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onyx232323 · 5 months

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An Adeptus' Last Wish- Zhongchi fic

(23/30)

More chapters here! <33

Summary-

After the Gnosis incident, Childe decides to take a much-needed break away from Zhongli.

However, how was he supposed to react, when all of a sudden Lumine showed up outside his apartment sounding terribly mortified, "Childe......Zhongli.......Zhongli....is in grave danger."

Of course, he was going to do anything to help the dying man.

Sure, he still felt a lot of contempt for him, after what he did, but his heart still loved him.....

But, what he hadn't expected was the sudden wisp of golden light that somehow transported him during the times of the Archon War?!

What the FUCK?!

______________________

Chapter 23: Passionate Confessions, Hurtful Truths and a Bitter War Pt. 3

“My Lord!”

Sky Bracer breathed harshly, “My Lord…Lord Osial has gone mad ….He has consumed too much miasma!!”

Ajax felt his pulse quicken, thrumming harshly into his ears as he stared wide-eyed at a distressed Sky Bracer.

He wanted to talk, to say something.

But.

No matter how hard he tried, no words could escape past his quivering lips.

He felt his head get light as everything around him swirled into a messy watercolor painting; a cruel dream.

He turned to Cloud Retainer, whose eyebrows furrowed, face hardening in order to prevent it from crumbling apart.

She couldn’t believe it either, it seemed.

How could she, when that stubborn boy she has seen grow up before her eyes has now taken it upon himself to face death itself.

The only one who responded was Morax, who after the news, straightened out his expression and said.

“Go on.”

Sky Bracer nodded, and in between panicked breaths, he uttered out, “My Lord, we were fighting a horde of rift wolves. Before we were struck by a second wave, a stronger wave….We had not foreseen their arrival; we got ambushed.We did our best to clean the miasma and get rid of the rift wolves, but….Lord Osial had already ingested too much of it….He went mad and nearly killed Lady Beisht… Now, Lady Guizhong and Lady Beisht are working to restrain him, but he will break loose from the ties any second now. We must go there now!”

At the mention of Guizhong’s name, Ajax’s heart rate quickened even faster, his palms beginning to sweat as panic consumed him.

Shit .

Shijie.

His shijie.

Guizhong could have died today at the hands of her corrupted companion.

She could have died early on.

He would have lost another one, his beloved Shijie.

He needed to go there.

Now.

He did not register the cries from the others as bolted from the direction where the miasma called to him, where it was the strongest.

He saw as the trees around him flitted by him, blurry and hazy, as if he was caught in a neverending dream.

Adrenaline coursed through his veins, pulsating and guiding him through the thick dense forest, towards where the ugly energy surrounded.

Nothing else mattered for now, but Guizhong.

He had to make sure she was okay, that she was safe, that she was alive.

____________________________

He arrived in a matter of seconds; he had never run that fast in his life.

Ajax doubted it was even humanly possible to run that fast, and he knew that without the extra stamina that his abyssal energy and adeptal energy granted him, he would not have been able to get there so fast.

It was near the sea that surrounded modern day Dihua Marsh, which was now covered with thick marshy bushes, and sprouting with wildflowers, obviously not yet inhabited by people.

But, aside from the thick leaves sprouting upwards from the water in the marsh, and the surprisingly empty area.

What stood right before him, shook him to his core.

Right where the marshy area lessened out and gave way to shallow waters, he saw it.

All three of them.

Two against one now, as they all stubbornly stood their ground.

But something caught his eye.

Lady Beisht was wounded.

Blood glistening gold as it dripped down her, in a sickening display of celestial godliness. The top half of her torso nearly sliced in half, held together by messy bandages, as they attempted to soak up the golden blood that fell from her wounds in cascading waves.

Ajax knew that, given enough time, she would be able to regenerate herself.

All the Gods of this world had such abilities, as granted by Celestia.

If, and only if , they were in good health.

She was in critical condition, nearly chopped in half by her own husband, and in no way, shape, or form able to regenerate her lost flesh and blood.

And besides that, she had something more urgent at the moment.

He saw it in her watery eyes and steely gaze.

Beisht breathed in harshly, as she attempted to restrain her husband with all the power she possessed. Blood covered the bandages, and stained them, molding them into golden silk with the immense strain she put her body through, nearly cutting herself in half in the process.

All for the sake of saving her husband.

Who was now a tall sea serpent, clear like the water he governed, thrashing all around, while Beisht attempted to restrain him using thick ropes seemingly made out of water.

Sweat dripped down her cheeks and forehead in mounds, and her breathing became labored, as if she was clinging onto life itself with all she could.

But she wasn’t alone in her struggle.

Guizhong was at her side, pressing a soothing hand to her torso, attempting to heal her, as Beisht continuously used her own powers to subdue her husband.

Ajax felt relief wash over him for the first time that day when he spotted her.

Even if the situation was risky, he was glad to see her still holding up.

He stopped for a moment, a few meters away from them and let out a long sigh before a soft word left his raspy throat, “ Shijie.”

She was unharmed.

Except for a small scratch on her face, that was already healing into a light scar across her cheek.

Ajax was glad that nothing else had happened to her, and wanted nothing more than to go and embrace her, and feel her gentle pulse beneath his fingertips.

But, he had a duty.

And he could not distract her now, especially now.

Her stance was firm, as she stared Osial down, chiding him to submit.

Her eyes glowed a bright red, pupils turned into slits as vibrant goldish red feather-like appendages appeared near each side of her head. Her nails were sharper than before as they turned black like a bird's talons; vibrant wings spouted at either side of her, blindingly beautiful like a powerful sunset, covering Beisht in a protective manner.

Her torso and veins glowed softly as she called her energy forth to heal Beisht.

Ajax was split with what to do, unsure if he should go and attempt to help Guizhong or if he should attempt to restrain Osial as well.

Thoughts raced through his mind, covering his brain in a thick mush of idea; weighing his odds.

In the midst of it all, a single feather fell from Guizhong’s long wings, glowing gently and vibrantly, as if it were on fire, and yet not being able to light anything around it on fire.

Ajax stared at it, mesmerized, caught in a moment of adrenaline amidst the miasma around them.

In fact, now that he thought about it.

It was everywhere .

Around them, all across the air, surrounding them in a dense fog, the same strange greenish color that Ajax had seen before.

And it was very obviously impacting both Beisht and Guizhong, as Guizhong attempted to divert the nauseous energy away from them.

However, because most of her energy was being directed towards Beisht, she could not effectively pull the energy away from them, which caused her to begin to falter in her steady posture, as she struggled to keep it together.

Beisht was not doing any better, her teeth clenched in agony, as she attempted to will away the effects that the energy was having on her through sheer determination and will-power alone.

Ajax felt his senses honing together, in a strange moment of clarity.

He grounded his feet steadily on the ground below him, as he drew in a deep breath.

Then, swiftly he began.

He called for the miasma, and it heard his odd melody.

It dove straight at him, with intent to overwhelm his senses, to take him over until he was nothing.

But instead of fighting against it, he accepted it, and gently held it in his hands, gathering it up.

Before he began to feed on it.

In a display of sheer brutality, he gulped it down, ingesting large amounts of it, tasting its unique flavor on his taste buds.

Of course, the taste of miasma lured out his other companion, and it fought against the chains it was held by, excited to be against something energy and fed on it, eagerly.

Abyssal energy was far more potent and thicker than miasma.

But that was to be expected of course; after all, it was the source of those creations which Celestia discarded after they had failed to meet her expectations in her ideal world.

And so, miasma , which was really just a weaker version of abyssal energy, was quickly overpowered by the dense energy that crackled like purple lightning.

He quickly consumed it, his previously lost energy quickly replenished with just a few mouthfuls of the green-miasma.

The energy that Osial was exuding was in large quantities, and impossible to ingest all at once, but this would surely help him at least settle him down enough for him to be able to be subdued.

But of course as all things did, Beisht was bound to slip up.

She had taken too much damage, even if Guizhong did her best to heal her, and even if Ajax cleared up most of the miasma that was flowing through the air from Osial, she was bound to slip her deathly grip on the ropes she held.

And she did.

Before she knew it, Beisht faltered in her step.

Her eyes widening, as she loosened her grip on the rope momentarily.

But that was all it took for Osial to strike; a golden opportunity.

He roared and pushed forth, heads gnashing about and snapping forward, attempting to devour them whole.

The ground shook from the grand power of each movement caused by Osial, from the sheer size of him.

Larger than any beast Ajax had encountered down in the Abyss.

But even then, no form could ever compare to the things he has seen before down in the Abyss.

But even so, it was still an odd sight to see.

This version of Osial was unlike the pompous, well-dressed man who had playfully flirted with him.

Unlike the man who danced clumsily alongside his wife’s melodic playing.

Unlike the man who winked at Ajax, before getting hit on the side of his head by an exasperated Beisht.

Unlike who he was.

This Osial was no longer the man he knew.

He was devoid of all sanity; a hydra, a monster sat in his place instead of the handsome man who had fanned his face, to hide coy smiles and grins.

Instead, he was a serpent with many heads, towering over them.

Like a predator to prey.

Ajax had heard of the many stories of Osial prior to his contract with Morax.

According to the many history books Zhongli had around his house, in the early days of Teyvat’s existence, Osial was a cruel tyrant.

Whenever we went, giant tsunamis were left in his wake, destroying many of Morax’s mountains and terrain, and mercilessly executing all of those who crossed his path as a young god.

But that all came to an end, the moment Morax was victorious in battle.

However, instead of killing the young god, Morax offered him a contract: Morax would grant him permission to rule the seas he pleased and in exchange he would leave the land above the seas in peace.

He agreed to this compromise, and left the earth alone.

And over time, as the years passed by, he would mellow out and was no longer the terrible tyrant he used to be.

This swift change was something that many people debated on the origin of his change in attitude, but many people speculated it was because of a young God whose story had been primarily lost to history.

His name was Muyang.

There were many conclusions drawn as to the role that Muyang had as a minor god, but he was believed to have ruled over the forests of early Liyue; described as one of the golden beauties in all of Liyue history, sought after whoever laid their eyes on him.

He had spared Osial’s life during a vicious altercation between the two of them, which resulted in bloodshed shared between the both of them.

The reason such an altercation happened was all because Muyang was believed to have been upset that his forests were destroyed and his people were gravely injured by the various tsunamis Osial had caused.

Muyang held a grudge against Osial, and swore to kill him.

But after a long grueling battle, Muyang had undoubtedly come out victorious , proudly flaunting his victory and towering over Osial, who had been mortally wounded.

And yet, when Osial expected the final blow to be done, Muyang had lifted his spear, and swung it to his side, sparing the other god.

Muyang then scoffed at Osial, and promptly left him there, bleeding golden ribbons, as he sauntered off to his home in the forest.

There was discussion amongst historians as to why Muyang had granted Osial mercy.

Many believed it was because he had seen how pathetic and weak Osial really was, and so, killing him was against his moral codes, especially since he was such a miserable creature.

But, there were many other rumors that said that the reason Osial was granted mercy was because Muyang had seen his soul, and had seen the kindness hidden deep within it.

But regardless of the reason, the god had spared Osial, the god had started to change, albeit slowly.

Many said that his change was due to the new perspective he found in the mercy that Muyang had granted him.

While other historians argued that Osial’s change was due to the romantic relationship he found himself in afterwards with Muyang himself.

And well, the latter would be no surprise if it was true, as it was widely known that Osial had been romantically involved with many, from humans to other gods, regardless of gender.

He was known for his tendency to hop from one beauty to another, and so on and so forth.

Which definitely served to explain why the God was so keen in his interest for Ajax’s hand amongst other things, even though he already had himself a wife.

Ajax guessed that polyamory was more widespread during this time, which served to explain how his wife was similarly transfixed on staring at Cloud Retainer all throughout dinner, with longing eyes. And it also served to explain why Beisht had caused his possessive dragon to tighten his hold on Ajax, curling his serpent tail around one of his legs for the rest of the night.

And he guessed that they must have practiced it, since it wasn’t unusual for adepti and their spouses to have their own concubines and such.

It was also widely known that Osial had taken himself a variety of different lovers throughout his life, and was known to have many recorded trysts with other gods and even humans.

To the point where many started to regard him a ‘The Patron of Intimacy’, and would regularly pray to him for good luck in their bedroom endeavors.

But regardless, after Muyang died, Osial grieved the man deeply.

So deeply in fact, that it was speculated that Muyang had been Osial’s first love.

Even if the god had taken many lovers for himself before getting married to Beisht, he was rarely in love with any of the people of his many trysts. As he mostly focused on having a more physical relationship with the many beauties he found before moving onto a more captivating flower.

But, that didn’t mean he wasn’t a romantic either.

As he sought out love in everyone that managed to capture his attention; however, unfortunately for the pitiful god, his many trysts did not manage to capture his heart’s attention either.

In fact, there are only two people whom he has been said to have loved in his entire lifetime: Beisht and Muyang.

