Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

…You and a guest are cordially invited to play hopscotch with Nahida Lord Kusanali, behind the Divine Tree. Refreshments will be served…

*

Fwd: Childe

Come with me. 

—Zhongli

*

Ei fretted. “Miko, what am I supposed to do with this??”

Miko inspected the invitation; smirked. “I know exactly who to bring. Trust me.”

*

“Come on, please, Diluc?”

“Why do I have to go?”

“I guess I could always ask Jean. She’s so busy lately… but you’re right. I know she’d make time for me.”

Venti turned to walk away to the music of Diluc audibly grinding his teeth. 

“Wait. I’ll come.”

Chapter Text

Childe regarded the written message for so long that the messenger instinctively ducked when he demanded, “Is this a joke?”

“Sir?”

His eyes narrowed. “Ask him that.”

“Uh. In fact, sir, he anticipated you and gave me this chart.” She unrolled it. “Here we go: No.”

“I mean, doesn’t he have ~people~ for this?”

“‘I felt none of them would enjoy it like you would.’”

Lord Harbinger froze. “Are you fucking with me?”

Her mouth as dry as dust, she read,  “‘You’re welcome.’”

 His face contorted and he grabbed the scroll, violently, gleefully shredding it. Then, eyes glittering, he announced. “Change of plans, team.”

Chapter Text

“I hope they’re coming. The ones who didn’t say no, I mean. I hope… I hope they’re coming.” Nahida laced and unlaced her fingers.

Lumine patted the Archon’s back. “They’ll come. I know these guys.”

Oh yes, they came.

Future scholars may wonder if perhaps requiring RSVPs would have changed subsequent events. We will never know.

First, Venti glided in, with a guest cosplaying as Marana, that is, death. Then Zhongli’s guest seemed to hate him—but at least he left his military unit in the city. Finally, Raiden Ei arrived, with her guest Yae Miko, who brought along her own guest, Kamisato Ayato, who brought Thoma, who brought…

Itto???

Chapter Text

The hopscotch fields recently constructed near Sumeru City are marvelous to behold: vast expanses of neatly trimmed grass criss-crossed by beautiful hard pavements, with baskets of chalk and tokens at every intersection. 

East of the fields, still in the shade of the tree, is the player pavilion. There’s a few benches for the unlikely audience, but they hardly matter. The fields dwarf the pavilion. They are… endless.

“I got a little carried away,” mumbled Nahida, as her guests gazed upon her accomplishment.

“You did great,” said the Traveler, smiling with eyes that promised instant death to any doubter.

The Scribe will call that bluff.

Chapter Text

“Lord Kusanali did not ‘do great’. But let’s not waste our time frivolously.” Alhaitham surveyed the party like a particularly critical Mary Poppins. “Instead, focus on why Raiden Ei has brought a political delegation to a children’s playdate.”

Ei looked distant and resigned. But Miko pointed at herself with wide-eyed shock, and then winked and tipped her finger to Ayato, who bowed deeply, elegantly presenting Thoma, who announced, “Our contribution,” and ushered forward Itto.

Who jumped out, roaring, “Hi, new little bros!”

“…” Alhaitham was the hardest audience even Miko had ever met. “So noted. The rest of you may join the audience.” 

He reseated himself, opening a book.

Chapter Text

Childe knelt down by Nahida’s side. “Hey, I hear you’re good at hopscotch. If this is your idea of a challenge, I’m in.” He knew he was the best big brother.

Or was he?

A shadow fell over them as Itto blocked out the sun. “Hopscotch! I’m game to play, little bros!”

Childe grinned toothily. “Hell yeah. But our hostess is a little sis, yeah?”

“Aw, little bro, you don’t need to be a boy or even a kid to be my little bro!” Itto slapped Childe so hard on the back he had to turn it into a cartwheel.

Chapter Text

“Alhaitham,” hissed Nahida. “How can you pick on Ei? You’re not even supposed to be here!”

“I’m the Scribe. I need to witness events to record them.” Alhaitham didn’t look up from his reading.

The Archon of Wisdom narrowed her eyes. “That’s just an excuse.”

He sighed and closed the book over one finger. “I wouldn’t dare lie to my Archon.”

“Why else are you here?” Oh, she knew how to insist.

Alhaitham looked over at Childe and Itto, both reeling from a vigorous exchange of backslaps. “To check out the competition. And now I have.” He pointedly returned to his book.

Chapter Text

Venti mooched over to where Zhongli sat alone, watching the other guests mingle with a faint smile. “Hey, old man. Did your date really abandon you already?”

The funeral consultant glanced pointedly to the east, where Diluc had found a shady root to lurk under. “Did yours?”

With a self-deprecating laugh, Venti said, “You got me.”

Zhongli gave a satisfied nod and looked back at where Childe and Itto were now shoving each other over Nahida’s head, with many a merry cry of encouragement. “He’s always wanted to compete with an Archon. I thought indulging him might be… entertaining.”

Chapter Text

“I wondered.” Yae Miko appeared beside Zhongli and Venti. “Well, look at that, the boys are becoming good friends already.” Airily, she added, “I’m pleased to see we all had an eye toward suitable playmates for the little miss.”

The ‘boys’ in question knelt penitently in front of an earnest-looking Nahida. Lumine loomed behind her, smacking a rolled-up Steambird into her other hand. 

Zhongli smiled fondly. “Ah, Yae Miko. I remember when Ganyu met you. She told me about the adorable kitsune adolescent who wanted to practice calligraphy with her—“ He stopped as a vicious heel was driven into his ankle.

Chapter Text

“You remember something like that, huh? Well, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll forget soon. You’re an old geezer, after all.” Miko’s smile was angelic as she ground her heel against Zhongli’s toes.

“Okay, she’s scary,” observed Venti, kicking his feet as he sat on a branch. To Miko, he added, “Definitely beat him up first. I’ve been told I’m weak but exhausting.”

“Ow,” said Zhongli, and moved his foot to safety. “Why this charade?”

Miko stabbed her finger toward Nahida. “Because that munchkin over there is my opportunity to be a real god’s oneesan and you are not going to ruin it for me, you grandfathering bastard.”

Chapter Text

As Yae bared her teeth at Zhongli and Venti, electro flickered. Then Ei glommed onto her, glared around, and dragged her out of the others’ earshot. 

Her voice throbbed, low and intense. “I’ve been learning about this game.” She nodded over toward Alhaitham. “Did you know it was once a military exercise?”

Miko managed to see the look on Ei’s face. “Oh.” She sighed.

“I’m going to compete, Miko.” Ei shook her back and forth. “This is just what I need. A chance to really test myself.”

Miko flapped her hands until Ei put her down. “Oh just—if you must! But keep things fun! For me!”

Chapter Text

Diluc lurked in the deepest shadow he could find, trying not to brood about why Venti really made him come. Instead, he told himself it probably wasn’t Venti’s fault that he was a compulsive liar.

This did not improve his mood.

In the distance, Lumine favored him with a bright smile and a friendly wave, which was a dramatic shift from her previous death glares. Instantly, he looked around, and wasn’t entirely surprised to see the Archon of Wisdom perched on the root beside him.

“Hello. Are you comfortable the way you are?” Nahida inquired, with a friendly smile. 

Warily, Diluc considered the strange question with care.

Chapter Text

Finally, Diluc shrugged. “I’d rather not be here, but I’ve been many worse places.”

Nahida clapped her hands and beamed. “I like you!” At his nonplussed reaction, she added encouragingly, “You told the truth!”

He looked away. “It seemed like you wanted to know.”

“I really did.” She patted his arm. “Don’t worry. I won’t make you mingle.” Twisting a toe in the soil, she added, “I wondering… maybe you could do me a favor instead?”

His eyes went wide and startled and vulnerable for a long minute… before finally narrowing suspiciously. “What favor?”

“Please find Paimon? She was supervising the refreshments and I’m… a little worried.”

Chapter Text

Diluc skulked along the edge of the fields, wondering if he was actually more comfortable now than before. He had to be, right? The god of wisdom had suggested it. 

But he definitely wasn’t ready to find Paimon yet. He’d learned how to pause for breath. So instead he strolled along, inhaling the scent of local grass and chalk and concrete. The fields seemed to invite him in…

…Of course, traps had to be inviting. 

This was a trap, and he’d walked right into it when asked. 

Because he’d felt so good when she smiled.

…

Diluc hated to admit it, but he needed help. Children were over his head.

Chapter Text

After Lumine finished making him color an apology card for Nahida, Childe stood up, looking around. Where the hell was his stupid-ass, so-called date? Not that it mattered. Wherever he was, he was probably laughing at Childe.

Oh. There he was, visiting the pathetic excuse for an audience. 

Childe turned his back on his host, studying Raiden Ei as she listened seriously to Nahida’s strategy tips. He wanted to sidle closer, but he’d already provided Zhongli with plenty of chuckles today.

Instead, he headed out for a stroll along the edge of the playing fields.

Chapter Text

Diluc might have gone to Venti for help. Venti, his host. Venti, who understood the hearts of children as no other could. If he’d been thinking clearly, perhaps he would have.

