#treasure hoarders should fear us

[puffcap-factory]

Shared Dreams, Blossoming Hearts (Wriothesley x reader)

Wriothesley x fem!reader; fluff, pure fluff, heartwarming.

You were not satisfied with the results of the recent case you had been investigating, but Wriothesley seemed to have his own way to cheer you up. (Basically, it was how the two fall for each other)

Words: 3.3k

Notes:

Another Wriothesley fic because he hot >:-)

Okay, I did say I plan for a series but I don’t think I have the patience… Anyways, you can assume that this is the prequel to the other fic I made (the spicy one here) since I used the same setting for the reader. As always, enjoy!

((Update: a sequel of the story here))

•~•~•~•

You crouched, cradling one of the injured children in your arms, his small form trembling against you. 

How old was he? Five? Seven?

You couldn’t fathom how someone could use these innocent children as unknowing pawns in a smuggling ring for the geode, the case you had been investigating on these past few days.

Before you lay four treasure hoarders, all unconscious, subdued by the elemental power you channeled through your vision. A recon log mek was completely broken, no longer a threat.

Though you could intercept the last escaping group, a sense of incompetence washed over you as you realized you couldn't save the children unscathed. You had feared the worst.

"Y/n!" Wriothesley called out as he dashed towards you, Clorinde and her subordinates following closely behind.

He took a moment to glance at the unconscious bodies of the hoarders, understanding the fact that you had been the one defeating them. However, his attention quickly shifted back to you, observing for any injuries.

"Don't worry," he said in a low, soothing voice, his gaze filled with reassurance. "The healers are ready. You should head back first."

You let a moment sink in as you gently petted the boy's head, a soft, reassuring smile on your face. "Don't worry, these people will take care of you," you said soothingly, trying to comfort the hurting child.

Wriothesley watched you closely, a flicker of warmth crossing his features as he observed this caring side of you. It was a moment that revealed another layer of your character, one that he hadn't seen before.

You let the children got lifted by the healers as you stood up, ready to go back to the fortress. Wriothesley talked to Clorinde in the background before escorting you back.

•~•~•~•

As the direct delegate representing the Palais of Mermoria, you were tasked with reporting directly to Neuvillette for cases concerning the fortress. Over the past few months, you had worked closely with the Duke, primarily focusing on investigations related to the Fortress of Meropide.

Your professional relationship with him was marked by your efficiency, something that Wriothesley greatly appreciated. Calm and composed - as others in the fortress described.

However, the recent particular case you had been working on had proven to be quite tricky. It had been unfolding for several days, involving a group of smugglers with ties to the prison. Your investigation had led you going back and forth between the prison and the upper grounds, tirelessly pursuing leads. 

Sadly, your suspicions about the use of children as decoys had been true all along, adding a disturbing layer to the case. Upon learning that the other party had Wriothesley occupied, you rushed to the site. Time was ticking away as they planned to destroy the evidence for escape, which meant endangering the lives of the children involved.

Fortunately, the children were safe now, but the weight of the case bore heavily on your shoulders. One misstep and everything would have ended much, much worse… Anger and frustration simmered within you, directed towards the people responsible, the unfolding situation, and yourself, for not realizing the danger sooner or saving the children unscathed.

Children— they were innocent childrens. Why...

With a burst of elemental energy, you unleashed your vision against the dummy in the Pankration Ring. The crackling power of your magic lashed out, a physical manifestation of your frustration.

“Wow, that dummy won’t last long if you keep doing it like that.”

Turning your head, you saw Wriothesley casually walking towards you. You fell silent, observing him as he approached, his gaze softening as he scanned your features.

"Don't beat yourself up too much about it," he sighed, sensing your state of emotions. "In fact, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren't for you rescuing the children..." his voice trailed off, the unspoken gratitude hanging in the air.

You looked up at him, changing the topic as you did not want to imagine the worst. "How are the children doing?"

"They're doing well, thanks to Sigewinne's trustworthy potions," he chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. "We can check on them later."

A smile tugged at your lips. "Good… that's great. I would love to."

Wriothesley's gaze softened further, a silent acknowledgment of your care for the children.

"…Hey, if there's someone to blame, it would be me. If I wasn't involved in the other group, this may not have happened, true?" he asked flatly.

You paused, considering his words. He had a point, but you never held him responsible.

"Huh, but..." you started, but Wriothesley continued. 

"C'mon, if you want to release some stress, spar with me instead," he said, his lips tugging into a playful smile.

"A spar with the Duke himself? That's... quite the challenge," you chuckled, reluctance in your voice.

You were keenly aware of Wriothesley's physical prowess, not to mention his mastery over his vision. You would never match him in a fight.

"Nonsense," Wriothesley replied with a wave of his hand. "I saw what you did to those treasure hoarders. Use your vision, it's alright. As the ring's rules say, anything goes."

He smiled at you, a hint of challenge in his expression. The prospect of sparring against the Duke of Meropide himself, the champion of the ring, was both daunting and intriguing.

After a moment of consideration, you decided it was indeed a chance to both cool down your mood and train yourself. "Alright, let's do it," you said with a determined nod.

"That's the spirit," Wriothesley's smile grew wider as he made his way to the ring, and you followed him from behind.

Wriothesley tossed his jacket to the side, revealing the well-toned muscles beneath his shirt. The sight of his physique was impressive, a testament to his strength and skill. Even without gauntlets, the icy aura of his vision emanated from him, a reminder of his formidable power.

"No need to hold yourself back, give it your all," he added, his voice firm but encouraging.

With a nod, you mentally prepared yourself for the spar. Without your preferred weapon, you knew controlling your vision fully would be challenging. It felt harder to control without channeling it into a medium—a skill some could master, but it required extensive practice. From what you could tell, Wriothesley was adept at it.

Despite this, you refused to back down. A silent determination fueled your resolve as you admitted to yourself that you did actually want to see Wriothesley in combat—though not necessarily directly against you.

You focused on conjuring your vision into an energy ball, hurling it towards Wriothesley. With a swift sidestep, he dodged the attack and closed the distance between you. Knowing physical combat wasn't your forte, you attempted to keep your attacks ranged.

A slight smirk crossed Wriothesley's face as he started charging at you, clearly understanding your fighting style by now. Despite the challenges of channeling your vision power without a medium, you managed to throw some decent attacks, although most were either dodged or shielded by him.

Your thoughts on strategy were abruptly interrupted as Wriothesley closed the gap, launching into a series of quick and seasoned strikes. Blocking and parrying his blows as best you could, you could feel the icy blasts accompanying his movements. It was clear he wasn't showing his full skill, but even so, his speed and precision were impressive.

Realizing that solely shielding his attacks wouldn't take you anywhere, you focused your vision on creating a small dagger made from your vision elemental energy. With this newfound weapon, you lunged towards him, catching him off guard. Wriothesley dodged backwards, a bit taken aback by your sudden change in tactics.

"Smart move, as expected from you," he complimented. You remained focused and determined, taking measured breaths as the spar continued.

The exchange went rather fiercely, each of you landing blows and dodging strikes in a display of skill and determination. Despite the odds, you managed to hold your ground.

The spar reached its end when the small blade of elemental energy was poised against Wriothesley's neck. He froze, a small smile playing on his lips, admitting defeat in the face of your skill and determination.

"Alright, alright," he conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "You win this one."

You were clearly on edge, your breathing rough and labored in contrast to Wriothesley, who seemed rather unfazed by the recent spar. "You were clearly holding back against me, I can see that," you remarked, a playful glint in your eyes as you breathed in. Despite the intensity of the match and the fact that he was not giving his all, you still felt a sense of confidence building within you.

Wriothesley sighed defeatedly, acknowledging your observation. "C'mon, you think I could bring myself to beat a pretty lady like yourself?" he responded casually, a playful smile on his face. "Unless you really, really, reallywant me to," he added with a chuckle. 

His sweet talk caught you off guard for a moment, but you couldn't help but laugh at his offer. "No thanks," you replied playfully, shaking your head, knowing that you might end up weeks in recovery if he actually did.

Wriothesley grinned at your response. “But, seriously, you’re strong. And clever. With some training I bet you would match the strongest fighter in Fontaine.”

You honestly felt a bit flattered by his words, knowing he was regarding you too highly, but a small mischievous smile appeared on your lips.

"You... or Clorinde?" you teasingly asked him, knowing full well the rivalry between the Duke and the Captain of the Guard. 

Wriothesley chuckled, a hint of mock offense in his tone. "Hey now, I'd like to think I could give Clorinde a run for her money," he replied with a smirk. "But who knows? Maybe we'll have to settle this in a friendly match someday."

You laughed at the idea, genuinely intrigued with the prospect.

Wriothesley smiled contently at your laughter, his eyes warm as he asked after a while, "Feeling better?"

For a second, you forgot that you were here to take out your anger as he asked that. The spar had indeed shifted your mind and mood away from your thoughts. It was a fun experience indeed.

"Yeah, surprisingly, I am," you admitted with a smile, feeling a sense of lightness after the intense spar. "Thanks for the spar, Wriothesley. It was unexpected, but I needed that."

"Of course, anytime," Wriothesley replied, his tone light. "Let's go to the infirmary for a second to make sure everything's good, okay?"

You nodded in agreement as you followed by his side to head to the infirmary, reflecting on his actions towards you. After a moment of silence, you felt compelled to speak up.

"You're a great leader, Wriothesley, no wonder people chose you," you complimented him sincerely. How he had somehow sensed your troubles, and tended to it.

He looked at you for a moment, a bit caught off guard at the sudden serious comment. He thought for a second, before he said with a low tone, “…A lot of people had supported me along the way, I wouldn’t be at this place if not for them.”

You smiled at him, knowing full well that he was trying to be humble. It was true that he had the support of others to become the Duke of Meropide, but it was also true that his own actions had brought him to this position. His proactivity to help others, his ability to gather trust, and his innate instinct to protect those in need were all qualities that made him the natural and respected leader he was today. 

“To be honest, I did feel some disappointment towards myself… But luckily, I got you on my back.” he added, as he managed a smile at you. 

Right. The disappointment did not wear him down. Instead, Wriothesley maintained himself to be the pillar of strength, like any leader would. You truly admired him for this. And how he had tended to you, setting aside his own thoughts… you felt like you were drawn to him. Wanting to support him fully. 

You were about to respond to Wriothesley when you two arrived at the infirmary, greeted by Sigewinne. She seemed to know what you two had been up to, and proceeded to check on you first, then Wriothesley.

"You're all fine! But you might experience some soreness tomorrow, y/n," Sigewinne exclaimed cheerfully.

"That's... for tomorrow's problem," you replied with a sheepish smile. "By the way, when are we going to visit the children?" you turned your head towards Wriothesley, who was casually leaning back against the metal wall.

"Anytime. Now, tomorrow…. There's no urgent task for today, so, I can accompany you if you want to go after this," Wriothesley said, his tone warm and reassuring.

"Oh, the children! They would love a visit from you, y/n. They have been asking a lot about that yesterday," Sigewinne added, giggling softly.

You smiled warmly at the thought of visiting the children. Despite what had happened two days prior, knowing that they were safe and on the path to recovery now brought a sense of relief to your heart. “Then… can we go now?” you said, turning your head towards Wriothesley as you felt a renewed sense of energy filling in. Wriothesley couldn’t help but smile fondly at you. 

•~•~•~•

Wriothesley and you arrived at a place near the Quarter Lyonnais, where the children had been attended to. He observed you closely, walking a bit behind since he knew he wouldn't be recognized by the children, and he knew his appearance could be rather… intimidating. A gentle smile played on his lips as some of the children caught sight of you and ran over, their faces lighting up with joy.

You knelt down to their level, your heart swelling with warmth as you greeted each child with a smile and a gentle pat on the head. One of the older kids, a shy girl, timidly approached and handed you a piece of paper. "Um... this is for you, lady. Thank you… for saving us," her words stumbled as she offered you a drawing. You thanked her warmly, receiving the unexpected present when another boy, whom you had cradled in your arms during the rescue, approached you from the side. He stared at you innocently with his big eyes and asked, his voice soft, "Lady, who is that scary-looking man over there?"

You followed the boy's gaze and looked up to where Wriothesley stood, his imposing figure softened by the warm smile on his face as he noticed your gaze. You couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's innocent question.

“Oh, this man… despite his looks,” you smiled at the boy as you held him gently, pausing for a second, “is one of the kindest and most admirable people I’ve ever met.” You explained as you turned to face Wriothesley, a tender smile on your lips. “Try talking to him, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Wriothesley felt a flutter in his chest as you referred to him, witnessing your interactions with the children. It was as if a delicate bud within him had suddenly bloomed into a flower, its petals unfurling to reveal feelings he had kept carefully tucked away. How long had he been keeping these sentiments? He didn’t know. But in that moment, none of it mattered to him anymore.

As warmth spread through him, he quickly composed himself, maintaining his cool exterior, and hiding any signs of his sudden flush as the boy approached him cautiously. Kneeling down to the boy’s level, Wriothesley smiled warmly.

“Hello there,” he greeted the boy with genuine kindness in his voice. “I’m Wriothesley. I’m glad to see you and your friends are doing well.”

“Mister… Rye-uhh…sslee…?” the boy tried to repeat his name. 

Wriothesley chuckled at the boy's attempt to pronounce his name correctly, patting his head gently. "That's right, you got it!" 

As Wriothesley engaged with the first child, another female child who had been nearby suddenly ran up to him, asking rather loudly, "Mister, is this lady your girlfriend?"

Wriothesley's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the unexpected question, and he glanced over at you with a faint blush coloring his cheeks, though he didn’t shy away from your gaze. You couldn't help but laugh at the innocence of the child's question, but you also found yourself curious about Wriothesley's reaction.

“Hmm, good question. Do you think I make a good couple with her?” Wriothesley asked playfully, turning the question back to the curious young girl.

“Umm, I don’t know! But she is very nice! And pretty!” the girl answered honestly and innocently, just like any children would. 

“Mhm, indeed. She is lovely, I’d rather say,” Wriothesley replied, still facing the girl, his voice low and tender. The young girl giggled in response and ran off to join the other children, just like that. He let a small laugh at the girl’s reaction before turning his head back to face you, smiling.

The unexpected compliment – and his sheer confidence – sent a blush creeping up your cheeks, catching you off guard. Around you, the children giggled and continued playing, unaware of the subtle shift in the air between you and Wriothesley. You managed to give Wriothesley a warm smile in reply, attempting to mask your own shyness. 

You finally spent the evening together with the children playing, also with Wriothesley, who they had instantly warmed up to. As you made your way to the aquabus station to head back with Wriothesley by your side, the atmosphere was filled with a comfortable silence, the echoes of children's laughter still lingering in your ears.

You both traveled casually, the gentle hum of the aquabus filling the air as it glided through the water. The evening sun cast a warm glow over the scenery passing by, creating a serene atmosphere around you.

“I haven’t had the chance to see this side of you until recently,” Wriothesley spoke softly, his gaze warm as he looked at you. “You truly have a way with the children, and it's really heartwarming to see how fond they are of you.”

A soft blush tinted your cheeks at his words, and you met his gaze with a shy smile. “Well,” you replied, “I suppose our duties have kept us occupied, so it's understandable if you hadn’t noticed this side of me before.”