Beisht for obvious reasons, since he married her even after he had been offered many other political marriages, and wrote many melodies and songs for her, as well as shared-shrines spread throughout the ocean.

But, he was said to have loved Muyang .

These suspicions came about after some historians had discovered a small temple, whose remains were found long before Liyue Harbor was constructed, along the ocean floor.

The temple itself was made out of the finest materials available; fine white marble decorated with the finest gems and treasures alike.

And inside it were vast paintings that depicted Muyang in all of his beauty.

The largest one was of Muyang, perched on a small stone, a small cup of wine in his other hand, hair long and dark as it contrasted sharply to his tan skin, wearing robes of various colors, all intermingling with each other.

These paintings were said to have been painted by Osial himself, grief stricken, attempting to immortalize his lover inside a painting.

Osial had never built any other temples for his other lovers aside from his wife.

Muyang was the exception , someone whom Osial had truly loved.

And so, the beast who stood before him, was unrecognizable.

Animalistic and unrestrained .

Ajax let out a sharp breath at the sight.

But it was a mistake.

A grave one.

Because, then, all at once, one of Osial’s serpent heads whipped around to look at him.

His eyes, piercing and predatory.

And before Ajax knew it, Osial had charged straight at him.

Guizhong’s eyes widened, as she felt a large pit in her stomach fall, realizing for the first time that her shidi was there beside her and in danger.

Grave danger.

“AJAX!”

She attempted to run towards him, arms extended to drag him back, but she was far too slow.

Too much energy had been yanked out of her body, and it could not replenish itself fast enough for her to gain her strength back.

Osial roared, as he inched closer and closer to Ajax, and in a swift motion, extended strange water-like appendages that looked an awful lot like the ones that Beisht had used to attempt to subdue him sprang forward.

Nothing he could do could stop them from wrapping around him and dragging him down slowly alongside the god who caused the ground underneath them to tremble.

Ajax looked frantically towards Guizhong and Beisht, whose eyes were equally filled with terror, as they attempted to run towards him, all whilst attempting to avoid falling from the shaky ground beneath them.

But, they were far too late.

Ajax’s vision started to droop, as Osial began to hum a piercing melody, attempting to draw him to sleep, like a siren luring in its prey.

He saw the blurry figures of Guizhong and Beisht covering their ears, clenching their teeth in an attempt to not fall prey to the haunting melody.

A melody that evoked the pain of a thousand years.

A pain known and felt by Ajax, who felt himself give in to it.

But even so, he attempted to fight against it, but it wasn’t enough.

He felt his eyes close and his vision blackened as he was dragged into the murky pits of the deep waters beneath.

____________________________

Guizhong felt her heart dropped, as she ran towards the whirlpool that had formed when Osial had dragged her shidi alongside him.

But right as she was at the edge of the marsh, she was harshly pulled back.

She whipped her head around, and met Beisht’s stare.

Her eyes were glowing a vibrant gold, oppressing and absolute in her words, “No.”

Guizhong wasn’t listening to her, not when her shidi was trapped alongside Osial.

She didn’t know what Osial had in store for him, and she didn’t intend on finding out.

Guizhong threw her arm to the side, as she dove into the marsh, feeling the odd texture of the wet grass touch her sandals, as she wafted through the marsh to get to the murky waters below.

But once again, Beisht caught up to her and this time, grabbed her by the waist as she pulled her down, and wrestled her to the ground.

Guizhong kicked around, like a human child throwing a tantrum, as she desperately attempted to get out of Beisht’s hold.

But, even though Beisht had lost most of her strength, and was wounded.

She was always the stronger one of the both of them, at least in physical strength.

Beisht’s breathing grew ragged, as her grip tightened around the other woman, “ Lady Guizhong! Please . Control yourself! You cannot go there now. He’ll kill both, do not risk yourself!”

Guizhong shook her head, this was not part of the plan, her shidi was never supposed to get hurt, much less dragged down, “ NO! I don’t care! My shidi is there! I didn’t see him! I didn’t…….He is… I… ”

She slumped forward, her mind buzzing and her ears started to fill up with foam, as they rang sharply.

Memories bombarding her senses.

Flashes of A-Qiu’s face as he said goodbye to her, a reassuring smile plastered on his face as he accepted his fate.

Flashes of Havria hugging her a little too tightly, for a little too long, eyes gentle and yet haunting as she uttered a soft goodbye; knowing she was going to die.

Flashes of all those she had failed to save before, flashes of all of those lives she had to watch as they took their last breath in her arms.

Beisht held onto her, as she collapsed, and sighed, “There is nothing we can do now…We are not in any state to try and save him…try to save them… Please….calm down, my lady.”

Guizhong felt her breaths begin to become strained as her chest tightened and her stomach clenched uncomfortably.

She couldn’t breathe.

Thoughts swirled in her mind as panic took a hold of her, and then a cascading veil of emotions danced alongside the edge of the cliff, as if about to tumble and fall.

She took in deep breaths, as her nerves shook and her hands tightened around Beisht, as she held onto her hands as if they were her saving grace.

She felt nauseous with fear.

Her shidi was down there with Osial.

Osial was a feared beast back in the early days of her existence, a fearsome thing that stopped at nothing to get what he wanted.

Whether that was through force or through words.

Nothing could stop him.

And she knew the look in his eyes, even when he was unrestrained.

She knew what they meant, she knew what he would do to Ajax, if they didn’t get there soon.

She pushed Beisht away, as she wretched and heaved, as her throat constricted and her body’s temperature increased.

She hunched over, attempting to relax herself, to calm her beating heart down.

But as she did so, her balance was thrown overboard, and her vision turned black.

____________________________

Morax felt a strange feeling claw at his chest the moment Ajax rushed ahead, an anxious look in his eyes, as he ran past all of them.

He was unable to reach out and pull him back, and an uneasy feeling filled him up, as he saw his precious treasure bolt ahead, already miles ahead in a matter of seconds.

The others didn’t have to think, as Morax ran after him, after both of his precious people.

____________________________

When they arrived at the humid marsh, Ajax was nowhere in sight.

And neither were Guizhong and Beisht there either.

In fact, the entire marsh was destroyed, the grass smashed into the ground as if someone had run something or someone through it, golden blood in massive piles on the ground a few ways away from the entrance of the marsh, the ground cracked and destroyed.

Morax faintly heard the distant sounds of Cloud Retainer and Sky Bracer coming up ahead, breathing labored.

They didn’t say anything either, exhaling shakily as they too took in the unsavory sight.

Alarm bells chimed in his head as he looked around for any sign of his mat- treasure and his precious girl.

His dear boy, his little priest, his faithful treasure, a priceless being that could never be replaced.

Was entirely gone.

And so was she.

His family was gone .

He felt the ground shake beneath them, as his anger took flight, causing Sky Bracer and Cloud Retainer to exchange worried glances.

Their Lord was on the brink of insanity.

They needed to act quick, lest they wanted the entire ground to crackle and dissipate beneath them as their grief-wracked Lord mourned his lost lover and friend.

Cloud Retainer surveyed the area, for any sign of life.

Jumping to conclusions was never great, not when nothing was confirmed… yet.

Her eyes widened, when she found a small trace of energy a few ways away from them.

“My Lord! There is someone over there!”

Morax’s eyes glowed a dim golden as his hair flashed a molten gold, before he bolted to the direction Cloud Retainer was pointing to.

The place in his chest where a mortal heart would be, clenched and his senses went to overdrive as he felt his mortal disguise slip more and more.

____________________________

Up ahead, perched against a small tree, was Beisht, cradling an unresponsive Guizhong, looking alarmed.

When she noticed someone up ahead, her eyes glowed, sharp and piercing, as she bared her teeth at them.

It seemed as if the fight had shaken her up, at least, enough for her to still think that whoever was there was a threat to her and Guizhong.

Morax felt his own instincts go into overdrive at the sight of an unconscious Guizhong, perched against an ambiguous ally.

He felt his chest rumble with a sharp growl, as he met Beisht’s eyes, his own fangs bared; a threat.

If she moved, he would cut her in half.

Her eyes widened and the glow dispersed when she realized who it was, head bowed down low as she croaked out, “My Lord…I’m s-”

Morax felt his nails grow into claws, as his hybrid body started to break and remold itself.

His anger had boiled over.

He charged forward, pointing a spear before her throat, “ Explain . Useless apologies mean nothing to me.”

She blinked, before she bowed her head lower, carefully bringing Guizhong before his feet, kowtowing and bringing her head onto the ground, a clear display of submission and defeat.

A plea for mercy.

He snarled, itching to pierce her until her eyes grew dead and her blood drained from her body.

But, when he looked at Guizhong, he stopped.

And instead, he allowed Cloud Retainer to rush forward, pressing her fingers against her pulse.

A few seconds passed as she sighed deeply; relieved, “My Lord…my lady is alive…She has merely exerted herself, but she will recover within a few hours.”

“Good.”

He turned towards a quivering Beisht, who was still in a deep kowtow, begging for forgiveness.

She had failed to protect them both.

Failed to stop her husband.

She had failed.

“Now you .”

He lifted his spear, right at her head, his fury preventing him from rationalizing the situation.

She shook with fear but remained silent.

“Where is he.”

“...Osial has taken him…”

____________________________

Cloud Retainer clenched her teeth, feeling the ground shake underneath her, getting rougher by the second.

Her own stomach growing uneasy about the abrupt revelation.

Her lady, Guizhong on her back, breathed shallow and golden tears streaming down her face as she cried; a gentle despair washing over her in waves.

It seemed she was always bound to worry about Ajax, even in her unconscious state.

But well.

She wasn’t the only one who was worried to death about that brat.

Cloud Retainer felt her own eyes sting with anger at the thought of what had happened.

Her junior had become mad, she had lost her ally, her lady had been worn down, her other ally was too weak to form words, and that brat had been taken by Osial.

Cloud Retainer huffed, blinking back her tears as she hastily wiped her lady’s tears with her fingertips, accidentally staining Guizhong’s face with her blood stained hands, smearing the blood over her cheeks.

She was helpless to clean up the blood smeared all over her lady’s cheeks, and so instead, she merely left it like that.

If she would attempt to clean the blood even more, she would merely cause it to smear further.

Instead, she glanced towards her Lord, nervous about what she would find.

Morax stood menacingly over a shaking Beisht, beaten down badly from the previous fight she had gotten herself in, barely managing to keep herself together as she bowed down to her Lord.

His teeth sank roughly into his lips, as the golden blood dripped down his chin, onto the wet grass below, his human form shaking and convulsing as if about to burst at the seams.

His pupils vibrating, dilating and retracting as though he could not keep it together, sharp black claws digging into his palms as he cut through his own flesh, fists clenched.

If she did not act now, her Lord would no doubt break his composure.

If she did not act soon, the violent beast she knew cultivated a few mountains away, would snap.

“My Lord!”

His head snapped towards her, eyes sharp and fangs bared.

She bowed her head low, “... Please… we are wasting our time here….The whirlpool Lord Osial conjured is still open…..Let us go find him, before time runs out.”

Her words seemed to bring the man back, somewhat.

With a sharp kick, he threw Beisht towards the tree she was resting against a few moments prior.

She let out a sharp grunt, as her body hit the tree, managing to lift herself up, albeit rather shakily.

He stalked towards her, standing above her with clear intent to harm, “If he is hurt, you will pay the price.”

Beisht’s eyes widened before she closed them and gave a somber nod, “ ..Yes, my lord.”

He grunted before he walked forward, shaking the ground with each step, before he reached the bank of the large swirling whirlpool of water.

His eyes glowed sharply, and before they knew it.

A large dragon was before them, nostrils flaring smoky breath, as he dove straight for the whirlpool.

Before they knew it, their Lord was gone, and behind him, the large whirlpool closed hastily behind him.

____________________________

Their Lord had closed it.

Cloud Retainer cursed under her breath as she glanced towards Sky Bracer, who similarly looked distressed.

None of them had expected their Lord to so recklessly dive straight into danger.

But then again.

Anyone would if their family was being threatened.

If their lover was being threatened.

But even so, it was not wise to do so.

Cloud Retainer let out a sharp sigh, as she looked towards Sky Bracer, who merely gestured towards Guizhong, “Give her to me. I will head back towards the mountain.”

Cloud Retainer shook her head, “ No. ”

His eyes widened a bit as his eyebrows furrowed.

She continued, “...This is between our Lord and Lord Osial. This is not something anyone should intervene in…If we do, one can not guarantee our survival…Let us go back to the mountains, warn the others, and prepare for attacks.”

She turned on her heel, going towards a battered Beisht, before she gestured at her, “If you do not want to be killed the moment our Lord or your husband, one would advise you to stand and steady yourself.”

Even if Cloud Retainer felt frustrated that those two brats put themselves in harm's way, she could not allow her ally to die in front of her.

This was not Beisht’s fault, as much as her heart wanted to convince her otherwise.