Instead, he looked for Paimon.

The fields shimmered, practically glowing with life in the warm morning. He strode along the fields until it occurred to him that this was far too long a journey for an Archon’s refreshments to make.

Sure enough, when he turned around, he saw, way back, Paimon’s tiny figure struggling with a trolley.

Diluc had just started to jog back to her when a young man’s voice called, “Hey there!”

Chapter Text

“Well, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” Zhongli told Ayato after they shook hands. “Lumine usually has good taste in friends.”

“Thank you, and likewise.” Ayato’s eyes gleamed in a way that made Thoma distinctly nervous. “Will the games be starting soon, do you think?”

“Oh, it’s a party first. There’s no reason to rush.” Zhongli smiled. “Let everybody have some time to prepare themselves.”

With a thump, Itto sat on the bench beside Ayato. Ignoring Zhongli, he said heavily to Ayato, “Sorry, I don’t think I’m making a good impression, big bro. Who is that kid again?”

Chapter Text

Ayato and Thoma exchanged glances over the dejected oni’s head, but it was Zhongli who said, “Surely not. Did my guest say something untoward?”

Itto gave Zhongli a wary look. “Who, the ginger? Nah, we were getting along great, but Lumine told us that we were roughhousing too much for a kid’s party.” His brow furrowed for a moment and then he shrugged. “I guess this is a birthday for Paimon’s sis over there?” He brightened. “I made her a killer apology card though. Got a gold star.”

Thoma patted Itto on the back. “I’m sure that helped.”

Chapter Text

Diluc stopped dead, turning to face Childe. He’d recognized the Eleventh Harbinger straight away. Had Childe likewise recognized him, and if so, would he pick a fight?

If he did, the consequences would be all Venti’s fault.

“Heya,” said Childe, with a personable smile. “You came with the bard, right?”

“Yeah.” Good, he doesn’t recognize me.

“What are you doing out here?” 

“Looking for Paimon.” He jerked a thumb toward where—

—where Paimon had been. She’d since vanished.

“Ahaha, I was wondering where she was. Didn’t seem like her to miss out on a party. Right, I’ll help you search.” Another grin. “I hear you’re quite the tracker.”

Dammit.

Chapter Text

Ei swung her naginata through some basic warm-ups. Watching her, Nahida reached up to take Lumine’s hand.

“You’re doing great,” Lumine insisted, squeezing her hand. “Alhaitham is a—“ she cut herself off before she said something that wasn’t family friendly. “Everybody’s just nervous meeting you for the first time.”

“Ei’s the only one who’s even really talked to me,” whispered Nahida. “And she’s really intimidating.”

“Wait until you beat her at hopscotch. As for the other two…” Lumine spotted Venti chatting with Yae Miko and narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be right back.”

Chapter Text

The refreshments trolley left clear tracks on the ground, right up until it swerved onto the hopscotch fields. At that point…

Diluc grabbed Childe’s arm as the Harbinger made to step into the fields. “Wait. What if you vanish too?”

Childe laughed. “Wouldn’t be the first time I got sucked into a mysterious playground. Had a blast last time, too. Come on.” He smirked. “Or stay here. Go tell our cute little hostess, if you want to ruin her big day. Meanwhile I’ll sort this out—whoa!”

Diluc watched as the Harbinger he’d just shoved staggered into the fields and vanished. Then he too stepped over the line.

Chapter Text

Lumine stalked over to Miko and Venti. As once they had before, they stopped talking as soon as she got close.

This time Paimon wasn’t around, so she had no compunctions around saying flatly, “You’re betting, aren’t you.”

Miko looked angelic, but Venti chuckled. “I knew you’d see it. Do you want in?”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Lumine snapped. “Now tell me the odds on who’s going to ruin Nahida’s party first, and how.”

They told her. 

Lumine’s wrathful face slowly became a rictus of horror. 

Miko patted her on the shoulder. “Do try to have fun. For me!”

Chapter Text

Within the boundary of the Fields, they become… well… endless in a whole new way. Impossible hopscotch hills rose on the horizon, and Diluc, squinting, thought he could see a hopscotch hoop around the sun.

Paimon floated over a nearby pavement, crying bitterly. The snack trolley had rolled away from her further along the path.

“Hey, half-pint. Is that too heavy for you? Let me grab it.” Childe jogged over. 

“No!” screamed Paimon. “No stop!”

He skidded in, raising his eyebrows. “What’s up?”

She wailed. “Somehow a hopscotch game started and now I can’t get to the trolley without winning at hopscotch and I can’t hop.” 

Chapter Text

“Explain,” demanded Diluc, shouldering past Childe.

Only then did Paimon notice him. “Diluc! Diluc, this sidewalk started to talk and if I try to rescue those poor snacks I get teleported back here again.”

Childe smirked and sprang toward the trolley. Mid-air, he vanished. A heartbeat later, he fell gracelessly onto the grass nearby and started laughing.

An unexpected but familiar voice said, “Additional players: registered. Difficulty level?”

Diluc blinked. “Katheryne of the Guild?”

“No! Nonono. Imagine that!” The voice sounded shocked.

The men exchanged glances.

The voice added, “I’m Catheryne. With a C. Catheryne.”

Chapter Text

Childe pulled himself together. “Uh… and what are you?” 

“I am a gamemaster Lord Kusanali created as part of the Fields. Very definitely created, no theft involved. Shall I select the difficulty for you?”

Diluc snapped, “No, wait! What are the options?”

Childe rolled his eyes at Diluc, and then shook his head. “Catheryne, would your boss approve of you starting a game before she was ready?”

After a long pause, the gamemaster said, “…I may have been a bit overexcited.”

“You think?” said the Harbinger sympathetically. 

This time it was Diluc who went for the trolley and Diluc who teleported back to the start again.

Catheryne said, “Oops!” 

Chapter Text

Nahida explained, “…And so I think Childe and Diluc are someplace they’re not supposed to be.  Someplace not quite… ready…” She trailed off, gaze distant, before she refocused on her guests with a worried smile.

“Oh my goodness,” said Thoma, with suspiciously genuine shock.

“How reckless of them,” Ayato idly observed

“My, my, what troublemakers,” chirped Miko from behind her fan.

Lumine silently crushed a patch of the cosmos in her fist.

“Ehe,” said Venti, rubbing the back of his head and winking cutely. “Diluc hates getting involved.”

Everybody looked at Zhongli.

Zhongli smiled serenely. “I knew Childe would enjoy himself.”

Chapter Text

“I’m going to rescue them, but I wanted to be transparent. And if you want to leave after…” Nahida’s lower lip wobbled.

Grandly, Miko said, “I hardly noticed, little — Great Archon.”

“Hey,” said Venti, “How come she gets ‘Great Archon’ and I get ‘noisy brat’?”

Alhaitham said, “Ignore them, Nahida. Concentrate on your task.”

A trolley appeared, laden with snacks, and also Childe, sprawling back, one leg raised to kick forward. Diluc, pushing, had one foot on the lower trolley basket, the other outstretched behind him. Clinging to his hair was a screaming Paimon.

Silence fell. The cart rolled forward a few centimeters before gently bumping into Alhaitham’s fingers.

Chapter Text

Nahida, her hands on her hips, said sternly to a shimmer in the air, “Catheryne, we talked about this! Do I have to suspend your library card?”

“I know, I know, boss. But I just can’t help wanting to RP as one of those evil AIs.” The shimmer in the air sounded genuinely contrite. “And, anyhow, they had fun. Right?”

A pause.

“Tell them how much fun you had, guys?”

Paimon was still mourning a sacrificed cake, while Childe kept trying to low-key flick icing onto Zhongli’s suit. It was Diluc who finally said, with the faintest smile, “I did enjoy myself. Maybe we can be friends.”

Chapter Text

“Perhaps we should talk, Childe,” said Zhongli in his resonant voice. “You seem to be trying to dirty my suit. Or possibly hurt my feelings. Might I know why?”

Childe looked around at the rest of the party plus audience, his face hardening. Then he knelt beside Nahida again. “I hope you can see what he’s like, little sister. Even if you’re his partner, he’ll lie to you and laugh about it later.”

“Partner?” inquired Ayato, with that gleam in his eye again.

“Business partner,” Childe snapped.

“Friend,” corrected Zhongli, his voice becoming chocolate just for that word.

Chapter Text

Nahida felt so bad for how shocked Childe looked that she clapped her hands to draw attention to herself. “Yay! Friends! I hope we can all still be friends? Maybe we can start the first official round of hopscotch?”

This did not go as planned. 

Ei’s eyes narrowed. “First official round?”

Thoma looked taken aback. “You mean those three were playing hopscotch when you rescued them?”

“Yes!” sobbed Paimon, but Childe shook his head hesitantly.

Alhaitham gestured at the wrangle unfolding. “Witness the fruit of your whimsy, Catheryne.”

The shimmer grumbled, “Like you can talk. I get bored now.”

“There, there. It’s Nahida’s fault for making you so creative.”

Chapter Text

Alhaitham lifted his head just as an eldritch being of fury grabbed him around the neck and snarled, “Learn tact.”