Wriothesley nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “True,” he agreed, “but it’s a pleasant surprise. It's clear that you genuinely care for their well-being, and it's truly admirable.”

“I guess – that makes the two of us,” you replied with a warm smile, feeling a flutter in your chest at his sincerity. You had also witnessed Wriothesley interacting with the children, and it was evident that he was a complete natural, despite his intimidating appearance at first look.

Wriothesley pondered for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Finally, after a moment, he asked you, his body a bit tense, “Say, are you interested in working a bit longer at the fortress?”

You paused, considering the offer. You knew your position at handling the cases in Fortress of Meropide was not going to last forever. But, your time at the Fortress of Meropide had been rewarding, and the thought of working alongside Wriothesley a bit longer was rather appealing. Perhaps… something was also blossoming within your heart.

 “Hmm... I can't see why not,” you replied with a warm smile.

A sense of relief washed over Wriothesley's features at your answer. He let out a sigh as he stretched his back. “Great. Then please remind me to send the letter of request to Neuvillette,” he said, grinning as his voice tinged with anticipation.

Curious, you asked, “And why would you go that far?”

“Because,” he began, his voice low but sure, “I would like to spend more time with you.”

[mushroomwoods]

when the dawn comes

legend had always been overly suspicious, a little bit anxious and maybe a tad paranoid, but somehow, when you opened you finally opened your eyes at the break of dawn, he felt as if, for at least that moment, he could feel safe again.

character — Legend, platonic.

cw — mentions of anxiety driven actions, abandonment issues.

Legend is such a fun character to play with, it makes me dreamy. He makes this tangent in which he seem to hate it all, but it's so painfully clear that he cares so much about everything. He has a bleeding heart, but chooses to hide it with his thorny mask, but that's okay since I love him all the same.

His eyes opened in a shot, heartbeat quickly thrumming against his ribcage as if wanting to rip out of his chest, as a heavy breath escaped his lips in relief.

The dense foliage above his head rustled and he looked to the side, the group still resting peacefully as he could spot Hyrule taking over the night watch, the traveler eyes flitting to him the moment he sat up.

“It's still too early for us too switch up, you should go back to sleep.” Hyrule said in a whisper.

“I can't...” There was a pause, while green eyes met violet ones the other sighed, getting up and freeing the spot for Legend. “Thank you.” His voice was quiet.

The other sighed, patting him firmly at the shoulder before heading to his own mat. The both of them knew there were things better left unsaid.

Legend sat at the wilting log, head up to the sky as he heard the whispering of the woods, the chill in the night air that usually should bring him a semblance of comfort, did nothing but scratch at his already weary mind.

Somehow he wondered, what if this was nothing but a dream again? And what if it wasn't? What use would it all be, when he knew that all of this would remain as nothing but a memory?

There was never a way back.

He made sure to remind himself of it every day, yet he could only yearn for more, to not be left again, for someone to stay and assure him that he was enough, that he did what he could.

That he was worth staying for.

It was selfish, he told himself, Legend knew he couldn't ask anyone to stay for him and yet he knew that he would abandon all of his, if he was ever asked for it.

It was an erratic existence. One which he hated.

One filled with too many memories he wished to let go — it wasn't true. Memories he clutched with all of his being, as if it was his lifeline, for that was what it was, the proof of his existence. Memories of journeys which caused him so much pain, yet he wouldn't trade for anything, he wouldn't change a single thing for that is what he was, what formed the person he was to that day and made him the more natural part of himself.

A sound from behind broke him from his thoughts, and he could see how you, and some others were already waking up.

“Legend..?” You looked at him with bleary eyes and a groggy smile.

The sun was rising.

And somehow he felt as if his worries were all for naught, after all, since when was he ever one to back down because of irrational fears?

He returned a smile of his own, natural sharpness to it.

“It's time to go, sleepyheads.”

As if vanishing into thin air, his fears faded, for he knew that no amount of time would ever be enough to steal the memories he made during this time, cherished and tucked near his heart, for he was the group hoarder and there would never be a treasure as precious as all the moments he lived beside them.

[it-happened-one-fic]

A Little Crazy - Childe

Author Notes: Yet another fic that teaches why one should be careful about what they listen to while writing. This fic is set in Fontaine because I am having fun exploring the new nation. I was listening to "Don't Blame Me" by Taylor Swift while writing this and that most certainly bled into the fic. As per usual, Reader is gender-neutral. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ fluff with a touch of angst/ romantic

Word count: 1838

Trigger Warning: Mentions of violence against treasure hoarders/ Reader is briefly held hostage but there is very little detail (again, treasure hoarders)

Childe knew better than to go and get attached to people in other countries. He was only in Fontaine to handle some issues relating to the Northland bank. 

It was true that he made friends most everywhere he went, but that was as far as he would let it go. He was a member of the Fatui, and at the end of the day, he was only in the land of justice on business.

But even with that rule that he typically held sacred, Childe didn’t think he could’ve ever been prepared for the absolute storm that was you. And it wasn’t even that you were innately devastating in how you behaved. You weren’t someone who threw yourself into dangerous situations, nor were you some sort of individual built solely for seducing those that might be useful to you.

No, you were just perfectly tailored to destroy Childe and make it so that he broke almost every rule in his book. 

Most people were wary of Fatui, and you had been as well to start with. But he’d whittled away at you, simply intending to make friends just to make life in Fontaine easier. And in doing so, he’d lost control and slipped in a little too deep as you warmed to him. 

You were genuinely kind and trusting, laughing good-naturedly at his jokes, shaking your head at his light-hearted flirting, and honestly accepting him. You knew perfectly well that he enjoyed a fight. You’d witnessed some of his duels, but you didn’t judge. You’d just shrugged and declared, “Different strokes for different folks,” and that was that.

And that nonchalant acceptance, paired with genuine kindness and a willingness to not judge him solely as a member of the Fatui, was probably what had done Childe in.

Because it was true, Childe had flirted around in the past. A good number of his coworkers had frowned upon such behavior, but if they could see him now, he knew they would all be saying that he’d at long last gone too far this time.

And he had. What he felt for you wasn’t mere attraction, and you were more than just a friend. No, he’d stepped over the line this time and fallen in love.

The worst part of it all was that he hadn’t even realized that was the case until today.

It had started as a fairly normal day during which he was going to spar against one of Fontaine’s champion duelists. He’d slipped into the street you worked on with a wide smile. Fully prepared to invite you along and brag about his upcoming victory, only to find some of your coworkers speaking in hushed tones about how horrible it all was.

Fontaine people were typically theatrical so to see such genuine, hushed horror was odd. It had caught the ginger-haired Harbinger’s attention immediately and had him heading over to see what it was all about.

And then he’d heard your name.

It was then that something within him had snapped, and he’d been staring down your coworkers, who looked up at him in raw fear. The usually cheerful and charming Childe was gone and replaced by someone who actually befitted the terrifying title of ‘Harbinger of Snezhnaya.’

He’d only had to ask once to learn that you’d been out with your coworkers on some sort of business when you’d been attacked. The treasure hoarders had knocked you out and given your coworkers a threat.

Pay up, or you were never going to be seen on Fontaine’s ever-clean streets again.

Childe’s hands had flexed at his sides as your friends had rambled on about how they’d already informed officials and you were being searched for but that there had been a warning that it would be difficult. 

The mecha didn’t work well in all areas of Fontaine’s rolling countryside. They would do what they could, but you were still very much in danger.

Childe barely had the patience to wait for the location of where you’d been taken before he’d turned on his heel and taken off. His red scarf swaying behind him like a trail of blood as he walked purposefully towards the wilds of Fontaine.

Childe’s eyes were often a flat blue, but any who drifted too close to the Harbinger in this moment would be greeted with a chill that rivaled the hoarfrost of Snezhnaya. Some might even say that one could feel the crackle of electricity around him, but Childe himself couldn’t say. He didn’t have anything on his mind except finding you and those treasure hoarders.

And find them he did. It hadn’t been hard. Most groups like treasure hoarders thought the same way, and Childe was used to finding others who didn’t necessarily want to be found. The life of a Harbinger had taught him a great many skills. Hunting was only one of them.

He hesitated before attacking, though. Instead looking for your form amongst the hoarder’s numbers, and when he did spot you, he felt every muscle within his body freeze.

You were only just coming to. Blinking blearily before your eyes shot open ,and you were scrambling to sit up as you looked around. 

But Childe did not see fear take over; instead, he saw something harden in your gaze as you looked around. Seemingly realizing your situation very quickly, even as one of the men walked over.

You were grasped roughly by your chin and forced to look up at him, and for a second, fear flashed through your wide eyes as the man began to speak. No doubt, explaining your situation.

Childe’s hands clenched once more as he crouched just a little bit lower as the man pulled you roughly to your feet. Evidently displeased with something you said. You wriggled slightly, unable to free your bound wrist, before you were thrown harshly to the ground.

And that was enough. That was all it took for Childe to feel that snapping sensation again before he dove out from his cover.

There were astonished shouts all around as he appeared in the treasure hoarders midst before cursed words were shouted.

“Must be the officials! Get ready, boys!” The man who’d grabbed you yelled as he turned to face Childe.

Behind him, Childe could see you setting up again. Your eyes widening once more as you registered the Harbinger’s presence. And for a brief second, Childe was relieved until he noted the smudged red on your temple.

Electricity flickered to life in his gloved hands as a spear formed, a hollow grin appearing on Childe’s face as his cold gaze flickered towards the men that faced him.

“Officials? Oh no,” His voice was a low, menacing tone. Causing the treasure hoarders to pause even as he continued, “I’m far worse than that. Because there are no rules here that will keep me from making sure you live just long enough to regret even laying eyes on them.”

 The spear in his hands twirled, light as could be, as he entered a fighting stance. That grin still on his face, “I can’t promise anything after that, though.” 

With only those words, he dashed forward, swirling like a tempest among these new foes. And they were in no way prepared for the absolute devastation he wrecked on them. In his wake, there was only chaos and defeated enemies. 

He hadn’t known how far he was willing to go for you, but it hardly seemed like this was the limit. After all, Childe was a person who loved the thrill of a fight, but that was hardly the purpose of his aggression here.

It was clear, however, that he had indeed gone too far in falling for you. Because even if he was largely harmless towards you, Childe knew he was these treasure hoarders worst nightmare come to life.

And Childe also realized he didn’t care if he got hurt right now. No, he whirled about, heedless of the bleeding scratches on his face where the treasure hoarders had gotten a few lucky strikes. This wasn’t a fight for the sake of thrills or to strengthen himself. This was a fight purely to wreak havoc on the people who’d threatened you.

It wasn’t until all of the treasure hoarders fled or fallen that Childe wondered exactly what he’d looked like just then. No doubt like a complete psychopath. Childe always enjoyed a fight, but there was something about that moment where he’d completely lost himself merely at the sight of blood on your person.

And as he turned to look at where you stared up at him, he could practically feel his gaze soften. Wondering, even as he knelt before you and his weapons disappeared from existence, if you were frightened of him now. 

“Are you hurt?” Your only answer to his soft words was to shake your head slowly. Either unaware of the injury to your head or uncaring. Childe didn’t know which it was, but all he felt was regret as he took in your frozen form. 

Reaching over, he unbound your wrists easily. Murmuring even as he slipped the ropes from your scraped wrists, “Don’t blame me, Solnyshko.”

You were silent for a brief moment, and Childe found he couldn’t quite look you in the eye. Almost like he was afraid of what he might see there.

He felt one of your hands grasp his sleeve, almost as if you were attempting to confirm his presence before you spoke. 

Your voice was painfully soft, and somehow it gave him the courage he needed to face you. Only to see you looking at him with an expression akin to worry as you spoke, “I don't... But you should’ve been more careful.”

You were frowning, eyes trained on the scratch on his cheek that he could feel was slowly oozing blood, “You got hurt.”

It was enough to pull a startled but relieved laugh out of him. The ridiculousness of the fact that you were worried about him in a situation like this. You were the one who’d been kidnapped, not him. But he couldn’t bring himself to fear much of anything outside of relief as he gazed at you.

 Your expression was one of surprise as Childe found himself cupping your face gently and shaking his head as he spoke, “Careless of me… I must have gone a little crazy when I saw what was going on.”

He watched you silently, relief continuing to flood his person as he eyed you. Completely lucid despite your head injury and blessedly unafraid of him as you gazed back at him. Worry rather than fear in your eyes.

His hand slid back so that he was cupping your head as he pulled you just a little bit closer, causing your eyes to widen again before he spoke again. His voice even more hushed than it had been before as he surrendered to his own feelings, “But love does make us a little crazy… If it doesn't, you haven’t done it right.”

*Solnyshko is the transliteration of Солнышко which means “Sun” according to Google Translate

[taralen]

wowee 😭

I'm in the process of answering the ASKS in order. I'm having a lot of fun so far! It keeps me motivated and helps get the juices going so I can actually work on proper art again.

I've also received some really nice tags on some of my posts, and I, um... You guys are too much. You're going to make this old bastard cry.

The amount of compassion I've received is astounding. GOD, what I'd give to have this kind of kindness earlier in my life. Maybe I wouldn't have turned out to be such a sour, black-hearted SoB.

It is true, though. BTW, I REALLY DO LIVE IN A DUMP. Please, for the love of GOD someone take me out of this TRASH ZONE. I hate that I relate to Spamton this way. HOLY #%^&.

WARNING: RAGE RANT BELOW

Do I mean a literal dump? UH, depends on who you ask. It's not MY junk, though, and that's the worst part. If it were mine, then at least I'd be able to toss it?!

Well, how should I put it? The house I live in has become a DUMP for everyone BUT me! All this stuff that's not mine, just DUMPED into this house. It's aggravating, and every time I want to get rid of this stuff, I get told, "That's not yours."

It's like #$%^ING HELL. You don't use it. You barely see it. WHY DO WE STILL HAVE IT. GET IT OUT. TOSS IT. Why can't I toss it? IT'S TRASH, AND YOU KNOW IT. I haven't been inside my garage in OVER A (*&)ING YEAR. A YEAR. There are NASTY Things in there I swear you need a HAZMAT SUIT. I AM not KIDDING [[tumblr]] IT IS THAT BAD. I am NOT making any of this up. EVERY DAY IS MISERY.

I've been advised by friends to just toss or sell things without anyone knowing, but you know, in a hoarder situation, it makes things worse!

Do you know how UTTERLY defeating this is? I WISH I could just throw it all in the [[REAL]] trash, but I can't without fearing my OWN stuff getting tossed. Oh yes, MY STUFF, that is worth THOUSANDS OF KROMER at this point. Stuff I take care of... Stuff that has value! I am a cOLLECTor, NOT A HOARDER! I have TREASURES! Hell, I get rid of them sometimes, too... TO OTHER COLLECTORS.

YOU WANT TO LUMP IT TOGETHER WITH THAT TRASH YOU PICKED UP FROM THE STREET? ARE YOU #$%^*ING @#($&ING ME RIGHT NOW. ARE YOU? ARE YOU?!

HAAAHEAHEAHEAHEAEHAAHEAHEA VERY $#**ING FUNNY. VERY........

UH. Haha... So yeah! That's my living situation. It's um.. PRETTY BAD!