And unstable emotions got in the way of a clear mind.

And without a clear mind, one would not be able to make sense of things.

Beisht blinked up at them, regret heavy in her eyes, “I….”

Cloud Retainer turned towards her, “Not another word from you…One knows what you have failed to do…Do not apologize…it was not your fault.”

Beisht bowed her head down, shakily standing up before she limped towards them, blood covering the messy bandages.

Cloud Retainer felt her heart clench at the sight of the poor girl barely managing to keep herself together.

…Cloud Retainer does not like to admit it, but…

Before Beisht had gotten married to that nuisance she called a husband, they had crossed paths.

Back then, Beisht was but a measly god, governing the other side of the ocean with an iron-clad fist, ready to strike at any opponent who dared cross her.

Cloud Retainer had admired her, although, rather secretly , behind short greetings and polite smiles.

She was captivating, strong-willed, gentle, vile, and talented.

Being able to talk her way out of most things, negotiating things with her sharp tongue, being able to put others in their place without so much as a blink, brutal in her methods to achieve what she wanted.

And yet, she was gentle to the many jellyfish that liked to follow her around, bringing them food and gently patting them.

A well-rounded goddess, with a talent for music, just like Ping.

Cloud Retainer admired her more than she liked it, and was swayed by her sharp eyes, where her pupils did not touch the bottom of her eyes, and instead revealed the white parts of her eyes.

A lot of people were scared of eyes like these, spreading rumors that people with such eyes were bad luck, that they were unstable.

But in truth, it was really them who were unstable.

At that point, she had moved on from A-Ling and that other dreaded girl who had managed to ensnare her.

She had laid whatever could have been with A-Ling to rest, even if she knew her heart would always belong to her dearest girl.

However, even so, she allowed her gaze to wander, on particularly lonely and unbearable days, on the muscular waist of her ally.

Beisht was a lot more well-built than A-Ling and Li Mei, but her waist was wider and muscular, curves sharp, arms bulkier and long hair held up in a tight ponytail.

She was a sight to behold during training, and although she needed a bit more guidance in terms of her defense, she was a formidable opponent who was able to figure out the weak points of her opponents rather quickly.

But, it was the way she treated others that stuck out to Cloud Retainer.

She had absolute faith in her followers, doing everything she could to protect them, taking care of them from afar.

And yet, in person, when she came across her followers, she acted rather distant and estranged; as if disinterested in whatever they had to say.

And was known to withdraw on her own and spend her days in solitude, preferring the peace of absolute silence than a rowdy outing with friends.

Aloof, but brimming with kindness.

A silent kindness, the true and earnest kind, that sprouted out from the heart itself.

She was beautiful; a gorgeous goddess, strong and kind.

And well, Cloud Retainer was not blind to the longing stares directed her way, sharply across the meeting table, burning a dozen holes into Cloud Retainer’s armor.

Their hidden ploy was bound to unravel.

____________________________

They crossed paths a few weeks before she was set to marry Osial.

She saw her standing by the shore of the lake down by the mountain, looking wistful as she gazed towards the waters beneath her.

She was not going to utter a single word to Beisht, merely moving on to patrol the outskirts of the village by herself, but Beisht had spoken up.

“...Are we just going to keep fooling ourselves, or are we going to do something about it?”

Her words were drawn out of her lips, filled with frustration and desire.

Cloud Retainer paused, staring back at her eyes, filled with raw emotion, feeling her own come up to the surface.

“..Lady Beisht, you know that one can not and will not do what you are asking one to do.”

Beisht frowned, “...Is that so?...Not even for the night, Cloud Retainer?”

The usage of her name caused something inside of Cloud Retainer to come to a sudden pause.

If she were to fool around with her junior’s soon-to-be wife, she would never be able to live with the guilt.

The guilt that she took his wife, before he ever did.

That she got to lay her hands on her skin, feeling every inch of her beneath her fingertips.

She took a shaky breath, “ No ...One should have made it clear the day this started that it would never be anything. You are getting married off to my junior in a few days time. It is wrong.”

Beisht’s eyes filled up with a deep longing as she looked towards the lake, “...I…I understand…My judgment has been clouded by the stress of my upcoming union to Lord Osial. I am not thinking straight..…My sincerest apologies, Shigu ....”

She crumpled into herself, deep in thought.

She was getting married to Osial, a good friend that was soon going to be her husband.

It was unwise to think that it was not weighing down on her mind.

Especially since….the poor woman had managed to harbor feelings for her.

Something that Cloud Retainer could not feel for her.

And, if she had known that things would be this way, she would have never stayed longer at her residence and shared many cups of wine with her on dazy days, nor let her hands run astray when correcting her stance, nor should she have entertained the ideas of evenings of private shows as she played her lovely instrument.

But even so, even if she could not feel the same.

She was not heartless.

Cloud Retainer sighed, as she walked up to her, “.....Even if one prohibits this to go on any longer, one will grant you what you desire…if only for a moment…Consider it a parting gift..”

Beisht looked up, her eyes wallowing in pain as she gave a curt nod, bowing her head down, “...Please.”

Cloud Retainer remembers feeling her muscles shift underneath her, as she pressed gentle kisses on her shoulders, neck, and lips, hands not staying further and keeping to her upper half, as she pretended not to see the way tears welled up and fell from Beisht’s eyes.

They did not go further than simple touches and caresses, delicate presses of lips, and heated kisses on shoulder blades.

But it was enough for Beisht, who closed her eyes and enjoyed the momentary pleasure.

After a few minutes, Cloud Retainer departed, pressing a long kiss to her forehead, as she whispered a soft blessing, “...A parting gift worthy of a God’s audience.”

Beisht’s eyes welled up with tears as she sobbed into Cloud Retainer’s shoulders, disheveled, and mourning a love that could never be.

Cloud Retainer let her cry into her shoulder, holding her tightly before gently dropping her off at her own domain, letting her own body drape over Beisht’s as she relished the comfort of her warm body.

After that night, they had parted ways, and Beist had merely become a distant memory.

When she attended their wedding, and bore witness to their union, she merely turned her head away from the sight and begged for forgiveness to the skies above.

The guilt that covered her senses was overwhelming.

Now, that night had become a secret shared between the two of them, until one of them had passed on.

Just like all the other trysts she had encountered before.

And just like them on, Beisht too, would wither away before her very eyes.

____________________________

And now, as she stood before the woman who yearned for her love, standing before her, weakened gravely and half-way to death.

She could not hold her pity back.

A pitiful person, down on their luck, beaten down by fate, by destiny.

She sighed, and before she knew it, she spoke, “….Now , come along, before one changes one's mind.”

She turned towards her, before she wrapped her hands underneath her armpits and gripped her shoulder, allowing Beisht to rest her weight against her body, supporting her up while being mindful of her wounds.

Beisht blinked, surprised.

She had not expected a modicum of kindness, especially after what she had done.

Her eyes glittered with golden tears, as they trembled, her voice small, “..Thank you..”

Cloud Retainer huffed, frustrated at such a pathetic reaction, “One is not doing it for you… One is doing it for Lady Guizhong, she is fond of you. You should be thanking her for my Lord’s mercy, for my mercy.”

Beisht bowed her head down, nodding, slightly stumbling and looking rather dismayed.

Cloud Retainer sighed once again, feeling hopeless, “...One will make sure you have recovered completely before you go face my Lord… Even if our Lady is fond of you, he , on the other hand, is rather not fond of you…But, one will grant you a fair chance…”

And with that, they made their way to the mountains where the rest of the adepti guarded the frontlines of Qingce Village.

____________________________

Madam Ping felt her heart get stuck in her throat when her eyes landed on her lady.

Her precious lady, soft eyes closed, hair cascading messily down her sides as her body lay limp across Sky Bracer’s back.

They were stumbling down the path when she saw them, clear as day, four of them. Her shidi and Shizun, nowhere in sight.

Their absence left a bad feeling in her stomach, as her mind raced to think the worst of what may have happened.

And yet, all thoughts about her shidi and her shizun were halted monetarily, by the horrific sight that greeted her eyes.

Before her, she saw Beisht badly beaten, half-way to death’s door.

Cloud Retainer, next to her, face scratched up as her eyebrows furrowed, marring her handsome face, as she exerted herself and held Beisht up.

Sky Bracer a short ways behind them, pale and disorientated as he looked around in a daze, holding tightly onto Guizhong.

Her fingers loosened the tight grip she had on her spear as she bolted towards the group, frightened at the sight that presented itself in front of her eyes.

Sky Bracer did not flinch when she dashed towards him, practically yanking Guizhong out of his arms, holding her tightly against her chest, as she frantically checked for signs of life.

Cloud Retainer spoke, “There is no need to check her pulse….She is stable, she merely over-exerted herself…Do not fret.”

Ping blinked, nodding absentmindedly, as she still pressed her fingers against her Shijie’s wrist.

Only when she felt the weak thrums of her beloved’s heart, did she allow herself to let out the breath she had not realized she was holding.

Every single tense bone in her body released, as she slumped her shoulders and pressed her face against her shijie’s shoulder, burying herself in the familiar scent.

“Thank Celestia…” she sighed as she felt a flood of relief course through her.

A moment passed before she felt a small tap on her shoulder, “... Shimei, I know you are worried, but she has still drained much of her energy…She has to go rest…and we have a lot to tell you..”

It was Sky Bracer, looking up at her with gentle eyes, understanding and yet slightly worried.

She drew in a deep breath, holding it in for a few seconds, before she nodded, “...I understand…I will drop her off at my domain..”

Cloud Retainer nodded, “Good…Meanwhile, one will reach one’s own chambers to properly take care of this insolent girl’s wounds.”

She turned to glare at Beisht, who remained silent….

It seemed as if…there was certainly a lot to say…

____________________________

Cloud Retainer hoisted Beisht inside of her domain, reeling at the sight of the blood that covered the messy bandages that covered her torso.

She carefully led the woman to a small bed, where she carefully laid her down, frowning when she saw Beisht bite her lip in an attempt to bear the pain.

She hurried to her drawers, as she retrieved a variety of items: bandages, scissors, and some liquid medicine.

She dropped them to the side of Beisht, as she went over to her sink and thoroughly washed her hands, before she went towards the bed and retrieved the scissors.

Then, she thoroughly inspected the wounds.

The bandages that were wrapped around her, were hastily done and on top of her clothes, which restricted them from being too effective.

She sighed, “...Take off your clothes.”

Beisht stilled underneath her, as she hurried to take them off…struggling and wincing.

Cloud Retainer grabbed her hands, “... Stop …one will do it.”

Beisht’s face turned pink as she nodded, and Cloud Retainer continued on.

However, as much as she pulled at the fabric of her armor, it would not budge.

She retrieved her scissors and began cutting her clothes, taking off bloody layer after layer until her top half was naked.

She then began to undo the multitude of bandages, and winced when she saw that her body was nearly cut in half, a mere piece of flesh holding her together.

However, that wasn’t the only wound she had received.

Although, it did seem that it was by far the most severe one.

Her shoulders were cut with multiple gashes, and her chest was sliced with a long knife, nearly cutting one of her breasts open.

Golden blood covering her entire body, almost as if Morax had come and spilled his treasures all over her body.

She felt her eyes water as she blinked them back, “..Just what did you do to suffer these severe wounds, insolent brat?’

Beisht remained silent, as Cloud Retainer let out a sigh, “No matter, one will heal you.”

With a shaky breath, Cloud Retainer waited no longer and pressed the small vial of medicine into her mouth, “Drink up.”

Beisht did what she was told, and Cloud Retainer watched as her throat bobbed up and down as she drank it, her pale neck on display.

The medicine was potent, and made out of the strongest herbs known to mankind.

It was reserved for severe injuries, and could only be consumed by adepti in large amounts in order to completely wash the pain away.

It was otherwise deadly for human beings even to try a lick of the substance.

And, its effects set in almost immediately after being consumed.

Cloud Retainer watched as Beisht slumped onto the bed, completely relaxed and numb to the pain, eyes slightly watery at the earlier pain she felt.

She began, drawing up her palm towards her torso as she began to send her energy forth, slowly starting to mend the broken tissues and fix them back up together, restabilizing her organs back into place and mending the broken parts of it.

Cloud Retainer watched as her palms healed and put the multiple layers of fat, blood, tissue, and flesh back together again, before it healed up into a large gash across her torso.

The scar would surely fade over time, as soon as her body got its energy back.

She then turned her attention to her chest.

The gash there was not as deep as the one across her torso, and would heal up sooner.

She watched as it too, closed up.

Beisht spoke up, “....My…ankle...is sprained.”

Her voice was groggy, and yet clear as water to Cloud Retainer, who turned her attention to the lower side of Beisht.

Indeed, she could see the odd way her leg was positioned.

She sighed.

Just another thing she had to heal.

She turned her attention to it, and slowly started to crack it back into place, hearing as the bone cracked and positioned itself in the right place.