The Scribe leaned his head back so he could look up at Lumine. “I have better things to do.”

Lumine sighed, seating herself beside him and hugging a sniffling Paimon. “Like what?”

Mr. Tactless didn’t bother to hide his exasperation. “So many games are already in progress right now, Traveler.  I’m trying to track and analyze as many of them as I can.” He paused and then demanded, “Are you really that oblivious?”

Chapter Text

Lumine stared at Alhaitham and then looked around. “I don’t believe you.”

“You should, missy,” Ayato whispered in her ear, and then stepped back and bowed as she whirled, sword out. “I mean, my lady.”

“Why are you calling me that?!?”

“Hmm? It seems like the minimum of politness, given your exalted status here.” He smiled like a cat.

Lumine’s baffled look was genuinely adorable. Alhaitham made a note of it. 

Ayato sighed and flicked Lumine in the forehead. “First Sage of the Dendro Archon, my lady.”

Her eyes widened. “Who told you that?” 

Ayato looked beautifully distant, waving Thoma to answer. “It’s in all the corner puppet shows, ma’am.” 

Chapter Text

Lumine’s gaze went to Nahida, who was watching Miko and Venti bicker. She said, “That’s just a character she made up. I’m her friend, that’s all. And what the heck kind of games within games are there to be had at a hopscotch party?”

“Adorable young lady,” said Ayato smoothly. “That would be telling.”

“Just focus on Nahida, Traveler,” Alhaitham said. “I’ll keep an eye on any problem elements.”

She glared at him, fists clenched. “I am so looking forward to getting to kick your smug backside whenever I please.”

“If that situation occurs, I’m sure I will be too.”

“Yeah—Wait, what?”

Chapter Text

Miko smirked as the Traveller shouted at Alhaitham and Ayato. Such clever boys. Definitely a story she was looking forward to. 

But for now…

The kitsune passed behind two shadows of her tails. She emerged on another layer, within one of Nahida’s workshops, where she found Ei, triumphantly hopping down a complex sparkling pattern.

Five tails swaying, Miko paused a moment to appreciate her god’s beauty. “Some might believe this cheating beneath you.”

“Nonsense. This is training, not cheating.” Ei looked around. “Where am I, anyhow?”

Miko sighed and took her hand. “Your genius is unique, Ei. Only you could get through an extremely secure magical door absent-mindedly.”

Chapter Text

“Hey, are you roleplaying being an evil machine god, or roleplaying being a kind of cute and off-kilter assistant?” Childe asked Catheryne.

The shimmer hissed, “What do you think, human scum?” 

“I mean, being an evil god is pretty admirable,” Childe conceded.

“So is being cute and off-kilter,” Diluc put in. “What? I’m allowed to have tastes, okay?”

“Of course you are, buddy,” said Childe soothingly.  “And I am going to look up in the files who you’re talking about.”

“She’s not exactly off-kilter,” mumbled Diluc. “She just has confused priorities.”

Tentatively, Catheryne said, “Muhahaha?” 

Childe nodded. “Evil god.”

Diluc looked up and sighed. “Go ahead.”

Chapter Text

“And so concludes the first game of hopscotch on the new Hopscotch Fields, for a tied score of 10/10 points for everybody.” Perhaps Alhaitham sounded a bit sardonic as he announced the results?

Nahida wasn’t sure. But her guests all gazed at him with blank politeness that she didn’t like at all, while the audience applauded with exquisite courtesy.

She clapped her hands. “Ahem! That was just a tutorial. Let’s go on to something a little more… challenging.” She winked.

“Right away, your dreamliness,” chirped Catheryne the pirated AI.  “Initiating Project World Domination.”

Nahida facepalmed.

Alhaitham recorded it.

Chapter Text

Zhongli joined Childe as Nahida eagerly explained her new variation on hopscotch. “It’s a good thing I didn’t invite Ninggang. She too loves changing the rules.”

Childe, watching, said only, “Hah hah, old man. Nice try.”

Zhongli chuckled. “Have you been meeting interesting people?”

The Harbinger frowned. “I never expected Diluc Ragnvindr to wear a coat heavier than I do. What’s up with that?”

“Perhaps he’s simply cold. And the young oni?”

“Itto? A good kid. Trying a little too hard, but he’ll grow up. Y’know, I’m never going to help you again, right?”

“Of course.” Zhongli smiled serenely. “I’d never ask.”

Chapter Text

Venti drifted down beside Diluc on the fringes of the group.

“Hiya, Diluc, having fun yet?”

Diluc seemed absorbed in Nahida’s four-part presentation but after a moment he said, “Why did you really bring me?

“Ehehe…” After Diluc turned to glare at him, he went on. “…ehehe. Well, she always liked complicated games. Before, I mean. But I can only play if I have somebody to play through.” He spread his hands. “That’s still fair because it becomes a test of our relationship!”

Diluc frowned. “Why can’t you play without a pawn?

“Oh, just a god thing!”

“Are we mortals all here as pawns?”

“Uh,” said Venti. “…Yeah. Definitely.”

Chapter Text

In the Inazuman strategy huddle, Itto scratched his chin. “I dunno, don’t we kinda outnumber them?”

“And yet you’ll notice none of them complained,” Miko said tartly.

“Guys, it’s just a game,” said Thoma. Four pairs of eyes skewered him and he wilted.

Ayato said thoughtfully, “Zhongli is a serious threat and of course Kusanali is what she is. But I don’t think we need to worry about the Anemo God?” 

Ei got a haunted look. “In a game about observation and information?”

“Well, yes, but his partner—“

“Don’t underestimate Diluc Ragnvindr,” said Miko. “Especially not with Venti assisting him.”

“All right,” said Thoma firmly. “We won’t.”

Chapter Text

The second official game of hopscotch was structured as a race, with 8 simultaneous games of hopscotch happening side by side. 

Initially, Childe, Nahida and Ei were in the lead, but on a return journey, Childe “overbalanced” and crashed into his partner Zhongli. Although Zhongli retained his footing, Childe then fell into Ei’s lane, and Itto leaped out of his own to shield Childe from Ei’s incoming feet.

Ei hopped over them both and kept going, but when Nahida turned to see the pile-up, she dropped her token and sat down, frowning and apparently deep in thought. Out of courtesy, Diluc subsequently refused to finish. 

No final score was recorded.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham sighed. “Would you like me to record that you won, Ei? Technically, as one of the only two to complete the race, you did.”

It took a moment for everybody to fully process Alhaitham addressing Raiden Shogun by her familiar name. Ei herself recovered first. “And let Venti have an unearned second place? No.” Then she reached out long arms and collared both Childe and Itto. “And you two. I expect better from you two next time.”

Something in Childe’s eyes seemed to swallow the sunlight as he grinned at her. 

Chapter Text

Ei tilted her head, staring at Childe, trying to recognize what she was sensing. Then all at once Miko wrapped her arms around Ei’s shoulders, pulling her backward into an unusually affectionate hug, while Thoma and Ayato crowded around Itto and Childe.

Thoma slapped Itto’s back. “Hey, great sportsmanship!” and the oni’s puzzlement transformed into machismo, his shoulders squaring.

Meanwhile, Ayato flowed close to Childe, smiling. “I admit I didn’t expect to meet you again so soon.”

Childe moved back a step, his normally-expressive face carefully neutral. “Nor I.”

Nearby, a furrow appeared in Zhongli’s brow.

Lumine suddenly looked nervous.

Alhaitham recorded it.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham joined Zhongli. “Do you have concerns about the Commissioner?” 

“Mmm?” Zhongli didn’t take his gaze from Ayato and Childe at first. Then he glanced over. “Ah, my old friend. They seem to already know each other. I find that… curious.”

The Scribe shrugged. “One is a diplomat; the other a government administrator. Is that so odd?”

“I’ve never seen my young friend control his expressions so well,” Zhongli mused. “Normally, he doesn’t hesitate to express his displeasure or his pleasure.”

Alhaitham compared the two men. “They both carry Hydro Visions.”

“Yes, but… Well. Mysteries… perhaps Focalors has joined us in spirit today after all.”

Chapter Text

Diluc crossed his arms as he watched the sudden crowd around Ei untangle. “What do you actually want me to do, Venti?”

Venti, floating and eating a pastry, said, “You’ve been observing the party since we got here. What do you think?”

“That Kaeya is a better party planner than the Traveler.”

“And?”

Diluc hesitated, his gaze going to the little Archon, still sitting and thinking on the field. Then he dragged his gaze away to look at Ayato and Childe instead: a far more comfortable sight. “Maybe you should have brought Klee instead. Or if you must play information games, Kaeya.”

“But bringing Kaeya would be against the rules!”

Chapter Text

Diluc gave Venti an unfriendly look. “Kaeya is as much of Mondstadt as anyone now.”

Venti smiled. “Oh, I agree! But I think he’d be pretty uncomfortable, don’t you? Anyhow, we can talk about him later! Come on, Diluc, I want to know your opinions on everybody! Who would win in a cage match between you, Childe, Ayato and that Scribe guy?”

“What the hell is a cage match? Never mind, I don’t want to know. Why Ayato and not Itto? Isn’t he the equivalent guest?”