I told my therapist all this crap and he said, "Goodness. There is a lot on your plate that's out of your control. The hoarding situation on your [[family's]] part is not helping."

OH, DON'T I KNOW IT.

Can I just get a legit BIG SHOT to get me the *&^# out. PLEASE? HEAVEN ARE YOU LISTENING? HAHAHAAH

[shaingles]

Meanwhile, on the Vultures' Estate

Characters involved: 🍀 (Isa), 👑 (Boss)

The sun dawns on the Black Vulture compound, beaming down on the treasure hoarders training vigorously in the courtyard. They're persistent with their exercises, exhibiting their resilience and strength. Isa sits in her office, a few men lounging along her couches. She drinks her black coffee while reading the local newspaper. The headlines read: "Turmoil Arises in Liyue," "Vandalism Tarnishes Local Wearhouses, Millelith Suspects Treasure Hoarder Involvement," "Treasure Hoarders Activity Spikes, Many Left Fearful."

She sighs, shaking her head before placing her cup down. She's disappointed by the state of the treasure hoarder atmosphere, but she's not surprised. All she can do is sit idly until the right moment arrives.

Soon after she sits up in her seat, Boss busts into her office, one of her hoarders following behind him.

"L-Lady Isa—" the timid hoarder utters, trying to keep up with him.

"ISA," Boss roars, slamming his hands onto her desk. The reverb causes her mug to almost tip over. The men around her perk up from the commotion, the tension in their muscles visible as if they were ready to attack.

"MacQuoid." Isa's voice is calm and collected as her silver eyes lock into Boss's.

"Where the fuck is Midas. I know you have something to do with this." His nails claw into the wooden furniture as he glares at her, his face red as a jueyun chili.

Her playful gasp is followed by a chuckle as she leans back. "Now, now. Why would I have something to do with the baby's disappearance—"

"Because you're always at the forefront of shit like this. You're always there stirring the pot, taking things that don't belong to you. Now, where is he?! What did you plant in his dumb brain this time?!" His voice grows louder as he speaks, and he bears his teeth like an agitated dog.

The reaction makes her burst out laughing, making Boss's face redder. "This isn't a fucking joke, you bitch!! Where is he?!" He barks, making Isa laugh more.

"You're so cute when you're angry," She chuckles, coming down from her laughter.

Boss huffs loudly, ready to tear into Isa until she adds, "I promise you, I don't know where young Midas is. The last time I saw him was when he apologized to me and my men."

"And why should I believe you?" His eyes narrow, his voice low and gravelly.

"Use your brain, MacQuiod," She starts, crossing her legs. "What would I gain from taking Midas from you? Besides a comedic display of your immaturity."

"You—"

"I'm not done," She interrupts, raising her hand sternly. "Midas, though a strong soldier and crafty collector, wouldn't last a day on Vulture territory or with my men. They're ruthless and harsh. Young Midas would crack easily under the pressure."

"... Are you saying my boy is soft," Boss growls, his knuckles turning white as he clutches his fists tight.

"Don't be so prickly. I never said that," She sighs, rolling her eyes. "My point is, if he came here, he would've crawled back to you days ago."

Boss lets the information sit, trying to rationalize it in his head. He knows Isa is right but doesn't want to admit it verbally. A chuckle leaves her as she stands from her desk.

"Speaking of softness, have you considered your version of "tough love," may have pushed him to run away?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Boss scoffs, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. "You think I ran away anytime my old man taught me a lesson? No. I took it like a man and lived with it."

"Well, Midas isn't like you. To be frank, he only acts hard to please you, anyway. In actuality, he's much more gentler and considerate..." She pauses, peering at the storm clouds rolling in, slowly blanketing the sun. "Maybe he wouldn't have disappeared if you were a little more tender with him."

Boss scoffs again, but he doesn't have a rebuttal. His eyes glaze over at the men occupying the couches, noticing their tense expressions as if they're ready to pounce at the slightest move. He acts unfazed, but the sight alone terrifies him. Lightning flashes before a rumble of distant thunder fills the silence. Where Isa stands she can see her hoarders end their training and return indoors.

"... How do you suggest I be softer with Midas?" He sighs defeatedly.

"For starters, try sitting down with him and talking. If he's your son, you shouldn't have a problem having a man-to-man conversation, right?"

"... I'll see what I can do," Boss murmurs, turning to leave. He feels eyes follow him as he walks out the door. The moment the door closed the men murmured to themselves about the ordeal.

The timid hoarder, who stood idly watching the altercation, approaches Isa. "Is everything alright, Lady Isa? Are you okay?"

"Don't worry, honey," she reassures, returning to her seat. "Everything is going to be alright." She looks at the door, smiling softly before returning her attention to the newspaper.

[plumblossomcafe]

Ch.37: Follow the Wind

Kazuha: You're up! I wish you luck. I await the results of this match with great anticipation.

Tomo: I know you'll do great, kid

Y/n: Good luck, Aether

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Beidou: Huh, why isn't he here yet... Never mind, we can start by making your entrance first, Aether. Everyone, listen up. Your attention, please! We've reached the climax of The Crux Clash. This is the final match!We've seen many exciting battles today, and now, at long last, the two finalists have emerged. Now, I'd like to introduce our first combatant. Though few have seen him and his companion, his reputation knows no bounds. He strikes fear into the heart of Osial, and the mere mention of his name causes even Fatui Harbingers to turn pale in the face... Introducing one of Liyue's traveling heroes Aether!

Clash Competitor 1: Wooooow!!!

Clash Competitor 2: I've been waiting for this moment!

Beidou: I'm sure everyone witnessed his thrilling match in the semi-finals Along with his companion's in the first round. But today's final round will surely take things up a notch! As for our other combatant... Uh, he still hasn't arrived.

Y/n: ...

Tomo: What's wrong my lady? Is something wrong? You look very serious

Y/n: Sorry, I just feel like something is not right...

Tomo: ...

Beidou: C'mon, what could be taking him so long? You can't just forfeit for not showing up like in previous rounds... This is the finals! Apologies! Everyone just sit tight!

Aether: Maybe they got the match time mixed up?

Beidou: We've got no other choice... If he doesn't show up, we'll just have to postpone the match.

Kazuha: Wait a moment. Something doesn't seem right about this. Captain Beidou, perhaps we should check on the prize. Aether, Y/n come with us.

Upon checking the vision box both the Masterless Vision and Y/n's Vision was gone

Y/n: !!!! My vision!

Beidou: They're gone alright... The Visions are missing.

Paimon: Huh! Did somebody steal them? Who would dare do such a thing in broad daylight?

Beidou: We don't know when it was taken exactly. Huh! I never thought that someone here would have the guts to cross Captain Beidou. Y/n, my sincerest apologies, I should've been more careful when choosing my words

Y/n: It's fine, no one would've expected this outcome...

Kazuha: No need to worry. Even the craftiest sleight of hand does not escape nature's watchful gaze. Hmm... The culprit has acted recently. They will not have gotten far.

Tomo: The Vision was the prize that me and Kazuha had offered, and it will be our responsibility to look after it. We will be certain to get both visions back.

Beidou: Well, if you insist. I'll leave the matter to you then. I'll stay here and try to offer some explanation to all the spectators that came to see the match.

Kazuha: If you would, please come with us Aether.

Y/n: I'll go too!!! Even if I don't have my vision on me, I can still fight

Aether: But Y/n-

Y/n: No buts, I'm a vision bearer, so it's my responsibility to take care of it

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After using the wind currents and defeating the ambush of Treasure Hoarders, Aether, Y/n, Paimon, Tomo, and Kazuha managed to finally catch up with the thief

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Fei the Flyer: You all caught up with me... How is that possible!? I had even prepared a boat to ensure a quick getaway, and still, you all caught up to me.

Kazuha: No boat could ever match the speed of the wind.

Tomo: Or the speed of lightning

Fei the Flyer: The wind? Lightning? What are you guys talking about? *noticed their Electro and Anemo visions* Oh, I get it... your both Visions! Drat, if only I had a vision... Or if I could activate this one, then you'd never be able to catch me! And if it doesn't work, then I'll use this Hydro vision instead!

Kazuha: This has nothing to do with Visions. You may be skilled at vanishing from a crowd, but it seems you know precious little about how to conceal yourself from nature's gaze. Additionally, your chosen escape route was flawed for reasons that are too numerous to go into, and on top of that, I could hear your boasting and proud laughter in the wind as I was pursuing you.

Tomo: In other words, you failed to meet and of the basic criteria for a grand heist: namely speed, stealth, and style. You suck as thief basically.

Fei the Flyer: You... You!

Kazuha: But most disappointing of all is the state of both visions in your hand. It appears that neither vision doesn't respond to human desire indiscriminately.

Fei the Flyer: Fine, fine! I admit it! I've had my eyes on this masterless vision for quite some time now. I decided to register after hearing that this fighting contest was full of a bunch of lousy fighters. I fought my way to the finals and...

Paimon: Aha, so you were supposed to be our opponent!

Fei the Flyer: I'd intended to win the contest through skill alone all along, but then you two showed up! After watching the semi-finals and the first round, I knew that I didn't stand a chance. But I wasn't about to give up on the Vision so easily after coming all this way or this working vision of this stupid girl. Since there was no use in trying to face you in the match, I decided to put my skills to good use while everyone's attention was on you and Beidou. I was convinced I'd prepared thoroughly for my escape... but somehow, you still managed to catch up to me.

Y/n: *sighs* Just do as we say and there'll be no further consequences

Fei the Flyer: R—Really?

Y/n: If you give up the Vision, we'll let you go. I'm not the type of person who likes seeing people suffer, instead I like giving people second chances to be better people

Fei the Flyer: Fine... but you'd better mean it! They didn't activate once I took them anyway, they're nothing but useless shells to me.

Kazuha: You know, even if Y/n here is a kind and forgiving person others aren't the same infact according to the laws of the sea, the penalty for stealing is breaking the culprit's arms.

Fei the Flyer: Huh! You're not serious, are you!?

Tomo: Not to mention that the item you stole was a prize, you didn't show up for the final match, and you damaged the reputation of the captain of The Crux Fleet.

Kazuha: It seems that it would only be fair to brand the word "thief" on your forehead with a hot iron.

Paimon: Whoa, whoa, we don't need to go that far, do we? Plus, just like Y/n said she's willing to give him a second chance!

Fei the Flyer: Ugh, I never would have guessed you could be so cruel. If this is where talking gets me, then forget it. I'll risk a fight!

Y/n: Fine you asked for it, I'll deal with this

Tomo: "That's a whole lot of women"

Aether: That's amazing...

(Pretend that's you and the thief just that for the final gif instead of falling you send the thief flying away, defeating him)

Y/n: hmph! *looking down at him*

Others: *Also looking down at him*

Fei the Flyer: A—Argh! *immediately stands up* No, no! Do what you want, but please, don't brand my forehead, please!!!

Kazuha: Hmm... He has persevered to the bitter end, and now death looms near... yet still, the gods do not bestow their favor upon him....Put down the Vision and leave. I've changed my mind... No further punishment for you.

Fei the Flyer: Huh?

Tomo: *smirks* What's wrong? Are you asking for more punishment?

Kazuha: It's up to you. Such willingness is commendable and fits the way of the samurai. And I want to respect Y/n's wish

Fei the Flyer: N—No, no need for that. Thank you for releasing me. You truly are generous!

The Treasure Hoarder leaves in a frenzy

Paimon: Huh, Paimon doesn't get it. Were you just trying to scare him?

Kazuha: Me and Tomo take no pleasure in frightening others. We was just testing all possibilities while the vision remained in his hands.

Tomo: When people are forced into a corner, that is when their greatest strength will appear. We thought it may be an opportunity for him to awaken the vision. But unfortunately, nothing happened.

Y/n: *wearing her vision again* So you were planning this all along?

Kazuha: Yes, I wanted to know whether it were possible for an extinguished Vision to be reawakened. From the moment he stole the Vision, We decided to use him for this experiment. Me and Tomo have tried many other methods in the past.

Tomo: *sighs* Though few tales tell of a "masterless Vision reawakening"...

Kazuha: After seeing Aether command multiple elements, I figured that nothing is impossible. Come, why don't you give it a try? Let's see if you can give me the answer we're hoping for. *hands Aether the Vision*

Aether: I'll try.

Paimon: Hmm, the Vision didn't seem to respond at all.

Y/n: I could try, even if I'm already a vision bearer, I want to atleast try

Tomo: Be our guest *hands her the Vision*

Y/n: *sees a faint purple light but immediately drops it* Ouch!

Paimon: Paimon saw a faint purple light but it went away

Kazuha: Can you try again

Y/n: *tries again* It doesn't work. *sighs* When I held it the first time, I felt nothing, but I then felt like something stabbed or burned me, so I dropped it

Kazuha: I see... So neither of you are also unable to rekindle the Vision....No matter, this was expected.

Tomo: I suppose this Vision is still ours to take for now.

Y/n: Why are you so determined to rekindle the Vision?

Paimon: Yeah, what's the story behind this Vision, anyway?

Tomo: ....

Kazuha: The story begins from a long time ago...

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Tomo: This was before Inazuma became what it is today

Kazuha: One day, Tomo asked me about a sword art of which he had heard, The Musou no Hitotachi. I told him it can only be witnessed when "divine punishment" is administered. It is the pinnacle of the Raiden Shogun's skill. A symbol of ultimate power

Tomo: But I replied: "There must be one who can withstand it, There will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow"

Kazuha: Then, the Vision Hunt Decree arrived. Peoples' aspirations were stripped away as the Raiden Shogun began to construct her ideal of "eternity" while we were fleeing from place to place. I heard that Tomo had challenged the Vision Hunters to a duel before the throne. A solemn yet brutal challenge

Tomo: The defeated face divine punishment, while the victors gain a second chance. Perhaps I thought that I, of all people should make a stand. Coming face to face with the Musou No Hitotachi was all that I truly desired, after all.

Kazuha: When I arrived at Tenshukaku, the duel was over... I heard his sentence of divine punishment

Tomo: I almost died if it wasn't for Kazuha coming to save me before I got hit. My facial expression was one of fear and regret of not being able to win the duel.

Kazuha: Then we immediately ran from the scene.

Tomo/Kazuha: All we knew was that we mustn't let this hope which burned so brightly become buried among the ice-cold statue of a god.

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Tomo: Well, this is more information on what happened to us and for the Vision we just found it while we were fleeing from Inazuma and we were hoping that we could be able to rekindle it.

Kazuha: But as a wandering samurais, We find meaning in traveling and the sprawling beauty of nature that lies along the way, while still retaining the "warrior way" in our hearts.

Paimon: Kazuha, Tomo...

Kazuha: Hehe, it's just another way of saying we do as we please.

Tomo: Plus it was all in the past, but I'm still ambitious on the idea of the Vision Hunt Decree being abolished.

Kazuha: Alright then. It's time we returned.

Y/n: If you guys need to talk more, I'm here to listen.

Kazuha: ...Do not let our feelings trouble you. But thank you.

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Paimon: Huh? Did Beidou leave already? Maybe she went back to her ship?

Zhuhan: If you're looking for the Captain, she was summoned by Lady Ningguang. It seems that The Crux Clash got out of hand this time and has attracted her attention. Captain Beidou was muttering something about Ningguang being a stick-in-the-mud as she headed off to Liyue Harbor.