Feeling as her energy was dying out.

Cloud Retainer did not like to heal others through this method, as it meant that her own would get sucked out of her, and it would leave her feeling fatigued and overly tired.

And so, she only used such a method in severe cases.

Such as this one.

And so, with her energy nearly depleted, she slowly went towards her drawer to retrieve a loose nightgown she had laying around.

It…belonged to Li Mei.

After she had left it behind in her domain, right before she had been killed.

Cloud Retainer never wore it, as it did not fit her and such garish colors and style were not to her tastes, so she had decided to store it.

Just in case she needed to give them to someone, like right now.

She turned towards Beisht and handed it to her, “...Get dressed and sleep…You will need to rest plenty before you even consider getting out of this bed..”

Beisht nodded, as she began to get up and change.

She slipped on the night gown , as it draped over her figure, outlining every curve and dip of her body.

Cloud Retainer silently cursed Celestia as she felt her heartbeat quicken and turned her attention on clearing the tattered clothes, bloody bandages, and equipment back in her drawer.

Such temptations were truly her downfall.

She sighed as she moved to the small basket where she stored such bloody bandages, until she could get rid of them later on.

But before she could, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her, “....Senior, thank you, for everything .. ”

She whisked around, to see a pair of thankful eyes staring up at her, glittering with stars.

They no longer looked in pain, and were playful instead.

Not yearning, but instead, friendly .

It seemed as if the lesser god had finally pushed past her feelings for Cloud Retainer.

Good.

Cloud Retainer huffed, patting her back before pushing her off and flicking her forehead, “...Hmph…One is not doing this for you, after this is done, we will depart once again…”

And she marched off, hearing the small chuckles coming from Beisht.

Ignoring the large grin that settled across her face as she left her own domain.

____________________________

Madam Ping on the other hand gingerly carried her shijie, alongside Sky Bracer who walked beside her in case of any other sudden attacks.

He looked tenser than she had seen him, but otherwise well.

Guizhong’s breathing had settled down long since, breathing out gently as her eyes remained closed.

But, as much as Ping wanted to press a gentle kiss to her eyelids, there were important matters pressing.

Such reunions would only be sweet if everyone was fine.

Which, unfortunately, did not seem to be the case.

Madam Ping did not need to be told, to understand that Morax and Ajax were both in grave danger.

It was evident in the way Sky Bracer’s pupils remained constricted even though he appeared calm, and in the way Cloud Retainer’s eyebrows were drawn together in a tight line.

And so, she hastily made her way towards her domain, down by the lower mountain region, near the lake.

It was much more secluded than the rest of the other adepti domains, but it wasn’t as if she ever felt lonely.

She liked her space, and treasured her solitude, and the quiet moments she would spend lounging by the waters of the nearest forest, admiring nature and strumming her guzheng.

But, it wasn’t as if she was a hermit either.

She too, liked company, and Guizhong made great company in her domain.

Making sure to not talk her ear off during the moments where Ping required some peace and quiet, and yet, she never left her side, preferring to read a book or simply spend it by her lover’s side.

Ping loved her greatly.

They entered her domain in no time, as she made her way up the stairs, towards their bedroom.

Every Havria passed on, Guizhong had been staying over at her place, and well…

Her bed was made for only one person, so they slept rather uncomfortably the first couple of nights, until Ping went out and built another bed frame and bought a new mattress that was big enough to fit them both.

Unlike her, Guizhong preferred a soft bed just like Ajax did.

However, unlike Ajax, she liked being covered in multiple layers of thick blankets, as she liked the sensation of constant reassuring pressure over her.

Ping had to resort to digging through her closet to find the blankets she was saving for wintertime as well as borrowing some from Guizhong’s own domain in order to satisfy her.

And so, she had to get one made by the local merchant, who complied and had it made with stuffed sheep’s wool.

It was softer than she had preferred it to be, but Guizhong liked it, as she sunk into the soft bedding and slept more soundly than she had in the previous days.

And so…Ping shut her mouth.

But well…now it seemed that it was a good choice to get such a soft mattress.

Her lady needed to rest her body and replenish her energy for a while, it seemed.

After pressing a swift kiss on Guizhong’s forehead, and covering her up in multiple heavy blankets, she made her way outside of their bedroom, where Sky Bracer waited patiently (he waited outside so as to not invade the couple’s chambers).

A nod from Ping was enough for him to get up from the wall he leaned against and head towards the door.

They had a lot to discuss.

____________________________

Morax raged through the waters, attempting to trace any sign of his precious treasure.

That vile serpent had taken what was rightfully his.

His lover.

His mate.

His treasure.

His.

He felt the waters shake as his anger slipped through and caused the ocean floor to tremble with fear.

His senses on fire as his eyes darted through the murky waters beneath, attempting to trace Ajax’s energy, as he scoured through it.

A sense of overwhelming distress clutching at his heart as he could not see his lover no matter where he looked, as it was nothing but darkness.

Nothing but darkness, and no trace of his dearest.

He felt his distress cause the ocean floor to shake rapidly as huge tides of water were washing over his body, his body shaking at the apparent loss of his mate.

He could not see Ajax anywhere.

His dearest boy was nowhere to be seen.

He was lost.

That serpent had taken him.

The ocean floor shook with even more intensity, as the dragon looked everywhere, opening his eyes wider as he attempted to look for any traces of his lover's energy.

But it was worthless..

Ajax was nowhere.

The ocean floor shook violently, as even stronger waves started to form on top of the waters, causing massive waves to begin to form as a result of the earthquakes he was causing with his distress.

Nowhere.

And then.

He felt a slimy appendage wrap around swiftly around his form, curling around it with no resistance.

Morax clawed at the appendage, destroying it with his sharp claws as he moved to get away from the direction it came from.

It was helpless.

As soon as he did so, more appendages popped from the darkness and wrapped around him at once.

But it wasn’t just his body this time, it was around his tail, his feet and arms, his horns, his mouth, his long whiskers.

He clawed at them desperately, but they were far too strong, slimy and more stealthy than he was.

Faster than he was.

They overwhelmed him.

And before he knew it, they were dragging him towards something.

He screamed.

But there was no sound.

____________________________

Ajax jolted up.

He desperately looked around….to see nothing.

But despite attempting to move, he could not.

He blinked towards his hands and feet, to see a multitude of appendages, wrapping tightly around him.

Osial.

Where was he?

He looked around, attempting to discern where the man had gone.

And met multiple pairs of eyes staring down at him.

Ah.

A shiver ran down his spine at the sight.

He hastily closed his eyes, attempting to fool the hydra into thinking that he was still unconscious.

Ajax didn’t know what Osial wanted with him, and certainly did not want to find out either.

But, regardless of his futile effort to fool the god, it was fruitless, “ Human…”

Before he knew it, the lights were on.

And Ajax was met with the glowing eyes of Osial.

He was in his human form now, that terrible miasma covering every inch of his being, withering his very form away the further he continued on.

He stalked towards him, towering over him before he tilted his chin up with an arrogant smile across his face, “.. How pitiful you look, writhing around, looking at me with such pleading eyes…Do not worry, one will make sure you will suffer a quick death…”

Ajax blinked up at him, glaring at his captor, causing Osial to laugh, “ ...Hah…it has been centuries since such a defiant human has walked into my domain…how refreshing…”

Ajax frowned, but remained silent.

Osial’s eyes glowed magenta as the corruption spread around him in a sickening greenish-black, “ You have trespassed my domain, silly human boy…and you have interfered with my prey….surely your death will clear your sin against me, hm?”

He grinned, as the miasma spread further across him, smothering the dark underground palace in darkness.

Ajax felt irritated as he struggled to get out of the binds, attempting to call out to his vision…but for some reason…it was not working underwater.

Osial laughed, “ Do not attempt to get away now, poor thing. You will not be able to. Now-”

He stopped talking, as he stopped, “ Oh…another visitor? Wait for me here…Do not attempt to escape, it is useless, you are in my domain now.”

He disappeared in a flash, leaving Ajax in the dimly-lit room.

Whoever had been detected in his domain had caused Osial to go after them…however, that still was not good news.

…It was surely one of them.

They were most likely worried sick about Ajax, and were looking all over for him…

But it was not safe here.

Inside of the jaws of a hydra’s domain was not the ideal place to be, and certainly not if you wanted to gain the upper hand on the beast.

Ajax hoped and prayed that whoever it was would scurry away before Osial caught up to them.

He…would figure out how to deal with this.

He had to.

He shook his head as he thought of ways to get out of here first.

Even if he was not excited at the fact that someone else was down here with them, they would buy him some time.

He focused on attempting to call out to his vision, and felt his hopes go up when he saw it stir from its position on the floor a few ways away from him.

It glowed softly as it attempted to get to him.

His brows furrowed as he concentrated on getting to it harder, attempting to call it towards him with all he had.

Of course, even if he attempted to do so, it only moved a bit and…in the opposite direction he was in.

Celestia above!

Why was his luck so shit?!

He sighed as he opted for a second method.

If a vision would not help him, then he would have to simply rely on his other powers granted to him by a celestial being.

He felt the pure energy course through his veins, warm and comforting, as he focused on concentrating it on his hands, which were tied to his back.

He felt the appendages tighten the more he brought adeptal energy towards it, curling onto his body tighter as he struggled against their hold.

Fuck.

It seemed as if using powers granted by Celestia were useless.

…He sighed.

Left with no choice, he felt the dull pain of the abyssal taint call out to him, as he let it consume him.

As expected.

It easily cut through the appendages, and completely fried them off, Ajax falling to the ground as they scattered.

But even if that pest was gone, something told Ajax that they would be back.

Getting on his feet, he scurried over to the vision on the floor, before he pinned it on his belt.

After that, he hurried over to find an exit to this damned palace.

He hurried to find an exit as he darted from the countless rooms inside of the palace, attempting to find an exit.

But there just didn’t seem to be one.

Cursing, he decided to burst a hole and get out from there.

However, before he could, he heard a long screech coming from the place he had been in before, that oddly resembled a prison cell.

____________________________

He sneaked up from where the yelling was coming from, and halted in his steps.

It was Morax.

In his hybrid form, clawing desperately at the appendages as Osial snarled at him, “Morax, attempting to break free from my restraints is futile…you are finally in my possession now…”

Morax growled, as he fought against the restraints as he glared up at Osial, breaking out momentarily from the restraints and charging towards Osial, who swerved and sent his tentacles forward and caught him before restraining him again, “Ah, ah, ah. ”

He then started to sing that awful melody again, causing Ajax to cover his ears on instinct, knowing what that power was capable of, as Morax fought against it.

However, he was unable to cover his own ears, and soon started to sway…before he fell to the ground.

Osial grinned, before he looked around the prison cell, “...Hm…”

Ajax hastily bolted behind the entrance to the prison as Osial’s eyes glossed past him.

He had to sneak up on Osial and constrain him before things got out of hand…

Osial frowned, as the miasma started to spread further around him.

He needed a distraction.

He darted his eyes around for something to throw, before he landed on his vision…..

Ah…he had just retrieved it…

And now he had to throw it again…

If the Hydro Archon was not already mad at him, she would have surely thrown a fit by now.

The precious vision that she had granted him, a most valued treasure that some trained years to obtain was….being thrown recklessly and by some abyssal creature..

The thought was so ridiculous that Ajax didn’t know whether he should have cried or laughed at the absurdity of it all.

But either way, it was the only choice he had.

And so, he unpinned his vision and threw it….as it bounced off of Morax’s head before going towards the farthest corner of the room.

…he always did have awful aim…

But regardless of the questionable aim, it caused Osial to go towards the vision, his eyebrows furrowed as he scrutinized the item.

Ajax bolted from his place behind the entrance and immediately felt as his body transformed, his every limb tearing from its place on his body as it rebuilt itself into a taller version of his normal body.

The Foul Legacy form was a pain in the ass to recover from, but it was better than nothing.

He retrieved his spear before he hit Osial on the back of the head, causing him to blink before he turned around with a growl.

However, before he could try anything, Ajax struck him again.

And watched as Osial’s body flopped onto the ground, unconscious.

However, that pesky miasma was still raging around him, in large quantities.

Ajax sighed, as he inhaled the miasma greedily, feeling as his body filtrated it and fed on the strength it provided.

After eating all of it, he hastily went to pick up his vision, tying it on his belt, before he went to bind Osial.

And after ensuring that he was secured enough with a water ribbon, he hoisted Osial across his right shoulder.

Before he went towards Morax, and hoisted him up on his other shoulder.

It seemed that with Osial being rendered unconscious, the power he had over his domain was wavering, causing Ajax to see a slight crack in his enchantment.

Thankfully he was in his Foul Legacy form, otherwise carrying the both of them would have put further strain on his body.

Once he made sure the two knuckleheads were secured, he bolted towards the crack, smashing through it and ending up face to face with a giant whirlpool.

It looked like a portal of sorts; the same ones he had seen in the forest near his house in Morepesok back when he was fourteen.

