there." Arlecchino didn't respond, but she brought her hands up to cup your arms. Nothing else was to be said as the two of you stood there, relishing each other's company.

But your heart still hurt when you saw the medical supplies and pills you left for her were used.

[someuncreativi2]

[] What my Tsaritsa thinks of the Harbingers [] PART 2

Pulcinella

“If I ever have to oversee anything outside of Snezhnaya, the first person I ask to take my position is Pulcinella. Though out of his physical prime, his leadership abilities are certainly remarkable; honestly, he sometimes does a better job at making financial decisions than me.

Also, I know I just said he’s a good leader, but in actuality, he reminds me of an elderly neighbor more than a mayor- the kind that would bring home-baked goods to a solstice dinner and laugh like a character from a children’s book. Well, he actually does that ‘ohoho’ laugh, so maybe that’s part of why I get that feeling from him, but you get what I mean.

This may be a bit of a side tangent, but when I was assigning his position, he seriously suggested we call him ‘the Rooster’. I questioned why he’d want that and he said, ‘because how else would you recognize this old geezer?’ before doing his ‘ohoho’. He really does act like an old neighbor sometimes.”

Capitano

“I truthfully never really connected with the Captain; not in a bad way, but more like we never spoke. I’ve seen him take on monsters ten times his size and come out without a scratch, so I can more than speak on his physical strength. Honestly, it’s a wonder how he only got to the position of Fourth and not higher.

In terms of him as a person, however, we’ve only ever spoken casually a couple of times. Each time we did, he kept his questions and answers short, like, ‘I’m fine’ or ‘it is a shame’. A man of few words, I suppose.

Maybe it’s rude to assume this of him, especially considering his more polite tone, but maybe he doesn’t see reason to speak to me. He’s the only foreign Harbinger that keeps ties with their Archon; in fact, he’s the only decent link I have to Murata… er, by ‘decent’ I mean ‘friendly rivalry’ and not just ‘hatred’… a step up, all things considered.”

Columbina

“You want to know about the Damselette? I’m sorry, but whatever you heard from the others is all I know as well, especially the part about her rank. I know, it’s crazy that I don’t remember why I put her where she is; I get it.

When I ask her about it, thinking the Divine Priest would remember the single most important day in her career, she just smiles and says ‘The Gods brought me here’, and I can’t disprove her ‘claim’, if you can even call it that… every time I try to think about a reason, my head starts hurting, almost like my brain is trying to make me forget…

With that said, despite being physically weak, I don’t have interest in ranking her down. She’s sweet enough, and she gets her job done well enough, so I am truly in no place to tell her off.”

Dottore

“Dottore, Dottore… where do I begin with Dottore?

Let me make something clear: the word ‘brilliant’ does not begin to describe this man. In my centuries of living, I have never once met a medical expert with half as much wisdom as him…

…but that’s the problem. He’s a genius and he knows it. Genius leads to boredom, and boredom leads to innovation… and I don’t think I need to tell you why that’s a problem when out in relation to the man who’s already done every experiment under the sun, and yet strides to find one more.

He hails from the Sumeru Akademiya’s hallowed halls. I’m those halls, there are six cardinal rules; don’t interfere with human evolution, don’t toy with life, don’t go beyond the universe, don’t see into the history of words, don’t revere the gods without devotion, and don’t partake in what is forbidden and feared. My personal theory is that his thesis was how to break every one of these rules, which landed him the cushiony title of ‘expelled’.

I don’t think he’s mad about it, though. Less restricted experimentation seems like a blessing to him, so he probably thanks the Akademiya for his exile. A sentiment I’m sure nobody else even thinks of sharing.”

Pierro

“Oh… him.

Well, he’s… he’s strong, I’ll give him that, and… a-and he knows his way around things, that’s something.

What else, what else… he’s ah… he’s very…

…whatever. Forget I said anything about him to begin with. Please.”

[anemofavored]

for @fatuispolaris continued from x

Scaramouche snorts out a puff of air, not quite laughing but not exactly bitter either. It is not exactly funny, but he almost feels bad for the Eleventh Harbinger--  young, doe-eyed and ignorant. It was no secret that he was the Tsaritsa’s lap dog, pledging his loyalty to her over his own interests and desires. The old Scaramouche found it pathetic. Absolutely weak and unfortunate. Well, it was still unfortunate but for other reasons. Spending time in Sumeru, learning about the people, culture, and emotions, Scaramouche realized many things about himself, the Tsaritsa, and the world overall. He had plenty of time to think about his personal goals and decide what he wanted for himself while he was recovering from his his injury. While he once gave his allegiance to the Tsaritsa, the cryo archon, he no longer wished to serve her, aid in her vision in collecting the visions by sowing unrest. 

Though she was the archon of love, he wondered when the last time she actually loved someone. The Tsaritsa lured Harbingers in to get what she wanted, not to truly create a home for them. Scaramouche didn’t exactly call Buer family, but she’d made him see things more clear and put himself first. He didn’t intend to be a mindless minion doing the bidding of a woman who has long since cursed the world behind a wall of ice. 

“I am no longer the Balladeer. I abandoned that title,” he said, cautious not to make the other erupt with any intense emotion that would call for combat. Scaramouche was not exactly scared of it, but he was still recovering from his injury and had yet to fully master the limits of the vision bestowed upon him by the anemo archon. He was aware of his limits and did not want to deal with another Harbinger when not in his best condition.  

“Look, my decision was made long ago-- I haven’t exactly been with the Fatui because of my allegiance to the Tsaritsa,” he explained, surprising even himself with his outburst. He did not owe the other his words, but he was working out his own thoughts by speaking them aloud. He did have a tendency of oversharing-- though that usually extended to his rude remarks and side comments-- times when he was consumed by emotion. Of course, he wasn’t upset with Childe, but rejecting his title was a step out of his comfort zone-- the false comfort he sought in Snezhnaya. What folly. Maybe the real ignorant one had been him all along.

“I am turning over a new leaf. It’s not personal,” he shrugged, trying to go for casual and unbothered. “I just no longer wish to be your beloved archon’s puppet. Y’know, we all have brains for a reason. I hope during your hunt that you actually practiced using yours. Or did you treat this whole search like a vacation? How irresponsible,” he added, bickering with Childe out of habit. It was almost comforting arguing with his colleagues, no matter how annoying he thought they were. He had known them for years and unfortunately change was never easy even when you have lived for a long time.

“Is this good enough for you?” he asked, not seeking permission but making sure that the younger would leave him be without much conflict. It was unnerving that the other seemed bothered by his choice rather than thrilled at the prospect of battle. 

[glitterstormss]

I can’t shake the feeling that there is a reason the Tsaritsa granted Kaeya her cryo powers. The goddess of love felt his suffering and shared her love even though he’s from Khaenri’ah and they’re godless people. If Mihoyo doesn’t make this a real thing instead of just “oh it was random” I’m going to rip my hair off. SHE HAS TO HAVE KNOWN SOMETHING OR FELT SOMETHING. Maybe she wants to forgive Khaenri’ah, or bless them, maybe she wants Khaenri’ah to be under her and since Kaeya is the only one allowed to leave the land she took the opportunity when she felt his pain. Maybe she’ll be part of Kaeya’s decision, or the war that’s coming between Mondstadt and Khaenri’ah. 

[liyuee-qixing]

“Noble Princess”

You're the tsaritsa daughter and the snezhnaya princess,after you finish your study on Sumeru academia she decided you're mature enough to be married with one of her Faithful Servant Harbinger.

character: Arlecchino,Capitano, Damslette

Last Chapter Of Noble Princess series:

Arlecchino

Let's say she's rough at the edge but soft inside.

She didn't attend the meeting but she was told about you through a letter.

When she finally get to see you in person,she was in a shock. How could such a gorgeous person like you exist on this world???

Maybe she stare at you a little too long that you start to stare back at her. When she finally noticed what was she doing she was quite embarrassed and flustered..

When the tsaritsa assigned her to be your body guard,the other harbinger envy her. How come she get to spend time with you the most and go everywhere you go!?

No,no no she's not shy,she is rather afraid that you'll be uncomfortable with what she said

The tsaritsa assign you to write down some data at the orphanage. As an owner of the orphanage, arlecchino accompany you. The kids often gave you two a funny stares but seem to hesitant to spit it out

"ms arlecchino,is that your wife? We always saw you with her" one of the kid said,it enough to make your cheeks warm up.

"she dressed nicely,then it must be her bride! A bride need a bucket of flowers though.." another kids said as he thought to himself,the heat on your face become stronger time by time

"no- she's not my-" arlecchino sounded startled by them,her face was all red. Maybe even redder than you.

"let them be,I don't mind, they're just kid after all" you giggled as the kids placed a rose bouquet on your hands and a fake ring on arlecchino hands

"now you look perfect!" The kid shouted in excitement,one of them sat behind you climbing the sofa you and arlecchino sat on

"with in this i declare you both as an uhh.. married couples and I.. and I forgot my line" you giggled at their attitude meanwhile arlecchino stay quiet.

"aha! You may place your ring to your wife now!" Another kid guide arlecchino hand to place the ring on your finger.

Later that day,the rest of harbinger questioned the ring on your both finger

"hey Archie,what that on your finger?" Tartaglia asked as he observations the ring more. The other harbinger soon follow to look at it

"the kids-"now that ajax bring it up,her face become red once again with flushed expression just for remembering it,from afar you just eardrop them humming to yourself

"the kids is forcing us to play bride and groom with them,they also make us to match ring. Kids nowadays are too bright huh" you finally spoke from afar still focusing on scattered documents in front of you.

"yea,that what happened- I guess"

"wait so you're married to the princess!? Not fair,it supposed to be me,it would be great if you give your ring to me"Childe said in such a childish voice as he tried to get the ring on arlecchino finger

"it's your lost you wasn't there tartaglia! Get off of me"arlecchino shouted in protest in a way to defend a plastic ring that probably word 50 mora,but it was a matching ring with you how could she just let to lose it!?!

"as long as it's not real marriage it'll be fine,I could afford her a better ring anyway"Pantalone said in such a calm face as he watch the fight happened between tartaglia and arlecchino

"I wonder if you'll actually put ring on my finger someday later" you bluntly said,the fight between tartaglia and arlecchino stopped for a second. The other harbinger that happen to be on the room look at you in a disbelief face

"see!? The majesty herself even say it,We're now married couples, get over it eleventh,are you trying to be the third person?" The knave said with such an annoying grin painted on her face

"no! What? Your majesty,I thought we were something"tartaglia look at your figure back in such a disappointed frown. Tartaglia being tartaglia he was clingy and dramatic.

"oh to be arlecchino"both Pantalone and Dottore said in sync. As they look to the whole happening event.

"you all are so utterly childish and pathetic,it just a plastic ring get over it." Scaramouche protested,by his tone he was annoyed,perhaps he was jealous? Nobody know I hate this man so much

"about time, let's go arlecchino,we have something to attend,or should I call you my love since we're married" you chuckled, playing along with whole bride and groom things. Your sentence made scaramouche spat his coffee out staining his shirt

"of course sweetheart"arlecchino chuckled as she get up from her seat approaching your figure,you both then walked out of the room leaving the remain harbinger on the meeting room

"nevermind, I wanna be arlecchino,I Wana get called love by her highness,I wanna accompany her everywhere she go,I wanna play bride and groom with her." Scaramouche spat his confession out with such a pathetic expression,the other three harbinger just stared at him same bro

"noted, balladeer"Capitano pull out his note book as scaramouche keep going with his confession

Capitano

You accidentally ran into him once. Even though you're the one who ran into him he apologize a ton.