Tomo: *petting Yuki* Haha, it's not unusual for those two to be at odds with one another. (Author note: Yuki was with Tomo all along, he was just hiding her in his clothes)

Zhuhan: But still, Captain Beidou was disappointed she didn't get to witness the crowning of the new champion. She had been looking forward to it for quite some time.

Kazuha: The one who stole the Vision was originally to be Aether's opponent in the final round. He knew he stood no chance of winning the match, thus the wicked idea of stealing the prize took hold in his mind. In which case, The Crux Clash comes to a clear-cut conclusion.

Zhuhan: Huh? So that's what happened!? If that's the case, then the rules stipulate that he is disqualified... and our hero Aether here is the champion!

Paimon: Paimon thought we'd win and all, but not like this...

Y/n: same..

Zhuhan: It doesn't matter, as the saying goes, "honor given is honor deserved." Now, let me go prepare the champion's medal to award you.

Aether: So will we be able to travel to Inazuma now?

Kazuha: Yes, I believe so. Though Captain Beidou is no longer present here, I'll be sure she receives word of it since Tomo will probably forget about within a minute. She is a woman of her word.

Tomo: *got angry* Hey!!!

Kazuha: But the voyage to Inazuma is a treacherous one. You guys will be plagued by a perpetual tempest the entire trip. In fact, the relentless rain and wind are also an embodiment of the Raiden Shogun's will to close the nation.

Paimon: Hold on a second, you're saying she can change the weather just with the power of her mind!?

Kazuha: Let's not forget that this is one of the Seven Archons. If Liyue's Morax could form Guyun Stone Forest by casting down his stone spears, then it should come as no great surprise that the Raiden Shogun is capable of summoning an eternal tempest. Indeed, Suffice it to say that if you wish to journey to Inazuma, the Alcor will need some time. You will be notified once all the preparations have been made. In the meantime, Me and Tomo intend to embark on a journey of our own. We will travel all across the vast lands of Liyue in the hope of finding a way to reawaken the Vision.

Y/n: I believe you'll both find a way for sure!

Kazuha: Thank you. May both our journeys prove meaningful. One final word of warning. The part of your journey that lies after the storm may well prove to be the most arduous.

Unlocked: Voicelines:

About Ideals: Freedom:

I'm not the God of Freedom like Papa, but I do have a great understanding of the ideal. To me, freedom is something that is beautiful and endless but can be stripped away from you in an instant. I learned it the hard way and now cherish every second of it. Why are we sometimes referred to as birds symbolically? If a bird is meant to symbolize freedom, then why is it destined to fall and be trapped in a cage?

About Ideals: Contracts:

To me, a contract is something that binds you to a will that could last for centuries. An example of a contract being, protecting a land and its people, but this contract will soon be casted away by its people and a new contract will be formed by the people themselves. Soon a contract to end all contracts shall be made and everyone binded to a contract shall be free.

About Ideals: Eternity:

The meaning of eternity has the meaning itself, endless. To me, eternity is meant to be only used for the memories that bring us joy and remind of us of who we are, those memories are the true meaning of eternity for me. To others it may he different, eternity could be built of fear causing the ideal of eternity to be only known as solemn stillness and it could cause people to hate it and wish to overthrow it. War will wage and who knows when it will end, days, months, an eternity perhaps?

About Ideals: Love:

The ideal and feeling of love is something that I long abandoned, so I can't really give you my opinion on that, I can no longer understand the feeling of love. Now I wonder what does it feel like? Will I ever be capable of understanding it once more? How does it feel? These questions come up to me, but I will have no answers to them. Who knows, All I know is that to me, love is something beautiful but disgusting and painful at the same time.

[multiverseofmisfits-backup]

A Day with the Future Knight

Scene 9

And so, Samantha insisted on helping the stranger in distress. Might as well give her the spotlight, thought the Traveler as she had to watch for now. Besides, Electro Slimes are easy to take down, especially if you use the right element.

Thus, by the power of Dendro, those slimes were easily eliminated just when those vines were summoned. That sure quickens everything, yeah?

Anyway, the person who got in trouble was... a treasure hoarder?!

"That was close. I thought I'm- oh shit." The moment he looked up, he recognized the Traveler who was alongside Samantha. Perhaps that had a previous encounter that turned out unpleasant?

"You're one of those guys who broke a merchant's cart yesterday." Yup, the Traveler definitely recognizes this guy. "What brings you here this time?"

"Wait! I'm not here to cause trouble. I was just passing by when those slimes attacked me," was his explanation, in fear of what the blonde will do to him.

[leap-loves]

Even Stone Cracks

A drabble I worked on a little while back for my new self-ship, Sticks and Stones! This is pre-relationship, but there are definitely feelings. Feat. Collei!

Tags: @goldenworldsabound

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Tighnari is a very meticulous person, never taking a risk if it outweighs the benefits, and never when it puts another person in unnecessary risk. 

That’s why Shiko was positive that he didn’t know about the intruders in the forest. A group of treasure hoarders had set up camp deeper in the forest, right in the way of the path that Tighnari had suggested for her and Collei to follow to gather some materials for him. He’d insisted it would be fine because there hadn’t been much activity along that route lately. Perhaps that should have been the first sign something was amiss… 

Currently, Shiko and Collei were hiding behind a tree, within sight of the camp ahead of them. While logically, it would be best for them to abandon the rest of the route and return to report it to Tighnari so he can send a more suited team back to deal with it, Shiko also figured she could handle this. The only reason she wasn’t already in the fray is because Collei is there. She’s still young, and learning to fight. She can’t be left alone, one way or another. 

Looking to the young girl, clinging to her bag and cloak tightly as she stared at the camp, Shiko decided to simply ask. 

“It looks like we have two options… Either we turn back now and let Tighnari know about this camp so he can send a team out to deal with it…” She started, holding up one hand slightly. “Or, I can go and take care of it now, while you stay here and hidden. I don’t think it’ll take me long, and I can handle some treasure hoarders. But I don’t want you to be at risk without having a say in it. And if anything happens, just yell for me and I’ll come running.” 

Collei's face scrunched up in consideration, trying to seriously weigh the options. She wasn't too worried about *herself*, since she was good at running, and Tighnari had been training her with her bow. And Shiko is so strong! It should be okay, right?

"I want to stay." She decided resolutely, looking up to Shiko. 

Shiko nodded, giving her a soft smile and carefully setting her travel pack down. "Alright. Just stay over here and watch our things, okay?" She instructed. 

Once Collei gave an understanding nod, Shiko walked out from behind the tree towards the Treasure Hoarder camp, summoning her sword. It didn't take much more than that for their attention to be on her, and the fight to commence. 

Collei peeked out from behind the tree to watch, not having gotten the chance to see Shiko actually *fight* before. Train, of course. Spar, on occasion. But *fight*? That turned out to be a different, beautiful story. 

Despite her Geo vision, Shiko had a very fluid fighting style, almost as if dancing with her opponents. She twirled between hoarders, spinning down onto one knee and using her sword to trip them up, standing again without the slightest hitch. At one point she used her sword as extra balance to kick a treasure hoarder in the head and take him out of the fight. 

But she didn't seem to notice the potioneer behind her. 

Collei's eyes widened in fear when seeing him ready a potion, a pyro one it seemed, aiming at Shiko. 

While she knows that it's dangerous, that she's nowhere near ready to actually be in a fight… Collei knows she can't just do *nothing*. So without thinking on it too hard, she summoned her bow, a simple training one, but it was good enough. She nocked an arrow, closing one eye to focus and aim. She finally released the arrow, managing to intercept the potion bottle and shatter it early. 

It took everything in her to not cheer at the accomplishment, but all excitement died as the color drained from her face once she realized what she'd done. The entire fight paused long enough for all conscious participants to look towards her. She blew her cover. 

A few of the hoarders turned their sights on her, Shiko sneering in frustration. "Your fight is with me!" She shouted, stabbing her sword into the ground. Golden Geo energy started to crackle through the earth, taking a jagged path towards Collei before the energy shot up and made a protective bubble around her. A shield. 

A few potions hit the shield, but it didn't break. So the hoarders turned their attention back to Shiko, who was now fighting without her sword. It was still fluid, but there was more force behind every movement. Each blow almost made Collei think the earth itself was shaking. 

Now that Shiko was splitting her energy between the fight and maintaining the shield, she was taking more hits. She couldn't spare the energy to make mini shields to catch attacks. Fortunately the injuries were minor, small grazes and burns, easily treatable. But Collei couldn't shake the guilt that she had messed with the fight. Now she was getting hurt, thanks to her. 

By the time the last Treasure Hoarder fell, Shiko could feel her entire body shaking. She hadn't exerted herself that much since getting to Sumeru. Seems like she's out of practice… She'll need to work on that. 

With careful steps she returned to her sword, drawing it from the ground and dismissing it with less flourish than usual. The shield dissipated shortly after, and Collei came running over with their bags in hand. 

"Miss Shiko! Are you okay?" She started, her eyes already watering faintly. "I-I'm so sorry, I should have listened and just stayed hidden but I didn't want you to get hurt, but you just got more hurt, and-"

Shiko cut off the rambles with a gentle hand slowly placed on the young girl's head. "Collei, look at me." She instructed, her tone firm enough to get through the panic, but still gentle enough to not be scolding. 

Collei sniffled and looked up at her, taking a hiccupy breath. 

"I'm okay. This injuries are negligible," even though Tighnari is bound to scold her for her carelessness when they get back, "and that was a much needed workout. Getting hurt in fights like these show you where you most need to improve. It looks like I need to focus more on my Vision training." 

Offering her a soft smile, Shiko asked "Are you okay, Collei?" 

Collei whimpered a bit but nodded, rubbing at her eyes. "I'm okay. Thanks to you…" 

"That's all that matters." Shiko reassured. "We should keep going though, if we're out for too long then Tighnari might worry and send a search party." She wasn't even totally joking, either…

Collei nodded and offered Shiko her bag, but as they got ready to leave, that first step seemed to be the last straw for Shiko's body. 

Collei helped as her mentor collapsed, scrambling to try and help catch her, only to be pulled down too. "Are you okay??" She asked, her panic back full force as she tried to check her over for injuries. 

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Shiko tried to reassure despite how breathless she was, staying laid down on the ground for the moment. Apparently she needs the rest, after all. "I suppose that was just more than I can usually handle… just another thing to improve on."

"You need to rest, we should get you back to the village." Collei frowned, looking around. She knows the way back, of course, but… "I don't think I can carry you…" 

"Don't worry about that." Shiko reassured "Just give me a little while and we can keep going. I'm not going to let something like a little battle exhaustion get in the way of our task."

"But… Master Tighnari says that all exhaustion should be taken care of as soon as possible and is very serious…" Collei mumbled, fidgeting with her cloak again. Nothing they have really helped with exhaustion either…

"Yes, yes. That's why I'll rest for a few minutes so I can recover, then we can keep going. Though, if we meet any further opposition, we'll have to turn back." She didn't like the idea, but it was the safest option. She wasn’t in any condition to fight right now, and she sure wasn’t going to have Collei fight. 

Collei was hesitant, shifting her weight before nodding. “Okay… you get some rest.” She agreed finally, holding the straps of her backpack. 

Comforted that Collei would be okay with sitting still for just a few minutes, Shiko closed her eyes to let herself rest for just a few minutes. Surely just a few minutes is all she’ll need, right? 

When she next opened her eyes, her entire body felt heavier than before, and rousing herself from an apparently deep sleep was proving difficult. It was only the very careful jostling of her body that caught her attention enough to wake her. 

First, she was hit with the smell. Warm, and floral. Familiar. Safe. Tighnari. 

Wait. What's Tighnari doing here? He should still be at Ghandarva Ville… 

That's when she finally started to pay attention to the talking around her. 

"-just collapsed!" Collei was saying, her voice wobbly from worry, clearly having been panic-rambling. Bless her heart….

"Fortunately from what I saw, her injuries should not be the cause. She likely just over exerted herself with her Vision." Tighnari reassured, his voice making his chest vibrate in a surprisingly soothing way that threatened to pull Shiko back to sleep. 

There was some quiet, only accentuated by the sound of shuffling fabric as the two began walking. "So… it was because she had to protect me…?"

Tighnari gave a small hum as he considered, a common acknowledgement that he wasn't ignoring them. "Technically, yes. However, I am grateful that she did, even if I wish it had not been so detrimental to her. Had I the ability, I would have done the same thing. And knowing her, it is safe to conclude that given the opportunity, she would do the same thing again in a heartbeat." He reassured "So do not beat yourself up for it. Based on your report, you stepping out to help likely prevented further injury as well, so it could have been considerably worse had you not acted. I'm proud of you." 

Shiko couldn't help a tiny smile hearing that, of course agreeing. She's proud of Collei too, she made an excellent shot after all! But she didn't have the energy to vocalize it yet, shutting her eyes again. While the logical part of her brain told her to try and walk on her own, she can rest once back at the village… she couldn't resist the temptation to indulge. 

And when she heard him look down at her in his arms, softly reassuring her she was safe, that she could rest… that was all the permission she needed to let her exhaustion take hold again. 

The next time she was aware of her surroundings, she was laying completely on something soft. They must have made it back to the village. How long ago? Is her body still heavy from the fatigue, or has she been laying still for too long?

Opening her eyes only served to raise more questions than given answers. This wasn't her home, so who's was it? Glancing around sleepily told her it was Tighnari's. His room specifically, if the notes were any indication, or the brush on the corner of the desk that still has some dark blue-green fur and hair stuck in the bristles. 

Feeling something warm near her she looked down, seeing Collei also napping, sitting in a chair beside the bed and leaned forward to use the bed and her crossed arms as a pillow. Poor thing was far too worried over some simple elemental exhaustion… Shiko just hopes this will come to the young girls' mind whenever she considers pushing herself. 

Before she could do much else, Tighnari was coming back into the room with a tray and a few bowls, his ears perking up slightly more when seeing Shiko staring at him. After a quick glance over to Collei, he quietly crossed the room and used his tail to carefully clear some space off of the desk to set the tray down. 

"I see you're finally awake." He commented, his voice so soft it could barely even be considered a whisper. "How are you feeling?"

Shiko took the chance to take stock of herself, stretching out the arm that is furthest from Collei. She was stiff, but she can *move*, so she'll take it. 

"Better than I last remember, honestly." She admitted, doing her best to match his tone. "Feels like I've been run over by an angry Sumpterbeast, but I can move, so it's an improvement." 

Tighnari let out a soft chuckle, examining some of the bandaging he'd done on her exposed limbs, ensuring they were still secure and not in need of changing. "Improvement is good, and soreness is to be expected after the exertion Collei described." 

"So long as she's okay, it was worth it." Shiko mumbled, reaching down to gently smooth out the young girl's hair. It looked more wild than usual…

Collei didn't stir at the affection save nuzzling more into her arms, seeming to relax a bit more after the initial touch. 

"She ran all the way back to the village by herself to get me and bring me back to you." Tighnari told her gently "By the time we reached the village, she was about as exhausted as you, but her panic kept her functioning until I could reassure her you were perfectly fine, and even then she insisted on staying close so she could apologize to you first thing." 