Sucking everything around it and glowing a vibrant blue color.

On instinct, he reached towards it, and it roughly pulled him.

____________________________

He heard a voice call out to him, rough and commanding, causing his heart to quicken.

"Wake up, if you want to live, boy."

Hm?

"Boy."

Who was that?

"Wake up."

What?

"Wake up, brat!"

Master?

"Come on."

Is that...you?

“Wake up!”

He jolted his eyes open.

Met with the sight of his master standing above him him, her long grayish-purple hair flowing down her shoulders, as she looked straight through him.

The room was similar to the many caves he would hide out with his master, and yet, no traces of the abyss was inside of the room.

Could this be…an inbetween dimension?

He had heard his master talk about them in the past, but he never thought he would end up in such a situation.

“Master….Skirk?”

“Hmph,” she kicked him to the side, as she brought her hand up to his back before she slapped it, causing him to throw up large amounts of water as he coughed violently, feeling his chest burn at the awful sensation, “So you have not forgotten the name of your master after all.”

Afterwards, she crouched down and leaned him forward, grabbing his face and staring into his eyes, “Hm…you have grown up rather nicely, haven’t you brat?”

He blinked up at her, confused, but not afraid.

He never felt afraid with his master, even back when she would beat him and pierce her spear through his chest, even when she cursed at him, even when she broke every bone in his body.

He tilted his face to the side and grinned, teasing, “Why? Do you like my pretty face, master?”

Skirk make a disgruntled face as she threw his face to the side, “...It seems as if you lack discipline….I remember back when you were but a whimpering brat, running after me like a dog to its master…Now you have become unbearable it seems.”

Ajax burst into laughter as he hunched over, “Really now?”

Skirk had a ghost of a smile on her face, as she sighed, “Yes…now then, would you care to explain how it is you ended up here again? Did I not tell you to never look for me again, brat.”

Ajax felt his laughter die down, “Ah…well…about that…”

____________________________

“What!”

Skirk’s eye started to twitch as she leaned closer to her disciple as she glared at him, looking as if she wanted to kill him and then fry him up for breakfast, “You did what?!”

He chuckled as he backed away from her.

“Yeah…”

Skirk grabbed him by the collar and stared intensely at his clothes, before she turned him around in a freakish display of strength…it seemed after all these years, his master would always be stronger than him…

He pulled down his collar and stared, horrified at the glowing mark on his neck, pulsating and nearly scalding her when she attempted to touch it.

“You allowed a God to mark you! And on top of that, you turned into one of those disgusting celestial beings?! And you are on a mission to do what?”

He sighed as he limped against her hold, “I…wasn’t really granted a choice in that last one…Besides, not all of Celestia’s creations are bad….”

Skirk frowned, as she threw him down and sat down beside him, “...Even so, you willingly allowed yourself to be marked by a god! And not just any god, but the oldest and strongest of the damned Seven in charge of my homeland’s demise!”

She trembled and scowled at Ajax, as he stiffened.

He didn’t even think about that.

Right, even if Zhongli was a gentle being…didn’t always mean he always made the right calls.

He was called the Warrior God for a reason, after all.

But even so, he wanted to argue with his own master about Morax’s involvement in Khaenri’ah’s demise.

Even though he knew deep down, that Morax had everything to do with it.

Of course, Skirk, his master who was of Khaenri’ah origin, would be absolutely furious at the sudden confession.

Her own pupil had become entangled with one of the seven, and had even become an adeptus…even though he belonged to the Abyss.

He bowed his head down, “...Master….I’m-”

She covered his mouth, her eyes shut and trembling, “Not another word. You do not mean it…”

He yanked her hand away, “No. I’m sorry about what happened to Khaenri’ah….I would have loved to bear witness to its glory…but…I am not sorry for loving Morax…he…is good to me…And I love him…....."

He paused, looking away, "....I am not meant to be called your disciple..”

Skirk remained quiet for a few moments, before she smacked him on his back…in a manner meant to convey camaraderie more than violence, “....Shut up brat…I’ll send you back to your world…just......do not speak anymore.”

He nodded, as she picked him up, before she walked to a side of the room before drawing up a large portal, written using runes lost to time.

She pressed her palm to it harshly, causing it to shake violently before a familiar portal was present in front of him once again.

She turned towards him, no malice in her eyes as she stared at him, “...Save Khaenri’ah for me, brat.”

Her eyes were filled with conviction as she gazed at him, and he felt weak to it.

Her wish was useless.

It was too ambitious and unrealistic.

Even if he had all the power of the seven combined, it would never be enough to save Khaenri’ah’s demise.

Celestia’s wrath was too strong.

He shook his head, somber, “I… can’t…Master, I-. ”

“I know you can’t.”

He looked up at her, his master’s eyes filled with unshed tears, “I know you can’t, but at least…fight until your last breath, for Khaenri'ah, for me…otherwise, you will be known as a traitor and if that happens,” she turned around, “Do not refer to me your Master, again.”

He felt himself shake, as he stared at the floor, “..I will.”

He always would.

Even if he was part of the adepti now, his soul would always belong to the Abyss, to Khaenri’ah.

A child born in Celestia’s playground, belonging to a nation that no longer existed.

“Good…save them for me.”

She grabbed him and then threw him into the portal.

____________________________

When he awoke, he was aware of a throbbing pain in the side of his head, alongside the feeling of something sticking uncomfortably to his skin.

He looked around, he felt his clothes weighing him down and came to the realization that he was wet.

Wet and covered with sand.

Grainy uncomfortable sand.

A beach?

He glanced around, and saw that it was not just him laying down on the white sandy beaches of what appeared to be Liyue.

Morax and Osial were there too, and by the looks of it…still unconscious.

Ajax sighed when he realized he was back in his normal form, his Foul Legacy nowhere to be found.

The Abyss.

Skirk.

He felt his heart clench at his master’s face, vulnerable and pleading.

He would fight for Khaenri’ah with all he had, even if that cost him his heart in the process.

Even if that meant having to fight against Morax and the rest of the adepti.

He would fight for Khaenri’ah.

He sighed.

Until then, he would not think about something that was yet to come.

For now, he would focus on the two unconscious gods a few feet away from him.

He felt his limbs repositioning themselves as he once again transformed, feeling the dull pain spread all over his body.

He had to worry about this now.

He threw them over his shoulders and carried on to the direction of the mountains.

____________________________

Ping let out a long sigh at the long-awaited news.

Sky Bracer there to pat her back and comfort her, as Cloud Retainer explained, looking rather harrowed and tired.

“I see..”

Sky Bracer nodded, “...We have no idea where they have gone…but the whirlpool closed before he were able to get inside…”

Ping nodded, feeling guilt swallow her up at the things they told her about.

She should have been there.

Should have been there alongside Guizhong.

If she was there, would the three of them have been able to restrain Osial enough for him to be fully cleansed?

The thoughts ate away at her, as she thought of her shijie’s face.

She felt a gentle pat to her shoulder, “Do not feel guilty, shimei. There was no way you could have known..”

She let out a sound that sounded like a choked sob as she nodded, “..Yeah..”

All they could do now was pray that everything would sort itself out.

Ping closed her eyes, and hoped that everything would be alright.

Hearing the light footsteps of someone darting away from behind one of the trees.

____________________________

Xiao felt his heart clench, as he bolted away from the scene.

…He never thought he would grow as attached as he did to someone.

Back when he was at the mercy of his prior Lord, everyday seems miserable, dragging on longer than it needed too as he heard the voice of his Lord scream at him even in his dreams.

So, when he was dragged out of the darkness he had found himself trapped in, he felt like he could breathe again.

His new Lord had saved him, and granted him a new life.

Freedom .

And…that man….with the obnoxious voice and even more obnoxious red hair had smiled at him, had shown him gentility and kindness as he carried him in order to not force him to walk on the sharp terrain.

The man who had proclaimed himself as his Ge, chattering loudly with the others as he attempted to get Xiao to warm up to him.

Xiao had been cautious at first, drawing a clear line between him and the man, wishing to get away from him as soon as he could.

And yet, he always managed to coax Xiao out, with that damned smile of his.

Too wide for his face, and too bright.

Xiao found himself content to be beside the man’s side, and relished the warmth he provided, the feeling of safety he exuded.

And soon, he found himself sticking to him like a pesky mosquito.

And yet, the man did not seem to mind, as he welcomed the clinginess, even when Xiao’s night terrors started to dissipate.

And, his new Lord started to hang around the both of them, he felt as if he was walking on clouds.

He finally had what the other demons often talked about, quietly to others who felt just as lonely as them.

He remembered how fondly they talked about their family, longing to be back at their side.

Xiao did not have a family, as he was born alone from a mountain before he was taken in by his old Lord.

And so, he had nothing to compare their descriptions of how their life used to be like.

Xiao did not know how a mother’s love felt, nor did he now how a father’s love felt.

He was born without parents.

And longed for someone to cradle him and pamper him just like he heard the new demons forcibly taken by his Lord talk about.

And so, when he finally obtained what they had talked about.

He felt close to tears.

A family.

People that were all around him, ready to die for him, ready to protect him, ready to guide and love him.

He felt over the moon.

So, when he heard of what had happened to his Lord and his ge-ge… he felt something within him shatter.

A strange distress filled him up as he clawed desperately at his chest.

He didn’t want to go back to how it used to be.

He didn’t want to be alone again.

“ A-Xiao… is that you?”

He whisked around, towards the direction of the voice.

It was a strange looking creature, with familiar red hair peeking through a large mask.

____________________________

Ajax felt relieved when he saw Xiao up ahead, the brat noticeably smaller than him.

…Was this how Skirk felt when he saw him for the first time?

Hm..

No wonder she took him under her wing, when she saw such a small and defenseless kid.

He saw Xiao grow tense as he readied his spear ahead of him, looking scared as ever.

Ah..right.

The kids have never seen this form before.

Xiao had never seen him like this.

It would make sense for him to be wary of a strange looking beast who towered over him that also knew his name.

He sighed, placing the two gods he had onto the floor before he felt his muscles and bones start to re-adjust themselves back to his normal form.

He blinked up when he went back to his normal form “A-Xiao.”

Xiao’s eyes widened, as he dropped his spear onto the floor.

“….it’s me, your Ge-”

He felt a pair of small arms wrap around his waist, as Xiao pressed his face against his chest, “-ge..”

Ajax felt himself chuckle as he patted the boy’s back, “Missed me?”

Xiao didn’t say anything and instead gripped onto him tighter and buried his face deeper into his chest.

“There, there, A-Xiao….Don’t you know that your ge’s indestructible…nothing could ever get rid of me,” he laughed as he patted the boy’s head.

Xiao still remained silent, causing Ajax to sigh.

He had really worried the kid, hadn’t he.

“...We have to get these two back to the others, A-Xiao… we can’t be here for long..”

Xiao still didn’t move.

Ajax laughed, as he patted Xiao’s head, playing with his hair, it was surprisingly soft, “.. A-Xiao~ If you stay here longer, then I will pinch your cheeks thrice a day!”

Xiao didn’t move.

What the fuck?

Since when did this brat become so clingy enough to endure the pinch attacks from Ajax?

“A-Xiao. You have to bring the other’s back, then you can hug me all you want, hm? Don’t you want Shizun to be well too?”

Xiao begrudgingly started to move after a while, pulling away hesitantly.

“Okay..” he said, voice small.

Ajax smiled at him, pinching his chubby cheeks, causing Xiao to pout, “What? I did tell you that I was going to pinch you if you didn’t let go, didn’t I?”

Xiao’s pout became deeper as he crossed his arms and looked away, upset.

Ajax burst into laughter, as he took both of the unconscious men in each arm, and slightly winced at how heavy they were.

Even if he was strong, he didn’t know if he would be able to pick anything up without shaking for the next few days.

Well…it was at least better than the way his legs trembled and his hips ached the next day after Morax’s…insatiable nature caught up to his poor body.

In fact, he was sure that he would be dead if it wasn’t for the extra stamina that his abyssal and adeptal powers granted him.

And he prayed that Morax would never do this with a mortal, if he did not want to kill the poor person.

He shook off those thoughts and began to walk, as Xiao walked besides him, on the way to see the others.

____________________________

But before they did that, they were caught by a sudden voice.

“Shidi!”

It was Guizhong, running at both of them, her hair loosely at her sides, looking worried.

Ajax felt a strong feeling well up in his throat, at the sight of his shijie.

He dropped the gods on the ground, and let out a wet laugh, as he came closer to her, “Shijie! You’re okay!”

“Of course I would be okay!! But shidi! What were you thinking putting yourself in danger like that?! You could have died!”

She shouted at him, as she came towards him and put her head on his shoulder as she squeezed him tightly, “I thought you were dead! I was worried sick! I even passed out because I was so worried! Celestia above! When will you stop worrying me half to death, shidi?!”

He paused, “What? You passed out, are you okay?”