Ah,he don't say much does he? He's a rather quiet one.

But he's also the one who lead most of the mission,well that what he supposed to do and that what his title stand for anyways..

One habit of him. He always gave you random accessories,dress or anything,he always said it a gift from liyue,or is it a gift from Inazuma. But in general he's just happy to spoil you,he just happy to see your face lit up in happiness when he gave you those gift

His subordinate usually has to listen to his nonstop talk about you.

"will this dress fit her highness? Does she prefers blue or white.." he asked to himself, completely ignoring the fatui subordinate behind him

"she'll look great on anything my lord but please-" one of the subordinate words were cutten off by him

"ah right,why don't I just bought her every variant" he Murmer to himself as he took both of the silk kimono to his hand

May tsaritsa spare his subordinate from their lord nonstop talk about you

He didn't talk about you around the higher rank fatui harbinger or any harbinger in particular

But he do pay tartaglia to listen to him in exchange for a sparring.

"isnt her majesty is just so charming"

"yes Lord harbinger!"

Damslette

She's is very well know among the harbinger,the mystery on how does she get to the top three strongest harbinger haven't solved yet.

Tartaglia always try to get you away from her as much as possible. But damslette seem to have very smart way to get close to you.

She would accompany you with your daily activity,from hairstyles to night time routine.

Of course she know the most about you,she know your breakfast preference, favorite hair color, favorite kind of tea, favorite snack.. she serve it all for you!

"tartaglia dear,may you move a bit away from her highness,it about the time for tea time and I've prepared the finest tea for her.. after that she need to be at bath" damslette out of nowhere appeared and placed her hand on your shoulder in attempt to drag you away

"your highness you may go first to the location,I'll go after you"damslette said to you, you was confused but nods anyway

"why does every inside door activity she do must be accompanied by you?"tartaglia snorted by the recent events

"just so you know I even get to undress her before she take a bath" damslette whispered to tartaglia ear,it bought a little bit of tint pink blush on his cheeks

"why does I never get anything.. arlecchino get to accompany her anywhere,you got to spend most of her private time together,Capitano and her was partner in work.. what am I"tartaglia dramatically frowned by damslette confession,not fair,he never got anything good

"insect, perhaps"she gave him a snarky comment before she laughed among herself and leave

[ranalatus]

The Imposter — II

slight spoilers - Albedo's backstory

genres: SAGAU, villain/imposter AU, isekai

characters: albedo, kaeya, lisa and tsaritsa cameo, very very brief mentions of the archons and a few other characters, isekaid imposter!GN reader, (actual) Creator of Teyvat

warnings: mentions of violence, mentions of punishment, mentions of starvation, naked people being judged for treason??

notes: part two is here!! Also how do y'all feel about me posting scenarios about this au but isnt necessarily important in the timeline?? Like who first found out about the actual creator of teyvat or what everyone went through before reader was isekaid? Lmk if you'd like to see smth like that!

Part I.

Cries of the innocent are heard all throughout the halls of the Zapolyarny Palace

They were stripped to their very toes, the chilling bite of the cold and the humiliation of looking like this in front of the all powerful Creator amplifying their sobs

“Mercy!” They shout. “Please have mercy!”

It is all too noisy for Albedo

The ‘traitors’ are brought on their knees in front of their God. They were accused of stealing possessions from the Divine, as well as spreading false rumors about their God

Albedo isn’t stupid. He knows they’ve done no such thing. There was no evidence, and it was all mouth service from the Tianquan. Moreover, there is more proof that shows their extreme loyalty to their God. It is illogical. However, she clearly did this for a reason

His eyes trail over to those of the former Geo archon’s

And he has to be part of it

“Tell me,” The Tsaritsa’s voice echoes loud in the main hall of the cold palace. “Why should their excellency forgive you for doing such a foul sin?”

“We’ve done no such thing!” One particular brave soul retorted

Albedo quickly looked away as the sound of crushing ice reverberated in the hall. He spotted his fellow acolytes next to and across from him, sitting on some sort of makeshift bleachers

Yes, every single acolyte is in here. For their excellency

Albedo has never called them that before, nor does he plan to

But it is strange, he wonders, eyes going back to their God sitting on an icy throne in front of the traitors. Their God is different from before. No ordinary person would be able to tell immediately, but this indifference is not from the usual ingenuity or boredom, it is more from being lost

Their God’s full attention and mind is not on the scene going on in front of them, but rather it seems to be on something they are thinking about. But what could it be? What could the all powerful, all knowing Creator have to ponder about to make them so lost?

“They’re not paying attention.”

A voice whispered next to him, Albedo’s eyes turn back to the naked traitors, ignoring the blue snake that found its way next to him

“Come now, Albedo, you noticed it too, did you not?” Kaeya leans back, arms crossing across his chest as he lets out a light chuckle. “Why else would you be staring when you’ve never expressed interest before?”

“I’m just curious.” Albedo’s short reply came. He would be lying if he said Kaeya was wrong, but Albedo doesn’t care enough to think about it any further

“Your indifference to their excellency is gonna be your downfall one day. You know how hardcore their acolytes can be. Should they know that you don’t worship them the way you should be doing..”

“They did not create me.”

Kaeya is left to ponder about those words alone, as Albedo rises from his seat and exits the biting chill of the Zapolyarny Palace

He feels Lisa tap his shoulders from behind him. “Why did he leave? Their excellency is just about to determine the traitors’ punishment.” Kaeya shrugs off her hand, settling further down in his seat

“He had to do something back at his lab. Something dangerous, apparently.” The lie effortlessly rolled off Kaeya’s tongue, and luckily it was enough to get Lisa off Albedo’s back for a while

Really, the blond should thank him

“Your sentence,” Their God’s words shut everyone in the room up. The cries were sniffled, some were silently praying to the being in front of them. They were praying for mercy from the merciless Creator. “Shall be to never set foot inside my temple again.”

Kaeya’s eyes widened a fraction. The palace felt colder than usual. The time ticks, one or two more, as complete silence swallows the crowd

Then came the thankful cries of the traitors, the displeased sighs of the archons, and a particularly smug chuckle coming from the Tianquan a few seats away from him

What a light sentence, everyone is thinking. The traitors are escorted to the dungeon where they shall redress before heading back to their homes. They would not be able to get any more jobs, but at least they’re alive. Some of the more indifferent acolytes leave early. A few noteworthy ones being Keqing, Eula and Diluc. However those who are closest and most devoted to their God are visibly panicking

What happened to their excellency?

Kaeya watches as Zhongli and Venti escort their God to a room in the palace, with the Tsaritsa leading the way. Their God, in all their glory, remains with a cold poker face, and a very different aura all around

How amusing, Kaeya thinks. How will the story unfold now?

. . .

Footsteps startle them, a hand comes to their wound immediately and their legs are already up and ready to run

The familiar voice eases their panic a little bit, but they do not let their guard down. It irritates them how much this cocky smile calms their beating heart

“Dearest imposter,” Kaeya greets. He throws them a sunsettia, the ‘imposter’ fighting the urge to scramble to it like a helpless animal. They would not entertain someone as filthy as Kaeya. “Why such a harsh look? I gave you food.”

“Thanks, Mr. Bare Minimum,” They mutter. They glare at the sunsettia a little longer before hunger prevails, and they pick it up with fervour

Kaeya lightly smiles. “I noticed something interesting today.”

“Spare me the small talk,” They take a bite out of the sunsettia, sitting back down on the floor. Kaeya walks closer and sits next to them, leaning their head against the crate behind them

“It’s not small at all, it’s about their excellency,” The scoff coming from the ‘imposter’ doesn’t deter Kaeya from his story. “They’re quite different from before.”

“Let’s hope they aren’t more immature than they were before. Who the fuck sends a bunch of obsessed cult followers after someone’s ass just because they share the same face? God,” Again, with their weird speech, Kaeya notes. What other god are they talking about if not their excellency? “I don’t want to hear about them.”

“I don’t care, I’ll talk about it either way,” Kaeya banters back. “They changed, they’re less strict, less mean, less.. Them, should I say.”

“They grew as a person? Wow, I didn’t expect that.”

The slander should have offended him as someone who grew up worshipping their God’s name, but all it does is make him laugh. “They have a secret they’re hiding, and I want to find it out.”

A few seconds pass before they speak up again, wiping the sunsettia residue on their torn up clothes. “How will you do that?”

Kaeya’s smile turns borderline sadistic, a gleam in his eye that screams at the ‘imposter’ to run

But they stay, and they’ve fallen into his trap

“I need your help.”

— This is pretty late actually JAKDKEJE ANYWAYS the actual part where acolytes start finding out Reader isn't who they are and is actually the imposter starts on part three with Childe!!

[blzzrdstryr]

Reveries of the Past. Yandere!Childe x Fatui!gn!reader

Wordcount: 3875

CW: Dissociation, graphic depiction of violence, hallucinations, unhealthy relationship and unhealthy power dynamics.

A.N.: I used a lot of my experience with dissociations in this and if it makes you uncomfortable, I would advice not to read it. I also plan on writing continuation for this, as it’s set before the Rite of Descension. P.s. I am not a native English speaker, so could you notify me if there’s awkward wording.

[Next chapter]

There are plenty of times you find yourself reminiscing about the past and now, your mind slips back to your memories, as you look at the horribly mangled body of the treasure hoarder. The stench of blood stuffs up your nose, it’s sickly sweet metallic odor making your gut clench and nausea rise, as your limbs grow heavier and numb. You don’t feel  like you belong in your skin and bones and blood anymore - it’s cold, so cold, yet you don’t feel any of it. You are an outsider, an unwanted intruder in the house that is your body, an indifferent observer looking at the world through the thick glass.

The world around disfigures, shapes and colors changing in the constant whirlwind - they jump and dance around, small becoming large and large shrinking so much it’s barely visible, green shifts to red to blue and to yellow and to million of other colors, and sounds suddenly become muffled, losing their sharpness, but you don’t care about it: the part that is “you” fled to the daydreams of your childhood moments ago, leaving a clinically observing, yet unfeeling being behind. 

Adults would describe you as a perfect child: quiet, obedient and dutiful, you were a stark contrast to the other louder and more free spirited kids. You studied hard, cleaned the house, helped with dishes and cooking and never talked back. 

I can't upset mom and dad because they work so much. I can't play with other kids because if I do, they will make fun of me, I have to study hard and get good grades, because mom said I will have a good job and become rich and help them. 

These particular memories don't feel good to you: they're bleak and boring, yet full of silent shame - they make your throat clog and eyes water, as something burning starts to bloom deep underneath your skin. 

Childe stops beating the still alive treasure hoarder, a blood smeared on the cheek and a dangerous glint in his eyes, and turns his head to you. 

"Hey, how about lending me a helping hand?", there’s a hunger in his voice you recognize, he wants to teach a lesson to the debtors, then. You walk towards him, feeling your knees get weaker and weaker with each step for some reason. A dagger made of ice shines in your hand with cold light. 

"It's no wonder [First] received a vision! My [First] is always so good and smart, there are no children better" the exact words your mother says, as she brags to her friends, showing them the vision you were bestowed with. You left it to her, not caring what will happen to it - despite all the child's wonder you felt before receiving it, the glowing orb doesn’t look so amazing to you now. It feels foreign and ugly, a reminder of what happened seconds before you gained it. 

“You know, when I was a child”, he takes the weapon and focuses on the treasure hoarder’s leader again, “we made a special kind of promise”. It’s tip travels to the hoarder’s hand. “You make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life”

The sweet voice he uses and the fact that you  know the nursery rhyme too would make you sick in the stomach the other day, but not now. 