Shiko frowned at that, letting out the tiniest of huffs. "Silly girl… I told her to give me just a little bit to rest and we could keep going… though, I suppose it wasn't just a 'little bit', if she could come here and back without me ever realizing…" 

"If she hadn't, I can only imagine how long it would have taken for us to find you two." Tighnari mused, offering her a bowl of what was now recognizable as soup, warm and smelling absolutely heavenly. 

"That is true… still, it was dangerous… She may have come a long way in her training, but I'd still be hesitant to let her free in the forest by herself, especially with that camp having been so close to our usual paths…" Shiko mused, taking a few sips of soup to relax and distract herself. 

"As true as that is," Tighnari agreed "I would rather she have done that over something less serious, than her have stayed put with you if you were more injured." He said, having his own soup and leaning against the desk casually. 

"I suppose I can't argue that." Shiko admitted with a small chuckle, her expression soft. She certainly couldn't be mad at Collei for her concern, after all. “Though I am rather surprised that you aren’t lecturing me over my carelessness.” She said, half-teasing. His lectures are rather infamous, after all. 

Taking a pointed sip of his soup, Tighnari gave a noncommittal shrug. Though, Shiko found it rather strange that he wasn’t looking at her when he answered. “There isn’t much to lecture you for. You train hard, and that was an unanticipated situation. You prioritized you and Collei’s survival and safety, as you should, and did minimal damage to the ecosystem, all while handling an immediate threat instead of leaving it for others far less equipped to handle it than you to deal with. The only room for improvement would be in you resting more adequately, so that you can balance out your intense training routine and avoid being as easily exhausted.” 

After a moment pause, he finally looked up at her, almost seeming… panicked?

“Not to say that being exhausted after the effort of fighting a group of Treasure Hoarders yourself while maintaining a construct is wrong or otherwise a sign of inadequacy, simply that your ability to maintain that stamina would be improved with improvements being made to balance your training and the rest that is necessary for our bodies to properly heal and recover from the strain-”

He was cut off by Shiko’s quiet laughter, which she attempted to muffle behind her soup, taking a few sips and relishing in the warmth that soothed her aching body. “Tighnari, relax.” She reassured with a soft voice. “I understand what you mean, and yes, I do probably need to work on taking adequate breaks… as rich as that is, coming from you.” She teased lightly. “The only way it could possibly be more ironic is if it were Cyno telling me this.” 

Shaking her head at the thought, she focused on her soup again. “So I plan to take the time I need to recover from this, then get back to training, since I still have a ways to go… But I know between you and Collei, I won’t be able to get away with pushing myself for quite some time now.” 

“Absolutely correct.” He nodded, frowning as his brows furrowed slightly, looking over at her in concern. “I was rather concerned when Collei came rushing into the village, as distraught as she was, and without you… Even once I reached your location with her I wasn’t able to dispel the anxiety that had built up in either of us until we got back and I could properly look you over…”

He paused to let out a slow breath, as if trying to steady himself, his tail twitching anxiously despite being semi-pinned against the desk. 

“Shiko, I was… I was scared… that your condition would be worse than I could help with. That there were hidden injuries, or an exhaustion that simple rest wouldn’t remedy…” He admitted hesitantly, his ears pinning back before glancing over at her again. “You are very strong, and capable. That is undeniable. However, that doesn’t make you infallible. You are still human, and humans sometimes must slow down, so that they don’t crash and burn… None of us here want to see that happen to you. To watch you work yourself until you crumble to dust. Myself especially, I want to see you grow and thrive here, like the roses.” 

While admissions of concern certainly weren’t rare, even from Tighnari, the way it was conveyed was so new. Technically a lecture, but in a way it was more so a… confession. Laying his thoughts and emotions out in the open instead of relying so heavily on logic. It left Shiko shaken, carrying a weight she wouldn’t have anticipated. 

“I understand…” she admitted after a few beats of silence. “I promise, my intentions aren’t to worry you, or Collei, or any of the others… I just… want to be able to protect you. All of you. This is my home, this is my family, and I refuse to sit by and do nothing when there are things that I can do to keep it safe.” 

“By resting and taking the time to slow down, you are giving us the opportunity to relax as well, without worrying about if you’re okay, if you will hurt or exhaust yourself before you can return to us.” He countered, sighing in frustration. Not at her. Never at her. Well… maybe a little bit at her. “All we ask is that you rest… for now, just aim for a week. Give yourself the chance to recover. Play with some of the kids if your energy permits, or help Collei with her studies. She enjoys spending that time with you, after all.”

Just the mere thought of not training, not helping in a more active manner, left Shiko itching to move. She busied her hands by tracing the design on the bowl in her hands. “A week… I… suppose that I can agree to that.” Not like she has too much of a choice, since knowing Tighnari there is a decent chance he has already told all of the other Forest Rangers that she is meant to be resting, and likely not allowed out of the village for the time being. 

“To avoid you being tempted to train, I’ve also taken the liberty of hiding your sword for the time being. Once you seem to have adequately rested, I’ll let you have it again.” Tighnari added casually, snorting once into his soup at her surprised glare, with no true heat to it. Just a playful betrayal. 

“Rude.” She mumbled with a small pout, missing the affectionate way his expression softened at the action. It was so rare to get such an open and playful response from her, and served to remind him how much she trusted him. Hopefully this means that she’ll trust his judgement, as well, and will actually rest as he instructed. 

“So rude.” He agreed, finishing his soup and stretching out. “Try to get some more sleep. If you need anything, just call for me.” He instructed, going to take her finally empty bowl. “I have a few things to attend to, but don’t worry about interrupting me.” Though he has a sneaking suspicion she’ll still try to do things herself. She’s only exhausted, not injured, so he figures that if her body lets her, he can’t stop her. With Collei there, she should be less likely to try and push herself for the moment. 

“Yes sir.” Shiko teased, giving him a playful little salute before he left, soft chuckles shaking his shoulders as the door shut behind him. 

[let-the-stars-guide]

Oc Info

Legal name: Makula Managold

pronounced (mak/cue/la) (mah/na/gold)

Name meaning : Pearl

Nickname (s): Minty, Mack

Native country:Khaenri’ah

Pronouns: She/They

Reincarnation : 5th stage Acceptance

Ethnicity: Khaenri'ahian- Sumerian descent

Currently living : Mondstadt(Germany)

Age: 21

Vision (Power) : Hydro

Constellation: Hyades

Gender: (she/them)

Sexuality: Demisexual

Birthday: 04/04

Family: Elias, Marianne “Créme”, Bay “Blue”

Affiliation: Merchants of Mondstadt

❗️Side job(s): Bard

S/o: Amanita Virosa(teyvattales oc)

Species: Human

Appearance Information

Eye color: Gold with a star symbol engraved as the pupil.

Hair color: dark blue (usually in a red headwrap) :D

Height: 5'8

Weight: 135 lbs

Body: pear shaped

Piercings:Lobe

Unique body marks: Two moes at the bottom of their face, scara markings near heart(via hiku’s death)

Personality/Work/ Backstory

About Minty:

Ambivert(Istj) They have no problem starting conversations with others but they really prefer to be alone. Minty tends to hang around others with similar personality traits to them.

Favorite foods: cold treats

Job: Merchant (sells clothes), designs outfits

Business name: Far by the Shore

Positive traits:Good listener, ambitious, hard working

Negative traits: Hot headed, tries to solve things on their own(which isn’t always good), impatient (especially when waiting for letters)

Dislikes: Anything political, beings involved in conflict, having a lot of attention on them.

Hobbies: Sketching, sowing, singing to pass time, plays Lyre, traveling

Fears: Losing family, being alone permanently.

Backstory Information [Locked]

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Backstory unlocked loading…….

Backstory : Makula lived in a small town in Khaenri'ah. At a young age they began working in their parents’ shop. Elias, their father, worked at a food market stall and Marianne (their mother) owned a clothing store. Makula and their sibling would go out and make deliveries to their customers. When Makula and Bay were old enough, they left their home to expand their parents’ business overseas. Their sibling Bay went to Inazuma ,while Makula went to Mondstadt.

Traumatic story unlocking….

Trauma event: When Makula first came to Mondstadt, they asked a man for directions. Instead of being guided, they got jumped by Treasure hoarders. Since Makula didn’t know how to fight, they tried to defend themselves with a stick. With Makula’s back to the corner, they swung the stick trying to scare Men off….(Elaborates on “About Minty”)

Voicelines

About Knights: “They are our best luck of protection in this country, even if some of them aren’t.. so trustworthy.”

About Bards: “Some play beautiful music and have interesting stories to tell.”

Concerns: “I honestly worry about expanding the Business further. I’ve been putting it off since there have been issues lately.”

About Discounts:“If you ever need a discount on food while in Inazuma, you should visit my brother Bay. He sells regular food but also some recipes that other countries don’t use. If you see him, tell him Mack sent you.”

About Friends: While living in Mondstadt they’ve gotten acquainted with some recent customers. Their most recent are some of the teen vision users, some of the Knights and the Traveler.

About Amanita: The Fatui? I don’t know alot about them except this one person. The one that goes by the name Amanita. Why do you mention him? Are they giving you any trouble??

About Angetsushin Hikomi

That woman is my darling Amanita’s 2nd lover. Yes I did not stutter I’m not his only wife. The impression I’ve had from being around her is positive. She’s generally respectful, sh

About Buisness in Mondstadt🔒

About Amanita 2🔒

About traveling🔒

Ancestry🔒

Family🔒

About Fatui 2🔒3

About Jean🔒

About Venti🔒

About Bennett🔒

About Kaeya 🔒

Fighting lines

Joining Party: Let’s be quick about this I have work to do.

Joining party 2: Really right now?!

Joining party 3: I’ll do my best.

Opening Treasure Chest: Damn this is alot!

Opening Treasure Chest 2: I wonder if I can use these?

Opening Treasure Chest 3: A job well done Traveler!

Elemental skill: Hey Hey! Hold this really quick!

Elemental skill 2: Don’t run away now~

Elemental skill 3: Get the fuck out of my way!

Elemental Burts 1: Ready to drown?

Elemental Bursts 2: I’ll make your death painless!

Sprint start 1: We gotta go!

Sprint Start 2: I’m late I’m late!

Low Hp: Good for you, you landed a hit. *sarcastic*

Low Hp 2: I’ll be fine

Low Hp 3: Hang in there Makula

Fallen 1: Wait no!

Fallen 2: Bay.. I’m sorry.

Fallen 3: Manny .. take care.

Story Quest 1: Amata bene: Of Merchants and Bunny boys Chapter 1🔓

More Voicelines will appear the more I write about Minty.

Current picture of Minty for rn Below

Loading Makula Mandagold file ………

ERROR SEARCHING FOR MAKULA MANAGOLD 2.EXE

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Found 4 documents

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Yes or No

Makula Managold

Nickname: Rea (like Rhea the Goddess of Motherhood and Fertility)

Age: 21

Job: Merchant

???: Deceased, Reincarnated (currently as MInty)

Date of birth: 04-13

Family: error lost a file, Sage Managold (son)

Significant Other: Amanita Virosa

File 2 LOADING

.Nickname: Amira

age of death: 19

cause of death: poisioned,, killed by a bomb

Job: Tavern bartender

Family: unnamed child, unnamed family

Date of birth: May 07

Body marks: Has burn marks from previous death

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File 3 loading

Nickname : Mina

Personality; keeps to self, introverted.

Age of death- 18

Job: Theif

Partner in crime/ Amanita Virosa

Body marks: Rash on face and other parts from poison

cause of death : ???

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.Nickname: Hoku

Personality:

Age of death: Fight broken out in Khaenri’ah

Job: Astrologist

Family:

Body marks: moon symbol covers body marks. Birthmark is a mole on her head from when she died in the previous life.

[greedbent]

Kaz Brekker had made a mistake.

To the masses, that was practically impossible. Every move he made was calculated, having long considered all options as meticulously as any skilled swordsman cared for his equipment—making sure everything worked perfectly, accounting for any weaknesses in his armor before diving headfirst into battle . . . That was, after all, how Dirtyhands preferred to be seen. Oftentimes all it took to keep someone well under his thumb was the fear of him always being a hundred steps ahead. They couldn’t so much as wriggle without him knowing and having a retaliation that would hurt so much more—no matter how quick or slow it came.

People thought of Inej as his spider: she could crawl anywhere, get him any information he needed, but at the end of it all . . .

He would always be the one in the middle of the web waiting for his moment to strike. And when he made his mistakes, he mended the tears in that web before anyone could see them. He compensated. He created a new tangle, a new distraction, redirected his enemy’s attention before they ever noticed he’d lost his footing and nearly tumbled through one of the yawning gaps.

Kaz Brekker made mistakes people usually never saw.

Until now. When such a mistake mattered enough that he couldn’t risk making it— But he had.

It was clumsy. Unacceptable. Deserving of more than just a slap on the wrist. Tartaglia caught him off-guard in ways he always did. Kaz never struggled to dig his fingers into someone’s sore spots, never came across anyone who didn’t have at least one to exploit: the one thing that would always get them on their knees if pressed just right. But Tartaglia had never been easy. He was impulsive. He was as feral as a rabid dog, someone who couldn’t be saved and should be put out of his misery (only that he wasn’t in misery at all, but thrived in the chaos). He was an unpredictable whirlwind as much as Kaz attempted to wrangle it, to hone the unpredictability into a predictability. And that was where the mistakes happened.

Kaz couldn’t reason with insanity.

Even the weak points of that chaos were more of a trigger to an explosion than a means of controlling the creature inside; no, if he pushed Tartaglia’s buttons, he wouldn’t get his cooperation. Kaz had his modesty where he needed it; he knew the Harbinger would have no reason not to gut him right here and now if he wasn’t careful.

—and Dirtyhands had plenty of work to do before he was ready to die.

Mentally, Kaz stepped back from that cage. He removed his hands from between the bars where he had been taunting the beast. And his next exhale came tight, hardly much of a relief—as if he’d expelled a mere fraction of the breath now caught and burning in his lungs. As much as he despised this . . . he backed off. (The rabid dog wasn’t his enemy more so than he was an obstacle.)

“Fine,” he said, tone crisp and final. “Then I need you to first start being honest about the job you’re asking of us.” And as much as he despised meeting that icy leer across from him, Kaz still held it unwaveringly. His jaw tightened, but he continued. “The Fatui don’t go sniffing about for random and unassuming valuables like treasure hoarders; some of you are a bit more sophisticated than that.” Some of you was very deliberately directed at the creature sitting here with him. “The artifact in question doesn’t just crumble to dust when it’s dropped. Tell me what’s so special about it and what sort of danger I’m putting my ‘kids’ in.”

It would be a fair assessment to call both men seated at this table ruthless. Truth be told, it was the only reason Childe found his current company at all tolerable to deal with. For at his core, Kaz was just as insufferable as the other Harbingers: always plotting and scheming, more likely to play the long con with everyone he met than simply eliminate problems head-on. From the moment he'd sat down, Childe knew the shrewd stare across from him studied everything. Kaz's (usually) unflinching stoicism was a veil for cogs that never stopped turning.

That was where the two men seated at this table differed.