Guizhong pulled away from him as she glared at him, frowning, “Do not worry about me! You were suddenly gone into that whirlpool…and I…was helpless to stop you..”

Her gaze softened as she frowned deeper at him, “I..thought you were gone, shidi…I was so worried.”

….He felt himself pull her close, wrapping his arms around her as he patted her back gently, drawing soothing circles all the while, “I’m here now, don’t worry about me…”

She nodded in his shoulder.

A few minutes passed before she withdrew herself from his shoulder, “...So…will you explain why there are two unconscious gods tied up at either side of you, shidi?”

He paused, “Oh yeah! I…we need to take them to the others…Morax was knocked unconscious by Osial…but he is otherwise fine…However, Osial on the other hand….I’m…I’m not so sure if he is completely cured of the miasma that was affecting his body….I managed to clear some of it, but I’m not sure if all of it has been taken care of.”

She nodded, before she went towards Osial and hoisted him up across her shoulder…

Celestia above, his shijie had gotten strong!

Pretty soon, he was certain she was going to beat him in arm-wrestling…just like Captain Beidou had (he still wasn’t going to live that bitter defeat down).

“Let’s go.”

He nodded.

____________________________

Cloud Retainer’s jaw nearly fell off when she saw the sight of her two juniors carrying unconscious gods all whilst little Xiao was right beside them.

“Care to explain?”

They had barged into her domain, asking for her to check the unconscious gods for injuries.

She said, looking rather unimpressed at the sight, though in reality she felt as if 100 years of her immortal lifetime had been taken off at the ridiculous sight.

Ajax sighed, “Ah…Da-yi…so uhh…as you can see-”

“Do not continue…one thinks that a migraine is right at one’s doorstep……hand the other two fools over and be done with it..”

Ajax cackled as he and Guizhong did exactly that.

Of course, before they could talk about anything else.

They were met with another voice.

“Shijie! Shidi!”

They turned to see Madam Ping walking towards them, looking shocked, albeit relieved.

“Shimei-”

Ping wrapped her arms around her as she leaned in to kiss Guizhong.

It was chaste, but it was still a private moment between lovers….and so…it felt awkward to stare at it.

Out of respect, he turned around and frantically covered Xiao’s eyes, hearing as Cloud Retainer screeched behind him.

“Have you no self-respect! You two are becoming just as bad as those other two insufferable dragons!”

Guizhong chuckled as she withdrew from the kiss, a mischievous look in her eyes as she turned towards Cloud Retainer, “Hm…really, Shigu? Are you really one to say that, or have you forgotten about your many trysts with poor maidens? Or should I remi-”

She was cut off by Madam Ping who covered her mouth and smiled placatingly at Cloud Retainer who looked as if she was about to peck Guizhong to death.

“Shigu, my sincerest apologies…I do not know what came over my lady…If you would please excuse us, we will be parting now.”

Ajax turned to see Cloud Retainer’s face bright red, nearly the color as her glasses, which were perched on top of her head at the moment, “Hmph, as you wish!”

Ajax felt himself stifling back laughter as Cloud Retainer sent a glare his way, looking as Guizhong sent him a wink before departing, holding hands with Madam Ping.

Those two…were really something weren’t they.

But, soon enough the light-hearted atmosphere vanished, as he was back in the present.

He turned towards Morax’s unconscious face, on top of one of Cloud Retainer’s beds that she used for patients.

They were not comfortable, not in the slightest.

But, it would be enough.

Cloud Retainer grumbled a bit, before she turned towards them, “Lord Lapis has no injuries, you may take him back to your domain. Though he has not been injured, he needs to rest his body, he has exerted much of his energy. And…one does believe that you have exerted yourself as well.”

Ajax nodded, as he carefully picked up Morax from the bed, undoing the restraints before turning towards a concerned looking Xiao, who merely squeezed his hand.

It would be alright.

____________________________

Ajax jolted awake by a loud scream.

He quickly made his way towards the source of the scream, any sleepiness washed away by the loud screech.

Xiao was at his side, and yet, he was sleeping rather soundly.

He wasn’t the source of the scream.

So what was it?

He felt his heartbeat quicken, as he opened the door to his spare bedroom.

Coming face-to-face with the source of such a haunting scream.

Morax.

He was clawing at his arms, nails sharp as his arms bled and golden blood dripped down his skin, his breathing labored and eyes slit as he looked around the room in a panic.

Was he…tainted by the miasma?

Ajax felt his stomach drop and his blood grow cold, as his eyes darted over to the air around Morax.

There was no miasma.

So what the hell was the cause of such a scream?

Ajax felt his heart clench as he approached Morax carefully.

The old wooden floorboards caused a loud creak to echo across the room.

Morax’s eyes darted towards him, filled with tears.

Before Ajax knew it, he was pulled into Morax’s arms.

His grip was bruising, and Ajax was certain that if he was a mere mortal, his bones would have shattered under his grip.

He embraced his lover, as he yelled, “Morax! Are you alright?”

Morax whined as if in pain, as he buried himself deeper into Ajax’s chest, breathing him in deeply as his grip became painful.

“Hey! What are you-”

Ajax paused, when he felt something wet stain his clothes.

Morax was crying.

Ajax stopped wriggling and let himself be held tightly as the man cried into his arms, trembling violently as he sobbed into his chest.

And in between sobs, he let out a startling confession.

“I thought…I lost you.”

Ajax felt his heart ache as he felt his own eyes well up with tears, as he closed them and held Morax tighter to himself.

“You didn’t…I’m here…”

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onyx-2323 · 6 months

Text

An Adeptus' Last Wish~ Zhongchi fic

(1/30)

More chapters here!<333

Summary-

After the Gnosis incident, Childe decides to take a much-needed break away from Zhongli.

However, how was he supposed to react, when all of a sudden Lumine showed up outside his apartment sounding terribly mortified, "Childe......Zhongli.......Zhongli....is in grave danger."

Of course, he was going to do anything to help the dying man.

Sure, he still felt a lot of contempt for him, after what he did, but his heart still loved him.....

But, what he hadn't expected was the sudden wisp of golden light that somehow transported him during the times of the Archon War?!

What the FUCK?!

_________________________

Chapter 1: A Bitter Beginning

Childe’s days went by, and soon enough the memory of molten gold eyes and flowing dark hair were gone. They were no longer sweet memories that he hoped to take back with him to Snezhnaya, instead they were bittersweet and left a lonely feeling in his chest.

Zhongli had walked into his repetitive existence with a simple handshake and a smile, “Greetings, I’m Zhongli, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Consultant. It appears that I will be your guide from here on out.”

As he gazed into those entrancing eyes, those warm molten eyes…...he knew that he didn’t stand a chance.

He tried to contain the occasional flutter of his heart; like a sick staccato meant to mock him. He tried to ignore the warmth he felt when Zhongli would gaze at him with a fond soft expression. He tried to ignore the subtle touches on his hand or back that would cause his brain to malfunction. He tried to ignore the way he would want to take all of Zhongli’s laughs and smiles all for himself. He tried to ignore the way he wanted the man, so desperately, even if he knew he could never.

They were only supposed to be business partners and nothing else.

But, even so, Childe allowed the foolish part of his brain to trick him into letting his guard down and even encouraging him to feel such emotions. For the first time in a long while, he felt as if he could trust this encyclopedia of a man.

Tartaglia obviously opposed this, being conditioned to fight and guard his inner most sensitive parts.

Don’t do it, you’ll only get hurt…..were only words that Childe chose to ignore, preferring to indulge himself in the warmth of Zhongli’s eyes.

He knew it should’ve been a trap; something too good to be the truth.

He had seen the Traveler running into the Golden House, and so, with his own curiosity overtaking him, he followed.

___________________________

It was a mistake.

One that he wished he could take back.

He had decided to hide behind the entrance of the Golden House, and decided to eavesdrop instead.

La Signora was talking with someone…..and she had called them Morax…

Morax replied….and was that Zhongli?!

He rushed in, and his stomach dropped.

Zho-No-Morax was handing his Gnosis over to La Signora, “A contract to end all contracts.”

La Signora’s facial expressions changed from an already arrogant smile to a venomous grin, she had noticed his presence there, and knew…..

That was one of the things he hated about La Signora (besides her whole existence of course). She was annoyingly perceptive; she could tell from a mile away what his facial expression indicated.

It was the face of bitter betrayal.

He was confused for a minute, he couldn’t believe what was happening, “What is the meaning of this? What’s going on?”

La Signora’s smile seemed to grow even more, to the point where it was downright inhumane, “It seems our dear Tartaglia is quite confused, wouldn’t you say Morax?” She gestured towards Morax who remained still.

Childe’s confusion then turned into unbridled rage, " Quit your fucking games, Signora! What the hell is going on here!”

La Signora burst into laughter, further fueling the embarrassment he now felt. Morax remained silent, only occasionally guiltily switching his gaze from Childe to the floor.

“It is exactly what it seems.....While you were caught up in your arrogance and having fun playing the villain card, you were too ignorant to see what was under your nose the whole time. You were never supposed to retrieve the Gnosis. Our Tsaritsa simply sent you out, as a distraction of sorts…I mean come on, Tartaglia…it was to be expected. After all, I was always the one to get things done, that’s why the Tsaritsa personally requested me to babysit you.”

Tartaglia shook with rage, barely holding back the angry tears that threatened to spill down his face, “..Signora!”

He threw himself at her. Without thinking, the irrational part of his brain took control of him. However, even he knew that he was no match for Signora, not right now at least. He had just fought the Traveler with the Foul Legacy. He was outmatched and it only showed, when she easily sidestepped his punch, laughing all the while.

“Now, now, Tartaglia, you aren’t being fair. I’m not the one you should be mad at, the man who betrayed you is standing right in front of you.....It’s not like I was the one who forced him to give up his gnosis, he willingly agreed to it.”

Childe stilled, and finally turned to hold Zhongli’s guilt ridden expression, he could tell she was telling the truth…his heart shattered.

He had suffered great humiliation and shame all for the sake of one man alone…who wasn’t even a mortal man.

It was stupid, he was stupid.

Why couldn’t he have seen what was clearly in front of his eyes the whole entire time? Zhongli knew too much about Liyue’s history to simply be a mortal man, he could have also sworn his hair glowed in the dark (but Childe only chalked it up to be the trick of his eyes or the light). He had played Childe perfectly like a guzheng; he was only another pawn for his own benefit.

Childe allowed himself to be strung along with the soft smiles and long nightly conversations under the starry sky. He allowed himself to be fooled by such a beautiful person. He had willingly been seduced by a siren; knowing he was going to be eaten in the end.

He had played an unpredictable game called love, and he had lost.

He hurried out of there, only Lumine and Paimon’s worried voices called out to him.

La Signora could tell the flash of misery in Morax’s gaze but didn’t comment on it, and instead almost commended his effort to appear unphased for the rest of their conversation. The Traveler and Paimon looked wide-eyed and almost pitiful as they stared the direction from where Childe had run out of.

Signora almost felt bad for her heartbroken lovesick co-worker…...almost.

_______________________

After the humiliation that was the whole Gnosis situation, Childe decided to spend the rest of his time in Liyue stuck in his apartment and occasionally taking out his frustrations on nearby Hilichurl camps…sometimes even Ruin Guards…

To be honest, he practically took out his anger and hurt feelings onto anything that crossed his path. To the point where occasionally exhaustion overtook him and he would pass out in the middle of the forest, only to then wake up floating in water.

His heart had not expected Zhongli to walk into his life.

Up until that point, his life had the same routine: Wake up, go on a mission, kill, rinse, repeat.

He was the Tsaritsa’s Vanguard after all.

That was almost something he was especially ordered to do, on a regular basis. He had no time to consider his own feelings, or take others into consideration. That wasn’t something he had time for, in his line of work. Even spending time with his family had become a mission in itself. He had to charm people with his boyish charm, and then kill them afterwards. It was the same for every mission.

The stupid idea of love and potentially settling down had never been a priority to him.

It never has been and it will never be one.

However, ever since he stared back into those cor lapis eyes, they seemed to drag him in; like a bug caught in a cobweb.

He was trapped before he knew it.

Zhongli had single-handedly managed to rip him out of the mediocrity that was his life and had shown him what it felt like to be cared for and loved. Every single passing gaze, every light touch, every story, every smile......made him feel something.

For the first time, ever since he had fallen into the Abyss, he felt like perhaps he was worthy enough to have a close relationship with someone. The void in his heart was finally going to get filled up with something as simple as human connection and he craved it.

And occasionally he would day-dream about how a domestic life would be with Zhongli: would he hold him through his gut-wrenching nightmares, whisper sweet nothings into his ear, would he manage to understand him, love him for everything that he is, kiss him gently through his tears, propose to him one day during a day spent on the beach, would their marriage ceremony be as beautiful as he thought, would he trace over his scars lightly with his fingertips, would he call him gorgeous, would he love him even after they were old, would he treasure every last memory after he died?