You don’t exactly remember how you joined the Fatui - it happened shortly after you gained a vision, when you were still too numb and cold to the outside world after the Event. 

Mom will hate me, dad will hate me too. I can’t let them know.

Your parents say that officials just knocked on the front door one day and offered you an entry into the Fatui and a monthly salary, big enough to stop your parents from overworking themselves. You were terrified back then, Fatuis despite being known as a diplomatic organization are still a mystery to the ordinary Shezhnayan and a direct servants to Her will. The thought of disappointing Tsaritsa or letting down Snezhnaya was enough to paralyze you, but seeing the smiles on your parents faces was enough to make you swear to yourself, that you will work there no matter how scary it seems.

“You break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice.” The blade stops between phalanges of the little finger: “The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend", he presses it, strong enough to detach the limb from the rest of the body in one swift slash. Treasure hoarder starts to cry and scream from the sudden pain, yet quickly chokes on it as Childe hits him in the solar plexus. The crack of bones feels deafening among the sea of muffled sounds.

Training was rigorous to say the least, you came back to your dorm room absolutely exhausted and after you fell on the bed you were practically dead to the world. Turns out, having a vision wasn’t enough to make you a fighter - you needed to know how to climb, swim, run with a weight to lift and wield a weapon. There were other children and teens with you, they eyed your vision with a mix of adoration and envy, you pretended not to catch it in turn.

“The frost will freeze your tongue off so you never lie again”, harbinger forces the victim's jaw apart by squeezing it with one hand, the other rapidly forcing a dagger inside the mouth. Treasure hoarder gasps and mumbles, fat tears forming in his eyes. A part of you expects a sound of parting flesh, but none comes: Tartaglia stands up and removes the blade, leaving a shivering and terrified man laying on the ground.

“Well,” Childe shrugs, as if he didn’t just dismember a person, voice back to his cheery tone : “You didn’t actually make a pinkie promise, so consider it a small mercy”. The treasure hoarder cowers even more, snuggling the injured hand close to the bruised chest. “But if you fail to repay your debt I will oversee that the frost”, he points in your direction, a treasure hoarder’s eyes going wide as he notices your vision, “will actually freeze your lying tongue off”, his voice descends again, back to it’s dangerous half-whisper.

You meet Ajax during the winter, he’s close to you in age and just arrived into Fatui grounds. He boasts and shows off to all of you, and you desperately want to retort something acidic to shut him up and rip off that arrogant bravado, yet say nothing, picturing how the tomorrow training session will have him laying flat on his back, too hurt and too tired to move even a single finger. 

He defeats the trainer in less than a minute.

Now, that the treasure hoarder fled, still snuggling disfigured limb, Childe turns attention back to you. “You seem a little bit disinterested here”, his hand on your cheek is so foreign, it’s burning and freezing at the same time, the shock from the unwanted touch almost strong enough to pull you back into reality. He notices your unintentional flinching and unfocused eyes “Ah, you hurt my feelings, [First]! And I thought we already became friends”. 

You say nothing, cold and unmoving, blind and deaf to the outside world, his words register a second too late, and there’s no cliche phrase for you to reply with. He looks a bit baffled and deflated for a second, but shrugs it off, just like he did during teen years, when you deliberately ignored all his attempts at catching your attention.

“Huh, even if you are so cold to me, I still forgive you”, he takes your hand, his touch still too overwhelming for you to process and pulls you back to Liyue harbor, your legs barely bending as you walk after him, like an obedient dog trailing it’s master.

“You know [First], I can beat you up so badly, that you will barely walk”, you put feather aside, stopping writing the letter to your parents as you glare at Ajax with barely masked indignation. He grins, satisfied to finally catch your attention after the whole day of pestering you. “I am aware of that” you reply in an absolutely flat tone, holding yourself from pouncing on him and trying to break the teeth out of that smug smile. He beams even wider, as if sensing your not-so-good intentions, revealing even more pearly whites as if taunting you.

“But I won’t, count yourself lucky”. And he leaves, this short interaction filling you with so much rage that you shake, handwritten letters noticeably becoming sharper and faster, your thoughts clouding around the idea of acquating his face with your boots. 

 Nonetheless, you indeed count yourself fortunate enough, when you see Ajax defeating grown men with bare hands. When you two, the only vision holders among your peers have to spar, he always goes easy on you, prefering to immobilize you rather than beating, making your defeat less painful yet even more humiliating. 

Almost at the end of your trail he suddenly stops and says something, but you don't catch it, words turning into separate vowels and then fusing together into one unintelligible gibberish mess. He leans in, close enough for his breath to burn your neck, and he continues to get closer, until his empty eyes look into yours glazed ones. He seems disappointed for a second and backs down, his breathing no longer fanning your skin. 

Distantly you think that you somehow angered him and he will slap you for it, and do nothing to dodge the hit - you barely feel pain in this condition anyway, but he doesn’t. The road to the Northland Bank is completed in absolute silence, Childe no longer trying to grab your attention, only when you enter Liyue Harbor does he whisper, that you two must look like a pair with all that hand holding. Judging by the volume and tone of his voice he says it more to himself than to you.

***

You come back to yourself in the safety of your room on the third room of the Northland bank. It feels like a rush of sensation, as everything becomes sharper and clearer again, like you just swam to the surface of water from the very depths of it. An invisible bubble around your head pops in one moment, and the world becomes real again, mind and body connecting for once more.

Eyes and ears focused you take in surroundings: the room is neat and lifelessly empty - just a bed and a working desk with a stack of written but unsent letters, along with a small bookcase near, no figurines, pictures or even plants to decorate living place, as you see no reason to adorn the area you use for sleeping only. Indiscernible wallpapers and a small window close to the middle of the bed finish the picture of austerity.

 Once, your memory catches up to you, you can't help groan from the shame and irritation, hiding your face in both hands. Afterwards  always feels both like a disgraceful escape and a warm blanket during the stormy night, a duality that you accepted long ago after joining the Fatui and today is no exception. You curse Harbinger when you remember why exactly you had an episode, and get up from the bed you threw yourself on minutes ago. You come to the desk, taking a clean form of a relocation request from the drawer and writing materials. 

Filling in the blank feels like commiting a felony to you for some reason - you stop several times when you hear footsteps in the corridor, focusing on the door,ready to hide the half written form and say some lie as an excuse. You don't list the Childe-related reasons, knowing that there's nothing that could make any of the Harbingers face the consequence for their actions, and instead you write completely normal and fake causes: health concerns, family matters and so on. Part of you doubts that this will work and you will have the fortune to get away from a certain harbinger as far as possible. Trying and failing is better than never attempting, you think, quickly writing the paper.

Once you finish it, you almost rush to Ekaterina, praying that you won't run into a certain ginger on the way. Sometime ago you caught Tartaglia checking your letters, for a secrecy he said back then, we can’t let anyone know about the coming operation. Childe then instilled that every sent and received letter should be checked, lest Qixing and other Liyuens learned what Fatui had in plan. It sounded logical and sensible, but the paranoid thought that he enforced this policy just to have a glimpse at your feelings never stopped eating at you. From that day on you sent your family the most basic and vague letters, just stating that you’re in good health and mind, still missing them and Snezhnaya, leaving the ones with more private sentiments in your room. 

Her eyes are completely obscured by the mask, but even with that you can’t miss the pointed glare she sends your way - Tartaglia never shied away from showing off, be it his strength, money or his twisted obsession that he calls love. With the amount of time and finances he spends on you and the way he acts like a kicked lovesick puppy in your vicinity, you are pretty sure that at least half of the bank workers see you as a cunning and cruel seducer, so keen and devious in the art of temptation that you managed to lure in Eleventh Harbinger.

As if archons decided to laugh at you, Childe descends from the second floor too, catching the sight of you near the receptionist. He looks unusually somber for a moment, but then he sees you, a smile appearing on his face as he takes the form from Ekaterina's hands. You can just feel how Ekaterina rolls her eyes under the mask, as if muttering complaints about the lovers’ spat and insubordination, having been working with her for some time, enough to have a clue of the inner workings of her mind.

You have to give him that he plays the confusion and regret very persuasively. He asks how he can fix this, says what a valuable team member you are to him and how much you are needed in the Northland bank. You agree to his suggestion - if years of training with Ajax and then work with Childe taught you anything, it is that Ajax is the chaos incarnate and Tartaglia is Ajax’s less tolerable and more unpredictable version, so it’s better not to anger him.

***

In the end he invites you to dine with him at Wanmin restaurant, a place Childe heard from some “xiansheng” as he called them. A bustling Liyue street is open before you two, tall midday sun painting the whole street into bright orange, so unlike the pristine white landscapes of Snezhnaya. He orders two Black Back Perch Stews on the chef's recommendations, and hands a bouquet of local flowers in a parody of a normal boyfriend. Any random observer would really see it as a date.

You take the flowers, pretending to pay more attention to  them than to a man sitting near you. Tartaglia is an unpredictability wrapped in human skin, there’s no privilege as being lax and carefree near him, as even Tsaritsa has no idea what he will do next. 

To your mutual confusion Xiangling presents the meal with two pairs of chopsticks. Utensils feel foreign in your palm, you having no idea how to handle them and Childe, by the looks of it too. Tartaglia specifically asks the chef for spoons, while you observe the other clients, noting how they use theirs. Holding one stick like a pen and then placing the bottom one in a fixed position under the thumb you manage to grasp the fish from the soup, albeit clumsily. You consider it a small win. 

The image of a mighty Harbinger struggling in a failing battle with chopsticks would look funny to you, if it wasn’t for the whole "date" you were having. After putting them aside, and seemingly admitting defeat, Childe starts from afar: "You know [First], you changed a lot since I first met you" .

You raise an eyebrow at the starter, it's vague and innocent enough, but experience tells you that he will or at least try to stir the conversation into your relationship with him again. Straightening a bit and finally turning your eyes to him, you pause for a second, picking the least offensive reply you can muster - there’s a swarm of insults buzzing at the tip of your tongue prepared just for him, growing and sprouting since your pubescent years.

“Yes, I got taller”, he laughs it off, like you said some funny joke, his giggles not stopping for some time. "No, I mean as a person. Remember how you used to glare at me for joking? And now you act so unfazed ”

Joking. Is this what he calls it? Shivers creep up your spine when your memory oh so conveniently conjures the images of the aftermath of his jokes.

“Your jokes weren’t funny to anyone but you”. Breathe, you think, there’s no need to anger him. There are pictures of broken bones and bruised bodies and a cacophony of somebody else’s pained screams flashing and rattling in your head, Adults never did anything. Why would they? They had a golden boy Ajax, why would they help the others when they had him? Why would they help you? Bitterness and anger you thought you swallowed long ago rise up to the surface again, and you decide to bite down on the stew - Tartaglia always found a way to turn your words against you and hurt you, no need to give him more weapons now.

“I changed a lot too. I know I was insufferable as a teen”, he must have taken your silence as a free pass to continue whatever nonsense he’s sprouting, “I am sorry”.

The last three words catch you off guard, a piece of fish almost stuck in the throat from the jolt. Ajax takes you by surprise once again, for him to finally acknowledge and apologize for all the pain he caused and years he tormented you?

You blink and look at him intently, his facial expression changing into an unusually somber one. It seems authentic enough.

“Let’s start from the scratch?

You contemplate unsure what to say.

Was he lying?