Childe's sharp gaze did not seek out weakness for the sake of a scheme. When prey exposed its throat, he did not use the opportunity to tie a leash around it to control and exploit at a later time. No, he latched on with his teeth.

The slip in Kaz's composure was only the briefest instant—but that was enough for the ferocity in Childe's blood to target that weak point. Heh, and he hadn't even been trying to earn a rise. How sloppy.

But Childe's (admittedly pointless) veil of civility had its flaws, as well. The less-than-subtle, deliberate taunt in Kaz's "follow-up query" stretched the corners of his grin just a fraction too wide. Teetering on a knife's edge of which Kaz's words tested the sharpness.

"I have no problem with you asking questions that are relevant to the job at hand. However, I don't see how that could possibly be of any concern to you when you stand to profit either way. Besides, I believe I just finished explaining why I'm a poor fit for the job." If he undertook the task himself, there would be blood and destruction...much like what would become of this very tavern if the man across from him didn't tread very carefully.

Shaking his head, Childe tsked as if scolding a literal bearer of his namesake. "Were you even listening to my proposal? And you call yourself a professional." Spreading his hands wide, his gaze once again lazily traversed the room, this time spurred by boredom. "If you have any legitimate questions, you'd better ask them now. Otherwise, this offer has a time limit—as much as I'd love to spend all evening indulging you, I have a few debts to collect before the night is over."

When he leveled the other again, Childe's stare was solid ice: a testament to the ruthlessness at his core. "Unless you'd like to give your wraith the chance to ask her own questions—now that would be worth my time, if the real professional could join us. After all, she's really the one who's services I'd be enlisting." He inclined his chin. Brazen. Inviting retaliation. "Or does everything have to go through Daddy for approval? Can't have your kids making any decisions on their own, now can you?"

[apparentlyaswarmofbees]

Honestly the Genshin MC twins would be so chaotic on fics if they acted like we did in game like

killing every bird in sight,

stealing books,

rummaging through other people's merch and taking whatever we find,

stealing ingredients from someone else's kitchen and using their own oven to cook right in front of them, their own food be dammed,

gliding on Mondstandt from everywhere to everywhere,

perching on the outside of the windows,

killing the fish on the public ponds and even stealing any aquatic plants we find in there,

climbing the walls to collect mushrooms,

eating skewers in the middle of a heated battle, sometimes a full fucking meal,

sending important figures such as the fucking guildmaster, the local idol, the owner of a winery and even two fucking archons to farm/mine/collect money for us for over 20 hours and taking everything they collect with nothing in return just to send them again for more 20 hours of slave work,

sometimes falling or drowning to our deaths out of nowhere,

and not mentioning the fact sometimes we just fucking desappear as we teleport to another fucking city entirelly-

[archonsoflove]

Hi! I'm here to request a x reader fic (its for myself, cause I'm not having the greatest time right now hehe)

Can you write a fic about reader went into a haunted house with her friends just to adventure and take some valuables, but they got lost in the long hallways while trying to steal some jewelry in a random room. Then Vampire! Pantalone decided to play with this new prey of his since it's rare for him to take interest in any human

I prefer fem reader, smut (predator and prey, humiliation, dub-con)

I really hope you would like this trope, cause I've been thinking about this for weeks

You can make any changes if you want to, anything suits your style

Thank you, take care✌️

The Red Mansion

Vampire! Pantalone x Female! Treasure Hoarder Reader

Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, DubCon Implied, Biting, Marking, Mentions of Blood

Word Count: 2k

© @archonsoflove, 2022. reposting/translating is not allowed.

It was time. Your pocket watch glinted in the pale moonlight as you checked the hour. Midnight. To the tee. The moon was full over Mount Aocang and your group was ready to head out into the forest below. The air was cool and came out in small clouds past your chapped lips. It was now or never.

“Let’s go on ahead!” you called to the others over your shoulder, already trudging into the forestry.

The tapestry above you rang out with the songs of birds nesting for the evening. Bats skittered across the sky and dove down, catching their prey. A chill crept up your spine. Bats were the least of your worries now…

“Getting cold feet?” Michael, a fellow hoarder, bumped his shoulder into yours teasingly.

“Ah ha,” you forced a laugh. “Not at all. Just a bit shocked that we’re actually going through with this.”

“We do need the money,” he shrugged, his eyes sad and understanding…and was that sympathy?

He was right, though. Your family awaited your return to the Sumeru deserts. And their wages would only hold them out for so long…

The wind whispered past you as you walked along the path; the looming peaks above you giving you vertigo. Knowing these mountains knew so much, and held so much age, made you feel incredibly small.

“They said the mansion should be around here somewhere,” Hashime, your leader, mumbled to himself.

“I think I see something up ahead.” Your eyes caught a sliver of colour in the distance. The Red Mansion. That was what everyone was after these days. Intel had informed your group, for a large price, that the Mansion was at the foot of a mountain near Mount Aocang. But they had warily given over the location.

“There are rumours amongst the villagers that something strange lives within that house. Something that isn’t human,” the Treasure Hoarder had told your group, his eyes wide.

“It is common knowledge that the adepti wander around these mountains,” you had brushed him off. “I highly doubt they will see us as a threat to Liyue.”

The Red Mansion came into view now. It was a sight for sore eyes to say the least. Your breath caught in your throat. Was it from fear or excitement? You weren’t able to tell.

Mist crept up the sides of the Mansion, a soft embrace encased in moonlight. It was beautiful.

“Here we go boys.” Adjusting your pack on your shoulders, you made your way to the door.

The handle was dusty on your fingertips, and the door opened, letting out a gust of cold air. Goosebumps rose on your skin. Compared to the natural chill of a spring evening, this was somehow a darker type of ice.

“You two take this floor, I’ll take the next,” you said over your shoulder, not daring to look back. You knew you would hightail out of here if you did.

The Red Mansion was definitely living up to its name. Red cherry wood furnishing lay under white sheets, and a vase of fresh, crimson roses lay on a glass table.

“For a haunted mansion, this looks quite lived in to me,” you murmured to yourself, fingers running along the glass table as you walked by it, to the room at the back.

Who dares to trespass into my home?

A male voice caressed your ears sweetly just as your hands grasped the handle. You gasped, whirling around.

“Why, out of all things, I never expected a human to wander in here.” The man raised a lithe finger to push up his glasses. Delicate jewels hung from either side, catching the light and shining beautifully.

“Um…-“

“Don’t even start,” the man waved you off, a sigh leaving his lips. “I know exactly why you are here, darling.”

Your back was against the door you were previously trying to open, the man before you stepping closer with every word he said. His eyes glimmered predatorily in the dark.

He bent down, his eyes meeting yours. “Do you know what is through that door?”

“No,” you whispered, not knowing why you were being so quiet. You should have been calling for help.

“Oh?” a hand came to rest on the wall beside your head, his other hand coming up to grasp your chin lightly. “And why don’t I believe you?”

His ghost fanned your lips, his nose close enough to touch yours. His eyes narrowed and a gasp caught in your throat as you saw the red swimming in his violet eyes, consuming them whole.

“You’re-you’re-“

“A vampire?” He let out a sinister chuckle at that, his canines showing, sharp and white. “I thought you had already noticed something odd about me.”

A gloved hand grasped your hand quick enough for it to hurt.

“I could smell you from the doorway,” he hissed breathily, his tongue tracing your pulse on your wrist. “Your friends are nothing compared to you. But you know this already, I am sure?”

“How did you…how did you know?” you were stunned, eyes wide. No one knew. Was the blood running through your veins so different?

He took a deep breath and leaned forward again, staring so deeply into your eyes that you felt dizzy. You were supposed to be afraid, but those crimson eyes sunk into your soul and clawed at the parts of you that many never dared to seek out.

“Such a beautiful specimen, and such a young half-breed Oni.”

Your blood ran cold, the feeling of his fingers grazing the nape of your neck making your skin crawl.

“Don’t be so surprised,” he murmured, fangs grazing your jawline. “Your scent is sweet, and tempting. It has been a long time since I have had your kind cross paths with me.”

“I should leave then,” you managed to spit out, venom seeping into your shaky words. You sounded weak. frail. Vulnerable.

“So soon?” Hands shot out to push your shoulders hard against the door. “It has been so long since I have had company. You will stay a while.”

Your eyes couldn’t leave his. It was an order. He had given you an order and you had to obey. Your instincts screamed at you to run. But you were long gone, into a state of dazedness this creature had set you in.

Going limp in his arms, he reached behind you to open the door. Half holding you up, you fell into what was most definitely a study. A warm fireplace for light, lamps on the hardwood desk, and a long couch for leisure in the corner by the window.

You felt the silk cushions on the couch brush your skin as you were laid down.

“As you should know, vampires feed on others,” he started, sounding as if he were a lecturer, and you were his doting apprentice. “And you are no different than a human in this sense.”

On your back, he hovered over you now, a finger tracing down your neck and a hand sprawled across your chest.

“I am going to devour you whole, darling.”

His sultry voice sank you deeper into a hypnotised state. You felt his hands run up and down the sides of your body. You were trapped. His prey.

“This might hurt. But I’ll look after you. You have my word.”             

Hands gripped tightly to your hips. Teeth sunk into your neck with a dull throb of pain.

“What-what are you doing to me?” you managed to choke out, your breath airy.

You couldn’t move an inch. His hands found their way to your thighs, gripping harshly. A gasp left your lips. Your head felt light. You couldn’t think of anything else but his body over yours.

“Hush, now.” A gentle nudge of his nose against yours had your eyes opening to meet his.

“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?”

Your eyes flickered down to his lips as he spoke, watching his tongue collect the drops of blood that had escaped his mouth.

“Hmm?” he inched back a bit, on his haunches above you now.

“You’ll be quite surprised to see how wonderful I can make this experience for you. My sweet darling, relax.”

He emphasized his last words with a shove to your thighs, pushing them apart. Your eyes widened in shock as nimble fingers undid your traveling pants, pushing them down mid-thigh.

“Now…” his eyes wandered over your body sprawled out beneath him, crimson gaze ravenous, “where were we?”

With a sharp intake of breath, he gripped your wrist again.

“Remember,” he whispered against your fingers, “relax for me.”

You did anything but as teeth sunk into your wrist, the skin thinner and more sensitive there. An unwilling moan left your lips as his other hand gently grazed your clothed sex. You were floating, far, far away, the only thing anchoring you down being the ebbs of pleasure flowing through your veins in waves.

 His fingers deftly slid below your undergarments, pressing and circling your clit just right. Again and again and again. An unvoluntary shiver racked through you. Pantalone hummed, licking at your wrist, eyes never leaving yours.

Just when your vision grew faint around the edges, you felt him release your wrist from his hold. Your arm fell to your side uselessly, your chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. He hadn’t stopped touching you. To your disgust you felt warm coiling tightly in your body.

“You’re close, aren’t you, hmm?” a smug smile fell into place, bloodstained lips stark against his teeth. “You did so well for me, so please, come for me.”

The combined shock of his command, with his fingers pressing harder onto your sex, and his teeth returning to your neck, your vision went white, warmth washing over your body as you came. A silent gasp shaped on your lips.

You don’t remember when you came to again. it could have been hours, minutes or seconds.

Your eyes opened a crack, flinching at the morning light shining brightly outside.

“I see you are finally awake.”

Your heart skipped a beat upon hearing that smooth voice agan. Your eyes flicked over to see him in the corner of the study, in shadows. You had hoped it was all one terrible dream, yet here you were, on this couch, sprawled out, limbs aching.

“Who are you?” you managed to inquire, your voice cracked and raw.

“Pantalone,” was his short reply.

“And where have you-”

“The treasure?” he chuckled and shook his head. “My, after all this time, you still are quite stubborn, aren’t you?”

You should have felt ashamed, but you ignored the humiliation stirring in your gut. Standing up on shaky feet, you grasped the arm of the couch to keep yourself steady. The room swam before you as your vision tried to still itself.

“You are quite the delicacy,” he hummed in approval, a complacent smile in place. “It’s a shame you will have to leave so soon.”

“Where is it?” you snapped; patience thin. “You have taken me, violated me, and all I need to do is look after my family.”

Your voice shook. “I didn’t ask for any of this.”

To your surprise, his eyes softened.

Leaning on the couch still to hold yourself up, you watched him with teary eyes. Your body ached. You were freezing and you wanted to leave.

Pantalone opened a drawer, rummaging around for a while before finding a small velvet box. He approached you as if you were a small deer, ready to flee at any moment.

It serves you right, you bastard, you thought to yourself.

“Take this.” He pressed the box into your hand. “You won’t find this Cor Lapis anywhere else. It’ll provide you with enough Mora for ten lifetimes over.”

A scoff left your mouth as you opened the box. Two Cor Lapis earrings sat on the velvet cushioning. He wasn’t lying. This was high grade. The finest grade, at that.

You pocketed the box and met his eyes.

“This won’t make me forgive you. I hope we never cross paths again, Pantalone.”

His name was like poison on your tongue, leaving a bitter taste in its wake as you walked out the door and back into the world waiting for you outside.

The rumours turned out to be true in the end. The  Red Mansion truly was haunted.

MASTERLIST

[spiriteddreams]

eternity in a moment

Pairing: Xiao x GN! Reader Warnings: none, just enjoy the fluff A/N: heard eternity in a moment and knew i needed to write something short and sweet for the lantern rite, so enjoy!

xiao goes by many names. alatus, the conqueror of demons, the guardian yaksha. he's so used to being a feared and revered figure in liyue. he knows that humans are wary of him, knows that his fellow adepti regard him with looks of sympathy when they see him standing alone atop wangshu inn.

there's always something troublesome that's going on around liyue. whether it's a new hilichurl camp, or treasure hoarders trying to sneak towards qingce village, xiao is there in an instant, mask donned over his features as he brandishes his weapon. he's made it clear, countless times to those who have sought him, that he should be seen as a weapon, and nothing more. it's dehumanizing, cruel, heartless, but xiao's lack of regard for himself has plagued him for so many years, his karmic debt slowly building.

but when he's with you, he's just xiao. he's the one who loves neatly decorated almond tofu and the crystalflies that flutter around the caves of guyun stone forest. when he's with you, the only titles around his name are the little petnames that you've tagged on when you call for him. when he's with you, the whispers in his head are cast away and he's unafraid to take a step back and indulge in a sweet moment with you.

because when he's with you, xiao feels at peace.

and the sight of you, smiling at him with two lanterns in your hand, one offered towards him with a blank thin strip of paper waiting for him to write something, is enough for him to melt. his fingers brush against yours, gentle and hesitant, but accepting nonetheless as he turns away from you to scribble something short onto that paper. you don't peek over at his wish, and he follows suit. and when you lift the lanterns to the sky, one of his arms wrapped around your waist to steady you from your spot on the branches that reach over the inn, the other pushing up the lantern, he can't help but glance over. the gentle glow of the lantern illuminates your features and he can't help but stare at the look of awe that paints your features.

he could spend all of eternity in this moment.

"happy lantern rite, i love you."

reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated! <3

[genshindreamer]

Those Child!Readers are so cute 🥺🥺 can you maybe do one with the reader getting kidnapped and then the dads having to go rescue them? Can you do it with Childe, Scara, Gorou, Zhongli, and anyone else you’d like to add. You can just ignore if it’s too dark but I’d like to see how they’d react to it. You wrote them so well I love it! Thank youuu ❤️

Oh absolutely I can. And don't worry, my definition of "dark" would be like..yandere stuff (I watched way too much YanSim as wee thing and now I try to avoid anything like it lol). All Genshin Family stories will feature all the boys, sometimes in one part, 2 sometimes.