All of these childish thoughts were thrown out, as soon as the truth was figured out.

The truth was; Zhongli never considered him a friend nor could he ever love him. The only reason he had gotten closer to Childe was because he saw him as a pawn in his twisted game of chess. He never saw him as anything more than a pawn.

He was only a pawn, not a friend, not a lover, not an enemy.

He was a pawn.

Somehow, that information only managed to make his chest hurt even more, was he ever considered worthy enough to be Zhongli’s…...anything?

He no longer felt the seething anger in his veins. After all, his anger was simply a cover up for the embarrassment he felt, which only served as a deeper cover up about how hurt he truly felt.

However, even Childe knew he could not dwell on such stupid fleeting emotions; it was bound to happen.

Tartaglia had warned him, but he turned a blind eye to it all.

He was the one who was wrong.

_________________________

A month had passed, and Ajax was only counting the days after his departure from Liyue. He wanted to leave the burning humiliation and hurt behind in Liyue.

And hopefully never return to the dreaded city ever again.

He watched as the people from outside of his apartment window passed and how joyful they looked. A sharp contrast to how miserable Ajax felt.

He was almost jealous of how free they looked; was this the same feeling the Anemo Archon wanted for his people, because Ajax was envious.

He tore his gaze from the window, and looked down to the unfinished letters from his newest letter to Tonia and Teucer. He had lost motivation to do anything, and according to Ekaterina, ‘went into a depression,’ whatever that meant.

He didn’t know what false stories to make up; what fantastical white-lies to make up from his trip as a ‘Toy Salesman’ in Liyue. The letter had only begun with: Dear Tonia & Teucer…

Before he had scribbled the rest of whatever he was beginning to write out; it was hopeless.

He was hopeless, and he wanted to leave.

However, he didn’t have time to hold onto self-pity before a knock rang out, startling him enough from his deprecating thoughts. A strange glimmer of desperation seemed to resurface from his bitter thoughts…was that?

He ran towards the door, and opened it, in hopes to see a man dressed in black attire with golden accents, with those same molten eyes, and comforting baritone voice….only to meet a pair of concerned amber eyes….

Lumine?

_____________________

Ajax slapped on Childe and smirked down at Lumine, “Oh, hey! Fancy seeing you here, are you finally ready for a rematch?”

Lumine stared up at Childe, as if she wasn’t buying the fake pleasantries. Childe could never fool Lumine, not since he had met her. Nothing would ever slip by her.

However, instead of looking irritated or even angry (considering they had fought not even a month ago), she looked alarmed. Next to her, was Paimon, who similarly looked alarmed and…scared?

What was going on?

Lumine looked hesitant and parted her lips several times to speak, she looked terrified.

Childe quirked his eyebrow, wondering what had caused Lumine to look like someone had died, “...What’s..wrong?”

Paimon’s eyes began to flood with tears and soon enough they started to fall freely from her face. But, she didn’t say anything and instead chose to sob into Lumine’s shoulder.

Lumine still looked hesitant and similarly had tears clinging to her eyelashes, “Childe...do you not know?”

Now, he was really confused? What didn’t he know? What the hell had happened ever since he was gone to elicit such a strong reaction from Lumine?

Childe released a soft laugh, mostly out of nerves, “Know about what?”

Lumine looked even more choked up, her eyes widening almost comically, “You really don’t know…Childe…...Zhongli…...Zhongli is in grave danger.”

Now, it was Childe’s turn to be surprised. What the hell did she mean by grave danger?

The last time he had seen the ex-archon, he seemed to be perfectly fine. In fact, he had seen him only 5 days ago, walking down the street smiling and laughing happily with Lumine and Xiangling?

What the hell changed?

Was this some sort of sick joke?

No, Lumine’s reaction seemed too real for that to be true.

He felt his chest start to clench, and his own eyes start to burn; his nerves fully taking him over, “W-hat do you mean?”

Lumine wiped at her damp eyes with her sleeve, before straightening herself out, “He collapsed 3 days ago, and he’s….dying..”

The full severity of the situation came crashing down onto Childe.

The irony of the situation was too much to handle; of course the bastard had to start dying just when Childe was about to leave. Of course, just when he was starting to get over him.

Childe remained silent for a minute, blinking back the rushing myriad of different conflicting emotions that danced around freely in his head. It was too much to handle, and suddenly he felt himself growing mad.

Mad at himself, mad at Morax, mad at the world.

Mad at everything.

The cruel irony was too much, and he wanted to scream.

But, he didn’t and instead looked back at Lumine, who only continued, “He’s inviting all of the people he cares for friends, acquaintances and family to talk with him one more time. And…he umm…asked for you…”

Childe soaked in the new information; Zhongli had asked for him, personally.

But, why?

He nodded, Lumine continued, “He’s…..bedridden…..right now…and uhh..I-I..hope..you can..come.. I know things didn’t end on the best note, and I know this isn’t fair. But, he’s asked for you…and I promised him, I would bring you to him.”

Lumine stared up at him, desperation clear in her gaze. Paimon was still sobbing into her shoulder, not even looking at Childe.

He pushed aside his feelings, and nodded lightly; earning a soft watery smile from Lumine.

_____________________

He looked worse than Childe had expected.

Sure, he had seen his fellow fatui soldiers seriously injured in his lifetime; and had even been the one with the extreme injuries…but, this was a sight he wasn’t sure he could handle.

Zhongli's usual golden eyes were tight shut, his complexion was eerily pale, and he looked fragile; like porcelain plates. He looked weak to the touch, so much so, that Childe almost couldn’t bring himself to touch him.

This was the last place he would have thought he would meet up with Zhongli again.

He never expected to see someone so radiant, on their deathbed. Someone who was supposed to be immortal and all-knowing, just what had happened. And, why was the terrible voice in the back of his head urging him to crack his neck between his fingers.

Lumine had led him inside of Zhongli’s house, leading him towards his room (like he didn’t already know). Paimon still clinging onto her neck, sobbing not nearly as loud as before.

Zhongli looked a mess, his hair was tangled, his eye bags were heavy, and he looked tired. A particular strand of hair was laying on the side of his cheek, and Ajax unconsciously tried to reach out to tuck it behind his ear.

But, before he could do that, he was interrupted by a slap to his hand.

He looked up and was met with similar molten eyes, but these looked like they could pierce through your very soul; it was Lumine’s friend…that green adeptus..

He eyed Childe up angrily, looking as if he was about to pierce his chest with that spear he carried in his other arm. If the situation was different, then perhaps, Childe would’ve challenged him to a spar, but for some strange reason, he didn’t.

“Why the fuck are you here! Abyssal creature!” the adeptus yelled out, furious.

Lumine immediately rushed to the adeptus’ side and put hands between the two of them, “Xiao…please..”

Xiao looked conflicted as he looked between Lumine and Childe, not sure what to do. But, he didn’t do anything and instead looked away, looking somber himself, “I don’t know why you brought him here, he nearly drowned all of Liyue Harbor! He’s the reason…”

He paused and looked towards Zhongli, before looking back with murderous intent evident in his eyes, “He’s the reason my lord managed to obtain that absurd disease!”

What disease? What was he talking about?

Lumine looked somberly towards Zhongli, “Xiao…please…Zhongli himself insisted on bringing him here, please .”

Xiao huffed before he pointed his spear towards Childe, “Try anything funny, and I’ll cut your vocal cords out,” before he vanished into a puff of anemo.

_____________________

Soon, after Xiao left, more of Zhongli’s adepti friends (family) came, all bringing gifts with them.

The first one that came was Ganyu, she had brought a bracelet made from Qingce flowers and wrapped it gently around his fragile hand. She had spared a single glance towards Childe, but somehow it did not seem to hold any contempt like Xiao’s. Instead, it seemed to hold a look Childe could not place his finger on; that same look she had gave him the first time they had met.

She knelt by the side of his bed, and regularly felt his pulse, before another adeptus by the name of Madam Ping showed up. Ajax felt like the air in the room was suffocating him, and yet, he couldn’t leave yet. He had to wait until Zhongli woke up to tell him whatever he was supposed to.

He felt like leaving, and he probably would have already done so, if not for Lumine being in the room.

Madam Ping showed up soon enough, as well as 2 crane-like adeptus and a deer-like adeptus.

Madam Ping looked at Childe with great sympathy in her gentle eyes and that same familiar gaze as Ganyu, “You must be Childe, I suppose.”

Childe nodded, and instantly felt the stares of many adepti at once, which all looked at him with a different combination of stares.

The tall blue-crane looked at him up and down and exclaimed, “So, this is the human our lord has chosen…the traitor who nearly caused Liyue harbor to sink? Our lord always had strange tastes."

They all came to the same realization at the same time, and soon enough they started to eye him with the same contempt Xiao had. Another adeptus screeched out, “Our lord must be crazy, going for this one of all people!”

They all seemed to agree, “Yes, yes, what the hell was our lord thinking! Even going as far as to contract this disease, all because of this human?”

“Yes, this one can’t believe how blasphemous this whole situation is.”

Madam Ping sighed, “We must respect our lord’s decision, we can’t argue like this. Especially when his body is under a lot of stress.”

They all quieted down, but still eyed Childe with a burning hatred he was sure he had never seen before, “Ganyu, how are his meridians?”

Ganyu looked up before she delicately placed his hand back down, “They are still intact but they are losing energy..” Madam Ping made her way toward Zhongli before leaning down and taking his hand as well. She pressed her fingers against his wrist, and nodded, “Yes, that seems to be the case......The situation does not seem to be good.”

Childe finally mustered up the courage to ask, what had been gnawing at his chest, “If I may ask.....what is wrong with him exactly?”

His sentence seemed to cause great confusion if not outrage amongst the several adepti. However, they did not voice out their thoughts, and instead waited for Madam Ping to answer.

She took a long breath before answering, “Rex Lapis or Zhongli as you know him, is suffering from a disease that debilitates the body and only affects archons. It does not have a name, but it is something we have been noticing within the first couple of archon’s whose gnoses have been ripped away from them. Now, normally, archon’s do not need their gnoses to survive, however, when faced with extreme stress and long periods of exposure to miasma or abyssal energy, they are corrupted. Without their gnoses they are rendered weak to the exposure long-term and will eventually perish if they do not have their gnoses. We wrote a letter to your Tsaritsa and requested to give his gnosis back, however.....it appears like his gnosis has vanished.”

Childe was stunned.

Morax's gnosis vanished?!

How?

He cleared out his throat before he said, “How was he exposed to miasma and abyssal energy? What happened to him?”

“It’s my fault,” Lumine spoke, voice small and shaky, unlike the bold and serious voice she usually had.

He turned around to look at her, waiting for her to continue, “....We were out completing the Adventurer’s Guild missions in Qingce Village, when....he suddenly got attacked by a horde of rift wolves. I tried to fend them off as best as I could but they kept coming out. I warned Zhongli against fighting them alone, but he told me to evacuate the rest of the villagers. I agreed and…”

Lumine looked down in shame and Childe almost wanted to give her a hug.

Madam Ping beat him to it, however, whispering reassuring words to Lumine; who had begun to cry silently, “....Calm down, child. It was not your fault, our Lord knew what he was getting himself into when he fought them. Do not blame yourself.”

“It wasn’t your fault. It was his!” Xiao had appeared out of nowhere again, and similarly looked like he wanted to kill him, “If he hadn’t left my lord, then perhaps my lord wouldn’t have been so reckless.”

Madam Ping turned towards him, and she must have had a terrifying expression because Xiao backed away from Childe, “Xiao, it is not his fault, please, quell your anger.....How many times do I have to remind all of you? We promised our Lord we would take care of him in his absence. It’s our duty as adepti to follow our Lord’s orders in his absence, we must respect his wishes and protect this mortal with our lives. After all.....that is our duty.”

All of the adepti nodded, as if they had been reprimanded like children.

However, Xiao was still an unruly child and still refused, “I understand that, Madam Ping. However, you did not see my lord after this abyssal scum left him! He looked eerily lost and did things he had never done before, just like all those years ago....I tried to reason with him, but he was too far off. And then, he did that reckless move and got himself endangered. How can you say I can’t blame him!”

The room fell silent, but it was all interrupted by a soft cough.

Zhongli had awoken.

________________________________

All of a sudden, the adepti surrounded him, all looking terribly concerned and distantly somber. Zhongli looked joyful despite his sickly appearance, and regarded them with the most beautiful of smiles, “Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Adeptus Xiao, Madam Ping, Ms. Lumine, I’m glad to see you here.”

Thankfully, Zhongli had not noticed a certain fiery haired man yet.

Cloud Retainer pecked at Zhongli’s head, careful to not cause him actual harm, “This one is very cross with you. How could you have fought all of those beasts without calling for us, do you consider us as being below your abilities now? This one may be old, but one still has their combat abilities.”

Zhongli chuckled lightly, “I do not doubt your abilities, Cloud Retainer…I was not thinking, when I did it. And I hope you all can forgive me for my reckless actions.”