Looking back, you in a sense are luckier than most of Childe's victims, witnessing his youth, familiarizing and distinguishing the tells of him lying and scheming, observing the way he bloomed into the manipulator he is today firsthand. You see a familiarity in his face and voice, something that helps you from falling to his charms. There's also the added fact that you were and still are an involuntary witness to the way how carnal and bloodthirsty usually friendly Ajax can become. 

When did you catch his attention?

You remember his smile when he first approached you, less teeth and more sincerity that is thereafter,a hand outstretched to you. It happens on the next day after his arrival, almost as cold and unpleasant as the previous one. You brush the limb away like a noisy fly, secretly angry at his arrogant attitude and how effortlessly he endured training. His smiling doesn’t stop, yet you feel a sudden change in the air around you.

Would your fate be different if you took his hand?

You can't forget how your mind disconnected from your body for the second time. It was Ajax again vying for your attention akin to a spoiled child, and like one he threw a tantrum when you refused to give him any. The poor recruit you were talking with was hospitalized the same day, as you helplessly watched the carnage before you. You didn't fight, you didn’t flee, you just froze, like a scared animal, paralyzed by fear, yet somehow too detached from feelings. That day was bizarre: once you felt reality, it was solid and undeniable and then you didn't. The realness of the current diffused, slipped through the fingers like sand, leaving nothing but unreliable and delusive reveries behind.

Will he let you go? 

“People do change and I see that you changed too. I don’t think of you as a teen you were” you carefully pick the words, Tartaglia visibly blooms, thinking that his apology worked, yet your next words snuff out his triumph: “but my memories stay the same. I don’t think we can start from scratch”

You bite the tongue, the second part still coming out too harsh for your liking. The moment of sincerity is interrupted, you see him, changing the masks, unsure what to do. It seems for the first time it was you who caught him off guard. You guess which one of the two standard facades he will decide to show to you, having spent years by his side to observe him masterfully wielding both, the friendly one with a vacant smile that never reaches his dead, dead eyes or the calculating one, distant and devoid of humanity?

In the end he uses none, a hurt still evident, dripping in his tone, face and moves - is it another mask you never got to see or is it real? - “So that is your answer”, he leans in closer, dull cerulean eyes looking right into yours.

You hold his stare, nodding, instead of saying anything and he hums, sitting back and wearing the cold mask, reserved for his enemies: “Just wanted to remind you that I am the Harbinger and you are just a position higher than an ordinary agent”. Despite seeing it so many times, it’s the first time he directs it at you and you have to suppress the shiver. The unsaid threat hangs heavy in the air, suffocating you.

You two are no longer solemn [First] and annoying Ajax, who trails your steps behind like a puppy, no, you are a special agent [Last] and Eleventh Fatui Harbinger Tartaglia, to whom you are personally assigned by Tsaritsa herself. Even possessing vision and delusion yourself you can’t match Childe’s power, and your loss would be easy to overlook if your harbinger wished for it. Honestly speaking, there are a lot of things he could do to you without anyone questioning it, the Harbingers being the second most powerful figures in the organization, right after Tsaritsa herself. You heard the stories of Krupp and other assistants who got missing under Il Dottore, you heard of horrible accidents happening to the people Scaramouche dislikes, you heard about the injuries Signora inflicts on the unfortunate recruits when she is in foul mood, yet you never thought that Tartaglia will abuse his power in the same way.

“Don’t worry” he seems to have taken mercy on you, “I won’t use my position like that, it’s cheating and I like to play the fair game”, despite the seemingly reassuring words , you don’t let yourself relax, knowing him for years.

“Don’t think I will back down though, I am not the type to give up”

[rayofsunas]

otherworldly! s/o

A/n: happy monday! I woke up at 7am and since then I've been grinding out assignments/classes and now this, so I actually feel productive even though I've been staring at my computer for a while. but thank you for requesting anon! I enjoyed writing this and I hope you enjoy reading it! <33 also to understand this more, I'd like to point out that this connects to the speculation Genshin and Honkai are alternate universes of one another. so for example, Scaramouche is a harbinger from his time, but he may have been a warlord in a different, with a completely different name (keeping his appearance ofc) hope that makes sense. so if you've paid attention to what I've been saying about Scara and his mini-series, etc. you'll understand what I mean in Scara's lol. his reader insert is fem for the same reason as above btw!

Summary: otherworldly! s/o who arrived as a fallen meteor, that can bring back plants to life/heal deep wounds/scars and resurrect people.

Parings: Albedo/Gn! Reader, Xiao/Gn! Reader, Scaramouche/Fem! Reader

Warnings: swearing, fluff, alternate realities/time traveler au! (reader is not the traveler), death/resurrection

Word count: 1.7k

Albedo

you don't have a vision like some people in Teyvat, because you're not from there; you're from a whole different world itself. instead, you have healing abilities that allow you to any energy you absorb in the form of food/sunlight, and you can use that energy to heal others. though, the healing can only go as far as healing minor injuries such as shallow cuts, scratches, or smoothing out scars. the same can work if you were to heal yourself.

Albedo is so intrigued when he finds you passed out in the pit of a meteor, half of your body hanging out while the other is awkwardly still in it

one, because who is this stranger in a meteor for crying out loud

and two, he notices your wounds on your arms are healing by themselves, slowly though

as someone who studies alchemy, life forms, and such, he's very intrigued that you're able to heal yourself without medicine, and he wonders if you can do the same to others

so he takes you to his lab, and runs a few tests

yes, you're still passed out when this happens, but he's just so curious and couldn't hold back

don't worry though, he's just drawing some blood and testing to see what you can do, because who knows, you may not even speak his language and won't be able to communicate with him (doesn't make a difference Albedo, you need COnSENT-)

so, just for science, he cuts the palm of his hand a little and decides to see if you can heal him

it doesn't take him long to notice the way the tips of your fingers are glowing a light greenish-yellow, so he immediately assumes that's the source of your powers and places a finger on his palm

it takes a second before anything happens, but eventually his cut starts to slowly close

once again he's even more shocked and intrigued

you have the natural ability and he's never come across someone with so much raw strength being able to do that

so you're right up his alley

when you wake up you're confused as hell (obviously) but thankfully, you can speak his language and are able to share your story

Albedo decides to make a deal with you

he'll help you get home if you can educate him more about your ability and your homeland. you agree

it works out perfectly, because you both have something the other needs/can do for the other (you have your power that he's interested in, and he's found a way for you to return home)

it's also easy to work together because of those same common interests, and it helps that he studies alchemy cause he's way more knowledgeable about you and the process can go a tiny bit quicker for you if you wish to return home sooner

at first you're merely friends, co-workers if you wish

but then he starts falling for you and vice versa

you both genuinely enjoy each others company, so you decide to stay in Teyvat a little while longer, even after he finds a way for you to go home

I wouldn't put it past Albedo to want to return to your world if you allow it

he'd be interested in this new or not so new world ;)

Xiao

you're like the traveler in a sense, where as soon as you climbed out of the meteor, you felt this connection to Teyvat and your vision randomly appeared. you have a dendro vision, something you learned was a rarity within liyue and mondstadt. along with that vision, you had the previous ability to grow/heal plants. you can bring back dead plants, though if they've been dead for a very long time, that's beyond your ability. they also can't be brought back if they've been badly burned.

Xiao may not be interested at first about what vision you have or even where you came from + why the hell you climbed out of a meteor

he's more interested in getting you home so you can stop asking questions about his own abilities/vision and odd, unfamiliar, but beautiful world

but boy when he catches you bringing back a wilted Glaze Lily?!? shook

he secretly thinks you're so cool and it piques his interest

he's never seen anyone do this before, and though his eyes were deceiving him when he first saw the lily spring to life again

but then when he catches you healing more plants, on your way to Liyue to hopefully find Zhongli for answers, he's so interested

he doesn't ask a crapload of questions, BUT he's going to ask at least one or two

"how're you doing that?"

"what are you?

the questions are kind of vague and require more in-depth explanations than he'd originally hoped, but he's surprisingly willing to listen to your story on the way to the harbor

after he learns your story and calls for Zhongli, he'll immediately leave and claim he has no further interests in you

but he's obviously lying

he finds as he's sitting on top of one the smaller mountains one night, looking down at the glowing Liyue town, he has more questions

way more questions

surprising Zhongli, Xiao shows appears when he's showing you around and getting you accustomed to the people/culture

he finds himself hoving behind you, shyly almost, never asking questions (at least not in Zhongli's presence

his reason for standing behind you is to protect you from any harm, so that way, when he decides to ask you more questions, you'll be there for him to do so and not dead or lost

when you tell Zhongli you'd wish to stay in Teyvat, specifically Liyue, Xiao is happy ngl

he can ask you questions and now that you're somewhat used to Liyue, having been here for four months already and planning to stay forever, he can catch you alone and ask questions without Zhongli hovering or acting as your tour guide lol

slowly, and I mean sluggishly slow, he's going to ask you more questions and he may, emphasis on may, tell you his own story

Scaramouche

you're from an alternate reality of Teyvat, a former doctor in your world. basically, Teyvat hundreds of years in the future. you've studied the human body to become a doctor obviously and you used to be able to bring back the dead using your bare hands. it didn't matter how far back ago they've died, as long as their full-body was still intact (full skeleton needed). though, the further back they died, the more energy you'd use, and if you run out of energy too soon, you couldn't bring them back. but now in this strange land, you can't. in exchange for your powers being lost, you're given an electro vision.

Scaramouche is tasked with finding out more about these odd meteors that keep appearing in various corners of Teyvat

and one very large one

he doesn't care who you are, what you are, what your excuse for being in Teyvat is, but he's been ordered to explore the fallen meteor and since you happened to be passed out inside it upon further exploration, you're part of the mystery he's been told to check out

and, it doesn't further help your situation that you landed in Snezhnaya, in the weirdest, not-so-warm clothing AND he finds you attractive (yes, you heard it here folks), plus you're going to catch hypothermia out here dressed like that

it would suck for a pretty girl such as yourself to be frozen to death

so Scaramouche decides to take you to the Tsaritsa, who leaves you in Scaramouche's care since he found you

she says he can do whatever he wants you, dispose of you, etc.

when you finally come too in an odd room on a couch in front of a fireplace, you're confused, cold as hell despite the flames, and when you see his face, you're immediately angered, which he finds odd

it's almost as if you recognize him... but he doesn't recognize you so he's confused as well

"what're you doing here?"

bold of you, he thinks. to question him with that tone as if you have authority here, over him

"watch yourself. I was going to ask you the same."

you don't seem too pleased with him though

"we agreed to never speak again, or so I thought..."

"are you stupid or are you just playing the stupid card to be released?" he'd say

though as soon as you burst and yell at him about a situation he's not familiar with, he's starting to understand a bit more

you're not from here, not anywhere in Teyvat at least, and by the way you're talking to him as if you know him, he assumed correctly that you're from an alternate reality, where he's also present

though despite his correct assumption, he demands answers and you cannot be allowed any kind of freedom until he gets them

you tell him your story and how in your world, a version of himself exists and that you were briefly married, though split because he was too much of a control/power freak for you and your daughter

he disagrees with the last part about him being a control/power freak ofc but

he decides he'll keep you around, against your wishes

one, because you can become useful if your resurrection abilities are awoken; you'd be able to save many fallen Fatui soldiers, with more training so you don't run out of energy ofc

and two, he doesn't think his other self would miss you very much if you're both on bad terms, he sure would miss such a pretty face if you were to leave though, that's for sure...

so, he's going to keep you around, so he can help train/get used to your electro vision. it works best that way since he has the same vision and can train you more efficiently (I think Scara has electro powers, just an assumption!)

he will also hopefully be able to awaken your resurrection abilities and if you can't, well then sorry you're disposable

overtime, all the Harbingers tease him about his little crush and he either denies it or strongly provokes it cause his ego is through his fucking hat

exhibit a. literally doesn't care that he's caught by childe staring at you train and will say something like, "and? you're just jealous she's not interested in you like she is me."

exhibit b. will throw a fit if someone accuses him and says he has, "no room for crushes or love." even if he was somewhat capable of it in your world...