“Too easy!”

Diluc's glance was veiled. “You don’t fight much, do you?”

The Anemo Archon looked self-conscious. “Ehehehe.” 

Chapter Text

After encouraging Paimon to pick out the tastiest of snacks for Itto, Thoma turned back to his lord and the Harbinger, disguising alarm beneath a friendly grin. “Have you visited Inazuma, Sir Harbinger? I wonder, did you try the milk tea? My lord enjoys it as well.”

“Relax, Thoma,” purred Ayato. “We’re all friends here.”

The hair on the back of Thoma’s neck rose. He looked around desperately. But Ei and Miko, the only people able to command Ayato, were having a whispered discussion of their own.

Then Lumine stepped in. “Hey! If you’re not playing, get off the field.”

A tiny voice said, “I want them to play too.”

Chapter Text

The Dendro Archon rose to her feet, twisting her hands together. “Everybody should play,” she said quietly. “It’ll be more fun if everybody plays.”

The Scribe looked exasperated. “In a game, the teams should be balanced.”

“You play too, Alhaitham. It’s not about numbers, anyhow. It’s about having fun. We can do team stuff later.”

Nobody said anything for a moment. Then Alhaitham opened his mouth again and Nahida stomped her foot. “I’m the Dendro Archon, aren’t I?”

The foot stomping was cute. The tears shimmering in her eyes made Alhaitham look away. What he didn’t witness, he couldn’t record.

Chapter Text

Childe turned and walked to the bleachers while the others focused on Nahida. Catheryne’s shimmer hesitated and then darted after him.

He sat down, lowering his head. After a moment, she settled beside him, whispering, “I’m sorry.”

He gave her a sideways look. “Evil god, remember?”

“Oh! Um! Tell me your woes, slave, so that I may point and laugh!”

His smiled sadly. “Evil gods have to be honest like that. Because every other kind of god lies.”

“Um… I know I ordered you to run into Zhongli like you said you wanted to but… I can’t quite see how that led to you being so… passive now?”

Chapter Text

“I’ve got a lot on my mind.” Childe rubbed his face. “I’ll just… be quiet for a while.”

“Denied! Spill dirt on Ayato,” commanded Catheryne.

With a touch of annoyance, he said, “Fine. We’d both really like to murder each other, but we’re not allowed to.”

Catheryne shimmered uncertainly. “And that’s… friends? For you?” 

He looked exasperated. “No. If I kill my friends, how can I fight them again later? We aren’t friends. We just have dangerous overlapping hobbies. ”

“I mean, that sounds like friends to me, but what do I know?” Catheryne’s shimmer compressed a little.

Chapter Text

Childe looked at Catheryne’s shimmer curiously. “Where did you come from, anyhow? You’re not really a Guild Katheryne, are you?”

“Um, I was, actually,” she said nervously. “I’m the one who ferried the Archon around until… until I didn’t. She bought me from Dottore before he left. She had to do quite a lot to repair me. You… you didn’t know?”

He scowled. “Hah. My job doesn’t involve being told things. I have to find them out for myself.”

“Well… there,” said Catheryne. “I told you something. Now, grovel, minion of evil!” She paused. “You know what? I’ll just shout at you whenever I see you around Ayato. That’ll help!”

Chapter Text

“Ei, darling, I may have forgotten to mention but Zhongli’s partner is a wildcard who might prove a counter to several of his rivals at once.” Miko paced a few steps back and forth.

The god looked at her familiar. Looked back at the field again. “I knew that already.” After a moment, she added, “I’m not concerned.”

“So what we have to—wait, what?” Miko stopped dead.

Ei smiled at her. “I’m looking forward to discovering how the story changes.”

The kitsune’s wide eyes narrowed. “…Yes. Good. Right. I’ll just… step along and make sure the story’s a good one.” She cracked her knuckles. “That’s my job, after all.”

Chapter Text

The third game of hopscotch involved solving increasing complex math problems for each hop. Alhaitham won, and complained about it. 

Lumine tripped him. 

Zhongli smiled and remembered.

Meanwhile, Nahida hummed and wrote something in the air with her finger, before announcing, “I’m sure the next game will be better.”

“Hey, I’m having lots of fun,” boomed Itto, once again kneeling beside the little Archon. 

Somehow Childe was there at nearly the same time, sweating black vapor. “Don’t be discouraged by these jerks, little sister. They’ve just forgotten how to have fun. But we’ll show them, hey?”

Chapter Text

Nahida reached up and carefully patted both young men on the head. “I’m going to have fun too. I’m glad you’re looking forward to it.” Then she darted past them to go talk to Lumine and Paimon.

Childe and Itto both stood, sizing each other up a second time. Itto spoke first. “Hey, little bro. Let’s not get carried away this time, all right?”

The Harbinger shrugged, with a grin that didn’t light his eyes. “I think she prefers her big sisters anyhow.”

“You don’t say…” Itto looked thoughtful and then looked around for Miko. “I gotta go. Hey, fox-eared lady!”

Chapter Text

Diluc stepped into Itto’s place, his hands in his coat pockets and wearing an disquieted expression. “Hey. Do you know what a cage match is?”

The question pulled Childe from sinking to darker depths. “Hell yeah. It’s when they put, say, you and me in a cage and then make us fight each other to get out again.”

The other man looked baffled. “And we’re armed? How do they stop us from getting out on our own?”

Unreasonable disappointment made Childe snap, “Usually they rely on our desire to kick each others’ ass. Why are you asking?”

“Some nonsense of Venti’s.” Diluc gave him a thoughtful look. 

Chapter Text

Thoma regarded his lord with undisguised concern. His lord paid zero attention to him, his gaze restlessly roaming the pavilion. He’d come in fourth in the math-hopscotch, which had surprised Thoma far more than his own fifth place. It wasn’t like his lord to let himself shine so easily.

“Oh, come now, Thoma,” said Ayato, still scanning the field. “I didn’t win. I had no expectation of winning. But I felt I owed it to our hostess to take it seriously, just as you did.” He smiled. “I certainly don’t hate only losing to gods.”

“And Alhaitham,” Thoma pointed out. 

Ayato’s smile vanished. “Him. Yes. I’m… so glad to have met him.”

Chapter Text

Lumine bit her knuckle nervously as she watched Nahida talk to Catheryne about setting up the next game. Paimon noticed and poked her. “What’s bothering you now? Aren’t you having fun?”

Quietly, Lumine said, “I thought this would just be a nice social thing. Helping Nahida come out of her shell and take her place as an Archon. I didn’t expect…” Her gaze traveled around the pavilion, taking in the guests: gods, monsters and politicians. “I’m just… really bothered… that Itto is the best guest here.”

Paimon waved her hands. “Look on the bright side. At least Cyno didn’t crash the party too.”

Chapter Text

Lumine squeezed her eyes shut tightly, her face pale. When she opened them again, she croaked, “Yeah. Good thing.”

“No, not a good thing,” said Alhaitham behind them. “I told him to meet me here and he refused.”

Paimon looked shocked. “Wait wait wait. You want Cyno here?”

“Shh,” said Lumine, looking around worriedly. “Don’t keep saying his name.”

Alhaitham said to Paimon, “Have you forgotten that we worked together to free Nahida?”

“Yeah but—“ Paimon waved her hands vaguely.

“Here, he’d be a useful lightning rod. So to speak.” Alhaitham smirked at his own pun. Lumine struggled hard and finally rejected the urge to push him down again.

Chapter Text

The fourth game of hopscotch began with coloring time. After spending some time bickering about crayons, everybody turned in a decorated hopscotch square to Nahida. 

The little Archon looked through them with twinkling eyes. Then she tugged two out and set them aside. They were both simple squares, one signed by Ei, and one by Diluc.

The two exchanged looks and then Ei stared stoically back at everybody else. But Diluc crossed his arms firmly. “Unnecessary ornamentation gets in the way of functionality.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I know exactly what to do with them,” Nahida said brightly, rearranging her stacks. The curving lines of a flower peeked out on top now. “Thank you so much! I can see there are flaws in my design now. But I promise this will be fun!”

 And she began to lay out the squares on the field in in a hopscotch pattern. As she did, each one became a symbol on a large wooden tile.

“Ok, everybody! The game is to hop through each of these squares. It’s ok to put your foot down within each square. Just remember, when you’re ready to leave, you have to hop!”

Chapter Text

Venti skipped onto the peak of a great mountain, surrounded on all sides by a devouring sea. The wind tasted of salt and dust, but it was a spiritless wind, just as the stone beneath him was spiritless, and the sea beyond. And thus the chill crept into his fingers, on top of that mountain. Although the sky was clear, darkness seeped in at the edges.

Venti spent some time gazing at the not-so-distant sea, with its hungry waves nibbling away at the barren shore. Finally, he looked around again and shrugged. It was a lonely place, but at least it had a great view.

Venti hopped.

Chapter Text

With no transition, Alhaitham found himself floating before a Statue, in a jungle he did not know. Somewhere, birds cried and insects buzzed. But here even the background sounds were crisp and clear and sweet. The blue sky was so intense it hurt. And the reality of the Statue itself threatened to burn him. 