Also, if I were to put these all in one place, would you prefer AO3 or Wattpad?

Genshin Men x Child!Reader: You get kidnapped

Characters: Childe, Scaramouche, Gorou, Zhongli, Kaeya, Diluc, Albedo

Warnings: Kidnapping, mild violence, Near death experiences in Scaramouche's and also he's very violent. Mild Gore maybe?? Pregnancy mention in Gorou. Again, presence of a mother and they actually have lines. Same rules apply here as in my others.

Reader is about 6-7

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Childe

It was the one thing he feared, his family being kidnapped. He was out on a mission in Fontaine and when he returned, he could feel a sinking feeling in his gut.

Shaking his head, he pressed onward. He entered the house. "Babe? (Name)?" He called out after he didn't see either of you. Normally you'd come running out and his partner would kiss him, but neither of those things happened.

He stepped in, the sinking feeling rising. "Babe! (Name)!" He called out, running before finding a note on the kitchen table.

He picked it up.

Tartaglia,

We have your Spouse and kid. If you want to see them again, bring 100million Mora to the address below.

-T

He growled and slammed the note down. "Bullshit." He glanced down at the address and grabbed a polarm. He didn't feel like fucking around with a bow. A polearm was his best weapon and right now, he wanted murder.

He walked off, his eyes dark. He knew the address well, having destroyed a gang of treasure haorders or two with the traveller. Ah...good times.

He shook his head and barged in. He growled lowly and twirled his polearm.

---

You and your mother were tied back to back in chairs.

They turned to you and rested their head on yours. "You doing okay?"

You nodded a bit. "I-I think so..."

They hum. "It's okay. Daddy's going to get us."

You nod before heading the sounds of conflict.

----

Childe stabbed one through the neck and threw him aside, swinging his polarm and kicking another in the face, lifting his polarm and stabbing him in the chest.

"Tell me where they are." He said, his voice low and stepped on the guys neck. "Or I can stomp right here."

"P-please...." The hoarder wheezed.

"Start talking." Childe ordered. His eyes glistened with insanity.

"They *choke* They are....in there..." He pointed to the door to the far end of the hall.

"Thank you for your cooperation." Childe said, stabbing the man's neck and stepping away. He turned and saw his boots leaving bloody prints on the ground.

He put his staff on his back and opened the door, relaxing as he found his spouse and Child. He was also relieved you were facing away from him so you didn't see his blood soaked form.

He kissed his spouse and untied them and then you.

"You okay?" He asked you gently.

You nodded shakily. You had never seen him literally drenched in blood before, it should have scared you, but it didn't because it was your dad!

You hugged him and let him pick you up bridal style (you sadly were too big for him to carry like a toddler anymore, he had cried that day).

He wrapped his arm around his spouses waist and held you in his other arm.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Scaramouche

First of all....who the hell decided kidnapping Scaramouche's child was a good idea??

Well, it didn't matter who because they were going to die soon anyways :D

Scaramouche had a feeling something was wrong all day. And it wasn't just that Childe was being more annoying than usual, or that the recruits were bigger dumbasses than normal. No.

While Scaramouche was...a little parinoid, he never felt it this badly. He got out of his office and went home, making sure none followed him before he stumbled, seeing blood trailing out his house. It used to be a common sight, admitably, but since he had tried to separate work from home after your birth, he hadn't seen it in years. He stepped in, looking around.

He went to your room, wondering if perhaps you were sick or something, but no. In fact, he saw something worse. Blood, lots of it, from your bed and trails out the house.

His vision went dark. He followed the blood like a feral wolf stalking it's prey. How dare they hurt you?!

-----

He followed the blood to an old werehouse and kicked the door open, pinning the dumbass against the wall, slamming his head into the wall. "Where the fuck are they?"

The thug didn't say anything and Scara slammed his head into the wall again, not minding the blood that splatterd. "I'll ask you again, where the fuck are they?"

He got no response and he growled, throwing the useless man aside and deciding to track you the old fashioned way.

He killed more and more, splattering more and more blood on his clothes.

He slammed a door open and that was when he found you and his spouse, who was holding onto a stab wound on your side.

"D-daddy..." You whimpered out. "I-It hurts..."

His face softened. "I know. I know." He said gently. "I'm going to wrap something tightly around you, okay?"

He hated how fast your warm blood was seeping through his clothes, and just how pale you were getting. He removed one of the belt on his outfit and wrapped it around your torso where the stab was. He carefully took you into his arms, letting his spouse get up before walking with you out and towards a hospital. Well, the Fatui hospital.

He laid you on the bed and begrudgingly went to stand outside with his spouse (who to their credit, did their best to comfort the irate man)

He let his face soften and pulled them close, kissing their neck gently before going into your room and holding your little hand in his. You would likely be out cold for a couple hours.

He kissed your forehead and for once, dropped his gaurd as the door closed, leaving his little family inside with him.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Gorou

Gorou knew his allegences left himself in danger, and when he started to get close to his spouse, he knew it would put them in danger as well. Then, they fell pregnant with (Name) and Gorou had asked her excellency for a safe house and she agreed, hiding you and your mother away from prying eyes.

But even then, you weren't immune.

Some of the shoguns more...daring men came into your house and dragged you and your mother far away to their little base, demanding to know your father's whereabouts.

-----

"No." You said firmly at the man, your ears twitching.

He narrowed his eyes and slapped you. "I'm not asking."

You whimpered.

------

Gorou came home, friending at the unfamialr scents. Normally his spouse would tell him if they had company. He then smelled....distress?

He ran around the house, growling as he didn't find either of you. He then decided to embrace his dog side and sniffed one of your clothes to pick up you scent and began to follow it.

Anyone who saw the normally composed man/dog hybrid were very confused when they saw him on all fours with a feral look.

----

He went to the military base, fighting his way through the maze like halls, using your scent as a guide. He then found where you two were kept and jumped down, landing on all four and got up, opening the ropes. He heard the doors open and he growled, his ears and tail puffing in display. He growled loudly, exposing his sharp canines.

He let loose a series of arrows, killing the men in the room.

After checking you weren't hurt, he let you climb onto his back and he carried you piggy back style out of the base, holding his partners waist.

*✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Zhongli

Zhongli had made more foe than friend in his lifetime as Morax. He wasn't proud of some of his actions, but he had grown used to the feeling.

When he met his spouse, he was happy to finally find someone who'd didn't care about his god status or the things he done. He treasured them, so when (Name) came into his life, he was delighted.

He hummed as he went home, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. He expected you to come running into his arms and for his spouse to greet him with a warm kiss.

Only those things didn't happen.

"Darling? (Name)?" He asked.

He hummed and saw a note written in a language long forgotten.

"Osial..." He glared. He would try to figure out how he got out later, and it didn't really matter in that moment. Osial would never step out again by the time Zhongli was done with him.

He walked with his spear in hand as he began to track you down.

-----

He arrived in the old Lair of Osial. Of course...Zhongli had spent many a night here in his relative youth. In fact, he and Osial had had a thing for several hundred years, but then he-

Zhongli shook the thought away. "Osial?"

"Ah Zhongli, you made it." Osial grinned.

"Osial...let them go." He demanded gently. He didn't want to fight.

"Oh? The great Morax appears to have a weakness now." Osial grinned, pulling you in front of him with a knife to your throat.

"L-let them go..." Zhongli swallowed thickly.

"Hmm....I don't think I want to." Osial grinned.

You whimpered and looked at Zhongli.

He turned to you. "Close your eyes, darling." He said simply.

---

You heard much banging, clashing, curses, but then they stopped and Baba (Daddy) scooped you into his arms and carried you.

You kept your eyes closed, accidentally falling asleep on the way home.

*✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Kaeya

Kaeya hummed softly as he returned home, flowers in one hand and a toy for you in the other.

"I'm home." He called out, looking around. "Babe? Kiddo?" He arched a brow and stepped further in, wondering where you two were.

"Are we playing hide and seek today?" He asked hismelf, amused. It was something that happened occasionally, granted, it was usually just (Name) who played this game.

He searched in all the hiding spots he could think of, and began to get more stressed out when he couldn't find you two. "Babe! (Name)!"

He searched around before seeing footsteps leaving his house that didn't seem familiar. He growled and started to follow them to a ring he was All too familiar with, both as a knight, and it was one of his....sources.

He clenched his sword and searched around, following pure instinct, finding it suspicious how quiet it was.

It wasn until he stepped inside the room you two were in when he got pinned against a wall. He growled and fought against his captors that seemed to be speaking in a language you couldn't understand (Fontaine maybe? Hillichurl? You had no clue).

He was turning to swing his sword at one of the men when suddenly a sword pierced through his torso.

"Kaeya!"/"Dad!" You both cried out.

He fought off the men and held his side tightly. He untied you two with one arm.

"Kaeya..." His spouse fussed.

"I'm fine." He grunted. "I just need to get back..."

Your mother nodded and picked you up, trying to calm you down even though you both were freaking out about Kaeya.

"Daddy?"

"I'm going to be fine." He said, petting your hair with his non-bloody hand. "I'm okay."

You nodded after a second.

He tried to ignore how tired he felt. He couldn't close his eyes...just couldn't...

But if you were two were safe, that's what mattered....

Why did his feet feel light?

When did his vision blur????

When.....

"Kaeya!" Your mother yells being the last thing Kaeya heard before his world faded to black.

*✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Diluc

Of course, being a nobile family in Mondstat had left a target on Dilucs head since he had been born, and when his spouse married him, a target in their head, and finally yours when you'd been born.

Diluc did his best to keep you safe, but the abyss was a dangerous enemy, so when he arrived home and found his two favorite people missing, he isntantly found Dainslief who was one of the few people Diluc trusted to help.

----

The two men searched and entered the Abyss heralds lair. He looked up and found you and his spouse in separate cages. He growled and turned to the herald.

The two clashed in a heated battle and Dain went up and got the two of you out.

"Hey baby," your mother whispered. "How about we play the quiet game, hm? See can take the quietest steps and not talk."

You nodded and held their hand, letting them and Dain lead you outside and to the winery.

---

Diluc came home a few hours later and groaned.

"Daddy okay?" You asked.

"Yeah. Just a little sore."

You hugged him and he picked you up. "Now, how about I let you have some of that juice you like?"

*✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Albedo

He knew he wasn't always around to pay attention to you two. He still had work to do in Dragonspine and other places around Tevyat.

A part of him feared one day you'd forget all about him and his spouse would leave with you in the night.

So when he came home and found you two missing, his mind assumed his fears came true.

Until he found a note on the kitchen Table written in ancient runes. He growled and got up, his harbinger of dawn glistening.

----

He arrived at the location the runes described and growled at how familar it was. It was where he was born.

He kicked the door open and quickly dispatched the abyss Mages, a dark shadow surrounding him.

"I have no times for your games, master." He said, his voice having a slight reverb to it. His hair moved as if being swayed by a shaking breeze that no one else could feel.

"Congrats, Albedo. Your mission is complete. You have created life from nothing." A familar voice said. A figure dragged you out.

"Daddy...." You whimpered.

"Let them go." Albedo ordered.

"Giving orders now?"

"I do when my child is involved." He glared. "Close your eyes."

You nodded obediently, and next you knew, you and your mother were back in Mondstat.

"Daddy?"

"He'll be along." Your mother promised, not wanting to voice their concerns.

*✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

Hello Anon! Hope you enjoyed! I tried to add the full gang but I ran out of steam, so maybe one day I'll write something for them but this has been waiting long enough!

As always, feel free to request!

[restlessfandoming]

glaze lily (childe x lumine oneshot)

Lumine let out a huge yawn as she clambered down the steps of the Liyue Inn.

Paimon rubbed her eyes next to her. “Yesterday was such a long day of doing things for Zhongli.” The little guide then perked up. “At least we get a day off today! Paimon thinks we should spend the whole day eating!”

Lumine nodded, mouth salivating at the thought of breakfast. Hmm, what to eat? Grilled Tiger Fish? Mora Meat? Stir-Fried—

She opened the door of the Inn straight into Childe.

“Ahh!” Paimon screamed as Lumine jumped back, hand hovering over the hilt of her sword.

Childe let out a sheepish laugh. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

Lumine let out a sigh of relief, dematerializing her blade. Paimon, on the other hand, let out a huff of anger.

She floated over to the Harbinger, hands on her hips. “What is it that you want? Scaring us first thing in the morning like that!”

“Were you waiting outside for me to wake up?” Lumine asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Only for a bit.” He pulled out a pocket watch. “I assumed the two of you like to sleep in,” he said as he dangled the watch in front of Lumine, “and looks like I was right.”

She rolled her eyes upon seeing that it was nearly the afternoon already as Childe gave her a tiny smirk.

Paimon made noises of protest. “Well, it’s not our fault that you and Zhongli have been making us run around doing all these tiring quests!”

“Well, the two of you have proved more than competent in completing these tasks.” His blue eyes lingered on Lumine, and she felt the need to look away. “Speaking of which,” he continued, “I would like for you to accompany me on a trip today.”

“What’s in it for us?” Lumine asked. Paimon feverishly nodded in agreement.

Childe tilted his head. “Well, as always I’m willing to offer lots of Mora…”

Then, Lumine’s stomach growled. Loudly. Her face flushed.

The Harbinger burst out laughing. “And I’ll throw in breakfast, on me.”

Lumine huffed and crossed her arms, face still burning. “Fine, we’ll take your deal.”

Paimon spun around excitedly. “Yay! Food!”

“So, where to?” Childe asked.

Lumine walked past him, going towards the smell of cooking food. “Whatever smells best.” From the corner of eye, she saw him shake his head with a smile.

After a few moments of following their noses, Paimon and the traveler stopped in front of Su Er’niang’s street food stand.

“That smells…” Lumine started.

“Sooooo gooood!” Paimon interjected, quickly flying to the vendor. “What is that you’re cooking?”

Su Er’niang smiled. “Why, it’s my delicious Zhongyuan Chop Suey!” She held up a plate of aromatic seasoned fish and meat skewers, nestled on a bed of glistening greens. Saliva dripped from Paimon’s mouth.

“How much for a plate?” Lumine asked, after swallowing her own watering mouthful.

“6,600 Mora!”

Her jaw dropped. “6-6,00 Mora for one plate?”

She felt a gloved hand rest on her shoulder, and a bag descended in front of her face.

“Here’s 20,000 Mora,” Childe’s voice rang out above her, directed at the vendor. “Get us three plates. You can keep the leftover money.”

“Oh, uhm, thank you, sir,” Su Er’niang said, taking the bag, eyes nervously flickering between the Fatui member and the traveler.

Ah, yes, the Fatui are very much feared. And for good reason. Lumine recalled Signoria’s attack on her and Venti. How cold and violent it was. She shuddered and shook off Childe’s hand.

“Let’s find a place to sit,” she said, walking away. Childe’s hand briefly hovered where it had been on her shoulder, before dropping to his side. He started to follow her to a table.