3.22.21, rayofsunas

[aminiatureworld]

A Slow Flame

Characters: Scaramouche, gn!reader

Word Count: 1,346

Warnings: None

Premise: Love is often like a flame, and sometimes that flame takes a while to catch. Yet it is no less bright when it finally does.

In which Scaramouche slowly falls in love

Author’s Note: Since this was requested as a headcanon I put it in bullet pointed format. Although I haven’t written proper headcanons in years, so this might read very similar to my scenarios. Nevertheless I hope you enjoy.  

When you first came into Scaramouche’s life he could hardly believe in your existence.

Most of the new recruits learned quickly enough to leave the icy Harbinger alone, knew that currying favor was an utterly useless endeavor, and found his personality grating at best. And yet you were insistent on sticking around, or sticking around as much as a lowly soldier could.

First on time to drill, first to get to meals, first to respond to questions and first to inquire after details in return. Scaramouche couldn’t figure you out, brushing you off as a try-hard or as an innocent who would quickly give up and run away. People such as you didn’t exist. They simply disappeared.

And yet you didn’t.

The trust grew slowly. If efficiency was valuable coin in the Tsaritsa’s army, then loyalty was priceless. Scaramouche knew that, could not understand why you would then offer such a thing to him. How could he trust it? It made no sense.

Yet you made no attempt to betray him, no attempt to pawn off information or get some bribe out of him. And slowly, almost unconsciously, he began to rely upon you.

At first he couldn’t see that the line was blurring.

When pressed with the question of your value in his eyes he would brush it off as you simply being the most qualified Fatui member he’d ever worked with. Of course he preferred your company to that of the rest of the lackeys, those fools who tripped over themselves trying to do the simplest of tasks. You were his most loyal soldier. Why shouldn’t he prefer your company?

You, in turn, made no attempt to close the gap that existed between you two. If you loved Scaramouche you did a good job of hiding it. And, of course, no one would ever bring such a topic up otherwise. Anyone who did would surely have a death wish, as Scaramouche would have their clothes singed to black in a second.

Within such an atmosphere perhaps it should’ve been no surprise that he never thought to examine his feelings for you. And yet, just because he didn’t examine them didn’t mean they stopped growing.

His first recognition of his feelings was when you were enlisted in a task headed by one of the lesser generals. Though the operation only lasted three days and you were soon back by his side Scaramouche found those three days surprisingly disarming. He’d grown accustomed to your presence, to the surety that you were always by his side. To be deprived of that felt like a shock to his system.

He even found himself unconsciously calling to you. Turning over his shoulder, expecting your advice, only to be met with the bare wall of his tent. Even the embarrassment of such a mistake couldn’t hide the unease that floated around him those three days.

When you finally returned it was as if Scaramouche had finally set foot on solid ground again.

After that he began to notice you more, as if finally becoming aware of your presence. No longer were you a loyal shadow, something that grew and changed in the light, fleeting and unobtrusive. No, now you were vivid, finally put into color by those days in which you were gone.

The first thing he noticed were your expressions. Before, he hadn’t really registered your gestures, the little habits that all people carry within themselves. Now your expressions hypnotized Scaramouche. The way in which you leaned slightly forward when laughing, the fact that one side of your lips tilted upwards before the other when you smiled, the way your face stilled when you were considering something, with only your eyes revealing the thoughts and considerations going through your mind. These expressions seemed new to Scaramouche and he reveled in them.

He began to wonder if you noticed the same things. Did you ever muse on the way his hands grasped pencils and mugs and papers? Did you also smile at the ways his eyes shined when he was excited – something admittedly rare? Were you suddenly as aware of him as he was of you, or had you not noticed yet? Had you always noticed, and he was the one being slow?

And yet he still didn’t connect it with love.

Then you were called away to Liyue.

Under Dottore’s supervision you were to study ruin guards; how they worked, what purpose they served, all these tasks were now up to you. Scaramouche wasn’t actually sure who had made the decision. He assumed it was the Tsaritsa. Perhaps because if not he would’ve never been able to agree to it.

After that Scaramouche turned colder. Suddenly he didn’t care as much; didn’t care about his subordinates, didn’t care about the infantile missions he’d been sent on. Didn’t care that Signora had already claimed a gnosis, and he was lagging dreadfully behind.

The only thing that had ignited his interest was the knowledge that Childe was now in Liyue, presumably on the same mission as Signora. This did nothing to call him to any sort of action however. Instead it seemed to leave him more drained, more disgusted with the world around him.

When Signora came to visit she couldn’t believe the state the Harbinger was in. Since when had Scaramouche become so inattentive? It was unheard of. And more baffling was the Harbinger himself, who neither knew nor care of his transformation.

Now, unlike Scaramouche, Signora isn’t a total idiot. It took approximately two days of sticking close to the Harbinger to realize what was wrong. And really two days was being generous.

Later it would embarrass Scaramouche to recall the fact that he’d been told he was in love with you, rather than figuring it out himself. At the time however he had no such embarrassment.

He’d initially rejected it, almost appalled by the answer laid at his feet. Yet even as he narrowed his eyes and sharpened his voice his mind betrayed him.

Suddenly things had taken on a new significance, memories that had laid dormant now brought bare. Suddenly a smile wasn’t only a smile, and the trust in your loyalty was no longer a matter of simple reliance. Suddenly he couldn’t stop thinking of your eyes, and suddenly your voice was a prized memory. Suddenly he couldn’t stop his love for you.

Scaramouche had promptly declared that it didn’t matter. Staring at the ground, he felt cynicism wash over him. What did it matter now? What good was there in realizing his feelings when you were already gone? There was no point in labelling it, as love or otherwise. He might as well forget.

Love was a useless emotion anyways. Perhaps it was best that he’d lost his chance for it, perhaps he’d just managed not to become weak.

Signora was incredibly irritated at this line of thinking, and was quick to berate her listless coworker. Nor was she just content in lecturing.

And thus Scaramouche landed himself in the plains of Liyue, eyes lighting up as they fell once more upon your face, heart somehow feeling lighter.

He didn’t want to admit that he loved you, still begrudging himself an emotion that made people weak.

Yet he couldn’t help but reach for your hand when you came up to him, and he couldn’t help but soften a bit at the contact, at the thing he’d secretly wished for all those weeks.

He wouldn’t tell you his true motive for traveling to Liyue and Mondstadt, not wanting to reveal his shame. He would speak only of his mission, to chase down a traveler and rid the Tsaritsa of a nuisance.

Yet sometimes, when the light was low and the stars were rising, he allowed himself a moment of honesty. I trust you, he’d whisper in his mind. I trust you, I trust you, I trust only you.

Perhaps one day he’d been able to change that trust to love. And perhaps one day the whisper in his mind would become words that passed his lips.

[thatoneitaliangirl]

Umm hellooo 👉👈 may I request Venti’s fem s/o asking to have a baby with her? After they’re married and stuff ofc ehchvhgggvb

Hi! Sorry this took me so long, I'm taking a summer class this semester and life is crazy and ahhhhhhh!

Anyway, here is your story! It's not very long, but I hope you find it entertaining! I didn't mention if they were married or not, but you can assume they are if you want to. I left it open to interpretation.

Thank you so much for requesting this from me and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Venti x Reader

About- Venti want's to talk to reader about having a baby.

Warnings- Mentions of superficial wounds from a commission, implied sexy times at the end.

Word count- 1,074

Something has been on Venti's mind for a while now.

Being immortal, he's never truly thought about having kids. Sure, he's seen them around Mondstadt and plays with them like the kid at heart he is, but one of his own? He's not even sure if it's possible!

But, then he met you.

He didn't even know who you were, you just showed up in Mondstadt one day looking for commissions. But there was something about you he couldn't quite place that made you feel special to him for some reason. He tried asking you, but you avoided him like the plague. It wasn't until you decided to help out the traveler with a commission that he finally had the opportunity to talk to you.

He and the traveler are tight, so they didn't mind him tagging along. You, on the other hand, did NOT seem pleased. Every little comment he made, every stride he took, every time he laughed, you looked physically in pain. Like his mere presence was just too much for you to handle. And when you fought, you just looked so familiar . . .

He finally got the courage to corner you after the fight and ask you and was extremely shocked at the news. Apparently, during the Archon war, you two had fought. It was a misunderstanding; you, a small god new to the world and scared, were just trying to defend your territory. And Barbatos being merciful, let you escape. He honestly didn't think you'd make it, being as weak as you were. But somehow you were able to survive and live in hiding for many years.

A god without people or land, wandering aimlessly for hundreds of years with no sense of belonging.

You had avoided Mondstadt for so long but finally decided to stay for a bit. After all, their god had been gone for a very long time. Boy, were you wrong.

But in the end, you two settled your differences. You're still incredibly weak, hardly would anyone call you a god in this day and age. Despite this, you've done your best to protect the people you've come across, defeating hilichurls and Abyss mages on your travels. Weak or not though, you are still a god.

One with a Gnosis just like his own. So, in good faith and a bit of a guilty conscience, Venti decided to help you. He didn't want the Tsaritsa to find out about you, especially since they don't know what she plans on doing. The best thing for you would be to stay by his side. And so you did.

Neither of you expected to fall in love with each other, but those things just happen.

But, that brings us back to the present and back to our original thought.

Does Venti want kids with you? Yes, yes he does. But do you?

He looks at you from across the room. You just got back from a commission about an hour ago and are dressing your wounds. Venti walks over and hands you fresh water and you thank him. It pains him to see you hurt. You heal faster than a normal human, but nowhere near as fast as him. Sometimes, he sees the Traveler in you, and you in them. Both powerful in your own right, but weak compared to a god.

"I'm sorry." Venti whispers, just audible enough to hear. You look up at him and laugh.

"Venti, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop apologizing! I've survived this long without your help, haven't I?" He smiles back, sitting next to you. Your smile always brings his mood back up.

"Well, if I had been there, you probably wouldn't have gotten as banged up. You sure you don't want my help?" You roll your eyes.

"Positive, Ven." Venti watches as you clean up, noting nothing too severe. A few cuts, a few scrapes, no worse than poor Benny gets daily. He swallows and sighs. Should he ask you? Maybe now's not the time.

"Why are you looking so melancholy, Ven? Cat got your lyre strings?" His eyes widen.

"Please, don't curse me with that!" You laugh, a perfect melody to his ears. Venti bites his lip and decides to give in.

"I have something very important to ask you," He looks up at you, looking into your eyes. Very rarely do you see him this serious.

"You don't have to answer right away- you don't have to answer at all if you don't want to, but . . . It's just . . . I," You look at him, concern filling your eyes and he's entranced.

'Abort mission, ABORT-'

"Maybe I'll ask later-!" He tries to get up, but you grab him by the wrist and pull him down. Elementally you may be weak, but physically? All those years of training and fighting have gained you some muscles! Much more than Venti has, at least. Not that that's saying much.

"Venti, what's the matter? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" He lets out a defeated sigh and shuts his eyes tight.

"Iwannahaveababywithyou!" You blink in surprise.

"I'm sorry, what?" Venti opens his eyes and looks at you.

"I want to-" You nod encouragingly.