He didn’t know the location, but that didn’t matter. The Statue mattered, though it was the same Statue they’d had for thousands of years. Why?

Slowly, the world stilled. But Alhaitham gazed at the statue yet further, until finally he saw the perfect moment for what exactly it was.

 He moved on.

Chapter Text

Ei landed on a garden path—and paused, looking around. Behind her, vines and flowers veiled bars. The greenery stretched over her head, twining and blooming luxuriantly through more bars.

She was in a beautiful cage, hidden behind a garden. But the garden path led to an open cage door.

Beyond was only darkness.

She looked around again. She recognized some of the flowers here. The scents comforted her, as once they’d done. 

Ei disliked the unknown of darkness. It represented so much she found viscerally bad.

But she’d caged herself enough already. She certainly wouldn’t stay in this one. 

She jumped.

Chapter Text

Ayato landed unsteadily on a large wooden tile signed by his Archon, in a grassy field, apparently completely alone.

“If you need to, take a moment,” suggested the voice of Catheryne from somewhere nearby. “When you’re ready to keep going, just hop.”

Ayato blinked and then started laughing, until he rubbed his fingers between his eyes tiredly. “A respite. After that one. How… considerate of Kusanali.”

“She didn’t intend to make something upsetting,” Catheryne explained.

He laughed again, and once more, it was genuine. “She’s innocent still. The unknown excites her.” Shaking his head, he added, “I sincerely hope she stays that way for a while.”

Ayato hopped.

Chapter Text

Miko touched foot to earth within the familiar space of the Grand Narukami Shrine, and paused to look around expectantly. 

It was her shrine, but so much cuter. And it had been staffed with more than a dozen adorable, individually detailed foxes. They stared at her raptly. Then, on a silent cue, they all started singing a paean to how darling and clever she was.

Miko nodded along to the melody until it finished a round, and then looked around again in satisfaction as clumsy fox cubs piled over her feet.

Gently, she freed herself. “Keep up the good work, little ones,” she said, and gracefully hopped.

Chapter Text

Thoma landed in a gully scooped out of the ground, with bright flowers and bubbles drifting down from a sky shot with rainbows. He recoiled at first, before catching one of the flowers.

It was big and colorful and… friendly. He was holding a flower with six colors of petals and it definitely wanted to be his friend. He could tell. The whole world wanted to be his friend.

Except the gully itself. There was something odd about the gully. It wasn’t meant for him. It was meant for somebody else.

A shadow fell. Thoma looked up at the giant’s foot, blocking out the light.

Cursing, he hopped.

Chapter Text

Zhongli landed softly on a battlefield. Gray clouds churned the sky as feet had churned the mud, and the corpses of gods and allogenes littered the earth.

A lone man stood in profile in the battle’s twilight, his head lowered, an abyssal glow in his eyes.  He held two curved blades dripping with blood.

No. 

They were blood, shaped by his will. 

He turned to stare at Zhongli, baring his teeth. Waiting.

Time passed. Nether moved.

“Sir?” Catheryne finally whispered. “You can’t stay here forever.”

Zhongli gave a rusty chuckle. “Kusanali has all her old skill. It feels wrong to leave him like this. But yes, you’re correct.”

He jumped.

Chapter Text

Diluc landed solidly on a large wooden tile bearing his own mark, and paused to look around the sunny, empty field. After exhaling, he closed his eyes for a moment.

“Are you all right?” Catheryne asked quietly. 

Crimson eyes opened. “It’s just a game. Besides, it should be over soon. Evil gods don’t have to worry about big boys like me.”

He hopped.

Catheryne shimmered in the empty dream, taking an extra moment to gaze at the wooden tile, now with Diluc’s footprints burned into it. Then, with a sigh, she returned to her work.

Chapter Text

Cheerfully, Nahida bounced to the ground in the next square. She stood in the center of an Inazuman village, built around a sacred tree, and although it was a pleasant day, nobody was around.

No, not nobody. In the near distance, just around the corner of a house, she could hear the barking of puppies, and a young man, laughing as he said, “No, come on, puppies, you can share, can’t you? Let me help you, little one.” 

The puppies yipped. 

“What, hey, no, don’t swarm me, oh no, I’m getting licked—!”

Nahida clapped her hands, and skipped off to see the puppies. 

Games, after all, were for fun.

Chapter Text

Itto landed heavily on both feet, scattering raked gravel. He looked around, taking in the flowing shapes of a vast Inazuman garden. Along with groomed trees, scattered folding screens made the garden even more maze-like.

Something growled, long and low. Itto looked around eagerly and spotted a shape slinking behind a shrub. And over there, coming out from behind a screen— and in the branches of that maple tree—

In the distance, a man said something. All the tigers turned to look that direction. Then, one by one, they stalked toward the voice, snarling and drooling.

Itto recognized the voice too. Worried, he followed the tigers.

Chapter Text

She walked through old halls, endlessly, endlessly. The ancient writing on the walls translated into gibberish, except for where her name appeared. 

She was searching for something. Something she’d lost. Something she’d find again. And what lay behind her? Nothing. Nothing. Don’t ask. She’ll find him again.

The words on the wall mocked her with answers she couldn’t understand. She kept walking. She hasn’t been down this hall, she knows.

She knows. 

Sometimes he feels so close to her.

Please, a wall whispers. Nobody tell her that her brother died long ago.

Lumine stopped. 

She looked around. 

She sighed. 

She hopped.

Chapter Text

Childe leaned next to the open door in the warm wooden hallway, listening to the two girls laughing in the room beyond. A faint smile flickered over his face as he imagined the scene within: his friends goofing around together, telling stories together other, eating together. 

Always together.

Darkness crept around the edges of his imagined scene, so he closed his eyes to imagine better. It worked briefly. But as always, the darkness leaked in.

Childe opened his eyes. It smelled like his favorite meal in that room. He craved. 

But the moment he entered the room, something precious would die.

“Not yet,” he whispered, and leaped.

Chapter Text

Venti started the fourth game first, and Venti finished first. He emerged from the final square back onto the empty fields. “Oh my goodness. Am I the first one back?”

“Yes,” stated Catheryne, her voice distracted.

“Eheheh. I hope the others are having fun.”

“Um,” Catheryne began, and then fell silent.

Invisible energy pulsed along the hopscotch pattern. Venti watched it for a few moments, kicking his heels patiently.

All at once, Miko emerged. She looked around, met Venti’s eyes, and presented a smile that almost seemed genuine. “What a fascinating experience. Like watching a play.”

Venti laughed. “Or reading diaries!” 

Chapter Text

Ei emerged only a moment after Miko. 

“How odd,” she murmured, and then spotted her shrine maiden. “I quite liked yours though, Miko.”

Miko crossed her arms. “Of course. Tell me, what did you think of the puppies?”

Venti chortled. “Ohoho!” Miko ignored him.

Ei tilted her head. “I was interested to see how my people thought. I’m grateful to Nahida for the gift.”

Miko’s lips tightened, right before she covered her mouth and tittered. “I’m sure there were others that quite appealed to you, or would have once upon a time.”

“You speak of the battlefield? Yes. It reminded me of… old friends.”

Chapter Text

Invisible energy surged and Diluc stepped out from the final square. His gaze roved the field, moving over Miko and Venti and settling on Ei. Then he strolled over to her. “I don’t think I’ve greeted you properly yet. My apologies.” He inclined his head politely, in the scantest possible bow.

Ei studied him. “You have some experience with forging swords, do you not?”

Diluc’s flicker of surprise instantly smoothed away. “Mostly claymores.”

With a faint smile, Ei said, “Unornamented ones.”

“How did you know?”

“I felt it in your tile. The hammer and the flames… May I see your work?”

Diluc hesitated. The hopscotch energy surged again. “Another time.”

Chapter Text

Childe hopped out of the final square and took in the scene.

Scarcely had he moved to join the others than Venti chirped, “Hello, Ajax.”

The Harbinger stopped dead. “Don’t call me that.”

Venti cocked his head, his eyes glittering like diamonds. “Aww, I just thought it might be good for you to remember being a child again.”

Childe’s brow furrowed and he glanced at the others.

“Nice horror show,” said Diluc, by way of greeting. 

“Don’t be sarcastic, Diluc! I’m just wondering if he’d show that scene to his younger siblings, you know?”

Ei knitted her brow. “What was wrong with Childe’s piece?”

Childe groaned and covered his face.

Chapter Text

Invisible energy hummed. Alhaitham appeared, frowning.

“Oh and look who else is back,” Venti sang.

The Scribe scanned the company, his frown deepening. “Catheryne, are any of the guests having… difficulties?”

“Um,” said Catheryne. “I know I should laugh malevolently here, but I’m worried Childe won’t be the only one to react badly to a square.”

Everybody’s gaze once again turned to Childe. 

He winced, but protested, “It was just a dream, right? Besides, why would he have tigers if he didn’t want to be—” Childe stopped abruptly. “Uh, never mind.” Then he hissed, “What’s with betraying me, Catheryne?”

“Muhahaha,” she said glumly.