The two sat down across from each other, but the air had changed. The harbor was bustling with life in the afternoon sun, but all Lumine felt was Childe’s icy gaze. She tried to awkwardly eat, while his food remained untouched. Paimon scarfed down the skewers, completely oblivious to the tension in front of her. After a while, Lumine set down her food, opening her mouth to say something. But Childe spoke first.

“You still don’t trust me.” His eyes held the same hurt expression from before, when she had initially expressed her distrust of him about the Signoria incident. However, Zhongli wasn’t there to break the tension this time.

“You know why,” Lumine said, her voice tight. “The Fatui can’t be trusted.” It was harsh to say, but it was true. If she let people too close—a member of the Fatui at that—there was no telling what would happen; it could jeopardize her and her brother, wherever he was. If they found out she wasn’t of this world…

The Harbinger’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I won’t disagree there. But I have no interest in being like Signoria, or like the rest of the Fatui at that. As I’ve said before, I don’t agree with their methods.”

“Then why continue to be a part of it?”

“Yeah, you should leave if you don’t like them,” Paimon said quietly, hovering behind Lumine’s shoulder, scared.

He crossed his arms. “We all have our reasons for doing things. I have my reasons to do what I do, just like how you,” he said, leaning in, “have your reasons for keeping secrets.”

Lumine and Childe stared at each other, both with their eyes calculating and searching for answers.

Then, he let out a chuckle, breaking the tension. “Let’s not get so serious so early in the day!” He took a bite of the Chop Suey. “Tasty! Thankfully we don’t need chopsticks for this,” he said with a wink.

The traveler’s brows furrowed, and she exchanged a worried look with Paimon.

Childe sighed. “Look, I’d like for us to be...friends. Would that be so bad?”

Friends…

“Come with me today, and I promise, no funny business,” he said.

After a moment of silence, Lumine finally spoke, “Where would we be going anyways?” Was this a bad idea?

“Qingce Village.” He seemed to perk up slightly at Lumine agreeing. “I’m on a diplomatic mission, but it’s a rather long journey there alone.” He gave a small smile. “It would be a lot easier with another person accompanying me.”

“Hey! Paimon’s here too!” the fairy protested.

“Sorry, two other people accompanying me.”

“Why not any of your subordinates?” Lumine asked.

Childe rested his chin on his hand, tilting his head. “Boring. It’s always silent. Or, it’s ‘Yes, sir’ this and ‘Yes, sir’ that. I’d much rather have someone like you with me.” His eyes locked with hers.

She felt butterflies in her stomach. She scoffed, trying to get rid of them. “When do we leave?”

“As soon as you finish your food, girlie.”

Lumine stuffed a whole skewer in her mouth, trying to hide the heat that was steadily rising from her stomach to her face. Childe laughed.

“Hurry up, Lumine! Paimon’s already all done!” Paimon lifted her empty plate, going to show Childe. Struggling under the weight, however, she accidentally hit him in the face.

Lumine snorted, and soon, the three of them were all smiles and laughs.

Friends...Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad…

                               * * *

“Are we almost there yet? Paimon’s tired…,” Paimon asked, dramatically drooping her shoulders.

“You don’t even walk, you float,” Lumine said.

Paimon pouted. “Doesn’t make it any less tiring.”

“We’re nearly there. The last bridge to cross is up ahead,” Childe answered.

“Oo, Lumine look!” Paimon floated to a plant with shining red fruit hanging from its branches. “Juyeun Chilis!”

Seeing the chilis reminded her of Xiangling. She grimaced at the thought of slime soup.

Paimon sniffed one, and immediately began coughing. “W-wow! Even—cough—even the smell is s-spicy!”

Childe walked over and plucked one, examining it. “Hmm, I’ve yet to try one during my stay in Liyue.”

“Do you like spicy food?” Lumine asked.

“Not necessarily. But, I’m not opposed to trying new things.” He proceeded to take a bite of the chili, as if it were an apple.

Lumine and Paimon both gasped.

He looked at them. “What?”

The traveler regarded him with wide eyes. “Y-you have no reaction?”

He shrugged. “I guess not.”

“You’re a psychopath.”

“Oh? You really think so?” His blue eyes glinted.

Before Lumine could respond, a group of Treasure Hoarders jumped out from the shadows of the bamboo lining the pathway.

“What do we have here? Some lone travelers?” the largest of the group said.

“Some lone travelers we easily outnumber, boss,” another Hoarder added, waving his bow around.

The other Hoarders laughed sardonically, all brandishing their weapons of choice. There were 10 of them, all closing in around Lumine, Childe, and Paimon.

“Give us all your belongings, and we won’t make a fuss,” the boss demanded.

Soon, Lumine and Childe were back to back, with Paimon frantically looking for somewhere to hide.

“Think you can take half of them?” Childe murmured.

Lumine scoffed. “Of course.”

“When I draw my spear then.”

She inched her hand towards where her hilt would materialize momentarily. Then, WHOOSH, the sound of rushing water filled her ears as Childe’s spear formed next to her.

Lumine’s sword appeared in her hand as she rushed forth, striking the closest enemy. They were stunned, giving her time to charge up a Palm Vortex, which ended up sending two of the Hoarders spiraling away. With three left, she charged with her blade again, continuously delivering hits, then sending out a Gust Surge, blowing the remaining three enemies away.

She turned to Childe, ready to assist him, only to find him standing there, watching her. The Treasure Hoarders on his side were already subdued, all groaning on the ground in pain.

“Very impressive,” he said. “No wonder you’re the renowned ‘Hero of Mondstadt.’”

She rolled her eyes. “Good job to you too.”

Paimon flew out from behind a nearby rock. “Whew! We took those guys out fast!”

Lumine raised her brows. “We?”

“You and Childe make a good team!” Paimon said, ignoring the question.

“Yes, I’d say we do,” the Harbinger agreed. “What do you say we join forces?”

“No thank you,” Lumine answered. “Dealing with Paimon is enough.”

“Hey!”

Lumine started walking towards the bridge. “C’mon, it’s almost nighttime,” she said, eyeing the colors of the sunset splashed across the sky.

As the three of them crossed the bridge, the sight of the village came into view.

Lumine gaped at the beautiful sea of yellow and orange fields and crystal rivers. She went straight to one of the fields, looking at the colorful flowers.

“So pretty!” Paimon said, laying down in the plants, and closing her eyes. “So soft…”

“I take it you like the village?” Childe asked, walking up behind them.

The traveler nodded. “It’s quiet. Peaceful.”

They stood in silence for a while. Birds chirped. The wind rustled. In the distance, children playfully screamed. The sun was dipping below the horizon, and Paimon’s tiny snores started to fill the air. Childe and Lumine both chuckled.

“Before I speak with the elders,” he started. He leaned down, and picked something out of the ground. A brilliant blue flower with shimmering white petals in the center. “Here.” He held it out for Lumine.

“A glaze lily?” she asked. She remembered seeing some at Liyue Harbor.

“Yes. They’re an extremely ancient flower, and they only open at night.” He brought it closer to her nose. “Zhongli said that it transforms the memories of the land into its fragrance when it opens.”

Lumine leaned in, closed her eyes, and sniffed. There was a scent of the earth, reminiscent of the vast mountain ranges across the land, along with the salty spray of the ocean.

“Yes, it definitely smells like how I would imagine Liyue smells.” She opened her eyes, and to her shock, found Childe’s face closer to hers than before.

She blushed slightly, wanting to back away, but his intense icy blue eyes kept her in place. One of his hands reached up, and then took out the white flowers in her hair.

“Let’s see how this looks,” he said, quieter—his voice more husky—than usual. He gently put the glaze lily in her hair, then stared at her silently.

Lumine’s heart was racing. “W-what?”

He smiled. “Nothing.”

“Don’t lie,” she said.

“Okay.” He leaned in close. “You’re very beautiful.”

Then, Childe kissed her.

If it was possible, Lumine would’ve thought the top of her head blew off, leaving the rest of her body to boil alive in the heat she was feeling.

“Ah-uh-uhm,” she tried to speak; her tongue refused to listen.

He pulled away and chuckled. “Stay close by until I’m done with my meeting, okay?”

“Ah-uh-wha-what?” she stuttered.

Childe casually sauntered away. “Be back soon!”

Lumine stood in place for what seemed like an eternity, trying to keep her brain from melting away.

Did that really just happen?!

“Ch-Childe,” she said, but her voice was barely above a whisper. He was already a dot in the distance. “Childe!” she shouted. But he couldn’t hear her.

Paimon stirred awake. “Huuuuh? What happened?” she slurred, lazily floating up from the ground.

“I—,” Lumine said, “I don’t know.”

It was a surprise. Definitely a huge surprise.

But...she didn’t hate it.

In fact, against everything she had thought of him at this point, she enjoyed it.

She brushed her fingers over her lips. Then, she took the glaze lily from her hair, looking at it over and over again.

Childe...Is he an enemy? A friend? Or is he something more?

[Fic Masterlist]

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

Rolling back up for part idk...

It's taking a lot to convince Childe that you'll be okay. Qingce Village is a quaint and lovely place! Not much occurs here and the people are usually elderly or small families. Plus, the scenery is lovely!

After awhile, Childe begrudgingly listened and sat a bit away from the entrance to the village. He watched your form make your way through the area in such a sad and sulky style. In the end, he found out about your wound. Never got to see it but his keen sense of smell caught it. You refused to show him it, saying that it's not that bad and you'll just go to the village for some proper items.

But when night-time fell... His concern got the best of him. Yes, he knows you don't want him in the village. Yes, he knows how scared people are of him. But you-- you're--- what if you're in danger, hm? What if you're hurt and no one can find you? What if they hurt?

When he looks over the cliff, nothing seemed out of the ordinary... That's a lie.

That's a really big lie.

A trail of trampled flowers and dyed glaze lilies lead out of the Qingce village.

And Childe doesn't see much after that.

Okay so maybe-- just maybe-- going down into a village alone wasn't the best idea. You should have remember what Zhongli told you. Treasure Hoarders love this area since it's mostly retired elderly people. It's not that hard to steal unless the Commerce Guild is involved.

And maybe you're a bit more pissed that you can't even be mad about it. The leader knocked you out fair and square.

So, here you are... Tied to a tree with some real shitty rope... Staring at the Treasure Hoarders. You could just "boom boom bakudan" your way out of here but getting Boom Flowers consists of needing the movement... And your hands are tied. Literally.

I mean hey. At least they patched up your wound of you. That you can accept happily. Professionals have standards and they clearly do. But they also don't because they went after someone who was stabbed in the fucking arm.

"You think we can get 'em to speak?"

"Probably not."

"I mean... we can just--" one of them makes the gesture of punching something, "-- ya know?"

"You guys do realize I can see and hear you, right? I mean-- I'd happily go blind if it means I don't have to see your ugly asses but we don't all get what we want," you stare at the duo.

"Shut up," one snaps back. "If you could hear us so well, why didn't you fight back?"

"WhY dIdN't YoU fIgHt BaCk," you mock. "Maybe it's because I was fucking stabbed in my arm when I was minding my own business. If you guys are so fucking good, why do you guys go after a retirement village, huh?"

They scowl.

"Yeaaah, didn't think so. You guys aren't shit. What's that? Your vision is 'treasure hoarder'? Is your elemental skill having none?"

"That's it--" One of them grabs a shovel.

"What are you gonna do? Bury me with that rusty ass shovel of yours'? Throw mud at my face? I mean go ahead, it's not like it'll do anything. You're still attacking someone who's been injured. Does that make you feel better, by the way?" You tilt your head with a sarcastic smile. "Attacking people who clearly aren't in a place for a fight? Because you know you'll have the upper hand and thus be able to win? Because you aren't stronger enough to be proper Treasure Hoarders?"

Stalling.

"Give me a break."

You're stalling.

"You guys weren't ever good in the first place."

"Shut your--"

"Dumb mortals."

A crescent tide slices through your vision. Green grass dulls beneath a dark red. A cry of fear. One of pain. Frantic running and struggling grunts. An arrow flies but it's snapped in half by a claw. And a vibrant, electrifying, powerful bolt strikes down.

And then it all settles down to a quiet growl as you tug at the ropes.

"Hey, bubs," you nervously laugh as the single purple eye practically stares into your soul. And you're scared that he doesn't recognize you anymore. "... Childe?"

Your stomach plummets as he stalks closer. The growl emitting from his throat growing in volume as you struggle against the ropes. Tears sting your eyes as thoughts of him striking you down floods your brain.

"Childe--"

The ropes won't give.

"Tartaglia--"

Your wrists burn.

"Please--"

You squeeze your eyes shut as his claw comes down to strike.

"ajax--"

The rope loosens.

A whimper escapes you as vines suddenly make an 'x' formation in front of you, the delusion glowing ever so gently.

And then the quiet whine that escapes abyss creature is good enough for you to hesitantly open your eyes to see Childe backing away slowly.

You rub your wrists, an angry red from the ropes rubbing against them, before looking back up.

And he's gone.

(A/n: Reasons why I like writing; I make myself feel emotions. Also because I can use insults that I'd never get to use in real life lmao)

- 🍄

catch me rolling around and giggling because i LOVEEE THIS 🍄 anon please NEVER stop writing you hear!!!!! also your insults are wonderful :D

ANYWAYS HOOO BOY THIS IS JUICYYYYY >:)c related to this ask and its predecessors!!

he's gone. he's GONE- you leap to your feet, your wrists still stinging as you frantically call his name again to no response. with a single glance you can tell he hasn't gone to Qingce Village, thank the ARCHONS. there'd be screaming from the high hills if he was over there.

unfortunately that leaves the rest of the nearby wilderness of Liyue- or perhaps not-so-nearby, because Childe was FAST as you just witnessed. you shiver, thinking about the mounting prospect of finding him, perhaps having to comb Liyue, bit by bit, for a chance of being reunited.

and maybe he won't even remember you. a horrible little voice whispers in your mind. maybe he'll just attack you again with that lightless, deadened glare, and you swear you're turning to ice. but you shake your head, determination stronger than your doubts, and scoop up your supplies before hissing in pain.

right. you're still injured. but it doesn't matter right now.

the next week falls into routine- wake up from a restless night, mark which areas you want to search on your map, look for hours, calling Childe's name, write down your discoveries, fall asleep for a few hours, repeat. lately you haven't been sleeping at all, anxiety and adrenaline fueling each step you take as your gaze roves over the landscape. you yawn, blinking away the sandy, gritty feeling on your eyes.

you let your guard down. big mistake. more treasure hoarders, the little shits, take their chances, and you're forced to use none other than your Delusion to defend yourself, ending the fight quickly as you collapse to your knees. the hoarders managed to still get a few good strikes in, leaving you with more gashes and burns as well as a horrible pain in your chest, like the thorns from your Delusion.

the rain starts when you've dragged yourself to under a tree, valiantly attempting to bandage your injuries, but your hands are shaking with chill and your vision is steadily blurring. so you simply lean your head against the tree trunk, hands falling to your sides as you watch your blood stain the grass and be washed away by the storm. but you don't cry, merely letting out a choked sigh as the Delusion in your hand pulses and glows along with your heartbeat. you think you see a pinprick of light in the distance- it's so luminous, like it's staring at you.

how odd. your last thoughts before your eyes slip shut.