"Have a baby with . . . You . . ."

"Oh."

"Oh?" You cough into your hand.

"Well, I hadn't really thought about it. But," You look up at Venti, a nervous but bright smile on your face.

"I love you more than life itself. Having a baby with you, starting our own little family . . . It sounds . . ." You laugh and pull him into a hug.

"It sounds amazing Venti!" Relief floods off of Venti as he tightens the hug, pulling you as close to him as he can. He never thought you would actually say yes! I mean, there are so many reasons you could have said no, but you said yes!

"You're the muse to my music, the melody to my song, and the meaning to the words that I sing. Having a family with you would make me the happiest man in all of Teyvat!" You pull back from the hug seeing tears of joy run down Venti's face.

"You're so corny, Ven!" Venti smirks and wiggles his eyebrows.

"I may be corny, but I'm also something else that rhymes with it!"

"Oh my gods, Venti!"

[fatuismooches]

hi hi!

I love ur writing sm tbh, it’s just so heartwarming and FLOOFY

could I pls request headcanons of all the harbingers being the caretakers of kitsune child reader (platonic obviously)

like one day the tsaritsa just tells them they have to look after this fox child she found

just fluffy and soft stuff🥺

if there are too many characters, feel free to add less if you’d like, I honestly don’t mind

(they’re pretty similar to how miko looks and they can also turn into a tiny Fox)

sos if this is a confusing request

thanks in advance! have a wonderful day/noon/night <33

♡ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 ♡

synopsis: The Tsaritsa orders her Harbingers to take care of a kitsune child she found. Fluff ensues as they all platonically grow fond of you.

includes: all eleven fatui harbingers w/ gn! child! reader

notes: Platonic stuff and found family is so cute! Thank you for this request and your words, it was so cute. I hope you like this!

All of them are initially cautious at first. Why would a kitsune be in Snezhnaya? Were you actually a spy and just pretending? But the Tsaritsa seemed to take a liking to you, so they were all required to do their part. (Little did they know they would all end up adopting you.)

Pierro:

At first, he keeps you around because of the Tsaritsa’s orders. But since you are naturally curious, you would follow him around at all times which would melt his heart and make him remember his own youth. Pierro would play chess with you. Kitsune are very intelligent and he would want to bring this out of you slowly. Would sometimes lose on purpose if you’re getting upset though. (He’s shocked if you call him an old man.)

The kind of caretaker who would sit you down on his lap and read you bedtime stories. He has a deep raspy voice that’s useful for when they need to put you to bed. I also think this man is very stressed and your fox form would make him feel a lot more relaxed.

Capitano:

I personally think he’d be really soft with animals and they love him in return. So he’d secretly love your fox form. Capitano takes elite care of your fur, ears, and hair. (Imagine you sleeping on top of his head or shoulders while he gives out orders and the Fatui soldiers are struggling to keep a straight face.)

He is your silent protector. Would trail behind you as you run around the Fatui headquarters. When you’re talking to any soldier, he would stand menacingly behind you as a warning to everyone else to not say anything inappropriate to you. Capitano would give you piggyback rides, lift you up into the air, let you hang off his arm, and do any other fun activities. He really treasures how you’re not scared of him at all, and would protect you at any cost.

Columbina + La Signora:

Columbina and La Signora would team up to do your hair. You would have matching rose buns like Signora by the end of it. The two of them would have the best and cutest clothes for you. The three of you probably have fashion shows and an actual runway. They have hats specially made to fit with your ears.

I just know Columbina knows the best spots for naps and scenery. She would take you to her favorite spots and hum a simple tune for you until both of you fall asleep. La Signora would take on a more motherly role. She wants to know about your day and what you learned while she combs out any knots.

Dottore:

To be honest, the other Harbingers endeavor to keep your time with him limited because of his past actions. Dottore doesn’t care much for kids anyway so this is fine to him. But if you continuously seek him out he’ll begrudgingly deal with your presence. Honestly the worst caretaker out of everyone because he has no idea what to do. What do kids like to do? What do they eat? Why are you crying all of a sudden? It’s making his head spin. Passes you off to his clones who research guides on how to deal with kids. They slowly adapt and teach him later.

Might allow you to attach one of his earrings to your ear, but you take it off rather quickly, complaining it’s too heavy for you. You would also copy his maniacal laugh so whenever Dottore laughs they have a mini you following after. Similar to Sandrone, he might teach you about invention and different kinds of science.

Pulcinella:

The best grandpa who knows every trick in the book. Whenever the Harbingers are at a loss on how to take care of you, they bring you to him and he’s got it under control in a matter of minutes. He wants to know who you are hanging out with and if they’re a bad influence on you. Pulcinella knows when to be strict and when not to. Gives the other Harbingers in-depth caretaking lessons whether they like it or not (especially Dottore.)

He would make sure you have memories of everyone you cherish. Kitsune live so much longer than a human and he doesn’t want you to forget anyone who raised you. Gives you a Kamera and helps you to make scrapbooks of everything you take pictures of.

Scaramouche:

There were always rumors that the Balladeer was soft around the children and elderly but no one quite believed it until they saw him interacting with you. Initially tried to avoid you because he didn’t want others to see an adorable kitsune child following him. Eventually gave in but kept the fake grumpy facade up so others wouldn’t get the wrong idea.

You probably remind him of Inazuma. Introduces you to Inazuman cuisine and wants to take you there someday. He probably knows kitsune folklore as well so he would retell it to you. He secretly finds it cute when you try on his hat but it covers you completely because you’re so tiny. Scaramouche’s temper is reduced while you’re around because he doesn’t want to make you upset. Whenever you ask him to do something he always acts like it’s a chore for a few seconds but immediately gets a Fatui agent on the job.

He’s a puppet who is probably going to live as long as you, so he silently vows to watch over you and protect you always.

Arlecchino:

Arlecchino is around children daily in her orphanage but that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s great with them. After all, she’s raising them to be warriors and soldiers, not babysitting them. But that doesn’t mean she’s bad either. Arlecchino could pick up on your cues easily - she knows when you’re hungry or pretending to be sick, or when you’re actually tired. She’s still not the most in tune with emotions though so she leaves that up to the other Harbingers. Arlecchino would still be helpful with your health though.

She would let you play with the other orphans because it seems to brighten their days (hers as well.) She seems cold and a bit angry at times but your cheerfulness brightens her day.

Pantalone:

He knows what it’s like to be abandoned so he would feel for you. You would be utterly pampered by him. Bubble baths, rubber duckies, any toys you want, the most exquisite of shampoos and conditioners for your ears. He would make sure you receive a proper education and access to any activities you desire. Pantalone would make sure you never left wanting.

He would teach you how to manage money at a young age. You’ll probably never need it but he likes the idea of teaching you something he wished he knew as a child.

Sandrone:

She doesn’t care much at first. Sure, her interest is a bit peaked, but she’ll soon forget about you when she’s busy with her Automatons. That is, until she finds out you somehow snuck into her lab and curiously inspected some of her most dangerous robots. Immediately removes you from the premises.

She doesn’t want to involve you in the more cruel and deadly aspect of her work so instead, she’ll help you to create a small robot for yourself. She does most of the work but shows you some fundamental mechanical skills and secretly hopes you’ll take an interest in engineering.

Sews a kitsune doll for you so you can cuddle it to sleep. Sandrone has different robots created that teach you basic skills like reading, writing, math, etc. Even when she or any of the Harbingers are not around with you, you have her robots to play games with and keep you company.

Childe:

Probably the best caretaker besides Pulcinella. Childe already has multiple little siblings so he knows exactly what to do. However, he has little restraint when it comes to spoiling you which separates him from Pulcinella’s stricter attitude. Childe would cook your favorites with ease but also introduce you to his favorite Snezhnayan dishes. He would comb out your fluffy hair and ears while keeping you occupied with various Snezhnayan stories.

Childe would not want you to fight. He is the protector and defender of childhood dreams so he would encourage you to do what you find fun (and would fund anything you need.) Even though you already know he’s in the Fatui, he wouldn’t tell you anything else about his job because he wants to shield you from harm.

He would introduce you to Teucer and his family quickly. His siblings marvel over your appearance and would play with you often. Ajax understands quite well how it feels to be lonely so he would want you to have strong bonds. Would even allow you to live with his family full time or have sleepovers if you wished.

[mearcatsreturns]

Okay, so you KNOW I'm now inevitably forced to ask for the actual fic prompt of Ivan trying to give his boss romantic advice, casual-like. (No need to confine yourself to 100 words. I mean what.)

I thought I could just write a thousand words of jokes, but then all these fools came and had the audacity to put feelings up in here. *Ivan voice* Disgusting.

Initially I was going to have this all as one chapter, but it was getting crazy long and I wanted to publish it tonight, so you get chapter 1 of 2, with the rest to follow in the next day or two.

Without further ado, Ivan, Interrupted:

Looking back, he should have seen the signs. The Sun Summoner is trouble and has been from day one.

He called that one, at least.

It’s not his fault. How is he supposed to recognize the stupidity of heterosexuals? He and Fedyor fell in love as young teens and haven’t parted in anger since. They look out for each other and try to spoil each other in all the small ways the other enjoys.

The General and Alina Starkov are a different story.

&&&

Ivan is there when the oprichniki drag Alina into General Kirigan’s tent in Kribirsk. She looks all for the world like the otkazat’sya he’s fought near the border of Shu Han. He can’t hold it against her, though; he knows better than anyone that appearances can deceive.

What he can hold against her is her denial. Even after twice showing that she can indeed summon sunlight, the little fool somehow believes she’s not Grisha. General Kirigan, a human amplifier and probably the most powerful Grisha on the planet, touches her and confirms it, and she still clings to her past. Ivan can’t understand why someone would want to deny something so intrinsic.

More worryingly, he sees his commander’s face as he tries to figure out the Starkov girl. It’s not a look he’s ever seen on Kirigan’s face, and it fills him with dread. The bemusement at her reply to his questioning about what she is turns to something...joyous and darkly yearning, in the General’s understated way.

People consider Ivan stoic and difficult to read, but he learned from the best, and his boss is the best.

Ivan is very discomfited to see Kirigan showing signs of experiencing emotions.

&&&

His unease only grows when Kirigan commands him and Fedyor to escort the Sun Summoner to Os Alta.

“Ivan, I need you and Fedyor to accompany Miss Starkov to the Little Palace. Make haste, and use all your formidable talents to keep harm from coming to her.”

“But the mission to West Ravka—”

“Will have to wait. Everyone in a twenty-mile radius saw her light show, and that may well include some of Ravka’s enemies. She—this—is more important than anybody knows. Keep her safe, and I’ll keep you and Fedyor off the front lines for six months.”

Ivan clears his throat.

“Yes?” Kirigan asks with a lift of his brow.

“Will you be staying, or do you need me to send word ahead that you’ll be arriving as well, sir?”

The General’s face smooths into its usual mask of power and calm. “No, I imagine I may well arrive before you all, as you’ll be taking my carriage.”

“As you say, General.”

Kirigan dismisses him, and he stomps off to find Fedyor so they can leave posthaste.

Ivan’s exasperation only grows when the Starkov tries, of all things, to stay and find some tracker friend of hers, tries to deny who she is. She even questions the General’s judgment, something not even Ivan dares to do.

(Privately, he agrees that this whole endeavor is a mistake. Alina Starkov is trouble, and he has an uncomfortable feeling that all their lives are about to change in ways no one can predict).