Chapter Text

Alhaitham stretched his fingers, and then flexed them one by one. To Childe, he said, “The tigers? Unimportant. Did you—any of you—have difficulties in the one after the tigers?”

Childe scratched his chin. “None of them were really difficult but that one was kind of strange. I thought I was someplace else for a while. Totally forgot about the party. But it wasn’t that bad.”

Alhaitham looked expectantly at the others.

Diluc and Venti remained silent, but Ei said, “I found it mysterious. Was it not intended to be?”

Miko shrugged. “I assumed it was prepared by a writer. They do so like being clever.”

Chapter Text

Thoma jumped out of the final square. Upon looking around, he said, “My lord entered before me. Why isn’t he here now?”

Catheryne said darkly, “Ayato is… taking his time with the exhibits.”

“Of course he is,” muttered Diluc. 

Miko laughed again, in an unkind way. “Welcome back, little one. Did you enjoy your trip?”

Thoma looked at Miko warily. “That was the point, right?”

Intently, Alhaitham said, “None of them bothered you?”

Thoma flushed and looked around quickly again before admitting. “I…. kind of ran from the giant.”

“That’s ok, buddy,” Childe offered. “Not everybody’s good at taking on the big guys.”

Chapter Text

“Well,” said Ayato, before anybody noticed his return.. “I found that a quite affecting experience. Very… edifying.”

Diluc cut off a snicker. He couldn’t disguise his momentary smirk from the close observers in the group, however.

Irritated, Childe pointed out, “Personally, I didn’t know that Nahida was going to transform our squares into dreams.”

“No,” agreed Alhaitham grimly. “I too was taken by surprise. I’ll be speaking with her later.”

Ayato raised his eyebrows. “Now, now. We’re all adults. Surely we can tolerate a child’s prank?”

Childe gave him a look of loathing, while Alhaitham said. “A child’s prank, perhaps. But Nahida is also a god. She needs supervision.”

Chapter Text

“Alhaitham,” growled Lumine as she stalked out from the final square.

Paimon popped into existence. “Lumine, you came back, I was so worried—“

The Traveler gave her friend a half-hug, and kept stomping toward the Akademiya’s Scribe.

He held his hands up. “Lumine. I apologize. I made a mistake.”

She stopped short, and then glanced around. “You all heard that, right?”

Alhaitham raised his eyebrows. “What? That I made a mistake? It’s rare, but I admit it when it happens.”

“Uh,” said Childe. “Are you two…? No, no, nevermind!” He held up his hands to fend off the surprising number of glares being sent his way.

Chapter Text

When Itto staggered out of the final square, he wasn’t so much walking as slowly losing a battle against falling over. Blood streamed from a dozen rips in his flesh and on his face a horrible—

The injuries vanished like a mirage in the desert. Itto stopped staggering and straightened up, looking around.

Catheryne said, “Thank heav—I mean, witness! The strength of character displayed by my slave Itto! His wounds could not follow him!”

Itto scratched his head. “Hey little voice. It was just a dream, huh?”

“I did say,” the gamemaster pointed out tartly.

“Big bro!” Itto spotted Ayato. “You’re here too! That’s great!”

“Of course.” Ayato smiled.

Chapter Text

After that, the company waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Alhaitham tapped a pen on a notebook for a while, until Lumine glared at him.

Childe paced the field, occasionally talking to himself very quietly. Everybody pretended not to notice.

Finally, Paimon said, “You’d tell us if there was a problem, right, Catheryne? Zhongli and Nahida didn’t get lost, did they?”

Childe and Diluc both looked up hopefully.

It was Alhaitham who answered. “They’re not lost. Nahida went back to play with the puppies again and—“

“How do you know?” demanded Diluc.

Alhaitham said, “It’s not hard to interface with Catheryne’s system—“

“Hey!” Childe jumped in. “Did you ask her first?”

Chapter Text

Invisible energy surged and then surged higher. Stars sparkled around Lumine a moment, and lightning around Ei—and then Zhongli stepped out of the final square, as calm and elegant as always. 

“Have I kept you waiting? I apologize—”

He stopped, his smile fading as he met the gazes of the other guests, all of them staring at him. His own gaze went to Childe for a long moment. Then he said softly, his gaze lingering on his young friend, “Are you all well?”

A small hand took Zhongli’s and Nahida said quietly, “We’ll have to talk about that. Thank you for fetching me, Catheryne.”

Chapter Text

Nahida regarded the party guests solemnly as she held Zhongli’s hand. The youngest god standing with the eldest god lent her a kind of grandeur and dignity that made it so that not one of the guests could imagine complaining about the game.

Fortunately, Alhaitham was there. He strode forward. “Nahida, you just violated at least three Akademiya statutes. I suspect Cyno could identify more—“

The littlest Archon reached up to take Alhaitham’s hand too. The Scribe abruptly shut up. 

“I wanted to get to know everybody better,” she explained, and then sighed. “I definitely made some mistakes, though. Let’s all sit in a circle and talk about it.”

Chapter Text

They sat in a circle on the grass, with the archons at the cardinal points, and Nahida spoke first. “I enjoyed everybody’s squares so much, but I did have a question about one of them.”

A ripple of tension passed through Childe, Itto, Ayato. Miko brightened. Alhaitham shook his head. But Nahida’s head turned toward Venti, and Diluc watched closely. “You were trying to show me something when you drew the Statue, weren’t you?”

“It’s a beautiful statue!” said Venti, smiling like he did at a bottle of old wine after he’d already had five.

Chapter Text

Nahida asked hesitantly, “Is it something I should keep thinking about?” Alhaitham and Lumine developed identical frowns.

Venti waggled his fingers in the wind and the gentle tones of a harp played. “That’s up to you.”

The little Archon considered. “I want to. So I will.” She beamed, and Lumine’s frown faded.

Then Nahida turned to Alhaitham. “You gave me a puzzle as well, but I solved that one.”

“It wasn’t intended to be a puzzle. It wasn’t even intended to be read, Nahida. That’s why I wrote it in a dead language,” said Alhaitham, exasperated. “You found what you were looking for.”

Chapter Text

Thoma broke an awkward silence, saying to Itto, “I’m sorry I didn’t manage to talk to anybody in your square. I left a little too quickly.”

Nahida tilted her head. “He doesn’t step on you. He stops and apologizes.” She sent a big smile Itto’s way.

“Ahahaha.” Itto rubbed the back of his head. “Kinda embarrassing. I just wanted a place to put my foot!”

“Wait just one moment,” said Alhaitham. “Thoma, are you implying you spoke to somebody in all of the other squares?”

“Not the first one, now that you mention it. But yes, otherwise I did.” Thoma looked around. “What’s wrong?”

Chapter Text

Alhaitham looked both dubious and a little sulky. “I suppose the Statue just started telling you its secrets?”

Thoma chuckled. “No, no. There was a little talking cabbage hiding behind the statue. It told me it was trying to remember something.”

Lumine blinked and put her hand to her forehead, while Paimon said, “Awww, you saw the Aranara, way to go, Thoma!”

“And what was hiding in my square?” Alhaitham demanded.

Blinking, Thoma said, “I mean, the walls had plenty to say…”

There was a rumble as Zhongli cleared his throat. “You spoke to us if we were present?”

“Pay attention, old man,” snapped Childe. “You made something empty.”

Chapter Text

Zhongli’s gaze flicked very briefly to Childe as Thoma ticked names off on his fingers. “Nobody in the first mountain, the cabbage with the statue, a Nahida-bird in the cage, Catheryne, baby foxes, Childe, Catheryne, uh, I skipped myself, Ayato, the walls, and Lumine and Paimon at the end, of course.”

Zhongli looked around. “Did anybody else talk to Childe?”

Childe flushed, growling under his breath, but Nahida immediately raised her hand. After a moment, looking angry, so did Diluc. Nahida beamed at him and he promptly looked away, dropping his hand.

“I see,” said Zhongli quietly.

Chapter Text

Childe stood up abruptly. “I am what I am. Thanks for the party, little sister. I hope we’ll meet again sometime.” With a careless wave, he stalked away.

An uncomfortable silence fell. Zhongli’s attention seemed to be captured by his own thoughts, until Nahida said, “Morax? Will you not—“

Looking downright furious, Diluc rose to his feet as well. “Morax is dead. I’ll go after the bloody Harbinger.” Without waiting for a response, his ground eating stride took him after Childe.

Zhongli shifted slowly, focusing on Nahida. “This is not what I wanted, but it’s what I’ve gained. I must think before I approach him again.”

Chapter Text

Catheryne’s shimmer darted after Diluc, and together they found Childe in the Hopscotch Field where they’d first met the AI, where he was throwing broken chalk at the hopscotch hills.

After a wary glance, he chucked some red into distance. “Why are you here?” 

“What?” demanded Catheryne. “This is my space, you fool! I should be asking that.”

Diluc shoved his hands into his pockets, watching Childe with a lowered brow. “In the dream, you spoke of a darkness around you. Was that Nahida’s addition?”

Childe laughed without humor. “You have to ask?”

Irritably, Diluc said, “I barely know you. I’m not a god. Of course I have to ask.”