Cloud Retainer sighed heavily and patted his head gently, “One guesses one can forgive you.”

Ganyu smiled and stood up, “What she means is that she has been worried sick about you my lord.”

Cloud Retainer immediately begins to start poking Ganyu, “Insolent child, don’t you dare speak against your elders!”

She eventually calmed down and placed a small incense burner in the shape of Rex Lapis and it started to produce a very pleasant smell, like sandalwood and silk flowers. Zhongli's usual preferred perfume that Ajax committed to memory every time he smelled the familiar scent on the nearby perfume stalls. He figured that Cloud Retainer had brought the familiar scent in order to calm him down. He had experienced for himself how calming that aroma could be, "This one brought some incense to help lessen the aroma of the dead in here."

Zhongli chuckled heartily (although the other Adepti seemed scandalized by her statement, but did not say a word about it). His eyes seemed to display a certain fond warmness that Ajax selfishly hoped he would be the subject of once more, "Thank you, Cloud Retainer. You have been a great friend and have served Liyue and it's people well."

She huffed and stepped aside, murmuring something ineligible, allowing for the other adepti to give out their gifts. Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper then stepped up and set down a pot of what appeared to be Bamboo Shoot Soup.

Zhongli’s favorite, Ajax remembered.

Moon Carver spoke up first, “My Lord, we hope you will like what we have brought you. We will promise to protect him, with all of our might......Even if he is quite unsavory.”

Zhongli stared fondly at them before he smiled, “Thank you Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper. I really appreciate it.”

Then, it was Xiao’s turn to give Zhongli something, it was a vile of pain medicine (Childe had recognized the bottle immediately, Zhongli had once explained to him that the medicine is only meant to be used for injuries in Adepti, much to Childe’s dismay.)

“My Lord, I have brought some medicine for you.....I hope it will bring my Lord some relief from the pain he must feel.”

Zhongli nodded and patted Xiao’s hand with the only mobility he had left in his hands, “Thank you, my Vigilant Yaksha, you have served me well.”

Xiao nods, though he looks slightly sheepish.

Zhongli turns towards Lumine, who still has red rimmed eyes, “Ms. Lumine, I appreciate all you have done for me, thank you.”

Lumine shakes her head, “No, I haven’t done anything to deserve appreciation. However.....I did complete the thing I......promised you.”

Zhongli’s eyes widen and he almost stands up in his bed way too fast, he clenches his teeth in sharp pain. Xiao immediately comes to his side, already pulling the cap off of the medicine and pouring it onto a spoon, “My Lord, please, have some of this.”

Zhongli complies and takes the medicine before he glances over to where Childe is standing awkwardly, “Ajax…you have come..”

All of a sudden, he is the center of attention once more and he can feel the stares of the other adepti boring into him, “...Yeah..”

He tensely walks towards Zhongli, and begrudgingly the other adepti allow him to go by Zhongli’s side. Zhongli’s gaze grows guilty and his eyes water with unshed tears, “My dearest Ajax, I seem to have hurt you deeply.....When I made that contract with La Signora, I never thought that I would grow to cherish and love our time together. I never thought I would grow as close to you, as I did. I never meant to hurt you, but I had to make a choice. Either my own heart, or Liyue’s people. It has been the hardest decision I have ever made in my life, but I had to choose my people. I am.....truly sorry, I should have never lied about my true identity, but with the contract already in motion......I could not turn back what was already sealed in stone.....However....I hope you will be able to forgive me,” he looked at Ajax with soft glowing tears leaving his somber eyes.

Childe let out a shaky breath, “This is......really unfair Zhongli. You know, normally I would have challenged you to a duel, in order to settle any bad blood between us. But, with you being in the state you are in, I can’t. I-I still haven’t forgiven you. You lied to me and used me as a pawn Zhongli, do you have any idea how hurt I felt after the whole situation. But, I don’t want you to die. Why couldn’t you have at least waited until I got over my anger? It’s…really unfair Xiansheng.”

Ajax feels his eyes begin to water as soft tears begin to fall out of his eyes onto the soft silk sheets below, leaving behind small round imprints on the covers.

Zhongli looked distraught as he brought a soft hand to Ajax’s cheek, brushing away the tears, “I am.....truly and irrevocably sorry. I know it is not fair to you my dearest treasure and I wished that I could have given you more time to fully process the weight of my identity and...continued on our path.......However, I-....I can not do anything to stop what is happening inside of my body.....I am dying and my Gnosis has disappeared with no trace of it anywhere in Teyvat......I can not prevent what is destined to happen. I wish I could have been better towards you my dearest, I am so sorry.”

Ajax begins to cry harder and he no longer cares for the mild embarrassment he feels from all of the surrounding adepti watching him.

His tears fall freely now, like a cruel but sweet cascade.

___________________________

Ajax doesn’t know when he left.

After Zhongli had stroked his cheeks a couple of more times, something in him seemed to snap, and he suddenly yanked away Zhongli’s gentle calloused hands.

He couldn’t be there any longer, he couldn’t sit there and cry his heart out, while the god loved so much died of some stupid disease that did not have a cure. He went on a rampage and ran towards the nearest forest and killed whatever he could find.

It no longer mattered.

Just before Childe could forgive the man, just when he was starting to heal and move on from him.

He just had to begin to die?

It seemed too cruel to name and soon enough his tears mixed with blood.

Whose blood, he didn’t know, nor did he care. His ears were ringing and his mind was floating; it no longer seemed to matter. He wanted to scream out and curse the world. He wanted to scream at himself, when the person he loved the most was in danger, he was too busy moping around by some stupid betrayal that nearly didn’t even count as one.

It was unfair.

All he could hear now was the crushing of bones and warm blood that splashed his face. He sat down the nearest tree he could find, away from the trail of blood he had left behind on the once clean grass. He rested his tired body against it, and tried to not let himself sob too loudly.

However, he was unsuccessful and soon enough, he started to bawl just like he did at 14 years old when he first fell down The Abyss. He was the same scared child who wanted it all to be a terrible nightmare and closed his eyes in an attempt to block out his surroundings, but was scared when he opened them and they were still there.

He cried and cried and cried, until there were no more tears left to be shed, and he curled up against the tree and closed his tired eyes.

Perhaps, if he tried hard enough, it would be a dream?

A terribly twisted dream.

_____________________________

“Would you be willing to.....save Morax?......I wish to save him, can you do that for me, Ajax?” A distant sweet voice called out.

Ajax nodded, tiredly opening his eyes to notice a woman standing right before him; dressed in qixiong ruqun, her long brown hair flowing down, her smile gentle. He wasn’t sure who this mysterious woman was, but he sensed a strange feeling of warmth when she was around, and he wanted to somehow chase that comforting feeling.

She laughed lightly before he patted his head, “All right then. Save him for me, Ajax.”

He was about to ask how, when she touched his forehead lightly, and all of a sudden; Childe could not see anything else but a bright golden light surrounding him.

When he came to, the light was gone, and in its place was a place he did not recognize; as well as a set of familiar golden molten eyes staring curiously at him.

Where was he?

(More chapters on AO3, under the name: Onyx_23!)

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saxonilla · 10 months

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The most efficient way to keep warm in Belobog.

A Sampo x Stelle fic

Taking a break from constant fighting was something trailblazers didn’t really do..But oof.You were cold,exhausted and on low HP.

/A warm,red jacket envelopes you/

“Hey, Stelle.No need to fear the cold for the Great Sampo is here!”,smiled Sampo.

You faceplamed this idiot was giving you his jacket when he was shivering himself?What a complete fool!

You took his collar and pulled him close.

So close in fact your faces were just inches apart,”You dolt- Your shivering yourself!”

A lightbulb flickered in your head.

You pulled him on your lap bridal style.Covering both you and him in the jacket.

This was the most efficient way in sharing warmth.Yes and you and your one brain cell strike again!

—////—

Sampo POV

This girl will be the death of me.

Somehow she makes me unable to form coherent words and creates a burning in my chest.I try to shield myself using my own charisma.

—Something that might I add makes ME the best business man in all of Belobog.But this annoying raccoon seems to one up me every SINGLE TIME.

God so help me please because if this keeps on happening I may just be put out of business.

But even so ;feeling her body hold on to me so tightly-especially in this cold weather I can’t help but hold on to her.

Afterall better to keep m̶e̶ her warm ;than catching a fever,right..?

She was so close now and if I could jus-

—-

“STELLE AND SAMPO!YAahooO!We’re gonna get going.C’mon!”screeched March 7th.

“Mgh..five more..minutes...”Stelle groaned (she had fallen asleep on Sampo after snuggling with him or in her own words”staying in the most efficient way to keep warm”).

THE END.

inspired by:

#fanfic #fandom ships #honkai star rail #idiots in love #Kinda slow burn #honkai star rail sampo #stelle #sampo x stelle #trailblazer #fluffy #fluff #march 7th #originally posted on ao3

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wikiangela-fanfics · 1 year

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sounds like an angel (he might be a demon)

Fandom: Marvel

Ship: Sam/Bucky

Words: 150k

Chapters: 80

Completion status: complete

Rating: M (for non-explicit mild sexual content)

Summary: When Sam agreed to help Steve find the Winter Soldier, he’d never expected what would happen and how fucked he'd be. And it all started with a phone call.

AO3

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bleulone · 4 months

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"And the most important, Roi, is that you have shown pride. And dignity. And balls"

JULIO PEÑA FERNÁNDEZ as ROI in BERLÍN (2023-)

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rayssion · 6 months

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There's something just so beautiful about a character falling in love with their best friend who is sadly not into them and already had their partner.

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nordsea-horizons · 2 months

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working on this area lately on nordsea🪴

#its been relaxing to work on this island!#im taking it slow bc i want to make something i’ll love for a long time #its both good and bad bc i do feel like i wont ever visually burn out on this island but im also not being as creative as i like to be kinda #nordsea forever island💛#acnh #animal crossing #animal crossing new horizons #new horizons #acnh island #acnh exterior #nordsea #acnh nordsea #acnh fall #acnh autumn #acnh neighborhood #acnh villager yards #acnh inspo

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sophiethewitch1 · 2 months

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we've read about dick and tim being pathetic, but I wanna know the strange, stoic way Damian would be pathetic for reader if you're up for it :) I love your writing!!!

Points at camera like I'm on a gameshow! You, dear reader are lucky you came to the right blog!!!

So, we all know what cats are like when they like someone, right?? Just, following them around constantly. They don't want pets, they don't want to get picked up, they just want to watch you from a distance of five to twenty feet. Anyway, that's Damian!

He's in love with you, he needs you, he wants to keep you, but he has his pride!! Well, for a while at least. He's clingy, of course but he just... pretends he isn't?? It doesn't really work after the first few times. Pressing kisses to your forehead and holding your hand. And he'll do it while he's glaring at you.

Now, if you break up with him or reject him, you are going to see true brattiness. Monstrously bratty. How dare you? How dare you think you can leave him, reject him? He's the heir to the Al Ghul and Wayne dynasties. He gives you everything. And you don't accept it?

...Okay, you thought he'd stomp off after that. He's not leaving?? He's just... sitting outside your house...?? Why the hell is he glaring at you through your window???? It's not your fault????? Damian, however, is absolutely certain it is your fault. He will sit there through rain and snow, deliver you gifts and takeout, and wait sadly and grumpily till you take him back. And I thought he was impatient!

Unfortunately, while you saw him as a cat, he thought the same with you. While you see him as tame, he thinks of you as some wild alley cat that needs to be caught for it's own good. He just needs to slowly acclimate you to him and you guys will be right as rain. Maybe some treats will make you like him more? He'll figure it out, that he's confident of. Don't tell him he's being silly, you will just make things worse.

#sophie speaks #sophie answers #yandere batfam #he is impatient btw he probably breaks in when you're not looking #if this goes on too long things start getting even weirder but I'm not entirely sure yet what it looks like yet #but it gets WEIRD #hes a slow burn ive said it before #hes just fucking weird #points at a character i like: autism rizz #ive got so many versions of him in my head which are kinda conflicting #but i think this is how i think I'm characterising him?? how it seems to be falling at least #did i post that thing where he locks you in a cage but he cant get you to love him so you're both just upset and stuck together??#i think i did it was one of the alphabets

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ratsnu · 2 months

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Hamilton punched Jefferson within an hour of him stepping foot on The Liberty

unfortunately for him the guy he socked in the face is distractingly pretty

#hamilton #hamilton musical #hamilton fanart #thomas jefferson #alexander hamilton #jamilton #thomas jefferson x alexander hamilton #aggressively shoves pirate au down your throat <3 #it’s such a slow burn au #enemies to rivals to friends to lovers kinda vibes #the amount of sexually tense moments I have stocked in my head I could draw is insane

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onyx232323 · 6 months

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An Adeptus' Last Wish- Zhongchi fic

(1/30)

More chapters here!<3333