He hauls her into the carriage, plopping her on the seat across from the one he shares with Fedyor. Perhaps one of them ought to sit next to her to make sure she doesn’t get into any further foolishness, but Ivan’s crabby enough he wants to sit next to his husband.

Once they get out of Kribirsk and on the Vy, she settles down a bit, but she radiates nervous energy and it puts him on edge.

Fedyor, bless him, does his best to put the Sun Summoner at ease. But she’s resentful and afraid, and it irritates Ivan. He knows he should try to be understanding, but with all the fear and resentment he’s put up with from the otkazat’sya—his own family, even—he struggles to find the patience to explain why she should trust in the General and the Grisha. Nonetheless, he tries to soothe her the only way he knows how: by reminding her of the power she now holds.

Ivan’s thoughts drift to what might await them all in Os Alta, but his ruminations are interrupted by the shouts of the oprichniki warning them of a blockage in the road.

The dread he was feeling dissipates in the face of the familiar. He’s ready to fight against an ambush by Ravka’s enemies. He’s not ready to confront the existential questions Alina Starkov brings.

And fighting side-by-side with Fedyor never grows old. His blood sings, his heart pounds with the fierce excitement of a fight with his beloved at his side.

The fucking Fjerdans. Ivan hates the drüskelle for their hatred of the Grisha, and that fire burns hotter when Fedyor is hit in the leg. Fear twists in his belly as he examines Fedyor’s wound, though he claims it’s fine. Ivan, the most feared heartrender in Ravka, can’t concentrate enough to tell how many their enemies number, so he delegates it to Katya. He remembers the Summoner in the carriage, and issues a command for one of the other Grisha to protect her, but the screams fade into the background of his mind as he does his best to heal Fedyor.

Then he senses the shadows that accompany Kirigan—the reason the people mutter in fear, call him the Darkling—and the Fjerdans melt back into the wood. Shame mixes with his fear for Fedyor, and Ivan swears to himself when, after a few moments he hears the General speak to one of the Etherealki who’ve made it back to the carriage.

“Tend to the wounded. Then tell Ivan to make sure everyone gets back to Little Palace as quickly as possible and report to me. I’ll be waiting.”

“Yes, sir.”

Shit. He had one job, and she’s now riding off in the General’s arms.

Alina Starkov is definitely trouble.

&&&

They finally arrive back at the Little Palace late that night. Once everyone, the Grisha and the horses, are all seen to, Ivan makes his way to General Kirigan’s rooms. The oprichniki guarding the door nod at him and make way for him to knock. The General calls out in that even tone of his for Ivan to enter. He does so, anxiety and defiance mixing in his chest.

Nonetheless, Ivan is deferential. “Sir.”

Those dark eyes sweep over him from head to toe, and where there’s normally amusement or quiet affability, he’s unreadable as he is when meeting with the tsar and tsaritsa. “I see you’ve made it back. Are you well?”

“Yes, sir.” Ivan begins to sweat under the woollen collar of his kefta.

“And Fedyor?”

“Much better. He’s recovering.”

“Good,” the General says, pausing for a long, uncomfortable moment before continuing, “now, perhaps you could explain why you disregarded my clear, express orders to guard Alina.”

Alina, he notes. Not “Miss Starkov” or “the Sun Summoner.”

Ivan’s jaw tenses. “My apologies, moi soverennyi. Fedyor was shot while we were attempting to protect the carriage. I thought we’d be better able to protect her with both our powers.”

The Darkling—for that’s who he is at this moment—turns to face the windows. It’s black as pitch outside, but it wouldn’t surprise Ivan if Kirigan could see through the shadows of the night. “I don’t want excuses, Ivan. Had I not been nearby, Alina would have been lost, and Ravka would have lost its greatest hope in centuries.”

Ivan waits, knowing there’s little he can say.

Kirigan turns back. “See that it doesn’t happen again, or I will see to it that you and Fedyor are put on different assignments for the foreseeable future.”

Anger rises in his throat, but Ivan stomps it down. It will do him no favors to argue. The only thing he can do is go to bed, hold Fedyor close, and hope things settle soon. “Yes, General.”

&&&

The next day, a contingent of the Grisha accompany General Kirigan and Alina to the Big Palace. Ivan is used to walking by the General’s side, but Alina is there instead. With Fedyor still recovering in their rooms under the care of the healers, Ivan is alone, distant from the group. He feels a pang of melancholy so fierce it threatens to overwhelm him.

The Sun Summoner looks much better today than she had when he last saw her, and it seems Kirigan thinks so too. After he greets the King and Queen, he can hardly take his eyes off the girl, that same awed, wondering look in his eyes again.

Through the shadows his boss conjures, Ivan sees the way he looks at her, the way he leans over to whisper in his ear, the gesture nearly a caress. The Summoner lights up the darkness, and Ivan can’t take his eyes off the two of them. Alina Starkov smiles at Kirigan, and instead of the polite, unknowable smile he’d normally return to a courtier or even one of his rare mistresses, Kirigan looks back at her like she’s his every dream come true.

After the display is over, the King tries to bumble his way through negotiating over Alina’s training. And in front of the entire court and a good number of the Grisha,the General claims Alina. She will stay in the Little Palace with him, Kirigan states, his tone brooking no argument, not even from the sovereign ruler of Ravka.

Kirigan takes Alina’s hand and leads her away from the throne, and the two pause to speak in quiet tones. Ivan can’t hear them, but Alina’s eyes glow with admiration and the General is looking back at her with...warmth.

It’s not right, Ivan thinks, even as the General departs and the Grisha welcome Alina. This situation is getting more and more troublesome.

&&&

When Ivan arrives back in their room, he��s relieved to see Fedyor awake, though he’s lying in bed with a book. Fedyor sets the book on the bedside table and smiles at him, and Ivan feels some of the tension in his shoulders melt away.

“Why so grumpy, my love?”

“Not grumpy, Fedya. Worried.” He takes off his boots, middle of the day be damned, and climbs into the bed next to his husband.

Fedyor opens his arms, and Ivan goes to him, snuggling in and leaning his head against his shoulder. “About what, Vanya?”

He shrugs as best as he can while in his favorite person’s embrace. “The Sun Summoner is dangerous.”

“So are all of us Grisha, and even the otkazat’sya with training.”

“Not like that. I mean...I-I think General Kirigan has feelings.”

Fedyor had been running his hand through Ivan’s hair, but he pauses. “In general? Or for Alina?”

“For Alina. Fedyor, it was very strange. He looked warm and like he wanted to kiss her, in front of all those people. And then he held her hand.” The Darkling has had lovers, and Ivan is very aware of this, but he’s never seen him act this way around any of them.

With a huff that might be a laugh, Fedyor says, “He deserves a chance at love, too, especially after he’s been so good to us. He tried to help us when we were younger and more foolish.”

That’s true; Kirigan has been nothing but supportive of them when not everyone else has. He even tried to advise Ivan when he was sorting out his feelings for Fedya more than a decade ago. It hadn’t been good advice, but an attempt had been made, at least.

“He seems...lonely,” Fedyor continues.

Ivan nods. “There is no one like him, no one at his level, so who could stand beside him?”

“Maybe Alina.”

Fedyor seems to like the girl, but Ivan isn’t convinced. Is she strong enough to stand next to their leader who has done so much for not just the Grisha, but for Ivan and his beloved?

&&&

The next day, Ivan joins the rest of the Grisha for dinner. Kirigan is off doing something statecrafty and Ivan has the place of honor at his boss’ right hand, so he is ostensibly in charge of the gathering in the General’s absence.

Except he knows Alina was given the choice to sit in Kirigan’s seat in his absence, or to sit at his side were he here. Instead, the girl chose to sit with the other Etherealki. She’s there laughing with Marie and Nadia, indulging in this opulent meal provided for the Sun Summoner, because apparently their usual hearty peasant fare wasn’t good enough.

Resentment curdles in his stomach as he reads out the casualty list, staring down Alina the entire time. She looks stricken, but her concern seems to be more for the otkazat’sya than her fellow Grisha.

Something in him snaps. “Why are you here eating figs? Hmm? You should be training every waking moment to tear down the Fold.”

But when he sees her face, hurt and downcast, he feels a pang of regret for how he handled this.

Kirigan will not be pleased.

&&&

It turns out that Fedyor isn’t pleased either. He had accompanied the General to the dinner he’d gone to, as Fedyor is far more diplomatic than most of the senior Grisha. It’s because of that diplomacy and open friendliness that it takes him less than three hours to hear about Ivan’s outburst.

Ivan is sitting in his chair in front of the fire, doing his best to wind down after the day. Fedyor enters the room, closing the door behind him.

“How was dinner and politics?”

Fedyor scowls at him, and his heart sinks. “Don’t try to be cute and solicitous. I heard about what you did to that poor girl. Badly done, Vanya, badly done.”

“Can we go back to the part about me being cute, please?” Ivan rubs his hands over his face. He and Fedyor rarely disagree, so when they do…

“No. Alina Starkov just found out days ago she’s Grisha, and she’s been pulled away from the only life she’s known, from her friends and comrades. She’s fended off the volcra, almost been murdered by the drüskelle, and has had to get used to a new training regimen for skills she barely knew she had, to say nothing of the high stakes of her every move now.”

“She’s an orphan of Keramzin. How is this not better than anything she’s ever known?”

Fedyor stops pacing for a moment. “Ivan, that’s why we should be kind. She’s never known the love of a family beyond that of the First Army. And you know what they whisper about the Grisha. We were children when we got here, and our families sent us here out of love. It was easier for us to adjust. She’s grown up her whole life hearing the lies most of the otkazat’sya believe about us. She needs time and understanding.”

“But we don’t have that much time. Zlatan is agitating in West Ravka, Fjerda is worse than ever, and Shu Han is causing as many problems as ever. Why can’t she see that unless she is at her best and soon, Ravka is in danger? The Grisha are in danger?” Ivan is furious, but more than that, he’s exhausted.

At that, Fedyor softens. “Ah, my love. You carry a heavy burden. But she’ll have to bear an even heavier one soon,” he says, coming over and placing a warm hand on Ivan’s shoulder.

Ivan reaches up, placing his hand over Fedyor’s. “I just want her to be ready.”

“She will be.”

With a sigh, Ivan pulls Fedyor into his lap, nuzzling his neck. He’s ready to make up.

“Ivan?”

“Hmm?”

“You do realize that people also have to eat in order to be able to train, don’t you?”

&&&

He knows he should, but Ivan can’t bring himself to apologize to Alina. He does try, however, to be more understanding of the enormity of what she faces, the pressure on her to succeed. He tries to be kinder, less abrupt. But he can’t change who he is.

Fortunately, General Kirigan seems more amused than anything else at Ivan’s dinner outburst. It’s a week or so later, and Kirigan is ready to dismiss Ivan for his next couple of days off. “I would tell you to enjoy your time with Fedyor, but maybe you’ll be training instead, since that’s apparently what we all must be doing every waking moment.”

Ivan shoots him a panicked look, but calms down when he catches the amusement in the General’s eyes.

“Indeed. We will train ceaselessly and closely, moi soverennyi.” Somehow, he manages to keep a straight face.

Kirigan just snorts, and Ivan is extremely disgruntled when he mutters under his breath about needing some of that kind of training of his own.

[restlessfandoming]

“ice fishing” (pt. 6: FINAL) (chilumi fic)

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5]

“Childe invites Lumine to the annual Snezhnayan holiday dedicated to the Tsaritsa. There, she meets his entire family, and all the conflict that comes with them.”

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link]

“ice fishing” (pt. 6: FINAL)

The lightning cleared and floating before them was Tartaglia: complete in his Foul Legacy Transformation. 