Chapter Text

Ayato regarded the remaining party guests, evaluating if the events would have diplomatic consequences. He didn’t think so. Not for Inazuma, although perhaps Inazuma could benefit…

Or perhaps… perhaps he could also look for the Eleventh Harbinger. That would be fun, and fun was their little hostess’s goal, right?

The barely-audible sound of tapping interrupted his thoughts: Thoma’s restless fingers on his thigh.

Oh dear. His retainer didn’t get angry often. But even angry, Thoma had discretion—

Nahida said quietly, “I’d appreciate it if you’d go ahead and say what you’re thinking, Thoma. I believe your wisdom might be helpful here.”

Fuck, thought the Lord Commissioner.

Chapter Text

Catheryne quietly materialized a new bucket of red chalk at Childe’s feet, and he demanded, “What about you, evil god?”

Faint hints of the same red crept into Catheryne’s shimmer. In a troubled voice, she said, “You’re cursed.”

Childe kicked the entire bucket toward the hopscotch hills so hard it exploded mid-air, raining red dust down on the green fields. “It’s not a curse. It’s who I am.”

Diluc stayed on target. “What is the darkness, then?”

Another bucket of crimson chalk appeared. Another bucket of chalk was kicked. “What’s the point in telling you?”

“Fine,” said Diluc shortly. “Let’s fight.”

Chapter Text

Childe’s head whipped around. “Now you’re fucking with me too.”

In response, Diluc held out his hand and his claymore appeared in it. “Do I look like I’m joking? I want answers.”

Sullenly, the Harbinger said, “Catheryne will stop us somehow.”

“I won’t!” she protested. “Did I stop you from murdering Ayato?”

“You tattled,” Childe pointed out, watching warily as Diluc spun his claymore with one hand.

It was the evil god’s turn to sulk. “I was worried about you. Anyhow, this isn’t the same at all. This is how you make friends, right?”

“Let’s go,” said Diluc. “Or are you the coward now?”

Chapter Text

“Fine,” said the Kamisatos’ friendly fixer, and addressed Zhongli. “You said earlier Childe was your friend, but you haven’t been treating him like one.”

Zhongli looked faintly puzzled. “I… haven’t?”

Thoma’s mouth twisted. “How can you be as old as you’re said to be and not know that?”

“Well, once I was—” began Zhongli, his voice taking on the resonance of a storytelling moment.

But Thoma interrupted him, flinging words like knives. “You were amused.”

Behind Thoma, Ayato, his eyes shadowed, brought his hand to his mouth to hide some expression. But he didn't seem inclined to stop his retainer.

Chapter Text

Nobody seemed inclined to stop Thoma’s tirade, although Paimon was biting her nails and Lumine looked like she had a headache. (Alhaitham was taking notes.)

Thoma stretched tense hands before they closed again. “Instead of being a friend, you embarrassed him and you didn’t even notice, because the way you spoke to him was how a parent speaks to a toddler. I bet you were just thinking about how to apologize to him, weren’t you? How to continue to interact with him. But instead you should be taking a good hard look at why exactly you want to be friends with a toddler who hates you.”

Chapter Text

Zhongli finally sighed, studying a hand of molten rock as he opened and closed it. “There is a reason. Do you want me to defend myself?”

Itto unexpectedly said, “You have got to know the answer to that, dude. If you don’t, you need to go the hell away and leave my little bro alone until destiny forces you two to kill each other or something, I don’t even know.”

“Yes,” said Zhongli. “I suppose I do know the answer. I will… go and find him.”

“Wait!” said Nahida. “Um. Not yet. He and Diluc are… busy.”

Zhongli’s expression froze.

Chapter Text

Nahida folded one hand over the other, and the Hopscotch Fields folded too. Suddenly they could all hear the clang of weapons. In the near distance, Childe sprang away from Diluc, twisting a double-headed polearm around himself. Diluc leapt after him, bringing his claymore down one-handed where Childe had been an instant before. A trail of fire followed him, searing the emerald grass. Childe, rolling to his feet, laughed wildly.

A shimmer darted between the party and the duel, expanding to three times its normal size. “I don’t care if you take my library card. You can’t stop them! They’re bonding!”

Chapter Text

“Oooh,” said Ei. “That’s a really good claymore. Miko, let’s adopt him.”

Ayato covered his face with both hands. He was keenly aware Diluc Ragnvindr owned most of Mondstadt. He did not want to govern Mondstadt. It was far too… too green. Thoma was all the Mondstadt he wished to be responsible for. Thoma was enough.

“Hey!” protested Venti to Ei. “Diluc is mine. You already stole Thoma.”

“Be reasonable, Barbatos. You can’t have all the genius swordsmiths and it’s clear the Kaedehara scion favors you.”

Ayato hurriedly pulled himself together. “I have plans for Kaedehara, thank you very much. Don’t write him off just yet.”

Chapter Text

Zhongli watched the two men fight, as quiet and still as a mountain. Itto cheered and hooted indiscriminately on one side of him, while Thoma, still as judgmental as a xiezhi, stood on the other.

And then Nahida was between them, taking each of their hands in her own. “Don’t worry, Catheryne. This is an unusual way of becoming friends, but sometimes a shared moment of catharsis can help people connect.”

The God of Contracts looked down at the tiny God of Wisdom. “Is that a suggestion, Kusanali?”

An innocent stare. “I think it’s what you’re trying to avoid, isn’t it?”

Chapter Text

“Yes,” said Zhongli, watching as Childe kicked Diluc away from him. “The time when the earth will crack and vent again is not yet upon us. Until then, I must restrain myself. Is that the only way? Why cannot we connect over a good meal and light entertainment?”

Instead of answering, Nahida looked solemnly up at Thoma.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m really not sure I should be talking about this, Your Grace. I’m just a housekeeper—”

“Thoma, cut that out,” ordered Lumine, as she and Paimon joined them.

Itto crowed, “Oh dude, that elbow. Don’t let him do it again, lil bro!”

Chapter Text

Thoma shrugged. “I don’t know either of you. All I know is what you admitted yourself: you didn’t even try to talk to him.”

“Childe kinda is acting like a toddler, though,” pointed out Paimon. “That poor cake!”

“No,” said Zhongli, eyes fixed on the ongoing duel, where Diluc was trying to skewer a rolling Childe with a foot-wide blade. “He is acting like a hurt young man, and I am acting like a very old fool. Tell me, do you think they’ll be done soon?”

“Are you ready to speak with him?” Nahida inquired.

“Not at all. But perhaps I shouldn’t be.”

“Zhongli…” growled Lumine.

Chapter Text

When the audience appeared, Childe began swearing non-stop, through a clenched teeth grin. Diluc didn’t blame him, but he couldn’t spare the audience much thought, not with that Hydro weapon sweeping in at him so often. His blade vented steam away from his face and he kicked low. Childe flipped toward him, landing badly.

“Shut up,” Diluc growled, thrusting the other man away from him and recovering himself. “Give up.”

“In front of that audience? Impossible, comrade.” A blade of water sliced into Diluc’s coat as he formulated a plan.

Grunting, he used his sword as leverage to drive his shoulder into Childe’s chest, knocking the breath out of him.

Chapter Text

Zhongli gave Lumine a sad smile. “I know what I want but I don’t know how to be what I want to be.”

Lumine stomped her foot, blew out her breath and said, “Okay, look, a friendship is two-way. You have to give, and you have to take. And the thing about the taking part is that you have to take something you need. Something you value. What is it you want from Childe? Tell him that.”

“You are describing a contract,” Zhongli mused.

“I am not,” snapped Lumine. “Contracts should be fair. Friendships aren’t. Feelings make up the difference.

Chapter Text

Everybody turned to stare at Lumine. Then Thoma pointed at her. “And that’s why we keep her around. “

“Don’t you start with me. I’m too old for this crap.” She stalked a few yards away and crossed her arms.

Zhongli stared once more at the fight, where Diluc had caught Childe by the shirt and their heads were close together. After a moment he said, “Ah, I understand. Thank you all for your advice.”

That was it. The conversation was over. The emperor had spoken. Thoma recognized the behavior. His lord had certain overlaps with the God of Geo.

Oh no! Where was Ayato?

Chapter Text

Alhaitham murmured so only Lumine could hear him, “That was sound advice. Do you have any friends, Traveler?”

She gave him a side eye. “Paimon, of course.”

“And what do you get from her?”

Lumine ticked her fingers as she said, “She eats whatever I cook, she does most of the talking, she’s fun to tease, she never wants to go anywhere without me, and she disappears when there’s a fight.”

“How comprehensive. Is there anything you’d like from a social connection that you’re not getting?” Alhaitham sounded a little too disinterested.

“Also, she can control time.”

“Excuse me, what?”

Chapter Text

Thoma found Ayato and Miko having what the diplomats liked to call “a frank exchange of views,” and decided, with a cowardice he’d long since accepted, not to draw their attention.

“I really don’t see what the problem is, little one. Marry the redhead to your sister instead. Ayaka will appreciate a taller man.”

“Absolutely not. The Kaedehara bloodline belongs in Inazuma.”