“What...what is that?” Alexei gasped out in disbelief. 

Tartaglia’s cyclops eye glinted in his direction, and before another word was uttered, he rushed towards Alexei. Tartaglia brutally grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up in the air. 

“This,” the Harbinger garbled, “is true power. Your cowardly toy is no match.” With his other hand, he grabbed the black market delusion—still sparking with immense Electro energy—and tossed it away, like a child’s toy. 

Alexei’s dangling feet weakly kicked around. “Come on, Ajax…,” he managed to strain out. “Are you going to kill me? Your brother?” His hand grasped Tartaglia’s monstrous armored claw around his neck. “I thought...I thought you loved your family.”

There was a brief moment where neither of them moved. A tiny smirk crossed Alexei’s face, believing he had convinced his brother to let him go. 

But Tartaglia’s grip tightened. 

“You,” he said loudly above Alexei’s desperate sputtering gasps, “are no family of mine.”

He turned and threw Alexei out of the room, through the hole in the wall the eldest brother had created earlier. There was a loud THUD as he landed on the ground below, followed by a painful groan. 

He’s still alive? Lumine wondered in shock. 

Upon hearing that his brother lived, Tartaglia flew out of the room as well, his dark galaxy cape billowing behind him. 

Lumine ran to the edge of the room, looking down at the two brothers in the snow. Alexei was on his back, coughing, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth. Tartaglia slowly stalked towards him. 

“You were never strong enough, Alexei,” Tartaglia said. “You were never going to be strong enough. You were always a coward.” He raised his hand up. “And now? You will die like a coward.”

Massive amounts of Hydro energy began gathering on the ground, forming a large circle around Alexei. 

“May the gods never forgive you.” 

From the ground, the Hydro energy formed into a whale, a grandiose being that blocked the moonlight, casting a dark shadow that loomed over the home. 

The whale cried out—a long, deafening tone—before it came crashing down. Tidal waves rippled through the snow, water flooded the ground. Lumine raised her arms to shield her face from the torrents of mist raining down. 

When her arms came down, Tartaglia was there, in front of her. 

Without thinking, she scrambled backwards, an innate fear spreading through her veins. She knew when entering Foul Legacy he became even more unpredictable, uncontrollable than normal. They had nearly killed each other the last time she had seen him in his transformation. 

He floated towards her, slowly still, and Lumine forced herself to stop from continuing to back up. 

“Lumine…” His voice was still distorted, and it sent chills up her spine hearing her name being called from that voice. 

Then, there was a flash of lightning, and the armor dissipated. Childe was back. 

He stumbled for a second, then fell on his knees weakly. 

Lumine came to his side right away, wrapping her arms around him, supporting him so he wouldn’t collapse. 

“My...my mother,” he whispered between heavy pants. “Let me...let me see her.”

Lumine nodded, and together they crawled to Galina’s lifeless form. 

Childe sat there, still as a statue, his blue eyes impossibly dark as he looked at her. Then, he closed his eyes, and put his head on Lumine’s shoulder. 

She felt water on her shoulder. He’s...crying. One of her hands softly stroked his hair in comfort. 

With her other hand, she took Galina’s hand and held it. 

If only...If only I was strong enough. If only the Unknown God hadn’t taken her powers away. Lumine was certain she could have healed Galina. 

She remembered purifying Dvalin’s tears. That was a while ago…But maybe...now…

Lumine closed her eyes focusing on her hold with Galina. 

She pulled any magical energy from every corner of her body, imagining sending it through to Galina. 

She thought of the light of the sun’s rays, the warmth of a fire. She thought of Aether, the familial love of clear skies, clouds, and wings. She thought of her friends—Jean, Lisa, Venti, Zhongli, and countless others—how they were meadows of flowers and warm blankets on cold nights. 

And most importantly, she thought of Childe. The sweet, honey taste of love; roaring fires of passion; calm ocean waves of tranquility and understanding. 

Her chest felt like it was glowing, her heart was resonating with happiness and love. 

…

...

...

There was a gasp of air. 

Lumine and Childe both looked up. Galina had her eyes opened, taking in deep breaths of air. 

N-no way. Lumine thought in disbelief. I actually did it?!

Galina sat up, looking around the room in shock, before turning to Childe and Lumine. 

A small smile broke on her face. “Ajax?” she asked. 

The color drained from Childe’s face. “You...you remember who I am?” 

“Of course,” she said. She chuckled. “How could I forget my son?” 

Childe let out a shaky laugh. More tears leaked from his eyes. 

Galina’s own eyes widened. “Oh my goodness! Ajax, what’s wrong?” 

Childe let go of Lumine, and collapsed in his mother’s arms.  

Lumine’s own eyes began watering at the sight of their reunion. 

Without her noticing until it was too late, however, the sounds of the mother and son started fading out, and the room spun around Lumine. Energy was quickly leaving her body. 

The healing took… a lot of power… she realized sluggishly. Too much, maybe. But it was all worth it. 

Then, she blacked out.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Lumine opened her eyes. Her eyelids felt heavy, as did the rest of her body. Sunlight streamed into the room, and there was the faint smell of flowers. She was in bed, alone, in Childe’s room. 

She tried sitting up, but every single muscle ached as she shifted her body, and she fell back in pain. She let out an exasperated sigh, and tried once more, excruciatingly slow, until she finally was able to sit up, her back resting against the mountain of plush pillows behind her. 

She didn’t have much time to think to herself, before the door opened. She turned, expecting Childe, but instead found Galina there. 

“Oh my! You’re awake!” she greeted cheerfully, she set down a bowl of soup on the table next to the bed, before sitting down on the edge next to the traveler. “How are you feeling, sweetie?”

Lumine blinked at her. “Oh, uhm, fine. A little sore.” 

Galina smiled. “Do you need anything? Would you like anything to help with the pain?” 

The blonde shook her head. “How long have I been out?”

“Hmmm,” the mother put a finger on her chin, thinking. “I think around a month?”

“A month?!” 

“Oh yes, it seemed like an eternity! Every single one of my children have been so worried!” she answered, her eyes twinkling. “Ajax especially.” 

Lumine’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Where is he?” 

“No worries, they’re all downstairs eating lunch; I can go get them whenever you’re ready.” Galina looked at Lumine’s bedridden hair. “Let me fix up your hair first, darling.” 

Galina hummed to herself as she softly brushed through the Outlander’s golden locks. Lumine could’ve fallen back asleep right then and there. 

“My children have told me a lot about you,” Galina said. “You sound quite incredible, Lumine.” 

“Thank you.” Lumine smiled. “Your children are all quite incredible themselves.” 

“Yes, they are all so sweet. Despite everything that’s happened.” 

“They are all very strong in their own ways.” 

“And you may be the strongest of them all, Outlander.” 

Lumine’s eyes widened and she turned to protest. 

Galina gently put a finger on her lips and one on her own mouth. “Shh. I haven’t said anything about what happened that night. But what I do know is that I saw you. Healing me.” She tilted her head. “That is no ordinary magic of Teyvat.” 

“You’re not...You’re not suspicious of me?” 

She laughed heartily. “Of course not! You saved my life. Cured me of my illness.” A soft smile. “You’ve even managed to capture the affections of Ajax, which I didn’t think was possible.” She turned Lumine back around, continuing to brush her hair. “Ever since he was young he was obsessed with fighting, and getting stronger, protecting his siblings. I was so worried he’d never find love. But I’m so glad he found someone. Especially with that someone being you. How lucky!” 

Lumine’s face heated up even more. “I’m glad I found him too.” 

“He seems much more peaceful than before. Full of love. So, thank you, Lumine.” Galina turned her around. “All done!” She looked over the traveler. “Wow, you truly are stunning.” 

“Th-thank you. Thank you, Galina,” Lumine said, sincerely. 

Galina kissed her on her forehead. “No matter what happens, you’ve got a family here, Lumine.” 

Family. Lumine’s eyes watered. 

Galina rubbed Lumine’s cheeks, in a tender motherly way. “I’ll go get the rest of the family so they can all see you’re awake now.” 

As she left the room, Lumine let a few tears fall. 

Family. Family. Family. Her heart chanted. 

When she found Aether, she was going to bring him here. And here, they’d find things they’ve never had themselves: a father, a mother, little ones. It was a future Lumine absolutely looked forward to. And she knew Aether would love it too. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When the family crowded into the room, Lumine was swarmed with tight hugs and cuddles from Tonia and Teucer; Anthon and Misha stood to the side of the bed, just as excited to see her awake and well. Feliks and Galina stood a little further back, and Childe stood in the doorway, all watching with a smile. 

The elders had told the children that Alexei had done some bad things and needed to go away for a long time—no telling when he would be back. The children were sad, but they understood. The real, dark truth would be told when they were older. But for now, they were children, who didn’t need to know. All they knew was that their mother was no longer sick, and the family was whole again. 

Feliks seemed a lot more cheerful than before, the dark circles gone from under his eyes, his posture now a lot more upright. He kept an arm around Galina constantly now, afraid to let her go.

After a while, Galina shooed everyone from the room, and the door closed, leaving Childe and Lumine alone. 

Childe still stood at the door, regarding Lumine from afar. Her golden eyes waited on him. 

What’s he thinking…?

Eventually, he came to her, pausing, before collapsing on top of her, arms winding tightly around her. 

“I thought I had lost you,” he said quietly. 

“You’re going to have to try a lot harder to get rid of me,” Lumine joked as she wrapped her arms around him, hand running through his hair. 

“Never,” he breathed. He pulled himself up, his eyes seemingly looking straight into her soul. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Thank me? For what?”

“You know for a while I was completely dumbfounded by what happened. I had no idea how my mother was healed.” He closed his eyes. “But then I thought about it, really thought about it. It had to be you,” he said. “No one else in the world could’ve done it.” He opened his eyes again, softly looking at her. 

“I…” Was she going to tell him? Who she really was? Would he trust her? Turn her into the Tsaritsa? 

He has to know. her heart murmured. If you love him, he has to know. 

“Yes, it was me,” she told him. “I...I’m not from here. I’m not of this world. An Outlander.” She took a deep breath. “That was...a fraction of my power. I was banished here, powerless for many years. I’ve been slowly gaining my powers back, while trying to find my brother.” 

Childe’s brows furrowed slightly. “An Outlander…” 

“Are you...is that...bad?”

“No, it’s just...everything makes a lot more sense now.” He laughed. “Of course I’d fall in love with an Outlander.” 

Lumine rolled her eyes. “And I fell in love with a Harbinger.” She suddenly remembered something. “Is it true? You told Teucer you would quit being a Harbinger to join me on my adventures?” 

Childe’s eye twitched. “Tonia and Teucer…” He let out a sigh. “If it were that easy...I would love to.” 

“Oh…” Lumine found herself disappointed. What did I expect…?

Childe noticed her expression. He sat up, pulling Lumine up as well. He held her hands. “Tell you what. One day...I will absolutely join you—devote myself to you.” 

Lumine’s face flushed. “You don’t have to—”

He kissed her hands tenderly, silencing her. He then proceeded to slip a ring off his pinky finger, and put it on her ring finger. “It’s a promise.” 

She looked down at the ring, heart racing. But she was overjoyed. “It’s a promise,” she echoed. 

Childe kissed her. “I love you, Lumine.” 

“I love you, Childe.” Lumine kissed him back. 

With the ring on her finger, the two had vowed their love, happiness, and family—all for the future, together, one day. 

[t h e    e n d]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

scene with the rings inspired by the amazing @majunju as always <3

thanks for reading everyone! <3 

onto the next fic we go!