“You’re a fool if you think you can manipulate him,” Miko warned.

“Do you think Ragnvindr would be any easier to control? Please.”

Miko waved her fan gently. “That’s different. Ei likes him. Besides, her birthday is coming up.”

Chapter Text

Nahida left Zhongli to contemplate the duel and moved to Venti.

“Venti, Diluc is a human allogene, is he not?”

“Of course!”

“How then is he matching Childe, who is so much more?”

“Ehehehe,” said Venti, looking cute as he put his hand behind his head.

Ei joined them. “You will get nothing from him, so I will tell you, Kusanali. It’s important to keep near you a mortal who knows how to burn.”

“You know, just in case,” added Venti.

Nahida’s gaze went distant. “I see. That is, I do not see, but I will look. Thank you so much!”

Chapter Text

When a cloud of water vapor dissipated with a freshening breeze, Diluc and Childe both lay on the crispy grass a few yards apart, each of them gasping for breath. Neither of them seemed inclined to resume the battle.

“Okay, they’re done. Now what?” demanded Lumine.

“Perhaps we should give him a moment with his new friend,” mused Zhongli. Something just a little unsettling lurked beneath his words.

Lumine pointedly ignored him. “Paimon, go scold Childe. You know you want to.”

“Yes, I do!” Paimon sailed over to where Childe sprawled in the grass and started shaking her finger at him.

Chapter Text

Catheryne abandoned her ephemeral defense of the duelists’ privacy and followed Paimon onto the field, veering to go hover over Diluc instead.

She whispered, “Thank you.”

Diluc raised his hand so the light intersected his fingers. His knuckles were torn and his face scratched, with a smear of dirt along his nose. “Hey, if an off-kilter evil god commands you to be somebody’s friend, what else can a guy do?”

A rainbow spiraled around the shimmer. “Yeah! Okay, wretched slave, invent more good orders I can give you!” Catheryne could scheme, but she preferred to enjoy Diluc’s prodigious planning ability. It was much more fun.

Chapter Text

“Childe, if you’re dead Paimon is going to point and laugh.”

“I’m not dead, half-pint. But you can still laugh at me.”

“Awww, why would Paimon do that if you could hear me?”

Childe sat up. “You’re so pure, Paimon. I’m glad you’re with her.”

“Errrr…” Paimon tilted sideways. “Were you hit on the head? Do I need to find somebody to give you Head-P-R? Wait, is that even a thing?”

“Hahaha,” said Childe as he rubbed his face. It wasn’t very much like a laugh.

But Paimon held out her little hand. “What do you say, come back to the party?”

Chapter Text

Childe held out his fingers. When Paimon pulled on them with both hands, he rose to his feet.  But he said, “Sorry, Paimon. I think the party’s over for me.“

Paimon looked shocked. “But there’s so many snacks left!”

“Eat my share, okay?” He brushed himself off. “If you miss me, I’ll be in town for a couple more days. I’ll buy you and Lumine lunch if you find me.”

Paimon’s eyes filled with tears as she gasped, “Oh, Childe… Anywhere we want?”

“You bet, half-pint. Take care, all right?” 

Then, without ever looking at the rest of the audience, he strolled over to Diluc.

Chapter Text

Diluc, still stretched on the grass, had his arm over his face and one knee bent.

Childe said, “Aw, stop faking, get up, you’re fine.”

“Are you going to tell me about the darkness now?” Diluc kept his eyes covered, as if trying to experience it for himself.

“It’s a curse,” said Childe lightly. “But it comes with a killer outfit. Maybe I’ll show you next time.”

As Diluc lowered his arm to give Childe a reproving look,  Catheryne shimmered in her most menacing fashion. “Ahem! Before you depart, worm, I have a final command for you. Buy my other minion a refreshing beverage.”

Chapter Text

Childe raised his eyebrows at Catheryne. “Will you come with us?”

The shimmer flickered uncertainly. “Me?”

“We might get into trouble otherwise,” he pointed out.

Diluc spoke up. “Don’t be an ass, Fatui scum. Can you even leave the Hopscotch Fields, evil god?”

Catheryne paused. “Um….” She fell silent.

Childe’s brow drew together like he was thinking of getting into trouble then and there. But then Catherine’s shimmer intensified, developing a glowing ring around her rainbow core.

“Okay! I’ve been upgraded,” she said proudly. “I can now go anywhere in the Divine Tree!”

“All right!” The Harbinger nudged Dilic with a toe. “What about you?”

Chapter Text

Diluc finally stood up. “I can’t stay long,” he warned.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a busy man,” said Childe. “Your boss can spare you for a couple more hours. Who is that again?”

Diluc gave Childe a flat, unfriendly look. Childe smirked back.

Catheryne brightened. “Oh, right, this is a research opportunity! Take me to a tavern of adventurers, minions!”

“Can I at least wash my face first?”

Childe raised his eyebrows. “Do I detect a hint of sarcasm, comrade?”

“I just don’t want to get thrown out.”

“Wimp.”

“Shut up.”

And with Catheryne glowing between them, the two men walked off the Hopscotch Fields toward the city.

Chapter Text

“I’m sorry, everyone, but I think the hopscotch games are done for today.” Nahida had a twinkle in her eye as she spoke to her remaining guests. “You’re welcome to linger and chat if you want, though.”

Ayato said firmly, “Thank you, Your Grace. Another time, though.” It was almost unseemly how he hurried his group back to Inazuma, but only Thoma noticed.

Zhongli stood alone where he’d been, gazing toward the afternoon sun. Lumine finally joined him. “How are you doing?”

The old god stirred. “I ache, my friend. The channels of time are deep. But not, I hope, inescapable. Not yet, anyhow.”

Lumine smiled.

Chapter Text

“That party was a disaster,” Paimon moaned.

Venti said cheerfully, “I disagree! I’d say it was a complete success. Great job, Nahida!”

Puzzled, Paimon said, “How do you figure that?”

“It’s not a great party unless there’s some drama,” Venti explained. “Those are the parties everybody talks about!”

“Oh? I’ll remember that,” said Nahida.

Alhaitham shook his head in resignation.

“Nooo, don’t listen to the tone-deaf bard, Nahida!” But Paimon knew it was useless from Nahida’s little smile.

“Ehehehe.” Venti grinned. “Anyhow, I’m not in a hurry to be anywhere. Do you want to play some cards?

“Sure,” said Nahida. “In fact, I’d love it!”

Chapter Text

“Lumine!” hollered Paimon. “We’re going to play cards!”

“Coming?” she asked Zhongli. “You’ve barely spoken to Nahida, you know. You may remember her, but she doesn’t remember you.”

“It is hard for me to imagine. But you are correct. I must repair this.” He paused. “Thank you for your insight today. It is hard to think of my personal desires as… important, even now.

She nudged him. “I’m cheering for you, you know. Now let’s go, before Nahida starts rewriting the rules. If you enjoy talking to me, you’ll love talking to her. She’ll turn your whole world on its head by the time she’s done.”

Together, they went.

Chapter Text

The sun was just starting to set as Childe, Diluc and a shimmer emerged from the coffeeshop they’d settled on. They exchanged a few words and then parted.

Childe stretched and then strolled across the street, where Zhongli stood on one of the city’s verandas, taking in the view.

The Harbinger’s voice was neutral as he said, “An evil AI told me you’d be here.”

“A small mastermind recommended this view.” Zhongli pulled his gaze away and turned toward his companion. “Childe. I believe you have something you wish to say to me. I will listen, and try to respond honestly.”

The Harbinger bristled. “What, you mean have a conversation? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Childe…” Zhongli stopped himself, and listened.

It was Childe’s turn to look at the view. “I mean, from the very beginning with that invitation, you weren’t having conversations with me. I’m a fucking toy to you, and my life can pretty much be divided between the time before and after I found that out. You’re always in control of everything, including me, because here I am. And you’re not even doing it because you enjoy it. You’re doing it because you know best. You’re a fucking asshole, man, and you’re not even the fun kind.”

“What would make me the fun kind?” Zhongli cut in.

“Fight me,” said Childe flatly.

Without hesitation, Zhongli said, “No.”

Childe tossed his hands up in the air and turned away.

“No, listen, Childe. I have a reason and it’s the reason. I want to remember what it’s like to have relationships as a person rather than a ruler, or a god. And thus I can’t fight you. Not yet. It would destroy my ability to have the friendship I want to have with you. I don’t really want to be your teacher, Childe. I’ve had a million students, and very few friends.”

Zhongli blew out his breath. “But. What I want isn’t the only thing that matters. If you would prefer a… different relationship, I will accommodate you.”

Childe’s mouth twisted. “Still being self-sacrificing, huh?”

Zhongli’s eyes widened. A moment passed. Then he said crisply, “Fine. There may yet come a time when we will fight, but you have a long way yet to go on your journey to that battle. Now come have dinner with me.”

“…Sure, why not.” Childe bumped Zhongli’s shoulder with his own. “See? Was that so hard? Not that I think I’m that far from you now. But for a chance to fight a friend…” He paused, remembering a golden-haired girl and her companion. “I can wait.”